Rep. Issa Sworn in on First Day of 109th Congress
REP. ISSA SWORN IN ON FIRST DAY OF 109th CONGRESS
January 4th, 2005 - Washington, DC - Congressman Darrell Issa, today, took the oath of office for the beginning of his third term as Representative for the 49th District of California.
"Today, I am again honored and humbled to have the privilege of serving as the representative of the people of the 49th District of California," said Rep. Issa. "I am eager for the 109th Congress to begin work on the challenges facing our nation."
Congressman Issa, today, reintroduced six legislative proposals and also announced his legislative priorities for the 109th Congress:
Strengthening immigration security laws - including the passage of provisions that were removed from the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act to stop identity fraud, deny illegal aliens drivers' licenses, and deport illegal aliens;
Addressing California's energy needs - supporting a national energy bill, developing new sources of renewable energy like the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pump Storage facility and encouraging the use of clean, fuel-efficient Hybrid Vehicles;
Investing in transportation and water infrastructure - meeting local transportation needs like widening SR-76 and developing water resource needs by securing federal funds for projects underway and the development of new projects to meet growing needs;
Supporting Camp Pendleton Marines and the San Diego area's military community - ensuring that our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have the best equipment available and better pay, continuing the construction of new and refurbished housing for Marine families at Camp Pendleton, and working with military leaders to demonstrate the exceptional value of our San Diego area bases throughout the BRAC process.
"This year the 109th Congress will debate issues of immigration security, infrastructure and energy development, and how we can best support our military," said Rep. Issa. "These issues are important to my constituents and I will fight to make sure our district's needs and concerns are addressed."
Congressman Issa, today, reintroduced in the 109th Congress:
Santa Margarita River Conjunctive Use Project - Fallbrook Public Utilities District would administer project for the benefit of residents of Fallbrook and Camp Pendleton. Would provide a safe, drought-proof water supply of 15,000 acre-feet annually - enough for 35,000 families. The project will improve the water supply for Camp Pendleton, which will receive better quality water in quantities sufficient to meet water needs.
Cleveland National Forest Responsible Electricity Transmission Act - Directs the designation of an electricity transmission corridor within the Cleveland National Forest to support the construction of LEAPS (Lake Elsinore Advanced Pump Storage facility), a proposed hydro project that will provide 500 megawatts of clean hydroelectric power. The project calls for the development of a small reservoir in the mountains above Lake Elsinore. Water, flowing underground from the reservoir to the lake, will generate electricity when Californians most need power. During periods of minimum demand, surplus electricity will return water to the upper reservoir. The project also promises to improve water quality and stabilize water levels in Lake Elsinore.
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act - Authorizes federal assistance for water distribution and wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities in the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.
Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water System Pressurization and Expansion Project - Authorizes federal assistance for design, planning, and construction of permanent facilities needed to provide recycled water.
Plant Breeders Equity Act - Amends U.S. patent law so that American plant growers are not penalized by differences between U.S./European patent law. This legislation is especially important to flower and nursery growers in North San Diego County.
Designating the United States Postal facility at 30777 Rancho California Road in Temecula as the Dalip Singh Saund United States Post Office - Congressman Dalip Singh Saund was the first Asian American, and also the first Indian American, elected to the U.S. Congress. He represented Riverside and Imperial Counties from 1957 to 1963 before his career was cut short following a stroke he suffered while campaigning for a fourth term in office.
http://www.issa.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=227&Month=1&Year=2005