Congressman Adam Putnam's Blog

Medicare Open Season

Adam Putnam — 11/17/2009 16:09

Medicare open-enrollment season is November 15 - December 31, 2009. Changes made to Medicare health and prescription drug plans will be effective January 1, 2010. I hope all Medicare beneficiaries use this opportunity to review their policies and make any appropriate changes to their plan.

In order to provide beneficiaries with important information and contact information during the open-enrollment season, I have added an information page about the 2010 enrollment season to my website. To view the page, please click here: Medicare open-enrollment

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Healthcare Vote Coming Soon

Adam Putnam — 11/07/2009 17:47

In just a few hours, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on Speaker Pelosi's healthcare reform bill, which I will not be supporting. I believe that this legislation irresponsibly expands the federal government with over 100 new bureaucracies, creates new taxes and penalties for individuals and small businesses, includes significant cuts to Medicare Advantage, and creates a "public option" that will force individuals into a government-run healthcare system.

Instead of turning to the inneficient federal government to "solve" important issues facing our nation, I believe we must find solutions that will lower the cost of healthcare and increase access to quality healthcare. As examples across the globe have illustrated, turning to a government-run option doesn't accomplish this goal.

Therefore, I will be supporting a substitute amendment this evening, which will allow families and businesses to purchase insurance across state lines, allow for association health plans, and provide meaningful medical malpractice reform. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this plan will reduce healthcare premiums by 10 percent and will lower budget deficits by $68 billion over the next ten years.

I will continue to update you as the vote on the legislation and the proposed alternative nears. If you have questions about the legislation or would like to leave a comment, please contact my office at any point this this evening at 202-225-1252.

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Healthcare Rally

Adam Putnam — 11/05/2009 14:30

Today, thousands of Americans from across the nation came to Washington, D.C., to express their opposition to Speaker Pelosi's healthcare reform legislation. Several residents from the 12th Congressional District even traveled all the way to the Capitol to join the rally.

Along with other Members of Congress that oppose this legislation, I was proud to join the thousands of individuals on the Capitol steps to discuss the proposal.

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Reading the Healthcare Bill

Adam Putnam — 11/04/2009 11:23

It is important for Members of Congress -- and the American public -- fully understand the implications of Speaker Pelosi's healthcare reform bill. Given that the bill is 1,990 pages, this is no easy task. Therefore, my office provided copies of the bill to 12th Congressional District libraries and made the text available on our website. We will continue to provide updates on specific provisions within the legislation that may be of interest to you and your family.

My staff and I are continuing to review and analyze the many provisions included in the healthcare reform bill. Below are pictures of me joining some of my colleagues in reading, analyzing, and reviewing the bill and discussing some of the controversial policies included.

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The Healthcare Debate

Adam Putnam — 11/04/2009 10:22

Yesterday, I spoke on the House floor about Speaker Pelosi's healthcare reform bill, which includes 1,990 pages of more government, taxes, and spending. In fact, the bill creates over 100 commissions, bureaucracies, offices, and programs as well as over $1 trillion in spending. We need solutions that help to provide quality healthcare to the uninsured and lower the growing cost of healthcare throughout the nation. I have outlined many of these solutions in previous posts, including medical malpractice reform, purchasing insurance across state lines, association health plans, and wellness incentives -- all of which are included in the Republican alternative that will be offered on the House floor later this week.

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Healthcare Bill Available at Local Libraries and On-Line

Adam Putnam — 11/03/2009 11:26

I am continuing to analyze the 1990 page healthcare bill, which is expected to be considered in the House of Representatives at some point later in the week. So far, it appears like this legislation includes more spending, more taxes, and more government. In fact, the public option included in the bill -- in my opinion -- won't help to achieve more access to quality healthcare or lower healthcare costs.

It is important for everyone to have an opportunity to review H.R. 3962, which was introduced by Speaker Pelosi last week. Therefore, I have made copies of the legislative text that have been delivered to the following area libraries within the 12th Congressional District:

Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave.
Lakeland Public Library
100 Lake Morton Drive
Temple Terrace Public Library
202 Bullard Parkway
Brandon Regional Library
619 Vonderburg Drive
Sun City Center
1011 N Pebble Beach Blvd
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Avenue A, NW<

Also, the bill is available on my website, which can be viewed by clicking here: H.R. 3962. Here is a partial list of provisions to review when reading the text of the legislation:

Page 94: Prohibits the purchase of private insurance in 2013 -- forcing individuals to purchase insurance through the government

Page 111: Establishes the "Health Benefits Advisory Board," which would determine health plans that would be available for individuals

Page 211: Establishes a new government-run healthcare program

Page 297: Imposes a 2.5% on individuals who choose not to purchase the government-approved health insurance

Page 520: Cuts more than $150 billion from Medicare Advantage plans

I will continue to keep you updated on the details of the legislation and when the bill is scheduled to be considered on the House floor.

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New Healthcare Video

Adam Putnam — 11/02/2009 08:26

Last week, I filmed a new video to demonstrate how the size of Speaker Pelosi's new healthcare reform bill appropriately reflects the enormous expansion of government that will come with it. This bill -- all 1990 pages -- is a signficant increase over the previous healthcare reform bill introduced by the Democrats, which was almost 1,000 pages less. It also happens to be a significant increase over other landmark pieces of legislation, which I explain in this new video.

To view the video, please click here: Healthcare Video

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Penalties in Pelosi Healthcare Bill

Adam Putnam — 10/30/2009 14:31

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the healthcare "reform" bill introduced yesterday by Speaker Pelosi would "require individuals to purchase health insurance, starting in 2013, and would in many cases impose a financial penalty on people who do not do so." In fact, the CBO estimates that $167 billion in "penalties paid by individuals and employers" would be collected as a result of this bill. The penalties collected -- in addition to the massive tax increases throughout the bill -- will help to pay for the trillion dollars in new spending the bill provides.

My staff and I are continuing to analyze the 1,990 page bill. Thus far, however, I have found that the bill's solution to healthcare reform is simply more government involvement in the lives of patients. It is tough to find many historical examples where more government was an effective answer to a problem -- especially when it impacts the relationship between you and your doctor.

As we find items that may be of interest to you, I will continue to post them on this blog. To view the whole CBO report mentioned above, please click here: CBO Report

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1990 Page Healthcare Bill Introduced

Adam Putnam — 10/29/2009 12:33

Moments ago, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced a new healthcare bill, which is expected to be considered on the house floor at some point next week. Despite remarks from Democrat leaders that this bill will be substantially similar to previous versions introduced, it is 1990 pages -- 973 more pages than the previous version. While I have not yet read the bill, I assume the additional 973 pages do not reflect less government bureaucracy in our healthcare system. This version does include the public option, for example, which I believe will force a complex federal bureaucracy to make decisions that patients should be making with their doctors.

To view this 1990 page bill (H.R. 3962), please click here: Healthcare "Reform" Bill

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Test Prep for Heroes Act

Adam Putnam — 10/29/2009 09:50

Yesterday, I introduced bi-partisan legislation that will provide a needed benefit to our nation's veterans. The Post 9/11 GI Bill, which provided new education benefits to veterans, includes a provision that would provide reimbursements for certification or college / graduate school entrance exams (LSAT, SAT, etc.). This is an important benefit as many of our brave men and women in uniform seek to further their education upon completion of their service. However, many veterans haven't covered much of the material on these tests for years, which puts them at somewhat of a competitive disadvantage with other test takers.

Therefore, I have introduced the Test Prep for Heroes Act (H.R. 3948), which would provide veterans with the opportunity to take a prep course prior to taking the test. Those wishing to use this benefit would be reimbursed for the costs.

Thus far, over twenty Members of Congress -- from both parties -- have cosponsored the legislation. I will keep you updated on the progress of this bill, which I hope will be considered soon.

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Healthcare Op-ed

Adam Putnam — 10/19/2009 09:31

Last week, the Lakeland Ledger published an op-ed I authored titled "Public Option: Socialized Medicine." Within this piece, I describe the impact the public option could have on our healthcare system and the overwhelming opposition to the plan constituents of 12th Congressional District have expressed over recent months.

The path of the healthcare reform debate remains somewhat unclear at this point -- the Senate has two different plans (one with the public option) and the House is making adjustments to their plan (with the public option) that have not yet been provided to most Members of Congress. However, one thing is for sure: the House Democrat leaders continue to insist on including the public option -- in some form -- within the final healthcare reform legislation.

As the debate continues, I will continue to oppose policies that don't expand coverage while lowering costs, including the public option. In addition to describing the impact of the public option in the op-ed, I also outline policies that would expand coverage and lower healthcare costs, which should be adopted.

To view the op-ed, please click here: Public Option: Socialized Medicine

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Introduction of the Suspend ACORN Certification Act (H.R. 3828)

Adam Putnam — 10/16/2009 12:50

Yesterday, I joined 24 Members of Congress in introducing the Suspend ACORN Certification Act (H.R. 3828). This important legislation is another step towards stopping all federal funding of ACORN and fully determining the scope of their activities.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently lists ACORN as a certified housing counseling agency. H.R. 3828 would require the HUD Inspector General to conduct an audit of ACORN and its affiliates, specifically focused on the use of HUD funds. Until this audit is complete, the legislation would suspend ACORN's certification as a housing counseling agency.

I believe that this will allow the HUD IG to conduct the appropriate investigation into what funds were provided to ACORN and how this organization used the federal funds. I have previously called for a similar investigation, which you can view by clicking here: HUD IG Letter.

There are few responsibilities of Congress more important than protecting the American taxpayer and ensuring that taxpayer funded programs are efficient, transparent, and necessary. Too many programs have become outdated and under-performing, while hard earned taxpayer funds are lost to waste, fraud and abuse. Ending funding for organizations that abuse taxpayer funds should remain a priority of Congress -- well beyond the investigation into ACORN's activities.

I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of H.R. 3828 and all of the other efforts to stop federal funding of ACORN, which can be found here: ACORN Timeline

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Passage of Iran Sanctions Enabling Act (H.R. 1327)

Adam Putnam — 10/15/2009 14:38

Yesterday, the House passed the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act (H.R. 1327), which would allow state governments to divest from investments related to Iran's energy sector. Therefore, states that do not want their funds being invested in companies that help to fund the Iranian regime, would have the right to divest those funds.

Iran poses a significant risk through their pursuit of nuclear weapons and consistant threats against America, Israel, and our allies.

In addition to the terrorist activities Iran has engaged in, the regime routinely disregards the basic human rights of its citizens. Some strongly believe that their funds should not be used to help fund this type of regime. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1327, I believe states and individuals have the right to ensure their funds are not being used to help fund Iran's dictatorship. Therefore, I supported this important legislation, which passed by a vote of 414 to 6.

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Senate Healthcare Bill

Adam Putnam — 10/15/2009 10:31

The Senate Finance Committee voted to approve their version of the healthcare reform bill yesterday by a vote of 14 - 9. While the legislation may not include the "public option," which many Senate and House Democrats are demanding, it does include provisions that should be of great concern to taxpayers, patients, and healthcare providers.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the legislation would require $500 billion in new taxes and fees over the next 10 years ($2.4 trillion in new taxes by 2029) and would impose over $400 billion in Medicare cuts. Those Medicare cuts include (in part): $133 billion from Medicare Advantage, $128.8 billion from hospitals, $19.8 billion from Medicare Part D, $14.6 billion from skilled nursing facilities, and $43.1 billion from home healthcare.

The legislation would also vastly expand eligibility for Medicaid, which was originally established to help the vulnerable elderly, disabled, and pregnant. Under the bill just passed out of the Finance Committee, Medicaid would be available to everyone whose income is 133f the federal poverty level (which is the same level provided in the House bill, H.R. 3200). For those new enrollees, which total about 14 million individuals, this legislation would cover about 90f their healthcare costs as opposed to the 57f costs currently covered by the federal government, requiring the States to pick up the tab for the remainder of the Medicaid expansion.

The bill passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee includes a Medicaid expansion for those whose income is 150f the federal poverty level.

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More Transparency For TARP

Adam Putnam — 10/14/2009 11:17

As you know, Congress passed legislation that established the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). I voted against the release of additional TARP funds because the program didn't provide enough transparency or receive enough oversight to accurately account for all of the funding. As a Member of the House Financial Services Committee, I have called for additional oversight of this program as well as the many programs initiated by the Federal Reserve, which were not ever subject to Congressional passage.

The General Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report about the program in which they stated, "while progress has been made in establishing TARP, much remains uncertain about the program, including whether it will pay for itself or prove to be a cost to the taxpayers." The GAO also notes that "actions are needed to address remaining transparency and accountability challenges."

I will continue to call for more oversight of this program to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected and the mission of the program is appropriately followed.

If you would like to view the GAO report, please click here: GAO TARP Report

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The Need for Malpractice Reform in Healthcare Debate

Adam Putnam — 10/13/2009 14:29

I believe the debate over healthcare reform should be based on lowering costs and expanding access, which I have laid out over the past several months. One proposal I have advocated for that would lower the costs of healthcare dramatically is to implement medical malpractice reforms. Unfortunately, current proposals being debated don’t include reforming medical malpractice laws and President Obama has only agreed to implement six "demonstration projects" on malpractice reform -- a tiny step toward addressing a major problem that simply doesn't need further study.

Physicians throughout the country are being forced to close their doors due to rising malpractice insurance rates. Others are forced to perform "defensive medicine" -- a practice of running costly tests and procedures that are done to prevent the possibility of lawsuits, but don’t necessarily reflect a medical need.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) -- a non-partisan office responsible for analyzing costs of legislative proposals in Congress -- recently analyzed the fiscal impact of medical malpractice legislation.　 According to the CBO, "tort reform could affect costs for health care both directly and indirectly; directly by lowering premiums for medical liability insurance; and indirectly, by reducing the use of diagnostic tests and other health care services when providers recommend those services principally to reduce their potential exposure to lawsuits."

The CBO also indicates that implementing malpractice reform could result in $54 billion of savings over the next ten years. This would have a major impact on our healthcare system. Along with other important proposals (creating association health plans, allowing for the purchase of insurance across state lines, and providing small businesses with the same tax incentives to provide healthcare as their larger counterparts), including medical malpractice reform in an overall healthcare reform package would be an important step in reducing the cost of healthcare.

To view the CBO report, please click here: CBO Analysis of Medical Malpractice Reform

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More Bad Economic News

Adam Putnam — 10/08/2009 13:34

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) -- a non-partisan office responsible for analyzing costs of legislation and economic outlooks for Congress -- has just released its monthly budget review, which highlights disturbingly high deficit levels. According to the CBO, "the federal budget deficit was about $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2009, $950 billion greater than the shortfall recorded in 2008. The 2009 deficit was equal to 9.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), up from 3.2 percent in 2008, and was the highest shortfall—relative to the size of the economy—since 1945." The CBO credits the escalating deficit to decreasing revenues (as a result of the recession) and increased spending (also known as "outlays"). In fact, CBO found that "outlays increased by over $530 billion (or 18 percent) in 2009, to nearly 25 percent of GDP, the highest level in over 50 years."

These deficit levels should serve as a wake-up call to Congress as we continue to debate more costly legislation, including healthcare reform and energy tax legislation. The "stimulus" bill, as well as other costly initiatives, have largely contributed to the rising budget deficits, which ultimately place greater burdens on taxpayers.

We must begin to approach legislation with a priority to protect the hard earned money of the American taxpayer before simply growing the federal government. Like families across Florida, it is time we reign in our spending during this difficult economy.

To view a copy of CBO’s monthly budget review, please click here: CBO Monthly Budget Review

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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Adam Putnam — 10/07/2009 15:04

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- a time to raise awareness and education about breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, over 190,000 new cases are estimated this year alone and over 40,000 effected women are expected to die from the disease in 2009. This is a disease impacting every community across the country and greater awareness will help increase early diagnoses and successful recoveries.

I am an original cosponsor of the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (H.R. 1740), which would include funding for public awareness campaigns about breast cancer as well as counseling and support services to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this important legislation.

I am proud to join in the efforts of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in encouraging everyone to increase awareness within their own communities about breast cancer.

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Growing the Size of Government

Adam Putnam — 10/01/2009 12:39

As Congress continues to debate healthcare and a "public option," I have continued to highlight the danger in endlessly expanding the role of the federal government. While there are few issues more important than implementing our healthcare system, there are few entities less efficient and less able to deliver quality results than a federal agency. While some are quick to respond to our nation's challenges by simply adding funding to a government program, I believe we must take a more responsible approach that better serves both beneficiaries and taxpayers.

The "stimulus" bill passed by Congress earlier this year (which I strongly opposed), highlights how growing the size of federal government often best serves one entity: the federal government. According to the House Budget Committee Republicans, 2.3 million private sector jobs have been lost since passage of the "stimulus" bill. During that same period of time, the federal government has added 25,000 jobs. In short, we are spending billions of dollars to stimulate the federal government and little else. The Committee also claims that "the President's budget shows the federal workforce growing by more than 102,000 in 2009 and 2010" even without including the military and temporary workers for the census. The government will likely expand even further should climate change legislation and healthcare reform be signed into law.

Many government programs serve a strong mission and provide needed benefits to many Americans. However, there continues to be a large number of programs that are simply wasteful, outdated, and not performing. In many cases, their responsibilities could be better performed by the private sector or are simply not needed at all. Even the most important federal programs have -- in many cases -- grown at such a rate that appropriate oversight is impossible and billions of dollars in taxpayer funds are lost to waste, fraud and abuse.

We must focus on policies that fix problems, not simply grow the size of the federal government. I am hopeful that Congress stops the "fund government first" trend when considering solutions to our nation's challenges. I believe not relying entirely on the government will provide solutions that are more effective and better performing.

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Iran Update

Adam Putnam — 09/29/2009 15:20

It was disclosed last week that Iran has a new underground uranium enrichment plant, which could be used to develop nuclear weapons. This disturbing news was only intensified yesterday as Iran test-fired missiles that could reach U.S. military targets, Israel and parts of Europe.　

Unfortunately, much of these irresponsible -- and dangerous -- actions on the part of Iran are nothing new. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has previously stated that Israel "must be wiped off the map" and claimed that the Holocaust was a "myth." Repeated threats towards the United States and our allies have also become the norm from Iran's leadership.

As a state sponsor of terrorism, Iran poses a great threat to the United States and our allies around the world. Allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons significantly magnifies that threat. I have joined efforts in Congress to sanction Iran and stop their ability to obtain weapons of mass destruction.

I have provided an update on my website about the current situation with Iran and the steps Congress has taken thus far. To view this update, please click here: Iran Update

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ACORN Video

Adam Putnam — 09/29/2009 08:27

Many constituents have contacted my office with great concern over the situation relating to ACORN -- and the billions of taxpayer dollars that they are eligible for in grants (in addition to millions they have already received). In addition to calling for stronger oversight of past activities and use of federal funds, I have cosponsored legislation to end all federal funding of ACORN immediately. We have had some success and, in fact, passed this legislation in the House of Representatives. For an update on ACORN related legislation and oversight activities in the House, please click here: ACORN Update

I have recently filmed a video explaining the ACORN situation and the actions being taken to stop all of ACORN's federal funding. To view the video, please click here: ACORN Video

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The Public Option

Adam Putnam — 09/28/2009 14:56

There has been significant debate over the inclusion of a "public option" in a healthcare reform bill. H.R. 3200, which is the bill currently being considered by the House of Representatives, includes a public option despite significant concern from around the country.

I have joined with many of the constituents of the 12th Congressional District in opposing a public option because I believe that creating a government health insurance program will not reduce costs or increase the quality of healthcare. Other countries with similar programs have proven the inefficiency of government-run healthcare.

Since there has been so much discussion about the public option, I have recently made a video discussing how such a policy would work and the problems that it would pose to patients. To view the video, please click here: The Public Option

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ACORN Update and Timeline

Adam Putnam — 09/25/2009 16:29

Actions being taken against the practices of ACORN are moving rapidly since recent allegations highlighted potential illegal activities and abuse of taxpayer funds. Several agencies have completely stopped all funding and others have begun investigations into current and past funding of ACORN. The House has passed legislation (which I am an original cosponsor of) that would end all federal funding of ACORN and the Senate has passed legislation ending all funding within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I have joined a number of my colleagues in calling for additional oversight into the funding of ACORN.

Since there are so many moving pieces to this unfortunate situation, I have posted on my website an updated timeline of actions taken in relation to ACORN. To view the update, please click here: ACORN Information

For additional updates on timely issues, please visit the "current issues" section of my website, which can be found here: Current Issues

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Require All Legislation to Be Available for 72 Hours Before Vote

Adam Putnam — 09/25/2009 09:29

As I have previously mentioned on this blog, I am an original cosponsor of H.Res.689, which would require all bills and amendments to be available for 72 hours prior to consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives in order to ensure that Members of Congress and the public have an opportunity to fully read the legislation. The House has been forced to vote on major legislation without having an opportunity to review it, including the economic stimulus bill and climate change legislation -- both expansive bills with significant taxpayer costs.

Unfortunately, the Democrat leadership has refused to schedule a vote on H.Res.689. Therefore, I have joined 172 of my colleagues in signing a "discharge petition.” Should 218 Members of Congress sign the petition, we would have the opportunity to vote on legislation requiring the House to make all legislation available for 72 hours prior to a vote.

While limiting the time Members of Congress have to review legislation may help to avoid criticism of a bill, it is an enormous disservice to the American taxpayer.

I am deeply concerned that the final healthcare reform legislation being considered by Congress will not be provided to Members with enough time to fully read the bill prior to a vote. I have signed a pledge that I will not support any healthcare reform legislation that I have not been provided an opportunity to read prior to a vote. Daily press reports indicate major changes are being made to the legislation, despite the fact that Members of Congress have not been provided with an updated version of the bill.

I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will adopt the simple concept of allowing any bill to be available for at least 72 hours prior to a vote, which Florida law requires for a vote on the budget in the state legislature. This would be better for the taxpayer and better for democracy.

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Senate Finance Committee Hearings on Healthcare Reform

Adam Putnam — 09/24/2009 10:54

The Senate Finance Committee has begun its consideration of healthcare reform legislation drafted by Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT). This marks the fifth committee to consider healthcare reform legislation (House Ways and Means Committee, House Education and Labor Committee, House Energy and Commerce Committee, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions). While the legislation contains many of the same principles of the other bills being considered, it does include some new policies.

Recent press reports have indicated that the Speaker of the House continues to finalize legislation that includes a "public option." Regardless of the legislative path of the final healthcare reform bill, I will continue to oppose policies that make the government responsible for important decisions between doctors and patients, force individuals away from private insurance, and fails to reign in healthcare spending.

To view the Senate Finance Committee's consideration of the bill live, please click here: Senate Finance Committee

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Letter to HUD IG Regarding ACORN

Adam Putnam — 09/22/2009 13:49

Yesterday, I joined some of my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee in signing a letter to the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this letter, we requested that the IG review the funds provided to ACORN and determine "how much, what for, and what efforts were made to find out if the funds actually accomplished what they were intended to do." The Department of Justice IG has agreed to a similar review as well.

While I have been calling for additional oversight into the spending practices of ACORN for years, we simply cannot afford to be wasting more taxpayer funds on this organization or any other organization that has similar illegal practices. Therefore, we must not only stop all funding to ACORN immediately, but also get a full accounting of all taxpayer funds that have previously been provided to ACORN. I believe that a review by the HUD Inspector General -- and IGs from other agencies -- will help provide this important oversight.

To view a copy of the letter, click here: HUD IG Letter.

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House Passes The Defund ACORN Act (H.R. 2571)

Adam Putnam — 09/21/2009 15:19

As an original cosponsor of The Defund ACORN Act (H.R. 3571), I believe that Congress should lead the effort to ensure taxpayer funds are protected from fraud and abuse by ending all federal funding of ACORN -- an organization that has been at the center of many serious allegations of illegal activity ranging from voter fraud to tax fraud.

At the end of the last week, we were able to successfully add H.R. 3571to a bill that passed the House, which is a significant step forward in an effort to end taxpayer funding of ACORN. The legislation has now been sent to the Senate for consideration.

Thus far, the federal government has provided ACORN with millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. Along with several of my colleagues, I have consistantly called for greater oversight of ACORN and investigations into the activities they have participated in. I will continue to do so in order to ensure that we stop funding such organizations and the illegal activities they perform.

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Putnam Cosponsors Bill Ending All ACORN Funding

Adam Putnam — 09/16/2009 11:29

Yesterday, I became an original cosponsor of the Defund ACORN Act (H.R. 3571) -- legislation that would stop all funding to the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN).

ACORN has had a long history of abusing taxpayer funds through inappropriate and illegal political activities. Recent allegations of providing individuals with guidance on how to best hide illegal activities from the Internal Revenue Service and law enforcement are very disturbing. Taxpayer funds should only be used for programs that provide important service to beneficiaries, transparency to taxpayers, and the appropriate oversight mechanisms to the public and Congress. We should have no tolerance for spending hard earned taxpayer money on groups and entities like ACORN that promote and carry out illegal activities, while politicizing government programs.

Massive voter fraud allegations against ACORN in recent elections and other illegal activities had spurred previous movements to stop funding to ACORN, which I strongly supported. This group should have been defunded long ago and I am hopeful that any access to federal funds will stop immediately through either the passage of H.R. 3571 or direct action by the Administration.

I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this important legislation. To view a 2008 letter I signed calling for hearings regarding ACORN's abuse of taxpayer funds and illegal voter registration　activities, please click here: ACORN Letter.

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ACORN Funding Cut in Senate

Adam Putnam — 09/15/2009 09:27

Yesterday, the Senate voted to deny any funding to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) provided under the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Transportation - Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. ACORN would have been eligible for millions of dollars in additional taxpayer funds had the amendment not passed.

As you probably know, ACORN has been at the center of voter fraud and misuse of taxpayer funds allegations for some time. Along with many of my colleagues in the House, I have worked to exclude them from housing legislation. Most recently, press reports indicate that some ACORN employees have been found to assist individuals in covering illegal activity and hiding taxable income.

Taxpayer funds should be protected to ensure that they are not lost to waste, fraud and abuse. Providing ACORN with these funds is an cause of hard earned taxpayer funds and should be stopped. As the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Transportation - Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act moves through the legislative process, I will fight to ensure that the Senate amendment to block funding for ACORN be included in the final bill.

There is simply no place in our federal budget for funding of political activists and organizations that provide illegal services. ACORN -- and any other organization providing these "services" -- should be denied federal funding.

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Healthcare Timeline

Adam Putnam — 09/14/2009 14:32

At the end of last week, I had the privilege of meeting with many Floridians who made the trip to Washington, D.C. to express their concerns about healthcare reform and the growth of the federal government. Floridians throughout the state -- including large delegations from Polk and Hillsborough Counties -- visited our nation's capital to add their voice to the ongoing healthcare debate.

Many of the different negotiations, changes and discussions on healthcare has made keeping track of the bill somewhat difficult. So far, the Senate Finance Committee has yet to formally consider the healthcare reform bill. Three committees in the House and one committee in the Senate have completed consideration of healthcare legislation that includes a public option.

While the bill is estimated to cost close to $1 trillion, there has yet to be a viable funding mechanism outlined.

Below is the current timeline of the legislation’s consideration in Congress.

July 14, 2009: HR. 3200 is introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Dingell (D-MI)
July 15, 2009: The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee passes the Affordable Health Choices Act (not yet introduced)
July 17, 2009: H.R. 3200 is passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 23 – 18
July 17, 2009: H.R. 3200 is passed out of the House Education and Labor Committee by a vote of 26 – 22
July 31, 2009: H.R. 3200 is passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 31 – 28
September 9, 2009: President Obama addresses a joint session of Congress and calls for immediate action on healthcare reform, including a public option

I continue to have strong concerns about this legislation and the process in which it is being considered. Changes to the bill are discussed in the media daily and I have pledged to not support any healthcare reform legislation that I have not been given an opportunity to read. A bill this costly and burdensome on taxpayers, patients, and healthcare providers deserves significant debate and time for thoughtful consideration.

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Remembering 9-11

Adam Putnam — 09/11/2009 11:47

Today, we all pause to remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We also honor the many first responders that heroically acted to save the lives of countless Americans on that day.

Like all Americans, I will never forget 9-11 and the thousands that were lost. I will also never stop appreciating the many brave men and women in uniform that have made great sacrifices to protect us from those that continue to want to harm America and the freedoms our nation were founded upon.

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President's Speech Before a Joint Session of Congress

Adam Putnam — 09/10/2009 11:48

Last night, President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress regarding healthcare reform. While I was hopeful the President would present Congress with new proposals, his speech was essentially highlighting the same policies of a costly "public option" that have been the focus of concerned Americans all Summer. He included no commitment to provide association health plans, meaningful medical malpractice reforms (other than demonstration projects), or a single mechanism to pay for almost one trillion dollars in new spending.

We need a plan that lowers costs and provides more access to healthcare. New mandates on small businesses, less choice for families, and more government involvement simply wont accomplish that.

I believe that healthcare reform can be accomplished through a bi-partisan approach that focuses on cost and access -- not more government. Unfortunately, last night's speech didn't highlight a good path towards a bi-partisan solution.

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Congress Reconvenes

Adam Putnam — 09/08/2009 11:19

Congress reconvenes today after the August district work period, which provided Members of Congress opportunities to visit with constituents and discuss pressing issues. It was not surprising that healthcare -- and the current proposal being considered -- was the dominant focus over August. While the future of the legislation and the debate remains unclear, the past month has elevated the important issue of healthcare reform to one that families across America are discussing.

My offices -- in Bartow and Washington, DC -- have received a record number of calls, emails and letters in opposition to the current proposal, with most concerns surrounding the "public option." I share the concerns I have heard and am hopeful that the debate will begin to focus on new, more free market proposals.

President Obama will address Congress tomorrow evening about healthcare. Other negotiations -- in the House and Senate -- seem to also be taking place this week. I will continue to keep you posted as this debate evolves. As always, please contact my office with your thoughts on this (and any other) important issue.

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Food Safety Speech on House Floor

Adam Putnam — 07/30/2009 17:56

I just spoke on the House floor in favor of the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749), which passed by a vote of . While this legislation has provisions that I will work with the Senate to improve, it also includes many of the provisions from the Safe FEAST Act (H.R. 1332) -- bi-partisan legislation I introduced to reform our food safety policies. I am proud that these provisions were included and strongly believe that they will help to save lives and provide needed protections to producers and consumers.

While we may have the best food safety policies in the world, they continue to be outdated and -- in some cases -- antiquated. We must modernize our food safety mechanisms in order to ensure that American families are protected from food borne illness -- a priority shared by industry and consumers. I believe today's passage of H.R. 2749 -- with the inclusion of much of my legislation -- is a large step forward in modernizing food safety networks. I look forward to working with House and Senate Members to further improve the legislation.

To view the video, please click here: Food Safety Speech

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Healthcare Reform Speech on House Floor

Adam Putnam — 07/29/2009 14:05

I went to the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday to express my concerns about the healthcare reform bill that is being considered in Congress.

To view a video of the speech, click here: Healthcare Reform

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Job Fair -- August 4th

Adam Putnam — 07/27/2009 14:50

Along with Senator Mel Martinez, I will be hosting an education and employment fair at Hillsborough Community College in Plant City from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on August 4th. In addition to employers providing information about job opportunities, there will be several educational sessions that will assist job seekers in finding employment.

For information about the education and employment fair, please click here: Education and Employment Fair

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Congress Should be Given Time to Read Bills

Adam Putnam — 07/23/2009 12:55

Members of Congress are elected by their constituents to vote on proposed laws being debated by the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, we have recently been provided with legislation without ample time to read the actual text of the bill -- essentially forcing all Members of Congress to vote on bills they have never read. Most recently, a 300 page amendment to climate change legislation was made available at 3:00am, despite the fact that the legislation was being voted on later that day.

Major policy changes deserve thoughtful debates that reach beyond basic talking points. In order to achieve these thoughtful debates, however, Members of Congress need to have an opportunity to actually read the text of the legislation being debated.

We are six days away from the August district work period and the Speaker of the House remains confident that we will vote on health care "reform" prior to leaving. Despite being one of the most complex and far reaching pieces of legislation we will ever consider, we have yet to see a final copy of the bill. In fact, changes are being made every day -- without bi-partisan consultation -- and most Members of Congress read about these changes first in the newspaper. That is why I have joined a number of my colleagues in signing a pledge that states I will not vote for a health care reform bill that I have not been given the opportunity to read.

Additionally, I will be joining with Rep. Bill Posey in introducing legislation that requires all legislation to be available for 72 hours prior to the vote in order to allow Members of Congress -- and the public -- to fully review it. I will provide more details on the bill once it is introduced next week.

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Concealed Carry Reciprocity Amendment Fails in Senate

Adam Putnam — 07/22/2009 15:40

Today, Senator Thune offered an amendment that would have allowed for law-abiding individuals with conealed carry permits to lawfully carry their firearm into another state, while still abiding by that state's concealed carry laws. Current law prohibits individuals from carrying a firearm within a state without a concealed carry permit from that state. The amendment fell short of its 60 vote requirement by a vote of 38 to 58.

I am a cosponsor of similar legislation -- the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 197). This legislation would establish a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms by non-residents who have a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in another state. I will continue to keep you updated on this important legislation.

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Questioning Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke

Adam Putnam — 07/21/2009 14:48

Below is the video of me questioning the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, during a Financial Services Committee hearing this morning. During these difficult economic times, it is important to ensure transparency and oversight guide our policies. This hearing examined the Monetary Policy Report, which was produced by the Federal Reserve.

Watch the video below or click here: Chairman Bernanke Hearing

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Financial Services Committee Hearing with Fed Chairman Bernanke

Adam Putnam — 07/21/2009 12:12

This morning, I attended a Financial Services Committee hearing on the Monetary Policy Report released by the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before the Committee about the report as well as the current state of the economy and his outlook on economic recovery. I had an opportunity to pose questions to the Chairman, which I hope to post a video of later.

To view the Monetary Policy Report, please click here: Monetary Policy Report.

To view Chairman Bernanke's testimony, please click here: Chairman Bernanke.

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Healthcare Op-ed

Adam Putnam — 07/20/2009 10:08

Today's St. Petersburg Times includes an op-ed I wrote entitled "Health reform can be led by people, not Congress." In this piece, I discuss the issue of healthcare reform and steps I believe can help solve the problem without massive tax increases or new bureaucracies.

To view the op-ed, please click here: St. Petersburg Times

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New Second Amendment Document

Adam Putnam — 07/17/2009 15:40

With the large number of debates in Congress focusing on Second Amendment issues -- including firearms in nationals parks and the gun ban in Washington, D.C. -- I posted a new document focused on the issues in Congress that may be of interest to gun owners. Among other things, the document highlights the issues I have focused on to help protect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding gun owners.

To view the Second Amendment document, please click here: Second Amendment

Documents on other timely issues, such as updated unemployment information and the healthcare reform debate, are also available on my website. To find a list of documents available, please click here: Current Issue Briefs

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Letter to Chairman Frank on Public Housing

Adam Putnam — 07/17/2009 12:56

Earlier this week, I joined my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee in supporting an amendment seeking to ensure that law abiding residents of public housing would be able to keep their firearms, despite a move by some housing authorities to ban firearms. While the amendment passed, gun control advocates in Congress immediately began working to unwind the amendment and have the provision removed from the bill prior to the bill reaching the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

As a supporter of Second Amendment rights, I strongly oppose any efforts -- especially outside the normal legislative process -- to remove the important provision we were able to include protecting the rights of public housing residents. I have joined a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress from the Financial Services Committee in sending a letter to the Chairman requesting that he retain the amendment in the legislation. To view the letter, click here: Chairman Frank Letter.

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Healthcare "Reform" Proposal Creates Bureaucracy

Adam Putnam — 07/16/2009 09:17

Today, the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee will consider the massive healthcare reform proposal that has been introduced. While debating a $1 trillion reform plan -- with significant tax increases -- deserves more than one day of consideration, it doesn't take long to understand the incredible bureaucracy that is being created by this legislation. Unfortunately, this will only further complicate an already inefficient federal government -- and do so on issues that should be decided between you and your doctor.

Last night I recorded a video to highlight this complex bureaucracy that taxpayers will be funding under the proposal being considered. View the video below or click here: Healthcare Bureaucracy.

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Invasive Pythons in the Florida Everglades

Adam Putnam — 07/15/2009 14:31

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Florida Everglades is home to over 150,000 Burmese Pythons -- an invasive species that poses great risk to the ecosystem, restoration efforts, and endangered species.

I began raising the need to address these ptyhons in the house of Representatives three weeks ago when I offered an amendment to the Interior Appropriations Bill that would have required the Department of the Interior to create a plan for addressing the pythons in the Everglades. I offered another amendment last night to the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which would require the Army Corps of Engineers to study the impact of the pythons the Everglades restoration efforts being carried out. Both amendments were rejected along a party line vote.

This morning, a spokesperson from the Department of the Interior is quoted in the press as saying, "the pythons pose a significant threat to the Florida Everglades and must be dealt with immediately...that is why the secretary has directed his staff to look at the possibility of allocating additional federal resources this fiscal year and he has asked federal and state agencies to work with the Department of the Interior to quickly develop an action plan to control this invasive species." I am pleased that leaders of the Department now agree with the need to develop a plan.

Invasive species pose great risks to fragile ecosystems throughout the nation. We desperately need a comprehensive plan to deal with the Burmese Python population in the Florida Everglades. As the Everglades remains the largest water restoration project in our nation's history and is home to a diverse ecosystem that includes threatened and endangered species, we simply cannot afford not to have a plan for this invasive species. I will continue to keep you updated on my efforts to combat these pythons in an effort to protect the Everglades.

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Healthcare "Reform" Will Create a Complex Bureaucracy

Adam Putnam — 07/15/2009 12:23

Congress has begun the debate on healthcare reform -- a needed debate that is, unfortunately, headed in the wrong direction. Instead of giving people more choice and less costs, the plans introduced appear to force people into government healthcare and impose large taxes to pay for it.

I have always said that forcing important medical decisions into a bureaucracy that combines the efficiencies of FEMA with the compassion of the Department of Motor Vehicles should be alarming to all of us. The attached chart -- compiled by the Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee -- highlights the complexity of the healthcare bureaucracy being created.

To view the chart, please click here: Healthcare Chart

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CBO Scoring of Healthcare Legislation

Adam Putnam — 07/14/2009 13:26

Health care reform is on everyone’s mind in Washington, D.C., and formal legislation is finally starting to take shape. So far, the health care proposals have been estimated to cost anywhere between $1.5 and $2 trillion over ten years. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a non-partisan body charged with scoring the economic impact of legislation, has projected that an overhaul of this magnitude would in fact increase federal deficit spending by $1.3– 5.6 trillion over ten years depending on interest rates (Click for CBO letter). This is a far cry from the “budget neutral” proposals initially floated by the President and Members of Congress.

Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi are desperately trying to find ways to offset the overwhelming cost of health care reform. Congress will either have to make hard decisions to cut back wasteful spending in current federal programs or increase government revenue. Recent discussions suggest that Democrats in Congress will seek the latter course of action.

Increasing government revenue may take any number of forms of new taxes on Americans. The proposals include taxing soft drinks and other sugary beverages; raising taxes on small businesses and individuals with income in excess of $250,000; eliminating the charitable gift deduction; or even applying traditional payroll taxes, such as the Medicare tax, to non-wage income like capital gains.

It is especially alarming that Americans will not have time to sufficiently analyze the impact of this policy overhaul. House and Senate leaders want to pass a health care reform bill by the end of July and send it to the President by October.

In the meantime, I will do my best to keep you updated on the health care debate on my blog and through supplemental materials. For more information on my health care position and principles, I have created a comprehensive document for constituents to reference, as well as a video wherein I discuss the elements facing legislators as we embark on this overhaul. The document can be found on my website, http://adamputnam.house.gov/issue_pages.shtml, and the following link will take you to my youtube channel to view the health care video presentation, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zh7O5aIWy4.

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New Healthcare Video

Adam Putnam — 07/09/2009 17:36

This afternoon, I filmed a video outlining my principles for the upcoming healthcare debate and the general issues facing our current healthcare system. To view the video, click here: Healthcare Video

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Gun Amendment in the Financial Services Committee

Adam Putnam — 07/09/2009 10:28

Today, the House Financial Services Committee is debating the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act (H.R. 3045). We just considered an amendment that would prohibit public housing authorities or owners of federally assisted housing from banning the possession of firearms by residents. There have been cases where housing authority regulations prohibited residents from having firearms in their homes.

I strongly believe that law-abiding Americans should be protected by their Second Amendment rights -- regardless of the type of housing they live in. This unfair practice should be banned and I proudly supported the amendment to do so, which passed by a vote of 38 to 31. I will fight to ensure this important provision remains as the bill comes to the House floor for consideration.

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Healthcare Reform

Adam Putnam — 07/08/2009 18:34

There is significant debate throughout the country about the future of our healthcare system. In Congress, several initiatives have been introduced that would largely expand the role of the federal government in healthcare coverage. Given the inefficiencies of government programs, these proposals are of great concern to me.

I have just added a one-pager to the website that outlines my principles for healthcare reform. To view the principles, click here: Healthcare Reform

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Ben Franklin Award

Adam Putnam — 06/29/2009 10:21

I was recently awarded the "Ben Franklin Award" by The 60 Plus Association -- a group that focuses on protecting taxes, social security, prescription drugs, and energy costs for seniors. I was awarded the "Ben Franklin Award" for my support of the repeal of the Death Tax -- an unfair tax on small business owners and family farmers (among others).

The tax code has grown to be an enormously complex and burdensome issue for American families. We shouldn’t saddle these families with unfair taxes simply because a family member passes away. For this reason, I have consistently voted against the Death Tax and will continue to fight for its permanent repeal.

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Three Common Sense Environment Amendments Rejected

Adam Putnam — 06/25/2009 11:50

Late last night, the House Rules Committee voted along party lines to reject three pro-environment amendments I had submitted to the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations Bill. These amendments were three simple studies -- two by the Department of the Interior into invasive species impacting Florida and one by the Comptroller General into the National Invasive Species Council. These amendments would have provided needed answers and action plans on combatting dangerous invasive species like the Burmese Python, which is not only hurting our ecosystem in the Everglades, but killing endangered species and impacting Everglades restoration.

Protecting the environment -- especially national treasures like the Everglades -- should be a major priority for the Congress. I will continue to work to ensure the Everglades are protected from these invasive species.

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Invasive Species Amendments

Adam Putnam — 06/24/2009 19:33

This afternoon, I introduced three amendments to the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of the Interior Appropriations Bill. These amendments will make great progress towards combating invasive species that are threatening precious ecosystems throughout Florida.

Burmese Pythons have begun colonizing the Florida Everglades, which is posing a major threat to the diverse ecosystem and wildlife. These pythons have even eaten endangered species and other important native wildlife in the Everglades as well as impacted the overall restoration project. I have introduced an amendment that would require the Department of the Interior to study the economic and environmental impact of the pythons in the Everglades and propose better mechanisms of controlling or eradicating this invasive species.

An additional amendment would require a similar study on the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, which spreads a disease to wetland trees and avocados trees and could cause the loss of the entire avocado industry in South Florida if not eradicated.

The final amendment would require the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the effectiveness, activities and goals of the National Invasive Species Council -- a multi-agency group that is supposed to be focusing on invasive species problems, such as those found in the Florida Everglades.

While there are several groups and agencies involved in combating invasive species in the Everglades, we are clearly losing the battle. Controlling these invasive species must be a priority and must be addressed in a well-studied and comprehensive manner. The amendments I have introduced will help to protect the Everglades and other areas that have been victimized by invasive species.

The House Rules Committee is expected to consider amendments tonight in order to determine which amendments will be considered tomorrow on the House floor. I will keep you updated.

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Major Provisions from Food Safety Bill Passes Committee

Adam Putnam — 06/18/2009 12:08

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act (H.R. 2749) yesterday, which is a huge step forward in the overall debate over how to reform our food safety laws. The Food Safety Act has incorporated large portions of bi-partisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) -- The SAFE Feast Act (H.R. 1332). I am proud that legislation we introduced during the last Congress is largely being included in the bill that will be considered on the House floor.

During the bill's mark-up, the ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee noted that 8 Republican members of the committee are "co-sponsors of a food safety bill that Mr. Costa and Mr. Putnam introduced earlier this year. I am not going to spend any time talking about the differences between the bill and the compromise before us today, other than to say, Mr. Chairman, that you have come our way on a number of significant policy matters."

While the legislation has incorporated major provisions from the legislation I introduced, there are several provisions that I will be working to include in the final legislation, such as increased coordination with states and the Department of Agriculture -- a key component to maintaining strong communication.

I will continue to keep you updated on this important legislation at it moves through the legislative process.

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FOX Segment on Student Safety

Adam Putnam — 06/17/2009 16:32

Unfortunately, news stories across the country continue to appear about teachers, staff, and school administrator that victimize students with inappropriate relationships. In far too many cases, these teachers and staff will simply move to a new school district or state and continue to put our children at risk. School districts deserve all the information before bringing a new employee into their district -- especially one that is responsible for protecting our children.

In response to a growing trend in Florida, I introduced the Student Protection Act, which would create a national database of those that have been removed from schools for inappropriate relationships with students. We need this system in Florida as does the rest of the country.

The vast majority of our educators are professionals that tirelessly work to protect our children. A growing trend of a dangerous few, however, requires a solution that would ensure our schools are fully informed about those they employ.

Fox News recently ran a news piece on the growing trend of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students and featured the Student Protection Act. To view the clip from, please click here: FOX News Clip.

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House Passes Student Internet Safety Act

Adam Putnam — 06/16/2009 14:06

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Student Internet Safety Act (H.R. 780) -- legislation I introduced that would provide funding for schools to implement internet safety programs for students. The legislation passed by a vote of 416 to 0 and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

While the Internet serves as an invaluable tool for students throughout the nation, it has also provided a forum to those that prey upon children with innapropriate material, harassment, and even contact. Countless children are victimized by those that received private information about them on-line. As school districts wisely continue to grow their computer labs and student access to computers, they should be provided with the tools to ensure that students are protected and educated on the dangers they may find on-line.

The overwhelming bi-partisan support of this legislation highlights its need throughout the country. I am proud that even as a Member in the minority, we were able to find enough bi-partisan support to protect our students. I am hopeful that the Senate will consider this legislation soon and I will keep you updated on any developments on the bill.

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Orlando Sentinel Editorial on Student Protection Act

Adam Putnam — 06/15/2009 14:51

The Orlando Sentinel has published an editorial titled "what we think: stop abusive teachers." The editorial discusses the need for legislation I have introduced, The Student Protection Act. This legislation will establish a database of abusive teachers, faculty, and staff in order to ensure that teachers found to have had innapropriate relationships with students are not able to simply move to a new state or school district and put more students at risk.

To view the editorial, click here: Orlando Sentinel

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Student Internet Safety Act on House Floor Today

Adam Putnam — 06/15/2009 11:20

The Student Internet Safety Act (H.R. 780) will be considered on the House floor today. This legislation, which I introduced in January, would provide funding to schools for the development and implementation of programs that promote the safe use of the Internet by students. H.R. 780 is supported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and will play an important role in helping to protect students from on-line predators.

If you would like additional information about the Student Internet Safety Act, please click here: H.R. 780.

I will continue to keep you updated as this legislation is debated on the House floor.

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Update on H1N1 Flu

Adam Putnam — 06/11/2009 16:14

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it is declaring an H1N1 flu pandemic, which would raise the pandemic alert from 5 to 6. In light of this news, I wanted to provide you with a current map of H1N1 cases in the United States, which currently totals 13,217 (resulting in a total of 27 deaths). This compares to 27,737 cases worldwide resulting in a total of 141 deaths (according to the WHO).

The below map from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate the location of the influenza activity. As listed on the map, Florida is considered "sporadic activity." The map and information was updated on June 5, 2009. For further updates, please continue to visit the CDC website: Center for Disease Control.

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Letters on Banking Regulation

Adam Putnam — 06/11/2009 11:00

Following the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) announcement that Florida-based BankUnited was shut down due to critically undercapitalized funds and the bank’s unsafe condition to conduct business, I authored two letters highlighting our need to protect consumer and investor assets at the 85-branch bank. BankUnited held approximately $13 billion in assets and was Florida’s largest banking institution, operating in 13 Florida counties, including Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota and St. Lucie counties.

The letter sent to Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank requested a future hearing on regulatory reform, including examining: (1) the risk management oversight of federal financial regulators; (2) the process used by federal financial regulators to assess risk management systems; (3) the process used by federal financial regulators to ensure that backdating does not occur -therefore acting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); (4) the specific actions taken by the OTS to remedy the situation and prevent future occurrences; and (5) the limitations of our current regulatory system in correcting capital restraints, such as experienced by BankUnited. To view the letter, please click here: Letter to Chairman Frank.

The letter sent to the OTS Interim Director John Bowman seeks further insight concerning the collapse of BankUnited, especially given the fact that this collapse marks the second major bank failure involving the OTS with allegations suggesting that it allowed a bank to provide misleading financial results to investors through backdating capital contributions. To view the letter, please click here: Letter to OTS Interim Director John Bowman.

I have received a letter from Chairman Frank in response to my request for a hearing in these important issues surrounding the collapse of BankUnited. He expressed his interest in examining these issues in a future hearing, which I look forward to.

I believe it is vital to have proper oversight of our banking regulators to ensure that consumer and investor deposits and savings are protected. I look forward to working with my fellow members of the House Financial Services Committee to conduct the appropriate oversight and will keep you updated as these hearings develop.

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New Ronald Reagan Statue

Adam Putnam — 06/08/2009 14:21

Last week, I visited the new Ronald Reagan statue in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. The new statue was officially displayed last week with a moving ceremony that included former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Each state is entitled to two statues of figures representing their state to be located inside the U.S. Capitol. The statue of Ronald Reagan -- one of California's two statues -- is seven feet tall and contains pieces of the Berlin Wall within the statue itself.

As a President that inspired many of the people that serve in Congress today, the statue stands as a fitting tribute to our 40th President. Below is a picture of the new statue.

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Fed Chairman Bernanke Testifies Before Budget Committee

Adam Putnam — 06/04/2009 12:29

Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, testified earlier today before the House Budget Committee -- a committee I have previously served on. His testimony before the Budget Committee was alarming, especially as it related to the growing debt resulting from recent proposals. Here is one particular statement Chairman Bernanke made that was concerning:

"The administration recently submitted a proposed budget that projects the Federal deficit to reach about $1.8 trillion this fiscal year before declining to $1.3 trillion in 2010 and roughly $900 billion in 2011. As a consequence of this elevated level of borrowing, the ratio of Federal debt held by the public to nominal GDP is likely to move up from about 40 percent before the onset of the financial crisis to about 70 percent in 2011. These developments would leave the debt-to-GDP ratio at its highest level since the early 1950s, the years following the massive debt buildup during World War II."

During these difficult economic times, we should be restraining federal spending and eliminating programs that are outdated and ineffective. Unfortunately, Congress and the President continue to propose more spending without any significant reforms, which I have consistently opposed.

Massive spending and endless growth in entitlements are generational issues -- our children and grand children will be the ones faced with benefit cuts, higher taxes, or both. Restraining spending now and providing for meaningful reform will ensure the long-term fiscal health of our nation. I will continue to keep you posted on efforts in Congress to end the reckless spending.

To view Chairman Bernanke's entire testimony before the House Budget Committee, click here: Chairman Bernanke Testimony.

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Donor State Working Group

Adam Putnam — 06/03/2009 14:54

Florida has long received an unfair portion of transportation funding based on antiquated funding formulas. Like every other state, Florida pays into the Highway Trust Fund through the collection of gasoline taxes. However, when the Trust Fund distributes the funding, Florida receives less in federal funding than Florida residents paid in gas taxes. Like the residents of 29 other "donor" states, this unfair funding allocation prevents Floridians from receiving their fair share of transportation funding.

Congress will soon begin debating the re-authorization of SAFETEA-LU -- the comprehensive legislation that authorizes all highway and transit projects every six years. This legislation determines the formula in which funding is distributed to states from the Highway Trust Fund. During the last authorization, some progress was made for Florida within the funding formulas. However, Florida continues to be significantly short-changed when it comes to funding -- receiving only 87 cents for every dollar put into the Trust Fund. Therefore, I have joined the Donor State Working Group -- a bi-partisan Congressional caucus that will seek to provide solutions to correct the current disparity in transportation funding.

Florida relies on significant transportation funding in order to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Since our residents are paying into the Trust Fund every time they fill their vehicles with gasoline, they deserve the appropriate transportation funding in return. I will keep you updated on the progress of the Donor State Working Group and the transportation debate.

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Recent Articles Highlight Student Protection Act

Adam Putnam — 06/02/2009 18:30

Unfortunately, there continue to be incidents in Florida schools where children are victimized by a small number of school faculty and staff that have engaged in innapropriate behavior with students. While the vast majority of educators and staff are professional and dedicated to protecting our children in the school system, a trend appears to be developing given the large number of examples of sexual misconduct with students.

The Student Protection Act (H.R. 781), which I have introduced, would create a database to ensure that faculty and staff that victimize children are unable to simply move to a new school district and prey on more students.

Time magazine -- in outlining the growing trend of sexual misconduct in Florida schools -- highlighted the Student Protection Act. The Orlando Sentinel also recently mentioned the legislation.

To view the Time magazine article, click here: Time

To view the Orlando Sentinel article, click here: Orlando Sentinel

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Start of Hurricane Season

Adam Putnam — 06/01/2009 14:09

Today marks the start of the 2009 hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30. It is important for Floridians to properly prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms to minimize damage, protect your family, and prevent the need for last-minute preparations. During past hurricanes, Florida has witnessed significant damage to homes and industry throughout the state. Mitigation efforts and proper planning can help to reduce the damage during the storm and help to ensure that you and your family are properly protected. I hope that the links below from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center will help you and your family prepare for the hurricane season.

To view additional information on hurricane preparedness from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, click here: Florida

To view additional information from NOAA on hurricanes and hurricane preparedness, click here: National Hurricane Center

As always, please feel free to contact my office in Bartow (863-534-3530) for a free hurricane preparedness brochure.

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Government Website on H1N1 Flu

Adam Putnam — 05/21/2009 12:27

In the past, I have listed some websites for Florida and the Centers for Disease Control that may be helpful in providing families with information on the H1N1 flu. Below is an additional website that may be helpful in learning about pandemic flu's, necessary preparations, and region-specific information. This website provides a comprehensive list of information on the government's response to the flu and suggestions in regards to H1N1.

To view www.pandemicflu.gov, please click here: Pandemic Flu Website

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Provision Allowing Firearms in National Parks Passes

Adam Putnam — 05/20/2009 15:11

The House just voted voted on legislation that would allow individuals to carry a concealed firearm in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in accordance with the respective laws of the State in which the public land is located. I was pleased to vote in support of this legislation, which passed by a vote of 249 to 147.

This is a momentous achievement in that since the 1930's possession of operable and loaded firearms in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges was for the most part prohibited by federal regulation. Since then, 48 states have passed “concealed carry” laws allowing law-abiding individuals to carry concealed handguns for purposes of self-defense, and of those states 24 allow concealed carry in state parks.

In 2008, the Department of Interior, under former President George W. Bush, moved to alter regulations so that individuals would be permitted to possess loaded and concealed firearms, as long as doing so was legal under that respective state's gun laws where the public lands are located. The public lands gun regulation was issued by the Department of Interior on December 10^th and took effect January 9, 2009.

The right-to-carry regulation was short lived when a federal district court in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction against the implementation of the new rule on March 19, 2009, and instructed the Department of Interior to evaluate the rule and suggest a course of action.

Almost immediately, legislation was introduced in Congress to reinstate the rule. As one of the original cosponsors of the Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act (H.R. 1684), I am especially pleased to see this significant legislation on the brink of becoming the law of the land, which will reinstate the rights of law abiding gun owners in national parks and wildlife refuges throughout the nation.

If you would like additional information on this vote, please click here: Roll Call Vote 277.

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Important Second Amendment Vote Today

Adam Putnam — 05/20/2009 12:09

Later today, the House of Representatives will consider legislation that includes a Senate amendment to allow for law-abiding gun owners to carry firearms onto lands managed by the National Park Service (national Parks) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (Wildlife Refuges). This is important legislation, which I strongly support. In fact, I have cosponsored similar legislation. The Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act (H.R. 1684) -- that was introduced on March 24, 2009.

As I have mentioned in the past, a Court recently reversed a regulation authored by the Bush Administration that allowed law-abiding gun owners with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms into National Parks as long as it complies with state laws. This reversal was a significant infringement on the rights of responsible gun owners throughout the country that wish to visit and enjoy our National Parks. This legislation provides for an opportunity to restore these rights to gun owners.

As this legislation is considered on the House floor today, I will make sure to keep you updated on the vote.

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Climate Change Debate Begins

Adam Putnam — 05/19/2009 16:49

Global climate change is a major policy issue before Congress this year and the final form of any legislation will have major ramifications on every aspect of our economy. All stakeholders should be part of the debate. To that end, I thought I would update you on the status of legislation.

On May 14, 2009, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Markey (D-MA) released their updated "American Clean Energy and Security" legislation, including proposed allowance allocations for the cap-and-tax regime. The legislation contains four sections outlining mandates for renewable energy, mandates for energy efficiency, a cap-and-tax proposal, and a "transitioning" section focused on forestalling expected job loss. The legislation is being debated in the Energy and Commerce Committee this week.

I will work with my colleagues to ensure that a balanced is taken to any legislation as it progresses through Congress, so that we not only sustain and protect our environment, but foster innovation in new energy technologies, drawing from a wide range of renewable energy resources, all while not unduly raising costs to the consumer.

To view the Energy and Commerce Committee proceedings on this legislation, please click here: Climate Change Debate I will continue to update you as this legislation moves through the legislative process.

To view the Republican alternative plan, click here: Republican Plan.

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Veterans Legislation

Adam Putnam — 05/18/2009 18:33

I recently added a summary to the website that highlights the legislative initiatives I supported that focus on our nation's veterans. It is always an honor to represent many brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. While they have greatly sacrificed for generations, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are provided with the appropriate benefits after they leave the Armed Forces. This veterans summary provides descriptions of the veterans legislation I have cosponsored. As always, let me know if there are other bills that you would like me to support or cosponsor.

I will continue to update this (and other) summaries as the 111th Congress progresses.

To view the summary on veterans legislation, please click here: veterans

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More Bad News on Entitlements

Adam Putnam — 05/14/2009 14:20

The public has known for some time now that the futures of the Social Security and Medicare programs are unsustainable in their current forms. On Tuesday, both the Social Security Board of Trustees and the Boards of Trustees for Medicare issued reports once again confirming the dismal state of these entitlement programs. Among the data released, Social Security is projected to start paying out more than it collects in revenue by 2016, and the Trust Funds are estimated to dry up completely by 2037. Likewise, if action is not taken soon Medicare funds will be exhausted by 2017, two years in advance of last year’s projection.

I realize there are many pressing issues facing our Nation and that America is in the midst of unprecedented challenges. However, we cannot continue to kick this can down the road. It is imperative that we create Social Security and Medicare programs that are fair, solvent and relevant to the generations currently depending on them, as well as for the generations that will depend on them in the future.

In an effort to find an entitlement solution, I have cosponsored legislation to create a bi-partisan commission that would be responsible for drafting a bill to address excessive federal spending and the financial health of our Nation. H.R. 1557, Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act, would require Congress to evaluate the long-term imbalance of federal spending and projected revenues, and to develop an alternative budget process that emphasizes long-term fiscal stability. It is my hope that these reports will serve as a wake up call to lawmakers that entitlement spending has reached an unstable threshold.

To view the full Medicare Trustees report, please click here: Medicare Trustees Report.

To view the Social Security Board of Trustees’ report, please click here: Social Security Trustees Report.

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Letter to Secretary Geithner

Adam Putnam — 05/13/2009 17:00

On Monday, I joined with several of my colleagues sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Geithner requesting that the Treasury work with Congress on a federal government exit strategy from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in order to ensure that our nation’s financial institutions raise additional private capital, and are provided with certainty from government policies – not consistent intervention to their balance sheets. Specifically, we address the Administration’s proposal to convert existing TARP preferred shares to common stock shares, thus placing the taxpayers’ investment at greater risk and further expanding federal government intervention. The letter states:

“A share conversion does not add any actual new capital to financial institutions. Rather than rely on a stock conversion that only changes the way capital is accounted for on banks’ balance sheets, we believe Treasury should focus efforts on ensuring these banks can bring in real, additional private capital. Converting preferred shares to common shares and providing free, balance sheet capital to these entities is a further incentive for them to hold on to their troubled assets rather than dealing with them.” Further, “…we can learn a lesson of the AIG situation and what happens when the federal government becomes a major shareholder of a financial entity. Conversion of billions of dollars of preferred shares to common equity would make the federal government the largest shareholder in several of these banks, giving the government a greater say in their operations.”

It is Congresses responsibility to ensure that federal programs being implemented to help strengthen our economy are done so in a way that ensures that taxpayer funds are protected while invested and then returned – not further utilized towards nationalizing our banks, thus placing taxpayers with the bill permanently.

To view a copy of the letter sent to Secretary Geithner, please click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/geithner_stockconversion_may09.pdf.

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White House Working Group on Food Safety

Adam Putnam — 05/13/2009 13:10

This morning, I attended the first meeting of the White House Working Group on Food Safety, which was announced by President Obama on March 14^th. The Working Group is chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Along with several Congressional colleagues and Administration officials that are participating, I hope that this working group will help in fostering meaningful reform to our food safety networks in the United States.

Along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), I have introduced the Safe Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act of 2009 (H.R. 1332) in order to help modernize an outdated food safety system. I am hopeful that the many principles in this legislation will continue to be discussed at the Working Group.

Protecting our families from food borne illness is a bi-partisan goal that consumers and industry share. I believe that the creation of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus as well as the White House Working Group on Food Safety is a positive step towards securing our nation’s food supply.

I will continue to update you on this important priority as we move closer to bringing comprehensive legislation to the House floor.

For more information on the White House Working Group on Food Safety, please click here: Working Group

For more information on H.R. 1332, please click here: H.R. 1332

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Congress Must Act Before Another Student Falls Victim

Adam Putnam — 05/12/2009 15:48

Recently, I reintroduced legislation – the Student Protection Act (H.R. 781) – that would develop a national system of standards for oversight, reporting and investigation of sexual misconduct by educators, faculty and staff in our nation's schools, bringing much-needed transparency to the system. The system we currently have in place has failed our students - repeatedly. There is something terribly wrong with our school system when even one educator has the ability to take advantage of a student due to a complete breakdown of reporting and mismanaged investigations.

This past Friday, the Lakeland Ledger reported yet another incident of sexual misconduct in our school system. Unfortunately, this serves as an example of the lack of safeguards in place to protect students from the sexual advances of a school employee, and the need for Congress to pass the Student Protection Act. Without adopting systematic policies and procedures at the national level our nation's school children and schools remain vulnerable when hiring employees from states with mediocre reporting procedures and lackluster ethical standards.

The predatory acts of a few bad teachers threatens to cast a shadow over the amazing job that educators do every day in preparing our youth to tackle the challenges and opportunities they will face. It is my hope that by implementing a national system of standards that we can empower educators and parents nationwide and make it crystal clear we will not allow those who would prey on young, vulnerable minds to compromise the integrity of our school system and tarnish an honorable profession.

To read the Ledger article, please click here: Haines City Teacher Charged With Having Sex With Student.

For additional Information on the Student Protection Act, please click here: H.R. 781.

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Florida Information on the H1N1 Virus

Adam Putnam — 05/04/2009 16:54

The Florida Department of Health has an updated website deicated to information regarding the H1N1 virus. This site provides helpful information for parents, businesses and healthcare professionals -- specific to Florida.

If you would like to visit the Florida Department of Health's website, click here: Florida H1N1 Information

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Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

Adam Putnam — 05/04/2009 11:02

The Gun Control Act of 1968 included a provision that prohibits firearms licensees from selling firearms to out of state indivuals at gun shows -- regardless of state laws. Obviouisly, this imposes a significant restriction on the many indivuduals that would like to travel to neighboring states in order to visit a gun show.

In order to overturn this outdated law, I have cosponsored the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (H.R. 1074). This bi-partisan legislation would allow firearms licensees to transfer firearms at gun shows to out of state individuals as long as the transaction complies with all applicable state laws and criminal background checks.

Corresponding legislation has also been introduced in the Senate. I will make sure to keep you updated on the progress of this important legislation.

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Rural Solutions Group

Adam Putnam — 04/30/2009 15:59

Along with the Ranking Members of the House Resources Committee, House Small Business Committee, and House Agriculture Committee, I have been appointed to the Rural Solutions Group. This organization has been tasked with creating a policy agenda for the many challenges facing rural America. As someone who was born and raised in rural America, I look forward to working on these vital issues and joining Members of Congress from around the country in formulating needed policies.

The Rural Solutions Group consists of the three Committee Ranking Members (listed above), who will chair the group, and 12 Members of Congress from a variety of districts.

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Information on Swine Flu

Adam Putnam — 04/29/2009 12:00

Cases of Swine Flu continue to grow within the United States.; The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a public health emergency in order to address the Swine Flu. According to HHS, this declaration, "Will help HHS prepare for prevention and mitigation activities by enabling Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorizations of drugs, devices, or medical tests under certain circumstances. Specifically, today's PHE will enable the FDA to review and issue emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for the use of certain laboratory tests to help detect the newly discovered strain of influenza and for the emergency use of certain antivirals."

For additional information on the Swine Flu from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please click here: Swine Flu Info.

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Signed Onto Tax Letter to Budget Conferees

Adam Putnam — 04/27/2009 18:24

For several years, I have joined my fellow Floridians in Congress in fighting for sales tax deductibility, which allows taxpayers to either deduct state income tax or state and local sales tax expenses when filling out their taxes. This is an important tax provision for states, such as Florida, that do have a state sales tax. We have been able to pass this tax provision on a limited basis and I recently joined several other Members of congress in calling to make this important provision permanent in the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget, which is currently being considered by a House-Senate Conference. The current provision in law that allows for sales tax deductibility expires in 2009.

You can view the letter that I signed onto by clicking here.

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Earth Day

Adam Putnam — 04/22/2009 11:23

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which was established to help protect and create awareness about the environment. Our nation's policies should reflect our commitment to the environment and our duty to ensure its long-term protection.

As a Member of Congress, I have proudly supported a variety of measures seeking to help protect our environment, including funding of new technologies that will reduce carbon emissions, funding for our national parks, expansion of renewable and alternative energy, and water restoration projects throughout the country. Most recently, I became an original cosponsor of the Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2009, which would make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions of real property for conservation purposes.

However, there are few places where environmental stewardship is more important than in the protection and restoration of the Florida Everglades. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is the largest water restoration project in the nation's history and one that I have consistantly supported in Congress. As a member of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, I have closely worked with the Florida Congressional delegation to ensure that projects are appropriately funded (with both state and federal participation) and completed in a timely manner.

Throughout Florida -- and the entire nation -- there are important environmental projects that should not be ignored. Science-based research and the needs of responsible land users should dictate how these projects are implemented and I look forward to supporting them in Congress.

If you would like some additional information on the Florida Everglades, please click here: Everglades

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Florida's Unemployment Levels

Adam Putnam — 04/21/2009 16:54

Florida continues to face high unemployment rates that significantly outpace those for the United States. The most recent data available, indicates that the national unemployment rate was 8.5n March (compared to 5.1n March, 2008). The Florida unemployment rate for March was 9.7with Polk County (10.5), Hillsbourough County (9.9 and Osceola County (10.7) almost twice their 2008 levels. Flagler County currently has the highest unemployment rate in Florida at 14.326nbsp;

As families continue to struggle with the current economic situation, I have hosted job fairs for the residents of the 12th Congressional District that are seeking employment. On April 30th (next Thursday), I will host another job fair at Mora Mayo Hall (500 3rd Street, NW) in Winter Haven from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. I would like to encourage anyone looking for employment or employers seeking resumes to attend the job fair.

As a Member of the House Financial Services Committee, I remain very concerned about the state of our economy in Florida and passing the appropriate policies to spur job growth throughout the nation. As we continue to debate the best approach to our economy, I would encourage anyone interested to sign up for my e-newsletter (which provides routine updates on policy debates in Congress) or send me an email through my website.

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Lakeland Ledger Editorial Highlights the Importance of Student Internet Safety Legislation

Charles Cooper — 04/14/2009 15:44

I introduced the Student Internet Safety Act (H.R. 780) in January -- legislation that would expand the list of authorized activities allowing schools to develop and implement programs that promote the safe use of the Internet by students.

Just last week, I hosted an Internet Safety Seminar, in conjunction with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, to help parents, students, teachers and others learn about the dangers that may lurk on the Internet and ways in which we can protect children from them.

Today's Lakeland Ledger Editorial serves as a reminder of why student internet safety is so important. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported in a 2007 study that 69f teens reguarly receive personal messages online from people they don't know. Our nation's youth remains increasingly active online and it is paramount that they are aware of the potential risks of online predators and know how to stay safe online. Given the vital role that the Internet plays in schools across the nation, the Student Internet Safety Act would give schools the ability to educate their students about staying safe in a rapidly growing online community.

To read the Ledger Editorial, please click here: Online Danger: Student Safety on Internet

For additional Information on the Student Internet Safety Act, please click here: H.R. 780

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Winter Haven Job Fair in Late April

Adam Putnam — 04/13/2009 14:16

As Central Florida continues to witness unprecedented levels of unemployment, I am pleased to once again co-host an Education & Employment Fair in conjunction with Polk Works. If you are looking for a job or seeking higher education and training opportunities, I welcome you to stop by Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven on Thursday, April 30, 2009, between 3:00 and 7:00pm.

Entry is free and you will have the opportunity to speak directly with hiring managers who are looking for qualified candidates and will be available to collect resumes. In fact, I encourage you to bring several copies of your updated resume and ensure you have plenty of time to visit with all of the employers.

Do not hesitate to call my office in Bartow, Florida, if you have further questions, (863) 534-3530.

Click here for complete information on the Education and Employment Fair: Job Fair.

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Reminder: Internet Safety Seminar on April 7th

Adam Putnam — 04/06/2009 09:01

Tommorow (April 7th), I will be hosting a seminar on Internet Safety, which will feature a member of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. This seminar will help parents, students, teachers and others learn about the dangers that may lurk on the internet and ways in which you can protect children from them. Here is some information on the event:

Winter Haven Library (Community Room) -- 325 Avenue A Northwest
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6:00pm -- 7:30pm

This is an important topic that has impacted children throughout the nation. Simple steps can help protect children on the internet and this seminar will help to provide those steps. If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact my Bartow office at 863-534-3530.

For more information on the event, click here: Internet Safety Seminar.

For more information on internet safety legislation I have introduced in Congress, click here: Student Internet Safety Act.

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Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution

Adam Putnam — 04/03/2009 16:16

The House passed the Democrat Fiscal Year 2010 Budget last night by a vote of 233 to 196. I voted against this budget because I strongly believe that a $3.5 trillion budget that spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much is not the right polcy for hard working families during these difficult economic times. We should be funding our national priorities, while reducing spending on low-priority, outdated, and under performing programs.

To see my press release and remarks on the fiscal year 2010 budget, click here: Budget.

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Budget Speech on the House Floor

Adam Putnam — 04/02/2009 12:20

I just came back from the House floor, where I spoke in opposition to the budget being considered. This budget spends too much, taxes too much, and provides no meaningful reform. Given the spending spree Congress has undertaken recently, I strongly believe that we must pass a budget that funds national priorities and stimulates economic growth, which requires spending restraint, tax relief, and comprehensive reforms.

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Debating the FY2010 Budget on the House Floor

Adam Putnam — 04/02/2009 09:30

We are in the midst of a debate on the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget on the House floor. The debate is expected to be completed this evening, when Congress votes on the final budget resolution. During this debate, Republicans will be offering a budget alternative, which will do the following:

Spends 4.6 trillion less than the Democrat budget over 10 years
Borrows $3.6 trillion less than the Obama budget over 10 years
Extends tax relief to families and small businesses

Tough economic times call for responsible budgets. I believe that the alternative budget provides a strong contrast to the President's proposed budget and the budget being considered on the floor today. Below is a chart that highlights those differences in spending alone.

As we continue to consider the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, I hope to keep you updated on any developments during the debate.

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Republican Budget Alternative

Adam Putnam — 04/01/2009 13:16

During debate on the budget, Republicans will be offering their own budget alternative. The Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), has released the attached report, which is titled "The Path to American Prosperity." This document includes the Republican budget alternative and an analysis of its provisions. This comprehensive proposal provides a budget alternative that reduces taxes, controls spending, and provides funding for our national priorities.

To view the Republican Budget Alternative, click here: H.Con.Res 85.

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Budget Debate Begins

Adam Putnam — 04/01/2009 11:50

This afternoon, the House of Representatives will begin debate on the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution. President Obama's proposed budget (which serves as a general recommendation to Congress) was $3.6 trillion. The Democrat budget in the House is very similar -- and contains the same massive government spending that our country needs to eliminate during these difficult economic times.

Throughout the country, families are adjusting to this economy - some may be reducing costs at home and others may be delaying a large purchase. The family budget adjusts...the federal budget just keeps on spending.

Unfortunately, this massive budget isn't the only burden being placed on the American taxpayers. The Troubled Asset Relief Program ($700 billion), Omnibus Appropriations Bill ($410 billion) and the "stimulus" bill ($787 billion) have already been implemented at the full expense of American taxpayers.

Over the next two days, I will keep you updated on the budget debate and the alternatives being proposed. I hope that we will be able to insert basic principles from the family budget into our debate on the federal budget.

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Important Veterans Legislation

Adam Putnam — 03/31/2009 12:51

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lakeland Community Based Outpatient Clinic. This facility will provide needed health care to Floridians that have served our country and protected our freedoms. I enjoyed seeing the new clinic and meeting some of the individuals that have bravely served in our Armed Forces.

While we have taken significant steps to providing our nation's veterans with better quality health care and benefits, much remains to be done for the men and women that have served in uniform. I was especially proud of a provision I sponsored during the 110^th Congress, for example, that provided transferability of veterans education benefits - a provision that was signed into law by President Bush.

During this Congress, I have also cosponsored legislation that I believe are important policies for our veterans. I have included some of those bills below:

Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act (H.R. 613): This legislation would require the United States to forgive any overpayments of military retired or retainer pay for any period after the death of the recipient through the end of the month in which the death occurs.

Establishing a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs (H.Res. 111): This bipartisan committee would investigate unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War missions, Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom, including those missing in action (MIAs) and prisoners of war (POWs).

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 (H.R. 23): This bill would establish a compensation fund providing for a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who was a member of the U.S. Merchant Marines serving as a crew member of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946.

As these (and other veterans bills) move through the legislative process, I will make sure to keep you updated.

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Lakeland Community Based Outpatient VA Clinic

Adam Putnam — 03/30/2009 10:42

This morning, I had the opportunity to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lakeland Community Based Outpatient Clinic, which is located at 3237 South Pipkin Road. This new clinic constitutes two 10,000 square foot facilities that will provide mental health care, laboratories, pharmacy, home health care staff, prosthetics labs, and women's care. The facility and staff will be five times as large as the previous facility being replaced. Along with the new Brandon Outpatient Clinic, the Lakeland Community Based Outpatient Clinic will help Florida’s veterans closer to home and increase access to care at Haley VA Hospital.

Our nation’s veterans deserve quality healthcare provided in a timely manner. Too often, they are forced to deal with long wait times and over-crowded clinics. The addition of the Lakeland Community Based Outpatient Clinic – along with the Brandon Outpatient Clinic – will help Florida’s veterans receive quality care.

Generations of American men and women have served our nation in uniform throughout the world. Time and time again, they have answered the call to service and made great sacrifices to defend our freedom. I am pleased that Lakeland will have a new outpatient facility to serve these brave heroes.

For additional information about the new clinic, click here: Lakeland Community Based Outpatient VA Clinic

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Internet Safety Seminar -- April 7, 2009

Adam Putnam — 03/27/2009 10:31

According to a 2007 study conducted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

69% teens regularly receive personal messages online from people they do not know;
31% teens say they usually reply and chat with people they don’t know;
64% post photos or videos of themselves, while 58% post information about where they live;
19% report they have been harassed or bullied online.

While the internet provides many important services for children, such as providing on-line educational material, it also poses a significant risk to their safety if proper precautions are not taken. Throughout the country, predators are locating and harassing children they meet on-line. In order to counter this trend, I have introduced the Student Internet Safety Act (H.R. 780). This legislation would expand grant funding to allow schools to develop programs that promote safe use of the internet by students.

On April 7, 2009, I am also hosting an internet safety seminar in conjunction with the Polk County Sheriffs Office. This will take place in the Community Room of Winter Haven Library from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This seminar will help to educate parents on how to protect their children on-line.

For additional information on the internet safety seminar, click here: Internet Safety Seminar.

For additional information on the Student Internet Safety Act, click here: H.R. 780.

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Congressional Food Safety Caucus

Adam Putnam — 03/26/2009 15:12

The Safe FEAST Act (H.R. 1332) – bi-partisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) – continues to gain support on Capitol Hill from individuals and groups that understand the need and importance for comprehensive reforms within our food safety networks. I believe that H.R. 1332 provides those reforms – both here and abroad – in a manner that serves consumers and producers.

Since passage of food safety legislation continues to be a vital national priority, I have joined a new Congressional Food Safety Caucus. This bi-partisan caucus will provide briefings and information about the importance of food safety and highlight areas in which we need to enhance our food safety operations. I am hopeful that the creation of the Food Safety Caucus will help to further the food safety debate in Congress and help to bring needed reforms to the floor for a vote.

I encourage you to learn more about the Safe FEAST Act here: H.R. 1332.

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Op-ed on Capital Gains

Adam Putnam — 03/25/2009 11:09

An op-ed I submitted to The Hill Newspaper, entitled "Stimulate the Economy, Don't Punish Thrift", was published in today's edition. In this piece, I discuss concerns with the President's plan to increase capital gains taxes in a time that we should be reducing them.

To read the op-ed, click here: The Hill.

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Legislation Protecting the Second Amendment in National Parks

Adam Putnam — 03/25/2009 09:43

Earlier this week, I mentioned that a court had blocked a regulation allowing for permitted individuals to carry concealed weapons in national parks (in compliance with applicable state laws). Therefore, individuals are no longer allowed to transport or carry firearms into national parks, despite state laws that may allow them to do so.

Along with 17 other Members of Congress, I have become an original cosponsor of legislation (H.R. 1684) that would preserve second amendment rights within national parks and national wildlife refuges. The legislation was introduced yesterday and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. I am hopeful that this bill can move through the legislative process in order to restore second amendment freedoms to law abiding gun owners.

To view a copy of the legislation, click here: H.R. 1684.

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Secretary Geithner and Chairman Bernanke Tesify at Financial Services Committee

Adam Putnam — 03/24/2009 09:37

This morning, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner are testifying before the House Financial Services Committee about the "government’s intervention at American International Group (AIG)." Given the amount of taxpayer funds provided to AIG and the significant bonuses that were recently provided to company executives, I believe this hearing is an important step in the overall oversight process.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently testified before Congress about the assistance provided to AIG. In their analysis, GAO estimated the overall government investment in AIG to be $182.5 billion.

This hearing will hopefully establish a better understanding of how the Department of Treasury and Federal Reserve are implementing assistance programs at AIG and other similar financial institutions.

To view the testimony of Secretary Geithner, click here: Geithner Testimony.

To view the testimony of Chairman Bernanke, click here: Bernanke Testimonty.

To view the GAO report and funding chart on AIG, click here: GAO Report.

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Court Blocks Regulation Allowing Guns in National Parks

Adam Putnam — 03/23/2009 17:49

Prior to the start of this year, firearms in parks and wildlife refuges managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) were prohibited by federal regulation (there are some exceptions for marksmanship and hunting). Firearm restrictions of this nature were first instituted to prevent poaching and other illegal activities back in the 1930’s. The regulations were then significantly revised in ’81 and ’83. These regulations had become significantly outdated and limited rights of law-abiding citizens.

Since then, forty-eight states have passed “concealed carry” laws, allowing individuals to carry concealed handguns for purposes of self-defense. In 2008, President Bush and the Department of the Interior – with strong, bi-partisan support in Congress -- moved to alter regulations so that individuals would be permitted to possess loaded and concealed firearms, as long as doing so was legal under that respective state’s gun laws where the public lands are located. The change to public lands gun regulation was issued December 10, 2008, and took effect January 9, 2009.

On Thursday, March 19, 2009, a federal district court in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction against the implementation of the new rule by the Department of the Interior. Interior has until April 20^th to evaluate the rule and suggest its course of action, but until then individuals are not permitted to carry loaded concealed weapons that were allowed under the regulation change. The court’s ruling is also expected to be appealed.

As a supporter of the Second Amendment and an advocate for our National Parks, I supported President Bush’s action to allow permitted individuals to carry concealed firearms into national parks as long as doing so was in compliance with state laws. I am troubled by the court’s action to block this policy and hope this matter can be resolved soon in a manner that respects the rights of law-abiding citizens.

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New Deficit Numbers

Adam Putnam — 03/23/2009 09:46

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is responsible for providing cost analysis of legislation and economic projections, recently updated its previous deficit projections to indicate a significantly higher number. According to the CBO:

Largely as a result of the enactment of recent legislation and the continuing turmoil in financial markets, CBO’s baseline projections of the deficit have risen by more than $400 billion in both 2009 and 2010 and by smaller amounts thereafter. Those projections assume that current laws and policies remain in place. Under that assumption, CBO now estimates that the deficit will total almost $1.7 trillion (12 percent of GDP) this year and $1.1 trillion (8 percent of GDP) next year - the largest deficits as a share of GDP since 1945.

These projections highlight the cost of uncontrollable spending on our nation's long-term fiscal health. This year alone, there will be more than $4 trillion of spending (which encompasses 28.5f the economy). In just the first three months of this year, the President has signed into law a stimulus bill ($1.1 trillion), fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill ($410 billion), and proposed a $3.6 billion budget. This unsustainable spending will be a burden on generations of Americans, who could be forced to pay higher taxes or receive a cut in needed benefits (or both) in order to pay for this spending.

American taxpayers know how to craft a family budget that is adjusted for difficult economic times. It is time Congress and the President follow the lead of families across our nation and begin to reign in spending in order to fund priorities, without irresponsibility increasing debt.

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Avoid Housing Scams

Adam Putnam — 03/20/2009 10:00

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is warning consumers about housing scams and websites that are not legitimate housing assistance websites. One such website - http://bailout.hud-gov.us/ - is NOT an official HUD site. Please DO NOT use this site to access any HUD programs or assistance.

If you are looking for information about programs and services available to homeowners seeking assistance, I have a document available on my website that may be helpful. This information will assist you in locating services and resources for homeowners during these difficult economic times. To access this document, please click here: Housing Information.

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Letter to Attorney General Holder

Adam Putnam — 03/20/2009 09:10

As I have previously mentioned, Attorney General Holder recently stated his desire to reinstate the "assault weapons ban." His statements were very concerning and, therefore, I have joined a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Obama urging him and his administration not to pursue an agenda that would reinstate this outdated policy. Our letter – in part – says the following:

"We have been down this path before and all we accomplished was taking Constitutional rights of Americans. To even consider reinstating an ‘assault weapon’ ban is an affront to our Founding Fathers who so clearly understood the importance of the ordinary citizens’ right to keep and bear arms…we urge you to direct your Administration to pursue other methods of fighting violent crime and the War on Drugs, and leave the ‘assault weapon’ ban in the past where it belongs."

In addition to expressing my concerns to the President about the "assault weapons" ban, I have also cosponsored the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 197). This bill would establish a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms by non-residents who have a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in another state.

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More Support for the Safe FEAST Act (H.R. 1332)

Adam Putnam — 03/19/2009 16:07

This morning, there was more discussion at the Energy and Commerce Committee in support of the food safety legislation I introduced along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) -- The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards, and Targeting Act of 2009 (The Safe FEAST Act) . Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, said the following during a hearing on food safety this morning:

"We need to shift from the current reactive food safety system that depends heavily on product testing to a proactive one that relies on modern scientific standards and safety controls that detect and eliminate food-borne contamination as far up the chain as possible…H.R. 1332, the Safe FEAST Act, a bipartisan bill that has been introduced by our colleagues Jim Costa (CA) and Adam Putnam (FL) does just that."

Currently, the legislation has 28 bi-partisan cosponsors. We are continuing to seek support of this legislation in order to bring this important matter to the House floor in a timely manner.

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Efforts to Recoup 100% of AIG Bonuses

Adam Putnam — 03/19/2009 13:38

Today, I supported a motion on the House floor to recoup 100% of the $165 million in bonuses provided to executives of AIG. This effort would have required AIG to repay all of the bonuses before receiving additional taxpayer funded assistance from the federal government. Unfortunately, this motion failed despite my support.

I am also a cosponsor of legislation (H.R. 1577) that would direct the Secretary of the Department of Treasury to implement a plan within the next two weeks to recoup the bonus payments and block any further assisstance until the bonuses were paid back. The bill would also require approval by the Treasury for any future bonus payments (of any kind) made by recipients of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

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AIG CEO Testifying Now Before House Financial Services Committee

Adam Putnam — 03/18/2009 12:45

At this time, the Financial Services Committee is holding a hearing on "American International Group’s Impact on the Global Economy: Before, During, and After Federal Intervention." Edward Liddy, who is the Chairman and CEO of AIG, is currently testifying before the Committee.

For a copy of his testimony, click here: Edward Liddy's Testimony.

I will provide additional updates when the hearing is finished.

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Letter to Chairman Bernanke on Federal Reserve Lending Programs

Adam Putnam — 03/18/2009 10:17

The Federal Reserve has established 11 different lending programs that exposes over $5 trillion in government capital to financial institutions and corporations. Since these programs were established through the Fed’s own authority – and not through Congressional authorization – many questions have arisen about the recipients of the loans and the overall terms of the loans. While taxpayers are responsible for funding these programs, the Fed has refused to provide the transparency needed to ensure that taxpayer funds are protected. Therefore, I have joined several Members of the Financial Services Committee in requesting the following from Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke:

Identify the financial institutions and corporations receiving taxpayer-financed loans authorized by the Fed;
Identify exchanged collateral accepted by the Fed and include specifics related to how each transaction was measured and deemed a safe and sound investment; and
Identify under what circumstances and terms the Fed expects to be repaid for each transaction.

During these difficult economic times, it is vital that the programs being implemented to help strengthen our economy are done so in a way that is fully transparent in order to ensure that taxpayer funds are not being wasted. Due to the size and scope of these programs, Congress and the public has a right to know how these programs are being implemented and who the beneficiaries of these programs are.

To view a copy of the letter sent to Chairman Bernanke, click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/chairman_bernanke_letter.pdf.

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Increased Spending in the President’s Budget

Adam Putnam — 03/17/2009 13:09

There has been much talk in Washington, DC, about the President proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2010, which he recently delivered to Congress. Committees are now considering the budget numbers presented for the agencies within their jurisdiction and the Budget Committee will soon begin drafting a Budget Resolution. The proposed budget – as I have mentioned before – is about $3.6 trillion. With a backdrop of $700 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), $410 billion for the Omnibus Spending bill, and $1.1 trillion for the economic “stimulus” package, the President's budget appears to continue a spending trend that will be a tremendous burden on future generations.

Below is a chart prepared by the Republicans on the House Budget Committee, which highlights the growth in spending outlined in the President’s budget. This dramatic spending increase will be especially painful on the taxpayer given the difficult economic situation.

I am hopeful that Congress can produce a responsible budget that will not simply grow the size of the federal government, but will make spending decisions based on our national priorities and in a manner that provides the appropriate protections for taxpayers and beneficiaries of federal programs. I will make sure to keep you updated as the budget moves through the legislative process.

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Treasury Secretary Geitner Hearing on Troubled Assets

Adam Putnam — 03/16/2009 10:20

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was established in order to authorize the Department of the Treasury to purchase “troubled assets” from financial institutions. I have had some concerns with the transparency and oversight of the TARP program and, therefore, voted against releasing the second $350 billion in TARP funds (which passed along partisan lines). Since then, President Obama has included an additional $750 billion for TARP in his proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Budget. Unfortunately, the program continues to lack the transparency necessary to provide confidence that taxpayer funds are not being wasted.

The Administration (both under the leadership of President Bush and President Obama) has committed to cooperating with Congressional oversight of the program. However, Treasury Secretary Geithner has yet to appear before the House Financial Services Committee, of which I am a member. When spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer funds it is Congress’ responsibility to ensure that the appropriate level of oversight, transparency and accountability exists.

Along with several of my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee, I have sent a letter to the Chairman of the Committee requesting an oversight hearing on this matter – and the other programs announced by the Treasury Department – that includes Secretary Geithner. I will continue to push for this important hearing in order to provide the oversight taxpayers deserve.

If you would like to see a copy of the letter, click here: Geithner Hearing Letter.

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Job Fair On March 19, 2009

Adam Putnam — 03/13/2009 10:44

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), unemployment rose during the month of February from 7.6 percent to 8.1 percent and "job losses were large and widespread across nearly all major industry sectors." Moreover, the unemployment rate in Polk County is even worse at 9.9 percent. This amounts to 651,000 payroll jobs lost during the last month.

Families and small businesses are continuing to struggle with high unemployment, sky rocketing healthcare costs, a housing crises, and instability in the market. We must find strong, bi-partisan approaches to help spur the economy and protect jobs and small businesses during these difficult economic times. We must also find opportunities within our communities to promote job counseling services, employment opportunities, and training.

Along with Polk Works and Polk Community College, I am hosting a celebration of Veterans and job fair on March 19, 2009 at the Polk Community College, Winter Haven Campus. Everyone is encouraged to attend the job fair - especially our nation's Veterans. Employers from both private and public sectors will be available to collect resumes and discuss employment opportunities with job seekers. If you or a family member is interested in attending the job fair, make sure to bring plenty of resumes and allot enough time to visit with all of the employers.

For additional information about the job fair, click here: Job Fair.

For additional information about February job losses, click here: Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

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The President Agrees With Putnam Earmark Reforms

Adam Putnam — 03/12/2009 14:29

Upon signing the $410 billion omnibus bill into law, President Obama stated "the awarding of earmarks to private companies is the single most corrupting element of this practice." He also called on Congress to publish all earmark requests on-line. While I believe he should have applied these standards to the legislation he signed into law, I strongly support these proposals by the President. On January 28th, I introduced legislation (H.Res. 100) that includes both of these principles as well as other comprehensive reforms to the earmark process.

For too long, embarrassing - and occasionally fraudulent - earmarks are included in spending bills, which fund private entities, programs named after Members of Congress, and projects with little or no public value. Therefore, my legislation would do the following:

Prohibits earmarks from being used for non-public entities, except for institutions of higher education;
Prohibits any earmark for any entity named after an individual serving in Congress;
Requires Members to disclose earmark requests within 24 hours of making the request to the Clerk of the House, to be posted publicly on the Clerk's website in a uniform and searchable format;
Requires certification that non-federal recipients would provide matching funds of at least 10 percent of the earmark request. A letter from the potential recipient would have to accompany the request;
Requires that the Member of Congress certify no family member is a beneficiary of the funding.

These simple standards are similar to those my office has used when requesting funds for a priority within the 12th Congressional District. They are simple, transparent and would help to eliminate much of the problem. I am pleased that President Obama agrees with several of these principles and look forward to additional support from Congress as we work to reform the broken system of spending.

For more information about my earmark reform legislation, click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/putnam/earmark_reform.shtml.

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More Disclosure and Transparency for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Adam Putnam — 03/12/2009 10:41

Last week, I introduced bi-partisan legislation with Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) that would require more disclosure and transparency over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This legislation, The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 1353), would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to pay registration fees and to disclose information as specified by the SEC about their securities. These are identical standards required for other publicly traded companies and issuers of private mortgage-backed securities. This will help to bring more accountability to Fannie and Freddie as well as more protection to the American taxpayer.

The problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - and the risky loans they acquired - put the financial security of their own institutions in jeopardy and greatly disrupted capital markets. Investors, taxpayers and the institutions themselves will greatly benefit from additional transparency provided for in this legislation.

I was a cosponsor of similar legislation during the 107th Congress and the 108th Congress. It is very evident now – over six years later - that significant problems may have been avoided had this legislation passed back then. I believe that passing this bi-partisan bill now could provide the needed transparency to avoid future problems down the road.

For additional information on the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Full Disclosure Act, please click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/putnam/fannie_freddie.shtml.

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Putnam Testimony on Safe FEAST Bill at Committee Hearing

Adam Putnam — 03/11/2009 16:29

This morning, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on food safety. I was honored that several of the committee leaders announced their support for The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act ("Safe FEAST Act"), which I introduced along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA). While I am not a member of the committee, I was asked to submit testimony on food safety and the Safe Feast Act. In the testimony, which you can read below, I highlighted the need for comprehensive modernization of our food safety networks at all stages.

I am pleased that Congress has increasingly become interested in the issue of Food Safety and the legislation we have introduced. I believe that it is vital that we pass legislation soon in order to ensure a safe and efficient food safety process both domestically and abroad. I will continue to keep you updated on the actions of the committee and the House as this issue continues to become a priority throughout the nation.

If you would like to read the testimony I provided to the committee, click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/safefeast_putnam_written_testimony.pdf.

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Lakeland Ledger News Piece Highlights Need For Student Protection Act

Adam Putnam — 03/11/2009 08:27

I recently re-introduced the Student Protection Act - legislation I also introduced in the 110th Congress. This legislation would create a national database of educators, faculty and staff in our nation's schools that have been found to have had inappropriate relations with a student. Too often a school official is removed from a school because of such an incident and is later found to be teaching in another school district, county or even state. This game of "pass the trash" is endangering our children in the one place they should feel most safe - schools.

The overwhelming majority of educators and school staff are upstanding professionals that work tirelessly to educate and protect our children. We all appreciate the service they provide to our families and communities throughout the country. It is, however, a small percentage that have tarnished the good work of schools nation-wide. We must ensure that those faculty and staff that choose to prey on our children are NEVER given the opportunity to work at a school again. Regardless of the arrangement they may have made with their previous school district – or even law enforcement – the Student Protection Act establish a database that will be a resource for all schools to make sure that potential faculty and staff have not had a previous inappropriate incident with a child in another school setting.

So far, there have been quite a few individuals and groups that have supported this legislation, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

This weekend's newspapers serve as a reminder of why this legislation is so important. Yet again, there are new stories of teachers having inappropriate relations with a student. You can find the Lakeland Ledger article here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20090308/NEWS/903081998.

If you would like additional information on the Student Protection Act (H.R. 781), click here: Student Protection Act.

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Scammers Prey on Unsuspecting With False Offers of Stimulus Money

Adam Putnam — 03/11/2009 08:14

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently identified a scam regarding the recently passed stimulus legislation. This on-line scam seeks to convince consumers that they are able to receive an economic stimulus payment, which is inaccurate.

According to the FTC, "an email, online ad, or website says you're eligible to get an economic stimulus payment. You just have to send back a form or submit one online to get it. The message might appear to come from a rebate company or look like it's straight from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)... If you get a message offering you money from the stimulus program in exchange for your personal information, ignore it, delete it, or throw it out. The IRS doesn't send emails like this asking for personal information, and rebate companies claiming to have stimulus payments for you should not be trusted, regardless of how plausible the script sounds or how official the forms look."

As consumers, we should always be on the lookout for scams and fraudulent schemes. Make sure to report any of these scams to: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.

If you would like some additional information about the stimulus scam, click on http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt125.pdf.

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Endorsements for Food Safety Bill

Adam Putnam — 03/10/2009 09:11

As I mentioned last week, I introduced bi-partisan food safety legislation (The Safe FEAST Act) along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA). Since the bill's introduction, a significant amount of support for the legislation has been generated.

Thus far, there are 21 cosponsors on the legislation. This includes several members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the lead Republican on the committee and the lead Republican on a subcommittee.

Additionally, several groups have voiced their support for the legislation. Here are some of the letters of support for this legislation:

As this important legislation moves throuh the legislative process, I will continue to keep you updated.

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Food Safety Op-Ed in the Orlando Sentinel

Adam Putnam — 03/10/2009 08:35

This morning the Orlando Sentinel published an op-ed I wrote about The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act (Safe FEAST Act). Along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), I introduced this bi-partisan legislation last week. It continues to receive significant support in Congress. I hope you enjoy the op-ed.

You can view the op-ed here: Orlando Sentinel http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword10putnam031009mar10,0,3321832.story

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IRS Identifies $1.3 billion in unclaimed 2005 tax refunds

Adam Putnam — 03/09/2009 14:58

Unfortunately, tax day (April 15th) is right around the corner. For many Florida residents that have not filed a 2005 tax return, however, April 15, 2009 serves as the last opportunity to file for unclaimed tax refunds.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced last week that there is $1.3 billion in unclaimed tax refunds from individuals that did not file a 2005 tax return, which includes 99,300 Florida residents with a total of $108,162,000 in unclaimed tax refunds from 2005. The median estimated refund for eligible Florida taxpayers that did not file a tax return in 2005 is estimated to be $609.

According to the IRS, “in cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2005 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2009. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, postmarked and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.

American families have enough of a tax burden with the current complex tax code. During these difficult economic times, families and individuals that have not filed their 2005 taxes and are eligible for a refund, should use this last opportunity to claim their refund before it is forfeited to the federal government.

For additional information on these unclaimed tax refunds and how eligible taxpayers can receive them click here: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204931,00.html.

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Everglades Caucus

Adam Putnam — 03/06/2009 16:53

This week I joined the Congressional Everglades Caucus for the 111th Congress. Similar to past years, this is an important bi-partisan group of Florida Members of Congress committed to ensuring that the Everglades National Park - and the many components of its restoration - is appropriately funded and protected. With the growth of restoration and water projects throughout the nation, Everglades funding is faced with greater competition within the appropriations process and other authorization bills. Thus far, state funding has significantly outpaced the federal commitment, despite a 50-50 cost share required by the project. Having a dedicated group in Congress willing to fight for this important federal-state partnership is crucial to the restoration’s success.

Few places throughout the country can match the diverse and precious ecosystem found within the Everglades. In 2000, the Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) - a 30 year restoration of the Everglades in order to restore the water quality and water flow of the "River of Grass." According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the restoration of the Everglades is the "largest investment in ecosystem restoration authorized by Congress.

Ensuring the protection of this important Florida landmark is a priority of mine and I look forward to working with the other members of the Congressional Everglades Caucus to ensure that future generations can enjoy the Florida Everglades.

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More Big Government

Adam Putnam — 03/06/2009 09:59

With all of the taxpayer funds lost to waste, fraud and abuse each year, is this the appropriate time to start major expansions of the federal government? According to The Washington Post:

"President Obama's budget is so ambitious, with vast new spending on health care, energy independence, education and services for veterans, that experts say he probably will need to hire tens of thousands of new federal government workers to realize his goals.

The $3.6 trillion plan released last week proposes spending billions to begin initiatives and implement existing programs, and given Obama's insistence that he would scale back the use of private-sector contractors, his priorities could reverse a generational decline in the size of the government workforce.

Exactly how many new workers would be needed remains unclear -- one independent estimate was 100,000, while the conservative Heritage Foundation said it is likely to be closer to a quarter-million."

From FEMA to the FDA, our government needs comprehensive reform - not more government bureaucrats or new duplicative government programs. Regardless of the importance of the program, throwing taxpayer money at a problem may temporarily disguise the problem, but it won't make it go away. Before spending more of the taxpayer's hard-earned money, we must reform these programs to ensure that the beneficiaries that rely on government benefits are appropriately receiving them.

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Safe Food Enhancement Assessment Standards and Targeting Act

Adam Putnam — 03/05/2009 15:04

Today, I joined Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) in introducing the Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act ("Safe FEAST Act"). This bi-partisan bill builds upon food safety legislation I introduced during the 110th Congress, and is strengthened and made more comprehensive to address lessons learned from food safety outbreaks over the last year.

These recent incidences of food-borne illnesses have highlighted the need to modernize our nation's outdated food safety network. Here are a few highlights from the legislation I have introduced:

Establishes mandatory food safety standards through the process, including the farm, packing, distribution and retail.
Provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the statutory authority to recall contaminated food in the case of adulteration and gives the FDA the authority to access the appropriate records during emergencies.
Requires imported goods to adhere to the same standards outlined by the FDA and requires foreign suppliers to complete a food safety plan.
Requires all food companies – foreign and domestic - to conduct a food safety risk analysis in order to identify potential sources of contamination.
Establishes new standards for fruits and vegetables and imposes mandatory standards for high-risk produce.
Strengthens the relationship between federal and state agencies and denies the importation of goods in the appropriate food safety standards are not met.

American families should have confidence that the food they purchase at their local grocery store has been transported, handled, stored and produced in a manner that adheres to the highest food safety standards. Industry should also have the confidence in their governing bodies that food safety determinations made are based on real science and health evaluations – not guess work.

While the United States may far outpace most nations in our current food safety system, we can do better in protecting the consumer. I strongly believe that the Safe FEAST Act will make great strides towards implementing comprehensive reforms in our food safety network and ensuring that consumers are better protected with appropriate food safety standards.

For more information about the food safety bill I have introduced, please click here: http://adamputnam.house.gov/food_safety.shtml.

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Protecting a workers’ right to a secret ballot

Adam Putnam — 03/04/2009 09:20

This week, Vice President Biden and several cabinet members are in Miami at an AFL-CIO meeting. Among other things, they are discussing the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, which I strongly oppose. This legislation would essentially eliminate secret-ballot elections for workers deciding on whether or not to form a union. The long-standing practice of secret-ballot elections allows workers the freedom to protect the privacy of their vote - free from intimidation from union bosses or co-workers.

This legislation would convert the current system to allow for unions to lobby workers in order to sign cards – known as "card check." If the union convinces a majority of employees to sign cards - without the protection of a secret ballot – a business has 120 days to agree to contract terms or it is sent to a federal arbiter that would simply dictate the terms of the contract.

As we are a nation whose strong democracy thrives on the concept of elections cast with secret ballots, I strongly oppose removing this right from America's workers. Stripping our workers of their basic rights to a secret ballot is bad labor policy, bad economic policy, and out of touch with our nation’s principles.

You may be interested in this Sun Sentinel Editorial titled "It's no secret - Democracy thrives with secret ballot elections," which appeared on March 1, 2009: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editafcardcheckpnmar01,0,4696084.story

I will continue to keep you updated on this misguided legislation as it moves through the legislative process.

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Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act

Adam Putnam — 03/03/2009 12:53

While I am traveling around the 12th Congressional District and talking with constituents, I often speak about the “generational challenges” facing our nation. There is no better example of this than the issue of entitlements and entitlement reform. The important – and often difficult – policy decisions we must make now, will dictate the fiscal health of our nation for generations. Here are three incredible facts from the House Budget Committee about the current trend in entitlement spending:

By 2015 entitlements will consume 62% our total budget.
By 2040 - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid alone will consume 20% our economy - equivalent to the cost of the entire Federal Government today.
By 2040 – Americans will have to pay twice the current rate of taxes – just to maintain the current level of entitlement benefits.

Clearly, the current trend in spending is unsustainable. Growing healthcare costs, among other factors, have placed an incredible burden on taxpayers already. Beneficiaries and taxpayers will only face larger impacts the longer we take to provide reform of our entitlement programs. While many in Congress have differing views on how to address entitlements, everyone agrees that the problem in entitlement spending will not disappear on its own. While the budget proposal delivered to the Congress by President Obama last week acknowledged the looming entitlement crises, his budget would grow entitlement spending by $1 trillion over the next 10 years.

Since this is such an important “generational issue,” I have agreed to be an original cosponsor of the Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act. This legislation would establish a bi-partisan commission, which would be responsible for crafting a bill to address the following:

The unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues;
Increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth;
The implications of foreign ownership of federally issued debt instruments; and
Revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues.

Once legislation is crafted, there is an expedited process established to have it considered by Congress.

There is no question that the issue of entitlement reform is vital to the long-term fiscal health of our nation, but it also is important to ensuring that needed benefits are delivered to the beneficiaries that rely upon them and that other national priorities are not “crowded out” due to the growing cost of entitlements. Any solution – no matter the avenue taken - will require some "skin in the game" from all sides and must take a bi-partisan approach. I believe that the Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act is a good first step. I look forward to joining the author of the bill, Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), in introducing this important legislation in order to begin the debate that must occur on this issue.

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Information on Housing Crisis Resources

Adam Putnam — 03/02/2009 17:50

I have recently received significant correspondence from constituents concerned about the economic crises - particularly the current housing situation. While Florida foreclosures have been declining in recent months (according to the most recent data), they remain significantly higher than 2008 levels.

As a Member of the House Financial Services Committee, I have had the opportunity to weigh a variety of policy options that address housing and the impact the economy continues to have on families and homeowners. As Congress and the new administration continue to debate this important issue and the various policy proposals being offered, I will continue to keep you updated.

In the meantime, I thought you might be interested in the attached document my office has prepared, which provides homeowners a number of good resources that can help provide the options available when facing possible foreclosure.

This (and other documents) will soon be available in the "current issues" section of my website, which will house a series of documents on important information and facts related to current policies and issues facing families in the 12th Congressional District. I hope you find this helpful.

You can find the document here:http://adamputnam.house.gov/housing_handout.pdf.

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National Consumer Protection Week

Adam Putnam — 02/27/2009 17:14

Next week is the 11th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 - 7). During these difficult economic times, educating yourself about the many scams that threaten the financial security of consumers and the steps you can take to protect yourself are some of the most effective things you can do. The Federal Trade Commission - along with government agencies and consumer organizations - has launched a website that provides resources for individuals and businesses interested in learning more about consumer protection. You can find the website here.

This website includes tips on how to get free credit reports, spot tele-marketing scams, deal with debt, detect identity theft, file consumer complaints with appropriate authorities and avoid home and auto repair scams.

Educating yourself about the appropriate consumer protections is a vital part of maintaining your privacy, identity, and financial security. I encourage you to visit the website or contact my office for additional information on consumer protection matters.

Here is the National Consumer Protection Week website: www.consumer.gov/ncpw/index.html.

Here is the Federal Government’s website on consumer protection: www.consumer.gov.

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Assault Weapons Ban

Adam Putnam — 02/26/2009 15:25

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr. Holder claimed that President Obama will seek to reinstate the expired assault weapons ban. The assault weapons ban was signed into law in 1994 as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. This restrictive measure expired in 2004 under former President George W. Bush. Without a doubt, I will oppose any effort by President Obama to reinstate the assault weapons ban.

It is my belief that every law abiding citizen should be free to own a gun for self-defense or recreational purposes if they so choose. I will continue to watch the administration’s actions and keep you apprised of any developments that may infringe upon your right to “keep and bear arms.”

Click on the following link for more information on the Attorney General’s statement: ABC News Story.

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Obama Administration Budget Proposal

Adam Putnam — 02/26/2009 13:38

As I am sure you have felt recently, Congress has been spending quite a bit of time reaching into your wallet in order to pay for more BIG GOVERNMENT programs. Just in the last month, the House has passed a $787 billion stimulus package and a $410 billion omnibus appropriations bill, despite my strong opposition.

There are important government programs that must be funded in order to meet the needs of the many beneficiaries that rely on them. But difficult times call for difficult decisions and simply throwing billions of dollars at a problem (and countless pet projects) doesn't solve anything. In fact, it may even grow the problem. We need to find solutions, which may (to the surprise of many in Congress) not cost billions of dollars. But those solutions will require everyone to have "skin in the game" a simple concept that requires all of us to understand that we cannot afford to have EVERYTHING. National priorities should be our focus and some of the pet projects will just have to be left out.

Like families across the nation, now is the time for the government to trim back spending. By doing so, we can reduce some of the burden on the American family so that they can keep the doors open on their small business, pay escalating healthcare costs, continue to afford their mortgage, or maybe even pay upcoming college tuition. The unsustainable spending spree we have seen in Congress is endangering the long-term fiscal health of our nation and ruthlessly adding to the burden on future generations.

This morning, the Obama Administration delivered their $3.6 trillion proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to Congress, which appears to continue the same spending trend we have seen recently. While I am still looking through the many provisions, here are a couple of my initial concerns:

Increases the national debt by $2.7 trillion this year to $12.7 trillion and doubles the national debt in 8 years;

Increases entitlement spending by $1 trillion over the next decade;

Contains $1.4 trillion in tax increases, many of which will affect small businesses across the country – businesses that create 70% new jobs each year;

Includes a $250 billion placeholder for losses from the financial rescue, a clear warning that U.S. banks may need substantially more aid. This would come on top of the $700 billion that Congress has already allocated to the Treasury; and

Reserves $634 billion for a yet-to-be-announced healthcare plan.

Like you, I find it difficult to keep track of all this spending. I hope you find this information helpful and I will continue to keep you updated as this budget works its way through Congress. You can review a copy of the budget here: FY2010 Budget

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Financial Services Committee Hearing with FED Chairman Ben Bernanke

Adam Putnam — 02/25/2009 14:16

This morning, I attended a Financial Services Committee hearing where Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testified on the current state of our economy. Among other things, Chairman Bernanke discussed the root causes of the current economic situation. I wanted to share an excerpt of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ Monetary Policy Report to the Congress that gives a thorough summary of the “Evolution of the Financial Turmoil” that we are currently experiencing.

You can view the full report by clicking here.

You can also view the opening testimony from Chairman Bernanke here.

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Welcome to Congressman Putnam's New Blog

Adam Putnam — 02/25/2009 10:59

Welcome to my new blog! This will serve as a source of news, information, and updated documents relating to the important issues before Congress and issues important to the 12th Congressional District.

I hope this provides you with timely information of interest regarding the many challenges facing American families. Please let me know if you have suggestions or comments about the new blog.

You may also be interested in viewing my You Tube channel, which will be regularly updated with new videos from the House floor, news shows, and other videos on important topics.

As always, you should sign up for my newsletter for updated information on legislation I have introduced and other issues before Congress.

Thanks for visiting my new blog and please check-in regularly to find new and updated information.

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