on this page: Keeping Kids Safe |Looking for Energy Efficiency | Fueling the Economy | Iraq Update |Honoring Those Who Serve | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends,

One year ago, the American people demanded a New Direction to make America safer, reinvigorate the American Dream and restore accountability and fiscal responsibility to the people's government.  Since then the 110th Congress has begun to build a remarkable record of progress for the American people.

While our mission is far from accomplished, the Democratic Leadership is focused on a New Direction that makes American families and children, and future generations, our highest priority.  We have worked together to get things done -- reaching across the aisle to pass measures that will make a real difference in people's lives.  More than two-thirds of major legislation has passed with significant support from both parties.  I have outlined some of our accomplishments below.

I will continue to strive to find common ground, but I will not hesitate to stand my ground on critical issues that can not be compromised.  Above all, my goal is to advance your priorities and advocate for a stronger and more secure nation for all of us.  I look forward to hearing your concerns and ideas over the next year as we continue to move in a new direction.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and safe holiday season!

Langevin recently met Andrew Schiff, the new director of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and Lisa Roth Blackman, the agency's communications and development director.

Keeping Kids Safe

This year, holiday shopping has been clouded by the recent recalls of more than 25 million toys manufactured in China because of dangers to children.  I have been following this issue closely and have heard from many worried parents, as well as interested groups, from Rhode Island-based Hasbro to the Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group (RIPIRG).  After listening to their concerns, I have decided to cosponsor H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.  This legislation aims to improve and reform the nation's consumer product safety system by restructuring and increasing resources for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has long been underfunded and stretched too thin.  Just as importantly, H.R. 4040 increases the amount of inspections for children's products and works to reduce and eventually ban certain trace amounts of lead. This is a bipartisan bill that I expect to pass by the end of the year.

Langevin and Providence Police Colonel Dean Esserman spoke recently about public safety efforts in the capital city.

Looking for Efficiency

The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act, passed by the House earlier this year, takes a major step toward energy independence.  This comprehensive bill includes a multitude of innovative programs and common-sense solutions to improve energy efficiency, invest in groundbreaking technologies, create the infrastructure for alternative fuels and train our workforce for the economy of the future.  We have also passed legislation that repeals billions in subsidies to Big Oil companies earning record profits and invests those funds instead in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, including a historic investment in homegrown American biofuels.  Finally, I am encouraged by indications that House and Senate negotiators are readying a compromise energy package for consideration in the coming weeks.  I am particularly pleased that this measure is likely to include increased vehicle fuel efficiency standards, a critical component of reducing energy consumption that I have long supported.

Langevin toured the Jonnycake Center in Peacedale during a recent trip to South Kingstown.

Fueling the Economy

Given growing concerns about the state of the American economy, the New Direction Congress has taken a number of steps to help more families achieve the American Dream.  I was proud to support historic new legislation to make college more affordable by cutting the interest rate on student loans in half, saving the typical student $4,400 over the life of the loan, and increasing the size of Pell Grants.  This bill, which has been signed into law, will help give millions of American students access to higher education.

The Democratic majority has also helped workers across the country by passing the first minimum wage increase in a decade.  And to promote well-paying 21st Century jobs, we have also passed an Innovation Agenda, investing in the classroom to address the technology gap in our workforce and helping turn ideas into innovative technologies to boost our economy.

During a lunch stop, Langevin chats with Arthur Brown, owner of AJ's Restaurant in West Warwick.

Iraq Update

I know that Iraq continues to be an issue on everyone's mind, and the New Direction Congress is pressuring the Bush Administration to change course in Iraq and bring our troops home.  This war, which I opposed from the beginning, is now into its fifth year.  Despite the brave and skillful efforts of our troops, the war has not made America safer, our military stronger, or the region more stable.  I am fighting with my Democratic colleagues to responsibly redeploy our troops so we can refocus on the real war on terrorism and rebuild our military readiness.  This Congress has changed the debate, making the Bush Administration accountable for its execution of the war, and insisting the Iraqi government take responsibility for its own future.  We have instituted vigorous oversight, uncovering tens of billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse, but it is becoming clear that the failed Iraq policy will only change when the President and his allies in Congress finally hear the voices of the American people.

Langevin learns about the health care Thundermist in West Warwick provides.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Each November our country comes together to commemorate the sacrifices made by our veterans.  The 110th Congress has made it a priority to honor those who have bravely served our nation and has addressed the challenges facing our veterans by restoring accountability and oversight to ensure they receive quality, compassionate care.  On November 6, 2007, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3043, a spending bill that provides the biggest increase in veterans benefits in over 75 years, and the need could not be more urgent.  This legislation includes an increase of $18 billion for military construction and veterans affairs, and is $3.8 billion above the President's request.  I am also pleased that this bill addresses the concerns and reflects the advice of our veterans by not only meeting, but exceeding, the Independent Budget, a needs estimate published by four veterans' service groups.  Additional funding will help alleviate the backlogged claim process, reduce waiting times for doctor appointments, and provide much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities.

Looking forward, we must work to put in place a GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century.  This is our promise to continue to invest in veterans' health care, and to strengthen benefits for our men and women in uniform today as well as for the veterans and military retirees who have already served.  The support shown by this Congress is a testament to the priority all of us place on our veterans.  I am proud to be part of a Congress that is moving in a new direction by proving our commitment to the 24 million veterans in our country and almost 90,000 veterans in Rhode Island, not only though our words, but also through our deeds.  May we all keep those currently serving abroad in our thoughts and wish them a safe return home.

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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