A few of the latest events that happened this past week in Washington. You may follow my official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Appointment to Panel on Africa, Human Rights
This past week, I was honored to be appointed as the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. With the Republicans in charge, they chair all committees. The Ranking Member is like the Vice Chair of a committee. As the world continues to mourn the loss and celebrate the life and legacy of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), who died earlier this month. I am humbled to carry on the extraordinary work of our dear friend and colleague. Mr. Payne was an unwavering voice for Africa’s populations and a spirited cheerleader when he promoted the enormous progress and growth the continent has made.
It is not often that one has the opportunity to learn firsthand from such a compassionate and dynamic leader as Mr. Payne. I am honored, if even for a short time, to have received the opportunity to learn directly from his exceptional wealth of knowledge. While it will take a lifetime to gain the level of respect and reverence Mr. Payne received in America and around the world, his graceful and brave leadership style will continue to be an anchor within the Foreign Affairs Committee and our efforts within Africa.
Affordable Care Act Two-Year Anniversary
The President’s healthcare reform gives hard-working, middle-class families the security they deserve. The Affordable Care Act forces insurance companies to play by the rules, prohibiting them from discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition like diabetes, dropping the insured if they become ill, sending hard-working Americans into bankruptcy in the case of an illness or injury, and limiting annual or lifetime benefits. Thanks to healthcare reform, all Americans will have the security of knowing that they no longer have to worry about losing coverage if they are laid off or change jobs, and insurance companies will cover important preventive care screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.
Health reform is already making a difference. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Learn more…
Republican 2013 Budget Proposal
This past week, Republicans introduced their budget – which is no more than a right-wing agenda to protect money for defense spending and tax breaks for millionaires, big oil and companies shipping jobs overseas while decimating funding for Medicare and Medicaid, education and infrastructure investments and environmental protection – just to name a few…
Last Wednesday, House Budget Committee members participated in an all-day session to vote on the Republican budget. The final bill will be voted on by the entire House of Representatives next week. I had the chance to introduced two very important amendments:
Amendment to Support Crenshaw/LAX, Expo, Leimert Park
The transportation amendment to the Republicans’ fiscal year 2013 budget would provide an optimal opportunity for Los Angeles to build three critical transportation projects in Los Angeles including the Crenshaw/LAX line, Expo light rail line as well as building a Leimert Park station along the Crenshaw line. Learn more…
The Republican budget increases student loan interest rates from 3.4 to 6.8 percent, which would cost students an average of $2,800 in interest payments alone. I introduced an amendment to prevent this, but Republican budget members refused to provide any relief to our nation’s students. Learn more…
Don't forget… Sound Off on Student Debt Town Hall April 4, RSVP now…
Read what the newspapers are saying about the Republican budget:
Washington Post: “Mr. Ryan wants to increase defense spending, there would be essentially nothing left for the rest of government — nothing for education, for highways, for veterans, for low-income families, for the FBI.”
The New York Times: “It is one where the rich pay less in taxes than the unfairly low rates they pay now, while programs for the poor — including Medicaid and food stamps — are slashed and thrown to the whims of individual states. Where older Americans no longer have a guarantee that Medicare will pay for their health needs. Where lack of health insurance is rampant, preschool is unaffordable, and environmental and financial regulation are severely weakened.”
USA Today: “Programs for the poor, such as Medicaid and food stamps, would suffer steep cuts. At the same time, the top individual and corporate tax rates would be cut from 35 percent to 25 percent, ostensibly funded by closing loopholes but with few details offered.”
Ms. Bass (D-Culver City) may be contacted at rep.karen.bass@congressnews.us
