Headline News

Inspector General Releases Cape Wind Report (02-03-10)

The Interior Department’s Inspector General released a report today on the MMS review of the Cape Wind project. The IG stated that the MMS ignored provisions of the Energy Policy Act, specific recommendations of federal agencies and other experts. The MMS also made findings that could not be supported by facts and failed to consider alternatives. To review a copy of the report, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Clean Water Funds For Cape And Vineyard (01-25-10)

U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt was informed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today that the Obama administration has approved $29.7 million in funds for several local water and sewer projects. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Calls For Simple, Transparent, And Understandable Health Insurance Reform (01-21-10)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt is urging Congress to tackle health insurance reform on an incremental basis that would be simple, transparent, and understandable. Delahunt suggested Congress coalesce around those elements of the package that have broad public support, and take up the bill in a series of votes on the individual portions. He said people could easily follow what we are doing. To watch Delahunt’s MSNBC interview, please click here. To read the transcript, please click here.

Delahunt Applauds Salazar Meeting on Cape Wind (01-14-10)

Today U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt commended Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar for convening officials from Cape Cod towns, tribes and historic preservation groups for reviewing the “many deficiencies and problems with the Cape Wind project”. To read a news account of the meeting, click here. To review the National Park Service Finding that Nantucket Sound is Eligible for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places, click here. To review the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Report that Nantucket Sound is Eligible for Federal Protection, click here. To review the Presidential Executive Order13007 Protecting Native American Sacred Sites, click here.

Delahunt Urges Release Of Home Heating Funds (01-11-10)

Today U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt signed onto a letter urging the Obama Administration to release contingency funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The contingency fund is used to supplement LIHEAP funds to states in cases of emergency and it may only be released at the discretion of the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. To read the letter, please click here.

Kirk and Delahunt Today Announced Official Approval Of Wetlands And Fisheries Restoration Project (01-11-10)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt joined Senator Paul Kirk today to officially announce Congressional approval for the $30 million Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project which will create over 500 jobs on the Cape to help clean up watersheds. To read more, please click here.

Following the event Delahunt participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the Cape Cod office of the United States Census Bureau. He discussed the availability of 2,500 new jobs that will open up on Cape Cod between now and the end of the year for the purpose of counting and collecting data for the 2010 Census. Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, be able to pass a background check and complete a 30-minute, multiple-choice employment test. Those seeking to apply to one of the positions should call 1-866-861-2010.

Delahunt Sponsors Credit Card Reforms (12-15-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced that he is cosponsoring legislation to cap credit card interest rates and outlaw excessive interchange fees that small businesses must pay credit card companies. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Funding For Local Projects (12-11-09)

U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill passed by the House this week includes $16.6 million for projects on the Tenth District, including $12.8 million for new facilities at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Service Academy Candidates (12-08-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that he has nominated several local students for admission to United States Service Academies for the fall of 2010. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Pushes Bill To Extend Health Benefits To Laid Off Workers (12-07-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation to provide continued health insurance for those that have lost their jobs during this recession. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Reviews Obama Plan for Afghanistan (12-02-09)

This week Delahunt and the House Foreign Affairs Committee will review the President’s strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the proposal to deploy 30,000 U.S. troops to the region.

Delahunt said today: “Obama’s plan to re-energize the international effort in Afghanistan, where the 9/11 attacks were based -- and to end the Bush Administration’s misguided focus on the distraction of Iraq, which was no imminent threat to the U.S. -- should be of no surprise to anyone since he made it clear during last year’s campaign that this was precisely what he would do, if elected.”

He added, “the President’s intent to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011 signals that he recognizes that there cannot be an open-ended commitment from the U.S. and that ultimately it is up to Afghans, Pakistanis, and their neighbors to ensure peace and security in the region. Now the Congress must examine how effective this plan will be in reducing violence, stabilizing Afghanistan and Pakistan, and eliminating the threat of al Qaeda to the U.S.”

Delahunt Plan On Canal Bridge Congestion Approved (11-16-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt applauded the decision by Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan for quickly endorsing his request to establish a task force to address the congestion issue in the Cape Cod Canal region. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Proposes Plan To Address Bridge And Canal Area Traffic (11-10-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today called for the formation of a task force to pull together all the various federal, state, local and regional government agencies to come up with a unified action plan to alleviate many of the traffic congestion problems associated with ongoing and future repairs to the Sagamore and Bourne bridges. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt, VA, Local Officials Unveil Plans For Plymouth Veterans Outpatient Clinic (11-10-09)

This week, U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt joined with local officials and representatives from the Veterans Administration to unveil plans for a future VA Outpatient Clinic to serve Plymouth area veterans. For coverage from the Old Colony Memorial, please click here. To watch a short video of his remarks, please click here.

House Approves Health Insurance Reform Bill  (11-09-09)

Over the weekend, the House approved H.R. 3962, “The Affordable Health Care for America Act”. This legislation, which Delahunt voted in favor of, is expected to bring down the cost of health insurance by promoting competition among providers and end abuses, such as banning coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. Budget experts say the bill will reduce the deficit. To read the analysis on how the legislation impacts Delahunt’s district, please click here. To read the full bill, which is now before the Senate, please click here. Delahunt noted that his calls, letters and emails were evenly split on the subject. To take Rep. Delahunt’s survey on health insurance reform, please click here.

Delahunt Seeks Public Comment on New Health Insurance Reform Plan  (11-02-09)

Last week, leaders in the House unveiled H.R. 3962, “The Affordable Health Care for America Act”. This legislation, which could come up for a vote this week, is the latest version of the House health insurance bill that has been evolving since the first plan was introduced during the summer. Delahunt is currently reviewing it. To read the bill, please click here. Click here for a short summary. To take Rep. Delahunt’s brief survey on this, most recent, health insurance reform proposal, please click here.

Delahunt Applauds Park Service Decision To Keep Boston Regional Office Open (10-29-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt applauded a decision by new Parks Director Jon Jarvis to keep the National Park Service’s Boston Regional office open. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Federal Funds For Vineyard Energy Project (10-27-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today announced the award of $787,250 from the U.S. Department of Energy to the Vineyard Energy Project on Martha’s Vineyard for an innovative smart grid project. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt And Mayor Koch Announce $14 Milion For Quincy Center Revitalization (10-27-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt and Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch announced today that more than $14 million in federal stimulus and transportation funding will be awarded to the City’s $1 billion plan to revitalize Quincy Center. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt And VA To Update Local Officials On Plymouth Veterans Outpatient Clinic (10-22-09)

U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt today announced that he will join Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, Director of Veterans Service Integrate Network 1, and State legislators to host a local briefing on prospects for a future VA Outpatient Clinic to serve Plymouth area veterans. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Foreclosure Assistance To South Shore (10-20-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today announced the award of $115,823 in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants to Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP) and the Plymouth Redevelopment Authority. Click here to read more.

Delahunt Hearing Wednesday On International Violence Against Women (10-15-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-MA) announced that the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight will hold a hearing on Wednesday October 21 to examine international violence against women. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt, Army Corps, Local Officials, Students To Tour Broad Meadows Project (10-14-09)

U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt today announced that he will join Monday with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mayor Tom Koch, and students from the Broad Meadows Middle School to present the City of Quincy with a check for $3,760,000 in federal funding for the Broad Meadows Marsh restoration project. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt-Blunt Travel Bill Approved In House (10-07-09)

Legislation championed by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt to promote international travel to the United States has cleared its final hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives today. To read more, please click here.

Afghanistan Exit Strategy Bill Gains Co-Sponsors (10-07-09)

Legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt requiring the Administration to report to Congress a plan for an exit strategy in Afghanistan now has 99 co-sponsors in the House. For more details on the bill, H.R. 2404, authored by Rep. Jim McGovern, please click here.

Delahunt: Service Academy Deadline Approaching (10-07-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today reminded interested local families that the application deadline for nominations to US Service Academies is coming up fast. For more details, please click here.

Delahunt: VA To Issue Emergency Checks To Veterans Awaiting College (09-30-09)

Today U.S Rep. Bill Delahunt applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for ensuring that thousands of eligible student veterans who applied for educational benefits under the new G.I. Bill passed last year will receive payments that had been held up until recently because of delayed processing and bureaucracy. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Sponsors Bill To Prevent Cuts In Social Security (09-22-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that he will co-sponsor legislation that will provide a one-time cost of living "COLA" increase to all Social Security recipients next year. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Urges "Rapid Response" In Fighting Red Tide (09-22-09)

Last week, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt called on a key House Committee to support the creation of a new rapid response initiative to aggressively fight future “red tide” outbreaks in New England. To read more, please click here.

House Passes Delahunt Adams Memorial Bill (09-22-09)

oday, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by U.S. Rep Bill Delahunt to extend the authorization of the placement of a memorial honoring Presidents John and John Quincy Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams on the National Mall in Washington D.C. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Chosen As United Nations Delegate (09-22-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt has been formally nominated today by President Barack Obama to serve as a member of the official U.S. delegation to the United Nations General Assembly that begins this week. To read more, please click here.

DOE Ok'S Funds For Nantucket-Vineyard Tidal Energy Project (09-17-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that the Department of Energy approved $599,547 in funding for the proposed Nantucket-Edgartown Tidal Energy Project being coordinated by the University of Massachusetts Marine Renewable Energy Center. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Hearing Thursday On UN Mandates In Iraq (09-15-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that his House Foreign Affairs International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight Subcommittee will meet on Thursday, September 17, to review efforts to end United Nations Security Council mandates regarding Iraq. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Federal Export Conference (09-15-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that the federal Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is headed by Acting President Dr. Lawrence Spinelli, will be conducting a workshop in Boston on Thursday, September 24th for women and minority-owned business in the New England area. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Seeks Comments on Obama Health Insurance Reforms (09-14-09)

President Obama outlined his recommendations for comprehensive health insurance reform in an address to Congress last week. It is based on many of the plans currently before Congress. The Congress now begins work on converting this plan into legislation. For a summary of the plan from the White House, please click here. For the latest updates on the bill’s progress, click here. To read his recent remarks in an Address to a Joint Session of Congress on healthcare, please click here. To provide Rep. Delahunt with a comment on health insurance reform, please click here.

Senate Passes Travel Promotion Act (09-10-09)

The U.S. Senate passed legislation this week championed by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt to promote global travel to the United States. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Seeks Comments on Health Insurance Reforms (08-12-09)

This summer, House leaders unveiled the America's Affordable Health Choices Act for 2009 - a comprehensive health care plan designed to reduce costs and increase competition among insurance plans. The legislation is now being worked on by three House Committees. For a copy of the original bill, please click here. For an update on the legislation in the House Education and Labor Committee, please click here. To review the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s progress, please click here. For an update on the House Ways and Means Committee’s bill, please click here. To review the White House web site, please click here. To provide Rep. Delahunt with a comment on health insurance reform, please click here.

Delahunt Honors Service Of U.S. Marine Cpl Nicholas Xiarhos (07-30-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt honored the service of Cpl Nicholas Xiarhos who died last week after being injured by a roadside explosive while serving in the Garmsir District, an area in the volatile region of southern Afghanistan. To read Delahunt’s remarks honoring the service of Cpl Xiarhos, please click here.

Delahunt Urges House Panel To Back $30 M Coastal Restoration Project (07-30-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt appeared before a key House panel to urge approval of the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project, a $30 million, 10-year initiative developed by Barnstable County, local municipal officials, conservation groups and fishermen to revitalize thousands of acres of degraded salt marsh, shellfish beds, and fish habitats. Click here to read more.

Delahunt Announces Funding For Local Housing Assistance Programs (07-22-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today announced the award of $3.2 million in federal funding for a variety of affordable housing projects and programs on the Cape and Islands. To read more, please click here .

Seven Delahunt Nominees To Attend U.S. Service Academies (07-15-09)

Today U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced that an impressive number of local nominees have been invited to attend U.S. Service Academies next year. To read more, please click here.

House Leaders Unveil Health Care Reform Initiative (07-15-09)

Today, leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled the America's Affordable Health Choices Act for 2009 - a comprehensive health care reform plan designed to reduce costs, increase competition among insurance plans, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. To review the plan, please click here. To review the White House web site on health care reform, please click here.

Key House Panel Passes Mariner License Extensions (07-14-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation that allows the Coast Guard to extend the duration of expiring mariner licenses for up to one year. To read more, please click here.

House Passes Base Redevelopment Bill (06-22-09)

U.S Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that allows the federal government to convey title to surplus military base property at no cost if the redevelopment promotes economic development. For more details, please click here.

Delahunt Praises President Obama's Financial Re-Regulation (06-17-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt applauded President Barack Obama’s plan to rebuild the regulatory framework and supervision of the country’s financial system and the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Funds For Clean Water Projects On South Shore, Cape & Islands (06-15-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt joined with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, Lt. Governor Tim Murray and other local officials at a press conference at the Deer Island Treatment Plant to announce that Massachusetts will receive over $185 million in stimulus funding for clean water projects. To read more, please click here.

President Signs Delahunt Bill To Examine Cause Of Financial Crisis (05-19-09)

In an Oval Office ceremony, President Obama today signed into law legislation sponsored by Congressman Bill Delahunt that will create a Financial Markets Commission to fully investigate the near-collapse of the banking system and the loss of tens of trillions of dollars. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Seeks Funds For Transportation Projects (05-15-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt submitted a list of projects to the House Transportation Committee to be included in the upcoming Transportation Bill referred to as the Reauthorization of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible Transportation Equity Act-Legacy for Users or SAFTEALU. These projects are key transportation initiatives aimed at providing significant employment, economic development and environmental benefits to the region. To read a full description of the projects, please click here. To read more, please click here.

House Passes Bill Giving Benefits To Merchant Mariners (05-13-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation last night establishing a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund and allows qualifying Merchant Mariners to receive monthly payments of $1,000 out of that fund. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt, LaTourette Introduce Financial Markets Commission (05-05-09)

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt(D-MA) and U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) introduced legislation to create a Financial Markets Commission that will fully investigate the near collapse of the banking system and the loss of tens of trillions of dollars. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Urges Funding For MA Wind Blade Test Center (05-05-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt is joining with Senator Kennedy and the Massachusetts delegation to urge Secretary of Energy Steven Chu to fund the federal Wind Blade Testing Facility, a project envisioned to boost the renewable energy industry in Massachusetts. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Urges Release of Interrogation Memos (05-05-09)

Delahunt joined key House leaders in requesting the release of documents that reportedly challenged the decision to use methods critics have likened to torture. Delahunt is urging officials at the State Department and the National Archives to produce a May 2005 memo that contested the legality of waterboarding and other measures. To read more click here. To read the letter, please click here.

Delahunt Sponsored Bill On Truth Commission Advances (04-29-09)

U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt joined with House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. in January in calling for a bipartisan commission to examine potential abuses of war powers by the Bush administration, including the torture of detainees and warrantless wiretaps. The bill now has over 40 cosponsors. To read H.R.104, please click here.. To Delahunt's statement, please click here. To read a recent news story, please click here.

Offshore Renewable Energy Zone Proposal Advances (03-25-09)

In the aftermath of Secretary of Interior Salazar’s call for designating areas off our coast for renewable energy projects, Congressman Delahunt announced that he and Rep. Capps filed a bill to do just that. Under their plan, states will designate areas for offshore projects. The plan will streamline the lengthy permit process, boost production of offshore renewable energy and revitalize coastal communities. Delahunt has filed similar bills since 2003. To read more, please click here. To read a copy of the legislation, please click here.

Delahunt & Miller Introduce Financial Product Safety Bill (03-23-09)

In the wake of President Obama’s endorsement of the idea, Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA) and Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC) formally introduced the Financial Product Safety Commission Act today. To read more, please click here. To read more from Reuters, please click here. To read Delahunt's statement, please click here. To read a copy of the bill, please click here .

Delahunt Announces Funding For Local Projects (02-25-09)

Congressman Bill Delahunt today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill passed by the House today contains over $36 million in federal assistance for the South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Posts Summary of “Stimulus” Plan (01-26-09)

This week the Congress begins debate on an economic recovery or “stimulus” plan. The purpose of the plan will be to create jobs and help provide a boost to the economy. To review the House Appropriations Committee summary, please click here. For a fact sheet from Speaker Pelosi's office, please click here. Please check back for further updates...

Delahunt Urges End To Coast Guard Licensing Delays (01-15-09)

Congressman Bill Delahunt is urging the United States Coast Guard to end delays mariners are experiencing an renewing their licenses. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Posts Report Documenting Bush Abuses (01-14-09)

Today, Congressman Delahunt posted to his web site a nearly-500 page report documenting numerous abuses and excesses of the Bush Administration. The Report is titled, “Reining in the Imperial Presidency: Lessons and Recommendations Relating to the Presidency of George W. Bush.” To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Pushes Investigation Of Bush War Powers (01-08-09)

Congressman Bill Delahunt joined this week with House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) to introduce legislation that will establish a bipartisan commission to examine potential abuses of war powers by the Bush administration, including the torture of detainees and warrantless wiretaps. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Votes No On Latest Financial Bailout Legislation (10-03-08)

Today, Congressman Bill Delahunt voted against the financial bailout package that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 263 to 171. To read Delahunt's statement, please click here. To read an analysis by a variety of economic experts, please click here. For coverage from the Falmouth Enterprise, please click here. To read coverage from the Martha's Vineyard Gazette, please click here.

Delahunt Urges Action On GPO/WEP (05-08-08)

Recently, Congressman Bill Delahunt called on his collegues to address the Government Pension Offsett and Windfall Elmination Provision which unfairly penalizes public service retirees and their spouses. To read his remarks, please click here.