Finally...A Senate Budget

PASSAGE OF SENATE BUDGET: ABOUT TIME…This weekend, the Senate finally passed an annual budget framework.  It only took 1,400-plus days for the Senate to do its part infulfilling one of the primary duties of Congress, with the budget passing by a razor thin majority of 50-49.  Despite
differences, at least now there are guideposts in place for the House andSenate together to restore order and possibly achieve some reforms that were otherwise restricted by process.

WHY IT MATTERS.  Every year, Congress is tasked with creating the federalbudget, which typically includes a series of spending bills designated tospecific agencies and functions.  Without the Senate producing a budget atall, not even accounting for the workability of any plan, the House has been
left to negotiate amongst itself.  Achieving reforms to the tax code andother debt drivers occurs at the backend of the budget process, known as “reconciliation.”  It’s uncertain how things will develop over the coming months, but what’s for sure is that the deadlines, cliffs and ceilings that almost seem routine are less likely to occur with a regular budget and appropriations process.

HOUSE BUDGET AN ECONOMIC BOOSTER.  The Fiscal Year 2014 House Budget Resolution is built on a simple premise: put the budget on a path to balance, slow federal spending and prevent any opportunity for future tax increases.  Read more about the House
budget plan here, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NATIONAL PTA for the recognition of the Congressional
Voice for Children Award, which also went to Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).   The PTA has provided a strong foundation for parents and children, helping countless students achieve their full potential with the help of families, schools and communities.  It's an honor to receive such a meaningful award.

FAA MAKES WRONG DECISION ON RAMONA AIRPORT—Ensuring the Ramona
tower continues to operate is important to the region, specifically for fireprevention and fire control operations.  The decision to close the toweris a product of budget constraints, according to the FAA, that will force theclosure of 149 towers total.  I’m tracking the issue closely and evaluating options.  Recently, I sent a letter to the FAA conveying my opposition to closing the tower. 

FIGHT CONTINUES FOR SGT. RAFAEL PERALTA.  A renewed effort to award the Medal of Honor to Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peraltawas launched in Congress.  Legislation recommending that Peralta be awardedthe military’s highest award for combat bravery was introduced in the both the House and Senate—with strong bipartisan support.   Evidence and video supporting the Navy and Marine Corps’ Medal of Honor nomination will be resubmitted to the Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in the coming weeks.

DRONE MEDAL UNDER REVIEW.  In the face of strong resistance from Congress andveterans groups, Secretary Hagel announced a top-to-bottom review of the Pentagon’s
proposed Distinguished Warfare Medal (DWM) for drone operators.  The problem is that the award, as proposed, would rate higher than the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. 

Drones are an important component of the modern-day battle space, but it’s important that the significance of combat valor awards and courage, while under fire, is not diminished in any way.  There’s another argument against the DWM, specifically related to what the DWM represents.   A recent column of mine in USA Today explains more. 

VIDEO GAMES NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PARENTING was the subject of my
latest column, published by Politico.  Especially in light of recent tragedies, there’s an assumption that gaming is a categorical precursor to violence—a point which so far is not supported by science, crime statistics or prevailing legal judgments. 

NEWS DEBRIEF: WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED…

Bill would ease refinancing for service members, Army Times

Pakistani firm whose chemicals were used to kill US troops seeks subsidy for Indiana plant, FOX News

House members question DHS on detainee releases, UT San Diego

Report urges phasing out of aircraft carriers, UT San Diego

Medal proposed for Benghazi SEALs, UT San Diego