January 2011: Mt. Soledad, Education Reform and Job Fair

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Back in News

Recently, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial – a fixture of the San Diego community for more than 50 years – stands in violation of the U.S. Constitution.  This ruling overturns a lower court decision declaring the Memorial a secular symbol of military service and tradition, and sets the stage for possible review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

In response to the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, I was joined by Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-50) in sending a letter to the Departments of Justice and Defense, urging Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to vigorously defend the Memorial and ensure it remains intact.  The Department of Defense, as owner of the property, and the Department of Justice, which is obligated to uphold acts of Congress determined to be within the law, have demonstrated strong support for the Memorial in the past and it’s necessary that both Departments reengage in the ongoing legal proceedings. 

Click here for a copy of my letter to Attorney General Holder and Secretary Gates. 

Another area of concern is what the Ninth Circuit’s ruling means for all other war memorials across the country that include religious symbols of any type.  From Fort Rosecrans to Arlington National Cemetery, America honors its war dead and military heroes for their willingness to step forward and protect others.  In cases where religious elements are present, the fact that these monuments stand as symbols of military service and tradition does not change.  

That is why I have introduced H.R. 290, the War Memorial Protect Act, cosponsored by Representatives Bilbray and Darrell Issa (CA-49).  The legislation is straightforward.  It simply allows the inclusion of religious symbols on war memorials.  This would ensure that all war memorials with religious elements are explicitly protected under federal law.  

The latest ruling on Mt. Soledad and the possibility of similar action involving other war memorials is a disservice to anyone who has ever served in America’s armed forces, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Mt. Soledad is a clear symbol of military service and tradition.  Ensuring it remains intact is not only important to the San Diego community, but the millions of other Americans who have served in the armed forces and defended freedom in the face of immense danger and personal risk.   

Hunter Named Chairman of Education Subcommittee

Committee assignments for the 112th Congress have been set.  In addition to continuing my service on the House Armed Services Committee, I will be joining the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and once again serving on the House Education and Workforce Committee.  Within my duties on the Education and Workforce Committee, I am particularly honored to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education – an important position in light of the anticipated reauthorization of national education policy.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, otherwise known as No Child Left Behind, was last authorized in 2002 and expired in 2007.  There has been no action on this front since the law was reauthorized almost ten years ago and, without question, a reformulation of current education policy is desperately needed.

I have already talked with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who agrees that education reform is definitely one area where we can achieve bipartisan consensus.  In fact, this was the subject of a recent story in the Washington Post, available here.  As the article suggests, I greatly look forward to working with Secretary Duncan and the rest of my colleagues in the interest of strengthening America’s school system.  Also, my intention is to cut spending where appropriate and effectively reduce much of the bureaucracy that is needlessly constraining student development and growth.  

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I intend to keep utilizing my experience as a Marine, including my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as we work to shape our nation’s defense policy and ensure our military has the resources it needs.  A large part of my focus will remain on combating Improvised Explosive Devices in Afghanistan, as well as strengthening our nation’s shipbuilding capability. 

Additionally, issues related to the border, water, aviation and roads fall under the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s jurisdiction.  Given the local interest in each of these areas, this is an excellent opportunity to advance some of San Diego’s priorities and even more directly participate in discussions to improve the quality and safety of our communities.

These are all important assignments, with each committee focused on a unique set of challenges related to the American economy, global security and national infrastructure.  And given that all of these issues are important to the San Diego community, I look forward to representing the region’s interests during committee action and floor debate. 

February Job Fair Announced      

Mark your calendars.  On February 25, 2011, I will be hosting another job fair at Cuyamaca College Student Center in El Cajon, from 9 AM to noon.  There is no fee to attend and parking is free.

Nearly 50 local and regional businesses, including government agencies, are confirmed to attend.  If you own a business and are interested in taking part in the event or if you are looking for new job opportunities and have specific questions, please contact my El Cajon office at 619-448-5201.