[StBernard] Washington Report from Rep. Richard H. Baker

[Westley Annis]

March 16, 2007

Thank you for signing up for Congressman Baker’s newsletter. Below are issue updates that you may find interesting. As always, please visit his website at http://www.baker.house.gov <http://www.baker.house.gov/>  for the most up-to-date news and information on what Congressman Baker is working on in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana.

South Louisiana Water Projects Pass House Transportation Committee

On Wednesday, March 14, the newest version of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) moved closer to passage in the full House of Representatives.  Congressman Baker secured authorization in WRDA for several projects designed to help South Louisiana address issues such as coastal erosion, hurricane and flood protection, ecosystem restoration and wastewater infrastructure improvement.  Click here  <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=635>  to learn more.

Congressman Baker Prepared for Upcoming Immigration Battle

The 109th Congress made significant progress in improving America’s border security by passing the "Secure Fence Act," which mandates operational control of all borders and ports through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers, and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border, including reinforced fencing. Representative Baker is dismayed to learn that subsequent plans in the Senate to "reform" our nation’s immigration system reportedly include provisions to grant amnesty to the 12 million illegal aliens already in the U.S. What’s more, the new House leadership is trying to undo the Secure Fence Act by weakening the law and starving it of funds.

This week Congressman Baker signed a letter to President Bush, asking him to continue recent efforts to vigorously enforce the laws that ensure that employers do not hire illegal immigrants. He also joined his colleagues in Congress in signing a letter to House Speaker Pelosi, requesting that she not bring legislation that includes amnesty for illegal aliens to the House floor for consideration. Congressman Baker will continue to advocate for measures that will secure our borders, mandate stronger enforcement of laws that penalize employers that hire illegal aliens, and reduce incentives for illegal immigrants to enter the United States.

Pocket Park Coming to Downtown Baton Rouge

For several years Congressman Baker has worked with the U.S. Postal Service and the General Services Administration to replace land owned by Baton Rouge and used by the federal government several years ago for a federal building and courthouse.  After successfully acquiring the vacant main Post Office Carrier Annex on 7th Street, funds will be disbursed to the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission for demolition of the old building and development of the park.  To learn more click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=634> .  

Congressman Baker co-sponsors bill to assist blinded veterans 

Congressman Baker co-sponsored H.R. 797 this week, which would provide additional disability compensation to blinded veterans.  Current law already dictates special consideration for paired organs, such as kidneys, lungs, and ears. This legislation would extend that benefit to eyes.  The well-being of our veterans is one of Congressman Baker’s highest priorities.  Rep. Baker continues to affirm his commitment to our veterans by advocating for additional benefits for the men and women who have served our nation.  The sacrifices and services to this nation should be matched by our desire to improve the quality of life for them and their families, and H.R. 797 is one of the ways to restore fairness to our nation’s blinded veterans. 

3rd Grade Class at Buchanan Elementary School in Baton Rouge Wins NASA Award 

At an event Thursday at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida , Sue Wilson’s 3rd Grade Class at Buchanan Elementary School was honored for winning a competition to choose a new name for the Node 2 module.  The Node 2 module was designed for the International Space Station, and in an effort to find a new name for the module, NASA sought the help of over 2,200 kindergarten through high school students from across the nation.  Students in 32 states submitted entries.  The name submitted by Ms. Wilson’s class- “Harmony”- was chosen. Harmony is being prepared at the Kennedy Space Center for its space shuttle Atlantis flight, designated STS-120, targeted for launch in 2007.   The Node 2 Challenge required students to learn about the space station, build a scale model and write an essay explaining their proposed name for the module that will serve as a central hub for science labs. 

Record Demand Leads to Delays in Passport Processing

Under the new border protection laws Americans must have passports to enter or re-enter the United States by air.  This has boosted passport demand to record levels.  While all 16 passport agency centers  are working overtime to process applications, if you are in need of a passport please plan ahead to allow sufficient time for processing.  Travelers are advised to allow a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks for routine processing and 3 to 4 weeks for expedited service.  For additional information visit http://www.travel.state.gov/.

New Education Poll on Congressman Baker's Website

As Congress begins discussions on the No Child Left Behind reauthorization, Congressman Baker invites you to share your views on improving public education.  Visit www.baker.house.gov to vote.