News from California's Border Congressman

Health & Safety


Headlines

 

April 1, 2011  

Congressman Filner Supports Bill to Help Rural and Small Community Water Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has signed on as an original co-sponsor to the Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act of 2011.

"Across the nation, over 90% of community water systems serve a population of less than 10,000. This bill will reauthorize technical assistance programs that help small and rural communities, including those in the Imperial Valley, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act," said Congressman Filner.

The 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act authorized technical assistance for small and rural communities to assist them with compliance with rules and regulations under the Act. Technical assistance and compliance training ensures that federal regulations do not overwhelm small and rural communities' resources. It also allows small communities lacking technical resources access to assistance necessary to improve and protect their water resources.

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March 11, 2011  

Congressman Filner Introduces Bill to Help Those Afflicted with Huntington's Disease

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner recently introduced the Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2011 (H.R. 718), which would direct the Social Security Administration (SSA) to revise outdated, medically inaccurate criteria for determining Social Security Disability and waive the Medicare two-year waiting period for people disabled by Huntington's Disease.

"Huntington's Disease is a devastating, hereditary degenerative brain disorder that causes total physical and mental deterioration," said Congressman Filner. "Updating the Social Security Disability criteria and waiving the two year Medicare waiting period will improve the welfare and lives of the individuals and families impacted by this rare and devastating disease."

Congressman Filner's bill received the support of 153 co-sponsors in the 111th Congress.

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February 10, 2011  

Congressman Filner Introduces Legislation to Make Drug Manufactures Accountable to Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner announced today he has introduced the Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 542, which would allow consumers to sue a drug manufacturer directly.

"When the medicine that was supposed to heal us, instead harms us, we should be able to hold drug manufacturers responsible," said Congressman Filner. "This legislation puts the power back in the hands of the consumer and makes drug companies accountable for their products."

The legislation repeals the Learned Intermediary Doctrine, a judicial precedent that prevents Americans from suing the manufacturers of a drug that harmed them. According to the Learned Intermediary Doctrine, a patient cannot sue the drug manufacturer on the grounds that their doctor (the Learned Intermediary) should be able to warn them about the possible negative side effects.

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January 28, 2011  

Congressman Filner Introduces Bill to Protect Public Safety and Public Interest in Transportation Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has reintroduced the Safety, Efficiency and Accountability in Transportation Projects through Public Inspection Act of 2011. The bill, H.R. 328, would require public employees to perform the inspection and related essential public functions on all state and local transportation projects, and is intended to ensure that public safety is protected, transportation funds are not wasted and projects are delivered in a timely manner.

"I am concerned that outsourcing of inspection work causes conflicts of interest that have led private inspectors to cut corners and overlook problems that threaten public safety, increase costs and delay projects," said Congressman Filner.

On transportation projects, inspectors ensure that construction and seismic standards are met, that projects meet safety requirements and that the materials used will stand the test of time. In short, inspectors are there to ensure that public safety and the public interest are protected.

When the construction inspection function is outsourced to a private company, there is no longer a representative of the public on the job site. In this circumstance, one private company is charged with the task of inspecting the work of another private company. This creates multiple conflicts for the private inspector. First, the private inspectors' primary obligation and responsibility is not to the public, but to the success and profitability of his company. Because the private construction company whose work they are inspecting on one project may be a business partner on a future project, private inspectors may also feel pressure from the private contractor to take steps that ensure larger profits for both firms.

There are many examples in which public safety has been threatened by the use of private inspectors, including Boston's "Big Dig" (where a concrete slab from a tunnel ceiling fell and killed a woman), the L.A. Redline subway (Hollywood Blvd. collapsed), the I-8/I-805 Interchange in San Diego (10,000 defective welds on a seismic retrofit), the Connecticut I-84 project (hundreds of drains that lead nowhere).

Congressman Filner is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over road safety issues.

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January 19, 2011  

What the Patients' Rights Repeal Act Means for Seniors, Small Businesses, Children and Young Adults

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Bob Filner released details of what the Republicans' Patients' Rights Repeal Act would mean for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who live in California's 51st District. The House Republican Leadership is bringing this legislation to the House Floor for a vote as soon as today.

"The plain fact is that this legislation will take us back to a day when people weren't protected from insurance company abuses," said Congressman Filner. "When we start talking about the financial impact on seniors, small businesses, families and young adults – we find that people have a lot to lose under the Republicans' Patients' Rights Repeal Act."

The report on California's 51st District finds that the Patients' Rights Repeal Act would have significant consequences in the district by:

  • Allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to 115,000 to 310,000 individuals, including 11,000 to 50,000 children, with pre-existing conditions.
  • Taking away the ability of 3,900 young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plan until their 26th birthday.
  • Taking away the 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs for 6,000 seniors who hit the Part D drug "donut hole" and denying new preventive care benefits to 90,000 seniors.
  • Eliminating health care tax credits for up to 14,500 small businesses and 148,000 families.
  • Rescinding consumer protections for 361,000 individuals who have health insurance through their employer or the market for private insurance.
  • Increasing the costs of early retiree coverage for up to 7,700 early retirees.
  • Increasing the number of people without health insurance by 106,000 individuals.
  • Increasing the costs to hospitals of providing uncompensated care by $29 million annually.

"We should be working together to create jobs, not taking away Americans' health care rights," said Congressman Filner.

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Headlines

 

October 27, 2010  

New Data: 1,760 Seniors in California’s 51st Congressional District Have Already Received "Donut Hole" Checks As a Result of Health Reform

CHULA VISTA, CA - Congressman Bob Filner announced that new data show that 1,760 seniors in the 51st Congressional District of California have so far received the $250 ‘donut hole’ checks, that were provided by the health reform law, to begin to close the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap – as of October 1, 2010. In total, these seniors in our district have received a total of $440,000 to help pay their high drug costs.

Furthermore, an additional 4,240 seniors in our Congressional District are expected to enter the donut hole before the end of 2010 and will also be receiving a $250 check to help with their drug costs. As a result, by the end of the year, a total of 6,000 seniors in our district will have received assistance to help cover the cost of their drugs. The total amount of assistance provided to seniors in the district will be $1.5 million.

"This is just a first step in closing the prescription drug donut hole for our seniors," said Congressman Filner. "Closing the donut hole for senior’s prescriptions is just one of the real benefits that we will soon see from healthcare reform."

One of the immediate benefits of the health reform legislation signed into law in March is this assistance to seniors with high drug costs. This year, all seniors who have prescription drug expenses of $2,830 or more – and thereby enter the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’ coverage gap – are receiving a one-time tax-free $250 rebate check.

These checks are being mailed out every couple of weeks. Nationwide, as of October 21, 2010, more than 1.8 million seniors have received the $250 rebate check. It is estimated that by the end of the year about 4 million seniors will have received the check nationwide.

In addition, under health reform, Part D donut hole benefits will increase beginning in January 2011, when all seniors who hit the donut hole receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, saving the average senior entering the donut hole more than $500 annually. These discounts will save seniors in the district more than $3.2 million next year.

The benefits to seniors with high drug costs increase on a regular basis under the health reform law. The discount on brand-name drugs increases to 52.5% in 2013 and to 55% in 2015. The savings continue to grow until the donut hole is completely eliminated in 2019.

Congressional Republicans created the donut hole – leaving thousands of seniors to choose between buying the prescriptions they need and putting food on the table – and now they promise to try to repeal the reforms that close it.

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October 1, 2010  

National Healthcare Leaders Honor Congressman Filner For His Leadership on Healthcare Innovation


Congressman Bob Filner receives a "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" award from Mary R. Grealy, President of the Healthcare Leadership Council.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nation’s health care companies and organizations, honored Congressman Filner as a "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" at a recent award ceremony in Washington, DC.

"America needs to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing new technologies to improve healthcare. We can do that by nurturing the amazing companies and universities that continue to produce creative new health innovations, many of them right here in San Diego," said Congressman Filner. "I will continue to work to make sure that the state-of-the-art health technology our country excels at is made available to all of the people who need it."

Congressman Filner was honored at the Council’s annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This year’s event featured, among other displays, new technologies in treating diabetes and kidney disease as well as digital health coaching programs to help people improve their own well-being.

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September 23, 2010  

Congressman Filner applauds new health consumer protections going into effect today

Patient’s Bill of Rights gives patients new financial and health security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner wants to make sure everyone knows about the several important consumer protection features of health reform that go into effect today, September 23rd, six months after Affordable Care Act was signed into law. Better known as the Patient’s Bill of Rights, these provisions seek to end insurance company abuses, and put consumers and their doctors back in control of their own care.

"The Patient’s Bill of Right makes sure that health care is available to you when you need it most and outlaws the most egregious abuses by the insurance industry," said Congressman Filner.

For plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010, all privately-insured Americans now have the following protections:

  • Health coverage cannot be arbitrarily cancelled if you become sick.
  • Children cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
  • Children up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ health plan.
  • Health insurance giants cannot put a lifetime limit on health coverage.
  • Health plans’ annual limits are phased out over three years.

Beginning today, consumers purchasing new plans will have the following additional protections:

  • Patients have the right to choose their own doctor.
  • Preventive services will be available without deductable or co-payments.
  • Patients have the right to both an internal and external appeal of insurers’ coverage decisions.
  • Patients have the right to access out-of-network emergency room care at in-network cost-sharing rates.

"All of these provisions combined will help our country move to a healthier future," said Congressman Filner. "People will no longer have to make life and death decisions based on the arbitrary judgment of an insurance company."

While these provisions make some of the worst insurance industry practices — rescissions, coverage limits, denying coverage to sick children — a thing of the past, Congressional Republicans want to take American families backwards. Nearly all House Republicans have signed on to a bill that would completely repeal these rights, subjecting American families to an old, unstable system where unjust insurance company practices go unchecked.

"The effort to repeal these protections will return us to a time when insurance companies were putting profits before patients," said Congressman Filner.

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July 27, 2010  

Congressman Filner supports HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Filner announced today that he has co-sponsored H. Res. 1547, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the Annual National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day. This resolution urges doctors, nurses, dentists and other clinicians to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

"Awareness of HIV status has been proven to be a critical element in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment," said Congressman Filner. "Clinicians are on the front lines of the fight against HIV/AIDS and their commitment to awareness, testing, treatment and referrals can make a big impact on curbing the spread of this devastating epidemic."

The resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

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July 20, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces Quechan Indian Tribe to receive over $390,000 for diabetes program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has granted $390,653 to the Quechan Indian Tribe for diabetes prevention and treatment.

"Diabetes is a grave threat to our Indian Tribes," said Congressman Filner. "This funding goes directly to the Quechan Indian Tribe for much needed diabetes prevention and treatment programs."

It is estimated that 16.3 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native adults have diagnosed diabetes, nearly twice as many as non-Hispanic whites. The HHS office of Indian Health Service administers the grant program called the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.

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June 18, 2010  

Congressman Filner: MAAC Project receives $4 million grant for Head Start program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the Chula Vista based MAAC Project has successfully secured a $4 million grant from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will go to expand their Head Start program across San Diego County.

"People are turning to community service organizations now more than ever," said Filner. "MAAC Project has been there for communities across San Diego for 55 years and with this grant they will be able to increase their ability to give low income families access to early education with the Head Start program."

MAAC also serves San Diego County families through their nutrition program, low-income home weatherization and improvement program, recovery homes, affordable housing complexes and a charter school.

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May 18, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces $90,450 for Imperial Valley health clinics

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced today three Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo in the Imperial Valley will receive a total of $90,450 in grants for new electronic health records systems.

"Health clinics are on the front lines of our health care system," said Filner. "Our health clinics shouldn’t be left behind when it comes to having access to new technology."

The funds come from a Rural Development grant provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo’s Niland, West Shores and Winterhaven clinics will each receive approximately $30,000.

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March 22, 2010  

Congressman Bob Filner Announces $16 Million of Recovery Act Funds for the County of San Diego!

Congressman Filner is pleased to announce a Recovery Act award of over $16 million to the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency for prevention and wellness.

"Prevention is critical to improving the heath of all Americans," said Congressman Filner. "This grant will allow San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency to provide education and programs to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition and decrease smoking, and improve the health of the residents of San Diego."

These community projects are part of the Health and Human Services comprehensive prevention and wellness initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW), funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The competitive funding awards to cities, towns, and tribes across the country will allow communities to support healthy choices among their residents through a variety of methods including increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages, improving access to safe places for physical activity, discouraging tobacco use, and encouraging smoke-free environments.

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March 12, 2010  

Congressman Bob Filner Co-Sponsors the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act!

Congressman Filner recently joined his colleagues in co-sponsoring H.R. 4404, the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act. This bill will provide for grants through the Department of Health and Human Services to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities.

"Diabetes is a disease that adversely affects America's minority populations." said Congressman Filner. "This legislation will help minorities affected by diabetes to live healthy and productive lives."

H.R. 4404 was introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters and requires these grants to cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

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January 22, 2010  

Congressman Filner Works to Close Medicare Part D Donut Hole

Congressman Filner recently joined several of his colleagues in signing a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and Majority Leader Reid in support of completely closing the Medicare Part D donut hole as a part of healthcare reform.

"Seniors often face difficult financial decisions; this problem is only exacerbated by the donut hole, where seniors have to cover the full cost of their medications out of pocket" said Congressman Filner. "Completely closing the donut hole is a critical step to providing affordable, accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all Americans."

The healthcare reform bill passed by the House of Representatives completely closes the donut hole by 2019 while the Senate-passed bill only shrinks the donut hole. The letter supports the provision in the House-passed bill.

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Headlines

 

October 21, 2009  

Bob Filner Votes to Provide Affordable, Quality Care for Americans Living with HIV/AIDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Bob Filner voted to provide life-saving care, treatment, and support services to nearly half a million Americans living with HIV and AIDS. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act makes vital investments in research and care to ensure that Americans living with HIV and AIDS can maintain the highest quality of life as we strive to find a cure.

"The Ryan White Program has been serving Americans living with HIV and AIDS for nearly 20 years," said Filner. "This bi-partisan bill makes key investments to improve the quality and affordability of care for HIV and AIDS patients for years to come."

First established in 1990, the Ryan White Program has made it easier for HIV/AIDS patients to afford the costly medical treatments they need to survive. Today’s extension will increase the authorization level for each part of the program by 5% a year for the next 4 years to ensure that we continue to provide access to vital health benefits for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Americans. It also makes investments to improve care in regions of the country with the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, and helps to eliminate disparities in access to care among racial and ethnic groups by funding the Minority AIDS Initiative – a program that ensures minority populations receive uninterrupted, quality care for HIV/AIDS.

"This program is a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable populations," added Filner. "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate in support of this life-saving initiative to ensure that Americans living with HIV and AIDS receive the care they need."

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August 17, 2009  

Filner Urges Governor Schwarzenegger to Overturn California Coastal Commission Decision on Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant

Today, Congressman Filner appealed to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to overturn the California Coast Commission’s recent decision to deny the City of San Diego’s permit for the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"I am troubled by the Commission’s action as it was outside their jurisdictional boundary, contrary to their own staff recommendation, and contrary to the position of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board," stated Filner. "It is my impression that the Coastal Commission has again overstepped its authority in a blatant attempt to make a political statement rather than accept the scientific findings of the agencies responsible for water quality conditions."

Under California law, the State Water Resources Control Board and the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards have long been established as the agencies with primary responsibility of water quality. The California Coastal Act also includes language prohibiting the Coastal Commission from taking any action in conflict with any determination by the State Water Resources Control Board or any California Regional water quality control board in matters relating to water quality.

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July 29, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Funding to Support Law Enforcement in the Imperial Valley!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $2,103,666 in Recovery Act funding has been awarded to law enforcement agencies in Imperial County by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Grants totaling nearly $211 million will fund the hiring and rehiring of 649 law enforcement officers in California, providing 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for these officers for three years. All police departments receiving the grants will then be required to retain the grant-funded positions for a fourth year.

"This support will help add and retain the personnel needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing," said Congressman Filner. "There is a tremendous demand for these grants because of the program’s proven track record. It’s great news that three cities in Imperial County have been selected."

The Calexico Police Department will receive $510,730,
The El Centro Police Department will receive $1,134,072,
The Brawley Police Department will receive $458,864.

The Department of Justice received more than 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding. The grants will be awarded to 1,046 agencies in all 50 states. For more information about the COPS grants, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

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July 15, 2009  

House Committees Introduce Historic Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House committees have jointly announced historic legislation – the American Affordable Health Choices Act – to reform our health care system and ensure affordable, quality care for all Americans. House Leadership and the committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means have worked to develop an American solution that builds on what works in our health care system and fixes what’s broken, putting patients – not profits – first, while reducing the burden of ballooning health care costs on American families, businesses and our fiscal future. Congressman Bob Filner said:

"We are closer than we have been in decades to agreement on how to make our health system work for – not against – Americans and American businesses. The growing cost of health care is one of the biggest drags on our economy. We have an opportunity to put doctors and patients back in charge, and give Americans peace of mind that they can keep the care they like and never be denied the care they need. We can lower costs, offer more choices, end the days of making job and life choices just to keep your health care, and improve the quality of health care throughout the system. This reform is an absolutely crucial part of our long term plan to rebuild our economy in a responsible way and lower health care costs for American families and businesses."

The reform announced today is a strong starting point to protect what works in our health care system and fix what doesn’t in an effort to put us back on the path to prosperity and fiscal responsibility.

"This plan tells every American – if you have coverage and a doctor you like, keep it," continued Filner. "If you don’t, this plan will help you find and afford quality care."

Our health care reform fulfills commitments made by this Congress and President Obama to reform health care. The plan offers:

LOWER COSTS FOR CONSUMERS

  • No more co-pays or deductibles for preventive care
  • An annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses – keeping Americans from financial ruin
  • An end to rate increases for pre-existing conditions, gender or occupation
  • Group rates of a national pool if you buy your own plan
  • Guaranteed affordable oral health, hearing and vision care for kids

GREATER CHOICE

  • If you like your doctor and current plan you can keep them
  • More choice, with a public health insurance option competing with private insurers

STABILITY & PEACE OF MIND

  • End to denials for pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer or diabetes
  • Get needed care, no lifetime limits
  • Job and life choices no longer based on health care coverage

HIGHER QUALITY

  • Doctors, not insurance giants, in charge
  • More family doctors and nurses entering the workforce, helping to guarantee access
  • Benefits must include mental health

Reforming health care remains a crucial tenet of our long term economic plan. In order to save money in the long run, we will need to make an initial investment in reform. Because we can’t leave the burden of that investment to future generations, we will make sure our plan is fiscally responsible.

"If we don’t act now to reform health care, rising costs will cripple family budgets, American businesses will fall behind and our fiscal future will be threatened," said Congressman Filner. "Within a decade, we will be spending one out of every five dollars we earn on health care. We simply can’t afford not to act on this historic reform."

More information on health care reform is available online:
What’s in the health care reform bill for you?
The cost of inaction
Myth vs. fact on health care reform
Strengthening Medicare

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July 13, 2009  

Filner Votes to Protect Public Health, Help Struggling Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has voted for legislation that will protect Americans’ food safety, boost rural economies, protect Americans against price fluctuations for necessities and help feed struggling families. To maintain fiscal responsibility, the Agriculture Appropriations Act also cuts millions of dollars from programs that are not working.

"Americans should never have doubts about the safety of the food they put on their table," said Filner. "This legislation will help us restore people’s trust in the safety of our food so that every parent can trust that the food on their children’s plates will not make their family sick."

The bill helps rural communities hit by the economic crisis. It builds on the success of the Recovery Act with investments in community facilities, housing, water projects and rural businesses – creating opportunities for growth and development in every community.

"Our rural towns have been hit especially hard by this economic crisis," said Filner. "With this bill, we are reinvesting in rural communities, spurring business growth, supporting new infrastructure and bringing new jobs and hope to our communities."

To protect low-income women, children and senior citizens faced with rising food costs and shrinking wages, the legislation increases nutrition aid to families. It expands services to an additional 700,000 women and children and creates new programs to help ensure that American families do not go hungry.

"By passing this bill, we are helping families put nutritious food on the table through these tough times," said Filner. "This is an absolute necessity to ensure that all Americans have access to healthy food for their families."

The Agriculture Appropriations Act also protects consumers by giving the agency that regulates our commodities markets like energy and food, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the staff and resources it needs to do its job. We have seen too clearly the impact that improper speculation in these markets can have on the price of oil and gas. This additional oversight will help protect the American people from needless price spikes in the cost of basic necessities.

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June 8, 2009  

Congressman Filner Discusses Legislative Priorities with Cleveland National Forest Firefighters

Congressman Bob Filner recently met with Cleveland National Forest firefighters at the Descanso Ranger Station. Filner is working on a legislative solution to an outdated personnel law that currently provides federal wildland firefighters with lower salaries and benefits than other firefighters facing similar risks and responsibilities. Filner’s bill, The National Wildfire Infrastructure Improvement & Cost Containment Act, would also help stem the tide of personnel losses among federal wildland firefighters.

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June 12, 2009  

Congressman Filner Votes to Protect Youth, Families from Dangers of Tobacco

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Bob Filner voted to protect our kids and families from the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco products. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate the advertising, marketing and manufacturing of tobacco products – giving the FDA the tools it needs to better protect the public health.

"Tobacco remains the number-one cause of preventable death in America," said Rep. Filner. "Nearly half a million Americans die from tobacco each year – with another 8.6 million suffering chronic illnesses. This is absolutely a health crisis. By monitoring and regulating the sale and advertising of tobacco products, we can better protect our children and families."

The legislation allows the FDA to develop restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. The bill also requires tobacco companies to disclose the ingredients in each product and gives the FDA the power to demand changes to those ingredients. The bill requires more specific health warnings and reinstates the 1996 rule restricting the marketing of tobacco products to youth.

"Every day, more than 3,500 young people try a cigarette for the first time while another 1,000 become regular, daily smokers," said Rep. Filner. "About one third of these kids will die prematurely as a result. This bill gives the FDA the necessary power to prevent tobacco sales to kids and educate our youth about the very serious risks of these products."

The bipartisan bill is supported by more than 1,000 organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Phillip Morris USA, the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company as well as six small tobacco product manufacturers have also come out in support of the legislation.

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June 22, 2009  

Congress Announces Health Care Reform Draft Proposal

Rep. Filner Calls it an American Solution for Quality, Affordable Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Three committees in the House of Representatives have created a draft proposal to reform our health care system and ensure affordable, quality health care – a critical fix to an unsustainably expensive system that hurts families and puts American businesses at a global disadvantage. The committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means worked together to present a uniquely American plan that reduces costs to consumers, protects current coverage and preserves the choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans.

"I support this draft proposal because it will lower health care costs for American families and businesses," said Rep. Filner. "We have the most expensive health care in the world now. It makes no sense to place such a tremendous burden on American families, businesses and our fiscal future. The status quo is a broken system. It’s time to act to get our economy back on track and help every American family afford the best care in the world. Otherwise, the burden will only get worse."

The draft proposal announced today would protect what works in our health care system and reform what doesn’t, encouraging competition to lower costs and increase choice.

"This proposal tells every American – if you have coverage and a doctor you like, keep it," said Rep. Filner. "If you don’t, this provides the tools and resources you need to get affordable, quality care. It’s your choice."

Our plan would fulfill commitments made by this Congress and President Obama to reform health care. The draft proposal:

Lowers costs for American families by:

  • Putting an end to co-pays and deductibles for preventive care
  • Capping annual out-of-pocket expenses so Americans are no longer driven into financial ruin by the cost of medical care
  • Ending rate increases based on pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation
  • Offering the group purchasing power of a national pool if you have to buy your own plan
  • Guaranteeing affordable oral health and vision care for kids

Provides greater choices like:

  • Keeping your doctor and your plan if you like them
  • Participating in your choice of a high-quality public health insurance option that competes with private companies

Offers stability and peace of mind with:

  • An end to coverage denials for pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer
  • The care you need with an end to lifetime limits
  • The freedom to make job and life choices not based on health care coverage

Improves the quality of health care in this country

  • Doctors – not insurance companies – will be in charge of health care decisions
  • More family doctors and nurses will enter the workforce, at better payment rates, helping to guarantee your access to quality care

Reforming health care is an important part of every family’s economic well-being and our economic recovery. We must act now to put our nation on a strong fiscal foundation moving forward. Because we can’t leave that burden to future generations, we will make sure our plan is fiscally responsible.

"If we don’t act now, within a decade, we will be spending one out of every five dollars we earn on health care," said Rep. Filner. "Right now, America spends nearly twice as much more per person on health care than any other country – and all that spending isn’t making us any healthier. We know how to lower the cost of quality care for Americans and American businesses – and now we need every American to lend their voice to this debate to make reform a reality."

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May 1, 2009  

Filner Introduces The Safety, Efficiency And Accountability In Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act Of 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has introduced the Safety, Efficiency and Accountability in Transportation Projects through Public Inspection Act of 2009, H.R. 2104.

This bill would require public employees to perform the inspection and related essential public functions on all state and local transportation projects, and is intended to ensure that public safety is protected, transportation funds are not wasted, and projects are delivered in a timely manner.

"I am concerned that outsourcing of inspection work causes conflicts of interest that have led private inspectors to cut corners and overlook problems that threaten public safety, increase costs and delay projects," said Congressman Filner.

On transportation projects, the construction inspector is the eyes, ears and voice of the public. Inspectors ensure that construction and seismic standards are met, that projects meet safety requirements and that the materials used will stand the test of time. In short, inspectors are there to ensure that the motoring public gets what they pay for and to protect the public’s best interests and safety.

When the construction inspection function is outsourced to a private company, there is no longer a representative of the public on the job site. In this circumstance, one private company is charged with the task of inspecting the work of another private company. This creates multiple conflicts for the private inspector. First, the private inspectors’ primary obligation and responsibility is not to the public, but to the success and profitability of his company. Because the private construction company whose work they are inspecting on one project may be a business partner on a future project, private inspectors are also may also feel pressure from the private contractor to take steps that ensure larger profits for both firms.

There are many examples in which public safety has been threatened by the use of private inspectors, including Boston’s "Big Dig" (where a concrete slab from a tunnel ceiling fell and killed a woman), the L.A. Redline subway (Hollywood Boulevard collapsed), the I-8/I-805 Interchange in San Diego (10,000 defective welds on a seismic retrofit), the Connecticut I-84 project (hundreds of drains that lead nowhere).

Congressman Bob Filner is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

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April 21, 2009  

Congressman Bob Filner Supports Early Breast Cancer Education And Awareness

Congressman Bob Filner is joining more than 200 of his colleagues in co-sponsoring the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act, H.R. 1740.

This legislation would create a national campaign to increase awareness of the threats of breast cancer for young women. The bill also provides guidance and support to young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"We must provide women under 40 with the knowledge and tools to prevent, treat, and heal from this serious disease," said Congressman Filner. "We must also provide them with resources such as social support, fertility counseling, and training in ways to prevent the cancer’s reoccurrence."

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women under 40; however, diagnoses are often delayed for these younger women because both young women and providers lack the knowledge to proactively fight against this disease.

The legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL20), who recently announced that she successfully battled breast cancer last year after finding a lump during a routine self-examination.

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April 15, 2009  

Congressman Bob Filner Opposes Release Of Convicted Sex Offender To Otay Mesa

Tomorrow, Congressman Bob Filner will join a long list of school and public officials at the San Ysidro Child Development Center to publicly oppose the release of convicted sex offender, Matthew Hedge, in Otay Mesa. A judge recently approved a plan to release Hedge in Otay Mesa within the next month, and many are concerned that this is too close to schools and neighborhoods with small children.

"Otay Mesa is a great place to raise kids; not a great place to release Matthew Hedge," said Congressman Filner. "I’m asking Governor Schwarzenegger to prevent state property from being used to facilitate this unnecessary mistake and consider more equitable alternatives. Southern San Diego is not a dumping ground for disturbed criminals from the entire county!"

Hedge pleaded guilty to molesting two boys, ages 6 and 10, and two girls, 9 and 13. Hedge also violated the terms of his first release in 2006 and has shown that he cannot be trusted around minors.

"We will do anything to block this pedophile from being within walking distance of our schools," added Manuel Paul, San Ysidro Superintendent. "We have young children – daycare through 5th grade programs – within a couple miles of where this criminal is scheduled to be released and I believe that there are other places that would be safer, such as military bases, where he could live around adults and not children."

Hedge was previously set to be released in Ramona, but residents protested and the landlord retracted his lease offer for Hedge’s proposed residence. As a result, a judge recently approved a plan to place Matthew Hedge onto state property adjacent to Donovan State Prison within one month.

In March, Congressman Filner contacted the Director of the California Department of Mental Health, Stephen Mayberg, to oppose Hedge’s release in Otay Mesa. Filner is also contacting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell, urging immediate action to find safer, alternative options for Matthew Hedge’s future.

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March 25, 2009  

Rep. Filner Marks Cover The Uninsured Week With Call For Comprehensive Health Care Reform

Time is Now for Changes That Decrease Costs, Increase Coverage, Improve Quality and Preserve Patient Choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner marked Cover the Uninsured Week (March 22-29) with a call for Californians to get behind national efforts to enact comprehensive health care reform this year. Reforming the nation’s health care system to lower costs, improve quality, increase coverage, and preserve patient choice is a top priority for Congress and President Barack Obama.

"Our nation’s health care system, which costs more every year and leaves more than 45 million people uninsured and millions more underinsured, is badly in need of reform," said Congressman Filner. "America’s economic recovery and global competitiveness depends on lowering the costs for American businesses and families, and ensuring greater access to quality affordable health care. I am calling on all Californians who want to improve health care to help Congress pass comprehensive reform this year. The time to act is now!"

"Health care costs are consuming more of individual, family, and business budgets every year, and constitute the fastest growing piece of the federal budget," continued Filner. "The economic downturn has made a bad situation worse, exposing a system that is inefficient, unaffordable, and out of reach for too many Americans. Reforming health care to improve quality, lower costs and make it more accessible is a necessary step to strengthen the middle-class, help businesses create jobs and be competitive, rebuild the economy, and put our nation on sound financial footing far into the future."

The problem of the uninsured, and its impact on the entire health care system, continues to grow. The federal government estimates that over 45 million individuals lacked health insurance coverage of any kind during 2008. In California, the number of uninsured has grown to 6.7 million people. Approximately $56 billion in uncompensated care for the uninsured is absorbed annually by the health system, driving up the cost of insurance for everyone.

Congress has already acted this year to strengthen health coverage for lower income children and for workers who have lost their jobs during the economic recession. As one of its first acts of the year, Congress reauthorized the State’s Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to expand coverage to 11 million children. And in the face of a recession with hundreds of thousands of Americans losing their jobs and their health insurance every month, Congress passed an economic recovery plan that provides temporary subsides to help families maintain their health coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Covered the Uninsured, a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a national campaign to raise awareness about the number of Americans living without health insurance and make the case for reform that expands coverage.

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March 16, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Release Of Community Health Center Funds For The South Bay!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce the release of $155 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for Community Health Center Grants, including $1.3 million for the San Ysidro Health Center to develop a new South Bay Family Health Center in National City.

"This federal funding will enable the creation of a health safety net for people without health insurance, with inadequate access to care, and with other obstacles that prevent them from living as well as possible," said Filner. "The great advocates and planners at the San Ysidro Health Center will put these stimulus dollars to good work in the South Bay!"

A comparison of the health status of National City residents and residents of San Diego County reveals that National City has a higher death rate for coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cervical cancer. National City also sees more cases of heart disease, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, severe asthma, teen pregnancy, and late or no prenatal care. The new clinic in National City will address and reduce these health disparities in the areas of primary care, prenatal care, and chronic diseases for the underserved Latino residents of National City and surrounding areas.

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March 13, 2009  

Congressman Filner Co-sponsors The Access For All America Act!

Congressman Filner recently joined more than 100 of his colleagues in co-sponsoring the Access for All America Act, H.R. 1296. The legislation seeks to achieve access to comprehensive health care services for all Americans and reform the organization of primary care delivery through an expansion of the Community Health Center and National Health Service Corps programs.

"This legislation will help people lead healthier lives and save money," said Filner. "We’ve learned a powerful lesson by examining health outcomes and financial costs of different health service and access models, and Community Health Centers have clear benefits. We all stand to benefit from this smart investment!"

Community Health Centers have been found to more than pay for themselves by providing coordinated, comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health, and prescription drug services that reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, ambulatory-sensitive hospitalizations, and avoidable specialty care. The American Academy of Family Physicians’ Robert Graham Center found that medical expenses for health center patients are 41% less than those of patients seen elsewhere, which amounts to an average annual savings of $1,810 per person!

The legislation was introduced by Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC).

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March 12, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Release Of Law Enforcement Stimulus Funds To Imperial County!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce the release of $2 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 for state and local law enforcement through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, including $69,891 for Imperial County and $149,292 for the City of El Centro. This funding will allow communities to hire more law enforcement officers, provide them better equipment, and strengthen crime and violence prevention programs.

"More police recruits will be sworn-in as officers, more crime prevention programs can continue their good work, and our communities will be safer as a result," said Filner.

JAG grant allocations are determined by formulas using population and violent crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each community receives an appropriate share of funding. Funding will be used by states and more than 5,000 local communities throughout the country to enhance their abilities to protect communities and combat crime.

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March 12, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Release Of Law Enforcement Stimulus Funds To San Diego County!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce the release of $2 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 for state and local law enforcement through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, including $4,544,209 for communities within San Diego County. This funding will allow local agencies to hire more law enforcement officers, provide them better equipment, and strengthen crime and violence prevention programs.

"More police recruits will be sworn-in as officers, more drug and gang task forces can continue their good work, and our communities will be safer as a result," said Filner.

Below are the allocations for communities within and including San Diego County:
San Diego County: $743,448
City of San Diego: $3,062,860
City of Chula Vista: $442,963
National City: $222,511

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March 9, 2009  

Congressman Filner Supports The HEART For Women Act!

Congressman Filner recently joined over 100 of his colleagues in Washington to co-sponsor the Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment (HEART) for Women Act, H.R. 1032. The bill would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases in women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., yet many women receive inferior medical care compared to that received by men.

"We have to fix this inequality in care. I am pleased to co-sponsor this legislation to empower our mothers, sisters, and daughters to protect themselves from heart disease and live healthier lives," said Filner.

The HEART for Women Act raises awareness among women and their health care providers about risk factors, improves health screening for low-income women, and provides gender and race-specific information to clinics and researchers to increase our understanding of this disease.

The legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA-23).

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February 24, 2009  

Filner Re-introduces Legislation To Allow DOD And Civilian Police Coordination

Congressman Bob Filner has re-introduced the Department of Defense and Civilian Law Enforcement Coordination Act, H.R. 675, which would amend federal law to permit Department of Defense (DOD) law enforcement officers to better coordinate and cooperate with civilian law enforcement agencies.

"I drafted this legislation in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) because many DOD law enforcement officers are currently prohibited from basic coordination with civilian agencies near DOD facilities," stated Filner. "We need to ensure that federal, state, and local law enforcement are able to work together to apprehend criminals and to prevent and solve crimes."

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January 07, 2009  

Filner Celebrates Opening Of San Ysidro Health Center

Congressman Bob Filner recently celebrated the opening of San Ysidro Health Center’s new Urgent Care Clinic – the South Bay Family Health and Urgent Care Center – and recognized the Access and Care Coordination Initiative (ACCI) network’s commitment to providing essential health services to vulnerable, uninsured, and underserved individuals. Pictured here with the Congressman are (from left): San Ysidro Health Center Boards Members Ernest Cardoza, Laura Andrews, Dr. Ruth Covell, Ed Martinez, Yolanda Santana, and Gloria Ramirez.

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January 14, 2009  

Filner Backs Bi-Partisan Bill To Provide Health Care For 11 Million Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of bi-partisan legislation to provide health care to 11 million children in modest-income families. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act was approved by a vote of 289-139. The bill is very similar to the legislation that President Bush vetoed twice in the 110th Congress.

"No child in California or anywhere throughout our nation should ever go without medical care," said Filner. "I am proud to back a plan to help improve the health and chance for success for 11 million children, reduce the much more costly use of emergency rooms for primary care, and move us closer to providing every child in our nation with affordable, high-quality health care."

"The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was created in 1997 to provide health care coverage for children in families that earn too little to afford health insurance but too much to qualify for Medicaid for their children," said Filner. "This bill will give states the resources and incentives necessary to reach and cover millions of uninsured children who are currently eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid."

"This bi-partisan bill has a broad range of support," Filner stated. "It has been endorsed by dozens of organizations, representing millions of Americans – ranging from business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Business Roundtable, to the American Hospital Association, to such groups as AARP and Families USA."

This bi-partisan bill reauthorizes the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through FY 2013 and preserves coverage for all 7.1 million children currently covered by SCHIP, including preserving coverage of more than 1.5 million children in California.

The bill also extends health care coverage to 4.1 million additional low-income children, who are currently uninsured.

The bill is fully paid for – raising the tobacco tax by 61 cents. Raising the tobacco tax also promotes children’s health by discouraging children from smoking. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a 61-cent increase in the tobacco tax means that 1,873,000 fewer children will take up smoking.

"Covering more eligible children is not only the right thing to do – it makes good economic sense for taxpayers who will not foot the bill for costlier problems down the road," pointed out Filner. "In addition, a healthy child is better prepared for learning and success."

"With rising unemployment, this children’s health bill is more critical than ever," stated Filner. "In this recession, more and more American parents are losing employer-sponsored health care for their children. The need for this legislation is growing every day!"

"I hope this critical bill will be one of the first bills signed into law by President Obama," concluded Filner. "After three years of fighting for this legislation, an additional 4 million low-income children finally receiving health care coverage really is the change America needs."

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Headlines

 

July 17, 2008  

Filner Supports Equal Health Benefits For Domestic Partners

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act of 2007 (H.R. 1820), legislation that would end the tax inequities that result for employees when companies voluntarily offer—and employees adopt—domestic partner health benefits.

"Congress should pass this common sense legislation to extend health insurance tax benefits to domestic partners," stated Filner. "This is a very simple step that we can take towards our shared goal of providing health insurance to every American."

When employers offer health benefits to domestic partners (whether same-sex or different-sex couples) and other members of the employee’s household who do not qualify as a spouse or dependent under the Internal Revenue Code (such as certain adult children, grandchildren, etc.), these benefits are treated as additional taxable income to the employee and also generate additional payroll tax obligations. The additional tax bill is more than $1,700 for the average wage worker yet this worker has no additional pay to cover these taxes. The result of this heavy additional tax bill is that the health coverage offered to the domestic partner or other non-spouse, non-dependent family member is often declined, aggravating the problem of the uninsured.

The Human Rights Campaign has been working closely with the Business Coalition for Benefits Tax Equity on this issue. The coalition is comprised of over 50 major American companies who provide domestic partner health benefits and want to ensure their employees are treated equally.

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June 16, 2008  

Filner Presents Giant Check To San Ysidro Health Center

Congressman Bob Filner recently delivered a Giant Check for $97,000 in federal funding to the San Ysidro Health Center (SYHC) at the 2nd Annual Family Fitness/Nutrition Fair - "¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!" event. SYHC has provided quality, low-cost, primary health care services to underserved residents in the South Bay and Border Community for over 37 years. Pictured here with the Congressman are (from left): Ana Melgoza, SYHC Director of Community Relations; Ernie Cardoza, Mutual Board Member, MAAC Project and SYHC; and Ed Martinez, SYHC Chief Executive Officer.

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May 2, 2008  

Congressman Filner Supports Border Health Security Act

Congressman Bob Filner today announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 5592, the Border Health Security Act of 2008. H.R. 5592 would provide $10 million in funding for local governments and organizations to improve border residents’ health and preparedness for bioterrorism.

"Border communities need additional assistance to ensure that they have access to high quality healthcare, as well as the resources necessary to respond to a terrorist attack," said Congressman Filner. "I am proud to co-sponsor this bill, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to strengthen our border healthcare system."

The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to authorize grant funding for public healthcare and infrastructure, behavioral and mental health services, workforce training and development, community health workers or promotoras, health disparities in the border area, environmental health and health education.

"The rapid exchange of people, ideas and culture are what makes our border communities vibrant, unique places to live. Unfortunately, border communities are also forced to bear the economic burden of providing costly services, and I believe that the Federal Government must take a leading role in ensuring that the quality of life in our communities does not suffer due to international pressures. This legislation provides an important first step," added Congressman Filner.

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May 2, 2008  

During "Cover the Uninsured" Week, Filner Calls For Expanded Health Coverage For America’s Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, "Cover the Uninsured Week," Congressman Bob Filner reaffirmed his commitment to expanding health care coverage for our nation’s children.

"Today, there are nearly 9 million American children without health insurance, and this disturbing statistic would be much worse if it were not for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program," said Congressman Filner. "In a country as wealthy as ours, forcing children to go without health insurance is a national disgrace."

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program – or "SCHIP" – was established by Congress in 1997 to expand health care coverage for children. It provides matching funds to states to help them provide health care coverage for children living in families that are earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. Since it was created in 1997, SCHIP has been a successful, cost-effective program. Currently, 6 million children are enrolled in SCHIP.

"After SCHIP was created, the number of children without health insurance began to fall every year," pointed out Filner. "And yet, for the past two years, for the first time since 1998, the number of uninsured children actually went up. These devastating statistics highlight the growing number of families without access to affordable health insurance and the need for Congress to strengthen SCHIP."

"Studies show us that it makes an enormous difference for a child’s health whether or not they have health care coverage," said Congressman Filner. "We know that children who have health insurance are better prepared to learn in school and better equipped to succeed in life."

Children without health insurance are twice as likely not to receive any medical care in a given year as children with health care coverage. In addition, more than one in three uninsured children do not have a personal doctor or nurse – significantly higher than the rate for children with health care coverage (13.5 percent).

"Last year, Congress twice passed vital, bipartisan legislation that would have extended and strengthened the State Children’s Health Insurance Program – providing health care coverage for 10 million children," added Filner. "This bill would have given states the tools and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled in SCHIP."

Unfortunately, despite the fact that this legislation was supported by 68 Senators, including 18 Republicans; 43 Governors, including 16 Republicans; more than 270 organizations; and 81 percent of the American people; President Bush vetoed the legislation both times.

"The Democratic-led Congress strongly disagrees with the President’s position on SCHIP," said Congressman Filner. "We believe that our society has an obligation to protect our children, who cannot protect themselves."

"The Democratic-led Congress will continue its efforts to renew and strengthen the vital SCHIP program," Filner concluded. "We will continue to fight until legislation providing health care coverage for 10 million children is signed into law – if not by this President, then by the next. Our children deserve no less."

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April 24, 2008  

Filner Supports Medicaid Safety Net

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner yesterday joined a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to approve legislation that would place a moratorium, until March of 2009, on seven Medicaid regulations imposed by the Bush Administration. The 'Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act' (H.R. 5613) was approved by a vote of 349 to 62. H.R. 5613 would stop the pending cuts into Medicaid benefits for children, seniors and disabled Americans.

"There are over 47 million Americans in the United States who do not have health insurance and many more with inadequate policies. At a time like this, I was extremely disappointed when the President tried to limit Medicaid services and outreach even further. The cuts would undermine the Medicaid safety net and imperil critical services for our most vulnerable citizens," said Congressman Filner. "Our bill protects states, beneficiaries, and providers from the harmful regulatory changes supported by the President. With the economy slowing and the cost of commodities like food and gasoline increasing, it would be unconscionable to allow the President’s ‘rules’ to continue!"

This bipartisan bill is supported by all 50 Governors, both Democratic and Republican, and by more than 2,000 organizations, including the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, American Hospital Association, National Association of Medicaid Directors, National Association of Mental Health Program Directors, AARP, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Public Health Association.

Specifically, by imposing a moratorium, this bill would protect states, beneficiaries, and providers from the Medicaid cuts caused by the following seven rules:

  • Restrictions on payment for Medicaid coverage of rehabilitation services: This rule would severely curtail the ability of people with chronic and temporary disabilities to receive rehabilitation services, and particularly hurt those with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and people who, without access to rehabilitation services, could see their health deteriorate.
  • Restrictions on payment for Medicaid coverage of case management services: Medicaid currently assists people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or special needs in gaining access to Medicaid. This rule would hurt outreach efforts and Medicaid services.
  • Elimination of payment for school-based transportation and outreach: Currently, schools may be reimbursed by Medicaid for extremely limited, specialized medical transportation for Medicaid children to and from school and for administrative activities associated with the Medicaid program, including outreach, assistance with enrollment, and referring children to Medicaid providers and Medicaid services. This rule would prohibit all Medicaid funding of these programs.
  • Redefinition of allowable provider taxes used to raise state funding for Medicaid: Under current law, states are allowed to tax providers as a way to help pay for Medicaid expenses. The taxes are used to improve provider payment rates and improve the quality of care provided. This rule significantly redefines "allowable" provider taxes and would put current, long-standing state programs in jeopardy. This would result in states reducing services, cutting provider payments, or eliminating coverage.
  • Restrictions on payment for Medicaid hospital outpatient benefits: This rule would significantly restrict the types of hospital outpatient services Medicaid can cover and restrict the ability of states to cover services in outpatient clinics that are separate from hospitals – a common way states have served people in communities and reduced emergency room use.
  • Elimination of payment for graduate medical education in Medicaid: This proposed rule would prohibit Medicaid payment for graduate medical education programs that train providers so they have the experience and skills necessary to meet the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries.
  • Restrictions on payments to safety net institutions: This rule places strict limits on Medicaid payments to critical safety net institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, that serve Medicaid beneficiaries. If these payments are reduced or eliminated, the critical access to care and services provided by these institutions may be in jeopardy.

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April 8, 2008  

Filner Stands Up For 9/11 Heroes

More than 1,035 Californians Have Health Concerns From WTC Attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner announced today that he is taking action to provide health care, medical monitoring, and compensation to California residents and thousands of others across the country who are sick or injured as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Congressman Filner has cosponsored H.R. 3543, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which would ensure medical monitoring for everyone who was exposed to toxins released by the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, treatment for anyone who is sick as a result, and compensation for economic losses by reopening the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Under this bill, proper care would be guaranteed to the thousands of people who came from across the country to respond to the 9/11 attacks.

Filner noted that 1,035 Californians, including 39 who reside in Filner’s district, have signed up for the World Trade Center Health Registry, indicating that they were in lower Manhattan on or shortly after 9/11 and now have serious concerns about their health.

"First responders from all 50 states came to New York to help in the aftermath of 9/11, but the federal government has refused to respond to their subsequent health needs. We must reverse this reprehensible policy and help the very people who stepped up to help us," said Congressman Filner. "This bill will provide appropriate care to thousands of Americans who are suffering as a result of their heroism and public service after the terrorist attacks on our country. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this bipartisan and truly patriotic legislation."

Background
The collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 released a massive dust cloud containing thousands of tons of coarse and fine particulate matter, cement dust, glass fibers, asbestos, lead, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic pollutants. Hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero, including first responders; rescue, recovery, and clean-up workers; volunteers from all 50 states; and area residents, office workers, and schoolchildren. Thousands of people are now sick as a result of their exposure.

Summary of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

In general, the bill would:

  • Ensure that everyone exposed to the Ground Zero toxins has a right to be medically monitored and all who are sick as a result have a right to treatment;
  • Expand care to the entire exposed community, which includes residents, area workers and school children as well as the thousands of people from across the country who assisted with the recovery and clean-up effort; and
  • Provide compensation for economic damages by reopening the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Specifically, the bill would:

Establish the World Trade Center Health Program within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to provide medical monitoring and treatment for WTC-related conditions to WTC Responders and WTC-area residents and other non-responders, with no cost sharing. The program will be administered by the Director of NIOSH or his designee. The bill would also establish the WTC Health Program Steering Committee and the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.

Provide Monitoring and Treatment for WTC Responders. If a responder is determined to be eligible for monitoring based on the criteria provided for in the bill, then that responder has a right to medical monitoring that is paid for by the program. Once a responder is in monitoring, if an approved physician diagnoses a condition that is on the list of presumed WTC-related health conditions in the bill, then that responder has a right to treatment for that condition that is paid for by the program.

Provide Monitoring and Treatment for WTC Responders outside of NY area. The program administrator will establish a nationwide network of providers so that eligible responders who live outside of the New York area can reasonable access monitoring and treatment benefits near where they live.

Provide for Research into Conditions. In consultation with the Program Steering Committee and under all applicable privacy protections, HHS will conduct or support research about conditions that may be WTC-related, and about diagnosing and treating WTC-related conditions.

Extend support for NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene programs: NIOSH would extend and expand support for the World Trade Center Health Registry and provide grants for the mental health needs of individuals who are not otherwise eligible for services under this bill.

Reopen the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide compensation for economic damages and loss for individuals who did not file before or became ill after the original December 22, 2003 deadline. The bill would allow for adjustment of previous awards if the Special Master of the fund determines the medical conditions of the claimant warrants an adjustment, and amend eligibility rules so that responders to the 9/11 attacks who arrived later than the first 96 hours after the attacks could be eligible if they experienced illness or injury from their work at the site.

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April 3, 2008  

Filner Backs Bill To Reauthorize U.S. Effort To Combat Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, And Malaria

This Program Has Already Saved Millions of Lives and Can Help Restore American Moral Leadership Around the World

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in support of landmark legislation that will extend and expand a key initiative to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria around the globe. The Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization was approved by a vote of 308 to 116.

"Since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1981, 20 million men, women and children around the globe have died from the disease, with about three-fourths of the deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa," said Congressman Filner. "Today, there are 40 million people around the globe who are HIV-positive. Each and every day, another 6,000 people become infected with HIV. There is a moral imperative to combat this epidemic."

In May of 2003, on a bipartisan basis, the Congress enacted the U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act (PL 108-25) – authorizing $15 billion over five years for U.S. contributions to both bilateral and multilateral efforts. It was based on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which he unveiled in January 2003. Over the last five years, this program has been critical, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa – for example, having provided life-saving drugs to almost 1.5 million AIDS patients and having promoted successful programs to prevent the spread of the HIV infection.

This bill reauthorizes and expands this key initiative over the next five years – authorizing $50 billion. It is a carefully-crafted bipartisan compromise – worked out between House Democrats, House Republicans, and the Bush Administration.

In the first five years of the U.S. response to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, U.S. policy was driven by the urgency of an emergency response. Under this bill, the U.S. will develop and implement strategies to transition from the emergency phase to long-term sustainability that can be maintained by the host countries.

The bill’s goals include: preventing 12 million new HIV infections by 2013; providing life-saving drugs for 3 million AIDS patients; providing medical and nonmedical care for 12 million people (including 5 million orphans); and training 140,000 new health care workers.

"Back in 2003, Congress launched this program, proposed by President Bush, on a bipartisan basis," said Filner. "And, I am pleased that today Congress, also with a large bipartisan majority, renewed and expanded this essential program. The United States is showing moral leadership by leading the global effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria from the face of the globe."

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April 2, 2008  

Congressman Filner Recognizes The Arc Of San Diego

In honor of the National Disability Awareness Month, Congressman Bob Filner recently presented a Proclamation recognizing The Arc of San Diego for their dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities, at the Open House for the Starlight Center. The Starlight Center provides day services to almost 300 children and adults with disabilities. Pictured here with the Congressman is Meki Tsehay, Starlight participant.

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March 6, 2008  

Filner Backs Expansion Of Mental Health Coverage

Legislation Will Help End Discrimination Against Patients with Mental Illnesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in support of landmark legislation that will help end discrimination against patients requiring treatment for mental illnesses. H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, was approved by a vote of 268 to 148.

"Mental illnesses are treatable diseases that impact millions of Americans each year, including minorities who are less likely to receive the necessary mental health services" said Congressman Filner. "Unfortunately, many group health plans currently do not provide the same coverage for mental illnesses as they do for physical ailments. I’m proud to support important legislation that will help end this practice and ensure more Americans get the care they need and deserve."

Sponsored by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) the bipartisan bill approved today prohibits insurers and group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations when they offer mental health benefits that are more restrictive from those applied to medical and surgical services.

The legislation applies only to insurers and group health plans that provide mental health benefits and the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that this legislation will have a miniscule impact on health insurance premiums.

Over the last eight years, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) has made "parity" coverage for mental health care available to Members of Congress and 8.5 million other federal employees. Research has shown that there has been no significant cost increase attributable to this new coverage. Now, this bill makes available to all Americans the access to affordable mental health services already available to Members of Congress.

"Reducing the stigma in mental health coverage is critical, especially to Latinos," Filner added. "With the passage of this bill, Democrats have sent a clear message about the importance of mental health treatment."

Latinos are at high-risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Fewer than 1 in 11 Latinos with mental health disorders contact mental health specialists, while fewer than 1 in 5 contact general health providers.

The bill is backed by a diverse group of organizations including the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Hispanic Medical Association, American Counseling Association, Families USA, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, and Mental Health America.

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February 1, 2008  

Filner To Help San Diego Communities Prepare For Future Wildfires

Congressman Bob Filner and Congressman Mark Udall of Colorado recently introduced legislation that would establish incentives for high-risk communities to minimize fire damage. The bill sets a national standard for at-risk communities and provides grants to develop better fire prevention and response strategies.

"Over the past decade, we have seen the damage that wildfires have wreaked in Southern California. This legislation goes a long way toward preparing for future disasters," said Congressman Filner.

The bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a model ordinance with the U.S. Fire Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The ordinance will provide a baseline for communities to prepare for wildfires by recommending effective water supply, construction materials and techniques as well as defensible space, vegetation management, and infrastructure standards.

"In order to ensure the safety of our families and homes, it is essential that we prepare our communities for future wildfires. Proper planning and construction will minimize damage and prevent loss of life and property," said Congressman Filner.

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December 26, 2007  

Congressman Filner Announces FEMA Grants For Imperial County, Brawley, And El Centro

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department, the Brawley Police Department, and the City of El Centro Fire Department. These grants were issued under the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP), which provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance, to help enhance first responder capabilities.

"I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA recognize the vital needs of our community in providing this essential equipment. These grants will go a long way toward keeping us safe and prepared," said Congressman Filner.

The Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) complements the Department of Homeland Security’s other major grants programs to enhance regional response capabilities, mutual aid, and interoperable communications by providing technology and equipment. CEDAP also provides funding for the training required to operate new equipment and to prepare law enforcement and emergency responder agencies in smaller jurisdictions and certain metropolitan areas.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded $11,794 for the TacSight SE35 Advanced Thermal Imager for Law Enforcement. The City of El Centro Fire Department was awarded $30,935.80 for the CEDAP Chemical Detection Kit. The City of Brawley Police Department was awarded $8,499 for a Detection/Deterrence Search and Surveillance System.

"As a border community, Imperial County is on the frontlines in the effort to keep our nation safe. These grants and equipment provide our law enforcement officers and emergency responders with the tools they need to protect our community," said Congressman Filner.

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December 20, 2007  

Congressman Filner Backs Plan To Make Toys Safer, Protect Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of a plan to make toys safer and protect consumers. The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act was approved by a vote of 407 to 0.

"Parents shouldn’t have to worry about toxic toys under the tree this Christmas," said Congressman Filner. "Our legislation responds to the toy safety crisis, creates the toughest lead standard in the world for children’s products and helps ensure consumers know when products are recalled."

The Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act bans lead beyond a minute amount in products intended for children under 12, mandates third-party testing of children’s products and requires mandatory safety standards for products like cribs and high chairs.

The legislation also requires new labels to aid in the recall of children’s products and prohibits companies from exporting products that have been recalled or violate product safety rules.

Finally, the legislation strengthens the currently underfunded and understaffed Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bill significantly increases CPSC resources to hire additional staff and for laboratory renovations, including $20 million to modernize the testing lab. The legislation also creates a new power for the CPSC to immediately share information about dangerous products with the public and ensures State public health agencies are kept informed.

"For too long, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has failed to protect the American consumer," added Filner. "The bill we passed today will help give this essential commission the tools it needs to keep us safe."

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November 9, 2007  

Congressman Filner Votes To Support Health Care & Education

Key Legislation Invests in Important Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Filner today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve legislation that will make significant investments in health care and education. The Labor-Health-Education Appropriations bill was approved by a vote of 274 to 141 and now goes to the President.

"For too long, the Republican Congress and President Bush sent billions to Iraq and ignored important priorities here at home," said Filner. "The New Direction Congress is making smart investments in health care and education that will make our country strong."

This bipartisan legislation approved by the House today rejects the President’s cuts in health care, education, job training, and home heating assistance. The increased funding over the President’s request will significantly aid children in California. In California, the legislation would provide funding for 870 more new teachers than the President’s request and provide extra math and reading help to 15,044 more disadvantaged children. Additionally, the funding over the President’s request in the bill would provide access to after-school programs for 18,057 more children.

The bill also makes the following critical investments in our future:

  • Ensuring health care for 1.2 million more Americans through community health centers;
  • Issuing nearly 1,400 more life-saving medical research grants than the President, to potentially find cures for cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimers’ and Parkinsons’disease, with new investments in NIH;
  • Strengthening quality education for our children by training 51,000 more teachers;
  • Increasing the maximum Pell Grant for college to $4,925--$875 more than President Bush; and
  • Helping 173,000 more adults, youth, and dislocated workers with job training and employment.

The Democratic bill also keeps the New Direction Congress’ promise to return fiscal responsibility to Washington, by complying with our five-year balanced budget plan.

"We can invest in America’s future without passing the bill on to our children," added Congressman Filner.

While the legislation enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, President Bush has threatened to veto this and other appropriations bills. The differences between the White House and the Congress on these and other critical appropriations total about $20 billion. At the same time, the President is demanding 10 times that amount to continue to fund the disastrous war in Iraq for another year.

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October 10, 2007  

Congressman Filner Supports Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Congressman Bob Filner has co-sponsored H.R. 468, the Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007, to address the disproportionately higher rate of unintended teen pregnancy among young women in communities of color. H.R. 468 would provide federal funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs.

"Unintended teen pregnancies affect many of our communities, especially the Latino community. The teen pregnancy rate for Latinas is 69 percent higher than the national average," said Congressman Filner. "In California, Latina adolescents are four times more likely to become parents than their white peers."

The legislation addresses teen pregnancy in communities of color, utilizing community-based intervention programs and multimedia education campaigns to promote and strengthen communication and awareness regarding teen pregnancy. This bill also supports the establishment of a national clearinghouse to provide information and assistance to develop teen pregnancy prevention programs targeting communities of color.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, an estimated 51 percent of Latina teens and 57 percent of African-American teens become pregnant at least once before age 20. These rates are nearly two times higher than the national average.

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September 26, 2007  

Congressman Filner Backs Bipartisan Bill To Provide Health Care For More Than 10 Million Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of bipartisan legislation, which reflects a House-Senate compromise, to provide health care to more than 10 million low-income children. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act was approved by a vote of 265-159.

"No child in California or anywhere throughout our nation should ever go without medical care," said Congressman Filner. "I was proud to back a plan to give more than 10 million children the care they deserve and move us closer to providing every child in our nation with affordable, high-quality health care."

"The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created in 1997 to provide health care coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance," pointed out Filner. "This bill simply gives states the resources and incentives necessary to reach millions of uninsured children who are currently eligible but not enrolled in CHIP."

"This bipartisan House-Senate bill has a broad range of support," Congressman Filner stated. "It has been endorsed by more than 270 organizations, representing millions of Americans – ranging from groups such as the American Medical Association and America’s Health Insurance Plans to Families USA, the consumer advocacy group."

This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for five years and preserves the coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by CHIP, including preserving the coverage of 1,223,475 children in California.

The bill also extends health care coverage to 3.8 million additional low-income children, who are currently uninsured, including extending coverage to 607,000 uninsured children in California.

"Right now, millions of children in America’s working families can’t see doctors when they should and can’t get medicines when they need them, because their parents just can’t afford costly private insurance," Filner pointed out. "This bill will give millions of low-income children the chance for good health. In the name of the children of California, I am asking the President to reconsider his misguided veto threat of this vital legislation."

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May 30, 2007  

Congressman Filner Announces $502,000 Grant For Imperial Valley

Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo has received a $502,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. Clinicas was established in 1970 and is a private, non-profit Federally Qualified Heath Center. Clinicas currently operates eight health care centers, three dental clinics, and three Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Programs in Imperial and Riverside Counties.

"This grant will provide funding for a health care clinic in the Community of Coachella, to provide direct access to quality and comprehensive primary and preventive care," said Clinicas CEO Yvonne Bell. "Diabetes, asthma, hypertension, cancer, and chronic disease management will be addressed with culturally and linguistically competent and appropriate treatment."

Congressman Filner said, "With the rising need for health care in Coachella, these funds are critical and will provide services to a population that currently has inadequate health care."

The estimated target date for opening this health care facility is slated for October, 2007 with two full-time providers and 14 support staff. The project will serve 2,400 users in the first year, 3,070 in the second year, and 3,214 in year three. Bell concludes that "this project is important and timely, since the 30,764 population of Coachella will grow to over 40,000 residents by 2008 and has an anticipated 50% five year growth rate projection."

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June 7, 2007  

Filner Votes to Give Millions Hope, Greatly Expands Stem Cell Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Bob Filner voted to give hope to 100 million Americans by greatly expanding scientists' access to stem cell lines - when he voted for S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

The House passed this critical bill this afternoon by a strong bipartisan vote of 247 to 176.

The House had passed a similar bill (H.R. 3) as part of the "100 Hours Agenda" in January. The Senate then passed S. 5 in April. By passing the Senate-passed S. 5 today, the House is sending the bill directly to the President's desk.

"Today Members of Congress, from both sides of the aisle, joined together to put patients first by passing this stem cell research enhancement bill," said Congressman Filner. "The American people spoke clearly this past November supporting the promise of stem cell research and it is fitting that Congress now send this bill to the President's desk."

This bill would expand the federal funding of stem cell research by lifting the restrictions on the stem cell lines that can be used for federally-funded research - restrictions that were imposed by President Bush in 2001. Most of the stem cell lines authorized for federally-funded research under the President's policy are no longer useful for research. However, the bill only authorizes federal research funds for stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. The bill also creates an ethical framework that must be followed in conducting this research under the guidance of the National Institutes of Health.

The bill is supported by more than 500 organizations, including the American Medical Association, AARP, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as many faith-based groups.

"More than 100 million Americans suffer from cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders for which stem cell research holds great promise in finding new and better treatments and cures," said Congressman Filner.

"The American people clearly support research funding and the use of stem cells to address some of our most debilitating diseases," said Congressman Filner. "It is time this groundbreaking research is allowed to move forward."

This stem cell research bill passed the Congress in the 109th Congress, but unfortunately was vetoed by President Bush in July 2006.

"This research has the support of more than 70 percent of Americans and I hope that, this year, the President will reconsider his veto threat and listen to the voices of the American people by signing this bill," concluded Congressman Filner. "A bipartisan majority in the House will continue to fight to expand this life- saving research. This critical legislation will become law; it's only a matter of when."

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May 30, 2007  

Congressman Filner Introduces Legislation To Ensure Safety, Efficiency And Accountability In Transportation Projects

On May 24, Congressman Bob Filner introduced the Safety, Efficiency and Accountability in Transportation Projects through the Public Inspection Act of 2007 (H.R. 2485). If passed the bill would ensure that public safety is protected, transportation funds are not wasted and projects are delivered in a timely manner. This bill would require public employees to perform the inspection and related essential public functions on all state and local transportation projects.

"I am concerned that outsourcing of inspection work causes conflicts of interest that have led private inspectors to cut corners and overlook problems that threaten public safety, increase costs and delay projects," Filner stated.

On transportation projects, the construction inspector is the eyes, ears and voice of the public. Inspectors ensure that construction and seismic standards are met, that projects meet safety requirements and that the materials used will stand the test of time. In short, inspectors are there to ensure that the motoring public gets what they pay for and to protect public safety and public interest.

When the construction inspection function is outsourced to a private company, there is no longer a representative of the public on the job site. In this circumstance, one private company is charged with the task of inspecting the work of another private company. This creates multiple conflicts for the private inspector. First, the private inspectors' primary obligation and responsibility is not to the public, but to the success and profitability of his/her company. Because the private construction company whose work they are inspecting on one project may be a business partner on a future project, private inspectors may also feel pressure from the company to take steps that ensure larger profits for both firms.

There are many examples in which public safety has been threatened by the use of private inspectors, including Boston's "Big Dig" (where a concrete slab from a tunnel ceiling fell and killed a woman), the L.A. Redline subway (Hollywood Blvd. collapsed), the 8-805 Interchange in San Diego (10,000 defective welds on a seismic retrofit), and the Connecticut I-84 project (hundreds of drains that lead nowhere).

Congressman Bob Filner is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

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