This week, Democrats responded to the subprime mortgage crisis by passing the Expanding American Home Ownership Act.  By revitalizing the Federal Housing Administration, Democrats are working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to own their own home without turning to risky and predatory loans.  Through this legislation, the FHA will be able to serve more subprime borrowers at affordable rates and offer refinancing loan opportunities to borrowers struggling to meet their mortgage payments.

 

On Wednesday the House passed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act (TRIA), a vital bill that provides a backstop for private insurers to keep the American economy stable in the event of a terrorist attack.

 

The House also passed the FAA Reauthorization Act, modernizing the air traffic control system and strengthening airport infrastructure to reduce delays and improve safety.  This bill also includes a Passenger Bill of Rights that requires airlines and airports to develop plans to take care of passengers during long delays on the tarmac or in flight.

 

Next week, the House will consider legislation reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program.  This bill will continue to provide health insurance to children who are already a part of SCHIP, and will extend coverage to millions more who are currently eligible but not enrolled.  Despite the President's veto threat, this fiscally responsible legislation enjoys bipartisan support in the House and Senate, as well as bipartisan support among the nation's governors.

 

Also on the House agenda next week are a Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2008, a Flood Insurance Bill, and the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, which will establish new safety standards for employees exposed to a chemical used to produce microwave popcorn.

 

With kindest regards, I am

 

On Thursday, Hoyer responded to the President's renewed veto threat on legislation that will provide health insurance to children who have none, saying that the President seems determined to defy the will of the American people and is poised to go back on his own campaign promise and deny children health coverage.

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Read more about how the President is alone on denying children health insurance. 

 

In response to comments made by the President on FISA, Hoyer said that Congressional Democrats are working on a new and improved measure to amend FISA to help the intelligence community monitor terrorists while also protecting the rights of U.S. citizens.

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On Tuesday, the Senate failed to reach cloture to move to consideration of the DC Voting Rights Bill.  Hoyer said that he was disappointed but not discouraged by the vote, and vowed to keep fighting to ensure that the residents of Washington, DC have a full vote in the House of Representatives.

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Hoyer joined several House Democrats to discuss the College Cost Reduction Act, which was sent to the President for his signature this week.  This legislation will make college more affordable and accessible for students, which Hoyer noted is necessary for our nation to maintain an educated workforce and compete in the 21st century global marketplace.