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**Rep. Ed Royce\'s Email Update[\
]{.underline}[www.royce.house.gov](http://www.royce.house.gov/)**

**March 11, 2005**

**[MESSAGE FROM ROYCE:]{.underline}**

\"We had good news from the Senate this week - they passed much-needed
bankruptcy reform legislation. It looks like the House will begin
debating this bill next week, so hopefully we can get it to the
President in the next few weeks. I also held a hearing this week on
eliminating terrorist sanctuaries. The hearing examined our crucial U.S.
Special Operations efforts to train allied counter-terror units
overseas. These efforts are aimed at eliminating regional terror threats
before they become global threats.

\"This Tuesday, March 15th, will be my annual U.S. Service Academy
Information Night. This event is for students who are interested in
attending one of our military academies. Please read the information
below under \'Announcements\' or visit my website for more detailed
information.\"

**[THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON:]{.underline}**

The following is a list of legislation that the House voted on this
week. Visit [www.congress.gov](http://www.congress.gov/) to look-up
complete legislative information and to learn more about the bills
listed below.

# H.Res. 119 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

> This resolution recognizes the contributions of the United States
> Marine Corps and other units of the United States Armed Forces on the
> occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during
> World War II.

# H.Res. 99 Madrid Train Terrorist Attack Anniversary

> On the one-year anniversary (March 11th) of the terrorist bombing
> attacks in Madrid, Spain, this resolution expresses condolences to the
> families of those killed, and shows solidarity with Spain and all
> other countries that have been attacked by terrorism. It also condemns
> such terrorist attacks and all acts of terror worldwide.

# H.R. 3 Federal Public Transportation Act of 2005

> This bill reauthorizes the Federal-aid surface transportation program
> through 2009. It funds specified highway programs, research and
> technology, motor carrier transportation and safety, and
> transportation research and education.

**[IN THE WEEK AHEAD:]{.underline}**

Next week the House is expected to consider legislation which relates to
the war on terrorism and to furthering specific U.S. security interests.

**[NEWS:]{.underline}**

-   **Royce Holds Hearing on Eliminating Terrorist Sanctuaries**

> This week Congressman Royce\'s International Terrorism and
> Nonproliferation Subcommittee held an important hearing on eliminating
> terrorist sanctuaries and the role of U.S. security assistance. The
> hearing discussed some of the current U.S. strategies and efforts that
> are underway which work with countries and local regions to assist
> them in combating terrorism before these regions become havens for
> terrorist activity, like what happened in Afghanistan in the 1990s.
> Most sanctuaries, current and potential, are in remote areas of the
> developing world, where government presence is low. A key focus of our
> military has been to build partnerships with local governments and
> leaders to train and equip foreign military and security forces for
> counter-terrorism efforts. These efforts will help to defeat regional
> terrorist threats before these threats become global and devastating
> problems. Specifically, the hearing focused on current efforts in the
> Sahel, Sahara and Horn regions of Africa, Georgia, and southern
> Philippines. \"These train and equip efforts are aimed at eliminating
> the \'next Afghanistan\': another terrorist sanctuary like the one
> from which Osama bin Laden\'s initiated the 9/11 attacks,\" said Royce
> at the hearing\...[Read Congressman Royce\'s full
> statement](http://www.royce.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=7239).

-   **Senate OKs Bankruptcy Bill**

> This week the Senate passed legislation that will make it harder for
> Americans to use filing for bankruptcy as a way to get out of paying
> their debts. This legislation represents the most thorough overhaul of
> bankruptcy reform in a quarter-century. It would require able debtors
> to repay some or all of their debt. Currently, there is no statutory
> mandate requiring a debtor to repay debts even if one has the
> financial means to do so. Additionally, it would set up an
> income-based test for measuring a debtor\'s ability to repay debts,
> require people to pay for credit counseling, and stiffen some legal
> requirements for debtors in the bankruptcy process. Unfortunately,
> bankruptcy has become the last refuge of gamblers, impulsive shoppers,
> corporate officers who plunder shareholders\' money, or
> multimillionaires who buy mansions in states with liberal exemptions
> to shelter assets from creditors. In fact, every household in America
> is hit with over \$500 in hidden taxes from debt passed on to honest
> consumers that belongs to those who needlessly file for bankruptcy
> protection. Since the bill has passed the Senate, it must now go to
> the House. The House Judiciary Committee is expected to begin
> consideration of the bill next week, which means that it could be
> considered by the full House in about three weeks. President Bush has
> indicated he will sign the legislation.

# House Approves Highway Bill

> This week the House passed a six-year bill to fund highway and transit
> projects. Reducing congestion, enhancing driver safety and improving
> our interstates is necessary to ensure the smooth flow of industry and
> commerce. This transportation bill, which invests almost \$284 billion
> into America\'s transportation and infrastructure, reauthorizes the
> federal highway, public transportation, highway safety, and motor
> carrier safety programs from fiscal years 2004 through 2009. The bill
> will also pave the way for continued job growth. It is estimated that
> for every \$1 billion of investment into our nation\'s infrastructure,
> more than 48,000 jobs are created. The measure must now pass the
> Senate and win approval over concerns of fiscal restraint from the
> White House.

-   **Californian to Chair BRAC Commission**

> The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is the process by which the
> Department of Defense reorganizes its systems and infrastructure. This
> process allows the Department to more efficiently and effectively
> support its forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate
> modernization. On May 16th the Pentagon will release its
> recommendations of bases designated for closure and realignment. The
> BRAC Commission will then review and alter this list of
> recommendations. This week President Bush nominated Rancho Santa Fe
> resident Anthony Principi for the chairmanship of the nine-member BRAC
> Commission. Principi, a Vietnam veteran, is the former Secretary of
> Veteran Affairs. The Commission, which is subject to Senate
> confirmation, is expected to have two Californians on it. For more
> information on BRAC visit:
> [www.defenselink.mil/brac](http://www.defenselink.mil/brac)

-   **International Women\'s Day**

> This Wednesday, [International Women\'s
> Day](http://www.internationalwomensday.com/), recognized the
> achievements, struggles and contributions of women across the globe.
> This day is celebrated in many countries around the world. Whether it
> was the women in business forum in the UK, the gender training for
> journalists in Afghanistan, the women\'s health conference in
> Australia, or the hands across Darfur event in Sudan, this day
> reflected on successes of past and goals for the future. Just recently
> female executives from Time Warner joined forces with USAID and the
> [U.S.-Afghan Women\'s Council (USAWC)](http://usawc.state.gov/) to
> establish the Women\'s Resources Centers in Afghanistan, dedicated to
> the cause of educating Afghan women about health care, job skills,
> leadership abilities and political participation. Programs offer adult
> literacy instruction, vocational training and human rights awareness
> classes. Existing centers in Kabul are extremely popular and waiting
> lists are long. But, thanks to the help from Time Warner, a center is
> now open in Parwan. President Bush and Afghan President Karzai created
> USWAC in 2002 to promote public-private partnerships between U.S. and
> Afghan institutions.

**[ANNOUNCEMENTS:]{.underline}**

-   **March 15: U.S. Service Academy Info Night**

> Congressman Royce will hold his annual U.S. Service Academy
> Information Night on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at Orange High School at
> 7:00 pm. The meeting will profile each of the four service academies
> that require a Congressional nomination: Military Academy at West
> Point; Naval Academy at Annapolis; Merchant Marine Academy at Kings
> Point; and Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. It is important that
> all students who wish to attend any one of these academies attend this
> meeting\...[Read
> more](http://www.royce.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=1578).

-   **White House to Hold Annual Easter Egg Roll**

> The White House Easter Egg Roll is one of the oldest and most unique
> traditions in Presidential history. It is the largest public
> celebration at the White House. Each year, it is customary for
> Presidents, First Ladies, their children, grandchildren and pets to
> attend the festivities - although the most eagerly anticipated guest
> is always the Easter Bunny. This year\'s Roll will be held Monday,
> March 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.
> [Click here to find out how to get
> tickets.](http://www.royce.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=1584)

-   **Work for Congress, Become A Congressional Page**

> ***Application deadline is March 29th\...***Each year, a select group
> of young men and women are appointed by their Member of Congress to
> work as Pages in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Royce
> is currently collecting applications for the Summer 2005 Page session
> from all interested students. The deadline for submission of completed
> applications is Tuesday, March 29th at 5:00 p.m. to Royce\'s Fullerton
> office. Pages are hired by the U.S. House of Representatives to live,
> work and study in Washington, D.C. They serve as support staff for the
> House\...[Read more and earn how to
> apply](http://www.royce.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=6966).

-   **D.C. Office Summer Internship Deadline is April 15th**

> If you or someone you know is interested in applying to become an
> intern in Congressman Royce\'s Washington, D.C. office the deadline
> for applications is Friday, April 15th at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
> Internships are a great learning experience for students who are
> interested in public service and want to see our government in action.
> For more information about internships and to learn how to apply,
> please visit [Royce\'s internship
> webpage](http://www.royce.house.gov/ConstituentServices/internships.htm).

**[ABOUT THIS E-UPDATE:]{.underline}**

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is intended to keep those who sign up informed of the issues going on in
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