“Soldiers take care of each other on the battlefield, it is our nation’s duty to take care of them when they return home,” said Congressman Farr. “We have failed to live up to this promise by delaying access to care and benefits that our veterans desperately need. Congress must hold the VA’s feet to the fire so that it finally ends the backlog.”

The Committee marked up the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill today. Included with the bill is language requested by U.S. Representatives Farr, Barbara Lee (D-CA13), Mike Thompson (D-CA05), Jackie Speier (D-CA14) and other members of the California delegation instructing the Committee to conduct additional oversight of the VA and requiring regular updates from the department on the status the backlog. The request was made last month by the California members in a letter addressed to the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Committee.

In response to the backlog, Secretary Eric Shinseki has already instructed the VA last month to expedite the process for claims that are over a year old. Additionally, the department is working to completely implement the Veterans Benefits Management System, an electronic processing system designed to end the backlog by 2015.

“I support the VA’s efforts to end the backlog, however I still have some concerns about the direction the Department is heading,” said Congressman Farr. “Through regular updates from the VA, we can hold it accountable moving forward and ensure that no veteran is left behind.” 

To read the Committee’s report, please visit:  http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-113-hr-milcon-report.pdf  (The text concerning the VA backlog begins on page 48.)

To read the full letter from the California members, please visit http://farr.house.gov/images/stories/Documents/vabacklog.pdf

# # #

“Any reduction in the number of furlough days will hopefully provide some relief to Central Coast residents who are employed by the Department of Defense.  

“Nonetheless, any furlough days are too many for local families trying to meet the demands of their household budgets. It is exactly this type of self-inflicted wounds that continues to be a drag on our economy. My colleagues in Washington simply need to understand that their inability to address sequestration has left workers hurting all across the country.

“I opposed sequestration for this very reason, poorly planned across the board cuts are no way to operate the federal government. It is time for the leaders in Congress to bring forward a long-term budget deal that once again provides certainty for our nation’s families.”

To read the Department of Transportation’s release, please visit http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120037

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“I voted for the Reducing Flight Delays Act last month to give Secretary LaHood the flexibility he needed to keep open the contract towers on the FAA’s closure list, including the Salinas Municipal Airport tower. I am pleased that the Secretary used that flexibility and we will not be forced shutter the airport tower that is so vital to the Central Coast’s agriculture community.

“Closing the tower would have jeopardized our local economy. As great as this victory is, it reminds us that every day Washington is creating similar damage to our national economy due to sequestration. We must give all federal agencies this same flexibility to reduce the impact because our economy cannot afford any more self-inflicted wounds.” 

To read the Department of Transportation’s release, please visit http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/statement-us-department-transportation

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10:00 am, Wednesday, May 22

Congressional Meeting Room South

Capitol Visitors Center

 

In 2009, the image of US leadership in Latin America had a 34% approval rating (Gallup). At the 2009 Summit of the Americas, President Obama stated:

 

“If our only interaction with many of these [Latin American] countries is drug interdiction, if our only interaction is military, then we may not be developing the connections that can, over time, increase our influence.”

 

In 2012, the image of US leadership in Latin America had a 40% approval rating (Gallup). During a 2013 trip to Latin America in early May, President Obama stated in Mexico:

 

“The relationship between our nations must be defined not by the threats that we face, but by the prosperity and the opportunity that we can create together.”

 

Now is an important time to take stock of America’s engagement in Latin America over the last four years and how that engagement has impacted overall US leadership in the region. In light of the President’s stated pivot from hard power to soft power engagement, please join Congressman Farr at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 22nd to examine the role America’s efforts on human rights and conflict mitigation have played in shaping US leadership across the Western Hemisphere. In June, we will look at US economic engagement. 

 

Eric L. Olson

Associate Director, Latin American Program

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

 

Santiago A. Canton

Director

RFK Partners for Human Rights

RFK Center for Justice & Human Rights

 

Virginia M. Bouvier

Senior Program Officer

US Institute of Peace

 

June S. Beittel

Analyst in Latin American Affairs

Congressional Research Service

 

 

US Engagement in Latin America is part of an on-going monthly briefing series called Latin America on the Rise, which brings in a diversity of speakers to address emerging and emergent issues in the Western Hemisphere. If you have any questions, please contact Caitie Whelan (caitie.whelan@mail.house.gov) in the Congressman's office.

“There are no better ambassadors for democratic ideals than the American people,” said Congressman Farr. “By including all forms of permissible travel under a general license, more Americans can engage in the kind of people-to-people diplomacy that can promote democratic change and advance human rights.”  

In 2009, President Obama announced Reaching Out to the Cuban People, a set of policy changes that fully restored the rights of Cuban-Americans to visit their families in Cuba and send them unlimited remittances. This has resulted in the reunification of thousands of families and has provided the capital for Cubans to take advantage of economic reforms in Cuba and start their own businesses.

In 2011, President Obama took another important step by reauthorizing purposeful travel for all Americans, fostering meaningful people-to-people interaction between American and Cuban citizens. But these trips require a specific license granted to specialized travel service providers. Unfortunately, the licensing process has reportedly been expensive, slow, cumbersome, and arbitrary, causing delays and – in some cases cancellations- of trips that enable Americans to exercise their right to purposeful travel to Cuba.

Earlier this year, Cuba removed the restrictions on most Cubans’ foreign travel, including travel to the United States, a move that the United States and many in the international community had been pushing for.

The letter calls upon the President to use his executive authority to included people-to-people travel under a general license. 

“A pragmatic policy of citizen diplomacy can be a powerful catalyst for democratic development in Cuba,” said Farr. “This change is the next step in supporting a 21st century policy of engagement in US-Cuba relations.”

The full text can be viewed here.

The letter was signed by Reps. Sam Farr, Janice Schakowsky, Yvette Clarke, Rosa DeLauro, Kathy Castor, Charles B Rangel, Lois Capps, Jim McDermott, Chellie Pingree, Jared Polis, Raul M. Grijalva, Grace Napolitano, Jared Huffman, Michael H Michaud, Rush Holt, Keith Ellison, Jim Moran, Bobby L Rush, John Conyers Jr., Barbara Lee, Donna F Edwards, Richard M. Nolan, Louise M. Slaughter, Steve Cohen, Wm. Lacy Clay, Carolyn B. Maloney, Melvin L. Watt, Peter Welch, Betty McCollum, Edward J Markey, Danny K Davis, Jerrold Nadler, James R Langevin, Anna G. Eshoo, Timothy Bishop, John Lewis, John Yarmuth, Karen Bass, James P. McGovern, Mark Pocan, Michael E. Capuano, Bobby Scott, Michael M. Honda, Chaka Fattah, Emanuel Cleaver, David E. Price, George Miller, Richard E. Neal, Eleanor H Norton, Mike Thompson, Jackie Speier, John Garamendi, Bennie G. Thompson, Hank Johnson, Jose E. Serrano, Henry A. Waxman, Maxine Waters, Gregory W. Meeks and Marcy Kaptur.

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Sam Farr (D-Carmel), David G. Valadao (R-Hanford) and Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today introduced H.R. 1776, the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act, to direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reopen the 75,000 acre Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) in San Benito and Fresno counties for recreational use, including access for off-road vehicles. Additionally, the legislation would designate approximately 21,000 acres of BLM land adjacent to Clear Creek as the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness.

“This bill brings environmentalist and off-road vehicle enthusiasts together in the common goals of reopening Clear Creek for the public to enjoy and creating new wilderness land for future generations to enjoy,” said Congressman Farr. “This partnership between the two groups will allow us to achieve two victories to benefit to the local communities.”

Congressman Valadao stated, “Californians have been enjoying the natural beauty of Clear Creek for decades. This legislation is a common-sense solution which not only reopens the land for off highway vehicle use but also directs additional land to be preserved for future generations. I am excited to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleague and look forward to reopening the Clear Creek Management Area for our constituents and the entire state to enjoy once again.” 

Once considered a premier off-road vehicle recreation site, Clear Creek was temporarily closed in 2008 to the public after an Environmental Protection Agency analysis about the risk created by naturally occurring asbestos.

“There’s nothing quite like riding my Harley through the scenic Valley and off-roading with my son,” said Congressman Denham. “I’m honored to work with my California colleagues on this common-sense bill that is a win for everyone.  It’s great to see everyone working together to reopen Clear Creek so the public can once again enjoy the beautiful area while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

“Thousands of visitors would come from all over the state, traveling through San Benito County on their way to Clear Creek,” said San Benito County Supervisor Jerry Muenzer. “Our county has lost thousands of dollars since Clear Creek closed. This bill would bring much needed tourism dollars back to our small businesses, providing an immediate boost the local economy.”

The bill instructs the BLM to develop a rigorous plan to minimize the risk from asbestos exposure and to educate visitors to the recreation area about the natural asbestos. The BLM would also be required to reduce the impact of off-road vehicles to protect the area’s habitat.

“The roads and trails have been used for generations by varying types of recreationists and others, many since the late 1800’s,” said Steve Koretoff, member of Friends of the CCMA and the American Motorcyclist Association. “Allowing access ensures that all Californians have the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of this historical area.”

The bill also designates five creek and river segments located within Monterey County and the Clear Creek National Recreational Area as Wild and Scenic Rivers. None of the rivers are within the designated zone for off-road vehicle use.  

“On the battlefield, the motto is to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, it is our duty to ensure that we leave no veteran behind. Sadly, for too long we have failed to live up to that promise to our nation’s veterans by delaying access to the necessary benefits they earned.

“During a subcommittee hearing last Thursday, myself and members of the subcommittee stressed to Secretary Shinseki the need to end the Department of Veteran Affairs’ outrageous backlog of claims. The issue has been troubling for many Californian veterans; particularly those serviced by the Oakland Regional Office which has the dubious distinction of having the largest backlog in the country. I was pleased to hear the Department’s announcement last Friday that it was going to expedite the process for claims over a year old. Additionally, I believe that by completely modernizing their process and through better coordination with the Department of Defense, the VA can meet its goal of eliminating the backlog within two years.

“However, I still have some concerns with the direction that the Department is heading. Today, along with fellow California Democrats, I sent a letter to the Subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member asking for better oversight of the implementation of the new Veterans Benefits Management System. I remain skeptical that the new system will be able to achieve the two year goal and want to make sure it does not add to the burdens our veterans are already facing. 

“The men and women who answered the call of duty and bravely served our country did so without hesitation or delay. It’s time we match that commitment when they return home.”

To read the full letter, please visit http://farr.house.gov/images/stories/Documents/vabacklog.pdf

To read the Department of Veteran Affairs’ release, please visit http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436

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“Today, the entire world gathers in celebration of Earth Day, a day set aside to remind us to be responsible stewards of our planet. On the Central Coast, we understand the relationship between the environment and our community. I am proud of our local efforts to have a positive impact on a global scale. 

“We live in one of the most environmentally responsible regions of the world. For instance, many Central Coast communities have enacted a ban on non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags reducing the amount of harmful garbage that litters our waterways. We have joined together to protect special places both on the land and in the ocean for future generations to benefit from. Our local growers have led efforts to remove harmful chemicals from our food supply to provide healthy fruits and vegetables for families to eat. Understanding the role that humans have played in global climate change, many of our residents and local business have done their part to reduce emissions and shrink their carbon footprint. 

“As great as our successes have been, we still have much work to do. Even as we celebrate, there are many who would like to roll back much of the progress we have made so far. There is a continued effort to open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and to build the Keystone XL pipeline, further increasing our dependence on oil rather than investing in green energy alternatives. Back home, there has even been a renewed focus on drilling in the southern portion of Monterey and San Benito counties. 

“So on this Earth Day, I call on all of us to remember that every day is Earth Day. From simple changes in our daily routine to increased civic participation and raising awareness on these important issues, we can ensure that not just the Central Coast but that our entire planet is healthier for generations to come. 

“Happy Earth Day everyone!” 

“Healthy oceans help build healthy economies. Today is a great day, not just for our oceans and the coastal communities they support but for our entire country. The White House has taken many of the priorities that we first laid out with the ‘Oceans 21’ agenda and turned them into actionable public policy. Thanks to the administrations leadership, we now have a plan to efficiently manage and better maintain our marine ecosystems.

 

“On California’s Central Coast, we understand the role that the ocean plays in supporting our local community. From tourists visiting the Monterey Bay to the fishing industry that relies upon strong marine fish populations, our local economy is dependent upon the jobs created by a healthy, well managed ocean environment. And when the economies of our coastal communities thrive, the entire country reaps the benefits.

 

“But for too long, the management of our oceans has been handled by a confusing and often competing mix of federal agencies. This plan finally gets all of the relevant federal agencies on the same page, allowing them to coordinate their missions and provide for more efficient stewardship of our oceans. It also opens the lines of communications between the federal government and the states and local communities that are directly impacted. By working together and taking a holistic, science based approach to the management of our marine ecosystems, we not only build a stronger economy now but ensure the oceans’ long-term sustainability to benefit future generations.” 

 

To read the Implementation Plan, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/oceans.

 

To read the White House’s release, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/Press_Releases/April_16_2013

  

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Congressional Meeting Room South

Capitol Visitors Center

Please join Congressman Farr at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 24th to learn about how the US government, advocacy community, and private sector are working to catalyze opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Latin America.
 

Carla Koppell

Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment

USAID

Marguerite Berger

Vice President for Impact, Evaluation, & Research

Vital Voices

Elizabeth Vazquez

CEO & Co-Founder, WEConnect International

M. Angeles Villarreal

Specialist in International Trade & Finance

Congressional Research Service

 

Women Entrepreneurship in Latin America is part of an on-going monthly briefing series I host called Latin America on the Rise, which brings in a diversity of speakers to address emerging and emergent issues in the Western Hemisphere. If you have any questions, please contact Caitie Whelan (caitie.whelan@mail.house.gov) in the Congressman's office.