Quantcast
Channel: Congressman Stephen Lynch - Representing the 8th District of Massachusetts
Viewing all 835 articles
Browse latest View live

Congressman Lynch Nominates Andrew Murphy of Randolph for Appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently announced that he has nominated Andrew Murphy for appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  Andrew, the son of Andrew and Kathleen, is a senior at Xaverian Brothers High School. As part of his annual Congressional responsibilities, Congressman Lynch nominates exemplary candidates to the service academies.  “Since September 11, 2001, the quality of applicants has steadily improved every year, and this year was no exception.  These candidates are the best of the best, and I am proud of their desire to serve our country.” “Andrew was highly recommended by his teachers and coaches at Xaverian Brothers High School.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are fortunate that young people like Andrew are willing to serve our nation,” said Congressman Lynch. Congressman Lynch and his Congressional Liaison for Military Affairs, Bob Fowkes, examined each candidate’s record of academic, athletic, and service achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.  After an extensive review process and a personal interview, Andrew Murphy was selected as someone whose scholastic record and community contributions elevated him to the top of a list of well-qualified candidates. Congressman Lynch said, “There were many impressive candidates this year from the Ninth Congressional District for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Andrew stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character.  He is a wonderful reflection of his parents, Andrew and Kathleen.  The Murphy family, the town of Randolph, and the entire state should be proud of Andrew in this achievement.” Students interested in attending one of the United States Service Academies should contact Mr. Robert Fowkes in Congressman Lynch’s Boston office at 617-428-2000.


House Approves Lynch Amendment to Increase Drug Court Funding

0
0

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved an amendment sponsored by Congressman Stephen F. Lynch that would increase funding by $4 million for the Department of Justice’s Drug Court Program.  Lynch’s amendment will now be included in H.R. 5326, the FY2013 funding bill for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.    “Drug addiction affects every city and town in our country and reaches across every demographic.  It shatters lives, breaks up families and, according to one report, costs over $600 billion annually.  But drug courts have begun to make a real difference in Massachusetts by not only providing support, treatment and monitoring, but also reinforcing the grave consequences of recidivism by adopting a robust system that puts offenders in jail who refuse to get clean and who remain a threat to the public,” Congressman Lynch said.   Drug courts are specifically geared toward offenders who are addicted to drugs or alcohol and have been charged with non-violent offenses, such as possession of a controlled substance.  In these cases, the offender’s substance abuse is determined to be the primary contributing factor to their criminal activity.  Through a combination of treatment services, mandatory drug testing, supervision and, when necessary, imprisonment, drug courts aim to treat substance abuse and reduce recidivism rates.   According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), the drug court approach reduces crime by as much as 45% more than other sentencing options and, among drug court graduates, 75% are arrest-free at least two years after leaving the program.  Furthermore, fewer arrests and less involvement with the criminal justice system produce savings of as much as $27 for every $1 invested in drug courts. Congressman Lynch’s amendment would increase drug court funding by $4 million, bringing funding for the National Drug Courts Program in line with its historic average.  This $4 million increase would provide an additional 3,000 individuals with drug court treatment and supervision over a 3-year period. “Drug courts save money, reduce crime, and restore families.  With addiction reaching epidemic proportions in communities throughout our country, drug court funding is critical and necessary. I thank Chairman Frank Wolf and Ranking Member Chakah Fattah for their support for my amendment,” Congressman Lynch added. In the 112th Congress, Lynch also helped to re-establish the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse with Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY).   The caucus aims to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse and to work towards effective policy solutions, incorporating treatment, prevention, law enforcement, and research.

Congressman Lynch Nominates Marquis White of South Easton for Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently announced that he has nominated Marquis White for appointment to the United States Naval Academy.  Marquis, the son of Harold White and Pamela Lindsay, is a senior at Foxborough Regional Charter School. As part of his annual Congressional responsibilities, Congressman Lynch nominates exemplary candidates to the service academies.  “Since September 11, 2001, the quality of applicants has steadily improved every year, and this year was no exception.  These candidates are the best of the best, and I am proud of their desire to serve our country.” “Marquis was highly recommended by his teachers and coaches at Foxborough Regional Charter School.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are fortunate that young people like Marquis are willing to serve our nation,” said Congressman Lynch. Congressman Lynch and his Congressional Liaison for Military Affairs, Bob Fowkes, examined each candidate’s record of academic, athletic, and service achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.  After an extensive review process and a personal interview, Marquis White was selected as someone whose scholastic record and community contributions elevated him to the top of a list of well-qualified candidates. Congressman Lynch said, “There were many impressive candidates this year from the Ninth Congressional District for the U.S. Naval Academy.  Marquis stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character.  He is a wonderful reflection of his parents, Harold and Pamela.  The White family, the town of South Easton, and the entire state should be proud of Marquis in this achievement.” Students interested in attending one of the United States Service Academies should contact Mr. Robert Fowkes in Congressman Lynch’s Boston office at 617-428-2000.

Congressman Lynch Announces Winner of Congressional Art Competition

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) recently announced that Josh White of South Easton has won this year’s Congressional Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery”, in the Ninth Congressional District.     The annual national art competition is open to all high school students across the nation.  One piece of artwork from each Congressional District is selected to hang in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year. This year, 25 young artists from across the Ninth Congressional District submitted artwork.  Entries included photographs, paintings, and pencil sketchings, among other mediums.   In the end, the judges selected a mixed medium piece entitled “Simply Clippy” by Josh White, a senior at Oliver Ames High School in Easton.  The entry was quartered, combining four different mediums to create one picture.  Josh’s artwork has been flown to Washington, D.C. where it will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.   “Josh White’s winning entry demonstrates considerable skill and talent as well as creativity,” said Congressman Lynch.  “Josh is a gifted young artist, and I hope his success will encourage other students from Easton and across the Ninth District to continue their pursuit of the arts.” Lynch added, “Our past five winners, from 2008 to 2012, have all been from Oliver Ames High School. That is a truly remarkable accomplishment for the school and highlights the superb instruction of Kristyn Shea.  She is an extraordinary art teacher.” Congressman Lynch noted that there were a large number of outstanding submissions this year.  As a result of the high quality of the artwork, Lynch has arranged for all of the students’ entries to be displayed at their respective town halls this summer. Congressman Lynch said, “It’s obvious from this competition that we have some gifted young artists in the Ninth Congressional District.” 

Congressman Lynch Participates in Braintree’s Memorial Day Ceremony

Congressman Stephen Lynch Joins Congressional Delegation to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Djibouti and Egypt

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently returned from a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Djibouti and Egypt.  Joining Congressman Lynch were Representatives Todd Platts (R-PA), Jack Kingston (R-GA), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Tom Marino (R-PA), and John Fleming (R-LA). ‪A member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Congressman Lynch regularly conducts official travel to the Middle East region as part of his Congressional oversight duties.  This was Lynch’s 8th trip to Afghanistan. ‪In Kabul, Afghanistan, Congressman Lynch and the Delegation met with General John Allen, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker to discuss the current security and political environment in the region.  In particular, the meeting examined the impact of Pakistan's ongoing closure of key ground NATO supply routes to Afghanistan as well as the progress of the withdrawal of U.S. and international forces. ‪ While in Afghanistan, Congressman Lynch also conducted a site visit to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital in Bagram.  This military hospital specializes in traumatic brain injury treatment and concussive care for wounded soldiers and has treated approximately 4,000 patients a month since opening in 2007. ‪In addition, the Delegation traveled to several regional command and combat outposts in southwestern Afghanistan in order to examine tactical and training operations and meet with service men and women.  Specifically, the CODEL visited Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province as well as COP (Combat Outpost) Deysie and COP Wilderness in Paktiya Province, a key area of coordinated action efforts between U.S. troops and the Afghan Army. ‪During the CODEL's visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, Congressman Lynch and the Delegation held a series of coordinated meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Staff for the Pakistan Army, and various members of the Pakistani Parliament to discuss the progress of U.S.- Pakistani relations as well as chief regional and international security issues.  In particular, the Delegation highlighted the importance of continued and successful negotiations between the U.S. and the Government of Pakistan regarding the reopening of ground supply routes for NATO forces in Afghanistan.  Pakistan has closed these vital supply routes, key to NATO’s mission in Afghanistan, and negotiations have recently reached a stalemate. ‪Accompanied by the 6th Aviation Squadron of the Pakistan Army, the Delegation also conducted oversight of Tarbela Dam, poppy eradication along the Indus River and several USAID projects. ‪Following its departure from Pakistan, Congressman Lynch and the Delegation spent a night aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, a member of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the flagship of the Carrier Strike Group 9.  During its visit to the Lincoln, the Delegation surveyed flight operations and crew exercises and met with constituent crew men and women deployed in support of the carrier's tactical and support operations mission. ‪“I cannot say enough in support of our brave men and women fighting overseas,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.  “I really value the chance to listen to the concerns of these fighter pilots, Sailors and Marines. It helps me get a real sense of conditions on the ground and that informs my decisions in Washington.” ‪The CODEL subsequently traveled to Sana'a, Yemen, where Congressman Lynch met with President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi whose military is fighting an ongoing rebellion led by about 2000 Al Qaeda insurgents in Southern Yemen. ‪Before the final stop in Cairo, Egypt, delegation members visited Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti, Africa, to receive an operational and intelligence briefing from the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and meet with service men and women stationed in Djibouti.  Notably, the CJTF-HOA seeks to combat and counter violent extremism in East Africa and promote regional security efforts. ‪Delegation members arrived in Cairo, Egypt on the first day of the country’s historic presidential election.  Accordingly, Congressman Lynch and the Delegation conducted oversight visits at two separate polling stations and also visited Tahrir square which continues to be a center of political unrest and violence in Cairo.

Lynch Calls for Hearing on Increase in “Green-on-Blue” Attacks in Afghanistan, Safety of U.S. Troops

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch has called for hearings into the alarming increase of attacks on U.S. service members and coalition troops by Afghan security forces. A member of the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations, Lynch has visited Afghanistan frequently as part of his oversight duties. ‪In a letter to Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Lynch expressed serious concern over the so-called “Green on Blue” attacks and requested the Oversight and Government Reform Committee to hold hearings to investigate the rise in these incidents. In 2012 alone, 40 coalition members, including ten Americans, have been killed by Afghan security forces. ‪ “These attacks threaten to jeopardize our ability to cooperate effectively with Afghan forces and may delay our ability to transition to Afghan-led security operations by the 2014 NATO deadline,” Lynch wrote. ‪The full text of the letter is below: August 24, 2012 The Honorable Darrell E. Issa                             The Honorable Elijah Cummings Chairman                                                                     Ranking Member Committee on Oversight and                                      Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                                                   Government Reform 2157 Rayburn House Office Building                        2471 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515                                              Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings: I am writing to respectfully request that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee convene a hearing to investigate the alarming increase in so-called “Green-on-Blue” attacks in Afghanistan and the potential exposure to remaining U.S. forces during the current withdrawal timetable which ends in 2014. As you know, this year has seen an extremely disturbing rise in the incidences of Afghan security forces turning on coalition forces, with 40 members, including 10 Americans, killed so far in 2012.  These attacks threaten to jeopardize our ability to cooperate effectively with Afghan forces and may delay our ability to transition to Afghan-led security operations by the 2014 NATO deadline. Throughout the United States’ involvement in operations in Afghanistan, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has worked actively to ensure that U.S. forces have the resources necessary to succeed in their mission while requiring that U.S. funds are being spent transparently and effectively.  This development requires that we do no less. In the interest of a full and productive hearing, a range of witnesses representing the perspectives of the Department of Defense, including Central Command, Department of State, the Afghan Government, ISAF and NATO would be helpful.  I am sure that our capable Committee staff could also add to that list. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Stephen F. Lynch Member of Congress Cc: The Honorable Jason Chaffetz The Honorable John Tierney

Congressman Lynch to Host Information Session on Service Academies on October 21st

0
0

On Sunday, October 21st, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch will host an information session for all high school students in the Ninth Congressional District interested in applying to one of the United States Service Academies. Representatives from each of the following Service Academies will make brief presentations and make themselves available for questions.   •    United States Military Academy •    United States Naval Academy •    United States Air Force Academy •    United States Merchant Marine Academy •    United States Coast Guard Academy All students and their families from the Ninth Congressional District are welcome to attend. WHAT:        Congressman Lynch’s Academy Day WHEN:        Sunday, October 21st     TIME:           1:00 – 3:00 PM WHERE:        East Middle School                       305 River Street, Braintree CONTACT:      Bob Fowkes (617) 428-2000


Keller @Large with Congressman Stephen Lynch

0
0
The fiscal cliff and the Tim Cahill corruption trial were some of the topics WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller covered Sunday on “Keller @ Large” as he sat down with Congressman Stephen Lynch.

Congressman Lynch on looming fiscal cliff

0
0
Congressman Lynch sits in studio to discuss the fiscal cliff with Mike Beaudet.

Statement of Congress Lynch on Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

0
0

"I am deeply saddened by the senseless violence and heartbreaking tragedy in Connecticut today.  My heart goes out to the families and friends of the children and faculty and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Newtown community.” - Congressman Stephen F. Lynch

Time For 'Plan C?'

0
0
After last night's "Plan B" defeat in the House, is a compromise still possible before the end of the year? Rep. Michael Burgess, (R-TX,), and Rep. Stephen Lynch, (D-MA), provide their views from both sides of the aisle.

Congressman Stephen Lynch comments on fiscal cliff

0
0
Fox 25's Mark Ockerbloom talks with Rep. Stephen Lynch about the fiscal cliff's looming deadline.

How going over the fiscal cliff would impact you

0
0
Congressman Lynch was also featured in last night's fiscal/dairy cliff segment on Channel 5 News.

Rep. Stephen Lynch discusses what happened with the fiscal cliff and what is next

0
0
Congressman Lynch sits down with Fox25's Mark Ockerbloom

Congressman Lynch Introduces Legislation to Improve FHA Transparency

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently introduced H.R. 264, the FHA Enhanced Oversight Act of 2013, which would increase the transparency and accountability of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) by requiring a second annual independent analysis of its financial status. Currently, the FHA is only required to conduct one independent study per year.  A second analysis, which would be required only when the FHA is experiencing financial distress, will provide Congress with additional warning signs of trouble at the FHA.    “The FHA currently guarantees more than $1 trillion in mortgages and roughly 25% of all mortgages originated in the United States.  Given its enormously important role in our housing market, a bailout of the FHA would be a serious shock to the housing market and our economy as a whole,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.  “While the FHA continues to tell Congress all is well, its fiscal health continues to deteriorate—Congress needs better information, and we need it more often.” The FHA guarantees mortgages made by private lenders to borrowers who would otherwise have trouble securing a loan in the private market. To pay claims when a mortgage defaults or goes into foreclosure, the FHA maintains a Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund, which Congress requires to be worth at least 2% of the total amount of loans the FHA guarantees. Each year, an independent actuary studies the MMI Fund to analyze how FHA guaranteed loans are performing and calculate whether the MMI Fund meets the 2% capital ratio requirement. Congressman Lynch’s bill would require an additional annual review when the MMI Fund’s capital ratio dips below the required 2% level.   The MMI Fund’s capital ratio, which has been in steady decline since the housing market collapsed, has been below the statutorily mandated 2% in each Fiscal Year since 2009. In November 2012, FHA announced that the independent study showed that the capital ratio of the MMI Fund was -1.44%, meaning that the fund has a negative economic value and will need a bailout sometime during this year unless changes are made to make the Fund solvent. Lynch introduced similar legislation in the 111th and 112th Congresses; his FHA Enhanced Oversight Act passed the House of Representatives last Congress as part of the FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act of 2012, but was not taken up in the Senate. “The FHA must continue to play an important role in expanding access to our housing market, but we cannot be blind to the danger it poses when the housing market is in turmoil. By increasing the transparency and oversight of the MMI Fund, this common sense bill would protect the American taxpayer as well as our economy,” Lynch added. 

Congressman Lynch's Statement on Postal Service's Transition to Five-Day Mail Delivery

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census, released the following statement in response to the United State Postal Service’s announcement today on five-day mail delivery: “I am deeply concerned by the United State Postal Service’s decision to transition to five day delivery without congressional consent.  The elimination of Saturday mail delivery will have a negative impact on thousands of businesses across the nation that are operating on a six day schedule.  This could be a damaging policy change in a fragile economy.  Clearly, the Postal Service continues to face a variety of significant fiscal challenges, from decreasing mail volume and declining revenue, to the onerous mandate that the agency prefund its retiree health benefit obligations 75 years before it is necessary.  However, I do not believe that the solution to improving the financial viability of the Postal Service will be found in a unilateral and legally-questionable move to five day delivery, but rather through the enactment of bipartisan, comprehensive, and well-reasoned postal reform legislation.”   

Congressman Lynch Announces Opening of Quincy District Office

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-8) recently announced the opening of a new district office in Quincy, Massachusetts.  The new office is located at 1245 Hancock Street, Suite 16 and will be staffed Monday –Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Lynch’s district now includes the City of Quincy and the towns of Weymouth, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Hingham, Abington, and parts of Raynham.     “I am pleased that the new Quincy office is officially open.  With redistricting, congressional districts have grown and this additional location will help my staff and me to better serve the 8th District,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.   The Quincy office is located near public transportation and is wheelchair accessible.  Lynch also maintains district offices in Boston and Brockton and an office in Washington, D.C.  Complete contact information is available below.   Lynch added, “My constituents are always welcome to visit or call any of my offices if they need assistance or if they have questions or concerns.”Boston District Office 88 Black Falcon Avenue, Suite 340 Boston, MA 02210 Phone: 617-428-2000 Fax: 617-428-2011Brockton District Office 155 West Elm Street, Suite 200 Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: 508-586-5555 Fax: 508-580-4692Quincy District Office 1245 Hancock Street, Suite 16 Quincy, MA Phone: 617-657-6305 Fax: 617-773-0955Washington, D.C. Office 2133 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-8273 Fax: 202-225-3984

Congressman Lynch Nominates Patrick Kearney of Dedham for Appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently announced that he has nominated Patrick Kearney for appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.  Patrick, the son of the Honorable Brian Kearney and Maryanne Lewis, is a senior at Boston College High School. As part of his annual Congressional responsibilities, Congressman Lynch nominates exemplary candidates to the service academies.  “Since September 11, 2001, the quality of applicants has steadily improved every year, and this year was no exception.  These candidates are the best of the best, and I am proud of their desire to serve our country.” “Patrick was highly recommended by his teachers and coaches at Boston College High School.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are fortunate that young people like Patrick are willing to serve our nation,” said Congressman Lynch. Congressman Lynch and his Congressional Liaison for Military Affairs, Bob Fowkes, examined each candidate’s record of academic, athletic, and service achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.  After an extensive review process and a personal interview, Patrick was selected as someone whose scholastic record and community contributions elevated him to the top of a list of well-qualified candidates. Congressman Lynch said, “There were many impressive candidates this year for the Merchant Marine Academy. Patrick stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character.  He is a wonderful reflection of his parents, Brian and Maryanne. The Kearney family, the town of Dedham and the entire state should be proud of Patrick in this achievement.” Students interested in attending one of the United States Service Academies should contact Mr. Robert Fowkes in Congressman Lynch’s Boston office at 617-428-2000. # # #

Congressman Lynch Nominates John O'Hear of Walpole for Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy

0
0

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently announced that he has nominated John O’Hear for appointment to the United States Naval Academy.  John, the son of Tom and Noreen O’Hear, is a senior at Catholic Memorial High School. As part of his annual Congressional responsibilities, Congressman Lynch nominates exemplary candidates to the service academies.  “Since September 11, 2001, the quality of applicants has steadily improved every year, and this year was no exception.  These candidates are the best of the best, and I am proud of their desire to serve our country.” “John was highly recommended by his teachers and coaches at Catholic Memorial High School.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are fortunate that young people like John are willing to serve our nation,” said Congressman Lynch. Congressman Lynch and his Congressional Liaison for Military Affairs, Bob Fowkes, examined each candidate’s record of academic, athletic, and service achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.  After an extensive review process and a personal interview, John was selected as someone whose scholastic record and community contributions elevated him to the top of a list of well-qualified candidates. Congressman Lynch said, “There were many impressive candidates this year for the Naval Academy. John stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character.  He is a wonderful reflection of his parents, Tom and Noreen. The O’Hear family, the town of Walpole and the entire state should be proud of John in this achievement.” Students interested in attending one of the United States Service Academies should contact Mr. Robert Fowkes in Congressman Lynch’s Boston office at 617-428-2000. # # #

Viewing all 835 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images