108th Congress

Number: 
108

"NOW WE KNOW WHY THEY WANTED TO PLAY HIDE AND SEEK WITH THE NUMBERS"

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Census Bureau released its annual poverty and income statistics, which is breaking from tradition, since the numbers are released year-in and year-out at the National Press Club on a Tuesday or Thursday. 1.7 million more Americans fell into poverty in 2002. The poverty rate rose from 11.7% to 12.1%. Median household income declined 1.1%. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), who criticized the Administration for moving the announcement of the statistics to Suitland, Maryland on a Friday - a low-profile time and place - said that the declining economic indicators are proof that the Administration purposely made the move.

HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING BILL OFF TARGET

WASHINGTON, DC - Despite previous affirmations from the Administration about the need to change the Homeland Security grant formula that leaves the nation's top terrorist targets shortchanged, the House passed a Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (HR 2555) that keeps the formula intact. According to The New York Times, in this year's budget, Wyoming will get $9.78 per person for homeland security while California and New York, two high-threat states, will get only $1.33 and $1.40 per person, respectively. Congress has now approved $1.7 billion last year and another $1.7 billion this year under this funding formula.

PRESIDENT BUSH'S GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK WITH THE PRESS (HOW FUN!)

SUITLAND, MD - Are you used to the annual poverty and income statistics being delivered every year like clockwork in downtown Washington at the National Press Club on a Tuesday or Thursday in late September? Are you having trouble finding them this year? That's because the Bush administration has set up a challenging game of hide and seek for the press - and the public - to find the data.

CONGRESS'S HIGHEST HONOR FOR THE HEROES OF 9/11

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congress acted to bestow its highest honor on the men and women who died serving their country, city and fellow man two years ago during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan and Queens) co-authored the True Americans Heroes Act of 2003 (HR 1538) that will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to emergency responders who were killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, as well as the people who brought down United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. The legislation also calls for a medal to be delivered to each firehouse and office at which the deceased worked and for commemorative 9/11 coins, the proceeds of which will go in part to 9/11 victims funds.

REP. MALONEY TOURS NEW ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL ON OPENING DAY

NEW YORK - After questions were raised publicly last week about whether the Eleanor Roosevelt High School would open on time at its new location, Congresswoman Maloney today toured the school on the first day of scheduled classes for the entire school system. Admiring the nearly finished building, Maloney applauded the work of New York's school system and those involved in the build-out process, for doing what was necessary to complete the school for opening day.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES' RESPONSE TO TERRORISM

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democrats, citing numerous reports that significant holes in terrorism preparedness still exist, unveiled a new, comprehensive plan of action that would address specific security needs across the board - from emergency responders to cargo screening. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D- Manhattan and Queens), who has emerged as a leader in the 9/11 recovery efforts and homeland security and is the Chair of the Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security, joined with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders to announce the plan. Maloney spoke of the serious security challenges New York City still faces, two years after the attacks of 9/11. She used first-hand knowledge of the plight of the City's emergency responders to stress the need to implement the plan.

ASSESSING THE 9/11 RECOVERY AS TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY NEARS

NEW YORK, NY: Details about reductions in the amount of 9/11 recovery aid that New York is expected to receive from Washington emerged today, at a public forum hosted by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Council Member Alan Gerson, Chair of the Council's Lower-Manhattan Redevelopment Committee, & Joel Rivera, Chair of the Council's State & Federal Legislation Committee.

CROSS-TRAINING DHS EMPLOYEES, BUT NOT BEEFING UP SECURITY

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced that the Federal Air Marshals program will be merged with customs and immigration programs and that employees currently working in the customs and immigration sections will be "cross-trained" as Federal Air Marshals (FAMs). This announcement comes in the wake of the controversy over Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) decision to remove FAMs from certain flights. That decision was based largely on the fact that many homeland security programs are cash-strapped and that DHS has requested reprogramming of FAM funds into other areas. The day after DHS's decision to remove FAMs became public, news reports said that the department still planned to cut FAM training.

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