Hahn Happenings

Second from left, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) cheers Rep. Hahn’s message. Standing to Hahn’s right are Reps. John Olver (D-Mass.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)

Rep. Janice Hahn defended Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in light of recent proposals to cut the programs. Hahn joined fellow congressmembers and activists at an Oct. 26 press conference to denounce proposals coming out of the so-called Supercommittee. At the Capitol Hill press conference led by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), speakers urged the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to protect medical and retirement benefits. “Let’s remember these aren’t giveaways,” said Hahn. “Social Security and Medicare benefits have been earned by people who have worked decades paying into the system.”

In partnership with Rep. Ted Poe (R-Tx.), Hahn formed the bipartisan Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade and Security (PORTS) Caucus to promote port-related economic and national security issues. Shortly after announcing the caucus’ formation, congressmembers from Washington state, Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Illinois and Missouri joined the caucus, according to Hahn.

Hahn criticized the Transportation Security Administration for its handling of the recent incident at LAX involving a loaded gun in checked luggage.  In a letter to the TSA administrator, Hahn wrote, “I was especially disturbed to hear the spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration tell the Los Angeles Times that it is not the TSA’s responsibility to screen checked baggage for guns.  As reported on October 23, TSA spokeswoman Laurie Dankers said, ‘It’s the airline and passenger’s responsibility to ensure that firearms are transported correctly.’” Claiming the TSA has “abdicated responsibility,” Hahn wrote, “I would like to know, if the TSA is not enforcing its own regulations about loaded firearms in luggage, who is?”

On matters of foreign policy, Hahn issued brief statements about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.