As the Senate continues to amend and debate the transportation bill, I wanted to update you on other things that have been going on in Washington this week.
Protecting Americans from Public Health Emergencies and Bioterror Attacks
On Thursday, the Senate passed my bill, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization of 2011 (PAHPA), which will help to prepare our nation to respond to medical and public health emergencies, whether naturally occurring or the result of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack.
The American people must be protected if an outbreak occurs, and passing this bill is a critical first step towards strengthening and enhancing our nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to all hazards that may confront us, whether naturally occurring, like an influenza pandemic, or a deliberate bioterrorism attack. This bill will strengthen our existing medical and public health preparedness and response programs based on the lessons we have learned in recent years, including ensuring that the FDA has the tools it needs to advance the medical countermeasures necessary to respond to modern day threats. I am hopeful that we will send this important legislation to reauthorize PAHPA to the President quickly so that he may sign it into law. You can read more about it in this press release.
Fighting for the Men and Women Affected by Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune
Those of you who are regular readers of this newsletter are well aware of the issue of water contamination at Camp Lejeune and its impact on the servicemembers, their families, and employees on base at the time. Recently, the Marine Corps requested that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) redact locations of Camp Lejeune’s active installation water system infrastructure in its reports. This information has been publically available for several years, and it is unclear why it suddenly became a security threat and had to be removed from the report released by the ATSDR on January 19, 2012. Removing this information may hamper ongoing and future studies regarding the Marines, Sailors, and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to Benzene, TCE and other dangerous chemicals in their tap water.
In January, I sent a letter to Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expressing my concern and asking for the legal basis for removing this information from the ATSDR’s scientific report on water contamination at Camp Lejeune. He responded in February and stated that he had decided to comply with the USMC’s request to redact the locations. This decision to comply with the U. S. Marine Corps’ recent request to redact information from the ATSDR’s studies on Camp Lejeune that remains publically available in other sources and has been so for many years is extremely troubling. This decision to remove critical scientific information raises concerns about the transparency, integrity and merit of the ATSDR’s report and its findings, which will be released this year.
Since I am concerned that these redactions may jeopardize the integrity of the studies, I have taken a cautionary step and requested that the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services examine ATSDR’s activities in this matter. We owe it to the Marines, Sailors, and the entire Camp Lejeune community who were exposed to harmful chemicals without their knowledge to continue a transparent investigation of how they were affected to spur greater health awareness and provide them with the answers and care they deserve. You may read my most recent letter to Dr. Frieden here.
United States Senate Youth Program Reception
On Wednesday, I was proud to attend the United States Senate Youth Program Reception and welcome our fine North Carolina student delegates to DC. Ben Stockdale of Tryon and Gordon White of Winston-Salem were chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 50th Anniversary Washington Week.
The USSYP was created by a Senate resolution in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. The goal of the program is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”
Ben Stockdale attends Polk County High School and serves as junior class president. Ben has been a Governor’s page and is vice president of a school club which raises environmental awareness to help make the school more energy efficient. Ben founded a tutorial program that allows high school students to serve as academic role models for low-performing middle school students. Ben is looking forward to the Senate Youth Program experience giving him a closer look at the U.S. government in action.
Gordon White attends Forsyth Country Day School and serves as Student Government vice president. He is chairman of the judicial board which hears honor code violations and recommends a course of action to the faculty. Gordon volunteers serving meals to the homeless and has helped build houses for the homeless in rural NC. He believes the Senate Youth Program will give him a foundation for his future plans to run for public office.
U.S. Capitol Historical Society 1st Annual Student Essay Contest
For all middle and high school students in North Carolina: The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is hosting its first annual Student Essay Contest on the topic of “Making Democracy Work.” Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places in each group, and the first place winners will get a trip to Washington, DC in addition to $1,000. All entries must be postmarked or received no later than June 15, 2012. Learn more about the essay contests here.
Don’t Forget to Reserve Free Tickets to the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration
On March 31, our nation’s Vietnam veterans will gather in Charlotte for the inaugural Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration. This grand tribute applauding the courageous efforts of our Vietnam veterans and acknowledging the tremendous sacrifices they made to defend the freedoms we hold so dear is long overdue. We owe it to our Vietnam veterans to thank them for their dedication, commemorate their service, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I am proud that the inaugural tribute will take place in North Carolina, and hope that this celebration will be the first of many in the years to come.
WHAT: Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration 2012
WHEN: March 31, 2012 (Doors open at 9am, opening ceremonies begin at 11am)
WHERE: Charlotte Motor Speedway
ENTERTAINMENT: The Charlie Daniels Band (Headline), George Clinton, Rockie Lynne, The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, The 82nd Airborne Division “All-American” Chorus, Master of Ceremonies – Chris Noel
MILITARY EXHIBITS, DISPLAYS & DEMONSTRATIONS: U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration, U.S. Air Force Flyover, Flag Story from U.S. Army Color Guard and Flag Troops, Various military static displays from supporting NC military units and recruiters
RESERVE FREE TICKETS: For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com/WelcomeHome.