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

[Westley Annis]

Amnesty Legislation Fails in the U.S. Senate

Cong. Baker made the following comments about today’s defeat of legislation offering amnesty to 12 million illegal aliens:

"The victory belongs to the American people and was the result of the countless calls, letters, faxes, and emails they directed to Washington. Seemingly out-of-touch legislators were brought back from the brink by the common sense of their constituents, who proved that speaking out does still make a difference.

"Though this battle ends in victory, the effort to address the illegal immigration problem must continue to be waged. And I will start by pushing for passage of a House resolution calling on the administration to rigorously enforce existing immigration laws that close the border and crack down on illegal employment practices."

Congressman Baker Expresses Grave Concern with Mexican Trucking Program

The Department of Transportation has announced that, despite strong Congressional disapproval, it will go forward with its reckless cross-border commercial truck pilot program with Mexico. If this plan moves forward as intended, American roadways and communities will be open to potentially unfit and dangerous vehicle traffic.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed in 1993 by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and gave Mexican trucks full access to U.S. roads beginning in 2000. Citing safety concerns, the U.S. has stalled implementation of these provisions. Congressman Baker strongly believes that any trucks entering the U.S. should adhere to safety standards on par with that of the United States. For this reason, Congressman Baker signed a letter to President Bush expressing his concern and strongly urging him to suspend plans for the Cross-Border Demonstration Program until these serious issues can be addressed. Click here to view the text of the letter <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/content.cfm?id=664> .

Baker Speaks Up for Interim Work Authority for Towing Vessels

During consideration of H.R. 2830, the "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007," the House Transportation Committee addressed an amendment offered by Congressman Baker to implement a workable, common-sense approach to interim work authority for towing vessels. This legislation was offered on behalf of American workers seeking employment opportunities in the U.S. tugboat, towboat, and barge industry; companies that own and operate towing vessels and barges; shippers who rely on barge transportation to move their products; and all Americans who share the goals of ensuring high standards of maritime security without disrupting the vital flow of commerce.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar assured Congressman Baker that his concerns would be addressed before H.R. 2830 comes to the House of Representatives for a vote. Congressman Baker is pleased that a workable interim work authority will be included in H.R. 2830.

Congressman Baker Co-Sponsors ALS Legislation

Earlier this week, Congressman Baker co-sponsored a bill that will advance the search for a treatment and cure to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. H.R. 2295 will create an ALS Registry that will assist our nation’s physicians, scientists, and researchers with the information they need to make progress in the fight against ALS. This progress can lead to improved treatments and therefore a better quality of life for people living with ALS.

Baker Congratulates Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins was named by the National Cancer Institute as a participant in its Community Cancer Centers Program pilot to help expand cancer research and further deliver state-of-the-art cancer care. The program will explore ways of sharing information, via electronic medical records, to enhance patient care. The OLOL/Mary Bird Program is one of only 14 sites in the country and the only site in the Gulf South named to participate in the innovative three-year pilot.

Americans Set Record for Charitable Giving

According to a recent report released by Charities Aid Foundation, Americans give almost twice as much to charities as the next most charitable country. Americans gave almost $300 billion to charitable causes last year, surpassing the 2005 record of giving. Philanthropic giving represents 1.7 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, followed by .73 percent for Great Britain and .14 percent for France. This information demonstrates that the American culture is unique and Americans regardless of income level are willing to give to others. This has helped create new ideas, inventions, and human development skills – all of which strengthen our society and benefit the economy. Cong. Baker will continue to support efforts to encourage charitable donations and philanthropy both through the U.S. tax code and public awareness.