Dear Friend:


Please take a few seconds to catch up on the latest news in Washington and the 13th Congressional District.


House Votes

This week, the House passed H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.  The firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center were exposed to a massive, highly toxic plume of dust from the collapse of the Twin Towers.  In many cases, this exposure resulted in serious respiratory illnesses and related conditions. This bill would provide funding for a Health Program to monitor and treat responders and community residents for health conditions related to the terrorist attacks. It also would reopen the September 11, 2001 Victim Compensation Fund to provide  monetary compensation for those physically injured by the attacks or by response activities and debris removal.  H.R. 847 must now be approved by the Senate.


The House also passed critical legislation to address China’s fundamental undervaluation of its currency by a vote of 348-79. The legislation, H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act signals a mounting concern among U.S. lawmakers regarding China’s violation of its international obligations.

The House passed H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.  This measure is now awaiting the President's signature into law.

New Health Care Provisions Become Law

Last week, American's received new rights, benefits, and protections under the Affordable Care Act.   Combined, these new provisions will put consumers, not insurance companies, in charge of their health care. Below is a brief summary of the new restrictions for insurance companies and new rights for consumers beginning to take effect:

Insurers Will No Longer Be Able To: Deny coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions; put lifetime limits on benefits; cancel your policy without proving fraud; or deny claims without a chance for appeal.

Consumers in New Health Plans Will Be Able to: receive cost-free preventive services;  keep young adults on a parent’s plan until age 26; choose a primary care doctor, ob/gyn and pediatrician; and use the nearest emergency room without penalty.

For more information, visit HealthCare.gov.
 

Consumer Information

The Federal Trade Commission has approved new rules to protect consumers from unsrupulous debt relief companies.  The rules take effect in October and require debt relief companies to provide more disclosure of their terms and also prohibit the companies from charging consumers up-front fees for these services.  For more information, visit the FTC website here.


The Small Business Administration has a useful website for people who are interested in starting a small business.  For more information, visit the SBA site at this link.