Jaime Herrera Beutler RSS Articles

Jaime Herrera Beutler Applauds New Direct Flight from Portland to DC

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today Jaime Herrera Beutler applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) decision to approve a new direct Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, OR to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport.

As a Member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Jaime had been working within the Committee to increase the allotment of west coast flights into D.C.’s Reagan Airport via the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reauthorization bill that was signed into law in February, 2012. In a March letter to USDOT, Jaime also joined the entire Washington state Congressional delegation in expressing strong support for Alaska Airlines’ request to specifically establish a direct flight from Portland to D.C.’s most centrally-located airport.

“I’m very pleased that Southwest Washington will have a critical new link to Washington, D.C.,” said Jaime. “From folks who wish to visit the nation’s capital to businesses who need to travel from coast-to-coast, this is a great development for our region. I was proud to push hard for this new nonstop flight from my position on the House Transportation Committee and alongside my colleagues from Washington state. I certainly hope this means I’ll get to see more visitors from Southwest Washington whenever I’m back in the nation’s capital.”

Jaime Herrera Beutler Announces 2nd Annual Southwest Washington Jobs Fair on May 23

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she will be hosting a second annual Southwest Washington jobs fair on Wednesday, May 23.

This free event will be open to all Southwest Washington residents. Like Jaime’s 2011 jobs fair, this event will bring together employers across multiple industries that are currently looking for qualified candidates.

“The biggest challenge Southwest Washington faces is that too many moms, dads, recent college graduates and other residents are unable to find work. I’m pleased to host this jobs fair to give our community one more way to tackle that challenge,” said Jaime. “Employers continue to approach me and tell me that they are hiring, and I want to match them with job seekers from right here in Southwest Washington. I will continue to use all the resources available to me to focus on economic recovery and getting people back to work.”

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 23 • 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Red Lion Hotel at the Quay
100 Columbia Street, Vancouver WA 98660

Employers who are interested in participating should contact Pam Peiper in Jaime’s Vancouver office at (360) 695-6292. Free resume and interview assistance will also be available.

Jaime’s 2011 jobs fair was attended by more than 1,700 job seekers and 70 employers. Jaime’s office was able to confirm that hundreds of job interviews and dozens of hires resulted within only a few weeks of the event. Some of the largest employers were unable to confirm the exact number of new hires and interviews due to internal procedures, though feedback from participating employers and job seekers was overwhelmingly positive.

Northwest Members of Congress Highlight Height Passage Problems of Preferred I-5 Bridge Design

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Jaime Herrera Beutler led a joint letter to Columbia River Crossing Director Nancy Boyd yesterday highlighting the economic consequences of limiting navigation on the Columbia River, and seeking answers on potential costs to taxpayers if the bridge height limits certain river users.

The letter was signed by Jaime, Reps. Doc Hastings (WA-4), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5) and Raul Labrador (ID-1) who all represent Northwestern U.S. congressional districts that rely on the Columbia River’s navigation system for commerce and economic activity.

The text of the letter follows:

Dear Ms. Boyd,

We are writing to express our concern and interest in the Columbia River Crossing (CRC), particularly as it relates to recent revelations regarding insufficient bridge clearance and the potential impacts to navigation upriver of the project. As the fourth largest river in North America, and the third largest grain export gateway in the world, the Columbia River provides billions of dollars to our regional economy and affects shipping from the Pacific Ocean all the way to Lewiston, Idaho.

As you know, the current CRC design calls for a bridge clearance of 95 feet above the river. Through meetings with Rear Admiral Keith Taylor from the US Coast Guard (USCG), and Colonel John Eisenhauer from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we have been informed that a clearance of 116 feet above the river is required to ensure safe passage for dredging vessels. In the case of high water events, shoaling in the river can cause emergency conditions very quickly. If the USACE is unable to gain safe passage for their dredges it could result in river closure with the loss of millions of dollars per day to the regional economy.

Creating an impasse to navigation will have a significant impact on the $3 billion in cargo that is shipped on the river each year, and the 40,000 local jobs dependent upon the Columbia Snake River System. It is our desire to increase the number of private companies operating within this river system. We believe that any forthcoming solution should not only address impacts to current users, but should also provide opportunity for future economic growth.

Although there have been conflicting reports of when the CRC Project Office became aware of the need for additional clearance height, we are at a loss as to how such an oversight in the design could have occurred. We have been advised that the CRC’s own consultant warned that a clearance of 125 feet was needed in order to avoid impediments to navigation. Was this information taken into account for design purposes?

Recent media reports have given a figure of $150 million to address the bridge clearance issue. Is this an accurate estimate? If so, how was this figure determined and what specific costs make up the estimate? If not, what is the process for determining the manner in which the issue will be addressed? How long will it take to determine the total cost, and who will be held responsible for additional expenditures? Finally, if the project were to move forward at a height below the recommended 125 feet, how would you ensure that taxpayers are protected from legal liability to potentially negatively-affected river users?

Given the importance of navigation to our region, we believe it is imperative that a new bridge not limit future river commerce. We fully recognize the need for a safe and efficient bridge that will reduce accidents and meet the needs of commuters and commercial traffic alike. However, the Rivers and Harbors Act clearly states that no bridge shall at any time unreasonably obstruct the free navigation of any navigable waters of the United States. Any outcome that is reached must meet the criteria of the law, and we urge you to take the time and effort necessary to address this issue in a manner that ensures free navigation of the river and protects our regional economy.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.

Jaime Herrera Beutler goes before U.S. House Tax Committee to Fight for Sales Tax Deduction

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday Jaime Herrera Beutler continued her efforts to make the sales tax deduction permanent by testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee that oversees the nation’s tax policies.

Jaime appeared before the committee to highlight the need for H.R. 476, a bipartisan bill she cosponsored during her first month in Congress that would make permanent the local and state sales tax deduction. The House Ways and Means Committee is currently working on the 2012 Tax Extenders bill, which Jaime hopes will include this important deduction.

She has also worked with a coalition of her colleagues in both parties to urge the House Ways and Means to provide this tax certainty as quickly as possible.

Below is the text of Jaime’s speech from yesterday:

Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to advocate for the extension of the state and local sales tax deduction on behalf of hardworking families and individuals in Southwest Washington, as well as all seven of the states that do not have an income tax.

We all understand that folks are struggling in this economy. We often hear about the need for “fairness” and “certainty” for hardworking taxpayers, and for job-creating businesses. I stand firmly behind both principles, which is why I have worked diligently to ensure that folks in Southwest Washington can deduct their state and local sales tax from their federal income tax. In fact, I am joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both bodies, who believe we should permanently etch this into our tax code.

Mr. Chairman, we have the opportunity to keep millions of dollars in Washington state’s economy at a time the struggling businesses in Longview, Vancouver, Olympia and Chehalis need it most. This deduction allows the average family that I represent to keep $500 a year in money they’ve earned. That’s a lot of groceries or tanks of gas. It gives the family savings account a small but much-needed cushion as folks struggle to find employment and make their home mortgage payments.

Unfortunately, the folks in Southwest Washington have become accustomed to an 11th-hour extension of this commonsense deduction that benefits them so much. It should be simple. Let’s extend the local and state sales tax deduction for the folks in Southwest Washington who have already dutifully paid their taxes, and let’s work to make this a permanent solution. I will continue to be a champion for this cause until we reach that goal.

Jaime Herrera Beutler Named to U.S. House-Senate Transportation Conference Committee

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Late yesterday, Jaime Herrera Beutler was named to the joint congressional conference committee charged with advancing a national transportation funding bill. This select committee has been formed to work out the differences between the Senate and House versions of a bill to fund the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be a first-term Member of Congress named to this committee where I’ll help shape a solution to our nation’s transportation challenges,” said Jaime. “We need a bill that strengthens our nation’s transportation system and creates jobs – both paramount priorities to Southwest Washington residents. I plan to work with my colleagues from both parties to move forward a solution that provides reliable, long-term funding for priority transportation projects throughout this region, and our nation.”

The House-Senate Transportation Conference Committee is expected to begin work in the coming days.

Columbian Guest Column: Facts support opposition to law’s impact on Medicare

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, The Columbian examined my mail piece to seniors throughout Southwest Washington on actions I’ve taken to protect Medicare. My votes, and the solutions I’ve supported, are based on important facts showing that Medicare is in jeopardy if no action is taken. A few important details were missing from the original article, and I appreciate the chance to air the facts here.

The health care reform of 2010 made some sweeping changes to Medicare. One change was to create a powerful 15-person board tasked with reducing costs within Medicare, known as IPAB. I oppose IPAB, because unfortunately this board will restrict seniors’ access to necessary treatments and health care.

There is nothing partisan about concerns over IPAB. That’s why more than 230 Democrats and Republican members of Congress joined together to co-sponsor legislation to eliminate this unelected, unaccountable board.

Consider the letter to Congress signed by more than 400 nonpartisan physician, patient, hospital, and health care advocacy organizations -- including the Washington State Medical Association -- that says the powerful IPAB board “will have a severe, negative impact on Medicare beneficiaries.” The letter cites the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to note that IPAB will look to squeeze payments to physicians, making it difficult for doctors to even afford seeing Medicare patients.

Another massive impact of the 2010 health care law was that it cut $500 billion from Medicare. Again, this is not simply a partisan talking point. While discussing his party’s ability to cut spending, U.S. Sen. John Kerry, a former Democratic presidential candidate, admitted, “We cut $550 billion in the health care act from Medicare.” (Nov. 20, 2011, “Meet the Press”).

Call them cuts

While selling the bill, proponents liked the word “reduction” much better. But numerous news sources, including the Washington Post, CNN and others, used the “cut” characterization. And when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office scorekeepers say that nearly 3 million fewer seniors will be on Medicare Advantage as a result of the health care law, one can conclude that these are cuts, and that they will have a real impact on current and future retirees.

And Medicare can hardly afford this hit. At a congressional hearing on June 22, 2011, two of the Medicare program’s own trustees testified that Medicare’s bankruptcy was speeding up. With 10,000 baby boomers reaching retirement age each day, never before has Medicare had to provide health care to so many. Comparing Medicare in 1970 to Medicare today is like comparing grapes to watermelons. It doesn’t work.

I refuse to ignore the facts. Only if we face the truth and deal with it will America be able to move forward on bipartisan solutions to protect the vital Medicare program for our seniors.

Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.

Read this article online at the Columbian by clicking here.

Early Survey Results -- Clark County Residents Support Light Rail Vote

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

More than two-thirds of Clark County residents who have responded to Jaime Herrera Beutler’s mail survey so far would like the opportunity to vote on light rail in the I-5 bridge replacement process.

In March, Jaime mailed surveys to residents across Clark County asking them to answer a brief questionnaire on the I-5 Columbia River bridge replacement process. Of more than 1,800 responses that have been counted so far, 68% support giving Clark County residents a vote.

“The reason I sent this mail survey was to make sure my efforts to secure a vote for Clark County residents were on track,” said Jaime. “So far, the County has made a very clear statement: give us a voice in the bridge replacement process.

“Elected officials aren’t obligated to agree on every issue. But we are absolutely obligated to listen and respond to the will of the people we represent. Replacing the I-5 bridge is the largest, most critical infrastructure project to the folks in this region. Clark County residents will rely on it the most, they will be asked to provide significant funding -- and they would like to have a say in how it is designed and paid for.

“We continue to receive new responses each day, and I will share what I learn as we continue to collect and count them. While this isn’t a scientific poll, it represents the most extensive effort by an elected official to gauge Clark County residents’ thoughts on this process. It would be a mistake to ignore what thousands of Clark County residents are saying.”

Jaime’s flyer was sent to households across Clark County in early March. The survey portion read as follows (followed by response % to date):

I am an advocate for a safe, affordable bridge across the Columbia River that meets our region’s transportation needs.

I also believe that the people in Clark County should get to decide through a public vote whether they will pay more in taxes for light rail. What do you think?

_I agree that Clark County residents should have a vote on whether to pay for light rail as part of this project. (68% marked this answer)

_We should move ahead on a new bridge without a public vote. We should be willing to pay what it takes to expand light rail into Clark County. (22% marked this answer)

_We don’t need a new bridge at all. (5% marked this answer)

_Other. (5% marked this answer)

Survey response cards were addressed to Jaime’s Washington, D.C. office, where they are subject to extensive Congressional security screening procedures that can delay delivery time. As of today, responses were still being delivered. Surveys were sent to all Clark County households with at least one resident who has voted in two or more elections since 2008.

Longview Daily News Guest Column: Making gas and energy affordable

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The average family in Longview feels every dollar they have to spend at the gas pump. When they write the check for the monthly utility bill, every penny matters. So, when gas prices soar above $4.00 a gallon as they have recently, there's a real impact on the rest of the family budget.

Folks in Southwest Washington deserve a national energy policy that makes and keeps gas and electricity prices affordable. This seems like common sense, right?

Unfortunately, too many politicians and bureaucrats have pushed a long list of energy priorities having nothing to do with affordability. Some would make energy more expensive. Current U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu once infamously said, "Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe." Europeans are paying $8 per gallon — a rate that would cripple the families and small businesses here who rely on their cars and trucks every day.

During my first 15 months in Congress, I've fought for an "all-of-the-above" approach to energy that would specifically benefit hard-working residents in Southwest Washington by promoting any and all affordable sources of energy.

From major manufacturers to very small businesses, energy prices matter. One small business owner recently told me higher energy prices had her considering cheaper but more cramped office space for her employees. And it's not just businesses. Another woman said that gas prices are consuming so much of her monthly budget that she and her husband can't afford to get much-needed dental work done.

It's easy to see why this is happening. The average family spent $173 per month on gas in 2009; in 2011, that number soared to $368. I've voted on six solutions that would increase domestic energy because I believe Congress has a duty to take action.

Take the PIONEERS Act, for example. This solution falls under the all-of-the-above approach: it would safely and responsibly increase sources of American oil, while also promoting renewable energy by clearing bureaucratic hurdles for renewable projects. The bill reflects my overall approach: let's work to make gas prices affordable for families and businesses today, while giving emerging forms the opportunity to develop and compete for a more stable energy future.

We're fortunate in Southwest Washington to already have the most affordable, cleanest form of energy providing a bulk of our energy. Hydropower electricity supplies nearly 70 percent of the electricity used in Washington state. At a recent roundtable I hosted in Vancouver, I heard from employers and manufacturers who located their operations here — and the jobs they provide — precisely because of our clean, reliable affordable hydro energy. Hydro energy should be a centerpiece of our national energy policy, which is why I'm currently building a bipartisan coalition in Congress to make sure we do just that. In February, I introduced a Congressional measure that recognizes hydro as America's most affordable, clean, renewable energy source. I believe it's important to protect hydro electricity from misguided actions that could cause utility bills go up for folks in our region. As our recovering economy works to get its head above water, this would be like throwing it an anchor.

Every day, I hear from small business owners or hardworking taxpayers who are struggling financially. Our region is still working its way out of the recession, making the economic and energy policies in Congress matter more than ever. I pledge to push an all-of-the-above approach to energy that makes gas and energy affordability our first priority, so that we can provide some relief to employers and families across Southwest Washington.

Read this article online at the Longview Daily News by clicking here.

Jaime Herrera Beutler to Host U.S. House Small Business Committee Chairman in Southwest Washington

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today Jaime Herrera Beutler announced that U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, will join her in Southwest Washington on April 10-11. Jaime and Chairman Graves hope to gather ideas and hear the challenges facing this region’s small businesses in order to help focus their work in Congress.

Jaime, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee, has introduced and supported solutions aimed at improving opportunities for small businesses to compete, grow, and create jobs. Just last month, Jaime’s bipartisan “Small Business Opportunities Act of 2012” was approved by the Small Business Committee.

“I’m excited that Chairman Graves accepted my invitation to come to Southwest Washington and hear from our own job creators,” said Jaime. “While this region lacks enough good-paying jobs, we’re not lacking for bright entrepreneurs and dedicated small business owners who would love to grow their operations and hire. I want to allow folks here to directly impact the priorities of Congress. We want to hear from Southwest Washington small businesses about the issues Congress needs to address, whether it’s confusing regulations, skyrocketing health care costs, access to credit, taxes, or other hurdles to their success.”

Tuesday, April 10
Job Creator Roundtable with local small businesses
Chairman Graves and Jaime will briefly talk about what the Small Business Committee is doing in Congress, and then host a roundtable discussion with 45-55 Southwest Washington small businesses.

WHEN: 3:00 – 4:00pm
WHERE: Location: Red Cross Community Room at Fort Vancouver
605 Barnes Street
Vancouver, WA 98661

Wednesday, April 11
Tour American Paper Converting, and small business roundtable
Jaime and Chairman Graves will tour the operations of this Woodland-based small business. They will then host a second roundtable for 10-15 local small business owners onsite.

WHEN:
9:00 – 10:15am – Tour
10:30 – 11:45am – Roundtable discussion with small businesses
WHERE: Location: American Paper Converting
1845 Howard Way
Woodland, WA 98674

In order to ensure a wide array of small businesses were able to participate, Jaime’s office reached out to several local business organizations to invite their members including the Chambers of Commerce from Battle Ground and Greater Vancouver, the Ridgefield Business Association, the Columbia River Economic Development Council, the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, the East Vancouver Business Association, the Southwest Washington Business Development Center, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

*Chairman Graves and Jaime will be available to speak with media immediately following each event.
For coordination purposes, members of the media are requested to RSVP for the specific event(s) they’ll be attending. Please contact casey.bowman@mail.house.gov.

Jaime Herrera Beutler Extends Deadline for 2012 High School Art Competition

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has extended the deadline for high school students to submit their art for the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. The deadline is now Wednesday, April 11.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, who either reside or attend school in Southwest Washington’s 3^rd Congressional District.

The winner of the competition will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in Washington, D.C.’s U.S. Capitol Building Corridor. The winner will also receive free airfare for themselves and one guest to attend the June ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Contestants must submit digital photos of their entries via email to jhb.cac@gmail.com. All entries must be received by April 11.

“If you’re a high school student who can paint, draw, sketch, take photos or otherwise express yourself artistically, I invite you to enter this competition,” said Jaime. “This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and represent your high school and region to the rest of the country. I’m inspired whenever I walk by the beautiful display of last year’s winning entries in U.S. Capitol.”

Details:

Entries must be submitted electronically, via digital photo, to jhb.cac@gmail.com.

To be eligible, the actual art must be two-dimensional, framed, and can be no larger than 28”x28”x4 (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) and may not weigh more than 15lbs.

Artwork must be original in concept, design and execution.

Artwork accepted mediums are as follows:
•   Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
•   Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
•   Collage
•   Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
•   Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
•   Computer-generated art
•   Photography

Entries will be evaluated by a blue ribbon panel of judges from the seven counties within Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.

Second and third place entries will be displayed in Jaime’s office over the next year.

For complete details and guidelines, students and education leaders should visit http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/ or call Jaime’s office at (360) 695-6292.