"I continue to support the responsible construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline"

Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter issued the following statement after voting "no" on H.R. 3 -- the Northern Route Approval Act:

"As I've stated before, building the Keystone XL pipeline will create good paying jobs and reduce our dependence on Middle East oil, and I continue to support the construction of the pipeline.

However, House Republicans continue playing political games with our national energy security and this bill unnecessarily goes too far in bypassing important environmental protections and reviews.  The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process needs to be properly completed for the newly proposed route.  

I anticipate the President will make his final decision soon, and I hope he approves the permit to build the pipeline."

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Perlmutter, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, said during a hearing today, "Despite the recent tempest - I would ask the IRS to continue, in an impartial way to look at these exemptions... The IRS, in my opinion has a responsibility on behalf of taxpayers to look at these things -- impartially."

During the hearing, Perlmutter quoted from a recent Denver Post editorial by Curtis Hubbard, "So-called 501(c)(4) 'social welfare' groups have increasingly been putting money into political campaigns .... But the real boom came after the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling in 2010, as the groups' campaign spending soared beyond $300 million in 2012...Many 501(c)(4) nonprofit "social welfare" organizations are simply fronts for political operations that provide anonymity to donors. And with anonymity comes a lack of accountability.”

Perlmutter then noted, "Most Americans are paying their taxes, but certain groups are seeking exemptions under 501(c)(4) of the tax code just to avoid disclosing political donors - not because they are 'exclusively for operation of social welfare' or their 'net earnings are for charitable education or recreation purposes'.  The IRS needs to clearly define the amount of political activity allowed and set criteria and standards to responsibly and uniformly examine the request of those groups seeking exemptions so the decisions aren't at the subjective discretion of bureaucrats."

Perlmutter continued: "House Republicans continue trying to distract the American public from the issues of greatest importance to Coloradans like job creation and strengthening our economy.  The fact is, since Barack Obama became President, the stock market doubled, the housing market is recovering, unemployment is dropping, and we are paying down our debt. Instead of pointing fingers and playing partisan political games, we need to work together to ensure we have a secure and stable economy built to last."

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Washington, DC  -- Today, U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Peter Welch (VT) will introduce legislation with bipartisan support to prevent employers from requiring current and prospective employees to hand over their personal website passwords as a condition of either keeping or getting a job. 

Perlmutter said, " No American should have to provide their confidential personal passwords as a condition of employment.  People have an expectation of privacy when using social media like Facebook and Twitter.  They have an expectation that their right to free speech and religion will be respected when they use social media outlets.  Both users of social media and those who correspond with the user share an expectation of privacy in their personal communications.  Without this protection, employers essentially can act as imposters and assume the identity of an employee and continually access, monitor and even manipulate an employee's personal social activities and opinions.  That's simply a step too far."

Welch commented: “Employees have a legitimate expectation of privacy when using Facebook or Twitter. This legislation will prevent fishing expeditions into employees’ private lives. While an employer may have a valid concern about the business impact of an employee’s online activity, demanding passwords and unfettered access to private accounts is an over-the-top solution.”

The "Password Protection Act of 2013" addresses recent news highlighting a disturbing increase in the number of employers asking prospective employees to hand over usernames and passwords to their personal accounts on sites like Facebook.  Some job applicants are even being asked–during interviews–to log into these websites and allow interviewers to browse the applicant’s profile, acquaintances, and other information.  Others are being asked as a condition of new or continued employment to provide passwords on job applications or to “friend” the employer so the employer can view the applicant’s private information. 

Perlmutter introduced similar measures earlier this year and last year, and he will continue to work with House members to safeguard individuals' personal privacy.  

The current list of co-sponsors include: 

Rep. Peter Welch (D)- Vermont; Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D)- Oregon; Rep. Cedric Richmond(D)- Louisiana; Rep. Raul Grijalva (D)- Arizona; Rep. Charles Rangel (D)- New York; Rep. Bill Keating (D)- Massachusetts; Rep. David Cicilline (D)- Rhode Island; Rep. Niki Tsongas (D)- Massachusetts;
Rep. Bobby Rush (D)- Illinois; Rep. John Dingell (D)- Michigan; Rep. Mike Coffman (R)- Colorado;
Rep. James McGovern (D)- Massachusetts; Rep. Rush Holt (D)- New Jersey;
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D)- Washington DC; Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D)- Oregon;
Rep. Hank Johnson (D)- Georgia; Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D)- New Hampshire;
Rep. Jared Polis (D)- Colorado; Rep. Jackie Spier (D)- California; Rep. David Schweikert (R)- Arizona;
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D)- Oregon; Rep. Jerry McNerney (D)- California; Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D)- Maryland ; Rep. Bill Enyart (D)- Illinois ; Rep. Chellie Pingree (D)- Maine; Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D)- Missouri ;
Rep. Steve Cohen (D)- Tennessee ; Rep. John Lewis (D)- Georgia; Rep. Paul Tonko (D)- New York;
Rep. Lujan Grisham (D) - New Mexico; and Rep. Lois Capps (D) - California

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House Republicans Continue Wasting Taxpayer Money on Attempted Repeal of Health Law

Washington, DC -- This week House Republican leaders once again chose to waste the time and money of American taxpayers to satisfy a small minority of their caucus members rather than focusing on the important work needed to pass a budget and spur job creation and economic development.   

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) said, "For the 37^th time the House Republican majority forced a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act.  Rather than creating jobs for Americans, the Patients’ Rights Repeal Act eliminates much-needed benefits millions of Americans already rely on such as supporting small businesses to help provide insurance for employees, providing free preventive services and covering children with pre-existing conditions."

"They know what we all know - not only has the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the ACA but this legislation has  zero chance of a vote in the Senate nor will the President sign it.   We need to work on responsible implementation of this law."  

In Colorado, repeal of the ACA means:

• Drug costs for over 38,000 seniors would be $60 million higher.
• 50,000 young adults would not have had coverage through their parents’ plans.
• 869,000 women and 296,000 seniors and people with disabilities would not have access to free preventive care.
• 208,000 people would not have received $27 million in rebates from their insurance companies.
• And next year, 656,000 people would not have access to quality, dependable health insurance coverage.

Here's how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is already working for Americans.

• Up to 17 million children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied health insurance;
• 105 million Americans – including 71 million with private plans and 34 million with Medicare – have access to free preventive care services;
• 360,000 small businesses are now taking advantage of the healthcare tax credit to provide insurance to 2 million workers;
• 105 million Americans no longer have lifetime limits on their coverage;
• 6.3 million seniors in the “donut hole” saved over $6.1 billion on their prescription drugs;
• Almost 13 million Americans received $1.1 billion in rebates from their insurance companies; and
• 2,800 employers are taking advantage of the retiree reinsurance program to help cover over 12 million retirees not yet eligible for Medicare;

The ACA will continue to strengthen Medicare while cutting wasteful spending and practices.  It will put patients in charge of their healthcare rather than insurance company bureaucrats, and it will reduce the long term deficit by $109 billion over the next 10 years and over $1 trillion over the following decade. 

For more independent, non-partisan information and statistics about the Affordable Care Act, you can visit the following websites:

http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43472                                                                                        

http://www.cms.gov/apps/files/Medicarereport2012.pdf

http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/32/1/87.abstract

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"We Built this Nation on Equality"

Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) delivered an impassioned speech on the Floor of the House of Representatives condemning House Republican Leadership for their attempt to risk the full faith and credit of the United States of America by irresponsibly prioritizing payments to bondholders from China and other foreign countries over the payments owed to Veterans, National Guard, nurses and healthcare providers, first responders and small businesses here in America.

Below is the full text and click here for the video of Perlmutter's Speech:

This week House Republicans are demanding a vote on H.R. 807 instead of taking steps to work out a common sense way to balance our budget, cut expenses and bring in more revenue so we can pay down our national debt.

H.R. 807 would renew the debt limit brinkmanship House Republicans forced upon the nation in July and August of 2011 which led to the first downgrade of our credit rating in 235 years leading to widespread economic uncertainty.

This legislation would ensure that if the U.S. defaults on our nation’s debt, bondholders from China and other foreign nations would be paid first – putting payments to Americans at risk, including those to:

o   1.4 million active duty troops and 780,000 activated reserves and National Guard

o   3.4 million disabled veterans who served their country with honor

o   1.3 million veterans who receive education or home purchasing assistance

o   American small businesses that sell goods and services to the government

o   Doctors and hospitals that treat the 50 million Medicare patients around the country

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Text of Perlmutter's Speech:

Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, excises to pay for the debt and pay for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.

Now, Amendment 14, Section 4 says: the validity of the public debt of the United States, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services, shall not be questioned.

But that's precisely what the Republican party, the Republican majority is doing today, and I have many friends on the Republican side of the aisle who I respect but I've never been as disappointed in them as I am today.

The United States of America for 235 years has treated all its creditors equally.

If you're the landlord, if you get a salary, if you mow the lawn on the National Mall, you get paid at the same time as those who loan money to the United States gets paid.

Everybody gets paid.

That's how we treat it.

We don't treat it that China or Wall Street or Saudi Arabia, because they've loaned us money, get paid before the nurse working in one of our VA Hospitals.

That's not America.

That is wrong.

That is not how we run our country.

It is unconstitutional, and I'd say to my friends, this short little bill of yours to prioritize our debts is exactly the wrong thing to do.

If I were a credit rating agency, I'd say if you're prioritizing your debts you're getting ready to not pay somebody.

So I would say if I were that credit rating agency, I'd downgrade us today.

I'd say to my friends on the Republican side of the aisle, to the majority party, don't do this.

This is wrong.

This is not our nation.

We have built this nation on equality, and that includes the equality of payment, whether you're a landlord or you work for the country, you're a veteran, whatever it may be, you get paid.

That's how we operate it.

And we in this Congress have the ability, not only to raise the revenue that's needed to do that, but manage our expenses, but we don't stiff anybody.

And so I'd say to my friends, withdraw this bill now.

It is bad legislation.

It is wrong for this nation.

Get rid of it.

With that I yield back.

Perlmutter said, “I’m honored to receive the ‘Protecting the American Dream Award’ from the American Land Title Association. I am grateful to the Association and its members for this prestigious honor. I remain committed and focused on ensuring federal programs provide opportunities to those hard working American's who wish to attain homeownership.  Due in large part to a strong housing industry, our overall economy continues to improve and it is important we maintain that positive momentum."

“We are pleased to honor Senator Landrieu and Representative Perlmutter for their efforts to protect consumers as they pursue the ‘American dream’ of homeownership,” said Frank Pellegrini, president of ALTA. “Their leadership in Washington combined with their understanding of the important services title insurance professionals provide during the home buying process make Senator Landrieu and Representative Perlmutter extremely deserving of this award.” 

Perlmutter led efforts to stabilize the housing market and protect homebuyers from the irresponsible lending practices and mortgage fraud that led to the financial crisis. Rep. Perlmutter is a member of the Financial Services Committee, and the Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) and the International Monetary Policy and Trade subcommittees.

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Reception Announcing Award Winners To Be Held April 27 at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

LAKEWOOD, CO – This Saturday, hundreds of talented high school artists from around the metro area are presenting their art to the public and competing for the chance to exhibit their work in the United States Capitol.

The office of Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) in conjunction with Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design (RMCAD) are hosting an exhibit and reception to present awards to high school students from around the 7th Congressional District who are participating in the annual Congressional Arts Competition, "An Artistic Discovery."

The artwork will be on display at RMCAD from Friday, April 26 through April 29.  Prizes will be awarded to the top 6 pieces of art.  The winning work will be sent to Washington, D.C. to represent the 7th Congressional District and will be displayed for one year with other winners from throughout the nation in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol. 

More than 100 pieces of artwork from students from the following schools will be featured:  Adams City High School, Arvada West High School, Bear Creek High School, D 'Evelyn High School, Golden High School, Lakewood High School, Pinnacle School, Pomona High School, Ralston valley High School, Stanley Lake High School, Warren Tech, Wheat Ridge High School.

“The creativity and caliber of work from our high school students in the 7th Congressional District is exceptional," said Perlmutter.  "The annual art show is a fantastic way to showcase to the public the diverse talent of our students here in the 7th Congressional District. I am so proud of each and every one of these students.  I hope they all continue to pursue art throughout their lives and to continue sharing their talents with all of us.”

Below are details about the reception:

What:                   Reception presenting awards and honoring participants of “An Artistic Discovery”

                                7th Congressional District Congressional Arts Competition Exhibition

When:                  Saturday, April 27, 2013

                                10 a.m. - Noon

Where:                Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

                                The Rotunda Building

                                1600 Pierce Street

                                Lakewood, CO 80214

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Washington, DC  -- For the second year in a row, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) introduced a provision to prevent employers from requiring current and prospective employees to hand over their personal passwords as a condition of either keeping or getting a new job.  The amendment was introduced as a part of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act that would provide liability protection to U.S. companies for sharing cybersecurity information with the federal government.

Perlmutter said, "People have an expectation of privacy when using social media like Facebook and Twitter.  They have an expectation that their right to free speech and religion will be respected when they use social media outlets.  No American should have to provide their confidential personal passwords as a condition of employment. Both users of social media and those who correspond share the expectation of privacy in their personal communications.  Employers essentially can act as imposters and assume the identity of an employee and continually access, monitor and even manipulate an employee's personal social activities and opinions.  That's simply a step too far. "

Perlmutter continued, "It's not déjà vu -- this is the same amendment I introduced twice last year, so people have had plenty of time to study and discuss it.  It has bipartisan support.  It wouldn't kill the underlying cyber-security bill; it wouldn't send it back to committee. It merely safeguards an individuals' personal privacy as they use their own personal social media accounts."   

Unfortunately, nearly all House Republicans voted along party lines against the amendment (final vote 189-224), which was included as part of HR 624 – Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act.  If passed, the amendment would not change the overall impact or intent of the Act.  Perlmutter voted with a bipartisan majority to pass HR 624.

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Perlmutter said, "Though not perfect, I'm encouraged by the work a bipartisan group of Senators is doing to address immigration in a responsible and compassionate way that secures our borders and ensures those who are working hard, paying taxes, getting an education, learning English and not committing felonies or violent crimes, have a path to become citizens of our country and achieve their American Dream.  I hope members of the House will continue working to develop and vote on comprehensive immigration reform."

Below is the text of the laminated card Perlmutter carries with him.

"My American Dream is like this... I would want people to be able to know that if they come to America they can know they will have a better life, they will have a safe place for their kid to grow up and be free to have the life they want - the life they pictured when they were kids."

Perlmutter has been a proponent of comprehensive immigration reform since at least 2005 and cosponsored the DREAM Act and other comprehensive immigration reform legislation including the STRIVE Act and the CIR ASAP Act.

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"In this budget, we have cut our deficit nearly in half since 2009.  Like most Americans, I believe we need to take a balanced, bipartisan approach to balancing our budget, investing in job and economic growth and reducing our debt," said Perlmutter.  "The President's budget plan is about innovation, education and cooperation to make investments and find savings to ensure we have a strong, stable and secure economy built to last."

To move our country forward and ensure long-term economic stability, security and sustained job growth here in our country, we have to both cut our spending and reduce our debt, as well as make the critical necessary investments in education for our children and rebuilding our aging transportation and energy infrastructure.

Perlmutter will continue fighting for the priorities impacting the 7th Congressional District and the state of Colorado, including support for  jobs and programs leading to energy independence; transportation safety and infrastructure improvements; law enforcement and first responders; aerospace and national security efforts, as well as programs to benefit hardworking families, seniors and veterans. 

"This budget outline is another step forward and an offer of compromise to get our fiscal house in order.  We have a long road to go to responsibly balance the budget, but this plan is a vast improvement over irresponsible proposals by House Republicans forcing seniors, veterans and families to pay for more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires," said Perlmutter.

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