WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following comments on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of H.R. 4970, reauthorization of the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA). Rep. Miller said:

“For several years, I had the great honor to serve on the board of my local domestic violence safe house. I have seen personally women and children who so desperately needed that safe haven to escape from a cycle of violence. Throughout my service in Congress, I have consistently fought to make certain that support is there for all such safe houses across my district. Those women and all victims of domestic violence who far too often suffer in silence need to know that they are not alone. There are people who care.

“Today this House is doing what we need to do by taking a stand in defense of those who face the danger of domestic violence by passing this reauthorization. I certainly applaud the author of this bill, Representative Sandy Adams from Florida, who really has kept politics away from crafting this bill and instead focus squarely on protecting the victims of domestic violence. The bill we are debating here produces funding at the same level as the one passed by the Senate, but allocates that funding in a way that I think better supports the victims of domestic violence.

“This bill doesn’t make special carve outs for any particular victim group, because it protects everyone equally. It includes outstanding revisions developed by listening to those involved in protecting victims from across the nation; It strengthens penalties for sexual assault and abuse; It improves federal stalking laws; It helps young women in college by working to prevent violence on our campuses through improved education programs; And it dramatically improves emergency and transitional housing services. As well, the Senate bill mirrors current law which only mandates 40% of the funding in the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to address the backlog of rape testing kits which are required to successfully prosecute rape cases -- our bill mandates that 75% of funding be used for that purpose so we can eliminate the backlog that exists and put rapists where they belong – in prison. I’m proud to have supported this measure for women in need and all victims of violence.”

Background: Enacted in 1994, VAWA provides federal funding for programs and organizations that help assist women who are victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault. The Act establishes a number of grant programs within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for state, local, and tribal governments and victim service providers.

The House-passed bill, H.R. 4970, would reauthorize funding for VAWA grant programs for five years, and would provide more than $660 million in funding per year to help prevent domestic violence and protect victims of abuse. The bill would make several key improvements to current law and S. 1925, including nearly doubling resources for eliminating the backlog of unprocessed rape evidence kits and cracking down on the fraud identified in the immigration program. H.R. 4970 would reauthorize funding at the same levels as the Senate bill for five years, while consolidating certain grants, streamlining the process, and ensuring that tax dollars are spent more efficiently.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following remarks on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the continued reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program:

“What in the world is the federal government doing in the national flood insurance business? I give the sponsors of this legislation credit for the fact that they are trying to reform what I think is an unnecessary federal government boondoggle, but rather than reforming this I think we need to eliminate the National Flood Insurance Program. As an example, so many of us were very strongly opposed to, Obamacare, the government takeover of healthcare, because we didn’t believe the federal government should be running health care for our entire nation. But apparently we have no problem with the federal government running a national flood insurance program?

“This program was created in 1968, and we started writing policies in 1972. Today, this program is almost $18 billion in debt. And FEMA says that this debt will never be paid off. Never. So not only is the federal government improperly running a flood insurance program; it is operating a very bad flood insurance program.

“The National Flood Insurance Program is not actuarially sound; it charges some in the highest-risk areas subsidized rates and charges others in areas of no risk astronomical rates to pay for those subsidies. Take my home state of Michigan for example where our residents have been forced into this program, charged thousands of dollars each and every year even we have almost no risk of flooding. In Michigan, we actually look down at the water not up at the water. We pay multiple times more in premiums than we have ever received back in benefits. In short, the people of the great state of Michigan are getting fleeced by this program.

“Obviously we are a compassionate nation and if we have a case of a national disaster then we need to make sure that we step-up and give relief to our fellow Americans. But what we are doing today is simply not fair. What we should have is a national catastrophic fund in which everyone pays into not just some who are being forced to subsidize others – that is not fair. I hope that my colleagues will join me in rejecting the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program so that we can get to work on way to allow the private marketplace to move in and replace it.”

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“Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and I am confident that this appropriations bill meets the challenge of continuing to build a strong and effective homeland security strategy for our nation.”

Note: The bill provides $39.1 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Homeland Security, a decrease of $484 million below last year’s level and a decrease of $393 million below the President’s request. Specifically, the Homeland Appropriations bill will:

• Sustains U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol front line operations.

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement receives funding for 34,000 bed spaces, an increased emphasis on worksite enforcement and $1.6 billion for removal operations.

• The U.S Coast Guard receives funding for National Security Cutter number six and the materials to start the seventh National Security Cutter, as well as four Fast Response Cutters.

For more information: www.appropriations.house.gov

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following comments on the Floor of the House of Representatives praising the inclusion of a provision which suspends all of the proposed changes to the Air National Guard aircraft, including the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft. This measure was adapted into H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013 during the markup in the House Armed Services Committee. Miller also urged swift passage of H.R. 5652, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, a measure replacing harmful across-the-board spending reductions with common sense spending reforms. Miller said:

“Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to represent Selfridge Air National Guard Base which is home to the Michigan Red Devils of the 107th Fighter Squadron. The 107th flies A-10s and they recently returned from redeployment in Afghanistan where they performed so bravely and made us all proud. The 107th was one of the Air Guard units scheduled to be eliminated under the President’s budget proposal, but fortunately the House Armed Services Committee will present a defense reauthorization bill next week which reverses that and saves the 107th, along with protecting the Air National Guard across the entire county.

“This House is going to do the right thing for the great American Patriots of the Air National Guard by prioritizing spending within our budget, not by spending more money. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to join us. And we must remember the cuts that caused the Obama Administration to target the Air Guard were before the sequester. If the sequester is allowed to go into effect the impact on the community I represent would be immense and the defense corridor we are building, as a part of our economic revitalization, would be stopped dead in its tracks.

“Not only would the National Guard again be put at risk of massive new cuts, but military contracting across the board would be faced with additional cuts. In Macomb County alone, the county that I am proud to represent as part of my congressional district, this would mean $200 million in additional cuts and would cost countless jobs in defense related corridor.

“This House has taken steps to stop the devastation of our Air National Guard and now is taking steps to stop the devastation of our defense base and needless loss of jobs with common sense reforms. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting reconciliation today and the defense authorization bill that is coming to the Floor next week.”

Miller personally advocated for the inclusion of the Air National Guard provision in the House version of the NDAA which will directly allow Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is home to the 107th Fighter Squadron, to retain the squadron’s 24 A-10s for the following year. The NDAA now heads to the House Floor for a vote expected the week of May 14th.

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“As a Marine combat veteran, I understand the vital support the Air Guard provides to our troops in the field,” said Rep. Duncan Hunter. “This is particularly true of those who fly A-10s, such as Michigan’s Red Devils of the 107th Fighter Squadron, who provide close air support for those engaged in ground combat. I have been proud to work with Representative Miller on our shared commitment to protect the Air Guard across our nation from these unreasonable proposed cuts, as we both share a deep gratitude and respect for the service and sacrifice of members of the Air Guard.”

“I am thankful for the great leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (CA-25) and all the members of the committee for their outstanding work on this important issue. Next week, the full House will consider the NDAA which now includes these important protections for the Air Guard. This measure is a double win for Selfridge ANGB, military bases around our nation, and the communities which support them because the committee voted down an attempt to move forward on another domestic Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process,” Rep. Miller said. “As a committed fiscal conservative I think it is important to note that this rescission of the cuts to the Air Guard also does not mean there was new spending added to the bill. Savings were found elsewhere in the bill to avoid these cuts while keeping the overall cost in line with the amount allocated within the House budget passed last month. I also note that the total cost of keeping the Air Guard planes flying is a little more than 1/10 of 1 percent of the overall cost of the bill. I believe this is a measured approach that ensures that the men and women of our military are fully supported, that will maintain a strong national defense, while in turn making well thought out cuts in overall spending.”

“Some have indicated that we shouldn’t be parochial when making these decisions. Well I make no apology for being parochial when it comes to the Michigan Air National Guard. I have met the brave men and women who serve in defense of our freedom. I have seen their dedication to their mission. I have heard the reports of their brilliant service and sacrifice in combat. I have seen the sacrifice borne by their families. If it is parochial for me as their representative in Congress to defend their interests then I am guilty as charged. And I do so with a completely clear conscience because I know their service also adds greatly to our national security. While I am pleased for the protections in this bill for the 107th Fighter Squadron, I am equally pleased that it also protects the great American patriots who serve in the Air Guard across the nation. I am confident that my colleagues in the House will join me in supporting this important legislation next week but that is just the first step. In order for this to become law, the Senate must include the same protections in their version of the NDAA. It is my sincere hope they will do so,” Rep. Miller concluded.

Note: In H.R. 4310, NDAA for FY2013 – the bill section reads:
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2013 for the Air Force may be used during fiscal year 2013 to divest, retire, or transfer, or prepare to divest, retire, or transfer, any aircraft of the Air Force assigned to the Air Force as of May 31, 2012. This includes the aircraft assigned to the Air National Guard and Reserve.

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Chairman Miller said: “The U.S. Border Patrol recently released their updated five year strategic plan which is intended to shift in focus from being ‘resource’ based to ‘risk’ based, applying resources based on the greatest border threats. During our hearing, we will examine how the new strategy addresses the evolution of border security threats. The border today is a vastly different place than it was in 2004, because Congress invested in additional personnel, technology and infrastructure, and one of the goals of this hearing is to ensure that this strategy aligns with the goal of securing the nation’s border. I am troubled however that this new strategy is not predicated on gaining or maintaining operational control of the border which was a key metric used for gauging success of the 2004 plan. No replacement measure has been produced by the Department of Homeland Security, so determining actual progress on securing the border has been problematic. Members will have the opportunity to question the Chief of the Border Patrol, and leading experts from the Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Research Service on this new plan, how to best measure border security and the implications for our border security efforts.”

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8th at 10:00am in 311 Cannon. Live Web cast will begin at the start of the hearing.

Witness:
• Michael Fisher, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security
• Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability Office
• Marc Rosenblum, Specialist in Immigration Policy, Congressional Research Service

When: 10:00am, May 8, 2012

Where: 311 Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC

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For media requests contact:
erin.sayago@mail.house.gov

Harrison Township – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) today announced the start of voting for this year’s “Fan Favorite” award among all of the artwork submitted to the 2012 Artistic Discovery art competition. All of this year’s Michigan’s 10th Congressional submissions can be found on Rep. Miller’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/CongresswomanCandiceMiller and individuals are encouraged to vote for their favorite by clicking “Like” on the individual photos now through May 16th. The “Fan Favorite” winner will be announced following the close of voting, and along with the First, Second, and Third place winners which will be selected separately by a panel of professional artists in Michigan.

“I am so honored to be able to highlight all of the wonderful artwork submitted by our talented students living in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District,” Miller said. “All of the students who submitted their art pieces this year should be immensely proud of their work and I encourage everyone to recognize all of their efforts and view their work online on my Facebook page. We applaud and encourage the talent of these young artists and wish them all sincere good luck in this and future artistic endeavors.”

To view the artwork and vote now through May 16th, please visit: www.facebook.com/CongresswomanCandiceMiller. The Fan Favorite winner will receive a U.S. Flag which was flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The First place winner’s artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol for one year. The Second place winner’s artwork will hang in Rep. Miller’s Washington, D.C. office for one year. And the Third place winner’s artwork will be displayed in Rep. Miller’s Shelby Township office for one year.

The Congressional Art Competition, created in 1982, honors high school students from each of the nation’s congressional districts. The contest is open to all high school students, and this year 72 pieces of artwork from Michigan’s 10th Congressional District were entered into the contest.

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“This is excellent news and clear that the Administration has finally heard the commonsense voices of America. Family farms are an important part of our heritage and critical to producing the abundant food our nation needs. Farmers learn technical skills and practical knowledge as young people helping out on the farms of their family and neighbors; not only do they gain valuable experience, but develop character and learn the importance of a strong work ethic. I heard from many of our family farmers across my district in opposition to this terrible proposed rule and was proud to have joined in support of legislation that would have prohibited this proposal from being enacted. I am glad that the DOL has withdrawn its proposed regulation on child labor in agriculture which would have only seriously inhibited the growth of our future farmers.”

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“Secretary Panetta also indicates that the plan would restore 2,200 Air Guard jobs across the nation which still forces the Air Guard to accept the bulk of the personnel cuts and does not come close to meeting the Council of Governors half way in sharing proposed cuts between active duty, Reserve and Air Guard. The proposal also offers no funding for the Air Guard personnel costs on an ongoing basis so it is only a one-year fix that will have to be faced again next year.

“The Obama Administration seems to be finally coming to the conclusion that they have a problem in Congress with their proposed draconian cuts to the Air Guard and are beginning to listen. Unfortunately they have underestimated the depth of their problem by responding with such an inadequate proposal. Those who understand the important role played by the Air Guard in our national defense will not be placated by the Air Guard being given old aircraft and temporary jobs that will leave them in constant jeopardy of future cuts. I will continue to work with the Governors and Adjutant Generals of the National Guard from across the nation and my colleagues in Congress to find a more equitable solution that protects the important role played by the Air Guard, particularly the Michigan Air National Guard that has served our nation with distinction on battlefields across the globe.”

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“We all understand that getting our economy moving and putting in place an environment that incentivizes new job creation should be and must be our top priority. We also understand that American small businesses are the engine of job creation. I have spoken with many small business job creators in my district who all share the same message -government over regulation and over taxation is stifling their ability to grow. This House has already acted decisively to address government over-regulation and we act decisively to give small businesses tax relief they need to grow.

“Allowing small businesses with less than 500 employees a 20% tax cut will free-up capital and allow those businesses to invest in and grow their businesses and create jobs we so desperately need in this economy. I was disappointed to see President Obama threaten a veto of this bill that could help so many small businesses. And I was even more disappointed when the White House called it a salve to high priced lawyers, consultants and other wealthy individuals with the biggest profits. I would remind the President that General Electric, whose CEO is the Chairman of his jobs council, made a profit of $14.5 billion in 2010 yet paid no federal income taxes. Giant profitable companies like General Electric would not benefit from this tax cut, but countless American small business job creators that are paying taxes will get relief.

“I believe that the hundreds of small manufacturing firms and other small businesses in Michigan that are struggling to buy new equipment, to pursue new customers and to grow their business are not among the corporations with the biggest profits, and they would benefit from this bill. I trust American small businesses to spend their money more wisely than government ever will and was proud to have been a cosponsor of this legislation.”

Note: The Small Business Tax Cut Act is a simple, clear solution to help small businessmen and women grow their businesses and hire new workers. The Small Business Tax Cut Act will allow small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their active business income, irrespective of how the small business is organized. Our 20% small business tax cut goes straight to the bottom line so small business owners can retain more capital, invest in their businesses and create more jobs.

What the Small Business Tax Cut Means for Michigan:
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), as of 2009 there are 173,284 small businesses in Michigan which range between 1 and 500 employees. According to the SBA, as off 2011 these small businesses are employing 1,769,100 individuals.

Top Three industries by employment in Michigan:
• Over 274,000 employees in health care and social assistance
• Over 233,000 employees in manufacturing
• Over 207,000 employees in accommodation and food services
In addition, in 2009 Michigan was home to 570,065, half a million self-employed small business which would benefit from the 20% Small Business Tax Cut that this Act seeks to provide. For more information: http://www.majorityleader.gov/SmallBiz/

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“Our nation has been blessed with magnificent natural wonders that provide great enjoyment for who those who hunt and fish. Today our sportsmen continue a great tradition that has defined our nation. Unfortunately, far too often sportsmen are stymied in their efforts to build upon this great American tradition because of overzealous bureaucrats and activists who will go to any means to stop hunting and fishing. By passing the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 we have made a statement of support for our nation’s sportsmen.

“The bill states clearly that fishing, hunting and shooting are important activities that create jobs and must continue on public land and requires those who manage that land to make it accessible and holds them accountable. It takes away the power of bureaucrats to limit types of ammunition and fishing tackle that can be used on public lands. We value the important role American sportsmen and women play in upholding our national heritage and the jobs you create through your activities and am glad to have supported the passage of this important legislation.”

Note: H.R. 4089 will protect American jobs and economic growth by supporting recreational opportunities on these federal lands. It also reaffirms existing law barring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from banning certain types of ammunition and fishing tackle, which will protect against lawsuits and bureaucratic maneuvers aimed at undermining current law.
Supports Access for Hunting and Fishing on Public Lands
• H.R. 4089 clearly reaffirms that fishing, hunting, and shooting are important and traditional activities that should continue on public lands.
• It requires federal land managers to support and facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.
• It protects sportsmen from arbitrary efforts by the federal government to block public lands from hunting and fishing activities by implementing an “open until closed” management policy. However, it does not prioritize hunting and fishing over other multiple uses of public lands.
Protects Against Unnecessary Closures of Public Lands to Hunting and Shooting
• H.R. 4089 requires BLM to justify recreational shooting closures or restrictions on national monument lands for only reasons of national security, public safety or to comply with federal and state laws or regulations.
• Prior to such closure or restriction, BLM must give public notice and submit a report to Congress detailing the location and evidence justifying the closure or restriction.
Protects the Use of Traditional Ammunition and Fish Tackle
• Although Congress long ago barred the EPA from banning certain types of ammunition, activist environmental groups are currently seeking an end run around that law by petitioning the EPA to ban the use of lead in hunting and fishing components.
• A ban on non-lead bullets would increase costs for hunters, sports shooters, and fisherman; destroy jobs; and cause economic harm to the outdoor sportsmen and recreation industry.
• H.R. 4089 protects the use of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle by reiterating and clarifying existing law to clearly limit EPA’s authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). It amends the TSCA to allow for the sale of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle that is subject to federal excise tax.

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“Our tax code is currently comprised of nearly 75,000 pages and nearly four million words; in contrast the entire U.S. Constitution is only 4,400 words. The tax code is so complex that many families and small businesses are simply unable to file their return without an army of accountants. It is time to eliminate the complexity of the tax code by lowering rates for everyone and eliminating special interest tax giveaways. The budget recently passed by the House, which I was proud to vote for, calls for a major overhaul and simplification of the tax code. It would lower marginal tax rates for every taxpayer while also eliminating special interest deductions. I believe such an overhaul is necessary to allow taxpayers to more easily comply and to make the system fairer.

“Taxpayers are also rightly outraged when at the same time they are sending their hard earned dollars to Washington they see reports of government employees partying on the taxpayers dime or their money is wasted on boondoggles like Solyndra. Federal employees must respect the money that is taken from the taxpayers to fund government. It is also wrong for government to be picking winners and losers in the private marketplace with the taxpayer’s money.

“On this tax day we all need to commit to creating a flatter, fairer and simplified tax code while at the same time every government employee needs to redouble their efforts to respect the taxpayer’s money with which they are entrusted.”

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Chairman Miller said: “Earlier this year the Administration transitioned the role and scope of the National Guard troops from serving on the ground and assisting the Border Patrol by serving as additional eyes and ears on the border – to an aviation centered approach that provides aerial surveillance to the Border Patrol Sector Chiefs on the ground. Previous deployments of the Guard were used to provide time for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire new agents, grow, and enhance their own organic capabilities – thus begging the question: When the current Guard deployment ends later this year, will CBP’s aviation components be able to sustain the missions previously performed by the National Guard? My hearing will provide the opportunity to question witnesses from the National Guard, Department of Defense and CBP on the effectiveness of the current deployment strategy and how that will support the goal of achieving operational control of the border. I believe that we need to have a long-term vision and whole of government approach to securing the Southwest Border that will replace the ad hoc application of resources that has, to date, epitomized our approach to border security.”

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17th at 10:00am in 311 Cannon. Live Web cast will begin at the start of the hearing.
Witness:
• Paul Stockton, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs
• Ronald Vitiello, Deputy Chief of Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection
• Martin Vaughan, Executive Director, Southwest Region, U.S. Customs & Border
• Major General John F. Nichols, Adjutant General, Texas National Guard
• Brian J. Lepore, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, U.S. Government Accountability Office

When: 10:00am, April 17, 2012

Where: 311 Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC

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For media requests contact:
erin.sayago@mail.house.gov

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“The budget passed in the House today provides much needed leadership. It is unfortunate that President Obama has failed to offer the same kind of leadership. The budget presented to Congress by President Obama was so reckless and unrealistic that last night the House voted 414-0 to defeat it. I am shocked that the White House would call holding a vote on the President's budget a gimmick. The President may view the budget as a gimmick, but we in the House take the responsibility of presiding over federal spending seriously. The same leadership has also been lacking in the United States Senate which has not passed a budget for nearly 1,100 days. If we are serious about getting our economy moving forward and bringing fiscal responsibility back to Washington, then the Senate must follow our lead and pass a budget to show the American people their plans.

“We believe that the American people expect their representatives in Washington to act in a responsible manner. We have acted in a responsible way in the House and I hope others in Washington will join us. For anyone interested in learning more about our budget, please go to my website at www.CandiceMiller.House.Gov and click on the Path to Prosperity button.”

Note: House Republicans fiscal year 2013 budget:
• Cuts government spending to protect hardworking taxpayers;
• Tackles the drivers of our debt, so our troops don’t pay the price for Washington’s failure to take action;
• Restores economic freedom and ensures a level playing field for all by putting an end to special-interest favoritism and corporate welfare;
• Reverses the President’s policies that drive up gas prices, and instead promotes an all-of the-above strategy for unlocking American energy production to help lower costs, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
• Strengthens health and retirement security by taking power away from government bureaucrats and empowering patients instead with control over their own care;
• Reforms our broken tax code to spur job creation and economic opportunity by lowering rates, closing loopholes, and putting hardworking taxpayers ahead of special interests.
For more information, http://budget.house.gov/prosperity/

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“More than 11 million cargo containers arrive in America’s ports every year which present the potential for dangerous materials to be smuggled into our country through the supply chain. Port and maritime security are becoming increasingly essential components of a total national security plan. We are faced with the fact that if there is a major disruption at one of the nation’s ports, especially a terrorist attack, the resulting potential effects will cause a crippling of the global supply chain and cause severe economic damage to the nation.

“Recognizing the growing threat to the global supply chain, I introduced this legislation to improve and update our laws governing our ports by enhancing security measures overseas before threats reach our shores, to foster a collaborative environment between Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard in sharing port security duties, and to leverage the maritime security work of our trusted allies. Our nation’s maritime borders are equally important as our southern and northern borders and each one is vital to our global commerce and our national security. In an era of tight budgetary times, we must ensure that we are making the best use of limited tax-payer dollars. My legislation seeks to guard against these threats in a risk-based, coordinated way that enhances the programs in place to protect our maritime borders.”

Miller’s SMART Port Security Act will:
• Encourage the Department of Homeland Security components with shared jurisdiction to cooperate in maritime operations and partner with state and local law enforcement agencies in order to enhance the nation’s maritime security;
• Secure the supply chain through the use of a risk-based methodology;
• Find cost savings through increased collaboration with international, federal, state, and local partners.

Miller’s legislation builds upon the SAFE Port Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-347) by enhancing security measures overseas before threats reach our shores, emphases a stronger collaborative environment between Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard in sharing port security duties, and leverages the maritime security work of our trusted allies. Miller’s bill is the result of more than a year of congressional oversight hearings focused on the nation’s maritime security, including hearings with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Officials and a hearing on the Global Supply Chain. Additionally, the SMART Port Security Act incorporates several maritime provisions from the DHS Authorization bill.

Joining Miller as original cosponsors are Homeland Security Chairman Peter T. King (NY-03), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Representative Hansen Clarke (MI-13).

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“Our nation is faced with the need to find cost savings within the Department of Defense budget, and I understand the need to look at every program to find waste and trim fat. However, I’m concerned with how these cuts are being applied to the Air National Guard – one of our nation’s most effective and efficient military components. If budgetary savings are the goal, then it makes little sense that the majority of cuts come from the most cost effective part of the Air Force – the Air National Guard. The Air National Guard currently delivers 35% of our air capability while only accounting for 6% of the budget. I also strongly disagree with Secretary Donely who asserted today that the proposed cuts ‘trade size for quality’ within our air capabilities. In fact, the experience and skill of both our Air National Guard pilots and ground crews are incredibly valuable and irreplaceable.

“I am proud to stand with and support the call of 49 Governors and every Adjutant General of the National Guard from each of the 54 states and territories who have all stood up against these cuts and asked the Secretary of the Department of Defense to chart a different course. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to turn back this very flawed policy which I believe makes no budgetary sense and would harm our national defense.”

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“Many invasive species have entered our Great Lakes’ waters through the discharge of ballast water from ocean going vessels and have wreaked havoc on the ecosystem. For years I have worked toward and supported efforts to impose much tougher ballast water standards to attack the very real threat posed to the Great Lakes. The new ballast water standards announced today by the Coast Guard are a step in the right direction. While many states wanted to go further, we cannot lose sight of the fact that as technology improves we can always revisit and update the regulations to provide further protections. It is also important to note that with these and other new regulations ocean going vessels, or ‘salties’, must discharge their ballast tanks before entering the Great Lakes system through the St. Lawrence Seaway and can no longer discharge that ballast water in the Great Lakes. Today’s announcement is good news for the Great Lakes and we will continue to work to protect this natural treasure.”

Note: The Coast Guard’s final rule for standards for living organisms in ships’ ballast water discharged into waters of the United States is scheduled for publication March 23 in the Federal Register. A public inspection copy of the final rule is available online. Go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/public-inspection and select the option “View the Special Filing Document List.”
The final rule is effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is available through the new Federal Digital System at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.

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“The kinds of things that are happening here at SC4 are positioning this college and its students for helping with the environment in every way and making a living off of being environmentally sensitive,” Miller said Friday.

Miller also received an update about SC4’s freshwater systems associate degree program. In 2008, Miller helped to secure $143,450 in federal funding for the college’s water quality initiatives. In 2009, she helped to secure $380,300 in federal funding to help SC4 develop three alternative energy associate degrees.

“Everything we are doing is coming from our faculty, staff and students,” SC4 President Dr. Kevin A. Pollock said of the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. “This is recognition for them.”

The certificate honors SC4 for “dedicated leadership in demonstrating best practices to improve the environment; to commemorate their outstanding vision by implementing key curriculum to enhance our natural resources like water quality monitoring and other green technologies; and to recognize their critical efforts to ensure the viability and protection of the St. Clair River, Lake Huron and additional surrounding waterways.”

Rep. Candice Miller presents SC4 President Dr. Kevin A. Pollock with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for SC4’s efforts in water quality and environmental sustainability on campus.

Rep. Candice Miller is shown an electric vehicle battery by SC4 professors Bob Hunckler, right, and Don Reuba.

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Pictured: Zack Vinson and Rep. Candice Miller

Pictured: Emilie Vinson, Rep. Candice Miller and Zach Vinson

Zack Vinson
Gold Medal
For his Gold Medal Congressional Award, Zach enjoyed serving weekly at his local food bank, as well as volunteering with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) serving the community in many ways. His Personal Development goal was to earn the rank of cadet captain in his CAP squadron, which he succeeded in earning. He was also chosen for the honor of cadet commander, leading his peers. For Physical Fitness, Zach has made significant leaps. When he began his work with the Congressional Award, he was below the 25% mark in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. Now, after working toward his Gold Medal goal, he can achieve 60-75% in these categories. His Expedition was an eight-day wilderness campout, where he learned about survival and search and rescue techniques. “I learned that if I make goals, I can achieve them,” Zach said. “And how important it is to serve others.”

Silver Medal
Zach earned silver medal in the Congressional Award in the September of 2009. Zach is very active in the CAP and has received a letter of commendation from Rep. Miller for his involvement with the CAP. Zach earned the Silver for volunteer service, professional development, physical fitness and expedition.

Emilie Vinson
Silver Medal
Emilie received her gold medal more than four years ago. Emilie did personal development with her horse and increasing her competence with riding, caring for the horse, among other skills. She volunteered at the local library and with SERVE at the local high school. Emilie’s exploration was a mission trip to New Mexico and she did a week with the Navaho Indians working on homes and doing some construction projects for that area. Her physical fitness goals were tied to her personal pulse rates with working out, and other cardio exercises. Emilie did attend the ceremony in Washington D.C. and received her gold medal. The bronze medal was mailed to her home before that. She never received her silver medal.

About the Congressional Award: The Congressional Award Foundation is a public-private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize service, initiative and achievement in America’s youth. Participants, ages 14 to 23, earn the Award by setting and achieving challenging goals in the four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. Participants follow guidelines established in the Congressional Award Act, Public Law 96-114. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate recognize their constituents who earn the Congressional Award Bronze and Silver Medals at local, citywide or statewide ceremonies or presentations. Gold Medals are presented at an annual ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. http://www.congressionalaward.org/index.php

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“I am truly humbled by the award presented today from the Macomb County Chiefs of Police and thank them for their support. I am honored to serve as our officers’ and my congressional district’s voice in the U.S. House of Representatives and look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with our public safety officers to keep our roads and highways across Michigan safe.”

Pictured Above: State Director Larry Lloyd, Coalition Against Bigger Trucks – Chesterfield Twp Police Chief Bruce Smith – Rep. Candice Miller – Macomb County Sheriff Tony Wickersham

Miller formerly served as Michigan Secretary of State and was a member of the Michigan Traffic Safety Commission, serving several years as Chair. During that time, then-MI Secretary of State Miller fought for and implemented the Michigan graduated driver licensing program, reinstituted mandatory road tests for new drivers and fought for and helped pass repeat offender legislation that imposed very tough penalties on drunk drivers. Miller has a long history of working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and other traffic safety advocates to help save lives and keep our highways safe.

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“The completion of the Blue Water Bridge Plaza is a priority investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and one that is long overdue. I feel strongly that all parties involved will remain committed to move forward in an expeditious fashion on the completion of the Plaza which is critical for our security, as well as transiting people and commerce throughout the region and our nation. I stand ready to assist where needed in this joint venture and will continue to provide the vigorous oversight necessary to make certain this vital project moves forward. The citizens of Port Huron and the Blue Water area have spent more than 10 years working with all of the stakeholders and they deserve action. I believe all concerned parties can accomplish this in a timely manner.”

Below is the text of the letter from Chairman Miller:
March 12, 2012

Kevin McAleenan
Acting Assistant Commissioner
Custom and Border Protection
Office of Field Operations
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 2.4A
Washington, D.C. 20229

Martha N. Johnson
Administrator
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW, Room 6105
Washington, D.C. 20405

Dear Assistant Commissioner McAleenan and Administrator Johnson:

I write today about the proposed expansion of the Blue Water Bridge plaza as it relates to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prioritization process for Fiscal Year 2013 funding of a lease agreement requests and U.S General Services Administration’s funding for Land Port of Entry Modernization.

Last year, President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper signed the Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness agreement designed to foster a perimeter approach to security, infrastructure investment and economic competitiveness. The premise of the agreement was the need to harmonize our efforts in security, regulation and infrastructure planning to aid the flow of commerce and trade that flows between our two nations. Blue Water Bridge was clearly identified in the action plan for Beyond the Border as an investment priority – a welcome development that underscores the national importance of this crossing.

The Blue Water Bridge is the second busiest land border crossing on the northern tier of the nation and transits goods and services that are critical to the economic strength of Michigan and the nation writ large. Officials on the Canadian side of the border have completed their own plaza expansion, but unfortunately, we are lagging behind in our efforts to modernize this vital port of entry.

For more than ten years, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have worked with your agencies to plan and develop improvements on and around the international border processing station in Port Huron. The lengthy planning process involved multiple local government agencies and resulted in a Record of Decision in May, 2009 on a new 57 acre plaza that met CBP specifications at the time. However, shortly after submitting the budget request for lease financing, I learned that CBP did not consider the project a priority for funding.

Following that announcement, MDOT and FHWA worked with CBP to develop a reduced 16 acre plaza proposal with the goal of balancing both functional and budgetary concerns. A Land Port of Entry Feasibility Study Revision has been completed and is currently in CBP hands awaiting a decision on the proposal’s priority for Fiscal Year 2013 funding.

Without question, the nation’s budgetary situation is dire, which requires that tough choices and priorities for scarce funding be made, but I am fully committed to finishing the long overdue plaza expansion because of the profound economic impact that this port of entry has to not only the local community, but to the nation as a whole.

This year, the MDOT will complete nearly $90 million in freeway and bridge improvements designed to update access to the plaza. The State of Michigan continues to make significant investments in Port Huron, so it is imperative that both of your agencies also commit to the completion of this important project.

The citizens of the Port Huron area have been very patient, waiting for federal and state government to come to a consensus on the path forward. Port Huron is in the midst of making economic development plans and the uncertain nature of the plaza improvements continue to impede their efforts. Moreover, uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of several pieces of property, once believed needed for the plaza improvements, clouds efforts to implement future development in the vicinity of the bridge plaza.

I ask that you please provide me with an update on the status of Land Port of Entry Feasibility Study and when you expect to arrive at a decision on Fiscal Year 2013 funding no later than April 15, 2011.

Sincerely,
Candice S. Miller
Chairman, Border and Maritime Subcommittee
Committee on Homeland Security

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Rep. Miller presented the Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Teri Landis, Director of the Harrison Township Environment Committee

Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. annually recognizes programs and activities that substantially contribute to environmental improvement, clean up, beautification, site restoration and historical preservation.

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Below is the text of the letter U.S. representatives of the Michigan delegation sent to both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees:

March 12, 2012

The Honorable Buck McKeon, Chairman
The Honorable Adam Smith, Ranking Member
U.S. House Armed Services Committee

The Honorable Carl Levin, Chairman
The Honorable John McCain, Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee

Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members:

We write to you today to express our grave concern with the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget request. From the earliest moments in our nation’s history, the citizen militia has responded at a moment’s notice to defend the nation. Well before we had a large standing army, citizen-soldiers provided the bulk of our armed forces when the nation went to war. Today, the National Guard continues the tradition of the minuteman, ready to serve both the Governor of their individual states for homeland defense, disaster recovery and other state missions as well as train and prepare for combat at the call of the President.

Since September 11th, the National Guard has stood shoulder to shoulder with their active duty counterparts, which enabled the country to prosecute two wars simultaneously. They have served with distinction in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Without question, this nation would not have been able to maintain the high operational tempo required to support those operations without the infusion of manpower and assets from Guard units around the nation. In countless instances, men and women of the Guard willingly volunteered to take the fight to the enemy – and many have made the ultimate sacrifice.

It is no secret that the nation’s fiscal situation is dire; cost efficiencies must be found and waste and duplication must be reduced in every department and program across the Department of Defense. We are under no illusion that tough choices will have to be made; however, we find it troubling that the Air National Guard which currently represents 35% of our air capability while using only 6% of the budget is being asked to absorb 59% of the total aircraft cuts in the effort to reduce costs.

If the proposed budget is truly about saving tax-payer dollars, it seems incomprehensible that the overwhelming majority of airpower reductions should come from the Air National Guard when they are more cost effective than their active duty counterparts. At a minimum, we believe that a delay in any decision be made until the studies currently underway are completed to fully understand the delicate balance between cost savings and the preservation of combat capabilities.

We are cognizant of the need for shared sacrifice across the nation and among the active duty, Guard and reserve components of the Air Force, but we fully believe that such sacrifice be shared proportionally and after a sober assessment of the cost implications. The impact on the Air National Guard generally across this country and to Michigan’s National Guard specifically is not “shared sacrifice;” rather Michigan takes a disproportionate cut and stands to lose over 800 jobs statewide according to the projections from the Air Force. Air Guard units in many other states are also affected in a way which severely diminish their capabilities. This is why 49 Governors and every Adjutant General from each of the 54 states and territories have stood up against these cuts and asked us to chart a different course.

We respectfully ask you to delay in any decision until the appropriate analysis can be completed.

Sincerely,
Candice S. Miller
Tim Walberg
Dan Benishek
John D. Dingell
John Conyers, Jr.
Dale E. Kildee
Sander M. Levin
Fred Upton
Dave Camp
Mike Rogers
Thaddeus McCotter
Gary Peters
Hansen Clarke
Bill Huizenga
Justin Amash

cc: Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense

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“The JOBS Act provides our nation’s up-and-coming inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses with the tools they need to take their ideas and make them grow,” Rep. Miller said. “House Republicans have been keenly focused on assisting American job creators with access to capital and other tools to provide them what they need to keep hiring and growing our economy all across our country. The JOBS Act combines common sense measures to reduce regulations and directly assist our small businesses and start-ups to see jobs created in America again.”

Key Points of the JOBS Act include:
Enable Startups to Gather Investors Through Crowdfunding:
• The Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act (H.R. 2930), removes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) restrictions that prevent “crowdfunding” so entrepreneurs can raise equity capital from a large pool of small investors who may or may not be considered “accredited” by the SEC.
Allowing Small Businesses to Advertise for New Investors:
• The Access to Capital for Job Creators Act (H.R. 2940), would widen the universe of potential investors for small businesses allowed under the Securities Act of 1933 without subjecting these businesses to the onerous costs of registration with the SEC.
Encourage Investment in Small Businesses by Removing Red Tape:
• The Small Company Capital Formation Act (H.R. 1070), reduces regulation and makes it easier for small businesses to raise capital and test the waters for a future initial public offering.
Increase Investment Capital Access for High-Growth, Job-Creating Small Businesses:
• Reopening American Capital Markets to Emerging Growth Companies Act (H.R. 3606), which reduces the costs of going public by phasing in certain regulations over a five-year period, or until the company reaches $1 billion in revenue. This allows companies to go public sooner and access much needed capital, resulting in more job creation within the company.
Ensure Small Companies Have More Time & Flexibility to Grow:
• The Private Company Flexibility and Growth Act (H.R. 2167), removes barriers to capital formation for small companies by raising the shareholder threshold from 500 to 1,000 shareholders. By removing this undue pressure which severely limits the growth stages for small businesses, we will provide them with the needed time and flexibility to develop.
Strengthen Community Banks So They Can Invest in More Local Entrepreneurs:
• The Capital Expansion Act (H.R. 4088), which increases the number of shareholders permitted to invest in a community bank from 500 to 2,000. This bill would enable banks to better deploy their capital to make loans and create jobs rather than comply with burdensome SEC requirements.

Additionally, a provision was included in the JOBS Act to require the SEC to provide online information and conduct outreach to inform small and medium sized businesses, women owned businesses, veteran owned businesses and minority owned businesses of the changes made by the JOBS Act.
For more information: http://majorityleader.gov/uploadedfiles/JOBSACTOnePager.pdf

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“The Air Guard is much more cost effective than the regular Air Force and at no loss in capability. As a result the taxpayers get huge bang for the buck from the Air Guard. In particular, the Michigan Air Guard has performed brilliantly when called to action across the globe and regularly helps to defend our homeland. Why the Administration should seek to reduce the Air Guard force in this way is incomprehensible. The symbol of the National Guard is the Minuteman because the Guard was born of the citizen militias that secured our freedom in our revolution. It is up to members of Congress, not only in Michigan but across the nation, to now hear the minuteman call and step up to defend the National Guard.”

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“There is an important distinction to be made between those who cross the border, largely in search of a better life, and terrorists who abuse the visa process with the ultimate goal of murdering our fellow citizens. Entering the country and overstaying a visa has been the preferred method for terrorists to enter the country and this has recently been proven again by the case of Amine el-Khalifi. He is a Moroccan citizen who was recently charged with attempting to conduct a suicide attack on the U.S. Capitol, and since 9/11 more than 36 visa overstayers have been convicted of terrorism related charges.

“I was encouraged to hear this morning that DHS plans to present Congress in the coming weeks with a comprehensive Visa-Exit plan in order to improve our ability to track, identify and promptly remove those who overstay their visa. I look forward to examining the DHS’ plan and will continue to conduct the vigorous oversight of those efforts needed to keep this nation safe.”

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Chairman Miller said: “Since 9/11 our border security efforts have been focused on securing our borders; however, more than 40 percent of all illegal aliens do not sneak across the border, they come in through the front door and never leave. The recent case of Amine el-Khalifi, an individual who allegedly attempted to conduct a suicide attack at the U.S. Capitol, is not the first time terrorists have exploited the visa process. In fact, el-Khalifi follows a long line of terrorists, including several of the 9/11 hijackers who overstayed their visa and went on to conduct terror attacks. Clearly more must be done to ensure the security of the visa system, including enhancements to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ability to identify and promptly remove those who overstay their visa. What is especially troubling is that el-Khalifi lived illegally in the U.S. for more than 13 years before being identified by law-enforcement. This hearing will examine the progress made since 2003 in indentifying overstays, especially those that pose national security and public safety threats, and how the Department of Homeland Security plans to implement a robust visa exit system that will prevent terrorists from successfully exploiting the visa process.”

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6th at 10:00am in 311 Cannon. Live Web cast will begin at the start of the hearing.
Witness:
• John Cohen, Deputy Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Department of Homeland Security
• Peter Edge, Deputy Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations

When: 10:00am, March 6, 2012

Where: 311 Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC

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For media requests contact:
erin.sayago@mail.house.gov

Rep. Miller worked to successfully attach an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that would finally make the Chief of the National Guard Bureau a statutory member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This change will provide the National Guard the ability to influence budgetary and policy decisions as they are made by the JCS. Since 9-11, the Guard has gone from being an under resourced strategic reserve to a fully functional and integrated operational force as part of the Total Force Policy.

Rep. Miller said: “After several years of advocating with my colleagues and building support, I was proud that we finally succeeded in providing the National Guard with full memberships on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We all know there are more challenges to come, particularly with the President’s budget calling for the elimination of the 107th Fighter Squadron based here at Selfridge ANGB which if allowed to stand would mean the A-10s would leave the base. These cuts to the Michigan Air National Guard are the highest in the nation with literally hundreds of jobs eliminated. With the Chief of the National Guard Bureau having a seat at the Joint Chiefs, it is my hope that they will be able to make the case for the A-10’s at Selfridge. I am committed to that fight and will work with Michigan’s entire congressional delegation to make a united front against these cuts in the National Guard.”

*Pictured above: Rep. Miller receives the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Eagle Award from Major Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, adjutant general of Michigan (right) and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dobson (left) the command chief of the 127th Wing, during a meeting of the Selfridge Base Community Council at Selfridge ANGB, Mich., Feb. 21, 2012 (U.S. Air Force photo by Rachel Barton)

EANGUS was formally organized in 1972 with the goal of increasing the voice of enlisted persons in the National Guard. EANGUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the status, welfare and professionalism of Enlisted members of the National Guard.

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