Jackson-Lee RSS Articles

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE VOTES TO PROTECT SENIORS’ ACCESS TO DOCTORS

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee voted to preserve seniors’ access to their doctors by fixing the way Medicare pays physicians. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will permanently reform the Medicare payment system, repealing a 21% cut in payments to doctors scheduled to take place in January and replacing it with a stable system that protects seniors, preserves their relationship with their doctors and promotes primary care.

“By fixing this system in a responsible way we are ensuring that our seniors have reliable access to their doctors and the primary care they need,” stated Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “Medicare is a lifeline for Houston’s seniors and this bill takes crucial steps toward strengthening it and providing the highest quality of care and benefits for our elderly. It’s a critical companion bill to the Affordable Health Care for America Act the House passed on November 7.

This bill tackles seniors’ main concern – preventing pay cuts that could encourage doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients. It builds on the historic health insurance reform bill the House passed earlier this month, which will lower premiums, extend the solvency of Medicare by five years, improve preventive and primary care for seniors, and close the "doughnut hole," a gap in coverage in Medicare's Part D drug program.

“There’s a reason why AARP and leading senior advocacy groups have given our bills their strong endorsement,” stated Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “They will lower costs and improve care for our elderly citizens. It’s a good deal for Houston and Texas seniors.”

The House Medicare bill also includes a new pay-as-you-go requirement, or PAYGO, a law that prohibits any additional tax cuts or new spending unless the costs are offset by tax increases or spending cuts.

“President Obama and this Congress made a commitment to honest budgeting, and by permanently fixing the way doctors are paid we are putting a stop to budget gimmicks,” said the Congresswoman. “We’re also reminding the American people and the Senate that new policies must be paid for.”

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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE VOTES TO BOOST RESOURCES FOR HOUSTON’S FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee voted to provide Houston firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires, and keep our communities safe. At a time when many towns and cities are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act invests in vital firefighter assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.

“This bill provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods and—first and foremost—our families,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

“I am pleased to learn that this legislation enables cities such as Houston with a population greater than 2.5 million to receive grants up to $ 9 million to fund fire prevention programs. Preventing fires is much more cost-effective than responding to fires, and I expect that such grants will help catalyze community involvement in fire prevention programs. The issue of providing adequate funding for fire departments is especially timely to my district, in light of recent events. Houston’s Heights district has had a string of fires in recent months. At least 18 fires have been set since August in the heights community—at a tremendous burden to local fire departments.”

The bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched – taking on even more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires. This legislation will give our fire departments the critical resources they need to address these threats.

“Our local firefighters—whether they are career or volunteer—must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “State and local governments may be facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but they should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment. This bill protects against that.”

The bill has the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CHAIRS HEARING TO ASSESS AIRLINE SECURITY AND SAFETY

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee held a hearing today to assess whether commercial airlines are taking the necessary security precautions to protect the flying public when they send their planes to foreign countries to be repaired.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee is chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

“I have long been concerned with the safety and security of aircraft repair stations,” said the Congresswoman. “My view is that if the Inspector General and the media are discovering safety oversight issues, security vulnerabilities may exist as well. We need to address these comprehensively and immediately.”

Congress asked the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a security program for foreign repair stations. This week, the agency issued its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for repair station security after years of delay under the Bush Administration.

The Congresswoman expressed concern about whether the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration are establishing an effective oversight program at foreign repair stations.

“I need to know that this interagency process will work quickly and not fail,” she stated at the hearing.

“Codifying the security oversight of foreign repair stations has never been more essential,” stated the Congresswoman. “Clearly, domestic air carriers are outsourcing more and more repair and maintenance work to foreign repair stations, and important questions have been raised about the security of these stations and the security threat associated with their workers.”

According to the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General, major air carriers outsourced 67 percent of maintenance costs in 2007, compared to 37 percent in 1996. Further, between 1994 and 2008, the number of FAA-certified foreign repair stations has more than doubled from 344 to 709.

“I understand that we live in a globalized economy. But we have to be sure that this is not at the expense of security,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE TO HOST MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY DAY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will host a military service Academy Day on November 21, 2009, for high school interested in receiving a nomination to a U.S. military academy.

As a member of Congress, the congresswoman has the honor of nominating a select number of students from Texas’ 18th Congressional District for admission to the military service academies.

“In all of American history, there is perhaps no finer honor than to serve as part of the United States military,” stated the congresswoman. “These prestigious institutions provide students with an unmatched academic and leadership experience. As our nation works its way through our current economic downturn, the service academies offer an outstanding opportunity for young people to obtain a world class education and to gain career experience. I encourage students to consider attending a military academy as a way to not only proudly serve our nation, but also to lay the groundwork for future personal success in both the public and private sectors.”

To kick off this year’s Academy Day, the Congresswoman and her Veteran Affairs Advisory Board will honor a local Army veteran. The congresswoman will present the local veteran with 7 medals including a Purple Heart. The medals were lost nearly 40 years ago. The congresswoman played a key role in getting the military to reissue the medals. The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded to members of the armed forces who have been wounded in action.

Capt. Anthony P. Barnes, Chief Diversity Officer of the United States Naval Academy, will be the keynote speaker. Barnes served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His distinguished military career includes several personal decorations including the Presidential Service Badge, the Navy Commendation Medal (with three Gold Stars), and the Navy Achievement Medal.

During the Academy Day program, students interested in being nominated to US military service academies will have an opportunity to speak with representatives from each academy. The academies will make presentation about the programs their academies offer and answer questions from both parents and students. There will also be a short film about each of the academies, showing students and their families what each campus looks like and giving a feel for life at the academy.

Students must be nominated by a member of Congress to attend four of the five military academies. They are: the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY,: the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY; and the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. Although admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is made by direct application to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, it will be part of the congresswoman’s Academy Day.

WHERE: Houston Central Library (Downtown) 500 McKinney (Room C123)
Houston, TX 77002

When: Saturday, November 21, 2009

Time: 11:00am-2pm

RSVP with Bronson E. Woods no later than November 19 by email: Bronson.Woods@mail.house.gov or by phone (713)751-1864.

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE ATTENDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT FOR NEW RADAR

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee attended the groundbreaking Thursday at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport for the new $8.9 million facility for the new radar system, called TRACON that will make it easier to fly in and out of Houston.

"I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Houston Airport System in Washington," stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

"This year, I supported H.R. 1512, which extended funding and expenditure authority of Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The Airport and Airway Trust Fund was established in 1970 to provide for the expansion and improvement of the nation's airport and airway system."

"Improving the airport system with projects such as the one we start today will bring additional jobs, increase the efficiency of the Houston Airport system and will encourage additional trade and commerce," stated the congresswoman.

The Houston airport system is the forth largest airport system in the United States, and sixth largest in the world. According to a 2003 economic impact study, The Houston Airport System supports over 151,000 regional jobs and contributes over $24 billion to the local economy.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is the Chairwoman of the Transportation, Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee.

H1N1: Are we prepared? Where are we today?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Houston, TX - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) and Congressman Henry Cueller (TX-28) are convening a Congressional Briefing, to discuss the local, state and federal response to the H1N1 flu virus. The H1N1 briefing, in Houston, will provide an opportunity to talk with public health officials, infectious disease specialists and the public about the local, state and federal response to the H1N1 flu virus, at both the national and international levels. Several leading physicians and scientists have agreed to address the community’s concerns about this disease. The goal is to effectively inform the public about the prevention and treatment of H1N1 and to facilitate the alleviation of fear.

WHO:The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, the Honorable Henry Cuellar, the Honorable Gene Green, the Honorable Al Green, as well as representatives from the Center for Disease Control, LBJ Hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital, The City of Laredo Health Department, International Craniofacial Institute, AFL/CIO, and the SEIU.

WHAT:A Congressional Briefing for public health officials, infectious disease specialist and the public on the local, state and federal response domestically and internationally to the H1N1 flu virus.

WHEN:Monday, October 26, 2009 from 9:30AM -11:30 AM

WHERE:Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE ANNOUNCES THE RE-SIGNING OF THE FRIENDSHIP AND TRADE COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL PORT AUTHORITY OF LIBERIA AND THE PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY.

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met this morning with The Honorable Matilda W. Parker, Managing Director for the Port of Monrovia and Port of Houston Authority Chairman James T. Edmonds regarding the current Friendship and Trade Cooperation Agreement with Liberia. The meeting examined the current state of the agreement and opportunities available for strengthening it in the future. The meeting resulted in the re-signing of a new Friendship and Trade Cooperation Agreement.

The Congresswoman will be holding a meeting with local business leaders and contractors to discuss trade opportunities with the National Port Authority of Liberia as a result of the resigning of this agreement.

EVENT DETAILS

WHO:Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, The Honorable Matilda W. Parker, and local business leaders and contractors.

WHAT:Meeting on trade and business opportunities with Liberia.

WHERE:Mickey Leland Federal Building
                1919 Smith St.
                Houston, TX 77002

WHEN:Monday, October 19, 2009, 2:30 PM

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AND WALK THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO INFORM AND ENGAGE HEIGHTS RESIDENTS IN THE INVESTIGATION TO FIND THE ARSONIST.

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Crime Stoppers of Houston will be holding a press conference to address the concerns of the Heights residents on Saturday, which will be followed immediately by a block walking to inform residents about the Congresswoman’s Heights fire task force. The Press Conference is in response to the 12 fires that have been set in the historic Heights neighborhood over the last two months as a way to engage the community in a proactive stance to catch whoever is behind this.
Media is asked to meet at 420 West 19th St. for the press conference and then asked to join the Congresswoman, Crime Stoppers of Houston, and local Heights residents as they walk the Ashland area.

EVENT DETAILS

WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Crime Stoppers of Houston

WHAT: Press Conference and Block Walk to hand out Flyers

WHERE: Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s Heights Office
                 1100 Ashland
                 Houston, TX 77008

WHEN: Saturday, October 9, 2009
               3:30 PM

HOUSTON SUFFERS FROM HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF UNINSURED RESIDENTS--WE NEED HEALTH CARE REFORM NOW!!!

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is issuing a call to action to all local and statewide government authorities to organize around a robust public option. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is engaging with Houstonians and local authorities, and urging them to support a public option. “This is not a political or partisan issue, but a Houston issue.” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Most recently on Saturday September 26, nearly 1,800 Houstonians waited in line for free medical exams as world renowned physician Dr. Mehmet Oz and The National Association of Free Clinics held free medical screenings for Houstonians. The City of Houston was chosen because Texas has the highest number of uninsured Americans and Houston is its largest city. When asked about the amount of uninsured Americans in our country Dr. Oz stated,” It’s a national catastrophe … but one that we can engage and actually embrace and probably overcome.” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also believes we can overcome this catastrophe, but not without a public option.

EVENT DETAILS

WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Sen. Mario Gallegos, Sen. Rodney Ellis, State Rep.,Garnett Coleman,
SylvesterTurner and other experts from the medical Profession.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHERE: St. Joseph Hospital Lobby,
                 Media will gather in the lobby to be directed to press location
                 1401 St. Joseph Parkway
                 Houston, TX 77002

WHEN: Today, September 29, 2009
`             11:00 AM

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: Alex Dailey at (713) 805-8218

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CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE, THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND HOUSTON WORKS HOST A PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR JOB FAIR II

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee to convene Houston’s second public and private sector job fair to decrease unemployment rates in Houston, Texas. The Houston metropolitan area lost 19,300 nonagricultural jobs in July and Houston area employers trimmed 80,800 jobs from their payrolls between July 2008 and July 2009, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Event Details:

WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,
The City of Houston, Houston Works.

WHAT: Public and Private Sector Job Fair

WHERE:George R. Brown Convention Center Hall “C”
1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, Texas 77010

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2009
9:00am-4:00pm

Participating employers include:
City of Houston Police Department, City of Houston-Human Resources Department, City of Houston-Office of the Mayor, Department of Veteran Affairs, Dept. Highway and Safety, Dept. of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection, Dept. of Interior-US Geological Survey, Dept. of Public Works and Engineering, Dish Network, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FedEx Ground, FEMA, , Hilton Americas Houston Hotel, Lee College, MEMCO, Memorial Hermann, Metro, Parsons, Reliable Life Insurance, Rice University, Richmond State School, Social Security Administration, Stevens Transport, Texas Dept. of Public Safety, Texas PRIDE, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, US Citizenship & Immigration Service, US Department of Energy, US Dept. of Commerce-US Census Bureau, US Dept. of State: Diplomatic Security Service, Wharton County Junior College, Workforce Solutions, and many more…

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: Alex Dailey at (713) 805-8218

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