Legislative update: May 2006

In session
May 2006

Legislative update,
courtesy of NETWORK, a Catholic lobby
Wondering what Congress is doing with their time? Make them address the real issues that we care about! Constituent pressure really matters when the votes are down to the wire, and that's why so many recent results have been hard to predict. Every member of Congress has his or her ear to the ground before these big votes, and more big votes are expected soon.

This week we have five letters for you to send. We know that's a lot, but if you can make the time, this is the week to do it. The letters cover a variety of issues, all of which will likely be voted on soon. Speak out—Congress is listening!

Reconstruction as resurrection: Supplemental spending for the Gulf Coast and Iraq

In this Easter season, we as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. People of the U.S. Gulf Coast and of Iraq have lived through devastation and now wait in hope of resurrection for their communities. The emergency supplemental bill (H.R. 4939) that is currently before the Senate can help such resurrection occur.

Take action today—send a letter to your senators!

A vote on the supplemental, along with the many amendments that have been added, is expected as early as this Wednesday. NETWORK has chosen three amendments that we believe to be critical, and we ask you to contact your senators to urge their support, as well as full funding for reconstruction. Two amendments will reimburse health care facilities and public and not-for profit entities for hurricane-related losses, which will help them resume services. Another amendment makes clear that the U.S. will leave no permanent bases in Iraq, which is critical to calming Iraqi apprehension about a permanent American presence and in turn reducing violence. These amendments are vital steps toward resurrection.

Don't hurt our health coverage: Two immediate fixes
Last week we asked for your input about long-term efforts to improve our nation’s health care system. Now we need your immediate action to prevent Congress from eroding the health care that we do have.

May 15, the deadline to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, is fast approaching, but millions of eligible seniors and people with disabilities have not yet enrolled. Write to your senators and representative and tell them to support the Medicare Informed Choice Act of 2005 (note: since this bill is before both the Senate and the House, use both of these links so you contact both chambers). Backed by bipartisan support in both chambers, the bill would extend the enrollment deadline until December 31, waive the late-enrollment penalty, and allow people to switch plans at least once after they have enrolled. This bill is not a comprehensive answer to the Part D problem, but it will buy more time for Congress, and advocates, to address the deeper flaws in the program without penalizing those who most need the help. For more details, see our Medicare Issue Page.

S. 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization Act, is bad medicine for America. The Senate will vote soon on S. 1955, which would exempt health insurance companies from state laws that regulate health coverage. This means that insurance companies could legally refuse to pay for breast cancer screenings, diabetes supplies, mental health services, childhood immunizations and much more. They could also charge much higher premiums for people who are older or sicker.

Tell your senators to vote NO on S. 1955! Write a letter to your senators today, and call their offices toll-free on Wednesday at 1-800-828-0498 (thanks to Families USA for the phone number.) For more information about the bill, see our website.

Support the movement for immigrant justice: Keep pressure on the Senate

Immigrants contribute to our economy, our culture and our society. We can honor that contribution by encouraging the Senate to pass just and workable comprehensive immigration reform.

As the immigrants-rights movement takes hold across the country, the Senate has yet to agree on immigration legislation. After returning from their recent recess, several Senators vowed their chamber would soon produce an acceptable bill. We need to hold them accountable.

As they continue their deliberations, senators will be working from a slightly altered version of the bill passed in the Judiciary Committee. It is a good place to start but far from perfect.

Write to your senators today and urge them to reward work and honor families by passing truly comprehensive immigration reform.

As always, you can find updated information on immigration on NETWORK's immigration page.

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