Congressman Mike Honda: On the Issues

Improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education

2009-07-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Recently I introduced the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act (E-STEM) of 2009, H.R. 2710, to keep America competitive in the global economy by improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Given that support for E-STEM legislation, first introduced in 2008 with then-Senator Barack Obama, is building within Congress and the Administration, I am hopeful that this bill will pass the House quickly, as the establishment of a coordinating mechanism for federal STEM education programs will be critical to business and industry in the Silicon Valley.

As a former science teacher, principal, and school board member from the technology capital of world, I understand the need to enhance the education the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. Unfortunately, Federal agencies are not communicating among themselves. Current federal efforts, as well as those of states, in STEM education are neither coordinated, nor coherent, nor cooperative. This bill will create the mechanisms and venue for cooperative relationships to develop.

The E-STEM Education Act establishes a comprehensive approach to improving collaboration, coordination, and coherence of STEM education activities among Federal and State governments across the nation. The bill provides Federal Agencies and states with the infrastructure required to work collaboratively, establish national STEM education goals, to coordinate STEM education initiatives, and to avoid unnecessary duplication among these efforts.

For our nation to remain a leader in scientific advancement and technological innovation, we must strengthen America’s schools. This bill provides the education and skills necessary for students to compete in today’s global economy and to understand increasingly complex issues.

Specifically, the bill will:

Reorganize the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). OSTP has a STEM subcommittee that has remained largely dormant over the past few years. The bill would raise that subcommittee to a committee level, giving it a mandate to work proactively at designing coherent STEM strategies.

Create an Office of STEM at the U.S. Department of Education at the assistant-secretary level. This office will coordinate STEM education initiatives among all federal agencies and have a seat at the OSTP STEM Committee.

Institute a voluntary Consortium on STEM education. The Consortium would be integrated by no less than five states representing at least five of the nation’s nine geographical regions. Its mission is to develop common content standards for K-12 STEM education, engineered at the state and local levels.

Create the National STEM Education Research Repository. This would be a clearing house for educators to research the latest innovations in STEM. This will break the silos that keep creative programs from being replicated and will make these resources available through simple internet searches rather than having to sift through convoluted websites.

Crowdsourcing and Political Efficacy

2009-07-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last month, I announced the launch of my pioneering project to improve civic engagement in Congress through a process known as crowdsourcing. What has happened in the ensuing process has been astonishing. The chance to democratize the design of and information to be included on my site ushered in an unparalleled level communication between not only my constituents, but with the design community at large.

This project empowered anyone with Internet access, a copy of the Photoshop software package, and an imagination to submit concept designs. In a short time period, the project received close to a hundred designs submissions from a wide range of participants and renewed my belief that public engagement can revolutionize government.

The excitement surrounding the project was astounding, providing participants with the opportunity to establish political efficacy as I had hoped. A diverse range of do-it-yourself designers – including mothers, college students, and graphics professionals –eagerly showcased their design concepts. Hundreds of my constituents wrote in providing input on the design proposals. This input was given directly to the designers, who in turn submitted better, more democratically developed designs. Jane Madsen, an art director from Chicago, Illinois, submitted the proposal that received the most support. Her design combined easy access to information, with solid design prose. You can view this outstanding design by clicking here.

In the coming month, our vendor GovTrends will be implementing the selected design, establishing the first ever crowdsourced government website. This project has been a unique opportunity to open the process we call governance to everyone. Thank you for making this a reality.

Dispelling Some Myths About H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act

2009-07-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last month, The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act. Since then, many of my constituents have contacted me, asking that I address their questions, and concerns about the impact that this bill will have on their daily lives. As you may know, ACES takes the important step of establishing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the impact that fossil fuels have on our environment. This landmark legislation contains several complex portions that have been misrepresented by its opponents, and have led to confusion amongst the general public. In the interest of clarity, I would like to address these misrepresentations:

Opponents have claimed that H.R. 2454 is equivalent to an energy tax.

Americans are going to save money under the provisions of H.R. 2454. A variety of studies, including one from the Congressional Budget Office, said clearly that this legislation will cost the equivalent of a postage stamp a day but that there will be significant savings to offset that expense.

Opponents have been misrepresenting CBO's score of the bill, claiming incorrectly that CBO shows a cost to American families of $770 per year. In fact, the EPA and CBO analyses both confirm that the cost will range somewhere between $80 to $175 - less than 50 cents per day in 2020. These figures do not even count the avoided costs of addressing global warming.

40 percent of American households will face almost no cost as a result of this bill, according to CBO.

The Natural Resources Defense Council prepared an analysis of the legislation showing that the average savings for American consumers will be around $6 per month between 2012 and 2020.

Moreover, the future savings for generations to come after the U.S. becomes more energy efficient will easily outpace any of the short term costs.

Opponents have argued that this bill will be a drag on the economy or that it will cause job losses.

According to industry leaders, ACES will unleash billions in industry investment and be a major job creator. One recent study concluded that H.R. 2454 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act together would create 1.7 million new clean energy jobs. The expertise in semiconductor technology housed in Silicon Valley means our region is particularly well situated to be a leader in renewable energy technologies.

In addition to job creation, H.R. 2454 includes numerous provisions to assist workers, including an increase in funding for the Green Jobs Act, a program for displaced workers that provides income supplementation, assistance with healthcare premiums, job search assistance, job counseling, training, and other services.

The bill helps energy-intensive and trade-exposed industries transition to a green economy by rebating emission allowances to industry participants.

Opponents have argued that there should be a "safety valve" provision that repeals the entire bill if unemployment reaches a certain level, or if gas prices reach a certain level.

During the Bush Administration, the average family's annual spending on gasoline went up from$2,186 to $4,658. The best way to counter this trend is to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, which H.R.2454 does.

Prices for heating oil, natural gas and propane that Americans use to heat their homes have also gone up sharply, nearly doubling since 2001. Prices are going up now, and that has nothing to do with this bill. Suspending the operation of this bill if energy prices continue to go up just doesn't make any sense.

H.R. 2454 contains numerous provisions that will create new, "green" jobs and assist displaced workers. H.R. 2454 will be part of the solution to unemployment, not part of the problem.

Opponents have argued that H.R. 2454 should focus on increasing domestic energy supply through drilling, or that their supposed "All-of-the-Above" strategy is preferable.

H.R. 2454 does increase our domestic energy supply, by promoting the use of wind, solar, certain hydro, other renewable sources, and even nuclear. At the same time, the bill allows for the continued use of coal, while addressing some of the costs created by coal's contribution to global warming.

H.R. 2454 will also increase our transportation efficiency, meaning our domestic oil production will translate into more miles;

I believe climate change is the most significant threat to our environment today and is one of the greatest challenges that humans face. We are finally acknowledging the impact our use of fossil fuels has had on our environment. This bill alone, isn’t enough to affect the change we need, it will require work from each and every citizen to educate themselves and others about the dangers of environmental degradation. As a former teacher, I feel education will be essential to allowing those changes to happen, which is why I introduced the Global Warming Education Act, H.R. 1926. It will not be easy to make the dramatic changes we need, especially changes in human behavior. However, I am confident that working together as a nation, we will achieve the means to ensure that our national treasures continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Statement on the American Clean Energy and Security Act

2009-06-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

I applaud the leadership of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, Chairmen Waxman and Markey, and everyone who is responsible for bringing the American Clean Energy and Security Act before the House today. Despite taking office in perhaps the most challenging time our country has ever faced, President Obama has shown a strong commitment to addressing all of the challenges before him, and I commend him for his vision to tackle long term problems, as well as short term crises.

I believe climate change is the most significant threat to our environment today and is one of the greatest challenges that humans face. The overwhelming scientific evidence makes clear that global warming is a real phenomenon, and that human activities play a significant role. Twenty of the hottest years in recorded history occurred since the 1980’s. Glaciers and permafrost are vanishing. Weather patterns are shifting. Migration patterns are being disrupted.

Meanwhile, human output of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has reached an unprecedented level. A tremendous amount of carbon dioxide comes from our cars, factories, and power plants. These gases trap excess heat within the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect.

As a report from the United States Global Change Research Program released last week shows, the impacts of global warming are already being felt today, and they will only grow more significant in the future if we continue with business as usual.

NOW is the time to act on global warming.

To fight global warming, dramatic changes will be needed in transportation, energy production, and public policy, and human behavior.

This legislation takes the important step of establishing a cap on greenhouse gas emissions that decreases over time. By limiting the level of greenhouse gas emissions released by the United States, we can take a leadership role in international efforts to curb emissions that will be essential to avoid reaching certain “tipping points” that will bring about catastrophic changes that will impact people and the environment around the world.

The bill also takes the important step of providing incentives for the development of a green energy economy. I often hear from innovative Silicon Valley firms about their work in this area. They want to take the international lead in the development of “cleantech” but are frustrated by the lack of incentives, and even disincentives, in our country to develop renewable energy.

Today we will be putting in place a framework that recognizes and puts a value on the damage that fossil fuel emissions are doing to our planet, which will put clean, renewable energy sources on an equal playing field and usher in a new era for a green economy in the United States. We are also ensuring that the new jobs created in this field will be open to everyone in America, not just a privileged few.

It will not be easy to make the dramatic changes we need, especially changes in human behavior. As a former teacher, I feel education will be essential to allowing those changes to happen, which is why I introduced the Global Warming Education Act, H.R. 1926.

I am gratified that the American Clean Energy and Security Act includes several provisions to help teach the public and re-train workers. It will:

develop an information and resources clearinghouse for vocational education and job training in renewable energy sectors;
provide funding for worker training;
enable the Department of Energy to award grants to increase public awareness of Federal climate adaptation and mitigation programs and the potential for alternations in consumer behavior to further American energy independence;
establish an industrial energy efficiency education and training initiative;
promote a public outreach efforts to increase awareness about the importance of building energy efficiency; and
authorize the Secretary of Education to award clean energy curriculum development grants focused on emerging careers and jobs in the fields of clean energy, renewable energy ,energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation.

This is great moment in the history of our country. We are finally acknowledging the impact our use of fossil fuels has had on our environment and are taking steps to reduce that impact. In doing so, we are ushering in a new era of clean, green energy that will spur a new energy economy that Silicon Valley is poised to lead.

Again, I thank President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Chairmen Waxman and Markey for all of their hard work on this legislation and for all they have done for our country, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to vote for this important legislation.

My Vote on H.R. 2346, FY09 Supplemental Appropriations

2009-06-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

With great respect for President Obama and with great anticipation of the new direction the President will lead America in all foreign policy aspects – pursuing diplomacy and development first and foremost – I respectfully voted no on H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 yesterday.

In the past few months, I’ve met personally with Afghan and Pakistani diplomats and security experts to discuss a variety of security issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan. And as I reported to President Obama in early May, I think that the following elements should be a part of our strategy going forward, including: 1) building the countries’ infrastructure, industry, markets and workforce; 2) involving local leaders at all levels of decision-making; 3) supporting the countries’ most effective indigenous reconstruction, stabilization and conflict resolution strategies; 4) educating girls and integrating women into political and economic leadership; and 5) ensuring oversight so that foreign resources support the goals mentioned above.

As I mentioned when the supplemental was first considered on the House floor, I recognize that our new administration believes that the supplemental is a necessary carryover from the previous administration, but I cannot support the continuation of the Bush Administration’s failed modus operandi in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, and the mis-proportioned 90-10 doctrine of assistance allocation – that is, 90% for military investments and only 10% for political, economic, and social development. The Supplemental represented our first opportunity to correct the failed approaches of the past, but we unfortunately did not use this chance.

Going forward, I hope that I can work closely with the President to ensure a policy more aligned with the 80-20 model often quoted by General David Petraeus, which would invest 80% of resources into political capacity and institutions with only 20% for military. In this regard, I have presented specific recommendations to my colleagues in Congress, with the intention of informing and improving U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I was pleased to hear in my April meeting with the President that his FY2010 budget request will move in this direction.

House Passes Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees

2009-06-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I was proud to support the Federal Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 (H.R. 626). This legislation will make the Federal Government a more family friendly, competitive employer. This legislation is headed to the Senate for their consideration.

As the country’s largest single employer, the federal government is responsible for over 2.7 million jobs. The federal government is facing the retirement of 40% of its workforce over the next ten years and must be able to compete with private sector opportunities in order to attract talented new employees. Under current law, federal employees who want paid time off for the birth or adoption of a child only have the option of using their accrued sick days and vacation time to supplement unpaid leave. It is difficult for relatively new employees or those who experience reoccurring health problems to save up enough time for paid parental leave. Even for older employees who rarely get sick, unpredictable life events can make it equally difficult to accrue sufficient parental leave time. Parents should not be forced to choose between their new child and their paycheck.

The Congress’ Joint Economic Committee has found that Fortune 100 firms offer paid leave that typically lasts six to eight weeks. This is also consistent with the amount of leave typically offered by Congressional offices. The lack of a Paid Parental Leave policy for newly born or adopted children puts the Federal Government in the minority, not only in relation to U.S. companies but also amongst developed nations. The European Union requires that member countries offer 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and most offer more than the required amount, and the U.S. is one of only five countries out of 165 surveyed that does not guarantee paid parental leave.

The Federal Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 will cost relatively little compared to the benefit to American families and workers that it would bring. It is past time for federal employees to enjoy the benefits offered to employees of private companies and fix a flaw in our current system.

The DTV Transition is June 12

2009-06-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

The national transition to digital television (DTV) will be taking place on June 12. Thanks to the DTV Delay Act, which Congress passed and President Obama signed in February, millions of Americans, including those in our most vulnerable communities, have had the opportunity to get ready for Digital TV.

Some people are still not ready for the transition, however, including many in our area. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has identified the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose market as being one of the metropolitan areas that is least prepared for the transition.

It is important for everyone to realize that the deadline switch will not be pushed back again. There will not be another delay. June 12^th is the analog shut down deadline for all full-power television stations.

If you rely on free, over-the-air TV and use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna with a television that uses an analog tuner, you aren’t ready, and you will lose your television service on June 12 if you don’t act now.

You have three ways you can prepare for the transition:

Subscribe to cable or satellite TV service;
Purchase a television with a digital tuner; or
Buy a converter box which plugs into your analog TV and will convert the signal to digital.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included funding to allow the Department of Commerce to help more Americans with the transition to Digital TV. If you choose to buy a converter box, you can apply for a coupon to help toward the cost of the purchase. Commerce’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program provides $40 coupons, which covers most of the cost, for eligible household towards the purchase of TV converter boxes.

As of today, thanks to the additional funds and collaboration with community partners, the Department of Commerce has put more than 55 million coupons in the hands of Americans to help with the transition.

If you already have a coupon, make sure to purchase a converter box at a partnering retail stores like Target or RadioShack, take it home and hook it up right away. You can receive digital television now.

You can get more information about the transition, apply for coupons or find a retailer near you at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

If you’re already prepared for the transition, help make sure your friends and family are ready too.

PLEASE NOTE: Converter box coupons may be ordered (pending availability) through July 31, 2009. Coupon delivery takes nine business days from the date the application is received. The DTV Delay Act changed the law to allow eligible households with coupons that have expired without being used to request replacement coupons. Once received, consumers should use their coupons to purchase a converter box and install that box as soon as possible. For technical assistance, consumers can call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or go to www.dtv.gov.

Congressman Honda Condemns the Assassination of Dr. Tiller

2009-06-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

As millions of Americans are now aware, Dr. George Tiller was assassinated in his church on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 because of his political beliefs and profession. Dr. Tiller provided legal abortions and his dedication to his profession, to the health and well-being of the women he cared for, cost him his life. I join President Obama, members of Congress, and millions of Americans in professing horror, shock, and sadness over this blatant act of terror. I hope that all residents of the 15th Congressional district – regardless of their personal stances on the issue of abortion – will join in opposing those who would seek to control the actions of women and doctors through the use of violent intimidation.

Abortion doctors and women’s clinics across this country which provide a range of women’s health services including abortion face threats and violent acts every day. I sincerely hope that in the wake of this terrible event, the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies across this country take future threats directed toward women’s health providers seriously. Justice and the rule of law demand nothing less.

Please follow this link http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery for more information on a Congressional Resolution condemning the murder of Dr. Tiller and other acts of violence in places of worship.

NBC Interview discussing Reuniting Families Act

2009-06-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was on the show Comunidad Del Valle hosted by NBC. I spoke about the new version of the Reuniting Families Act that I will be introducing on the floor of the House soon. The bill contains practical solutions for reducing family immigration visa backlogs and promoting humane and timely reunification of immigrant families. You can find out more on the bill by clicking here.

Website Redesign 2009: How I Am Involving You In The Process

2009-05-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, I announced the launch of a new pioneering project to improve civic engagement in Congress via crowdSPRING. I will be redesigning my website – using a technique called crowd-sourcing – to lead the way in making government sites more transparent and accessible to the public....[Read More]

May is Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month

2009-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Viral hepatitis is the most common blood-borne illness in the world. Billions of people have been infected with acute hepatitis and hundreds of millions are infected with chronic hepatitis. Chronic viral hepatitis B & C infections are “silent diseases” because frequently, those infected have no obvious symptoms. Without appropriate screening and management of the disease, chronic viral hepatitis carriers frequently die from liver cancer and can pass on the infection to others.

Each May, we observe Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month. I urge all my constituents to take the message of this month to heart, be tested for viral hepatitis and be inoculated against hepatitis B if they have not done so already. It is important to know your status in order to protect your own health and the health of your loved ones.

Although viral hepatitis affects every racial and ethnic group in this country, there are serious disparities in infection rates among many minority communities. For example, in the U.S., as many as 1 in 10 Asian Pacific Islander Americans are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C infection is 2 to 3 times more prevalent among African Americans as it is among Caucasians. Increased awareness, education, and screening are critical to ending health disparities.

On May 19th, 2009 I introduced a resolution supported by 30 other members of Congress calling for a robust governmental and public health response to stem the tide of viral hepatitis, domestically and internationally. As a long-term plan, I am working with Representative Edolphus Towns on a bill that would create a national strategy to deal with hepatitis B and C.

President Obama issued a letter on Tuesday, May 19^th, World Hepatitis Day, recognizing the public health danger presented by viral hepatitis and commending the advocate community for raising awareness about the disease. I am gratified that the President recognizes the gravity of the situation and hope that his support will help us in our fight to increase funding at the Center for Disease Control’s Division of Viral Hepatitis.

[Learn more about viral hepatitis]

Foreclosure Assistance Bill Cleared for the White House

2009-05-22T11:58:00.001-07:00

On May 18^th, the House took a necessary step in addressing our nation’s continuing foreclosure crisis by passing the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (S. 386),. As the housing market continues to struggle and families are faced with foreclosure, action must be taken to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Signed into law by President Obama on May 20^th, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act will help up to 9 million families avoid foreclosure through the use of key tools and incentives for lenders, servicers, and homeowners to modify loans. This legislation establishes the right of a homeowner to know who owns their mortgage, provides renters who live in foreclosed properties with at least a 90-day notice for eviction, and strengthens federal homeless programs.

California’s 15^th district has been hard hit by the housing crisis. Last year marked our district’s worst year for home sales in decades, with the median price for resale homes at $457,000, and foreclosures accounting for 41.2 percent of all homes sold, compared with 8 percent the year before. These are real problems that affect our neighbors, our families, and our dreams of homeownership.

Home prices dropped nearly 14 percent in the first quarter of 2009, and nearly one in five homeowners owe more than their home is worth and many cannot refinance. That is why it was so important to enact the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. As a community, we realize that stabilizing the housing market is central to restoring our economy. We all stand to lose if we do not stop the steep decline in home prices.

Owning a home is part of the American dream, and I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to expand that opportunity to more families in our district.

Landmark Legislation to Protect Consumers and Curb Credit Card Abuse

2009-05-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

On May 20, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights (H.R. 627). I am proud to have been a cosponsor of the legislation for two Congresses and am very pleased that we sent legislation to the President that will finally provide credit cardholders protection from the unfair and deceptive practices of some credit card issuers.

During this current economic crisis, many Americans have come to rely more on their credit cards to make ends meet. Unfortunately, some credit card issuers have seen this as an opportunity to exploit their customers by instituting unjust policies that squeeze a little more out of the credit cardholder, thus increasing the debt burden that they must bear. I have heard countless personal stories from my constituents about how credit card issuers have taken advantage of them, in particular through the use of the practice of “universal default” – the raising of interest rates because of lateness or default with other creditors. H.R. 627 will level the playing field between credit cardholders and issuers by ensuring common sense and fair credit card regulations, including:

preventing misleading terms and practices that damage credit scores;
protecting vulnerable consumers from high-fee subprime credit cards;
ending unfair penalties for cardholders who pay on time, including unfair “double cycle” billing;
requiring fair allocation of consumer payments so that cardholder payments are used to pay off their highest interest rate debt;strengthening credit card disclosures;
ending unfair, arbitrary interest rate increases, including universal default;
protecting cardholders from due date gimmicks;
giving consumers choice and stops excessive “over the limit” fees;
setting standards for student credit cards and barring issuing credit cards to minors unable to show a reasonable ability to pay; and
strengthening oversight of the credit card industry.

Our economic recovery depends on a shared prosperity – and we must put an end to these abusive practices that continue to drive so many Americans deeper into debt. [Bill Summary]

House considers Supplemental Appropriations

2009-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

On May 14^th, the House considered H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009. While I have great faith in the new Obama administration and supported many of the provisions within the supplemental, I had a number of concerns that prevented me from supporting the bill in its current form.

I recognize that our new administration believes that the supplemental was a necessary carryover from the previous administration, but I could not support the continuation of the Bush Administration’s failed modus operandi in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, and the mis-proportioned 90-10 doctrine of assistance allocation – that is, 90% for military investments and only 10% for political, economic, and social development.

Over the past several weeks, I have been working with Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) co-chair Rep. Raul Grijalva to convene a series of panels featuring Afghan and Pakistani diplomats and security experts to discuss a variety of security issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan. As I reported to President Obama in early May on behalf of the CPC, this six-part forum has produced a number of recommendations for essential elements that should be a part of our strategy going forward, including:

1) building the countries’ infrastructure, industry, markets and workforce;

2) involving local leaders at all levels of decision-making;

3) supporting the countries’ most effective indigenous reconstruction, stabilization and conflict resolution strategies;

4) educating girls and integrating women into political and economic leadership; and

5) ensuring oversight so that foreign resources support the goals mentioned above.

The Supplemental represented our first opportunity to correct the failed approaches of the past, but unfortunately did not use this chance. Going forward, I hope that we can work closely with the President to ensure a policy more aligned with the 80-20 model often quoted by General David Petraeus, which would invest 80% of resources into political capacity and institutions with only 20% for military.

In this regard, I, along with other members of the Progressive Caucus, have presented our findings and specific recommendations to our colleagues in Congress, with the intention of informing and improving U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I was pleased to hear in my meeting with the President that his FY2010 budget request will move in this direction.

House votes to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to Nisei veterans

2009-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

On May 14^th, the House unanimously passed H.R. 347, legislation to grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. As Chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I was proud to vote for this long overdue recognition of the service of these brave soldiers.

More than 20,000 Nisei soldiers enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, collectively earning 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 559 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, 9 Presidential Unit Citations, and 9,486 Purple Hearts.

The 100th Battalion played a pivotal role in our nation’s military history. The unit was the first all-Japanese American Nisei military unit, and was formed from the Japanese Americans who comprised a large part of the Hawaiian National Guard. These Nisei were sent to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin for combat training and later were moved to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for additional training.

Approximately 14,000 individuals served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, which became the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in American military history. The 442nd saw the highest percentage of casualties of any unit in the Army, earning it the nickname “Purple Heart Battalion.” The 442nd is an example which highlights the stellar performance of these Nisei soldiers.

These men fought for the U.S. and its allies across Europe in many key battles. The 442nd fought eight major campaigns in France, Germany, and Italy. Most notably, the 442nd suffered more than 800 casualties to free 211 members of a Texas unit who were trapped by the Germans in the rescue of the Lost Battalion. Additionally, the Japanese American soldiers liberated towns such as Brueyeres, Biffontaine, and Belvedere. They also were among the first Allied troops to liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.

Though many of their families were unjustly incarcerated in internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans still fought to prove their loyalty to the United States of America and helped pave the way for full racial integration of the Armed Forces. They adopted the phrase "Remember Pearl Harbor" as their motto.

This bill will bring long overdue recognition to the unique sacrifice these soldiers made—overcoming racial hatred at home, serving honorably overseas, and helping change the course of history with their bravery. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion have earned the Congressional Gold Medal.

I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 347 and urged my colleagues to support the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion, by honoring the service of our nation’s Nisei veterans.

Evaluating Obama’s Performance: The Past, Present and Future 100 Days

2009-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Roughly 10 days after the sunsetting of President Obama’s 100th day, the flurry of ‘favorable’ versus ‘unfavorable’ analysis is quieting. Inaugurated under Franklin Roosevelt, this 100-day expectation regarding a President’s ability to yield results was spawned by the Depression-era hunger for a quick salve to soothe the most depressed of economies.

Now is no different. The public is hungry and the economy depressed. Critics who claw at the President’s credibility should unclench their fists, for their analysis must recognize the inherited policies from the previous President’s final 100 days and the potential yield of the forthcoming 100 days. Only then, can an accurate accounting be cast.

Consider what was inherited.

On economic policy, the previous President, aided by a Republican-controlled Congress, doubled the national debt to $10 trillion and quintupled the budget deficit from Clinton surpluses. The dollar’s decline, moreover, is due, in part, to gross mismanagement under Republican watch.

On foreign policy, Bush left the international community offended and unwilling to assist America in basic statecraft. This bore substantial costs in Iraq and Afghanistan, not only in lives lost and money spent, but the reputational damage done.

On civil rights, Bush abrogated the rules safeguarding human rights, both at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. This happened, ironically, as the UN celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Declaration of Human Rights in 2008.

On education, Bush left schools fighting for dollars and students learning test-based survival. The pressure to perform forced states to skew numbers and standards and schools to close, leaving many children behind.

On energy, Bush left the world to warm with no plan for lowering carbon emissions. Petrol-politics put America at greater odds with the Middle East. Even ally Saudi Arabia refused to budge on oil production when prices peaked at the pump.

On health, Bush left millions of children uninsured and biased the insurance industry over affordable healthcare. That over 7 million Americans became uninsured in the first 7 years of Bush’s presidency indicates how poorly the Republicans prioritized our most vulnerable. I could go on, whether on his rolling back of labor standards or his lack of accountability.

Bush’s last 100 days made for a seemingly insurmountable 100 days for Obama. But surmount he did, in concert with Congress. Much like FDR courted Congress to coalesce Members around critical legislation, so too did Obama.

The payoffs are evident. On finances, we are cleaning up Wall Street through rigorous stress testing and reinvested dollars into revenue-generating infrastructure.

On foreign policy, the 77-Member Congressional Progressive Caucus is working with the President to ensure the handling of Afghanistan and Cuba is constructive, so that we restore our reputation with allies and transform relations with adversaries. In our meeting with Obama on his 99th day, he concurred with Caucus assessment that counter-insurgency efforts must be overwhelmingly political and not military, and that America’s Afghan agenda must reflect this.

On education, our American Recovery and Reinvestment Act prioritizes meaningful reforms, equitable funding schemes, teacher training, school repair, and student-centered learning. Working with the President, I will take this agenda further with my legislation, H.R. 1758, which calls for a national dialogue on educational opportunity and equity.

On energy, Reps. Waxman, Markey, and I, and others, are committed to climate legislation passing Congress this year, complementing the Environmental Protection Agency’s finding that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem requiring action and preparing a reputable seat for the US at climate talks in Copenhagen.

On health, as part of S-CHIP, which Obama supported, we are protecting millions of children with healthcare access. On labor, as part of the Ledbetter Act, again which Obama supported, we are protecting workers from pay discrimination. On good governance, we are ensuring a transparent appropriations and budget process – a point particularly important to me as an appropriator.

Whether in Congress’ forthcoming work with Obama on comprehensive immigration reform, or our work with Obama on building a culture of public service, more change is in the making. (As a former Peace Corps volunteer, Obama’s call is particularly compelling to me.)

But the test of our ability to effect meaningful change will not be measured in the first 100 days but in the second. Come August, the critical infrastructure spending seen in our Reinvestment Act will begin to bear fruit, we will have cut off poorly governed financial institutions and we will see a return on investment from a whole host of economic stimulus measures – from emergency home loan assistance to workforce training and development.

We can then begin to determine the course of the Administration, the 111th Congress, and thus the nation. But to understand these 100 days without a sufficient retrospective on the detrimental residue left in the last 100 days or without sufficient respect for returns only visible within the next 100 days, neglects the impact of the past and the potential in the future. Much like the health of a plant is judged not solely by its present appearance but by the ground on which it grew and the weather in which it will grow, so too must our performance be understood by the past, present and future 100 days. Tested this way, “favorable” is an understatement.

Measure would create a commission to study classroom disparities (op-ed)

2009-05-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

From my op-ed on the Educational Opportunity and Equity Commission Act in The Hill:

We are losing our economic edge because the brightest and best are emerging overseas and we are losing our streets to violence as dropouts increase. President Obama notes the “relative decline of American education” is “untenable for our economy, unsustainable for our democracy and unacceptable for our children.”

To stem this decline, I reintroduced legislation, the Educational Opportunity and Equity Commission Act, H.R. 1758 — supported by the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers and Parent Teacher Association, among others — to create a national commission that gathers public insights about how government can improve education and eliminate disparities in the education system.

As a former teacher, principal and board member in economically and racially mixed neighborhoods, I know well how a comprehensive rethinking and retooling of our educational system can rectify what went wrong. So too, does Secretary Arne Duncan. Meeting with the secretary, I was heartened to hear that the largest one-time federal investment in education, enacted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will address the needs of individual students and move away from a one-size-fits-all approach......

100 Days of the Obama Presidency

2009-04-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today marks the hundredth day President Barack Obama has stood as the leader of our nation. During his brief time in office, President Obama has worked closely with my colleagues and I in Congress to address the substantial challenges before us. These are some of the most serious challenges our nation has ever faced, including a meltdown in the housing market, the credit crisis and rapidly growing unemployment. Together we have made great progress toward getting our country back on the right track, delivering the change that Americans asked for in November.

We have enacted landmark legislation just a few months into the 111th Congress:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – In the midst of the worst economic climate since the Depression, Congress enacted legislation to create and save 3.5 million jobs, jumpstart our economy, and stimulate growth for the 21 st Century

Children’s Health insurance coverage – Millions of children lack health insurance and are unable to visit doctors for routine and preventative care that will enable them to live longer, healthier lives. This lack of access is particularly troubling considering the rapid increase in the number of children with chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides cost-effective health care coverage for millions of America’s children.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – Lily Ledbetter was denied justice by the Supreme Court because of an extremely narrow reading of existing law. In order to restore and strengthen the rights of women and other workers who face wage discrimination Congress acted swiftly to pass this legislation.

The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act – For too long, we have been presented the false choice that we can either protect our environment or achieve economic prosperity. This bill, our nation’s most significant land conservation measure in 15 years, does both. It designates millions of acres of wilderness, safeguards more than1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and takes other measures to protect our national treasures while allowing communities near these areas to flourish through tourism that drives their local economy, which depends on good stewardship of the environment.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act – With our public needs intensifying in this recession, there is no better time to support and energize community service and volunteerism to help our country get through this economic crisis, restore confidence, and prepare our nation for the future. This bill will triple the number of volunteerism opportunities through national service programs to 250,000.

New challenges will come across our path, most recently the H1N1 flu, sometimes referred to as the “swine flu”. This disease has the potential to lead to an international pandemic if not properly addressed, and provides yet another example of the critical importance of making investments in our nation’s infrastructure to ensure the safety of the American people. You can find more information about the H1N1 virus from the Committee on Homeland Security (pdf). Congress will be aggressively pursuing emergency efforts to combat the outbreaks, and the biomedical research facilities in our area will be able to assist in preventing future outbreaks as well.

In the face of national adversity, whether medical or financial, our community will be integral in assisting with the challenges ahead of us. The innovations of Silicon Valley are one of our nation’s greatest engines of economic strength, and it is critical that the federal government fosters an environment that supports the entrepreneurial spirit that drives that growth.

While we have made substantial progress in many areas over the past 100 days, there is still yet much more to be done. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with the continuing leadership of President Obama I believe that we will succeed in bringing about a brighter future for our nation.

CSPAN interview, discussing how leg efforts in DC effect the tech industry (30 min video)

2009-04-28T03:21:00.001-07:00

This weekend I spoke with Steve Wildstrom of Business Week and Peter Slen of CSPAN about how legislative efforts in DC effect the tech industry and our community at large.

Serving our Nation: Jobs with the US Census

2009-04-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Next year, we will be conducting the decennial census, our constitutionally mandated survey of the nation’s population. The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States, and the results help determine each state’s congressional representation and how much federal funding is allocated to our districts. They also help shape decisions by the national and local governments, such as where to increase services for the elderly, or where to build new roads, schools, or houses. Thus, the decennial count will have a significant impact in investments in our area, and it is important that everyone be counted.

One key element of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that I advocated for was additional funding for the 2010 United States Census. The ARRA provided $1 billion in additional funding to hire new personnel, address operational and program risks, and to increase outreach efforts to hard-to-count communities in the 2010 census.

I recently met with several representatives from the Census Bureau, and was pleased to hear that they are already putting these funds into action by hiring new personnel in the Bay Area and around the country. Recruiting for some field operations staff is still in progress, and recruitment for peak census operations will start this fall, and continue until the spring of 2010.

Visit the Census website to learn more about these important and rewarding jobs with the census, or call 866-861-2010.

Honoring Filipino Veterans from WWII (video montage)

2009-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of College: A Path to Higher Education for Undocumented Students (op-ed)

2009-04-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

From my op-ed on the Dream Act in Education Week:

At the end of March, a bipartisan group of senators and representatives reintroduced in Congress the DREAM Act, legislation I am co-sponsoring that would provide 360,000 undocumented high school graduates with legal means to work and attend college in the United States. The bill (whose acronym stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) may well reinvigorate public furor over immigration, and will no doubt receive even greater attention when the College Board releases what will be a groundbreaking report, "Young Lives on Hold: The College Dreams of Undocumented Students."

Despite the bill’s bipartisan support and previous Republican leadership on this legislation, cries for a "return home" to native countries may surface, and some may claim undocumented students will usurp our school seats and funding.

Given this potential reaction, there is cause for clarification, since many concerns are unfounded. In fact, the projected results of this legislation may be surprising to skeptics. The DREAM Act would provide a serious shot in the arm to our struggling economy, and, if it is passed, our educational investments would see substantially better returns.

My legislation to address disparities in our schools: The Educational Opportunity and Equity Commission Act

2009-03-26T12:06:00.001-07:00

Today I re-introduced legislation in Congress to overhaul the country's education system and finally address the disparities in America’s schools. My Educational Opportunity and Equity Commission Act attends to the President's concern regarding, in Obama's words, the "relative decline of American education," which is "untenable for our economy, unsustainable for our democracy, and unacceptable for our children."

Despite our best efforts, our children are not receiving an equitable education. There are vast disparities between the education provided by schools in different school districts, counties and states. Our current funding formulas are outdated, relying on factors such as average daily attendance, average costs for "regular" students, percentage of low-income students and concentrations of low-income students, special education students and English language learners. Funding formulas are based on a number of factors not necessarily correlated to the individual needs of the children in the school, and they vary from state to state.

The Educational Opportunity and Equity Commission Act creates a national commission charged with gathering public opinions and insights about how government can improve education and eliminate disparities in the education system. Importantly, the Commission’s composition would change the nature of the debate. Comprised of parents, teachers and experts on equity, civil rights, education policy, school finance, economics, and taxation — not merely state and federal legislators — the reform road map would be written by all users and beneficiaries of America’s education system.

This is a national problem demanding a national conversation. If fostered effectively, I believe that this dialogue can have a direct and positive impact on our nation’s economy and capacity to lead in the 21st century.

The bill has not yet been posted on Thomas, but you can view the bill text on my website and read what leading education organizations have said about the bill.

Letter to Governor Schwarzenegger on Education Funding

2009-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Congress intended that the funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act should provide for the immediate needs of the state’s cash strapped schools. My colleagues and I recently sent a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger expressing the that this funding should be transferred from the state to schools and colleges as soon as possible. As we noted in our letter:

The purpose of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund is to help stabilize local government budgets and minimize or avoid harmful cuts to education programs and services, to keep teachers in the classroom, and to support modernization, renovation, and repair of school facilities. It is imperative that local educational agencies receive stimulus funds as soon as possible so they can appropriately adjust their budgets to address these challenges.

Thousands of California teachers will be laid off in coming weeks without the infusion of ARRA funds. We implore you to provide for the immediate needs of the state’s already cash-strapped schools by taking all available steps to prevent these layoffs. It has been brought to our attention that there may be unresolved issues at the state level about the administration and allocation of the federal ARRA funds that could delay distribution. We encourage you to address these issues quickly. The U.S. Department of Education stands ready to provide technical assistance to you in these matters.

Read the letter we sent to Governor Schwarzenegger about education funding.

Request for ideas: Crowdsourcing the Evolution of Congressional Websites

2009-03-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

From my guest post on Tim O'Reilly's Radar.

How can Congress take advantage of web 2.0 technologies to transform the relationship between citizens and government? Instead of viewing the public as a customer for services, I believe that we should empower citizens to become our partners in shaping the future of our nation.

My constituents in Silicon Valley understand how opening up data can catalyze dramatic innovation, and I recently enacted legislation to provide free public access to legislative databases with that goal in mind. It is my hope that this information can foster the development of initiatives to empower the public to collaborate with and provide advice to Members of Congress. No longer will individuals simply petition their representatives – instead you should be our most valued advisors.

Government 2.0 is an achievable goal, and together we can make it a reality. In fact, I recently began a comprehensive redesign of my website with the goal of developing new and unprecedented ways of collaborating with my constituents.

What features could I implement on my website to tap into the wisdom of the crowds?

Propose an idea

View submitted ideas

Join our conversation on twitter using the #honda2.0 tag

With your help we can empower the public to partner with Representatives in improving the policies of our nation. Let’s begin making Gov 2.0 a reality.