Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey Representing the 6th Congressional District of California

It has been a busy couple of weeks here in Washington, and I wanted to take a moment to give you an update on some of the legislation that has recently passed, as well as some of the projects that I have been working on.

Fresh on the heels of last week’s report that unemployment has jumped to 5.5% (the largest monthly increase in unemployment in 20 years), the House of Representatives on Thursday approved an extension of unemployment insurance. This was the second time that week that we had voted on the legislation, with Republicans successfully blocking the first vote.

I have been calling for a comprehensive ‘second stimulus’ package (including such an extension) for months. As we face record gas prices and skyrocketing food costs, I strongly believe we have more work to do to bolster our economy. In addition to extending unemployment insurance we need to increase food stamps, and fund needed infrastructure projects across the country. The unemployment insurance legislation now goes to the Senate, where Republicans are threatening a filibuster.

In education news, the House last week passed the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021). The legislation authorized over $6 billion in funding for school renovation and modernization programs, most of which would have to meet green building standards. These projects will not only protect our environment, but save schools money in the long run. If enacted, Marin and Sonoma schools will be eligible for up to $6 million in federal funding.

Earlier this week I traveled to New York for a field hearing of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, which I chair. The hearing (“Family-Friendly Leave Policies: How Workers Balance Work and Family”) examined the issue of paid leave, one of my top domestic priorities. As you may know I have legislation to promote paid leave called the Balancing Act. You can get more information about the Balancing Act on my website.

On Tuesday I participated in a national call-in campaign to promote diplomatic engagement with Iran. While I certainly do not condone the actions of Iran, from the bigotry and denial of the holocaust to its nuclear ambitions, I believe that diplomacy is the best option that we have in dealing with their government. That’s why I believe that we must stand with our international partners and work with international organizations to engage the Iranian government. A full copy of my remarks can be found on my website.

Finally, I wanted to let you know that before adjourning for Memorial Day the House passed my Skaggs Island proposal. This proposal would make it possible to transfer the former naval station into the San Pablo Bay Wildlife Refuge, which includes over 10,000 acres of wetlands and is the largest such refuge in the Bay Area. Home to more than 20 species of threatened wildlife, Skaggs Island would become the crown jewel of wetlands restoration efforts in our area. I will continue to work until the Skaggs Island transfer gets signed into law.

As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. And for the most recent news you can always visit my website.