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Week of July 21st
PEACEFUL PROTESTS: I was dismayed to learn last week of the infiltration and surveillance of Maryland peace and other activist groups, including preparation for meetings with me on Iraq War policy when I was in the U.S. Congress. As a current member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have called for a full accounting of these activities by federal, state and local officials. All U.S. citizens enjoy the protection of the First Amendment to the Constitution. Our nation cannot allow police activity that is intended to discourage dissent by Americans who may disagree with certain government policies. Federal anti-terrorism guidelines and regulations expressly prohibit the collection or maintenance of criminal intelligence information about the political, religious or social views, associations, or activities of any individual or any group...unless such information directly relates to criminal conduct or activity, and there is reasonable suspicion that the subject of the information is or may be involved in criminal conduct or activity.
HOUSING CRISIS: The Senate will not adjourn without completing a vital piece of legislation called the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221). Marylanders are hurting today because of what is happening in the housing market. Whole communities are affected by the housing crisis, not just the individual homeowner who may lose his or her home, which is why this bill is balanced in its relief. It provides vital financial and counseling assistance to current homeowners on the brink of foreclosure, it helps stimulate the market by encouraging first-time homebuyers, and it helps stabilize the housing market with support and increased oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as support for local communities that have been devastated by falling property values and lost property/sales tax collections related to housing. I am particularly proud of the provision in this bill that provides a tax credit or no-interest loan of up to $7,500 to first-time homebuyers. It is similar to the first-time homebuyer tax credit that I introduced earlier this year. While we must provide a lifeline for current homeowners, we also recognize the urgent need to stimulate the housing market.
KOREAN WAR VETERANS: This week, I will stand proudly with my fellow members of Team Maryland and members of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) to celebrate enactment of legislation granting the group a Federal Charter. The Korean War is often referred to as the "forgotten" war, and recognition of our veterans from this war is long overdue. This Federal Charter lets the nearly 1.2 million American veterans of the Korean War who are still alive know that we have not forgotten them, and we honor the sacrifice they made for our nation. Congress has long recognized various military and veterans patriotic organizations in public law. While a Federal Charter does not confer any special rights, privileges or benefits to a membership organization, it is a public acknowledgement that a group serves the public interest by providing its members important services and community support. The KWVA is the only fraternal veterans' organization in the Unites States devoted exclusively to Korean War veterans and the only U.S. member of the International Federation of Korean War Veterans Associations.
IRAQ WAR VETERANS: This Sunday, I will have the honor of officially welcoming home soldiers from the 58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who recently returned from Iraq, where they served for just over a year. We are proud of the Maryland National Guard and all of our troops who have served admirably under difficult conditions. These brave Citizen Soldiers had our unfaltering support when they were overseas. We pledge the same level of commitment and support as they return to their families and our community, and they work to resume their everyday lives.
UPCOMING MEDIA: If you live in or around the Eastern Shore, listen to my live interview Thursday morning (July 24) with Bill Reddish at about 7:35am on WICO-1320AM (Delmarva Broadcasting).
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