-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

November 7, 2011

Veterans’ Day is November 11th

Throughout our nation’s history, American citizens have defended our country in every corner of the world. While only one day each year is formally known as Veterans’ Day, we must remember each and every day the sacrifices made by those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country. They are the ones who have made America “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” To all our veterans, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you for your service.  If you see a veteran this week, I hope you will take the time to thank them for their service. To view my video to all our service members, click here.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed S. 894, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, which has been presented to the President to be signed into law. This bill will increase the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Congress must keep its promise to Americans and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2011

On October 27th, I introduced H.R. 3272, a bill to reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP). Millions of Americans live in areas vulnerable to storms with damaging winds. Windstorms take lives, destroy homes and businesses, and cause billions of dollars of damage every year. 2011 has been especially destructive, with approximately 550 fatalities attributed to tornadoes alone.

My bill directs the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to implement programs that will significantly reduce the loss of life and property from windstorms. It will also strengthen the reporting, coordination and planning requirements of the program to ensure greater transparency and better measure how agencies contribute to the goals of NWIRP. This bill reduces the program’s funding by 14 percent below previous levels, but improves efficiency and coordination to ensure wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I hope Congress acts quickly on this legislation to help those who suffer from devastating windstorms across the country.

Waste and Fraud in HUD HOME Program

As a follow up to my oversight and investigation hearing last week on waste and fraud being committed at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), today’s Washington Post article details the fraudulent practices and possible criminal activities committed by individuals in and outside of government connected with HUD’s HOME program. In a review of HUD documents, we have discovered that thousands of approximately 20,000 HOME projects have been lost track of, and rampant fraud that has permeated the program. As Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I will continue to work to identify fraud and waste that exists in the federal government and identify those outside the government who are partners in this fraud.

Military Academy Nominations – Deadline November 15th

As a U.S. Congressman, I am privileged to nominate high school students in the 19th District of Texas to any of the five U.S. service academies. Service academies provide excellent educations and open the door to many rewarding opportunities. Any student interested in applying to one of the nation’s service academies should talk to their parents and their high school counselor. If you or someone you know would like to apply to attend any of the five service academies, please contact Mary Whistler in my Lubbock office for more information, and download the application here.