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

[Westley Annis]

                                                   September 28, 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.   

Rep. Baker Supports Passage of Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007

The Iranian regime continues to defy the international community in its headlong pursuit of nuclear weapons. It has denounced two United Nations Security Council Resolutions imposing sanctions on Iran as "illegal" and "invalid," and has partially suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). IAEA reports cite redoubled Iranian efforts to enrich uranium as its leaders sponsor terrorism and issue ominous threats against the United States, its troops, and its allies in the region. U.S. diplomacy to address Iran’s actions and its nuclear designs must be backed by strong sanctions against the regime in Tehran. 

In response, this week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007, by a vote of 397 - 16. Rep. Baker has long supported this Act and strongly believes Congress has a responsibility to ensure that Iran’s quest for nuclear arms is ended. The objective of this legislation is two-fold: to prevent Iran from securing nuclear arms and the means to produce them, as well as to ensure that we achieve this goal in a peaceful manner. This legislation:

q Provides that nothing in the Act authorizes use of force against Iran;

q Amends the Iran Sanctions Act by removing the Presidential waiver on sanctions, expanding the types of investment subject to sanctions, and increasing oversight of the Administration’s implementation of the Act;

q Expands bilateral sanctions against Iran by severely limiting the export of U.S. items to Iran and by prohibiting all imports;

q Prevents U.S. subsidiaries of foreign oil companies that invest in Iran’s oil sector from receiving U.S. tax benefits for oil and gas exploration;

q Prevents nuclear cooperation between the United States and any country that provides nuclear assistance to Iran;

q Withholds funds from the World Bank in proportion to the amounts provided to Iran;

q Authorizes additional funds for cultural and educational exchanges with Iranians; and

q Authorizes robust support for the Department of Treasury’s financial enforcement bureaus and offices.

Patriot Express Loan Initiative

Reserve personnel and other military community members are being offered the opportunity to apply for expedited, low-interest loans to start businesses or expand their current one. Loans are available up to $500,000 and can be used for most business purposes including expansion, start-up, equipment purchases, and working capital. The Small Business Administration announced the new Patriot Loan Express as the latest extension to existing programs the agency offers to the military community. Patriot Express is available to military community members including active duty service members, veterans, National Guard members, current spouses and widowed spouses. More information can be found at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress <http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress> .

Public Meetings for Atchafalaya East Watershed (AEW) <http://www.baker.house.gov/files/AEW.pdf> 

The AEW has announced meetings to determine what water resource issues and projects are important to residents and stakeholders. Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/files/AEW.pdf>  to learn more about the upcoming meetings.

Senate Passes Water Resources Development Act

Earlier this week, the conference report for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) passed the U.S. Senate. The WRDA Conference Report passed the House of Representatives in August of this year. Unfortunately President Bush has announced he will veto this important legislation. WRDA contains authorization for over $3 billion in projects vital to Louisiana levee protection and coastal restoration. As a result, the entire Louisiana delegation, led by Rep. Baker, announced their support of a veto override. Click here to learn more about WRDA. <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=693>