2008 Rangel Achievements

Fighting for Housing & Mortgage Relief

Rangel has led the charge in Congress to respond to the current housing crisis by passing a comprehensive package of measures aimed at stemming the tide of foreclosures, stabilizing local housing markets and providing incentives for first-time homebuyers. The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act will also provide additional tax credits and other measures to develop and finance more affordable housing units in NYC.

Extending Unemployment Benefits

In June, Rangel was successful in getting Congress to pass an immediate 13-week extension of unemployment benefits nationwide, important economic relief to millions of Americans who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Protesting the Iraq War

Rangel has been a fierce opponent of our military operations in Iraq, calling it an immoral war that we should never have started.

Supporting Military Families

In May, the President signed legislation that came out of Rangel's Ways & Means Committee to deliver tax relief to soldiers and other service volunteers. The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008 makes a critical change to current law that will enable thousands of active duty military families to qualify for economic stimulus payments.

Fighting Against Genetic Non-Discrimination

In May, after being stalled for more than a decade, the House approved final passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. The legislation helps protect patients against discrimination by health insurance providers and employers based on their genes, genetic predisposition to disease or chronic conditions.

Fighting for Civil Liberties

Standing up against the telecom industry, Rangel voted in June against FISA Amendments Act of 2008, a bill critics charge with giving the executive branch too much power to tap private communications without court oversight.

Supporting Medicare

This summer, a bipartisan majority in Congress overrode a veto by President Bush to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The law restores cuts to physicians that will ensure millions of seniors, military families have access to quality health care.

Pushing for the Farm Bill

In May, Rangel and Congress passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 - otherwise known as the "Farm Bill." This bipartisan legislation makes a critical investment in agricultural and nutrition programs to help American families cope with the rising cost of food at the grocery store. It also helps strengthen conservation efforts to improve water and air quality nationwide.

Tax Relief for Families & Businesses

In May, the House passed legislation to extend vital tax relief to millions of families, strengthen investment opportunities for American businesses and encourage the production and use of renewable energy, by a strong bipartisan vote of 263-160.