Newsletter: Dave's Weekly Wrap - September 14, 2014

Statement

Friends,

It was an eventful week, both in Washington and in Northeast Ohio. Our nation observed the 13th anniversary of 9/11. Chardon once again demonstrated its resiliency in the face of great difficulty.

Through it all, I am reminded how proud I am to represent the people of the 14th District. Thank you for the honor of serving you.

Here's an overview of the past few days:

Supporting our troops

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to help the USO assemble Warrior Care Packages for our wounded and ill troops. We must do all we can to stand with our military men and women who put it all on the line to protect our nation.

Helping Ohio families keep their health care

On Thursday, I voted for H.R. 3522, the Employee Health Care Protection Act, to prevent Ohio families from losing their health care plans. Millions of Americans have had their plans cancelled under the Affordable Care Act despite President Obama's repeated promise that if you liked your health plan, you could keep it. Many of you have told me about your frustrations with lost coverage and rising premiums.

H.R. 3522 counteracts these broken promises and protects individuals and families with employer-sponsored coverage from losing their insurance this fall. Ohioans should be able to keep the plans that are right for them, rather than having their health care options dictated by Washington.

Investing in infrastructure

I was glad to announce this week that the Mentor Harbor channel project has been advanced to the next step in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Section 107 Program. The completion of this project will improve access to Lake Erie and allow for safer navigation of the waters near Mentor Harbor. Infrastructure investments like this one are smart ways to boost our economy while rebuilding our nation. Click here for more background on the project.

Remembering 9/11

It has been 13 years since September 11, 2001, but the memory of that day is permanently imprinted in our minds and hearts. I remember watching in horror as the events unfolded that Tuesday morning, as many of us do. We extend our utmost gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform who have fought to preserve our nation in the years following these attacks, as well as the first responders who put it all on the line that day to answer the call of duty.

Many things have changed in our country over the past 13 years, but the resolve to come back stronger than we were before remains the same. The attack on our soil brought communities and the nation together in a way rarely seen. Now, as the threat of terrorism continues in our world, may we draw on the strength we've shown before and stand united as Americans.

#ChardonStrong

Thursday night was a difficult one for Northeast Ohio. Old wounds were revisited as residents wrestled with questions and fears. But, as Chardon always does, the community came together in strength to help each other through. Thank you to the Lima Police Department, the Geauga County Sheriff's Office, the Chardon and Russell Township Police Departments, Chardon school officials and all collaborating agencies who jumped into action and handled the situation with excellence.

On Tuesday, Chardon High School Principal Andy Fetchik stopped by my DC office to discuss challenges and great opportunities in education. Fetchik was named Ohio's 2015 High School Principal of the Year and continues to make Northeast Ohio proud.

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