E-Newsletter - October 2008
In Washington, Congressman Sestak advocated for and helped pass a transparent and accountable bill needed to prevent a credit freeze during these turbulent economic times. Additionally, the Congressman won approval for his vital elder justice legislation, reached across the aisle to ensure former POW’s receive the compensation they earned and passed eight critical amendments to give our troops the support they deserve. At home, Congressman Sestak worked to provide resources to a variety of groups, including young Veterans and women business owners, announced an important victory in efforts with USPS on behalf of Garnet Valley constituents, and continued efforts to reduce violence.
*For the most complete and up-to-date information on Congressman Sestak’s work in Washington and in the 7th Congressional District, please visit http://sestak.house.gov
Around the 7th
Free mental health care for Iraq and Afghanistan Vets: As part of his work to help the hundreds of thousands of Veterans of Iraq of Afghanistan suffering from serious mental health problems, Congressman Sestak joined representatives from Give an Hour at Crozer-Chester Medical Center to promote locally a countrywide effort to care for these troops. The program encourages mental health professionals to volunteer their services to these brave Americans, as approximately 40 percent of soldiers, a third of Marines, and half of National Guard Members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report psychological problems. Assistance provided by Give an Hour includes treatment for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and sexual health and intimacy concerns, as well as counseling for grieving families. “I am taken by the ability of Give and Hour, with more than 2800 volunteers, to rally the medical community behind this great initiative and by the generosity expressed by the dozens of local doctors who have shown enthusiasm for helping the organization meet its goals,” said Congressman Sestak. To learn more visit www.giveanhour.org.
Tireless work with Postal Service brings long-desired zip code to Garnet Valley: As the culmination of more than 35 meetings, research and consistent interaction with concerned constituents, Congressman Sestak announced that the Postal Service will issue Garnet Valley its own Zip Code, 19060, effective in July 2009. The Congressman thanked USPS officials for taking the time and putting forth the effort to find sufficient cost savings to support the Congressman’s proposal of a new Zip Code. Congressman Sestak’s extensive advocacy on behalf of his constituents, who have expressed a desire for a new Zip Code for more than four years, reached the level of the Post Master General and his staff. When cost efficiency was confirmed, USPS took the rare step of issuing a mail survey to the people of Garnet Valley this summer. With the majority of respondents in favor, USPS established 19060 to cover the Garnet Valley portion of the current 19061 Zip Code. “This is a prime example of good government,” said Congressman Sestak. “In this case, I was engaged with a group of understandably concerned constituents and a very supportive Postal Service regional office and we were able work out this important local issue.
Resolving to keep college campuses safe: In the wake of their daughter’s tragic death, Constance and Howard Clery founded Security on Campus, an organization determined to combat violence on college campuses. Congressman Sestak worked with Security on Campus to win unanimous approval of a resolution, H. Res. 1288, designating September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM). At a Villanova University ceremony, the Congressman presented a teary-eyed Constance Clery with a copy of the resolution and thanked her for her unwavering commitment to her group’s important mission. The efforts of Ms. Clery have also resulted in passage of the Jeanne Clery Act, requiring the nation’s colleges and universities to publish and distribute an Annual Campus Security Report, maintain a public log of all crimes reported to them and provide warnings of crimes that represent a threat to the security of students and employees. “It is crucial that we open a dialogue between students, college personnel and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of our educational institutions,” said Congressman Sestak. “The awareness that this resolution helps to generate better equips every member of the community to protect themselves and prevent crime.”
Leveling the playing field for women-owned businesses: Between 1997 and 2006, majority women-owned businesses experienced a growth rate nearly twice that of the national average. Yet the more than ten million women-owned firms that make up more than 40 percent of all private businesses in this country received 3.3 percent of Federal contracts. With figures like these in mind, Congressmen Sestak partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to host a forum and fair at Pennsylvania State University’s Brandywine Campus, providing information and resources to local businesswomen. The event incorporated business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees in a panel discussion, with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about ways to enhance their careers. Following the panel, a service fair featured representatives from federal, state and local government agencies, chambers of commerce, microlenders and credit counseling organizations. “Women business owners do not receive their fair share from the government and it is my job to give my constituents the access they deserve,” said Congressman Sestak. “This forum was a great opportunity for my constituents to network, learn about new resources and discuss the challenges facing female entrepreneurs.”
Working to ensure opportunities at home for youngest generation of Vets: Congressman Sestak, who received an A+ rating from the non-profit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, assembled about a dozen Veterans under the age of 30, as well as representatives of the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers, for a two and half hour roundtable at Delaware County Community College. The session included a review of efforts to assist young Veterans in areas such as mental health treatment, housing, education, and job and business opportunities, and an opportunity for the servicemen and women to express their concerns. “What I heard today, and what will become integral to my workforce development initiatives, is that the young men and women returning home want a good job and the benefits necessary to support their families,” said Congressman Sestak. “That has to be our local and national focus and I will engage my Workforce Development and Veterans Advisory Committees in actions to identify job opportunities for Vets.”
In Legislation
Necessary decisive action during fiscal crisis: After his vote to help pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, Congressman Sestak released the following statement. (For a complete explanation of the importance of the bill and its provisions, please see the op-ed written by the Congressman pasted below this newsletter. A more detailed letter is also available by contacting Congressman Sestak.)
“I voted for this bill because we needed to take decisive action now to stop the bank lending freeze to ensure that my constituents have access to affordable car, education, small business and other consumer loans, as we have already seen Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) stop giving loans for college education. In addition, we needed to pass this legislation to avoid a crash in the stock market, which would cause life savings, pensions, and 401K’s to lose their value. Not acting is already gravely harming our economy and risks creating a deep, protracted recession. We would face a continued downward spiral of foreclosures and home prices. Without credit, businesses would have to lay off more people and the unemployment rate, which is already at 6.1%, would rise—impacting family’s incomes and adding to the 600,000 lost jobs this year alone.”
Historic legislation to protect seniors: The National Coordinator of the non-partisan 564-member Elder Justice Coalition has called it “the most significant vote specifically on elder justice ever taken in the House.” The Elder Abuse Victims Act (HR 5352), introduced by Congressman Sestak, marks the first legislation on elder abuse to make it through the House of Representatives in 17 years. By focusing funding on more effective law enforcement and prosecution of elder abuse, the bill aims to reduce the increasing rate of physical, emotional and financial harm, neglect and exploitation of the elderly, and ensure that perpetrators are properly punished. The National Research Council panel appointed to review the risk and prevalence of elder abuse estimates that between one and two million Americans 65 or older have been victims of elder abuse. Many imperfections exist in our national effort to adequately prevent and prosecute these crimes – and rehabilitate victims. This bill identifies and addresses those imperfections. Some of the Act’s important measures include establishing a Center for the Prosecution of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, and funding Victims’ Advocacy Grants as well as Emergency Crisis Response Teams that offer victims immediate, short-term emergency services.
Bipartisan effort results in justice for American heroes: Congressman Sestak used a bipartisan approach to achieve a compromise that ensures American service members tortured during the first Gulf War receive their court-adjudicated compensation from Iraq. This is a key step in resolving monetary awards due to Americans who sacrificed greatly to serve their nation. The Congressman worked with both Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), the ranking Republican Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) to bring the bill to a successful vote on the floor. Late last year, President Bush vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act to prevent the court-approved payment of compensation from Iraq for the American POWs as well as a group of American citizens who were held as human shields during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act would give the Iraqi government 90 days to provide fair restitution to the victims or the waiver of immunity for the Iraqi government would be repealed. “In 1991, American POWs were tortured illegally under the rule of law,” said Congressman Sestak. “In the U.S. military, we ensure that our service members know never to stain our nation through the use of torture as our nation would be held liable; similarly, U.S. service members rightfully expect the same in return.”
Congressman’s eight provisions in Defense Authorization Act pass House:To enhance the National Defense Authorization Act of 2009, Congressman Sestak has passed eight amendments, one of which increases support for military families with autistic children. Congressman Sestak has committed to improving treatment for children with autism, the fastest growing developmental disability in the United State. The legislation drafted by the Congressman serves as a template for states currently seeking to institute autism insurance reform in the effort to compel commercial insurers to cover evidence-based, medically necessary therapies and services for individuals with autism. Congressman Sestak’s amendment results in a significant improvement for care of the more than 8,500 children from military families who have autism, including a 20 percent increase in funding for autism services under the ECHO (Extended Care Health Option) program. In addition, the amendment contains a demonstration project to identify needs of these families and a provision for a report from the Secretary of Defense on the feasibility of establishing one or more autism support centers.
Congressman Sestak’s other amendments include measures to:
For more information on the Congressman’s amendments, visit: http://www.sestak.house.gov/list/press/pa07_sestak/080924_NDAA.shtml.
Special Notes:
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reminds eligible individuals that the 2008 Medicare Open Enrollment is Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. Each year plans change costs and coverage. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the changes being made by their current plan and compare it to others to make sure the plan they use still meets their needs. Those who don't have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a drug plan during open enrollment. All people with Medicare should:
Review your plan and act early to avoid any inconvenience at the pharmacy counter in January.
For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633 4227).
EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT (HR 1424)
By Congressman Joe Sestak
September 29, the House failed to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, 205-228. October 4, the bill, together with a number of tax-cut extensions, passed 263-171, and became law. I voted yes both times because I believe we needed to take decisive action to stop the bank lending freeze and ensure my constituents do not face the non-availability of affordable car, education, and small business loans, and a stock market crash where life savings, pensions, and 401K’s lose great value. Not acting has already harmed our economy, risking a deep, protracted recession; if small businesses cannot get loans and are forced to layoff employees, unemployment rises and, with less household income, the downward spiral of foreclosures continues.
I have been focused on the financial crisis since February when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) alerted me that it had to stop making student loans because of credit market problems. I wrote the Secretary of the Treasury and Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, asking for direct intervention; Chairman Bernanke responded that the “most important contribution that the Federal Reserve can make … is to foster the restoration of more-normal functioning in financial markets more generally.”
Unfortunately, that proved wrong. Instead, what began with foreclosures in sub-prime mortgages, has devastated a growing number of financial institutions, causing a widespread credit freeze, where lending has stopped because of the fear that mortgage-related securities held by banks may soon make these banks insolvent. During a call, Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernanke admitted that this was the worst financial crisis since World War II – that means the Great Depression.
We must remove the dead weights that are pulling down our economy, contributing to 605,000 recent job losses, 20 percent declines in house and new car sales and foreclosures for one million families, with millions more expected. For example, a family laundry business closed in my district because it could not get a loan to repair equipment; a 68-year old woman lost more than $100,000 in retirement savings when the market crashed recently; and a father with a strong credit history could not get a mortgage for his family. It is clear that, over the years, there was no proper market oversight to prevent this.
A Congressional bi-partisan group took Secretary Paulson’s original three-page proposal -- clearly inadequate - and constructed an effective and accountable plan. Its key points are:
Provide Liquidity and Confidence to Financial Markets
Protection for Legitimate Homeowners
Executive Compensation
There are executive compensation restrictions, including prohibiting/limiting “golden parachutes” and no tax deductibility of excessive compensation. If the Government takes an ownership stake in a firm, the government will recover any bonus previously paid to an executive if statements are later found to be inaccurate.
Regulatory Reform
The bill included provisions to quickly develop a comprehensive restructuring of the financial regulatory system.
I voted for this bill for one primary reason: if action were not taken, it will be exponentially worse. If banks are unable to lend to small businesses at affordable rates, unemployment—now at 6.1 percent-- will rise as people are laid off; family incomes will then decrease; and they will be unable to afford their mortgages, or the increasing cost of car, education and other loans.
This action, while regrettable, is necessary, as the trillion dollar loss in pensions, savings, and 401K plans showed when the stock market recently collapsed. I believe the adage of the ancient mariner who said of a natural storm “woe be the seaman who does not take precautions, lest they might prove unnecessary”. I strongly believe it would have been unwise not to take this precaution for this man-made financial storm.
