October 2009 Archives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), concerned that many of his constituents lack access to affordable, quality health care, today announced his support of the updated health insurance reform legislation unveiled at the Capitol.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which updates bills passed by House committees over the summer, reflects the priorities of the House, President Obama and the American people.

A vote on the legislation is expected next week.

“This historic bill is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to ensure that all Americans get quality, affordable health care,” said Johnson. “This legislation will reduce costs, prohibit discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions and extend coverage to the uninsured.”

The legislation will ensure that 96 percent of Americans are covered by a quality, affordable health plan, and it would cover 36 million more people who do not have coverage today. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the cost of expanding coverage at $894 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark stipulated by the President. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years.

“For the people of the Fourth District, this is an urgently needed bill,” said Johnson. “I’m pleased that after hundreds of hearings and thousands of public meetings across the nation, we are one step closer on the long road to reform.”

A closer look:
 
• Exempts small businesses. Under the revised legislation, small businesses with payrolls below $500,000 (instead of $250,000) would be exempt from the employer mandate – which is 86 percent of America’s businesses.

• Help for seniors with drug costs in the Part D donut hole. The revised bill moves forward the effective date of reducing the donut hole by $500 and instituting a 50 percent discount for brand-name drugs in the donut hole from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2010. It also eliminates the donut hole by 2019 instead of 2024.

• Reduces the deficit more. According to the CBO, the revised bill reduces the deficit by $30 billion over the first 10 years. (The original bill reduced the deficit by $6 billion over the first 10 years). The revised bill also continues to reduce the deficit over the second 10-year period.

• Ends health insurance companies’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws. In order to open up health insurance markets to real competition, the revised bill ends insurers’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws, bringing antitrust enforcement to the two most abusive practices of health insurers – price fixing and market allocation.

• Extends coverage for young people up to their 27th birthday through parents’ insurance. The revised bill requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ policy, at their parents’ choice.

• Creates a new, voluntary, public long-term care insurance program. The revised bill creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. The measure provides a cash benefit to help individuals with community-based services.

To view a copy of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, click here.

To view a copy of the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, H.R. 3961, click here.

To view a bill summary, detailed fact sheets and more information on what the health insurance reform will mean for Americans, click here.
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), concerned that many of his constituents lack access to affordable, quality health care, today announced his support of the updated health insurance reform legislation unveiled at the Capitol.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which updates bills passed by House committees over the summer, reflects the priorities of the House, President Obama and the American people.

A vote on the legislation is expected Saturday evening.

“This historic bill is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to ensure that all Americans get quality, affordable health care,” said Johnson. “This legislation will reduce costs, prohibit discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions and extend coverage to the uninsured.”

The legislation will ensure that 96 percent of Americans are covered by a quality, affordable health plan, and it would cover 36 million more people who do not have coverage today. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the cost of expanding coverage at $894 billion, consistent with the $900 billion coverage mark stipulated by the President. CBO estimates the bill reduces the deficit by at least $30 billion over 10 years.

“For the people of the Fourth District, this is an urgently needed bill,” said Johnson. “I’m pleased that after hundreds of hearings and thousands of public meetings across the nation, we are one step closer on the long road to reform.”

A closer look:
 
• Exempts small businesses. Under the revised legislation, small businesses with payrolls below $500,000 (instead of $250,000) would be exempt from the employer mandate – which is 86 percent of America’s businesses.

• Help for seniors with drug costs in the Part D donut hole. The revised bill moves forward the effective date of reducing the donut hole by $500 and instituting a 50 percent discount for brand-name drugs in the donut hole from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2010. It also eliminates the donut hole by 2019 instead of 2024.

• Reduces the deficit more. According to the CBO, the revised bill reduces the deficit by $30 billion over the first 10 years. (The original bill reduced the deficit by $6 billion over the first 10 years). The revised bill also continues to reduce the deficit over the second 10-year period.

• Ends health insurance companies’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws. In order to open up health insurance markets to real competition, the revised bill ends insurers’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws, bringing antitrust enforcement to the two most abusive practices of health insurers – price fixing and market allocation.

• Extends coverage for young people up to their 27th birthday through parents’ insurance. The revised bill requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ policy, at their parents’ choice.

• Creates a new, voluntary, public long-term care insurance program. The revised bill creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. The measure provides a cash benefit to help individuals with community-based services.

To view a copy of the Affordable Health Care for American Act, H.R. 3926, click here.

To view a copy of the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, H.R. 3961, click here.

To view a bill summary, detailed fact sheets and more information on what the health insurance reform will mean for Americans, click here.
 

TRANSIT & RAIL REQUESTS
Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Intermodal Programs, West Annex 276 Memorial Drive SW, Atlanta, 30303

East Corridor Commuter Rail Line:  Authorization under Federal Transit New Starts program to plan, design, engineer, and construct a commuter rail line between central Atlanta and the Morgan County Area. This request was submitted to my office by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
 Request Amount: $0
 Request ID: 906

Atlanta/Athens Corridor Commuter Rail Line: Authorization under Federal Transit New Starts program to plan, design, engineer, and construct a commuter rail line between central Atlanta and the Athens area.  This request was submitted to my office by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
 Request Amount: $0
Request ID: 931

Northeast Corridor Commuter Rail Line: Authorization under Federal Transit New Starts program to plan, design, engineer, and construct a commuter rail line between central Atlanta and the Hall County area.  This request was submitted to my office by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Request amount: $0
Request ID: 917

Athens-Macon Intercity Rail Passenger Service: The request will support environmental updates, preliminary engineering and acquisition of right-of-way.   This request was submitted to my office by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Request amount: $5,333,333
Request ID: 5389

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Xpress Bus Expansion:  Acquisition of buses and construction of bus facilities in the Metro Atlanta East Corridor.  This request was submitted to my office by GRTA.
Request amount: $4,840,000
Request ID:  396


Gwinnett County, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30045
Alternatives Analysis Request:  The request will support alternatives analysis for a fixed-guideway Light Rail Transit system along the Northeast I-85 corridor to connect the existing MARTA Doraville station, Gwinnett Village CID, Indian-Trail Road, Gwinnett Place Mall, and the Gwinnett arena.  This request was submitted to my office by the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District.
Request amount: $1,000,000
Request ID: 1040

Gwinnett Transit bus replacement:  The request will support the replacement of Gwinnett Transit buses.  This request was submitted to my office by Gwinnett County.
Request amount: $4,320,000
Request ID:  175

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), 2424 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
Authorization under the Federal Transit New Starts program to design, engineer, conduct environmental review, acquire right-of-way and construct the I-285 Northern Crescent High Capacity Transit System.
Request amount: $0
Request ID: 824

Authorization under the Federal Transit New Starts program to develop the MARTA Northeast Line Extension.
Request amount: $0
Request ID: 620

œ Authorization to conduct environmental review, preliminary engineering, design, acquire right-of-way, and construct MARTA high-capacity transit line for the I-20 East Transit Corridor from Downtown Atlanta to the Stonecrest Mall area in DeKalb County.
Request Amount: $0
Request ID: 728

Authorization under Federal Transit New Starts program to conduct environmental review, engineer, design, acquire right-of-way and construct the MARTA Clifton Corridor High Capacity Transit Project.
Request Amount: $0
Request ID: 765

Authorization for New Starts for planning, design, engineering, conducting environmental review, acquisition of right-of-way and construction of the Atlanta Regional Transit Interline Connector (ARTIC).
Request Amount: $0
 Request ID: 857
I-20 East Transit Corridor Project: Request will support alternatives analysis, environmental review, preliminary engineering, final design, and right of way acquisition.
Request amount: $70,200,000
Request ID: 636

Stonecrest Park and Ride Facility: Request will support design, acquisition of right-of-way and construction.
Request amount: $11,000,000
Request ID: 805


HIGHWAY REQUESTS
Georgia Department of Transportation, 2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Projects Submitted by the Georgia Department of Transportation
Buford Highway Streetscape:  To construct enhancements on SR 13/Buford Highway from Lenox Road to Shallowford Terrace in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $5,354000
Request ID: 596

Clairmont Road: Construct sidewalks on SR 155/Clairmont Road from I-85 to SR 13/Buford Highway, DeKalb County, GA.
Request Amount: $2,793,000
Request ID: 5354

Lithonia Industrial Boulevard: New roadway from I-20 to Evans Mill Road, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Request ID: 605

Old Covington Road: Reconstruct intersection at Sigman Road/N. Salem Road, Rockdale County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $1,726,000
Request ID: 554

Panola Road: Widen Panola Road from Thompson Mill Road to SR 212/Browns Mill Road, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Request ID: 5330

Turner Hill Road: Reconstruct and widen Turner Hill Road from Hayden Quarry Road to McDaniel Mill Road, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Request ID: 575

Projects Submitted by the City of Conyers
Sigman Road: Acquire right-of-way and construct intersection improvements on Sigman Road at Sarasota Business Park and East Park Drive.
Request Amount: $640,000
Request ID: 1102

Main Street: Engineer, acquire right-of-way, and construct improvements to Main Street from Pine Log Road to Peek Street, Conyers, Georgia.
Request Amount: $2,105,000
Request ID: 1107

Project Submitted by the City of Decatur
Church Street Bicycle Lanes: Plan, design, engineer, and construct on-street bicycle lanes on Church Street between Commerce Drive and the northern City limits.
Request Amount: $1,600,000
Request ID: 980


Projects Submitted by DeKalb County
Clifton Road: Replace bridge on Clifton Road Bridge at CSX Railroad, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Request ID: 314

Glenwood Road: Design, engineer, and construct pedestrian safety improvements on Glenwood Road in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Request ID: 324

Montreal Road: Acquire right-of-way for grade separation on Montreal Road at CSX Railroad for construction of a bridge.
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Request ID: 342

Panola Road Improvements: Acquire right-of-way for improvements from Brown’s Mill Road (GA 212) to Covington Highway (US 278).
Request Amount: $4,000,000
Request ID: 287

Rockbridge Road: Design, engineer, and construct road improvements on Rockbridge Road from Memorial Drive to Rock Chapel Road, DeKalb County, Georgia.
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Request ID: 327

South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road Bike Lanes and Sidewalks: Construction of sidewalks and bike lanes.
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Request ID: 293

Project Submitted by Gwinnett County
Hillcrest Road/Satellite Boulevard Connector: Design, engineer, conduct environmental review, and construct Hillcrest Road/Satellite Boulevard Connector, from Beaver Ruin Road to Singleton Road.
Request Amount: $11,578,000
Request ID: 157

Old Norcross-Tucker Road: Design, engineer, and construct sidewalks along Old Norcross-Tucker Road from South Norcross-Tucker Road to the DeKalb County Line.
Request Amount: $1,422,000
Request ID: 164

Projects Submitted by Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District
Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 Bridge Replacement: Acquire right-of-way and construct a replacement bridge to address safety concerns and traffic congestion.
Request Amount: $63,200,000
Request ID: 1009

Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 Bridge Replacement: Acquire right-of-way for bridge replacement.
Request Amount: $24,000,000
Request ID: 1024

Project Submitted by Congressman Johnson by Request of Constituents
Sound Barriers:  Design and construct sound barriers on I-285 between I-85 and I-20 and sound barriers on I-20 between I-285 and Wesley Chapel Road.
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Request ID: 1129

 Project Submitted by the City of Lilburn
Killian Hill Road Tunnel: Design, engineer, conduct environmental review, and construct a pedestrian tunnel and trail under Killian Hill Road connecting Camp Creek Trail with Jackson Creek Trail.
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Request ID: 1068

Project Submitted by Rockdale County
Commerce Crossing Bridge: Design, engineer, conduct environmental review, acquire right-of-way and construct a non-access bridge across I-20.
Request Amount: $15,000,000
Request ID: 134




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– El Congresista Hank Johnson, presidente del subcomité judicial de la Casa de Representantes en Cortes  y Políticas de Competencia, es copatrocinador inicial del Acta de Enmiendas del 2009 para el Acta Patriótica de los Estados Unidos (H.R. 3845) y del Acta de Enmiendas del 2009  para el Acta de Inteligencia de Vigilancia Internacional, FISA por sus siglas en inglés (H.R. 3846).

Los dos proyectos de ley fueron introducidos el 20 de octubre por el presidente del Comité Judicial de la Casa de Representantes John Conyers (MI-14).

H.R. 3845 reautorizaría las provisiones del Acta Patriótica criticas para contra terrorismo, mientras que restringiría dramáticamente excesos  que pongan en peligro las libertades civiles de los Americanos.

H.R. 3846 aboliría la inmunidad para las compañías de telecomunicaciones que faciliten espionaje ilegal de ciudadanos americanos; prohibiría recolección masiva de información de comunicaciones de ciudadanos americanos; y prohibiría la explotación de leyes de vigilancia internacional para monitorear actividades de ciudadanos americanos en el país.  

“La amenaza del terrorismo es real y las autoridades deben tener las herramientas adecuadas para proteger a los Americanos”, dijo Johnson. “Pero el Acta Patriota fue muy lejos. Estos proyectos de ley aseguraran que nuestros esfuerzos contraterroristas tengan una base sólida constitucional”

Johnson se unió al Presidente Conyers, y a colegas presidentes de subcomités Representantes Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Bobby Scott (VA-03) y Steven Cohen (TN-09) como copatrocinador inicial de los dos proyectos de ley.

Que haría el Acta de Enmiendas del 2009 al Acta Patriota de los Estados Unidos

Intervención de Líneas

∙ Clarifica las leyes para intervención de líneas para asegurar que el gobiernos vigile exclusivamente al objetivo que ha sido previamente identificado.

Búsquedas Criminales

∙ Adopta ciertas garantías en contra del abuso de búsquedas donde el aviso de sujeto de búsqueda es retrasado acortando el periodo de retraso inicial de 30 días a 7 días, exigiendo que cualquier aplicación para una extensión durante los 7 días de retraso sea hecha por el fiscal general, confirmado por el senado, del distrito de donde la orden de aviso retrasada fue obtenida inicialmente. Con esto se retira la habilidad de obtener el retraso simplemente alegando que el aviso “pondría la investigación en serio peligro o un juicio de retrazo excesivo”.

Lobo Solitario

∙ Permite el ocaso de la provisión del Lobo Solitario al final de este año (Diciembre 31, 2009)

Titulo II: Reforma a la Carta Nacional de Seguridad Nacional (NSL por sus siglas en inglés)

∙ Asegura que el FBI pueda obtener información básica sin una orden judicial; sin embargo, a su vez añade garantías razonables.

∙ Mejora el estándar para la creación de Cartas Nacionales de Seguridad (NLSs por sus siglas en inglés)  exigiendo hechos claros y específicos mostrando que existen motivos aceptables para creer que la información buscada es relevante para un poder internacional o un agente de un poder internacional. Requiere que el FBI ponga estos hechos en un testimonio escrito.

Acta de Enmiendas del 2009 para FISA

Inmunidad para Compañías de Telecomunicación

∙ Revoca la provisión de inmunidad retroactiva en el Acta de Enmiendas del 2008 para FISA permitiendo a las cortes determinar si las compañías de teléfono que ejercieron intervenciones ilegales de líneas bajo el programa de intervención sin orden judicial, cumplieron con las leyes establecidas en ese momento; y por ésta razón, merecen inmunidad.

Objetivo Invertido (conocido en inglés como “reverse targeting”)

∙ Establece límites adicionales en recolecciones sin orden judicial por parte de las autoridades en el Acta de Enmiendas del 2008 para FISA asegurando que esta información no se usada como pretexto cuando la meta real del gobierno sean americanos, con quienes el objetivo internacional se esta comunicando aparentemente.

Uso de Información Obtenida Ilegalmente

∙ Limita el uso de información utilizada por el gobierno en contra de ciudadanos Americanos que fue obtenida bajo el Acta de Enmiendas del 2008 para FISA que posteriormente haya sido clasificada  como ilegal por la corte de FISA. Sin embargo, continúa otorgando cierta flexibilidad a la corte de FISA permitiendo el uso de esta información en casos que considere apropiados.
 

Concerned many Fourth District residents are still struggling in a tough economy and that Georgia unemployment numbers continue to slightly rise, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was pleased that more than $82 million has flowed into the district from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Although the total is preliminary – Recovery funds will be spent well into 2010 – a more robust accounting of Recovery funds spent to date will be provided by the White House on Oct. 30.

The report is expected to show how Recovery Act monies have been spent and how many jobs have been and will be created with the funding. 

By the end of 2010, the ARRA will provide – among many other projects – nearly $100 million for Fourth District schools, more than $65 million for MARTA, more than $100 million for roads and bridges and $8 million for weatherizing homes.

“It’s important that we leverage as many federal resources as possible to help residents struggling to find jobs, pay the mortgage or rent, attend college and put food on the table,” said Johnson. “The Recovery money is not a cure all, but a good boost that has already saved or created more than 1,200 teaching and construction jobs in our District. I think its impact will continue to be felt well into 2010 and beyond.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a correction Friday, Oct. 23 after it reported in an article Oct. 19 that just $2 million from ARRA had flowed into Johnson’s district and $5.9 million into John Lewis’ (GA-05) district. 

The correction on A2 read: “A chart accompanied a front-page article Monday about federal stimulus spending included some incorrect figures. … Rep. Hank Johnson’s congressional district has received $82 million.” 

“I’m just pleased residents of the Fourth know I’m working hard to get this economy jump started again, and will do everything in my power to make that happen.”

Dear Friends,

The floodwaters have receded, but there are still folks out there who need our help to fully recover from the devastating floods last month. Georgia households affected by the September flooding have received more than $61.5 million in federal disaster grants and low-interest loans since the major disaster declaration September 24. And while that’s great news, there’s still more work to be done.

DISASTER RELIEF CENTERS TO CLOSE – The last of the Disaster Relief Centers close tonight, including the one in Lilburn as several begin to transition into SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. If you or someone you know was affected by the flooding but has not registered with FEMA, time is running out. Georgians should register for assistance on the Web at www. DisasterAssistance.gov; or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Help is available in all languages.

FLOOD UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF – If the flooding affected your job and income, you may be eligible for help. But the deadline to apply for benefits is fast approaching. The deadline to file in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties is Friday, Oct. 30. You can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance if the flooding left you unemployed, injured or forced you to become the major bread winner because the head of the household died. People can call 877-709-8185 or register at the Georgia Department of Labor’s Web site: www.dol.state.ga.us.

SBA DEADLINE LOOMS, TOO –The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding disaster victims that they should not wait to settle with their insurance companies before applying for disaster loan assistance. The SBA encourages victims of the severe storms and flooding to return their completed applications, even if they have not settled with their insurance company. The deadline to file an SBA loan application for physical damage is November 23. For more, click here.

MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE – If you or your neighbors are in danger of losing your home to foreclosure, please plan to attend the Atlanta Making Home Affordable event on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center. The daylong Save Your Home event is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with your lender to discuss options to avoid foreclosure. Counselors will also be on hand to provide information on the Making Home Affordable Program. For more information or to see what documents you need to bring, click here.

HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION UPDATE – On Oct. 21, I voted in Judiciary Committee to revoke the exemption from federal antitrust law that health care insurance companies have long enjoyed. It’s my hope that this will be included in broader health care insurance reform legislation that we will begin debating soon. The measure would outlaw price-fixing, bid rigging and “market allocations” by companies that sell health insurance. For updates on the health care insurance reform progress, click here.

MAKING PRESCRIPTIONS AFFORDABLE – On Oct 13, I introduced the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009 –  or H.R. 3799 –  to cap monthly out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs, including those covered under Medicare Part D and private insurance plans. The bill is expected to lower prescription costs for 2.5 percent to 10 percent of Americans who are saddled by the highest drug costs. The bill caps the amount a person could be charged for any one prescription at $200, and establishes a $500 cap on how much an individual can be charged for all medications per month. All public and private insurance coverage – including Medicare prescription drug plans – are subject to the cap. For more on my legislation, click here.

RECOVERY IN THE AJC – On Monday, Oct. 19, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a great article on the Recovery Act and funds that have flowed into Georgia’s Congressional Districts from the $787 billion plan that I supported in March. However, they erroneously reported that only $2 million had “flowed” into the Fourth District. Relax folks, it’s more like $82 million – and counting – when all is said and done our school systems will receive nearly $100 million, MARTA more than $65 million, more than $50 million will be spent on our roads and bridges and $8 million for weatherizing homes. And that’s not counting $400 every taxpayer kept in their paychecks, money for local hospitals, emergency shelters and community development block grants to name just a few. To track Recovery funds in the Fourth, click here.

SOLUTION SATURDAY – Are you struggling to pay back taxes and keep food on the table, a roof over your head or your business open? Now’s the time to meet with IRS folks who can adjust those payment schedules to help you weather the economic storm. Assistance will be available on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Atlanta Summit Building, 401 West Peachtree St. NW. Beginning on Monday, October 26, people can call 404-588-5444 to set up an appointment. Taxpayers are encouraged to schedule appointments for this event, however people without appointments can walk in and get help, too. 

STOP LOSS GAIN – Beginning Oct. 21, special payments are available to more than 185,000 service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001, providing $500 for every month they were held under stop-loss orders. Congress established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted this summer. Service members may begin submitting their claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay today. To apply or send an e-mail, click the appropriate branch of the military

HOME HEATING BILLS – Winter can be tough in a recession. To see if you, a family member, friend or neighbor is eligible for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, click here.
 
As always, please e-mail me any time with your thoughts and concerns about health care legislation or any topic happening in Washington, D.C. and the District. Thank you.
 

Bill would reauthorize Act, but curb excessive threats to civil liberties: 

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, is an original cosponsor of the USA PATRIOT Act Amendments Act of 2009 (H.R. 3845), and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2009 (H.R. 3846).

Both bills were introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (MI-14) on Oct. 20.

H.R. 3845 would reauthorize those PATRIOT Act provisions critical to counterterrorism, while dramatically curbing excesses that jeopardize Americans’ civil liberties.

H.R. 3846 would repeal immunity for telecom companies that facilitate illegal spying on American citizens; ban “bulk collection” of Americans’ communications; and prohibit “reverse targeting,” or the exploitation of foreign surveillance laws to monitor U.S. citizens’ activities within the United States.

“The threat of terrorism is real, and law enforcement must have the right tools to protect Americans,” said Johnson. “But the PATRIOT Act went too far, and these bills will ensure that our counterterrorism efforts have a solid Constitutional footing.”

Johnson joined Chairman Conyers and fellow subcommittee chairs Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Steve Cohen (TN-09) as an original cosponsor of both bills.

What it would do: USA Patriot Amendments Act of 2009

Roving Wiretaps

• Clarifies roving wiretap laws in order to ensure that the government only conducts surveillance on a single, identifiable target.

Criminal “Sneak and Peak” Searches

• Adopts safeguards against abuse of searches where notice to subject of search is delayed by shortening the initial 30 day delay period to 7 days, requiring that any application for an extension in the 7 day delay be made by the Senate confirmed US Attorney in the district where the delayed notice warrant was originally obtained, and removing ability to obtain delay by merely alleging that notice would “otherwise seriously jeopardize an investigation or unduly delay a trial.”

Lone Wolf

• Allows the Lone Wolf provision to sunset at the end of this year (December 31, 2009).

Title II: National Security Letter (NSL) Reform

 • Ensures that the FBI can obtain basic information without a court order, but also adds reasonable safeguards.

• Improves the issuance standard for NSLs by requiring specific and articulable facts showing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or agent of a foreign power, and requires the FBI to record them in a written certification.

FISA Amendments Act of 2009

Telecommunications Immunity

• Repeals the retroactive immunity provision in the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, leaving it to the courts to determine whether telephone companies that complied with the illegal warrantless wiretapping program acted properly under the laws in effect at the time and therefore deserve immunity. 

Reverse Targeting

• Places additional limits on the warrantless collection authorities of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to ensure that they are not used as a pretext when the government’s real goal is to target the Americans with whom the ostensible foreign target is communicating.   

Use of Unlawfully Obtained Information

• Limits the government’s use of information about U.S. persons that is obtained under FISA Amendments Act of 2008 procedures that the FISA Court later determines to be unlawful, while still giving the FISA Court flexibility to allow such information to be used in appropriate cases. 

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Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, is an original cosponsor of the USA PATRIOT Act Amendments Act of 2009 (H.R. 3845), and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2009 (H.R. 3846).

Both bills were introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (MI-14) on Oct. 20.

H.R. 3845 would reauthorize those PATRIOT Act provisions critical to counterterrorism, while dramatically curbing excesses that jeopardize Americans’ civil liberties.

H.R. 3846 would repeal immunity for telecom companies that facilitate illegal spying on American citizens; ban “bulk collection” of Americans’ communications; and prohibit “reverse targeting,” or the exploitation of foreign surveillance laws to monitor U.S. citizens’ activities within the United States.

“The threat of terrorism is real, and law enforcement must have the right tools to protect Americans,” said Johnson. “But the PATRIOT Act went too far, and these bills will ensure that our counterterrorism efforts have a solid Constitutional footing.”

Johnson joined Chairman Conyers and fellow subcommittee chairs Reps. Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Steve Cohen (TN-09) as an original cosponsor of both bills.

What it would do: USA Patriot Amendments Act of 2009

Roving Wiretaps

• Clarifies roving wiretap laws in order to ensure that the government only conducts surveillance on a single, identifiable target.

Criminal “Sneak and Peak” Searches

• Adopts safeguards against abuse of searches where notice to subject of search is delayed by shortening the initial 30 day delay period to 7 days, requiring that any application for an extension in the 7 day delay be made by the Senate confirmed US Attorney in the district where the delayed notice warrant was originally obtained, and removing ability to obtain delay by merely alleging that notice would “otherwise seriously jeopardize an investigation or unduly delay a trial.”

Lone Wolf

• Allows the Lone Wolf provision to sunset at the end of this year (December 31, 2009).

Title II: National Security Letter (NSL) Reform

 • Ensures that the FBI can obtain basic information without a court order, but also adds reasonable safeguards.

• Improves the issuance standard for NSLs by requiring specific and articulable facts showing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the information sought pertains to a foreign power or agent of a foreign power, and requires the FBI to record them in a written certification.

FISA Amendments Act of 2009

Telecommunications Immunity

• Repeals the retroactive immunity provision in the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, leaving it to the courts to determine whether telephone companies that complied with the illegal warrantless wiretapping program acted properly under the laws in effect at the time and therefore deserve immunity. 

Reverse Targeting

• Places additional limits on the warrantless collection authorities of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to ensure that they are not used as a pretext when the government’s real goal is to target the Americans with whom the ostensible foreign target is communicating.   

Use of Unlawfully Obtained Information

• Limits the government’s use of information about U.S. persons that is obtained under FISA Amendments Act of 2008 procedures that the FISA Court later determines to be unlawful, while still giving the FISA Court flexibility to allow such information to be used in appropriate cases. 

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Martes, el Representante Johnson (GA-04) presentó el Acta del 2009 para Medicamentos Recetados Asequible o H.R. 3799, proyecto de ley que pondría un límite mensual a las gastos pagados directamente del bolsillo de los beneficiarios para cubrir medicina recetada; incluyendo aquellos cubiertos bajo la parte D de Medicare y planes de seguros privados.

“Ofrecerle a las personas acceso a tratamientos asequibles es primordial si somos serios en cuanto a reformar un sistema que no funciona para muchos Americanos”, afirmó Johnson.

El Acta para Medicamentos Asequibles del Representante Johnson haría:

•    Pondría un límite a gastos por recetas médicas. El proyecto de ley pone un límite de $200 dólares a la cantidad cobrada por cualquier receta médica y establece un límite de $500 dólares como cantidad máxima cobrada a un individuo por todos los medicamentos del mes.  El cubrimiento de todos los seguros privados y públicos – incluyendo planes para medicamentos de Medicare – estarían sujetos a éste límite. 

•    Permitirá un mayor acceso a medicamentos especializados. Actualmente bajo el programa de medicamentos de Medicare, pacientes quienes necesitan de los medicamentos más costosos y especializados y no pueden pagarlos  no califican para excepciones.  Mientras que el resto de  programas de Medicare, que cubren medicamentos, el beneficiario puede solicitar una excepción que le permita adquirir los medicamentos que necesita.  Este proyecto de ley estableciaría un programa para que pacientes quienes necesiten de los medicamentos más costosos y especializados puedan ser exentos.

•    Crearía una Comisión de estudio para prevención de prácticas discriminatorias y análisis del impacto de costos compartidos. El primer estudio revisará las políticas de Medicare en  recetas médicas (bajo Medicare Partes B, C y D) para asegurar que éstas no violen leyes en contra de discriminación. El segundo, examinará el impacto en los beneficiarios de los costos compartidos en recetas médicas y su salud.

Tuesday, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009, or H.R. 3799, to cap monthly out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs, including those covered under Medicare Part D and private insurance plans.

The bill is expected to lower prescription costs for 2.5 percent to 10 percent of Americans who are saddled by the highest drug costs.

“Skyrocketing health care costs are crippling individuals and families,” said Johnson. “Especially hard hit are our most vulnerable citizens – the poor and people with serious illness such as Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis and lupus. Providing these folks with access to affordable treatment is paramount if we are serious about reforming a system that is not working for so many Americans.”

Studies show that 20 percent of Americans who are forced to spend more than $250 of their own money on medications per month often do not fill their prescriptions – making their health worse and increasing overall health care costs.

“Out-of-pocket expenses are only getting worse, especially as prescription drug costs increase,” said Johnson. “Prescriptions are the largest single medical out-of-pocket expense for patients, and this bill would go a long way to help reduce that burden.”

Rep. Johnson’s Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act will:
 

• Place a cap on Rx costs. The bill caps the amount a person could be charged for any one prescription at $200, and establishes a $500 cap on how much an individual can be charged for all medications per month. All public and private insurance coverage – including Medicare prescription drug plans – are subject to the cap.
   
• Allow greater access to specialty drugs. Patients who take the most expensive and specialized prescriptions under the Medicare prescription drug program are not currently eligible for exemptions if they cannot afford the medications. For all other Medicare-covered prescription drugs, a beneficiary can request an exemption to allow them access to needed drugs. This bill would establish an exemption process for patients who need the higher-cost, specialized prescriptions.
   
• Commission discrimination and cost-sharing studies.  The first study will review Medicare prescription drug polices (under Medicare Parts B, C, and D) to ensure it does not violate non-discrimination laws.  The second study will examine the impact of prescription drug cost-sharing on beneficiaries and their health.

“In today’s tough economic times and beyond, my legislation ensures that everyday Americans receive the prescription drugs they need and it ensures that they get them at affordable prices. I am proud to introduce this legislation because it is a sensible approach to America’s prescription drug problems,” declared Rep. Johnson.

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Bill to save people with serious illnesses thousands in drug costs

WASHINGTON – Tuesday, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) introduced the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009, or H.R. 3799, to cap monthly out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs, including those covered under Medicare Part D and private insurance plans.

The bill is expected to lower prescription costs for 2.5 percent to 10 percent of Americans who are saddled by the highest drug costs.

“Skyrocketing health care costs are crippling individuals and families,” said Johnson. “Especially hard hit are our most vulnerable citizens – the poor and people with serious illness such as Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis and lupus. Providing these folks with access to affordable treatment is paramount if we are serious about reforming a system that is not working for so many Americans.”

Studies show that 20 percent of Americans who are forced to spend more than $250 of their own money on medications per month often do not fill their prescriptions – making their health worse and increasing overall health care costs.

“Out-of-pocket expenses are only getting worse, especially as prescription drug costs increase,” said Johnson. “Prescriptions are the largest single medical out-of-pocket expense for patients, and this bill would go a long way to help reduce that burden.”

Rep. Johnson’s Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act will:
 

• Place a cap on Rx costs. The bill caps the amount a person could be charged for any one prescription at $200, and establishes a $500 cap on how much an individual can be charged for all medications per month. All public and private insurance coverage – including Medicare prescription drug plans – are subject to the cap.
   
• Allow greater access to specialty drugs. Patients who take the most expensive and specialized prescriptions under the Medicare prescription drug program are not currently eligible for exemptions if they cannot afford the medications. For all other Medicare-covered prescription drugs, a beneficiary can request an exemption to allow them access to needed drugs. This bill would establish an exemption process for patients who need the higher-cost, specialized prescriptions.
   
• Establish discrimination and cost-sharing studies.  The first study will review Medicare prescription drug polices (under Medicare Parts B, C, and D) to ensure it does not violate non-discrimination laws.  The second study will examine the impact of prescription drug cost-sharing on beneficiaries and their health.

“In today’s tough economic times and beyond, my legislation ensures that everyday Americans receive the prescription drugs they need and it ensures that they get them at affordable prices. I am proud to introduce this legislation because it is a sensible approach to America’s prescription drug problems,” declared Rep. Johnson.

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Dear Friends,

As you all know, our district – along with 14 other counties in Georgia – recently suffered a devastating and unprecedented flood. Once the extent of the flooding became apparent, I immediately worked to ensure that the House Leadership and the White House were fully informed and aware of our needs. The disaster declaration from President Obama came in record time.

On Oct. 2nd , I had the opportunity to visit the Fourth District’s three Flood Disaster Centers and meet with some of the survivors and first responders. I was saddened to see so many affected, but meeting with residents who lost their businesses and homes, I was equally struck by their strength and resilience and the caring attitude of the various agencies that are helping. My office stands ready to assist flood survivors in navigating resources available to rebuild and recover. For more information on disaster recovery, click here.

BUSINESS RECOVERY EFFORTS – I’m pleased to announce that the Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Business Recovery Center at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library on Wednesday, October 7. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

FEMA’S ASSISTANCE – Just one week after federal major disaster declarations were issued, more than $8 million in assistance has been approved to help with recovery in the Fourth District. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received requests for assistance from 5,500 DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett residents and nearly 1,000 people have received help directly from the Fourth District relief centers. I just got word that Rockdale’s center closed Saturday, Oct. 10, so if you still need help, click here for more information.

SCAM ARTISTS – If you or a neighbor are repairing and rebuilding your home or business, please be on the alert and report potential fraudulent contractors, inspectors, disaster survivors or anyone posing as one of these. Ask for ID, safeguard your personal information, beware people going door to door, and get references and check them. For more information, click here.

NEW WEB SITE – I’m excited that I now have a new Web site to better serve you. One of the unique new features is customization – depending on who you are – a senior, a veteran,  a journalist, a constituent or a Spanish speaker, the new site will have unique content and updates just for you. When you get a chance, please take a look.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2008, nearly 600,000 walkers across the nation raised more than $60 million through the Making Strides to support the fight against breast cancer. This year’s local event is Saturday, Oct. 24 at Atlantic Station. For more information on this American Cancer Society event, call 404-315-9417 or click here. To learn more about breast cancer prevention and local programs offering free or low-cost mammograms, click here.

RECOVERY FUNDS AT WORK – In Georgia, the SBA has approved 723 loans to small businesses under the Recovery Act. Since March, the average weekly loan volume has increased by 81 percent compared to January and February. For more information, click here.

HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION UPDATE – The push to create a health care system that covers the 47 million uninsured Americans while keeping costs down continues as three bills in the House and two in the Senate are now being reconciled or amended in committees before they go to their respective floors for a vote. To keep up to speed on the health care insurance reform bills, click here.

SERVICE ACADEMY INFO EXPO – I’d like to invite Fourth District high school students and parents to my 2009 Service Academy Info Expo on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 4-6 p.m. at Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. You will have a chance to learn about the academic and leadership opportunities available at our nation’s military service academies, the admissions process and how to apply for a nomination through my office. We will be joined by current academy students and admissions liaisons. For details, please click here.

My heart goes out to all our friends and neighbors who were directly impacted by the flood. Please know that going forward you will be in our thoughts and prayers.  And a special thanks to all the first responders and the local, state and federal workers and voluntary organizations who have worked so hard to assist those in need.

Please e-mail me any time with your thoughts and concerns about the flooding, health care legislation or any topic that’s on your mind. Thank you!

Hank

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold his 2009 Service Academy Info Expo Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur from 4 to 6 p.m.

High school students interested in attending a service academy – the U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Military Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – can learn about life at the school, meet students who currently attend an academy or learn about admissions and the application process.

An applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:  Be a United States citizen, be unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. They must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday. You must apply to the Congressman or Senator within your state that represents you. 

Johnson’s nomination application deadline for the class of 2014 is Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, by 5 p.m.

For more information, call 770-939-2016 or 770-987-2291.  The Maloof Auditorium is located in the DeKalb County government complex, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Ga., 30030.

More more information on applying to Service Academies, click here.

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) will hold his 2009 Service Academy Info Expo Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur from 4 to 6 p.m.

High school students interested in attending a service academy – the U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Military Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – can learn about life at the school, meet students who currently attend an academy or learn about admissions and the application process.

An applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:  Be a United States citizen, be unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. They must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday. You must apply to the Congressman or Senator within your state that represents you. 

Johnson’s nomination application deadline for the class of 2014 is Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, by 5 p.m.

For more information, call 770-939-2016 or 770-987-2291.  The Maloof Auditorium is located in the DeKalb County government complex, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Ga., 30030.

More more information on applying to Service Academies, click here.

El viernes 2 de octubre el Congresista Johnson visitó a los sobrevivientes de las inundaciones y agradeció a los trabajadores de emergencia por su asistencia a las víctimas en los tres centros para atención de desastres del Distrito Cuatro en los condados de Rockdale, Dekalb y Gwinnett.

Johnson, quien ayudo a asegurar la designación de fondos federales para desastres destinados a individuos, empresas y gobiernos locales del Distrito Cuatro, expresó su satisfacción con la respuesta rápida y efectiva al desastre desde Washington. 

“La recuperación ha comenzado y con la ayuda de la Agencia Federal Administrativa de Emergencia (FEMA pos sus siglas en inglés), la Agencia Administrativa de Emergencia de Georgia (GEMA por sus siglas en inglés), la Cruz Roja y oficiales locales, las personas están comenzando a  retomar sus vidas. Mi corazón esta con las personas afectadas por las tormentas, y quiero que sepan que yo – y mi oficina- estamos listos para ayudar de cualquier manera que podamos”.

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Friends:

Welcome to my new web site. 

I am confident you will find this new version more helpful, more informative, and more interactive.  We have enhanced its customizability, integrated it with social networking tools like Twitter and Flickr, and improved the design to make navigation more user-friendly.

This new version is a work in progress.  Please bear with me and my staff as we implement additional changes to make this web site one of the best in Congress.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) visited flood survivors and thanked federal, state and local relief workers at all three Fourth District Disaster Relief Centers in Rockdale, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties on Friday, Oct. 2. 

Johnson, who helped secure the designation needed to release federal relief funds for individuals, businesses and local governments, was pleased the response from Washington has been so swift but said much still needs to be done.

“For families left homeless by these storms, no measure of help can come fast enough,” said Johnson. “Clean up has begun and with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the Red Cross and local officials, people are beginning to put their lives back together. My heart goes out to folks impacted by the storms, and I want them to know that I – and my office – stand ready to help in any way we can.”

WHO:    Rep. Hank Johnson, who will be joined by local police, sheriff, fire department chiefs and elected officials, including Gwinnett County Chairman Charles Bannister, Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden and Rockdale Sheriff Jeff Wigington.                   

WHAT:    Visits to DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties Disaster Relief Centers and Lilburn flooding victims.

WHEN:    Friday, October 2, 2009. Gwinnett – 10:30-11 a.m. | DeKalb – 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Rockdale – 12:30-1 p.m.

WHERE:    Gwinnett County DRC: Mount Park Depot, 5055 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, Georgia, 30047 | DeKalb County DRC: Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 | Rockdale County DRC: Rockdale Government Annex Building, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers, Georgia 30094, in Meeting Room 1.

VICTIMS:    Congressman Johnson will begin the tour by meeting with two Lilburn residents, one who lost both her home and business and one who lost her home. Rep. Johnson will meet Police Chief John Davidson at 9:15 a.m. at his office, 76 Main Street, Lilburn, Ga., who will take the Congressman to meet with flood victims before he starts his DRC tours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
Contact: Andy Phelan, Communications Director

LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) visited with flood survivors and thanked federal, state and local relief workers at all three Fourth District Disaster Relief Centers in Rockdale, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties on Friday, Oct. 2. 

Johnson, who helped secure the designation needed to release federal relief funds for individuals, businesses and local governments, was pleased the response from Washington has been so swift but said much still needs to be done.

“For families left homeless by these storms, no measure of help can come fast enough,” said Johnson. “Clean up has begun and with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the Red Cross and local officials, people are beginning to put their lives back together. My heart goes out to folks impacted by the storms, and I want them to know that I – and my office – stand ready to help in any way we can.”

WHO:    Rep. Hank Johnson, who will be joined by local police, sheriff, fire department chiefs and elected officials, including Gwinnett County Chairman Charles Bannister, Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden and Rockdale Sheriff Jeff Wigington.                   

WHAT:    Visits to DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties Disaster Relief Centers and Lilburn flooding victims.

WHEN:    Friday, October 2, 2009. Gwinnett – 10:30-11 a.m. | DeKalb – 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Rockdale – 12:30-1 p.m.

WHERE:    Gwinnett County DRC: Mount Park Depot, 5055 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn, Georgia, 30047 | DeKalb County DRC: Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 | Rockdale County DRC: Rockdale Government Annex Building, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers, Georgia 30094, in Meeting Room 1.

SURVIVORS:    Congressman Johnson will begin the tour by meeting with two Lilburn residents, one who lost both her home and business and one who lost her home. Rep. Johnson will meet Police Chief John Davidson at 9:15 a.m. at his office, 76 Main Street, Lilburn, Ga., who will take the Congressman to meet with flood victims before he starts his DRC tours.

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