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Dear Friends, These are trying times and I know many Rhode Island families are feeling the effects of our economic slump in one way or another. I am keenly aware that swift action is needed to create jobs in Rhode Island and that's why I supported H.R. 1 - the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act   This legislation will create and save 3 to 4 million jobs, making our nation more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy for long-term growth.  The bill includes approximately $607 billion for industries that are integral to Rhode Island's economy, including transportation and infrastructure upgrades and construction, health care programs, education assistance, housing assistance and energy efficiency upgrades. It also includes $212 billion in personal and business tax breaks for a total of $819 billion to be expended over 2009 and 2010. However, it is important to understand that this funding is not a silver bullet, but that our economy will continue to decline without this immediate action.  The Recovery package, once passed by the Senate and signed by the President, will begin to slow our downward economic trend and allow us to regain our economic footing as we begin to make much-needed long term investments to transform our economy for the 21st Century.
Langevin recently toured the Network RI Providence office to hear from officials of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training about the challenges their clients are facing. Change is happening The January 20th swearing-in of Barack Obama as our 44th President was one of my most memorable moments as a member of Congress. Looking out over our National Mall as President Obama offered words of hope and promise, I was reminded that despite these trying times, we live in a wonderful Democracy. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration to start forging change we can believe in. (Back to top) During a break from his work in Washington, DC Langevin joined the presidents of Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island for their first annual men's basketball match-up. Breaking down barriers The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was the first bill signed into law by President Obama in January. I was proud to enthusiastically support this legislation as an original cosponsor. This law will clarify that the statute of limitations for suing employers for pay discrimination begins each time they issue a paycheck and is not limited to the original discriminatory action.  This change would be applicable not only to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, but also to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am thankful for Ms. Ledbetter's dedication to ending this injustice, and I truly believe her brave actions will lead to the end of the gender pay-gap by making it easier for other victims of pay discrimination to file claims. (Back to top) Did you know? Langevin is a founding member and Vice-Chair of a new Congressional coalition that will primarily focus on the creation of a "green collar" economy, in addition to other national energy and environmental policies. The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition will advance policies that: Promote clean energy technology research and development Boost homeowner resources with tax provisions that offer credits for first-time homebuyers Develop renewable energy resources Increase the standard deduction for property taxes Create green collar jobs throughout the supply chain Protect our nation's clean air, water and natural environment New Congress, New Assignments As we begin the 111th Congress, I wanted you to know that I have one new and one not-so-new committee assignment. I am now on the House Committee on the Budget and have decided to rejoin the House Armed Services Committee, while remaining on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I am taking a leave of absence from the House Homeland Security Committee. It is no secret that we have inherited an estimated $1.2 trillion deficit as a result of the misguided policies and priorities of the Bush Administration. By joining the Budget Committee, I am in a unique position to address some of the most pressing issues facing our nation, including the current state of the economy, the soaring federal deficit, as well as the need to create jobs andfix the breakdown in critical government services and infrastructure over the past several years.  I will also be participating in hearings that will focus health care reform. Tackling our nation's health care crisis has always been a top priority of mine. I believe providing quality, affordable health care coverage to our nation's uninsured will be a key long-term component to restoring our country's fiscal health. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to continuing my work to bring an end to the War in Iraq and refocus our national security efforts. (Back to top)

Sincerely,

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