Calvert RSS Articles

Rep. Calvert Announces Military Academy Nominations

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) proudly announced the list of candidates he nominated who have received and accepted an Offer of Appointment to our nation’s service academies, and will be part of the Class of 2017 entering in June 2013.

“I’m incredibly proud to nominate this group of outstanding young men and women to attend our service academies,” said Rep. Calvert. “While the academies, along with the accompanying military service commitment, are incredibly challenging, I’m very confident the students I’ve nominated are up to the task. Our region should be proud to have so many talented individuals representing us at these institutions.”

Below is Rep. Calvert’s list of candidates:

United States Air Force Academy

· Jason Engel, 2013 Graduate of Santa Margarita Catholic High School

· Shane Jones, 2012 Graduate of Norco High School

· Kyle Perez, 2013 Graduate John W. North High School

· Robert Stiefel, 2013 Graduate of San Clemente High School

· Conner Thomsen, 2013 Graduate of JSerra Catholic High School

· Timothy Wang, 2012 Graduate of Martin Luther King High School

· Kyle Woolbright, 2012 Graduate of Tesoro High School

United States Military Academy at West Point

· William Lopez, 2012 Graduate of Norco High Shcool

United States Naval Academy

· Taylor Peterson, 2013 Graduate of Tesoro High School

· Kyle Robb, 2013 Graduate of JSerra Catholic High School

· Eden Saravia, 2013 Graduate of Citrus Hill High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

· Jolyn Green, 2013 Graduate of Woodcrest Christian High School

· Johanna Ortiz, 2013 Graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Air Force Academy Preparatory School

· Colin McDermott, 2013 Graduate of San Clemente High School

Rep. Calvert's nominations are made on a strictly competitive basis. Therefore, he has established an Academy Nominations Selection Committee that determines nominations based solely on the candidate's qualifications. Candidates are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership performance, athletic participation, community service, and motivation.

An education at one of the military service academies is estimated to be valued at approximately $400,000.

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Rep. Calvert Praises Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert joined a bipartisan majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives in approving the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill was approved by a vote of 315 to 108. The NDAA authorizes $552.1 billion for national defense and an additional $85.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) as compared to $552.2 billion for national defense and $88.5 billion for OCO in FY2013.

“Providing for our national defense is the most critical responsibility of our federal government and I’m pleased that the House was able to pass a bill that will help secure our country,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Inland Empire continues to play a vital role in our national defense and that role is reflected in a number of provisions included in the Defense Authorization bill.”

Here are some key provisions contained in the National Defense Authorization Act:

INLAND EMPIRE HIGHLIGHTS

Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial

Rep. Calvert’s legislation, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act (H.R. 330) is included in the NDAA. The designation of the memorial at March Field Air Museum as a National Memorial will ensure that brave American heroes, their families, and all admirers of the Distinguished Flying Cross, will have a place to remember, honor, and pay tribute.

Reaper UAV Placement

Provisions in the bill urge the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at locations with existing Formal Training Unit (FTU) schoolhouses. In addition, the language directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan for the replacement of MQ-1 aircraft with MQ-9 aircraft. The plan shall include the criteria for beddown, including both the weight and scoring of such criteria that will be given to MQ-1 wings and squadrons with co-located formal training unit schoolhouse missions.

Currently, the 163d Reconnaissance Wing operates a Predator FTU at March Air Reserve Base. The unit's schoolhouse Predators are stored, maintained, launched and recovered at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA).

NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Increased troop pay– The bill allows for a 1.8% increase in troop pay, consistent with current law.

Prevention of new fees and fee increases under TRICARE– H.R. 1960 rejects proposals to increase fees or create new fees under TRICARE and maintains current reforms. The bill also allows certain beneficiaries to remain enrolled in TRICARE Prime after the DoD reduces the program’s availability to retired beneficiaries.

Benghazi– In light of the attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi in September of 2012, H.R. 1960 requires the submission of two new reports to Congress. The first will analyze the operational requirements for crisis response elements like the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Teams (FAST) and Commanders’ In-Extremis Force (CIF); and the second will require DoD to review the posture and readiness of the U.S. to respond to similar attacks in the future in Africa and the Middle East.

Reduced bureaucracy– The bill requires GAO studies aimed at reducing bureaucracy by putting a check on the expansion of headquarters staff within U.S. Central Command, all functional combatant commands, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, and the Service Secretaries.

“I commend Chairman McKeon and the Armed Services Committee for a thoughtful, responsible bill that prioritizes our national security,” said Rep. Calvert, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “I look forward to continuing regular order and bringing the FY2014 Defense Appropriations bill to the floor which aligns with the NDAA in providing for our nation’s security and for the men and women who put their lives on the line to provide that security.”

The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY2014 Defense Appropriations bill on June 14, 2013.

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Air Force UAV Report Requested by Rep. Calvert Included in Defense Appropriations Bill

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the FY14 Defense Appropriations bill which contained language, requested by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), that requires the Air Force to submit a report on its Reaper UAV placement strategy.

“I continue to urge the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at installations, like March Air Reserve Base, that already have training schoolhouses,” said Rep. Calvert, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “I am hopeful that the Air Force’s MQ-9 placement strategy recognizes the benefits of the infrastructure and historical knowledge that’s already in place at the existing training facilities.”

Below is the specific Appropriations bill report language regarding the report requested by Rep. Calvert:

“The Committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2015 budget request providing a detailed, location- by-location schedule for the basing of MQ–9 Reapers including, where appropriate, the replacement and planned disposition of MQ–1 Predator aircraft to be replaced by the MQ–9. The report shall also include the criteria by which the Air Force determines the order of priority for MQ–9 beddown locations and the impact that MQ–1/MQ–9 transition will have on existing MQ–1 flying training units.”

Currently, the 163d Reconnaissance Wing operates a Predator Formal Training Unit at March Air Reserve Base. The unit's schoolhouse Predators are stored, maintained, launched and recovered at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA).

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Rep. Calvert Reintroduces the Infrastructure Facilitation and Habitat Conservation Act

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) reintroduced the Infrastructure Facilitation and Habitat Conservation Act, H.R. 2280. California Senator Diane Feinstein has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The legislation was first introduced in the 112^th Congress.

“In order to construct the infrastructure Riverside County needs to grow its economy and create jobs, we must find innovative ways to comply with existing environmental obligations,” said Rep. Calvert. “Our local leaders have moved forward to establish a habitat conservation plan that provides the necessary mitigation and compliance with our state and federal environmental laws. The establishment of a revolving loan program will provide Riverside County and other regions with the resources they need to accelerate the execution of their habitat conservation plan. By taking these steps sooner rather than later, we can avoid delays in making the needed improvements in our infrastructure to sustain Riverside County’s economic growth.”

The Infrastructure Facilitation and Habitat Conservation Act establishes a program to provide loans and loan guarantees to enable eligible public entities to acquire assets associated with habitat conservation plans (HCPs) approved by the Secretary of the Interior. HCPs are planning documents required as part of an application for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act. They describe the anticipated effects of the proposed taking, and how those impacts will be minimized or mitigated. The legislation does nothing to alter eminent domain laws and/or private property rights.

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Rep. Calvert Applauds Passage of Amendment on Reaper UAV Placement Strategy

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) applauded the passage of an amendment offered by Congressman Paul Cook (CA-8) to the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that urges the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at locations with existing Formal Training Unit (FTU) schoolhouses. The NDAA is expected to be approved by the House Armed Services Committee later this evening.

“I strongly believe that we should be replacing Predators with Reapers at facilities that have infrastructure and resources already in place to train military UAV pilots,” said Rep. Calvert. “As we transition to the next generation UAV technology it only makes sense to build upon the assets and experiences of existing schoolhouses, like the one at March Air Reserve Base.”

In addition to urging the Air Force to prioritize the placement of MQ-9 Reapers at locations with existing FTU schoolhouses, the language in the Cook amendment directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan for the replacement of MQ-1 aircraft with MQ-9 aircraft. The plan shall include the criteria for beddown, including both the weight and scoring of such criteria that will be given to MQ-1 wings and squadrons with co-located formal training unit schoolhouse missions.

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Rep. Calvert Praises Inclusion of Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act in NDAA

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) lauded the House Armed Services Committee for including his legislation, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act (H.R. 330), in the Readiness Subcommittee mark of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“For many years I have been working to appropriately honor the recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross,” said Rep. Calvert. “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. The designation of the memorial at March Field Air Museum as a national memorial will ensure that these brave American heroes, their families, and all admirers of the Distinguished Flying Cross, will have a place to remember, honor, and pay tribute.”

Rep. Calvert introduced the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act on January 22, 2013. The language in the NDAA can be found on page 24 of the mark, which is located HERE.

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Rep. Calvert Reintroduces the REBUILD Act

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Bill Would Cut Red Tape, Reduce Costs for Infrastructure Projects

Yesterday Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42) reintroduced the Reducing Environmental Barriers to Unified Infrastructure and Land Development (REBUILD) Act. The legislation, which was first introduced in the 112th Congress, builds upon the success of the NEPA Pilot Program, enacted as part of 2005 highway bill, commonly known as SAFETEA-LU.

"Building needed infrastructure creates jobs and leaves our communities with lasting improvements that are the foundation of economic growth," said Rep. Calvert. "If there are steps we can take to build infrastructure projects quicker and cheaper without sacrificing safety and environmental protections we should take them immediately. The REBUILD Act would dramatically reduce the amount of time and the cost of building infrastructure in California and around the country. There's no reason a project should have go through expensive, duplicative environmental review procedures that fail to enhance the project."

The REBUILD Act (H.R. 2097) allows any state to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a designated federal agency, who has environmental review responsibilities under NEPA, and assume the review responsibilities of that agency. Under the REBUILD Act, states would still be required to uphold the same NEPA standards or greater, by assuming these responsibilities states could integrate NEPA compliance into their own state approval process thereby streamlining construction timelines and eliminating the need for redundant reviews at the federal level.

The streamlined process is modeled after a pilot program created in SAFETEA-LU (Section 327 -Title 23 USC) that allowed a limited number of states to take on the task of ensuring National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for highway projects under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In those states that chose to assume this responsibility, the length of time to complete a project review was reduced by an average of 17 months while also ensuring the goals of the NEPA process were not compromised.

Regular audits of state NEPA programs required by this legislation would ensure states are upholding NEPA standards. Should a state be found in noncompliance, a mechanism is provided to initiate corrective action and, if necessary, revoke the state’s NEPA responsibilities.

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House Appropriations Committee Approves FY14 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined a bipartisan majority of the House Appropriations Committee in approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

"As Congress continues to consider immigration reform policies, Americans have made it clear that securing our borders and mandatory employment verification are critical steps we must take," said Rep. Calvert. "The FY14 Homeland Security appropriations bill approved by the Committee today provides the resources necessary to achieve these border protection and employment verification security goals."

"The bill also provides important resources for first responders at all levels of government. As we've seen recently in Boston and Oklahoma, our first responders are the true heroes in our communities and it's our responsibility ensure they have the capabilities necessary to respond to any disaster.”

E-Verify

The bill fully funds E-Verify, a program originally created by Rep. Calvert in 1996 that allows companies check if their employees may legally work in the United States, at $114.2 million. Rep. Calvert is one of several leaders that have sponsored the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 1772) which would make E-Verify mandatory for all employers in the U.S.

Air and Marine Operations Center (March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA)

The Committee Report accompanying the FY14 bill once again contains language in support of the planned expansion of facilities at the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) and modernizing AMOC systems. The Committee directs Customs and Border Protection to provide a briefing on its assessment of AMOC needs as well as the schedule and cost associated with any modernization plans not later than December 1, 2013.

AMOC is the nation’s only federal law enforcement center tasked to coordinate interdiction operations in the Western Hemisphere. Established in 1988, today AMOC provides detection, monitoring, sorting, tracking and coordination of law enforcement response to suspect airborne and maritime activity at, beyond and internal to our nation’s borders. The center has been used to conduct Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and airspace security operations, response to natural disasters, covert and overt electronic target tracking and general aviation aircraft threat determination.

Firefighter Assistance Grants

The FY14 bill provides level funding ($675 million) for the two programs under the Firefighter Assistance Grants:

· $337.5 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program

· $337.5 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program

The SAFER program provides much-needed funding for career and volunteer fire departments across America to hire new firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The AFG program provides vital funds for training and equipment to fire departments throughout the country. An amendment approved by the Committee during the markup expands the SAFER funding eligibility to include allowing the retention of existing firefighter personnel.

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Rep. Calvert Honored for Animal Welfare Leadership

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) received an award for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2012 from the Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate the Humane Society Legislative Fund. Rep. Calvert received a Legislative Leader award for his leadership on more humane, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable alternatives to animal testing.

“Representative Calvert has exhibited outstanding leadership on animal welfare legislation,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We are very grateful for his support in creating a more humane world.”

"Animals have a special place in the lives of Americans and people throughout the world," said Rep. Calvert. "I'm proud of my record in Congress on animal welfare issues and I look forward to my continued work with the Humane Society."

Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund compiles a federal Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of animal protection issues considered by the U.S. Congress and give animal advocates a tool to assess the performance of their Senators and Representatives. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills and signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws.

“Animal protection issues continue to bring Members of Congress together across party lines, and have the strong support of mainstream Americans,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Representative Calvert for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. hslf.org.

House Appropriations Committee Approves MilCon, VA Appropriations Bill

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined a bipartisan majority of the House Appropriations Committee in approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. The spending bill provides funding for necessary improvements at March Air Reserve Base and for Riverside County veterans.

"March Air Reserve Base continues to play an increasing role in support of our military operations around globe and the funding included for these projects reflects the importance of investing in the critical facilities needed to maintain that role," said Rep. Calvert. "By replacing outdated facilities we can improve military efficiency and capabilities while providing our service members with the modern workplace they deserve."

"I'm also pleased the bill funds overdue electronic health records and other system-wide improvements at the VA. The benefits backlog at the VA is simply unacceptable so the Committee is investing in technology and taking steps that will hold the VA accountable. Our veterans deserve nothing less than a functioning and responsive VA system."

The bill provided funding for the following projects at March Air Reserve Base:

Joint Regional Deployment Processing Center - Phase 1

$19,900,000

The provided funding will allow for the construction of Phase I of the Joint Regional Deployment Processing Center at March Air Reserve Base, which serves to process military personnel from I Marine Expeditionary Force, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, Army Reserves, and Federal and State entities for deployment in support of global missions. The existing facilities are outdated, reducing throughput capabilities, causing length processing times, and fail to meet current Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) standards.

NOSC Moreno Valley Reserve Training Center

$11,086,000

The provided funding will allow for the construction of a new facility to house the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Moreno Valley Training Center. Construction of the new structure will allow the Navy to forego an expensive renovation of the current, aging structure. Furthermore, as a result of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure Commission realignment of March Air Force Base and language in the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, the NOSC Moreno Valley must relocate to a new site. The current structure does not meet AT/FP standards and the new structure will meet all applicable requirements and meet the needs of the approximately 550 personnel assigned to NOSC Moreno Valley.

Veterans Affairs Funding (VA)

The legislation includes a total of $147.6 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This funding will help provide our nation’s veterans with the services and care they have earned from their dedicated service to the country.

Discretionary funding for Veterans programs in the bill is $63.1 billion – $2.1 billion above the enacted fiscal year 2013 level. Approximately $54.5 billion of this discretionary total was provided last year via advance funding in the fiscal year 2013 Appropriations bill.

· VA Medical Services –The bill funds VA medical services at $43.6 billion – providing for approximately 6.5 million patients to be treated in fiscal year 2014. Some of these funds include: $7.2 billion in mental health care services; $103 million in suicide prevention activities; $246 million for traumatic brain injury treatment; $6.2 billion in homeless veterans treatment, services, housing, and job training; and $250 million in rural health initiatives.

· DOD-VA Electronic Health Record – The bill contains $344 million in funding to jumpstart a single, integrated Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs electronic health record system. The legislation requires that a unified system be certified by the Secretaries of DOD and the VA, and confirmed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), before the majority of funding for the program is released.

· Disability Claims Processing Backlog – To help the VA meet its goal of ending the disability compensation claims backlog by 2015, the bill provides $155 million for the paperless claims process system and $136 million for digital scanning of health records. In addition, rigorous reporting requirements would be put into place to track the performance of each regional office on claims processing.

· Oversight –The legislation includes provisions to increase oversight of taxpayer dollars at the VA, including requiring the agency to report on construction expenditures and savings, forbidding new changes in the scope of construction projects, and restricting the agency from taking certain spending actions without notifying Congress.

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