A Bluestem Prairie

Tuesday digest: unapologetically southern Minnesota edition

Once again, Congressman Walz is praised for his prudent choices for earmarks in the district. The Post Bulletin editorial board writes in Regional earmarks are well spent:

. . . the Bolder Options youth mentorship program in the Rochester area will receive $200,000 to expand its services, as will the Rochester Sheriffs Youth program, which provides services for at-risk youths. Rochester also will receive $712,000 for a new bus garage, and the Hormel Institute in Austin will get $323,000 that will help fund biomedical research. Also, Winona State University's National Child Protection Training Center will get a $700,000 cash infusion to help train social workers, teachers and health care providers to detect signs that children are being abused.

Those are just some of the earmarks that First District Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato, helped bring to southeastern Minnesota, and we must say that we don't see anything remotely pork-like in any of these projects and programs. Rather, they have the potential to change many lives for the better.

That's not to say that the earmarking process is even modestly efficient. It isn't. The bill Obama signed includes tax breaks for racetrack builders, rum producers in Puerto Rico and manufacturers of wooden arrows meant to be used by children (no, we're not making this up.) Also included is $2 million to promote astronomy in Hawaii, and perhaps most fittingly of all, $1.7 million to study odors from hog farms in Iowa.

Obviously, there's no shortage of waste. Everyone knows it, but the rules in Congress seem to be "I won't raise a fuss about your pet projects if you grant me the same courtesy." We doubt that one lawmaker actually read every earmark in the spending bill, and the same thing almost certainly can be said of President Obama.

That needs to change. We hope Obama follows through on his pledge to do better next time, to weed out the blatant "bridges to nowhere" while funding projects and programs that truly are good investments.

But for now, we're simply glad that southern Minnesota can accept its share of earmarks with no apologies. [emphasis added]

And given Walz's openness in releasing his list of budget requests and posting them online, we're wondering if transparency means never having to say you're sorry. Perhaps more representatives will let the sun shine on their earmarks.

The Worthington Globe reports Jackson Armory receives funding via the Recovery Act, aka the stimulus. KSTP-TV took note of the 2 regional airports awarded $1.5M in Mankato and Albert Lea. The Albert Lea Tribune says Walz announces airport funds for Albert Lea:

Walz speaks to the issue in Couple Copes with a Medical Mistake:

. . .According to the Institute of Medicine, medical mistakes cause between 44 and 98 thousand deaths or injures every year.

Surpassing those who die from aids, breast cancer and car accidents.

"This is part of the health care reform, we can not wave a magic wand. Medical mistakes, they are a 6 billion dollar a year problem and that does not even include the loss of life that may come with it," said Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz.

According to the Institute of Medicine there are currently no federal mandates forcing hospitals to release this information to the public.

“It’s always better to be informed and have those things out there. The goal is to have quality care and a lower cost,” said Walz.

The American Medical Association opposes making every mistakes public because doctors fear discussing them can lead to punishment and numerous lawsuits.

However in 2003 Minnesota was the first state to pass a law requiring all hospitals to report what they call “28 serious adverse events.” . . .

Public Citizen's Watch Dog blog looks at  Walz's work to ban congressional insider trading in  Insider Trading: How Congress Can Make Big Bucks at Our Expense:

Now also would be a good time to put an end to secret spending and insider trading immunity for government officials. 

A recent piece of legislation proposes to do just that.  Introduced by Reps. Brian Baird (D-Wash.), Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-NY) and Tim Walz (D-Minn.), the “Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act” (H.R. 682) would ensure that those with access to privileged "non-public information" gathered through oversight proceedings would not be able to use that information for personal benefit in securities and commodities trading.

Specifically, H.R. 682 would negate a little-known loophole in the law which could allow members of Congress as well as executive staffers and government officials to practice insider trading in order to enrich themselves as well as their associates.  Of course,  this type of insider trading would be wholly illegal for citizens like you and me.

The act would also be effective in combating corrupt lobbying practices, since lobbyists and stock traders ("political intelligence consultants") who haunt the halls of Congress precisely in order to glean insider tips from staff would also be banned from insider trading.

The legislation would require members of Congress and their staff to disclose stock transactions of $1,000 or more within 90 days, and require “political intelligence consultants” to register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act and disclose their financial activities.

The time to pass this legislation is now, before our tax dollars pay for any more lucrative insider investments.

There's an action item here on the group's web site.

Recovery Act funds $326,000 in DOD dollars for S. MN National Guard facilities

More stimulus dollars funded by the Recovery Act are on their way to Southern Minnesota. A press release from Walz's congressional office:

CONGRESSMAN WALZ ANNOUNCES $326,000 IN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNDING FOR SOUTHERN MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD FACILITIES

Funding Comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Walz and the Department of Defense (DoD) announced $326,000 in funding for improvements to DoD/MN National Guard facilities in southern Minnesota. St. Peter’s National Guard Armory will receive $156,000 and Jackson’s National Guard Armory will receive $170,000 to install backup heating units. The funding is being provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“This modernization of our National Guard facilities in St. Peter and Jackson will put people to work and enhance the quality of life for our troops who regularly train in these facilities,” said Walz. “This is our down-payment on ensuring that our Guard is ready to meet the security challenges of the 21st century.”

DoD Recovery Act funds will be spent at DoD facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. The primary purpose of these funds is to create jobs and stimulate economic activity across the country. All projects focus on making much-needed improvements to military installations, including hospitals, child development centers, and housing for troops and their families.

ARRA funds are also being used to support DoD high priority programs such as care for wounded warriors and energy security. Facility improvement projects include many energy conservation measures. $300 million of ARRA funds will be used on military energy research programs so that the DoD can continue to lead the way in the national effort to achieve greater energy independence.

The DoD intends to spend ARRA funds as quickly as possible with full transparency and accountability. To view a complete list of the specific projects announced today, please visit http://www.defenselink.mil/recovery and http://www.recovery.gov. The DoD will continue to use these websites to post future announcements related to ARRA funding.

Sixteen Southern Minnesota projects funded with signing of appropriations bill

The Washington Post reports in Obama Signs Spending Bill, Calls for Earmark Guidelines:

President Obama today signed what he called an "imperfect" spending bill to keep the government running even though it contains thousands of lawmakers' pet projects, but he called for more rigorous review of future projects, known as earmarks, that are designated by individual legislators for their states or districts. .  .  .

. . .Obama called on Congress to enact a series of guidelines that he said would not eliminate earmarks but would force lawmakers to be more transparent about them and would crack down on those that benefit private companies. He said it "should go without saying that an earmark must never be traded for political favors." The guidelines are aimed at curbing the number of pet projects in appropriations bills, setting up a potential battle with lawmakers who have clung to the spending items.

So far as we can tell, Congressman Walz is already operating as if those rules are in place. He publicly releases free lists of the budget requests he is making, as the Sunlight Foundation notes here and the Mankato Free Press reported here.  None of the earmarks go to private companies.

A press release from the Walz congressional office:

SIXTEEN LOCAL PROJECTS SIGNED INTO LAW

Walz’s appropriations requests signed into law earlier today as part of the Omnibus Appropriations bill

(Washington, D.C.) – Earlier today, President Obama signed the federal funding of sixteen important local projects into law that will help create and save jobs across southern Minnesota. The funds, which were requested by Congressman Tim Walz are included in the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill passed the Senate yesterday.

“Projects like Highway 14 are critically important to southern Minnesota’s economic recovery,” said Walz. “These funds will not only create jobs as we expand the existing highway to four lanes, but it will also create economic opportunity for the majority of southern Minnesota’s businesses, who use Highway 14 to ship their goods.”

“These funds will do more than just create jobs,” continued Walz. “These investment dollars strengthen the fabric of our communities. Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Bolder Options, the Sherriff’s Youth Program, and Winona State’s National Child Protection Training Center will ensure that our children drink clean water, receive invaluable support from caring adult mentors, and be less likely to fall pray to child predators. Investments like these in the future of our country are priceless.”

The FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill funding at the request of Congressman Walz for the following projects:

$200,000 for Bolder Options

To expand Bolder Options' youth mentorship program into the Rochester area

$713,625 for the Center for Renewable Energy at Minnesota State University, Mankato

This funding would support on-going research into cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable forms of energy.

$290,000 for Crop Disease Research at the University of Minnesota

Research into crop diseases that threaten Minnesota's wheat, oat and barley industries.

$235,000 for the Competitive Farm Benchmarking Program at the University of Minnesota

Funding for a project that helps farmers compare their costs of production and maximize their efficiencies of operation.

$323,000 for Hormel Institute in Austin

Funds would help the Hormel Center develop an International Center of Research Technology to provide cutting edge technology to biomedical researchers from across the country and the world.

$2,375,000 Hwy 14 Waseca-Owatonna

Funds would support the four-lane expansion of Highway 14 from Waseca to I-35 at Owatonna.

$475,000 for 55th Street in Rochester

Funds would provide for final design, right-of-way acquisition and first stage construction of a 1.9 mile extension of 55th Street as a 4-lane expressway.

$27,000,000 for Lewis and Clark Regional Water System

Centered in twenty communities in western Minnesota, northern Iowa, and eastern South Dakota, this pipeline provides treated water from the Missouri River to more than 300,000 people in three states.

Several Members of Congress from three states requested this funding. This area is so desperately short of water that there are restrictions on constructing new small business and residences; the pipeline will be essential to the economic viability of these small towns. Many of the communities involved have pre-paid the local share of the project, in order to keep inflationary costs at a minimum, and are only awaiting the federal share.

$700,000 for the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University

The Center trains social workers, teachers, and health care professionals to recognize and report signs of child abuse.

$500,000 for the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota and Iowa

This project will support land acquisition to add acreage to the refuge.

$181,000 for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Fresh Start Disease Prevention Program

Funds would support the expansion of a chronic disease management program in Wabasha to help participants reduce their risk of heart disease.

$190,000 for St. Mary’s University’s Teacher Mentorship Program

Funds would help expand the university's educator professional development programs by using technology to allow greater outreach to teachers in MN with impact on thousands of students in critical STEM subjects.

$200,000 for Sheriffs Youth Program in Rochester.

Funding would support the expansion of SYP’s services for at-risk youth.

$712,000 for Transit Operations Center in Rochester

Would fund the construction of a new 60-bus garage facility; as well as a new park-and-ride facility in Rochester.

$8,604,000 for Upper Mississippi River Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program

This multi-state project was requested by several Members of Congress. It will provide for the first phases of construction of new 1,200 foot lock chambers at several locks and dams along the Mississippi, implement small-scale navigation aids; and begin ecosystem restoration projects along the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.

$951,000 for Veterans Re-Entry Education Program in St. Paul

Funds would help Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and three state agencies create programs to help returning veterans find employment and educational opportunities.

While most of the federal funding for FY2009 was delayed until now, some funding bills did become law before President Bush left office. In the FY2009 bills that became law last year, Walz also secured the following funding:

$2 million for the Minnesota National Guard Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program

$704,000 for the National Guard's Minnesota Army National Guard Armory Emergency Response Generators

$1.3 million for the Minnesota Helicopter Civil Band Radio Communication

$2.224 million for Minnesota Satellite Multi-Modal Collaborative Crisis and Training Network

$400,000 for flood mitigation in Owatonna, Minnesota

Photo: Congressman Walz and a constituent in Luverne. Image courtesy of Cornerhouse Comments.

Omnibus bill: Highway 14, renewable energy--and block on congressional pay raise

The House passed the omnibus funding bill yesterday; MinnPost's Cynthia Dizikes summarizes statements by Minnesota's delegation in Peterson joins Republicans and votes against 'omnibus' spending bill.

KEYC-TV reports in Area Projects Benefit From Stimulus Money:

An important vote in the U - S House means extra funding may be on the way for projects in our area...Representative Tim Walz announcing the House approved federal funding today for sixteen projects in southern Minnesota... Projects that will help keep and create jobs in our area.Rep. Tim Walz says, "What these things will do is create jobs in ,pthe short term... like what President Obama said last night... we need to focus on education, jobs, research and health care."Two major projects in our area include over 700 thousand dollars for the Center for Renewable Energy at MSU and nearly 2 point 5 million dollars to support the four - lane expansion of Highway 14 from Waseca to Owatonna.Mayor Gary Zellmer says, "If we can continue to get little bits at a time it's always encouraging... it's been a long struggle so just getting something is really key."The funding is in addition to dollars already set for these projects through the regular state budget and the Recovery Bill...The Senate is expected to take action on the bill this week.

The money for MSUM's project should give more of those young engineering students at last Friday Repower America Town Hall Forum an opportunity to learn more about green energy and jobs.  And more for improving Highway 14?  Simply a life saver.

The bill also ncludes a provision to block the COLA increase for members.  Walz was an original co-sponsor of a separate provision to do so, H.R. 156. Peterson and Kline signed on later. Insert our own snark about Paulsen and Bachmann being for pay raises for themselves buy voting against the omnibus bill and failing to co-sponsor the separate item (H.R. 156).

Walz's congressional office issued a press release about funding in the bill for Southern Minnesota. Other familiar items on the list include funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Upper Mississippi River navigation and ecosystem projects, the Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University, flood mitigation in Owatonna and other requests from the lists of earmarks (2007 and 2008) that Walz has published earlier in order to help make the process more tranparent for his constituents.

While some political observers like to kvetch about earmarks in the abstract, Walz's specific requests have largely met with approval in the district press.  The Owatonna People's Press pointed out in An Earmark That Makes Sense, an editorial last year about the flood migitation project:

". . .there are times when the projects are worthwhile. The earmark that Mr. Walz has proposed for Owatonna is one such case. What makes it important is that it is not a bridge to nowhere, but funds which will help a community prevent flooding and help residents keep their homes from being damaged. Keeping people and their property safe from the ravages of Mother Nature seems a worthwhile goal for the government."

A day later, we made the case for funding the work of the Hormel Institute in a post Another common sense earmark: Austin's Hormel Institute. The biomedical at the Institute is largely directed at finding cures for cancer.

Yesterday's release:

WALZ ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR KEY LOCAL PROJECTS, KEEPING JOBS IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Appropriations requests clear major hurdle, likely to become law in March

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced that Congress is likely to approve federal funding this week to sixteen important local projects that will help create and save jobs across southern Minnesota.

Walz said the funds are included in the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which is expected to pass the House of Representatives later today. The Senate is expected to take action on the bill in the coming days before sending it to President Obama for his signature.

“Projects like Highway 14 are critically important to southern Minnesota’s economic recovery,” said Walz. “These funds will not only create jobs as we expand the existing highway to four lanes, but it will also create economic opportunity for the majority of southern Minnesota’s businesses, who use Highway 14 to ship their goods.”

The funding in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill is in addition to dollars already targeted for these projects through the regular state budget and through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was enacted earlier this month.

“These funds will do more than just create jobs,” continued Walz. “These dollars strengthen the fabric of our communities. Because of projects like the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, Bolder Options, the Sherriff’s Youth Program, and Winona State’s National Child Protection Training Center, our children will drink clean water, receive invaluable support from caring adult mentors, and be less likely to fall pray to child predators. Investments like these in the future of our country are priceless.”

“Finally, these funds support the ongoing investment in renewable energy production, medical research, and education that President Obama called for last night in his address to Congress. The alignment between southern Minnesota’s priorities and the President’s goals could not be more apparent than in this list of projects I requested on behalf of the community leaders and citizens of southern Minnesota,” concluded Walz.

The FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill funding at the request of Congressman Walz for the following projects:

$200,000 for Bolder Options

To expand Bolder Options' youth mentorship program into the Rochester area

$713,625 for the Center for Renewable Energy at Minnesota State University, Mankato

This funding would support on-going research into cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable forms of energy.

$290,000 for Crop Disease Research at the University of Minnesota

Research into crop diseases that threaten Minnesota's wheat, oat and barley industries.

$235,000 for the Competitive Farm Benchmarking Program at the University of Minnesota Funding for a project that helps farmers compare their costs of production and maximize their efficiencies of operation.

$323,000 for Hormel Institute in Austin Funds would help the Hormel Center develop an International Center of Research Technology to provide cutting edge technology to biomedical researchers from across the country and the world.

$2,375,000 Hwy 14 Waseca-Owatonna

Funds would support the four-lane expansion of Highway 14 from Waseca to I-35 at Owatonna.

$475,000 for 55th Street in Rochester

Funds would provide for final design, right-of-way acquisition and first stage construction of a 1.9 mile extension of 55th Street as a 4-lane expressway.

$27,000,000 for Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Centered in twenty communities in western Minnesota, northern Iowa, and eastern South Dakota, this pipeline provides treated water from the Missouri River to more than 300,000 people in three states.

Several Members of Congress from three states requested this funding. This area is so desperately short of water that there are restrictions on constructing new small business and residences; the pipeline will be essential to the economic viability of these small towns. Many of the communities involved have pre-paid the local share of the project, in order to keep inflationary costs at a minimum, and are only awaiting the federal share.

$700,000 for the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University

The Center trains social workers, teachers, and health care professionals to recognize and report signs of child abuse.

$500,000 for the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota and Iowa

This project will support land acquisition to add acreage to the refuge.

$181,000 for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Fresh Start Disease Prevention Program

Funds would support the expansion of a chronic disease management program in Wabasha to help participants reduce their risk of heart disease.

$190,000 for St. Mary’s University’s Teacher Mentorship Program

Funds would help expand the university's educator professional development programs by using technology to allow greater outreach to teachers in MN with impact on thousands of students in critical STEM subjects.

$200,000 for Sheriffs Youth Program in Rochester.

Funding would support the expansion of SYP’s services for at-risk youth.

$712,000 for Transit Operations Center in Rochester

Would fund the construction of a new 60-bus garage facility; as well as a new park-and-ride facility in Rochester.

$8,604,000 for Upper Mississippi River Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program

This multi-state project was requested by several Members of Congress. It will provide for the first phases of construction of new 1,200 foot lock chambers at several locks and dams along the Mississippi, implement small-scale navigation aids; and begin ecosystem restoration projects along the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.

$951,000 for Veterans Re-Entry Education Program in St. Paul

Funds would help Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and three state agencies create programs to help returning veterans find employment and educational opportunities.

While most of the federal funding for FY2009 was delayed until now, some funding bills did become law before President Bush left office. In the FY2009 bills that became law last year, Walz also secured the following funding:

$2 million for the Minnesota National Guard Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program

$704,000 for the National Guard's Minnesota Army National Guard Armory Emergency Response Generators

$1.3 million for the Minnesota Helicopter Civil Band Radio Communication $2.224 million for Minnesota Satellite Multi-Modal Collaborative Crisis and Training Network $400,000 for flood mitigation in Owatonna, Minnesota

Thursday morning digest: vets and kids edition

The Washington Post reports in Shinseki Says He Would Modernize VA:

If confirmed, Shinseki said, he will confront the immediate tasks of formulating a "credible and adequate" 2010 budget request and implementing the new GI bill by August. "The overriding challenge, which I will begin to address on my first day in office, will be to make the Department of Veterans Affairs a 21st-century organization focused on the nation's veterans as its clients."

This sounds like great news for veterans--and a VA scretary who will be a partner with the House Veterans Affairs Committee, which has pushed for modernization. Congressman Walz serves on the committee.

Stars and Stripes reports 3 new lawmakers have experience in Iraq. Walz's service overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is mentioned. He served in Italy with his National Guard unit, helping to supply troops in Afghanistan.

The Star Tribune reports House votes to expand health coverage for kids. S-CHIP now moves to the Senate.

Are Kids books in jeopardy? the Fairmont Sentinel asks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is weighing if and how books should be tested for lead, following new legislation prompted by dangerously high levels of lead in imported toys.  Walz's office is quoted:

Progress has been made in slowing the forward momentum of the requirement.

"From what we understand, they're still working on this with publishers," said Amanda Frie, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. "There is an open meeting next week on what they're going to do about books. They haven't made a decision yet."

Book stores, particularly those selling used materials, also are concerned. Walz is seeking a "middle ground," saying the law was an important step in protecting the public and providing funds that testing laboratories need to upgrade their equipment and hire additional staff.

"However, we need to make sure that this law is not administered in a way that will be unnecessarily burdensome to small companies and mom-and-pop stores," Frie said.

We'll be back with more news later in the day.

Photo: Terry Throndson, Congressman Tim Walz, House VA Committee Chair Bob Filner and Wayne Stillman at the Soldiers Field Memorial in Rochester.

Tuesday morning digest: vets, students, and trains edition

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports Walz unveils legislation to increase veterans' access to health. The article reviews Walz's efforts on behalf of veterans:

. . .Walz said making it easier and affordable for veterans to receive appropriate health care is the government's obligation.

"You were hurt serving the nation; you should not have to pay for that," Walz told veterans in Austin. "You paid that fee when you raised your hand and swore yourself into service."

During his first [term] in Congress, Walz has pushed for additional support for veterans, including the largest funding increase for the Veterans Administration in its 77-year history. He also advocated for programming that would help ease soldiers' transitions between active and veteran status. . . .

After reading an earlier Austin Herald story, the Minnesota First blogger writes that Walz Stands Up For Veterans.

Congressman Walz was talking to educators in Owatonna, the People's Press reports in Walz touts changes for NCLB on Owatonna:

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. — a former teacher himself — considers teachers and educators to be his most important colleagues.

Like most educators, Walz favors reforms to the federal No Child Left Behind law, along with more funding in early childhood education.

“For democracy to move forward, our students must be educated,” he said.

Walz, who formerly taught geography at Mankato West High School, addressed educators Monday at Owatonna High School. He is the only teacher elected to Congress who has taught under No Child Left Behind. The law ensures that every student in the country be proficient in math, reading and writing by 2014.

Read the rest at the Owatonna People's Press. The paper also says that Klobuchar and Walz staffers heard suggestions for changing food programs in Voters seek provisions in Farm Bill.

Sam Hagedorn is star-struck at the DNC, according to the Post Bulletin article, Political star power dazzles 18-year-old delegate.

Terry Morrow's campaign site looks at how the Minnesota Prairie Line Meeting Leads to Exciting Coalition for Economic Growth.

The Stewartville Star reports About 500 attend local rally for Minnesota Patriot Guard. The group:

attends funerals for fallen soldiers at the request of the soldiers' families. It displays flags to comfort families and also hosts welcome-home celebrations for servicemen and women.

Photo: From the Austin Herald article, veterans listening to Congressman Walz outside the Mower County Courthouse.

Live blogging the Klobuchar-Walz veterans meeting in St. Peter

Update 8/19: The meeting broke up around 6:30, with everyone getting plenty of time to talk to Walz and Klobuchar before and after their brief remarks began.  For us, the most moving part of the late afternoon event was meeting Vicky Sprenger of Sleepy Eye. As we noted beginning in 2007, her son Minnesota National Guard soldier B.J. Sprenger was badly burned  in Iraq when a roadside IED detonated. The incident happened a day before his 22nd birthday.

She talked to Senator Klobuchar about the family's experience with the military burn hospital in San Antonio, and showed us the tattoo she got there while B.J. was being treated.  Congressman Walz knew the soldier from his own days in the National Guard.

One of our friends had drilled with B.J. and the word she used most to describe her fellow soldier was "sweet." That was the word his mom used, too, and in talking to her, we could see that the acorn hadn't fallen far from the tree.  We thank her, her family and her son for their courage and service. [end update]

6: 07 Congressman Walz talked about the work the House V.A. committee did and the bills that were passed. He talks about the experience B. J.  Sprenger and his mother went through. He tells several stories and introduces his veterans outreach worker. He introduces Senator Klobuchar, who talks about the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. She introduces her outreach workers. She thanks Mrs. Sprenger and her family.

5:53 Senator Klobuchar, the District 2 commander for the VFW, and several other women are talking at a table. One is the mother of B.J. Sprenger.

5:39 The meeting is starting late since those at the Summit Center meeting in Mankato had a lot of questions.Senator Klobuchar and Congressman Walz are here, along with about fifteen vets and citizens, as well as assorted staffers, state representative Terry Morrow, and state senator Kathy Sheran. These meetings have been informal I've been told--those attending are taking advantage of the opportunity for face time with their U.S. Senator and Representative.

Update #2: The Albert Lea Tribune reports Klobuchar, Walz make joint appearance at Albert Lea's American Legion post. The paper estimated that 30 people attended the informal meeting:

The two members of Congress made this joint appearance before about 30 veterans and members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. And in their short speeches, the two discussed various aspects of health care and other benefits for members of the armed forces and those veterans who have served the nation in prior years.. [end update]

Photo: Vicki Sprenger's tattoo; photo taken at the St. Peter American Legion post.

Note: Our last post from yesterday's live blogging was lost somehow, so we've added the update.

Thursday midday news digest: teeing up and off edition

The Marshall Independent reports DFL candidates gather to discuss pertinent issues at annual fundraiser:

Maybe it helped that it was an election year, or that Farmfest wasn't far away. But the people attending an annual DFL fund-raiser on Tuesday night said the main attraction was the chance to bring voters and candidates together.

A mix of national and state Democratic candidates spoke from the front porch of a farmhouse on the Ted Suss and Janet Marti farm south of Lucan, including U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, and Minnesota House candidates Bob Skillings of New Ulm and Al Kruse of Marshall.

Some of the big issues that emerged in candidates' speeches included health care reform, education, and renewable energy.. . .

Senate District 21 straddles the First and Seventh Congressional Districts.

The Fairmont Sentinel looks at the Farmfest Forum in Candidates delve into ag issues. An excerpt:

. . .Common themes emerged in each candidate's answers. Such as the need for offshore drilling, the image of farmers as stewards of the land, and a general distaste for the Clean Water Bill.

Walz lauded the efforts of family farmers trying to "do the right thing but having 16 different organizations" trying to regulate their business. He focused his answers on finding a common middle ground, saying it is politics that makes people believe they have to choose a side when really the sides can work together to produce a mutually beneficial solution. . . .

Go read the rest at the Sentinel. Blueman Hal Kimball has some Farm Fest Ponderings. We weren't at the Senate candidate forum, so we don't have an informed opinion to share about it, but he's close on the Congressional forum. Tinklenberg was terrific when he talked about his background and vision, but he could have mentioned Bachmann's absence once and that would have been enough. Sarvi came off up-beat and personable. Peterson and Walz earned the audience's applause.

The Worthington Globe carries Forum reporter Don Davis's look at another Farmfest discussion, Debating the impact of biofuels on food, other prices. KEYC-TV reports on Amy Klobuchar and farm group leaders talking about Life After The Farm Bill. The Fairmont Sentinel reports that the Klobuchar-led Forum asks farmers to speak up.

Tim Walz and Brian Davis will be guests of Winona's Women in Business, according to this report from Winona Radio:

Four political candidates will be the special guests at this month's meeting of the Winona Women in Business group. 

The event will take place at noon on Thursday, August 21st, at Westfield Golf Club.

On hand will be First District Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Brian Davis. Also attending will be Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski and his Republican challenger, Rhett Zenke.

All four will address current campaign issues.

The cost is $12 a person and the reservation deadline is this Monday, August 11th.

For more information contact Tammy Kramer at 689-4552.

Too bad Senator Dick Day can't be there to add some life to the pachyderm party.

In Staff All-Star: Pat Ryan - Education Minnesota, Labor 2008 mistakenly puts activist Pat Ryan and Tim Walz in MN-06 (sorry Political Muse and Blueman). Both Ryan and Walz are based in Blue Earth County.  The post highlighting the volunteer notes:

. . . As a Speech teacher, Pat is naturally good at engaging people in conversation and his sense of humor is an asset in heated political situations. He admits that most of all, he enjoys Labor Walks because he gets to be outside walking.

Pat is one of many dedicated Release Staffers for Education Minnesota. He successfully recruits and engages union members on working family issues this year. Pat taught with Tim Walz at West High School and supports Walz’s run in Congressional District 6 [sic]. Pat also pulls for union-endorsed Franken and Obama. 

MPR mentioned Walz's NCLB recess act in in Fewer Minnesota students hit yearly progress goals. The Post Bulletin reports in Another 200 schools statewide don't meet yearly goals :

State and national legislative leaders, notably former teacher 1st District Rep. Tim Walz, have previously called for No Child Left Behind reform. Still, no changes have been made.

"The kids are fighting it, and the pressures are there," Kelly said. "It's an unbelievable situation."

Republican primary contenders Davis and Day both favor scrapping NCLB completely. The Worthington Globe reprints the Pioneer Editorial: NCLB will soon fail all schools.

In a letter, Minnesotans for Immigration Reduction head Paul Westrum argues for reducing legal immigration in Immigration policy needs major reform.  Perhaps now the media will quit identifying the group as being only "anti-illegal" immigration. Westrum clearly supports drastic reductions in the number of people who are willing to play by the rules when seeking to live in America.

The Albert Lea Tribune reports Bent Tree is big investment. Some economic development morsels:

. . .The first phase of 200-megawatt wind farm is set to begin construction as early as 2009, and it has the potential to be a 400-megawatt wind farm. If fully completed, the Bent Tree Wind Farm would be the largest stand-alone wind farm in Minnesota.. . .

. . .According to Schultz, 400 megawatts is about enough to power 100,000 homes over the course of a year. Schultz said Alliant Energy has not yet made a decision to build or not build the second 200 megawatts.. . .

. . .According to Dorman, both phases of the project being completed would add a tax base equal to adding about six malls or about 40 industrial buildings. . . .

Some of those Bohemians in New Ulm talked funny.

Southern Minnesota's dutiful Sock Puppet Republicans have faithfully repeated the NRCC's whining points about Congress going on "vacation." Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports Boehner Golfing, McCain Absent During GOP Revolt (more on the Minority Leader's golf games in Boehner and the Bunker Mentality). Okay then.

Not that we have anything against golf. Blueman and former MSUSA sultan Hal Kimball, for instance, is taking the day off to participate in the golf scramble to raise money for the Penny Fellowship for MNSCU students. Now, that's a fine reason to work on a tan while spoiling a good walk.

Oh-- and good luck and congratulations to Joe, Liz and baby Bodell; our prayers also go out to Sgt. Zach Juhnke and the 2700 National Guard members from around the country who will be heading to Kuwait and who will begin serving in Iraq in September. Seven hundred of the soldiers are from Minnesota.

Photos:  (Top) It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and only the House Republicans have to have a golf tournament to fund their campaigns. Actually, Boehner held one of those those golf tournaments while a delegated group of his members whined about Democrats adjourning for "vacation."  We haven't seen such genius from Boehner since he came to Minnesota State in 2006 to help Gil Gutknecht  as a higher education leader--despite the fact he'd taken all those PAC funds from student lenders and had a voting record like this.  (Bottom) NRCC sock puppet alert.

Early evening news digest: firecracker edition

Transportation and energy issues dominate today's congressional news in the First. Federal grants that will assist in the improvement of Highway captured much attention. The Waseca County News reports Walz presents Highway 14 grant:

Funding for the expansion of Highway 14 got a boost Thursday morning when First District Congressman Tim Walz and members of the Highway 14 Partnership met in Waseca. They stood on the grass across from Kiesler’s Campground, their backs to the highway they all want to see converted to a four-lane.

Walz, a Mankato Democrat, was in town to announce federal grants for two sections of Highway 14. Joining him were the mayors of Waseca, Owatonna, North Mankato and Courtland and officials from Waseca and Owatonna.

Walz said the highway is a major artery in the First District, used by 80 percent of the area’s largest employers.

He said the Federal Highway Administration grant is the result of the financial commitment the state of Minnesota has made to the finish the project.

The grant was also made possible, Walz said, because of the commitment of the partnership members who understood the need to band together to get a new highway built. The new highway will improve safety and the economy and infrastructure for the future, he said.

The Mankato Free Press wrote that Grant funding moves highway plan ahead and KEYC-TV says Walz Announces Grant Money for Highway 14 Repairs. Video is included. Winona Radio picks up on the story as well.

Congressman Walz continues to talk about energy issues with small business owners and consumers in the district. The Albert Lea Tribune observes that Walz blasts Bush over gas prices. MPR reports Politicians offer plenty of gas prices fixes; Walz is mentioned.

Robert Emary writes to the Worthington Globe to say Walz made right vote on energy act. Richard Robbins supports Walz's approach in Energy policies should put middle class first.

In The Carbon Footprint Trail, Tom Driscoll at the Fillmore County Journal takes a long look at ways in which local power co-ops are trying to reduce CO2 emissions. Both Congressman Walz and Davis were interviewed for the story.

Davis's global warming denial looks to be pretty light-weight in context of the rest of the story, especially when contrasted with Governor Pawlenty's efforts for conservation and energy efficiency. Guess that's what happens when you touts slim credentials (one year of work after receiving his undergraduate degree) from an industry Davis hasn't worked in for nearly 25 years (Davis began working on his mechanical engineering degrees in 1983, after graduating from college in 1982).

The Rochester Post Bulletin writes that GOP leader outlines strategy during speech at Mayo Civic Center. The strategy talk was about how to defeat Walz, not how to devise long-term energy policy. No word in the article as to whom Cole delivered his strategy pep talk.  We suppose it's nice that Tom Cole's visit resulted in one or two pieces of earned  mainstream media for the Davis campaign.

The Open Enrollment blog at the Winona Daily News' River Valley blogs looks at Walz vs. NCLB.

The Houston County News reports Houston County amongst those declared federal disaster area; the article mentions Congressman Walz's efforts, working with Senators Coleman and Klobuchar and Governor Pawlenty, to help secure the federal disaster declaration by the president.

The Pioneer Press looks at how Returning veterans take lessons to political battles. The article begins:

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars linger on, but they already are producing a new generation of politicians looking to represent Minnesota in Congress.

In the 3rd Congressional District, Marine veteran Ashwin Madia, the surprise Democratic challenger, is seeking the open seat. In the 2nd District, Steve Sarvi, a National Guard member who served in Kosovo and Iraq, is taking on a Vietnam veteran. And the 1st District is represented by Tim Walz, a 24-year National Guard veteran, in his first term running for re-election.

The three are part of an emerging trend nationally — veterans of the two wars eager to take their concerns and the lessons they've learned to Washington. . . .

It's important to note that Tim Walz served in a support operation in Italy for Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) but is not a combat veteran of OEF. Both Madia and Sarvi served in country in Iraq. Here's the new chart on competitive races from the Cook Political Report. 

We had posted yesterday how MN-02, once considered completely safe for John Kline, was moved into the more competitive "likely Republican" from "solid Republican." Those pesks at IDHA note that Sarvi, Madia and Tinklenberg have just been endorsed by the Minnesota Nurses Association.  Looks like the Republican Party of Minnesota will be playing defense in all three of its remaining congressional seats.

In Welcome Home for Minnesota Soldiers, KAAL TV reports that 400 Minnesota National Guard members  from Mankato-based 2nd Battalion who had been serving in Kosovo will return to the USA by the end of next weekend. The Albert Lea Tribune says they're coming back between July 10 and 14 in  Albert Lea troops returning from Kosovo.

Happy Birthday, America!

Fanfare for the Common Man Update: We spoke too soon about earned media for Brian Davis's campaign; the Grand Forks Herald has published an AP reports about Brian Davis's self-funding of his campaign. In 1st District candidate says spending won't change, we learn:

A doctor running for Congress in southern Minnesota says he won't increase spending of his own money despite the new freedom he got with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The high court ruled against campaign finance laws that allowed higher contribution limits for opponents of candidates using more than $350,000 of their own money. But Dr. Brian Davis, who is running for Congress in the First District, says he never planned to hit that limit anyway. He has loaned or contributed nearly $200,000 to his campaign so far.

Davis says he does agree with the decision.

He's running in the Republican primary against longtime state Senator Dick Day. The winner of that primary will run against first-term Democratic Representative Tim Walz.

That $200,000 figure is quite interesting. At the end of Q1, Davis had contributed $58543.76 to his campaign and loaned his committee $24,000, for a total of $82,543.76.  If the amount has escalated up to nearly $200,000, he tapped into his own reserves at a greater pace in the quarter that just ended--perhaps to the tune of $100,000 or more.

That should punch the Q2 report up a bit.

Walz statement on signing of new GI Bill

President Bush has signed the legislation that includes the 21st Century G.I. Bill. From a Walz congressional office press release:

Today, Congressman Tim Walz lauded the enactment of legislation that includes a landmark expansion of the GI Bill of Rights for our nation's veterans.  President Bush signed the bill into law today.

"Today, we make clear, not just in words but in deeds our commitment to the brave veterans who have served our nation by giving them the chance to attend college and succeed when they return home," said Walz.  "This is a significant expansion of educational benefits for our veterans -the 21st Century GI Bill restores educational benefits used by pervious generations of veterans and is designed to keep pace with the real-world costs of a higher education."

Josh Howe, Southeastern Regional Coordinator for Higher Education Programs at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs said, "I'd like to thank Congressman Walz, the President and others for the bi-partisan support that made this bill a reality.  But most of all, to the veterans and servicemembers of past wars and the current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, I say thank you for your service.  Our future and that of our families is a little brighter on this historic day." 

More than 20,000 service members from Minnesota have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.  Unfortunately, current benefits pay only about 70 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education for these veterans when they return home.  The expanded GI Bill will restore full, four-year college scholarships for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to help make them part of an economic recovery like the veterans of World War II.  The legislation will also allow veterans to transfer those benefits to family members.

"When President Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill in 1944, he observed that it 'gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our Armed Forces that the American people do not intend to let them down," said Walz.  "Today we are renewing our commitment to stand with the members of our Armed Forces when they return home."

Veterans struggling with GI Bill benefits or other benefits earned as a result of their service should contact Congressman Walz's Rochester office at 507-206-0643 for assistance.

We've had a busy day, but will post a look at some of the delightful reading in today's district newspapers sometime tonight.

While you wait, go over to the Walz campaign site and contribute; today is the last day of the Q2 fundraising quarter. It's important to keep Walz working for veterans in the district!  And if you have any more spare change, help elect more good Democrats by giving to the Red2Blue MN Act Blue campaign.  It has achieved its modest goal--and every little bit helps.

Sponsored link: Use the new GI Bill to get a masters in education.

Cartoon: The new legislation deals mostly with education benefits, but the cartoon reflects what a number of returning vets have told us about the struggle to maintain adequate health care.

Mid-day news digest: GOP karoake edition

One of Walz's former students writes to the Mankato Free Press to say Walz would continue to fight:

As a former student of Tim Walz, I would easily and accurately have characterized myself as a fervent “fan-boy” during his first run for Congress. Two years of college and interaction with students much smarter than I have moderated my political views and left me quite disaffected with the ways of Washington. Though my hope in and respect for the current character of American politics has waned, my faith in my former geography teacher has not.

Walz and I have likely parted ways on not a small number of held opinions, but one thing I will vehemently vouch for is this (and one must forgive what seems a contrite remark): Walz is who he is: An independent thinker who will never displace his hopes and cares for southern Minnesota with the political positioning and do-nothing spirit that now plagues our federal government.

His past conduct in Congress inspires great confidence in his current and future ability to effectively parse through the hot air in Washington and to strongly advocate those issues, which he fervently believes to be in the best interest of those he stands for as a representative.

The Pelosis and Obamas of the politics of today can stand aside. Walz will continue to fight for us and us, alone. As far as I am concerned this distinction has earned him another two years in Congress.

Oops! In the Mountain Lake Observer/Butterfield Advocate, yet another GOP letter writer lip syncs the Brian Davis and NRCC song about that Chinese-Cuban drilling urban legend. It's like doing karaoke of the Milli Vanilli of energy policy. 

The writer also doesn't seem to get it that while no new refineries have been built, refinery capacity is up 20 percent, with the equivalent of four new refineries coming on line by 2010, or so those commies at the American Petroleum Institute tell me.The link also leads to an interesting discussion in a separate letter of former GOP leader Dave Jennings' recent remarks at a DFL fundraiser in Morton.

MPR reports that Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston and Mower Counties sustained enough damage in recent flooding to receive FEMA assistance. Congressman Walz, Senators Klobuchar and Coleman pressed for the effort after Governor Pawlenty requested help.

The Faribault County Register reports a federal $95,000 grant put on hold:

A group trying to fix the roof of the old Delavan High School is finding out it’s not quite that easy.

DHS, Inc. volunteers have held numerous fundraisers for the project, raising about $2,000 earlier this year.

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently came to the aid and awarded a “conditional grant” of $95,000 to help pay for repairs.

All was progressing well until the USDA determined the school is a historical building. Then, as required by law, the Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office stepped in.

“It’s been a major struggle,” says Steve Scheid, past president of DHS, Inc. “We just want to fix the leaky roof....

Congressman Walz, State Senator Julie Rosen, and State Rep. Tony Cornoish are trying to help get the project moving forward again..

The Hawaii Reporters notes that Walz is the House author of the companion bill in Welcome Progress on [Senator] Akaka's Pain Care Legislation for veterans.

The Post Bulletin is running a multi-part special report on child abuse. The work of the National Child Protection Training Center, is noted. The refusal of a highly-scored, peer reviewed NCPTC grant application to a DOJ program recently led to a House oversight hearing upon Walz's request.

A letter writer in the Spring Grove Herald notes Tim Walz shows common sense in wanting to devise a  energy strategy, since drilling in closed areas will do little to lower gas prices, government reports show. Americablog notes the link between high oil prices and the return on offshore drilling.

In our comments section about Walz's FISA Bill blog, our friend McPherson Hall noted that comments are allowed.  Interesting responses from Minnesotans. At Corner House Comment, the parent of an Iraq War veteran laments the human of passing the new GI Bill in New GI Bill A Reality?.

And now, for those who missed the lip syncing brilliance of the 1980s, here's Milli Vanilli's classic, "Girl, You Know It's True"  going out to the GOP base.

Walz statement on passage of GI Bill for the 21st Century

Our friend McPherson Hall of Minnesota Central gently chided us for neglecting to discussion the inclusion of the new G.I. Bill as an amendment to the war supplemental:

With all the hub-bub last week about the FISA bill, there was another notable bill that the House passed.

The House approved amendments to the Supplemental Appropriations Act 2008.

Since your column has addressed veterans issues, you might be interested to know that by a vote of 416 to 12 Roll Call 432 was approved.

He is correct. Fortunately, Congressman Walz's office just came out with a statement about the passage:

WALZ RECOGNIZES GI BILL ANNIVERSARY AND PRAISES PASSAGE OF 21ST CENTURY GI BILL

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz marked the anniversary of the original GI Bill and lauded the passage of the 21st Century GI Bill:

"This past Sunday marked the 64th anniversary of the historic GI Bill that President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law on June 22, 1944.  On that day, President Roosevelt observed that the GI Bill 'gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our Armed Forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.'  I am very pleased that last week the House of Representatives renewed that commitment to our nation's Armed Forces by passing a new GI Bill for the 21st Century.

"The new GI Bill significantly expands the educational benefits our country offers to the men and women who have served so courageously since the attacks of September 11, 2001.  It is designed to restore the promise of the original GI Bill, offering support for a full higher education for our veterans, a pathway to prosperity to them, and the foundation of a post-war economic recovery.

"I was proud to vote for this bill, and I am hopeful that the Senate will pass the legislation soon and the President will sign it into law.

We have a moral obligation and a national security interest to stand with our veterans, not just on the battlefield, but also when they return.  This bill demonstrates our commitment to our young men and women.

"Under the bill, increased educational benefits would be available to members of the military - including activated reservists and National Guard - who have served at least three months on active duty since September 11, 2001.  The amount of educational assistance veterans receive is linked to the amount of time they've served on active duty since September 11, 2001, up to three years.

"For those who have served three years, they will get support that would cover full tuition and associated costs at the most expensive public university in their state, though they can use their educational assistance essentially at any institution of higher education.  The bill also provides for the federal government to match dollar-for-dollar any private assistance veterans receive at more expensive institutions as well.  There is also provision for school costs like books, and a housing stipend appropriate for where the veteran is going to school.

"In short, this is a significant expansion of the benefit that is designed to keep pace with the real-life costs of education in the 21st century.

"Finally, a new provision has been added to the bill that would allow veterans who have served six years and who sign up for another four to transfer their educational benefits to their spouses and dependents.

"The original GI Bill was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th Century in America.  I believe this new GI Bill can be an equally great achievement of this Century."

Like the final passage of the increase in the federal minimum wage, final approval of the New G. I. Bill came--eventually--at the cost of continuing to fund the war in Iraq. Those who feel that Congress should quit funding the war and pull out immediately will be disappointed with Walz's vote for another amendment to the bill that continued money for the war in Iraq.

"Do 10 pushups": Walz speaks with authority on HR 3681

One of the things that came up at the veterans roundtable in Speaker Pelosi at the VA Medical Center was the need for better outreach to veterans.

Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to advertise in the national media to promote awareness of benefits. 

Here's Congressman Walz's floor statement, taken from Lexis-Nexis Congressional database:

Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Thank you to the chairman for his outstanding and tireless work for our veterans. A special thank you also to Mr. Boozman, who has been an unending friend and supporter and effective leader in helping our veterans. I thank you. This is just one more example of your continued work.

I stand in strong support of  H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act. This just simply, as you have heard the speakers talk about, ensures the ability of the VA to reach out and gather our veterans back in, making sure that those veterans understand all the benefits that are available to them, from suicide prevention to health care benefits, training, education, pension benefits, vocational rehabilitation, assistance for homeless veterans, veterans owning small businesses.

This Nation and this past Congress in the 110th Congress has done much to care for our veterans. One of the problems is that when our veterans return home, only about 36 percent of them enter into the VA system or apply for benefits, and what this does is take advantage of what all 435 Members of this body know well, is you need to advertise well to get that message out. The Department of Defense has done a great job of advertising for recruitment. It's time for the VA to put that money into making sure our veterans get their care.

The Rand Corporation said the capacity of the DOD and the VA to provide mental health services has increased substantially, but significant gaps in access and quality remain. There is a large gap between the need for mental health services and the use of those services.

Last year, this Congress put in a hotline for veterans seeking help with possible suicide and suicide prevention, and that hotline has received over 9,000 calls. Those may have been calls that would have never been received. So this 24-hour national hotline is working. I am pleased that the amendment that I put in to address this with the veterans suicide issue has been addressed. I would also like to thank the ranking member, Representative Buyer from Indiana, for his perfecting amendment on this bill.

This piece of legislation is a great example of bipartisan support that rises above and transcends politics to care for our Nation's veterans. This will be a good piece of legislation. It will get our veterans in. It will fulfill our moral obligation to care for our veterans and it will ensure that future generations of our young Americans understand that if they raise their hands, take an oath, and service this Nation, we will be there to serve them.

With that, I again thank Mr. Boozman. I thank the ranking member and I thank the chairman for continuously moving information and moving legislation forward that helps our veterans.

This bill will ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is able to use the power of modern advertising to reach out in as wide-ranging and an effective way as possible to our veterans.

The bill authorizes the Secretary of the VA to purchase advertising in the national media about the benefits VA makes available to veterans. VA offers health care and mental health care benefits, including for the prevention of suicide, an issue that we have been vigorously addressing on the House Veterans Committee; education, training, compensation, and pension benefits; vocational rehabilitation; assistance for homeless veterans, opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses; and direct opportunities for employment in the Department itself, among other things.

But if veterans don't know about these benefits, they're not in a position to take full advantage of them.

There is more than enough evidence that advertising works to promote awareness of whatever the advertising is about. Study after study has shown that advertising through the major media works. In fact, the Department of Defense itself knows that. That's why it devotes a lot of time and energy to advertising, including on television, as a means of recruitment.

We advertise to recruit our servicemembers, many of whom will put themselves in harm's way; that same means should be used to tell them what benefits they have earned when they return. In effect, we are saying to VA, "If our veterans aren't coming to you, use the modern media to go to them!"

This bill is also a perfect illustration of how we on the House Veterans Affairs Committee strive to work on a bipartisan basis to serve our veterans. This bill was introduced by Congressman Boozman on behalf of himself and Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin. I offered an amendment to the bill, and then one of my Republican colleagues offered a perfecting amendment, which I was happy to accept. In that way, we worked together to produce a bill that is good for our veterans.

My amendment specified that the advertising VA would do could and should include a focus on suicide prevention, which has been an issue of much concern and some controversy lately. There have been several recent reports about VA's sometimes halting efforts to address what appears to be a series of major emerging mental health problems among our veterans. I have a great deal of confidence in the new Secretary of VA, whom I have been working with on a number of issues, and his commitment to resolve the problems that exist at VA and better serve our veterans.

An excellent and disturbing new report from the think tank the Rand Corp. observed that "The capacity of DoD and the VA to provide mental health services has increased substantially, but significant gaps in access and quality remain," and went on to say in particular, "There is a large gap between the need for mental health services and the use of those services." My amendment was meant to encourage VA to bridge that gap.

On July 25, 2007, the VA began operation of a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline for veterans. The hotline reported greater than 9,000 calls. Callers included veterans who previously would have called a non-VA suicide hotline, veterans who would not have utilized a non-VA hotline, family members and friends of veterans, and other distressed non-veterans. Bottom line-veterans are calling the hotline. It is common sense that with more outreach, more veterans are likely to call the VA hotline. And advertising in the national media is one form of that outreach.

I am pleased that my amendment to this legislation was adopted, and perfected with the help of the Ranking Member on the VA Committee, Representative Buyer.

I strongly urge the passage of H.R. 3681.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield such time as he  may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), who has been a strong supporter of VA issues his entire time here in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Boozman's (R-AR) opened his remarks by saying:

Mr. BOOZMAN. Thank you, Congressman Miller. Thank you, Congressman Walz. I always feel like he speaks with such authority when I am around him; I am always concerned he is going to ask me to do 10 pushups or something.. . .

Source: Congressional Record,  House,  110th Congress, 2nd Session,  Vol. 154, No. 83: 4185-4187.

Photo: Boot camp illustration of  proper form for push-ups.

Walz votes for GI Bill expansion

We were out working in our vegetable garden (finally!) and come home to find this press release from Congressman Walz's office in our inbox:

WALZ VOTES FOR HISTORIC EXPANSION OF GI BILL

Says legislation will give today's service members benefits on par with those WWII veterans received

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced that he voted to support an emergency spending bill to provide funding for on-going military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which includes a historic expansion of the GI Bill. 

Walz said that the spending bill, which provides funding to meet the needs of soldiers serving in Iraq as well as Americans hit hardest by the recent economic downturn, incorporates what is commonly called the "21st Century GI Bill," which will offer the 1.7 million brave men and women who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan educational benefits on par with those provided to veterans of the World War II era.

"The legislation will give our returning troops the tools they need to continue their success in their civilian lives, will make military service more attractive, and will pay future dividends as it strengthens our sagging economy," said Rep. Tim Walz.  "I think it is fitting that this restoration of GI Bill benefits is included in a supplemental war spending bill because we often forget that caring for our soldiers and veterans after they return from the battlefield is a real, measurable cost of war."

Under the new GI Bill, qualified service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses.  Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.  Right now, veterans' education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education.

The supplemental spending bill was considered as three separate amendments:

Amendment #1: Provides $162.5 billion for the Department of Defense, funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the summer of 2009. Congressman Walz voted in favor of this amendment, which was not adopted.

Amendment #2: This amendment includes restrictions on the deployment of our Armed Forces in Iraq, by requiring that American troops begin to redeploy within 30 days, with the redeployment completed by December of 2009.  It also requires that Iraqis match US reconstruction funding dollar for dollar and that the President reach an agreement with Iraq to subsidize fuel costs for the US Armed Forces so that our military pays what the Iraqis pay for their fuel.  The amendment also prohibits torture and the construction of permanent military bases in Iraq.  The House passed this amendment 227 - 196.  Congressman Walz voted in favor.

Amendment #3: This amendment restores GI Bill benefits for veterans to WWII levels, extends unemployment benefits for workers who've exhausted their benefits and funds efforts to strengthen New Orleans levees. Amendment #3 passed with a vote of 256 - 166.  Congressman Walz voted in favor.

Wednesday morning news digest: bellwether friends editions

Here are a couple of paragraphs we liked in Doug Grow's column about MN-05 Republican Barbara Davis White at Minnpost:

Davis White isn't the only Republican congressional candidate facing a very steep climb this year. Despite the fact that Minnesota is supposed to be less blue from years past, despite the fact that Sen. Norm Coleman seems to be in solid shape in his Senate race, the Republican candidates in four congressional districts face odds similar to Davis White's.

To make matters more difficult for the state party, it faces stiff competition even in districts once considered safe. DFLer Tim Walz snatched a victory from six-term incumbent Gil Gutknecht two years ago and now seems stronger than ever in the 1st District. In the 2nd , Steve Sarvi is expected to make Republicans and John Kline sweat for a fourth term.  In the 6th,   DFLer Elwyn Tinklenberg is moderate enough to give Michele Bachmann a strong run.

Our favorite quote so far about the Democratic win in yesterday's Mississippi special election:

Marty Wiseman, a political scientist at Mississippi State University, said if Democrats can carry districts that traditionally have been safe bets for the GOP, "Republican strategists have to be terrified."

CQPolitics writes:

. . .The Republican committee’s wasted seven-figure expenditures on its three special election defeats have left it with little remaining cash to put into bids to take over Democratic seats in this fall’s election and to play defense against other strong Democratic takeover bids.

The Washington Post reports Miss. Win May be Bellwether.  The article concludes with Boehner touting the "Change He Deserves" rebranding plan that Bluestem linked to a trademarked Wyeth anti-depressant slogan:

This week, House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) unveiled a new campaign theme that directly embraced Obama's "change" message by establishing "change you deserve" as the new mantra for the House Republican Conference.

The Mississippi result "should serve as a wake-up call to Republican candidates nationwide," Boehner said in a statement last night. "As I've said before, this is a change election, and if we want Americans to vote for us, we have to convince them that we can fix Washington."

It looks like he doesn't pay any more attention to advice about the rollout from Malkin or Limbaugh than he does to commentary from blogging cows.

The Albert Lea Tribune editorial board says Voters are smarter than GOP thinks about gas prices.

Good  times in Austin this weekend for those of us who dig supporting our troops and birding: Armed Forces Day marked by car show and Austin to host Oak Savanna Birding Festival. Come for the "cool" cars and stay for the peeps at Mower County's famous Great Lakes.

The Farm Bill is likely to come up for a vote today in the House. House Ag committee chair Collin Peterson told the AP he's hoping for 300 votes in favor of the bill.

We're off to the metro area for some hobnobbing with our social overlords, but will dip into the Tubes as we are able, given our interesting the Farm Bill and other congressional antics.

Photos: Depressed elephant  in Portland Zoo (top); Anti-depressant (bottom).

Tuesday morning netroots digest: new G.I. Bill edition

Overcome by yesterday's blog traffic, we headed out to do some birding and catch Ironman at the local theater. Enormous fun, though we all shuddered during the attack on the Humvee convoy in Afghanistan: one of the young men in the theater is in the reserves, who (like the rest of us) has been listening to vets returned from the real thing.

The real stories and the need to revisit veterans' programs is driving legislation aimed at paying back their sacrifice and commitment to our country.  In the First, the netroots have engaged that conversation. In yesterday's Corner House Comments,  we read that 21st Century GI Bill Will Come To A Vote Soon!.

The southwestern Minnesota blogger, father of an Iraq war vet, promotes a comment from Minnesota Central about the roadblocks Blue Dog Democrats are putting up.  CHC follows with an appeal from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) for support for the legislation:

Last week, despite enormous momentum, a vote on the GI Bill was delayed by a small group of Democrats in the House. Believe it or not, they’re concerned about the cost of the bill, which amounts to less than 0.5% of war funding for the year. This is Washington ineffectiveness at its worst.

We’ve been pounding the pavement here in DC every day, meeting with all the key players in the fight for a new GI Bill, and today we need your support.

Please take a minute now to call your Representative, and urge them to show their support for a new GI Bill by voting to fund it this week. We’ve included some talking points at the bottom of this email that you can use during your call.

Despite deep bi-partisan support, the endorsement of every major veterans’ organization, and studies showing that a new GI Bill is a fiscally sound investment in our nation’s future, a few members of the House are standing in its way at this late, critical stage.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute now to call your Representative and tell them that you support education benefits for the men and women coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new GI Bill (HR 5740) has broad bi-partisan support, and leading Democrats and Republicans have been fighting for it since day one. But thanks to this small group that is mounting an ill-advised opposition, the vote is going to be close, and we need your help to make sure Congress does the right thing.

In our view, the GI Bill is a cost of war, and a smart investment in one of the most motivated, deserving groups of people our country has to offer.

So please take a minute now to tell your Representative to show real support for our troops and veterans by supporting the new GI Bill.

After your call, please take a minute to tell us about it here.

Over at Minnesota Campaign Report, First District diarist Jacob Grippen looks at the GI Bill, beginning with  a discussion of the Senate version of the bill, which John McCain objects to as too generous. Grippen concludes:

Too generous?  We are denying our Veterans the truth about their comrades' suicides, we're treating them to horrible conditions at VA hospitals, yes, I suppose passing Senator Webb's new GI Bill would be a change in policy.   I'm just glad that many Republicans are co-sponsoring this bill.  The total number of co-sponsors (bi-partisan) so far is up to 57.

Our soldiers deserve every benefit our government and its citizens can give them.

Tim Walz had this to say back in April about revamping the GI Bill:

"To enhance the ability of not only of the soldier but of their family members to get an education and get them back in training for a new profession"

What say you Minnesota?

We say that our young friends in the Navy, Marines, Army and Air Force deserve the best for what they're willing to put on the line for the rest of us.  Go over to CHC and MNCR to share your thoughts.

In other netroots news, The Hill's Blog Briefing Room » Daily Kos looks at Mcjoan's post about the Frontiers of Freedom robocalls campaign.

Photo: Airmen in a Humvee rollover training exercise at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

Truth about Vet Suicides hearing: Walz speaks up for vets, county service officers

We're not entirely comfortable with the headline chosen for a post at Minnesota Central, since we're somewhat old school in believing that all Americans should take an interest in doing what's best for veterans, leaving partisanship behind.

Still, it's hard not to share some of our friend's conclusions when we read the Stars & Stripes article that's the springboard for his analysis and conclusion. Go read what MC has to say.

The Stars and Stripes article was headlined Democrats press VA on suicide rate. McPherson Hall  adds to the story by sharing his reflections on the hearings available on the webcast of the full committee hearing, “The Truth About Veteran Suicides”. 

It's a must watch for those interested in veterans issues.

Walz's questions, referenced by Minnesota Central and media accounts, start around 1:59. Walz is passionate and non-partisan, as MC points out, drawing attention to the successes the Minnesota National Guard and Pawlenty administration have enjoyed in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.

And as he promised veterans at the roundtable at the Veterans Medical Center on April 21, he's bringing their stories forward in Washington.

He also praises the professionalism and understanding of county veteran service officers. For rural vets, contact with county service officers is often crucial, given their distance from the main hospital in Minneapolis

It's all about the veterans, Walz says, and ranking Republican member Steve Buyer follows up on Walz's questions and supports his mission. This is what we want to see in Washington DC.

Today's New York Times editorial, The Suffering of Soldiers, reviews the problems. It concludes:

. . .Fortunately, the solutions are clear: more money for mental health services, closer tracking of suicides and more aggressive preventive efforts, more efficiency at managing veterans’ treatment and more help for their families. If this country gave back to wounded troops even a fraction of the commitment and service that it has received from them, they will be well cared for.

That's pretty much the sentiment in the circles we run in.  Let's hope all of America's new veterans get the level of service the Minnesota National Guard and the State of Minnesota have provided.

Saturday morning news digest:penny pinchers' edition

The Red Wing Republican Eagle reports Sarvi sets his sights on Congress.  Sarvi is compared to Walz by DFLers, and today marks his first day as a fulltime candidate.  Go over to Steve's site and show him some greenback love. Consider volunteering.

One of the things Steve will need in Washington D.C. is the ability to pinch pennies, since the cost of living is among the highest in the nation. MinnPost's feature Political penny pinchers: Minnesota's congressional delegation tries to cut living expenses takes a look at the situation:

. . .Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Reps. Tim Walz and Michele Bachmann say they were blown away by real estate prices in Washington, where one-bedroom apartments start at $250,000 and rent averages at $1,100 a month.. . .

. . .In 2006, it cost about $80,000 a year to live in the DC metro area, while the cost of living hovered around half that in Minneapolis.

(The cost of living in Mankato is close to the metro average, a union friend who negotiates contracts in both places tell us.)

Cost cutting
Certainly, members of Congress make plenty of money. The salary for rank-and-file members is $169,300 this year, and that sum is annually adjusted to match the cost of living in Washington. (According to the U.S. Census Bureau [PDF], the median household income in the United States was $48,201 in 2006.)

Walz returned his raise to the U.S. Treasury

While no member of Minnesota's freshman class is poor — Klobuchar, Ellison and Bachmann all have law degrees, while Walz was a high school teacher — they're not independently wealthy like former Sens. Rudy Boschwitz or Mark Dayton, whose net worth was nearly $4 million in 2003. . . .

. . . The Minnesota delegation has also cultivated their own money saving techniques for living in the city. Like Ellison, Walz moved to an efficiency apartment after sharing a place with another member of Congress that cost as much as his mortgage in Minnesota and provided about a quarter of the space.

"It was a hole in the wall," he said.

Walz's assessment?  Typical Tim:

Walz says that all the annoyances that go along with being a member of Congress are "just part of the job."

Speaking of pennies, legislation to change the composition of metals in them is making its way through Congress; the Bush administration isn't happy with the measure. In To coin a phrase, live with it, the Mankato Free Press board gives the administration a thumbs down:

Thumbs down

To the U.S. Mint and the Bush administration for yet another attempted executive-branch power grab.

Article 2, Section 8 of the Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power “to coin Money (and) regulate the value thereof.” Legislation that passed the House Thursday that would change the metallic composition of the penny and nickel — a measure intended to make it cheaper to make those small-denomination coins — is being opposed by the White House in part because it only allows the Treasury Department to suggest a specific composition rather than make the decision on its own.

The measure thus reserves to Congress a power the Constitution allots to Congress. The administration should live with that fact.

The Austin Daily News editorial board writes that The future of ethanol is more than just corn. The Fairmont Sentinel reports Coleman praises farm bill.

Speaking of the Farm Bill, our friend Bruce at the Minnesota Farmers Union (we're a member) sent us a press release praising the legislation:

Minnesota Farmers Union is pleased that the farm bill is moving forward.  It has been in the works for 2 years and on the verge of passing for over 7 months.  People from Farmers Union, in Minnesota and on the National level, have been fighting for our policies for a long time,” said Doug Peterson , Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “It is encouraging that items like Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) implementation, and a funded permanent disaster assistance program, two Farmers Union priorities, are in the bill.”

“This is a great reform bill.  It offers balance on conservation and nutrition and reduces direct payments and offers better risk protection for farmers.  Real reform was achieved by eliminating the triple entity provision and requiring direct attribution for farm payments.”

“This bill also includes much needed funding for nutrition which was increased by $10.36 billion dollars. President Bush is still threatening a veto on this bill, however I think he would be hard-pressed to veto a reform bill that increases food and nutrition funding for the needy.”

Other Farmers Union policies included in the bill are:

$5 billion funded for a permanent disaster assistance program;

An increase of $10.3 billion for nutrition programs

Assistance to food banks increased by $1.25 billion

$365 million  for a fruit and vegetables program;

$1.1 billion for the renewable energy industry;

Creates a loan guarantee program to develop production of dedicated cellulosic energy crops;

Makes COOL implementation mandatory;

Imposes eligibility caps based on the level of farm income;

Increases funding for Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program to protect our natural resources;

$60 million to purchase food overseas to feed people in need;

For the first time there is a Livestock Title that includes non-binding arbitration, interstate shipment of meat, contract reforms and improvement of Packers & Stockyards Act;

Conservation funding increased by $6.6 billion;

7-state pilot program for fruits and vegetables directed at smaller farms and processors; and

Blenders credit for cellulosic ethanol from 51 cents to one dollar per gallon.

“I want to thank both National Farmers Union President Tom Buis and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson for working and fighting so hard for family farmers. I am optimistic that their hard work will pay off and this farm bill gets passed and signed by the President,” said MFU President Doug Peterson .

The farm bill is scheduled to be on the House and Senate floor Wednesday, May 14^th. It is not clear whether or not President Bush will sign the bill.  More details about the provisions of the bill will be available as it moves through the process.

Minnesota Farmers Union is a membership based organization that works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and rural communities.

 

Star Tribune to correct mistake in reporting Walz service record

We just heard from a very gracious Emily Johns about how the Star Tribune will be running a correction for its unintentional error in identifying Congressman Walz as an Iraq War veteran. Others who contacted the Star Tribune asking for a correction have received a similar message.

We thank Johns for taking the time to contact us about the issue and appreciate the editors taking the time to fix the problem.

Contacted by phone, Chris Schmitter Schmitters (sorry!) campaign manager for Tim Walz, noted that he had emailed the Star Tribune and asked for a correction as well.   The paper had agreed to do so.

We'll be updating our original post with this information and hope that other bloggers who have written about the gaffe will do the same. Fair is fair.

The highest ranking enlisted man to ever serve in Congress, Tim Walz retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard. He served in Italy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the military campaign in Afghanistan.

It's all good.

Congressman Walz included in AUSA "Once a Soldier. . .Always a Soldier"

People who don't like Congressman Walz might want to smear his military service, as was done in the comments section today's Star Tribune, following an error of fact in the newspaper's reportage.

But that's not what the Association of the United States Army is doing. It's using the congressman's story, and that of the two other Army vets newly elected to Congress to help promote a new edition of its book, "Once a Soldier...Always a Soldier," which features all the current members of Congress who served in the Army.

What's the AUSA? According to its "About" page:

Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.

AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national.

OUR MISSION
AUSA represents every American Soldier by:
- Being the voice for all components of America's Army
- Fostering public support of the Army's role in national security
- Providing professional education and information programs

There's more for those who want to read the whole thing.

Here's the article about the new edition of the book from AUSA's May newsletter:

View from the Hill:

'Once a Soldier ... Always a Soldier'

by Bill Loper

You may remember a few columns ago, I mentioned that the Government Affairs Directorate was about to publish its fifth edition of the book "Once a Soldier ... Always a Soldier."

Indeed, it has been published and distributed to the members of Congress whose biographies have been added to the book.

For new AUSA members or those with short memories like me let me review the history of a book that has become an excellent reference work.

We created the book for the 106th Congress and updated it for the 107th, 108th, 109th and 110th Congresses.

It features all the members of Congress who served in the Army.

It is designed to honor their service in the United States Army and to recognize the important contributions made to our nation by a unique and distinguished group of American soldiers. (Oh, by the way, it also provides a great reason to go to the Hill and puts AUSA on congressional bookshelves and desks.)

Creating the original book was not an easy task.

There were 100 members of the 106th Congress who had Army service, and we contacted each office to obtain biographical information, a list of current committees on which the member served, the history of the member's Army service and any awards and decorations earned.

We also asked for a current photo, a photo from their Army days, and a quote from the member stating what their Army service meant to them.

Collecting that information required monumental effort, especially when you consider all of the requests for information or time that flood a congressional office.

Some offices could not get quotes, some could not find old photos of the member in uniform, and some failed to return any of the information.

Lots of phone calls and personal follow-up visits resulted in two pages for each member. Some times we had to tell one office that another member had provided a great quote and that it would be a shame for their member not to have one and, pffft, a quote was faxed over.

Other times we had to extend the deadline for a photo because the member was contacting his mom who had the only photo of him in uniform 30 years ago.

We persevered and once the book was published, we faced another daunting task. We wanted to present one of the books to each member of Congress with an accompanying paperweight engraved with the member's name and with the AUSA logo and the words "Once a Soldier ... Always a Soldier." (What better way to keep AUSA in the forefront of a member's mind than to have a paperweight that connects AUSA, his Army service and holds papers down, in the middle of a congressional desk?)

After we managed to schedule appointments with congressional offices, General Sullivan, Lieutenant General Stroup and Lieutenant General Rhame fanned out on the Hill to make the presentations. Those first hundred visits were the hard part.

When the 107th Congress was elected, the number of members with Army service went down to 94.

One new senator and eight new House members had served in the Army.

The 108th Congress produced only 90 members with Army service - 17 in the Senate and 73 in the House. The 109th Congress had 84 members with Army service - 15 in the Senate and 69 in the House.

The 110th Congress has only 80 members with Army service - 15 in the Senate and 65 in the House. Of those, three were new to Congress and all three were House members.

So, this year we only needed three new appointments to present books and paperweights. It was fascinating to see the diversity of the new members and the differences in their Army experience.

To a man, they were interested to see which of their colleagues shared their Army experience.

Phil Hare, D-Ill., an Infantry staff sergeant at Fort Ord, Calif., in the 1970s, and later in an Iowa Army Reserve unit said he was honored to serve and made lasting friendships during his time in the Army.

He serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and will work on that committee to ensure that citizen-soldiers receive the compensation and benefits they deserve.

Patrick J. Murphy, D-Pa., left the Army only three years ago.

A Judge Advocate General's Corps officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, he served not only in Baghdad from 2003-2004, but also in Bosnia in 2002. He also taught at the United States Military Academy.

Harking back to his airborne days, his quote in the book is: "The world is two-thirds water and the other third is a drop-zone. All the way!"

Murphy serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Tim Walz, D-Minn., retired as a command sergeant major from the Minnesota National Guard in 2005 after 24 years of service.

He serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and his quote in the book reads: "It was my great honor and privilege to serve this nation in uniform for 24 years. The leadership experience that this opportunity provided serves me well every day in Congress."

G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., is not a new member of the 110th Congress, but is new to the "Once a Soldier" book. He began his service in the House in mid-term, so he missed inclusion in the previous printing.

Butterfield served as a specialist in the Army from 1968 to 1970 and is now in his third term in Congress. After leaving the Army he became a successful attorney and later a judge in North Carolina.

Every story of our Army brethren on the Hill is different, but the common thread is a desire to serve our great nation and an appreciation for what they gained as they gave of themselves to serve in our Army.

From congressional aide to attorney, from high school teacher to judge, these great Americans have at least two things in common - a love of country and a willingness to wear the green uniform.

As each new Congress arrives, AUSA will continue to forge links between itself and the new members with Army service and inform them that there are others on the Hill who were "Once a Soldier ... Always a Soldier".

Now for a shameless plug - you can purchase a copy of "Once a Soldier ... Always a Soldier" online at http://www.ausa.org in the AUSA e-store.

Each purchase helps our government affairs budget turn a bit less red and get closer to green. Uh, I mean black ink!

Regardless of party, the AUSA recognizes and respects the service of Army veterans now in Congress.  Their numbers are decreasing, and we think that reflects the fact that with the creation of an all-volunteer military, fewer Americans are spending time in uniform.

And while we come from families that mostly have Army in their service (a smattering of Navy men, too), we respect all vets who served honorably in both war and peacetime. Just the way our parents raised us.