Calvert RSS Articles

Rep. Calvert Applauds TIFIA Funding for 91 Freeway Project

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) was pleased that the Department of Transportation (DOT) selected the 91 Freeway Corridor Project for a multi-million dollar loan from the Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. The TIFIA financing will satisfy the needed financing for a $1.3 billion freeway widening on the 91 Freeway between the I-15 and the Orange County Line.

Rep. Calvert strongly advocated for the 91 Freeway Corridor Project via meetings, phone calls, multiple letters of support for the project, an op-ed, etc. Rep. Calvert worked with state and local officials, the Orange County and Inland Empire congressional delegations, particularly the Dean of the delegation Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA), and with U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein to support this project. The 91 Freeway Corridor Project will create as many as 16,000 jobs during its expected five-year time of construction. Last December, the project received a $20 million grant in the third round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grants (TIGER III). This grant will be used secure a much larger loan guarantee for the project.

“I am pleased by the Department of Transportation’s decision and look forward to working with the Riverside County Transportation Commission to complete the 91 Freeway Corridor Project,” said Rep. Calvert. “The 91 freeway is a bottleneck that hinders goods movement to the rest of the country and it is a local commuter nightmare. Widening the 91 freeway is a priority for the region and a project of national significance.”

Congressman Jerry Lewis, who worked closely with Congressman Calvert on securing the funding, added “The SR 91 freeway is a vital link in our regional transportation grid, and improving this important highway will benefit commuters from the High Desert to the beach. I commend Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation for recognizing the returns we will see from this federal funding.”

“We are grateful to the Department of Transportation for this funding decision and excited about the task that is ahead of us in building this project that has so much support,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “The advocacy of Congressional Representatives Ken Calvert, Jerry Lewis and Mary Bono Mack as well as the support of the business community in Corona and Riverside has been overwhelming.”

The 91 freeway serves as the main connector between the Inland Empire, Orange County and Los Angeles and is also a major trade corridor used to transport goods into the interior of the U.S. from the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach. A study conducted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission showed that completion of the project will yield roughly an extra three days worth of time per year for commuters – time they would have otherwise spent in their cars stuck in traffic.

The Transportation Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act (TIFIA) was created by Congress to provide “federal credit assistance to nationally or regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highway, transit and rail. The program is designed to fill market gaps and leverage substantial private co-investment by providing projects with supplemental or subordinate debt” (U.S Department of Transportation, www.dot.gov).

“With unemployment over 12% in the Inland Empire, new jobs are vital to our area. In addition to the much-needed congestion relief that will be provided by improving the 91 freeway, we also welcome the jobs that will be created by this project,” said Rep. Calvert.

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House Passes JOBS bill, FY2013 Budget and Transportation Bill Prior to District Work Period

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) applauded House Leadership for an aggressive agenda prior to the April district work period that focused on job creation, the FY2013 budget and transportation infrastructure.

“House Republicans have been working hard over the last few weeks to pass legislation vital to the American people such as a jobs bill, a budget and providing for our transportation infrastructure,” said Rep. Calvert. “Under Republican Leadership, the House has returned to regular order and focused singularly on doing the people’s business.”

Last night, the House of Representatives approved the Senate amendment to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. The legislation:

• Eliminates Security and Exchange Commission restrictions that prevent entrepreneurs from raising capital from a large pool of investors;
• Makes it easier for small businesses by increasing the threshold under which companies are exempt from SEC registration;
• Raises the shareholder registration requirement threshold from 500 shareholders to 1,000 shareholders.

(Source: www.gop.gov)

Today House Republicans passed the FY2013 Budget, crafted by Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and the Budget Committee, on which Rep. Calvert serves. The GOP 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

(Source: www.budget.house.gov)

The House also passed a 90-day extension of surface transportation programs in order to keep Americans working through the busy summer construction season.

“The 90-day extension was not the ideal choice, most of us would have preferred a long-term reauthorization,” said Rep. Calvert. “However, a short-term extension, especially during the busy season, is vital to our roads and to the thousands of Americans that will be put to work. I commend the Leadership for making the hard choices, putting Americans first, and passing a short-term extension.”

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Rep. Calvert and Others Request GAO Study on U.S. Government Holdings of Chinese Bonds

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Last week several Members of Congress, spearheaded by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting that a full inventory be conducted of all U.S. government holdings of all Republic of China (ROC) sovereign bonds issued between Jan 1, 1900 and December 31, 1949, whether considered to be in default or not.

“The People's Republic of China has refused to honor the debt incurred by prior regimes, thereby defaulting on hundreds of millions of dollars of debt incurred during the first half of the twentieth century,” said Rep. Calvert. “Its refusal to honor its bond obligations as a successor government may violate its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization. I am concerned that the U.S. government may still hold a portion of these bonds, and have asked the GAO to conduct an inventory of all Chinese bonds held, or previously held, by the U.S. government, and the value of these bonds.”

The Chinese government issued hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds from 1900 to 1949. The most prevalent American-held bond was the 1913 Chinese Government Five Percent Reorganization Gold Loan Bearer Bond, which matured in 1960. Printed on the bonds is the following statement: "These obligations are intended to be binding upon the Government of China and any successor government." However, when the PRC came to power in 1949, it refused to honor or recognize debts incurred by the previous governments, thereby defaulting on the bonds held by investors and foreign governments. These investors are entitled to remuneration.

Signers of the letter include: Rep. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), Rep. Ann Buerkle (R-NY), Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Calvert Statement on SOPA/PIPA

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. Calvert Statement on SOPA/PIPA

"I have received many calls on SOPA and PIPA - bills that seek to address online piracy and counterfeiting. While I believe that foreign infringing activity is a substantial problem, I also believe that any solution must vigilantly preserve an open and vibrant global Internet. That is why I am currently not a cosponsor of SOPA (PIPA is the Senate version of SOPA). Your calls and posts have resonated on Capitol Hill – a consensus must be reached among all interested parties on this issue and I appreciate your input. Currently there is no vote scheduled in the House on SOPA, the Senate is debating and voting on PIPA next week."

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Rep. Calvert Applauds Initial TIFIA Funding for 91 Freeway Project

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) was pleased that the Department of Transportation (DOT) selected the 91 Freeway Corridor Project for a $20 million grant in the third round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grants (TIGER III). The $20 million will be utilized to leverage a loan from DOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. The financing from TIFIA will satisfy a portion of the needed financing for a $1.3 billion freeway widening on the 91 Freeway between the I-15 and the Orange County Line.

Rep. Calvert strongly advocated for the 91 Freeway Corridor Project via meetings, phone calls, multiple letters of support for the project, an op-ed, etc. Rep. Calvert worked with state and local officials, the Orange County and Inland Empire congressional delegations, particularly the Dean of the delegation Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA), and with U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein to support this project. The 91 Freeway Corridor Project will create as many as 16,000 jobs during the five-year time-span of construction.

“I am pleased by the Department of Transportation’s decision and look forward to working with the Riverside County Transportation Commission and DOT in the future to satisfy the remaining balance of the needed funding,” said Rep. Calvert. “The 91 freeway is a bottleneck that hinders goods movement to the rest of the country and it is a local commuter nightmare. Widening the 91 freeway is a priority and a project of national significance.”

The 91 freeway serves as the main connector between the Inland Empire, Orange County and Los Angeles and is also a major trade corridor to transport goods into the interior of the U.S from the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach. A study conducted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission showed that completion of the project would yield roughly an extra three days worth of time per year commuters will not have to spend in their car stuck in traffic.

The Transportation Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act (TIFIA) was created by Congress to provide “federal credit assistance to nationally or regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highway, transit and rail. The program is designed to fill market gaps and leverage substantial private co-investment by providing projects with supplemental or subordinate debt” (U.S Department of Transportation, www.dot.gov).

“With unemployment over 13% in the Inland Empire new jobs are vital to our area. In addition to the much-needed relief from improving the 91 freeway, we also welcome the job creation potential of the project,” said Rep. Calvert.

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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Medicare Open Enrollment

The Medicare Open Enrollment is happening now! New prescription drug and health plan choices are offered every year. You could save money, get better coverage, or both.

The open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7, 2011. Go to www.Medicare.gov to compare plans and find one that fits your needs.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE for help or mail to:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore MD 21244-1850

Social Security COLA

Recently the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that seniors will receive a 3.6% Cost of Living Adjustment for 2012. Starting January 2012, 55 million Social Security beneficiaries will see an increase in their benefits.

To learn more about the Social Security COLA, visit www.ssa.gov/cola. You can also visit your local SSA Office:

Social Security Administration
7880 Mission Grove Pkwy
Riverside, CA 92508
1-800-772-1213

Social Security Administration
26051 Acero Road
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
1-800-772-1213

Rep. Calvert Visits Afghanistan, Thanks Troops for Service

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Last week Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Charles Bass (R-NH), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jo Bonner (R-AL), and Peter Welch (D-VT) on a congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan.

“It was an honor to visit with our troops in theater and witness first-hand the progress they are making in Afghanistan,” said Rep. Calvert. “It is always valuable and insightful to get the perspective from those on the ground doing the hard day-to-day work. Morale among the troops was high and I let them know that all of us back home are extremely proud, and thankful, for their service.”

The delegation visited Kabul and Kandahar and met with U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, General John R. Allen, Commander, International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF)/ U.S. Forces and Major General John Toolen, Commander of the 2nd Marine Division as well as other military and civilian leaders of the international force.

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Honoring Our Heroes on Veterans Day

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

FROM THE DESK OF REP. CALVERT:

So far this year, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed 13 bills to provide better support America’s veterans and ensure improved healthcare and programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have voted YES on all these bills. I am dedicated:

To protecting veterans from budget cuts:

Funding for our military and veterans are among our highest priorities. That will remain the case in the tight budget years ahead.
Mandatory spending for veterans’ programs were protected from any cuts in the Budget Control Act passed earlier this year.

To getting our veterans out of unemployment lines and into the workforce:

Currently, 1 million veterans are out of work. Sixty-six percent of those are over the age of 34 and are facing an increasingly competitive job market.
That is why I voted for the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (the VOW Act, H.R. 2433) to provide our veterans with the skills and training needed to compete in the 21st Century and to ensure that our servicemembers have a job when they come home.
Through the VOW Act, we will create the most qualified veteran workforce since World War II.
In addition, we passed the VOW Act without increasing the federal deficit.

To standing with America’s veterans to ensure they receive the benefits they have so rightly earned:

I voted to keep our student veterans in the college of their choice through the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act, which was signed into law this summer. Without this change, student veterans across the country would have been subject to severe reductions in tuition payments.
I voted to start reforming the disability compensation claims process through the Veterans’ Benefits Act. Our veterans face an average claims processing time of 230 days. This is unacceptable. We must turn the corner and ensure that claims are processed accurately the first time they are submitted and in a timely manner.
I voted to protect veterans, their families, and VA employees from sexual assault in VA facilities through the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act. When our veterans are at their most vulnerable, we must do everything possible to
ensure their safety.
And, I voted to improve the aging VA infrastructure around the country to provide better care for our veterans through the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011.

Rep. Calvert Bill for Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at March Air Field Museum Passes House

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Today Rep. Calvert’s (R-CA) bill, H.R. 320, which would designate the memorial at March Field Air Museum, in Riverside, California, as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial, passed the House.

“Distinguished Flying Cross recipients have received this prestigious medal for their heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces,” stated Rep. Calvert on the floor in support of the bill. “March Air Reserve Base is adjacent to the location of the memorial at the March Field Air Museum. Visitors are able to witness active operational air units providing support to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is an appropriate setting that honors the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight.”

Rep. Calvert introduced H.R. 320 on January 19, 2011. His full floor statement is included below.

Statement of Rep. Ken Calvert

Mister Speaker I rise in support of H.R. 320, a bill to designate a national Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial in Riverside, California.

I am honored to represent the Inland Empire Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society which is the primary sponsor of the memorial. The memorial honors all current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In the 111th Congress, I introduced H.R. 2788 which passed the house unanimously, and today, I stand again, in support of H.R. 320 which would designate a memorial, at March Field Air Museum as the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial. The legislation is supported by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Military Officers Association of America, the Air Force Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, The Association of Naval Aviation, The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the China Burma Indian Veterans Association. I’d like to point out language in the bill specifically states that the designation shall not be construed to require or permit federal funds to be expended for any purpose related to the national memorial. Funds have been and will continue to be raised through private means for these purposes.

Distinguished Flying Cross recipients have received the prestigious medal for their heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces. There are many well known people that have played a vital role in the history of military aviation and have received the award. This renowned group includes: Captain Charles L. Lindbergh, former President George H. W. Bush, Brigadier General Jimmy Doolittle, General Curtis Lemay, Senator McCain, Jimmy Stewart and Admiral Jim Stockdale to name just a few.

The March Air Reserve Base, which hosts the C-17As of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing is adjacent to the location of the memorial at the March Field Air Museum. Visitors are able to witness active operational air units providing support to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is an appropriate setting that honors the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight.

I’d like to thank those who have worked tirelessly to ensure this memorial is built and is properly designated in honor of the distinguished aviators that have served this great nation. In particular I’d like to recognize, Jim Champlin, his late wife Trish, Distinguished Flying Cross Society’s President, Chuck Sweeney, and the Society’s historian, Dr. Barry Lanman, who have been instrumental in this effort.

Again, I hope you will join me in supporting the designation of the National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum and H.R. 320.

Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Despite New State Law Rep Calvert Pushes For Mandatory Federal E-Verify Law

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. October 14, 2011 – Earlier this week California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 1236, making it illegal for the state and California municipalities to voluntarily use the E-verify system.

“Right now, across America, various states and local governments are enacting mandatory E-Verify. Meanwhile, California is going the other way by enacting a ban on voluntary E-Verify, and in fact the Governor is signing laws to preempt the use of E-verify. This is an outrage,” said Rep. Calvert.

Under the new California law, neither the state of California nor any of municipalities, can require an employer to use E-Verify as a condition of receiving a government contract, applying for or maintaining a business license. However, California employers are able to use E-verify on a voluntary basis or as required by federal contracts.

“The illegal population looking for work will now head to states that are ignoring the problem and away from states like Arizona and Alabama which have taken a proactive role to fill the vacuum the federal government has left with regard to immigration policy.

“People will understandably go where they can find work. However, in a state with 12.1% unemployment, we cannot afford the burden on our schools and social services the influx brings.

“The United States needs a uniform system that ensures ALL workers in America are legal and paying into the system that they are using. That is why I support and am a sponsor of H.R. 2885, the Legal Workforce Act.”

E-Verify, created by Rep. Calvert in 1996 through legislation, is the only tool available to employers to check the legal status of newly hired employees. It is web-based, 99.5% accurate and free to employers.

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