Lois Capps tag:,2008-09-11:/4 2009-11-19T16:03:16Z Press Releases from Representative Lois Capps within the last 90 days Movable Type Enterprise 4.24-en Capps Statement on Abortion Provisions in the Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2037 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement regarding the abortion provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

“I am pleased that the Senate has adopted a reasonable, common ground approach on this difficult question.  It appears that their approach closely mirrors my language which was originally included in the House bill.  It ensures that federal funds do not pay for abortions but allows continued access to this legal medical procedure. This is a bill about health insurance reform not about expanding or contracting access to abortion services. I am glad that the Senate has rejected the more extreme Stupak language and look forward to continuing to work with my pro-life and pro-choice colleagues on a reasonable compromise on this issue.”
 

]]> Capps Bill to Promote Environmental Education Approved by Key Committee tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2036 Legislation Would Expand Popular B-WET Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Capps’ bipartisan legislation to formalize and expand the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Literacy Grant Program was passed today by the House Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 22 to 13.  In September Capps introduced the legislation, the Ocean, Coastal, and Watershed Education Act, to improve ocean, coastal and watershed education and literacy with Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) and Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) after seeing the good work that the B-WET program has done in her own congressional district for the past several years.  Last month the legislation was the subject of a hearing before the Natural Resources Committee, featuring testimony from one of Capps constituents.  

“This is great progress for this important legislation,” said Capps.  “In so many ways, the health of our communities relies on the health of our watersheds.  As we are inundated with reports of climate change, overfishing, wildfires, and droughts, children need ways to connect—through hands-on experiences—to their environment.  How else can they understand the importance of their actions and the significance of what we are fighting to protect? I believe that now is the time to authorize and expand NOAA’s B-WET and the Environmental Literacy Grant programs.  We need to ensure that these programs are here for our children now and into the future.”

Capps has long been a strong supporter of the California B-WET Program, which provides organizations with funds to support environment-based education for students, teachers and communities throughout the San Francisco, Monterey Bay and Santa Barbara Channel watersheds.  For the last several years she has worked alongside Senators Feinstein and Boxer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Sam Farr (CA-17), to secure $9.25 million for these California-specific programs.  These federal funds have been used by the Ventura County Office of Education to provide students with an opportunity to monitor and collect data on their local Channel Islands with researchers and scientists.  Additionally, the University of California, Santa Barbara received federal funds under the program to help K-12 teachers integrate watershed studies into their ongoing curricula and provide hands-on, inquiry-based field experiences to their students.  Capps secured $2.5 million for California B-WET in the recently passed House-version of the FY2010 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill.

A copy of Capps Statement on the bill follows:

Thank you Mr. Chairman.  

Over the past several years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) B-WET and Environmental Literacy Grants programs have made great strides in advancing ocean, atmospheric, and environmental literacy in the United States.  

With a focus on kids from grades K-12, B-WET and Environmental Literacy Grants have promoted public awareness and appreciation of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of coastal watersheds.  

They have also emphasized stewardship of critical coastal and marine resources.

The ELG program is a competitive grants program designed to improve the nation’s environmental literacy by increasing the presence of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather, and climate sciences in formal and informal education programs.

B-WET is a regional competitive grants program that gets kids outside and into their communities.  

Through hands-on experiences in the coastal and marine environment the hope is that these students will connect with their watershed, enforcing an ethic of environmental stewardship, promoting academic achievement, and creating the next generation of scientists.

My bill authorizes and expands these two successful programs.  

And I think our subcommittee hearing in October clearly demonstrated why this is so critical.  

We heard compelling testimony from witnesses about the extraordinary influence these programs have had on communities

I’d like to take a moment, Mr. Chairman, to share with a letter I received several weeks ago from Sara Benjamin, who runs a B-WET program in Southern California.  

It’s called “Once Upon a Watershed”, and gets students out into the field where they help to restore their local watersheds and wetlands.

Here’s what she had to say about B-WET:

“Funding for NOAA’s watershed education programs has had a powerful, positive influence in our community down in the Ventura River Watershed.  

“Our work has had myriad ripple effects.  We work directly with the kids, connecting them to their watershed in a stewardship capacity, which is super powerful in and of itself, and the broader community has been directly impacted.

“In just 4 years, the general awareness, dialogue and activism around and in our watershed have increased, and folks have pointed to our work as the inspirational and educational source.”

I think that Sara’s message speaks so eloquently and precisely to why these programs are so important.  In so many ways, the health of our communities relies on the health of our watersheds. 

This bill also has the support of nearly 100 organizations . . . from the Ocean Conservancy to the American Sportsfishing Association . . . from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation to the Environmental Education Association of New Mexico . . . from the City of Juneau to the New York Aquarium.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bi-partisan bill so that we can authorize these critical programs and ensure that kids continue to connect—through hands-on experiences—to their environment.

Thank you.  I yield back.
 

 

]]> Capps Praises Passage of Legislation to Increase Resources for America's Fire Fighters tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2035 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps voted to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires and keep our communities safe.  At a time when many towns and cities are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791) invests in crucial firefighter assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.

“This bill provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods and – first and foremost – our families,” said Rep. Capps.  “I’m proud to support the federal government’s efforts to provide fire departments on the South and Central Coasts and across the country with the resources to do their jobs in a safe and effective manner.”

The bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

“Our local firefighters, both professional and volunteer, must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Capps. “State and local governments are facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but even in these challenging economic times they should never have to choose between balancing their budgets and providing adequate training and equipment to their fire personnel.  This bill protects against that.”

Congresswoman Capps has been a long time supporter of the Fire Grants program.  This program has been providing funding to fire departments and other first responders since 2001.  These grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of equipment, firefighter health and safety programs, enhancing emergency medical services programs, and conducting fire education and prevention programs.

The bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

]]> Capps Celebrates House Passage of Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform Bill tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2034 Affordable Health Care for America Act Includes Several Capps Provisions, Including Language to Train More Nurses, Improve the Quality of Maternal Health, and Encourage Low-Income Patients to Seek Preventive Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps celebrated the House passage of comprehensive health insurance reform, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3932).  For the first time the House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive health insurance reform bill, marking a historic point in the effort to lower health care costs for families and businesses, improve American’s health and wellness, and provide all Americans with access to quality, affordable health care.  The legislation passed by a vote of 220 to 215.

“This is a historic moment for our country, as we take a huge step forward in our effort to fix our broken health insurance system,” said Capps, a nurse and Vice-Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.   “I’ve spent the better part of my life working to improve the health and well-being of my patients and I am thrilled that with this vote we are closer than ever to delivering affordable, quality health care for all of us on the Central and South Coasts.  I am proud that I was able to share my experience as a nurse and public health educator to strengthen several provisions of the legislation dealing with prevention, access to affordable health insurance, securing a public health insurance option and increasing the number of health professionals.

The bill would enact critical health insurance reforms to stop insurance companies from refusing coverage based on consumers’ pre-existing medical conditions – such as pregnancy or high blood pressure – or refusing to cover a consumer’s medical expenses after a serious and often costly injury or diagnosis like cancer. It would also better serve consumers by closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” and ending insurance companies’ “gender rating” in which women are charged higher premiums just because they are women.  The legislation would also establish a public health insurance program to ensure that all Americans have access to health insurance and provide financial assistance for lower and middle income families to help them secure health insurance coverage.  The public option would provide much needed competition to health insurance companies, which currently monopolize the vast majority of markets across the country and leave consumers little leverage.  The bill would ramp up programs to train more doctors, nurses and other health professionals to improve quality of care for all patients and refocus efforts on improving prevention and wellness efforts.

“The pride and joy that I feel today as we move one step closer on this important journey is tempered by my disappointment that this victory for all Americans’ access to affordable, quality health insurance came at a cost,” continued Capps.  “As is too often the case, women’s access to reproductive health care, specifically abortion services, were sacrificed by the adoption of the Stupak amendment.   I have said it time and again but it bears repeating, comprehensive health insurance reform legislation is not the place to be re-debating federal abortion policy, nor is it the place to dramatically expand or contract access to abortion services.   This victory for comprehensive health care reform is a bittersweet one.  I will continue to work to see this illogical, discriminatory, and unnecessary language removed from the final legislation to ensure that comprehensive health care reform works for all Americans.”  

The Stupak Amendment will prohibit the use of federal funds from covering any part of the costs of any health care plan that includes coverage of abortion.  It also forces women seeking insurance coverage for abortion care to purchase such coverage through a “rider,” a supplemental policy that a woman would have to purchase separately that covers only abortion.  This amendment is, in effect, a ban on abortion coverage that will take coverage away from millions of women who currently have it.

Capps Initiatives Included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3932):

Improve Maternity Care: This Engel-Capps amendment would ensure that the quality of maternity care is being measured in Medicaid and CHIP programs.

Prohibit Co-Pays for Medicaid Preventive Services:  This amendment prohibits cost-sharing requirements for Medicaid clinical preventive services (like screening for cancer and heart disease, as well as preventing serious infectious diseases, substance abuse, and vision and hearing disorders) that are rated A & B  (highly recommended) by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Improve Children’s Access to Comprehensive and Easily Accessible Preventive and Primary Health Care (School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2009, H.R. 3003):  This initiative would improve children’s access to comprehensive and easily accessible preventive and primary health care service to medically underserved communities at school-based health clinics (SBHCs).  The legislation would provide a consistent, dedicated stream of federal funding to support the school-based health clinics.

Support Nurse-Managed Health Clinic (derived from the Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Investment Act of 2009 H.R.2754):  The initiative supports Nurse-Managed Health Clinics (NMHCs) in providing comprehensive and accessible primary healthcare and wellness services to vulnerable populations in America’s medically underserved communities.  The services provided by these clinics would help reduce the level of health disparities experienced by these vulnerable populations while training the next generation of nurse professionals.

Improve Nurse Education Grant Programs under Title VIII :  During the drafting process Congresswoman Capps served as a liaison between the nursing community and the Energy and Commerce Committee to make sure their priorities are included.  The improvements to the nurse education grant programs under Title VIII include:

- Expanding education, practice, and retention programs for nurses.
- Enhancing existing student loan, scholarship, and loan repayment programs.
- Enhancing development of advanced practice nurses, including those who deliver primary care services.
- Expanding existing loan repayment programs to increase number of nursing faculty.

Ensure Nurse Practitioners can be Lead Coordinator for the Medical Home Pilot Program

Increase Reimbursement for Certified Nurse-Midwives

Improve Pain Care and Treatment (derived from The National Pain Care Policy Act H.R. 756):  This Capps initiative would improve coordination of pain care and facilitate better sharing of information about pain across health disciplines.  The legislation would combat pain in three ways: by authorizing an Institute of Medicine Conference on Pain Care; authorizing a Pain Consortium at the National Institutes of Health; and by instituting a public awareness campaign on pain management.  Over ninety leading organizations representing the pain care community have joined Congresswoman Capps and Congressman Rogers in support of this legislation, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Pain Foundation and a coalition of leading professional organizations in the pain field.

Expand the CDC’s WISEWOMAN Screening Program for Low-Income & Uninsured Women:  This Capps amendment expands the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN screening program for low-income and uninsured women. Currently the program is available in only 20 states.  The expansion of the successful WISEWOMAN program is a key provision of legislation authored by Congresswoman Capps and her Energy and Commerce colleague Republican Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), the Heart disease Education, Research and Analysis, and Treatment (HEART) for Women Act (H.R. 1032).  The HEART for Women Act is endorsed by a number of leading health and women’s organizations, including the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, WomenHeart, the Society for Women’s Health Research, and the Association for Black Cardiologists.

Support Evidence-Based Programs that Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (the “Healthy Teen Initiative” Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program):  This Capps amendment establishes grants to states to conduct or support evidence-based programs that reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.  Programs must be scientifically shown to reduce teen pregnancy or STD rates or the risk behaviors that lead to them.  States can work with schools, faith-based organizations, community organizations and other partners.  Requires independent evaluation, medical and scientific accuracy, and age-appropriateness.  There is no litmus test on “philosophy” of the program – i.e. no preference given to comprehensive or abstinence only programs, rather programs are funded based on scientific evidence of effectiveness and accuracy.  It in no way preempts or limits State laws on parental involvement and decision making in their children’s education.

Geographic Payment Fix (GPCI) for the State of California:  Fixes flawed Medicare reimbursement system by updating methodology used to calculate geographic areas in California that are lumped together for calculating regional payment rates for physicians and other health providers.

]]> Capps Statement on the Passage of the Stupak Amendment tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2033 Amendment Further Restricts Women’s Access to Reproductive Healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) released the following statement following the House of Representatives passage of the Stupak amendment which significantly departs from the status quo of federal policy related to abortion coverage and restricts women’s access to abortion services:

“The idea that the Stupak amendment is the status quo or even a compromise is a sham. Its adoption will mean more women will have their reproductive health choices made by politicians and anti-choice zealots in Washington, DC instead of by themselves and their doctors. I have said it time and again but it bears repeating - comprehensive health insurance reform legislation is not the place to be re-debating federal abortion policy, nor is it the place to dramatically expand or contract access to abortion services. Despite this setback, I will vote for the final passage of the legislation today but I will also work to see this illogical, discriminatory, and unnecessary language removed from the final legislation.”
 

]]> Capps Works to Defeat Stupak Amendment that Further Restricts Women's Access to Reproductive Healthcare tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2032 WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) will take to the House floor to speak in strong opposition to the Stupak amendment which would restrict women’s access to abortion services.  The Stupak amendment also significantly departs from the status quo of federal policy related to abortion coverage and undermines efforts to maintain the principle of abortion neutrality in comprehensive health insurance reform legislation.

“Comprehensive health insurance reform legislation is not the place to be re-debating federal abortion policy, nor is it the place to dramatically expand or contract access to abortion services,” said Capps.  “That’s why I took such pains to craft compromise language that would maintain the status quo on abortion policy.  My language, which was incorporated into the bill, is in line with current law prohibiting federal funding for abortion services except in the rare instances of rape, incest and to protect the life of the woman.  The Stupak amendment rejects this common ground approach.  Instead, the Stupak amendment places new restrictions on women’s access to abortion coverage in the private health insurance market by preventing low and middle income women from purchasing private health plans that cover abortion services even if they pay for most of their premium with their own money.  Currently, the majority of private health insurance plans offer abortion coverage.  The Stupak amendment is illogical, discriminatory, unnecessary, and sets a terrible precedent.  I hope the majority of my colleagues join me in opposing this misguided amendment.”

Background on the Capps language’s common ground approach:

·        Clarifies that the government could not mandate nor prohibit coverage for abortion services for plans in the exchange

·        Ensures that patients will have access to at least one plan that does cover abortions services and one that does not

o       Provides more choices to those who are pro-life since most private health insurance plans cover abortion services regardless of whether or not patient wants it

·        Also expands the “Conscience Clauses”

o       (i.e., permission for providers to refuse to provide abortions), including the one known as the Weldon Amendment) are retained and expanded.

·        Clarifies that public funding may not be used to pay for abortion services.

o       Private funds (generated by patient premiums), however, could be used to pay for these services.  These private funds must be kept strictly segregated from any federal funds.

·        The Capps amendment does not interfere with the Hyde Amendment (which says no Federal funds can be used to pay for abortions except in the case of rape, incest, or life of the woman).

·        The Capps amendment does not interfere with or preempt any state laws regarding abortion (i.e. parental notification, waiting period, etc)

A copy of Congresswoman Capps floor speech as prepared for delivery follows:

“M. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment.

“Contrary to what the sponsors and their supporters have told you, the underlying bill prohibits federal funding for abortion.  It’s written clearly and plainly on page 246 line 11 “Prohibition of use of public funds for abortion coverage.”  But that wasn’t good enough for people who want to strip women of the right to choose altogether despite purporting to just want to maintain the status quo.  So instead we have an amendment before us that restricts a woman’s right to access a legal medical procedure in this country.

“It’s ironic, actually, because most of the people who support this amendment claim to oppose government interference in health care.  Yet this amendment is government interference in a decision that should be made between a woman and her physician.

If this amendment passes, it will be the ONLY language in the entire legislation that actually restricts coverage of a legal medical procedure.

“Not one other legal medical procedure is singled-out for rationing.  I urge my colleagues to vote no on this terrible amendment.”

]]> Capps Votes for Additional Economic Recovery Measures; Extends Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Homebuyers' Tax Credit, and Business Tax Relief to Boost Local Economy tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2031 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps voted for three key economic recovery measures designed to boost the local economy and provide stability to Central and South Coast families hit hardest by the recession.  Specifically the measures would extend unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. Passed earlier this week by the U.S. Senate, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to millions of workers, families, and businesses nationwide.  The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature.

“This is another important economic recovery package designed to boost our local economy,” said Capps.   “It will provide immediate relief to individuals and families on the Central and South Coasts who have exhausted, or are on the verge of exhausting, their unemployment benefits.  The families who receive these benefits will put this money right back into our local economy as they buy groceries, fill their cars with gas, and pay their bills.”

The extension is fully paid for so it will not add to the deficit and it will provide an immediate boost to the local economy. The Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus.  According to Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi, every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new demand.

The legislation will provide families in all states with 14 weeks of additional benefits, and an additional six weeks of benefits for the unemployed living in the 27 states with the highest unemployment rates, including California. Workers in these high unemployment states who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for a total of 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation.  

The bill also includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010 and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more. The bill also helps military families struggling to make mortgage payments by making those payments tax-exempt.

The final provision in the bill provides additional assistance to American businesses suffering from large losses, allowing U.S. companies to carry back losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 against income earned in any of the five prior years.    

“In addition to helping the unemployed, this legislation takes important, immediate steps to help stabilize our small businesses and strengthen our housing market,” said Capps.  “These efforts are crucial to ensuring that our economy continues to recover and grow.  As we work to get our economy back on track, this extension will provide much-needed relief to millions of unemployed Americans as they struggle to find work.”

]]> Capps Votes to Further Protect Consumers from Unfair, Abusive Actions by Credit Card Companies tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2030 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps voted to accelerate critical reforms enacted earlier this year that will protect consumers from the abusive practices of the credit card industry. By moving up the start date of much of the Credit CARD Act (H.R. 3639), Congress can limit the worst practices of credit card companies before the full law takes effect. The Credit CARD Act implemented tough regulations on the credit card industry and empowered consumers by equipping them with the tools they need to manage their own credit. 

“It is deeply disappointing that credit card companies have taken advantage of the implementation period between President Obama signing the Credit CARD Act into law and the February 22, 2010 start date to arbitrarily raise interest rates, minimum payments, and fees on consumers,” said Rep. Capps.  “The card companies’ deceitful tactics are completely unacceptable, particularly as families on the Central and South Coasts struggle to make ends meet during this recession.   Expediting credit card reforms will level the playing field between consumers and credit card companies and provide much-needed financial relief to consumers.  I am pleased that Congress is acting quickly to protect American consumers.”

The Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act moves up the effective date for these critical credit card reforms from February 22nd to immediately following the President’s signing this bill into law.  The original legislation includes crucial measures that protect consumers from unfair interest rate hikes on existing balances, double-cycle billing and due-date gimmicks. The common-sense reforms in this bill will bring transparency and fairness to the credit card industry and will provide customers with the information they need to make smart financial decisions.

Economic recovery depends on hard work, financial responsibility and shared prosperity. This bill supports Congress’s long-range plan to protect consumers and bring common sense reform to the financial system.  
 

]]> Capps Statement on Encouraging 3rd Quarter GDP Report tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2028 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement today after the announcement that GDP rose 3.5% in the third quarter of 2009:

“Today’s announcement that GDP grew by 3.5% in the third quarter of this year is positive news and encouraging, providing another sign that our economy is slowly recovering from the deepest recession in 75 years.  This growth is significant, amounting to a turnaround of nearly 10% in just two quarters and it stands in contrast to the beginning of the year when the economy contracted by 6.4%. This is also the largest reversal of GDP since 1980, and the first increase since last year.

“This news is certainly welcome but we still have a long way to go as we continue to work to create jobs, help families hurt by the recession, and ensure long term economic growth.  While the rate of job loss has decreased dramatically this year, we know there are still far too many folks on the Central and South Coasts who remain unemployed or underemployed and we have to help them. Even though jobs are widely known to be the last piece of an economic recovery, I am working closely with my Democratic colleagues and President Obama to do all that we can to encourage job growth and help those Americans who are still looking for work.”
 

]]> Capps Celebrates Approval of Legislative Language to Assist with the Construction of the Los Osos Wastewater Treatment Plant tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2027 WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) announced the approval of key legislative language in the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill to help with the planning, design and construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Los Osos.  Specifically, the legislative language waives a U.S. Department of Agriculture requirement under its Rural Development program that prevents communities with populations greater than 10,000 from being eligible for certain loan and grant programs.  The waiver will allow San Luis Obispo County to apply for federal funds to construct the project.  The House and Senate approved the legislation earlier this month and President Obama recently signed the measure into law.

“This is more good news for the Los Osos community as it works to secure a safe source of water,” said Capps. “This announcement comes after the San Luis Obispo County Supervisors recently approved a site for the waste water treatment plant, clearing another significant hurdle for this project.  For years I have worked tirelessly to help the people of Los Osos build a much needed wastewater system.  This waiver is an important achievement, and it will provide the County with the additional federal support and resources it will need to build the project.”

“We are especially grateful to Representative Capps for her commitment and support of Los Osos,” said Supervisor Bruce Gibson.  “Her efforts and cooperation with Senator Feinstein and Representative McCarthy has produced this waiver, which provides a great opportunity to ease the financial impact on the community.”

This construction of a wastewater project in Los Osos will respond to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s order to replace the community’s current septic system, cleanse Los Osos’ groundwater basin to ensure clean and safe water for the residents of Los Osos, and protect the adjacent Morro Bay National Estuary from pollution. The wastewater project will also resolve Los Osos’ longstanding problem with groundwater contamination, prevent seawater intrusion into deeper groundwater levels, and recharge groundwater supplies.  Earlier this year Congresswoman Capps and Congressman Kevin McCarthy requested that the legislative language needed to grant the waiver from the USDA’s Rural Development program population requirement be included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill which was subsequently approved by the full House.  

Congresswoman Capps has worked for years to assist the Los Osos community with their efforts to secure a safe, clean source of water.  In the 2007 Water Resources Development Act, at the request of San Luis Obispo County officials, Congresswoman Capps obtained an authorization of $35 million for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Los Osos.   
 

]]> Capps Applauds House Passage of Solar Technology Act tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2026
Legislation Lays Foundation For a Future of Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Clean Energy Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps celebrated the House passage of the Solar Technology Roadmap Act (H.R. 3585), legislation that will help boost job creation and provide real solutions to our energy needs by developing a concrete plan for the research and development and deployment of American-made solar technology. The Solar Technology Roadmap Act builds on common sense investments made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the American Clean Energy Security Act to move our country toward energy independence and economic recovery.   The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 310 to 106.  

“This legislation draws the roadmap for the U.S. to once again lead in solar energy research and development,” said Capps.  “We’ve known for a long time that we can end our oil addiction and grow our economy at the same time, and the Solar Technology Roadmap Act is a significant step in addressing these challenges.  The committee established by this legislation will be able to respond and address the scientific needs and demands of the growing U.S. solar industry.  I am confident entrepreneurs and academic institutions on the Central and South Coasts will ensure that solar energy technologies – and the clean-energy jobs that come with it – are produced here in the U.S.”

The Solar Technology Roadmap Act would require the U.S. Department of Energy to appoint a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses. The group would identify research and development that needs to occur to help improve the performance and reliability of solar technologies, decrease costs, reduce water use and mitigate any negative environmental impacts. It would be subject to a comprehensive revision every three years to keep it current.  The legislation also authorizes the Department of Energy to award grants to entrepreneurs, research agencies and academic laboratories for solar research.

]]> Capps Amendment Included in House Passed Coast Guard Authorization Act tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2025 Provision Ensures Federal Government Takes Appropriate Actions to Reduce the Risk of Oil Spilled from Vessels Because of Human Error

 

WASHINGTON DC: Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) celebrated the passage of the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 3619), which includes her amendment to reduce the risk of oil spills from vessels due to human error.  Specifically, the amendment would require the U.S. Coast Guard to provide a report to Congress on the most frequent sources of human error that have led to oil spills from vessels, as well as on the most significant types of “near miss” incidents.  It would also require the Coast Guard to use the findings of the report to take appropriate action domestically and at the International Maritime Organization to reduce the risk of oil spills due to human error.  The House passed the legislation by a vote of 385 to 11. 

“As we know all too well on the Central and South Coasts, oil spills can have a devastating impact on our local economy and environment,” said Capps.  “We also know the most common cause of oil spills is human error.  Just this week more than 18,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled when two ships collided in the Gulf of Mexico.  This troubling incident is an important reminder that our marine resources are still very susceptible to these types of disasters, especially given the high number of vessels that travel through our coastal waters.  My amendment ensures that federal authorities will do everything in their power to prevent these damaging spills from occurring in the first place.   I am hopeful this important provision will be included in the final legislation signed by the President.”

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 is also being considered in the Senate where it was recently approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.   Under the leadership of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chair, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Senate version of the Coast Guard Authorization Act also includes language to curb the risk of oil spills from vessels due to human error.

A copy of Congresswoman Lois Capps’ statement on the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 follows:

Congresswoman Lois Capps

In Support of the Oberstar Manager’s Amendment to H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010

October 23, 2009

Thank you, M__ Chair__.

I rise in support of the manager’s amendment and the underlying legislation.  I thank Chairman Oberstar for his hard work on this bill.

As someone who represents over 200 miles of coastline, I am keenly aware of the importance of the Coast Guard and this legislation.

H.R. 3619 provides the Coast Guard, including the 3 stations located in my congressional district, with the resources it needs to meet an ever-increasing workload – from search and rescue and terrorism protection to fisheries law enforcement and oil spill cleanup.

I also want to thank Chairman Oberstar for including the amendment I submitted to the Rules Committee within his manager’s amendment.

My amendment would require the Coast Guard to report to Congress on the most frequent sources of human error that have led to oil spills from vessels, as well as on the most significant types of “near miss” incidents.  The amendment would also require the Coast Guard to use these findings to take appropriate action domestically and at the International Maritime Organization to reduce the risk of oil spills due to human error.

The consideration of this amendment, M__Chair__, could not be more timely.

Earlier this week we learned that more than 18,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled when two ships collided in the Gulf of Mexico.  By yesterday morning oil covered an area two miles long and a mile and a half wide.

This troubling incident reminds us that our fragile marine resources are still susceptible to disaster.

While efforts by the Coast Guard, states, and industry have reduced spills over the last two decades, accidents still occur and most are the result of human error. Unfortunately, we currently lack the data and analysis we need to determine the causes of human errors and the ways to prevent them.

My amendment would begin filling in that gap so we can learn from the mistakes that have been made in the past and take action to avoid similar incidents in the future. 

M__ Chair__, with billions of gallons of oil passing through our nation’s coastal waters every year, we must strengthen our oil spill safety programs.  And we must do everything we can to prevent future accidents like this week’s collision in the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting spill.

I urge my colleagues to support the manager’s amendment which takes appropriate action to reduce the risk of oil spilled because of human error.

I yield back.

]]> Capps Announces Recovery Act Grant of Over $2 Million for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects in San Luis Obispo County tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2024  

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced that San Luis ObispoCounty will be receiving an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) award made by the Department of Energy (DOE) totaling $2,053,600.  Under DOE’s EECBG Program, funds are awarded to help communities improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally. 

“This is further evidence that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is bringing positive change to San Luis Obispo County,” said Capps.  “Communities throughout San Luis Obispo County have energy efficiency and conservation initiatives lined up and ready to go.  This funding will help get many of them off the ground, creating jobs and helping address another of our nation’s most pressing needs – reducing our dangerous dependence on dirty and expensive fossil fuels.”

The EECBG Program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Capps voted for ARRA, which was enacted earlier this year.  Funding for the EECBG Program under the Recovery Act totals $3.2 billion, of which approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states, and Indian tribes nationwide.  In addition, more than $400 million will be delivered through competitive grants. During the crafting of the ARRA, Capps wrote to the bill’s authors urging them to include funding for the program in the bill.  

Activities eligible for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

A detailed breakdown of the funding by state, county, city and tribal government is available on Energy.gov/recovery.

For more information on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program please click here.  

 

]]> Capps Applauds NRC Decision to Relocate Public Meeting Regarding Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2021 Decision Comes After Capps Requests New Location and Extension of Public Comment Period Regarding Nuclear Power Plant’s Relicensing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps issued the following statement after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) heeded her request to hold a public comment meeting on Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s relicensing application in San Luis Obispo, California:

“I am pleased that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has listened to the concerns of my constituents regarding the location of this important public comment meeting.   Relocating this meeting to San Luis Obispo, near the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, provides my constituents with an opportunity to make their voices heard on this important topic impacting our community.   Our community has long played an important role in the governance of nuclear power as demonstrated by participation in previous NRC hearings, meetings, conferences, and court decisions.  I am pleased that my constituents will again be able to provide significant insight into the future management of nuclear power security and safety.”

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) first meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2009 at the Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge, 2555 Price St., Pismo Beach, California.  The formal meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. with an open house beginning at 5 p.m.  At the open house, NRC staff will be available to answer questions.  During the formal meeting, members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.

A copy of Congresswoman Capps’ September 11th, 2009 letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission:

September 11, 2009

The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko
Chairman
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Dear Chairman Jaczko:

               I am writing to respectfully request the Commission extend the proposed relicensing rule comment period 90 days in order to provide for an additional meeting in San Luis Obispo, near the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.  The purpose of this public meeting is to seek comments on the proposed rule on the Summary of Findings on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Issues for License Renewal of Nuclear Power Plants and the draft revision of Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants. The currently planned September 22, 2009 Commission meeting in Westlake Village does not adequately serve my constituents.

            I believe the NRC’s commitment to providing website access for public participation in these proceedings via website access or teleconferencing is not sufficient given the importance of this subject matter.  Moreover, the location for this public meeting will certainly deter significant input from those that will be most impacted by the findings of the NEPA and GEIS documents.  For example, the distance from San Luis Obispo to Westlake Village is roughly 150 miles, or about 3 hours of driving time.  For my constituents this presents a difficult hardship, and I find such discouragement to public participation in communities affected by nuclear power to be very disappointing.

            As you know, the San Luis Obispo community has played an important role in the governance of nuclear power as demonstrated by participation in previous NRC hearings, meetings, conferences, and court decisions.  I contend their input is significant in the future management of nuclear power security and safety, and therefore request you schedule an additional public meeting near the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible.

            Thank you for your consideration of this request.  I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

                                                                        LOIS CAPPS
                                                                        Member of Congress

 

]]> Capps Hails Inclusion of Key Legislative Language to Assist California Flower Growers tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the inclusion of language benefiting California cut flower growers in the FY 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act conference report.

“This is great news for our local flower growers and our environment,” said Capps.  “The Central and South Coasts are home to some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, but some government trade programs have left them at a competitive disadvantage.  This legislative language will help provide federal support for the growers as they work to build a new distribution system right here on the Central Coast that will help level the playing field in a cost effective and environmentally sound way.  That’s good news for our local economy and for thousands of consumers who will have greater access to these beautiful flowers.”

“California flower growers are working hard to remain vibrant, competitive and creating jobs in the years to come,” said Kasey Cronquist, Executive Director of California Cut Flower Commission.  “We are enormously grateful for support and tenacity of Rep. Capps and Rep. Sam Farr in highlighting to their congressional colleagues and the Administration the importance of flower growing to the economic health of our state and nation.”

California flower growers have endured a sharp market loss as a result of certain U.S. government trade preference programs over the last 15 years. In an effort to remain competitive the growers, represented by the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC), are pursuing funding to build a Distribution and Transportation Hub System on the Central Coast to deliver their product in a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.  Such a system would lower costs, improve product quality, and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Congresswoman Capps worked with Rep. Sam Farr to include language (full report language below) in the FY 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act conference report.  This language brings needed attention to the problems faced by the growers and helps build support for the Distribution and Transportation Hub System.  The House is expected to pass the conference report later this week.

Congresswoman Capps has been working with the CCFC for several months to help them find funding for the Distribution and Transportation Hub System.  Capps recently toured several CCFC member facilities in Carpinteria including B&H Flowers, Farmers’ West, and Ocean Breeze International.  Earlier this year Capps sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging him to give full and fair consideration the CCFC in its pursuit of funding (full text below).  The letter was signed by 27 members of the California Congressional Delegation, including both Senators Feinstein and Boxer.

Conference Report Language

The conferees recognize that the domestic cut flower industry has worked to remain competitive by using the latest in horticultural science and experimenting with and growing new varieties of flowers. Despite this, the domestic cut flower industry has experienced a significant decline in its share of the U.S. cut flower market. The conferees urge the Secretary to use available resources to support domestic flower growers in their efforts to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, storage, and distribution system to better compete with foreign producers.

A copy of the August 11th, 2009 letter to Secretary Vilsack follows:

August 11, 2009

Secretary Tom Vilsack
Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
 
Dear Secretary Vilsack:

California produces some of the finest fresh cut flowers in the world.  However, this important California industry has experienced significant decline in recent years due to U.S. trade policies, specifically the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA).  In an effort to stay competitive the California growers are pursuing various sources of federal funding, including the Department’s Section 32 program, to help build a sophisticated transportation and distribution center in the Central Coast region of California.  We write in support of this effort.

The cut flower industry is important not only to California, but also to the country as a whole.  Represented by the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC), approximately 275 California growers account for about 80 percent of domestic production, and roughly 25 percent of all cut flowers sold in the United States.  According to a CCFC study, the California cut flower industry directly employs over 14,500 people, and contributes to the employment of up to 122,000 additional jobs statewide.

However, this important domestic industry is shrinking rapidly due to federal trade policies beyond its control.  Through ATPA, flowers from Colombia and other countries enter the U.S. duty-free and are distributed through sophisticated supply networks that serve a large portion of the U.S. market.  Despite these challenges, the California growers have worked to remain competitive by using the latest in horticultural science and experimenting with and growing new varieties of flowers.  They have done so while meeting labor and environmental standards that far exceed those of their foreign competitors.
 
However, despite these innovative efforts, domestic growers continue to lose market share.  To more effectively compete with foreign producers, California growers would like to build a Distribution and Transportation Hub System in the Central Coast region of California to deliver their product in a more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.  Such a system would lower costs, improve product quality, and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
 
We believe federal funding for such a project is warranted because the decline in market share is directly related to federal trade policies.  Furthermore, the growers would use the funding to bolster the economy by creating jobs, increasing productivity and strengthening their industry as a whole.

As the CCFC and California cut flower growers continue to pursue federal funding for the Distribution and Transportation Hub System, we ask that you give full and fair consideration to any request they may submit to the Department for assistance, consistent with all relevant rules and regulations.

Sincerely,

Rep. Lois Capps
Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Sen. Barbara Boxer
Rep. Sam Farr
Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Rep. Jackie Speier
Rep. Doris Matsui
Rep. Jerry McNerney
Rep. Mike Thompson
Rep. Linda Sanchez
Rep. Dennis Cardoza
Rep. Jim Costa
Rep. Susan Davis
Rep. Mike Honda
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Brad Sherman
Rep. Lynn Woolsey
Rep. Brian Bilbray
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard
Rep. Elton Gallegly
Rep. Bob Filner
Rep. Diane Watson
Rep. Anna Eshoo
Rep. Laura Richardson
Rep. Henry Waxman
Rep. Ken Calvert
Rep. Judy Chu

]]> Capps Announces $450,000 Grant for Santa Barbara's Fighting Back School Based Mentoring Program tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Lois Capps announced today that the Santa Barbara Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program received over $450,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The funding is for the Fighting Back School Based Mentoring... WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Lois Capps announced today that the Santa Barbara Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program received over $450,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The funding is for the Fighting Back School Based Mentoring Program, which is a 14-year initiative of the Santa Barbara Fighting Back community partnership. This project targets youth aged 8 to14 in several high risk neighborhoods in Santa Barbara and Isla Vista, California. The youth come from families in which one or more members are gang-involved, and/or exhibit other risk factors. The project will match 210 youth with screened, trained adult mentors who provide a one-to-one mentoring relationship in a school setting, through structured group activities, and at community locations in the summer months.

“I am thrilled the Justice Department has recognized both the need in the Santa Barbara community to combat gang violence and the exemplary work the Fighting Back School Based Mentoring Program provides to our local young people,” said Congresswoman Capps. “This grant will keep our streets safer and help our community’s most vulnerable young people realize their full potential. Supporting mentors for troubled youth is an investment that will provide immeasurable returns for years to come.”

“We are so grateful that the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program (OJJDP) has given us this opportunity to expand our program and positively influence the lives of many more youth in this community,” said Juliana Lee, Mentor Program Coordinator. “All of our amazing mentors have already helped change the lives of hundreds of kids and now we can ensure that they will continue to have the support throughout the years to come. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common: a passionate heart to empower the lives of our youth. The Fighting Back Mentor Program is fortunate to have such a strong group of caring adults making a difference every day in this community. We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and are incredibly excited about all that is to come from it!”

“It has become increasingly clear to us -- the citizens of Santa Barbara-- that our children are at risk due to the influence of gangs. Mentoring provides an effective prevention mechanism that reduces the recruitment pool of potential gang members” said Ed Cue, Director of Delinquency Programs Director. “Our children are looking for role models. The adults that mentor children are heroes in the eyes of those children. We need more adults to take a stand and become mentors, not because it is popular or politically correct, but because it's the right thing to do. Funding from the Department of Justice will go a long ways to make that happen for children in South Santa Barbara County.”

]]> Capps Announces House Approval of Over $3 Million for Water Projects in San Luis Obispo County tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the approval of $3,136,000 for operations and maintenance dredging in Morro Bay Harbor as part of the conference report on H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The conference report was approved yesterday by the by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 308 to 114. Next week the legislation will be considered by the Senate and is expected to pass and go on to the President for his approval.

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report included the federal funding for the annual dredging of the Morro Bay Harbor in order to maintain a channel depth of between 30 and 40 feet thereby allowing for safe passage of harbor traffic. This is in addition to the $5,240,000 that was included for this project in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1). Morro Bay Harbor is the only commercial and recreational harbor located between Santa Barbara and Monterey.

“Continued dredging of Morro Bay Harbor is essential for the survival of our fishing and tourism industries, especially in this difficult economic environment” said Capps. “This federal funding will help support our top-notch harbor facilities, allow safe passage for the harbor’s commercial, recreational and Coast Guard traffic, and keep our waterway clean and healthy for generations to come.”

The harbor is home to U.S. Coast Guard Station Morro Bay, which provides primary waterside security for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Coast Guard station also serves critical law enforcement and search and rescue missions for more than 300 miles of California’s coastline. Capps has worked to secure funding for this program since being elected to Congress in 1998. Failure to adequately maintain the channels would likely cause the closure of U.S.C.G. Station Morro Bay, endanger the fragile Central Coast commercial fishing industry, and impair other businesses in the Harbor.

Also at the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report included language making the City of Pismo Beach eligible to receive federal funding to study of the link between wave impacts and bluff erosion along Highway 1. Wave action has caused erosion which has jeopardized existing street rights-of-way, City infrastructure, and public improvements. To date, the federal government has contributed over $500,000 to review existing shoreline erosion problems that Pismo Beach is experiencing and assess feasible measures to solve the identified problems.

“Given the severity of this issue, I’m encouraged that the Federal government will continue to be eligible to receive funding to study how we can better protect this important stretch of coastline from further erosion,” said Capps.

]]> Capps Announces House Approval of Over $1.9 Million for Water Projects in Santa Barbara County tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the approval of $1,907,000 for water projects in Santa Barbara County as part of the conference report on H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The conference report was approved yesterday by the by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 308 to 114. Next week the legislation will be considered by the Senate and is expected to pass and go on to the President for his approval.

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report includes $202,000 to continue a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study investigating shoreline protection and coastal storm damage reduction strategies, including beach nourishment, submerged artificial reefs and seawalls, along the Carpinteria shoreline. The new funding is in addition to the $350,000 previously granted for the study through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1).

“I am pleased that this funding was appropriated to continue this important study of the Carpinteria shoreline,” said Capps. “I’ve seen firsthand how the beaches along our coastline have suffered tremendous erosion and storm damage over the last decade. We need to complete this study so we can identify projects that will ensure the long term protection of our coastal environment and growth of our recreation based economy.”

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report also includes $1,606,000 for dredging in Santa Barbara Harbor. Santa Barbara Harbor, a commercial and recreational harbor, is the homeport to a variety of U.S. government vessels, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin, which provides critical law enforcement and search and rescue missions in the Santa Barbara Channel, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research and monitoring vessel, the R/V Shearwater.

“Annual dredging of the Santa Barbara Harbor is essential to ensuring the vitality of our fishing and tourism industries,” said Capps. “We have to regularly dredge the channel to make sure it remains navigable throughout the year. Failing to properly maintain our channel would result in accumulated sand in the channel and would likely lead to the closure of Coast Guard operations, important marine resource research and monitoring, local commercial and recreational fishing and other successful businesses in the Harbor. I’m glad this much needed federal funding will continue to keep our harbor clean and healthy for the foreseeable future.”

Additionally, the conference report includes $99,000, at Congresswoman Capps’ request, to address flooding concerns along Lower Mission Creek. For years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District, has sought to reduce flood damage in the Lower Mission Creek area through a combination of channel improvements and bridge replacements. The new funding is in addition to the $600,000 previously granted for this project through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1).

“I’m glad that we are moving forward with this flood control and ecosystem rehabilitation project,” said Capps. “With this funding, the Federal Government, the City of Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara County, are taking important steps to reduce the future risk of flooding along Lower Mission Creek, while maintaining the natural integrity of the channel.”

Finally, at the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report also includes federal support to investigate shoreline protection and coastal storm damage reduction at Goleta Beach. Santa Barbara County is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a project that would create and maintain a wider beach for shore protection and recreation, as well as prevent future loss of sand, and other park amenities.

“I’m pleased to announce the federal government’s continued interest in helping to address the severe erosion problem at Goleta Beach,” said Capps. “This is one of our County’s most popular beaches. Unfortunately, several major storms have eroded the beach, threatening coastal recreation and the local businesses that thrive because of it.”

]]> Capps Announces House Approval of Over $6 Million for Water Projects in Ventura County tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps announced the approval of $6,107,000 for operations and maintenance dredging in Ventura Harbor as part of the conference report on H.R. 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The conference report was approved yesterday by the by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 308 to 114. Next week the legislation will be considered by the Senate and is expected to pass and go on to the President for his approval.

“Dredging Ventura Harbor is critical to maintaining our local economy, protecting vital infrastructure, and protecting the South Coast’s precious natural resources,” said Capps. “This funding will allow this annual dredging project to go forward. Ensuring access to our waterways and harbors, providing safe and secure recreational areas for our residents, and maintaining the health and vitality of our local economy will continue to be among my top priorities.”

Also at the request of Congresswoman Capps, the conference report includes $381,000 to continue a federal feasibility study of the Santa Clara River watershed. The Santa Clara River watershed is the largest watershed in Southern California, encompassing more than 1600 square miles and spanning both Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Recognizing that continued urbanization in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties may affect the floodplain and environmental resources in the watershed, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Los Angeles County, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have developed a feasibility study to identify flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems, and opportunities to improve water quality; analyze potential benefits and costs of restoring riparian habitat, recreational opportunities, and a regional flood protection capital facility plan within the watershed.

“As Ventura County continues to experience population growth and urbanization, it is important that we put in place plans to protect both public safety and our valuable environmental resources,” said Capps. “This funding will allow the study to move forward so that we can promote those dual goals and ensure our local governments have the data necessary to prevent future flooding, improve water quality, and protect critical habitat. I will continue my efforts to support this important endeavor.”

]]> Broad Support for Public Health Insurance Option in House as Vote Looms tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2016 Over 50 House Democrats Representing Broad Spectrum of Caucuses Call for House Health Care Bill to Include Robust Public Option


WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. House of Representatives works to bring comprehensive health insurance reform legislation to the floor for a vote, today Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-1), Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23), Congresswoman Jane Harman (CA-36) and Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) spearheaded a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, signed by over 50 House Democrats, to pronounce their support for a public option to be included in the House bill. Members who signed the letter are affiliated with a broad spectrum of caucuses, including the Progressive Caucus, the Blue Dog Coalition, the New Democrat Coalition and Members who don’t belong to any ideological caucus.

The Members wrote: “We write to reiterate our strong commitment to health insurance reform legislation that includes a robust public health insurance option that will provide greater choice and lower costs for American consumers by injecting much needed competition into the health insurance marketplace. When weighed against other ideas, the public option remains the most effective tool to bring about competition, choice, efficiency, transparency and cost reduction in the marketplace.”

In 1980, the U.S. spent more than $250 billion, or 9 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), on health care. In the decades since, that figure has grown to more than $2.2 trillion (16.2% of GDP). By 2018, it is expected to nearly double again to $4.3 trillion (20.3% of GDP). Also during this time, the American people have seen premiums more than double since 2000 while wages have stagnated. DeGette, Capps and Murphy argue that including a public option in a health care reform bill will provide more choice in the marketplace and save money in our health care system.

“A public health insurance option as part of comprehensive health insurance reform is an effective way to ensure competition,” said DeGette, Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “With health costs rising faster than wages, competition in the health insurance marketplace will make health care more affordable for consumers. I am confident that the majority of our Caucus is supportive of a public option.”

“To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the public health insurance option are greatly exaggerated,” said Congresswoman Capps. “The strong support for the public health insurance option is alive and well as demonstrated by our letter signed by Members representing the wide ideological spectrum of our diverse Caucus. Our letter makes clear that the best way to ensure competition and bring down health care costs is by making available a robust public health insurance option.”

“There is no alternative to a robust public option. No one is talking about a government takeover of our health care system. But a public option—when seen as a market mechanism to foster competition—is the best way to control costs and rein in insurance company excesses,” said Harman.

“Day by day, more and more Members are figuring out that the public option is the key to keeping the cost of the bill down. This letter isn’t intended to be an exhaustive list of those who support the public option, but it does have broad cross-ideological support in the caucus,” said Murphy.

]]> Capps Announces Over $2 Million in Economic Recovery Funding for the Oxnard Harbor District tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2011 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Money Will Pay for Security Enhancement Projects at the Port of Hueneme

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced that the Oxnard Harbor District has received over $2 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which Congress passed with Capps’ support in February of this year and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The Oxnard Harbor District will use the $2,259,991 in economic recovery funding to construct a Joint Port Operations and Security Center (JPOSC) and Fiber Optic Network (FON).  The JPOSC will serve as an operations platform, monitoring center, and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card issuing center.  The Fiber Optic Network will connect security operations and infrastructure in and around the 120 acre site.  Both the JOPSC and FON will provide connectivity to regional assets and stakeholders in providing security to the port complex.  The Oxnard Harbor District is one of over two hundred recipients of funding from the Homeland Security Department’s Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) portion of the ARRA.  PSGP recipients will share $150,000,000 for projects specifically designed to enhance the security of U.S. port areas while creating new jobs.

“This is wonderful news for the Oxnard Harbor District and our community,” said Capps.  “Not only will this funding help keep us safer by enhancing the security systems at the Port of Hueneme but it will also provide a much needed boost to our local economy as we build the Joint Port Operations and Security Center (JPOSC) and Fiber Optic Network (FON).   The Port of Hueneme is an economic engine for the South Coast and I’m pleased the Federal government is serving as a good partner to provide these critical funds to help it keep doing business in our area.”

]]> Capps, Ehlers, Farr Introduce Bill to Improve Ocean, Coastal, and Watershed Education and Literacy tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23), Congressman Vern Ehlers (MI-03), and Congressman Sam Farr (CA-17) introduced bi-partisan legislation to improve ocean, coastal, and watershed education and literacy.  Specifically, the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program Act would authorize and expand the successful B-WET and Environmental Literacy Grant programs currently administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Over the past eight years, these two NOAA education programs have been essential to advancing environmental literacy in the United States, a major principle highlighted in the Administration’s recently released Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, as well as a key goal of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Report and the U.S. Ocean Action Plan. The B-WET and Environmental Literacy Grants focus on educating children in grades K-12 on the economic, social, and environmental benefits of coastal watersheds.  The grant programs also emphasize stewardship of critical coastal and marine resources, including addressing the impact of climate change on those resources.

“The Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program and Environmental Literacy Grant Program have been enormously beneficial to children and their communities across the country,” said Capps.  “By formally authorizing and expanding these two successful programs we will provide a consistent source of federal funds to support ongoing education programs that advance environmental literacy on the importance of our oceans and our coastal watersheds.”

“As an environmentalist and an educator, I believe it is extremely important to get kids excited about natural resources and the environment, particularly issues related to our water resources,” said Ehlers. “I am glad that Rep. Capps and I will collaborate in attempting to bring B-WET funds to the Great Lakes, and other regions, while sustaining the program’s original reach. This program will give children a special appreciation of the environment, and I am sure it will change the way they look at and use the earth’s resources in the future.”

Capps has long been a strong supporter of the California B-WET Program, which provides organizations with funds to support environment-based education to students, teachers and communities throughout the San Francisco, Monterey Bay and Santa Barbara Channel watersheds.  For the last several years she has worked alongside Senators Feinstein and Boxer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Sam Farr (CA-17), to secure $9.25 million for these California-specific programs.  These federal funds have been used by the Ventura County Office of Education, for example, to provide students with an opportunity to monitor and collect data on their local Channel Islands with researchers and scientists.  Additionally, the University of California, Santa Barbara received federal funds under the program to help K-12 teachers integrate watershed studies into their ongoing curricula and provide hands-on, inquiry-based field experiences to their students.  Capps has secured $2.5 million for California B-WET in the recently passed House-version of the FY2010 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill.

“B-WET brings local watersheds into every classroom and every child out into the watershed in an exciting and meaningful way,” said Capps.  “I’ve witnessed first hand how this program has provided opportunities for hundreds of children and teachers on the Central and South Coast to learn about the importance of our coastal and marine environment.  Under my legislation, more watershed communities across the country will be able to replicate the success we’ve experienced on California’s coast.”

A number of environmental organizations support the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program Act including the National Wildlife Federation and the Campaign for Environmental Literacy.

“National Wildlife Federation applauds Congresswoman Capps for introducing this important legislation to bolster key NOAA environmental education programs that will give young people a better understanding of their local watersheds and help ensure our next generation of conservation stewards,” said Kevin Coyle, Vice President of Education and Training.”

“As we begin to make the connections among our nation’s many challenges, such as mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, stewarding critical coastal and marine resources, and improving resilience to natural disasters, that collectively threaten human health, sustainable economic development, and national security, it is imperative that our education systems incorporate this fundamental perspective in their teaching and practice,” noted James Elder, Director of the Campaign for Environmental Literacy. “We gratefully applaud Representative Capps for recognizing the need to help by introducing this bill, and look forward to continuing to work with her to help insure its passage.”

Background information on the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program:

B-WET

B-WET has been administered by NOAA since 2002 to increase environmental stewardship and appreciation of watersheds and the marine environment.  Federal funds are provided through a competitive grant process to eligible organizations to fund meaningful watershed educational experiences to students, teachers, and communities.  Currently, B-WET funds are available for the Chesapeake Bay area, California coastal areas, the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf of Mexico, and New England.  This bill seeks to expand the B-WET program by including the U.S. territories under current programs and adding five new regional programs which will include the Southeast, Alaska, Great Lakes, Colorado River and Upper Mississippi/Missouri, and Lower Mississippi watersheds. For more information please visit: http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/BWET/.

National Environmental Literacy Grant Program

Since 2005, the Environmental Literacy Grant program has provided funding on a competitive basis for informal and K-12 environmental literacy education projects through NOAA’s Office of Education.  For example, NOAA’s Science on a Sphere and Ocean Today Kiosk program has alone enabled more than 20 million people to gain access to up-to-date weather, climate and ocean information. For more information please visit:  http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html.

]]> Capps Votes to Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Stimulate Local Economy tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2009 Measure Will Help More Than 150,000 Workers Set to Lose Their Benefits by the End of the Year

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps voted to help jump start the local economy and aid over one million jobless Americans -- including thousands in California -- by extending unemployment insurance benefits to those hit hardest by the recession. The Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009 (H.R. 3548 ) will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to the estimated 68,713 workers in California who would otherwise exhaust their unemployment benefits by the end of September, and 154,328 more whose benefits would run out by the end of the year.

“This is just one of several steps Congress and President Obama have put in place to provide immediate relief to struggling families and get our economy back on track,” said Capps.  “This money will help many Americans struggling to find work in this difficult economy make ends meet.  This is especially important for Californians who are struggling with record unemployment numbers and a recession that has been particularly severe and prolonged.   This will also stimulate the economy as the families who receive these benefits will put this money right back into our local economy – buying groceries, filling their cars with gas, and making their mortgage payments on time.”

The extension will provide immediate, effective stimulus to the local economy. The Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus, and every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new demand, according to Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi. The extension is fully paid for, and strengthens reporting requirements to reduce unemployment insurance overpayments.

The legislation will help families in at least twenty-seven states, including California, with the highest unemployment rates, where it is most difficult for workers to find employment. Workers in these states who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for an additional thirteen weeks of insurance.

A copy of Congresswoman Capps’ statement follows:
 
Statement of Rep. Lois Capps
Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548)
September 22, 2009

Madame Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act.

This critical legislation would extend unemployment benefits by up to 13 weeks in states with high unemployment, such as my home state of California, where the unemployment rate has reached a record 12.2 percent.

In California alone, this bill will provide additional benefits for over 150,000 jobless workers who would otherwise exhaust their unemployment benefits before the end of this year.
 
These new benefits will help the millions of Californians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own feed their families, heat their homes and pay their mortgages.
 
Extending these benefits is also one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy because the money is spent quickly.  According to Moody’s Economy.com, every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new economic demand.
 
There is no question that this legislation is needed.  Yes, our economy is beginning to recover.  But millions are still out of work and struggling to stay afloat.

I support this bill because it will provide real money for real workers who need it in California and across the nation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on H.R. 3548.
 

]]> Capps Votes for Single Largest Investment in College Aid in American History tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2007 The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act Makes College More Affordable for Students and Families and Saves Tax Payers $87 Billion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps voted to make the single largest investment in financial aid to help students and families pay for college-- and at no new cost to taxpayers. Passed by a vote of 253 to 170, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) (H.R. 3221) will expand access to an affordable college education to more American students, transform early education opportunities, and build a world-class community college system while additionally saving tax payers $87 billion.  Passing SAFRA is an important step in improving the American education system in order to build a stronger, more competitive American economy and to save taxpayers money.

 “Ensuring that all Americans have the financial resources to go to college and get the skills and job training necessary to get a good paying job is a smart investment for our country,” said Capps.  “This is an important step in rebuilding our economy and ensuring that our work force remains the most highly skilled, cutting-edge and effective in the world.  I’m also pleased that while making these important investments in our country’s future we’ve also been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money, saving an estimated $87 billion through reforms to the student lending program that eliminate wasteful spending.”

This bill is a major step forward in President Obama’s initiative to make sure America leads the world in college graduates by 2020. SAFRA will reform the system of federal student loans to save the taxpayers $87 billion and will direct $10 billion of those savings back to the U.S. Treasury to reduce entitlement spending. SAFRA will change the way the student loan system functions by originating new loans through the government’s Direct Loan program, but will maintain competition among private lenders and non-profits to provide top-notch customer service for student borrowers. This simple change will make college loans more reliable for students and families -- and ensure that loans operate in the best interests of borrowers by reducing many of the potential conflicts of interest that exist in the current loan system.  

“For years private lenders had carte blanche to issue student loans and, left unchecked, they wasted taxpayer dollars and failed to provide a fair deal to students and their families,” said Capps.  “This commonsense reform is long overdue, and I’m proud to join President Obama and my Democratic colleagues in standing up for the American taxpayer by eliminating billions in waste and dramatically expanding access to essential education and job training opportunities.”

With the largest-ever investment in higher education, this bill will also significantly increase government grant and loan assistance for college tuition payments. Pell Grants, already distributed to more than 7 million students, will increase to $6,900 by 2019 from $5,350 today and made more widely available.  In the 23rd Congressional District over 6,800 additional students are estimated to receive Pell Grants.  SAFRA also keeps interest rates low on government-subsidized loans, makes substantial investments in early childhood education, expands the Perkins low-cost loan program to every U.S. College, and simplifies the process of applying for student financial aid.

 

 

]]> Capps Hails Successful Central and South Coast Clean Energy Leaders in Washington, D.C. Day tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2006 Diverse Group of Clean Energy Leaders Discussed Issues of Clean Energy, the Economy, and Policy with Senior Members of Congress, Federal Government Officials, and Representatives of Advocacy Organizations

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement regarding Central and South Coast Clean Energy Leaders in Washington, D.C. Day:  

“Today was a remarkable day and just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and productive working relationship between local and national clean energy leaders. I was inspired by the conversation and suggestions about how our community can play a larger role in this emerging economy while simultaneously meeting our energy needs and addressing the serious challenges we are facing from climate change. Our panelists and our participants from the 23rd Congressional District impressed me with their expertise, intelligence, ideas and their passion for this subject. By working together we can harness the many strengths found on the Central and South Coasts and seize this opportunity to be a leader in bringing about a clean energy revolution.”

A List of 23rd Congressional District Participants Follows:

·        Naveed Aslam, Chief Technology Officer, Carbon Sciences Inc.

·        Bill Buratto, President/CEO, Ventura County Economic Development Association

·        Salud Carbajal, Santa Barbara County Supervisor, Santa Barbara County

·        Derek Carlson, Business Manager, Marborg Industries

·        Dan Colbert, Executive Director, UCSB Energy Institute

·        Capt. Charles Brick Connors, former commander at Naval Base Ventura County; currently with Booz Allen Hamilton; consults on green business initiatives in Ventura County

·        Douglas J. Crawford, EVP Business Development, Foodchain

·        Dave Davis, Executive Director, Community Environmental Council

·        Brent Dehlsen, CEO, Ecomerit Technologies, LLC

·        Henry DuBroff, Chairman and Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times

·        Byron Elton, President and CEO, Carbon Science Inc.

·        John Ewan, President, Pacific Energy Company

·        Stephanie Ewan, Vice President, Pacific Energy Company

·        Jim Fiske, CEO, LaunchPoint Innovations, LLC

·        Tony Hirsch, FamousPartners

·        Linda Krop, Counsel, Environmental Defense Center

·        Michael Manchak, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation San Luis Obispo

·        John Martin, fuel4ward.org

·        Greg Merritt, VP Corporate Marketing, CREE Lighting Solutions

·        Ed Petrin, Founder and CEO, foodchain

·        Ron Pretlac, CEO, Green Tech Motors

·        Karin Quimby, Ph.D., Co-Director, ECOFaith Santa Barbara

·        Mike Rocke, VP Marketing and Business Development, Transonic Combustion

·        Brian Segee, Staff Attorney, Environmental Defense Center

·        Jeremy Tittle, Executive Assistant, Supervisor Salud Carbajal, Santa Barbra County

·        Jon Van Bogart, Vice Chair, Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5)

·        Charles Vinick, Director, Business Development and Government Relations, Ecomerit Technologies, LLC

·        Patricia Wilmore, Local Area Manager, Governmental Relations, PG&E

A List of Panelists Follows: 

·        Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-5), House Majority Leader

·        Rep. Henry Waxman (CA-30), Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

·        Rep. Ed Markey (MA-7), Chairman, Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Energy

·        Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-1), Member, House Committee on Energy and Commerce

·        Kate Gordon, Vice President, Energy Policy, Center for American Progress

·        Michael Williams, Legislative Representative, Blue-Green Alliance

·        Bryan Howard, Manager, Congressional Affairs, U.S. Green Building Council

·        Aaron Severn, Director, Federal Legislative Affairs, American Wind Energy Association

·        James Hammersley, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy and Strategic Planning, Small Business Administration

·        Megan Uzzell, Special Assistant to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor

·        Jacques Beaudry-Losique, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

·        Daniel Weiss, Director of Climate Strategy, Center for American Progress

·        Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change

·        Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change

 

]]> Capps Announces Over $1 Million in Economic Recovery Funding for the Santa Barbara County Probation Department tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2005 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Money Will Pay for Probation and Parole Officers; Offer Enhanced Supervision of High Risk Populations
 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced that the Santa Barbara County Probation Department has received over $1 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which Congress passed with Capps’ support in February of this year and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The Probation Department will use the funding to launch a new probation and parole program that will provide intensive supervision and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to specific high risk probationers with gang-related terms and conditions and/or identified gang affiliations.  The Santa Barbara County Probation Department was selected from among 3,652 applicants to receive a Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant funded through ARRA. 

“I’m pleased this funding will go to help our Probation and Parole officers in Santa Barbara County as they work to protect the public’s safety,” said Capps.  “Every day they serve our community with distinction and it’s important that they have all the tools and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively.  This economic recovery funding will help our law enforcement officers do their job and make our community safer.”

“This is an outstanding, exciting and well-timed opportunity to develop a new program to provide services and oversight to a high-risk population and work in conjunction with law enforcement to enhance community safety,” said Karen Wheeler, Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Santa Barbara County Probation Department.

]]> Capps Statement on the Eighth Anniversary of September 11th tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2004 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps release the following statement today on the eighth anniversary of September 11th:

“Once again our nation comes together to remember the victims of that terrible tragedy eight years ago.  We pause to honor the memory of those we lost, recognizing that nearly 3,000 Americans had their lives cut short that day.  We also remember the great acts of sacrifice and heroism of firefighters, police, rescue workers and other first responders.  

“As we observe this solemn anniversary we promise to never forget the attacks and we strive to continue the spirit of unity that brought our country together in their wake.  In keeping with that spirit of unity, earlier this year Congress established September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  As a component of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and a tribute to Senator Kennedy’s lifelong commitment to public service, this day will bring all Americans together to serve their communities through neighborhood clean up efforts, assembling care packages for our veterans, soldiers and first responders, volunteering at food banks and shelters, and participating in service projects across the country.  

“I urge my fellow citizens to join me in taking some time today to remember those lost on this sad day eight years ago and if they can, honor the sacrifice of these victims by giving back to their communities.”
 

]]> Capps Statement on President Obama's Joint Address to Congress on Health Insurance Reform Legislation tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.2003 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps issued the following statement reacting to President Obama’s Joint Address to Congress on Health Insurance Reform Legislation:

“The President tonight made a strong and thoughtful argument for why we need to enact comprehensive health insurance reform this year. He laid out the goals of reform and debunked many of the more troubling myths about our reform efforts.

“I was pleased to hear him advocate for the public health insurance option as a means of injecting true competition into the health insurance market, bringing down costs and expanding choice for consumers. The President also detailed the other important provisions of our reform legislation which include landmark consumer protections to end insurance companies’ discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions as well as critical investments in medical professionals and best practices.

“I have long said that enacting health insurance reform would be no easy task; if it were we'd have done it years ago. But make no mistake, we have come further along on this path than ever before. Millions of American families and businesses are counting on us to move beyond partisan divisions and misinformation campaigns and pass this reform bill this year.”

]]> Capps to Host Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform in Oxnard tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.1999 OXNARD, CA – Congresswoman Lois Capps will co-host a community information session on comprehensive health insurance reform for residents of the 23rd Congressional District on Friday, September 4th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Bethel AME Church, located at 855 South F Street in Oxnard. Joining Capps in co-hosting the event are local faith community members, including Pastor Robert Cox, of the Bethel AME Church. The Ventura County League of Women Voters will assist in administering this event. Capps will discuss comprehensive health insurance reform legislation being considered by Congress, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), and answer audience questions about the legislation.

The information session will be moderated by Tim Gallagher and Capps will be joined by local health care experts Dr. Robert Gonzalez, Medical Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, and Katharine Raley, Program Manager, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, who will also discuss the legislation and answer audience questions. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to residents of the 23rd Congressional District. Please note that audience members will not be allowed to bring signs or other distinguishing materials into Bethel AME Church during the information session. The church seats 250 people.

“Americans have a strong tradition of thoughtfully considering the most pressing policy questions of our time and the discussion about comprehensive health insurance reform is no exception. Reforming our broken health insurance system is a cause that I’ve been extensively involved in throughout my life and I am strongly supportive of our reform legislation, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). I welcome the public’s interest in this legislation and I look forward to continuing this conversation with my constituents on the need for comprehensive health insurance reform at this information session in Oxnard. I believe by working together we can ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.”

WHO: Congresswoman Lois Capps; Pastor Robert Cox; Tim Gallagher; Dr. Robert Gonzalez, Medical Director, Ventura County Health Care Agency; Katharine Raley, Program Manager, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program; League of Women Voters; Faith Community Members; and Residents of the 23rd Congressional District

WHAT: Community Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform

WHEN: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Friday, September 4

WHERE: Bethel AME Church

                855 South F Street,

                Oxnard, CA

]]> Capps to Host Community Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform in San Luis Obispo tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.1998 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Congresswoman Lois Capps will co-host a community information session on comprehensive health insurance reform for residents of the 23rd Congressional District on Thursday, September 3rd from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., in San Luis Obispo. Joining Capps in co-hosting the event are local faith community members, including Pastor Jane Voigts, of the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. The San Luis Obispo County League of Women Voters will assist in administering this event. Capps will discuss comprehensive health insurance reform legislation being considered by Congress, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), and answer audience questions about the legislation.

The information session will be moderated by Don Maruska and Capps will be joined by local health care experts Dr. Rushdi Abdul Cader and Joyce Ellen Lippman, Director of the Area Agency on Aging, who will also discuss the legislation and answer audience questions. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to residents of the 23rd Congressional District. Please note that audience members will not be allowed to bring signs or other distinguishing materials into San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church during the information session. The church seats 250 people.

Additionally, this information session will be televised on Channel 21 in San Luis Obispo County at 6:00pm on Sept. 4th, 12:30pm on Sept. 5th, 12:45pm and 7:45pm on Sept. 6th, and 6:00pm on Sept. 9th.  The video will also be archived on www.slo-span.org as of 6:00pm Sept. 4th. 

“Americans have a strong tradition of thoughtfully considering the most pressing policy questions of our time and the discussion about comprehensive health insurance reform is no exception. Reforming our broken health insurance system is a cause that I’ve been extensively involved in throughout my life and I am strongly supportive of our reform legislation, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). I welcome the public’s interest in this legislation and I look forward to continuing this conversation with my constituents on the need for comprehensive health insurance reform at this information session in San Luis Obispo. I believe by working together we can ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.”

WHO: Congresswoman Lois Capps; Pastor Jane Voigts, Don Maruska; Dr. Rushdi Abdul Cader; Joyce Ellen Lippman; League of Women Voters; Faith Community Members; and Residents of the 23rd Congressional District

WHAT: Community Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform

WHEN: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Thursday, September 3

WHERE: San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church,
               1515 Fredericks St.
               San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

 

]]> Capps to Host Community Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform in Santa Barbara tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.1997 SANTA BARBARA, CA – Congresswoman Lois Capps will co-host an information session on comprehensive health insurance reform for residents of the 23rd Congressional District on Wednesday, September 2nd from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara. Joining Capps in co-hosting this event are local faith community members, including Pastor Hillary Chrisley, of the First United Methodist Church. The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara Education Fund will also assist in administering this event. Capps will discuss comprehensive health insurance reform legislation being considered by Congress, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), and answer audience questions about the legislation.

The information session will be moderated by Hal Conklin, and Capps will be joined by local health care experts Dr. Edward Bentley and Joyce Ellen Lippman, Director of Area Agency on Aging, who will also discuss the legislation and answer audience questions. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority may be given to residents of the 23rd Congressional District. Please note that audience members will not be allowed to bring signs or other distinguishing materials into First United Methodist Church during the information session. The church seats 210 people.

“Americans have a strong tradition of thoughtfully considering the most pressing policy questions of our time and the discussion about comprehensive health insurance reform is no exception. Reforming our broken health insurance system is a cause that I’ve been extensively involved in throughout my life and I am strongly supportive of our reform legislation, the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). I welcome the public’s interest in this legislation and I look forward to continuing this conversation with my constituents on the need for comprehensive health insurance reform at this information session in Santa Barbara. I believe by working together we can ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.”

WHO: Congresswoman Lois Capps; Pastor Hillary Chrisley; Hal Conklin; Dr. Edward Bentley; Joyce Ellen Lippman; League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara Education Fund; Faith Community Members; Residents of the 23rd Congressional District

WHAT: Community Information Session on Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform

WHEN: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Wednesday, September 2nd

WHERE: First United Methodist Church,

               305 E. Anapamu St.

               Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

 

]]> Capps Statement on Passing of Senator Kennedy tag:capps.house.gov,2009://4.1986 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

“Today America lost a true patriot, a committed public servant, and a legislative legend. He was one of the greatest Senators this country has ever known and an inspiration to all of us who have answered the call to public service.

“Long before I came to Washington and had the good fortune to work with Senator Kennedy, I was a great admirer of his work, particularly on the issue closest to my heart – health care. Senator Kennedy recently said that health care is the “cause of my life.” Today, more than ever, we recommit ourselves to his cause of ensuring quality health care for all Americans.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy’s wife, children – including my friend and colleague Patrick, family, friends, staff and constituents.”

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