DTV Mobile Action Centers; General Motors Bankruptcy; New Passport Requirements - June 5, 2009
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier. For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.
In this week's Carson Courier:
DTV Mobile Action Centers
General Motors Bankruptcy
New Passport Requirements
DTV MOBILE ACTION CENTERS
With one week to go before the June 12 transition to digital broadcast television (DTV), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has set up a number of Mobile Assistance Centers (MACs) to help Indianapolis residents prepare for the switch-over. The MACs will have staff on hand to help consumers apply for coupons that can assist with the cost of a DTV converter box, which is needed to receive over-the-air broadcast television. The MAC representatives will also be able to answer questions about the converter box installation process and have equipment on hand to demonstrate how the technology works.
I hope that all residents still unprepared for the transition will visit one of the following MAC sites this weekend:
· Friday (today), June 5, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Indianapolis Air Show, Mount Comfort Airport
3867 N. Aviation Way
Greenfield, Indiana
· Saturday, June 6, 11 am-2pm
Lafayette Square Mall
Corner of Lafayette Rd. and 38th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana
· Saturday, June 6, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
College Park 14 Cinemas
3535 W. 86th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana
· Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Hamilton Town Center Mall
13901 Town Center Blvd.
Noblesville, Indiana
Please note that converter boxes will not be available for pick up at the MACs. Residents can apply for the coupon at the MAC and they will receive it in the mail within a few weeks. All converter boxes will need to be purchased at participating local retailers.
GENERAL MOTORS BANKRUPTCY
This week's bankruptcy filing of General Motors (GM) marked a new era for the American automotive industry. For decades, GM has been a symbol of American ingenuity, employing generations of working Americans and serving as a pillar of our economy. Now this iconic company must begin the process of remaking itself with a vision toward competing in the global, 21st Century economy.
I am very disappointed that past mismanagement and a prolonged decline in auto sales has led to this bankruptcy. However, I believe that it is necessary to save the company, and thousands of GM employees, from an impending collapse. In the restructuring period that will begin shortly, management, shareholders and union workers will all be required to make painful sacrifices. Many will lose their jobs or take significant financial hits to ensure the survival of one of our nation's most important companies.
Sadly, many families and hard-working men and women in the 7th District will be impacted by GM's bankruptcy, specifically the employees of the stamping plant in Indianapolis targeted for early closure. Please know, as the restructuring process continues, I will be making available the full resources of my Congressional office to support local residents who have been affected.
NEW PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
On June 1, 2009, new passport requirements took effect for American citizens returning to the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. Returning U.S. citizens are now required to present a valid passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Before these new rules began, U.S. citizens only needed to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
Please note that requirements for air, land and sea travel differ slightly. Those returning to the United States by air are required to present a valid passport. However, those returning by land or sea have the option of also presenting a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Drivers License (EDL), or Trusted Travelers Program card. There are also a number of different groups (children, military, cruise participants, etc.) who are able to present specialized identification information in place of a passport. For a complete explanation of regulations click here.
As a result of these new requirements, it may take slightly longer for new passport applications to be processed. For more information on these new passport requirements and how to apply for a passport, visit the official
Department of State travel site.
Thank you for reading the Carson Courier. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns. I value your views and your input which help me to better represent the people of Indiana's 7th District in Congress.