Rep. Edwards continued her commitment to funding the development of the Purple Line with the House passage of H.R. 5850, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for FY 2011. The legislation provides critical investments to help address important challenges such as creating jobs, expanding public transportation, and ensuring that every American has adequate shelter. The legislation also includes $1.5 million for the Purple Line, and builds on the $3 million secured by Congresswoman Edwards in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010.
“As a long time advocate for the Purple Line, I am proud to secure federal funding for the Purple Line project that is critical to our entire region,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “This is an opportunity to redefine the scope of public transportation throughout our communities, providing connectivity and much needed transportation options in the region. I look forward to continuing to work with our local, state, and federal partners to further the development of the Purple Line and begin construction on my top transportation priority.”
Reps. Edwards and Hoyer announced that the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department will receive a $3,458,682 grant through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER). This funding will be utilized by the County to hire an additional 24 firefighters.
“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has been a tremendous resource for ensuring that our communities receive 24-hour protection from fire and fire related hazards,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “I am excited that these funds are going where they are needed – to help the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department better serve our families and our friends.”
Congresswoman Edwards hosted two Foreclosure Prevention Workshops and Forums for residents of the 4th Congressional District over the past few weeks. Hundreds of homeowners attended and received free consultations with housing counselors, pro bono attorneys, and bank representatives. Residents also attended workshops on predatory lending, working with your bank, and making loans affordable again.
“I hosted several foreclosure prevention workshops to provide homeowners with an opportunity to receive the information they need to help stay in their home,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “In the first quarter of 2010, Prince George’s County totaled 881 foreclosure filings and Montgomery County saw 704 filings, underscoring the need that we must all continue working to address this critical issue. I thank all the officials who attended today’s forum for their leadership, and I urge homeowners who are on the brink of foreclosure not to wait to take action, help is available.”
Congresswoman Edwards attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House for H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Congresswoman Edwards was invited for her leadership on health care reform and her advocacy against price gouging by insurance companies, having successfully added language in the final legislation to help address this issue.
“I am thankful that a provision I championed to address price gouging was included in the final legislation that will hold insurance companies accountable for excessive premium increases, helping ensure affordability for working families. Passing health care reform was a long, arduous process. After six decades of failed attempts at reform, we now usher in a new era of accessible, affordable, quality health care coverage for the American people.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said:
“In the short time that Congresswoman Donna Edwards has been in the House, she has distinguished herself as a leader on issues crucial to the American people, including health care, job creation, and economic security. During the health care debate, Congresswoman Edwards expertly presided over the House: ensuring that the voices of all Members were heard and that civility reigned. Her support for reform, based on its positive benefits for the health of her district and the fiscal health of our nation, was essential to its passage. All of us in the Democratic Caucus will continue to rely on Congresswoman Edwards’ experience, knowledge, and leadership in the days and years to come.”
Congress recently passed and President Obama signed into law historic health care reform for the American people. Click here for information about this legislation that ends discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, allows young adults to stay on their parents health care until age 26, and closes the ‘donut hole’ over time.
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