Tag: U.S. Congress

Boccieri Receives “Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year” from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District, was selected as the recipient for this year’s Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council’s “Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year.” The award is presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council annually to the individual who best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured, and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

Senator Boccieri has been a tireless advocate for veterans since first elected to the Statehouse in 2000.  He has been successful in working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefiting Ohio’s veterans.  Recently, Boccieri passed legislation like the Military Injured Relief Fund which sends grants to injured soldiers.  He also led efforts to bolster job protections for veterans in the workplace after many were losing them while serving abroad, and Boccieri also worked to strengthen enforcement of a 300 foot perimeter for protesters at military funerals.

In his presentation, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke, stated:

“You listened to veteran issues and followed through to do something about it.  All veterans in Ohio are better off this year than they were last because of you.  The entire membership of Buckeye State Council congratulates you.”

Accepting the award, Senator Boccieri said:

“This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates. I am proud of my record in the Statehouse and have always made veteran issues a top priority. But the real heroes are the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our blessed nation, and didn’t make it home. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that soldiers receive the resources they need the moment their boots hit the ground. I’ll also continue to fight for the benefits in medical aid and the education benefits they earn when they return home.”

Senator John Boccieri is currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is a pilot and flies C-130 cargo planes.  Senator Boccieri has fourteen years of experience in the United States Air Force and has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those missions were flying the wounded and the fallen out of Baghdad, Iraq.

The junior Congressman From Clear Channel has been notably silent during the uproar over rightwing talk show host Rush Limbaugh’s attack on U.S. troops who oppose the White House’s misadventure in Iraq as “phony soldiers.”

Now Rep. McCaul’s brother-in-law, the CEO of the company that broadcast Limbaugh’s diatribe, is defending the indefensible.

“It would be unfair for me to assume his statements were intended to personally indict combat soldiers,” said Mr. Clear Channel, as quoted in part by Fox News.

http://www.foxnews.c…

It’s time for Mike McCaul to come out of hiding and tell us whether he stands with Rush Limbaugh and his in-laws — which include the Chairman, the CEO, and the President of Clear Channel — or with the brave men and women who are defending Limbaugh’s right to broadcast such irresponsible statements.

Sincerely,

Dan Grant

http://www.dangrantf…

When Congress gets back to work after its August recess, the first thing lawmakers should do is unite behind a common sense initiative to support our National Guard troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The ‘Patriot Corporations of America Act’ would require corporations to support U.S. troops by paying the difference between regular salary and military salary for all National Guard and Reserve employees who are called up to active duty, and by continuing health insurance coverage for the Guard member and his or her family.

It’s time for America to export our values, not our jobs. This initiative will take an important step toward that goal by rewarding companies that invest in our economy and the middle-class families who drive it.

The act would also:

  * provide tax breaks and preferences in federal contracting to companies that produce at least 90 percent of their goods and services in this country
  * require corporations to invest at least 50 percent of their research and development budgets in domestic projects
  * provide at least 70 percent of the cost of quality health care for their employees
  * contribute at least five percent of payroll to a portable pension fund
  * enforce compliance with federal environmental, workplace safety, and consumer protection regulations.

When Congress returns after Labor Day, passage of this legislation would be a fitting way to mark a fresh start in a new direction for working families and small businesses.

http://www.dangrantf…