WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today voted for the American Jobs & Closing Tax Loopholes Act. This legislation will help create summer jobs, cut taxes, and close tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas. It includes property tax credits, state and local sales tax deductions, and college tuition deductions. In addition, this bill increases the amount oil companies must pay into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund so taxpayers are not held accountable for instances such as recent the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
“Some of the highlights of this legislation include ending tax breaks to companies that take American jobs overseas, making Wall Street investment fund managers pay a fair tax, and giving college tuition deductions to working class families,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter.
The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act will help create jobs by:·
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes several key amendments and provisions by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Shea-Porter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, amended the NDAA to ensure that TRICARE costs do not increase next year, to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve contractor accountability in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to assess the vulnerabilities in the defense supply chain. (A full list of Shea-Porter’s amendments and provisions is included on pages 2, 3, & 4).
Protecting TRICARE From Cost Increases
Last year the Department of Defense (DoD) unexpectedly raised some TRICARE fees, which were later rescinded following widespread objection. That is why Shea-Porter inserted two amendments during Committee mark-up of the bill that will ensure that TRICARE health care co-payments and prescription drug costs do not increase in 2011.
"Our military families rely on TRICARE, and they should not have to worry about cost increases during these difficult economic times," said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. "My amendments will ensure that TRICARE costs do not increase next year.”
“Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s amendments preventing increases in TRICARE co-payments and pharmacy fees will make a real difference for service members and their families,” said Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton. “I appreciate her contributions to this year’s defense authorization bill.”
Improving Contractor Accountability in Iraq and Afghanistan
Shea-Porter’s amendment requires a penalty for prime contractors that do not provide contract information to databases in Iraq and Afghanistan. This amendment will hold large for-profit contractors accountable by withholding award and incentive fees if they do not comply. She wrote this amendment because an astounding amount of money is being stolen, and the oversight agencies are hampered in their efforts to identify and make a case against those who are stealing if agencies don’t have complete records.
“There is waste and fraud and taxpayers are getting stuck with the bill,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “We often don’t even know who we are doing business with so we cannot follow the money. “Taxpayers deserve accountability, and my amendment will provide that.”
Assessing the Vulnerabilities in the Defense Supply Chain
Shea-Porter inserted an amendment during the Committee mark-up that will establish an Executive Agent within the Department of Defense to prevent the introduction of counterfeit and defective microelectronics into the defense supply chain. A number of recent reports focus on the dangers posed by attacks on the supply chain. Our national security is increasingly dependent on computer-reliant technology, and Shea-Porter’s language will help ensure that the products and services we buy and use are not vulnerable to sudden, catastrophic failure or to cyber attacks.
“Hazardous foreign products or counterfeits are a danger to America’s security,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “This amendment will establish an executive office responsible for assessing these products and services for possible threats or security risks, and for developing best practices to prevent harm to defense systems and components. With our national security increasingly dependent on computer-reliant technology, we must ensure that the products and services we buy and use are not vulnerable to cyber attacks.”
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***A full list of Shea-Porter’s provisions included in the NDAA is below***
Studying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Shea-Porter’s language will require an assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incidence by military occupation. This study will identify military occupations where service members report a high incidence of PTSD, so preventive measures can be more accurately targeted to those most susceptible.
Examining the Feasibility of a Burn Pit Registry
Shea-Porter’s language directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on the feasibility of establishing an active registry for service members and veterans who have been exposed to occupational and environmental chemical hazards. The report will discuss the processes by which service members exposed to toxic chemicals could be included in the registry and also procedures to provide medical examinations to service members eligible for inclusion in the registry. A significant number of the roughly two million service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to these toxic burn pits, and hundreds of returning veterans are now displaying health symptoms. This language was based on HR 4477, the Military Personnel Toxic Exposure Registry Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Bishop and Shea-Porter on Jan. 20, 2010, which has been endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Guard Association of the United States.
Studying Pre-Deployment Counseling for Single Servicemembers with Dependent Children
Shea-Porter’s language directs the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of establishing a pre-deployment counseling and services advisory panel. The language also requires a review of pre-deployment counseling and services provided to single servicemembers and their dependent children, to identify best practices and make recommendations for improvement. There are 72,968 single active-duty servicemembers with dependent children in today’s military, of whom 18,237 are currently deployed, and the needs of these families must also be met to preserve readiness and retention.
Honoring Military Spouses
Shea-Porter’s language authorizes the design of an official military spouse pin. Lapel pins would be available to all spouses of service members or veterans who have served in a combat zone for more than 30 days. The pin will enable spouses of National Guard and Reserve service members, who do not live on or near bases, to find each other more easily. Earlier this month, Congresswoman Shea-Porter introduced the Military Spouse Pin Act (H.R.5233), which was endorsed by the National Military Family Association. This bill’s language was incorporated into Section 572 of the FY11 NDAA.
Reviewing Genitourinary Trauma in the Military
Shea-Porter’s language requires a review of the current state of medical training and research for genitorurinary trauma within the DoD to determine if better care can be provided in combat zones. Genitourinary trauma currently accounts for up to 10% of all war related injuries, and too many service members and veterans are currently living with these painful injuries.
Expanding the Small Arms Industrial Base to Increase Competition
Shea-Porter’s language redefines the small arms industrial production base by striking the definition that previously limited the small arms base to only three companies, and by requiring the Secretary of Defense to award contracts for small arms parts procurement through a competitive process. Full and open competition for future small arms parts procurement will strengthen US manufacturing capacity, and increased competition will help reduce taxpayer expenditures.
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WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today voted with the House of Representatives to pass the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5116), which will increase the competitiveness of the United States by investing in 21stcentury science and technology jobs. This legislation will modernize manufacturing, spur American innovation through clean energy research, and strengthen math and science education for students. This bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 262 to 150.
“This legislation will create jobs here at home while ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of scientific and technological research,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “As a member of the House Trade Working Group, I believe it is critical to spur job growth in the U.S., not in China and India.”
This bill will double funding for basic scientific research, create jobs with innovative technology loan guarantees for small and mid-sized manufacturers and Regional Innovation Clusters to expand scientific and economic collaboration, promote high-risk/high reward research to pioneer cutting edge discoveries through the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), and improve science, math, technology, and engineering education for students.
“For too long, math and science education has been put on the backburner,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “It is vital to invest in these fields now so that our future generations can be worldwide technological leaders.”
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act is supported by over 750 organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Business Roundtable, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Council on Competitiveness.
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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today introduced legislation that honors military spouses. Shea-Porter’s bill, the Military Spouse Pin Act, authorizes the design of an official military spouse pin. Lapel pins would be available to all spouses of service members or veterans who have served in a combat zone for more than 30 days.
“Military spouses hold their families together at home while their loved ones fight overseas,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “For their service, sacrifice, and patriotism, military spouses should be honored alongside the military men and women they support. My bill will help honor these unrecognized heroes.”
Shea-Porter’s bill is endorsed by the National Military Family Association.
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has announced that she has created a new caucus, the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus. The Caucus, which was introduced yesterday as part of the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics’s (AANMA) Asthma Awareness Day, will work to educate Members of Congress about asthma and severe allergies, and to increase public awareness, and to advance research. Congresswoman Shea-Porter and Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) will serve as Co-Chairs of the Caucus.
“Children and adult asthma sufferers in New Hampshire struggle with a dangerous and difficult disease,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “The costs of asthma-related emergency room visits in New Hampshire total more than four million dollars each year. This Caucus will allow Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to work together to help find a cure for this disease.”
In her remarks at AANMA’s press conference, Congresswoman Shea-Porter also urged her colleagues to support her bill, the Asthma Management Plans in School Act (H.R. 4836). This bill was introduced by Congresswoman Shea-Porter on March 12, 2010. It would provide grants to schools to develop asthma management plans and to purchase asthma inhalers and spacers for emergency use.
“Asthma is one of the most common childhood diseases, and it is crucial that schools have the tools they need to help children who have an asthma attack in the classroom,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “My legislation would provide grants to schools to purchase devices for asthma sufferers, and help teach school administrators and teachers how to help a child suffering from an asthma attack.”
In New Hampshire, approximately 10.5% of adults (18 years and older) and 8.4% of children suffer from asthma. Every year, nearly 4,000 adults and 3,000 children are newly diagnosed with asthma in the State. Females in New Hampshire are more than twice as likely as males to have asthma, at 14.3% versus 6.4%. Almost 70% of children with asthma in New Hampshire may not have their asthma under control and only 31.4% of children with asthma in New Hampshire receive what could be characterized as a minimum standard of asthma education. Children with asthma are almost twice as likely to miss four or more days of school as those without asthma in the State. In addition, New Hampshire emergency room costs total approximately $4.1 million per year for asthma-related issues.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act into law.
“Today is a great day for men and women who have served our country in uniform, as well as for the heroic people who care for them. Disabled veterans and their families face many unique challenges, and caring for a loved one with a serious injury is often emotionally and physically exhausting. This law will provide our veterans and their family members with additional resources and support.”
The legislation, which passed the House on April 21, will help families better care for disabled or injured veterans. It will also greatly improve health care services for women veterans and will expand VA programs for veterans living in rural areas.
The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, the National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s amendment to hold subcontractors accountable for unpaid taxes, which was adopted by the House Armed Services Committee, passed the House as part of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act. Shea-Porter’s amendment strengthened provisions in the bill to require subcontractors to disclose seriously delinquent debt. Shea-Porter, who spoke on the House floor, urged her colleagues to vote in favor of the legislation.
“Accountability in the contracting process is critical to protect taxpayer dollars,” Shea-Porter said. “My amendment will hold the first-tier subcontractors accountable by adding a certification requirement to ensure that they too do not have unpaid taxes. Those who have incurred a significant tax debt – and have avoided paying it – should not be eligible for defense contracts. There is no reason for the government to pay money through a contract to those who owe money to the government in taxes.”
According to a recent Government Accountability Office report, 63,000 federal contractors had total tax debts of $7.7 billion in 2007. These contractors profit through taxpayer dollars, but refuse to pay their own taxes.
Shea-Porter’s amendment was part of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act. This legislation, which passed the House 417 to 3, will overhaul the defense acquisition system by:
requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to set clear objectives for the defense acquisition system and manage performance in achieving those objectives,
requiring the DOD to develop meaningful consequences for success and failure in financial management in order to achieve a clean audit by September 2017,
strengthening and revitalizing the acquisition workforce,
introducing real accountability into the requirements process and creating a requirements process for the acquisition of services,
developing meaningful consequences for success or failure in financial management, and
strengthening the industrial base to enhance competition thereby reducing costs to the taxpayer, and to gain access to more innovative technology.
“The bill cleans up defense acquisition spending, saves taxpayers an estimated $27 billion a year, and gets necessary equipment to our troops more quickly,” Shea-Porter said.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement after voting against her Congressional pay raise.
“I again voted against my pay raise because people on Main Street are still struggling. The majority of Americans have had to tighten their belts and Congress should do the same.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes urged President Obama to accept New Hampshire’s request for a major disaster declaration. In both March and April there were several storms in New Hampshire that caused significant damage.
“Thousands of New Hampshire workers and families were affected by these storms,” said Shea-Porter. “I urge President Obama to accept this disaster declaration so we can start rebuilding the businesses and homes that were damaged.”
“These storms were devastating to life and business throughout New Hampshire,” said Hodes. “I strongly urge the President to do everything in his power to provide needed assistance to Granite Staters in need.”
A full copy of the letter is below.
April 27, 2010
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write in strong support of the State of New Hampshire’s request for a major disaster declaration.
Between March 14, 2010 and April 2, 2010, the State of New Hampshire was battered by severe weather that caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Widespread flooding closed over 40 state roads and 125 local roads. The flooding also caused damage to over 900 homes and economic loss to over 200 businesses that had to close. The damage is extensive, and, in many cases, heartbreaking. These storms came amidst a major disaster declaration already in place due to storms that hit New Hampshire in February and early March.
A major disaster declaration would allow the State of New Hampshire and our local communities access to the resources they need to recover.
Thank you for your attention to, and careful consideration of, this request.
Sincerely,
Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress
Paul Hodes
Member of Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) and Zack Space (D-OH) introduced legislation late yesterday (HR 5106) that will establish a National Commission on Urological Trauma. Injury to urogenital organs accounts for up to 10% of all war related injuries, and countless service members and veterans are currently living with these painful injuries.
“Far too many of our service members and veterans are suffering from urological injuries that they received while fighting overseas,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “These men and women are often in excruciating pain, and it is critical that we identify resources that will help them. This legislation will do that.”
The National Commission on Urotrauma will study morbidity and mortality rates resulting from urological trauma, evaluate resources for prevention and treatment, and identify programs that would help improve the management of urological trauma.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today voted for final passage of landmark legislation that will greatly benefit our nation’s wounded veterans and their caregivers. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, which passed the House 419 to 0, will help families better care for disabled, ill, or injured veterans. It will also greatly improve health care services for women veterans and will expand VA programs for veterans living in rural areas.
“Caring for a loved one with a disease or serious injury can be both emotionally and physically exhausting,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “This legislation will provide our military families with the tools they need to properly care for our injured and ill veterans.”
The bill also expands and improves VA health services for more than 1.8 million women veterans by requiring training for mental health professionals caring for veterans who have been sexually assaulted, by providing post-delivery health care to new born babies born to women veterans, and by increasing access to mental health care.
Additionally, the bill improves health care for veterans who live in rural communities by providing grants for innovative options to transport veterans to VA hospitals and clinics and by researching ways to improve care in rural areas.
“Our nation’s service members and veterans have made enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country, and we must do our best to make sure that they have access to the services they need,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “This legislation supports military families caring for loved ones, improves access to health care for veterans living in rural communities, and expands health care services for the 1.8 million women who have served our country in uniform.”
The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today passed the Clean Estuaries Act (H.R. 4715), which includes an amendment by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s amendment ensures that the comprehensive conservation and management plans within the National Estuary Program (NEP) address the impacts and potential effects of sea level change. Changes in sea level could result in changes in water quality or the estuarine habitat, as well as threaten infrastructure in the estuary. You can view Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s remarks on the House floor on her amendment here. This bill also reauthorizes and improves the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s NEP through FY 2016, which promotes planning efforts to help protect estuaries in the United States that are considered to be threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 278 to 128.
“This bill will benefit the coastal region of New Hampshire, both economically and environmentally,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “New Hampshire’s coast is a significant economic driver, and Granite Staters have always worked together to protect our natural resources. My amendment will further protect our coastal communities by ensuring that sea level change is taken into account when the comprehensive conservation and management plans are constructed.”
The First District of New Hampshire is home to Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP). PREP, which was previously known as the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, has been part of the National Estuaries Program since 1995 and works to protect two estuarine systems in New Hampshire: Great Bay/Little Bay and Hampton Harbor. The partnership has included the entire Great Bay watershed in their area of focus, which includes 42 communities in New Hampshire and 10 communities in Maine. The NEP has been a significant source of funding and resources, assisting PREP in their valuable work. This reauthorization will make the program stronger and allow for more estuaries to be included.
The Clean Estuaries Act increases the NEP’s authorization from $35 million to $50 million annually to add estuaries, will provide new accountability measures, and will require the EPA to submit a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness. Estuaries provide habitat for 75% of the commercial fishing catch and up to 90% of the recreational fishing catch in this country. Commercial and recreational fishing annually accounts for $185 billion in revenues, and for more than two million jobs.
“It is an honor to support those soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much in defense of our country,” said Gregg. “This is welcome news for the families who have waited far too long for the bravery and courage of their loved ones to be recognized.”
“These medals represent our enduring gratitude for the bravery and patriotism exhibited by our fallen heroes,” said Hodes. “I am proud to join with all Granite Staters in honoring the incredible sacrifices they and their families made for our country.”
“These brave men lost their lives while defending our country and I am so pleased that their service is finally being honored,” said Shea-Porter. “I hope that these medals will provide some comfort to the families of these fallen service members.”
The New Hampshire Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War, led by World War II veteran and ex-POW Allan Gavan, has identified 61 New Hampshire POWs who died in service to their country and are eligible to receive the Purple Heart. The organization has been working to locate the next of kin for all 61 soldiers – as is required by the military in order to posthumously award service medals. The New Hampshire Congressional delegation has been working with the appropriate military branches to determine eligibility for awards, and today’s announcement represents the first group for whom next of kin have been located.
“Thanks to the tireless work of a dedicated group of New Hampshire veterans and ex-POWs, and the ongoing assistance of the New Hampshire congressional delegation, 28 POWs are finally being recognized for their service to and sacrifice for our country,” said Gavan. “We are determined to continue our work until all New Hampshire men who died as POWs and their families have been appropriately recognized for their sacrifices.”
The medals will be presented to the families of the following:
Wesley Ash (Merrimack County)
Francis Ashey (Lebanon)
Philip Botsford (Lyndeborough)
Herbert Brokenshire (Winchester)
Madison Charles (Coos County)
Robert Chase (Strafford County)
John Cuss (Alton)
Myron Dick (Durham)
Gerald Dubay (Rockingham County)
Leland Dunham (Littleton)
Houston Edwards (Portsmouth)
Reginald Frazier (East Swanzey)
Burt Gay (New London)
Herbert Hesseltine (Littleton)
Joseph St. Laurent (Keene)
Harry Leighton (Rochester)
Elliott Lund (Hillsborough)
William Marston (Concord)
Roland Maynard (Hillsborough)
Patrick McLaughlin (Hillsborough County)
Joseph Pelletier (Berlin)
James Picard (Hillsborough County)
Elmer Richard (Exeter)
John Francis Ryder (Merrimack County)
Alfred Sidney (Littleton)
Frederick Stearns (Cheshire County)
Joseph Sullivan (Stratford)
Aurel Tremblay (Nashua)
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that the State of New Hampshire will receive $50,000 for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These funds are available through performance awards provided to States that have done an exceptional job promoting and supporting breastfeeding efforts among mothers participating in WIC.
Nationwide, WIC serves more than nine million women, infants and children each month. The Program provides grants to States for food, health care and social services referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. WIC is run through the United States Department of Agriculture.
To the Editor: An open letter to Carol Shea-Porter:
Thank you for standing up to the pressure and threats against moving health care reform forward.
At last, any child can go to the doctor's office for a sore throat and not sit in an expensive emergency room. I thank you for your calm reasoning mind and heart.
My hope is that emotions will calm down and people will start thinking again in creative ways to solve our larger problems. One solution would be to put into effect the Financial Transaction Tax, which would rein in speculation and currency trades in the short run and help to stabilize our economy.
The Center for Economic and Policy Research estimates that a tax of only one half of one percent, or 2 cents on every $4 invested, would generate $100 billion in the United States alone. So let's get creative and pay down our debt and take care of our citizens at the same time.
Barbara Nicholson
Hampton
To the editor: Thanks to our representative, Carol Shea-Porter, and her colleagues, real health reform in America is finally a reality.
Passing health reform is a historic victory for all Americans – for families, seniors, young people, workers, and small businesses alike. All Americans will now have the security of knowing that they don't risk losing the American dream if they get sick or are in an accident.
Passing this legislation isn't just a victory for the American people, it's a victory over special interests who have fought for decades to keep families and businesses from controlling their own health care.
It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured. And it will improve the country's fiscal health – cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.
Thank you Carol!
Jeff Levin
Portsmouth
| Shea-Porter Secures $190,000 for UNH Transit |
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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that she has secured $190,000 for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to purchase two replacement buses for the Wildcat Transit. These vehicles will provide essential fleet replacement and are clean burning, natural gas powered vehicles. The UNH Wildcat Transit provides fixed route public transit service to seven communities in and around the Seacoast.
“UNH has been a leader in implementing clean energy technologies,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I am pleased these funds will be coming to New Hampshire to help UNH transform their bus fleet. People throughout the community rely on the Wildcat Transit System, and it is important that it remains efficient.”
"The University of New Hampshire appreciates Congresswoman Shea-Porter's efforts in securing $190,000 in federal funds to help support the purchase of two 24' natural gas powered buses to further compliment the University's transportation fleet," said UNH Vice President for Finance and Administration Dick Cannon. "These smaller buses help fill the off-peak hour niche for both transit routes and on campus shuttle services, keeping larger buses off the road when they cannot be fully utilized, and they emit significantly less emissions than a similar diesel powered vehicle."
| DoD, VA, Veterans Interest Groups Confirm Health Care Reform Legislation Protects TRICARE |
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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter said that she commends the efforts of leading government authorities and veterans organizations to correct misinformation regarding the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) on TRICARE benefits. On March 20, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the TRICARE Affirmation Act (H.R. 4887), which explicitly states that TRICARE and the Non-Appropriated Fund health plans satisfy all of the requirements for individual health insurance currently under consideration by Congress. This guarantees that those insured under TRICARE would not have to purchase additional insurance. The TRICARE Affirmation Act passed by a vote of 403 to 0. Shea-Porter, an original cosponsor of the legislation, spoke on the House floor and stated that TRICARE benefits “will remain as they are.”
“As a former military spouse and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I remain committed to ensuring that our veterans and service members receive quality health care under TRICARE,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “The health care reform bill President Obama signed into law upholds this commitment. I am glad to see that leading government authorities and veterans organizations are working to make sure that our veterans receive accurate information about TRICARE.”
Here is what others are saying:
Joint Letter from House Committees: “The House Democratic leadership asked our committees to review H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872 to assess the impact of the bills on the health care provided by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our reviews of HR 3590 and HR 4872 lead us to believe that the intent of the bills was never to undermine or change the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs operation of their health care programs or interfere with the care that our service members receive under TRICARE.”
Statement from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: Secretary Gates
reassured service members and their families that the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the Reconciliation
Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) will not negatively impact TRICARE. Gates
stated that, “the health and well-being of America’s men and women in
uniform is my highest priority. Our troops and their families can be
re-assured that the health care reform legislation passed by the
Congress will not negatively impact the TRICARE medical insurance
program, as it already meets the bill’s quality and minimum benefit
standards.”
Statement from VA Secretary Shinseki: “Fears that Veterans health care
and TRICARE will be undermined by the health reform legislation are
unfounded. I am confident that the legislation being voted on today
will provide the protections afforded our nation’s Veterans and the
health care they have earned through their service.”
Statement from Tammy Duckworth, Assistant VA Secretary: “I personally
receive my world class healthcare from the VA and as a dependent on my
husband's TRICARE eligibility. This bill is good for our nation and our
Veterans and Service Members and their families can be reassured that
their benefits are safe.”
Statement from Clarence E. Hill, The American Legion National
Commander: “I have been assured personally by the President, Secretary
of Defense, VA Secretary, Speaker of the House, Majority Leaders, and
numerous other Senators and Representatives – as has National Commander
David Rehbein before me – that nothing in the national health care
reform legislation will change current DoD and VA health care
eligibility or practices…I am 100 percent confident that Congress will
act responsibly as regards the nation’s veterans and their families.”
Statement from John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of
America (VVA): “It is unfortunate that some continue to raise what is
now is even more clearly a false alarm that is apparently meant to
frighten veterans and their families in order to prompt them to oppose
the pending legislation. While there is legitimate debate as to whether
or not the pending health care measures should become law, VVA does not
appreciate spreading rumors that are not accurate by any political
partisan from any point of the political spectrum."
| Shea-Porter Continues to Stand Up for New Hampshire Veterans |
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Washington, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter helped pass several important pieces of legislation this week that will help the VA fight homelessness, increase job training opportunities for returning veterans, help protect a veteran’s home, and guarantee that payments for disabled veterans keep pace with the cost of living. Shea-Porter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a former military spouse, has made veterans issues a top priority since first arriving to Washington.
“Many of our veterans face unique challenges and hardships, and these bills will help ensure that former service members have access to the programs they need and deserve,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “There are more than 130,000 veterans living in New Hampshire, and I will continue to support legislation that helps our veterans community.”
A summary of the bills is below.
End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 – Strengthens successful comprehensive programs for homeless veterans through investments, requires housing counselors to generate more veterans housing opportunities at each VA medical center with housing services, strengthens permanent housing programs, and pays special attention to the needs of homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.
National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2010 – Extends key
reemployment rights to all of those called up for full-time National
Guard duty, including those assigned to a homeland security mission.
Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010 – Extends expiring
protections that safeguard veteran homeowners from foreclosure
immediately following deployment.
| Pallone, Shea-Porter, Pingree Introduce Coastal Jobs Bill |
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Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01) Tuesday introduced the Coastal Jobs Creation Act of 2010. The legislation will implement a Coastal Jobs Creation Grant Program with the purpose of creating jobs in coastal communities. Currently, the National Marine Fisheries Service regulates, and closes fisheries based on “best available science” that is often insufficient to properly assess the actual status of a fishery.
By directing funding to research for better fisheries stock assessments, training and deploying observers and identifying habitats of concern this bill will allow regulators to properly manage fisheries and keep fishermen on the water.
“This bill is about rebuilding,” said Pallone. “As a result of the Magnuson Act, fisheries are being closed and local fishing economies and coastal communities are paying for it. The Coastal Jobs Creation Act will help to ensure that our fishermen continue to hold the jobs that have served our communities so well.”
"Our fishermen are an important part of our coastal communities and economies, and they are an irreplaceable piece of our heritage," said Shea-Porter. "Many of them have been struggling to make ends meet as tougher regulations limit their ability to fish. This bill will both help preserve our fishing industries and provide us with the science we need to make informed decisions to protect our fisheries and marine habitat."
“In the short term, this program is going to put fishermen back to work in coastal communities,” Pingree said. “And over the long term it is going to provide new opportunities for jobs and economic development by investing in fishermen, the science and the infrastructure that supports our fishermen mean long lasting fishing jobs.”
By compiling economic and social data related to commercial and recreational fisheries industries, regulators will have the tools necessary to understand the impact on local communities and consider the consequences before closing such a valuable resource to the community.
The recreational and commercial
fishing industries will benefit from the research and infrastructure
projects funded by this bill. Funding will only be provided to projects
that create the greatest employment opportunities for coastal
communities and which benefit the commercial and recreation fishing
industries. In total the bill authorizes $80 million a year for fiscal
years 2001 through 2015.
“Congressman Pallone has been a long-time advocate for the fishing
industry to the benefit of fishermen in New Jersey and nation wide,”
said Jim Donofrio of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. “This bill has
broad support in the fishing community and we look forward to the jobs
that it will create up and down the Atlantic coast.”
Nationwide, U.S. commercial and recreational saltwater fishing
generated more than $185 billion in sales and supported more than two
million jobs in 2006, according to an economic report released by
NOAA’s Fisheries Service.
| Shea-Porter at White House as President Signs Health Care Bill into Law |
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Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. Shea-Porter attended the signing ceremony.
“I was pleased to join President Obama today as he signed this historic piece of legislation into law. For nearly 100 years, Presidents on both sides of the political aisle have tried to enact legislation that would reform our nation’s health care system. Today, that dream has become a reality.
“I voted for this bill because it will lower costs for middle class families, expand coverage to 95% of Americans, ban discrimination for preexisting conditions, close the Medicare Donut Hole, strengthen Medicare benefits and solvency, allow young people to stay on their parents’ health care polices until age 26, and help end insurance company abuses. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, this bill will also cut our deficit by $138 billion in the first ten years and by $1.2 trillion in the second ten years.
“This bill will help improve the lives of people across the country. I was honored to stand up for middle class families everywhere by delivering health care reform.”
March 11, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease will receive $85,000 to install a security fence and to purchase snow removal equipment. This grant is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“I am pleased that Pease is receiving this important equipment that will help increase its security and safety,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter.
| Shea-Porter Announces $6 Million for Middleton Building Supply |
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January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that Middleton Building Supply will receive a $6,000,000 loan from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. This loan will enable Middleton Building Supply to retain 100 jobs. These funds are made possible by the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“This loan will enable 100 people to keep their jobs and provide for their families,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “These funds are a perfect example of how the recovery package is directly benefitting New Hampshire.”
“The loan will help us to refinance, and we can also invest in our business. We have been able to buy a new saw mill, which will keep over 100 of our employees working. That’s 100 jobs for families in our community, and we are very grateful for this assistance from the USDA,” said Marcy Perry, General Manager of Middleton Building Supply.
| Shea-Porter Leads Effort to Fully Eliminate “Donut Hole” In Final Health Care Bill |
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January 15, 2010
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter is leading an effort to ensure that the final version of the health care bill will fully eliminate the Medicare Part D “Donut Hole.” In a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, and Majority Leader Hoyer, Shea-Porter wrote, “Given the significant financial impact on our seniors and the widespread support for the complete elimination of the donut hole, we respectfully urge the retention of the House language in the final health care reform bill.” Shea-Porter was joined by more than 50 of her House colleagues on the letter.
“Many of our seniors are living on fixed incomes, and it is shameful that some are being forced to pay hundreds of extra dollars because they fall into the Medicare Donut Hole,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I have met countless seniors across New Hampshire who have told me that they have a difficult time buying groceries because of the cost of their prescription drugs. This is unacceptable. We must work together to close the donut hole and provide our seniors with access to the health care they need.”
A full copy of the letter is below.
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
U.S. Senate
S-221 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Majority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
H-107 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid, and Majority Leader Hoyer:
We write today to express our strong support for the Medicare Part D prescription-drug benefit language included in the House-passed health care reform legislation. Fully eliminating the Medicare Part D donut hole is of critical importance and we respectfully urge that the House language be retained in the final legislation.
The House language makes an important commitment to our seniors by fully eliminating the donut hole. Senior citizens, many of whom are living on fixed-incomes, often face financial hardship due to unreasonably high medical costs -- a hardship that is exacerbated by the donut hole. Closing this coverage gap will mean significant and much-needed relief for the millions of Americans who rely on Medicare Part D.
While we applaud the Senate’s efforts to shrink the donut hole in 2010, it would not be completely eliminated. The House language provides for similar immediate relief, but continues to make additional progress in the following years until the coverage gap is fully closed in 2019. Efforts to partially alleviate the financial burden caused by the gap are important, but they must be accompanied by a long-term approach that provides for the complete elimination of the donut hole. The House-passed language achieves precisely that.
Given the significant financial impact on our seniors and the widespread support for the complete elimination of the donut hole, we respectfully urge the retention of the House language in the final health care reform bill.
| Stimulus funds being felt locally |
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September 4, 2009
Foster's
ROCHESTER — A meeting of local, state and national figures helped to signal a sign of the nation's economic recovery recently. Officials met at Granite Ford on Aug. 26 to acknowledge the positive effects for small businesses of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Witmer Jones, District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), explained that the stimulus funds were helping to decrease the risk to lenders associated with making small business loans. The SBA, which guarantees loans for institutions such as Federal Savings Bank, have temporarily increased the guarantee from 75 and 85 percent to 90 percent and allowed for the elimination of some fees for borrowers as a direct result of the stimulus funds.
"It might not sound like a lot, but it makes a big difference," he said. "And by standing by lenders and helping decrease their risk in this tough economy, we have seen more lenders making small business loans."
Making use of the increased guarantee, Federal Savings Bank, which recently opened a branch in Rochester, was able to loan $250,000 to Granite Ford to use as working capital. The loan will help them to preserve 17 jobs.
"These are real families who have real bills to pay," said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH. "And what we're seeing now are signs of recovery."
Federal Savings Bank joined more than 970 lenders throughout the country who had not made an SBA loan since last October, and who have done so since the stimulus money came into play.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, made a statement via a representative, Amanda Leese, noting that the help being provided is "an important step in the right direction."
Earlier this week Shaheen added, "New Hampshire's economy depends on small businesses, and the economic downturn and rising costs of health care have made it harder for business leaders to keep employees on their payrolls or expand their companies. It is essential that we provide the capital business owners need so that they can keep their doors open, hire more employees, and grow their businesses in the changing economic environment."
Shea-Porter also explained that the recovery was a team effort and that New Hampshire was among the top states as far as efficiency and effectiveness of stimulus fund distribution was concerned. And her words on the subject were mirrored by Bud Fitch, New Hampshire Office of Economic Stimulus Director.
Fitch cited New Hampshire's high transparency in regards to the stimulus funds. He noted that a copy of every contract involving stimulus money was posted on the state's website.
The consensus at the Granite Ford event was that funding was getting to the small businesses that need it.
"Right now our community lenders are stepping up to the plate," said Jones.
| Locals have health care questions for Shea-Porter |
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August 28, 2009
Portsmouth Herald
PORTSMOUTH — Last week during a telephone town hall meeting with her constituents, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., answered 20 questions about health care reform from the more than 13,500 residents who dialed in to listen to the 90-minute event.
The audience at Shea-Porter's town hall meeting in Portsmouth Saturday is expected to be limited to 100, but there is no shortage of conceivable questions regarding the details and goals of the major health care reform proposals being considered in Congress.
"Congresswoman Shea-Porter understands that health care reform is the most important issue being debated in Congress and that is why she has been working to reach as many constituents as possible," said Shea-Porter spokeswoman Jamie Radice Thursday. As a reflection of the sometimes heated confrontations at congressional town hall meetings taking place across the country, the venue at the McIntyre Federal Building was chosen in part, Radice said, because "our priority was to pick a location where everyone felt safe and secure."
Both supporters and opponents of reform are expected to be out in full force — the liberal organization Moveon.org and the conservative New Hampshire Tea Party have encouraged members to arrive by noon to rally for the 2 p.m. event in Portsmouth. While not everyone will get in or be able to ask a question, the Herald offers this sampling from Seacoast region politicians, opinion makers, small business owners and physicians on what they would ask Shea-Porter, and why.
William Hurley, the president of Infinite Imaging in Portsmouth, supports major reform and would ask Shea-Porter a question about one of the main fundamental premises of the current health care system. "How did it come about that business became responsible for health care? Can you please make the connection for me? The status quo is wrong on its face and everybody knows it." Hurley said rising health care costs are making businesses less and less competitive if they offer health care.
Dr. George Dimov of Exeter Family Practice in Exeter is very concerned about the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance. "Is anything going to be done with regards to capping malpractice awards in all the states?" Dimov asked.
State Rep. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, is concerned about choice and the depth of government involvement in health care.
"What are the options that people can still maintain?" Stiles said. "Do we need this to be all about governmental options? We need to take care of people who need it the most but I don't want a big package that anybody and everybody can jump on board. Who's gonna be paying for it?"
Dr. Tom Clairmont, a primary care physician in Portsmouth, would like Shea-Porter to talk about health insurance companies.
"What is the role of insurance companies in 2009?" asked Clairmont, a member of the Physicians for National Health Program. "Why does Massachusetts, which has a population of only 6 million, have multiple health insurance CEOs making over a million dollars per year when the Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is paid $190,000 to take responsibility for 43 million (Medicare) patients? What do they do to deserve that kind of money? Is this the model you prefer?"
Dover resident Fergus Cullen, the former head of the state Republican Party, would like to question Shea-Porter about difficult issues surrounding Medicare costs. Cullen cited the example of President Barack Obama's grandmother, who died last year at the age of 86 while recovering from hip replacement surgery.
"Just weeks before her death and in declining health, she also underwent hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery costs around $45,000. Presumably, the president's grandmother was on Medicare, meaning taxpayers picked up the tab," said Cullen, a political columnist. "Did the potential improvement in Obama's grandmother's quality of life for her expected remaining lifespan justify her hip replacement surgery? Given that she died while recovering from the surgery, was the operation, in retrospect, a waste of taxpayer money?"
Portsmouth architect Lisa DeStefano wanted to ask Shea-Porter a question "about what she had done individually to represent the state of New Hampshire" while serving in Congress. "What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment as a congresswoman?" DeStefano asked.
Portsmouth Mayor Tom Ferrini is concerned about rising health care costs as being "too onerous" and threatening small businesses growth, which is vital to overall economic vitality. "Since a very high percentage of Americans are employed by small businesses, how will (reform) make small businesses more competitive by keeping their health care costs down?" Ferrini asked.
Concerned about the public does and doesn't know about some of the hotly debated concepts in some of the proposals being considered, Shea-Porter had a question of her own for the public. "Have you received enough (information) that explains what the public option and the exchange are?" Shea-Porter asked.
| Hooray for Shea-Porter for meeting |
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August 28, 2009
Portsmouth Herald
No one who has actually met and debated issues with U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., will ever accuse her of being a shrinking violet.
Those of us who watched her emerge from obscurity four years ago to beat the Democratic Party's hand-picked candidate in a tough primary, and then beat incumbent Jeb Bradley in an even tougher general election, know that she's not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone.
She withstood a barrage of negative campaigning last year from Jeb Bradley and went on to win re-election by an even wider margin.
That's why we found it surprising to see her hesitating to meet face-to-face with constituents in a public forum about proposed health care legislation. Because we criticized Shea-Porter's lack of public appearances at the beginning of the summer recess we think it is only fair to praise her outreach efforts as August winds down.
Last night Shea-Porter and Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes attended a health care picnic at a private residence in Portsmouth with her political allies.
Saturday she will hold a more open town hall style forum at the Thomas J. McIntyre federal building on Daniel Street in Portsmouth.
We have heard some grumbling about holding the town hall at a venue that can only hold 100 people and asked Shea-Porter to respond. We received the following statement:
"Congresswoman Shea-Porter understands that health care reform is the most important issue being debated in Congress and that is why she has been working to reach as many constituents as possible. The Congresswoman is hosting two separate town halls this Saturday at venues that have the capacity to hold roughly three times the number of people who attended her town halls last spring. Last week, the Congresswoman hosted a health care tele-town hall that nearly 14,000 constituents participated in and answered more than 20 questions for an hour and a half. She was also the featured guest at a televised AARP tele-town (hall) that more than 4,000 people participated in. This week, the Congresswoman has participated in three hour-long radio interviews focusing on health care and answered dozens of questions from constituents. She has also met with various health care stakeholders, including groups that provide health care to the uninsured. The Congresswoman will participate in additional forums in the upcoming months as the health care bill continues to be considered."
In our view, the intention of the meeting is for a thoughtful exchange of ideas. This is not a political rally or an Ultimate Fighting cage match. It is an opportunity for constituents to meet face-to-face with their congresswoman to share their hopes and concerns. We praised U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg's (R-N.H.) appearance before approximately 100 people at Portsmouth Rotary last week and it would be inconsistent not to praise Shea-Porter for meeting a similar size group downtown Saturday.
Shea-Porter has told the Hampton Union she plans to discuss critical issues such as insurance companies denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, or dropping them when they get sick. She wants to talk about how proposed reforms will benefit small businesses and give consumers more choice. And yes, despite all the shouting, Shea-Porter continues to support a public health insurance option.
"We will get this done," she told the Union. "More than 14,000 Americans are losing their health insurance every day and I hear so many heartbreaking stories. We have an economic and moral need to do this."
Finally, Portsmouth conducted itself with character and class when President Obama visited earlier this month. It is our hope that those who attend the town hall Saturday will continue to show the nation that representative democracy works best when treat others as we would want to be treated and respect the viewpoints of others the way we would want our own viewpoint respected.
| Shea-Porter Hosts Health Care Reform Forum with Key Industry Stakeholders |
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July 23, 2009
Manchester, New Hampshire — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter hosted a health care forum in Manchester yesterday where she met with nearly a dozen major health industry stakeholders and discussed the upcoming health care reform legislation.
“I hosted this forum because I believe it’s important to get a wide range of ideas and perspectives regarding health care reform,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I support a public option choice and private insurance choices. Although key aspects of the health care bill are still being discussed, I am firmly committed to health care reform.”
| Shea-Porter Request for $1 Million for Gaslight District Included in Appropriations Bill |
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July 19, 2009
Washington, DC — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that her request for $1,000,000 to help revitalize the Gaslight District is included in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The funding will be used for construction and streetscape improvements. The bill is expected to be on the House floor next week.
“This funding is important for new business development and will help create new jobs in Manchester,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I am proud of New Hampshire’s largest city and I look forward to seeing the continued revitalization of the Gaslight District.”
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that the city of Manchester will receive a $1,000,000 grant to acquire aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles...
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that New Hampshire will receive a $25,827,000 grant for the State Energy Program and a $23,218,594 grant for weatherization projects...
"President Obama has once again demonstrated steady and inspiring leadership..."
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement today on her vote to block a Congressional pay raise.
I have been honored to serve New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, and I have never forgotten that public office is a public trust.
Hodes ousted six-term Rep. Charlie Bass – on his second try – in the 2nd District; Shea-Porter unseated Rep. Jeb Bradley, who had represented the 1st District for two terms.
This year, we see no reason for change. Both have demonstrated a genuine commitment...
My colleagues know me for what I do. While I support the war in Afghanistan, I refused to give the Bush administration a blank check for the Iraq war. And though I believe that our government must listen in on suspected terrorist phone calls, anytime and anywhere, without a warrant, I refused to support legislation that would allow the Bush administration to also spy on innocent Americans, because that would violate our constitutional rights.
The people of New Hampshire know who I am...
In her first term, Shea-Porter proved to be a quick study. She hit the ground running. She quickly became known as a friend of veterans and sponsored legislation calling for every state to have at least one full-service veterans hospital, something New Hampshire does not have. She fought to restore habeas corpus protections, to increase federal Pell Grants for needy college students and to allow Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower prescription drug prices.
Like Bradley, Shea-Porter excelled at constituent service and accessibility. She supports an end to President Bush's tax cuts, a change that
ROCHESTER — The Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire on Tuesday formally endorsed U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter in her campaign for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
"Our members are middle-class, hard-working people, and Carol represents us and our interests," said Bill McQuillen, the secretary-treasurer for PFNH.
PFNH voted unanimously to endorse Shea-Porter back in May, McQuillen said, citing her work to defend the nation's working class families as the primary reason for the firefighters' overwhelming support.
Shea-Porter and members of PFNH traveled around the state Tuesday, formally announcing the endorsement at PFNH events in Laconia, Manchester and Rochester. District 6 state Senate candidate Jackie Cilley was also endorsed by PFNH at the event in Rochester, held at Granite Steak and Grill on Route 11.
McQuillen said this upcoming election is all about the economy, and, in times like these, Main Street USA begins to feel the crunch, which can lead to municipalities cutting public safety budgets. He added Shea-Porter will fight for Main Street by...
Earlier this month on these pages, we encouraged U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., of
When it came up for a second vote later in the week...
PORTSMOUTH — About a dozen Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers sporting "Carol Shea-Porter for Congress" T-shirts gathered at Prescott Park as the Congresswoman received another of what she called "important endorsements."
Paul O'Connor, president of the shipyard's Metal Trades Council, announced Monday afternoon the council's endorsement of Shea-Porter, D-N.H., in her re-election run against Republican candidate Jeb Bradley.
In October 2006, O'Connor said...
"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a critical part of both our national defense and our local economy," Shea-Porter said. "I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Shipyard in Washington. The Navy knows we have the best shipyard workers in the country and I am honored to receive their endorsement."
"Two years ago, we endorsed Congresswoman Shea-Porter because she had the best vision for working families and we believed in her," said Paul O'Connor, president of the Metal Trades Council. "We were right then and we are right now. The Congresswoman has been a great supporter of the shipyard and we are happy to endorse her."
Since first arriving in Washington...
On Monday, a grateful and gracious Shea-Porter received the endorsement of...
The
Paul O'Connor, the council president, said the formal announcement at
"We were right then," he said of the union's 2006 support, "and we are right now. Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been a great supporter of the Shipyard and we look forward to endorsing her on Monday."
The council noted that earlier this month Shea-Porter successfully secured more than $30 million in funding for the shipyard. The funding contains $20.6 million for the Waterfront Support Facility and $9.98 million for the Consolidated Global Submarine Component.
"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a critical part of both our national defense and local economy," Shea-Porter said. "I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Shipyard in
The Democrat...
The refueling wing held the ceremony on Friday as it looks forward to moving its $7.3 million operational training facility to new digs in 2010.
"It's pretty exciting," said Sherri Pierce, public affairs officer for the Air National Guard at the Tradeport. "Building 16, where we are currently located, was built in the 1950s. It has gone through some structural changes, but it still looks like the old Air Force building."
Martell said one of the most important improvements for the Guard will be in...
New Hampshire will receive $47.7 million from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, compared with $25 million last winter. State officials...
Until the nation’s economic crisis leapt to the forefront a few weeks ago, New Hampshire seemed up for grabs politically this fall, and Shea-Porter was believed to be in trouble. But in a district that Bush won by 3 points in 2004, Obama is now leading by 7 points, according to SurveyUSA. That has helped stabilize Shea-Porter, who toppled Bradley by 2 points two years ago despite being outspent more than 3-1.
Polls tighten in New Hampshire
'Monitor' survey shows Dems remain in lead
(Concord Monitor, Sept.26)
Democrats hold leads in all of New Hampshire's major political races, a new Monitor poll shows, but several contests remain tight and multiple results fall inside the margin of error. In almost every race, the poll shows women breaking for Democratic candidates and providing them with their leads.
In the presidential race, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama leads Republican Sen. John McCain, 48 to 44 percent, according to the poll of 600 likely voters conducted by Research 2000 from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24. The poll, which has a 4-point margin of error, adds to a growing picture of a neck-and-neck race in the state: Of seven New Hampshire polls released this week, McCain has the edge in two and Obama in five.
Pollster Del Ali said he didn't see any evidence of a boost for McCain among women from his selection of Sarah Palin, the Alaska governor, as a vice presidential nominee. The poll had women choosing Obama over McCain 52 to 39 percent, while men picked McCain over Obama 49 to 44 percent.
"If there was a bounce among women, we sure didn't pick it up," Ali said. "The only thing she's done is energize the Republican base. But in terms of energizing women, all she's done is energize them to vote Democrat."
University of New Hampshire pollster Andy Smith framed the gender gap he saw in his poll the opposite way. "We're seeing the gender gap stronger among men in favor of Republicans," he said.
The Monitor poll has women granting Shaheen her entire margin. Men split evenly between Sununu and Shaheen, 46-46, but women break for Shaheen, 54 to 36 percent.
Ali sees a silver lining for Republicans in the 1st Congressional District, but the news there for the GOP isn't as good as it once was. The poll had incumbent Rep. Carol Shea-Porter...
Homeowners and businesses affected by this summer's tornado and floods may get a little relief come tax time.
Members of New Hampshire's Congressional delegation are supporting federal legislation that would increase income tax deductions for those struggling to rebuild. Volunteers who helped disaster victims would also be eligible for increased mileage reimbursement when they file.
Not just Granite Staters would benefit. The bill applies to taxpayers in any community declared a federal disaster area between Jan. 1 and the end of 2011. U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter, both Democrats, voted for a the legislation last night.
Cyclists, walkers celebrate opening of Seacoast Greenway-PORTSMOUTH HERALD
By
PORTSMOUTH — Bicyclists from around the Seacoast converged at Strawbery Banke Museum Saturday afternoon to celebrate the opening of New Hampshire's segment of the East Coast Greenway.
The Seacoast Greenway trail is the first border-to-border marked cycle route on the entire East Coast.
Scott Bogle, senior transportation planner for the Rockingham Planning Commission, said the three main goals of the East Coast Greenway are to encourage outdoor recreation and healthy living, to support greener transportation and alternative ways to travel, and to encourage bicycle tourism.
Bogle, who addressed the crowd via a cycle-powered microphone, was accompanied by Mayor Tom Ferrini, Department of Transportation Commissioner George Campbell, New Hampshire Commissioner of Health and Human Services Nick Toumpas and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, to name a few.
Over the past few weeks, three little words have come to represent our nation's energy debate. Overnight, a serious assessment of what we have done wrong over the past 30 years, and what must be done to remedy those mistakes, has been replaced by three simple words -- drill, baby, drill.
As with many slogans, it is appealing yet ultimately dishonest in its simplicity.
Shea-Porter bill would ensure NH vets care
Associated Press - September 10, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter is urging her House colleagues to ensure New Hampshire veterans have access to in-state medical care.
Shea-Porter testified Tuesday before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in support of her legislation, the Veterans Equity Act. The bill ensures veterans in the 48 contiguous states access to at least one full service Veterans Administration hospital or to comparable services provided by contract. New Hampshire is....
I'm a Vietnam veteran, Annapolis graduate and proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, but I disagree with almost everything in Paul Chevalier's July 23 column supporting Jeb Bradley.
If Chevalier and other past VFW officers want to support someone who aligns with their views, that's fair enough. But to completely misrepresent Jeb Bradley and Rep. Shea-Porter's records and then give the impression that it's a VFW endorsement -- all in one essay -- is just too much.
To take just one example, Chevalier asserts that Jeb Bradley helped "fix" the problem created when retired military personnel could not concurrently receive earned retirement pay and disability compensation for injuries that occurred as a result of service. Chevalier's incorrect assertion is a cruel joke on any disabled retired service member. This "concurrency problem" is not fixed. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is co-sponsoring important legislation to do that, but it will be a long, hard fight against solid Republican opposition.
And that's just the beginning. Chevalier covers all the same misrepresentations Bradley's speeches do, and even does it in the same order. Jeb and his friends employ the practiced fabrications on which he and George W. Bush have based their campaigns -- that a vote against President Bush's misguided Iraq war is a vote against the troops. This is an unfortunate and twisted assertion. Many people feel that support for the troops actually means voting to bring them home safely and treat them right when they get here. That's what Shea-Porter has...
Dan Gordon, director of UNH's Upward Bound program, noted that while the program 'has generally had the support of New Hampshire elected officials (Shea-Porter) has actively advocated for the needs of our students' and truly understands that one's ability to learn is not determined by financial status alone.
The refueling wing held the ceremony on Friday as it looks forward to moving its $7.3 million operational training facility to new digs in 2010.
"It's pretty exciting," said Sherri Pierce, public affairs officer for the Air National Guard at the Tradeport. "Building 16, where we are currently located, was built in the 1950s. It has gone through some structural changes, but it still looks like the old Air Force building."
Martell said one of the most important improvements for the Guard will be in security.
"In the post 9/11 environment, Building 100 will bring us inside the base," Martell said.
Martell said the two buildings outside the base perimeter will be returned to the government and then offered to the public for sale and development, giving the public a return in revenue.
Several dignitaries were...
Federal heating aid to double (October 16, 2008)
New Hampshire will receive $47.7 million
The Concord Monitor
The federal government will send New Hampshire almost twice as much low-income home-heating aid as last year, according to the offices of the state's U.S. senators.
New Hampshire will receive....
Most recently, she delivered for fellow citizens with her legislation to...
