Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) reflected today on this week’s numerous legislative accomplishments in the House of Representatives.  He made comments on several key issues, including the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program, food safety, the Duck Stamp, the War of 1812 stamp, and EPA actions on the Romulus deep injection well.  He also discussed the progress on the health care bill.  

On The House passage of a bill providing an additional $2 billion in the highly successful CARS program:

“At a time when Americans are calling for Washington to help the economy, CARS has proven to be the most effective stimulus program we’ve offered yet.  It is also getting new, more fuel-efficient cars on the road and old gas guzzlers off.  This $2 billion is money already appropriated, so no new funding will be needed.  The House acted responsibly today and passed a straight extension of the program, which surpassed our wildest dreams by running out of money in the very first week. I hope that the Senate follows suit next week, resisting reckless attempts to change a program that is just getting started and already wildly popular. CARS is putting people to work and getting money flowing – and that is what we need right now.”

On The House passage of a historic Food Safety bill sponsored by Congressman Dingell:

“I’m extremely proud of the bipartisan effort that got H.R. 2749, the “Food Safety Enhancement Act,” through the House.  While it may seem like common sense in light of the spree of outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, it has taken me more than 20 years to get this legislation done.  In fact, 1938 was the last time Congress comprehensively addressed the issue of food safety.  The Food Safety Enhancement Act will give the Food and Drug Administration—the Agency responsible for regulating about 80% of the food supply despite outdated authorities and woefully inadequate funding —the resources to adequately protect American consumers.  We’ve addressed a big problem with this bill.”

On the ongoing negotiations regarding H.R. 3200, Mr. Dingell’s bill to reform Health Insurance:

“I am pleased that we have picked up some critical support on the health insurance reform package.  I’m not surprised that some are concerned by recent changes in the bill, and we’ll work on addressing those concerns.  If this was an easy issue, it would have been dealt with long ago.  The more the American people hear about the language and the provisions actually in our bill, the more they like it.  The problem is all these crazy falsehoods that are being spread around that leave people confused.  It will not be a simple thing to cut through the clutter, but I look forward to listening to and speaking with my constituents during the district work period.”

On the Natural Resources Committee passage of a bill that Duck Stamp increases in Duck Stamp fees from $15 to $25 in 2016:

(The revenue from the sale of the Federal Duck Stamp is used to purchase important habitats to maintain healthy migratory bird populations for decades, while protecting wetlands, purifying water supplies, and shoring against flood water.)

“I am proud to announce that since 1961, we have ensured Duck Stamp dollars are put to good use, protecting more than 5 million acres for migratory bird habitat.  Moreover, in 2008 alone, more than $32 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund were used to purchase or lease nearly 10,000 acres of refuges and more than 29,000 acres in the Prairie Pothole Region. 

“The last Duck Stamp price increase was in 1991, and twenty years later, it is sorely needed.  Adjusted for inflation, $24.71 is needed to purchase in 2008 what $15 could in 1990.  In fact, according to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission reports, in 1991 we bought 33,983 acres for a cost of $17,225,714 in the Refuge System.  In 2007, we bought 15,359 acres for a total cost of $15,971,007.  The numbers don’t lie – in 2007 we were able to purchase half the land we purchased in 1991 for very nearly the same cost.  This bill will address the funding shortfalls in a real and meaningful way.”

On a resolution introduced by Congressman Dingell that would urge the United States Postal Service to issue a stamp to commemorate the War of 1812:

(The War of 1812 is especially significant to the citizens of Monroe, Michigan.  The River Raisin Battlefield, located in Monroe County, is poised to soon become the newest unit of the National Park System.  The creation of the park was made possible by Congressman Dingell’s River Raisin National Battlefield Act, which was incorporated into the now-enacted Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009.  The Battlefield was the site of one of the War of 1812’s bloodiest battles. Of the 1,000 Americans that fought in the battle, only 33 escaped death or capture.)

“We owe a great debt to those Americans who came before us and made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the sovereignty of our great nation.  It is a small but necessary token to remember and commemorate the extraordinary contributions of these brave Americans.  Their efforts made possible the freedom and independence that we enjoy today.  

“It is important for us to remember the extraordinary price paid by Americans who protect and defend our freedoms and our liberties.  Our way of life would not be possible without their sacrifice.  I hope that this stamp will remind Americans today of the War of 1812 and of the pivotal role it played in our great nation’s history.”  

On The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to end consideration of a new permit for the former Environmental Protection Services (EPS) Deep Injection Well in Romulus, MI:

“We had another bit of good news on the Romulus Hazardous Waste Deep Injection Well this week. 

The EPA reversed course and decided not to move forward with a new Underground Injection Control permit for the facility.  This on the heels of notification last week from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that they are moving forward with revoking State permits from the company. 

“I am pleased that the EPA has decided to step aside and let the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality continue its current process of revoking the permits.  These wells have proved to be nothing but trouble from day one, and the people of Romulus and Taylor will be pleased to be able to wash their hands of this matter once and for all.”

On Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grants going to Michigan’s 15th District, including Dearborn, Inkster, Monroe, Romulus, and Ypsilanti:

“At a time when Michigan is strapped for funds and has resorted to layoffs of our law enforcement personnel, I could not be more pleased to see the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act in action.  The ability to hire additional police, joining the excellent men and women already protecting and serving our communities, is a great benefit to our community.  This is good news for our citizens, who will welcome these officers onto our streets.”

Overall:

“It’s been a very good week.  I look forward to spending the next five weeks in Michigan, listening to my constituents and hearing what I can do to serve them best in Washington.”