[StBernard] Washington Report from Rep. Richard H. Baker

[Westley Annis]

September 21, 2007

Thank you for signing up for Congressman Baker’s newsletter. Below are issue updates that you may find interesting. As always, please visit his website at http://www.baker.house.gov <http://www.baker.house.gov/>  for the most up-to-date news and information on what Congressman Baker is working on in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana.

Rep. Baker Announces I-10 Grant Money

Earlier this week, Rep. Baker announced a $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund improvements to I-10 in the Baton Rouge area.  Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=689>  to read more:

Rep. Baker Encourages Citizens to Recognize POW/MIA Day 

Today is National Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Day.  Rep. Baker wishes to recognize the sacrifices of men and women who were held captive as POWs and those who are MIA and encourages citizens to take this time to reflect on the cost of our freedom.  While it is impossible to grasp the loss and anguish experienced by these brave men and women and their families, it is our duty to honor and remember their heroism, courage, and sacrifice.  

Rep. Baker Co-sponsors Legislation to Reauthorize Children’s Health Insurance Program 

This week, Rep. Baker became an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3584, legislation that reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  The Louisiana program, LaCHIP, has provided invaluable resources to low-income, uninsured children in our state, and the continuation of this program is necessary.  While other SCHIP-reauthorizing legislation pending before the House and Senate includes tax increases and Medicare cuts, this legislation neither cuts Medicare nor raises taxes.  H.R. 3584 has garnered 116 co-sponsors. 

House of Representatives Honors Dr. DeBakey 

On Monday, September 17th, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey.  Dr. DeBakey was born in Lake Charles , Louisiana .  His accomplishments led to the development of the heart-lung machine used in the first successful open-heart operation.  Dr. Debakey volunteered for service during WWII and further helped with the development of mobile army surgical units or MASH units which were critical to saving the lives of thousands of servicemen.  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award Congress can bestow upon a group or individual.

Rep. Baker Helps Pass Drug Safety bill 

Earlier this week, with Rep. Baker’s support, the House and Senate passed legislation to improve the safety of prescription drugs.  The bill, H.R. 3850, reauthorizes important federal programs that allow the FDA to collect fees from drug and medical device manufacturers that are dedicated to the review of new drug applications and products for human use.  The passage of this legislation is necessary to ensure that our families have timely access to safe and effective prescription drugs and medical devices. 

New Poll Addresses Safety of Chinese Imported Products 

Recent product recalls and concerns over safety have increased dramatically over the last year. Voice your opinion on this issue by voting in Rep. Baker’s latest poll on his website,  www.baker.house.gov <http://www.baker.house.gov/> . 

What the Lower Federal Funds Rate Means to American Consumers 

The policymaking arm of the Federal Reserve announced Tuesday a significant reduction in the federal funds rate, the interest rate controlled by the Federal Reserve.  This half-point reduction from 5.25% to 4.75% was the first decrease announced in four years.  This rate will make it less expensive for consumers to borrow money.  For the average American consumer, this cut will translate into lower interest rates for homes and automobiles loans. Click here <http://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/default.htm>  for more information. 

Congressman Baker Announces Higher Education Grants 

There was good news this week for Southern University and Louisiana State University as each were awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Education.  These grants, totaling $501,000 are designed to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds with academic counseling, financial aid assistance, and tutoring.  Click here <http://www.baker.house.gov/html/news_item.cfm?id=691>  to learn more about these grants.