Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, Chair of the House Committee on Rules, and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today introduced new legislation, The Reciprocal Market Access Act, which would force the administration to reduce trade barriers in other countries before allowing other countries to sell their products here. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) is original lead cosponsor of the bill that would essentially add ‘common sense’ reforms to the process by which goods are exchanged between the U.S. and other countries.

“Our country is pulling itself out of a serious and long-lasting recession and we need to take smart steps in order to get this economy going in the right direction,” Slaughter said. “The best and easiest way to do that is to start by protecting American workers by ensuring that our trade policies are actually creating opportunities and allowing our manufacturing industries to tap into new markets. We must demand that our trade negotiators are firm and have clear guidelines so they can closely enforce rules and make sure that all countries play by the same rules. A level playing field is all we are asking for.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), chair of the House Rules Committee, said she is asking President Obama to support her legislation banning the non therapeutic use of antibiotics in pigs, cows and chickens and other livestock. Slaughter said she was taking the action to help spark action on her legislation, which she would like to move forward this year.

“I was relieved to hear that the Food and Drug Administration sees this as a serious public health issue but we need to do more,” said Slaughter. “It’s always been my position that we can address the overuse of antibiotics through legislation or simply with a bold decision from this administration. We have heard overwhelming evidence from my hearing and from other sources that an excessive reliance on antibiotics allows farmers to keep animals in inhumane conditions, dilutes the effectiveness of our antibiotic supply, leads to the growth of resistant ‘super bugs’ and risks sparking a backlash among our trading partners.”

Slaughter, a microbiologist, held a hearing on the issue July 13 before the Rules Committee. Thirty-six members of Congress joined Rep. Slaughter in signing the letter.

Rep. Slaughter spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to support the FY 2010 Defense Authorization Bill. The bill will help protect American lives and ideals, both at home and abroad.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), chair of the House Rules Committee, today spoke on the House floor to encourage members to support her legislation ending the overuse of antibiotics for livestock. Slaughter’s also warned that American farmers risk losing access to overseas markets unless we can reassure other countries that our agriculture products are safe.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) today said the state’s $11.6 billion request for additional stimulus funds to improve high-speed rail service from Niagara Falls to New York City will help spark new economic growth.

“This application is an important step forward in building a better economic future for New York,” said Slaughter. “High-speed rail has the potential to expand our regional workforce, improve commerce, generate new tourism opportunities and spark revitalization in our region for years to come. Eventually I hope to connect the Empire Corridor to Toronto, Montreal and back down to Albany creating a large economic development center.”

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) said the Thomas J. Ryan Jr. Community Center would serve as a “gathering point” for the community and praised the tenacity of the local community in making the opening a reality.

Slaughter was joined at this morning’s ribbon cutting by Mayor Robert Duffy, Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, State Senator Joseph Robach, representatives from the School Board, Board of Education, Rochester Library Board and members of the Brentwood community.

“The community has eagerly anticipated this project for years,” said Slaughter. “Its completion is a testament to the tenacity of local community groups empowered by local officials and guided by their hard work. I’m pleased to be a part of this tremendous project, which will serve as a gathering point for this entire community. The City is moving forward because of talented and engaged citizens in neighborhoods like the Beechwood neighborhood.”

Slaughter secured $100,000 for the community center’s equipment and furnishings.

Congressmembers Louise Slaughter (NY-28), Brian Higgins (NY-27), and Chris Lee (NY-26) sent a letter to Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica, leaders of the House Transportation Committee today to reiterate their strong support for H.R. 3771, Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 and inclusion of critical language central to resolving safety issues.

“Our first priority in this bill is safety,” said Slaughter. “The transportation committee passed a bill taking into account the lessons learned from the tragic crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407.  We won't improve pilot training unless we require everyone in the cockpit to be adequately prepared to handle an emergency.  The required 1,500 hours of pilot training needs to apply to all pilots and I will do everything in my power to keep the provision intact.”

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) announced that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a $483,961 grant as part of a U.S. Justice Department program aimed at protecting children from sexual predators.

“Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime, and I am so pleased Monroe County has received the funding they need to locate, arrest and prosecute these sexual predators," said Slaughter.