A Blog Called Hope

UPDATE: The House just overwhelmingly voted in favor of the legislation implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch issued the following statement after the vote:

PAWTUCKET – Rhode Island Democratic Party Chair Bill Lynch today applauded the four members of the state’s Congressional delegation for keeping their promise to make our communities safer and more secure. This week, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Patrick Kennedy and Jim Langevin voted to implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, something Republicans refused to do for the last three years.

Langevin played a critical role in crafting the final version of this legislation as he served as a member of the House-Senate conference committee. Over the last week he worked with his fellow House conferees and their Senate counterparts to draft the final version of the bill.

In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission announced its recommendations for how to avoid a future terrorist attack in the United States. For three years, Republicans put their partisan loyalty ahead of our nation’s security, first by resisting Democratic efforts to appoint the bipartisan blue Ribbon in the first place, then by joining President Bush in ignoring the Commission’s recommendations.

But this week, Democrats in Congress voted to send a long-overdue bill that finally implements the 9/11 Commission recommendations to the President’s desk. The bill would tighten screening of air and sea cargo, strengthen transit security, improve oversight of our intelligence and homeland security systems, and allocate $3.3 billion to help communities improve communications among first responders—a major problem during both the September 11 attacks and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“Republicans have fought us every step of the way, but Democrats scored a victory for the American people today by sending the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to the President’s desk,” said Lynch.

“During last year’s election, Democrats promised to end the failed policies of Bush Republicans and have kept that promise by passing the Commission’s commonsense recommendations for making our communities safer and more secure. The time has come for Bush Republicans to stop standing with the President and start standing up for the people of Rhode Island.”

Last night the Senate passed the conference report on legislation to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations. The House is taking it up right now and is expected to approve it in a vote sometime this afternoon. The next stop is Bush’s desk! This is another example of how Democrats are keeping their promise to make our communities safer and more secure.

Kudos to Congressman Jim Langevin who worked tirelessly as a member of the conference committee to move this critically important legislation to the floor.

General Treasurer Frank Caprio filmed this message asking Rhode Islanders support for legislation that would end the state’s pension investments in companies that aid the horrific genocide in Darfur., It was sponsored in the House by Rep. Joe Almedia, of Providence and overwhelmingly supported by both chambers. The governor signed the bill into law yesterday.

FBI Director Robert Mueller testified yesterday that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was not accurate in his sworn testimony to the Senate on Tuesday, raising new questions about whether or not Gonzales committed perjury.

Read the AP story

WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help homeless Rhode Islanders with mental health or substance abuse issues transition to permanent, stable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will award the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals $300,000 through its Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Program (PATH).

See the release from Senator Reed

It’s time to put your Democratic values to work!

Volunteer to help Dems highlight environmental commitment

DATE: Saturday, July 28th
TIME: Several time slots available
LOCATIONS: AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence from 1-4 p.m.
Warwick Mall, 400 Bald Hill Road, Warwick from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Volunteers will distribute tips to folks interested in making their homes and businesses more green. We’ll also be giving away complimentary energy-efficient light bulbs (as long as supplies last), and collecting emails, while talking up the Democratic Party’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Building on last year’s successful elections and the tremendous enthusiasm in the Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Party of Rhode Island are holding the 2nd annual “Democratic Reunion” this Saturday, July 28, to engage and energize Democrats as we mobilize for the 2008 election.

As Democrats and Americans, we’re dedicated to improving our country by both the choices we make at the ballot box and the ones we make at home. Across the country, Democrats will come together to work for a cleaner, healthier environment and energy independence by planting trees, cleaning up local beaches, kicking off local recycling programs and promoting home efficiency.

To get involved simply reply to this email or call Field Director Gabe Amo at (401) 721-9900.

Senators called a special hearing yesterday to examine the the failing practices at DCYF and questioned why the administration has not acted quicker to enact necessary changes.

Here’s what Sen. Chuck Levesque had to say:

“I don’t know if I’m getting frank, honest explanations as to what is necessary in order to address these problems.”

You can watch the report from WPRI below.