Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) announced that $3.24 million in federal stimulus funds for the Monroe County Civic Center Plaza as part of a Green Innovation Grant Program. The funds will be used to construct a green roof to help control heavy rain and flooding.

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chair of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in support of health care reform touting the positive impact it will have on seniors:

“Despite what some of my colleagues may claim, our health care bill make will make Medicare better for millions of Americans and gives seniors peace of mind while also saving them money.”

“This necessary reform will bring better benefits to seniors by improving care, allowing them to spend more time with their primary care doctors. It will end the donut hole in prescription drug coverage, will make premiums more affordable and will take waste and abuse out of the current Medicare system.

“As recently as last month, AARP made clear they, ‘will not support a health care bill that cuts Medicare benefits or puts bureaucracy between you and your doctor.’ I’m pleased to say they have expressed support for our bill.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, said that she had worked to move stop-gap Medicare funding to the floor for an immediate vote, which overwhelmingly passed this afternoon. Slaughter said she moved the legislation to protect 11 million seniors who will be impacted next month by a possible increase in Medicare Part B premiums.

“There is no way I would have allowed this increase to fall on seniors and people with disabilities at a time when so many families are struggling,” Slaughter said. “I feel very strongly that trying to force some Americans to pay an additional 20% a month for premiums would have been an unfair burden and stress. I am proud to have moved this measure through the Rules committee so the House could quickly vote on this critical bill. It’s my hope that it passes the Senate soon so it can be signed into law as soon as possible.”

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) said that the stimulus package is supplying valuable grants to scientific institutions in Western New York.

“Western New Yorkers need to know that the stimulus package Congress passed in February is having a direct impact on our communities and these grants are evidence of stimulus funds advancing science and securing jobs in Western New York,” said Slaughter. “In total, scientific institutes in the 28th district have received more than $20.8 million in federal stimulus dollars, money directly benefiting our local workforce with jobs and the promise of solving our nation’s greatest challenges.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, Chair of the House Committee on Rules, asked the GAO to review federal efforts to collect data on antibiotic use in animals. Slaughter’s request comes after she first raised the issue of non therapeutic use of antibiotics in animals as a national and urgent health crisis that jeopardizes the public health.

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chair of the House Rules Committee, praised First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech today on how health care reform will help women and families.

“I was excited to hear the First Lady talk about the need for health care reform, and how reform will help protect women,” said Slaughter. “It is outrageous that a woman can be denied coverage because she was a victim of domestic abuse, or had a caesarean. Worse yet, even if she gets coverage it will often not include important procedures such as mammograms. One of the most important reforms in H.R. 3200 is to prohibit these types of discrimination, and ensure that women in America receive the quality health care they deserve.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) announced that President Obama has awarded Dr. Esther Takeuchi of the University at Buffalo, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation

“I am so pleased that the White House has recognized Dr. Takeuchi’s numerous accomplishments, particularly her contributions to the development of more effective life saving technology. She is an invaluable asset to the University at Buffalo, and I know we will see more great things from her in the future,” Slaughter said.

As the debate over health care reform continues, I want to take this chance to clear up some of the confusion about the terms that are being thrown around. With three bills in the House, and two more in the Senate, plus many additional ideas and proposals under discussion, there are bound to be terms that need explanation. Today I want to talk to you about the public option, triggers, and pilot programs.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement as her colleagues in the House Veterans Affairs Committee look towards the Buffalo Veterans Court as a model for veterans care in the United States:

“Members of the military and their families have the hardest job in the world. Our veterans have served us proudly putting themselves in danger thousands of miles from their families in tour after tour. Honoring their sacrifice means we must recognize their specialized needs, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury, that increasingly result from fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is imperative that we help our veterans readjust to civilian life get back on track if they’re in trouble,” said Slaughter. “The Buffalo Veterans Court is a shining example of giving veterans the treatment they deserve and I’m proud that my colleagues are looking to Buffalo for leadership on how to care for our servicemen and women.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter today joined five other House members in filing a notice stating their “serious concerns” with the Columbia Free Trade Agreement, which she noted is a deal left over from 2006 during the Bush Administration. Slaughter said that many of the elements of the NAFTA and CAFTA deal are repeated in the Columbia FTA and that until changes are made the White House should not move the deal forward. Slaughter noted that Columbia has a history of assassinations of labor unionists, indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders, journalists and others.