The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #9

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Votes against CISPA

Yesterday evening, Congressman Serrano voted against the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (H.R. 3523) because of concerns about its effects on civil liberties and privacy. After a series of amendments that failed to substantially improve the bill, the bill was passed 248 - 168, with a majority of Democrats voting against it. The President has threatened to veto the bill, but before a final version is sent to the President, there will be further negotiations with the Senate.

“I recognize the need to ensure that our nation is secure from cyber threats, but I cannot support this bill as it currently is written,” said Serrano. “We must ensure that we are not overreacting to threats –real and perceived—and undermining the privacy rights of law-abiding internet users. We should be narrowly targeting solutions to the threats we face, instead of broadly undermining our citizens’ privacy protections and preventing accountability for misuse of people's information. I stand with President Obama in opposition to this bill, because we must maintain a free and open internet while building our defenses; goals this bill fails to accomplish.

“I am disappointed that Republicans, who control the flow of legislation and amendments on the House floor, were unwilling to allow debate and votes on several very important amendments that would have addressed some of the bill’s most serious shortcomings.  The sad part is that we could have easily passed a targeted bill that took important, non-controversial steps to increase our security. Instead we are faced with this unacceptable bill, which is subject to a veto threat by the President, and will only delay action on taking truly productive steps towards increasing network security in the United States.”

In the Bronx

Serrano Helps Swear in New Citizens

Last Friday, Congressman Serrano delivered the keynote address at the annual citizenship ceremony held at the Bronx Zoo by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The ceremony was held for children from the ages of 3 to 13, who took their oath as new citizens, and watched a special video message from President Obama. "I'm always very happy to participate in this special day with our newest young citizens," said Serrano. "It is wonderful that the Zoo continues to host this event to welcome these new Americans."

The swearing in of the new citizens during the ceremony

Serrano Helps Open Hell Gate Pathway on Randall's Island

On Friday, Congressman Serrano attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Hell Gate Pathway on Randall's Island.  The pathway runs under the scenic arches of the Hell Gate Bridge and railroad trestle, connecting the Hell Gate to the southern end of Randall's Island Park. The next step in the plan is for the pathway to be connected to the South Bronx Greenway by building a bridge across the Bronx Kill. "I am happy to have worked with partners from city and state government, the Randall's Island Park Alliance, and partners from the private sector to create more than a mile of non-vehicular access along renovated and reclaimed parkland," said Serrano. "I look forward to crossing the Bronx Connector and using Randall’s Island along with people from my community in the very near future. It is a very exciting vision that is now coming to reality." The Ribbon Cutting was done with the help and participation of the Bike New York and children from P.S. 180.

Children helping to open the new path

Serrano Attends Opening of a New Wholesale Market in the Bronx

On Monday, Congressman Serrano attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for new state of art new facilities for Jetro's, a food and merchandise wholesaler, in the Bronx. "Prior to the building of this facility, a waste transfer station and a prison had been proposed for this land area," said  Serrano. "I opposed both these proposals, and along with the community worked to organize against it. Having Jetro here is a much better use of this land since it provides a needed service to our grocery and food service community and creates jobs at the same time."

Seafood on display at the new facility

Grant

Assistance for Children Who have been Exposed to Drugs or HIV

Deadline: June 22, 2012

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families recently announced the availability of grants  for activities and services that are designed to increase well-being, improve permanency, and enhance the safety of infants and young children who have been exposed to a dangerous drug or have been exposed to HIV/AIDs. Grantees will be expected to develop and implement comprehensive community-based support services for infants and young children, particularly those who have been perinatally exposed to a dangerous drug, those with, or who have been perinatally exposed to HIV, or those who have a life-threatening illness or other special medical need. State and local governments, institutions of higher education, and 501(c)(3) organizations are all encouraged to apply.

For more information about this grant please visit HHS's website.

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.