Bob Filner for Congress | News | Civil Rights & Liberties

Congressman Bob Filner recently announced his co-sponsorship of H.Res. 1237, recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19th, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation and to continue the tradition as inspiration and encouragement for future generations. That day has since become known as Juneteenth, a name derived from portmanteau of the words June and nineteenth.

For more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. Juneteenth Day has been recognized as either a state holiday or state holiday observance in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Missouri, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia.

“The faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race,” stated Congressman Filner. “I strongly support the continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that shaped the Nation.”

May 6, 2008

Filner Recognizes USS Constellation And Historic Effort to End the Slave Trade

Congressman Filner recently joined 28 of his colleagues as an original co-sponsor of H.Res. 1159, a resolution recognizing the historical significance of the United States sloop-of-war Constellation as a surviving witness to the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and a leading participant in America's effort to end the practice.

“The USS Constellation is a reminder of both American participation in the slave trade and efforts to end this inhumane practice,” stated Filner. “I applaud the efforts of the USS Constellation Museum to preserve this historic vessel and remind us of the important lessons of our history.”

The USS Constellation, which was the last all-sail vessel designed and built by the U.S. Navy, was launched in 1854 and performed largely diplomatic duties as part of the US Mediterranean Squadron from 1855 to 1858.

Between 1859 and 1861, the USS Constellation sailed as the flagship of the United States African Squadron, consisting of eight ships, including four steam-powered vessels suitable for chasing down and capturing slavers. In this period, the USS Constellation and the African Squadron captured 14 slave ships and liberated nearly 4,000 Africans, a record unsurpassed by the United States African squadron under previous commanders.

On September 25, 2008, the USS Constellation Museum will hold a ceremony to commemorate the bicentennial of the abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade aboard the USS Constellation.

April 16, 2008

Filner Supports Civil Rights History Project

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 998, the Civil Rights History Project Act.

“Over the last few years, our nation has lost many great Civil Rights pioneers, including Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Mrs. Rosa Parks,” stated Congressman Filner. “We must record the memories and personal testimonials of those who participated in the Civil Rights movement before their personal stories are lost.”

In conjunction with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress, the bill seeks to collect oral histories of individuals from the Civil Rights movement so future generations will be able to learn of their struggle and sacrifice from primary source eyewitness material.

The participants in the Civil Rights movement possess an invaluable resource in their firsthand memories of the movement, and the recording of the retelling of their stories and memories will provide a rich detailed history of our Nation during an important and tumultuous period.

April 10, 2008

Filner Applauds Signing of Second Chance Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Filner today recognized President Bush for his recent signing of H.R. 1593, the Second Chance Act. The Act, which Filner cosponsored, will promote community safety by preventing prisoner recidivism. The Act authorizes grant funding for comprehensive reentry services, including mentoring programs, drug and alcohol testing, assessment for treatment, and assistance in job finding and training.

Congressman Bob Filner said, “The United States is faced with an enormous and ever rising prison population; many of whom serve their sentences and are released only to be re-incarcerated within weeks or even days for another offense. The Second Chance Act will provide ex-offenders with the opportunity to end this destructive cycle, rejoin our communities and become productive members of society. I believe that in life, we all deserve a second chance, and I thank President Bush for his support in making this vision a reality.”

The Act authorizes the Attorney General to collect data and assist grantees in carrying out offender reentry programs. The Act also requires the Attorney General to help educate employers on hiring former prisoners and to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the programs. It will also expand the reentry planning procedures available for federal prisoners, providing them with information on health and nutrition, employment, education, and other matters to assist with reentry into the community.

“The Second Chance Act provides an essential step to reconciling divided communities and restoring hope to those people who have made mistakes and paid their debt. The Act will bring much needed rehabilitation services into our judicial system, providing opportunities for ex-offenders to develop employable skills,” said Congressman Filner. “I support this initiative, because I know that every one of us is valuable and has something positive to contribute to society. We must nurture this ideal or risk losing entire generations of young men and women to crime."

March 14, 2008

Congressman Bob Filner recently recognized the hard work and dedication of all service members who have sacrificed dearly in defense of our nation at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Integration of the United States Armed Services, which helped initiate the end of legal segregation in America. Pictured here with the Congressman are veterans (from left): Larry Marion and Virgil Harris, Jr

March 12, 2008

Filner Supports National Day of Remembrance for Harriet Ross Tubman

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.Con.Res. 310, legislation expressing the support of Congress for a national day of remembrance honoring Harriet Ross Tubman.

“March is Women’s History Month and we should take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions made to this Nation by one of the first leaders in the fight for freedom and equality, Harriet Ross Tubman,” stated Congressman Filner.

Born into slavery in Maryland, Harriet Ross Tubman escaped and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad. In addition to becoming a leading abolitionist, Harriet Tubman served the Union Army during the Civil War by leading an armed expedition. She would later become a pioneer in the movement for women’s suffrage. Known as a great humanitarian, her vision continues to serve and inspire all who cherish freedom.

Currently, several states celebrate a Harriet Tubman Day including New York, Texas, Georgia and Delaware. However, given the contributions of Harriet Tubman, her legacy should be celebrated across the United States.

March 4, 2008

Filner Supports Fair Sentencing for Crack Cocaine Convictions

On February 27th, Congressman Bob Filner joined 23 of his colleagues as cosponsors of H.R. 460, the Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act. H.R. 460 would amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate certain mandatory minimum penalties relating to crack cocaine offenses.

Although crack and cocaine cause similar physical reactions, the sentences for those convicted of possessing or selling crack and cocaine are vastly different. For powder cocaine, a conviction of possession with intent to distribute carries a five year sentence for quantities of 500 grams or more. But for crack, a conviction of possession with intent to distribute carries a five year sentence for only 5 grams. This represents a 100 to 1 disparity. Under these guidelines, a dealer charged with trafficking 500 grams of powder, worth approximately tens of thousands of dollars, could receive a shorter sentence than a person convicted of having a few hundred dollars worth of crack.

“We must eliminate disparities in drug sentencing for crack and cocaine offenses and restore judicial discretion to federal sentencing guidelines,” Filner stated. “With over one in every one hundred Americans in jail or prison, we must fight to ensure that no one is unjustly imprisoned and to implement programs that end prisoner recidivism and provide educational and economic opportunity. This legislation provides an important first step in eliminating disproportionate punishments.”

February 20, 2008

Filner Delivers Check to Second Chance

On Friday, February 22nd, Congressman Bob Filner will present a giant check for $681,500 to Second Chance for their Prisoner Reentry Employment Program (PREP), during the graduation ceremony for the 116th STRIVE (Support and Training Result In Valuable Employees) class.

The Congressman obtained federal funding to support PREP, which has helped reduce prisoner recidivism (ex-offenders returning to prison). A recent study by California State University, San Marcos showed that PREP reduced recidivism by 70 percent. Second Chance plans to devote the funds, along with funding from City of San Diego Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), to build a second classroom, employ additional staff and significantly expand their services.

“I am extremely honored to provide Second Chance with additional funding this year. As many of you know, the United States is faced with an enormous and ever rising prison population; many of whom serve their sentences and are released only to be re-incarcerated within weeks or even days for another offense,” pointed out Congressman Filner. “Second Chance serves the vital and commendable task of giving these people hope, training and job finding skills, as well as pride and self-worth. I will continue to fight for reentry services and to support your efforts, because every single one of us deserves a second chance!”

Scott Silverman, Executive Director and Founder of Second Chance, said, “The State of California spends billions to incarcerate people. It is wonderful that the federal government is helping California reduce this amount by investing in Second Chance’s programs to reduce recidivism.”

Second Chance is a non-profit agency, established in 1993 to help the homeless and chronically unemployed with jobs, housing and life skills. STRIVE is a job readiness program originally pioneered in Harlem in the 1980’s. Since then, STRIVE has graduated more than 33,000 individuals across 22 cities within the United States and five countries. Second Chance is one of the largest and most successful STRIVE affiliates.

The graduation ceremony of Second Chance’s 116th STRIVE class will be the largest graduating class in the program’s history. All community members are invited to attend. Over 80 graduates will receive certificates of completion for the three-week job readiness course. Agency statistics predict that more than 70 percent of the graduates will have jobs within a short time, and more than 80 percent of those who find jobs will still be employed two years from now. Second Chance will continue to support each student after graduation by providing mental health services and case management, as well as affordable housing and job placement assistance over the next two years.

Second Chance programs have many community benefits including direct government cost savings and hard dollar returns to the community. A recent study by California State University, San Marcos showed that PREP reduced recidivism by 70 percent. The estimated income and payroll taxes paid over one year by Second Chance graduates and the avoided costs of imprisonment combined equal approximately $8.5 million. The annual cost of the Second Chance STRIVE program is only $1.9 million. This represents a “Return on Investment” of 500 percent, showing that Second Chance returns to the community five times what it spends in one year of operation!

February 1, 2008

Filner Celebrates Black History Month

San Diego, California – Today, Congressman Bob Filner joined millions of Americans in celebrating the beginning of Black History Month.

“During Black History Month, we celebrate the many contributions of African Americans and remember our heroes, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and former Congressman Augustus Hawkins, as well as the extraordinary lives of ordinary people who have helped build our great nation,” said Congressman Filner.

African Americans continue to make vast contributions to our nation, our spirit and our culture, despite having to overcome unspeakable hardship and indefensible prejudice. With the indomitable spirit of Earl B. Gilliam and new leaders such as Dr. Shirley Webber, African Americans in our community are making progress. Nationally, more African American families have joined the middle class and the number of black-owned businesses is increasing.

The theme of Black History Month this year is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.” This theme highlights the multiculturalism of today and its origins in the struggle of African Americans to achieve equitable recognition and respect in American society. The noted educator and scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson – the “Father of Black History” – authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America, and he laid the foundation for a rethinking of American identity as a blending of many cultures. He also founded Black History Week in 1926, the precursor to Black History Month established in 1976.

During Black History Month 2008, there are new landmarks to celebrate. One of the two remaining contenders for the Democratic Party’s Presidential nominee is an African American. In addition, progress continues on establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which Congress authorized in December 2003, to be built on the nation’s Mall.

The new Democratic-led Congress has been working on improving the lives of African American families, along with all other American families. Last year, Congress raised the minimum wage, benefiting more than 2 million hardworking African Americans; cut the cost of college for the 2.3 million African Americans enrolled in degree-granting institutions; and enacted an energy security bill that will save Americans, including 40 million African Americans, $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump.

During this current economic downturn, a great number of African American families – like other American families – are struggling to make ends meet. Congress is responding – and is about to enact an economic stimulus package that will put hundreds of dollars into the hands of 117 million American families.

“I am committed to working with the African American community to help tackle the challenges that still exist in education, health care, homeownership, and economic development,” said Filner. “I will continue to fight for accessible and affordable health care and quality public education and to work towards a budget that reflects the priorities of the American people.”

“As we celebrate Black History Month,” concluded Congressman Filner, “let us recognize the African Americans who made extraordinary sacrifices in the name of justice and equality and recommit ourselves to working for an America where all Americans have the tools and opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

December 18, 2007

Filner Cosponsors Bill to End Racial Profiling

Today, Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 4611, the End Racial Profiling Act.

“Racial profiling is a divisive practice that strikes at the very foundation of our democracy. When law-abiding citizens are treated differently by those who enforce the law simply because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, they are denied the basic respect and equal treatment that is the right of every American,” stated Filner.

The End Racial Profiling Act is designed to track and eradicate racial profiling by changing the policies and procedures underlying the practice. First, the bill provides a prohibition on racial profiling, enforceable by injunctive relief. Second, the receipt of federal law enforcement funding is conditioned on their adoption of effective policies that prohibit racial profiling. Third, the Justice Department is authorized to provide grants for the development and implementation of best policing practices, such as early warning systems, technology integration, and other management protocols that discourage profiling. Finally, the Attorney General is required to provide periodic reports to assess the nature of any ongoing discriminatory profiling practices.

November 8, 2007

Congressman Filner Votes for Historic Civil Rights Legislation to End Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Filner today voted in favor of historic legislation to end workplace discrimination against Americans on the basis of sexual orientation. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 235 to 184.

“As a Freedom Rider in the 1960’s, I fought against racial prejudice and discrimination, and I will continue to extend my solidarity to all who are oppressed,” said Congressman Filner. “ENDA is an important step in the right direction, protecting gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans against workplace discrimination. Unfortunately, ENDA did not extend this protection to the transgender community. I will continue to fight for gender identity protection, and I will not stop fighting until we overcome all discrimination!”

The legislation, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3685), would prohibit employment discrimination against gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans. Under the legislation, employers with 15 or more employees would be barred from firing, refusing to hire, demoting, refusing to promote, or otherwise discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation.

Thirty states permit employers to discriminate against employees based solely on their sexual orientation, and no federal law prohibits such discrimination today.

A study published recently in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that 37 percent of gay and lesbian workers across the U.S. had faced sexual orientation discrimination. Ten percent of respondents said they had been physically harassed at work; 22 percent said they had been verbally harassed at work; and nearly 20 percent said they had resigned from a job or had been fired from a job in part because of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Many businesses have enacted nondiscrimination policies, both for civil rights and competitiveness reasons. Nearly 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies have adopted policies of sexual orientation nondiscrimination.

The legislation would prohibit preferential treatment on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill would also protect the religious liberty of religious organizations, including religious schools that are not affiliated with any particular church or denomination.

August 6, 2007

Congressman Filner Co-Sponsors The Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act

Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored H.R. 3046, the Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act. The bill would restrict the sale, purchase, and public display of Social Security numbers. H.R. 3046 targets data brokering companies who buy and sell Social Security numbers and other consumer information with little regulation or oversight.

"Identity theft is a growing epidemic in our nation. Our Social Security numbers are being over-used and under-protected! By allowing data brokers to operate with little to no regulation, we leave our identities, and our livelihood, open to fraud and deceit. We must ensure that all companies are protecting our identities!" Congressman Filner said.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. To find out more about identity theft and the steps you and your family can take to prevent it, please visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

June 4, 2007

Filner Says Attorney General Gonzalez Should Resign

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H. Res. 417, expressing no confidence in the performance of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and urging the President to request his resignation.

"From warrantless wiretapping to the torture of prisoners and the suspension of habeas corpus, Attorney General Gonzalez has gotten it wrong and proven that he will never be a defender of justice," Filner stated. "Attorney General Gonzalez should resign."

H. Res. 417 was introduced on May 21st and is cosponsored by 117 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

June 5, 2007

Filner Supports Same Day Voter Registration

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 2457, the Same Day Voter Registration Act, which would require states to allow individuals to register and vote for federal elections on the date of the election.

Many states have pre-registration requirements of up to 30 days. The State of California requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election.

"It is unknown how many Americans have been prevented from exercising their Constitutional right to vote only because they were unaware of cumbersome pre-registration requirements," Filner stated.

Many Americans do not focus on elections until just days before Election Day. In addition, close elections lead many voters to the polls who had not previously planned to vote. Thus, millions of Americans from some of the most populous states are being denied the right to vote, simply because they did not "pre-register."

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), which was intended to improve voting procedures, did not correct this problem. HAVA required states to allow "provisional" voting, but ballots can still be discarded if the voter did not pre-register.

June 4, 2007

Filner Supports the Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 923, the Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. The bill would create a section in the Department of Justice to aggressively investigate and prosecute pre-1970 civil rights' cases that resulted in death and remain unsolved. If a crime other than murder is discovered during the course of an investigation, it will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials.

"We as a Congress have a moral obligation to bring justice to the families of the victims," Filner said. "Furthermore, as a society based on laws, we have a responsibility to ensure that criminals don't go unpunished."

June 20, 2007

Congressman Filner Recognizes World War II Era Treasury Department Officials For Courage in Rescuing Jews, Other Minorities During Holocaust

Congressman Bob Filner today announced his support for H. Res. 226, to recognize the American government officials who played a critical role in creating the "War Refugee Board" to rescue Jews and other persecuted minorities during the World War II Holocaust.

"In 1943 and early 1944, an extraordinary group of Treasury Department officials sought to change the policies of the State Department, policies that opposed American government action to save those being systematically exterminated by the Nazi German government," said Congressman Filner. "They drafted a memorandum urging more forceful action to save these lives, a document that was given to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 16, 1944."

President Roosevelt quickly signed Executive Order 9417 on January 22, 1944 stating that "it is the policy of the Government to take all measures within its power to rescue the victims of enemy oppression who are in imminent danger of death..." and creating the War Refugee Board, composed of the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, to carry out this policy.

On January 25, 1944, the War Refugee Board issued a cable to all U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad to forestall the Nazi plot of extermination and to develop programs to increase the flow of Jewish and other refugees to European neutral counties. "The War Refugee Board is credited, by academic studies, with rescuing as many as 200,000 Jews from Nazi persecution," said Filner.

This resolution in the House of Representatives honors the officials who worked to establish the War Refugee Board and a more active United States policy to rescue Jews and other victims of Nazi repression. These officials include Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Treasury Assistant General Counsel Josiah DuBois, and John Pehle, a 33-year old attorney in the Treasury Department who helped to draft the memorandum and who became Executive Director of the War Refugee Board. H. Res. 226 was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.

May 15, 2007

Congressman Filner Supports the Elder Justice Act

Congressman Filner today announced his support of The Elder Justice Act, (H.R. 1783), legislation that establishes an Elder Justice Coordinating Council and an Advisory Board to fight elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. "The passage of this bill will bring a focus to this issue at the national level and will provide a comprehensive, coordinated effort led by the federal government to preventing and fighting elder abuse," said Congressman Filner.

This comprehensive bill will require the Attorney General to develop policies and a long-term plan for elder justice programs, focusing on prevention, detection, training, treatment, evaluation, intervention, research and improvement of the elder justice system. Examples of its provisions include:

• aiding in the development of forensic expertise pertaining to elder abuse

• providing incentives to train for employment in long-term care facilities

• assisting Adult Protective Services in providing leadership to state programs

• improving ombudsman capacity and the retention of qualified staff

• requiring immediate reporting to law enforcement of crimes in a long-term care facility.

Filner had co-sponsored this bill in the last session of Congress. "It is past time to enact this bill," he said. "The worth of a society can be measured by the manner in which it treats and respects its elderly citizens."