FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2013

Congressman Peters Marks First 100 Days with Productivity, Bipartisanship, and National Recognition

WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks Congressman Scott Peters’ 100^th day in Congress. Eager to bring his results-oriented approach to Washington, Peters began tackling the challenges that San Diego faces from day one. Soon after taking office both of Peters’ Washington, DC and San Diego offices were up and running. Peters has co-sponsored 53 bills, introduced another 2 bills, and sent over 50 letters to congressional leaders, the president, and administration officials advocating for issues of importance to San Diego. At home in San Diego, 146 constituents seeking assistance from Peters’ office have been helped.  Peters, who has built a reputation of finding middle ground from his time in San Diego government, is continuing to reach out to both Republicans and Democrats to find solutions. Recently, the National Journal ranked Peters as one of the most independent members of Congress.

An ardent supporter of protecting San Diego’s infrastructure investments, military and scientific research communities, Peters has been vocal about their importance to San Diego’s economy. In the weeks leading up to the sequester, Peters held events across the district with the Port of San Diego, Salk Institute and hundreds of maritime workers to highlight how the indiscriminate cuts of the sequester would hurt San Diego. The week of the sequester, when Peters was back in DC, he spoke on the House floor every day to urge both Democrats and Republicans to work together to avoid the sequester and introduced an amendment striking sequestration language from a bill on the House floor.

Finding ways to mitigate the effects of the sequester, without having the opportunity to repeal the legislation, Peters helped pass a bill that allowed the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to have more flexibility under the sequester. This bill allowed for the DHS to postpone furloughs of border patrol agents.

Last month, Peters sent a letter to the president urging him to increase the Federal Building Fund in his 2014 budget to complete the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Expansion Project. This important infrastructure investment would accelerate economic growth on both sides of the border. Peters’ advocacy helped to strengthen a call to action that began before Scott took office this year. On Wednesday, when the president released his 2014 budget, he allocated $226 million to complete the San Ysidro Expansion. 

Peters has utilized his seat on the House Armed Services Committee to further his support of San Diego’s military and defense industry. Peters has met with military officials at the Pentagon and at home and has visited San Diego’s bases to see how he can better advocate for our military. Peters has also co-sponsored several bills that would give LGBT military spouses equal rights and provide health care and housing support for veterans.

Peters has been a loud voice for investments in scientific research that are the key to San Diego and America staying globally competitive. Since taking office, Peters has worked closely with the organizations and companies that make up San Diego’s innovation economy. Peters sits on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and has been a staunch supporter of federal investment in scientific research. Scott has testified before the Budget Committee and an Appropriations subcommittee about the importance of NIH funding, and the impressive accomplishments that San Diego firms have achieved in the field of science.

The most important achievement Peters has made during his first 100 days is improving the lives of his constituents.  To date, Peters’ office has helped the people of the 52nd District claim more than $200,000 in benefits.  A total of 146 cases have been closed resolving issues from postponing foreclosures and attaining home loan modifications, to receiving stalled veterans benefits.  Peters’ office has been enthusiastic about providing in-district service to the people who matter most, their constituents.

“I knew when I took office that I didn’t want to waste any time getting started,” said Peters. “My staff and I are always looking for ways to better serve the community and I’m actively seeking community input. I regularly meet with constituents, hold open public forums and more intimate roundtables, and I particularly enjoy the time I get to return the phone calls of constituents who have contacted us. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but this has been a productive 100 days and I look forward to continuing our progress.”

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