NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA'S BORDER CONGRESSMAN!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS & EVENTS
Superdelegate Bob Filner Endorses Senator Obama
for President
Chula Vista, California -
Congressmen Bob Filner (D-CA) recently released
the following statement regarding his status as
a Democratic Superdelegate:
“After reviewing the results of
the primaries Nationwide, the voices of the
voters have been heard, and I believe that it is
time for Superdelegates to make their
endorsements known. We must select the
Democratic nominee as soon as possible to unite
the support of the party and provide him with
the very best foundation to become President
next year.
“Due to Senator Obama’s innate
ability to bring together various cross sections
of American society, his pragmatic approach to
designing sound policy and his inspirational
message, I believe that Senator Obama will be
the next President of the United States of
America, and I am honored to extend my support
to him.
“As Chairman of the House
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and after eight
years of President Bush failing to effectively
provide for our nation’s veterans, I pledged to
support the candidate that would do right by our
veterans. Senator Obama has promised to fight to
provide the very best care for returning heroes
and for heroes from past conflicts.
“This year, we have seen many
unprecedented firsts, including the first
serious female and African American candidates
for President. I have long said that either
candidate would provide a welcome change from
politics as usual in Washington, D.C. I stand by
that assertion, and I look forward to a new
direction in American politics.”
Congressman Filner
Releases Statement on Blackwater Ruling
San Diego City lawyers recently
asked Judge Marilyn L. Huff to reject a motion
by Blackwater officials seeking a temporary
restraining order that would allow them to begin
operating their Otay Mesa training center on
Monday, 6/2/08. Judge Huff dismissed their
request and ruled in favor of Blackwater.
Congressmen Bob Filner (D-CA)
today released the following statement on the
Federal Court’s Ruling:
“There is no basis for Judge
Huff’s ruling. She completely ignored questions
as to completeness of permit applications,
necessity for environmental impact statements,
conformance with firearms permits, and whether
Blackwater was within the category ‘vocational
education’ as required by the zoning.
“Community leaders have come
together overwhelmingly to fight Blackwater’s
presence in San Diego County. We all understand
that Blackwater is a company that profits from
war, and they will not hesitate to profit from
insecurity in our sensitive border region. We
will continue to fight Blackwater until they
understand that they will never be welcome in
our neighborhoods!
“Blackwater’s business model is
unacceptable and this ruling is unacceptable! I
urge the City Attorney to appeal Judge Huff’s
decision to the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals.”
Filner Proposes the
Creation of a Postage Stamp to Honor Slain
Officers
Congressman Bob Filner today
announced his introduction of legislation in
support of a postage stamp to honor law
enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
"Too many police officers are
killed or injured in the line of duty every
day," Filner said. "We must honor those who
have sacrificed their lives in order to make our
neighborhoods and communities safer."
The legislation would express the
sense of Congress that a stamp, called the Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial Stamp, should be
issued to honor law enforcement officers killed
in the line of duty.
On average, a law enforcement
officer is killed in America every other day.
Since 1794, when recordkeeping started, more
than 17,900 officers have lost their lives in
service to their communities. In 2007, 186
officers were killed in the line of duty, an
increase of more than 28 percent from the year
prior.
"Nearly nine hundred thousand
Americans serve as law enforcement officers in
communities small and large across the nation,"
Filner said. "These officers serve with
commitment and distinction every day, as they
continue to place themselves in harm's way to
protect their fellow citizens."
Congressman Filner
Meets with Leaders from the Philippines
Congressman Bob Filner recently
met with Philippine officials in his Washington,
D.C. office. Pictured, from left, are Justice
Manuel Pamaran (Ret.), Vice President of the
Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Roman
Romulo, Member of the House of Representatives
of the Philippines; Congressman Filner; Antonio
Diaz, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’
Affairs, House of Representatives of the
Philippines; Willy Gaa, Philippines Ambassador
to the U.S.; and Ernesto Carolina, Under
Secretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve
Affairs.
Filner Celebrates
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. – Today,
Congressman Bob Filner called on all Americans
to join in celebrating Asian Pacific American
Heritage Month, which begins on May 1.
“This month is a special
opportunity to pay tribute to the contributions
of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)
community and to address the challenges facing
all of our communities,” said Congressman
Filner.
“The AAPI community is one of the
fastest growing populations,” Filner pointed
out. “An estimated 15.9 million Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders, representing a diverse
community of backgrounds, cultures, and
experiences, now make their homes in the United
States making valuable contributions to every
aspect of American life. Their unique
contributions enhance the moral fabric and
character of our great nation.”
“I am honored to salute the more
than 48,000 brave AAPI men and women who have
been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001
and the 320,000 AAPI veterans who have
courageously served our country,” Congressman
Filner stated. “It is in their name that I will
continue to work to ensure that this Congress
honors our commitment to our troops and our
veterans.”
Filner continued, “As a historian
and the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs
Committee, I know that Filipino World War II
veterans have been deeply wronged. I am fighting
to ensure that they receive equity and benefits
for their contributions to the successful
outcome of WWII. I commend the Senate’s action,
passing S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits
Enhancement Act of 2007, and I call on the House
to pass this historic Act during Asian Pacific
American Heritage Month!”
The new Democratic-led Congress
has been working on improving the lives of Asian
American and Pacific Islander families, along
with all other American families.
In the current economic downturn,
a great number of AAPI families – like other
American families – are struggling to make ends
meet – facing stagnant incomes and skyrocketing
gas prices, food prices, college costs, and
health care costs. The New Direction Congress
has responded and in February enacted a
bipartisan economic stimulus package that is
providing tax rebates to millions of hardworking
families – with the vast majority of Asian
American and Pacific Islanders receiving these
rebates.
In addition, the economic
stimulus package is helping the nation’s small
businesses – doubling the amount small
businesses can immediately write off their taxes
for investments in plant and equipment this year
from $125,000 to $250,000. This will aid the 1.1
million AAPI-owned small businesses.
There is also a subprime mortgage
crisis in this country – with millions of
Americans now facing the possibility of
foreclosure. The Congress has enacted laws
stopping the tax on phantom income when a lender
forgives some part of a family’s mortgage in
foreclosure and temporarily raising FHA loan
limits to expand affordable mortgage loan
opportunities. Now, in May, the House is
expected to pass sweeping legislation designed
to ease the mortgage crisis and reduce the
number of foreclosures – with experts estimating
the bill could help 1 to 2 million homeowners
avoid foreclosure.
In addition, last year, Congress
raised the minimum wage, benefiting more than
250,000 hardworking Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders; cut the cost of college for the more
than 176,000 AAPI students enrolled in
degree-granting institutions; and enacted an
energy security bill that will save Americans,
including 15.9 million Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders, $700 to $1,000 a year at the
pump.
The New Direction Congress has
also been working to strengthen our national
security and military readiness, provide a new
direction in Iraq, and honor our commitment to
our veterans and troops. Specifically, the
Congress has provided our veterans the largest
increase in veterans’ benefits, including
veterans’ health care, in the 77-year history of
the VA; blocked health care fee increases
proposed by the Bush Administration on our
servicemen and women; and ensured more
equipment, training, and body armor for our
troops.
“As we celebrate the
contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders to the nation, we must rise up and
take our country in a new direction to meet the
challenges facing AAPI families,” concluded
Filner. “The New Direction Congress will
continue to take further steps to change the way
we do business in Washington, and to make
America safer, strengthen our economy, and
restore accountability. Together, we can make
the American dream a reality for all
Americans.”
Filner Celebrates
Jewish American Heritage Month
Washington, D.C. -- Today,
Congressman Bob Filner released the following
statement, calling on all Americans to join in
celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month,
which begins on May 1st:
“This month is a special
opportunity to pay tribute to the contributions
of American Jews throughout the history of the
United States.
“When the first Jewish settlers
came to this land, they sought a place of
promise where they could practice their faith in
freedom and live in liberty. During this month,
we celebrate the rich history of the American
Jewish community and honor the great
contributions they have made to our country.
“As a nation of immigrants, the
United States is better and stronger because
Jewish people from all over the world have
chosen to become American citizens. Since
arriving in 1654, American Jews have
strengthened our country and helped shape our
way of life. Their commitment to excellence in
science, public service, law, medicine,
athletics, literature and countless other fields
has enriched our nation and enhanced our
culture. In addition, through strong ties to
family and community, American Jews reflect a
compassionate spirit and set a positive example
for others.
“My father’s life reveals a
powerful example of the spirit and values of the
Jewish American Community. As an American
soldier who could speak Yiddish, he was selected
from the ranks to help liberate the Dachau
concentration camp during World War II. Having
viewed such painful and flagrant suffering, he
became an advocate for all human rights and a
strong supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
He understood the devastation that is caused by
discrimination and hatred, and he decided to do
everything in his power to stop the spread of
prejudice. I was fortunate to grow up under his
positive influence, and I am proud that many
Jews, and many Americans of all faiths, share
his love of freedom and equality.
“Jewish American Heritage Month
provides us with an opportunity to reflect on
all the diverse ways in which our families and
American Jews in general have enriched our
culture and enhanced our way of life over the
last 353 years.”
Filner Calls for
City Investigation of Blackwater Contract
Congressman Bob Filner today
requested City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
to investigate the permit that Blackwater
received as a “vocational trade school.” Filner
also asked for Mayor Sanders’ support in
preventing Blackwater’s presence in San Diego.
Attached is a copy of the letter, which was also
sent to all eight San Diego City Council Members
and the City Attorney.
Filner wrote, “The secrecy under
which Blackwater contracted its facility in Otay
Mesa causes great suspicion and distrust among
community members in my District. The lack of
transparency in their plans forces me to
question their intent to develop a ‘vocational
trade school.’ Blackwater is a company that
profits from war, and they will not hesitate to
profit from insecurity in our sensitive border
region. Developing a paramilitary training
facility, less than one mile from our
international border, would send a dangerous
message to Mexico and would hurt business and
diplomatic relations. A positive relationship
with Mexico has never been more critical to our
National Security, and we must not take any
action that would jeopardize that bond.”
“As you know, Blackwater has been
under investigation for the shooting of 17
innocent Iraqi civilians on September 16, 2007.
Since this event, Blackwater has been
investigated by Congress, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and the Department of State. More
specifically, Congress filed an investigation of
tax, small business and labor law violations,”
added Filner. “As a private company hired by
the federal government, Blackwater lacks
accountability to government agencies. Once in
operation, there would be very little or no
oversight governing Blackwater’s operations in
our border region.”
Congressman Filner concluded,
“Blackwater does not exhibit any of the signs of
a good neighbor or a productive business
partner. We cannot allow a company with their
reputation to do business in our community – the
cost is too high.”
Blackwater recently announced
that they plan to open an indoor training center
in Otay Mesa to train Navy personnel. Blackwater
will operate a 61,600-square-foot building,
including an enclosed shooting range, in a
business park on Siempre Viva Road, just south
of Brown Field. The building has been permitted
for use as a vocational trade school.
Filner Recognizes
60th Anniversary of the Founding of Israel
On May 14,
1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the
establishment of the sovereign and independent
State of Israel. Shortly thereafter, the United
States established full diplomatic relations and
has since enjoyed a close and special
relationship with the State of Israel based on
shared democratic values and common strategic
interests.
Last week,
Congressman Filner cosponsored H.Con.Res. 322, a
resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of
the founding of the modern State of Israel and
reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and
cooperation between the United States and
Israel.
H.Con.Res.
322 subsequently passed the House of
Representatives in a vote of 417-0, and the
Senate approved the measure by unanimous
consent.
“Despite
being surrounded by hostile neighbors, the
people of Israel have established a vibrant,
pluralistic, democracy that recognizes freedom
of speech, association and religion,”
Congressman Filner stated. “I am pleased to
join my colleagues in the House and Senate in
supporting this bipartisan resolution
celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Israel’s
Independence and reaffirming United States and
Israeli friendship.”
Filner Protests
Blackwater in Otay Mesa
Congressman Bob Filner recently
hosted a Press Conference and protest of
Blackwater’s new training facility in Otay Mesa.
Pictured here with the Congressman are: San
Diego City Councilman Ben Hueso and many
community activists.
Filner Protests
Blackwater Development in South County
On Friday, April 25th, 2008,
Congressman Bob Filner will host a rally and
press conference announcing his opposition to
Blackwater Worldwide’s proposed training
facility in Otay Mesa. Joining the Congressman
will be: Councilmember Ben Hueso, District 8;
Council President Scott Peters, District 1;
Carol Jahnkow, Peace Resource Center; Raymond
Lutz, Citizens’ Oversight Projects; and Jeanette
Hartman, Sierra Club.
“Residents of San Diego County
rejected Blackwater’s proposed mercenary
training facility in Potrero, and I cannot
imagine that San Diegans will feel any
differently about Otay Mesa,” said Congressman
Filner. “The use of civilian-defense contractors
is irresponsible, and should be stopped
immediately. Not only are they unaccountable to
the Military, the State Department and Congress;
they are civilians serving in combat and
combat-training. Many have been wounded or have
wounded others, and yet, they are not veterans;
there is no safety net when they come home. It
is criminal to ask civilian men and women to
perform the role of the military when they lack
the support necessary to return to their
civilian lives. The paramilitary-style training
conducted at these facilities has no place in
our backyards!”
Councilmember Ben Hueso added,
“Military training belongs on a military base in
a facility that is secure and not within an
urbanized area. The political strain on the
border debate caused by the presence of
Blackwater USA will cause more of a detriment to
our economy and our national security than the
employment benefits they claim to provide. It is
also unclear at what level or federal, state and
local laws apply to the activities of Blackwater
USA, or whether they will respect the delicate
fabric of our border environment. Diplomatic
ties with Mexico and resolving important issues
of border security, border development and
immigration have never been more critical to the
welfare of San Diego and Tijuana.”
Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny,
California Senate District 40, pointed out,
“There were environmental issues when Blackwater
tried to locate in Potrero and now they want to
site a facility in an industrial area within the
footprint of the proposed cross-border terminal.
Given the controversial nature of this
corporation, residents and stakeholders in Otay
Mesa should have been informed of a proposed
training facility for mercenaries near their
community. Their views on this matter need to be
taken into account whether this facility is
compatible to Otay Mesa’s residents and
businesses.”
Blackwater recently announced
that they plan to open an indoor training center
in Otay Mesa to train Navy personnel. Blackwater
will operate a 61,600-square-foot building,
including an enclosed shooting range, in a
business park on Siempre Viva Road, just south
of Brown Field. The building has been permitted
for use as a vocational trade school.
Filner Recently
Presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Kim
Swierenga
Congressman Bob Filner recently
presented the Congressional Award Gold Medal to
local leader Kimberly Marie Swierenga in
recognition of her extensive community service
and personal development. Kim is pictured here
with the Congressman after the medal
presentation.
Filner Delivers Giant Check for Imperial Parks
Facility!
On Tuesday, March 25th,
Congressman Bob Filner will present a giant
check for $150,000 to Mayor Geoff Dale, City of
Imperial.
Also in
attendance will be Mayor Pro Tem
Betty Sampson and Councilmembers Rick Breland
and Doug Cox. The City will receive the funds
through a Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Economic Development
Initiative grant, which Congressman Filner
secured as part of the fiscal year 2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Act, and it will be used to help
design and construct the Imperial Regional Parks
Facility.
Congressman Filner said, “I am
honored to help provide funding for the Regional
Parks Facility in Imperial. It is imperative
that families have a safe, fun place to go where
children can exercise, build self confidence and
develop interpersonal skills. I know that Mayor
Dale and the City Council are going to build a
wonderful recreational area for our children,
our city and our Valley to enjoy!”
The Regional Park Facility will
include:
multi-use fields, concession
stands and restrooms, tot lots, a
picnic area, parking,
recreational
trail access, basketball courts,
sidewalks, trash and recycling receptacles,
batting cages, warm-up areas and
equipment storage. The City plans to construct
this facility with environmental sensitivity
using green building practices, making it the
first ‘green parks’ project in the County.
Filner added,
“There is much talk in Washington
and in the press about earmarks--mostly
negative. However, I think that
it’s important for community
members to remember that earmarks are a way for
Members of
Congress to fund important
community projects, like the Regional Parks
Facility. Understanding and taking care of my
constituents’ requests is one of the most
important
and gratifying parts of my job,
and I will continue to advocate
for federal support in our community!”
Congressman Filner
Statement Regarding Blackwater USA
Blackwater USA recently announced
that it will not proceed with its proposal to
build an 824 acre paramilitary training camp in
Potrero, CA. In response, Congressman Bob
Filner issued the following statement:
“The decision by Blackwater to
stay out of Potrero is an impressive victory for
our community and shows that grass-roots
organizations can still make a huge impact in
our world.
“I hope that the example set by
the Potrero Planning Commission, local
organizations, vigilant community members and
elected officials will encourage other
communities to work together to refuse land for
dangerous mercenary training facilities!”
American Association
of University Women Recognize Filner for Voting
Record
The
American Association of
University Women (AAUW) recently recognized
Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) for his 100
percent voting rating in their recently
published
Congressional Voting Record for
the 110th Congress, First Session.
Congressman Filner said, “I was
honored to be recognized by the American
Association of University Women for my
constructive voting record, and I will continue
to fight to eliminate discriminatory practices
and to make college more affordable, healthcare
more accessible and wages higher for every
American!”
Lisa M. Maatz, Director of
AAUW
Public Policy and Government
Relations, said the following regarding the
Congressman’s
rating: “The
Congressional Voting Record for
the 110th Congress, First Session
scores the votes on several
pieces of legislation that became law, including
bills that provided for an increase in the
minimum wage; the largest increase in student
aid since the G.I. bill; and investment in
science, technology, engineering, and math
education. In addition, the publication scores
legislation that reflects other AAUW priorities
such as improving pay discrimination law,
expanding hate crimes prevention, and protecting
access to reproductive health care. Holding
Congress accountable to the needs of their
constituents is extremely important to us, and
AAUW appreciates Congressman Filner’s consistent
support on AAUW’s priority issues.”
The AAUW was
founded in 1881 and represents
over 100,000 bipartisan members from all over
the United States. They are dedicated to
advancing equity for women and
girls through advocacy, education, and research.
Congressman Filner’s
Response to the President’s State of the Union
“President Bush is out of touch
with the American people.
His ideas offer nothing
new—nothing that will take our country forward.
While the nation faces significant new
challenges, the President continues to move in
the wrong direction.
“The so-called ‘Pro-growth’
economic policies of the President have
benefited very few, while the quality of life
for the majority of Americans has deteriorated,
creating a culture of inequality. In this time
of war and economic upheaval, we must pursue
policies that create growth for everyone! The
President continues to do too little, too late.
“The President attempted to
address some of America’s economic anxiety, and
I am encouraged by the compromise reached to
create an Economic Stimulus Package. However,
American families have been hit hard by the
rising cost of energy, healthcare, and education
coupled with the economic downturn and
deteriorating housing market. I hope that this
new found collaboration will lead to
increasingly successful bipartisanship and real
action to improve the quality of life in the
United States. $600 in tax relief for each
individual is a good start, but it won’t keep
anyone’s home from foreclosing. We must do more,
and we must remain flexible and responsive to
the needs of Americans.
“President Bush also expressed
his belated dedication to reforming the earmark
process. Congress has also been working hard to
provide these reforms: Under the Republican
Congress the number of earmarks in
appropriations bills skyrocketed and there was
no way to determine who requested each earmark.
Democrats instituted a one year moratorium on
earmarks for 2007 until a reformed process could
be put in place. Democrats have made significant
reductions to the amount of earmarks, including
cutting the dollar amount by 43 percent, and
brought increased transparency and
accountability to the process. We hope that we
can move forward with the President on these
reforms.
“I will end with my most
important point: The President seems to be
content with a War that has cost an incredible
amount of lives, injuries, and resources. This
War is unacceptable. It stands to reason that a
“surge” of courageous American troops would
improve security in Iraq. Unfortunately, it also
brought the deadliest year in terms of U.S.
troop casualties.
Without the support or action of the Iraqi
people, we are left where we started—mired in an
unsustainable, un-winnable War!
“As Chairman of the House
Veterans Affairs Committee, I am committed to
ensuring that our troops receive the support,
honor and care that they deserve when they
return from overseas. I also know that no matter
how this Congress feels about the War, we will
continue to support the Warrior!
“Mr. President, support our
troops and bring them home!”
Filner Opposes
Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia
Yesterday, upon
arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
President Bush formally notified Congress of his
intent to sell $123 million worth of some of the
United States' most advanced weapons and
technology to the Saudis. The package is part of
a larger $20 billion arms sale.
To prevent the
arms sale to Saudi Arabia, a bi-partisan
coalition of 53 Members of Congress, including
Congressman Bob Filner, today introduced a Joint
Resolution of Disapproval to stop the deal from
moving forward.
“I am extremely
concerned that our military technology could
fall into the wrong hands and be used against us
or our allies,” stated Filner. “We must stop
the spread of dangerous weapons around the
world.”
Congress may
reject any large arms sale according to the Arms
Control Export Act of 1976, under which the
President is required to officially notify
Congress of an impending arms deal. Congress
then has 30 days to consider the proposed
deal.
Congressman Filner
Requests Federal Funding to Rebuild Fire-Damaged
Areas
Congressman Bob
Filner and Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53)
recently requested that President Bush provide
additional Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) assistance related to the Southern
California Wildfires. Their letter, which was
also signed by Congressmen Ken Calvert (CA-44),
Darrell Issa (CA-49), Brian Bilbray (CA-50), and
Duncan Hunter (CA-52), urges the President to
authorize FEMA to waive all state and local
cost-sharing requirements for debris removal and
emergency protective measures including police,
firefighters, health care providers, and the
sheltering and feeding of evacuees.
My deepest
gratitude goes out to the firefighters,
emergency responders, military personnel, and
volunteers who worked diligently to protect the
lives and property of friends and
neighbors. Unfortunately, we still have a
challenging road ahead of us as we rebuild our
homes and businesses. Federal assistance for the
cost of the fire damage and reconstruction is
necessary if we are to quickly and effectively
return to our former lives, and I am committed
to ensuring that the assistance is adequate and
timely. I have been inspired by our community,
and I know that we can do this together!” said
Congressman Filner.
On October 24,
2007, Governor Schwarzenegger requested and
President Bush issued a major federal disaster
declaration for the counties of Santa Barbara,
Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San
Bernardino, and San Diego. Under the Stafford
Act, these areas are eligible for federal
assistance to help the local governments,
families, and businesses recover from the
wildfires. Stafford Act assistance generally
contains a cost sharing requirement for the
state and local governments. The President can
waive these requirements and recommend 100
percent reimbursement.
Filner Cosponsors
Legislation to Restore Voting Rights to
Ex-Offenders
Today, Congressman
Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R.
818, which would reinstate voting rights for the
2.1 million Americans who have completed all
terms of their sentences for felony
convictions—incarceration, probation and any
period of parole.
Today, an
estimated 5.3 million Americans are barred from
the voting rolls as a result of felony
convictions. Many organizations, including the
National Commission on Election Reform, have
called for an end to policies and practices that
disenfranchise ex-offenders. Some states have
made progress in this area. However, there is
currently no uniform national standard to
restore voting rights to ex-offenders.
Announcing his
support, Filner stated: “The right to vote is
paramount in a democratic society. Ex-offenders
who have completed their sentences should have
their voting rights restored!”
Congressman Filner
Thanks National Guard Troops
Congressman Bob
Filner recently visited Steele Canyon High
School, where many residents were evacuated when
the Harris Fire burned through parts of Southern
San Diego County. California National Guard
troops were activated to help at the site, and
they played an important role in preparing the
relief effort, as well as maintaining high
spirits. Pictured here with the Congressman are
(from left): U.S. Army Specialists Kuku
Leadbeater, Edward Esteban, and Ruth Keefe.
Congressman Filner
and President Bush Respond to Wildfires
Congressman Bob
Filner joined President George W. Bush to view
the damage caused by the wildfires in San Diego
County. Congressman Filner said: “President Bush
has quickly and effectively responded to our
crisis, and I hope that we can continue to work
together to ensure that our County has the
resources necessary to rebuild and regain our
former quality of life as soon as possible!”
Congressman
Filner Celebrates His Birthday with the
Community
Filipino
Veterans of WWII, their families and many
other community leaders recently wished
Congressman Bob Filner a happy 65th
birthday!
