Bartlett RSS Articles

Bartlett on reimbursement for G8 security:‘Fair is fair’

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

http://fredericknewspost.md.newsmemory.com/?token=1493

Frederick News Post

May 16, 2012

P. A1

Bartlett on reimbursement for G8 security:‘Fair is fair’

By PETE MCCARTHY

News-Post Staff

pmccarthy@fredericknewspost.com

EXCERPT

U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R6th, has a simple message when it comes to whether Frederick County agencies should get federal reimbursement for costs associated with this week’s G-8 summit at Camp David.

“Fair is fair,” Bartlett said Tuesday in a phone interview. “The least they can do is recompense the cost.”

Bartlett fired off a letter to President Barack Obama this week to make his concerns known.

In the letter, Bartlett asked that the G-8 summit receive a “Special Security Event” designation, which would permit reimbursement of local agencies for the “considerable expense.”

Bartlett said he was seeking the full amount that is ultimately spent by local agencies for staffing related to G8 security.…Chicago, the host of the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization meeting next week — is getting $40 million, officials said this week…“They need to spend the money where the people are and the security is going to be increased, and that is here in Frederick County,” Bartlett said.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Encourages Attendance at his Veterans Town Hall in Frederick, MD on Monday, May 21

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett invites veterans to come hear updates from the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 5, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE for updates about what the VA and DOD are doing for our nation’s veterans and their families on Monday, May 21^st from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the American Legion FSK Post 11in Frederick, MD located at 1450 Taney Ave, Frederick, MD 21702. Congressman Bartlett said, “I have organized this Town Hall meeting to provide our veterans and their families with up-to-date information about the benefits that they EARNED through their service and sacrifice. America’s veterans since the Vietnam era have volunteered to serve in our military. Veterans took the risk of being ordered into harm’s way and suffering life-altering injuries and even death.” The VA and TRICARE will have booths to answer individual questions at the event. Please reserve your space. Register online at www.bartlett.house.gov/events or call (301) 694-3030.

Congressman Bartlett’s Veterans’ Town Hall will have four featured speakers:

Michael Scheibel, Director, VA Baltimore Regional Office

Ann Brown, Director VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV

Phillip Munley, Director, Veterans Service Program, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Mary Riley, Communications Office, VISN 5

Roscoe Bartlett Invites the Public to Attend his 2012 Art Competition Winners’ Exhibition & Reception

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett invites the public to attend his 2012 Congressional Art Competition Winners’ Exhibition and reception on May 18, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Hagerstown, Maryland. “I believe that this competition, exhibition and reception provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of students in the Sixth District,” said Congressman Bartlett. “I am very proud of all of the competitors and impressed with the winning entries. That is why I am grateful to Mr. Asad Ghattas for hosting this exhibition of the winning artwork and reception in the atrium of the Susquehanna Financial Center building. I especially encourage all of the participants, their families, and teachers to attend this art show.” Congressman Bartlett will present certificates to participants during this exhibition displaying their artwork. Congressman Bartlett’s Washington County office is located in Suite 301 of the Susquehanna Financial Center building at 1800 Dual Highway in Hagerstown, Maryland.

After judging in seven categories, Ms. Jordyn Renn was awarded the Best in Show

for her photograph entitled, “Overlook.” Ms. Renn is a student at Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, Maryland. Her art teacher is Amanda McGrath. Ms. Renn’s Best of Show artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for one year with other winning entries in the 2012 Artistic Discovery competition sponsored by Members of Congress. Ms. Renn is also eligible to receive a $1,500 per year admission scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, should she be accepted and attend.

The other six category winners from the Sixth Congressional District are:

Prints – Jordan Rich, untitled, Century High School, Sykesville
Drawings- Mara Wedekind, “Metal Reflection,” Century High School, Sykesville
Collage- Alison Dempsey, untitled, Middletown High School, Middletown
Computer Generated Art- Marcus Artusio, “Yellow Chevy,” Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Frederick
Photography- Emily Costolo, “Autumn Walk,” Century High School, Sykesville
Mixed Media- Caitlyn Miller, “Love of Flowers,” Middletown High School, Middletown

Artistic Discovery is a high school art competition coordinated within the districts of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1982, the event was created as a nationwide annual art competition that allows high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to showcase their artistic ability. Since the contest was established, hundreds of thousands of high school students have participated at the district level.

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett says Littoral Combat Ship development is on course

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett corrected some of the misinformation about the Littoral Combat Ship program during the House Armed Services Committee's mark up to approve the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 13 NDAA) on May 9, 2012. Congressman Bartlett is a member of the the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee and served as the Republican leader of the subcommittee between 2000 and 2006.

“Thank you Mr. Chairman, the development of the LCS did not follow the usual development of a class of ships in the Navy. It was the dream of ADM Vern Clark, the CNO. He saw it as a solution to the problems we faced in the kinds of wars we’re fighting where there was a lot of activity in the littorals. The contract was let before there was an Analysis Of Alternatives or before the mission was competed. During the early development of the ship, the Navy changed the rules. The ship was bid with commercial design criteria. The Navy then said that it needed to meet Naval Surface Vessel rules, which obviously would result in increased costs. The $220 million figure was really never the cost of the first ship. It was to be the cost of ships during production. So there is a lot of misinformation out there about this ship. Considering how hastily it was, the contract was let, and it was put into production, the ship has really gone, compared with other classes of ships, quite well. The second ship from Marinette Marine receives very high accolades from the Navy. There are some lessons to be learned from this development, and that is that we probably shouldn’t do developments without an Analysis Of Alternatives, without competing the mission and we certainly shouldn’t begin development before we knew the rules under which the ship was to be developed. But considering all these things, I think the general consensus is that the Littoral Combat Ship has gone quite well. If we’re to have a 300 or 330 ship Navy, there’s going to have to be a lot of LCSs in it because whatever its problems it is very much less expensive than any other ship and if we don’t have that ship in the mix, then we’re just not going to get anywhere near a 300-ship Navy. So I think Mr. Chairman, although there have been concerns, these should result in lessons learned so that we don’t make these mistakes again. But I think now the development is on course and the present ships being delivered are A-ok.”

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Salute to the 150th Heritage Celebration of the Great Frederick Fair

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On May 8, 2012, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett delivered a one-minute speech in the House of Representatives to salute the 150th Heritage Celebration of the Great Frederick Fair.

Salute to the 150^th Heritage Celebration of the Great Frederick Fair

The Honorable Roscoe Bartlett

U.S. House of Representatives

May 8, 2012

Video is posted at http://youtu.be/IH2TJwbs_V4

Mr. Speaker – I rise today and urge my colleagues to join me in saluting the 150th Heritage Celebration of what is now known as the Great Frederick Fair of Frederick County, Maryland and I’ve been attending it now for a third of its life for 50 years that will take place May 19-20 at the E-ventplex at The Frederick Fairgrounds.

Our Civil War and influenza outbreaks were among the events which precluded consecutive exhibitions since the inception of the first fair with competitions and exhibitions of livestock and other entries organized by the Frederick County Agricultural Society in 1821.

The first such event was entitled the Cattle Show and Fair and was held on May 23 and 24, 1822 at George Creager's Tavern at the Monocacy Bridge. Today, the Frederick County Agricultural Society still exists with 250 Life Members.

The next venture was the Farmers Club organized on November 22, 1849 which then held an exhibition where the Maryland School for the Deaf now stands on October 12-14, 1853.

The present site of the Great Frederick Fair was purchased at 797 East Patrick Street in the early 1900s. Construction began with the grandstand in 1911, which is still used today. The Frederick Fair is a testament to the ongoing contributions of farmers to the economy and civic life of Frederick County, Maryland. You need to come. It’s the best fair in Maryland!

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Honored with Healthcare Innovation Award by National Healthcare Leaders

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

National Healthcare Leaders Honor Congressman Roscoe Bartlett

For Leadership in Healthcare Innovation

WASHINGTON – The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nation’s premier health care companies and organizations, today honored Congressman Roscoe Bartlett as a “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” at an award ceremony in Washington, DC.

Congressman Bartlett was honored at the Council’s annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This year’s event featured, among other displays, new technologies in treating diabetes and kidney disease as well digital health coaching programs to help people improve their own well-being.

“Perfecting a 21^st century healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible for all Americans and that provides care of the highest quality hinges on support for healthcare innovation. We need to constantly develop new and better ways to deliver care and link patients and consumers to the healthcare system,” said HLC president Mary R. Grealy, who presented Congressman Bartlett with the award. “We’re grateful for Congressman Bartlett’s leadership, dedication and hard work in advancing the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of American healthcare.”

The Healthcare Leadership Council is a coalition of chief executives of the nation’s leading health care companies and institutions.

For more information about HLC, contact Kelly Fernandez at 202-452-8700 or kfernandez@hlc.org.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Receives the 2012 Public Service Award from the American Chemical Society

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On April 24, 2012, U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.), received the American Chemical Society's (ACS) 2012 Public Service Award for his vision and leadership in public policy that benefits science and engineering. The ACS Chair of the Board for 2012 and Director-At-Large, Dr. Bill Carroll, presented the award to Congressman Bartlett. Dr. Carroll is currently Vice President, Industry Issues for Occidental Chemical Corporation and also Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Indiana.

“I am very pleased that ACS is recognizing congressional leaders who have dedicated their talents to public service and advanced science and engineering to secure the future of American innovation,” said ACS President Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Ph.D. “We are honoring Rep. Bartlett, Sen. [Chris] Coons and former Sen. [Ted] Kaufman for their contributions that span critical policy areas that help science, engineering and innovation to thrive: scientific research; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; and a business climate that fosters innovation and U.S. global competitiveness.

“Our nation has grown and benefitted enormously over many decades thanks to our scientists, engineers and innovators,” said Shakhashiri. “Their work and their contributions are made possible thanks to the essential policies that support science, research and education that these three leaders have championed. Truly, their work has been in the service of the American public.”

“ACS created its Public Service Award to recognize the kind of leadership that these gentlemen exemplify, and it is fitting that they will be joining the list of distinguished recipients,” said Shakhashiri.

Congressman Bartlett said, “I am really honored and humbled by this award. I took my first science class in college because it was required. A fantastic professor inspired me to take every science course that was offered. That led to my graduating with a degree in theology as well as biology and a minor in chemistry. That same professor encouraged me to go to graduate school at the University of Maryland where I earned a Master’s in human physiology. I was later hired as a faculty member to teach while I earned my doctorate. My theology degree has actually been the most valuable in the Congress because I learned how to love the sinner and hate the sin.”

PHOTO GALLERY: During the Award Ceremony, Congressman Bartlett spoke to Madeleine Jacobs, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACS, ACS Director District V, Dr. Peter Dorhout, Dean and Professor of Chemistry at Kansas State University; ACS member and Towson State University Professor of Biology, Larry Wimmers; as well as (L) ACS Science Policy Fellow Brittany Westlake and ® ACS Senior Legislative Associate Kathryn Verona.

Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett

Rep. Bartlett, a veteran scientist who invented life-support equipment used by military pilots, astronauts, search and rescue personnel and firefighters, has championed scientific research in Congress and science education for the youth of America. First elected to Congress in 1992, Bartlett describes himself as a “citizen-legislator not a politician.” One of three scientists in the Congress, Bartlett is a senior member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and has been a strong supporter of defense science and technology during his service on the House Armed Services Committee. Earlier in 2012, he became the co-chair of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education Caucus. Also, Bartlett has personally funded scholarships on an annual basis for residents of Maryland’s 6^th District pursuing undergraduate degrees in math, science or engineering. Prior to his election to Congress, Bartlett worked for more than 20 years as a scientist and professor for the National Institutes of Health, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA. He was honored in 1999 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics with the Jeffries Aerospace Medicine and Life Sciences Research Award.

The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 164,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

More information is here: http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=222&content_id=CNBP_029828&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=a7aa0588-c5dc-4c23-9687-f506eb0dae3b

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett Applauds Bipartisan Approval of Small Business Tax Relief Bill, H.R. 9

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“More than 100,000 small businesses in the state of Maryland who employ more than one million people* could benefit if the Senate and President Obama followed the lead of the House and approved the Small Business Tax Cut, H.R. 9,” said Congressman Bartlett today. In the week of the federal income tax filing deadline for 2012, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett applauded a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives approving The Small Business Tax Cut, H.R. 9 which would benefit over 22 million small business employers across the United States and reduce their taxes by almost $46 billion according to the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress. Congressman Bartlett voted for H.R. 9 which was approved by a vote of 235 to 173. [*Documentation from the Small Business Administration and the Census Bureau is below.]

Congressman Bartlett said, “America has been a prosperous country because of the ingenuity and risk-taking by small business entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the job creators, the engines of our economy. From 2005 to 2008, small business created a net total of 63,576 new jobs in Maryland according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). But during the recession from 2008 to 2009 a net total of 57,433 small business jobs were lost in Maryland. Unemployment remains stubbornly high in western Maryland because President Obama’s policy changes and preferences for more and more regulations and higher taxes punish America’s most successful entrepreneurs and are oppressing our small business owners. Is it any wonder why we’re experiencing the weakest recovery in decades? Policies matter. If the Senate approved and President Obama signed H.R. 9, America’s small businesses would be encouraged to invest in new innovations, create more jobs and strengthen our economy.”

Background

The best way to boost economic growth and get people back to work is through small business growth. Over the past 17 years, small businesses with fewer than 500 employees have generated 65% of the new jobs in this country.

Yet under the current tax code, small businesses are faced with enormous burdens that are sapping their capital. Irrespective of whether they pay taxes at the corporate or individual level, small businesses can face up to a 35% federal tax rate.

H.R. 9, the Small Business Tax Cut, will help small business owners retain more capital, invest in their businesses and create more jobs. Under the proposal, small businesses would be allowed to deduct 20% of their income from taxes irrespective of how they are organized, up to 50% of their W-2 wages (in some cases distributions made to partners may be treated as W-2 wages for these purposes). So, whether you are organized as a corporation or you are one of the 75% of small businesses that operate as a pass-through, you will benefit from this new deduction.

The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that H.R. 9 will benefit over 22 million small business employers across the United States reducing their taxes by almost $46 billion. H.R. 9 is consistent with the [Paul Ryan] budget plan just adopted by the House and was part of the Pledge to America.

WHAT THE SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUT H.R. 9 WOULD MEAN TO MARYLANDERS

In Congressman Bartlett’s floor speech on April 18, 2012, he discussed the contributions of small businesses in Maryland:

http://tinyurl.com/cmhmvnr

According to the Small Business Administration, as of 2009, in Maryland, there are 106,441 small businesses with between 1 and 500 employees employing 1,105,200 individuals.

The top three industries by employment:

· Over 157,000 employees in health care and social assistance

· Over 135,000 employees in professional, scientific, and technical services

· Over 133,000 employees in construction

According to the Census Bureau, of the small businesses in Maryland with between 1 and 500 employees:

· 15,717 are women-owned and they employ 147,751 individuals

· In addition to these small businesses, in 2009 Maryland was home to 365,492 sole proprietorships.

Many of these self-employed small businesses will also benefit from the 20% Small Business Tax Cut.

How it Works: For simplicity, consider the example of a small business that under current law would pay a 35% federal tax on $100 of income, resulting in a $35 tax bill. Under the House Republican proposal, the small business would be able to deduct 20% of its income from tax (20% of $100 = $20), subject to the 50% W-2 wage limitation. The small business would then pay the same 35% tax on the remaining $80, resulting in a $28 tax bill. Under the House Republican proposal, the small business immediately saves $7 in federal taxes.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Urges Support for the Fair Tax reform bill, H.R. 25, at Tax Filing Day News Conference

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On the day of the federal income tax filing deadline for 2012, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett participated in a news conference with Congressman Rob Woodall, and other members among the 66 cosponsors of the Fair Tax reform bill, H.R. 25, in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC. The members of Congress were joined by the President of the National Small Business Association, Todd McCracken, as well as the President of the National Taxpayers Union, Duane Parde.

Congressman Bartlett said at the news conference, “With this Fair Tax reform, we will have lower rates and collect more tax revenue by eliminating all of the complexity of our current tax code. We need this fundamental reform that will protect the poor and tax people for what they spend instead of what they save and invest. The Fair Tax will unshackle our entrepreneurs and small business owners and strengthen our economy by spurring the production of more goods and services.”

Photo caption from the news conference:

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett urged support for the Fair Tax reform bill, H.R. 25, at a news conference at the Capitol on the 2012 federal tax filing deadline, April 17. To the left behind Congressman Bartlett is Cynthia Canevaro, Campaign Manager for fairtax.org.

Below is a summary of the bill prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS):

The Fair Tax Act of 2011, H.R. 25

Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2011.

Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the sales tax rate at 23% in 2013, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. Allows exemptions from the tax for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes, and for state government functions.

Sets forth rules relating to: (1) the collection and remittance of the sales tax, and (2) credits and refunds. Allows a monthly sales tax rebate for families meeting certain size and income requirements.

Grants states the primary authority for the collection of sales tax revenues and the remittance of such revenues to the Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to: (1) the filing of monthly reports and payments of tax, (2) accounting methods, (3) registration of sellers of goods and services responsible for reporting sales, (4) penalties for noncompliance, and (5) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate sales tax revenues among: (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund.

Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after FY2015. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer excise taxes not administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax.

Terminates the sales tax imposed by this Act if the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this Act.

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett and other Speakers at a western Maryland Regional Cyber Security Conference discuss risks, efforts to thwart disruption of key systems

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett and other speakers at a western Maryland Regional Cyber Security Conference and EXPO discussed risks and efforts to thwart disruption of key systems

The Herald Mail

By DON AINES

dona@herald-mail.com

7:56 PM EDT, April 12, 2012

Tags: Federal Aviation Administration, Security, Computer Crime

A video report on the conference including and interview of Congressman Bartlett as well as photos are posted by The Herald Mail at the link below:
http://www.herald-mail.com/videogallery/69359490/Home/VIDEO-Cyber-security

EXCERPT

More than 303,000 cyber security-related complaints were recorded by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2010, more than 17 times the number a decade earlier, posing a growing threat to the nation’s economic and military security.

…business people, government officials and students gathered at Hagerstown Community College for the 2012 Cyber Security Regional Conference co-hosted by U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett to discuss what can be done to prevent and defend against cyber attacks.

“From your private e-mail to our corporate secrets to our national security, cyber (security) is becoming an increasing concern,” Bartlett, R.Md., said after the conference. “We’re beginning to learn that our greatest strength is becoming our greatest vulnerability.”

Cyberspace “is the newest domain of the Department of Defense,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Linda R. Medler, the director of Capability and Resource Integration for the U.S. Cyber Command.

… Speakers discussed threats to power grids, sewer and water systems, and communications.

A successful cyber attack on the power grid could black out a large region and take more than a year to restore, said Bartlett, a sponsor of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011.

http://www.herald-mail.com/news/local/hm-expert-wired-nation-risks-cyber-attack-20120412,0,2892731.story

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Encourages Participation in SMART PROC 09: A Small Business Procurement Conference

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:24:31 GMT

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett encourages small business representatives to attend the sixth SMART PROC conference being held in conjunction with SMART – Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow - on Friday, October 30 in Frederick, Maryland from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the FSK Holiday Inn.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Schedules Staff Outreach Hours in Garrett County

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:21:12 GMT

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Schedules Staff Outreach Hours in Garrett County Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:00 am – 1:00 pm American Legion Post 71 423 Memorial Drive Oakland, Maryland