The 112th Congress Begins

Statement

This week I was sworn into the 112th Congress. This is my third term representing Memphis and Shelby County in the House of Representatives.

Swearing-in

On Wednesday I was sworn into the 112th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner. It is a pleasure and an honor to represent Memphis and Shelby County in the House of Representatives. I will continue fighting hard to create jobs, reduce the federal deficit, and bring more federal funds to Memphis.

I will also re-introduce legislation that will help increase the quality of life for Memphians, including legislation to combat infant mortality, legislation to prohibit employers from using credit checks as part of the hiring process, and legislation to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately-issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of unsecured debt. I will also reintroduce legislation that would enable Memphis to get millions of dollars for the development of the Memphis Aerotropolis, and fight for legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Both measures will help create jobs in Memphis. I also vow to fight to preserve the middle class, and fight for justice and equality.

Jobs Report

The U.S. Department of Labor released its jobs report for December 2010, showing that the economy added 103,000 jobs, the private sector grew for the 12th straight month, and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent -- the lowest level in 19 months. This report is proof positive the Democratic-led Congress that just ended was right to focus on creating jobs and revitalizing the economy. During my third term, I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues in Congress to help create jobs, spur economic growth, and reduce the federal deficit.

The MED

Recently, TennCare submitted an amendment to our state's TennCare Waiver to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would provide a much needed financial infusion to two of the largest safety net hospitals in Tennessee, The MED at home in Memphis and Nashville General Hospital at Meharry (NGH) -- with $8.8 million going to The MED.

With the end of the year quickly approaching and the window of opportunity to approve the amendment closing, I contacted a number of officials at CMS, including Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, to encourage the expedited approval of the proposal. Thankfully, CMS approved the plan in the last week of December and the funds have already been appropriated to The MED and NGH.

GOP Efforts to Repeal New Health Care Law

I spoke on the House floor Thursday and Friday about how unwise it would be to repeal the historic health care law. Republicans are forcing a bill through the House that would repeal the rights of patients, including children with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women, young people on their parent's health insurance plans, and seniors. If the historic measure were to be repealed, insurance companies would be put in charge of your health care and add billions of dollars to the federal deficit. According to Politifact, a Pulitzer Prize winning non-partisan independent fact-checking website, Republicans are using the biggest political lie of 2010 to repeal the measure.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently authored an Op-Ed that appeared in the Chicago Tribune arguing how Republican efforts to repeal the new health care law would be reckless and harm countless Americans.

Donut Hole

More than one million seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries across America have received "donut hole" checks to close their prescription drug coverage gap. In Memphis about 2,000 people have received checks. Under the Affordable Care Act -- for which I voted -- seniors whose prescription drug costs are so high that they fall in the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole" coverage gap in 2010 are receiving this one-time tax-free $250 rebate check, and the gap will be closed fully in 2010. For more information about the "donut hole" rebate checks, please visit www.HealthCare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE.

TV Interview

On Sunday I appeared on Fox News' America's News Headquarters with Shannon Bream to discuss the incoming 112th Congress.

St. Jude

On Tuesday I announced the National Institute of General Medical Services awarded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital $319,200 for pharmacology, physiology and biological chemistry research.

Reading the Constitution

On Thursday I spoke on the House floor about Republicans playing politics with the Constitution. Click here to see my remarks.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

This week the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that businesses in Tennessee that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available to small businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes economically impacted by the severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred from April 30 through May 18. Go to www.sba.gov to learn more.

Veteran-owned Businesses

To further advocate for Veterans, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced this week that companies identifying themselves as small businesses or Veteran-owned businesses to gain priority for some VA contracts must now provide documentation verifying their status within 90 days of receiving notice from the agency.

Congressional Calendars

There are a limited number of 2011 Congressional Calendars still available through my office. If you'd like to receive one of these free calendars, please click here to fill out a short form. I have already received a number of requests from some who are not residents of TN-09. Due to the rules of the House, I am only able to mail calendars to residents of Tennessee's 9th. Please feel free to share this email with other constituents who may be interested in receiving a calendar.

Grant Announcements

Each week I release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated weekly on my website.

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