Michael Turner RSS Articles

Congress Passes Extension of Unemployment Compensation

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Mike Turner today announced the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. H.R. 3548 overwhelmingly passed the House by a 403 to 12 vote. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

The bill will extend unemployment benefits by six weeks up to a maximum 20 weeks, and provides tax relief for struggling businesses. It also extends for an additional five months the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers for homes under contract by April 30, 2010. The credit was set to expire at the end of this month.

In addition, under the new legislation, homeowners who have lived in their current residences for at least five years may be eligible for a $6,500 tax credit toward the purchase of a new home. The credit would be available only for the purchase of principal residences priced at $800,000 or less. The measure increases the income ceiling to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples, up from $75,000 and $150,000, respectively.

“As unemployment across southwest Ohio continues to rise, I believe Congress took the necessary steps today to help address the escalating jobless rate. This extension of benefits will help Ohio families weather these tough economic times,” said Rep. Turner. “The first-time homebuyer tax credit has encouraged many Ohioans to purchase their first home. Now the tax credit goes even further to assist additional homeowners.”

Remembering the Sacrifices of our Nation’s Veterans

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

by Congressman Michael Turner

Ninety years ago this month, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th Armistice Day, to commemorate the first anniversary of the peace agreement between the Allied Powers and Germany that ended the First World War. The truce that ended the “war to end all wars” was signed on the morning of the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of the year. November 11th has since become a day for all Americans to express our respect and appreciation for the men and women who have served in our armed services and have kept our Nation free.

Congress officially recognized Armistice Day as a legal holiday in 1938, with Europe on the threshold of a second world war. While Armistice Day was originally intended to honor the heroes of World War I, America’s subsequent involvement in World War II and the Korean conflict called to duty unprecedented numbers of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Therefore, to recognize the contributions of all who have served and defended our Nation, President Dwight Eisenhower—a veteran of the First World War and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during the Second World War—signed legislation formally designating November 11th as Veterans Day. President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day proclamation in 1954, calling on Americans to “remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.”

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, I take seriously the promises our nation has made to its active duty service personnel and veterans who have endured the rigorous conditions of military service to secure our freedoms and protect our national interests. Recently Congress passed with my support, another substantial increase in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), building upon the previous increase that I supported last year, which provided the VA with the largest funding increase in its 79-year history.

Too often in recent years, Congress has failed to approve the VA’s annual budget for veterans’ healthcare before the start of the fiscal year. That is why I voted in favor of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (HR 1016), which became law on October 22, 2009. This legislation provides advanced appropriations for the VA of approximately $48 billion for FY2010, to give the VA a predictable and timely source of funding, and to protect veterans from funding delays that could have an adverse effect on the level of care and services that they need.

Effective August 1, 2009, an estimated 2.1 million veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan became eligible for a full, four-year college education under a new, 21st Century GI Bill. The “Post-9/11 GI Bill” expanded education benefits under the post-World War II Montgomery GI bill for today’s veterans, and permits service members to transfer these educational benefits to their spouses and dependents. I was proud to have supported the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, to help give our returning soldiers an opportunity for a successful future upon their return to civilian life.

On the first Armistice Day, November 11, 1919, President Wilson reflected on the one-year anniversary of the ceasefire as a moment “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.” Please join me on Veterans Day 2009, as we honor the millions of men and women who, through times of war and during peacetime, have proudly worn the uniform of the United States of America.

Rep. Turner’s Reaction to the House Democrat Health Care Bill

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Mike Turner today issued the following statement responding to the health care reform bill released today:

“As I review the nearly 2,000 page health care bill released today by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, my concerns remain the same. This legislation will significantly affect nearly every American family, small businesses, and millions of seniors, especially in Ohio, who are certain to be impacted by the $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, including $156 billion in Medicare Advantage cuts.

“I agree that the current system must be reformed. However, if Speaker Pelosi is serious about health care reform, she should start with simple, mutually agreeable principles rather than trying to force through sweeping, costly legislation that will likely result in negative consequences for all Americans.”

Americans Want Transparency and Openness in Government

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

by Congressman Mike Turner

Since my first term in Congress, I have been privileged to serve on two of the most important committees in the House of Representatives. In addition to my work on the House Armed Services Committee, I am a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The Committee functions as a “watchdog”, with government-wide oversight jurisdiction, and assists Congress with an important constitutional role in overseeing the activities of the federal government. Its mission is to investigate and expose waste, fraud, and abuse within the government, and other areas of national concern.

In January 2007, the new House majority formally changed the name of the Government Reform Committee to include the word “Oversight”, as part of a campaign promise emphasizing their pledge to bring openness and accountability to the government. Likewise, in 2009, the Obama administration and the leadership in Congress promised openness and transparency in government. However, a recent meeting of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee took an unfortunate turn, leaving many observers with the impression that openness and accountability have taken a back seat to partisanship and politics.

For several months, Republicans on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee have pressed for a formal investigation into Countrywide Financial Corporation’s V.I.P. mortgage loan program. Former Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo allegedly offered discount rates to participants in the so-called “Friends of Angelo” program, reaching out to Members of Congress of both parties in an attempt to use these relationships to influence public policy. Chairman Ed Towns (D-NY) has resisted efforts by Republican Committee members, led by Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA), to launch a full investigation, citing possible interference with a separate Countrywide probe by the U.S. Justice Department.

On October 15, 2009, Chairman Towns abruptly canceled a scheduled Committee meeting after learning that Republican members were prepared to force a vote to issue a subpoena to Countrywide (now owned by Bank of America) for documents and records related to the V.I.P. program. A video that was subsequently posted on YouTube showed Committee Democrats walking out of the hearing room through a back door, leaving Republicans without a quorum to conduct business. The Chairman responded to the video posting by ordering all of the locks changed on the Committee’s doors, in an apparent attempt to prevent Republican Members from meeting when Democrats are not present.

Since then, Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa met privately and reached an agreement on Friday, October 23, to issue a subpoena to Bank of America for documents and records related to Countrywide’s V.I.P. program. I am pleased that a bipartisan settlement was achieved. The American public has a right to know, and the Oversight Committee has a responsibility to determine, whether or not government policymakers received preferential treatment.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has a duty to investigate the full extent of Countrywide’s V.I.P. program, as well as the impact the company’s business practices have had on the current financial crisis. Far too often in Washington, partisanship prevails over partnership, and so it is no wonder people think that Congress is ineffective. Leaders on both sides of the aisle should put partisan politics aside and come together to solve problems on behalf of the American people.

Representative Turner’s Statement on the House Floor

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, Representative Michael R. Turner (Ohio-3) delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

Mr. Speaker, if the government’s handling of the outbreak of H1N1 flu, known as swine flu, is any indication of how it will administer a public health care option, we should all be greatly concerned. With the media reporting that lines of hundreds of people wait for H1N1 vaccinations, and that it took a Presidential national emergency declaration just to cut through the bureaucratic red tape.

If this Congress is serious about health care reform, why not start with simple principles on which most of us can agree, such as prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions, portability of health care coverage, investing in medical research to ensure quality care, deductibility of health insurance premiums, ensuring access to health savings accounts, limiting frivolous lawsuits which raise health care costs, and allowing small businesses to group together to negotiate insurance plans.

Instead of the President’s sweeping overhaul, which will likely result in pitfalls, we should look at simple reforms to adhere to mutually agreed upon principles ensuring that those who have health insurance can keep it and those who don’t can obtain it.

Citizens Have Right to Free Credit History Reports

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Recently, consumers were alerted to the implementation of new federal rules expanding credit card holders’ rights. These new rights, which take effect next February, arm consumers with more flexibility in dealing with credit card companies. Consumers should also be aware that there are free tools available right now to help them maintain good credit.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act, which passed into law in May, will provide credit card users an additional 7 days (rising from 14 to 21 days) to pay their monthly credit card bills before the threat of late fees. Card holders will also be given 45 days notice (up from the previous 15 days) before credit card companies raise interest rates. In addition to these rights, consumers can also take advantage of their right to free credit history reports.

With identify theft cases on the rise, it makes good sense to regularly review your credit records to help stay ahead of criminals. Thanks to a law passed by Congress six years ago, you still don’t have to pay anything to access your credit history from the three major credit bureaus and review your standing with loan providers and credit card companies.

All Americans are entitled to three such reports each year – one from each of the major consumer credit reporting companies. Before the program began, Americans had to pay the credit bureaus’ yearly fees for a credit report. Now, anyone can apply for their free yearly credit history report by visiting the website: http://www.annualcreditreport.com.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law. When you visit the site, you can complete an on-line form to immediately access your credit history report. You can also download forms to complete the process by mail, if you choose. Alternatively, you can apply for your free credit report by a toll free number: 1-877-322-8228. It takes 15 days to process phone and mail requests.

You have the right to request a free credit history report from all three credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, during a 12-month time period. Whether you want to request all three credit agency reports at one time, or if you want to space them out to keep track of potential changes, is entirely up to you. Separately, each of the credit bureaus also offers your “credit score” for a fee. But there is no charge to access your credit history.

In 2003, Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act to allow anyone to apply for the free annual credit file disclosures, also referred to as credit reports. According to the program web site, the credit file disclosure provides all of the information in your credit file maintained by a consumer reporting company that could be provided in a consumer report about you to a lender.

Regularly checking your credit history report to see what financial activity is being conducted in your name can help to limit identity theft. Checking for open credit accounts in your name that you did not authorize as well as delinquent accounts (thieves don’t pay bills they run up in your name) is one way to catch such illegal activity. For more information about your credit rights and the free annual credit report program, you can also visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site: http://www.ftc.gov/freereports.

Mike Turner Secures Sexual Assault Protections for Military Personnel

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Mike Turner announced he has successfully included provisions to strengthen the response and investigation of alleged sexual assault cases involving members of the armed services in the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. These provisions are nearly identical to those included in H.Con.Res. 28, authored by Reps. Turner and Jane Harman (D-Calif.-36). The FY 2010 NDAA conference report, H.R. 2647, passed the House of Representatives Thursday, October 8th by a 281 to 146 vote.

The new provisions added to the FY 2010 NDAA would increase protections that Reps. Turner and Harman already included in the FY 2009 NDAA, adding greater emphasis to sexual assault prevention measures as well as investigation and response to alleged incidents.

“I worked with Rep. Harman to include provisions in the 2010 NDAA to increase accountability of Department of Defense and military personnel services to better monitor, report and investigate sexual assault allegations and to implement improved prevention programs,” said Rep. Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our military personnel deserve increased protections on and off the battlefield. These new provisions are designed to ensure the safety and security of our men and women in uniform.”

The provisions Rep. Turner added to the NDAA would require:

A GAO study of each military service’s ability to investigate and adjudicate sexual assault allegations.
The Department of Defense would create a sexual assault prevention program and report to Congress on its status including an action plan for reducing sexual assaults and a timeline for implementation; a mechanism for outcome measurement; and, training courses for commanders and senior enlisted personnel.
The Department of Defense must report on the availability of sexual assault forensic exams in combat zones; any barriers that exist; and, legislative actions needed to improve availability of forensic exams.
The Department of Defense will report annually to Congress whether a Military Protective Order (MPO) was issued in a sexual assault in the armed services.
The Secretary of Defense will ensure that when a military protective order is issued, the service member requesting the MPO is informed of their right to request a transfer.

Last year, Rep. Turner successfully added language to the Defense Authorization bill that would make Military Protective Orders (MPO) “standing orders” and notify civilian authorities when an MPO is issued and affects off-base personnel. After considerable review, Members of Congress agreed that the Military Protective Orders which were in use did not provide sufficient protection to uniformed personnel.

Defense Authorization Bill Clears House With Funding for Area Military Programs

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, $100 million in federal funding authorizations for missions and jobs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The approval of these funds represents their last hurdle in the authorization process before clearing the Senate.

The $550 billion 2010 National Defense Authorization Act maintains strong support for our military, including the ongoing efforts to defeat Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq. It continues our commitment to arming and equipping our troops, enabling them to safely perform their missions. In addition to operations funding, the new defense bill also includes necessary quality of life enhancements for our military. It authorizes a much needed pay raise for our men and women in uniform, and increases the maximum monthly amount for supplemental assistance for low income service members with dependents from $500 to $1,100.

The vital mission of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio’s largest single-site employer, is also advanced by the new defense bill. Already, the military aerospace infrastructure underpinned by Wright-Patterson employs over 50,000 people, inside and outside of the base, with a total economic impact, including area defense industries, of nearly $5 billion. The $100 million authorized for the southwest Ohio base and area defense industries includes $41.35 million in high technology defense programs and $58.6 million in construction projects. These federal investments in our area ensure that Wright-Patterson continues its role as a center of military research and intelligence and remains a regional jobs provider.

Wright-Patterson’s Information Technology Complex (ITC) will receive $27 million in the new defense budget. The ITC will provide Middle East battlefield simulations and help develop battlefield tactics and techniques.

The defense bill also provides $21 million for renovation and construction of a new research laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The facility will conduct research and development of advanced electrical power and thermal technologies for the F-22, Joint Strike Fighter and also future aircraft, spacecraft and directed energy weapon systems.

The Advanced Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was authorized to receive $6.5 million to continue training staff in the field of technical intelligence analysis for the military. The close proximity of the ATIC to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson, provides world class scientists and engineers for the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Institute of Technology. These funds still await appropriations approval.

Wright-Patterson will also see flight infrastructure improvements with the approval of $10.6 million in taxiway upgrades to support the 445th Airlift Wing’s C-5 Aircraft.

The new defense bill also contains several provisions that I supported to strengthen service members’ protections against sexual assault – an issue that has been given greater urgency after the death of Vandalia native Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach in 2007. These new legislative measures add emphasis to sexual assault prevention as well as enhanced investigation and response to incidents involving members of our armed forces.

However, I was disappointed that the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act was used as a vehicle to advance a controversial social agenda that has nothing to do with our nation’s security needs or the welfare of our military personnel. Although the hate crimes bill had previously passed the House, we attempted to remove it from the defense bill last Tuesday. By a vote of 174 to 234, the House refused to remove it.

The inclusion of “hate crimes” provisions in the defense bill was regrettable and I am writing a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi objecting to this misuse of the bipartisan defense bill. The defense bill was important to ensure our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have the resources to protect us. But, legislation meant to help them should never be subject to such tactics.

– Congressman Michael R. Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, represents Ohio’s Third Congressional District.

-END-

Defense Authorization Conference Report Funds $102 Million for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Michael R. Turner (Ohio-3) announced passage of H.R. 2647, the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report, which includes over $102 million in mission funding Rep. Turner requested for Dayton’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

“The conference report for the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act continues America’s strong commitment to provide our military personnel with the training, equipment, and resources they need to safely complete their missions,” said Rep. Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “In addition to providing funding for our military in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as needed weapon system investments, this defense bill conference report also continues the nation’s ongoing investment in the critical missions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.”

The FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $102,450,000 in project funding for Wright-Patterson AFB. This amount includes $43.85 million in defense related requests and $58.6 million for military construction projects including:

1. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX (ITC) - $27,000,000

This facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will provide model time critical scenarios such as Middle East battlefield simulations. This site will help with the development of tactics, techniques and procedures through the simulation of offensive and defensive cyberspace missions in a controlled environment.

2. CONVERSION FOR ADVANCED POWER RESEARCH LAB - $21,000,000

This funding will provide for the renovation and construction of a new research laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The facility will house a new power and thermal research lab supporting research, development and the transition of advanced electrical power and thermal technologies for the F-22, Joint Strike Fighter and also future aircraft, spacecraft and directed energy weapon (DEW) systems. This research lab will be housed in Wright-Patterson’s Center for Excellence for Power Technologies.

3. REPLACE WEST RAMP, PHASE 2 - $10,600,000

This project will fund Phase Two of the construction project to replace the west ramp of taxiway pavement, provide taxiway edge lighting and blast deflectors for the ramp. This project will support the 445th Airlift Wing’s C-5 Aircraft which will include expanded runways for the aircraft to taxi and warm up without interfering with the existing navigational aids.

4. ADVANCED TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER - $9,000,000

Advanced Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) is an industry-focused research, education and training facility in the Dayton region established to increase the number of expert staff in the field of technical intelligence analysis. The close proximity of ATIC to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, the nation’s premier technical exploration center, housed at Wright-Patterson AFB, provides world class scientists and engineers for the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Institute of Technology. ATIC is a leader in training future intelligence and radar analysts who operate Air Force and military radar equipment.

The bill also includes several provisions Rep. Turner fought for to strengthen service members’ protections against sexual assault. This will add greater emphasis to sexual assault prevention as well as enhanced investigation and response to alleged incidents involving members of the armed forces.

Rep. Turner worked with Rep. Jane Harman (CA-36) to include provisions calling for increased accountability of the Defense Department and military officials in monitoring, reporting and investigating sexual assaults and to establish programs to implement preventative measures.

The passage of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report now heads to the Senate for final approval and then to the President’s desk.

Transparency in Congress is Good for Democracy

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

by Congressman Michael Turner

The call for greater transparency in government didn’t begin with the Internet age, yet for all the advances in personal communications, Americans still don’t understand why the leadership in Congress blocks timely access to legislation affecting their lives. This question is also resonating through the corridors of Capitol Hill where an increasing number of lawmakers are calling for a mandatory three day review of bills, to make sure the public has an opportunity to read them before Congress votes.

Last week, the polling firm Rasmussen reported that 83 percent of Americans say Congress should put all legislation on-line for public review before a vote. A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to force the House to do just that. The bill, H. Res. 554, of which I am a cosponsor, requires that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House except in case of emergency.

The Obama administration and the leadership in Congress promised openness and transparency in their governing, but the last ten months have proven otherwise. In their rush to pass an agenda of bigger government spending and increased taxes on working Americans, the House leadership, with the support of the administration, has pushed through a host of controversial bills that were crafted without full lawmaker and public scrutiny.

The most prominent examples of this came during the passage of the “stimulus” and “cap and trade” bills. In both cases, these phone book-sized bills were hurried to the House Floor without sufficient time to review their provisions. The cap and trade energy bill was actually altered in the middle of the night, less than a day before it came up for a vote. The House leadership boldly inserted 300 pages that Republicans did not see until the hours leading up to the vote.

I opposed the $800 billion economic stimulus and also voted against the cap and trade energy bill. Despite being railroaded through the House, both of these bills were ill-considered. The stimulus bill did not help those who’ve suffered the most due to job loss and home foreclosures, and lacked details as to how taxpayer funds would be spent. In addition to raising taxes on working families, the cap and trade energy legislation also failed to address the important energy needs facing Ohio families and would further burden our state’s manufacturing base and cause additional job loss.

The forced passage of these bills only fueled the public’s distrust of Congress and the government, setting the stage for spirited town hall meetings this past summer. While the initial House leadership health care reform bill was posted on-line, it is unclear how much time Speaker Pelosi will give lawmakers and the public to review the final health care bill. Last week, the Senate Finance committee opposed a 72-hour waiting period before its members clear a health care bill.

Despite opposition from the House leadership, the 72-hour waiting period bill is gaining momentum. Last week, supporters introduced a “discharge petition” in an effort to force a House vote on the waiting period legislation. To bring the bill to the Floor for a vote, 218 lawmakers must sign the discharge petition. As of last Friday, 182 lawmakers, including myself, had given it their support.

It’s disappointing that the Congressional leadership continues to oppose public viewing of legislation prior to votes even in the face of strong national support for such advanced disclosure. H. Res. 544 deserves a full House vote.

Congressional Art Competition Deadline

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:02:13 GMT

The Competition is open to all high school students who live in Ohio’s Third Congressional District. Students will compete for one of four generous academic scholarships and the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. this summer.

Military Service Academy Day

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:23:07 GMT

During the Academy Day program, students interested in being nominated to US military service academies will have an opportunity to speak with representatives from each of the five academies.

Deadline for Congressional Page Program Applications

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:37:34 GMT

Students entering into their junior or senior year this fall are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age; reside in the Third Congressional District

Congressional Art Competition Reception

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:05:40 GMT

Congressman Turner to Appear on Ohio News Network

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:32:50 GMT

Rep. Turner to Appear on WDTN’s Dayton & Beyond

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:15:19 GMT

Congressman Mike Turner will appear on WDTN’s Dayton & Beyond public affairs show, this Sunday, June 14 at 12:00 noon.

Rep. Turner on the Bucks Braun Show

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:56:38 GMT

Congressman Mike Turner will call-in on The Bucks Braun Show this Monday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Congressman Turner will discuss his legislative agenda and issues of the day.