Congressman Bob Filner was recently presented with a plaque in recognition of his introduction of H.R. 3270

Congressman Bob Filner was recently presented with a plaque in recognition of his introduction of H.R. 3270, Visitors Interested in Strengthening America Act (VISA Act), which would grant humanitarian visa waivers to children and their parents coming across the border for medical appointments or for educational or cultural events. Pictured here with the Congressman are (from left) Gloria Maria Loza Galvan, Assembly Speaker, State of Baja California; Dr. Carlos O. Maya Quevedo, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; and Jose Luis Jaral Moreno, Binational Committee for Immigrant Human Rights.

Congressman Filner Says “Pay Up!” to the Department of Homeland Security

Congressman Bob Filner has introduced the Pay for All Your Undocumented Procedures (PAY UP!) Act, H.R. 4021, to help local hospitals, physicians and ambulance providers obtain reimbursement from the Department of Homeland Security

“The cost of uncompensated emergency care for undocumented immigrants is putting a growing burden on the health care system in our communities,” Congressman Filner said. “As Congress continues to debate the best approach to reforming our immigration system, we must act now to ensure that health care providers are not forced into bankruptcy and that U.S. citizens continue to have access to high quality health care.”

The PAY UP! Act would force the federal government to reimburse emergency ambulance and medical services providers for the cost of uncompensated care and services for undocumented persons aided by the Border Patrol or other federal immigration officials.

House Passes Legislation to Create the Southwest Regional Border Authority

Congressman Filner is pleased to announce that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to create the Southwest Regional Border Authority.

The bill authorizes grants to states, local governments, and public and non-profit organizations for projects to develop transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, public health, and telecommunications infrastructure. The bill also authorizes grants for projects that stimulate job creation, economic development, entrepreneurship, and business development.

The Southwest Regional Border Authority would be comprised of counties within 150 miles of the U.S./Mexico border, including Imperial and San Diego Counties in Congressman Filner’s district.

“It is critical that the federal government help distressed communities in the border region,” said Filner. “The Southwest Regional Border Authority will help create jobs and improve communities in Imperial and San Diego Counties.”

Congressman Filner Says Federal Government Should Help Solve Border Air Pollution!

Congressman Bob Filner recently introduced H.R. 3365, the Foreign Air Impact Regulation (FAIR) Air Act. The FAIR Air Act would stop communities located near international borders from being penalized for not meeting air quality standards due to foreign air sources.

 "Our communities should not be penalized for living near international borders. Air pollution does not stop at political boundaries! The federal governments must work together to improve air quality." Congressman Filner said.

The bill would provide these areas, which failed to meet air quality standards due to foreign emissions, with federal help to develop and implement bi-national plans to improve air quality.

Congressman Filner Wants Humanitarian Visas Restored

Congressman Bob Filner recently introduced H.R. 3270, the Visitors Interested in Strengthening America (VISA) Act. The bill would grant humanitarian visa waivers to children and their parents coming across the border for regular medical appointments or for educational or cultural events. The bill would give Port Directors the discretion to issue humanitarian visa waivers to Mexican children making brief, pre-scheduled visits to the United States for medical, educational or recreational purposes. 

This legislation would not affect the number of legal or illegal immigrants living in the United States-the children and accompanying adults visit for one day and then return to their homes.  It gives Port Directors the authority to use their discretion and issue waivers to children that pose no security threat to our country.  

"Turning away school field trips and kids with doctors' appointments does not give us the secure and efficient border we need," said Congressman Filner. "Port Directors have the experience and discretion necessary to make these judgments, and we should not restrict their ability to do their jobs." 

Since September 11, Port Directors have stopped issuing these visa waivers.  As a result, children have been blocked from receiving specialized medical attention, participating in educational exchanges between border schools and taking field trips to tourist sites across the border.

Congressman Filner Supports Hispanic-Serving Colleges and Universities

Congressman Bob Filner announced his support of House Resolution 451, the Next Generation Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act, introduced by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa in the current, 110th session of Congress.

The legislation will strengthen Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) by establishing a long-overdue competitive grant program to expand graduate degree opportunities at HSIs.  Current law provides support for only two-year and four-year institutions, leaving out graduate programs.

"I believe that we must provide graduate educational opportunities for the increasing number of Hispanic students who are interested in further education," said Congressman Filner.  "If we do not invest in advanced education and training for this emerging population, we put our nation's economic foundation at risk."

Currently, only 4% of master's degrees are earned by Hispanics, 3% of doctoral degrees, and 5% of first professional degrees.  This bill would help to increase the number of under-represented Hispanics in the fields of teaching, science, engineering, medicine and technology that require advanced degrees.  The bill has 40 Members of the House as co-sponsors.

"I am working closely with Congressman Hinojosa to bring this bill to the House of Representatives and to pass it as quickly as possible!" said Filner.                      

Congressman Filner Announces $412,500 For San Ysidro Health Center 

Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the San Ysidro Health Center has received a $412,500 grant from the Department of Health & Human Services.

CEO of the San Ysidro Health Center Ed Martinez said, "This major capital grant will allow our Center to fully equip the 6-chair pediatric dental clinic and expand the service delivery program to approximately 3,000 Latino children living in San Diego's South County. Given the epidemic of early childhood dental problems that has afflicted our Latino community for years, this new capital grant represents a "break-through" development that offers great promise to improving the oral health of our community,"

The Mission of the San Ysidro Health Center is to improve the health and well being of the community's traditionally underserved and culturally diverse population.

"With the rising costs of care, these funds are critical and will provide much needed services to children in need.  I remain committed to fighting for the funding that is required to improve our children's health," said Congressman Filner.