The DeGette Report

Statement

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy couple of weeks since I last sent an e-Newsletter.

Cleaning up the South Platte and Expanding Front Range Water Capacity

Yesterday, the House approved $18 million for important wildlife habitat, recreation, and stream improvements along the South Platte River and the authority to store more water at Chatfield Reservoir to help address future Front Range water needs. This will go a long way toward cleaning up the South Platte, restoring wildlife habitat and making the riverfront a more vibrant place for Coloradoans.

The funds were obtained in partnership with the city of Denver, which will also contribute approximately $6.3 million. In addition, the legislation authorizes allow Chatfield Reservoir to store 20,600 additional acre-feet of water. This will provide additional water for the South Platte and increase the supply to both the Denver metropolitan area and for agricultural needs upstream.

Stem Cell Research Podcast

After overwhelmingly passing the House in May, my stem cell research legislation is now in the Senate, where it could come up for a vote as early as next week. Recently, I participated in my first podcast, sponsored by ProgressNow, about this legislation, its prospects in the U.S. Senate and the progress of stem cell research in the U.S.

Podcasts are interviews that can be downloaded from Web sites and listened to on your mp3 player or computer at your convenience. It can be downloaded at the ProgressNow Web site or through a link on my Web site www.house.gov/degette. The podcast also includes in the interview with Dr. Curt Freed, a leading researcher of Parkinson's Disease at the University of Colorado's Health Sciences Center and an advocate of stem cell research.

Veteran Medals

Just after July 4 th, when Congress was out of session, I was fortunate enough to hold a very moving ceremony to present several lost medals to World War II veteran Edward Lobato. Mr. Lobato, from San Luis, served in the 27 th Infantry division and fought in the Pacific during the war, including the battle of Okinawa. Along with Good Conduct, Victory in the Pacific and American Defense Medals, he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge. The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News both featured stories on Mr. Lobato's service and medals.

Helping veterans obtain lost or missing medals is one of the most moving parts of being a Member of Congress. My office can help if you or a loved one is trying to track down medals or service records. You can call at 303-844-4988 or visit my Web site http://www.house.gov/degette/veterans.shtml.

Warmest Regards,

Diana

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