Stem cell research moving forward | Taking troops out of Iraq | Making health care a priority | Small businesses drive economy | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends, Rhode Island has been deeply affected by the downturn in the housing market. I am concerned that our economy will not to begin to recover until action is taken to prevent foreclosures and home prices are stabilized. H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act Act, which I recently supported, provides the resources that homeowners and lenders will need to guide them through this crisis, including the ability to work together to modify and refinance loans.  This bill also includes provisions to keep current mortgage rates low for all homeowners.  Congress is also working to ensure that the appropriate measures are in place to prevent this kind of crisis in the future. I sent a letter in late February to Rhode Island mortgage lenders urging them to suspend new foreclosure initiations against the state's homeowners while the Obama Administration and Congress work to implement their plan to stem the foreclosure crisis. During these difficult times I believe all options must be on the table and I will continue to advocate for solutions for Rhode Island families.  If you would like to learn more about these new initiatives or find out if you are eligible to refinance or modify your mortgage, please click here.
Surrounded by a group comprised of 30 members of Congress and 10 Nobel Laureats, President Barack Obama offers remarks and then signs the Stem Cell Executive Order and Presidential Memorandum on Scientific Integrity in the East Room of the White House on Monday, March 9, 2009.  White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy Stem cell research moving forward Attending the recent signing ceremony at the White House was truly an honor for me. I, along with countless others, have spent the better part of the last eight years working for this moment when our federal government would again support the promise of embryonic stem cell research. I now look forward to working quickly with my colleagues to give this executive order the force of law and ensure that our nation's researchers are not hamstrung by short-sighted policies again. This executive order sends a clear signal around the world that our nation supports research based on science, not politics. I look forward to tackling the next set of challenges ahead to find cures to some of life's most chronic and challenging diseases and conditions. I am currently a cosponsor of two pieces of stem cell research legislation: H.R. 873, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2009, and H.R. 872, the Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009. (Back to top) Langevin recently joined Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Providence Mayor David Cicilline in the Elmwood neighborhood of Providence to applaud a new lead abatement program in the city. Taking troops out of Iraq As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was pleased to see a troop withdrawal plan presented so quickly from the Obama Administration. It is time for a new set of priorities and course of action to end the war in Iraq. While I am still studying the details of the President's proposal, I am concerned about the high number of troops remaining as part of the transition force. However, I do not want to reverse any of the gains we have achieved and will examine all the options that will help maintain stability in Iraq. In the coming weeks, I look forward to hearing more from the Administration and military experts during hearings held by the House Armed Services Committee. I am extremely proud of the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families, and I have long believed the best way to demonstrate our support is by welcoming them home. (Back to top) Women and Infants Hospital president and CEO, Constance A. Howes updates Langevin on the construction of the hospital's new 14,000 square foot building, which will house a new infant intensive care unit and additional patient rooms. Making health care a priority The President's budget sets forth a very ambitious policy agenda, while simultaneously adhering to an honest and sobering accounting standard that realizes incredible fiscal challenges.  It has become clear that in order to rebuild our economy, we are going to have to make significant investments in key priorities like energy, education and health care while sacrificing in some others.  One of the priorities highlighted in the President's budget outline is a reserve fund of more than $630 billion over 10 years to finance health care reform. As a strong proponent of health care reform, I took the opportunity as a member of the Budget Committee to question President Obama's Budget Director, Dr. Peter Orszag, about this initiative. I was pleased with his answers about the efficiencies and cost savings that the Administration believes can be achieved through their proposal, and I agree that there are existing savings to be captured within our failing health care system.  I look forward learning more about the Administration's health care reserve fund as a down payment toward achieving universal health care. Click here to watch the entire hearing. My questions on health care appear at the 2:23:37 mark in the hearing recording. (Back to top) Charlestown resident and US Fish and Wildlife volunteer Cody Clarkin teaches Langevin about his aquarium project at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Did you know? Langevin joined his Congressional colleagues, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, The Conservation Fund and the Nature Conservancy in announcing the protection of 120 acres of wildlife habitat in southern Rhode Island. The acquisition was for the 48 acres of Camp Pastore in Charlestown, and 72 acres of previously state-owned land known as the Stedman property in South Kingstown.    Small businesses drive Rhode Island's economy As we continue to debate how to address our nation's economic challenges, I was pleased to have Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner testify in front of the Budget Committee to provide lawmakers and the American people with an update on the Administration's most recent actions.  I believe one of the most important topics of this hearing centered around small business - a key driver of our economy, especially in Rhode Island.  In order for small business to thrive, we must ensure their ability to access credit and financing in the marketplace.  Secretary Geithner's recently released "Financial Stability Plan" is estimated to provide up to $1 trillion in financing capacity.  While there are many details that still need to be worked out, I took the opportunity to ask him how this plan will be used to leverage financing for small businesses. I look forward to receiving his response as this plan is more fully developed and will post his reply on my website.  Click here to watch the hearing. My questions have been submitted in writing to Secretary Geithner due to the time constraints of the hearing.  (Back to top) 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.

Sincerely,

Privacy Statement

This is an official email from Congressman Jim Langevin.  You have received this email by signing up on Congressman Langevin's Web site for periodic updates to your email account.  We are committed to protecting your privacy, so your email address will never be sold or exchanged.

If you have not received this email directly, I invite you to join other Rhode Islanders in the Second Congressional District in signing up for my email updates by clicking here.  Please know that because I respect your privacy, your information will never be shared or sold.  Also, updates will not overwhelm your email inbox.

If you no longer wish to receive these updates, click here to unsubscribe.