Veterans Update

December 10, 2010

Its has been over a month since the November elections.  Congressman Solomon Ortiz was defeated by Republican Blake Farenthold.  Congressman-elect Farenthold has gone to DC for orientation and is now getting ready to move in so that he will be ready to conduct business come January 1st 2011 and the start of the new session.
His actions are now very important to Rio Grande Valley veterans because at the present all our efforts have been directed toward having the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Services System flagship hospital be located at the new Harlingen VA clinic expansion to be called the Ambulatory and Surgical Center.  It is important that we work with our new Congressional representative because any legislation to get funding or approval for a 24/7 emergency and inpatient health care facility at the new site will have to go through him.  This is what is called "protocol".  In order for legislation to be introduced the elected Congressperson of the Congressional district has the right to file in his district. If other Congressmen from a neighboring district wants to file, he must follow protocol and inform the district elected congressman.  In this case, Congressional District 27, Farenthold is the designated person.  Others can cosponsor the bill and/or jointly filed, but due to "protocol" the legislation will need the blessing (approval) of the District 27 Congressman.  In the past, Solomon Ortiz would file the bill and Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Ruben Hinojosa would co sponsor the bill in its intitial filing.
At the Senate level, either of the Senators can file the sister bill in the Senate.  As of this writing, Senator Cornyn has been the one that initiates legislation in the Senate.  His office is ready to assist us in filing a bill. 
In this regard, we have to develop the language so that he knows what is it that we need.  We have a couple of week and should start working on it.
Veterans have already riched out to Congressman-elect Farenthold for support and help.  He has indicated that he is ready to help veterans.
Veterans should call and/or join the Veterans Alliance.  Do so.