Congressman Mike Honda: On the Issues

Over 80% of estimated oil and gas resources on federal lands are already available for energy development

2008-07-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the public lands which are already open for oil and gas development hold 10 times the amount of economically recoverable oil that could be produced if we allowed for drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Rather than giving yet another gift to big oil companies by opening up more lands to drilling, as President Bush wants to do, oil companies should start drilling on the areas they already lease.

There are 68 million acres of federal land already leased by oil companies for energy production now but sitting idle. That’s 75% of the leased territory that isn’t being used. Rather than opening up fragile ecosystems to the potentially devastating impact of drilling, oil companies should drill in territories already available to them.

On Thursday the House voted on the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act, which would have increased domestic oil supply by:

speeding the development of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) by requiring the Secretary of Interior to offer at least one lease sale annually in the NPR-A.
reinstating a ban on the foreign export of Alaskan oil.
incorporating the ‘Use It or Lose It’ legislation, which simply requires oil producers to drill on the leases they already have or relinquish them so that another company can produce the oil there.
calling on the President to use the powers of his office to facilitate the completion of oil pipelines into the NPR-A and to facilitate the construction of a Alaska natural gas pipeline to the continental United States to move the product to market.

Unfortunately, Big Oil’s allies in the House brought that bill down, and big oil companies and their allies in Congress are making misleading claims in order to sway our energy policies away from renewable energy.

Get the facts.

Bush Administration Stonewalling on Pat Tillman

2008-07-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

A Congressional report into the friendly fire death of Cpl. Pat Tillman was released this week. The report exposed the truth behind the Bush Administration's lack of candor in this case.

Department of Defense officials originally told the Tillman family he was killed by enemy fire, and then even posthumously awarded Tillman the Silver Star in a public ceremony. Within hours of his death, however, several officials in the chain of command suspected it had been a friendly fire incident, but failed to inform the Tillman family until five weeks later.

I am outraged and saddened by the Bush Administration’s lack of cooperation in the investigations surrounding the death of San Jose resident Cpl. Patrick Tillman, as documented this week in a report published by my colleagues on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Despite persistent and exemplary work by Chairman Henry Waxman in trying to elucidate the truth, the Administration’s stonewall-and-spin tactics have denied full closure to the Tillman family and all of us who care about the truth.

While enduring pain and anguish, the Tillman family has patiently waited through several flawed Department of Defense investigations. They bravely sat through hearings and worked tirelessly with me and my colleagues, looking for answers to the many questions surrounding Pat’s untimely death. I am awed by their resilience and thankful for their tenacity. For this Administration, however, it seems that political cover is the priority, rather than respect for the family of an American hero, and the American public.

"I don’t recall" was the mantra of all high-level Administration officials -including Donald Rumsfeld- when they testified before the committee. Coincidentally, nobody could remember when they learned that Pat had died in a friendly fire incident, and most importantly, who told them and who they told.

From the moment Pat gave up a lucrative contract with the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger, the Administration quickly took notice and publicized it. When Pat died, President Bush went out of his way to issue a press release, even breaking Department of Defense guidelines for the sake of expediency.

But as soon as it became clear that Pat was a friendly fire victim, the Administration seemed to lose interest and their collective memory. There was no urgency to tell the Tillman family the truth before a public memorial service. No one remembered how they handled this shocking omission. Generals of all ranks and senior White House officials, including the former Secretary of Defense, developed a "near universal lack of recall," as the report describes it.

Chairman Waxman has been very persistent in trying to find out who knew what and when. Unfortunately, all that work was stymied by an administration more interested in sweeping its mistakes under the rug than giving the families of our courageous soldiers the least they deserve for their service and sacrifice: the truth.

Celebrating 50 Years of NASA's Contributions

2008-07-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of NASA, an excellent opportunity for us to commemorate the many contributions NASA has made. On NASA’s 50 th Anniversary website you can see examples of the different ways NASA has spurred innovation, inspiration, and discoveries that will keep the United States at the forefront of aeronautical and space science and technology.

NASA breakthroughs, from the development of cochlear implants, to the use of remote sensing to analyze wildfires, to research on the use of plants to improve indoor air quality and clean waste water, have spurred new technology that continues to improves our quality of life.

As we further explore space and the intricacies of our own planet, we will look to NASA as a pioneering force that will continue to light our way. I congratulate and commend the entire NASA team on its many achievements and for its unyielding commitment to the prosperity of our nation.

Tips for keeping cool and reducing our energy usage

2008-07-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

In light of California’s recent heat wave and the increase in demand of energy, I would encourage members of our community to conserve energy and to educate one another about the importance of energy conservation and keeping cool.

Flex Alert: July 8-10

California state officials have issued a flex alert from July 8-10. A flex alert is issued based on system conditions when forecasted demand is expected to exceed normal demand. This is due to the current hot weather as well as over 300 wildfires still burning statewide. According to the Flex Your Power blog, this week is expected to bring the highest electricity demand of the summer and consequently Californians are advised to conserve energy, especially between the hours of 3:00 – 6:00 PM.

Here are some tips for saving energy while keeping cool:

Turn off all unnecessary lights
Postpone using all major appliances until after 7:00 P.M.
If you must use an air conditioner, turn it up to 78 degrees or higher
Close drapes and blinds during the day
Use a fan instead of an air conditioner if possible

High temperatures can be very dangerous for the very young and elderly in our community. If you need to cool down, there are a number of centers available throughout Santa Clara County open to the public.

For more energy conservation tips, visit the Flex Your Power website.

Students-Loan Interest Rates Drop on July 1st

2008-07-09T06:37:00.001-07:00

American youth should not be denied a college education because their parents are unable to afford tuition. To help more students fulfill their potential with a college education, Congress recently enacted the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill.

Students will benefit from increases in federal education assistance, and need-based federal student loans rates being cut in half over the next few years. On July 1 the first stage of the cuts went into effect, with the interest rate on subsidized federal student loans dropping from 6.8% to 6.0%. The House Committee on Education and Labor estimates that the first .8% drop, along with larger rate cuts that will be phased in over the next three years, will “ save the typical student borrower beginning college in 2008 about $2,570 over the life of his or her loan.” Once fully phased in, the cuts will save the typical need based student loan borrower about $4,400 over the life of his or her loan.

These funding initiatives will be paid for at no new cost to taxpayers, and instead will come from cuts to excess federal subsidies paid to lenders in the student loan industry.

Watch a video from the Education and Labor Committee or read more about the changes.

Foreclosure workshop: Presentation and reflections on our economic outlook

2008-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I hosted a workshop on foreclosure prevention yesterday in which public and non-profit agencies provided one-on-one counseling to local homeowners. The workshop was held at the Berryessa Branch Library in San Jose, and was attended by dozens of area residents.

Given the latest bad news from Wall Street, the rising rates of foreclosures in the Bay Area and nationwide are likely to continue. I believe it is important to educate the public about the different options they have available before it is too late.

The most important asset for many of us is our home. Keeping hard working people in their homes should be a top economic priority for policy makers. It certainly is for me and many of my colleagues in Congress.

Since March 2007, the number of notices of default sent out each month in Santa Clara County has nearly tripled from 400 to almost 1200. The number of foreclosures currently listed in San Jose is 5,799. Minority communities are frequently the hardest hit. In two Alum Rock Zip codes –where the population is two thirds Hispanic- there are currently 1,618 homes in foreclosure.

Participating Agencies and Organizations

At the workshop, counselors from agencies such as the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gave residents an overview of the many programs available free of charge to distressed homeowners. Donna Martin, a HUD representative, said that once homeowners receive foreclosure notices, they will be flooded with “offers” for counseling that are often costly. Most of that counseling, she told those in attendance, is given free of charge through HUD or through agencies approved by HUD.

The workshop was also attended by non-profit and local government agencies, including

Catholic Charities of Silicon Valley
Consumer Credit Counciling Service of Santa Clara County
Family and Children Services
Neighborhood Housing Services of Silicon Valley
Project Sentinel
Acorn Housing
City of San Jose Housing Dept.

Disturbing economic news

Economists said Wednesday that figures from important sectors of the American economy, such as the auto industry, indicate unemployment will continue to rise into 2009,. Ford, for example, had a drop in sales of almost 28 percent and Starbucks announced the closing of 600 stores nationwide, with 12,000 job losses expected. Tens of thousands of people lost their jobs in just the month of June alone.

Homeowners have been feeling the economic pinch because of the credit crisis, rising gas prices, and the Bush Administration’s misguided economic policies. This week’s news only compounds an already dismal outlook.

In the short term, what we can do as policy makers is ensure homeowners are aware of the different options they have to prevent them from their losing their home or to help them transition to other housing options if it is not possible to keep their home. I will continue to work with my colleagues on more long term solutions.

What to do if you have not received your rebate check

2008-07-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have heard from several constituents who are concerned because they have not yet received their economic stimulus checks.

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act to stimulate our faltering economy. In addition to other measures, rebate checks are being distributed to American taxpayers to provide a much needed infusion of spending into the economy.

Several constituents have called my office recently with questions about the rebate, so I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify a few questions you may have about the rebate.

Distribution and Eligibility

The IRS began distributing these checks on May 2 based on the last two digits of taxpayers’ social security numbers. As of June 13, 2008, the IRS had distributed more than 76 million stimulus payments to individuals, totaling $63.9 billion. In order to be eligible to receive a stimulus check, taxpayers must meet the following criteria:

Must have a valid social security number
Must have had at least $3000 of income in 2007, and
Must have filed a 2007 federal tax return (even if they do not normally do so).

Disabled veterans and retirees who filed after April 15, or those who filed an extension on their tax returns, may not receive their stimulus checks according to the regular schedule.

Still waiting for your IRS Refund Check?

According to my liaison at the IRS, there are still a potential 615,135 filers in California that have not submitted paperwork, including as many as 15,000 in the fifteenth Congressional District.

The IRS has informed me that through their outreach efforts, so far over 14 million persons on the SSA and VA list who did not file a Federal Income Tax Return in 2006 have done so in 2007. They have assured me that they will be working throughout the summer to reach out to these people and make sure they receive their checks.

Those whose tax returns were received and processed by April 15 and who use direct deposit to receive their refund should have received the deposit in their account by May 16. Those who receive a paper check normally, or who normally use direct deposit but had filing or preparation fees deducted from their 2007 refund or obtained a refund anticipation loan related to their regular tax refund, will continue to receive their stimulus checks throughout the next few weeks based on the last two digits of their social security numbers. The IRS has the rebate distribution schedule on their website.

Non-received / Lost Rebate Checks

If you or someone you know filed taxes by April 15 and should have received a check according to the schedule above, and have not yet received it, you may contact the IRS’ San Jose office at the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
55 S. Market St
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 817-6747
Office hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

More information about the stimulus plan and answers to other common tax questions are available on the IRS website.

Upper Guadalupe River Park Groundbreaking

2008-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today was the groundbreaking of the Upper Guadalupe Flood Protection Project. The partnership between the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Army Corps of Engineers is an investment in our infrastructure which will protect homes along the flood plain, and keep our community safe.

I believe in supporting projects that prevent loss of lives and property in times of disaster, rather than paying more for costly clean-up efforts. I have been working on ensuring federal funding for this project, and will continue my support for the project until it is completed.

In education, one size does not fit all

2008-06-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

The global competition of the 21st century requires schools to think creatively about the best way to prepare students for the challenges they will face. I am proud to congratulate Rancho Milpitas Middle School in Milpitas for being honored as a "California School to Watch".

Rancho Milpitas Middle School won this honor for its innovative educational strategies, including the use of differentiated learning, which the report notes:

involves tailoring lessons or instructional strategies to meet the individual needs of students … Differentiated strategies assume that one size cannot fit all and that teaching to the middle or "average" student fails to challenge advanced learners or support those who struggle.

Just as computer purchases can now be customized to meet the needs of consumers, our children deserve an education tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. During my days working as a principal and a teacher I tried to break away from the “one size fits all” approach to teaching. Today I am even more certain that our education system requires fundamental reforms emphasizing innovation in a more student-centered classroom.

Stopping phone and email spam

2008-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been contacting me lately about problems you are experiencing with calls from telemarketers.

Since 2003, the Do-Not-Call Registry, operated jointly by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has prohibited certain types of telemarketing calls to those who have been added to a free, national registry.

You may register your home or mobile phone for the Do-Not-Call Registry online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register.

If you registered before 2007, your registration will expire after five years, at which point you must re-register if you wish to remain on the list. If you continue to receive calls after being on the list for 60 days, you may submit a complaint by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC or emailing fccinfo@fcc.gov.

The FCC also has excellent resources to help you reduce email spam.

Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Workshop on July 2nd

2008-06-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

Join me for a discussion and workshop I am hosting on how to protect your home from foreclosure. Homeowner resources and direct one-on-one counseling will be provided by local HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Berryessa Branch Library
Community Room
3355 Noble Avenue
San José, CA 95132

Public Transportation – Bus Route: 71

Attendance is free and open to the public.

Participating Agencies

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Project Sentinel
Catholic Charities of San Jose
Neighborhood Housing Services of Santa Clara County
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)

For more information please contact Christine Pham or Chris Schwarz in my Campbell office at 408-558-8085.

STEM Education Briefing (with audio)

2008-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our nation must commit to increasing and improving the quality and diversity of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce if we are to sustain and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global economy.

I convened a briefing this week to allow experts to present recent reports, trends, and policy recommendations on improving STEM education in America.

You can listen to a complete recording of the briefing or listen to podcasts from the presentation of each speaker.

Speakers:

Dr. Shirley Malcom, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Dr. Malcom spoke about a report addressing our fractionated STEM education system and identified areas requiring the greatest attention, such as including increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities.(podcast)

Dr. Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, Congressional Research Service

Dr. Kuenzi highlighted the recommendations and rationale of the American Competiveness Council's recent report evaluating Federal STEM education initiatives. (podcast)

Dr. Craig Robinson, National Science Board

Dr. Robinson presented the recommendations of the National Science Board's recent National Action Plan and an overview of the Board's recommendations to improve STEM teacher quality. (podcast)

Ed Potosnak, Office of Congressman Mike Honda

Mr. Potosnak reviewed key provisions of the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act, which would improve STEM education coordination and coherence among federal and state governments. (podcast)

Drilling for oil off our coasts?

2008-06-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Update: Typo on gas prices corrected below

While driving down Stevens Creek Boulevard recently, and seeing gas prices hovering around ~~$4.00~~ $4.60, I thought folks might be interested in my thoughts on some of the proposals being discussed in Congress right now to address our energy crisis.

President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have been talking a lot lately about drilling in environmentally sensitive areas, and urging that we allow drilling off the coast of California and Florida and other areas. Based on the research I’ve read, however, I don’t believe that drilling for oil off our coasts and in national parks is the solution.

As the New York Times noted in a recent editorial:

There is no doubt that a lot of people have been discomfited and genuinely hurt by $4-a-gallon gas. But their suffering will not be relieved by drilling in restricted areas off the coasts of New Jersey or Virginia or California. The Energy Information Administration says that even if both coasts were opened, prices would not begin to drop until 2030. The only real beneficiaries will be the oil companies that are trying to lock up every last acre of public land before their friends in power — Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney — exit the political stage.
The whole scheme is based on a series of fictions that range from the egregious to the merely annoying. Democratic majority leader, Senator Harry Reid, noted the worst of these on Wednesday: That a country that consumes one-quarter of the world’s oil supply but owns only 3 percent of its reserves can drill its way out of any problem — whether it be high prices at the pump or dependence on oil exported by unstable countries in Persian Gulf.
In fact, there are already 68 million acres onshore and offshore in the United States that are open to drilling and have been leased by oil companies that have not been developed. Eighty percent of the oil available below the Outer Continental Shelf is in regions that are already open to leasing.

We need bold new solutions to our energy needs, not more giveaways to big oil. Innovative developments coming from Silicon Valley and other high-tech centers will bring us toward a new, cleaner, and more affordable energy future.

The answers will not come from a rapidly depleting energy source like oil, instead we must increase funding and support for renewable sources and increased energy efficiency. The New Direction Congress has already passed innovative energy legislation and I will continue working with my colleagues to encourage research into other proposals to reduce energy costs and provide incentives to adopt new technologies that will end our dependence on foreign oil.

A vote against the war in Iraq

2008-06-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

The supplemental appropriations bill considered yesterday was divided into two portions: one provided funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for FY08 and FY09, and a second which funded critical domestic priorities.

Ending the War in Iraq

You may know that last year, I joined nearly ninety of my colleagues in the House in sending a letter to President Bush pledging that I will only support appropriating additional funds for U.S. military operations in Iraq during Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond for the protection and safe redeployment of our troops out of Iraq.

This conflict has degenerated into a sectarian civil war and U.S. taxpayers have paid more than $500 billion, despite assurances that President Bush and his key advisors gave our nation at the time he ordered the invasion in March, 2003 that this military intervention would cost far less and be paid from Iraqi oil revenues.

The supplemental bill the House passed does not include a number of important policy provisions regarding the war originally included in the bill that was sent to the Senate. These important provisions would have called for the responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq required that troops begin to withdraw from Iraq within 30 days of the proposal becoming law, with a goal of completing withdrawal by December 2009.

I am disappointed that the supplemental bill passed by the House does not include these provisions, and instead provides $165 billion more for this disastrous war, without conditions.

I have heard and read the frustrated thoughts of many of my constituents who are simply tired of the Iraq war. They understand that we have spent an inordinate sum of tax dollars fighting a war that should have never been waged. They understand that our economy is suffering as a result of our resources being poured into this war. Last night, I voted against continuing to fund this open ended war.

Supporting Domestic Priorities

However, I remain in strong support of the second amendment to this supplemental appropriations bill, which funded our important domestic priorities. This domestic measure included a new GI bill to restore full, four-year college scholarships to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to help make them part of an economic recovery like the veterans of World War II. It also includes an historic extension of unemployment insurance benefits and assistance to disaster-stricken areas in the Midwest where unprecedented floods have occurred. The number of Americans looking for work has grown by 800,000 over the last year, and the number of American jobs has declined by 260,000 since the beginning of 2008. Both of these measures are beneficial to our country, extraordinarily meaningful to our veterans, and will address the current economic struggle we face.

As a representative of Silicon Valley, the hub of high technology in America, I am also happy that this amendment contains a modest amount of funding to help partially address meet the budget shortfalls facing the agencies that support our nation’s research and development efforts.

I am disappointed that the amendment funding the war in Iraq is without strings or conditions, but was pleased to vote in favor of our nation’s urgent priorities in the second amendment to this appropriations bill. We must continue to invest in a positive future for our country.

Op-ed: Fighting for federal funds to combat tuberculosis

2008-06-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

From my op-ed today in the Mercury News

This past December, Santa Clara County health officials held their collective breaths when they learned that a tuberculosis-infected passenger had traveled from overseas to her Sunnyvale home, possibly infecting other passengers along the way. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then had to race against the clock to identify 44 other passengers from 16 states who sat close to her.
But this case, one of several in the Bay Area last year, was the least of many worries for Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, acting director of Santa Clara County's Health Department. He vividly described to me how funding cuts from the state, outdated federal funding criteria and expensive treatment are the biggest hurdles in the county's battle against tuberculosis.
This is a serious battle: Between 2005 and 2007, our county's TB cases increased 21 percent, while they dropped statewide. The average state and federal funding for the county's efforts remained essentially flat, until this year when it was cut.

Artwork by Local Students from the 2008 Congressional Art Contest

2008-06-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

Over 30 talented local high school students submitted their artwork this year as part of an annual nationwide Congressional art contest. These promising young artists submitted artwork using oil, photography, and other creative mediums.

The winners were chosen by a panel of five community judges who scored each piece on aesthetic value, artistic expression, emotional appeal, and originality. The winner from our Congressional District, Yoon Kwon, a tenth grade student from Monta Vista High School, will be flown to Washington, DC for the unveiling of his artwork, which will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol.

The young artists deserve commendation for their creativity and skill. These submissions, along with the other student artwork submitted, are highlighted on my website.

Take a look at the students' artwork submissions or learn more about the contest.

1st Place: “Untitled” by Yoon Kwon ( Monta Vista High School)

2nd Place: “Model Study #5” by Elizabeth Liu ( Harker High School)

3rd Place: “The People’s City” by Lauren Tkach ( Los Gatos High School)

Local military hero faced years of delays, finally receives Purple Heart

2008-06-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Every week for the past two years, U.S. Army Spc. Ralph Saunders, Jr. of San Jose carefully checked the mail, hoping to receive news about his Purple Heart medal. Finally, after wading through red tape for over two years, this brave soldier received his recognition of his service to our nation.

After shrapnel from a roadside bomb in Iraq gashed Saunders’ leg in 2005, the file supporting his case for a Purple Heart was lost in the chaos of war and in a system unprepared to handle thousands of medal requests from two large overseas conflicts.

In May, the letter that gave Spc. Saunders some hope finally arrived. After my office helped him navigate the stressed military bureaucracy stretching from Baghdad to Washington, D.C., Saunders was awarded his Purple Heart last week.

“After I was denied [the Purple Heart] I basically gave up on it,” said Saunders, whose family lives in California’s 15 th Congressional district. “Congress was my last resort ...”

Even with my office’s involvement, it has taken almost two years of constant phone calls and correspondence with the Pentagon to get approval for Spc. Saunders’ Purple Heart. This situation is not an uncommon one for our veterans as they deal with a military bureaucracy stretched to the brink by two demanding overseas missions.

A soldier like Ralph Saunders, who risked his life for his country and shed his blood on foreign soil, should not have to resort to asking his congressman to help him get the recognition he earned.

By definition, soldiers who are injured in combat receive Purple Heart medals. That, however, requires supporting paperwork, which includes statements from medical staff and commanding officers. At the end of February, more than 30,000 soldiers had been wounded in action both in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Injured by an Improvised Explosive Device

In June 2005, an improvised explosive device (IED) hit Spc. Saunders’ Humvee. The blast broke his nose and burrowed shrapnel into his leg. But two of his colleagues received far more serious injuries and were the medical team’s priority. Saunders was treated and sent back to his unit, with some of the shrapnel still imbedded in his flesh.

More than a year later, however, Spc. Saunders still had not received a Purple Heart. Saunders’ father, Ralph Saunders, Sr., contacted my district office and my staff started the process of untangling the convoluted case.

After more than a year of constant phone calls and letters to the Pentagon, it became clear the documentation for the Saunders case was incomplete at best, and at worst, the file had been lost. Also, because of rotations, it was hard to locate the team that treated him.

At one point we were receiving conflicting correspondence from the Army. One letter in 2007 said the request was denied because of insufficient medical records and another letter a few days later said the request was pending and that it might take at least 10 months.

As my staff investigated the case, they realized the unit charged with reviewing cases such as Saunders’ medal appeal receives 15,000 applications a year to have records corrected. In Saunders’ case, his medical file had to be reconstructed with the help of his captain in Iraq.

The Army approved his Purple Heart in November of last year, and it took half a year for him to receive the award. Saunders, however, might actually be fortunate. Veterans who have been discharged, or veterans from past conflicts, have cases that are complicated by the passage of time, paper files and witnesses who are impossible to track. The two current wars further slow down the process.

Unfortunately, this unnecessary war has pushed our armed forces to their limit, whether it is awarding medals, or providing medical care to our wounded. Our men and women in uniform should not have to fight the system at home after they’ve fought the enemy overseas.

Visit my website for information about this and other services that my office can provide for constituents of the 15th District of California.

Update: The San Jose Mercury posted an article about Saunders

Education Summit Addresses Cultural and Linguistic Challenges

2008-06-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I convened the first ever Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Education Summit to dispel myths about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. Due to stereotypes of overachievement, the needs of underserved AAPI students for linguistically and culturally competent services are often overlooked. The Summit, featuring three panels of experts, provided an opportunity to examine the unique challenges facing AAPI students and educators, as well as recommendations on how to address these challenges.

At the Summit, Dr. Robert Teranishi of NYU presented findings from a newly released report. The report, released by the College Board in collaboration with the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education, details why false assumptions can lead to misinformed policy and practice that can be harmful to AAPI students. The myth of student achievement throughout AAPI communities, for instance, has masked the linguistic and cultural needs of young people for far too long.

My colleague Rep. David Wu, chair of CAPAC’s Education Task Force, remarked:

Asian American and Pacific Islander communities deserve not only a seat at the table of education policy debates, but also a strong voice to shape the national conversation. I applaud all of those who are sharing their expertise and insights at our first CAPAC Education Summit.

The Education Summit reaffirmed CAPAC’s commitment to dispelling the model minority myth and ensuring the success of AAPI students and educators.

Presentations and panel summaries are available on my website.

Major Nanotechnology Legislation Passes House

2008-06-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act (H.R. 5940) passed the House yesterday, and included many provisions that I originally proposed in my own legislation, the Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities (NANO) Act, H.R. 3235.

Nanotechnology has the potential to create entirely new industries and radically transform the basis of competition in other fields, and I am proud of my work with former Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert on the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 to foster research in this area.

While the United States is a leader in nanotechnology research, experts warn us that our foreign competitors are focusing more resources and effort on the commercialization of those research results than we are.

Both H.R. 5940 and my own bill would focus America’s nanotechnology research and development programs on areas of national need such as energy , health care, and the environment, and have provisions to help assist in the commercialization of nanotechnology.

In recent months, there has been much discussion about potential health and safety risks associated with nanotechnology. Uncertainty is one of the major obstacles to the commercialization of nanotechnology – uncertainty about what the risks might be and uncertainty about how the federal government might regulate nanotechnology in the future. Both my bill and H.R. 5940 require the development of a nanotechnology research plan that will ensure the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology.

Other important areas that are addressed by both H.R. 5940 and H.R. 3235 include:

the development of curriculum tools to help improve nanotechnology education;
the establishment of educational partnerships to help prepare students to pursue postsecondary education in nanotechnology;
support for the development of environmentally beneficial nanotechnology; and
the development of advanced tools for simulation and characterization to enable rapid prediction, characterization and monitoring for nanoscale manufacturing.

I am also pleased that H.R. 5940 will require that the National Nanotechnology InitiativeAdvisory Panel must be a stand-alone advisory committee. This is a concept I originally proposed in 2002 in the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Advisory Board Act (H.R. 5669 in the 107 th Congress).

I would like to thank the members of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology (BRTFN), a panel of California nanotechnology experts with backgrounds in established industry, startup companies, consulting groups, non-profits, academia, government, medical research, and venture capital that I convened with then-California State Controller Steve Westly during 2005, for the important recommendations included in its report, Thinking Big About Thinking Small, many of which are reflected in the bill we are considering today. I would also like to thank Scott Hubbard, who was the Director of the NASA Ames Research Center at that time and who served as working chair of the BRTFN, and all of the staff at Ames whose hard work made the task force run so well and helped produced a great report.

I congratulate the Science and Technology Committee and Chairman Gordon for their work on this bill and thank them for incorporating so many of the provisions from my bill into H.R. 5940, and I am pleased that so many of my colleagues supported this important legislation to reauthorize the nation’s nanotechnology research and development program.

Background on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Bill I Developed with Senator Obama

2008-06-06T08:22:00.001-07:00

Last month I wrote about the bill that I developed with Senator Obama to improve coordination of STEM education programs throughout the country.

In response to interest from educators, business leaders, and government officials, I’ve created a webpage with details about this legislation and general STEM education issues, including:

What do you think about the bill? Leave a comment and let me know.

Founding of the Congressional GLBT Equality Caucus – Ending the Discrimination

2008-06-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today I joined with several colleagues in the House to announce the founding of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Equality Caucus, which will work to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

I came to Congress to fight for the civil and human rights of Americans of all sexual orientations, genders and ethnic backgrounds. All Americans deserve the right to work, live, and love in peace and free from intimidation and prejudice. As my friend, Congressman Barney Frank, noted: "With a Democratic majority in the House, we now have both the opportunity and the responsibility to move towards legal equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender." This caucus will play an important role in helping make the promises contained in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution a reality for every person living in the United States.

Honoring Our Veterans

2008-05-23T11:37:00.002-07:00

This coming Monday is Memorial Day --a day that honors the immeasurable services provided to our nation by the millions of men and women who have fought on behalf of our security, our freedom, and our well-being. Today, the sons and daughters of our nation continue to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe. As they continue to support us, the 110th Congress is continuing to support our troops, veterans and their families by providing increased health care funding for veterans, passing the GI bill for the 21st century, and increasing health care benefits and services. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battle field, as a nation we must pledge to leave no veteran behind when they return home.

May 19th – 23rd is Hepatitis B Awareness Week

2008-05-23T11:37:00.001-07:00

Hepatitis B is caused by a highly contagious virus that infects the liver, causing liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death. 1.25 million Americans are chronically infected with the “silent” Hepatitis B virus. Without appropriate screening and management of the disease, one in four Hepatitis B carriers dies from liver cancer or liver disease. I urge you all to educate yourselves and your loved ones about this devastating disease. Testing and vaccination are critical to stemming the tide of this health crisis. To aid in fighting this disease, I have introduced H.R. 3944, the National Hepatitis B Act which requires the development of a national plan for the prevention, control, and medical management of Hepatitis B.

My bill to improve education of science, technology, engineering and math

2008-05-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I introduced H.R. 6104, the “Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Act of 2008.” This bipartisan bill will help make America’s students and future labor force more competitive in science-related fields by developing a coordinated strategy in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math education, the fields collectively known as STEM. (read more)

House Passes Energy Tax Legislation

2008-05-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday the House passed legislation that will extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy and spur American innovation and business investment by a bipartisan vote of 263-160. I am proud to have voted for H.R. 6049, which upon enactment will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment by increasing the production of renewable fuels and renewable electricity, and encouraging greater energy efficiency. The bill also includes extensions of several important tax credits that help create jobs here in the United States and help middle class families make ends meet. On Wednesday, the House passed legislation to extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy and spur American innovation and business investment by a vote of 263-160. Upon enactment, H.R. 6049, which I am proud to have voted for, will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment by increasing the production of renewable fuels and renewable electricity, and encouraging greater energy efficiency.

Silicon Valley is home to numerous companies that are developing the next generation of technologies for use in solar energy generation, fuel cells, and energy efficient appliances, and these incentives will help make those technologies more accessible to consumers. Major components of the bill include:

A six-year extension of the investment tax credit (ITC) for solar energy;
A three-year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for energy derived from biomass, geothermal, hydropower, landfill gas and solid waste, and a one-year extension of the PTC for energy derived from wind;
Incentives for the production of homegrown renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel, and for the installation of E-85 pumps for consumers to fill up flex-fuel vehicles;
Tax credits of $3,000 or more toward the purchase of fuel-efficient, plug-in hybrid vehicles;
Incentives for energy conservation in commercial buildings, residential structures, and energy efficient appliances; and
$3 billion in tax credit bonds to State and local government to make energy conservation investments in public infrastructure and invest in research.

The bill also includes extensions of several important tax credits that help create jobs here in the United States and help middle class families make ends meet, including:

Extending the R&D tax credit and the special rules for active financing income;
Helping 4.5 million families better afford college with the tuition deduction;
Saving 3.4 million teachers money with a deduction for classroom expenses; and
Providing 22,000 American troops in combat with tax relief under the Earned Income Tax Credit.

H.R. 6049 represents a renewed effort to pass these critical tax incentives into law immediately while remaining fiscally responsible. Senate Republicans have long delayed this legislation, in their efforts to protect taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil companies raking in record profits. In the interest of expeditiously enacting this legislation, this bill is paid for by closing loopholes allowing U.S. corporations and executives to avoid U.S. taxes by shipping jobs and investment overseas that are non-controversial and have passed the House with broad bipartisan support.)