[StBernard] Washington Report from Rep. Richard H Baker

[Westley Annis]

October 26, 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.

WRDA Advances to the White House

This week Congressman Baker, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has finally been sent to President Bush for his consideration. President Bush has until November 3, 2007, to veto or sign the legislation. If no action is taken by that date, the bill automatically becomes law. Congressman Baker was a key negotiator of the WRDA legislation, which authorizes more than $3 billion for projects in Louisiana, and he recently issued a statement on this important development. Click here for more information. <http://www.baker.house.gov/>  

DREAM Act Fails Senate Vote

On Wednesday the “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act failed once again in the Senate.  The DREAM Act would set up a two-stage process for minors that are in America illegally to apply for legal status. Under the Act, the children of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. who graduate from an American high school could qualify for "conditional lawful permanent resident" status, which would normally last for six years. During the conditional period, the immigrant would be required to go to college, join the military, or work a significant number of hours of community service. At the end of the conditional period, those meeting at least one of these requirements would be eligible for permanent resident status. Congressman Baker supports those who obey our immigration laws and come to America legally and contribute to our society.  As such, he strongly opposes the DREAM Act.  Unfortunately, millions of foreign nationals have chosen not to follow this path, and instead have broken into this nation and have taken what they wanted at the expense of those who are here legally. 

Congressman Baker Express His Support for Fire Fighters

As Southern California continues to fight wildfires that have displaced over a half a million people and destroyed countless homes and businesses, Congressman Baker stands today in support of the brave fire fighters from across the nation who are gallantly battling these blazes. The bravery and commitment demonstrated this week highlights the dangerous work being done by more than 1.1 million fire fighters who answer the call of duty and perform extraordinary acts of selflessness and valor to save lives. For this reason, Congressman Baker is a cosponsor of H.Res. 695, legislation establishing a “National Fire Fighter Appreciation Day.” An annual “National Fire Fighter Appreciation Day” will honor and celebrate fire fighters during Fire Prevention Week, which takes place every year during the first week of October.

“Welcome” Film Debuts for U.S. Visitors

Earlier this week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. State Department debuted a new film that will be shown to international visitors arriving in the U.S.  While steps have been taken to strengthen and secure America’s borders there is also the need to welcome legitimate visitors to our country.  The film, “Welcome: Portraits of America,” is part of a multimedia initiative by Homeland Security and the State Department to welcome international visitors when they arrive in the U.S. The film was donated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Visit www.discoveramerica.com <http://www.discoveramerica.com/>  to view the film.  

Myanmar Sanctions Strengthened

The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs approved legislation on Wednesday, without opposition, to expand sanctions imposed in 2003 that halted U.S. trade with Myanmar, also known as Burma.  The legislation prohibits the sale in the United States of rubies, jade and other gems routed through Myanmar's neighbors.  This is in addition to the new sanctions imposed by President Bush on October 19, which will punish Myanmar's military-run government and its backers for a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Expanding on sanctions imposed last month, President Bush ordered the Treasury Department to freeze the U.S. assets of additional members of the repressive junta. President Bush also acted to tighten controls on U.S. exports to Myanmar and he called on the governments of China and India to do more to pressure the government of the Southeast Asian nation.

Rep. Baker Urges Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to Reverse Cuts to Mental Health Services

Rep. Baker joined other members of the Louisiana Congressional delegation in asking CMS to reverse a scheduled 24 percent cut in reimbursements to services provided by community mental health centers. South Louisiana faces major challenges with the availability of mental health services, and major cuts in reimbursements would exacerbate the problem and further reduce the availability of services in the area.  Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/files/CMHC.pdf> for more information about these scheduled cuts and to read the letter to CMS.