Current Legislation
Congressman Hodes has introduced the following legislation:
HR 2192: To Establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs
HR 2192 would create an Office of the Ombudsman within the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. The office would function as an independent advocate
for our veterans, protecting their interests and coordinating their benefits
as they move through the federal bureaucracy. The Office of the Ombudsman
would deliver direct and timely assistance to those seeking help with their
benefits. The legislation requires that all veterans be given contact
information for the Office and notified of the services it provides.
Read more about the bill here.
HR 1548: The Northern Border Economic Development Commission Act of 2007
The Northern Border Regional Development Commission Act will help create
jobs and kick-start the local economy in northern New Hampshire.
The commission created in this bill would be charged with investing federal
resources for economic development and job creation in the most distressed
counties of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York. By design and
purpose, this bill follows the successful Regional Development Models
created in the mid 1960s to improve the economic standing of targeted
regions in the South. Based on this model, this commission would create a
unique federal-state partnership charged with promoting development through
regional planning, technical assistance, and funding of projects aimed at
encouraging economic prosperity.
Community development districts and other non-profits are encouraged to
bring project ideas and priorities to the Commission from the local level.
In fact, Congressman Hodes is already working with groups like the New
England Council and the North County Council to prioritize funding needs.
This "bottom-up" approach ensures that actions reflect both local needs and
regional economic development goals. It also ensures that states have a
deciding voice in what investment is made within their borders.
With a proposed budget of $40 million per year, the Northern Border Regional
Development Commission can help meet a range of local needs. Whether the
need is agricultural development, land and forestry conservation to maintain
productive traditional uses, investment in fishing infrastructure, new
roads, or health care facilities-this commission will play a key role in
investing in the region's economy.
Read more about the bill here.