David Reichert RSS Articles

Reichert Calls for Action on Jobs as Unemployment Eclipses 10%

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released this statement today following the announcement of October’s unemployment numbers:

“Not since 1983 has the unemployment rate eclipsed 10 percent. Families are hurting and continuing to struggle, and the stimulus bill has so far proven ineffective in creating jobs. Congress must take bipartisan action on solutions with a proven track record of creating jobs, including broad-based tax relief, opening new markets through trade, and targeted infrastructure investments, not more reckless government spending on the backs of our grandchildren.

“Getting Americans back to work must be the absolute, number one priority. This is especially critical to Washington State in light of the recent announcement of the second Boeing 787 line going to South Carolina. Yet instead of considering policies to jumpstart our economy, Congress is debating a health care proposal that will cost $1.3 trillion, running our country farther into debt while also taxing small businesses. The last thing Congress should contemplate during these difficult economic times is raising taxes on those with a proven record of creating new jobs. To do so would only cloud our future with greater uncertainty.”

Background:

According to recovery.gov, the Eighth Congressional District in Washington State has only had 175 jobs created due to the stimulus. Earlier this year, the White House projected that 75,000 jobs would be created in Washington State as a direct result of the stimulus law. According to state payroll employment data through the end of September, Washington has instead lost 65,900 jobs, and 49 states and the District of Columbia have also seen job losses – not gains, with more than 3 million jobs lost nationwide since the stimulus began. In fact, the Associated Press has reported the President’s own economic advisor recently said that the stimulus would soon likely be contributing little to further growth.

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Reichert Rebukes AARP Endorsement of Bill with Drastic Medicare Cuts

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today released the following statement following AARP’s announcement of its official endorsement of Speaker Pelosi’s health care overhaul bill which includes $500 billion in drastic Medicare cuts:

“AARP today shows its true colors to the membership it claims to serve. This endorsement is an insult to seniors who depend on this organization to look out for their best interests. The bill AARP endorses today not only makes drastic cuts to Medicare, but it also could place burdensome taxes on wheelchairs, pacemakers, and hearing aids. How, in good conscience, could this be something AARP supports?

“I’m disappointed that while AARP endorses a bill that slashes benefits of its members, its representatives still refuse to honestly answer my questions about its profit motives and how it stands to financially benefit from this bill. I urge seniors everywhere to share their feelings with AARP on the organization’s disturbing announcement today.”

Background:

On September 21, Reichert asked AARP to explain its support for the health care overhaul bill that would cut Medicare benefits, affecting millions of seniors. In public statements and a July meeting with Congressman Reichert, AARP advocated for H.R. 3200, which contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts. Hundreds of constituents have written Reichert expressing their concerns with the proposed Medicare cuts. AARP responded but did not adequately address Reichert’s inquiry.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that 3 million seniors will lose their Medicare health plan coverage and 3 million fewer seniors will enroll in such a plan if H.R. 3200 becomes law. CBO has also predicted the policies contained in H.R. 3200 “could lead many plans to limit the benefits they offer, raise their premiums, or withdraw from the program.”

On October 1, AARP responded to Reichert’s inquiry. Because their response failed to answer the questions in his letter, Reichert sent a second letter to clarify lingering questions. AARP's response was again inadequate, therefore Reichert agreed to meet with AARP representatives on November 17.

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Don't miss: telephone townhall tomorrow night on flooding and the Howard Hanson Dam

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Flood season is here and with the threat of increased flooding posed by the Howard Hanson Dam, we are doing everything we can to prepare and protect the area, both in the near- and long-term. But as we work to do that, you must prepare your family too. Join us for a discussion on what local and federal officials are doing, and what you can do to be informed and prepared for what could happen.

Tomorrow night, I am hosting a telephone townhall to discuss the Howard Hanson Dam and issues related to preparedness. Col. Anthony Wright of the Army Corps of Engineers will be joining us.

I hope you'll join us in this important discussion!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. pacific

Call toll-free: (877) 269-7289
Code: 12428

Reichert Disappointed with Second AARP Response

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today expressed concern regarding AARP’s latest response to his inquiry into the potential hidden profit motive behind the organization’s vocal advocacy for a House health care proposal that contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts affecting millions of seniors.

“I've reviewed AARP’s response defending their support for cuts to Medicare, and I am simply disappointed,” Reichert said. “Though AARP promises to represent seniors’ interests ‘in ways that are affordable and beneficial to them,’ they continue to dodge simple, straightforward questions -- questions about supporting cuts to member benefits, raising costs, and reducing choice for its members. I’m looking forward to meeting with them; perhaps this face-to-face discussion will shed some light on their support for this proposal."

Background:

On September 21, Reichert asked AARP to explain its support for the health care overhaul bill that would cut Medicare benefits, affecting millions of seniors. In public statements and a July meeting with Congressman Reichert, AARP advocated for H.R. 3200, which contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts. Hundreds of constituents have written Reichert expressing their concerns with the proposed Medicare cuts. AARP responded but did not adequately address Reichert’s inquiry.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that 3 million seniors will lose their Medicare health plan coverage and 3 million fewer seniors will enroll in such a plan if H.R. 3200 becomes law. CBO has also predicted the policies contained in H.R. 3200 “could lead many plans to limit the benefits they offer, raise their premiums, or withdraw from the program.”

On October 1, AARP responded to Reichert’s inquiry. Because their response failed to answer the questions in his letter, Reichert sent a second letter to clarify lingering questions. AARP's response was again inadequate, therefore Reichert agreed to meet with AARP representatives on November 17.

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Reichert Statement on Pelosi Health Overhaul Bill

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) made the following statement today after Speaker Pelosi unveiled the latest version of the House Democrat health care overhaul bill:

“As I continue to review Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill released this morning, I’ve found it still contains many major, troubling provisions. It allows the government to take over the health care system, it raises taxes on hard working Americans, families, and small businesses, and it includes deep cuts to Medicare benefits for millions of seniors. That is not right. It even includes new taxes on medical devices: it would tax wheelchairs, heart monitors, and hearing aids. How can that be the right thing to do? Yes, we need to make health care more affordable, more accessible, and of better quality, but we can do that without taxing families and businesses and without cutting benefits.”

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Reichert Urges Increased Transparency: Publish Committee Votes Within 48 Hours

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today introduced legislation that would enhance government transparency, allowing Americans greater access to each and every vote their representative takes – not only those taken on the floor of the House. The proposal, House Resolution 874, would require each of the 21 standing Committees in the U.S. House of Representatives to post record votes on their websites within 48 hours.

“The American people deserve to know how their representatives vote in all cases, and frankly, in the current information age it makes no sense that we’re not already providing this service,” Reichert said. “Now more than ever, when we're debating a trillion-dollar health overhaul, constituents deserve to know how legislation takes shape – throughout the entire process. Government transparency is the key to a healthy, thriving democracy, and by using the existing official committee websites, we can offer this information in a way that’s fiscally responsible and easy for people to find.”

“The American people deserve to know how their elected representatives vote in committee on the issues that matter to them,” said Republican Leader John Boehner (R, OH-08). “Dave Reichert’s resolution will make that possible by requiring committees to post members’ votes online within 48 hours of any committee vote. This is a common-sense reform that should have been adopted a long time ago in Congress. I’m pleased to support the Reichert resolution, and I’m calling on Speaker Pelosi to schedule it for an immediate vote.”

Background:

To address the inequity that exists with regard to taxpayer access to such information, H.Res. 874, is an additional component of Congressman Reichert’s recently introduced Common Cents Agenda. A variety of legislation constitutes this initiative which is targeted to ensure government is transparent and accountable to taxpayers. For example, providing a full picture of members’ support or opposition to a proposal would have revealed that during the debate on the trillion-dollar government-run health care overhaul, 38 amendments were considered in House Ways and Means Committee, but 0 passed. Posting votes on official Committee websites, then, is a fiscally responsible transparency measure that would provide constituents a critical view of what their Member supports at every point in the legislative process.

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Reichert Community Safety Measure Passes House

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed Congressman Dave Reichert’s (WA-08) legislation to designate the first week of October as “Celebrate Safe Communities” Week (CSC) and to recognize October as “Crime Prevention Month.” The measure recognizes these initiatives and promotes public safety outreach and awareness.

“I’m pleased that the House has chosen to recognize these important community efforts, because safety and crime prevention require our continued vigilance,” Reichert said. “We see that some of our cities and local communities across the country are experiencing increases in violence, and this has an impact on day-to-day living. Fear of crime affects our decisions: where to go in public, what neighborhoods to visit -- even where we shop for goods and services. By engaging the community with efforts such as Celebrate Safe Communities Week, critical connections to deter and prevent violence can be made between members of law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect.”

Held at the beginning of October each year, CSC Week highlights crime-prevention efforts, enhances public awareness of vital safety messages, and recruits year-round support for ongoing prevention activities. This year, 94 CSC community initiatives were conducted in 34 states plus the District of Columbia, assisting communities in organizing safety-focused events. CSC activities throughout the country – held in October to coincide with Crime Prevention Month – help Americans of all ages recognize that a safer community is no accident; crime prevention is the business of every citizen, every day of the year.

CSC helps to serve as a catalyst for such programs as DARE; Citizen Police Academies; Bike rodeos; and youth crime watches in schools throughout the year. CSC also helps to encourage people to participate and volunteer at their local police departments/sheriff’s offices throughout the year.

“Celebrate Safe Communities” (CSC) is in its second year and is a collaboration between the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and is supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

*Note: Congressman Reichert spoke on his resolution on the House Floor today. The video can be found here.

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Reichert in the Washington Post: Reform advocate and insurance salesman

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In Case You Missed It:

By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The nation's preeminent seniors group, AARP, has put the weight of its 40 million members behind health-care reform, saying many of the proposals will lower costs and increase the quality of care for older Americans.

But not advertised in this lobbying campaign have been the group's substantial earnings from insurance royalties and the potential benefits that could come its way from many of the reform proposals.

The group and its subsidiaries collected more than $650 million in royalties and other fees last year from the sale of insurance policies, credit cards and other products that carry the AARP name, accounting for the majority of its $1.14 billion in revenue, according to federal tax records. It does not directly sell insurance policies but lends its name to plans in exchange for a tax-exempt cut of the premiums.

The organization, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, also heavily markets the policies on its Web site, in mailings to its members and through ubiquitous advertising targeted at seniors.

The group's dual role as an insurance reformer and a broker has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks from congressional Republicans, who accuse it of having a conflict of interest in taking sides in the fierce debate over health insurance. Three House Republicans sent a letter to AARP on Monday complaining that the group was putting its "political self-interests" ahead of seniors.

GOP lawmakers point to AARP's thriving business in marketing branded Medigap policies, which provide supplemental coverage for standard Medicare plans available to the elderly. Democratic proposals to slash reimbursements for another program, called Medicare Advantage, are widely expected to drive up demand for private Medigap policies like the ones offered by AARP, according to health-care experts, legislative aides and documents.

Republicans also question the high salaries and other perks given to some top AARP executives, who would not be subject to limits on insurance executives' pay included in the Senate Finance Committee's health reform package. Former AARP chief executive William Novelli received more than $1 million in compensation last year.

"We are witnessing a disturbing trend of handouts to special interests like AARP," said House Republican spokesman Matt Lloyd, referring to Democratic negotiations over health reform. "In return, AARP is lobbying for a government-run health-care bill that will pad their own executives' pockets at the expense of its own members and other vulnerable seniors."

AARP officials strongly dispute such allegations, arguing that the group's heavy reliance on brand royalties allows it to offer members a wide range of benefits -- from lobbying for seniors in Washington to discount travel packages and financial advice. The organization notes that even though it offers a Medicare Advantage plan, it has long advocated curbing waste in that federal program.

"We're a consumer advocacy organization; we're not an insurance firm," said David Certner, AARP's director of legislative policy. "That drives everything we do. It's got to be good for our members, or we don't endorse it."

Added AARP spokesman Jim Dau: "We spend far more time at odds with private insurers than not."

AARP's ties to the insurance business date to its founding by former educator Ethel Percy Andrus, who started a group to help retired schoolteachers find health insurance in the years before Medicare; the effort led to the creation of AARP in 1958.

Now, the group relies more than ever on payments from auto, health and life insurers, according to financial statements. From 2007 to 2008, AARP royalties from insurance plans, credit cards and other branded products shot up 31 percent -- from less than $500 million to $652 million -- making such fees the primary source of revenue for the group last year, the records show. AARP's annual financial report shows that 63 percent of that, or about $400 million, came from the nation's largest health insurance carrier, UnitedHealth Group, which underwrites four major AARP Medigap policies. Other carriers with AARP-branded plans include Aetna Life Insurance, Genworth Life Insurance and Delta Dental.

AARP is also a major powerhouse in Washington, spending more than $37 million on lobbying since January 2008. The organization's close ties with insurers have long attracted criticism from politicians of both parties.

During the health-care debate of the early 1990s, then-Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) held hearings lambasting the group's business operations. Some Democrats criticized the group for supporting the Bush administration's expensive Medicare prescription-drug legislation in 2003.

Earlier this year, AARP and UnitedHealth said they were halting the sale of "limited benefit" health insurance policies after complaints from Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) that the plans were marketed in a misleading way.

Dean A. Zerbe, a former Grassley senior counsel who is now national managing director at the corporate tax firm Alliant Group, argues that AARP's involvement in the sale of insurance plans "really hurts their credibility."

"Either you're a voice for the elderly or you're an insurance company; choose one," Zerbe said. "They put themselves forward in the public arena as nonbiased observers, but they're very swayed by business interests."

Republicans renewed their attacks on AARP this year after the group emerged as a vigorous defender of many of the reforms under consideration by the Democrat-controlled Congress. Nancy LeaMond, an AARP executive vice president, appeared at a press conference Friday alongside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to announce a new proposal for plugging gaps in coverage of Medicare prescription benefits.

Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), who has asked AARP to provide him with more details about its insurance-related businesses, said he believes the group is "misleading" its members about the alleged benefits of Democratic reforms. "Right now there's a feeling among seniors that AARP may not be entirely forthcoming," he said.

AARP launched a "fact check" section on its Web site this year to counter GOP criticisms of reform, including the discredited "death panels" claim, and argues that wringing savings out of Medicare and closing gaps in prescription coverage will help older Americans.

Several top AARP officials also said they have no idea whether the group might gain insurance business as a result of the proposed reforms. "We wouldn't know it, and we wouldn't really care," Certner said. "The advocacy is what drives what we do here, and not the other way around."

AARP Leaves Questions Unanswered

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

“This bill would make great strides for all of our members and their families….” AARP said July 14, as House Committees prepared to review and amend the health care overhaul bill in the House which contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts.

Last week, the Senate Finance Committee passed its version of health reform, and so, it appears, that the health care battle will continue to chug along with cuts to Medicare that will affect up to 14 million seniors across the country (14,000 in Washington State) and force them off of much-needed supplemental coverage providing them with critical benefits, such as prescription drugs.

Why would a seniors’ advocacy group support such drastic cuts to Medicare? It simply does not add up.

On September 21, I sent a letter to AARP requesting an explanation for its support for health care legislation, which contains provisions to cut Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

They responded on October 1, and yet my questions remain unanswered. While they state that AARP “would gladly forgo every dime of revenue to fix the health care system,” AARP continues to run ads touting Medigap plans that will remain seniors’ only option after the proposed House legislation cuts Medicare and Medicare Advantage by $500 billion. And while they stated that “AARP is not an insurance company,” 38 percent of AARP’S annual total operating revenue came from United HealthCare, but simply 23 percent of total operating revenue came from membership dues.

And while they state that “AARP has not endorsed any of the pending bills,” their support of these proposals is clear.

When I was in law enforcement, I often sat in a room for hours with a subject, asking questions to figure out the facts. And if a question wasn’t answered, we continued to ask until we reached a sensible conclusion.

Late last week, I reached out again to clarify the questions they didn’t clearly answer, and I will continue to question them, and work with them until I find answers for the seniors in my district and across the country.

Cross-posted from redstate.com

MURRAY, CANTWELL, REICHERT AND SMITH CALL FOR WEATHER, RIVER MONITORING RESOURCES AT HOWARD HANSON DAM

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Congressmen Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Adam Smith (WA-09) have called on the Departments of Commerce and Interior to provide critical weather forecasting and river monitoring resources from the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to address the flood threat posed by structural damage to the Howard Hanson Dam, in a letter sent yesterday afternoon.

The representatives urged Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to provide additional resources that may improve the accuracy of weather models and provide better data to local officials and the Corps as they work to minimize the threat of flooding.

“This is about utilizing all available tools in order to take every possible precaution,” said Senator Murray. “This additional monitoring equipment can play an important role in providing the early and accurate warnings we’ll need to best protect homes, businesses, and residents in the event of a flood in the Green River Valley.”

“Washington State experiences some of the worst weather in the nation, yet it has the worst weather radar coverage of any U.S. coastline,” said Senator Cantwell. “While I have been able to secure funding for a new Doppler Radar on the Washington Coast the additional tools we are requesting today could help Army Corps of Engineers better manage water flows on the Green River valley. Given that homes, businesses, and communities are at stake, we need to do everything possible to help deal with this winter’s storm season.”

“Flood season is rapidly approaching, and the Corps needs every possible tool at its disposal to avert disaster,” Reichert said. “We are all working together to protect our citizens and their property, and having the most advanced radar systems, precipitation gauges, and technologically advanced infrastructure possible will assist us in mitigating a flood event that could wreak havoc throughout our region.”

“In the event of a flood, it is vitally important that we make decisive, data driven decisions to mobilize our resources in the most effective and timely way possible,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “In order to do this, we must have the most accurate and up-to-date information at our disposal. These additional tools will help provide that information and allow authorities to make more informed decisions and better coordinate their efforts to prevent and mitigate flooding damage.”

Specifically, the representatives requested the following:

· Additional Gauges With Telemetry – That the U.S. Geological Survey install additional precipitation gauges and gauges to measure flows into the Howard Hanson Dam in order to assist the Corps in deciding when and how much water to release;

· Relocations of Mobile Doppler Weather Radar Systems – That the National Weather Service relocate the Experimental Atmospheric River System (ARO) to Washington State this fall to enhance weather forecasting capabilities that inform Corps decisions about operations at the Howard Hanson Dam; and,

· Modeling and Computer Programming Staff and Technology – Additional staffing resources and technology would be beneficial in the event of a storm at regional National Weather Service (NWS) and Northwest River Forecasting Center (NWRFC) to update and fine tune forecasting models for the Green River Basin. The representatives have requested these agencies shift additional resources to the Northwest this fall to assist the Corps in making critical operational decisions related to the dam.

Additionally, a meeting was requested with the respective agencies within Commerce and Interior departments to discuss these items and any additional resources that may be available.

BACKGROUND:

For more than 40 years, the Howard Hanson Dam, a major flood protection facility operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Green River levees in King County, Washington, have provided effective flood control and protection. Following record rainfall in January 2009, damage to an abutment adjacent to the Dam diminished the maximum water capacity that can be safely held by the Dam. As the Army Corps of Engineers works to assess and repair the damage, cities located within the Green River Valley were notified of a scenario that may require the intentional release of more water than usual during extreme rain events. This has the potential to result in catastrophic flooding that could affect tens of thousands of individuals. King County officials are preparing plans to evacuate up to 5,000 people; some estimates show the potential for lost economic output of $46 million per day and up to $2 billion in property damage.

Click here to read the letter.