Today, Representatives Jim Moran (D-VA), Pete Stark (D-CA) and Diane Watson (D-CA) introduced the Restoring Protection for Victims of Persecution Act [H.R. 4800], a bill to eliminate the arbitrary rule that bars asylum for anyone who has been in the United States a year or longer. The existing limitation hurts refugees fleeing abuse and gender-based persecution in their native countries, often forcing them to return home to life-threatening situations.

Today, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) convened a press conference to bring attention to the human impact of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (DADT). The event brought together congressional leaders and a range of groups and individuals – all committed to the responsible, speedy repeal of this antiquated policy.

Today, Congressman Jim Moran hailed the House’s passage of legislation spearheaded by Virginia Congressman Tom Perriello to foster increased competition among health insurers and lower premiums for consumers. H.R. 4626, the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act, will repeal the special anti-trust exemption for the health insurance industry. The legislation prevailed on a 406 – 19 vote.

Northern Virginia Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) welcomed the implementation of a new law to stop the abusive practices of credit card companies, which went into effect today. The reforms included in the Credit CARD Act, which Moran helped pass and the President signed into law last year.

Each year the Alexandria City Council meets with members of the City’s federal delegation to ask for federal funding for local efforts. Last week, Virginia Congressman Jim Moran (D-8) came to Council’s legislative meeting to respond to this year’s requests.

“We are very lucky to have a Congressman who understands our needs so well and is so supportive of them,” said Councilwoman De. Pepper. “We want you to know how much we appreciate your efforts on our behalf.”

Today Congressman Jim Moran voted to support passage of H.J.RES. 45, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009. The measure requires Congress to pay for all tax cuts and new spending for programs by finding savings elsewhere in the budget.

The Capper-Cramtom Act of 1930 authorized $9 million for land acquisition in Maryland and Virginia and $16 million for land acquisition in Washington, DC. In 1958, Congress amended the Act to increase the authorization primarily for the George Washington Parkway extension and expand the scope of the Act to include Loudoun and Prince William counties. In June, 2009, Virginia Congressman Jim Moran (D-8) introduced the National Capital Region Land Conservation Act, which will further amend Capper-Cramton.