OC Political

This came over the wire from Congressman Gary Miller’s office…

Bipartisan Bill To Repeal Onerous Higher Education Regulations Passes House

Over the past decade, college costs have continued to soar, forcing students and their families to take out larger loans to pursue higher education. Unfortunately the Obama Administration has implemented rules that make this situation worse by imposing new burdensome regulations on states and academic institutions. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to repeal the Department of Education’s intrusion into academic affairs, including the Department’s new definition of a credit hour.  Concerns have been raised that this federal definition unnecessarily restricts colleges from implementing new and innovative programs that could give students the flexibility they need to meet their academic needs, graduate early, and save money in the process. The Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act also repeals a Department rule that forces states to follow federal requirements when determining whether to grant approval to a college or university seeking permission to operate within that state. Congressman Miller supports this legislation because he believes that adding new regulatory burdens will only increase costs and limits student choice.He will continue working to increase student access to a quality, affordable education.

House Votes to Put Water Needs of Families and Farmers over Three-Inch Fish

On Wednesday, the House acted to prevent another man-made drought caused by federal regulations that place the interests of a three-inch fish above those of 25 million California farmers and families. Since 2009, water restrictions put in place to protect the Delta-Smelt bait fish have led to the diversion of over 300 billion gallons of water away from Central Valley communities, a key region of the Golden State that provides over half of ournation’s fruits and vegetables. These water limits have decimated parts of the San Joaquin Valley, sending unemployment as high as forty percent in some areas.The restrictions have also limited drinking water supplies imported to Southern California water agencies. Unfortunately, the Administration has failed to act to reverse this situation. On Thursday, Congressman Miller supported passage of the The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act, which will restore water deliveries to these communities and protect private property and senior water rights. He hopes the Senate will act quickly to move this important legislation forward to prevent the San Joaquin Valley – the salad bowl of the world – from becoming a dust bowl.

Entries Sought for Artistic Discovery Competition

Congressman Miller is pleased to announce that he will once again be sponsoring the Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition for all highschool students within the 42nd Congressional District. Students are encouraged to submit their finest original artwork to his Brea district office by Wednesday, April 25, 2012 for judging. The first place winner will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. Second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in the Congressman’s DC and District offices. Restrictions on size, weight and mediums apply. For more information on Artistic Discovery, please contact Sara Benoit at the Brea office at (714) 257-1142.

L.A. Passport Agency Sponsors “Passport Day in the USA”

Saturday, March 10, 2012 is “Passport Day in the USA.” United States citizens throughout the country may apply for a passport book or passport card at any regional passport agency, as well as participating passport acceptance facilities, including post offices and clerks of court. On Saturday, March 10th,regional passport agencies will be open and for this day only no appointment is necessary. The Los Angeles Passport Agency will be open from 10:00am through 3:00pm, and is located at 1100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024. For additional passport information, log on to www.travel.state.gov, or call Congressman Miller’s Brea office at (714) 257-1142.

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