THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS -- September 17, 2010

Sep 17, 2010

In this issue:

  • Subcommittee hears mixed views on Inos Fellowship, CNRA amendments 
  • 10/21 is deadline for retroactive stop loss payments
  • MyCAA update: DOD asked to restore benefits for all military spouses
  • Congress committed to end violence against women: $616,994 to CJPA
  • NFWF awards two grants for NMI projects
  • $60,000 awarded to Center for Mental Health Services
  • Opportunities – Federal (and other) grants, jobs, contracts in or for the Northern Mariana Islands

Subcommittee hears mixed views on Inos Fellowship and CNRA amendments.

The Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife heard from business, and local, and federal government witnesses at a hearing Thursday on H.R. 4339, the Rita Hocog Inos Fellowship bill, and H.R. 6015, a bill amending visa provisions of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act and requiring the Department of Commerce to report on GDP data from the insular areas. Both bills appear likely to be revised as a result of the testimony before proceeding to the next stage of legislative action.

Rita Hocog Inos Fellowship – While the Interior Department found my bill, H.R. 4339, duplicative of existing federal fellowship and internship programs, I think there is a case for providing special opportunities for the newest member of America’s political family to build the governance capacity. And models exist, such as the Sunia Coral Reef Conservation Scholarships, which Interior offers to provide students from insular areas with the opportunity to gain professional experience in coral reef conservation policy and management. [For two private organization internship/fellowship opportunities see the Opportunities section, below.] Cost was a legitimate issue raised by both Interior and Louisiana Rep. Bill Cassidy sitting in as Ranking Republican. But I believe the cost of this program is minimal, reasonable, and easily controlled, so I am hopeful that this concern can be addressed. H.R. 4339 currently has 15 co-sponsors.

Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo’s bill, H.R. 6015, has three components:

Witnesses were in agreement that GDP data from the insular areas should be part of the national accounts, the first provision of H.R. 6015. A second component, spelling out that the number of H visas for temporary workers in Guam and the Northern Marianas would remain uncapped if the transition period for integration of the NMI into U.S. immigration management is extended, was the subject of critique. Interior recommended that the need for uncapped H visas should be determined at the time based on labor conditions, rather than being extended automatically. H visas are for temporary workers and labor needs in the NMI are largely for permanent jobs, so this issue is of more importance to Guam in the context of labor needs during the military build up. We need to be sure that Guam-based jobs are available to U.S. citizens of the NMI, too, and not all taken by foreign workers.

The third provision of Chairwoman Bordallo’s bill requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security provide an “alternative procedure,” if the regular visa waiver program in the CNRA does not allow for Russian and Chinese tourists to enter Guam. Assistant Secretary Anthony Babauta, testifying for the Interior Department, deferred to the Department of Homeland Security on this question. Homeland Security, though invited, declined to be present at the hearing. Babauta did say, however, that DHS already has the authority to use parole authority to allow Russian and Chinese tourists in Guam, as it allows them to enter the Northern Marianas. He said DHS has, so far, chosen not to use that authority. Babauta also issued a warning that any abuses—“overstays, security threats, false documents and asylum”—could result in the loss of the present parole program for Russian and Chinese tourists to the NMI, which would also close that opportunity for Guam. While I appreciate Guam’s desire for more tourists, I must be very cautious regarding any proposal that would result in a loss of tourists for the Northern Marianas. H.R. 6015 currently has 8 co-sponsors.

 10/21 is deadline for retroactive stop loss payments.

Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors of service members need to sign up for retroactive stop loss payments for extended service by October 21, 2010. The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act authorized a retroactive payment of $500 for every month or partial month served in stop loss status. You may be eligible if your service was extended while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. This retroactive pay benefit applies to all active duty, reserve, retirees, and beneficiaries of service members, whose service was involuntarily extended under stop loss orders during that period. You have earned this benefit. I urge you not to miss out. The deadline is set by law and cannot be extended. Please go to stoploss for more information or to submit a claim.

MyCAA update: DOD asked to restore benefits for all military spouses.

Earlier this year I , along with other colleagues on the Congressional Military Family Caucus, urged the Department of Defense to reconsider the suspension of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA). The Department has now reopened the program, which provides up to $6,000 to military spouses trying to develop skills in high-demand, high-growth occupations, which they can use wherever they are transferred. But the reopened program is only going to be available to spouses of junior service members. That’s not good enough. So we have gone back to Defense Under Secretary Clifford Stanley to ask him to reconsider the decision. The program’s purpose is to provide career-enhancing benefits to all spouses of service members, regardless of rank. Thousands of spouses who have come to rely on the financial assistance will now be left struggling to find ways to rearrange family budgets to pay their tuition bills. Withholding educational and career development benefits from dedicated military families is contrary to congressional intent.

Congress committed to end violence against women: $616,994 to CJPA.

 The annual formula funding for the Violence Against Women Grant was made available to the Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency this week. Each state and territory receives a grant of $600,000, plus an additional amount based on population. The grant helps communities’ law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women. The money also supports victim services. CJPA is required by the grant terms to distribute not less than 30 percent to nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services programs; not less than 25 percent to law enforcement; not less than 25 percent to prosecution; and not less than 5 percent to courts. The remaining 15 percent may be awarded at CJPA discretion to address violence against women. This program has my full support and I have requested the House Appropriations Committee to provide $225 million, the maximum allowed, in the fiscal year beginning October 1.

NFWF awards grants for natural resources projects in the CNMI.

 Congratulations to the Pacific Marine Resources Institute (PMRI) and SeaWeb for securing grants to undertake coral reef conservation projects. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) awarded $36,000 to PMRI, a non-profit environmental organization based on Saipan, to improve data use for coral reef management in the Pacific region including the CNMI. In addition, SeaWeb has been awarded $85,500 for a coral social marketing campaign at LaoLao Bay. I submitted a letter of support for both projects to NFWF because both projects aim to protect our island’s natural resources. NFWF is required by law to notify Members of Congress of proposed grants in their district if the project requires $10,000 or more of federal funds. The intent of the statute is to provide Members with the opportunity to express concern with approval of the grants. I welcome the public to also support these projects and I look forward to the positive results of these projects for the CNM.

 

$60,000 awarded to Center for Mental Health Services.

 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a $60,000 grant to the CNMI Center for Mental Health Services this week. The grant will support a client level data reporting project.

Opportunities– Federal (and other) grants, jobs, contracts in or for the Northern Mariana Islands: 

  • Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Congressional Internship. The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with a paid congressional work placement on Capitol Hill receiving either academic credit or a stipend ($3,750 for the twelve-week Spring or Fall sessions, $2,500 for the eight week Summer session). The experience allows students to learn firsthand about our nation's legislative process as well as to strengthen their leadership skills. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in and undergraduate degree program, have high academic achievement, and have U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. For more information visit CHCI INTERNSHIP.
  • Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellowship. The fellowship program provides applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree within two years of the program start date, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the national level in the public policy area of their choice in Washington, DC. Fellows have the opportunity to work in areas such as international affairs, economic development, health and education policy, housing, or local government. Fellows must work a minimum of 32 hours per week at the placement site and complete 32 hours of community service. For more information visit:CHCI FELLOWSIHIPS

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

THIS WEEK

H.Res. 1611 - Expressing support for designation of the week beginning September 19, 2010, as “National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week” (Rep. Grijalva - Education and Labor)

H.Res. 1610 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001 (Reps. Hoyer/Boehner)

H.R. 2039 - Congressional Made in America Promise Act (Rep. Kaptur - House Administration)

H.R. 3116 - Berry Amendment Extension Act (Rep. Kissell - Homeland Security)

Senate Amendments to H.R. 3978 - First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act (Rep. Rogers (AL) - Homeland Security)

H.Res. 1522 - Expressing support for designation of the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and the last Wednesday of September as National Previvor Day (Rep. Wasserman Schultz - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.R. 5282 - To provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist the Corps with curation and historic preservation activities (Rep. Barrow - Transportation and Infrastructure)

H.Res. 1375 - Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment (Rep. Cooper - Judiciary)

H.R. 4862 - To permit Members of Congress to administer the oath of allegiance to applicants for naturalization (Rep. Serrano - Judiciary)

H.R. 4785 - Rural Energy Savings Program Act (Rep. Clyburn – Agriculture/Energy and Commerce) (240 - 172)

H.Res. 1612 - Expressing the support for and honoring September 17, 2010 as “Constitution Day” (Rep. Latta - Oversight and Government Reform)

H.Res. 1613 - Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods that began July 22, 2010 (Rep. Berman - Foreign Affairs)

How I Voted

H.R.4785 - Rural Energy Savings Program Act (Rep. Clyburn – Energy and Commerce)Yes on Holden Amendment - An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-594 to clarify that loan funds under the bill may not be used to purchase manufactured homes, makes technical corrections to a Comptroller General report, prohibits provision of funds to certain contractors and makes ineligible for loans certain Federal Employees. It also requires the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture to take steps to prevent misuse of funds. Prohibits any additions to direct spending in regards to provisions within this Act. Does not allow an entity with an ongoing capital repayment obligation to the Treasury due to the Troubled Assets Relief Program to participate in the programs within this Act. Ensures that funds provided under this bill would supplement and not supplant other energy efficiency funding. (402-0)

Co-Sponsorships

H.Res. 1522 - Expressing support for designation of the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and the last Wednesday of September as National Previvor Day. Sponsor: Rep Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-20]

H.Res.1554 - Recognizing the services provided by school resource officers and their dedication to the safety, security, and well-being of students, teachers, school support staff, and school communities in the United States. Sponsor: Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4]

H.Res .1577 - Observing the fifth anniversary of the date on which Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, saluting the dedication of volunteers who offered assistance in support of those affected by the storm, recognizing the progress of efforts to rebuild the affected Gulf Coast region, commending the persistence of the people of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and reaffirming Congress' commitment to restore and renew. Sponsor: Rep Cao, Anh "Joseph" [LA-2]

H.Res.1377 - Honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Honda, Michael M. [D-CA-15]

H.Res.1528 - Honoring the life and accomplishments of Paul Leo Locatelli, S.J., and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Honda, Michael M. [D-CA-15]

H.R.5472 - America Realizing the Informational Skills and Initiative of New Graduates Act of 2010. Sponsor: Rep Richardson, Laura [D-CA-37]

H.R.4819 - Expanding Opportunities for Older Americans Act of 2010. Sponsor: Rep Richardson, Laura [D-CA-37]

H.R.5889 - To amend the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the number of primary care physicians and medical residents serving health professional shortage areas, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK]

NEXT WEEK

On the Floor

H.R. 4195 - To authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs (Rep. Farr - Natural Resources)

H.R. 3470 - Nationally Enhancing the Wellbeing of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act (Rep. Cohen - Energy and Commerce)

H.R. 5756 - Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act (Rep. Doyle - Energy and Commerce)

Senate Amendment to H.R. 1454 - Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act (Rep. Brown (SC) - Natural Resources)

H.R. 2923 - Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act (Rep. Gordon - Energy and Commerce)

H.R. 1745 - Family Health Care Accessibility Act (Rep. Tim Murphy - Energy and Commerce)

S.2781 - Rosa's Law (Sen. Mikulski – Energy and Commerce)

H.R. __ - Renewing the Authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to Approve Demonstration Projects Designed to Test Innovative Strategies in State Child Welfare Programs (Rep. McDermott - Ways and Means)

S. 846 - A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty (Sen. Durbin - Financial Services)

H.R. 3421 - Medical Debt Relief Act (Rep. Kilroy - Financial Services)

H.R. 4714 - National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Rep. Oberstar - Transportation and Infrastructure)

H.R. 3427 - State Ethics Law Protection Act (Rep. Quigley - Transportation and Infrastructure)

H.R. 6008 - CLEAN Act (Rep. Schauer - Transportation and Infrastructure)

H.R. 5264 - Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (Rep. Conyers - Judiciary)

Further Action on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5297 - Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 (Rep. Frank – Financial Services) (Subject to a Rule)

Committee Hearings

September 23

  • Education and Labor Full Committee Legislative Hearing on H.R___, Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act 

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