Archive for Congressional Press Releases
Congressional Press Release: Senator Udall Solicits Opinions On Travel Privacy
by Senator Tom Udall
You may have heard about or experienced new security procedures used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in our nation’s airports.
The TSA is charged with the very serious duty of protecting U.S. travel and transportation and I greatly value the job they do. TSA officers are given a difficult task. They don’t set the rules, but they do follow them in service to our country.
Over the past few weeks, TSA officers began conducting “enhanced pat-downs” — a more intense screening procedure, criticized by some recent passengers as an invasion of their personal privacy. The pat-down is used when a passenger opts out of being screened by Advanced Imaging Technology, which some passengers object to because it allows screeners to view highly revealing images of passengers’ bodies. A pat-down may also be conducted if something is detected by the Advanced Imaging Technology or a metal detector.
While we need to continually develop ways to secure our air travel, we must also continually strive to strike the proper balance of preserving airline security and respecting the privacy and dignity of travelers.
These new TSA screening procedures affect all of us who utilize airline travel, and I want to hear your thoughts.
»» Congressional Press Release: Senator Udall Solicits Opinions On Travel Privacy
Congressional Press Release: Energy Jobs For Veterans Act
by Congressman Harry Teague
It is an honor to be able to represent the many veterans across southern New Mexico. The courageous men and women who fought to protect our country deserve the opportunity to have a successful career when they get home. That is why I am pleased to share with you that my Energy Jobs for Veterans Act (H.R. 4592) was signed into law last week. This important legislation, which passed as part of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010, will create state-based programs to provide veterans with on-the-job training, apprenticeships, real experience, and long-term employment in all fields of the energy industry, including oil and gas, renewable electric power, biofuel production, and energy efficiency.
This law will encourage eligible employers to hire veterans by offering them reimbursement for veteran employee training. In fact, many energy businesses and veterans organizations praised the legislation and put their full support behind it.
John Garcia, Secretary of New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS) praised the bill, saying “The men and women who proudly and bravely served our country deserve all of the opportunities possible when it comes to job creation. This program will give New Mexico’s veterans the critical training and resources necessary to help them join our growing energy industry and combat the high unemployment rate in our veteran community.”
»» Congressional Press Release: Energy Jobs For Veterans Act
Congressional Press Release: New Resources for New Mexico Small Businesses
Editor’s Note: Our readers by now will notice that we have been posting the occasional press release from New Mexico’s congressional delegation. This does not represent an endorsement of any candidate currently running for office.
by U.S. Representative Harry Teague
It has been a top priority of mine in Congress to make sure that small businesses have the resources they need to thrive, even in tough times. In fact, I was recently humbled to have my efforts on behalf of small businesses recognized by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, which presented me with the “Guardian of Small Business” award. I believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and if we want to ensure a strong recovery from the current economic downturn, we must make sure that our small businesses have access to the credit they need to expand their operations and hire new workers.
Because I know how important small businesses are to our economic recovery, I am proud to have supported the Small Business Jobs Act in the House of Representatives and was pleased to see it signed into law by the President last week. This new law addresses many of the concerns I have heard from New Mexico business owners across the 2nd district by cutting small businesses’ taxes and increasing small business lending. This law is projected to create 500,000 new jobs and provide tax relief to small business owners so they can effectively expand their businesses. It also ensures that new jobs will be created right here in America, instead of in other countries, by closing tax loopholes that reward corporations for shipping our jobs overseas. As your Congressman, I refuse to look the other way when corporations ship jobs overseas in an effort to turn record profits, even as plenty of honest, hardworking New Mexicans are looking for work right here at home.
Please know that I will continue my efforts to help small businesses succeed and prevent jobs from being shipped overseas while doing my work in Congress. It is a true honor to serve you and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.