May 17, 2012

Congressman Carson Debuts “Carson in Your Corner” Video Series

Highlights Constituent Services and Success Stories 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today debuted the “Carson in Your Corner” video series to highlight constituent success stories in Indiana’s 7^th Congressional District.  The video series will emphasize services available through contacting Carson’s Office and introduce viewers to those who have benefitted from reaching out for help.

Carson in Your Corner: The Seligman Family – Part 1

In August of 2007, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Christopher Seligman was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED), also known as a roadside bomb, detonated beside his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.  When he returned home, Chris knew he faced significant challenges and a long road to recovery, but he did not anticipate that he would struggle to receive his Purple Heart, a military acknowledgment given to those wounded or killed during deployment.

After two years of trying on their own to fight through the red tape, the Seligmans reached out to Congressman André Carson for help.

**Members of the media interested in speaking with the Seligmans should contact Press Secretary Blake Johnson. 

In addition to his legislative duties in Washington, D.C., Congressman Carson can assist 7^th District constituents with a variety of services, including troubleshooting with federal agencies, offering grant support to community organizations, providing information and resources for small businesses, offering Congressional Recognitions for constituents who perform exemplary community service or have signature achievements, and assisting with scheduling Capitol and White House tours.  Please visit www.carson.house.gov to learn how the Office of Congressman André Carson can help.

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May 16, 2012

 Rep. Carson Joins Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry and Local Organizations, Opposes Legislation that Rolls Back Protections in the Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today will vote against H.R. 4970, a Republican bill that undermines the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Originally passed by Congress in 1994 and twice reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan support, this landmark legislation revolutionized the U.S. response to violence against women and provided critical resources for victims of domestic abuse. In addition, each reauthorization has expanded provisions and significantly enhanced the legislation.

The Republican version of VAWA jeopardizes critical protections and excludes key provisions included in the bipartisan Senate bill, which passed last month by a vote of 68-31.

Specifically, the bill ignores the high rates of dating violence and sexual assault experienced by young people on college campuses, endangers protections for members of Native American and immigrant communities, and fails to include language that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT victims.

“Every victim of domestic abuse deserves support, assistance, and protection,” Congressman Carson said.  “It is troubling that during National Women’s Health Week, Republicans are undercutting this effort by turning something that should have been unanimously supported into a partisan issue.”

Carson added, “Those who work daily with victims of domestic violence know this is bad for victims. This bill closes the door of support on countless Americans.”

In addition to the more than 100 national organizations that have voiced opposition to the House GOP bill, many Indianapolis-based organizations have also stepped forward:

HR 4970 would greatly, negatively impact our ability to prosecute domestic violence cases and protect domestic violence victims and witnesses who are most often women and children.  I support Congressman Carson in his vote to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

-          Terry Curry, Marion County Prosecutor

The Julian Center is opposed to H.R. 4790, the exclusionary version of the Violence Against Women Act known as the Adams Bill. We understand and support a “no” vote by Representative Carson.

H.R. 4790 not only strips important provisions that were passed by a bipartisan Senate vote of 68-31, but also changes and weakens many initiatives and preventive provisions that have been included in VAWA by both Republicans and Democrats over the past 18 years. We must pass a "real" VAWA reauthorization to continue and expand services for victims while holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

- Melissa Pershing, Julian Center

The Domestic Violence Network strongly supports Congressman Carson as he votes No for H.R. 4970, a dangerous version of the Violence Against Women Act that ­­­­prioritizes partisan politics over victim safety.  The passage of H.R. 4970, as written, would increase the victimization of marginalized communities and further endanger immigrant victims by weakening confidentiality requirements.  

-          Marla Taylor, Domestic Violence Network

In reality, the provisions of H.R. 4970 will further disenfranchise victims of domestic violence and instill an even greater sense of fear. Passing H.R. 4970 will all but ensure victim noncooperation with law enforcement and prosecutors in combating domestic violence.

-          Raio Krishnayya, Center for Victim and Human Rights

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence supports Congressman Carson as he votes No on HR 4970.  HR 4970 is bill that would undermine the core principles of the Violence Against Women Act and fails to meet victims’ needs. In fact, it weakens, rather than enhances, protections for victims of domestic violence.  The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence supports a bipartisan version of the Violence Against Women Act that is similar to the Senate-passed bill which provides equal protection for all victims of domestic and sexual violence.

-          Laura Berry, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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May 10, 2012 

Carson Holds Wall Street Accountable, Cosponsors Bill to Protect Consumers from Unnecessary Overdraft Fees 

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. André Carson has signed on as an original cosponsor of the Overdraft Protection Act, a bill that codifies regulations that stop banks from charging overdraft fees unless consumers specifically request the coverage be provided.  The bill also ensures that overdraft charges are reasonable and proportional to the overdraft amount.

According to a recent Pew study, 75 percent of individuals who have been charged overdraft fees would have preferred the bank to decline their transaction if their account lacked necessary funds.  This study indicates that banks have not provided customers with adequate information regarding overdraft programs, and most consumers are unaware that the easiest way to avoid overdraft fees is not to opt into these programs at all.

Rep. Carson, who serves on the Committee on Financial Services, says passage of this bill would limit the number of high-cost, overdraft penalty fees accrued by the most vulnerable and least financially-capable Hoosier consumers.

“Countless Americans have been hit with unnecessary overdraft fees, and banks have profited at nearly $37 billion annually,” Carson said. “Nobody should find out they’ve paid $35 for a cup of coffee because of a checkbook balancing error.  Consumers must realize they have choices.  ”

Carson also offered that other steps must be taken in addition to the protections outlined in this bill, including strengthening young adult financial literacy. 

He went on to say, “We must go further than providing protections and holding banks accountable; we must also ensure consumers receive the education necessary to recognize when they are being taken advantage of.”

Carson is the author of H.R. 300, the Young Adults Financial Literacy Act, a bill that would provide grants to universities to fund partnerships with schools or non-profits to provide financial literacy education to students, ages 15-24.

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April 27, 2012

Republicans Playing Games with Student Loan Bill, Undermining Health of Women and Children

Rep. André Carson votes against H.R. 4628 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4628, a Republican bill that undermines bipartisan efforts to prevent the doubling of student loan interest rates for nearly 7.4 million Americans.  The Republican bill makes dangerous cuts to women’s and children’s health services and protects big oil.

H.R. 4628 repeals the Prevention and Public Health Fund, stripping away vital funding for breast and cancer screenings, childhood immunizations, diabetes prevention, and birth defect screenings for newborns. 

House Democrats had introduced an alternative bill (H.R. 4816) which would have blocked the increase of student loan interest rates and ended tax breaks for the five largest oil companies, all of whom are enjoying record profits.

“If Republicans do not drop the political games, nearly 300,000 Hoosiers will see their student loan interest rates double on July 1^st,” said Rep. André Carson. “But rather than offering real solutions that protect our student borrowers, Republicans hope to tie down these efforts with partisan and dangerous cuts to family health.”

“There is a better way,” Congressman Carson went on to say. “Our alternative not only prevents the rate hike for student loans, it protects vital health services and ends tax breaks for big oil. I will not support efforts that pit Hoosiers’ health against their financial well-being.”

H.R. 4628 passed the House by a vote of 215-195. The White House has issued a threat of veto if the bill reaches the President’s desk.

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March 30, 2012

Congressman André Carson Announces the Damien Center and City of Indianapolis as Recipients of $1.4 Million Federal Grant 

INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $1.4 million grant to the City of Indianapolis, which will benefit the Damien Center, a local organization serving persons in Central Indiana who are affected by HIV/AIDS. 

Federal funds will go to the Damien Center’s Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program, an initiative that provides long-term housing assistance and the needed link from possible eviction and homelessness to secured, proper housing and improved health management.

“Housing is vital to maintaining and improving health, especially for those living with HIV,” said Thomas Bartenbach, Executive Director of The Damien Center. “The Shelter Plus Care award will allow The Damien Center to provide housing stability for our most vulnerable homeless neighbors, helping them achieve greater self-sufficiency, improving their health outcomes, and in turn, improving the overall health of our community.”

The $1.4 million grant was awarded through HUD’s Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program, which provides awards annually through a national competition. The City of Indianapolis will administer the funds through the Department of Metropolitan Development.

“We are proud to be a part of the Damien Center’s program and this represents another source of assistance in the continuum of care for people with HIV and AIDS who are homeless,” said Julie Fidler, Human Services Grant Manager with the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. “The money will provide assistance for 35 units of shelter plus care over a five year period. The funds will also be leveraged with other supportive services to help stabilize people and maintain housing.”

Congressman Carson, who submitted a letter of support for the grant application, stated, “For 25 years, the Damien Center has served Hoosiers affected by HIV/AIDS with relentless fervor, providing valuable services that empower and uplift. These funds will strengthen their efforts and widen their impact as they strive for a community free of the suffering caused by HIV/AIDS.”

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About the Damien Center

The mission of The Damien Center is to lead the fight to prevent the spread of HIV and to empower persons in Central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity. The Damien Center offers vital supportive services to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so they may live abundant and productive lives. They provide comprehensive HIV prevention services, including HIV testing, prevention counseling, education, and advocacy. In 2011, more than 5,000 people in Central Indiana were served through agency programs and activities.

For more information, visit their website here.

HONORING THE LIFE OF REV. BONIFACE HARDIN

On March 24, 2012, Reverend Boniface Hardin, one of the luminaries of the civil rights movement from the 7^th District of Indiana, passed away. His commitment to education, compassion, and brotherly love left an indelible mark on the City of Indianapolis. It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that I express my condolences to the family and friends of Father Hardin. I want my constituents to know and those that knew Father Hardin that my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Rev. Hardin became a Benedictine monk in 1953 at the young age of twenty, was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1959, and received a master of divinity degree in 1960. While serving as an associate pastor at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Indianapolis, he soon became a vocal advocate for racial and socio-economic equality during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. 

His spiritual commitment and dedication to self-improvement led to the foundation of the Martin Center in 1969 and later the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center in 1977.  Under his leadership, the Martin Center College became Martin University, a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to low-income and minority adult learners.

Rev. Hardin was designated a “Living Legend” in 2002 by the Indiana Historical Society.  The City of Indianapolis is lucky to have had such a caring, giving person in our midst. 

Congratulating the Indiana Blood Center on its 60^th Anniversary

On its sixtieth anniversary, I am proud to honor an organization that has helped save hundreds of thousands of lives through volunteer blood donations and blood component distribution to more than 60 hospitals across the state.

Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in my district in Indianapolis.  This esteemed non-profit community service organization delivers more than 700 components of blood each day and provides other vital assistance to modern medicine through specialized blood typing for organ transplants, viral marker testing, transfusion recipients, and the National Marrow Donor Program.  The Center also serves as a vital link in the state’s life science and healthcare infrastructure in the areas of prostate cancer treatment, pharmaceutical research, stem cell and bone marrow donation.  It is the largest independent blood center in the state and ranks among the top 20 nationally.  Indiana Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers, North America’s largest network of community-based, independent and non-profit blood centers – which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year.

Every two seconds, someone, somewhere will need a transfusion and one out of every seven patients entering a hospital will need blood.  Indiana Blood Center depends on the good people of Indiana and the nearly 4,000 organizations that host blood drives annually to meet the constant demand to serve the citizens of Indiana.  I would like to recognize this valuable contribution to our community and congratulate Indiana Blood Center for its 60 years of faithful and dedicated stewardship of Indiana’s blood supply. 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD

RECOGNIZING GILBERT HOLMES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ACLU OF INDIANA, FOR A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

On the occasion of his retirement, I would like to congratulate Gilbert Holmes for a lifetime of trailblazing leadership and devoted public service. 

From humble roots growing up in Sparta, Illinois, Gil ascended to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for twenty years, including in Vietnam and as aide-de-camp to Major General Frederic Davison.

Upon leaving the service, Gil applied his organizational acumen with venerable Hoosier organizations, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Methodist Hospital, and Lincoln National Corporation.

From 1989 to 1996, Gil rendered distinguished public service as Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and later, as President and CEO of IndyGo.

Gil’s career culminated in his selection as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, where he served ably for three years as both steward and advocate.

Gil has spent his life combating prejudice, proving skeptics wrong, and empowering those with whom he works to achieve great things. On March 31, 2012, Gil will retire, leaving behind a legacy of lives bettered by his mentorship and leadership. On behalf of the 7^th Congressional District of Indiana, I wish him well in his retirement and extend to him our gratitude for his commitment to the advancement of civil rights for all and to his fellow Hoosiers.

STATEMENT HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE

From my first days in Congress, I always considered Donald Payne to be a mentor and friend.

He took me and others under his wing and showed us what it means to truly be a Member of Congress—not just a politician.

He showed me, like he showed so many in this Chamber, how much more we accomplish through humility and cooperation than through bravado and partisanship. 

He was brilliant and put thought into every word that he said—and because of that, Madam Speaker, his words carried weight on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.

Most recently, I was privileged to serve under his leadership on the board of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

I was able to see up close how he brought together the diverse personalities and opinions of our caucus to achieve a greater purpose.

Donald Payne made our caucus strong and united and while we will attempt to fill the gap he leaves behind, I know we will never have another leader like him.

Madame Speaker, learning to serve in the House is truly an honor—but it is also a challenge.  As a young member, I am continuing to grow and find my place amongst my distinguished colleagues.

But I feel just a little more confident because I had a mentor and a role model in Donald Payne.

And as long as I am given the privilege to serve in this House, I look forward to carrying the legacy that he started—to fight for the underprivileged, to bring attention to critical issues that don’t make the front page.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to his staff, who know, like I do, how great a Member and how great a man he truly was. 

I’m reminded of a passage of a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples in the Book of Matthew, and they were dealing with this notion of leadership.  

And Jesus said very succinctly and very clearly and very wisely, and prophetically to them, when he said: ‘‘He who wishes to be chief among you shall first be your servant.’’

Let us remember and honor Donald Payne, a true public servant.

Mr. Speaker,

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my District who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage.

In 2011, these same seniors benefitted from an average savings of $648 on their medications.  For my Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending 2 and 3 times that amount on prescription drugs per month.  For most seniors, $648 is significant savings—and it is just the beginning.

The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality.  Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we’ve already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries.

I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.

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