H.R. 550, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act
In November 2004, as many as 50 million voters (including millions of Californians) cast their ballots on electronic voting machines that lacked a voter-verified paper trail. As a result, there is no way to resolve questions about reported tallies. In an effort to eliminate this problem before the 2006 elections, Congressman Becerra has co-sponsored Rep. Rush Holt’s H.R. 550, which would require a voter-verified permanent paper record so that all Americans can be sure that their vote has been counted accurately. To learn more:
Social Security Disability for Adult Children
Congressman Becerra, a member of the Social Security Subcommittee, has been working with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to educate the public about the existence of benefits for disabled adult children (DAC) of retired, deceased, or disabled workers. After Rep. Becerra raised questions about the SSA’s outreach efforts at a May 11, 2006 subcommittee hearing, the agency has begun to increase efforts to educate those who may be eligible for disability benefits. To learn more about DAC related assistance and Rep. Becerra’s efforts to increase outreach to potential beneficiaries:
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Read Rep. Becerra’s letter to SSA Commissioner Barnhart.
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Determine if you, or someone you know are eligible for disability benefits under the DAC provision.
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Telecom Reform and Network Neutrality Legislation
As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's Technology, Communications and the Arts Task Force, Congressman Becerra has been fighting to safeguard the principles of equal access and non-discriminatory competition in telecommunications reform legislation currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. To learn more about the bill and what Congressman Becerra thinks about this important topic, click here. |
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Consolidate College Loans Now
On July 1, 2006, interest rates on outstanding federal student loans are expected to rise to over 7 percent -- the highest rate in six years. Students who consolidate before July 1 may be eligible to lock in a rate as low as 4.75 percent over the lifetime of their loan(s). Students and parents must act quickly to lock in these lower rates. To learn more about student loan rate increases, how to consolidate your loan, and what Democrats are doing to make college more affordable, click here.
- Apply to consolidate your Federal student loan online.
- how much more you would save under the Democratic plan.
- Listen to Rep. Becerra’s June 21 telephone message to constituents regarding loan consolidation.
- Read a summary explanation by Ranking Member Miller of the July 1 changes.
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Breaking news: Personal data of 26 million veterans stolen!
On May 22, 2006, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary R. James Nicholson announced that sensitive data collected by the government, containing the names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for approximately 26.5 million veterans was stolen from a VA official who had removed this data from VA and taken it home.
- Click here to read the statement submitted by the House Committee on Veteran's affairs.
- Click here for more information from the VA regarding the stolen identity issue, and what you can do to protect yourself.
The New Medicare Prescription Drug Program
The new Medicare prescription drug program (also known as "Part D") began on January 1, 2006. There are over 59 Medicare Advantage plans of varying quality and options offered by 16 companies in Los Angeles County. On top of that, there are 47 stand-alone prescription drug plans offered by 19 companies serving the entire state of California. In the coming weeks, Rep. Becerra will be hosting a number of local events to which he will bring experts on the Medicare prescription drug program. Rep. Becerra wants to give you a chance to ask questions of these experts before deciding on what plan, if any, best benefits you. Remember that you must sign up before May 15, 2006.
- Click here to see Rep. Becerra's future events
- Click here for more information about the Medicare prescription drug program
- Click here to read Rep. Becerra's latest mail piece: "Medicare Prescription Drugs ... Your Rights. Your Health"
Hurricane Katrina
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and to the countless others who have been left homeless and stranded in the Gulf states. To learn how you can help bring much-needed relief to this tragedy-stricken region, click here. To download a comprehensive packet of information prepared by the Homeland Security Committee (in English and Spanish), click here.
War in Iraq
Click here to read Congressman Becerra's floor statements regarding the war with Iraq and its aftermath.
The President and Social Security
The President wants to privatize Social Security. Rep. Becerra sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Subcommittee on Social Security. Keep visiting becerra.house.gov to follow the debate and become more familiar with the issues. Click here to learn more.
Social Security Calculator
Curious how Social Security privatization will affect you? Click here.
CAFTA
Rep. Becerra sends letter to President Bush encouraging him to renegotiate the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). "This CAFTA fails to be structured to spread the benefits of trade..." Click here to read the entire letter.
America’s Jobs & Economy: Where Are We Headed?
On August 17, 2004, at LA Trade Tech, Congressman Becerra and Senator Barbara Boxer addressed the current and future conditions of our nation's job market and economy. Click here for photos, and click here for the transcript (note: it's over 100 pages long).