Legislative Affairs in Washington by Representative Jerry Moran
Welcome to Kansas.
This Week in Congress
By Congressman Jerry Moran
August 4, 2008
Dear Friend,
Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” I hope you find this newsletter useful.
Congressional Leaders Fail to Address High Energy Costs
Congress must move forward on a comprehensive energy policy. The American people can no longer afford the partisan bickering that has stalled meaningful action. This week, I voted against the resolution allowing Congress to adjourn for the month of August in order to force action. Congress should not take a month off when many families are unable to afford to take a vacation of their own. Despite my best efforts to convince my colleagues to stay and work, congressional leaders chose to break for five weeks without voting on legislation to lower energy prices for
Although Congress traditionally puts its legislative work on hold during the month of August to allow representatives and senators to spend time in their districts and states, this year should be different. We must have a national energy policy that increases the supply of energy, promotes renewable and alternative fuels and encourages conservation now. The price of gas at the pump and the cost businesses and farmers face for fuel and fertilizer means that it should not be business as usual in
Even though congressional leaders have decided to go on break, the President is able to call Congress back into session. I urged President Bush this week to use his constitutional authority to call Congress into emergency session to address high energy costs. In addition to voting against adjournment, I am also the sponsor of legislation that would prohibit the House of Representatives from adjourning for more than three days in August until an energy policy is approved.
Click here to listen to my comments on the need for Congress to address high energy costs.
Veterans’ Programs Get Spending Boost;
On Friday, I supported House passage of the 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA) spending bill. The legislation provides a significant increase in funding for veterans care, including an increase to the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to VA facilities. It also includes more than $210 million for military construction projects at
Last year, the House approved an amendment I offered to raise the travel reimbursement rate for the first time in more than 30 years from 11 cents to 28.5 cents per mile. This week’s bill increases the travel reimbursement rate even more, raising it from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile. The medical services offered at the VA can only be enjoyed by veterans if they have access to this care. Especially with today’s high gas prices, the increased mileage reimbursement will help many veterans who would not otherwise be able to afford the trip to VA facilities.
The legislation also includes additional funding for fee-based services to improve access to care where VA services are not available and an increase in enrollment of Priority 8 veterans in VA medical care by 10 percent. This will begin the enrollment of this service group for the first time since 2003 and includes veterans with moderate income levels and no service-related disabilities.
Support for our nation’s service men and women and veterans is a priority and this legislation ensures we continue our efforts to provide better facilities and care for those who serve and have made sacrifices on our behalf. The bill now awaits the approval of the Senate.
Click here to view my comments in support of our veterans.
Learning about Electricity Supply in Rural
I attended a House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research hearing this week where the topic was the supply of electricity in rural
Many rural residents get their power from electric cooperatives. Across the country, more than 900 electric cooperatives provide power to 40 million Americans. Although these electric cooperatives represent the smallest segment of the electric utility industry, they are experiencing the highest growth percentages. Kansans require an abundant energy supply that is affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible. I will continue working to find solutions to increasing demand and rising electricity prices including expanding our current capacity and allowing for greater use of alternative resources.
Working to Implement Veterinary Medical Service Provisions of the Farm Bill
This week, I spoke to officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about implementation of the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (NVSMA), as directed by the 2008 Farm Bill. The NVMSA was passed in 2003 to provide student loan reimbursements to veterinarians who agree to work in underserved areas. For five years, regulatory delays prevented the program from being implemented. The 2008 Farm Bill contained provisions to speed up the process.
USDA informed me that implementation is underway and a stakeholder meeting should occur in September. The stakeholder meeting will be followed by a formal rule making process that will include an opportunity for public comment. It is expected that implementation could be complete by as early as June 2009. I will continue to monitor this process and encourage USDA to make this program available as soon as possible.
Taxpayers Should Not Bailout Irresponsible Lenders
Before adjourning for the month of August, Congress passed legislation to bailout irresponsible mortgage lenders and put taxpayers at risk by making them guarantee questionable home loans. I did not support this legislation because I thought it a poor use of taxpayer dollars. While there were good aspects of the legislation that would help Kansans hurt in the housing market, the legislation contained too many provisions I could not support. Most troubling to me were provisions that made taxpayers liable for $5 trillion in potential losses should housing lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fail. The bill spent $300 billion to bailout sub-prime lenders and established $4 billion in grants to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed properties. Perhaps most alarming is that it also increased the national debt limit to $10.6 trillion. Congress has to learn to set priorities and start acting responsibly with taxpayer money. Using the hard-earned money of
Visiting
On Monday, I visited
Greenwood County Hospital Administrator Bruce Birchell gave me a tour of the facility. I enjoyed visiting with him about the challenges of providing care in rural areas. Tom Bell, President of the Kansas Hospital Association, joined me at
Touring Monarch Cement Company
I visited Monarch Cement Company in Humboldt on Monday to talk to company leaders about transportation issues. Last week, I supported House passage of legislation that will temporarily fix the funding gap in the federal account for highway maintenance and construction so that state highway projects can continue as scheduled. Making sure there is sufficient money available for transportation projects is not only important to all of us who drive, but also to
Monarch Cement does business across
Attending Parish Picnic Benefiting
I was in Tipton on Saturday to participate in a picnic and auction to raise money for
In the Office
Ken Laudan of Mission Hills and David Kirkendall of
Several Kansans were in for a tour of the U.S. Capitol, including Alex Ewy of
Contact Me
It is an honor to serve you in
Very truly yours,
Jerry
This Week in Congress
By Congressman Jerry Moran
June 23, 2008
Dear Friend,
Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” On Thursday, the House passed additional funding legislation to provide for the ongoing military operations in
Addressing High Energy and Gas Prices
Kansans are frustrated by the cost of energy, including the high cost of gasoline. I support many proposals in Congress to address escalating prices, but these solutions are going nowhere until there is a collective will to do something about the energy crisis. The will does not currently exist because Republicans and Democrats are trying to posture themselves to deflect blame and capture political gains. I disagree with my colleagues and believe Members of Congress should be solution-minded, not partisan.
The energy challenge requires a diverse solution of developing all available energy resources. While the demand for energy has continued to increase over the years, there has been no significant change in our domestic supply. We must lift federal bans on oil and natural gas exploration in
Expanded production of domestic oil and natural gas resources alone cannot solve this problem. The solution must also include initiatives to support renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro-electric and nuclear power, as well as biofuels made in states like
If we are to solve this nation’s energy problem, Democrats and Republicans must work together to promote conservation, aggressively pursue forms of renewable energy, and develop domestic exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
Click here to read more about my efforts. You may also click here to share your opinion through a poll on my Web site.
Supporting Passage of 21st Century GI Bill
More than 60 years ago, Congress passed the first GI Bill to take care of our men and women who served in World War II. This week, I voted for passage of historic changes to modernize the GI Bill. The bill delivers enhanced education benefits to military veterans who have served since September 11, 2001.
The current Montgomery GI Bill is outdated and not meeting many of the needs of service members returning from
Our soldiers are investing in our country through their service. It is our duty to invest in them by providing these overdue educational benefits. By providing an education, we in turn further invest in our families and communities. It was past time to increase the value of the educational benefit for those putting their lives on the line every day for our freedoms. Click here to read more.
Investigation Finds Tanker Decision Flawed, New Competition Needed
On Wednesday, an independent review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed what many Kansans believed to be true since the Air Force announced its decision to award Northrop Grumman and
Since the tanker contract was awarded several months ago, every conversation I have had with Air Force officials raised more questions than were answered. I agree with this independent finding. The Air Force should follow the GAO’s recommendation and reopen bidding.
Awarding this contract to Boeing would create thousands of American jobs, especially in
Introducing Bill to Commend Honor Flight for Service to World War II Veterans
I introduced legislation this week that recognizes the Honor Flight volunteers and donors that make it possible for World War II veterans to visit the World War II Memorial in
I have had the honor of greeting veterans at the World War II Memorial who have traveled on Honor Flights. It is a very moving experience as they recount tales of their time in the service. You see the excitement in their eyes and many are moved to tears. The legislation I introduced expresses the House of Representatives’ deepest appreciation to Honor Flight, its volunteers and donors and recognizes former Senator Bob Dole, a wounded veteran of World War II, for leading the fundraising campaign to build the Memorial and for his efforts to promote and support Honor Flight. Click here to read more and click here to view photos of
Available to Assist Chapman Residents
Despite difficult circumstances, neighbors and friends are already coming together to begin the clean-up and rebuilding process in Chapman. My staff is available to help residents during the next several weeks and months as residents continue the clean-up and recovery process and begin rebuilding.
Monte Shadwick of my office has been in Chapman on multiple occasions this week and is available to assist area residents. He can be reached in the
Social Security Administration Makes Progress on Disability Backlog
I recently received an update from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on the status of its effort to reduce the Social Security Disability claims backlog. In August 2007, the American Association of People with Disabilities released a report showing that
The news from SSA is good but there is still a long way to go. SSA is hiring additional judges and staff to hear cases in
Visiting
Jetmore: I was in Jetmore on Monday to visit with residents and update them on the latest congressional efforts in
Also while in
Council Grove: I participated in the Wah-Shun-Gah Days festival in Council Grove on Saturday by riding in the parade and visiting with folks who had come to enjoy the entertainment, food and crafts the festival featured. This annual event is named after the last full blooded Kaw Indian Chief, Chief Wah-Shun-Gah, and also includes a Pow Wow. I enjoyed the chance to visit with many Kansans. Thanks to David and Sharon Bayer for driving me in the parade. Also along for the ride were their grandchildren Tyler and Makayla Stone.
In the Office
Members of the Kansas Bankers Association were in to discuss the effects of government regulations on the banking community. In with the group were Machelle Connally of Ellsworth, Jerry Fairbanks and Larry McCants of Goodland, Barney Horton of Atwood, Kendal Kay of Ashland, Robin LacKamp of Concordia, Steve Locke of Junction City, Dave Long of Cimarron, Earl McVicker of Hutchinson, Dick Nichols of McPherson, Frank Reifschneider of Garden City, Rick Smith of Buhler, Mike Stevens of Sublette, Jeff Van Dyke of Plainville and Doug Wareham of Topeka.
Jim Kistler and John Stolte of
Dennis Hupe of
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas President Andy Corbin and Sunee Mickle of Topeka were in to discuss ways to increase access to affordable health insurance. Michelle Sweeney of Topeka, David Wiebe of Olathe, Pete and Robert Zevenbergen of Kansas City, Walt Hill of Hays, Jessica Kaye of Newton and Anne Hodgdon of Mission were in with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas to talk about the need for better access to mental health services for military veterans and their families. Larry Pitman of
Kathy Wagner and Candee Stuchlick of
Diane Forgy of Leawood was in with the National Limousine Association to tell me about the effects of airport fees on limousine companies. Gary Shorman of Hays was in with Eagle Communications to discuss the challenges currently facing the telecommunications industry. Greensburg City Manager Steve Hewitt was in to update me on the rebuilding efforts and progress taking place in
Several Kansans visited my Washington, D.C., office this week for a tour of the United States Capitol, including Lindsay Olsen of Leawood, Shelby Gallion of Mahaska, Beth Wolfe of Marysville, Peggy Massey of Cedar Vale, David and Rebecca Graham of McPherson, Mike Boettcher and Joan Sauler of Dodge City, Krista Kucharik of Scott City, Mary Ann Hewitt of Overland Park and Austin Coverdell of Fort Scott. In from
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It is an honor to serve you in
Very truly yours,
Jerry
