I. Upcoming District Events

I am hosting many exciting community events coming up in August!  These events include a grants workshop, community forums on No Child Left Behind and housing, a town hall meeting on global warming, a Neighborhood Day in La Jolla/University City, a Military Service Academy night, and an event on Medicare.  I hope you will be able to some of these events.  For more details, please visit my website here.

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II. Special Feature: Susan’s Account of Her Trip to Iraq

On my fourth trip to Iraq, I was honored to lead five of my colleagues on a bipartisan mission to meet with our troops and military and civilian leaders in order to better understand the realities on the ground. We did not come away with definitive solutions, but clearly came away more knowledgeable and yet more skeptical and wary of easy answers.

Before heading into Iraq, we stopped in Landsthul, Germany to visit with hospitalized troops. I spoke with a soldier who had sustained multiple injuries when his Humvee was hit with an improvised explosive device (IED). He expressed his belief that “we need to let the Iraqis take over.”

I also had an opportunity to visit the mental health ward and speak with those who manage the ward. The issues surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury are of particular interest to me and the Military Personnel Subcommittee, which I chair.

Our flight into Iraq was full of anxious moments. Wearing armor plated jackets and helmets, it is clear this is no walk in the park.

Our first meeting was with Special Operations Forces, highly trained troops that receive the best of cultural, high intensity mission training.  Having worked closely with the Iraqi Special Forces, they believe they are seeing much more loyalty in the unit, yet they acknowledge that loyalty has yet to transfer fully to a national identity.

The two meetings that gave us a chance to talk policy followed Blackhawk helicopter flights. Most depressing about the 10 minute flight was looking down on what seemed an almost abandoned series of neighborhoods. Granted this was an afternoon of 110 degree heat, but there was almost no activity below. On prior trips that was not the case.

We met with General David Petraeus, commanding general of Multi-National Force - Iraq. Our questions focused on the need for a strategic vision that takes in the region and what we need to do to bring our troops home. He acknowledged that they are assessing what kind of withdrawal could be completed without creating a total vacuum for Al Qaeda and exacerbating even greater sectarian violence.

We then met privately with Ambassador Ryan Crocker who laid out many of the issues he had been working on with the Iraqi leaders. Most of the issues are not resolved, and that serves as a continuing source of frustration. There is no strong figurehead, and mistrust and fear continue to play a strong role in the lack of progress.

I think what my colleagues on this trip – both Democrats and Republicans – would like to see is a clear articulation of a plan that moves beyond the “surge” to a timeframe that says categorically that we will continue to support Iraqis as they develop their strength but that we will redeploy the bulk of our forces within a prescribed period of time.

The week following our trip to Iraq, the House of Representatives cast another vote to pressure the Administration to withdraw U.S troops from Iraq. The House, by a vote of 223-201, passed legislation requiring the President to draw down the number of troops in Iraq. After seeing the situation on the ground, I believe my “aye” vote was consistent with what I learned on the trip and our need to move toward a strategic disengagement plan.

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III. Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act

An estimated one in six returning service members has a diagnosable case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and one in ten service members involved in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts may suffer a traumatic brain injury. Over one-third of the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans treated by the VA has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, including PTSD, depression, and substance abuse, among others.

However, the Defense Department simply cannot meet current demand to provide care to all those in need.  To address this issue, I have introduced H.R. 2612, the Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act.  This bill would establish centralized facilities to research and coordinate all aspects of military mental health policies and services as well as address the shortage of mental health professionals who provide care to members of the Armed Forces.

As Chair of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am proud to tell you that we have already begun to investigate these issues further.  I am dedicated to ensuring that our brave service men and women receive the quality health care that they deserve, particularly mental health care services. 

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IV. College Cost Reduction Act

I have heard from many constituents who are struggling to repay educational loans.  I believe that cost should not pose a barrier to higher education.  I therefore cosponsored the College Cost Reduction Act, H.R. 2669, which recently bill passed the House on a vote of 273-149.

H.R. 2669 will cut interest rates on student loans in half, strengthen Pell Grants, and provide loan forgiveness for those in public service.  In addition, I added language to the bill to deal with an inequity that faces student reservists or National Guard members once they return from active duty.  Civilian college students are given a grace period after graduation to transition to the workforce and find employment, and I wanted to make sure our servicemembers have the same opportunity. 

Unfortunately, reservists must begin to repay student loans immediately at the end of their activation if they do not return to college right away.  This change in the legislation allows reservists and members of the National Guard a 13-month deferment from paying student loans upon retuning from Iraq and Afghanistan. 

With a significant percentage of our service members in both Iraq and Afghanistan returning home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other anxieties, it can be difficult to return to college or to hold down a job until the service member receives proper treatment.  After making sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan on our behalf, we owe our service members a transition period as well as a chance to readjust back to civilian life. 

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V. Mentoring America’s Children Act

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) focuses on closing the achievement gap and improving student performance in math and reading.  These are worthy goals but I believe the initiative has overlooked important aspects of children’s development – providing emotional support and positive role models.

For these reasons, I have introduced H.R. 2611, the Mentoring America’s Children Act of 2007.  The legislation authorizes $100 million per year to the Department of Education to provide grants to states and school districts to connect children in public schools with high-quality and responsible adult mentors.

Mentoring is a critical element in a child’s social, cognitive and emotional development.  Mentored youth also have better attendance and are more connected to their school, studies, and teachers – and are more likely to go on to college.

I plan to push for more mentoring as NCLB comes up for reauthorization in addition to other measures making the initiative less of a punitive system and more of a tool to provide schools, educators, and students with support.

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VI. Veterans Education Tuition Support Act

Since military action began in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 420,000 reservists and National Guard Members have been called to active duty, many of whom were in college at the time of activation.  To address the educational inequities they often face, I have introduced H.R. 2910, the Veterans Education Tuition Support (VETS) Act.  Specifically, the VETS Act would add a new section to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to protect those activated while in college.

The VETS Act requires colleges and universities to refund servicemembers’ tuition and fees for any unearned credit for the semester or quarter when they are activated for duty and allow them to return to school after activation.  It also readjusts the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to treat student loans similar to other forms of debt and apply the 6-percent interest rate cap. 

Military personnel would have 13 months to begin paying off student loans after returning home, giving them time to overcome the strain of serving in a combat zone, to readjust back to civilian life, and to find employment if they choose not to return to school.  As I mentioned previously, this provision was included in the College Cost Reduction Act.

H.R. 2910 was inspired by the experiences of Patrick Campbell, a California native who was called to serve in Iraq while in law school.  Mr. Campbell serves as the Legislative Director for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and heard similar stories from the organization’s members.  The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects employment for those called to serve our country, and I believe it is crucial to also protect those activated while in college.

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VII. Passports

Beginning in the spring of 2007, the U.S. Department of State received an unprecedented surge in passport applications following the implementation of new national security rules.  Currently, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires a passport for air reentry for all U.S. citizens traveling from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda; adding the requirement for land and sea travelers as early as 2008.

Hundreds of constituents have contacted my offices with urgent concerns regarding their ongoing passport applications.  As your representative, I have taken several steps to assist you in resolving this predicament.  In recent months, I have voted for two bills aimed at alleviating this crisis: Amendment 291 to the 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to extend implementation of the WHTI to 2009 at the earliest, and S. 966, the Passport Backlog Reduction Act.  Additionally, I signed a letter sent from the California Delegation to the U.S. Department of State requesting immediate resources be given to the Passport Agency.

Finally, I have made my office and a full-time member of my staff available to assist you with your pending passport applications.  If you have an application in process and are leaving the U.S. within two weeks, please feel free to contact my San Diego office for assistance at 619-280-5353.

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VIII. Appropriations in Review

• Homeland Security

The Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which passed the House on June 15, seeks to address our nation’s most pressing security needs and implements many of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including fulfilling the commitments made by the House in the 9/11 bill I cosponsored in January.  The $36.3 billion provided in this bill supports local law enforcement, first responders, port security, and Customs and Border Protection.

I am also pleased to tell you that San Diego will be granted $16.1 million through the Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants program, which is a significant increase from the $7.9 million we received last year.  This is the result of a year-long effort by the San Diego congressional delegation, the Mayor and local officials.  San Diego needs this funding, and it deserves this funding.  There is no doubt that with our port, international border, and landmarks, we are worthy of significant homeland security assistance.

• Energy and Water

Global warming is a real and dire threat to the health of our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. To meet this challenge, I believe we need a comprehensive strategy involving aggressive action along three fronts: limiting emissions of greenhouse gases, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and making significant investments in alternative fuels and conservation.

I was therefore pleased to support the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which passed the House on July 17.  The $31.6 billion provided by this bill includes over $3 billion specifically to address global climate change and also includes investments in renewable energy programs.  In addition, it helps reduce our dependency on foreign oil supplies and seeks new and improved ways to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

• Military Construction and Veterans Affairs

Throughout my time in Congress I have consistently voted to increase funding for VA programs.  In addition, as the Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I am steadfast in my commitment to provide the best for our nation’s service members and veterans.  The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which passed the House on June 15, provides increased funding for the VA, military families, and other crucial programs benefiting our servicemembers and our veterans.

It provides the largest increase in funding for veterans health care in the VA's 77-year history, adding over 1,000 new claims processors to reduce the backlog of 400,000 benefits claims.  It also increases funding to address repair and maintenance needs to prevent a Walter Reed type scandal from occurring in the VA system.  The welfare of our nation's servicemembers and veterans is of the utmost importance to me and I am working hard to improve the quality of services these individuals receive. Without the sacrifices of service members and their families, our nation would not have the freedoms it enjoys today.

• Interior and Environment

The principal responsibility of the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill is to provide for the environmental and conservation needs of America's people and natural resources.  It provides funding to make America’s water and air cleaner, protect our historic structures, and clean up hazardous and toxic sites nationwide.

I was pleased to support measures in this bill to protect funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and to protect vulnerable species, such as the Mexican wolf and polar bears.  In addition, this bill helps to protect our environment and natural resources by preventing new drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf and a forest development road in the Tongass National Forest.

• State and Foreign Operations

The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill is key to our nation’s efforts to combat terrorism, foster diplomacy, and increase quality-of-life internationally.  It also provides funding for a number of programs that serve important roles in ensuring national and international security as well as important foreign aid to Israel and Egypt.

The $34.2 billion in this bill includes investments in global health efforts, improving access to education for children around the world, providing communities with access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and much more.  It also provides for those most in need by funding peacekeeping operations, refugee assistance initiatives, and international disaster assistance responses.  I was proud to support this bill, which passed the House on June 22.

• Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development

The Transportation, Treasury, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill funds projects and programs to keep our transportation system safe and strong and to ensure that every American has adequate housing.  With the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, it is clear that we must invest more in our national transportation system.

This bill rejected President Bush’s cuts to air services for rural communities as well as to our national passenger rail system.  It also protected programs to provide shelter for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families – programs that were cut in the President’s budget. 

• Labor, Health, and Education

There are many important programs and services that are funded by the Labor, Health, and Education Appropriations bill.  These include education programs, life-saving health care and research, social security, and workforce training programs.  I came to Congress to improve the quality of life for San Diegans, and this bill is an illustrative example of the kinds of services needed in our community.

With skyrocketing health, housing, and higher education costs, this bill provides vital relief and support to all American families.  I am pleased to tell you that this bill passed the House of Representatives on July 19, 2007, by a vote of 276 – 140.  I will continue to do all I can to ensure that social services are preserved for our nation and our community.

• Commerce, Justice, and Science

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill protects American families by providing local communities with state and local law enforcement and crime prevention grants.  The Fiscal Year 2008 bill reversed previous trends of decreased funding for these programs, recognizing the need to restore and increase our investments in the brave men and women who work in law enforcement.  I was pleased to support this bill, which also increased funding for the Office on Violence Against Women to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

In addition, this bill focuses on keeping the United States on the cutting edge of science and technology.  It increases funding for scientific research and education, including research on global climate change, space exploration and education, and promoting math and science studies for our students.

• Agriculture

The Agriculture Appropriations bill invests in rural communities, promotes public health, and seeks to improve nutrition for American families.  It also supports the transformation of our energy sources and supports conservation efforts.

Among other things, this bill provides $500 million for rural water and waste disposal grants and $1 billion for water and waste direct loans.  It also prevents funding cuts for Food and Drug Administration field operations and fully funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

As a former member of the San Diego School Board, I understand the need to promote nutrition for our children.  I was therefore pleased to see the funding this bill provides for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and other programs to promote healthy eating at young age.

• Defense

As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, my biggest priority is the quality of life for our troops and their families.  The Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill provides $2.9 billion for programs that support military families, including childcare centers, education programs, and family advocacy programs.

This bill also provides funding to address both personnel and equipment shortfalls, and increase our investment in the Defense health care system.  Nearly $23 billion will be invested in these systems, rejecting the President’s proposal to impose $1.9 billion in TRICARE fee and premium increases on our troops and their families.  In addition, this bill provides funding for a 3.5% military pay raise. 

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IX. New Staff Assistant Introduction

I want to thank everyone who applied for the staff assistant position in my San Diego office.  Also, thank you to those of you who recommended candidates.  We received more than 60 resumes, making our decision very tough to make.  We had an amazing group of highly qualified candidates from which to choose, and I would like to introduce you to my new staff member.

Nicholaus Norvell (Nick) will be fielding your calls, processing your mail, and assisting with your casework.  In addition, he will also occasionally represent me at community events. 

A third generation San Diegan raised in Lemon Grove, Nick recently graduated from Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in government with honors.  He was very active in college, interning at an election reform organization, studying Spanish and volunteering with political and social organizations.  Nick cares very deeply about the issues of campaign finance and election reform, LGBT equality and civil liberties.

Nick is excited about serving you in San Diego. I am happy to welcome him and hope you will join me in doing so.

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X. Fifth Annual Tri-Caucus Health Summit

Last month, San Diego hosted the Fifth Annual Tri-Caucus Health Summit. The annual Summit is an opportunity for members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to interact and discuss health care challenges facing minority communities, learn about their successes, and concerns in addressing health disparities.

This gathering not only helps Members of Congress learn from community organizations, but it also builds consensus on policies that address health care inequalities and encourages interest in communities of color on legislative action and outreach.  I was pleased to welcome attendees and work with all of them on these important issues.

Our city was chosen because it is a border region that illustrates the socioeconomic, environmental, and health challenges facing many underserved populations, including refugees, immigrant communities, and seniors.  I was proud of San Diego for hosting this Summit, and it was wonderful to share our great city with my colleagues.

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XI. District Events in Review

• Lemon Grove/Spring Valley Neighborhood Day

On Saturday, July 14, I hosted a Neighborhood Day in the Lemon Grove/Spring Valley community.  About 30 residents of these two communities came out of the summer heat to the Lemon Grove Library to discuss national and local issues of concern to them.  Constituents were concerned about various local issues as well as national issues, such as global warming, animal rights, impeachment, immigration, Social Security, the Iraq war, and my new role on the House Armed Services Committee.  I appreciate the emotion and passion the attendees showed for national issues facing our country and hope they will stay in touch with my office as these issues are addressed in Congress.

• Stand Down for Homeless Veterans

After my meeting in Lemon Grove, I headed to San Diego High School to participate in this year’s Stand Down for homeless veterans.  This event is produced by Veterans Villages of San Diego (VVSD) and serves hundreds of homeless veterans living on the streets of San Diego.  Over the course of three days, veterans are given medical attention, legal assistance, benefits counseling, and other resources to help them reclaim their lives and find permanent shelter.  During my visit, I spoke with a group of women veterans who shared with me the special challenges they face as women in the military.  Stand Down was created in San Diego 20 years ago by a group of local veterans and has spread to over 200 communities across the nation.  I applaud the work that VVSD does at Stand Down and throughout the year to care for our homeless veterans. 

• Imperial Beach Neighborhood Day

Later that afternoon, I met with over 60 constituents from Imperial Beach at the Dempsey Holder Safety Center.  The main topic of discussion was the importance of having clean water and sand at our beaches as well as other environmental issues.  I was impressed that so many enthusiastic young people came to show their support for clean beaches.  Other topics of discussion included Iraq, veterans’ benefits, my role as the Chair of the House Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, and training for mental health professionals.  It was a very lively discussion, and it is always such a pleasure to spend time in Imperial Beach.

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XII. Internship Announcements

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for Fall 2007. Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity to learn about public service and gain valuable work experience. Interns field constituent inquiries, record caller comments, conduct research, draft correspondence, and assist staff members with a variety of special projects and public events.

These positions are unpaid but may fulfill college credits. I give priority to students who live in the 53rd District, but all are welcome to apply. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to the appropriate intern coordinator: Lee Steuer in Washington, DC, or Nick Norvell in San Diego. Please contact Lee at 202-225-2040 or Nick at 619-280-5353 if you are interested in learning about internships in either of my offices.

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XIII. New Website

I would like to let you know that I have redesigned my website to make it more useful for you.  The new site has more content and is easier to navigate.  On this site, you can find all the latest updates on legislation in Congress; public opinion surveys; information on casework services and federal agencies; detailed updates on hot issues; current and former issues of my e-newsletter; announcements about internships and jobs; information about federal grants, Washington tours, academy nominations and requests for flags flown over the Capitol; specifics about upcoming events; and much more!  I hope you will take a moment to visit the new site: http://www.house.gov/susandavis/.

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XIV. Mailbag

I truly appreciate the time that all of you spend contacting me with your concerns.  Since the beginning of the year, I have received and responded to more than 50,000 letters and e-mails regarding more than 400 different issues. San Diegans are certainly active and interested in what is happening in Congress! I welcome your thoughts and comments. They help me better represent you.

Many of you have written in about immigration reform.  Although debate on this issue has unfortunately been stalled, I certainly appreciate all of your comments and suggestions and look forward to constructive discussions with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide America with comprehensive solutions.

Because of the 53rd District’s proximity to the border, this issue is of particular salience for San Diegan families. I am extremely interested in making sure that this crucial issue gets the time and attention it deserves.

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