I.Economic Crisis

As the financial crisis began to unfold, we as Members of Congress had a difficult decision to make – how to vote on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (H.R. 1424) authorizing intervention.  Many of you are angry about the crisis and rightfully so – I am too.  Despite my skepticism whether the Troubled Assets Relief Program was the best or only approach, I chose to err on the side of stabilizing the crisis.

There was a real concern that without intervention businesses would not be able to get loans and companies would not be able to meet payrolls.  I was hearing from constituents worried about the hit their retirement investments were taking.  It was clear that the government needed to do something of consequence.

On one positive note, It was encouraging to see bipartisan work when it came to this rescue bill.  Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle worked together closely.  I am hopeful that the work will continue to prevent a worsening global crisis.  Since the passage of the economic rescue bill, we have seen some good news. The Wall Street Journal and other publications are reporting that some liquidity is slowly beginning to return.

Unfortunately, given the severity of the financial crisis and declining economy, our work on the recovery has just begun.  We may need to pass an additional stimulus bill to provide further assistance to the economy and to the unemployed.  Congress will also look at ways to help the auto industry rebound but only if there is a total restructuring of the industry and a new direction toward environmentally friendly cars.  I hope you’ll share your thoughts with me by taking my survey about the auto industry here.

Please know I will continue to work for the needed reforms and regulations to make sure this never happens again. 

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II. Equal Justice for Our Military Act

The words on the United States Supreme Court building read “Equal Justice Under Law.”  Yet some U.S. service members are denied access to the nation’s highest court.  We all know that when American men and women decide to serve their nation in the Armed Forces, they make many sacrifices – from lost time with their families to irreplaceable loss of lives.  However, service members also sacrifice one of the fundamental legal rights that all civilian Americans enjoy.

Members of the military convicted of offenses under the military justice system do not have the legal right to appeal their cases to the U.S. Supreme Court.  After exhausting their appeals through the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, they have little to no recourse.

It is for this reason that I am pleased to tell you that my bill, the Equal Justice for Our Military Act, H.R. 3174, was passed by the House.  H.R. 3174 would eliminate a troubling disparity in current law by allowing court-martialed service members whose cases involve extraordinary circumstances to appeal for Supreme Court review.  In contrast, the government currently has the right to appeal for Supreme Court review in every one of these cases.

The legislation, which has been endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America and the American Bar Association, is a simple matter of fairness.  We ask our men and women in uniform to support and defend our Constitution, which guarantees due process, yet we deny some of them that process.  The disparity with which defendants and the government are treated under the current law is an inequity that should be rectified.  I am pleased the House took this important step toward complete justice for our service members.

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III. Health Care Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in the health care survey over the summer.  The survey was circulated through the mail and also made available on my website.  Over 700 constituents participated, and the feedback I received allowed me greater insight into the health care struggles so many of my constituents face.  Overwhelmingly, the results showed enormous support for universal health care coverage.

Most survey participants supported H.R. 676, legislation that would establish the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care.  The health care coverage offered by this program would include primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services by expanding Medicare to cover every American. 

It is also important to note that 32 percent of the people surveyed cited the cost of health care as the most pressing issue they personally face.  Other individuals expressed concerns that pre-existing conditions make it difficult for them to obtain health insurance.  For more details about the survey please click here.

Health care reform is an issue that I take very seriously.  You can count on me to remain closely engaged on this very important issue. 

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IV. Higher Education Opportunity Act

On August 14, 2008, the President signed the Higher Education Opportunity Act into law.  This act marks the first time the Higher Education Act had been reauthorized in 10 years and this long-awaited update contains several provisions that will make college more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

First of all, it increases the maximum Pell Grant amount to $8,000.  It makes this much needed funding available to nontraditional students such as those Americans who are returning to college to complete their degrees.  In addition, the act includes provisions to addresses the dramatic rise in the cost of college textbooks.

The Act also simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and establishes a website to help families compare the cost of attending different colleges around the nation.  Colleges and universities that increase their tuitions the most are required to report the reason for this increase and create a plan for lowering their costs.

The bill contained provisions to help put college more within reach for our brave men and women in uniform as well as a provision to stop student loan interest rates from accumulating for all active duty service members.  It also stops service members’ GI bill benefits from counting against them in receiving federal student aid.  Finally, it guarantees that all service members who are activated while in college will be readmitted with the same academic status once they return from active duty.

Provisions were also included to make natural disasters such as the 2007 southern California wildfires less disruptive for our college students and our community, including awarding college students their work-study funds during times when they are prohibited from working because their school was closed due to natural disasters.  

At a time when higher education is an increasing necessity rather than a luxury, I am pleased with the updates we made to the higher education system to make college more affordable and accessible for all American families.

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V. National Defense Authorization Act

As Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I worked hard to ensure that the FY2009 National Defense Authorization Act, included provisions that protect our men and women in uniform and afford them the benefits they deserve. Of the many important provisions in this year’s bill, I am particularly proud of what my subcommittee was able to do for service members.

Specifically, this bill provides a 3.9 percent pay raise, an increase of 0.5 percent above the President’s request; prohibits increases in TRICARE co-pays and deductibles; prohibits TRICARE pharmacy co-pay increases for a year and establishes a tuition assistance program for eligible military spouses. 

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 5658, the House version of the FY2009 NDAA on May 15, 2008.  Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass their version until September 27, 2008.  However, as you may know, the President recently signed this must-pass legislation into law.  Rest assured, Congress continues to look for ways to better support service members at home and abroad.

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VI. Visit to the USNS Mercy

With questions of U.S. influence and reputation waning – the USNS Mercy, a Navy medical vessel based in San Diego – has been on the high seas spreading goodwill and providing medical assistance to those in countries where they otherwise would not have access to a doctor.

In August, I joined the Mercy on its humanitarian mission, which is aimed at building international relationships, as it anchored at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. 

Hundreds of citizens of Papua New Guinea eagerly lined up for a visit with a doctor that was not possible in their remote village.  It may have been an ailing tooth, an eye exam and the first ever glasses, or a long awaited surgery to repair a burn injury. 

Navy personnel had already visited many of the small communities to assess the needs of the people and particularly to identify children with cleft pallets whose smiles and futures could be transformed with the much needed surgery.  

Many individuals and professionals from the San Diego community volunteered their skills for this mission in addition to the enthusiastic Navy personnel.  Students from UCSD as part of a pre-dental program were also there and their pleasure at being part of this was infectious.

I was very proud as the Congresswoman representing San Diego to witness this extraordinary mission with our homeported “floating miracle.”  At a time when we feel that making friends around the world has been greatly compromised, the people’s display of gratitude was deeply moving.  The most inspiring part of all was the look in the faces of the people of Papua New Guinea.  One mother whose child was about to have surgery for her child’s cleft pallet couldn’t stop smiling knowing her son would soon be able to have a big smile too.

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VII. District Events in Review

• Small Business Event

Creating a small business or expanding an existing one is not an easy task.  Navigating through this process can be confusing and intimidating for even the most experienced businesspeople, but having the necessary information is an important first step.  To help local entrepreneurs through this process, I hosted a Small Business Workshop on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. 

About 60 residents from across San Diego County came out to the Mission Valley Branch Library to learn the basics of starting a small business or expanding a current business.  Representatives of federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, and representatives from several local organizations, were on hand to aid, counsel, and assist local entrepreneurs.

• Navy Broadway Complex Update

I have previously commented on the Navy Broadway Complex in this publication and would like to update you on the latest developments.  Many in the community, including myself, have been watching this proposed redevelopment with great interest. 

On June 26, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey T. Miller issued a decision which ruled that the U.S. Department of Defense did not sufficiently involve the public in the environmental assessment of the proposed development of the Navy Broadway Complex. 

Over the past few months, I have been meeting with the Navy, City officials and local activists to continue the discussion of this project.  During these meetings, I repeatedly expressed that this critical piece of our city’s waterfront must be developed thoughtfully.  I recently participated in one of the public meetings, and I will continue working with the Navy, City officials and local activists to ensure that this project is something that will benefit the Navy and all citizens of San Diego.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a lasting legacy on our waterfront, so it is crucial that we get it right.

• Grants Workshop

One of the most widely attended events my office hosts each year is a Grants Workshop to provide information to the non-profit community in San Diego.  On Tuesday, August 12, this workshop was held at the Pacific Beach Library and the speakers included Nancy Jamison from San Diego Grantmakers, Sid Voorakkara from the California Endowment, and Teresa Brownyard from the San Diego County Office of Resource Development.  These speakers gave presentations to 45 interested attendees who learned tips on how to write a successful grant proposal, where to find federal and private funding, and how to avoid common mistakes. 

In today’s tough economy, it can be difficult to find the resources needed to sustain the programs supported by non-profits, so I’m always pleased to see such a large turnout at these workshops.  If you weren’t able to attend the Grants Workshop and would like information on locating grants for your organization, you may visit the Grants section of my website at http://www.house.gov/susandavis/services_grants.shtml. 

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VIII. New District Director

As many of you know, my District Office Director, Todd Gloria, will be leaving my office to be the new City Councilman for District 3.  I have known Todd since he was a high school student in the Aaron Price Fellows Program, a youth leadership program I directed.  I have watched Todd grow over the years and could not be prouder of him or more confident in the job he will do representing the community in his new position.  Todd has worked in my San Diego office since my first term in 2000 and all of us here will really miss him.

Although our office will not be the same without Todd, I am delighted to announce that my new District Director will be Jessica Poole, our current Deputy District Director.  Prior to coming to my office, Jessica worked for Senator Barbara Boxer.  Like Todd, Jessica has been a member of my staff since 2000.  Over the years, she has done a fantastic job managing our casework and scheduling operations.  Jessica’s commitment to improving the lives of our constituents shows in everything she does and we are fortunate to have her.  She looks forward to working with all of you in her new capacity.

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IX.Internship Announcement

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for Spring and Summer 2009. Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity to learn about public service and gain valuable work experience.  Interns field constituent inquiries, record caller comments, conduct research, draft correspondence, and assist staff members with a variety of special projects and public events.  These positions are unpaid but may fulfill college credits.  We give priority to students who live in the 53rd District, but all are welcome to apply. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to the appropriate intern coordinator: Sary Stefanki in Washington, DC, or Nick Norvell in San Diego.  Please contact Sary at (202) 225-2040 or Nick at (619) 280-5353 if you are interested in learning about internships in either of my offices.

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