July '10 Nevada Government—U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus Column

Members of Congress Join President for Signing of Anti-Waste Bill

Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act Championed in Congress by Reps. Murphy, Titus, Wilson, and Bilbray and Sens. Carper, Lieberman, Collins and, McCaskill

July 22, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District stood with President Barack Obama as he signed The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act into law. Joining them at the White House were Reps. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), Charlie Wilson (D-OH), and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Claire McCaskill (D-MO).

The new law provides important tools to address government waste, including: requiring agencies to produce audited, corrective action plans with targets to reduce overpayment errors; mandating all agencies that spend more than $1 million to perform recovery audits on all their programs to actually recoup the overpayments; and penalizing agencies that fail to comply with current accounting and recovery laws. The law incorporates recommendations based on recent investigations by the General Accountability Office (GAO) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General, which found that recovery audits were useful in identifying and recovering improper payments, and in identifying important changes that agencies should make to prevent similar overpayments in the future.

"For too long, taxpayer money has been wasted through fraud and abuse," Rep. Dina Titus said. "It's time to make our government work smarter and more efficiently for the American people. With this important legislation, we are taking a page from Nevada families who are doing more with less. Reforming an inefficient system will prevent billions of dollars from being thrown away each year."

"After a six year journey, I couldn't be happier that my bill, The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act, is now law," said Sen. Carper. "It's a perfect example of common-sense bipartisan, bicameral legislation. This law provides the federal government with new tools to identify, recover, and hopefully prevent improper payments. The expanded use of these new tools to protect taxpayer money couldn't come at a better time as we work to reduce our national debt of over $13 trillion. I applaud the administration's concrete steps to improve transparency and make agencies and agency leadership more accountable. As I like to say, if it is not perfect, make it better. There is a lot more we can do, which is why this new law is so important, especially when it comes to actually going out and recovering the money we lose every year to avoidable errors and preventable fraud.

"A lot of times people say to us: Why don't you do something about waste, fraud, and abuse? With the new improper payments law we are doing something. Enactment of this legislation is not the last step, but it is an important step. I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues and the Administration on its successful implementation."

"The best way to prevent wasteful spending is to stop it from happening in the first place," said Rep. Murphy. "This bipartisan law holds the federal government to the same standard of fiscal responsibility as Pennsylvania families hold themselves."

"As part of our efforts to bring down an unsustainable budget deficit, we must continue reducing and recovering erroneous payments made by federal agencies, which is what our bill, now law, is all about," said Sen. Lieberman. "The signing of this law will also increase transparency and curb future improper payments from large entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid. Improper payments have climbed to almost $100 billion a year. America's future depends on a more disciplined sense of fiscal responsibility."

"Today, with this important new law, we gave the American people more security in knowing that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars will be spent more wisely and prudently by reducing the risk of improper federal payments," said Sen. Susan Collins. "The law also increases the capacity to recover money that the government has misspent, a figure the White House says approached nearly $100 billion last fiscal year. Our new law strengthens reporting requirements for programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income that have been identified as vulnerable to improper payments, and it mandates the increased use of recovery audits. Additionally, any monies recovered during audits of entitlement and tax credit programs would be returned to those programs, helping ensure that program beneficiaries, such as Social Security recipients, receive their designated benefits."

"I'm encouraged that this new law will provide for the identification and recovery of billions of dollars lost to improper payments and put the money back in the taxpayers' pockets," said Sen. McCaskill. "As we try to repair the damage that has been done to our economy, now more than ever, we must hold the federal government accountable for every dime it spends."

Titus Statement on the Death of Former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn

July 22, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on the death of former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn.

“I was saddened to hear the news today of the death of Governor Kenny Guinn. Nevada has lost a true public servant who devoted himself to the people of the Silver State. I was honored to serve in the state legislature during Governor Guinn’s time in office. As a former Clark County Superintendant, Governor Guinn was a respected leader in the efforts to improve Nevada’s system of education, and through our shared commitment to Nevada’s students and teachers we became friends as well as colleagues. My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Guinn’s family and friends during this sad time.”

Titus Again Supports Extending Unemployment Benefits

July 22, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today after she voted in support of extending unemployment benefits.

“By passing this important extension of unemployment benefits we are providing help for nearly 31,000 Nevadans who have exhausted their benefits while Republicans stood in the way. With Nevadans facing record unemployment, it is critical that we provide them with support while we work to turn our economy around and create new jobs in our community. These critical benefits will help families put food on the table or make a mortgage payment. By sending this legislation to the President for his signature, we are telling our family members, friends, and neighbors who have fallen victim to the deepest recession in a generation that we are standing up and fighting for them during these tough economic times.”

Titus’ Worker Safety Bill Included in Mine Safety Legislation

July 21, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke today at the Education and Labor Committee markup of the Miner Safety and Health Act. This legislation includes Titus’ Ensuring Worker Safety Act, which was offered and accepted as an amendment. Below are her remarks. Click here to watch.

“Thank you, Chairman Miller. The bill before us today includes important protections for all workers, whether they are employed in mines or in any other work site.

“My home state of Nevada is one of 22 U.S. states that operate their own Occupational Safety and Health Administration programs. These state programs are required by law to be ‘at least as effective as’ comparable federal standards. Yet section 709 of the underlying bill recognizes the fact that changes to OSHA do not automatically apply to states with already approved state plan. The bill instead instructs these states to change their plans to conform to changes in federal law. But what if a state does not comply?

“Issues of state non-compliance have been brought to light in Nevada, and were the subject of a hearing in front of this Committee last October. What is clear from Federal OSHA’s ‘Special Review’ of Nevada’s OSHA enforcement program is that Nevada OSHA has not been enforcing workplace health and safety standards as well as should have been the case. In fact, the deficiencies discovered in Nevada were so glaring that the Department of Labor initiated in-depth reviews of all state plans, and those reviews will be released shortly. Yet even before those final reports are issued, it is clear that DOL lacks effective enforcement tools. That is why Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, David Michaels, expressed his support for additional enforcement tools – such as the ones contained in this amendment – when he testified in front of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee in March.

“Under current law, Federal OSHA has only two options to make Nevada – or any other state with an approved plan – follow through on their obligations to workers:

1) They can ask nicely, and hope the state complies, or

2) Make the drastic move of terminating the state plan. This is an extreme step that would remove state control, leave state and local government employees unprotected, and add costs to DOL for funding and running a health and safety program in the state.

“That is why I am offering an amendment which will provide a middle ground. This amendment will protect both workers and states’ rights by giving OSHA options other than complete plan termination when a state plan is found to be underperforming. My amendment establishes a formal mechanism for OSHA to identify a problem with a state plan and compel a remedy without beginning the process for withdrawing approval, and ensures continued application of health and safety regulations by providing OSHA with concurrent enforcement authority for the duration of the time that a state plan is formally fixing deficiencies. There are opportunities for states to appeal and to fix problems within certain deadlines.

“My amendment also holds federal OSHA accountable for providing strong oversight and guidance to state plans by establishing a regular Government Accountability Office (GAO) study – one every five years – to look at the effectiveness of state plans and the Secretary of Labor’s oversight of such plans. The study would also include a look at funding of state OSHA plans which under existing law is supposed to be 50-50 – fifty percent from the state and 50 percent from the federal government. We know that many states are currently paying more than their 50 percent, including, among others, Minnesota, Washington, Kentucky, and California.

“So I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment, which will protect workers while also protecting states rights. I yield back the balance of my time.”

Titus Statement on the President Signing Wall Street Reform into Law

July 21, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today after President Obama signed sweeping Wall Street reform legislation into law.

“With the President’s signature, we have upheld our commitment to the American people to put an end to the unbridled greed and lack of oversight that led to our nation’s financial crisis. From record unemployment to record foreclosures, Nevadans have paid a high price for the recklessness of Wall Street. The reforms we passed will help put an end to taxpayer funded bailouts once and for all and prevent the predatory lending practices that deepened the foreclosure crisis in Nevada. Thanks to enhanced and unprecedented consumer protections, Nevadans will be empowered to make the best decisions for their financial future. A provision I fought to include will protect seniors from unfair and deceptive practices surrounding reverse mortgages, ensuring that in their golden years they do not lose their home and equity they built up through a lifetime of work.”

Titus Testifies on the Impact of Health Care Reform on Nevadans

July 20, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District testified today via telephone before the Nevada Legislative Committee on Health Care. Titus discussed the impact of the new health care reform bill on Nevadans. Below are her remarks as prepared.

“Thank you, Madam Chairman and members of the Committee for giving me this opportunity to testify. I’m Dina Titus, Congresswoman for Nevada’s Third District. I wish I could be there in person, and I appreciate the chance to speak with you about health care reform.

“Health care reform legislation is a topic that has certainly been on everyone’s mind over the past year and a half. I know that later this morning you will be discussing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the historic health care reform legislation signed into law by President Obama this past March.

“I voted in support of the health care reform legislation because I believe that the status quo was unacceptable, and that the legislation will provide security and stability to middle-class families by reducing costs, improving access, increasing choice, and strengthening Medicare. I don’t have to tell you that even before the current economic crisis, Nevada was a state with one of the highest percentages of people without insurance in the country. Now when unemployment has reached record highs, a lost job can also mean lost health insurance and one medical emergency can mean the difference between paying the mortgage or not. Health care reform could not have come at a better time.

“Nevada residents are already seeing some of the benefits of the legislation:

· Parents can breathe easier knowing that their child with a pre-existing condition cannot be denied coverage,

· Recent college graduates are able to stay on their parents’ insurance coverage,

· Seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’ are receiving $250 rebates,

· Small businesses are finding out about the tax credits they are eligible for this year for voluntarily providing health care coverage to their employees, and

· Those with insurance know they will not have their coverage taken away when they get sick and need it most.

“I encourage you all to encourage people to go to the website, www.healthcare.gov, for more details on the schedule of when various parts of the legislation kick in.

“These provisions will have a big impact in Nevada, and I’d like to share some Nevada-specific numbers with you:

· Approximately 30,300 small businesses can benefit from tax credits to provide coverage to their workers and make premiums more affordable.

· Roughly 28,000 Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the donut hole will receive a $250 rebate this year.

· An estimated 38,600 early retirees (55-64 years old) may benefit from an early retiree reinsurance program.

· The bill will improve coverage for the 1.5 million residents with private health insurance.

· Roughly 9,470 young adults will be able to stay on their parent’s insurance plan.

· The legislation will provide tax credits and other assistance to up to 597,000 families to help them afford coverage,

· Extend coverage to 360,000 uninsured residents,

· Guarantee that 68,400 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage, and

· Protect 9,300 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

“Additionally, the bill will provide millions of dollars in new funding for 33 community health centers in the state, reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $166 million annually, and provide access to federal Medicaid funding for coverage of all low-income populations, regardless of age, disability, or family status.

“I am very proud that so many important provisions were included in health care reform, and I cannot believe anyone could want to repeal these vital consumer protections.

“This bill requires a true partnership between the federal government and the states. From reviewing insurance rate increases to establishing and running the state insurance exchange beginning in 2014, the state of Nevada has a vital role to play. I hope that the State will be an active and willing partner in implementing health care reform so that Nevadans can reap the full benefits of the law. I understand why the State opted out of having its own high-risk pool in face of the projected budget deficits but I hope you’ll take full advantage of other provisions such as those you’re discussing today. For example, there are many demonstration projects the state can apply for: Medicare pilot projects for medical homes and long-term care; pilot programs for states to apply for rewards for people participating in wellness programs in the individual market; a Medicaid pilot for bundled payments; and medical malpractice alternative demonstration grants.

“I will do my part from Washington to support efforts to make this partnership work. For example, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which I supported has provided Nevada with almost $400 million in increased federal funding for Medicaid through an enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). And in recognition of the tough fiscal climate the state is in, I have been fighting hard to continue the enhanced FMAP for another six months. I have repeatedly signed letters to leadership in the House asking that we be given the opportunity to vote on an extension of the increased FMAP funding; I am a cosponsor of a bill that would provide that funding; and you can be sure that I will continue to fight for that funding.

“I also know that later today you will be discussing draft legislation regarding federal school food programs. I am pleased to tell you that we are also working on legislation at the federal level that will strengthen and expand these important programs. I am inspired by Chairman Weiner’s long time work to combat obesity. I sit on the House Education and Labor Committee which just last week approved the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act. I was proud to vote in support of the legislation, which included a bill I had introduced called the Weekends Without Hunger Act. My bill will help make sure that children do not go hungry by creating a pilot program to provide nutritious food to at risk school children over the weekend and during school holidays over the school year. Vacation from school should not mean hunger for children. The bill will provide $10 million for five years to support food banks like Three Square in giving out backpacks of food for children to take home over the weekends. It now goes to the floor of the House. A similar bill is working its way through the Senate.

“Thank you again for providing me this opportunity to testify about the health care legislation. I look forward to working with you as implementation of health care reform moves forward. Please let me know how I can help and send me any white papers or information the Committee puts together. Your reports are very helpful to me as I try to complement your great efforts to serve the people Nevada.”

Titus on the Importance of Protecting Social Security for Nevada’s Seniors

July 20, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor today on the importance of protecting Social Security for Nevada’s seniors. Below are her remarks as delivered. Click here to watch Titus’ speech.

“Mr. Speaker, for 75 years, older Americans have relied on the guaranteed benefit that Social Security provides. This monthly check provides a safety net from poverty and is a key component to a dignified retirement after a lifetime of work. Seniors contributed to Social Security. They earned it. They deserve it. They depend on it.

“Yet as we celebrate 75 years of this outstanding program, it is once again under attack by Republicans who want to dismantle the system and spend trillions of dollars in a risky privatization scheme that gambles senior citizens’ savings in the stock market while lining the pockets of Wall Street.

“Does that sound familiar? Well it should. Republicans tried to do the same thing under the Bush administration. This represents yet another attempt to return to failed policies that created the worst economic situation since the Great Depression.

“Well I stand here committed to fighting back against such programs and protecting Social Security so the 30,000 seniors in Southern Nevada who depend on it won’t be abandoned in their golden years.”

Titus Statement on Nevada’s Unemployment Numbers

July 19, 2010 – Washington, DC – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District released the following statement today on Nevada’s new unemployment numbers.

“Today’s disappointing unemployment numbers are another reminder of how important it is to pass an extension of unemployment benefits to help Nevadans weather this economic storm. The failed economic policies of the Bush administration have left us with the deepest recession in a generation, and as we work to turn our economy around it is critical that we provide relief for Nevadans who are struggling to stay in their home or put food on the table. These unemployment benefits are invested right back into our economy when families buy school supplies and groceries and pay the rent.

“With Nevada’s unemployment at a record level, we must increase our efforts to pass meaningful legislation that will create jobs in Southern Nevada. Already the House has passed an energy bill that would send $580 million to Nevada and create 17,000 jobs in the Silver State. Passing this law and turning Nevada’s potential for clean energy jobs into a reality must be a top priority so that we can put people back to work.”

Titus Invites Geithner to Southern Nevada to Hear from Homeowners and Discuss Ways to Improve Housing Programs

July 16, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District sent the following letter to Secretary Geithner yesterday inviting him to Southern Nevada to meet with homeowners who have had difficulty working with their bank in an attempt to modify their mortgage and to discuss ways to improve current housing programs. Titus has been sending monthly letters to the administration on the foreclosure crisis in Southern Nevada.

Below is the text of the letter:

July 15, 2010

The Honorable Timothy Geithner
Secretary – Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Geithner,

Thank you for the work that you and the Obama administration did to develop and pass comprehensive financial regulatory reform legislation. Because of lax and inconsistent regulators and reckless greed on Wall Street, families across Southern Nevada are struggling to keep a roof over their heads or establish a strong financial future. It is my hope that the Senate will pass the final version of this legislation as quickly as possible so these badly needed reforms can take effect.

As you know, Southern Nevada is ground zero for our nation’s foreclosure crisis. Years of unchecked speculation and Wall Street greed fueled a housing bubble that has burst, causing pain and hardship for many of my constituents. Through no fault of their own, many homeowners are struggling to stay current on their mortgages. In order to avoid foreclosure, some have tried to work with their lender to modify their mortgage to a payment structure they can afford. Unfortunately, for far too many of these homeowners, attempting to work with their lenders has yielded much frustration and few results.

My office was among the first Congressional offices to work directly with homeowners as they attempted to modify their loans. As a result, my staff has seen firsthand the frustration and anger experienced by struggling homeowners trying to work with their servicer to modify their loan. Phone calls often go unreturned, paperwork is misplaced or unread, and unclear information is provided. Despite receiving a bailout from the taxpayers, Wall Street appears to be comfortable turning its back on struggling homeowners on Main Street. I did not support TARP because I did not believe adequate safeguards were put in place to ensure that Wall Street would work to help homeowners.

I write today to invite you to Southern Nevada to meet with homeowners who have attempted to work with their servicers to modify their loans. This conversation will allow you to hear directly from homeowners stories of their experiences and suggestions for what can be done to improve modification efforts such as the administration’s “Making Home Affordable” program.

As my constituents continue to struggle making mortgage payments and attempting to work with their servicers, I hope that this meeting can be arranged as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Dina Titus
Member of Congress