In 2006, I made my first run for Congress as a Democrat in New York's 19th congressional district. It was truly an amazing experience.
A large army of dedicated volunteers and supporters from the Hudson Valley area, online supporters from across the country, unions representing two million wage-earners, environmental organizations, and newspapers ranging from the New York Times to the Poughkeepsie Journal, and many others, believed in this campaign and decided it was time for change.
Since being sworn in, I can report some successes: Congress passed the first increase in the minimum wage in ten years, made college more affordable with the College Cost Reduction Act, passed an energy bill with the first increase in automobile gas mileage standards in 32 years, and helped our veterans with the largest increase in VA health care funding in the 77 year history of the VA.
On the other hand, we were frustrated by President Bush's two vetoes of our Children's Health Care plan. We have passed several bills setting out a timeline for withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, but do not yet have the votes to override his vetoes.
Next year can, and will, be different. To be here as part of that change, I need your help with my 2008 reelection campaign. We won the last race honestly, fairly, and on the strength of our ideas and our plans for the future of this country. We will do so again in this upcoming election. I ask you to join us.
May 6, 2008
“1st Lieutenant Allen was a pillar of his community and a model National Guardsman, serving his country dutifully for many years. As a teacher and long-time resident of the Hudson Valley, 1st Lieutenant Allen had roots in our community, and it is important to pay a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice,” said Hall
Veterans' PTSD Benefits Passes Full VA Committee
May 2, 2008
Today, the full House Veterans' Affairs Committee passed U.S. Rep. John Hall's (D-NY19) legislation to significantly overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) claims processing. The legislation passed the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs last week.
Congressman Hall on WAMC Radio Discussing Veterans' Bill
May 1, 2008
Hall veterans’ claims overhaul bill passes significant hurdle
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON – The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee has passed Congressman John Hall’s legislation that would significantly overhaul the Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims process. The bill would allow vets to access the benefits they have earned faster and with less bureaucratic red tape.
Hall Calls for Action to Bring Immediate Gas Price Relief
April 29, 2008
"American drivers need immediate relief from the skyrocketing gas prices," said Congressman Hall. "We need to take action now to address the hand that Americans have been dealt by increased oil prices and market speculation. Fortunately, we have an ace in the hole that can take the edge off of these prices: the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. President Bush just needs to use it now to help American consumers."
Hall seeks larger cost of living adjustment for Social Security
April 26, 2008
Rep. John Hall, D-Dover, is pushing for legislation that could increase the annual Social Security cost of living adjustment for seniors on fixed incomes. Standing in front of the Social Security Administration Office in the City of Poughkeepsie, Hall said Friday he was a co-sponsor of a bill that would require the administration to establish a cost of living adjustment specifically for the elderly.
With Hall's help, man finally gets disability benefits
March 28, 2008
Hall paid a well-publicized visit to Elaine Veniziali's home in February. He called her son's treatment "unconscionable." He threatened a federal inquiry. Wednesday, Veneziali learned his appeal had been approved for disability benefits by an SSA review board. The benefits are retroactive to August, when he first applied for them. He'll get about $1,300 a month, plus about $1,200 for the kids.
