The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #23
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Mourns Passing of Pioneering Legislator Olga Mendez
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano mourned the passing of Olga Mendez, who was the first female state legislator of Puerto Rican descent to be elected in the United States.
“Olga was an inspiration to many women and men in New York, in Puerto Rico and around the country,” said Serrano. “She was charming and tough and always had the best interests of our community in her heart and was one of the strongest advocates for our issues. We were all so proud when she was elected leader of the Minority Conference in the New York State Senate in 1984. As an Assemblyman, I found that she was a great partner in moving bills forward that would help improve the lives of New Yorkers.”
“I will never forget Olga’s great strength and passion. But she was also a great friend to so many people; she always had time for friends and colleagues. Above all, I know that because of her trailblazing ways, there are women who know that there are no limits on where they can go. Olga opened many doors for them and for all of us, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. She will be missed, but not forgotten.”
Serrano Supports Health Care for All
As the House finishes up its work for the summer and begins its August District Work period, the debate over health care reform has been at center stage. With various proposals being put forward, Congressman Serrano remains committed to making sure that everyone in the United States has access to health care services.
Although Serrano has long supported a single national health insurance system--a version of single-payer insurance--he recognizes that the current bill working its way through the Congress does not offer that solution. Without that option, Serrano believes that the next best option for covering all Americans is a government-provided alternative to compete with private health insurance, known as a public option. In support of this position, he has signed a letter to leadership outlining his support for a public option. Without this feature, he believes that the insurance companies will have little incentive to change from their current behavior.
“There are many proposals floating around Washington these days, and it is still unclear what the final package will look like,” Serrano said this week. “I am pleased that we are debating this vital subject, and that our desire to overhaul the healthcare system to insure all Americans is closer than ever. When I go home to the Bronx in the coming weeks I look forward to talking with constituents about my position on health care.
“My position is simple: I support health care reform that provides coverage for all Americans. It must come with a public option and subsidies to help families get insurance. Such a plan will help ensure lower prices for all consumers. Most importantly, with universal coverage, no one will fear getting sick or losing their coverage. Health care should be a right, not a privilege.”
On Tuesday, following the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination by a vote of 13 – 6, Congressman Serrano congratulated the nominee, and said he “hoped to see full Senate confirmation soon.”
“When I received word that the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Judge Sotomayor’s nomination today, I felt great pride knowing that this outstanding nominee and daughter of the Bronx is one step closer to a seat on the Supreme Court,” said Serrano. “During her hearings I had the honor of testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of Judge Sotomayor, and I told them how important her nomination is to our community. I am glad that they are moving quickly to confirm her.”
The vote now sends the Sotomayor nomination to the full Senate for debate and a confirmation vote, which is expected during the first week in August.
Serrano Votes Against War Funding
On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 3326, the annual Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, by a vote of 400-30. In addition to funding the Department of Defense, the bill provides funding for the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which have previously been paid for through supplemental appropriations bills. However, Congress and the Obama Administration believe that passing multiple bills obscures the true costs of the war and have therefore now combined the war funding into a single bill with the rest of the defense spending. Serrano joined 22 other Democrats in voting against the measure.
"I am supportive of the President's efforts to cut down on wasteful spending in the Defense Department and to make the spending on our ongoing wars more transparent," said Serrano. "Therefore, I am pleased that this bill takes steps to fulfill those goals. However, it is long past time that we left Iraq and Afghanistan. I could not vote for a bill that continues to fund the misbegotten war in Iraq and makes an open ended commitment to the war in Afghanistan."
H.R. 3326 will now have to be reconciled with the eventual Senate version of the bill and then signed by the President. However, he has threatened to veto the bill if several billion dollars worth of expensive weapon systems are not cut. These differences will have to be resolved before the bill becomes law.
In the Bronx
Serrano Praises Generosity of Bronx Business
This week, Congressman Serrano sent a letter to a Bronx-based sports equipment and apparel company, Verdero, to applaud its commitment to help outfit the struggling Iraqi national baseball team. Coverage of the Iraqi team’s plight on a national news show caught the attention of Jorge Medina, Verdero’s President, and Medina immediately offered to provide gloves, bats, cleats, and batting gloves to the fledgling team.
In his letter to Medina, Serrano wrote that he was pleased that Verdero was actively engaged in “helping to bring a measure of peace and normalcy" to Iraq. "While I remain a staunch opponent of our military involvement in Iraq,” the letter continued, “I deeply appreciate your efforts to heal the wounds of this difficult period and help our nation rebuild trust and mutual respect with the Iraqi people. Baseball is an international pastime, something that brings people together and fills entire nations with pride when their teams compete on a world stage. Wherever Americans have ventured, they have brought baseball with them. And for a South Bronx business to be at the forefront of helping the Iraqi national team fulfill their potential is a source of immense pride for me and for our whole borough.”
Grant Opportunities
Grant for Community College Students
Application Deadline: September 25, 2009
The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently announced the availability of funds to support foreign students at accredited U.S. community colleges. The Community College Initiative Program provides educational programs, professional development, and employment skills to students from developing countries around the world, with a special emphasis on women and individuals who have previous work experience. Public and state controlled institutions of higher learning and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.