Jerry Lewis
WASHINGTON – A federal Department of Transportation plan to confiscate funds that were earmarked but not yet spent on local projects could set back Inland Empire highway projects for years and in some cases cost jobs in one of the areas hardest hit by the economic downturn, Congressman Jerry Lewis said Friday. “The Obama Administration has decided to play favorites once again on the eve of an election, announcing that they will take back funds from transportation projects that in some cases are even now under construction,” Lewis said. “This announcement was made without any consultation with members of Congress,...
WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives Friday approved a final appropriations bill that reduced overall federal spending for the second year, while providing full support for national defense and veterans programs, Congressman Jerry Lewis said. “Over the past two budget cycles, we have reduced discretionary spending by $95 billion – showing that Congress is beginning to get the federal budget on the right track after four years of runaway spending,” Lewis said. “I am proud to say that this appropriations bill also keeps our priorities straight – ensuring we provide vital support to...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis and Congressman Ken Calvert Monday urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to have the Federal Aviation Administration intervene in reversing the decline of Ontario International Airport or face the imminent loss of an important aviation asset. Lewis and Calvert also wrote to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, warning that the city’s Los Angeles World Airports agency must take immediate steps to either improve business at Ontario or turn it over to Inland Empire officials to operate and market. Without immediate action, Lewis and Calvert warned that the airport may be lost to the region. “We...
WASHINGTON – The House on Wednesday moved forward on legislation that will provide tax credits to businesses that hire veterans, and will eliminate an onerous new provision that would require a 3 percent tax withholding from all payments to contractors working for federal, state or local governments. The legislation was enthusiastically supported by Congressman Jerry Lewis as a bi-partisan effort to help create new jobs. “I am delighted that Congress is working on these measures to help our veterans and small businesses gain some stability in our continuing economic turmoil,” Lewis said. “The House passed versions of these bills...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis issued the following statement on the current developments at the San Bernardino International Airport: “Since Norton Air Force Base was closed more than 20 years ago, it has been my top priority to find ways to replace the jobs that were lost and turn this facility once more into an economic asset for San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. I have been pleased to help secure federal funds for roads, runway improvements and other basic infrastructure that has already helped bring thousands of jobs to the former Norton property through such developments as the Stater...
Technical Employment Training, Inc. (TET), San Bernardino County Schools Regional Occupational Program and Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) will celebrate the schools first anniversary. Forty-three students have graduated in the 2010-2011 classes and 36 have been placed back in the workforce with two who have gone back to school as full-time students. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the TET training facility, across the street from Million Air Terminal at the corner of 3rd Street and Leland Norton Way. The public is welcome to attend. Advance tickets are $35 and can be purchased...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis issued the following statement regarding the debt limit agreement reached by Congressional leaders: “The bipartisan and bicameral agreement in Congress is very encouraging because it eases the likelihood of the crisis we were facing Tuesday as we moved toward a very dangerous economic cliff. There is no question that Congress has a fundamental responsibility to prevent the serious economic fallout that would result from not extending the federal debt limit. This agreement will also set us on a course for much more responsible spending at the federal level, and does not threaten jobs by increasing...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis issued the following statement regarding the latest round of congressional district maps issued by the redistricting commission: “The ‘final’ round of maps put out by the redistricting commission still disregards one of the fundamental priorities of the process: maintaining communities of interest. The proposed lines mean the residents of Highland will be represented by a member of Congress based in the High Desert. But their neighbors across the street will be voting for a member of Congress who also serves half of the city of Upland. I am concerned that this process has been very...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis Tuesday supported House leaders in their plan to cut current spending, provide a cap to avoid further runaway deficit spending and start the process for a balanced budget constitutional amendment to ensure that future Congresses meet the same requirement that limit state legislatures across the nation. “It is time to end the debate and face the facts that our nation is in serious jeopardy if we cannot cut our spending habits by trillions of dollars in coming years,” Lewis said. “I am extremely reluctant to make changes in our Constitution, but we must make the...
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerry Lewis warned on the House floor late Wednesday that he may lead efforts to restrict foreign and military aid to Pakistan if concerns surrounding the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound are not resolved in coming weeks. As Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee and second ranking member on both the defense and foreign operations subcommittees, Lewis said he believes it is time to scrutinize every dollar sent to Pakistan for economic and military aid. Lewis noted during debate on the Defense Appropriations spending bill that Americans were astonished to learn that the world’s most...