on this page: Stem Cells | Committee Assignments | Iraq | Legislative Successes | Securing Rhode Island | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 110th Congress!  As many of you may know, we kicked off our new Democratic majority by pushing through several key initiatives aimed at pointing our nation in a new direction.  I proudly supported the entire 100 Hours legislative agenda, which included raising the minimum wage, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, cutting interest rates on student loans, lifting the federal ban on stem cell research, implementing the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations and allowing the government to negotiate for lower-cost prescription drugs.  It is no secret, though, that more needs to be done.

I look forward to continuing the momentum of the 100 Hours to pass more legislation that will benefit Rhode Island's hardworking families, including reauthorizing federal funding for RIte Care, which provides families with health coverage, and funding my Respite Care bill which passed in December.  I will also work vigilantly with my colleagues to find the safest ways to bring those serving in Iraq home as soon as possible.

Below are a few issues that I would like to highlight:

Stem Cells

I was honored to have Michael J. Fox accompany me to this year's State of the Union address.  I often try to invite guests that have made an impact on our community or nation.  Given the recent passage of stem cell legislation in the House and a similar bill now pending in the Senate, I felt it was important to keep the issue of federally funding embryonic stem cell research front and center.  Michael was a natural choice as he has been an outstanding advocate for stem cell research.  I am optimistic that the Senate will take up the DeGette-Castle-Langevin Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act within the next two months.

Langevin hosted a press conference with The Autism Project of Rhode Island and the National Autism Association to highlight passage of the Combating Autism Act.

Committee Assignments

My colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee have chosen me to chair the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology.  I have also decided to take a leave of absence from my position on the Armed Services Committee in order to join the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence at the request of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  Both committee assignments will provide exciting opportunities at a very important time for our country, and I will continue working to better prepare our nation against natural disasters and the threat of attack.

Iraq

Our brave men and women serving in Iraq are always in my thoughts.  As the President moves to send more troops into harm's way, I will continue to advocate for a quick and systematic withdrawal.  As I have stated before, our military mission in Iraq has come to an end, and we now need to concentrate on drawing down our military forces and strengthening our diplomatic and economic efforts while providing continuing support to Iraqi security forces.

Legislative Successes

The last month of the 109th Congress was particularly rewarding for me.  After more than four years of negotiations, the House finally passed my Lifespan Respite Care Act, establishing a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care and create a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care.  Days later, the House also passed the Combating Autism Act, which includes mandates for expanding research opportunities and creating screening programs.

In the opening weeks of the 110th Congress, I celebrated the unanimous passage of the Support for Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Reform Act of 2007 SAFETY Reform Act.  This legislation provides incentives for the development and deployment of state-of-the-art anti-terrorism equipment, addresses the liability concerns of businesses and paves the way for development of key anti-terrorism innovations.

Congressman Jim Langevin met with members of the Parent Support Network, Multiple Scelrois Association and the ALS Association to discuss passage of the Lifespan Respite Care Act.

Securing Rhode Island

The Providence area was recently added to the Department of Homeland Securitys Urban Area Security Initiative list.  This distinction will open up new grant funding sources for first responders.  For a complete list of Homeland Security grant opportunities, policies and procedures, please visit my Web site.

In closing, thank you for your continued interest and support.  As the work of the 110th Congress begins, please do not hesitate to contact me about your priorities and concerns.

Sincerely,

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