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Recent News
Supreme Court Strikes Down Portion of Voting Rights Act
This past week the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Section 5 contains a preclearance provision which was designed to prevent racial discrimination in voting by requiring jurisdictions with a history of such discrimination to receive preapproval from the federal government before making changes to election laws or procedures. In a 5-4 decision, the Court held that Section 4 – which sets out the formula for what jurisdictions are covered by Section 5’s preclearance requirement – is unconstitutional and can no longer be used. The Court did not address the constitutionality of Section 5, and left the door open for Congress to draft a new formula for compliance under the preclearance provisions of Section 5.
In response, I issued the following statement:
“This decision solidifies the unfortunate legacy of the Roberts Court -- activist, continuing the unfortunate practice of making law instead of interpreting it. Since 1965, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) has proven to be a pivotal tool in protecting every American’s essential right to vote – no matter their race. Yet, even in the last election, we saw numerous states pass laws making it harder for individuals to vote. Today’s ruling substitutes court judgment for an elected Congress by invalidating the formula used to enforce Section 5.
“The Voting Rights Act was reauthorized in 2006, and Congress passed it with large bipartisan majorities in both Houses. Congress must now act again in bipartisan fashion and rewrite Section 4. Republicans and Democrats alike have a responsibility to protect voters from discrimination and ensure every American enjoys the right to vote.”
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Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants Program
Description: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) announces the availability of approximately $474 million in grant funds to be awarded under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program. The TAACCCT grant program provides eligible institutions of higher education, with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less, and are suited for workers who are eligible for training under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workers Program (“TAA-eligible workers”) of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. 2271-2323, as well as other adults.
Synopsis:
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Document Type: Modification to Previous Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: SGA-DFA-PY-12-10
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Apr 19, 2013
Creation Date: May 21, 2013
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jul 03, 2013 The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement for Single Institution Applicants is June 18, 2013. The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement for Consortium Applicants is July 3, 2013. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jul 03, 2013 The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement for Single Institution Applicants is June 18, 2013. The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement for Consortium Applicants is July 3, 2013. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Archive Date: Aug 02, 2013
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Employment, Labor and Training
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 70
Estimated Total Program Funding: $474,000,000
Award Ceiling: $25,000,000
Award Floor: $2,372,500
CFDA Number(s): 17.282 -- Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
Link for additional information: Download Application and Instructions web page using CFDA Number ONLY.
If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Applicants may call Tasleem Albaari at 202-402-7346 (this is not a toll-free number). Program Contact |
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For more grants, please click here.
Another Assault on Women's Health
 Last week I spoke on the House floor in opposition to H.R. 1797, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Without including an adequate life exception that takes a woman’s health into account, the bill would impose a ban across the country on abortions after 20 weeks and prohibit pre-viability abortions outright.
This bill is another Republican assault on women’s health and the tenth vote in the House of Representatives this year to restrict reproductive rights. This legislation blatantly violates the Constitution and puts the government squarely between a woman and her doctor – where it has no place. Once again it is clear that my Republican colleagues are unable or unwilling to put forth ideas to create jobs or strengthen our economy. Instead, they would rather waste taxpayer time on ideologically driven legislation that threatens the health security of women across our country.
It passed the House by a vote of 228-196.
GOP Fails to Pass Farm Bill
The House failed to pass H.R. 1947, the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act (the Farm Bill), by a vote of 195-234. This Farm Bill was a flawed piece of legislation as it included a $20.5 billion reduction to the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP). These cuts would leave nearly two million Americans without SNAP benefits and cut over 200,000 children from the school lunch program. In Maryland, that means a reduction in benefits for over 200,000 families. In addition to these drastic cuts, GOP amendments were passed that would allow states to impose work requirements so that individuals must have jobs or be in job training to receive SNAP benefits.
The failure of House Republicans to pass a Farm Bill is a direct result of their insistence on partisan policies that would harm American families, including 200,000 in Maryland. I strongly opposed the deep, across the board cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a difference maker between chronic hunger and a basic meal for 47 million Americans. Rather than support some of our most vulnerable families who rely on $4.50 a day to put food on the table, House Republicans chose millions of dollars in subsidies and tax breaks to some of the largest farms and agricultural interests. The House has rightfully rejected this approach. Instead, the American people deserve a bipartisan bill that supports America’s farmers, maintains our nutrition programs, advances real reform to crop insurance, and provides strong investments in renewable energies.
Preventing Student Loan Rate Increases
As I discussed last month, if Congress doesn’t act by July 1st, student loan rates will double – from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. This will impact more than seven million students and their families, costing the average college student $1,000 more per year of college. We went through the same debate last year. Thanks to young people and their families who made their voices heard, both parties came together and extended the 3.4 percent rate on subsidized Stafford loans. Since the extension was only for one year, we’re back here again.
We know that higher education is critical for developing the talent we need to achieve success in America – both for individual students and for our country as a whole. But if we continue to burden our young people with more and more debt, we’re putting them at a distinct disadvantage as they begin their careers.
The bottom line is that we need to have a real conversation about the best path forward on student loans, and any long-term solution must start with preventing rates from doubling on July 1. With Congress set to begin the Independence Day Work Period this Friday, my colleagues and I will continue to call for action as time is running out. Tweet me your thoughts @repdonnaedwards.
The 4th Annual Nonprofit Forum A Resounding Success
It was a full house at the 4th Annual Nonprofit Forum I hosted recently at the Anne Arundel Community College. Over 300 individuals from around the 4th Congressional District attended the forum, where they participated in a variety of sessions, including grant writing, marketing strategies, capacity building, and how the Affordable Care Act will impact nonprofits.
For additional information on this or future events, please contact my district office at (301) 516-7601.
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Great Discussion at Recent Coffee Conversation in Prince George's County
On June 8, I continued my coffee conversation tour, this time visiting La Chapina Bakery in Hyattsville, Maryland. With approximately 25 residents in attendance, we discussed a variety of topics. Some of the topics that came up included immigration reform, housing, solving the gridlock in Congress, the future of the Purple Line, and the latest on the FBI headquarters relocation.
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Participated in Kidney Action Day to Raise Awareness of Kidney Disease
I also recently took part in Kidney Action Day at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex to help raise awareness of kidney disease. It is important that we help spread the word about who is at risk, as the disease is caused primarily by diabetes and hypertension. Kidney disease is a serious health concern throughout the D.C. metro area, where rates of death from kidney disease are double the national average. This great event included free health screenings, the Kidney Action Day Walk, healthy cooking demos, entertainment and fitness demonstrations. For more information, please visit the American Kidney Fund. http://www.kidneyfund.org/
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Discussing Immigration Reform at Casa de Maryland Immigration Roundtable
I attended an Immigration Roundtable organized by CASA de Maryland, which was attended by numerous community leaders, organizations, and immigration reform advocates. It was a great opportunity to have a discussion about immigration reform in our communities. I discussed my views on proposed legislation making its way through the Senate, and what I believe will happen in the House. We later heard the first-hand accounts from two families being impacted by the nation's current immigration policies, as they live in constant fear of deportation.
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Below is information regarding several events I will be hosting in the upcoming weeks and months. If you have any questions, please call Selena Singleton at (301) 516-7601 or visit www.donnaedwards.house.gov for more future events.
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Next Coffee Conversation in Anne Arundel County
The next coffee conversation is scheduled for Crownsville, MD, in Anne Arundel County. Feel free to invite family, friends, and neighbors as these are great opportunities to have a conversation with me about a variety of issues, all over a cup of coffee.
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| When: |
July 13, 2013
9:00 am to 10:00 am
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| Where: |
Bean Rush Cafe
1015 Generals Hwy
Crownsville, MD 21032
Map It! |
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Job Fair
I wanted to start spreading the news that I will be hosting a job fair on Thursday, August 29, 2013. The event will run from 10 am to 3 pm at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, located at 8001 Sherriff Road, Hyattsville, MD.
That’s all the information we have right now, but we’ll definitely share more as we get closer. For all the latest information, please visit my website at www.donnaedwards.house.gov.
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| What: |
5th Annual College and Career Fair
On Saturday, October 19, 2013, I will also host my 5th Annual College and Career Fair. This has been a great event in past years as it is an opportunity for high school and middle school students, and their parents, to help plan for future success by getting information from experts from the U.S. Dept. of Education and others.
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| When: |
Saturday, October 19, 2013
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
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| Where: |
Oxon Hill High School
6701 Leyte Drive
Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
Map It! |
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Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Sincerely,
Donna
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Washington, D.C. Office
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-8699 main
202-225-8714 fax
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Prince George's County Office
5001 Silver Hill Road
Suite 106
Suitland, Maryland 20746
301-516-7601 main
301-516-7608 fax
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