Congressman Ron Klein weekly report

FROM STAFF REPORTS

U.S. Representative Ron Klein (FL-22) this week led fellow freshmen House Democrats in calling for a new direction in Iraq funding.

The 47-member freshman class, which represents tremendous demographic, economic and geographic diversity, came together to sign a letter, authored by Rep. Klein, calling on the Chairmen of the Appropriations Committee and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to include in upcoming spending bills specific language requiring future U.S. funding for reconstruction, training and fuel in Iraq be repaid out of Iraqi oil revenues.

“I am proud to stand beside my distinguished colleagues and say that after five years and 600 billion American taxpayer dollars spent in Iraq, enough is enough,” Klein said Tuesday in Washington. “The freshman class represents dramatic diversity, and when all of us stand united on any one issue, it is time to stand up and take note.”

“Our constituents represent the true face of America,” Klein said of himself and his freshman colleagues. “They come from every different demographic group imaginable, and stretch across the width and breadth of our great country. Despite these differences, in all of our districts, people are saying the same thing: the Iraqi government must stand up and take responsibility for rebuilding their own country. The American taxpayer cannot, and should not, foot the bill any longer.”

Klein is also the author of legislation (H. Res. 1111) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all future funding provided by the United States to the government of Iraq for reconstruction, training for security forces and fuel be provided as a loan. His legislation also requires the Iraqi government to utilize its own budget surplus for reconstruction projects before reconstruction aid from the United States is spent.

Separately this week, Klein, who is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, joined with a bipartisan majority of his House colleagues to pass comprehensive housing legislation that will help curb foreclosures and restore market stability.

“Today, Congress has acted to stop the bleeding,” Klein said after the vote. “This legislation represents a real solution for the millions of Americans facing imminent foreclosure. Yet the mortgage crisis has repercussions far beyond the families fighting to keep their homes. All of our local communities are affected, from falling property values to higher crime rates. Today’s legislation is a critical fix for all of us.”

The housing legislation includes the FHA Rescue and Neighborhood Stabilization Acts, (H.R. 5830 and 5818) which provide mortgage refinancing assistance to keep families from losing their homes, protect neighboring home values, and help stabilize the housing market. It will help troubled borrowers avoid foreclosure while minimizing taxpayer exposure, and at the same time, requires lenders and homeowners to take responsibility.

“Here in South Florida, the foreclosure crisis has hit home,” Klein said. “Ft. Lauderdale’s foreclosure rate is the highest in the state, with one foreclosure for every 73 households. This is the eighth highest foreclosure rate in the entire country, a dubious distinction we are working to erase.”

The legislative package passed this week also includes tax credits to first time homebuyers, which will spur home buying and stabilize the market. Additionally, it allows current homeowners who currently claim the standard tax deduction to receive an additional $700 deduction on their property taxes. Another important provision increases the VA Home Loan Limit to give veterans greater opportunity for home ownership.