Archive for the ‘Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6)’ Category

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Republicans Refuse To Honor Bart Gordon’s Service

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

bartgordonYesterday, Rep. Kent Coleman sponsored a simple resolution in the Tennessee House to recognize Bart Gordon’s 26 years of service to the State of Tennessee. 37 Republicans refused to sign it. The Nashville Post and WPLN have the story:

Such a resolution is routinely “co-sponsored” by all the members of the House and Senate so that all their names appear on the framed document for the Congressman’s wall.

But this time most of the names on Gordon’s “thank you” will be Democrats. Coleman was asked by Republicans not to add them as co-sponsors.

“I think with the maybe increased partisanship that exists in government today. It was probably a better idea to allow people to sign on to the resolution and not make that type of motion and cause a political disturbance.”

Only thirteen of the 50 Republicans in the state House signed on to the resolution honoring Gordon’s services.

UPDATE: Donna Rowland (R-Murfreesboro) was among those refusing to recognize Gordon, even though she represents his home city and county of Rutherford.

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Posted in Radical Republicans, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Rep. Donna Rowland (R-34), Rep. Kent Coleman (D-49) | No Comments »

Gordon’s Distinguished Career in Congress to Come to a Close

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

bg-photoCongressman to retire from Congress after his current term

MURFREESBORO - After more than a quarter-century of public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2010.

“I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon. “Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.

“When I was elected, I was the youngest member of the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”

Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife, Leslie.

“Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in Congress, and now it’s my turn,” said Gordon.

Strengthening families has been a common thread throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child, spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they will need for the jobs of the future.

His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them - in 13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64 percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.

The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007, becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his goals in Congress have always remained the same.

“My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton – for them to grow up in a safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good job close to home,” said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that dream more of a reality for the next generation.”

While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent service will continue in the meantime.

“I will be focusing on the work to be done in the year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last year in Congress,” said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.

The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people very close to him, including his parents.

“I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side throughout the years,” said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given their counsel and support over the years.”

Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971 and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they have one daughter.

Posted in 2010, Democratic Party, Elections, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 3 Comments »

Bart Gordon Secures Funding For MTSU Programs

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bart Gordon announced that he was able to secure funding for Middle Tennessee State University to improve law enforcement and aviation safety training, as well as help MTSU complete a Physical Activity Center that will help fight obesity among children and teens.

MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education will receive $625,000 to enhance their training program for Tennessee law enforcement and forensic specialists. The Institute brings together faculty and students in several scientific specialties to provide educational and training opportunities for law enforcement officers and personnel.

“At a time when many of our sheriff and police departments can’t afford to offer specialized training to officers, this funding will help MTSU continue to provide quality training to Tennessee law enforcement and educate more students to become forensic scientists and technicians,” said Gordon.

The MTSU Department of Aerospace will also receive $700,000 for MTSU to continue its training of air traffic controllers and pilots. MTSU is one of only 14 universities in the country that participates in the Federal Aviation Administration’s AT-CTI program, which is designed to prepare young men and women to attend the FAA Training Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Gordon also secured $400,000 for MTSU’s Physical Activity Center, which will organize media and advocacy campaigns to emphasize the importance of physical activity for children and adolescents

Joe Bales, Vice President for Development and University Relations at MTSU, said, “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Gordon and the members of the Tennessee delegation for their continued support of our teaching, research and service efforts. These funds will enable us to expand our existing programs in forensics and aerospace and allow us further develop our innovative efforts at addressing childhood obesity, one of our state and nation’s leading health concerns.”

Gordon secured the funding for each project in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2010, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate and then signed into law before the end of the year.

Posted in Education, Jobs, Legislation, MTSU, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

Gordon Votes to Protect Consumers’ Personal Info

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Gordon and his colleagues approved bipartisan legislation to require companies holding sensitive personal information to secure that data and provide notice to American consumers when that data is compromised.

“According to a recent report, almost 340 million records containing ‘sensitive personal information’ have been ‘involved in security breaches since January 2005’,” said Gordon. “It is essential that consumers’ personal information, whether it is collected online or through other means, is safe.”

The House-passed bill, the Data Accountability and Trust Act (H.R. 2221), directs the FTC to create rules requiring any person involved in interstate commerce who owns or possesses data containing personal information, or has a third party maintaining the data, to create procedures regarding information security practices to protect personal information. The practices include a security policy to collect, sell, and maintain the information, a point of contact responsible for the management of information, and a process to assess any system vulnerabilities.

“If there is a security breach of any kind,” Gordon stated, “this bill will not only better protect consumers’ personal information, but it will also require data companies to notify each individual whose personal information has been acquired by an unauthorized person.”

With limited exceptions, all security breach notifications would have to be made to each individual consumer within 60 days and the FTC would also have to be notified. If online companies did not comply with the bill’s new regulations, they could face a fine of $5 million for each violation.

The bill was written and approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, of which Gordon is a member. Having passed the House, the bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Posted in Consumer Protection, Crime, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

House Passes Gordon Bill Banning Nuclear Waste Imports

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009


WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Congressman Bart Gordon’s bipartisan legislation to ban the importation of foreign radioactive waste. Gordon’s bill, the Radioactive Import Deterrence (RID) Act, H.R. 515, would prevent foreign-generated radioactive waste from being processed in Tennessee and disposed in the U.S.

“The United States stands alone as the only country in the world that imports other countries’ radioactive waste for permanent disposal,” Gordon said as he explained his bill on the House floor. “The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently considering the importation of 20,000 tons of Italian waste. Other countries are reading the signs that the U.S. is poised to become a nuclear dumping ground, permit applications are also pending for the importation of Brazilian and Mexican waste.”

The Italian waste importation would be the largest importation ever of foreign-generated radioactive waste. If the permits for the Italian, Brazilian, and Mexican waste importations are approved, the nuclear waste shipments would be sent to Tennessee for processing and later disposed in Utah.

Gordon has led the effort in Congress to stop these importations and ban the practice of allowing other countries to dispose their radioactive waste in the U.S. The bipartisan RID Act would prohibit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from authorizing the importation of foreign-generated low-level nuclear waste for disposal in the U.S. unless the President deems the importation would meet critical national or international goals.

“This waste is generated all over the United States, but finding permanent disposal sites has proved difficult,” said Gordon. “Foreign waste threatens the capacity we have set aside in this country for the waste generated by our domestic industries—our medical facilities, university research labs and utility companies. It is critical that Congress protect that capacity. Today’s vote brings the RID Act one step closer to becoming law.”

One site, located in Utah, stores 99% of the United States’ low-level radioactive waste. Gordon’s bill would preserve the limited disposal space at this site for domestic companies that generate low-level radioactive waste. Having passed the House, the bill now moves to the Senate.

Posted in Energy, Environment, Legislation, Public Safety, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 1 Comment »

TN’s Fire Departments Strengthened With Help From Gordon

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

November 18, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Congressman Bart Gordon strongly supports the AFG program, which has awarded federal grants to fire departments throughout Tennessee to purchase new equipment.

“The AFG program was established in 2000 to help local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations purchase equipment. Since then, Tennessee’s fire stations have received more than $108 million in grants,” said Gordon

The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act was authored and approved by the House Science and Technology Committee, which is chaired by Gordon. The bill lowers the matching funds requirements for the AFG awards, which will allow more fire stations to apply for the grants. Grant recipients would be required to match 10% of the grant’s funding, and the bill allows the Administrator of the program to waive or reduce the matching requirements for applicants that have demonstrated economic hardship.

The AFG program has awarded 1,331 grants to emergency response organizations in Tennessee since its creation.

“Countless lives are saved every day by the courageous efforts of first responders, firefighters and EMTs. The AFG program has helped fire stations get the resources they need to better respond to emergencies,” said Gordon. “The bill we passed today will make it easier for fire departments in Middle Tennessee and across the country to obtain grants from this program.”

Posted in Legislation, Public Safety, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

Gordon Helps Pass 3 Bills To Boost Small Business

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Gordon supported three bipartisan bills today aimed at helping small businesses in Tennessee and around the country. Each bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The House approved the Small Business Health Information Technology Financing Act (H.R. 3014), which would create a loan program in the U.S. Small Business Administration to help medical professionals purchase health information technology.

“Numerous studies have shown that if doctors and hospitals started using secure health information technology systems, like electronic medical records, billions of dollars could be saved each year nationwide,” said Gordon who has been a longtime advocate for reducing the costs of practicing medicine.

Earlier this year, the President implemented a tort reform initiative that Gordon developed to reduce the number of frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits that doctors face.

The House also passed the Small Business Early-Stage Investment Act (H.R. 3738) and the Expand Entrepreneurship Act (H.R. 1842). Both measures aim to support new, promising small businesses.

“Early-stage businesses have been found to be some of the best job creators, but starting a new business is no easy task,” said Gordon. “These bills create important SBA programs that will assist small businesses in getting up and running. Helping small businesses grow is especially important for Tennessee’s economy, where more than 95% of our state’s private workforce is employed by small businesses.”

The Small Business Early-Stage Investment Act creates an SBA investment program tasked with providing grants to small businesses involved in health information technology, digital technology, defense technology, and agriculture research and development. The Expand Entrepreneurship Act directs the SBA to develop a comprehensive plan that identifies a strategy for each SBA region to create jobs through its programs.

Having passed the House, the three bills will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Posted in Business, Economy, Education, Energy, Environment, Health care, Jobs, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

Another Conservative Attacks Lou Ann Zelenik’s Candidacy

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Stephen Shirley, Conservative DNJ Contributor

Stephen Shirley, Conservative DNJ Contributor

PRAYS ITS A CONSPIRACY TO MAKE HER GO AWAY

Stephen Shirley is known as a conservative contributor to the Daily News Journal through guest columns, DNJ forum posts, and blogs. Here’s what he had to say about Republican Lou Ann Zelenik’s decision to challenge Congressman Bart Gordon (D-Murfreesboro) in a DNJ guest column:

Zelenik certainly isn’t the perfect candidate. Never mind that she lost a Republican primary race for the Tennessee House 48th District. Zelenik comes across as a partisan blowhard interested more in hearing herself talk than in listening to local residents. She’s caustic, abrasive and quite simply annoying. Her schtick plays well with the “birthers” crowd. But independents simply plug their ears to her braying and search out a more reasoned voice.

Numerous political watchers openly wonder if the Zelenik campaign isn’t just an attempt to weaken Gordon for the 2012 election cycle. A campaign against Zelenik would force Gordon to spend from his campaign war chest. But what if weakening Gordon isn’t the only motivation for the Republican Party? What if there is a secondary motivation in encouraging a Zelenik campaign in 2010?

If Zelenik faces off against Gordon next November, spends significant amounts of her own money and still loses, she might conclude that elected office is not in her best interests. In one fell swoop, Republicans could hurt Gordon’s prospects of another re-election as well as clear the slate of a powerful, if not deeply flawed, candidate.

So call it the Zelenik gambit. It may be an attempt to weaken Bart Gordon. But by offering up Zelenik as campaign fodder in 2010, the gambit may also be an attempt to eliminate her from future discussions.

Posted in 2010, Elections, Lou Ann Zelenik, Radical Republicans, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 1 Comment »

Making Veterans Part of the Recovery

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

bartgordonBY CONGRESSMAN BART GORDON

On this Veterans Day, more than 190,000 of our brave men and women are currently fighting for our country in Afghanistan and Iraq. Going to war takes incredible courage, and each and every service member currently deployed is in our thoughts and prayers. All Americans appreciate their commitment to defending our freedoms.

We owe them more than just our gratitude though; we have an obligation to serve those who have volunteered to serve our country. The unfortunate reality is that here at home, there are about 185,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are unemployed and looking for work. These veterans bravely served our country, and the skills they developed during their military service – from their strong work ethic and unwavering loyalty to their commitment toward achieving goals bigger than themselves – would be of great value to any business.

Many, however, have been caught in the turmoil of the current economic climate. As the United States climbs out of this recession, my goal has been to support efforts aimed at helping them obtain the additional skills needed to compete for today’s jobs.

Last year, Congress passed the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, legislation that expanded educational benefits for military veterans who have served since September 11, 2001. In August, military veterans throughout Middle Tennessee and across the United States started receiving benefits from the new G.I. Bill, which includes covering 100% of a four-year public undergraduate education.

I strongly supported this bill because it will allow an estimated 2 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to return to the classroom and get the education they need and deserve without having to worry about costs. Not only does the new G.I. Bill cover tuition, but it also helps with books and housing expenses.

In addition to the new G.I. Bill, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Veterans Retraining Act, which will further help veterans obtain the skills needed to get a new job. This legislation would authorize the U.S. Labor Department to pay monthly living and housing stipends to veterans enrolled in employment-training programs that teach skills in particular demand.

In Smyrna, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced its plans to open a new patient service call center to help serve veterans and 19 VA hospitals. This center is expected to create as many as 450 new jobs. Hiring will begin later this year, and the federal government will offer veterans special preference for these jobs, which will provide much needed job opportunities for veterans in our area.

As the current economic climate improves, I remain committed to ensuring that veterans are part of the recovery.

Posted in Economy, Education, Heroes, Jobs, Legislation, Military, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Soldiers, Veterans | No Comments »

Gordon Votes Against Health Care Bill

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

bartgordon1HR 3962, the health care proposal in U.S. House, narrowly passed last night 220-215 with 1 republican, Rep. Cao of Louisiana, voting in favor of the bill. 39 Democrats joined 176 Republicans in voting against the first health care reform bill to make it to the House floor since 1965. From a press release:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Gordon voted against the House health care bill (H.R. 3962) today, citing concerns about its ability to reduce health care costs.

“I firmly believe that any responsible health care bill must do two things: improve access to health care for small businesses and the uninsured, and reduce health care spending. This bill does one but not the other, it falls short of sufficiently cutting health care spending.”

The Congressional Budget Office recently evaluated H.R. 3962 and indicated that the bill would not reduce, but instead would increase, the federal government’s spending on health care over the long-term.

“Currently, one out of every six dollars is spent on health care in the United States,” stated Gordon. “It’s unsustainable to keep health care spending where it is now. We must decrease the amount of money our country spends on health care.”

Gordon made his decision after studying the bill’s provisions and listening to the concerns of Middle Tennesseans during numerous public forums, telephone town halls, face-to-face meetings, as well as thousands of phone calls and emails since debate on the issue started earlier this year.

“This process of drafting health care proposals has been both lengthy and healthy. I’ve received valuable comments and suggestions from the Middle Tennesseans I represent. However, we still have a long way to go,” said Gordon. “Any health care bill that is ultimately signed into law must not increase the federal deficit or our long-term spending on health care. I am hopeful that the Senate and House can work through the amendment process and conference committee and get to a point where we have a better bill that incorporates bipartisan ideas that I can support.”

Posted in Health care, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Tea Parties | 8 Comments »

Gordon Encourages Stop Loss Soldiers To Apply For New Funds

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Gordon announced today that the U.S. Department of Defense is making special payments available for service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001.

“It takes a tremendous amount of courage for service members to continue standing in harm’s way when they’ve been apart from their families for so long,” said Gordon who voted for the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which established this new initiative. “While no amount of money can make up for the burden of extended deployments, I hope these payments will help our soldiers know how much we appreciate their commitment and honor their service.”

The U.S. Department of Defense is providing service members with $500 for every month they were held under stop loss orders between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. Since 2001, more than 185,000 service members have been held under stop loss orders.

Service members from all branches of the military, including members of Reserve units, can submit claims for retroactive stop loss pay until October 21, 2010. Each service member will be required to submit documented proof that they were stop lossed. Family members of deceased service members may also apply for payments.

For specific information about how service members from each branch of the military can apply for payments, please visit the following websites:

Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil
Navy: send an email to – NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss

“While each branch of the military would like eligible service members to apply online, if you don’t have access to the Internet, you can call my office for assistance,” added Gordon.

Those who have questions or need assistance with the application process should call Congressman Gordon’s Murfreesboro office at (615) 896-1986.

Posted in Heroes, Legislation, Military, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Service, Soldiers, Veterans | No Comments »

Gordon Gaining Traction with Nuclear Waste Ban

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

bartgordonThe following editorial has gone national, being printed in the Jackson Sun, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and even Columbus’ Coshocton Tribune …

DON’T LET U.S. BE GLOBAL NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP

Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.

If a friend asked to dump his garbage in your yard because he knew you would know what to do with it, what would you say? Probably, no thanks. That’s what the U.S. should say to countries that want to send their nuclear waste here for processing and storage.

Thankfully, Sen. Lamar Alexander and U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon are sponsoring legislation in Congress to keep other countries’ nuclear waste out of the U.S. …

The controversy arose when a private Utah company, EnergySolutions, asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permission to bring in 20,000 tons of low-level radioactive waste from Italy. The company would process the waste in Tennessee and store the resulting 1,600 tons at a private facility 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. The NRC said it has applications from Mexico and Brazil to do the same thing.

The U.S. handles its own nuclear waste based on a regional system established by Congress in the 1980s. Current laws don’t address importing nuclear waste from other countries. …

The problem with allowing the waste to come to the U.S. is that America will become the world’s dumping ground for nuclear waste. That’s because no other country will accept the stuff. This is not a “world leader” designation America needs.

– The Jackson, Tenn., Sun

Posted in Energy, Environment, Legislation, Public Safety, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Watchdog Alert | 1 Comment »

Gordon Votes for Solar Tech Bill to Boost Tennessee Jobs

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – To build upon the new solar technology jobs being created in Tennessee, Congressman Bart Gordon used his chairmanship of the House Science and Technology Committee to advance the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. The bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed the full U.S. House of Representatives in a vote of 310 to 106 today.

“If solar power isn’t the first thing you think of when I talk about Tennessee, I’ll forgive you,” Congressman Gordon said during his opening remarks about the Solar Roadmap bill on the House Floor today. “But over the last few years we’ve really seen first-hand the major potential that solar energy has to create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil in the process.”

The Solar Roadmap bill, H.R. 3585, would establish a comprehensive process to facilitate the research, development and demonstration of American solar technology in partnership with the private sector. The bill would also direct the Department of Energy to award grants to entrepreneurs, research agencies and academic laboratories that are leading the field in solar technology development and solar manufacturing.

“Solar technology is creating jobs throughout Tennessee and the rest of the country,” explained Gordon. “The short- and long-term roadmap that will be written as a result of this bill is modeled on the successful National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, which has been instrumental in creating thousands of jobs and helping the semiconductor technology industry advance rapidly over the past two decades.”

The Solar Roadmap bill would require the U.S. Secretary of Energy to appoint an 11-member Solar Technology Roadmap Committee to write, review and update a Solar Technology Roadmap. Moving forward, the roadmap will provide a path to make solar technology more dependable and widely available to American consumers.

“The solar technology plants in Clarksville and Cleveland, as well as Nissan’s electric car and battery plant in Smyrna, are going to be instrumental in making Tennessee a leader in the new clean energy industries that will help our country become more energy independent,” added Gordon. “This bill will help additional solar projects get off the ground and boost job growth in the process.”

The Solar Technology Roadmap Act has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a letter of support, the Chamber wrote, “Increased research, development, and demonstration of solar technology is crucial to America’s energy security needs, and H.R. 3585 would help move one step closer to that goal.”

The bill has also been endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Solar Energy Industries Association, BP, IBM, Intel and National Semiconductor. Having passed the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Posted in Business, Economy, Education, Energy, Environment, Jobs, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

Action by Congress Needed to Stop Nuclear Waste Imports

Friday, October 16th, 2009

bartgordon WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon’s bill to ban imports of nuclear waste got a boost today when an official from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission confirmed the agency currently lacks the power and authority to stop imports and disposal of foreign-generated radioactive waste in the United States.

“The NRC, the very agency that regulates low-level radioactive waste, made clear unless my bill is passed, nothing will stop countries like Mexico, Italy and Brazil from dumping their radioactive waste in our country,” said Gordon. “The fact is we have limited space for this kind of waste and it should be reserved for domestic industries that generate it – the medical facilities, university research labs and utility companies. These industries, in 36 states, have only one available disposal site to use located in Clive, Utah.”

Today’s legislative hearing on Gordon’s bill, the Radioactive Import Deterrence (RID) Act, H.R. 515, was held before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment.

During the hearing, Gordon asked the NRC official, Margaret Doane, if it was fair to summarize her testimony by saying unless Congress makes a policy decision, the NRC currently doesn’t have the authority to stop foreign radioactive waste from entering the U.S. for disposal.

“That’s right,” Doane responded.

The U.S. is the only country in the world that imports radioactive waste of other countries for disposal. Currently, a permit is pending with NRC to import 20,000 tons of Italian low-level radioactive waste for disposal in the U.S., which would be the largest importation ever of foreign-generated radioactive waste. Permits to import and dispose of radioactive waste from Mexico and Brazil are also pending. If these permits are approved, the nuclear waste shipments would be transported to Tennessee for processing and later disposed of in Utah.

Gordon’s legislation, the RID Act, would ban the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from authorizing the importation of foreign-generated radioactive waste for disposal in the U.S. unless the President deems the importation would meet critical national or international policy goals.

“By banning the importation of radioactive waste for disposal, we’ll also send the world the right message: if you are going to produce low-level radioactive waste, you’ve got to build the necessary disposal facilities,” stated Gordon during the hearing.

Posted in Energy, Environment, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »

Veterans’ Health Care Is Bart Gordon’s First Budget Priority

Friday, October 9th, 2009

bartgordonWASHINGTON – For more than two decades, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care system has been plagued by consistently late and, at times, inadequate budgets. On Wednesday (October 7), the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to ensure timely funding for veterans’ health care.

“Our veterans deserve the best available care – red tape and bureaucratic budgetary issues shouldn’t get in the way of their health care,” said Congressman Bart Gordon, who strongly supported the bill’s passage. “Over the years, the VA has had to make do with insufficient budgets resulting in restricted access for many veterans. This bill will change that.”

In 19 of the past 22 years, the VA has not received its budgetary funding prior to the start of the fiscal year. The legislation, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016), would require the VA to provide detailed budgetary estimates sooner so that Congress can allocate funds for the VA’s medical care programs one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year.

“My father and uncle served during World War II and they taught me the importance of taking care of those who volunteer to defend our country,” added Gordon. “Delays in VA funding do a disservice to those who have served. By streamlining the budgetary process, the VA will have up to a year to plan how to deliver the most efficient and effective care to our veterans.”

The bill would require the VA to submit a report each July on the resources it needs for the upcoming fiscal year in order for Congress to address any funding imbalances. This will help to safeguard against the budget shortfalls that the VA has faced in recent years.

The bipartisan bill is supported by a coalition of veteran service organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and Disabled American Veterans, who have endorsed the bill as “an historic legislative victory on behalf of all veterans.”

The bill now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass and then be signed into law by the President.

Posted in Budget, Health care, Legislation, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6), Veterans | 1 Comment »

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