Water Resource and Development Act Project Requests

Surface Transportation High Priority Project Request

12/16/2009
Payne Expresses Concern over Aminatou Haidar - Today I again join many around the world in expressing my continued concern over the well-being of Saharawi human rights defender, Aminatou Haidar on her 31st day of a hunger strike.  On November 13th, Ms. Haidar, recipient of the 2008 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Prize and the 2009 Train Foundation Civil Courage Prize, was arrested following her arrival at La'ayoune airport in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.  Ms. Haidar remains at Lanzarote airport in the Canary Islands of Spain, where she has been since her expulsion from La'ayoune by the Moroccan authorities.  I am gravely concerned that Ms. Haidar's health is rapidly deteriorating towards the point of no return. Let her sacrifice be an urgent call to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Moroccan Government, and to the international community highlighting the urgent need for a resolution of the crisis of the Western Sahara through negotiations mediated by United Nations Special Envoy Christopher Ross and, ultimately, self-determination for the Sahrawi people. I urgently call upon the Moroccan authorities to take immediate and necessary measures to permit Ms. Haidar's safe return to her home and family in Western Sahara. more

12/3/2009
Payne Votes for Estate Tax Relief, Fiscal Responsibility - Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to provide certainty for American families, small businesses and farmers by permanently extending the current estate tax exemption. The Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009, HR 4154, maintains the current estate tax exemption for inheritances of less than $3.5 million per individual ($7 million for married couples). more

11/19/2009
Payne Votes To Protect Seniors' Access to Doctors Attaches Fiscally Responsible PAY-GO Legislation - Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to preserve seniors' access to their doctors by fixing the way Medicare pays physicians. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (HR 3961) will permanently reform the Medicare payment system, repealing a 21% cut in payments to doctors scheduled to take place in January and replacing it with a stable system that protects seniors, preserves their relationship with their doctors, and promotes primary care. more

11/18/2009
Payne Votes to Boost Resources for America's Fire Departments - Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires and keep our communities safe.  At a time when many towns and cities are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (HR 3791) invests in the vital firefighter assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.  The overwhelmingly bipartisan measure passed by a vote of 395 – 31. more

11/10/2009
HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL - Today, House Democrats passed an historic bill that reforms our nation's health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care to nearly every American. The Affordable Health Care for America Act offers security and stability to all Americans, reduces costs, improves coverage and preserves our choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans. more

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Congressman Payne meets with friends from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. The Congressman is a strong supporter for funding of Juvenile Diabetes research and treatment.

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