Dear Friends,

Despite the rainy weather, summer is here and with it, my community days program kicks off. I started my community days program two summers ago, and I find it is a great way to get out into the District to hear what is on your mind, while visiting non-profits, small businesses and other key community organizations. On Tuesday, June 30, I will be in the Olneyville section of Providence and on Thursday, July 2, I will be in Foster and Glocester. Both days culminate with community meetings open to the public.

On June 30, the community meeting will be at the Cathedral of Life Church at 1860 Westminster Street, Providence, from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., and on July 2, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., I will be at the Foster Town House, 181 Howard Hill Road, Foster. I will be announcing my August Community Days in the coming weeks.

On July 1, you may also receive a call asking you to join my second telephone town hall meeting. The telephone system will randomly choose constituents throughout Rhode Island's Second Congressional District and offer you the opportunity to ask me a question. As always, if you are unable to participate in the call, never hesitate to call or email my office.

Langevin and Providence Mayor David Cicilline talked with students at the Gilbert Stuart Middle School. Langevin visited the school as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Tackling Health Care
The buzz in Washington these days is swirling around reforming our nation's health care system to reduce costs and ensure that all Americans have access to insurance. This is exciting and long overdue. On May 21, the Providence Journal printed my latest opinion piece on health care, which stated that the most persistent and resounding financial challenge for Rhode Island families and businesses continues to be the lack of affordable health coverage. But this is not just an economic or fiscal imperative; it is a moral one.

To this end, I have reintroduced the American Health Benefits Program Act, a universal health care proposal designed to guarantee every American access to the same coverage as members of Congress. This proposal represents my own vision for health reform - one that contains costs, improves quality, increases efficiency, promotes wellness, guarantees universal coverage and encourages investment in treatments and cures for the 21st Century. Each of these principles comprises a key element and important goal within the national dialogue on health reform. As this conversation continues, I encourage my fellow Rhode Islanders to join the discussion and present their own views for achieving health reform.
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Langevin speaks with Merrill Thomas, CEO, The Providence Community Health Centers, during a recent event at their central office on Cranston Street.

Pursuing Peace & Security
Our nation’s long-term commitment to securing and rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan remains strong, and nothing compares to experiencing the front lines first hand. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I recently led a group of my colleagues to these two critical war zones to learn more about our current obligations, and what those on the ground -- our military, diplomats and non-governmental organizations – think our role and responsibilities should be in the years to come.

Aside from assessing the combat situation, my chief concern was for the morale of our service members. I am always impressed when I meet our commanders and troops with their dedication to the task at hand, and my experience on this trip proved no different. These brave men and women are committed to bringing peace and stability to Iraq and Afghanistan. The road to victory in Iraq and Afghanistan will be long, but it is within our reach. I look forward to continuing my work on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees to ensure our troops are supported, our tax dollars are spent wisely and our mission is successful. To read more, click here.
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Langevin signs the Warrior Wall at the Joint Base Balad military field hospital during a recent trip to Iraq. (Photo by U.S Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)

Langevin congratulates Laura Keller of Wyoming on her Page appointment in Washington, DC.

Securing Cyber Space
As the co-chair of the House Cyber Security Caucus, I am encouraged by the Obama Administration’s swift release of a report reviewing current cyberspace policy and the President’s clear statement that cyber terrorism is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we will face in the 21st century. Securing our nation’s networks is critical to protecting our national security infrastructure, in addition to protecting our way of life, from our financial system, to our electric grid, to our communication systems. The report’s findings will help with the development of a strategic framework to ensure that the U.S. government’s cyber initiatives are appropriately integrated, resourced, and coordinated. This quick action should serve as a clear indication to both the public and private sector of how serious this issue has become for our nation. Over the coming months, I look forward to working with the new Cyber Coordinator to fine tune the recommendations and make sure we are putting this report into action. To read more, click here.
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Thank you for your continued interest and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me about your priorities and concerns as the 111th Congress continues.