News from Your Elected Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In his ongoing effort to promote a transparent decision-making process regarding proposed Oregon liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and associated pipelines, Congressman David Wu today wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ask that it not make the Bradwood Landing licensing decision prior to FERC’s next public meeting on September 18, 2008.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu held a hearing on efforts to reduce devastating losses from windstorms, including hurricanes, tornados, and thunderstorms. The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) was created by Congress in 2004, but has received little funding or attention from the Bush administration.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu issued a statement in response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announcement that it will discuss the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposal next week at its July 17, 2008 hearing. Inclusion of the Bradwood Landing project on the meeting agenda indicates that FERC may be poised to make a final licensing decision, even though the congressional delegation, governor, other federal agencies, community organizations, and numerous local citizens believe that FERC has yet to resolve Oregonians’ concerns.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu chaired a hearing on sustainable, energy-efficient transportation infrastructure, including roads, freeways, and networks of stoplights.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu issued the following statement after voting against the FISA Amendments Act of 2008:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu voted to provide $170 million in disaster funds for commercial and recreational fishermen who have been affected by the recent fisheries failure. The funds were included in the farm bill, which the House passed by a vote of 317 to 109, overriding the president’s veto.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu successfully amended NASA reauthorization legislation to include a provision reaffirming the value of scientific integrity within NASA. The amendment was in response to a report issued by NASA’s Office of the Inspector General earlier this month, which addressed the mismanagement of climate change science. The report found that from the fall of 2004 through early 2006, the NASA public affairs office “managed the topic of climate change in a manner that reduced, marginalized, or mischaracterized climate change science made available to the general public.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives David Wu, Peter DeFazio, and Darlene Hooley wrote to the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Joseph Kelliher, yesterday to request additional time to address ongoing concerns about the liquefied natural gas (LNG) licensing process.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu testified on behalf of rural veterans before the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Congressman Wu was invited to testify because of the subcommittee’s interest in H.R. 3008, the Rural Veterans Services Outreach and Training Act, which he authored.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu again wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), encouraging it to listen and respond to Oregonians’ concerns about LNG facilities and pipelines. Joseph Kelliher, FERC chairman, recently replied to an earlier letter from Congressman Wu that called for additional hearings in Clatsop County. Kelliher stated that FERC believes “the Commission has provided the public with substantial opportunity to participate in the Commission’s process and that additional meetings at this time would be unlikely to identify new concerns.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the U.S. House of Representative missed an opportunity to provide funds for essential services in rural counties across our nation. Despite vigorous support from Congressman David Wu and most of Oregon's House delegation, the Public Land Communities Transition Act failed to pass the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-193, with two voting present.