I. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

I decided to stay on the House Armed Services and Education & Labor Committees because I feel these committees are a great fit for the San Diego community. It was particularly exciting to be chosen by Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton to serve on the resurrected Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee (Q&I). Believe it or not, Congress has not been able to exert true oversight of the executive branch for the past six years. The O&I Subcommittee will have the power to investigate any issue under the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee. We’ll take a close look at how taxpayer dollars are being spent on the reconstruction effort in Iraq and equipment shortfalls for our troops serving overseas.

I have also been chosen by Speaker Pelosi to serve on the House Administration Committee. This Committee’s jurisdiction includes election and campaign finance law as well as the administrative operations of the House of Representatives. I am eager to get to work on federal election reform to make sure future elections run smoothly.

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II. SPECIAL FEATURE: UPDATE ON IRAQ

Earlier this month, President Bush announced a plan to increase the number of troops in Baghdad and al-Anbar province. I have received hundreds of phone calls, emails, and letters from all of you, voicing your concerns over this proposal. Let me tell you, I hear your calls for change, appreciate your enthusiasm and share many of your sentiments.

I oppose the President’s escalation and continue to have great concerns about the state of affairs in Iraq. I believe that the American people sent a clear message to President Bush telling him his policy choices in Iraq were misguided and change was necessary. Sadly, the President has chosen to ignore the calls from the American people and to a large extent the United States Congress. Instead of charting a new course that will bring our country closer to the day when our troops can return home, President Bush has pushed the war in the opposite direction.

When Congress was asked to authorize the President’s proposal to invade Iraq, I voted no. I have continued to use my position on the House Armed Services Committee to ask administration officials tough questions, an effort that continues to this day. Over the past several weeks, I have questioned Defense Secretary Robert Gates, General Peter Pace and a number of academic experts on the President’s plan and on the way out of Iraq. What is clear is that military escalation is unlikely to work. What is needed are stepped up diplomatic efforts that will help Iraqis make the tough political compromises necessary to reduce violence and expedite the departure of American troops from Iraqi soil.

Many of you have probably been following the debate on H. Con. Res. 63 in the House this week. This resolution states Congress’ disapproval of President Bush’s decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. I spoke on the House floor in support of this legislation. If you would like to read my floor statement, you may find it on my website here.

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III. REVIEW OF FIRST 100 HOURS AGENDA

When accepting the position of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi stated, “We have made history, now let us make progress.” That is exactly what has happened with the first six House bills in the first 100 legislative hours of the 110th Congress. I championed several of these measures on the House floor and supported all of them with my affirmative vote.

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Implementing the 9/11 Commission’s Recommendations

The very first bill to be passed in the 110th Congress implemented the previously unfulfilled recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission on improving homeland security, greater inspection of containers and cargo, and developing strategies for preventing the spread of terrorism.

San Diego – with over one million residents, the Navy and Marine Corps presence, and one the busiest international borders in the world – is in a position to greatly benefit from the implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. Our community particularly benefits from the creation of a stand-alone grant program to provide first responders with the type of equipment enabling them to communicate with one another during emergencies. Lack of inoperable communications was an issue during the October 2004 wildfires. I am pleased to tell you that I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 1, the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act. This bill passed the House by 299 – 128.

The bill also requires phasing in 100 percent inspection of the cargo carried on passenger aircraft and 100 percent scanning of U.S.-bound shipping containers. It also includes provisions to reduce the appeal of extremism with the establishment of a Middle East Foundation, to promote economic opportunities, education reform, human rights, and democratic processes in the countries of the Middle East.

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Increasing the Minimum Wage

The Fair Minimum Wage Act, H.R. 2, immediately increases the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $5.85. Then after two years, the minimum wage will rise to $7.25. I believe that Congress has a moral obligation to raise the minimum wage as the cost of living increases. An increase will not only be good for minimum wage earners, but it will be good step toward a stronger economy.

As a cosponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act, it was an honor to vote in favor of increasing the minimum wage for the first time in a decade. Over the past two years, fuel prices have doubled, for example, and the cost of housing has risen to record highs. Many of those who earn these wages also must care for their children. Although the minimum wage in California is higher, increasing the federal minimum wage is the right thing to do for working Americans and their families. This legislation passed the House 315-116.

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Enhancing Stem Cell Research

As you know, we are in a race against time to save those who have been afflicted with such life-threatening diseases as cancer, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson's. Stem cell research offers scientists and patients tremendous opportunity to find cures for these and many other diseases. H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, will give scientists greater ability to explore the promise of embryonic stem cell research.

I cosponsored this legislation in the last session of Congress, and I am delighted to let you know that I am an original cosponsor of this measure in this session. I have heard from many families and associations in San Diego on the potential this research holds for our ailing loved ones. H.R. 3 passed the House of Representatives on January 11, 1007, by a vote of 253 - 174. Although President Bush vetoed this legislation last year, I am hopeful that public support from people like you will convince him to reconsider should the Senate also pass H.R. 3.

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Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

I have heard from many San Diego seniors who are struggling every month to afford their medications. Our seniors should not have to choose between buying groceries or paying rent and purchasing their often lifesaving medications. I came to Congress to support vital social service programs like Medicare, and I have worked ever since to ensure an efficient prescription drug program. H.R. 4, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, is a step in the right direction.

H.R. 4 will cut the cost of health care and improve access to medicines by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries. Current law absolutely prohibits HHS from this kind of negotiation, which is supported by 92 percent of Americans. I spoke on the floor of the House in support of this legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on January 12, 2007, by a vote of 255-170.

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Decreasing Student Loan Rates

Attending college should create opportunities, not create a mountain of debt. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I have heard from many of you who are struggling to make your monthly student loan payments. Many graduates today have had to forgo starting a family, buying a home, or seeking higher degrees because of the financial constraints of years spent paying off their loans.

The College Student Relief Act, H.R. 5, will make college more affordable and accessible by cutting the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates in half over the next five years. The interest rate would decrease from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent.

I was pleased to be an original cosponsor and to speak on the House floor in support of this legislation, which passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 356-71.

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Supporting Clean Energy

Weaning our nation off of oil and developing renewable energy is going to take a monumental effort. The CLEAN Energy Act (H.R. 6), which passed the House with my full support, is a step in that direction.

The bill would require the renegotiation of oil drilling leases in the Gulf Coast. In 1998 and 1999, leases mistakenly did not include a clause for royalty payments if oil prices exceeded $34. With oil prices hovering around $50 a barrel, it has been estimated that the American people have lost out on $865 million in royalties.

The Interior Department has renegotiated most of the contracts to add a royalty threshold. However, five of the 56 companies in question have refused to alter their contracts. Under the bill, these companies would be required to pay royalties or face fees on the oil they sell.

H.R. 6 also eliminates unnecessary subsidies and tax breaks given to the oil industry under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The $14 billion generated from the bill would be directed toward the development of renewable energy - wind, solar, and ethanol, geothermal, and hydrogen.

Our nation has become more and more dependent on oil. We simply cannot maintain our current rate of oil consumption. When it comes to renewable energy, we must go forward with the dedication and commitment that put America first in flight and put a man on the moon. The CLEAN Energy Act shows that this Congress is serious about clean, renewable energy and energy independence.

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IV. ETHICS REFORM: RESTORING YOUR TRUST IN CONGRESS

The 110th Congress started off on the right foot by following through on the promise of tightening ethics rules as one of our first orders of business. This includes banning gifts, meals, and most trips from lobbyists. Members of Congress and their staff are required to obtain an approval from the Ethics Committee to ensure trips are connected to official duties.

It’s not that it was a problem for the vast majority of Members. I’ve never had the time to go out to lunch with anyone in Washington -- let alone a lobbyist. However, it is good to eliminate any perception of conflicts of interest as well as to prevent Members from abusing their positions.

New legislation now requires sponsors of earmarks to provide information about the recipient and purpose of an earmark. We also passed legislation to stop Members who have been convicted of certain felonies from receiving their Congressional pensions.

I am hopeful that these changes are a harbinger for a more open government. You, the taxpayer, deserve to know how your hard-earned dollars are used.

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V. LEGISLATION I HAVE INTRODUCED

Things have certainly changed in Congress since my last E-newsletter. Although January is usually a slow time in Washington, this month there is much to report. My staff and I are extremely busy, and that’s exactly how we like to be. So far, we’ve introduced 13 bills and one has already passed.

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Veterans’ Equity in Education Act

In order to sign up for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) educational benefit today, new recruits must contribute $1,200 from their own pockets. When service members complete their military service and go to college, they must often apply for financial aid from the Department of Education to afford tuition. Just like other students, the veterans’ sources of income are assessed in order to determine their eligibility for federal student aid. The MGIB education benefit is treated as income.

The Department of Education considers any amount in educational benefits from MGIB that veterans receive as “income,” thereby reducing amounts in grants or loans they are eligible for from the department. I do not think it is fair to ask our brave service members to pay out of their own pockets and then penalize them for it later.

To correct this problem, I introduced H.R. 100, the Veterans’ Equity in Education Act, which requires the Department of Education to exclude the $1,200 from a MGIB recipient’s first year of college. The bill does not present significant cost to the federal government but would go a long way to help America’s service members afford college. The GI Bill is there to help veterans with their education or careers that many put on hold to serve our country.

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Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act

When I first came to Congress, I began to hear from San Diego veterans about a serious problem facing the California Veterans Home Loan program. Veterans who fought in the Gulf War or in Iraq and Afghanistan are unable to fully use the program because of an inequity in the federal law. Only veterans who fought in Vietnam or earlier conflicts can take full advantage of CalVet home loans.

To fix this long-standing problem, I joined with my colleague from across the aisle, Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA), to introduce the Home Ownership for America’s Veterans Act of 2007, H.R. 551. This bill would remove the date-of-service requirement and give our newly discharged veterans with the opportunity to take out lower-interest home loans through the California Department of Veterans Affairs

Purchasing a home is often difficult for former service members because military pay is lower than that in the private sector. We owe the possibility of home ownership to our military heroes fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is an honor to fight for legislation that will help military families achieve an important aspect of the American Dream.

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Second Opinion Coverage Act

Imagine that your doctor tells you that you must undergo radical surgery that may threaten the use of a limb or leave you with a serious chronic condition. In such cases, most health care groups provide patients with a second opinion. This is common sense law - increased dialogue about treatment options results in better patient care.

However, when I was a member of the California State Assembly, I heard from a number of patients who experienced a glitch in their health care coverage. They noticed the absence of a clear process for obtaining medical second opinions. These patients, many struggling with challenging health conditions, had difficulties obtaining second opinions through their health plans. As a result, I authored a law in California that guarantees coverage of second opinions. Patients, meeting any one of several qualifying conditions, are entitled to a timely second opinion by a “qualified health care professional” within 72 hours in cases of serious or imminent health threat.

Unfortunately, the protections offered under this law do not cover Californians enrolled in self-insured, federally regulated health plans. In response, I introduced the Second Opinion Coverage Act, H.R. 282. This legislation would ensure the accessibility and coverage of medical second opinions and extend them to individuals enrolled in federal health plans.

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Women’s Obstetrician and Gynecologist Medical Access Now (WOMAN) Act

Earlier this month, I reintroduced the Women’s Obstetrician and Gynecologist Medical Access Now Act (WOMAN Act), H.R. 283. This bill will ensure that every woman has direct access to her ob-gyn.

The WOMAN Act recognizes the significant role ob-gyns play in women’s health. Women who see an ob-gyn on a regular basis are more likely to receive important screening services such as pelvic exams, as well as counseling on critical reproductive health issues. My legislation removes the barriers complicating women’s access to their doctors.

I believe women should not need a permission slip to receive ob-gyn care. Unfortunately, that is the reality faced by many women when they need to see their doctor. In addition, there are almost a dozen states which still do not provide women with direct access to ob-gyns.

The WOMAN Act builds on my work in the California State Assembly. I wrote the state law allowing women direct access to their ob-gyn. However, this law still does not cover women enrolled in self-insured, federally regulated health plans. This means that even if a woman lives in a state with direct access protections, like California, she still cannot see her ob-gyn without a referral. I believe the time has come to make direct access to an ob-gyn a national standard.

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The Federal Election Integrity Act

Recent elections have brought examples of leading state election officials with disturbing conflicts of interest. In recent cases in Florida and Ohio, chief state election officials have held official positions on the campaign committees of federal candidates, such as state committee chair.

I am deeply concerned that this fundamental conflict of interest prevents such officials from ensuring fair and accurate elections and could undermine the integrity of federal elections.

The Federal Election Integrity Act, H.R. 101, would take the long-overdue step of prohibiting chief state election officials from taking part in the political campaigns of federal candidates in elections over which the officials have supervisory authority. Election officials are entrusted with a crucial responsibility for our democracy. Their only allegiance must be to the will of the voters, not to partisan political agendas.

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The Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act

Getting to the polls on Election Day is often difficult, and for some it is impossible. Although twenty-eight states, including California, permit voting by mail for any reason, many Americans do not have that option.

I am therefore pleased to let you know that I have re-introduced H.R. 281, the Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act, which will allow all eligible voters nationwide to vote by mail in federal elections.

In California, there has been a 30 percent increase in voter participation since the inception of universal mail ballots in 1978. Forty percent of voters in San Diego County voted by mail in the November 2006 election.

For many Americans, every day is a juggling act. A commitment to a job or family should not hinder someone from participating in one of the most hallowed acts of a democracy – voting.

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Identity Theft Prevention and Timely Reporting Act

I cannot imagine grieving the loss of a loved one and then finding out that person has become a victim of identity theft well after his or her death. This tragedy has unfortunately affected many American families. In fact, San Diego ranks ninth in the nation in ID theft complaints, according to the Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse.

Unscrupulous individuals scour lists of the deceased in order to obtain their Social Security numbers and use them to obtain loans or lines of credit. In order to stop these predators, I have introduced the Identity Theft Prevention and Timely Reporting Act, H.R. 336. This legislation requires the federal government to inform each national credit bureau when an individual passes away. In turn, the credit bureaus will flag the histories of those who have deceased and potential creditors will know not to issue lines of credit or new loans to those attempting to misuse personal information.

I feel we must put strict safeguards in place to ensure that this sensitive information is not falling into the wrong hands. Rest assured, I will do all I can to protect San Diego families from identity theft.

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Military Families Financial Security Act

Military families are everyday heroes. They have answered the call to serve and protect our nation and its ideals. It is a privilege to work closely with many families choosing to make a difference through military service.

In San Diego, some military families have children with disabilities and rely on assistance from the federal government to help cover the costs of health care, day care, and care for special needs. Social Security provides Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for qualified families to help ease the financial burden. However, these military families are in danger of losing that critical assistance because of a bureaucratic quirk.

Since SSI is a means-tested program, a family’s countable income is closely monitored. Certain military payments like parachute jump pay and hazardous duty pay--considered “unearned income” under current regulations--are inadvertently complicating the income determination process. A few dollars can literally mean the difference between healthcare and no care for a number of military families.

I have introduced legislation to alter how the Social Security Administration calculates income to determine eligibility for Supplemental Security Income. The Military Families Financial Security Act, H.R. 337, will protect military families who are at risk of losing SSI benefits for a child with a disability. This legislation will give these families the peace of mind that their needed support will always be there.

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Cesar E. Chavez Post Office Act

As some of you may remember, when I was a member of the California State Assembly, I supported the state law designating Cesar Chavez’s birthday, March 31, as a state holiday. I am therefore proud to tell you that I have re-introduced a bill to name a San Diego post office in honor of this labor and civil rights leader. H.R. 706 would name the office at 2777 Logan Avenue the “Cesar E. Chavez Post Office.”

I think this is a golden opportunity for Congress to show respect for someone who fought so tirelessly to improve labor conditions and civil rights. Chavez began his activism in the 1940s when he pushed for better wages and working conditions for migrant workers. With the Community Service Organization, he helped register Mexican-Americans to vote. His fame grew as he led a boycott against California grape growers to protest living conditions for farm workers.

Chavez also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He died in 1993 and was the second Mexican-American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award. He is truly an inspiration and role model to millions of Americans.

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National Board-Certified Teachers in Low-Performing Schools Act

It is time we took action to help our educators gain the training to become superior teachers. I am therefore proud to be reintroducing the National Board-Certified Teachers in Low-Performing Schools Act, H.R. 280. This legislation assists America’s teachers in receiving one of the highest credentials in teaching while helping our students who are the most in need.

It does this by establishing a pilot program to provide stipends of $5,000 each year to teachers who are credentialed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards if these teachers agree to work in a low-income or a low-performing school. Recent studies have shown great benefits when a teacher earns Board certification.

The students at the low-performing school would have a teacher who has been certified as a highly accomplished teacher. The faculty of that school would have a peer teacher with identifiable skills as a resource. And the school may grow its own new crop of National Board Certified Teachers and have pride in being a school with a highly skilled faculty.

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Resolution on National Mentoring Month

Without a solid role model, the consequences for children can be detrimental. A third of those entering high school do not graduate and face limited job prospects. This alarming statistic would be lower if each one of these students had a solid mentor to stress the importance of education.

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, I introduced H. Res. 29, a resolution recognizing the efforts of mentoring and promoting the need for more people to become mentors. This bill “supports the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month and acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote mentoring and who are observing National Mentoring Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities to further promote awareness of and volunteer involvement with youth mentoring.” The House unanimously passed the resolution, 410-0.

Our children need to know that somebody older cares – and that is what mentoring is really all about – showing our kids that we care.

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Resolution to Appoint a Special Envoy to the Middle East

I do not believe that the United States has devoted enough diplomatic resources to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis in recent years. The time to take diplomacy off the backburner and into the forefront of American international efforts is now. In support of this goal, I recently introduced H. Res. 143, calling for President Bush to appoint a special envoy, with the mission of securing a lasting peace through negotiation, to the Middle East.

This resolution does not change our policy for a secure and safe Israel. Maintaining the security of the state of Israel will always remain a priority of Congress and the United States of America. However, this resolution acknowledges that we need to play a more constructive role in the region.

The situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories has substantially deteriorated since 2000. Conflict and instability in this region have a direct and immediate impact on the national security of the United States and its allies around the world. Diplomacy must be made a central component of United States policy in the Middle East. We cannot afford to miss an opportunity to broker a lasting peace.

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Resolution Congratulating Tony Gwynn

I recently introduced a resolution, H. Res. 83, congratulating San Diego sports icon Tony Gwynn for his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The former right-fielder with the Padres and current San Diego State University’s head coach will be enshrined at Cooperstown on July 29, 2007. Gwynn played with the San Diego Padres for 20 years, producing 3,141 hits and collecting eight batting titles and five Gold Gloves.

Not only is Tony a hall of famer in his career, but he is also a hall of famer in the community of San Diego for his philanthropy and role as a teacher and mentor as the head baseball coach at San Diego State University. After his amazing career in baseball, he chose to give back to the community by returning to his alma mater to coach the Aztecs. In 2004, after leading the Aztecs to a conference title in only his second season as manager, Tony was named the Mountain West Conference Baseball Coach of the Year.

He and his wife Alicia have also given back with their work through the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation and other organizations. He is truly a paradigm of superior sportsmanship and a role model for Americans of all ages.

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VI. DISTRICT NEWS: URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANTS

I am pleased to report that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it has put San Diego back on its list of high-risk areas eligible for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants. This decision is a victory for San Diego and means that the region is once again eligible to apply for UASI grant funding.

When DHS announced that San Diego was no longer considered high-risk, I worked with local elected officials and the rest of San Diego’s Congressional delegation united to argue that the formula used to make this decision was seriously flawed. Specifically, it did not take into account the fact that our region is home to a large number of military installations and is situated along an international border. These oversights seemed to warrant reconsideration of DHS’s decision and I was pleased when they agreed.

In previous years, San Diego had received a combined $41.7 million to assist local first responders to prepare for the threat of a terrorist attack and natural disaster. Past grant allocations have been used to purchase equipment such as radiation detectors, medical equipment, surveillance cameras, mass-casualty response vehicles and for communication upgrades and training for local police, fire, and emergency response personnel.

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All People’s Breakfast

On Monday, January 15, I attended the 19th Annual All People’s Breakfast at Golden Hall. This event, which is organized by the San Diego Human Relations Commission, seems to get bigger and bigger each year. Powerful speakers reinforced Dr. King’s message of social justice and 30 local agencies distributed information about their work to create positive change in the community. I am always heartened to see so many San Diegans attend this early morning event to honor the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lillian Place Grand Opening

On Thursday, January 25, I had the pleasure of joining Councilmembers Kevin Faulconer, Tony Young, Toni Atkins and other local leaders to dedicate an affordable housing complex known as Lillian Place. This new project will provide 74 new units of affordable housing to working families in Downtown. Located near Petco Park, this beautiful project also serves as a tribute to Lillian Grant, a prominent African-American entrepreneur in East Village in the 1940s and 50s. The lack of affordable housing is a top concern of my constituents, and I am grateful to the various partners who helped make Lillian Place a reality.

Veterans Leadership Roundtable

As I do every year at the start of the legislative session, I convened a meeting with the leadership of the San Diego veteran community to discuss their priorities for the new Congress. This year’s session focused on the needs of new veterans returning from military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the demand for employment, training, housing, health care, and other transitional services. I was pleased to share with the group that I recently introduced H.R. 551 that would extend and expand the popular CalVet home loan program. I appreciate everyone who attended this meeting. Their insights will be extremely helpful in Congress.

Visit to Bird Rock Elementary School

On Friday, January 26, I had the great pleasure of visiting Bird Rock Elementary School, a small neighborhood school serving 470 K-5 students. Fifth grader Danielle Collins, who was recently elected as the first female Associated Student Body president in the school’s history, wrote a letter asking me to tour her school and speak with her classmates about my role in Congress. I had the wonderful opportunity to interact with students and hear their ideas and concerns. I am looking forward to visiting additional schools this spring to help prepare me for an upcoming education summit to discuss the No Child Left Behind Act.

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VIII. INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for summer 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 Ricardo Flores in San Diego. Please contact Lee at 202-225-2040 or Ricardo at 619-280-5353 if you are interested in learning about internships in either of my offices.

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