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Chris Filippi of KCBS-740 AM aired a report on the efforts of Congressional Democrats to hold President Bush accountable on Iraq:
Representative Jerry McNerney said he wants straight answers from the Bush Administration. He also said he is worried Bush is seriously considering bombing Iran.
You can listen to the full report here.
Congressman Jerry McNerney took his "Congress At Your Corner" tour of grocery stores, cafes and malls to Morgan Hill on Wednesday. And the San Jose Mercury News (which serves Morgan Hill residents) was there to cover it:
The freshman congressman who last fall unseated Republican giant Richard Pombo stood inside a Morgan Hill Safeway on Wednesday, offering an ear to his constituents.
Lobbyists pay to have this kind of face time with members of Congress. But inside the darkened supermarket -- the power was out -- Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, was ready -- eager, even -- to hear what District 11 residents had to say, no cover charge needed.
Among the Safeway shoppers who took the opportunity to talk with the Congressman were David Dower and Christine LeQuang:
David Dower, a Morgan Hill resident since 2004, talked about how great the town was. Next was Christine LeQuang, a 35-year-old mother of two who complained about the city's public schools. She spends $26,000 a year to send her two boys, 4 and 6, to private school, she told McNerney. Showing a natural skill for active listening, McNerney confided that he had felt "disappointment'' in California's public education system when he and his family moved here from Massachusetts more than 10 years ago.
According to the Mercury News, McNerney said "his job at these encounters is simply to listen," a perspective that Jerry's Blog readers and commenters already know and appreciate:
"I get some of my best ideas from people in the district,'' he said. "There's not many federal dollars because of the war,'' but Congress can pass legislation that can "make people's lives better.''
Want to catch the Congressman at your local community gathering place? Watch Jerry's Blog for news on future "Congress At Your Corner" events.
The Stockton Record sent reporter Jeff Hood to Sherwood Mall on President's Day to cover "Congress At Your Corner" -- the initiative launched by Congressman Jerry McNerney to be as accessible as possible. Seeking to go into the community instead of having the community come to him, Congressman McNerney will use his weekend time to talk with constituents at grocery stores, shopping centers and cafes.
The Record article gives a good taste of what happened in Stockton:
McNerney shook hands and listened intently to the estimated 40 people who lined up to chat with the freshman congressman, who upset seven-term incumbent Richard Pombo in November. Aides scribbled notes and talked to several of the constituents afterward.
"I want people to know we're here for them," McNerney said shortly before leaving for a similar session later Monday at a Tracy coffeehouse. "People come in here with things they're passionate about, and all I have to do is tap into their passion."
One of those passionate participants was Larry Emery, a Walnut Grove pastor:
Emery and several others who spoke to McNerney at Sherwood Mall said they couldn't recall Pombo, R-Tracy, being so accessible.
"This is wonderful with him coming and talking to anyone in the mall," Emery said. "I wish every congressman would do this."
It's a new day for democracy and Congressman McNerney is leading the way. Folks came to this unique meet-and-greet armed with their most pressing concerns and Congressman McNerney listened intently:
The condition of Delta levees was the most-common topic constituents addressed Monday, McNerney said, adding he hopes to have similar sessions each weekend throughout his two-year term before seeking re-election in 2008.
"I'm letting people know I'm here to listen to them," he said. "I'm trying to make it as
convenient as I can for them."
The Record also ran a photo of Congressman McNerney and constituent Hank Gutierrez of Manteca.
Keep checking back to Jerry's Blog for the latest news and future opportunities to meet Congressman McNerney...
Sunday's editions of the Contra Costa Times and San Jose Mercury News included an Op-Ed from Congressman Jerry McNerney on his vote for the House resolution that addressed the President's strategy in Iraq.
Here it is, in full:
Why supporting the troops means opposing the president
By Rep. Jerry McNerneyLast week, I joined with my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in casting a vote against President Bush's proposal to escalate the war in Iraq. I did so because it is my duty to do everything I can to bring about a responsible end to the violence and make sure our troops have the support they need.
In considering my vote in favor of the resolution, my thoughts turned to the members of our armed forces -- especially those who joined the military after Sept. 11, 2001, out of a sense of duty and love for country, like my son Michael.
I'm proud and heartened by their commitment to service and patriotism -- just as I am by my own son's commitment. And I'm concerned about their safety -- just as I was about Michael's when he was in the service. For me, supporting the troops is not rhetorical, it's personal.
Support for the troops means setting them up for success, not sending them into harm's way without basic equipment to keep them safe and allow them to perform their mission.
Recently, the Washington Post reported that the Marine Corps and Army brigades that the president proposes to send to Iraq don't have enough advanced armor kits for Humvees. These "up-armored"' Humvees offer our troops the best protection against the roadside bombs that have caused so many of the casualties in Iraq. In addition, reports also show shortages of trucks and other crucial equipment such as jamming devices and radios. Lodging and logistical support is also reportedly in short supply.
This demonstrates the severely misguided nature of the president's proposal. A plan for military action must include necessary resources to achieve the objective. The president's plan doesn't do that. Another critical consideration is the impact the dispatch of an additional 21,500 combat soldiers -- along with thousands of support personnel -- will have on our military.
Already, our ability to meet future challenges is strained. Deploying additional troops will significantly hinder our ability to effectively wage the global war on terrorism. In fact, it is the global terrorist threat that still must be addressed in a comprehensive way.
We need a tougher, smarter approach. Regrettably, the president's proposal means a further distraction from the central front in the war on terror: Afghanistan.
More than 325 Californians have died in Iraq and more than 2,500 from the Golden State have been wounded. Unfortunately, the president's strategy in Iraq has not matched the solemn commitment with which our soldiers have served. And the president's recent proposal will send our brave men and women farther down the wrong course in Iraq.
We must begin the transfer of responsibility for establishing and maintaining law and order on Iraq's streets to the Iraqis. Training of those Iraqi units must be done outside of Iraq, which will mean more soldiers trained more quickly, and will lessen the likelihood that Iraqi army and police recruits turn to dangerous militias and death squads.
To make progress toward ending the violence in Iraq, we should begin a responsible redeployment of our troops out of Iraq on a public timeline that makes sense -- while pursuing the political and diplomatic solution in which President Bush has steadfastly refused to engage.
Both Republicans and Democrats agree: We need a new direction in Iraq. While always putting our troops first, I will continue to push for that new direction.
JERRY MCNERNEY is a Democrat who represents the 11th Congressional District, which includes parts of Santa Clara County. He wrote this article for the Contra Costa Times.
Would you like to comment on this Op-Ed? The Congressman reads comments on his blog and often posts responses. If you've got an opinion to share with him, please compose your thoughts and post them below.
Got a question for your Congressman? Going to be in Stockton or Tracy on President's Day? Or Morgan Hill on Wednesday? Then check out these unique opportunities to talk with Jerry McNerney:
As the Stockton Record reported today:
McNerney, D-Pleasanton, wants to make himself available to his constituents so he can keep his ear closer to the ground in his 11th District.
"And instead of asking community members to come to one of my offices, I am going to go to them to make it as easy as possible for them to see their member of Congress," he said.
Calling it "Congress At Your Corner," McNerney will travel the district at community gathering places like grocery stores and shopping centers.
That's our Citizen Congressman in action.
If you would like to meet and talk with Congressman McNerney, he'll be at the following locations Monday and Wednesday:
Stockton
Monday, February 19
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sherwood Mall food court
5308 Pacific Ave.
Tracy
Monday, February 19
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Baristas
112 W. 10th St.
Morgan Hill
Wednesday, February 21
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Safeway
100 Tennant Ave.
With debate in the House on the Iraq War ending, let's take a look at the print coverage of Congressman Jerry McNerney's speech on the House floor, as each newspaper covered somewhat different aspects of his remarks.
Here are the highlights, in semi-chronological order:
The Fresno Bee:
Freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney, the Pleasanton Democrat whose district includes southern San Joaquin County, kicked things off Tuesday night.
"I'm saddened because the misguided and mismanaged conflict has become a tragic disaster and a genuine threat to Middle East stability and global security," McNerney said.
The Associated Press:
Others suggested they were influenced by the experiences of relatives who've been to the front lines.
"When I talk about supporting our troops, it is not rhetorical, it is personal," said freshman Rep. Gerald McNerney, D-Calif., an opponent of Bush's plan. McNerney's son, Michael, joined the Air Force after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and became a munitions officer. He is a captain in the Air Force Reserve.
The Lodi News-Sentinel:
While McNerney emphasized his opposition to Bush's plan to add more than 20,000 troops in Iraq, he addressed his support for the troops. He noted that he has a personal as well as a political interest because his son enlisted in the armed forces.
"The young men and women who joined the Armed Forces after 9/11 out of a sense of duty and love for our country are just like my son, Michael, who joined the military because of those terrible attacks," McNerney said. "I'm proud and heartened by their commitment to service and patriotism, just as I am of my own son's commitment.
"And I'm concerned about their safety and well being, just as I was about Michael's when he was in the service," McNerney said. "When I talk about supporting the troops, it's not rhetorical; it's personal."
And, finally, the Contra Costa Times with the Congressman's take on the resolution itself:
"The resolution is a good first step," said Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton. "We need to get something out there that Congress can agree on and show the president where we stand. The nonbinding resolution won't have the effect of getting the troops out of Iraq, true, but we first need to establish our framework for debate."
Of course, newspapers weren't the only source of discussion about Congressman McNerney's speech. You chimed in as well, with over 30 comments on Jerry's Blog.
The Pleasanton Weekly covered Congressman McNerney's Open House in Pleasanton on Saturday:
The afternoon celebration was the second that day, with McNerney, his wife Mary and Andy Stone, McNerney's communications director in Washington, D.C., also opening another District field office in Stockton earlier.
"It's great to be here in Pleasanton and to see this wonderful group of suporters coming here to celebrate our victory," McNerney said. "This District office is here for all constituents in the 11th District."
You can read the rest of the Weekly's report here, including photos of Jerry McNerney talking with constituents.
BREAKING NEWS: Congressman Jerry McNerney will deliver a speech tonight on the floor of the House of Representatives outlining his opposition to President Bush’s plans for escalating the war in Iraq. The speech will take place sometime between 6-9 p.m. PST tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 13) and will be available live on C-SPAN. The text of his remarks will be available soon.
If you would like to share your thoughts with the Congressman on his speech, please post your comments below.
UPDATE: Congressman McNerney's full remarks are below, as prepared for delivery:
“The young men and women who joined the Armed Forces after 9/11 out of a sense of duty and love for our country are just like my son, Michael, who joined the military because of those terrible attacks.
“I’m proud and heartened by their commitment to service and patriotism – just as I am of my own son’s commitment.
“And I’m concerned about their safety and well being – just as I was about Michael’s when he was in the service.
“When I talk about supporting the troops, it’s not rhetorical, it’s personal.
“It is with great sadness and steely resolve that I stand up tonight on the issue of the Iraq and the President’s plan to escalate the conflict.
“I’m saddened because the misguided and mismanaged conflict has become a tragic disaster and a genuine threat to Middle East stability and global security.
“The escalation will cause more violence in the Middle East and will weaken our nation.
“I’m resolved because it’s our duty as the Congress of this great nation to check and balance the power of the President on any issue we believe harmful to our country.
“This Administration insists on finding a military answer rather than changing this failed approach and pursuing the diplomatic and political solutions necessary to bring an end to the violence.
“Unfortunately, the President’s plan to escalate the war in Iraq will not bring success there or make the United States more secure. In fact, the proposal means a further distraction from the mission in Afghanistan and the need for a tougher, smarter approach to the global war on terrorism.“The President’s proposal puts more U.S. lives at risk, further stretching the readiness of our ground forces and increasing the drain on our Treasury.
“President Bush’s plan is opposed by military experts, by Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress, and by the vast majority of our country.
“That’s why I rise in strong support of the resolution under consideration in this body.
“The resolution has two straightforward provisions:
1. Continuing support for those American soldiers who have served or are currently serving in Iraq, and
2. Disagreeing with the President’s plan to escalate the conflict and deploy an additional 21,500 combat troops to Iraq .
“Supporting our troops is my top priority, not just because it is our duty and responsibility, but because it is personal for me and my family.
“Recently the Washington Post reported that the Marine Corps and Army brigades that would be sent to Iraq under the President’s plan are short body armor, vehicles and other important equipment. This shows just how desperate the President’s misguided plan is. Military action should never be executed in desperation.
“We must transfer the responsibility for establishing and maintaining law and order on the streets in Iraq to the Iraqis. Training of those Iraqi units must be done outside of Iraq. This will mean more troops trained more quickly, and will lessen the likelihood that Iraqi army and police recruits turn to dangerous militias and death squads.
“The members of our Armed Forces who have served in Iraq have done so bravely and honorably.
“Unfortunately, the President’s strategy in Iraq has not matched the commitment with which our troops have served in that country.“We must begin a responsible redeployment of our troops out of Iraq on a public timeline that makes sense – while pursuing a political and diplomatic solution.
“Yet the President has steadfastly refused to engage in the political and diplomatic efforts necessary to bring resolution to the violence in Iraq .
“Both Republicans and Democrats agree that we need a new direction in Iraq . I will continue to push for that new direction while always putting our troops first. This resolution is an important first step, but there is much more to be done.
“I stand with resolve in opposing President Bush’s plan for an escalation in Iraq.”
It's one of the most difficult issues facing veterans and their families in the 11th Congressional District -- what will happen to the Veterans Affairs nursing home in Livermore?
A couple hundred veterans and other supporters attended Friday's final public hearing on the issue and heard Congressman Jerry McNerney tell the advisory panel that closing the Livermore facility was not the answer. Instead, as the Contra Costa Times reported, McNerney pushed for expanding services for veterans into San Joaquin County as well as preserving Livermore's unique facility:
However, the idea of abandoning the Livermore site does not make sense to everyone. Rep Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, said at Friday's meeting that he hopes there is enough room in the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget for nursing homes in both places. He said the Livermore area's large population of veterans warrants consideration of a facility there.
"We should be expanding, not cutting, veterans' services, and I'm hopeful that the panel will ultimately agree with me," McNerney told the panel. "As we look at future options for the use of Livermore, we must keep in mind that increasing numbers of veterans will be looking to the VA for care as overseas conflicts continue.
"Livermore is in an ideal location to support soldiers returning to life at home," McNerney continued. "This facility has stood the test of time and offers a welcome respite for men and women from the Tri-Valley area. I strongly urge this panel to preserve the Livermore VA, and expand health care options for veterans in the region."
Willie Monroe, from KGO-ABC7, was there as well and filed this report, including this brief televised interview with the Congressman:
Rep. Jerry McNerney, (D) Pleasanton: "You know, in the past several years, the relative money for veterans has gone down compared to the need, so they had to start making tough decisions, but I think with the new Congress, our determination is to meet the needs rather than to worry about cutting back."
To see aerial photos of the Livermore facility, check out eLivermore.com's Livermore History page.
If you care about this important issue, there's still time to register your comments with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Written comments can be submitted through Feb. 23 at www.va.gov/cares or to Livermore Site Study, VA CARES Studies, P.O. Box 1427, Washington Grove, MD 20880-1427.
As Brandon English at the Stakeholder -- the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's blog -- highlights, Jerry McNerney is among the Congressional members receiving praise for their endorsement of new clean energy legislation:
The Union of Concerned Scientists today praised the introduction of a House bill that would gradually require utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, by 2020. The renewable portfolio standard (RPS) bill, introduced by Reps. Tom Udall (D-NM), Todd Platts (R-PA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chris Shays (R-CT), Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Jerry McNerney (D-CA) would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, save consumers money and promote economic development in our rural communities, according to a UCS analysis of the bill.
"A renewable portfolio standard should be passed this Congress," said Alan Nogee, UCS Clean Energy Program Director. "The bill gives the American people what they asked for in the election -- a smart, cost-effective strategy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and get America on a track toward energy independence. And because power plants are a primary source of heat-trapping emissions, this bill can be an important part of solving global warming."
To read more about H.R. 969, including estimates of how this type of legislation might energize America with new jobs, energy bill savings, new revenue streams, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, check out the Kansas City InfoZine.
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