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

[Westley Annis]

                                                   June 22, 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.

New Information on the Senate Immigration Legislation 

Congressman Baker has new information on the Senate Amnesty legislation. As you know, Cong. Baker is strongly opposed to amnesty for those who have violated our immigration laws.  Click here to read the latest. <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=659> 

Rep. Baker Urges the Protection of Christians in Iraq 

Iraq's indigenous Christian population represents the oldest surviving Christian population in the world.  While Christians represent only 5 percent of Iraq's population, they comprise almost half of the refugees fleeing Iraq. Most recently Pope Benedict shared his concerns with President Bush and warned that Iraq must emerge as nation that allows the Christian religion. Rep. Baker joined with several of his colleagues to express his concern and ask President Bush to address this very important issue. 

House Passes Unprecedented Funding for Veterans Programs 

Last week, with Congressman Baker’s support, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Military Construction -Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations Bill.  This bill includes $87.7 billion in fiscal year 2008 funding for VA benefits and medical programs, a 12.8 percent increase over last year’s budget.  This represents the first time that the House has passed VA funding levels over those recommended by the Independent Budget, which is proposed by the largest veterans’ service organizations. 

As our nation continues the fight against terrorism and as our service members are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is necessary that our Veterans’ Administration has the resources it needs to fulfill America's promises to these brave men and women. This bill sends a strong message to our veterans that the American people are grateful for their commitment and sacrifice. Congressman Baker will continue his fight in Congress for the men and women who have served our nation with honor and who have given so much for our freedom.  

Congressman Baker Announces Veterans’ Committee Field Hearing 

With urging from Congressman Baker, the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee has set a committee hearing in New Orleans on July 9th to discuss the future of veterans’ health care in South Louisiana .  The VA Hospital in New Orleans, which before Hurricane Katrina served veterans in 23 South Louisiana parishes, including veterans in the Greater Baton Rouge area, has yet to be rebuilt.  Even after Congress appropriated nearly $600 million for the Veterans Hospital, the VA has not selected a site for the new hospital, and plans for rebuilding are severely delayed. Congressman Baker will continue to advocate for a swift rebuilding of the Veterans Hospital and will continue to work with veterans in Louisiana and his colleagues in Congress to bring this project to fruition.  

Congressman Baker, as a senior member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, will be in New Orleans for the hearing on July 9th and encourages veterans and anyone interested to attend.  See below for information on the hearing, and feel free to contact Cong. Baker’s office for further information on the status of rebuilding the VA Hospital.  

When: Monday, July 9, 2007 9:30 AM

Where: Supreme Court Building , 400 Royal Street , 4th Floor Courtroom, New Orleans 

Topic: The Future of VA Health Care in South Louisiana 

Baker Addresses Rail Pricing in Climate Change Bill 

This week the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R.2701, the “Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007.” Section 101 of the Act establishes  a Center for Climate Change and Environment with the Department of Transportation. The Center is to perform a study to identify low cost means of achieving fuel savings, reducing congestion and mitigating climate change. 

An amendment by Congressman Richard Baker that will direct the Center to study railroad pricing policies that may force freight off the railroads and onto less fuel efficient trucks was accepted by the Committee. With one intermodal train being the equivalent of 280 trucks, rail pricing can have a devastating impact on road congestion and air pollution if it is forcing freight onto roads. Congressman was pleased that Committee Chairman Oberstar supported his amendment, which was adopted by the committee. 

Poll Concerning Darfur 

The House of Representatives recently passed legislation calling on the Chinese government to acknowledge and condemn the atrocities in Darfur, cease all weapons and military sales to the Sudanese government, and suspend all economic cooperation with Sudan. China is the largest foreign investor in Sudan. Congressman Baker strongly supported this measure and the resolution received unanimous support in the House of Representatives.  Some have suggested a boycott of the Summer 2008 Beijing Olympics to force China to act.  Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov>  to share your views.

Congressman Baker Congratulates Baton Rouge General 

Congressman Baker congratulates Baton Rouge General on receiving the Premier Quality Award for heart bypass surgery.  Premier’s Quality Award measures top performers nationwide within six different clinical areas.  The award is distinguished by its consideration of performance-based criteria, including clinical quality outcomes, clinical process indicators and resource utilization outcomes.  The General is one of only five hospitals in the U.S. to receive this award in 2007.  Congressman Baker commends Baton Rouge General on its commitment to quality health care in the Baton Rouge area.  To learn more about the award, click here. <http://www.premierhospitalawards.com/>