“This is great news for people living in the nearby area who now won’t have to drive out of their way to reach a post office that offers the same services as Oteen,” said Congressman Shuler, D-Waynesville. “I understand that the Postal Service must cut costs, but there are better options than just closing post offices.”

The Oteen facility provides valuable services to the Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the local veterans living in the area. Congressman Shuler urged the Postal Service not to close the Oteen facility in a letter sent to the Postmaster General in September. The Postal Service has winnowed down the number of retail stations and branches that remain under review for possible consolidation to only 241 facilities.

“I am happy to see the FHA move so quickly on our request that the state of North Carolina will be reimbursed for the cleanup of I-40,” said Congressman Shuler, D-Waynesville. “This portion of I-40 is essential to the people and businesses of Western North Carolina, and the FHA’s decision today will speed up the reopening of the Interstate.”

On October 30, Congressman Shuler and Congressman Phil Roe, R-Tenn., sent a letter asking the FHA to promptly approve emergency relief funds. The letter also was signed by the entire North Carolina and Tennessee Congressional delegations.

Today, the FHA approved emergency relief funding and agreed to reimburse the North Carolina Department of Transportation for its work to remove debris and repair I-40, according to a letter sent to Congressman Shuler today.

Interstate 40 serves as a vital transportation and commerce link for the U.S., particularly the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. About 25,000 vehicles a day, including 10,000 tractor trailers, travel the section of I-40 that was closed due to the rockslide. Interstate 40 is not expected to reopen until January, according NCDOT officials.

“I am pleased and grateful that this extremely critical regional issue garnered such strong support across state and party lines,” Shuler said. “I also appreciate how quickly and effectively Governor Perdue responded to this disaster at the state level.”

On October 28, Perdue declared the I-40 rock slide a disaster, which was the first step in seeking federal emergency funds. The FHA’s emergency relief program reimburses states and local governments for the cost of fixing damage caused by floods, tornados, landslides and other natural disasters.

“I want to thank the Congressional Delegation for insuring the FHA was aware of the severity of the road damage resulting from the rockslide,” Gov. Perdue said. “NCDOT is working as quickly as possible to open the road with public safety our first goal.” 

"We understand how disruptive the closure has been for the multi-state area,” FHA Administrator Victor Mendez wrote in his letter to Congressman Shuler. “I can assure you that we will continue working with NCDOT to get traffic back to normal."

After a thorough review, the Ethics Committee found that Shuler’s actions “were not improper in any way and did not violate House Rules,” and has closed the matter without further action, the committee said in a letter released late Wednesday.

“Throughout my personal and professional life I have always held myself to the highest possible ethical standard. I maintained that standard through all my interactions with the TVA relating to Blackberry Cove. I have never and will never attempt to use my office for personal gain and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina,” Congressman Shuler said.

The Ethics Committee noted in its letter that because of Shuler’s position in Congress, the TVA held Blackberry “to a higher standard for approval” within the Maintain and Gain program in order to avoid the appearance of partiality. The letter also disclosed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation reviewed the facts surrounding the Blackberry application and concluded that no criminal statutes were violated.  

Before being elected to Congress in November 2006, Shuler invested in the Cove at Blackberry Ridge, a real estate partnership that owned property near the Watts Bar Reservoir in eastern Tennessee. The partnership, which originally thought it had water-access rights due to maps provided by the TVA, sought and initially received a Maintain and Gain agreement from the TVA that gave the partnership water access rights to build a dock in exchange for other waterfront land the partnership owned.

Shuler's involvement in the matter was first investigated by the TVA Inspector General, who in June found no evidence that Shuler used his position as a Congressman to pressure the TVA. Because it had no jurisdiction over a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the TVA Inspector General forwarded its report to the Standards Committee for their review.

The Ethics Committee is the third investigative body to confirm that there was no wrongdoing on the part of Congressman Shuler. 

The Committee is composed of ten members, five Democrats and five Republicans. The letter clearing Shuler of any wrongdoing was signed by the Committee’s Chair, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Ranking Member, Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL).

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The bill was passed later Thursday by the Senate and can now be signed into law by the PresidentThe bill allocates $713,000 to the Forest Service to buy 88 acres from a private party to expand the trailhead to Catawba Falls and build a parking area. This funding follows the passage in September of a bill authored Congressman Shuler that adjusted the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest to include a total of 301 acres of additional land, 213 acres already owned by the federal government and the additional 88-acre tract of privately owned land. 

Congressman Shuler’s legislation, House Resolution 1002, authorized the Forest Service, the recipient of the funds appropriated Thursday, to purchase the property to expand the Park and enable access to the Falls.  H.R. 1002 was designed to rectify the current access problem of visitors needing to pass through a steep and rugged wooded area to legally reach the Falls. The difficulty of this access route often led to people inadvertently trespassing upon private property. 

“This is the last piece of legislation needed to allow full public access to our spectacular Catawba Falls,” said Congressman Shuler, D-Waynesville. “Now local and visiting hikers and fisherman will be able to enjoy this scenic treasure.  Access to this natural gem will encourage tourism and boost the economy of McDowell County.”

The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina owns the 88 acres that offers access to the Falls and is willing to sell the land to the Forest Service, said Squeak Smith, chairman of the conservation group. The land will be used as an entryway to the entire Falls area, and include a parking lot and picnic areas, he said.  Besides being supported by the Foothills Conservancy, the initiative also has the backing of the City of Old Fort, McDowell County Tourism Authority, McDowell County Board of Commissioners, and numerous local hiking and hunting groups.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to hear this,” Smith said.  “It’s the last step and will open formal access to the Falls to the public. I want to thank Congressman Shuler for all his hard work on this.” 

“This legislation ultimately provides tremendous recreational benefits to the people of North Carolina as well as offering a shot in the arm to the McDowell County economy,” Congressman Shuler said. “I am grateful that all our efforts have paid off and that people will gain a fuller enjoyment of Catawba Falls.”

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Progress announced Monday an offer to install compact fluorescent bulbs, insulate water heaters and pipes and take other efficiency measures free of charge for up to 1,300 residents of the Pisgah View community. This is part of a larger program by the utility to save up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity, equal to building about four large coal-fired power plants.

“Energy efficiency not only saves money, but cuts down our energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases,” said Congressman Shuler, D-Waynesville. “Companies like Progress Energy are taking the lead in the movement towards greater energy conservation, which ultimately lowers the overall price for energy and provides the U.S. with greater energy independence from foreign nations.”

Progress Energy started installing energy-efficient home improvements on Monday. The company also has launched a Home Energy Improvement Program that offers rebates to residential customers for upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes, and has a separate program for businesses.

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The Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act, HR 3596, would afford state regulatory bodies the ability to regulate health insurance companies and bar anti-competitive practices such as price fixing and bid rigging.

“Health insurance companies currently enjoy a loophole in antitrust laws that have allowed them to drive up the price of medical care for American families and businesses. That loophole needs to be closed,” Congressman Shuler said.

Family premiums rose about 5 percent this year, and over the past decade, health insurance premiums have more than doubled, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

“This bill helps accomplish one major goal of health care reform, which is to lower the price of health insurance,” Congressman Shuler said.

The House leadership is working to combine three health insurance reform bills into one piece of legislation, which could be voted on later this month.

“While I do not support the current proposal, HR 3200, I want to see our health system reformed, especially in ways that can lower costs for medical insurance,” said Congressman Shuler. “Families and businesses are struggling to keep up with health insurance price increases, which have led to more Americans losing their medical coverage.”

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“The President is really good. He runs the court,” said Rep. Shuler, D-N.C. “And despite being the President, he’s not shown extra deference on the court.”

Shuler was one of about 16 who played a pick-up basketball game with Obama on Thursday evening for about an hour and a half. Other players included: Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind., Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., and Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

Obama picked the teams and always chose his personal aide Reggie Love, who played football and basketball at Duke University, said Shuler, who ended up guarding Love. The only game Obama lost was when his team played the Blue Dogs, said Shuler, the Blue Dog whip.

“I had a great, great time. The president kept wanting to play another game, and we couldn’t say ‘no,’” said Shuler, who rushed to make his flight home still in his gym shorts.

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Passed overwhelmingly by the House, the bill will provide a boost to the tourism industry throughout the country, including travel destinations such as Western North Carolina. Additionally, this legislation will create nearly 40,000 jobs in the first year, according to one study.

“This legislation will increase legitimate foreign travel to the U.S. by creating a private-public partnership that does not require any U.S. taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville, who cosponsored the bill.

The legislation will provide up to $100 million to accompany funds provided by the tourism industry to promote international travel to the U.S. In addition to funding provided by the tourism industry, overseas visitors who enter the United States under the visa waiver program will pay a $10 fee to further fund the program.

“International travelers will provide a much needed economic jolt to the U.S. economy,” said Rep. Shuler. “Our region has the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the nation, as well as a host of other parks and attractions that will appeal to overseas visitors.”

Tourists spent more than $1.80 billion in Western North Carolina last year and supported more than 21,000 jobs, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

While the governments of most developed nations spend money on travel promotion, the United States does not. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House. The Senate already has approved the legislation, and President Obama is expected to sign it into law shortly.

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“I’m glad to see that the Obama administration recognized Aaron for his years of hard work and service,” said Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, who supported Martin’s promotion. “Having spent a long and productive career working in Western North Carolina, Aaron understands the needs of our farmers.”

Martin, who has worked at the FSA for more than 31 years, previously served as District Director of the FSA for the Western Region of North Carolina. Earlier, he worked as the state’s FSA Compliance and Crop Disaster Specialist and Executive Director of Clay County’s FSA.

Martin helped secure a $500,000 grant for the Hiawassee River Watershed project, which led to more than 400 conservation practices by Clay County farmers that improved the water quality in the area. He also significantly raised the participation of Clay County farmers in FSA loan programs.

“Despite the reputation that some people have of government bureaucracies, the FSA has been known for its quick and efficient delivery of farm programs,” Martin said. “’I want to make sure that tradition continues throughout the state.”

Martin is well known among North Carolina’s farming community, and helped work with the state government to compensate farmers after two hurricanes flooded the state in 1999.

“The NCFB is extremely pleased with the selection of Aaron Martin as state executive director of the Farm Service Agency,” said Larry Wooten, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau. “Aaron is a veteran of the agency; he understands the programs, stakeholders and the agency’s employees. We have worked with Aaron in the past on many issues that affect farmers, and we look forward to maintaining a close working relationship with Aaron and his staff in the years to come.”

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President Obama supports this action because he said it would cause a backlash of anti-American sentiment against U.S. troops, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I fully stand behind President Obama’s decision against releasing these photos to prevent endangering our troops,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “Generals and military experts warn that the release of these photos would fan the hatred of extremist groups at a time when tensions already run high in the Middle East. We don’t want to provide recruitment tools to al-Qaeda.”

The Senate included the provision in its Homeland Security appropriations bill, but the House did not in its initial version.

Rep. Shuler and Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, led a bipartisan effort over the past few weeks to urge other House members to support adding the ban on releasing the photos to the Homeland Security bill. The House is expected to vote on the overall bill next week and the Senate will follow.

While supporting government transparency, Rep. Shuler said publishing the photos does not outweigh the risk of inciting terrorists to act against U.S. troops stationed overseas.

“Everyone condemns the actions taken against some U.S. detainees held overseas,” Shuler said. “But putting these photos out for public display would only re-ignite this old issue and make it more difficult for our troops working to quell violence in the Middle East.”

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The Buncombe County landfill recirculates its leachate flow, or landfill liquid, that speeds up trash decomposition and creates the ability to put more waste in the same amount of landfill space. Methane gas is generated in the process and currently is burned off.

The new federal money would help the project expand its leachate recirculation and increase production of methane, which then would be burned to generate enough electricity to power hundreds of homes. The state-of-the-art landfill also further hastens the decomposition of trash.

“This project will lead to less space being needed for landfills in the future,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “As a bonus, it will create electricity that will be sold to the power grid, which means less fossil fuel will have to be burned.”

The House passed the $33.5 billion Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which also included money for a flood reduction study along the Swannanoa River. The Senate is expected to pass the bill next week before being sent to President Obama for his signature.

In 2004, the remnants of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan caused the Swannanoa River to flood, which damaged roads and wrecked water mains. The new federal funds will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to increase its efforts to study projects that can reduce flooding.

“We can’t stop heavy rains or hurricanes, but we can take steps to reduce the chances of extreme flooding on the Swannanoa River, and this study will take a big step forward,” Rep. Shuler said.

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“I have seen and heard tremendous local support for keeping these facilities open, and I am relaying that information directly to Postal Service officials,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “As many know, several of our local post offices have recently been targeted for consolidation by the U.S. Postal Service.”

Six of the 80 post offices in the Mid-Carolinas District 6 already have been shuttered in the past year, and the Postal Service has targeted others for closure, including Oteen and Biltmore facilities in the Asheville area. Rep. Shuler was able to help persuade the Postal Service to keep Biltmore open and is working to protect the others.

This week, Congress passed a bill that reduces the amount that the Postal Service must pay into its retiree health benefits fund this year by $4 billion. That should give the Postal Service some breathing room to pursue long-term options other than drastically slashing the number of postal facilities throughout the United States, Rep. Shuler said.

“I am encouraged that this bill will give the Postal Service extra time to make calculated long-term decisions and fully see the results of its early retirement and early-out incentive options extended to eligible employees,” he said. “My father was a mailman in Western North Carolina, and I was raised with an understanding of how important local post offices are to households, local businesses and their communities.”

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Currently, the WNC Data Link project interconnects 16 regional hospitals in a Health Exchange, which allows medical providers to share patient information, lab results, X-Rays and other data. The new grant from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department will open the system to about 75 doctors working in the region and allow them to digitally transmit patient records to and from hospitals.

“Expanding this network will help curb health care costs in Western North Carolina,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “This computer link will save both time and money, and allow patients to receive faster care because they won’t receive redundant tests.”

People in the region often must travel to different hospitals for various types of specialized care, and the WNC Data Link makes it easier for medical providers to share their information. Started in 2006, the network now receives about 6,400 information requests a month from hospitals.

The grant “will lead to less duplication of expensive tests and greater access to quality care,” said Robert Bednarek, Chief Executive Officer of Transylvania Regional Hospital and chairman of the WNC Data Link.

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The House approved the bill, 406-18, to freeze the current rate for premiums for all seniors. Without the legislation, more than a quarter of the 42 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B would see their monthly premiums jump as much as 20 percent because of automatic provisions built into the law. The bill would cost $2.8 billion but is paid for by reducing Medicare Improvement Fund.

The Medicare increase would place a greater burden on state budgets next year because they are obligated to pay for Medicare Part B premiums for low-income seniors. Unless the Senate also approves the legislation, the Medicare Part B premium for some seniors would rise from $96.40 a month to $110 to $120 a month.

“I support protecting seniors in Western North Carolina from such a large Medicare increase,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville.

“Seniors already face tighter household budgets next year because they will not receive cost-of-living adjustments to their Social Security payments,” he said. “Raising Medicare premiums at the same time would be an unacceptable one-two punch.”

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The House approved the bill, 406-18, to freeze the current rate for premiums for all seniors. Without the legislation, more than a quarter of the 42 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B would see their monthly premiums jump as much as 20 percent because of automatic provisions built into the law. The bill would cost $2.8 billion but is paid for by reducing Medicare Improvement Fund.

The Medicare increase would place a greater burden on state budgets next year because they are obligated to pay for Medicare Part B premiums for low-income seniors. Unless the Senate also approves the legislation, the Medicare Part B premium for some seniors would rise from $96.40 a month to $110 to $120 a month.

“I support protecting seniors in Western North Carolina from such a large Medicare increase,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville.

“Seniors already face tighter household budgets next year because they will not receive cost-of-living adjustments to their Social Security payments,” he said. “Raising Medicare premiums at the same time would be an unacceptable one-two punch.”

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Gavin Palmer spent his day working with Rep. Shuler’s staff and received an inside look at the inner workings of the legislative branch of government, the role that one elected official plays in the overall decision-making processes in Congress, and the relationship between Job Corps and Congress.

“I’m just happy to be up here in the Congressman’s office today learning how everything works,” said Mr. Palmer, who helped with the mail and took a tour of the Capitol.

Mr. Palmer was one of only 60 students selected nationwide to work alongside their Members of Congress and their staffs in the nation’s capital. He has completed training in two trades — mechanics and forestry — at the Schenk Jobs Corps center in Brevard and he will graduate from the program in October with his third trade certification in fire fighting.

“I enjoyed meeting with Gavin and talking with him about his education and his goals,” Rep. Shuler said. “This outstanding young man has shown determination through his hard work, and I am sure that his enthusiasm and work ethic will serve as an inspiration to his peers.”

Over the past 45 years, Job Corps has provided opportunities to nearly 3 million economically disadvantaged young Americans. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, this voluntary training program offers vocational, academic, and social skills training to students aged 16 to 24 at 123 centers nationwide. Each year, Job Corps serves over 60,000 young people.

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The extension would apply to more than 300,000 Americans whose unemployment benefits will run out by the end of September and an additional million whose benefits expire by the end of the year. The bill does not add to the federal deficit because the benefits are paid for by extending a pre-existing small federal unemployment tax on employers.

“While the economy has started to improve, unemployment remains too high in many parts of Western North Carolina,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “Because of factory closings or businesses cutting back, many in Western North Carolina struggle to find work, and we need to continue to help them until they can get back on their feet.”

North Carolina was one of 13 states in the high-unemployment list, which also included South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. North Carolina’s unemployment rate stood at 11.1 percent in July, according to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, and the rate was higher in many western parts of the state.

Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina

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Daniel Allison, president of Allison’s Chevrolet, told the House Committee on Small Business’ Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade that his company employs 16 people and pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal, state and local taxes a year. Despite his productivity, Allison’s business has been placed on the list of dealerships that General Motors Corp. plans to stop selling cars to next year, an action that would lead to the closing of his dealership.

“Since there is so much mutual benefit in the relationship between automakers and their rural dealerships and the communities that they service, I am hopeful that my dealership and the thousands of successful rural dealerships across America will be able to continue their businesses,” said Allison, whose grandfather established the business in 1935.

Traditionally, domestic automobile makers have relied on a network of 20,000 local dealers throughout the nation to sell vehicles to the American public. A major downturn in car sales in the past two years helped propel GM and Chrysler into bankruptcy and led to their decision to close a substantial number of dealerships. 

“Unfortunately, like all parts of the automotive industry, dealerships are facing unprecedented economic pressures,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade who held the hearing. 

“Not only do automobile dealers provide important services for rural Americans, but they are significant employers,” Shuler said. “In a town like Sylva, North Carolina, with a population of just 2,400 people, a car dealership is an important employer.”

Don Thomas, owner of Thomas Motors in Moberly, Missouri, also, testified about the vital services these businesses provide local communities.  In addition to offering a convenient point of purchase for rural Americans looking to buy a new vehicle, small auto dealers make important contributions to local charities, churches and other nonprofit groups, he said. 
Nationally, car dealerships employ more than one million workers and support a payroll of $54 billion.

“These small firms are facing enormous difficulties that are challenging their ability to stay in business and serve their local communities,” Shuler said. “It is my hope that GM, Chrysler, and other manufacturers will recognize the economic and intangible contributions that their local, and particularly rural, dealers make to their communities and to the success of the companies they represent.”

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These communities provide important infrastructure and facilities that allow Americans to better enjoy national parks and other federal recreation areas, said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. The federal government needs to work together with these communities when decisions are made about public lands, he said.

“This Caucus seeks to ensure the economic prosperity of thousands of Gateway Communities throughout the nation by closely linking the management of federal lands and waterways with these invaluable communities,” said Rep. Shuler, whose congressional district included the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Tourism plays a large role in our economy, especially for rural areas that sit close to national parks and forests.”

More than 9 million people last year visited our Great Smoky Mountains National Park, marking it as the most popular national park in the United States, Rep. Shuler said. This generated more than $700 million in revenue last year for the surrounding communities, and supported thousands of hotel, restaurant, recreational and other jobs.

“Creating a stronger bond between federal officials and community leaders will assure that tourism continues to flourish and that public lands remain protected,” Shuler said.

Lyle Laverty, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Gateway Communities praised the two Members of Congress for their commitment to the communities that enhance the value and visitor appeal of our national parks, forests, monuments and waterways. Yosemite National Park lies in the district of Rep. Radanovich, R-Calif.

 “We welcome and appreciate Congressman Radanovich and Congressman Shuler’s leadership on this issue,” Laverty said. “We’re confident that this Caucus will help keep members of Congress and their constituents informed and updated on the range of federal issues that are inherent to Gateway Communities.”

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Representative Heath Shuler introduced the legislation, H.R. 1002, that would allow the Forest Service to buy 88 acres from a private party to expand the trailhead to the Falls and a possibly provide a parking area. The bill also would adjust the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest to add 233 acres already owned by the federal government.

“The public should have access to Catawba Falls, one of our area’s natural beauties,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “This bill not only opens the Falls to hikers, fisherman and hunters, but will help the economy of McDowell County.”

Currently, visitors must pass through a steep and rugged wooded area to legally reach the Falls, and often people inadvertently trespass across private property. The legislation does not include the money to buy the 88 acres, but the Interior Department appropriation bill for 2010 contains $713,000 to purchase the land.

The McDowell County Board of Commissioners has made public access to the Falls a high priority because of its natural beauty and as a tourist destination, said Chuck Abernathy, McDowell County Manager. 

“Catawba Falls is a tremendous resource for McDowell County,” Abernathy said. “We are most appreciative and excited about access to the Falls being permanently obtained.”

The bill, which was supported by all 13 members of the North Carolina Congressional delegation, still must be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law.
Shuler’s legislation has the support of sportsmen and conservation groups.

The expansion of the Pisgah National Forest including access to Catawba Falls is the Forest Service’s No. 1 priority in North Carolina, said Squeak Smith, chairman of the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina. The conservation group owns the 88 acres that provides access to the Falls and is willing to sell the land to the Forest Service, he said.

Besides opening up the Falls to hikers, the bill also provides open access to fishing in the Catawba River for brown and rainbow trout, said Smith, who also is a member of the Board of Trustees for Trout Unlimited.

“This is a big first step towards providing the public access to the Falls,” Smith said. “We’ve been waiting a long time to hear this.”

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The Oteen facility provides presorting services to 18 departments of the VA hospital and early pick up to expedite the delivery of vital medical paperwork, said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. While the Postal Service claims that the London Road Annex postal facility is only 3.2 miles away, that distance is only straight line measurement.

“In reality, should the Oteen facility close, employees of the VA hospital and citizens in the area would have to drive almost 14 miles round trip to access the nearest postal facility,” he wrote.

Six of the 80 post offices in the Mid-Carolinas District 6 already have been shuttered in the past year, Rep. Shuler said in a separate speech on the House floor Wednesday in support of the Oteen Post Office. The Postal Service has other alternatives to cut its costs, including adjusting post office hours and postal delivery routes to reflect the diminished volume of mail, he said.

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“I agree wholeheartedly with the President’s sentiment that we must reform our health care system, which is putting an unsustainable financial burden on American households, businesses and the federal budget,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “I join with the President in calling for all sides to work together to get a bill passed.”

Rep. Shuler said a majority of Members of Congress agree with President Obama’s aim of broadening access to health care insurance and preventing insurers from dropping people for pre-existing conditions. Rep. Shuler also supports the President’s vision of requiring insurance companies to pay for check-ups and other preventative care, which can go a long way toward savings lives and money.

“I and the other Blue Dogs want to continue to work with President Obama and House leaders to craft a fiscally responsible health care bill that increases the quality of medical services, slows the skyrocketing costs of medical insurance to American families and businesses, and doesn’t add to the federal debt,” Rep. Shuler said.

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The Justice Department awarded the money to Zero to Three, which sets up multidisciplinary teams led by juvenile court judges and child-development specialists to help infants and toddlers escape abusive situations and find better homes. Judge Matthew Martin, associate judge of the Cherokee Court, presides over such a team that serves communities in the Qualla Boundary in both Swain and Jackson counties.

“We need to do everything we can to help neglected and mistreated children, especially very young ones,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “This mistreatment causes developmental delays, which are more likely to lead to higher rates of arrests, drug and alcohol abuse, and welfare dependence.”

The Zero to Three Program has been shown to reduce the number of times maltreated children are moved from one foster home to another while providing better health screenings and kinship placements. Rep. Shuler requested the funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Department of Justice.

American Indians suffer a higher level of maltreated children than other groups in North Carolina. In Swain County, 55 percent of the substantiated cases of maltreated children were American Indians, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data.

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“Even though psoriasis only looks like a skin disease, severe forms have major effects on people’s mental and physical health,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. “Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis constitute a significant national health-care issue and deserves more attention by the federal government.”

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 200, HR 930, would boost federal spending on the disease and coordinate studies on the causes and treatments. The bill also would require a national summit on psoriasis, and create a patient registry to aid in data collection of the disease.

“I am excited to be working with the psoriasis-advocacy community to focus collaborative research on the disease, and make the best use of research and treatment being conducted by both federal scientists and the medical community,” Rep. Shuler said.

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