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

[Westley Annis]

                                                   May 25, 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.

Baker-led Legislation Protects the Taxpayer and the Homeowner 

Congressman Baker has led the fight to reign in two government-sponsored companies that through poor corporate governance have presented themselves as a serious risk to America ’s thriving housing economy. To learn more about his reform efforts, click here <http://www.2theadvocate.com/opinion/7602307.html> . 

Important Passport News 

The U.S. passport agency is experiencing an unprecedented demand for passports as Americans comply with new border documentation requirements.  The waiting time for passports can take up to 12 weeks.  If you are in need of a passport or have a passport that will expire in 2007, it is best to start the application process immediately.  For more information on passport requirements and to determine if you need a passport for an upcoming trip, please visit: http://travel.state.gov <http://travel.state.gov/> .    

Baker Announces Millions in Baton Rouge Airport Improvements 

Congressman Baker announced this week $4.6 million for important airport safety measures at the Baton Rouge airport. Baker has long supported and secured tens of millions in federal airport improvement funds to BTR’s Master Plan and modernization efforts. To learn more on the recent announcement click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=654> , for the Baton Rouge Business Report account <http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/2007/may/22/110/>  and here for the Baton Rouge Advocate version <http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/businesstoday/tuesday/7629821.html#1> . To learn more about Congressman Baker’s transportation and aviation efforts, click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=219> .

Help for Homeowners Caught in the Subprime Problem Loan Trap

Over the past several months, serious problems have appeared in the mortgage sector of the nation’s economy. The largest problem has occurred with adjustable rate, subprime loans. As these adjustable rate mortgages reset to higher interest rates and therefore higher monthly payments, some borrowers have found themselves unable to make their new monthly payments. This may mean that more homeowners now face the very real potential of foreclosure.

The best way to avoid foreclosure is for a borrower to talk to their lenders and to qualified counselors. Working with lenders and other groups, the Congress has helped create a national hotline for borrowers having difficulty making new and higher mortgage payments. The phone number is (888) 995-HOPE, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Manned by counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development, the hotline offers borrowers a partner that will work with their lenders to find solutions for problem mortgage situations.

Congressman Baker Helps Pass Critical Veterans’ Bills 

On the eve of Memorial Day, the House of Representatives considered a series of important bills, aimed at improving health care for veterans and paying tribute to those who served the nation in military uniform. As we take time on Monday to spend with friends and family, Cong. Baker urges all to pay tribute to Americans who have made the greatest sacrifice for our freedoms.  

Cong. Baker helped to pass the following veterans’ bills earlier this week: 

H.R. 67, <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h67:>  the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 would improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by making grants to state veterans’ agencies to conduct outreach 

H.R. 612, <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h612:>  would extend from two years to five years the period of eligibility for veterans returning from combat to receive VA health care for conditions that might be related to that service, despite the absence of proof of service connection. 

H.R. 1470, <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h1470:>  would require VA to provide chiropractic care and services through its medical centers and clinics, to be implemented at not fewer than 75 medical centers not later than December 31, 2009, and at all VA medical centers not later than December 31, 2011.  

H.R. 2199, <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h2199:>  would require VA to screen veterans for traumatic brain injury (TBI).  It would also require VA to establish a comprehensive program for long-term care of post-acute traumatic brain injury rehabilitation at four geographically dispersed polytrauma network sites designated by the VA secretary.  

H.R. 2239, <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h2239:>  would enable injured servicemembers to get vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits (VR&E) before their discharge from active duty.  Current law does not normally allow VA to provide VR&E. 

New Immigration Poll 

Let Congressman Baker know your views on the Senate illegal immigration legislation. Click here to vote. <http://www.baker.house.gov/>  

Baker Fights for Abstinence Program, Supports Important Resource for Louisiana 

Congressman Baker is very concerned that the House Majority Leadership wants to kill a popular and effective abstinence education program in favor of so-called “comprehensive” sex education programs that de-emphasize abstinence. The abstinence program has provided over $8 million to Louisiana in the last five years, representing a significant resource for the state to fight teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. These programs are vital to provide teens with a clear message of health, help them develop personal boundaries and leadership skills in order to negotiate teenage pressure. Louisiana ranks ninth in the country for funding. 

Congressman Baker signed a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) and Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-TX) stressing the importance of the abstinence program, which is set to expire on June 30 if the Committee does not act quickly. Congress should not let this important program expire, and Congressman Baker is committed to working with his colleagues so that communities who wish to promote good and healthy choices for our nation's adolescents are given the tools to do so. 

Hurricane Season Approaching 

Visit Rep. Baker’s Hurricane Preparedness <http://baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=348>  page for information and links to help prepare your family in case of a disaster.  Click here <http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=6551485&Call=Email&Format=HTML>  for a good article with this season’s hurricane predictions. 

Baker Slams Bill Dangerous to Private Property Rights 

Earlier this week, Rep. James Oberstar introduce a bill that will give federal powers over private property rights owners all over America – especially Louisiana . Calling it the “biggest federal land grab since the Louisiana Purchase ”, Baker explains why a bill cloaked in “wetlands protection” is really a threat to homeowners everywhere. Read Baker’s comments here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=656> .