on this page: Hearing from the General |Affording Higher Education | Preserving Children's Health Care | Working to Keep the Heat On | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends,

The last two months have been very busy, filled with opportunities to meet many of you during the August work period in Rhode Island, and opportunities to vote on many important issues in Washington, D.C.  Please allow me to thank all of you who took the time this summer to come out and voice your opinions and concerns.  I hosted community meetings in Charlestown, Westerly, Providence, Cranston, Glocester and Block Island, and the War in Iraq was first and foremost on everyone's mind.  Your frustrations and concerns did not go unnoticed, and I want you to know I share your feelings on every level.  The time has come to end our military presence in Iraq.  I proudly voted against giving the President unchecked authority to invade Iraq, and I will continue to support, efforts in Congress to bring our troops home as soon as possible. Many of you also asked, "Why aren't the Democrats doing what we put them in the majority to do - get us out of Iraq?"

The answer isn't comforting or easy.  In the House, those of us who oppose the war do not have a veto-proof majority to override the President.  In order to move forward, we must continue to reach across the aisle and search for common ground, even though the pace of progress can be frustratingly slow.  You have my promise, however, that I will work my hardest on the issues that matter most to you and will not rest in my efforts to bring our military operations in Iraq to an end.

Langevin visits the McAuley House in Providence for lunch during August's district work period.

Hearing from the General

In the beginning of September, the nation heard an assessment from General Petreaus about the War in Iraq.  Gen. Petraeus stated that some progress has been made in the security situation as a result of the surge in U.S. forces.   However, I would have preferred to hear that the Iraqis had made real progress in the political realm.   A long-term solution to the violence plaguing Iraq cannot be achieved through military might alone.   Only by political reconciliation among Iraq's tribal, ethnic and religious groups can we hope to find a solution to the strife.  In the coming months, Congress will be considering the President's $190 billion spending request for war operations for 2008.   I know I speak for many of my colleagues when I say we will not support a continuation of the status quo.

Langevin tours the Comprehensive Community Action Program's dental clinic in Warwick.

Affording Higher Education

I was proud to join my colleagues earlier this month in voting for the passage of H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which was signed into law on September 27.  In the battle to improve access to affordable education, the passage of this legislation is a tremendous victory.  I believe that this law will make America stronger by giving today's students the tools they need to thrive as adults.   While our nation certainly faces challenging times, we should take tremendous hope and pride in the investments that Congress is making in the future by expanding access to higher education.

Preserving Children's Health Care

This week the House passed H.R. 976, the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  Known as RIte Care in Rhode Island, SCHIP began in 1997 and has been a true success story.  While the number of uninsured adults has steadily climbed over the past ten years, the number of uninsured children in our nation has declined by nearly a third.  This program has made health insurance a reality for more than 12,000 children in Rhode Island this year - the majority of them in families where one or more adult is part of the workforce.  SCHIP is a critical component of health care delivery in Rhode Island, as it is across the country.  Sadly, the President has promised to veto this legislation, despite strong bipartisan support and a clear need to provide access to health care for more of our nation's children.  While the prospect of a veto is disappointing, I assure you that the fight will continue in Congress to help kids stay healthy.

Langevin listens to constituents talking about the war in Iraq at the Block Island health center.

Working to Keep the Heat On

All summer my colleagues and I have urgently pressed the President to immediately release Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds to help low-income Rhode Islanders.  On September 26, I was delighted that the President finally heeded Congressional demands and authorized the Department of Health and Human Services to release $131 million in LIHEAP contingency funds, of which $1.9 million will go to Rhode Island.  With this addtional funding, Rhode Island social service agencies will be able to offer assistance to some of their neediest clients.  However, while this funding release is encouraging and will help to meet short-term needs, I will continue to advocate for more annual funding, so we can avoid such a crisis in the future.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.  Please do not hesitate to contact me about your priorities and concerns as the 110th Congress continues.

Sincerely,

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