I/ITSEC
By Randy
December 5, 2008

This week I attended an annual conference in Orlando, Florida where members of the Armed Services, Industry, Academia and various Government agencies came together to showcase new technology and discuss ways we can better use such technology in various training and education programs. A large portion of I/ITSEC was devoted to the discussion of modeling and simulation (M&S) as a critical technology for our nation.  As Founder and Chairman of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, I was pleased to be surrounded by leaders in various fields of M&S, as well as representatives from numerous government organizations and members of the Armed Services who are working to advance potential applications for M&S technology in order to save lives, time, and resources. 

Not only has M&S made significant strides in defense work, but M&S technology is also prevalent in areas like education, national disaster response, medicine, transportation and construction.  In the medical field, M&S technology is being for surgical training and in the research field to reduce medical errors.  Regarding homeland security, M&S has allowed federal, state, and local emergency responders to train and cooperate for response to disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and even pandemic flu outbreak.  M&S is even being used to help protect our nation’s financial system; practitioners are using financial modeling to quantitatively estimate the value of financial securities and firms. 

To read more about M&S applications, as well as the work of the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, sign up for the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus Newsletter.

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Today in History
By Randy
December 1, 2008

On this day in history – December 1, 1862 – President Abraham Lincoln gave his State of the Union Address in the midst of the Civil War.  Through his speech, he sought to united a divided nation and preserve the Union and the Constitution.  President Lincoln’s powerful closing asks the American people to come together as one: 

 We can succeed only by concert. It is not "Can any of us imagine better?" But "Can we all do better?" Object whatsoever is possible, still the question recurs, “Can we do better?" The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. 

Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or Insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to save the Union. The world knows we do know how to save it. We, even we here, hold the power and bear the responsibility.

In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free--honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just--a way which if followed the world will forever applaud and God must forever bless.

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American Diabetes Month
By Randy
November 20, 2008

Throughout the month of November we observe American Diabetes Month.  The American Diabetes Association has established this as a time to bring awareness and attention to diabetes, its symptoms and complications, as well as information on preventing it and ways to live a healthy life with diabetes.  It is important that those with diabetes know the proper way to care for them and ways to continue to have a strong, healthy life.

Take Care of Your Body
The time you spend now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous diabetes complications later in life. 

Become Active
Being active plays a large part in preventing diabetes complications. It can also help in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.   Find out ways you can get moving to a healthier you.

Eat Healthier
What you eat is one of the most important aspects of managing diabetes. Find tips and ideas to make healthful eating a part of your busy lifestyle.  Learn what foods you can and should eat.

Know the “ABCs of diabetes”
Knowing the ABCs of diabetes and keeping them under control will help prevent or delay the serious and deadly complications. The ABCs consist of your glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

For information on living a healthy life with diabetes, click here. 

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Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony
By Randy
September 11, 2008

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York and the Pentagon on September 11^th, 2001.  This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony with my colleagues to pay respect to the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon on September 11^th, 2001. 

It was a great ceremony that provided us a meaningful way to pay tribute to the 184 innocent lives that were lost at the Pentagon. The memorial itself is a powerful symbol to honor the victims of September 11th and to remember those who continue to fight against terrorism and defend our nation today.

The Pentagon Memorial contains 184 memorial units, in honor of the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77, each specifically positioned in order to distinguish victims on board American Airlines Flight 77 from victims within the Pentagon.

It was truly an honor to attend this dedication ceremony with fellow Members of Congress, our defense leaders, and with those people who are continuing to fight terrorism and defend our great nation.

For more information on the Pentagon Memorial, visit the Pentagon Web site at:  http://memorial.pentagon.mil/

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Hopewell Energy Town Hall
By Randy
September 4, 2008

Today, I participated in an energy town hall meeting hosted by the Hopewell Coalition of Citizens Concerned About Energy Costs and led by Reverend Curtis Harris. At the town hall meeting, I discussed with Fourth District constituents our national energy challenges and my New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, which I introduced in June. 

The challenges we face in energy as a nation are far greater than one simple solution can fix. We need a comprehensive energy initiative that gets at the scope of the problem. I am happy to see organizations like the Hopewell Coalition of Citizens Concerned About Energy Costs taking action and bringing individuals together to discuss real solutions to one of our nation's biggest challenges.

The New Manhattan Project would bring together the best and brightest scientists and researchers in the U.S. in a competitive format to reach one of seven energy goals. The project will award significant prizes to the first group, school, team, or company that reaches each goal as determined by a New Manhattan Project commission of scientists. I believe that through the goals outlined in the New Manhattan Project, we will move significantly closer to achieving energy independence in the U.S.  

Click here for materials distributed at the energy town hall.  For more information on the New Manhattan Project, click here.

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Identity Theft Workshop
By Randy
August 21, 2008

This week, my office hosted two Seniors Identity Theft Workshops in Chesapeake and Colonial Heights to provide seniors with information on how to protect themselves in a world with always-changing technology. Identity theft has become an increasingly serious crime over the years.  Scammers are finding new and more creative ways each day to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting people. 

A great deal of information, tools and experts are available to assist seniors in protecting their financial resources. Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of these tools, or are unsure of how to obtain them or best utilize each resource.

For more resources on protecting yourself from identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

Also, check out these publications on identity theft:

--Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm

--To Buy or Not To Buy: Identity Theft Spawns New Products and Services To Help Minimize Risk
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt05.shtm

--Information Compromise and the Risk of Identity Theft: Guidance for Your Business
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/idtheft/bus59.shtm

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Modeling and Simulation
By Randy
August 19, 2008

I joined with Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02) at the VMASC facility in Suffolk today to announce the passage of a grant program that will encourage the study of modeling and simulation (M&S) at institutions of higher education.  This grant program which was introduced by Congressman Scott and originally cosponsored by Congresswoman Drake and myself. We were excited to see the bill included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act which was signed into law on August 14, 2008.

Modeling and Simulation is such an importance technology that creates unparalleled advancements in American competitiveness. Institutions like VMASC are dedicated to furthering the development and application of modeling, simulation, and visualization as an enterprise decision-making tool.  Currently, a limited number of institutions of higher education have Modeling and Simulation programs, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  This grant program will provide critical funding to education institutions like VMASC that want to take advantage of this new and promising technology. 

As chairman of the Modeling and Simulation Caucus, I am excited that this important grant program to enhance the study of M&S has been included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act conference report.

To learn more about the modeling and simulation grant program, click here.

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Higher Education
By Randy
August 14, 2008

Today, I joined with Virginia State University President Dr. Eddie N. Moore at a press conference at Virginia State University to announce the passage of the Minority Serving Institution Digital Wireless and Technology Act.  I originally introduced the bill with Congressman Ed Towns of New York three years ago, and I was happy to see it included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act and signed by the President today. The bill will establish a new grant program to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges bridge the economic opportunity gap.

As a nation, we need to be looking for ways to level the playing field when it comes to opportunities in math and science.  The "digital divide" in our nation - the gap between those individuals with access to digital technology and those without - must be closed.

Throughout my time in Congress, it has been my priority to help bridge the digital divide because I believe that full access to technology is a standard component of success in today’s business world. Integrating technology into our nation’s Minority Serving Institutions will help to strengthen the overall workforce and allow students from these institutions to compete equally with students from other universities to qualify for America’s best paying jobs. 

The Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology grant program will assist Minority Serving Institutions by providing technology tools necessary to prepare their students to engage and participate in today’s workforce. For more information on this grant program, click here. 

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Energy Vote
By Randy
August 11, 2008

Since Friday, July 31, 2008, Members of Congress have been gathering on the House Floor in “unofficial sessions” to urge Majority leadership to call a special session of Congress to vote on a comprehensive energy bill that will bring the U.S. closer to energy independence. Today, I joined my Republican colleagues on the House floor to call on the Majority leadership to bring the House of Representatives back into session to vote on an energy bill.

Americans across the country who are facing record gas prices are calling on Congress to create a comprehensive plan that moves us in the direction of energy independence. We cannot do that by taking a five-week August recess. That is why we are continuing to urge leadership to return so we can work together to bring a comprehensive, bipartisan energy plan to the floor for a vote.

If the Majority leadership is short on energy ideas, I suggest the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence. On June 12, 2008, I introduced the New Manhattan Project, H.R. 6260.  It challenges the United States to achieve 50% energy independence in 10 years and 100% energy independence in 20 years, and awards significant prizes to any individual, group, or entity who can reach one of seven established energy goals.

For more information on the New Manhattan Project, click here. To watch a CNN video discussing this initiative, click here.

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Wallbuilders Pastor Briefing
By Randy
July 23, 2008

For the past 6 years, WallBuilders has brought ministers from all around the nation to Washington, D. C., for educational sessions with some Senators and Representatives in Congress. On July 23^rd, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of these pastors in the Library of Congress.  As Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, I enjoy having the opportunity to speak with other people who share my desire to protect the heritage of prayer in America.

To view pictures of past Pastor’s Briefings, click here. 

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Drilling for Oil
By Randy
July 21, 2008
What's in My Inbox Today

I received the following email from a constituent today:

"I'm very upset with the cost of gasoline. It is hurting my family financially. It's time to drill here, drill now, pay less. What are you going to do about this?"

Our energy challenge in the United States is one that not only impacts the price you see at the pump, but it impacts all areas of our economy from job growth, to manufacturing, to food prices, to housing. Our energy challenge is multifaceted and it cannot be solved with one silver bullet. Instead, we need an aggressive, comprehensive strategy:

1. We need to increase our production through drilling, increasing refinery capacity, and increasing oil exploration within the U.S.

2. We need to conserve more.

3. We need to invest in alternative energy.

So, what have I done to work towards this strategy and lower the price at the pump?

In the past two years, I voted to increase our oil supply 12 times. I've voted for off-shore drilling four times, and I have voted in favor of streamlining the federal government's regulations for new refineries to come online.

I've supported increasing CAFE standards for our vehicles, and creating tax incentives for businesses and consumers who pursue energy efficiency.

Just over a month ago, I introduced a New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, a bold initiative that would bring together the best and brightest scientists in the nation to advance alternative fuels and challenge us to reach 100% energy indepence in 20 years. You can watch me discuss this important initiative on CNN here.

Our energy problem is a national-size challenge, and we need to address it with a national-size plan. If you have an idea on how we can address our energy challenge, please share it at the Solutions Lab. 

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Modeling and Simulation Expo
By Randy
July 15, 2008

Today, The Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, which I founded and co-chair, hosted the Third Annual Capitol Hill Expo in conjunction with the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA). We were excited to have demonstrations from the medical, defense and engineering fields like the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center, the Brookings Institute, and members of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

Modeling and Simulation is a critical technology that provides great opportunities in American competitiveness. We’ve seen it bring high-tech jobs and economic prosperities to the Fourth District.  Click here to read more about it.

Representative Solomon Ortiz (TX-27), Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Representative Tom Feeney (FL-24) who are all members of the Modeling and Simulation Caucus also made remarks at the expo, along with NTSA President Admiral Fred Lewis and the Director for the Center on Social and Economic Dynamics at the Brookings Institution, Josh Epstein. 

To view some of the pictures taken at the Expo, click here. 
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Traveling abroad?
By Randy
July 18, 2008

If you are planning on taking a trip abroad this summer, there are a few things you should do to ensure your family has a relaxing, safe, and stress-free vacation once overseas. Consider the following tips and information from the State Department before traveling overseas.

Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency
Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov/. This will help the State Department contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.

Sign your passport and fill in the emergency information
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page
Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page, and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Check your overseas medical insurance coverage
Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime
To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money (use an ATM card to withdraw money abroad). Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Contact the State Department in an emergency
Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.

Learn everything you can about the country you are visiting
Travelers should familiarize themselves with their destinations, both to get the most enjoyment out of the visit and to avoid known dangers. Country specific information, travel warnings and travel alerts are accessible through the State Department's travel information website at http://www.travel.state.gov/.

For more tips and information on traveling abroad, watch a clip from our television show, The Washington Review.

Additional Information:

 More Tips from the State Department
 International travel updates
 How to replace your passport

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A Plan to Address Rising Gas Prices
By Randy
July 14, 2008

Click the photo below to listen as I discuss the energy challenge facing the United States today, and the steps it will take to reach energy independence and bring down gas prices.  If you have an idea you'd like to share on how we can address rising gas prices, please share it at the Solutions Lab on my Web site.

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A Day of Remembrance
By Randy
June 6, 2008

Today we remember the anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy to bring peace to Europe and ensure freedom here at home. Click the picture below to read the inspiring message delivered by General Dwight D. Eisenhower on the eve of the infamous day. Let us always remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and let us remember those troops who are at war today.

 

General Dwight D. Eisenhower talking to American paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division before they jumped into France. U.S. Army photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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Gratitude
By Randy
April 10, 2008

This week I had the honor of presenting to an individual one of our nation's most honored medals - the Purple Heart. As I thought about the medal and what it stands for, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for the sacrifices and commitment of our nation's veterans. At a glance, our veterans may seem like ordinary men and women, but I would submit their committment and sacrifice make them truly extraordinary individuals. There is a greatness that lies within our veterans' hearts, and it is in moments like this Purple Heart ceremony that their heroic lives are truly revealed.

So, in what way can we accurately express our deep gratitude for the many sacrifices that our veterans have made for our safety and freedom? By listening to and sharing their stories, we are celebrating their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country. The Veterans History Project collects and preserves audio- and video-recorded oral histories from America’s war veterans and those who served in support of them, along with other first-hand materials such as memoirs, photographs, diaries, and letters.  The project also presents an online National Registry of Service listing the names of all individuals from whom the Veterans History Project has received oral histories. Watch this video on the project and find out how you can get involved.

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Patients First
By Randy
March 14, 2008

This week I hosted a briefing for Members of Congress and staff on recent breakthroughs in stem cell research. Recently, we've seen a lot of success in treating patients with their own adult stem cells. Adult stem cells have been used to successfully treat over 1,800 patients who suffered from severe heart failure, and they have even been used to cure patients of their Type 1 Diabetes. Last summer, I met with a gentleman named Stephen Sprague who was cured of leukemia as a result of adult stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. You can read more about his story here. Unfortunately, we don’t often hear of these success stories, mostly because they are clouded by the ongoing debate over embryonic stem cell research. We invited Dr. Richard Burt of Northwestern University School of Medicine to speak specifically on this issue at the briefing. Dr. Burt spoke about the dramatic success he has seen with adult stem cells and expressed concern that the medical research community has focused more on embryonic stem cells than on adult stem cells, even though the vast body of evidence shows that more promise lies with adult stem cell therapies.

Proponents of embryonic stem cell research argue that embryonic stem cell treatments may be successful in 20 or 30 years, but what we are seeing is that adult stem cells are treating people now. We have the opportunity to make a difference in individuals' lives right now simply by prioritizing our research and focusing funding towards adult stem cell efforts. I’ve introduced the Patients First Act, H.R. 2807 that would do just this. The bill would provide funding for stem cell research, so long as human embryos are not destroyed, and would prioritize research on adult stem cell efforts that are treating people in the near term. The Patients First Act bridges the political divide over stem cell research and focuses our efforts on the common goal of curing and treating patients.

The following video shows highlights of the briefing.




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China's Military Power
By Randy
March 4, 2008

Yesterday, the Department of Defense released its annual report to Congress on China’s military power. As Founder and Chairman of the Congressional China Caucus, I have made it a priority to study China’s emergence as a political, economic, and military actor on both the regional and global stage. The report released yesterday confirms what we have been continually observing in China over the past years: China is strategically focused on securing its status as a great military power, and they are doing so with limited regard to transparency.

As I saw on my most recent visit to China last August, the Chinese are continuing to invest heavily in creating a military muscle. In particular, Chinese progress in both long range radar and anti-ship missiles reflect a growing assertiveness in the region. The sheer pace and extent of China’s military buildup, coupled with its leaders’ lack of disclosure on defense expenditures and military objectives, make it difficult to evaluate China’s intentions.

I remain concerned about the international community’s limited knowledge when it comes to China’s military objectives. Without transparency, there are misunderstandings, and misunderstandings lead to missteps – missteps that we cannot afford. The continued increase in Chinese military buildup with limited transparency will have long-term implications on the Western Pacific region as well as U.S.-Sino relations.

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Shipbuilding
By Randy
February 27, 2008

Today I spoke before the National Ship Repair Industry Conference on the importance of shipbuilding and ship repair to our national security.  As Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, our military readiness is a key concern of mine.  For the readiness of our Navy, keeping our ships in working order is critical.  Here in Virginia, we play a big role in keeping our ships ready at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  The shipyard is the fourth largest employer in the Hampton Roads area.  

Looking at growing our Navy is going to continue to be a priority for Congress.  Right now, America currently possesses its smallest Naval fleet since 1917.  This comes at the same time that countries such as China are continuing to grow their Navy to be capable of operating beyond their coastline.  We need to keep a close on this, and the readiness of our Navy, if we want to remain competitive with other countries around the world.  We made progress in last year's defense bill, and we need to keep on track this year and in coming years.

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Unsafe Imports
By Randy
February 25, 2008
What’s in My Inbox Today

One of the emails that I got today that stuck out in my mind was an email from a resident in the Fourth District who is concerned about unsafe imports:

“The recent flood of unsafe Chinese imports into the U.S.—contaminated pet food, toxic toothpaste, lead-laden toys, hazardous tires, contaminated seafood, and unsafe electrical items--clearly shows that we are not stopping unsafe products at our borders. It's time to pass legislation to hold manufacturers, importers and retailers to a higher standard and effectively enforce that standard…Please help restore my confidence in the safety of the items in my cart.”

The safety of our imports is an issue that concerns me, particularly after a recent trip to China in August 2007. U.S. imports currently total $2 trillion every year and estimates predict up to $6 trillion in imports by 2015. We unfortunately cannot automatically trust that products imported into the U.S. are safe and we need to take greater responsibility for our own safety.

One step I was happy to see was the creation of the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. The Interagency Working Group on Import Safety was called for by the President on July 18, 2007, and is designed to conduct a thorough review of all of the different types of products imported to the United States from around the world.

In November 2007, they released a strategic framework that is an overview of the current import cycle in the United States and their recommendations for increasing safety at different steps in the process. You can read the document at: http://forbes.house.gov/uploadedfiles/safetyreport.pdf. You can also stay up-to-date on their work at http://www.importsafety.gov/.

I’m looking forward to more reports from the group on steps Congress and the Administration can take to better protect the United States from contaminated or dangerous imports.

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My Thoughts on Protecting America
By Randy
February 15, 2008

Over the past few weeks, the House of Representatives has been debating reauthorizing the Protect America Act, which was scheduled to expire on February 1, 2008 (the date was ultimately extended to tomorrow, February 16, 2008, after a vote in the House and Senate).  In August, I believe that Congress took an important step toward modernizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act  (FISA) of 1978 by enacting the Protect America Act. While only in effect for only six months, the Protect America Act has temporarily allowed the United States to close an intelligence gap by enabling our intelligence professionals to collect, without a court order, foreign intelligence on targets located overseas. Unless reauthorized by Congress, however, the authority provided in the Protect America Act will expire.

On Tuesday, February 12, the Senate passed a bipartisan compromise bill, which I would support.  Unfortunately, however, the Democratic Leadership of the House refused to let this compromise bill even come to the House floor for a vote, and instead allowed the House to go on a one-week recess.  This makes it clear that the Protect America Act will expire while the Hosue is on recess.  I think this was the wrong decision, and one that hinders the ability of intelligence officials to adequately protect the United States from terrorists.

Yesterday, I submitted the following blog entry to The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper, with more of my thoughts on reauthorizing the Protect America Act:

"As a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and having served as Ranking Member on the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee, I have spent a lot of time trying to reform our FISA laws so that they are up-to-date with current technology and best protect our country from terrorists. I believe that it is imperative that Congress act responsibly and give the Director of National Intelligence the authority he needs to collect foreign intelligence information. It is clear that the House of Representatives has yet to do that.

While I understand that enacting this important legislation takes time and we need to come to a bipartisan agreement, House leadership has continued to play partisan games and stall real progress on coming to an agreement. The Senate has taken important steps forward to close the terrorist loophole in our intelligence laws. The Senate bill also grants liability protection to companies that helped the government after September 11. I believe this protection is critical if we want to prevent a chilling effect the next time we need help from the private sector to help the government protect the United States.

We need a long-term solution, not extension after extension. We need to give our intelligence officials – at home or on the battlefield – the assurance that the government stands behind them in the pursuit of terrorists who wish to do harm to our citizens. I cannot underscore enough the harm our failure to act would do to the safety and security of Americans – we, as elected officials entrusted with the public’s confidence, – owe it to our constituents to keep them as safe as we possibly can. I call on the House leadership to allow us to vote on the long-term FISA bill passed by the Senate yesterday."

To view The Hill's blog, click here.

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Caring for Our Environment
By Randy
February 11, 2008
What’s in My Inbox Today

One of the emails I got recently from one of my younger constituents was the following:

“I am a boy scout doing the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge and I wanted to talk to you about are environment…What do think about the ways Americans are treating are environment?”

I think there is a lot we can do to improve the way we treat the environment. As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am looking at cutting-edge technologies that protect the environment while still giving us the energy we need to power our homes and businesses.

An example in the Fourth District of the damage that has been caused by pollution is the Chesapeake Bay. Centuries of change, transformation, and mobility have placed serious strain on the Chesapeake Bay. Although the Bay still looks beautiful from the surface, it continues to be plagued by pollution. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution in the Bay have intoxicated its glassy waters to the point that many of the pollutant substances are even found in tributary streams and rivers many states away from the Chesapeake Bay.

Over five years ago, the Chesapeake Bay states, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, signed a recommitment that set specific pollution reduction goals to be met by 2010. Now, just two-and-a-half years from the 2010 deadline, we are still benchmarks away from reaching the pollution reduction goals.

To help address this, I have cosponsored The Chesapeake’s Healthy and Environmentally Sound Stewardship of Energy and Agriculture Act of 2007 (CHESSEA) which has the potential to have a major impact on Chesapeake Bay conservation. To learn more about this particular environmental project, read my Capitol Monitor on the issue at: http://www.house.gov/forbes/newsroom/enewsletter/2007/07132007.htm

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What Parents Need to Know: Staph Infections
By Randy
February 8, 2008

There has been a lot of news coverage in recent months on drug-resistant staph infections, particularly those in schools across the country. This has even happened in our own backyard - one case back in October 2007 was reported on in The Virginian Pilot.  The article reported that a student in Chesapeake had a confirmed case of a drug-resistant staph infection. As a parent, I know that many other parents across the Fourth District are likely concerned about staph infections and the safety of their children’s schools. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a question and answer guide on staph infections that I encourage everyone to visit. You can find it here at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html.

The CDC recommends the following prevention tips to help lower the risk of contracting a staph infection:

Practice good hygiene:

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

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Welcome to the New Forbes Blog
By Randy
February 8, 2008

As we continue to look at ways to better communicate with our constituents, starting a blog was one idea that we thought would add a lot of value.  Like the new multimedia content we have added to the Web site, the blog will be a way for me to communicate with members of the Fourth District on a daily basis.  Whether sharing my thoughts on a news article, a vote in Congress, or what's in my inbox, the blog will be a place to where anyone can access a lot of information about my views on current events.  I am looking forward to writing here on a regular basis, and welcome your feedback on topics you would like to see me write about on the blog.  I look forward to staying in touch.

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