MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER 

Congress this week moved ahead with a supplemental funding bill that addresses critical needs here at home, supports our troops in harm’s way and helps them build a bright future when they complete their service.

Included in the bill is an expansion of education benefits that veterans receive under the GI bill to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education. The program will also now allow service members to transfer educational benefits to spouses and dependents.

Another measure included in the supplemental is an extension of unemployment insurance for workers who are struggling to make ends meet while they look for work in the troubled economy.  In Maryland, unemployment has risen 0.7 percent in the last year, from 4.5 percent in March 2007 to 5.2 percent in March 2008.  In addition to providing critical aid to help working families get back on their feet, this measure will give an additional boost to the economy.

This week, the House also passed a bill I sponsored that improves family-friendly policies for employees of the federal government. The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act authorizes four weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees after the birth or adoption of a child.  This policy - which is commonplace in the private-sector – will help promote healthy families and would strengthen the federal government’s ability to compete for high-quality employees. Similar legislation is pending in the Senate.

As always, thank you for allowing me to share this update with you. If there is anything you wish to share with me or bring to my attention, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely yours, 

Steny H. Hoyer 

NEWS UPDATE 

Hoyer on Supplemental Funding Bill, Including Unemployment and GI Education Benefits
Among other things, this legislation expands the education benefits that veterans receive under the GI bill to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education, and allows service members to transfer educational benefits to spouses and dependents.
Read Statement
Baltimore Sun story
Watch video of Hoyer discussing this bill on CNBC

Federal Metro Funding Measure Passes House
Under the leadership of Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) and members of the Washington regional delegation, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a key regional and national transportation priority to provide $1.5 billion in matching dedicated funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Read news release
Read Washington Post Editorial