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2/16/12
Woman of the Year Award
Every March, Rep. Schiff honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities (Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena, and Temple City) in the 29th Congressional District. This Congressional award comes during Women’s History Month.
“Recipients of the ‘Woman of the Year award’ come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region,” Rep. Schiff said. “I urge constituents to contact my office and let us know about some of the admirable women in our communities by nominating them for this year’s award.”
Constituents are encouraged to nominate women in their community — while there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life in our community. Nominations can be sent to Mary Hovagimian. Nominations should include a written description of your nominee’s accomplishments, the home address, phone number and e-mail of the nominee, and the nominator's name and contact information.
The deadline for nominations is February 29th, 2012.
Comments(0)10/19/11
Congressman Schiff Announces More Than 70 Employers and Small Business Resources for 10/20/11 Job Fair
The list of attendees for Congressman Schiff's October 20th Small Business Assistance and Career Opportunity Fair has been announced! The fair will be hosting more than 50 diverse employers along with 20 resources for small businesses. Don't forget to register by clicking here.
Employers Small Business Resources City of South Pasadena Small Business Administration City of Glendale Small Business Development Center City of Pasadena SCORE City of Temple City US Minority Business Development Agency LA County Metro Internal Revenue Service LA City Rapid Response/ LA County Economic Development USPS Business Development Metro North WorkSource/Jobs LA Asian Business Association Metro North WorkSource/Jobs LA Altadena Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Worksource San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce Foothill Workforce Temple City Chamber of Commerce Verdugo Workforce Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Women at Work Monterey Chamber of Commerce LA County Department of Public Social Services Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program CA Employment Development Department PACE SBA Microloan Program Department of Registrar - Recorder/ County Clerk USC Credit Union Department of Labor First General Bank Social Security Administration Wells Fargo Bank US Dept of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehab East West Bank US Department of Veterans Affairs, GLA California Credit Union Volunteers of America US Federal Aviation Administration Office of Personnel Management National Forest Service US Army Corps of Engineers US Federal Bureau of Investigation US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives US Dept of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Equal Emplyment Opportunity Commission U.S. Customs and Border Protection US Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Department of State Kaiser Permanente Disney Fox Paramount DreamWorks Animation NBC Universal Warner Bros. Entertainment Boeing Panda Restaurant Group Hydra Electric Parsons Bob Hope Airport Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Los Angeles Police Department Los Angeles Fire Department Verdugo Fire Acadmy Glendale Community College Pasadena Community College College of the Canyons University of Redlands Devry University SendOutCards 5/26/11
International Anti Piracy Caucus Watchlist
5/3/11
World Press Freedom Day
Earlier today, I hosted a panel recognizing World Press Freedom day. As a founder and chair of the Press Freedom Caucus, I believe a free and open media has a tremendously important role to play in our civil society, and in countries around the world wherever citizens are struggling for freedom. My remarks for the panel are below. Make sure to let me know what you think!
Rep. Adam B. Schiff
World Press Freedom Day
As we address the topic of press freedom today, I hope that we will keep in mind the importance of aiding grassroots advocates in their efforts to foster independent media.
The National Endowment for Democracy has been supporting these efforts for more than 25 years, and the Center for International Media Assistance has done an outstanding job of increasing awareness about the indispensable role a free and independent media play in democratic societies.
Censorship, intimidation, imprisonment, or murder of journalists violates not only the personal liberty of journalists on the ground, but also the rights of the broader society, which is denied access to ideas and information.
While an independent, pluralistic, and free media is an essential guarantor of human rights, it also plays a critical role in democratic and economic development by stimulating innovation, exposing corruption and spurring reform.
They provide citizens with information necessary to make informed political and economic choices, and give voice to women, youth, and minorities, along with dissident political opinions.
They also protect communities by helping citizens prevent and respond to disasters.
Today, as we observe World Press Freedom Day, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women of the media domestically and around the world who strive every day – many of them in the face of extreme violence and repression – to report the news that we Americans understand in our bones to be the lifeblood of democracy.
Five years ago on World Press Freedom Day, I co-founded the Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press with Congressman Mike Pence, Senator Dick Lugar and former Senator Chris Dodd.
The caucus works to advance press freedom around the world by creating a forum to combat and condemn media censorship, as well as the persecution of journalists around the world.
It is a very important task. As a Caucus and as Americans, we definitely have our work cut out for us.
According a Freedom House study released yesterday, the number of people worldwide with access to free and independent media declined to its lowest level in more than a decade.
In fact currently, only one in six people live in countries with a press that is designated Free.
These statistics are unacceptable.
In recent years, authoritarian regimes are increasingly using licensing and regulatory frameworks to significantly limit independent broadcasting.
In addition to censoring traditional media, repressive governments around the world have intensified efforts to exert control over new means of communication—including satellite television, the internet, and mobile telephones—as well as the news outlets that employ them.
In the past months we have seen an unprecedented wave of protests and demonstrations sweep the Arab world. Two governments – in Tunisia and Egypt – have fallen to the demands of pro-democracy protesters, while others have come under intense pressure.
These uprisings have highlighted the level of violence and physical harassment directed at press. We've seen journalists threatened, arrested, beaten, assaulted, and in some cases even killed, while working on the frontlines in the fight for democracy and greater opportunity.
After two months of silence, Lara Logan, the CBS reporter who was sexually assaulted by a mob in Cairo's Tahrir Square the night that President Mubarak stepped down in February, opened up about the brutal attack in an emotional interview on "60 Minutes" Sunday.
Logan, whose attack shined a light on the dangers that female journalists face while working abroad, said she is proud to have broken the silence on what some female journalists have experienced but never talk about for fear they will be taken off the story.
ABC’s Christiane Amanpour and Fox News Channel’s Greg Palkot and Olaf Wiig also faced physical assault and intimidation during the protests that swept Mubarak from his post – notable examples out of as many as 100 journalists who were assaulted, threatened or detained during the uprising in Egypt.
Elsewhere in the Arab world, four New York Times reporters were taken captive by Libyan government soldiers outside of Benghazi in March. After enduring harassment and abuse, they were thankfully released.
Less fortunate were award-winning photojournalists Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros, two of the most seasoned photojournalists, who were killed while covering a battle between rebels and Libyan government forces in the city of Misrata.
Theirs is not only a loss to their friends and families, but also a great loss to the profession.
Freedom of expression cannot exist where journalists are not safe from persecution and attack, which have an unnerving effect on the profession.
Alarmingly, the failure to punish or even seriously investigate crimes against journalists has now reached appalling proportions.
As reported last month by the State Department -- and as borne out by major 2010 reports of the Organization of American States, The Committee to Protect Journalists, Freedom House, and many others – we have seen disturbing examples in our own hemisphere of what Ms. June Erlick, a former correspondent now with the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard called a “much more insidious” form of press repression.
Quoted in the Committee to Protect Journalists’ “Attacks on the Press 2010” report, Ms. Erlick elaborated that, “You never know where the censorship is coming from -- through threats, attacks on the streets, new laws, or lack of access. The threats are always there and sometimes lead to self-censorship even before censorship begins."
Congress must remain vigilant and vocal in defense of freedom of expression everywhere . . . not just on this World Press Freedom Day 2011, but every day of every year.
As Co-Chair of the Caucus, I was proud to witness the signing into law of the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act last year, which spotlights governments that seek to silence media opposition.
Congressman Pence and I introduced this bill in 2009, and Sen. Dodd introduced its companion in the Senate, because we believe that our government must promote freedom of the press by putting on center stage those countries in which journalists are killed, imprisoned, kidnapped, threatened, or censored.
Today, we celebrate the one year anniversary of the Daniel Pearl Press Freedom Act.
The Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act gives prominence to freedom of the press projects within the State Department, and ensures a long-term, holistic approach to journalist and media development. This law also commemorates the life and work of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered in 2002, while reporting in Pakistan. This morning, we were honored to hear from his widow, Mariane Pearl, as well as Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State, Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Esther Brimmer, Assistance Secretary of State, International Organization Affairs; Wael Abbas; and Irina Bokova.
Thank you all for your commitment to fostering independent media in developing and democratizing countries around the world.
3/29/11
Statement on U.S. Military Action in Libya
The situation in the Middle East and North Africa is one of great promise and at the same time, considerable peril. The spontaneous uprising of youth in the Arab world and beyond to demand a better life, representative government and an end to corruption is deeply inspiring. But it will bring a period of instability in the near term that will present many dangerous dillemas for the United States and our allies. We cannot treat each country as if the factors giving rise to discontent are precisely the same, or the outcomes can be achieved in assembly line fashion. Libya demonstrates the dangers. The President made the right decision to intervene with the support of the international community including the United Nations and Arab League. But bringing that intervention to a successful and near term conclusion will be difficult and the American role must remain limited. Our resources, human and capital, are limited and being taxed by commitments elsewhere and we must call upon other nations to do more. Within our capacity, however, we must continue to do all we can to support pro-democracy forces in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, and beyond. This is a once in a generation opportunity for many tens of millions to experience the kind of liberty we have enjoyed in our country for more than 200 years.
3/22/11
Celebrating Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross has been a leader in helping those affected by a disaster; supporting the Armed Services, veterans and their families; teaching lifesaving skills; collecting, testing and supplying blood across the nation; and partnering in international disease prevention and relief services. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dubbed March as “Red Cross Month,” recognizing the American Red Cross as a reflection of our nation’s humanitarian and volunteer spirit, and calling on Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” For educational information and resources about the American Red Cross and the importance of being prepared for and able to respond to emergency or disaster situations, visit www.redcross.org. For information about local American Cross activities in Southern California, visit http://redcrossla.org/.
3/3/11
Tapped to Serve as Ranking Member on House Intelligence Subcommittee
As we near the 10-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and are keeping a close eye on countries across the Arab world undergoing significant changes in their quest for democracy, the House Intelligence Committee continues to be engaged in work critical to our nation's security.
In January, I was tapped to continue serving on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and today I was named Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical (T & T) Intelligence. T & T oversees the technical aspects of intelligence gathering, including space-based assets, as well as cyber security. T & T also has primary oversight over the National Security Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial Agency and other military intelligence programs.
I am grateful for the continuing opportunity to serve on the Intelligence Committee, and I will be honored to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence. In the face of national security challenges of both today and tomorrow, good intelligence is the best defense. My top priority as Ranking Member will be ensuring that our world-class scientists, researchers, engineers, who work to improve our technological capabilities, are appropriately staffed, operating within the law and with maximum effectiveness when it comes to space and cyber security.
Satellites play a critical role in our intelligence agencies, because their images can be used to track suspected terrorists around the world and stop future attacks. Satellites provide real-time data to our troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, and allow us to monitor important global developments. Cyber networks don’t just power our cell phones and iPads; they keep our electric grid running, secure the banking world, protect our water supply, and operate our classified military and intelligence systems.
Since coming to Congress, I have advanced efforts to ensure the safety of all Americans by working to improve our intelligence gathering, implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations, and working to revamp the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
In 2007, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed me to the new House Select Intelligence Oversight Panel. The following year, I was also appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which also drafts the laws that govern the intelligence agencies operations. That committee is also responsible for overseeing the 16 agencies that comprise the intelligence community, which include components of the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, State and Energy.
3/2/11
Supporting $39 billion in Spending Cuts to Reduce Deficit
The nation’s looming deficit and debt pose a serious threat to our economic future, and we will need to make difficult choices to put our fiscal house in order. Over the last month, I voted for measures that would reduce the deficit by up to $39 billion over the next 10 years. It is critical that the cuts we make are smart and targeted as we continue working to grow our economy, while tackling our deficit and debt. We do not want to take actions that will stall our economic recovery or undermine our nation’s ability to compete in the future. I oppose measures that would be counterproductive to our economic recovery, including cutting critical funding for science, medical research, energy, and education, or that would result in 200,000 children getting kicked out of Head Start. I am hopeful that Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate can work together to find a long-term solution to reduce our spending, while preserving the investments we need to protect and accelerate our economic recovery.
Below are a few of the measures I have supported over the last month:
Amendment #16, offered by Rep. Thomas Rooney. Eliminates the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine (F-136) funding from the bill and redirects funds to the spending reduction account, saving $900 million.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt16
Amendment #37, offered by Rep. Peter A. DeFazio. Eliminates all funding for salaries and expenses of the Independent Agencies, Selective Service System, saving $24 million.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt37
Amendment #78, offered by Rep. Tom Cole. Prohibits the use funds from the Treasury for public financing of Presidential campaigns.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt78
Amendment #108, offered by Rep. Ron Kind. Prohibits a $147 million payment to Brazilian cotton farmers—part of a settlement to avoid retaliation by Brazil for U.S. farm subsidies.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt108
Amendment #109, offered by Rep. Ron Kind. Terminates the funding for research, develop, test, evaluate, and procurement of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Program and Surface-Launched Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt109
Amendment #114, offered by Rep. Timothy Bishop. Eliminates the funds ($150 million in FY12) made available for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt114
Amendment #119, offered by Rep. Edward Markey. Prohibits new offshore oil and gas leases to companies that have not renegotiated faulty existing leases, saving $53 billion over the lifetime of the existing leases.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt119
Amendment #124, offered by Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Caps to $250,000 the amount of money a farm can receive in commodity payments under the Farm Bill, saving about $100 million annually.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt124
Amendment #145, offered by Rep. Jeff Flake. Prohibits the use of funds for the construction of ethanol infrastructure.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt145
Amendment #166, offered by Rep. John Carney. Prohibits funding of the oil and gas research program at the Department of Energy. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hamdt166
(Continuing Resolution) HJ Res. 44. Cuts a total of $4 billion in discretionary spending. Reduces spending by $1.24 billion by ending eight programs marked for elimination in the President’s fiscal 2012 budget, and also defunds unobligated earmark-related funds from fiscal year 2010, for an additional $2.7 billion in savings.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hjres44
2/16/11
Alarmed, Saddened by Attack on CBS Chief Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan
I am deeply alarmed and saddened by the news that CBS chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan, who was covering the reaction to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation in Tahrir Square on Friday, Feb. 11, was separated from her crew by a mob of more than 200 people and severely sexually assaulted.
Fortunately, a group of Egyptian woman and soldiers ultimately rescued her, and she is now recovering after being hospitalized in Washington, DC. However, the assault is a reminder of the abuse and harassment that many journalists face across the globe. According to Reporters Without Borders, five reporters have already been killed in 2011, and 152 are behind bars. Since 1992, 850 reporters have been killed around the world.
Reporting is a dangerous business and female correspondents can be much more vulnerable during chaotic events. Logan has courageously dedicated herself to covering battlefields for nearly 20 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family as she recovers.
2/6/11
LAPD Eliminates Rape Kit Backlog
As you may have seen, today the LAPD announced it has has finally cleared its years-old backlog of untested offender DNA evidence. As we thought, the testing of these kits has resulted in numerous arrests that could have taken place years earlier. We may never know how many additional victims might have been spared if the kits had been promptly tested. I’ve been among those pushing to speed up the processing of offender samples for years and helped obtain some of the funding needed to eliminate this backlog. I remain committed to ensuring that our local police departments have the resources needed to avoid any backlog in the future. This is a strong step forward in public safety that greatly enhances our ability to take dangerous people off the street.
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