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Over the past week, I've heard from hundreds of constituents who have many concerns about the Treasury Department's proposed economic rescue plan. I want you to know that I opposed the previous bailouts of Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and AIG. However, the economic situation we face today is very serious. I am very concerned about its impact on the retirement savings, bank accounts and college funds of all Kentuckians. The proposal sent to Congress by the Treasury Department is unprecedented in size and scope. Congress has spent the last week evaluating the potential impact this proposal could have on taxpayers and our country's fiscal well-being. The details of the proposal have not yet been finalized. However, I will continue to examine the various proposals and amendments in the interest of protecting the American taxpayer.
If you have thoughts or concerns about this issue, please email me at .
http://geoffdavis.house.gov/Contact.aspx
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This week, the 6th grade class from Beechwood Elementary School visited Washington, D.C. During their trip, the class visited the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, the Bureau of Engraving and many other monuments and landmarks in our nation's Capital. I understand this is the 13th consecutive year that Beechwood Elementary has sponsored this trip; I applaud the school, its administrators and its teachers for their commitment to inspiring civic engagement among their students.
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Weekly Column: Sham Energy Bill Brings America No Closer to Energy Independence
After months of refusing to discuss solutions to America's energy crisis, Speaker Pelosi and her House leadership team finally sprang into action last week. They released an energy bill in the dark of night on September 15th, allowed no amendments or alternatives, and rushed the legislation to the floor the very next day. My colleagues and I were not given any time to properly study the legislation, nor were we permitted to contribute ideas. I am deeply disappointed that Speaker Pelosi continues to play political games at a time when the American people are demanding real solutions.
For months, my Republican colleagues and I have been debating energy solutions on the House floor. In July, I co-sponsored comprehensive energy legislation that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower gas prices and create more American jobs. The American Energy Act of 2008 takes an "All of the Above" approach to our nation's energy crisis by promoting the use of all our domestic energy resources, improving conservation and efficiency, and supporting renewable and alternative energy technology. Speaker Pelosi, however, has refused to allow a vote on this legislation.
Instead of embracing all our options and creating a bipartisan plan to meet our energy needs, Speaker Pelosi forced passage of a bill that will do nothing to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. The legislation contains no provisions to encourage the expansion of emission-free nuclear power, nor will the bill facilitate the development of advanced clean coal and coal-to-liquid technology. The bill raises taxes, increases utility costs and fails to increase refinery capacity.
Despite Speaker Pelosi's recent, well-publicized revelation that she supports offshore drilling, the Majority's "no energy" legislation will keep nearly ninety percent of our nation's offshore energy reserves under lock-and-key and out of the hands of the American people. The bill further discourages production of our offshore oil and natural gas resources by prohibiting coastal States from sharing in the revenue generated by exploration. Additionally, the bill prohibits environmentally responsible exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve and curbs the development of our oil shale resources in the Inner-Mountain West.
More than a dozen House Democrats voted against the bill. Senator Mary Landrieu [D-LA] called it "dead on arrival" and declared that it "would not see the light of day" in the Senate. In an op-ed published in the Baltimore Sun on September 19th, former Senator J. Bennett Johnson [D-LA] also denounced the legislation: "[Our] nation can't keep putting off tough choices on energy, from drilling to fuel efficiency to alternative sources…To be successful, we must use every potential clean domestic energy source."
I have co-sponsored a resolution (H.Con.Res. 417) that calls on the 110th Congress to not leave Washington until comprehensive energy legislation has been enacted for the American people. In these uneasy times, we cannot permit this energy crisis to continue to squeeze our family budgets and drain our nation's wealth. If we truly plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve our economy, and make our energy more affordable and reliable, we must work in a bipartisan manner to create a balanced energy strategy.
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D.C. and District Talk
Congress passes National Defense Authorization Act
On Wednesday, the House passed the final version of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (S. 3001) by a vote of 392 to 39. This legislation reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that the men and women who serve in the U.S. military have the resources they need to protect the security of our nation. I am extremely pleased by the bipartisan support for this legislation that will soon be signed into law by the President.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides the annual authorization for the Department of Defense, as well as for national security programs administered by the Department of Energy. For FY2009, S. 3001 authorizes $531.4 billion in budget authority for these two agencies and an additional $68 billion to support current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, S.3001 (NDAA FY2009) will:
- Increase the number of active duty personnel by 7,000 in the Army and 5,000 in the Marine Corps to support ongoing combat operations, help relieve the strain on our service members and their families and increase the size of the force available for contingencies outside of Iraq and Afghanistan;
- Provide a 3.9% pay raise for all members of the Armed Forces in 2009 and guaranteed pay raises in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to reduce the military-civilian pay disparity;
- Implement a cost-sharing requirement with the Iraqi government;
- Authorize the survivors of service members who die while serving on active duty to receive a special survivor indemnity allowance effective October 1, 2008;
- Provide an additional $800 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment;
- Extend the prohibition enacted last year on increases to TRICARE enrollment fees, co-pays and retail pharmacy cost share increases;
- Increases the benefit cap up to $36,000 annually under the Extended Health Care Option program for families; and
- Include tuition assistance and support for military spouses.
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Award Presented for Work on Homelessness
 Yesterday, I was honored to receive an award from the National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness, the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, and First Focus for my efforts over the past two years to expand the federal definition of "homelessness" at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The award is a drawing by a homeless child depicting what it feels like to live in a shelter.
Unfortunately, the current definition of "homeless" ignores many homeless families and children who often need assistance the most. In response, I introduced H.R. 840, the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH Act) with the late Congresswoman Julia Carson [D-IN]. The bill passed out of the House Financial Services Committee in July and is currently being considered in the Senate. I am hopeful that the bill will be enacted before Congress adjourns.
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Legislative Week in Review
The House convened on Monday to begin the week and will remain in session at least through Saturday. Thus far this week, the following bills have passed the House:
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H.R. 6853, Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act of 2008
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S. 1315, Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, as amended
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H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008
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S. 2606, To reauthorize the United States Fire Administration
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H.R. 5244, The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2008
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H.R. 5443, United States-Republic of Korea Defense Cooperation Improvement Act of 2008
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H.R. 5834, North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008'
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H.R. 758, The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007
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S. 1760, The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2007
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H.R. 1532, Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2007
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H.R. 2994, National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007
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H.R. 5265, Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education Amendments of 2008
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H.R. 6901, Meth Free Families and Communities Act
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H.R. 2583, Physician Workforce and Graduate Medical Education Enhancement Act of 2007
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H.R. 6353, Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008
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H.R. 1014, Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act
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H.R. 6983, Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
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H.R. 2638, The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009
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S. 3001, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009
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H.R. 7006, The Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008
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S. 1382, ALS Registry Act
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H.R. 7005, The Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008
Constituent Corner
Foreclosure Tips Series: What are my options if I cannot make my mortgage payments? (third in a four part series)
For many American families, the threat of home foreclosure is becoming a reality. Foreclosures occur when homeowners fall behind on their mortgage payments as a result of a variety of financial or personal challenges. Many individuals and families facing difficult financial situations may be reluctant to ask for help, but addressing these issues in a timely manner is an important step toward avoiding foreclosure.
In order to better educate individuals about the complexities of mortgage payments and foreclosure, various organizations have established readily available resources for the general public. In particular, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation has created the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline and website, both of which are designed to counsel homeowners as they confront financial challenges.
This newsletter series features advice and guidelines from the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, NeighborWorks and the Ad Council aimed at helping families avoid or deal with foreclosure.
Several options are available to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments:
- Forbearance. You are allowed to delay payments for a short period, with the understanding that another option will be used afterwards to bring the account current.
- Reinstatement. When you are behind in your payments but can promise a lump sum to bring payments current by a specific date.
- A Repayment Plan. If your account is past due, but you can now make payments, the lender may agree to let you catch up by adding a portion of the past due amount to each current monthly payment until your account is current.
- Modifying Your Mortgage. The lender can modify your mortgage to extend the length of your loan (or take other steps to reduce your payments). One solution is to add the past due amount into your existing loan, financing it over a longer term.
- Selling Your Home. If catching up on payments is not possible, the lender might agree to put foreclosure on hold to give you some time to attempt to sell your home.
- Property Give-Back. The lender can allow you to give-back your property - and then forgive the debt. Give-backs do, however, have a negative impact on your credit record, although not as much as a foreclosure. The lender might require that you attempt to sell the house for a specific time period before agreeing to this option, and it might not be possible if there are other liens against the home.
For assistance, homeowners are encouraged to call the Homeownership Preservation Foundation's HOPE Hotline. The HOPE Hotline connects individuals with expert counselors who offer free and personalized foreclosure prevention advice, including assistance drafting a written financial plan and help contacting lenders. This service is available to any American homeowner struggling to make mortgage payments.
If you or someone you know is interested in this free service, please contact the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 995-HOPE. More information is available by visiting . http://www.995hope.org
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ColorFall 2008 debuts
 The 2008 edition of the popular Kentucky ColorFall program features a website that provides a wealth of information about autumn in the Bluegrass State. The ColorFall site is a guide to all things autumn around the Commonwealth. Produced by the Kentucky Departments of Travel and Parks, ColorFall utilizes seventeen spotters throughout the Commonwealth who report the weekly progress of the changes in color that grace the Kentucky landscape from the Appalachians to the western lakes region.
The ColorFall website is located at . It includes a map that tracks foliage color stages and video clips that highlight fall's beauty. You can also access a photo library with downloadable images, a weekly listing of festivals and events and a link to trails in Kentucky that provide opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The Kentucky Department of Travel website () provides events information year-round. Travel consultants also are available every weekday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions about events and foliage stages. You may contact them at 800-225-TRIP (225-8747).www.kentuckytourism.comwww.kentuckytourism.com/colorfall
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Constituent Hours
Every month, members of my staff are available throughout the Fourth Congressional District to assist local residents with problems related to the federal government.
Please click here to see the current list of scheduled times and locations in your area. Appointments are not necessary. As always, constituents are welcome to contact our offices in Washington, D.C., Ashland, La Grange, Ft. Mitchell, Maysville and Williamstown at any time with questions or concerns.
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This Day in History - September 26th
- 1580 - Sir Francis Drake circumnavigates the globe, becoming the first English Captain to do so.
- 1789 - President George Washington appoints Thomas Jefferson the first Secretary of State, John Jay the first Chief Justice and Edmund Randolph the first Attorney General.
- 1960 - In Chicago, the first televised presidential debate takes place between candidates Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.
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