Scott Rigell RSS Articles

Virginia Jobs and Energy Act: Letters to the Editor

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

VJEA 2013 Letters to the Editor

Monday, April 29th, 2013
LTE
Richmond Times Dispatch

The Obama administration’s decision to impose a moratorium on drilling off Virginia’s coast represented a hasty overreaction to the Deepwater Horizon disaster — a highly unfortunate, but fortunately rare, event. As a matter of public policy, it made little sense. The administration appeared to recognize this a few months later when it agreed to allow some seismic mapping off the Eastern Seaboard.

Virginia Rep. Scott Rigell wants to go further. He has proposed legislation that would require the Interior Department to sell leases, and require the federal government to share revenue from drilling operations with Virginia. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine reportedly share those goals.

This doesn’t mean turning the East Coast into the Wild West. Several considerations ought to weigh on how much drilling gets done, and where — including the effects on both marine life and U.S. naval operations.

Opponents of drilling correctly note that exploiting offshore oil reserves will not make the U.S. energy independent. It isn’t meant to — any more than background checks are meant to stop every homicide. But as progressives say about incremental gun control measures, it would help. And it certainly would help at least as much as one of the president’s supposed solutions: keeping your tires properly inflated.

Both the Obama administration and Gov. Bob McDonnell claim to want an all-of-the-above approach to energy production. But their actions belie their words. The president’s imposition of a drilling moratorium and McDonnell’s tacit consent to Virginia’s moratorium on uranium mining suggest each of them prefers some, rather than all, of the above. The same might be said of some conservatives who too quickly brush aside the potential of renewable energy resources.

Even with aggressive conservation, energy demand will continue to rise in the coming years and decades. Meeting that demand will require a comprehensive approach. Rigell’s legislation would be a good place to start.

Link to Article

Tuesday, May 7^th, 2013
Mayor Will Sessoms LTE
Virginian Pilot

I AM WRITING to thank U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell for proposing HR 1782, a bill that would require the Interior Department to sell leases for oil and natural gas development off the coast of Virginia and require the federal government to share revenue from these operations with Virginia. I understand that U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine will support similar legislation in the Senate.

Obviously, any oil or gas developed from this work will not make the U.S. energy independent. However, as my Alternative Energy Commission recommended in its report more than a year ago, we need to pursue all of our energy options. This includes nuclear power, renewable energy and traditional sources such as oil and gas.

Although Virginia has been making progress toward developing an offshore wind industry, market forces and the tremendous costs involved may not allow that alternative to proceed before the turn of the decade. Likewise, it will take a number of years for oil and natural gas to be investigated and developed off the coast, but this work should begin now. These opportunities for energy development would help diversify the economy in Hampton Roads and provide high-paying jobs.

In addition, I would like to respond to 'The risks of BRAC to Hampton Roads' (editorial, April 21): The Navy has never threatened to move carriers from the Hampton Roads area because of oil and natural gas development.

As was the case when an offshore wind area was developed after consultation with military officials, the Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration, the same level of collaboration will take place to develop and approve offshore areas for oil and natural gas.

The Navy has objected to development in the eastern portion, an offshore area, but the western portion, which lies on the edge of the Continental Shelf, is where most of the oil and natural gas deposits are thought to exist. The city's Alternative Energy Report requires that any development protect the environment and not cause any negative effects for the military.

I will do everything I can, as mayor of Virginia Beach and a resident of Hampton Roads, to help Rigell in this endeavor.

Link to Article

Monday, May 13^th, 2013
Osmay Torres LTE
Virginian Pilot

The unemployment rate of those who are ages 16-24 is a staggering 16.1%. That is the age group that is supposed to be generating income tax revenue to pay for us baby boomers entering retirement age. If we don’t create the jobs for them, we will all suffer. Before we say no to this idea, let’s look at a way to agree on a path forward.

Wednesday, May 15^th, 2013
Donald Hesseltine LTE
Virginian Pilot

With all the silliness Congress seems to produce nearly every day, I appreciate U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell's focus on energy policy. It is long past due. Energy exploration off the coast of Virginia can reduce our dependence on corrupt and ornery foreign regimes, reduce the cost of transportation fuels and help create jobs in Virginia Beach and throughout Virginia. Energy independence is within reach, and it is well worth having. I hope Congress and the Obama administration are as forward-thinking as Rigell.

Link to Article

Wednesday, May 15^th, 2013
Juan Montero LTE
Virginian Pilot

Last week, U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell introduced HB 1782, the Virginia Jobs and Energy Act. This legislation would require the secretary of the Interior Department to open Virginia's coast for energy exploration within a year. This move would create 18,000 jobs, promote community development, increase energy independence and improve the economy. Also, the revenue and royalties that Virginia would gain would increase funding for education and transportation.

Although this bill has received bipartisan support, until the current administration begins to value accountability, jobs and independence, it is unlikely that Rigell's bill will go anywhere. Each time the leaders of our country refuse to make decisions that will improve the economy, they are choosing to make the United States more vulnerable and more dependent. In other words, they're choosing to be Europe.

Link to Article

Wednesday, May 15^th, 2013
JoAnn Mercer LTE
Virginian Pilot

I agree with U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms that the best way to grow our economy is through energy. I applaud Rigell for his bill to open Virginia to offshore energy exploration. It would create thousands of local jobs. Every day we send millions of American dollars to countries that don't even share our values, just to provide America with energy. Although I share the concerns of many about keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean, I think that can be accomplished, too.

Everyone is more cautious after the tragedy in the Gulf, and I think we will do this right. Even hiring scientists to figure out how to do this safely would be a form of job creation. Right now, people are hurting in our area, and it is not fair that President Barack Obama has told us that our natural resources are 'off limits' to exploration.

We live in the best country in the world, and creating our own energy is the first and most important step to moving away from being dependent on foreign countries.

Link to Article

Saturday, May 18^th, 2013
Paul Merritt LTE
Daily Press

Let us not lose focus or get distracted about what really matters to our region and that is the creation of high quality, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads. Anyone living in our region understands that military and federal spending account for nearly 50 percent of this area's domestic product, and while this has proven to be a great economic stabilizer, it also makes us vulnerable to the coming cutbacks in federal spending. It is time to look for other sources of growth. Rep. Scott Rigell understands this imperative and has introduced H.R. 1782 to help jump start our energy industry by expediting the leasing of offshore areas to gas and oil exploration. He claims that this could create up to 18,000 jobs. I see what is happening in North Dakota and other energy producing areas in the US and firmly believe we could see sizeable job growth locally. It is time for all Virginians to get behind this effort and support jobs growth, energy independence, and create an economic legacy for our children.

Link to Article

Navy's Hiring Message Angers Booted Sailors

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tell Us

The Navy’s “We’re hiring” message isn’t sitting well with one group: the sailors booted out eight months ago midway through their careers.

Many of them are up in arms that the service now aims this summer to enlist 3,000 sailors — roughly the same number separated last year by the enlisted retention boards.

“It disgusts me, actually,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (AW) Mike Wilson, who was forced off active-duty 42 days shy of his 15-year mark, when he would’ve been entitled to an early retirement. He is still in the Reserve.

Wilson, who works installing equipment in hospitals, now must pay the medical bills for complications arising from his 6-year-old son Ethan’s birth defects.

Navy leaders hope to plus up the ranks by 3,000 by October, the majority coming in through the bigger boot camp classes typical during the summer. Some of these sailors may be needed in formerly overmanned rates that saw the ERB, which had not recruited junior sailors in previous years.

“The Navy requires not only a certain number of personnel with specific skills (ratings and [Navy Enlisted Classifications]) but also needs to ensure that experience level is properly balanced,” said Cmdr. Kathy Kesler, spokeswoman for the chief of naval personnel, in an email reply to questions. “As such, every skill needs a constant influx of new personnel as other personnel are promoted or choose not to remain in the Navy.”

Still, one Virginia lawmaker called on the Navy to rehire some of the booted sailors, saying some were good performers who still had the desire to continue serving on active duty.

“By re-enlisting former sailors who were solid performers, the Navy would not have to spend the money and resources needed for basic training,” Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Va., wrote in a May 9 letter to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jon Greenert. “Rather, it could focus on getting these sailors into their new rates and producing for the Navy.”

Rigell noted that many of these sailors had been told by their command that they would be safe from the ERB and then were given no explanation later for why they were separated.

Some of these former sailors could be useful. The Navy is now offering incentive pay to 10 ratings hit by the ERB in an effort to boost ship manning. Those include aviation electronics technician, aviation maintenance administrationman, electronics technician, fire controlman, gas turbine systems technician (electrical), machinist’s mate, machinery repairman, operations specialist, personnel specialist and sonar technician. All of these ratings lost sailors in the paygrades the Navy is now trying to coax back to sea. However, some of these pays are NEC-specific, while the breakdown CNP has provided for ERB’d sailors is only by rating and paygrade.

Even so, some former sailors say they’ve been too burned to come back.

Former Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) James Allphin, another of the 2,946 sailors booted through ERB, said he wouldn’t rejoin active duty: He now enjoys his new cyber security job as a Navy Department civilian.

“After being separated, I didn’t want to go back in,” said Allphin, who had 13 years of naval service and is still in the Reserve. “I had good times in the Navy, but I don’t want to go back to an organization that doesn’t want me.”

Allphin and Wilson are among the 295 ERB’d sailors who’ve joined a civil lawsuit against the Navy. The suit filed nine months ago has provoked filings and counterfilings, with the government seeking a summary motion to throw out the case.

Judge Lynn Bush of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims has yet to rule on the government’s motion a few months ago to dismiss the case.

“My hope is to get to an evidentiary hearing so we can offer evidence,” said attorney E.W. Keller, who is representing the sailors. To get there, the judge will first have to decide whether to allow the suit to proceed.

In late April, Keller asked the court to include in the record a recent statement made by the CNO about hiring more sailors.

“I am about 3,000 below where I want to be and we have the valve pretty wide open, so if there is a message here, we are hiring,” Greenert told Navy Times in a March 26 interview.

Keller also asked to include a comment by the chief of naval personnel, Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, about cutting too deep in the recent drawdown.

Van Buskirk confirmed to Navy Times in a Dec. 4 interview that the service did “overshoot” the drawdown.

Keller said the Navy’s force-out board imposed plenty of hardship on his clients and he hopes the case will proceed.

“I know one family that went homeless with several children,” Keller said. “They were kicked out of their apartment, without jobs, in this bad job atmosphere. It was devastating.

“And these are people that, after their next term of service, would probably be 20-year retirees.”

Link to Article

Rigell Cosponsors Legislation to Combat Sexual Assault in the Military

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Cosponsors Legislation to Combat
Sexual Assault in the Military

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2) today cosponsored two bills aimed at reducing sexual assault in the military and giving victims the ability to come forward without fear of reprisal. The Be Safe Act, H.R. 1876, and what’s known as the Whistleblower Protection Bill, H.R. 1864, would help address what Rigell calls an ‘unacceptable and inexcusable’ recent Pentagon survey finding: an estimated 26,000 military members may have been sexually assaulted last year.

“The only threat our men and women in uniform should ever face is from an enemy combatant,” said Rigell, whose district is home to more active duty and retired military than any other district in the country. “We have to do whatever we can to reduce, and eventually eliminate, this deeply troubling trend.”

The Be Safe Act, H.R. 1876, strips a Flag or General Officer’s authority to change or dismiss a court-martial conviction in major cases and requires that a service member found guilty of an offense of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or an attempt to commit any of those offenses receive a sentence that includes, at a minimum, a dismissal or dishonorable discharge.

H.R. 1864, known as the Whistleblower Protection Bill, strengthens existing protections by specifically including reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under whistleblower protections. This change ensures victims cannot face reprisal for reporting acts of sexual assault. A protected communication is any lawful communication to a Member of Congress or an Inspector General, as well as any communication made to a person or organization designated to receive such communications.

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Rigell Congratulates and Thanks Local Students Bound for U.S. Service Academies

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Congratulates and Thanks Local Students
Bound for U.S. Service Academies

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Rigell (VA-2) recently congratulated and thanked six local students on their acceptance to our nation’s service academies.

Picturedfrom left to right: Jack Hamilton, Board Member, Rep. Rigell's Congressional Nominating Board; Bre Kingsbury, Military Liaison, Office of Rep. Rigell; Alexia Rochester; Ryan Muldoon; Congressman Scott Rigell; Jacob Hurst; Meredith Reisinger; Brad McDonald, Chair, Rep. Rigell's Congressional Nominating Board

“These fine young men and women deserve our congratulations – but more importantly, they deserve our thanks,” said Rigell, who represents the district with the highest concentration of active duty and retired military personnel in the country. “It was an honor to provide Congressional nominations for these brave young people, and I applaud their sense of duty. We are lucky to have among us the future leaders of America.”

Applicants to most Service Academies are required to obtain a nomination by an elected federal official. The following students received Congressional nominations from Congressman Scott Rigell and were accepted to the academies below:

Accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy
•Jacob Hurst of Virginia Beach (Princess Anne High School)
•Meredith Reisinger of Virginia Beach (Bayside High School)
•Alexia Rochester of Virginia Beach (Princess Anne High School)

Accepted to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
•Veronica Martin of Virginia Beach (Frank W. Cox High School)

Accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy
•Andrew Kim of Virginia Beach (Princess Anne High School)

Accepted to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
•Ryan Muldoon of Virginia Beach (Frank W. Cox High School)

*Please note: the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not release the names of its accepted applicants to the public.

For more information on the Service Academy nomination process, visit Congressman Rigell’s website.

Rigell Calls for Accountability From IRS and Administration

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Calls for Accountability
from IRS and Administration

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2) released the following statement regarding reports that the IRS targeted conservative groups:

"Reports that the IRS targeted specific organizations that advocate for smaller government and other conservative principles are beyond troubling. These actions validate the general level of distrust in government that these groups share. The irony is not lost on me that these groups are simply asking for accountability and transparency from the federal government – two of the very principles that were violated by the IRS.

"Today, President Obama said this regarding the situation: 'I’ve got no patience with it, I will not tolerate it and we will make sure we find out exactly what happened on this.' Congress must ensure that the Administration follows through on that statement, and that appropriate oversight steps are taken.

"This is not a partisan issue. It's about requiring, indeed demanding, accountability from the federal government."

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Rigell Asks CNO to Consider Rehiring ERB Affected Sailors

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Asks CNO to Consider
Rehiring ERB Affected Sailors

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday Congressman Rigell wrote Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert requesting he consider rehiring sailors affected by last year’s Enlistment Retention Board (ERB) process as the Navy looks to staff up. Nearly 3,000 sailors were affected by the ERB, which cut the enlistment contracts of mid-career enlisted Sailors as part of an effort to reduce personnel in 31 overmanned ratings. However, Greenert recently said publicly that the Navy is looking to enlist about 3,000 new sailors.

“The ERB process forced out of the Navy many good sailors with years of commendable service and valuable experience,” wrote Rigell, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee and whose district is home to more active duty and retired military than any other in the country. “In my discussions with some of these sailors and their families, we have learned that some of these sailors were given poor advice about the process by Command Career Counselors. Some could have cross-rated, but were told to stay in their rates and that ERB would not affect them due to the quality of their records. Furthermore, neither these sailors nor their commands were given adequate explanation regarding the termination of their enlistment contracts. At the very least, these otherwise well performing sailors should have been afforded the opportunity of a debrief on their performance and where it was lacking prior to their termination.”

According to an April 1, 2013, article by the Navy Times, Greenert recently ‘emphasized that the service is sweetening many re-up bonuses to keep talented sailors in and aims to enlist 3,000 more sailors.’

“I am about 3,000 below where I want to be and we have the valve pretty wide open, so if there is a message here, we are hiring,” Greenert said in the March 26 interview with the publication.

Rigell has been fighting for ERB sailors since last year, requesting the Navy consider making exceptions for those sailors who are near the 15-year retirement mark.

The full text of Rigell’s letter to Greenert is below:

May 9, 2013

Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert
Chief of Naval Operations
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350

Dear Admiral Greenert,

I am writing today regarding your most recent announcement that the “Navy is hiring.” As you develop plans to do so, please consider rehiring those sailors separated through the Enlistment Retention Board (ERB) process, so long as they hold acceptable records.

The ERB process forced out of the Navy many good sailors with years of commendable service and valuable experience. In my discussions with some of these sailors and their families, we have learned that some of these sailors were given poor advice about the process by Command Career Counselors. Some could have cross-rated, but were told to stay in their rates and that ERB would not affect them due to the quality of their records. Furthermore, neither these sailors nor their commands were given adequate explanation regarding the termination of their enlistment contracts. At the very least, these otherwise good performing sailors should have been afforded the opportunity of a debrief on their performance and where it was lacking prior to their termination.

By reenlisting former sailors who were solid performers the Navy would not have to spend the money and resources needed for basic training. Rather, it could focus on getting these sailors into their new rates and producing for the Navy. These sailors could add immediate value as the Navy expands warfare areas like cyber-warfare, where the Navy has signaled the need for new sailors across the fleet.

This approach would not only keep costs down, but would restore a sense of justice for sailors who were adversely affected by ERB. It would give them the opportunity to rejoin the sea service they cherish.

I appreciate your attention on this matter and respectfully ask for a written reply.

Yours in Freedom,

Scott Rigell
Member of Congress

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Rigell Backs Bill to Tie Member Pay to Debt Default

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Backs Bill to Tie Member Pay to Debt Default
On Washington's fiscal gamemanship: 'I'm over it'

Washington, D.C. - Consistent with his efforts to right our country’s finances, reform Congress, and lead by example, today Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) cosponsored H.R. 1884 the ‘Stop Pay for Members’ Act, bipartisan legislation that would stop congressional pay if the United States defaults on the national debt. The bill would also prevent retroactive pay.

“Our debt threatens the very foundation of our Republic. Washington has been playing too close to the train tracks with our national credit rating, and frankly, I’m over it,” said Rigell, a fiscal conservative who has spent much of his time in Washington trying to put the nation on a sound fiscal path. “It’s time to hold Washington politicians accountable for this fiscal mess.”

Rigell is also a co-sponsor of the ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Act which prevents Members of Congress from receiving pay for each day they fail to pass a Budget and all Appropriations bills after Oct. 1st, and earlier this year introduced the ‘Lead by Example’ Act which prevents Members of Congress from receiving matching contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – a federal employee retirement savings plan - if the deficit is not reduced from the previous year.

Rigell, widely known as a congressional reformer, also returns 15% of his congressional salary to pay down our debt – donations which will total more than $100,000 by the end of his second term. He also declines all federal health and retirement benefits and has self-imposed a limit of no more than six terms in the House.

WTKR: Congressman asks Navy to give fired sailors their jobs back

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Rigell saw NewsChannel 3′s stories about the struggles of sailors fired by the Enlisted Retention Board and wanted to take action.

“On a Thursday afternoon, we met up with him at 4 p.m., and had a round-table meeting with six other sailors,” said Tony Caudill, one of the ERB sailors that first came forward to NewsChannel 3 about the struggle to find a job after the Navy tossed them with no explanation.

“That’s probably the biggest question on all our minds: Why? Why us?” said Caudill.

The former sailor got to bring those concerns straight to the Congressman, who in turn wrote a letter to the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, asking for the ERB sailors to get their jobs back.

After Rigell sent the letter Thursday morning, he shared it only with NewsChannel 3.

Click here to read Rigell’s letter

“Especially with the news of 8,600 sailors the Navy wants to hire over next several years, and here you cut 3,000 good sailors? Why not give these guys the first opportunity to come back? I would, I would sign on the dotted line today and go back to active duty,” said Caudill.

Rigell argues in his letter that hiring these ERB sailors would save the Navy money and resources on basic training for new sailors.

Since these ERB sailors are experienced, they can add “immediate value as the Navy expands warfare areas.”

“I can finish what I started, I invested 14 1/2 years, committed my life to this…because of WTKR, the congressman is bringing awareness to the issue, writing the letter, giving us opportunity to come back and I really appreciate that,” said Caudill.

Now, it’s up to the Navy whether they will let these men and women serve again for the country they love.

Link to Article

Rigell Backs Bill to Combat Chinese Currency Manipulation

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Rigell Backs Bill to Combat
Chinese Currency Manipulation
Legislation Designed to Protect American Jobs, Reduce U.S. Trade Deficit

Washington, D.C. – Consistent with his efforts to protect American jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy, Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) co-sponsored H.R. 1276, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing currency manipulation, which increases the U.S. trade deficit, weakens our economy, and destroys American jobs.

“Countries like China engage in currency manipulation to protect their domestic economies at the expense of hardworking folks here at home,” said Rigell. “That weakens our economy and ultimately takes jobs away from American families. We have a moral obligation to pass our children and grandchildren a thriving economy, and Congress has the responsibility, to the extent possible, to protect Americans from these unfair and damaging trade practices.”

Specifically, H.R. 1276 is directed at countries engaged in currency manipulation that causes “material injury” to a U.S. industry. The legislation permits the Commerce Department when investigating a trade case to treat manipulated exchange rates as export subsidies for purposes of levying countervailing import duties. The bill is fully consistent with World Trade Organization rules.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, our trade deficit with China—driven largely by currency manipulation—has increased substantially since they entered the WTO from $83 billion in 2001, to a record $315 billion in 2012. The resulting job loss over the last decade has been 2.7 million American jobs with 2.1 million of those in manufacturing. Bringing the Yuan up to actual market value would lower our trade deficit, boost GDP growth, create jobs, and reduce our budget deficit by an estimated $71.4 billion per year. Full text of the bill is available here.

U.S. Representatives and Senators File Amicus Brief on Behalf of Chinese Drywall Victims

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives and Senators File Amicus Brief on Behalf of Chinese Drywall Victims

(Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (D-FL), Scott Rigell (R-VA), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Randy Forbes (R-VA), Bill Posey (R-FL), Rob Wittman (R-VA) and U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and David Vitter (R-LA) filed an amicus brief in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of homeowners across America who still seek justice for the destruction to their homes caused by tainted drywall from China. First reported in 2009, thousands of homeowners in Florida, Virginia, Louisiana, and 35 other states have been affected by this contaminated drywall, which corrodes copper wiring in home electrical, telecommunications, and lighting systems, destroys air conditioners and other household appliances, and is associated with serious health problems.

The amicus brief supports a September 2012 Federal judge’s ruling that Taishan Entities, a major manufacturer of the tainted drywall, be held to the court decrees made from the Multi-District Litigation arranged to deal with claims from affected homeowners in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Unlike Knauf Entities, a separate manufacturer of the drywall that in 2011 submitted to the jurisdiction of the MDL and entered into a settlement agreement with homeowners, Taishan Entities has appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in an effort to avoid addressing claims filed by homeowners.

“It is shameful that so many families whose homes were damaged and property values destroyed as a result of contaminated drywall from China have yet to receive justice,” said Congressman Deutch. “The filing of this brief represents a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that the manufacturers of this defective drywall are held accountable and that these homeowners’ claims are finally heard.”

“Though all are frustrated by the slow pace of this process, we remain committed to helping these homeowners in Virginia’s Second District – and across the country – receive the justice they deserve,” said Representative Scott Rigell (VA-2), co-chairman of the Contaminated Drywall Caucus. “This is a firm step toward that goal.”

Asserting Federal Court jurisdiction over the companies that manufactured tainted Chinese drywall is consistent with the Sense of Congress in the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. The amicus brief was drafted with the assistance of Professor Edward Sherman, the former Dean of the Tulane Law School and an expert on civil procedure.

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Representative Rigell to host Town Halls on Eastern Shore

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:28:03 GMT

Joint Congressman Rigell for a Town Hall for Veterans.

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:45:10 GMT

Norfolk Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:18:52 GMT

Accomack County (Eastville) Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:52:45 GMT

First Tuesday of every mon

Accomack County (Chincoteague) Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:00:09 GMT

Hampton Satellite Office Hours

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:01:27 GMT

Norfolk Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:25:50 GMT

Norfolk Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:20:09 GMT

Accomack County (Eastville) Satellite Office Hours

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:53:38 GMT

Accomack County (Chincoteague) Satellite Office Hours

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