John Spratt

Spratt Honors World War II Veterans from South Carolina

2009-11-19T18:48:51Z

Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) yesterday made the following statement in the Congressional Record in honor of 90 World War II veterans from South Carolina.

"Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor a group of 90 World War II veterans from South Carolina who will make their way on November 21st to Washington, DC, in order to visit the World War II Memorial among other national monuments. Their visit will include the Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln Memorials, along with the National Cemetery at Arlington.

"The veterans who make the journey to Washington represent all four branches of service, and they fought in all of the major theaters of the war. They fought in Europe in places like France, Italy, and Germany, and in the Pacific in islands like Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Represented in this group are veterans who saw service in pivotal battles such as D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and Tarawa.

"WWII was a time when America was at her best. Our nation met the threats of tyranny and fascism and came to the aid of our allies. The valor of our veterans never shone more brightly, and the sacrifice borne by these veterans should never be forgotten.

"We can never forget that WWII was a time of triumph and tragedy. Sixty million people worldwide were killed, including 40 million civilians, and more than 400,000 American service members were slain during the war.

"In South Carolina, the war was a time of special sacrifice. 166,119 service members from our state participated in the war. 4,153 lost their lives. We prize our WWII veterans in South Carolina and their tales of victory over tyranny.

"Accompanying these veterans and representing the future leaders of our military and our next generation of veterans are students from Andrew Jackson High School’s Reserve Officers Training Corps. These young leaders will benefit from the mentoring and guidance provided by the WWII veterans during this trip.

"I would like to thank the volunteers from the Honor Flight of South Carolina. This group, ably led by Bill Dukes, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, and Medal of Honor winner Charles Murray, are to be commended for ensuring that these veterans have the opportunity to see the memorial dedicated to them.

"I ask the House of Representatives to join with me in honoring these 90 veterans who make this memorable visit to Washington, and pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.”

Spratt Votes to Increase Resources for America's Fire Departments

2009-11-18T22:37:57Z

Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) voted to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires.

The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791), which passed the House today, renews two popular and enormously important programs – the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program – that provide assistance to firefighters and emergency responders all over the country. It authorizes $2.2 billion a year for five years in grants and makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

“I cosponsored and voted for this bill, because firefighters give so much to our community,” Spratt said. “They sacrifice time away from their families and put their lives at risk every day.”

The AFG program provides funds for local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase crucial equipment. Grants are provided for one year and are intended to support organizations that lack the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their emergency response workers.

The SAFER program gives grants directly to volunteer, career, and combination fire departments to increase the number of firefighters, with the goal of obtaining 24-hour staffing.

“Because of the recession, many fire departments across the country have been forced to lay off firefighters and forego needed equipment and training,” Spratt said. “Grants such as these protect against such hardships, because firefighters and emergency responders should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment.”

Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched – taking on even more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires. The legislation will give fire departments the resources needed to address these threats.

In the 5th District of South Carolina, fire grants have helped fire departments in or near Van Wyck, Elgin, Sharon, Wallace, Rock Hill, Richburg, Darlington, Chesterfield, Dillon, Heath Springs, Bennettsville, Newberry, Lancaster, Winnsboro, Gaffney, Blacksburg, Great Falls, Lugoff, Kershaw, Chappells, Latta, Society Hill, Ruby, Edgemoor, Clio, Sumter, Camden, Cheraw, Richburg, McColl, Jefferson, Prosperity, Pageland, Bishopville, Whitmire, Little Mountain, Blacksburg, Fort Mill, Smyrna, Blenheim, Pomaria, Chester, Clover, and McBee.

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Spratt Honors 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Academy

2009-11-09T19:31:59Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution cosponsored by Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) to honor the U.S. Air Force Academy on its 50th anniversary.

“The Air Force Academy has educated and trained outstanding young men and women for 50 years now,” said Spratt, “and I was pleased to recognize their outstanding service.”

The U.S. Air Force Academy was established in 1954 to prepare individuals for careers in the Air Force, and officially opened in 1955. The 207 members of the first class graduated in 1959. Since then, the academy has graduated more than 37,000 cadets.

House Passes Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

2009-11-06T16:47:20Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed and sent to the President the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (S. 475). The bill, cosponsored by Rep. John Spratt (D-SC), gives military spouses the ability to keep or change residency when they move from station to station, as is done for service members.

“This bill eliminates the need to change vehicle and voter registrations and to file tax returns for multiple states with each move,” said Spratt, a senior member on the Armed Services Committee. “It’s a priority for military families, and I was pleased to cosponsor it.”

Voting: The measure provides that, for purposes of voting in federal, state, or local elections, if a spouse of a servicemember leaves a state in order to accompany a husband or wife who is on military or naval orders, the spouse would not be deemed to have lost residence or domicile in the "home" state, or to be deemed to have acquired residence or domicile in the "new" state. These changes would apply with respect to absences from states after the date of enactment, regardless of the date of the relevant military or naval orders.

Taxes: The bill provides that, for purposes of income taxes and personal property taxes, spouses of servicemembers would not be deemed to have lost or acquired domicile or residence in a tax jurisdiction solely because they moved with a service member who is in compliance with military orders. The measure also provides that income for services performed by spouses of servicemembers would not be deemed to be income in a tax jurisdiction where the spouse is located solely based on the fact that the move was due to complying with military orders.

Land Rights: Under current law, a servicemember is entitled to have certain residency requirements suspended for purposes of exercising land rights, such as mining claims or homesteading, on public lands. This protection applies with respect to requirements related to the establishment of residency within a limited time. Those requirements are suspended for a servicemember seeking entry onto public lands until 180 days after termination of or release from military service. The bill extends these same rights to spouses of servicemembers who move on military orders.

Spratt Votes To Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Homebuyers' Tax Credit, Business Tax Relief

2009-11-05T22:45:16Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today gave final approval to a bill backed by Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) that would extend unemployment benefits, the homebuyers' tax credit, and the tax relief for military families and businesses.

“This is another crucial step to provide immediate relief to South Carolinians who have lost their unemployment benefits,” said Spratt. “The families who receive these benefits will be putting money right back into the economy – buying groceries and gas, and making their mortgage payments on time.”

Spratt said the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act will provide immediate assistance, extending relief to millions of workers, families, and businesses nationwide.

The Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus. Every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new demand, according to Moody’s chief economist, Mark Zandi.

The legislation will provide families in all states with 14 weeks of additional benefits, and six more weeks to the 27 states with the highest unemployment rates – including South Carolina – where it is most difficult for workers to find employment. Workers in South Carolina who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for a total of 20 additional weeks of emergency unemployment compensation.

“This legislation takes important, immediate steps to help stabilize our small businesses and strengthen our housing market,” said Spratt. “These efforts are crucial to growing our economy and putting it back on sound footing.”

The bill includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010, and provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more. It also helps military families struggling to make mortgage payments by making those payments tax-exempt.

To help businesses suffering from huge losses, the bill allows companies to carry back losses incurred in either 2008 or 2009 against income earned in any of the five prior years.

“While we continue working to turn our economy around, this extension will provide much-needed relief to millions of unemployed Americans as they struggle to find work,” said Spratt.

Spratt Backs Bill to Help Small Businesses Expand

2009-11-05T22:40:51Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) voted to give small businesses greater access to the loans and investment dollars they need to expand and grow their operations. The Small Business Financing and Investment Act passed the House on October 29th. The bill will help to open tight credit markets that have shut out small business owners during the recession, allowing them to create jobs, particularly in struggling regions and industries.

“Small businesses are the number one source of new jobs,” said Spratt. “By helping them grow, we are putting Americans back to work, supporting innovation, and laying the groundwork for a new prosperity.”

Spratt said small businesses create 60-80% of new jobs every year, but the current economic crisis has frozen credit and made it difficult for them to get the financing they need. By comprehensively updating the Small Business Administration’s capital access programs, the legislation is expected to support $44 billion in lending and investment for smaller firms.

“With this bill,” said Spratt, “we are helping small firms find capital they can afford, which is one of the biggest challenges they face in today’s market.”

The legislation will increase loan sizes to better meet businesses’ needs. It also includes incentives to encourage local banks to lend to small businesses and reduces bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for entrepreneurs to secure credit. The bill creates a new public/private partnership to expand investments in small business startups – an important source of job creation. It also extends critical Recovery Act provisions eliminating fees on Small Business Administration loans and guaranteeing up to 90% of 7(a) loans. To foster a diverse mix of businesses, it takes steps to promote veteran-owned, women-owned and rural small businesses.

“I was pleased to vote for a bill that helps put people back to work,” Spratt said.

Spratt Votes to Crack Down on Credit Card Companies

2009-11-05T22:38:51Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) Wednesday voted to move up the start date of the Credit CARD Act to protect consumers from some of the worst practices of credit card companies.

“Credit card companies have taken advantage of the implementation period between the Credit CARD Act’s passage and the February 22nd start date to raise interest rates, minimum payments, and fees on consumers,” said Spratt. “I was pleased to vote to move up the start date and protect people from these abusive practices.”

Spratt said the Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act moves up the effective date for these critical credit card reforms from February 22nd to immediately following the President’s signing of the bill.

The original legislation includes crucial measures that protect consumers from unfair interest rate hikes on existing balances, double-cycle billing, and due-date gimmicks. The bill is aimed at bringing transparency and fairness to the credit card industry and providing customers with the information they need to make smart financial decisions.

Spratt Unveils Updated Website and Expanded Online Presence into New Media

2009-11-03T19:34:26Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today announced his newly redesigned congressional website and the launch of his new YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr sites.

“These sites provide a new and different perspective to my efforts in Washington,” Spratt said. “They are intended to assist me in furthering ties and staying connected to my constituents in the 5th district.”

Spratt.house.gov has been completely overhauled with a greater emphasis on connecting with constituents. The site makes it easier for citizens to:

Get help or information on academy nominations, consumer protection, federal business opportunities, internships, resources for military personnel, student financial aid, and passports.
Resolve problems with a federal agency such as disability benefits, immigration, the IRS, Medicare eligibility and benefits, the military, social security claims and checks, and veterans’ benefits, VA home loans, eligibility determinations.
Contact John with your concerns on an issue
See the latest news releases
See how John voted on the latest issues

Spratt also announced the creation of his YouTube and Flickr sites. “I wanted my constituents to be able to see what goes on here in Washington,” Spratt said. “YouTube and Flickr have provided me with an excellent and easy way to post pictures and videos that people might not otherwise ever see.”

Spratt, who chairs the House Budget Committee, has also expanded the committee’s online presence. “I am excited to announce that in addition to the excellent resource of the official Budget Committee homepage, we have created a new Facebook and YouTube site. We created the sites because we felt it was important to reach out to everybody we can. These pages showcase our attempts to restore fiscal discipline, create jobs, and rebuild our economy.”

Spratt Statement on Expected White House Appointment of Laurie Lawson

2009-10-30T19:07:22Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement today on learning that President Barack Obama this afternoon will appoint Laurie C. Lawson the Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in South Carolina.

“Laurie Lawson is a Darlington native who has owned and operated Lawson Farms, a diversified farming operation, for over fifty years. He served eight years as Chairman of the South Carolina Agriculture Commission in the early 1980's. In 1993, President Clinton appointed him Director of the Farm Services Agency. He held that position for eight years. In 2001, he became Clemson University’s Assistant to the Vice President of Public Service and Agriculture - a position he currently holds. Lawson is a Clemson graduate with a degree in agronomy.

“The Farm Service Agency is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which administers federally-funded programs, such as the Farm Ownership and Marketing and Price Assistance Programs, in the state. The Agency has 37 county offices in South Carolina, each governed by farmer-elected county and community committees. The Director oversees and coordinates each of these 37 county offices.

“The White House asked for three nominees, and Rep. Jim Clyburn and I named three, all highly qualified for the job - Laurie Lawson; Eloise McCrae, FSA Director in Marlboro County; and George Coleman, FSA Director in Fairfield County. In the end, the White House chose Laurie Lawson.

“This is a big job and one that’s highly important to South Carolina farmers. In choosing Laurie Lawson, the President selected someone who knows agriculture and the farm programs both. He’s a farmer’s farmer and a veteran of the Farm Service Agency.”

Spratt Votes to Establish National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

2009-10-30T18:36:56Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined his colleagues this week in passing H. Res. 787, to establish October 13, 2009, as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and an estimated 192,370 women and 1,910 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. this year alone. Metastatic, or Stage IV breast cancer, which currently afflicts about 155,000 women and men in the U.S., means that cancer cells have traveled from the breast to other areas in the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain, and are now growing there. There is no cure for breast cancer once it has metastasized, and most of today’s current medical treatments are focused only on extending the best quality of life for the patient.

“The goal is to raise awareness, expand research, and focus on treatments that will make metastatic cancer a chronic but not fatal disease,” Spratt said.

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Spratt Backs Effort to Curb Domestic Violence

2009-10-30T18:30:13Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined his colleagues this week in passing a resolution raising awareness of domestic violence in the U.S. and supporting the goals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Spratt cosponsored House Resolution 817 because domestic violence affects people of all ages as well as racial, ethnic, gender, economic and religious backgrounds. “During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country,” Spratt said.

“About 15.5 million children a year are exposed to domestic violence, landlords deny housing to victims of domestic violence, and one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in her life,” said Spratt. “For these reasons alone, we need to do more to break this vicious cycle. The Recovery Act we passed earlier this year provides $325 million in funding for the Violence Against Women Act and the Victims of Crime Act. It is critical that we not only draw attention to domestic violence this month, but continue making progress on this devastating problem so that it will no longer affect our communities and families.”

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Spratt Statement on Selection of Shaw AFB as Candidate for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

2009-10-29T19:48:40Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement today on learning that Shaw Air Force Base has been selected as a candidate for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

“I was pleased to receive word today from the Secretary of the Air Force that Shaw Air Force Base has been selected as a candidate for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) – the Air Force’s new fifth generation fighter designed to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

“In choosing candidates for the F-35, the Air Force evaluated over 200 sites. The process was highly competitive, and Shaw’s selection as a candidate is testament to its strength and value as an Air Force base.

“In the spring of 2010, the Air Force will announce its preferred locations for the F-35. Before then, Shaw will be subject to an environmental impact analysis and site assessment. I will do all that I can to help Shaw and Sumter make the best case possible before the Air Force, so that the F-35 can be delivered to Shaw beginning in 2013.”

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Spratt Statement on Boeing 787 Assembly Line Coming to South Carolina

2009-10-28T22:49:27Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement today on Boeing’s decision to locate a second final assembly line for its 787 Dreamliner program in North Charleston, S.C.

“Five years ago, Governor Sanford asked Senator Graham and me to fly to Great Britain for the international air show to court Alenia and Boeing, in the hope that a plant making the aft fuselage of the 787 would be built in Charleston. Not long ago, Boeing’s president paid me a visit to explain Boeing’s recent buy-out of the 787 plant built by Vought and to suggest that more could be coming. Today, the state’s efforts have borne big fruit.

“Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for a second 787 line is historic, the best news in years for South Carolina! This has huge implications for our future. In addition to highly skilled and well compensated jobs in fabrication and assembly, it will open up opportunities for vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers, and give South Carolina a significant stake in the aerospace industry.

“We owe Boeing enormous thanks for its vote of confidence in South Carolina, and Governor Sanford and his team likewise deserve credit for this success.”

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Spratt Votes to Support Local Law Enforcement and Establish October as Crime Prevention Month

2009-10-28T18:46:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined a majority of his House colleagues in passing H. Con. Res 177, which expresses support for local law enforcement and establishes October as Crime Prevention Month.

To help celebrate the good work of citizens and law enforcement in the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina, Spratt met in Washington, D.C. with leading representatives of the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and was photographed with Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog®, our nation’s leading symbol of crime prevention.

“Crime prevention is everyone’s business,” said Spratt, “and I am proud of the ongoing work of citizens and law enforcement whom I’m privileged to represent in Congress. It is important that we take every opportunity to thank local law enforcement and engaged citizens who work together to prevent crime and the fear associated with it. Crime Prevention Month offers us this opportunity.”

Both the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) are leading national resources providing community safety and crime prevention tools tested and valued by local law enforcement agencies and communities nationwide.

“I have always been a strong supporter of local law enforcement,” said Spratt. “In April, I voted to reauthorize the COPS grant program, which has been proven to reduce crime by helping local law enforcement agencies put more police on the beat.”

The COPS program has been an enormous success since its creation in 1994 under the Clinton Administration. Between 1995 and 2005, South Carolina received $109.7 million in COPS grants, which allowed the state to hire an additional 1,136 police officers.

John Spratt greets, from left, Sheriff James H. Branch Jr., Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog, and Sheriff Stephen O. Simpson

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Give South Carolinians the Help They Deserve

2009-10-27T13:35:44Z

JOHN SPRATT
Guest Columnist
27 October 2009
The State (Columbia, SC)
(c) Copyright 2009, The State. All Rights Reserved.

To its credit, the General Assembly meets in special session today. Its agenda is to do what the state should have done months ago to secure additional unemployment benefits for thousands of South Carolinians. These are extended benefits fully funded by the federal government, which come at no cost to the state.

Had the state acted in February, South Carolinians who have been laid off would have been eligible for seven more weeks of benefits starting this past March, and would not have lost access to 13 weeks of benefits last week, for a total of 20 weeks, through the end of the year.

Without passage of legislation, more than 30,000 South Carolinians could miss out on benefits that they are entitled to under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus act.

My staff and I discovered this omission a month ago while gathering facts on the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. We reported the discrepancy in a press release because we found it hard to believe. South Carolina has borne the brunt of the worst recession since the Great Depression. How could we pass up an opportunity like this?

My staff put that question to the governor's office and the Employment Security Commission, and found both unaware of the situation. We inquired further, and found that the U.S. Department of Labor had been notifying the Employment Security Commission of laws that should be passed at the state level as early as February of this year, and throughout the spring.

All states are required by law to adopt a trigger for extended unemployment insurance benefits, based on the insured unemployment rate. The extended benefits are typically funded by a 50/50 state-federal match. The threshold for benefits is an insured unemployment rate of 5 percent.

The problem with this measure is that once people exhaust their benefits, they are no longer counted as unemployed - even if they still don't have a job. The number of unemployed people who no longer are being counted has reached such a high level in South Carolina that our insured unemployment rate has dropped below 5 percent, and so extended benefits were cut off last week.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. States have the option of enacting an additional trigger for extended benefits, based on the total unemployment rate. Since the federal government picks up the tab under the Recovery Act, states with high unemployment have every reason to enact a total unemployment rate trigger. The threshold for 20 weeks of extended benefits under this trigger is 8 percent. In South Carolina, total unemployment is 11.6 percent, so those out of work in our state qualify for 20 weeks of extended benefits.

Twenty-one states - every state that could benefit except South Carolina and Mississippi - adopted the total unemployment rate trigger after passage of the Recovery Act, putting themselves in position to take advantage of full federal funding.

For many who have lost their jobs, unemployment insurance is not just a benefit, but the most important source of assistance. It was launched when President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on Aug. 14, 1935, and it has stood the test of time.

In helping the unemployed, the benefit also helps the economy. Every dollar spent on unemployment insurance benefits generates $1.64 in economic activity.

The program is especially important to South Carolina, which has suffered through 14 straight months of unemployment above 7 percent. In September, the state posted an unemployment rate of 11.6 percent, with five counties reporting unemployment above 20 percent.

Some 250,000 South Carolinians are out of work and among the hardest hit by this recession. All they ask is the opportunity to earn their way in our economy. The least we can do is to hold up the safety net of available benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor has gone the second mile to aid the state in correcting this discrepancy. The governor and General Assembly need to patch this gap in the safety net and help thousands of worthy South Carolinians.

Mr. Spratt, a Democrat who chairs the House Budget Committee, represents South Carolina's 5th congressional district.

Spratt Statement on South Carolina's Failure to Get 20 More Weeks of Unemployment Benefits

2009-10-16T21:41:20Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement today on the failure of the State of South Carolina to enact legislation allowing for 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits.

"When my staff and I discovered in an analysis we conducted that the State of South Carolina had failed to enact legislation to allow for 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits – 100% federally funded through the Recovery Act – I was astounded.

"All states are required to have a trigger for Extended Benefits, based on the insured unemployment rate (IUR), which is typically funded with a 50/50 state-federal match. States have the option of enacting an additional trigger based on the total unemployment rate (TUR), and with the federal government funding 100% of the bill through the Recovery Act, they had an added incentive. Had South Carolina adopted temporary legislation to implement this additional trigger, our citizens would have been receiving 7 additional weeks as early as March of this year, and starting next week, would be collecting a total of 20 additional weeks. South Carolina was one of only two states that was eligible for these benefits, but did not act.

"Our nation is in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and the citizens of South Carolina are among those bearing the brunt of it, with some 250,000 unemployed.

"The inadvertent loss of 20 additional weeks of fully funded unemployment benefits is totally unacceptable. I am hopeful the Governor and state legislature can find a remedy, and I am ready to offer my assistance in any way I can."

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Spratt Statement on Collision of F-16s from Shaw AFB

2009-10-16T21:38:57Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement after two F-16s assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base collided over the Atlantic Thursday night.

“Last night, the Shaw community experienced an accident involving two of their pilots off the coast of South Carolina, near Charleston. This is a tragic event, and we share the community’s concern for the health and safety of the pilots involved in this mishap.

“The danger involved in securing our nation’s defense is something that is easily taken for granted. But every day, men and women put their lives on the line so that we can live in freedom and security. Our prayers are with the families and those involved in the continuing rescue efforts.”

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Spratt Honors Military Family Volunteers and 100 Years of Military Aviation

2009-10-15T20:18:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed two resolutions yesterday, cosponsored by U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC), that honor the contribution military family volunteers provide to our armed forces and commemorate the 100th anniversary of military aviation in the United States.

H. Res. 408. Since 2001, nearly 2 million active duty and reserve members of the armed forces have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Family readiness volunteers provide critical support during deployments to these service members and their families.

“This resolution honors the family support volunteers who selflessly give their time, energy, talent, and resources in contribution to the quality of life of service members and their families,” Spratt said.

H. Res. 445. In 1909, the United States Army Signal Corps purchased its first airplane, the Wright Military Flyer, for $30,000. One hundred years later, military aircraft have become an essential component to the country’s security.

“Today we honor the role military aviation has played in our armed forces and the military aviators who have contributed to protecting our nation,” Spratt said.

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Spratt Secures $1.5 Million for Morris College

2009-10-08T22:02:04Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) secured $1.5 million for Morris College in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act that the House passed on October 1. Spratt said the college needs the money to build a new wing with classroom and laboratory space to accommodate the large number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“There’s a critical need for more classroom and laboratory space at Morris College,” said Spratt. “From 2007 to 2008, the school’s enrollment in STEM courses jumped 29%. I was pleased to help secure these funds and help Morris College meet the needs of it students.”

Spratt said the new wing will include a research lab with an animal and plant room and a greenhouse, and will accommodate some 20 students (the current research lab holds 10); a chemistry lab to support general chemistry and organic chemistry laboratory sessions simultaneously; a large classroom; two faculty offices; and a passenger/service elevator.

Morris College President Luns Richardson said: “Morris College is particularly grateful to Congressman John Spratt for his effective leadership in securing these funds. This project will give Morris College a big thrust forward in its effort to expand its offerings to its students who are working hard to prepare themselves to enter the mainstream of their chosen professions.”

Spratt said the Energy and Water Appropriations Act still must clear the Senate and the President’s desk before the funds are released.

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Spratt Votes To Reform, Improve Veterans' Health Services

2009-10-08T21:59:03Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) Wednesday voted to secure timely health care funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services. The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care.

The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of the legislation.

“Our veterans served with honor, and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer,” said Spratt. “This bill will make it easier to address their medical needs, ensuring that they have full access to quality health care even if funding is delayed.”

The bill is one of several bills Democrats have passed recently in support of troops and veterans, including the new G.I. Bill, progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers, and improving care for those with PTSD.

“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise,” Spratt said.

Spratt Votes for Ag Bill

2009-10-08T15:49:09Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) Wednesday joined in passing the Agriculture Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010, aimed at enhancing food safety, boosting rural economies, feeding struggling families, and protecting against price spikes. The House approved the bill 263-162.

“Americans should never have doubts about the safety of the food they put on their table,” said Spratt. “This legislation will help restore people’s trust in the safety of our food so that every parent can have confidence that what they feed their children will not make them sick.”

The bill helps rural communities hard hit by the recession. It builds on the success of the Recovery Act with investments in community facilities, housing, water projects and rural businesses – creating opportunities for growth and development in every community. Responding to the crisis plaguing dairy farmers, the bill also includes aid for farmers who are struggling with historically low prices.

“Our rural towns and dairy farmers have been hit especially hard by this economic crisis,” said Spratt. “With this bill, we reinvest in rural communities - spurring business growth, supporting new infrastructure, and bringing new jobs and hope to our communities.”

To protect low-income women, children, and senior citizens faced with rising food costs and shrinking wages, the legislation increases nutrition aid to families and ensures that 9.6 million women and children receive healthy, nutritious food.

The bill also gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission the staff and resources needed to help protect consumers from needless price spikes in the cost of basic necessities.

Spratt praised the bill for its fiscal responsibility, saying it cuts millions of dollars from programs that are not working.

The legislation is pending in the Senate.

# # #

House Passes Energy and Water Appropriations Act; Rep. Spratt Pushed Funding Change to Help Electric Co-ops

2009-10-01T21:17:32Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today joined in passing the Energy and Water Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183), aimed at moving the country toward energy independence and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The Act passed the House 308-114.

“By spurring innovation to generate American-made energy from solar to biofuels, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we will put our economy on sound footing,” Spratt said.

The Act invests in new technologies that will create the next generation of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency, better and cleaner engines, and better batteries. It also helps modernize the electric grid by investing in “smart grid” and cyber security technologies that will ensure efficient and reliable delivery of electricity to American homes and businesses.

The Act increases funds for weatherization grants to help struggling families improve their homes’ energy efficiency and save hundreds of dollars annually in electricity and heating costs. It also invests in the water infrastructure needs of our communities to improve water quality and spur economic development after years of neglect.

The Act also provides $787 million for nuclear energy research and development, including $105 million for a public-private cooperative program supporting the construction of new nuclear power plants.

Spratt, as chairman of the House Budget Committee, secured a funding change in the Act to help the Southeastern Power Administration and other Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs). The change would provide a more predictable funding stream for the PMAs, and therefore, help maintain reliable electricity transmission.

Spratt’s funding change was supported by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc., and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Many rural electric cooperatives buy a significant portion of their power from PMAs, generated by hydro-electric stations at lakes around the country.

Mike Couick, CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc., said, “We’ve been seeking this funding change for many years, and we’re grateful that Congressman Spratt was able to get it in this legislation.”

Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, said, “I want to thank Chairman Spratt for his hard work to help keep electric bills for electric cooperative consumers affordable. We face major challenges in the future, and the work of Chairman Spratt in this legislation will help electric cooperatives hold down electric bills.”

“With the funding change,” said Spratt, “it will be easier for Congress to increase funding for power transmission as needed.”

Spratt has been a leader in marshaling congressional support for rural electric cooperatives. In the early 1990s, he helped rewrite the congressional rules that determine how government loans and guaranties to the co-ops are budgeted, and made it easier to continue the rural electrification loan program. In 1995, he successfully organized opposition in Congress to a proposal to sell the Power Marketing Administrations, starting with Southeastern Power Administration. Spratt argued that the power stations at Lakes Thurmond and Russell on the Savannah River could not be sold without raising the cost of electricity and hurting economic development in areas of South Carolina that need it most.

Spratt Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits

2009-09-22T22:45:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) and a majority of his House colleagues today approved legislation that will aid workers in states with high unemployment, including South Carolina. The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548), which is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit, passed the House 331-83.

The bill would grant workers in South Carolina (and other states where unemployment exceeds 8.5 percent) an additional 13 weeks of federally funded unemployment insurance benefits once they exhaust all their federal and state benefits without finding work before the end of the year. Without the legislation, nearly 14,000 South Carolinians are expected to exhaust their unemployment insurance benefits by the end of September, and a total of nearly 22,000 would exhaust their benefits by the end of the year.

“These people would prefer to work, but until jobs become available, they need help supporting their families and making ends meet,” said Spratt. “Congress is offering a hand-up to Americans in the states hardest hit by this recession.”

According to the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, the state’s unemployment rate was 11.5 percent in August. The August unemployment rate in Spratt’s 5th Congressional District ranged from a low of 10.6% in Kershaw County to a high of 21.3% in Chester County (see table below).

In addition to 26 weeks of state benefits, unemployed workers in South Carolina are eligible for 46 weeks of extended benefits, all federally funded. However, South Carolina workers will receive 7 fewer weeks of benefits than workers in 14 other states, because South Carolina has not adopted an alternative trigger for extended unemployment benefits, even though the cost is fully funded by the federal government.

The alternative trigger would come at no cost to the state. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act temporarily changed the regular federal extended unemployment benefits program (EB), which normally requires cost-sharing of 50% by a state, to make it 100% federally financed. The Recovery Act also allowed states to adopt alternative triggers, which make it more likely that workers will qualify for extra weeks (under the EB program) that expired when the 100% federal financing expires. As a result, states that pass legislation temporarily adopting the alternative triggers are able to provide 7 additional weeks of benefits at no cost to the state, short or long term.

Recent rebounds in key economic indicators like manufacturing activity, retail sales, the housing market, the stock market, and consumer confidence indicate that the economy is beginning to improve somewhat, but even encouraging signs such as these cannot come fast enough. As Congress stays focused on lowering the unacceptably high unemployment rate, today’s legislation will provide needed assistance to many Americans who are still facing tough economic times.

Spratt said that H.R. 3548 would not add to the deficit, because its cost is offset within the budget. “This is a good bill that will help thousands of working families but won’t increase the deficit,” said Spratt. “In addition to helping workers unemployed, the extension will put resources into the economy in South Carolina and across the country.“

Economist Mark Zandi of Moody’s.com estimates that every dollar workers receive in unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in economic activity.

The Senate is expected to follow the House and take up the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act Insurance Bill soon.

# # #

House Passes Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act

2009-09-17T21:30:16Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill to make college more affordable for more students, and at no cost to taxpayers. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221) would expand college opportunities, invest in early education, and modernize and repair schools. It passed the House 253-171.

House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) was an early supporter of the bill. In a statement to his House colleagues, Spratt said: “This legislation helps millions of students afford to go to college, and it reduces the deficit by making the student loan program more efficient. Rarely are we given the chance to help students, improve government services, and reduce the deficit all at the same time; today we should embrace that opportunity.”

The bill would reform the system of federal student loans by originating new loans through the government’s Direct Loan program, while private lenders and non-profits will continue to service student loans. This change saves taxpayers $87 billion over ten years, and the bill directs nearly $10 billion of those savings back to deficit reduction.

By making the student loan program more efficient, the bill reinvests some of those savings into increasing the maximum Pell Grant award next year and in the future, benefitting the six million low-income students who rely on Pell Grants to help pay for college. The legislation provides for the maximum Pell grant to increase from $5,550 in 2010 to $6,900 in 2019. The bill also revamps the Perkins loan program, expanding it to every college in the country (currently, fewer than 500,000 students receive Perkins Loans). Also, the bill simplifies the process for applying for federal student financial aid, and offers new services to help students both attend and complete college.

“In addition to making college more accessible, this bill also invests in education for pre-school and school-aged children,” Spratt said.

The legislation expands and improves early learning systems through competitive grants for states to offer high-quality services for children age zero to five, and will support more and better training for early childhood educators. The bill also provides funding to help modernize and repair schools – elementary and secondary schools as well as community colleges across the country. The funding is targeted for projects that are energy efficient and that create healthier and safer learning environments for our children.

Spratt said the FY2010 budget resolution provides for significant investments in education – including Pell grants – within a framework of fiscal responsibility.

“Today we have before us a bill that fulfills the challenge. It makes the student loan program run more efficiently, and thus reduces the deficit, while making dramatic improvements in our education system that will help students of all ages.”

# # #

Spratt to Hold Second and Third Town Meetings on Health Care

2009-08-28T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) will hold his second and third town hall meetings on health care next week in Sumter and Rock Hill.

Spratt held his first town hall on health care in Rock Hill on July 2, with AARP. Since early August he has been recovering from foot surgery at his home in York. Over the past few months, Spratt has met with numerous constituents, the South Carolina Hospital Association, SC Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and a wide assortment of physician groups to hear their concerns about heath care reform.

The following town hall meetings have been scheduled for next week:

Sumter - New Location
Time: 5:00 pm
Date: Wednesday, September 2
Place: USC-Sumter - Nettles Building, 200 Miller Road

Rock Hill
Time: 5:00 pm
Date: Thursday, September 3
Place: York Technical College – Baxter Hood Center, 452 S. Anderson Road

At the meetings, priority seating will be given to residents of the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina. In addition, people who want to ask questions will be asked to write their name on an index card at the door and place the card in a box that most closely matches their position on health care reform – for, against, or undecided. During the question and answer session, names will be drawn from the boxes, one by one, and members of the audience will be called on to ask their question.

WRHI INTERVIEW

On August 26, Spratt spent 45 minutes talking about health care reform on WRHI Radio, Rock Hill, as a guest on Manning Kimmel’s “Straight Talk” program. Click here to listen to the broadcast.

STATEMENT ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

On August 13, Spratt issued the following statement on health care reform:

“I understand the sentiment of those who are calling us to say that they do not want their medical care delivered from Washington. But I also understand that 50% of all health care in this country is either paid for or provided through the federal government. That includes Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Tricare Standard, Tricare for Life, Veterans Health Care, Military Health Care, Indian Health Care, the Public Health Service, and the Federal Employees Benefit Program.

“Our health care system is in need of reform, but we need to be wary of the cost and complexity, and we should choose among the best proposals in the House, Senate, and White House. Over the last several weeks, I have supported a slow-down, because I think we need a longer period to search for better, more affordable solutions.

“We have the best health care in the world, bar none, but it is also the most costly, and access is not assured to the 46 million who lack insurance coverage. I believe we should close that gap, but I recognize the cost and complexity. That’s why I supported not voting until after the August recess. I want to see reform done right.

“Because of the complexity, neither the House nor the Senate has come forth with a final draft, and major differences separate the two. For instance, the House draft contains an employer mandate, requiring the employer either to pay a percentage of the employee’s premium cost or pay 8% of an employee’s wage into a health insurance fund. In the Senate bill, employer contributions are much smaller. I lean toward a lower-cost alternative.

“Both bills call for an insurance exchange, where individuals and smaller businesses have the advantage of competition. But the House bill contains a public insurance plan as one option in the insurance exchange. The purpose of the public option is to offer an alternative to private insurance and to have a yardstick to compare cost and coverage. Insurance companies oppose the public plan. They claim that it will be impossible to compete if the government subsidizes the public insurance policy. Sponsors say subsidies will be excluded. A public policy enacted as a backup, which is triggered into being only if the cost of private coverage escalates beyond certain benchmarks, may be a compromise.

“The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a Super-MedPac with rate-making and regulatory authority over Medicare and Medicaid. One of its purposes is to save money in these programs to pay for coverage of the uninsured. I understand the need for strong administration, and one empowered to hold costs in line when Congress will not, but I think the Super-MedPac may be a bit too powerful.

“When we wrote the budget resolution for fiscal year 2010, we required that the cost be deficit-neutral, so that every dollar spent is offset by a dollar saved. While the House proposal will be fully offset, a little more than half of the House proposal would be offset by savings in the existing health care program. I want to see even more of the cost offset by savings in the health care system.

“Three House committees have jurisdiction over health care, and they have converged on a health care reform bill, but the tri-committee draft could not muster enough votes to be reported to the House floor, until concessions were made. In the Senate, two committees have jurisdiction, and they have yet to reach consensus. So, health care reform is very much a work in progress.

“At a time like this, nothing is worse than to be on the sidelines, but four months ago, I scheduled surgery for repair of what turned out to be an Achilles tendon, shredded by a big bone spur on my right heel. I could not have the surgery until the August recess because of the weeks required for healing. During this time, I have been directed to stay off my feet as much as possible, and to put no weight on my right foot. I had a town hall meeting, sponsored by the AARP, in July, and over the months, I have met with numerous constituents, the South Carolina Hospital Association, with SC Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and with a wide assortment of physician groups to hear their concerns about a public policy. I need to set up other meetings, especially with individual constituents, and we will do so, as soon as my recovery is completed.”

###

Spratt Announces $249.2 Million in Department of Agriculture Recovery Act Funds for South Carolina

2009-08-18T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has distributed $249.2 million in funding to South Carolina from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) to help stimulate job growth and invest in critical infrastructure to build the economy.

“The Recovery Act has gradually begun to bear fruit,” said Spratt, “although we still have a long way to go before we return to where we want to be. It took years for the problem to build, and it will take time to recover fully. But we are no longer dealing with as severe a financial and economic crisis as we faced at the beginning of the year.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak said: “USDA is working to distribute Recovery Act funds to help rural Americans weather the impact of the current economic downturn while making a down payment on building communities that will thrive and compete in the 21st century. These investments reflect my shared commitment, with President Obama, to strengthening America’s rural communities.”

USDA worked quickly to announce $27.7 billion of the $28 billion that it was provided by the Recovery Act. In addition, USDA has announced $12.5 billion of $24.9 billion in low-cost loans authorized by the Act to help struggling rural families.

USDA Recovery Act funds are helping provide immediate assistance to those in need. Increased benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which affects 1 in 10 Americans, is providing most recipient families of four an extra $80 per month. In addition to preventing hunger, this spending acts as broad economic stimulus – as each $1 in benefits is estimated to generate $1.84 in economic activity. In South Carolina alone, residents have already benefited from $55.4 million to help put food on the table in these difficult times.

In addition, USDA Recovery Act investments nationwide will:

• Expand opportunities and spur economic development with up to $9 billion in broadband loans and grants to rural communities.

• Distribute $11.2 billion to provide 80,000 home loans in rural communities.

• Provide loans and grants worth $3.6 billion to provide safe drinking water, improve wastewater treatment systems, and to create jobs and bring increased economic benefits to rural America.

• Utilize nearly $3 billion to improve, develop, and finance business, industry, and employment while improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities.

# # #

Recovery Act Saving Jobs, Helping Community Health Centers

2009-08-13T16:00:00Z

Bloomberg News - Recovery from the worst recession since the 1930s has begun as President Barack Obama’s fiscal stimulus -- derided as insufficient and budget-busting months ago -- takes effect, a survey of economists indicated.

The economy will expand 2 percent or more in four straight quarters through June, the first such streak in more than four years, according to the median of 53 forecasts in the monthly Bloomberg News survey. Analysts lifted their estimate for the third quarter by 1.2 percentage points compared with July, the biggest such boost in surveys dating from May 2003.

“We’ve averted the worst, and there are clear signs the stimulus is working,” said Kenneth Goldstein, an economist at the Conference Board in New York.

The new projections, following better-than-anticipated reports on manufacturing, employment and home construction, echo gains in investor confidence that have propelled the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index to its high for the year.

“The fact that people for the first time in over a year are starting to look at some glimmers of hope plays to the prospect of some strength in the stimulus,” said Susan Molinari, a Republican strategist in Washington who advised Rudy Giuliani during his presidential nomination campaign in 2008. [8/12/09]

The Greenville News (South Carolina) - County saves teaching jobs

Greenville County Schools will lose 65 full-time teaching positions instead of 238 thanks to federal stimulus dollars, the school board was told Tuesday.

Tough budget cuts this year meant the district would have had to cut 238 positions out of 4,861 teachers, said Pat Mitchell, executive director of human resources.

As a result of $19.6 million in stimulus money in the overall $444 million budget, the student-teacher ratio will increase by just 0.5 students per teacher, he said.

“The stimulus funding has helped,” Mitchell said. “We are protecting the classroom as best as we possibly can.” [8/12/09]

American Academy of Family Physicians News - Stimulus Funds Help Health Centers Meet Growing Needs

The ARRA provides $2 billion in funding for community health centers, or CHCs. HHS has released about $1.3 billion of that funding, which has allowed CHCs to expand care to more people during the past seven months, according to NACHC estimates. CHCs, which serve approximately 20 million people, also have been able to retain or create nearly 12,000 jobs with the ARRA money, including positions for primary care and family physicians, according to the NACHC.

HHS released the $1.3 billion in three separate stages and for three distinct purposes. The agency allocated $155 million to establish 126 new health centers, thus supporting care for an additional 750,000 people and leading to the creation or retention of 5,500 jobs, according to NACHC. HHS also released $338 million in grants to support care for an additional 2.1 million people and to create or retain 6,400 jobs. [8/11/09]

###

Spratt Statement on Health Care Reform, Update on Foot Surgery

2009-08-13T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today issued the following statement on heath care reform, and on his recovery from foot surgery.

“I understand the sentiment of those who are calling us to say that they do not want their medical care delivered from Washington. But I also understand that 50% of all health care in this country is either paid for or provided through the federal government. That includes Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Tricare Standard, Tricare for Life, Veterans Health Care, Military Health Care, Indian Health Care, the Public Health Service, and the Federal Employees Benefit Program.

“Our health care system is in need of reform, but we need to be wary of the cost and complexity, and we should choose among the best proposals in the House, Senate, and White House. Over the last several weeks, I have supported a slow-down, because I think we need a longer period to search for better, more affordable solutions.

“We have the best health care in the world, bar none, but it is also the most costly, and access is not assured to the 46 million who lack insurance coverage. I believe we should close that gap, but I recognize the cost and complexity. That’s why I supported not voting until after the August recess. I want to see reform done right.

“Because of the complexity, neither the House nor the Senate has come forth with a final draft, and major differences separate the two. For instance, the House draft contains an employer mandate, requiring the employer either to pay a percentage of the employee’s premium cost or pay 8% of an employee’s wage into a health insurance fund. In the Senate bill, employer contributions are much smaller. I lean toward a lower-cost alternative.

“Both bills call for an insurance exchange, where individuals and smaller businesses have the advantage of competition. But the House bill contains a public insurance plan as one option in the insurance exchange. The purpose of the public option is to offer an alternative to private insurance and to have a yardstick to compare cost and coverage. Insurance companies oppose the public plan. They claim that it will be impossible to compete if the government subsidizes the public insurance policy. Sponsors say subsidies will be excluded. A public policy enacted as a backup, which is triggered into being only if the cost of private coverage escalates beyond certain benchmarks, may be a compromise.

“The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a Super-MedPac with rate-making and regulatory authority over Medicare and Medicaid. One of its purposes is to save money in these programs to pay for coverage of the uninsured. I understand the need for strong administration, and one empowered to hold costs in line when Congress will not, but I think the Super-MedPac may be a bit too powerful.

“When we wrote the budget resolution for fiscal year 2010, we required that the cost be deficit-neutral, so that every dollar spent is offset by a dollar saved. While the House proposal will be fully offset, a little more than half of the House proposal would be offset by savings in the existing health care program. I want to see even more of the cost offset by savings in the health care system.

“Three House committees have jurisdiction over health care, and they have converged on a health care reform bill, but the tri-committee draft could not muster enough votes to be reported to the House floor, until concessions were made. In the Senate, two committees have jurisdiction, and they have yet to reach consensus. So, health care reform is very much a work in progress.

“At a time like this, nothing is worse than to be on the sidelines, but four months ago, I scheduled surgery for repair of what turned out to be an Achilles tendon, shredded by a big bone spur on my right heel. I could not have the surgery until the August recess because of the weeks required for healing. During this time, I have been directed to stay off my feet as much as possible, and to put no weight on my right foot. I had a town hall meeting, sponsored by the AARP, in July, and over the months, I have met with numerous constituents, the South Carolina Hospital Association, with SC Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and with a wide assortment of physician groups to hear their concerns about a public policy. I need to set up other meetings, especially with individual constituents, and we will do so, as soon as my recovery is completed.”

# # #

Accomplishments of the 111th Congress

2009-08-03T16:00:00Z

The 111th Congress has made historic progress, working with President Obama to take America in a New Direction. We are working to turn our economy around and create good jobs, make common sense reforms and targeted investments, and build consensus around reforming health insurance to ensure stability and security and launching a clean energy economy that makes America stronger. All these efforts are being tackled with fiscal discipline and accountability to the American people.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 111TH CONGRESS INCLUDE:

ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND CREATING JOBS
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT, enacted in the first month of President Obama's term, to jumpstart our economy, create and save 3.5 million jobs, give 95% of American workers a tax cut, and begin to rebuild America's road, rail, and water infrastructure, with unprecedented accountability. (Signed into Law)

HELPING FAMILIES SAVE THEIR HOMES ACT, building on the President's initiative to stem the foreclosure crisis, with significant incentives to lenders, servicers, and homeowners to modify loans. (Signed into Law)

EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT, tripling volunteerism opportunities to 250,000 for national service for students to retirees; creating new service corps for education, health care, energy and veterans; a Summer of Service for middle/high school students; increased college financial awards. (Signed into Law)

JOB CREATION THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT, to give established small businesses and entrepreneurial start-ups the needed tools and resources to thrive, create jobs and drive economic growth. (Passed by House)

INNOVATION AGENDA, investing $31 billion in science, technology, innovation and science education - including cutting-edge scientific research, advanced technologies for U.S. manufacturers, and preparing the innovation workforce to compete globally. (Passed by House)

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS, with targeted increases for key health, education and worker training initiatives, including NIH research, Pell Grants, Head Start and clean energy jobs. (Passed by House)

WATER QUALITY INVESTMENT ACT, to create an estimated 680,000 jobs over the next five years by launching clean water projects for families and communities across America. (Passed by House)

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND RESEARCH ACT, to modernize the government's largest small business research and development programs, to create new jobs and fuel technological innovation. (Passed by House)

AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE
HEALTH CARE REFORM, to lower costs to consumers, preserve and provide choice of doctors and health plans, ensure stability and peace of mind that coverage can't be delayed or denied, and ensure quality patient-centered care. (Passed by 3 of 3 House Committees; On House Floor In September)

HEALTH CARE FOR 11 MILLION CHILDREN, to finally provide cost-effective health coverage for 4 million more children whose parents earn too little to provide their own insurance, but too much to qualify for Medicaid, and preserve coverage for 7 million children already enrolled. (Signed into Law)

FOOD SAFETY, landmark legislation to fundamentally change the way we protect the safety of our food supply; closing the gaps exposed by the recent string of food-borne illness outbreaks; giving the Food and Drug Administration new authorities, tools, and funding. (Passed by House)

CLEAN ENERGY JOBS & CONSERVATION
AMERICAN CLEAN ENERGY AND SECURITY ACT, to create millions of jobs; reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil; reduce the carbon pollution causing climate change; keep costs low for Americans, with lower income Americans seeing no cost; with no increase to the deficit. (Passed by House)

CASH FOR CLUNKERS, providing consumers with $3,500 to $4,500 vouchers to trade in an old vehicle for one with higher fuel efficiency - spurring the sale of up to 250,000 more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, creating jobs, and shoring up struggling car dealerships (included in the FY 2009 Supplemental). (Signed into Law)

OMNIBUS PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT, the most significant conservation bill in 15 years, boosting the economy and tourism at 160 mostly rural sites; with 2 million new acres of wilderness; 3 national park units; 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers; 1 National Monument; 3 National Conservation Areas. (Signed into Law)

GREEN SCHOOL MODERNIZATION, to create nearly 140,000 jobs by providing investments to modernize, renovate, and repair school facilities, encouraging energy efficiency. (Passed by House)

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
BUDGET BLUEPRINT, reflecting the President's plan to get the economy moving again, cutting taxes for most Americans by $1.5 trillion and creating jobs with targeted investments in health care, clean energy and education - cutting the Bush deficit by nearly 2/3 by 2013. (Passed by House and Senate; Action Completed)

STATUTORY PAY AS YOU GO LAW, restoring the 1990s law that turned record deficits into record surpluses, by forcing tough choices -- requiring Congress to offset new policies that reduce revenues or expand entitlement spending or face across-the-board cuts in certain mandatory programs. (Passed by House)

APPROPRIATIONS BILLS, on time and under budget, making key investments in health care, clean energy, education, financial oversight, and science and innovation to get our economy moving. These bills are $10 billion below the President's request, invest in strengthening oversight and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, and cut or eliminate more than 250 programs. (Passed by House)

PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND TAXPAYERS
CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS, providing tough new protections for consumers-including banning unfair rate increases, abusive fees, and penalties-and strengthening enforcement. (Signed into Law)

FRAUD ENFORCEMENT AND RECOVERY ACT, providing tools to prosecute mortgage scams and corporate fraud that contributed to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression; creating an outside commission to examine its causes. (Signed into Law)

MILITARY PROCUREMENT REFORM, to crack down on Pentagon waste and cost overruns, which GAO says amount to $296 billion just for the 96 largest weapons systems, dramatically beefing up oversight of weapons acquisition, promoting greater use of competition, and curbing conflicts of interest. (Signed into Law)

STRENGTHENING OVERSIGHT OF TARP, to expand the authority of the TARP Special Inspector General, to help ensure taxpayers' funds are effectively used to get credit flowing to businesses and families. (Signed into Law)

LILLY LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT, to restore the rights of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay-to help close the wage gap where women earn 78 cents for every $1 a man earns in America. (Signed into Law)

MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI-PREDATORY LENDING ACT, to stop the predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial meltdown and to help ensure that the mortgage industry follows basic principles of sound lending and consumer protection. (Passed by House)

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION REFORM, to put an end to the perverse compensation practices that encourage executives to take excessive risk at the expense of their companies, shareholders, employees, and ultimately the American taxpayer-risks that contributed to the recent financial collapse. This is the first step towards enacting President Obama's comprehensive financial regulatory reform plan. (Passed by House)

FINANCIAL SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS, investing in key efforts to crack down on runaway financial excesses and rebuild regulatory protections for homeowners, investors and consumers by federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and Consumer Product Safety Commission; and to strengthen Americans small businesses. (Passed by House)

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE ACT, to prohibit unreasonable or excessive compensation and non-performance-based bonuses for executives at companies receiving TARP funds. (Passed by House)

AIRLINE PASSENGER CONSUMER PROTECTIONS & SAFETY, to require contingency plans for long tarmac and flight delays, improve safety, and modernize air traffic control systems and infrastructure. (Passed by House)

NATIONAL SECURITY/TROOPS AND VETERANS
FY 2009 SUPPLEMENTAL, for rest of FY 2009, providing our troops with everything they need to wind down the Iraq war, change strategy in Afghanistan; requiring a progress report; and making retroactive payments to 185,000+ service members whose enlistments were involuntarily extended since 9/11. (Signed into Law)

TRANSFER OF NEW GI BILL BENEFITS TO CHILDREN OF FALLEN TROOPS, expanding New GI Bill benefits to cover the full cost of a college education for all children of fallen U.S. service members. (Signed into Law)

BOLSTERING U.S. DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES, to strengthen national security by bolstering State Department resources to prevent conflict and failed states around the world. (Passed by House)

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION, authorizing a 3.4% pay raise for our troops, strengthening military readiness, expanding support for military families such as health care and housing, focusing on our strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and redeployment from Iraq, and military procurement reform. (Passed by House)

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION-VETERANS ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATIONS, strengthening quality health care for more than 5 million veterans by investing 15% more than 2009 for medical care, benefits claims processors, and facility improvements. For the first time, includes advance appropriations for FY 2011 to provide reliable and timely funding. (Passed by House)

FAIR COMPENSATION FOR DISABLED MILITARY RETIREES, permitting veterans medically retired from active service to receive both military retirement and Veterans Disability Compensation. (Passed by House)

SECURITY FOR AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES
PUTTING 50,000 COPS ON THE BEAT, authorizing $1.8 billion a year for COPS grants over the next five years, to put an additional 50,000 police officers on the street. (Passed by House)

ENHANCING TRANSPORTATION SECURITY, to improve security for over 10 billion American mass transit trips each year - tripling resources for transit security. (Passed by House)

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS, providing greater resources to strengthen security at our ports and on our borders, improve commercial airline safety, give police officers, firefighters and other first responders the tools to respond to a terrorist incident. (Passed by House)

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Spratt Joins in Passing Department of Defense Appropriations Act

2009-07-31T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) Thursday joined a majority of his House colleagues in passing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

“This bill puts our troops first,” said Spratt, “preparing them for emergencies, providing them with first class weapons and equipment, and ensuring that they and their families are well taken care of.”

The bill, H.R. 3326, appropriates $636.3 billion for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2010, $4.4 billion more than the current level. The total includes $128.3 billion to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world.

The measure generally provides additional funds for military pay raises; quality of life improvements for troops and their families; Special Operations forces; and equipment depleted by the war in Iraq, including new combat vehicles and new battle gear for the Army National Guard and reserves.

The measure reduces spending below current levels on missile defense, new nuclear weapons, and futuristic programs like the Future Combat System.

The bill also provides funding for the F-35 fighter and F-16 upgrades.

Keeping Our Commitments to Our Troops and Their Families

Military Pay Raise
The bill funds a 3.4% pay increase for military personnel, effective January 1, as well as targeted pay raises for a variety of enlisted personnel and officer grades. The increase is half a percentage point more than the President’s request.

Active-Duty Personnel
The bill sets a ceiling on the number of total active-duty military personnel at 1,410,000 in FY 2010. On July 20, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced a temporary increase in the size of the Army of up to 22,000 troops. The added troops are for ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and would increase the size of the Army to 569,000 active-duty soldiers within three years. There are currently some 130,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and 67,000 planned for Afghanistan by the end of the year.

Reserves
The measure sets a ceiling on reserve personnel that totals 844,500 in FY 2010, equal to the administration's request but 844 more than the FY 2009 level. Reserves include the National Guard and reserve forces of the armed services and the Coast Guard.

Stop Loss
The bill provides $8.3 million in additional funds to compensate the last personnel subject to "stop loss" requirements. The policy, which the Pentagon has pledged to end in FY 2010, involuntarily retains certain personnel in the military who were scheduled to end their service.

Family Support
The bill includes $472 million for family advocacy programs, and fully funds family support and yellow ribbon programs. Such programs help children and families managing the difficult challenges of military service, including professional counseling to help alleviate the mental stresses associated with deployments. The measure also includes $20 million for Army National Guard family assistance centers and reintegration efforts for guard personnel.

Defense Department Dependent Schools
The measure funds Defense Department dependent schools, which now educate more than 100,000 military children each year, as well as Impact Aid (The Education Department's Impact Aid program provides supplementary funds to school districts nationwide to support the education of nearly 600,000 children of service members).

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Spratt Hails Start Of New GI Bill College Benefits

2009-07-31T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) announced today that veterans can start receiving college education benefits under the new GI Bill on August 1.

Spratt said some 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, will be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.

Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the “Post-9/11 GI Bill”) to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery. On May 1, veterans were able to start applying for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the VA website, https://www.gibill.va.gov/. And this year, Congress extended those college benefits to all children of fallen soldiers (with no minimum military service needed to qualify).

“We have a responsibility to serve those who bravely served us,” Spratt said. “This full college education benefit for recent veterans will expand job opportunities for them and strengthen our economy. I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together on this key veterans issue. This year, we were able to extend these benefits to all children of fallen services members after 9/11.”

Generally, the measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after September 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to the total months served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years. This program will pay for:

• tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in South Carolina;

• a monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents; and

• an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.

These benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

All of the children of service members who have died on active duty since 9-11-01 qualify for the full education benefit, regardless of the length of military service of their parent; these benefits expire 15 years after the 18th birthday of surviving military children.

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Spratt Holds Hearing on Nuclear Waste Management

2009-07-16T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) held a hearing today on the federal government’s liability for managing nuclear waste and the budget implications of that responsibility. Spratt first held a hearing on the topic two years ago, and is now trying to determine what progress the government has made addressing the problem in the past two years.

Nuclear energy supplies approximately 20 percent of the nation’s electricity. In South Carolina, 51 percent of the state’s electricity is generated by seven commercial light water pressurized reactors, located in Clover, Hartsville, Seneca, and Jenkinsville.

“Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the government was to have begun in 1998 to remove nuclear waste from commercial nuclear reactors and to dispose of it in a central national repository,” Spratt said at the hearing. “Yucca Mountain in Nevada was chosen as the site for this repository. Since 1983, commercial utilities have paid the federal government a fee for this service. These fee collections, which average from $750 to 800 million a year, are placed in a Nuclear Waste Fund.

“More than a decade later, however, the federal government has not begun to take this waste from these sites. Nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel is currently being stored at 121 sites in 39 states. Even under the most optimistic timeframe, by the time the federal government opens a repository, it is likely to face at least a 20-year waste backlog.”

Spratt said that federal delays have resulted in additional costs. In addition to direct lifetime project costs for Yucca Mountain that are now estimated at about $100 billion, many utilities have sued the federal government for breach of its responsibilities. They have been winning their lawsuits. Present estimates of the eventual total costs of the awards and settlements related to this litigation range from $12 billion to $50 billion. Each year of delay in meeting the federal responsibility has been estimated to add another $500 million to the federal liability.

“I am concerned that the federal government’s failure so far to resolve the problem of nuclear waste disposal is costing us large sums, which are not reflected in our budgets,” said Spratt. “For this reason, this issue merits our committee’s careful examination, and raises the question, ‘Is the accrued liability reflected in our budget?’”

Spratt’s committee received testimony today from Kim P. Cawley, Unit Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit, Congressional Budget Office; Michael F. Hertz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Department of Justice; and Christopher A. Kouts, Acting Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of Energy.

Cawley testified that the Department of Energy will need new authority to “permanently dispose of all of the waste anticipated to be generated by existing nuclear facilities at a site other than Yucca Mountain. Otherwise, taxpayers will continue to pay utilities, through settlements and claims awards, to keep storing substantial amounts of waste.” In any case, he said, “federal liabilities will remain substantial, and payments from the Judgment Fund to compensate utilities for storing waste will continue for many years.” Hertz agreed. Kouts said that the Department of Energy “remains committed to meeting its obligations for managing and ultimately disposing of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The Secretary’s Blue-Ribbon Panel will provide the opportunity for a dialogue on how best to address this challenging issue, and the Panel’s recommendations will provide a basis for working with Congress to revise the national policy.”

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Spratt Secures $21 Million for Shaw AFB

2009-07-14T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) secured $21 million for Shaw Air Force Base in a bill the House passed July 10 that funds construction at military bases.

Spratt said the funding would be used to expand and modernize the USAFCENT/9th U.S. Air Force headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base that facilitates command and control of air and ground operations within U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility. Currently, operations are spread among five older buildings on the base.

“The plan is to consolidate these multiple operations and command facilities within a common secure facility,” Spratt said.

The project would renovate 5,000 square feet of an existing structure and add 49,880 square feet to accommodate USAFCENT/9th U.S. Air Force operations and intelligence elements, as well as an Army Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD), within a unified command center. The BCD is temporarily stationed in a facility slated for demolition.

“This project will be a big plus for Shaw,” said Spratt. “I was pleased to help get the funding through the House.”

Spratt cautioned that the bill – the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2010 – must still clear the Senate and the President’s desk.

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Spratt Votes to Improve Veterans' Services

2009-06-30T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined a majority of his House colleagues on June 23 in passing four bills aimed at meeting the needs of veterans. The bills would:

* authorize funding for veterans’ health services one year in advance (H.R. 1016);
* expand and improve VA health services for women (H.R. 1211);
* provide increases to veterans’ disability payments to reflect cost-of-living increases (S. 407); and
* require the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to post a list of scholarships for veterans on its website (H.R. 1172).

“Of all the promises the government should keep, none are more important than those our nation has made to the men and women who serve in the armed forces,” Spratt said.

The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) would authorize Congress to approve funding for veterans’ medical care one year in advance. Advance approval would ensure that funding for the VA is provided in a timely and predictable manner.

“This bill would help to meet the medical needs of our veterans, by providing them with full access to health care services even if funding is delayed," Spratt said.

The Women Veterans’ Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1211) addresses some specific needs of 1.8 million women veterans. The bill would improve VA health care services such as medical care for newborn children and VA sexual trauma programs, and create a pilot program for childcare services.

The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (S. 407) now goes to the President for his signature. H.R. 1016, H.R. 1211, and H.R. 1172 go to the Senate.

“These bills,” said Spratt, “add to our list of achievements for veterans, which includes the New GI Bill, mental health care for troops with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), new claims processors to reduce the backlog of claims, new economic opportunities for returning soldiers, and better hospitals and facilities.”

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Spratt Reports on Energy & Climate Bill in Video

2009-06-26T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) reports on the energy and climate bill moving through Congress in a video recorded yesterday.

Spratt’s guest on the program is U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), chairman of the Energy & Air Quality Subcommittee.

The video can be seen Saturdays at 5:00 pm, beginning July 4, on Comporium Cable Channel 14, which serves York and Lancaster counties.

The video can also be seen now on Spratt’s YouTube channel, JohnMSpratt:

Energy & Climate Bill Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMSpratt#play/uploads/0/H0KOK-4wLR4

Energy & Climate Bill Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMSpratt#play/uploads/1/LiGv0FSqmlg

Energy & Climate Bill Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnMSpratt#play/uploads/2/fcJd1KTYvM8

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Spratt Helps to Pass Bill to Compensate More Disabled Military Retirees

2009-06-24T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today helped to pass a bill to compensate more disabled military retires. The “Disabled Military Retiree Act” (HR 2990) would allow more service members who have been retired for severe disability to receive both military retirement benefits and VA disability compensation without an offset. As chairman of the Budget Committee, Spratt worked to find ways to pay for the bill within the budget, assuring passage in the House. The vote was 404 to 0.

“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly,” said Spratt. “This small step will give them full access to the benefits they deserve, without adding to the deficit.”

Spratt said the bill covers more “Chapter 61” retirees — those forced by their disabilities to retire before they could complete 20 years of service and could earn military retirement benefits based on the longevity of their service. They currently receive only military benefits that are offset by their VA disability compensation.

To qualify to receive both without an offset, service members must have been medically retired from the military and have been rated either 100 percent disabled or 90 percent disabled. The period of eligibility would begin on January 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2010.

Spratt said the bill is a temporary fix but that Congress is working to find a permanent solution to the compensation problem.

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A New Direction for Veterans and Troops

2009-06-17T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON - Under Democratic leadership since 2007, New Direction Congresses have made historic gains for America's veterans, troops, and military families.

Click here to see the historic gains Democrats have made for America's veterans, troops, and military families.

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5th District Counties Receiving Recovery Act Funds for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs

2009-06-15T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – All counties in the 5th Congressional District are receiving funds through the Recovery Act for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs, according to U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).

“These funds will be used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for people with non-disaster related emergencies,” said Spratt. “The goal is to bring immediate relief to communities to address unemployment and poverty. I am delighted all the counties in the 5th District are receiving funding.”

The counties in the 5th District are receiving the following amounts through the Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Cherokee
$26,988

Chester
$20,848

Chesterfield
$19,691

Darlington
$30,375

Dillon
$15,354

Fairfield
$13,634

Florence
$50,066

Kershaw
$22,349

Lancaster
$36,817

Lee
$8,694

Marlboro
$16,480

Newberry
$14,760

Sumter
$40,924

York
$86,758

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Spratt Votes to Honor "Race for the Cure"

2009-06-05T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined a majority of his House colleagues on Wednesday in passing a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Washington D.C. Spratt cosponsored the resolution, which remembers the women and men who have lost their lives to breast cancer, expresses support for those who have survived, and honors all those who participate in the race and help raise money for research, education, and awareness.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested more than $1.3 billion in breast cancer research, treatment, and education, and has developed a large and strong community of breast cancer survivors. The foundation's signature fundraiser is the Race for the Cure, a 5K run or walk that will be held on the National Mall on June 6 in Washington this year.

"The contributions that the Susan G. Komen Foundation has made to breast cancer research over the years are tremendous,” Spratt said. “Numerous lives have been helped by the remarkable efforts of the foundation and its participants."

Up to 75% of the money raised for the Washington, D.C. fundraiser will be donated to local screening, treatment, and education programs. Over 120 races are held across the world every year to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and education.

The resolution (H. Con. Res. 109) passed the House unanimously on June 3, 2009 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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Spratt Votes to Pay Tribute to Native Americans

2009-06-05T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined a majority of his House colleagues to pass legislation that encourages the designation of the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day. This day would pay tribute to Native Americans and acknowledge the many contributions they have made to the United States.

“Recognizing the role Native Americans have played in our history and shaping our culture is significantly important,” Spratt said. “Native Americans have fought and died in every American war and it is critical we honor their contributions and use this day to preserve their rich history and heritage.”

This bill aims to increase awareness of the important part Native Americans and their ancestors have played in the formation of our nation. They have made countless cultural contributions in the areas of art, science, sports, and much more. The bill also encourages U.S. public schools to enhance understanding of Native Americans by providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on the achievements and contributions of Native Americans.

The Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 (H.J. Res 40) passed the House unanimously on June 2 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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Spratt Welcomes Bernanke to Budget Committee

2009-06-04T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON - House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt welcomes Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to the House Budget Committee, where he testified June 3 on the state of the economy.

Spratt asked Bernanke: “Without the extraordinary steps that we've taken, the Fed's taken, the FDIC and the Treasury, without TARP and TALF and the Recovery Act, do you think we would be where we are on the doorsteps of an incipient recovery?”

Bernanke answered: “No, sir. I'm quite sure we would not be. I recognize that many people have raised concerns about various aspects of policies, financial risks that have been incurred, for example, and those are real and serious concerns. But I do think we need to keep in front of us the fact that without the concerted effort of the Federal Reserve, the Treasury and other agencies like the FDIC supported by the Congress and the Administration, that last fall we very likely would have had a serious and perhaps global financial meltdown with extraordinarily adverse implications for the U.S. and global economy. I think having averted that and that we now seem to be on a process of slow and gradual repair both of the financial system and of the economy, is a major accomplishment. And though again, there are many issues that remain, we must keep in front of us the fact that we've diverted I think a very, very serious calamity.”

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House Passes Bill To Curb Abusive Lending Practices

2009-05-19T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to curb abusive practices and predatory lending in the mortgage industry. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) voted for the bill, which passed the House on May 7.

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728, outlaws many of the worst actions that marked the subprime lending boom and led to the nation’s highest foreclosure rate and deepest recessions in decades.

“This recession is not a garden variety recession,” said Spratt. “A core component is the large number of Americans who lost their homes due to foreclosure. With this bill, we are ensuring that a financial crisis like this, which started with irresponsible subprime lending, never happens again.”

H.R. 1728 prohibits lenders from steering borrowers into higher cost loans. It also prevents borrowers from deliberately misstating their income to qualify for a loan. For the first time, it holds accountable all of those who originate and sell and buy loans, including Wall Street firms that buy up and bundle mortgages for profit.

In addition, the bill sets new standards for all home loans. Under the new rules, institutions will be required to ensure that borrowers can repay the loans they are sold; refinancing must benefit the consumer; and fully documented loans will be encouraged.

“I was pleased to vote for this bill and see it pass the House,” Spratt said.

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Spratt Announces High School Art Winners

2009-05-15T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) announced today the winners of the annual high school art competition, An Artistic Discovery.

The contest drew 37 entries from 7 schools in the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina. Marie Cheek, Associate Professor of Art at Clinton Junior College, Rock Hill, judged this year’s show. The Arts Council of York County co-sponsored the contest.

See photos at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=22216&id=1486280792&l=e9b1fb8345

Spratt opened the exhibit at a public reception on May 3 at the Center for the Arts in Rock Hill. He was joined by Cheek and Debra Heintz, Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County.

“We are very proud to be part of this nationwide art competition, which provides Members of Congress an excellent opportunity to showcase the talents of their creative high school constituents and acknowledge our nation’s gifted young artists,” said Spratt, a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus.

“Since this competition was created in 1982, hundreds of high school students have participated at the local level. The first place winner will have their winning entry displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year, and will be eligible for scholarship opportunities from the Savannah College of Arts and Design.

“This remarkable exhibit represents the combined efforts of the members who conducted these contests and the talented students who participated in this exciting competition,” Spratt said.

Winners

First Place
Katherine Keener, Northwestern High School, Rock Hill
Title: “Memories”
Medium: Colored Pencil
Teachers: Kim Grant, Jessica Calloway, Sandra Queen

Second Place
Chelsea Walker, Fort Mill High School
Title: “In the Darkness”
Medium: Colored Pencil
Teachers: Judith Vokes, Susan Miller

Third Place
Ashley Adams, Northwestern High School, Rock Hill
Title: “Teenage Snapshot”
Medium: Colored Pencil
Teachers: Kim Grant, Jessica Calloway, Sandra Queen

Honorable Mention
Emily Varnadore, South Pointe High, Rock Hill
Brittney Olney, Rock Hill High
Emilia Munoz-Bowman, Rock Hill High
Jordan Hennings, Sumter High
Taylor Swiney, Rock Hill High

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Surface Transportation Reauthorization Project Requests

2009-05-14T16:00:00Z

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) made the following transportation requests for FY2010.

Project:    I-73
Amount:    $100,000,000
Description:   Purchase right-of-way, design/plan/construct of the interstate.

Project:    SC-9 Widening in Chesterfield County
Amount:   $1,000,000
Description:   Planning and engineering design of the S.C. Highway 9 connector.

Project:    Frierson Road, Sumter, SC
Amount:   $4,800,000
Description:   For widening of Frierson Road (SC 441) from two lanes to four lanes with a median between US 521 and US 76 along the western perimeter of Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina.

Project:    US76-378 Bypass Sumter, SC
Amount:   $5,000,000
Description:   The project calls for improving access to the US 76-378 Bypass around Sumter, the oldest limited-access highway in South Carolina.

Project:    Camp Welfare Road Reconstruction, Fairfield County, SC
Amount:   $444,000
Description:   The funding will complete reconstruction of the Camp Welfare Road (State Highway S-20-20) roadway between Interstate 77 and U.S. Highway 21. Approximately 3.2 miles of this 5.5 mile section was reconstructed in 2008.

Project:    University of South Carolina Fuel Cell Project
Amount:   $4,000,000
Description:   For research, design, development, and prototype deployment of a new genre of fuel cell-hybrid city car which will enable the use of future fuels for electric vehicles without plug-in power requirements.

Project:    SC Center for Resilient and Sustainable Mobility Systems at Clemson University
Amount:   $4,000,000
Description:   Funding for transportation research on: Fuel Efficiency and Alternative Sources, On-Line Traffic Management, Transportation Infrastructure Construction and Rehabilitation, In-Vehicle Safety, Mobility Demand Management, Security, and Efficient Freight Movement.

Project:    Rock Hill Trolley Town Project
Amount:   $764,000
Description:   The Rock Hill Trolley Town Project entails the purchase of rubber-wheeled trolley vehicles (hybrid or bio-diesel technology) and the installation of trolley stops along the system route. The trolley system terminus points are in the hotel/lodging area of the City and downtown Rock Hill.

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