Al Gore Accomplishments (Detailed List Cont.)
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Part VII: Health Care
GORE FOUGHT FOR ACCESSIBLE, HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH CARE
Gore Fought for a Strong, Enforceable Patients' Bill of Rights for All Americans. Al Gore has been an advocate for a Patients' Bill of Rights to ensure that people insured by HMOs get the health care they need, when they need it. He has called for granting patients the right to appeal a denial of treatment to an outside review board, improving access to specialists, and guaranteeing coverage of emergency room treatment. The Washington Post reported that "Gore has been an outspoken advocate of the Patients' Bill of Rights."
Gore Led Efforts to Provide Federal Employees with a Patient's Bill of Rights. Al Gore led the Administration's effort to implement an executive order providing all Federal employees and their dependents with a strong, enforceable Patient's Bill of Rights. In 1998, Gore released a report documenting that Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and the Defense Military Health Program - altogether serving 85 million Americans - were on track to ensure their compliance with the executive order by providing important new patient protections to their beneficiaries.
The Clinton-Gore Administration Increased the Portability of Health Insurance. In 1996, the Administration signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which helped people keep their health care coverage when they change or lose their job. The Act, which has helped millions people, also places limits on exclusions for pre-existing conditions so health insurance companies cannot subjectively deny coverage.
Gore Fought for the Family and Medical Leave Act. Al Gore has been a strong advocate for the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Act provides workers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new baby or sick relative and became law under the Clinton-Gore Administration. As a Senator, Gore co-sponsored an early version of the Act in 1987. Gore currently supports efforts to expand the Act so workers can take time off work for family activities including parent-teacher conferences.
Gore Fought Against Genetic Discrimination. In 1982, Al Gore called for a study by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) to determine the potential problems and issues surrounding the genetic testing and the possible discrimination of employees by their employers. As Vice President, Gore has continued this fight by calling on Congress to pass a ban on genetic discrimination with respect to the health insurance. The legislation would protect individuals from discrimination by insurance companies based on genetic test results.
Gore Worked to Strengthen Rural Hospitals. In 1989, Al Gore was an original co-sponsor of the Equity for Rural Hospitals Act. The Act sought to reduce disparities between urban and rural hospitals and improve the quality and range of services that rural hospitals offer patients. By improving Medicare payments to hospitals in rural areas, the Act hoped to correct for the fact that rural hospitals were receiving substantially less money, for the same services, than institutions in urban areas.
Gore Fought to Maintain Privacy for Personal Medical Information. Al Gore worked to protect the privacy of patient records. In calling for an Electronic Bill of Rights to ensure that every American maintains control over their own private information, Gore announced that the Administration would halt the creation of unique medical identifiers. Medical Industry Today noted that "The action may be one of the broadest federal responses to privacy concerns in the digital age…."
GORE WORKED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE
Gore and the Administration Made the Largest Investment in Children's Health Care Since 1965. Al Gore and the Administration have worked to provide health insurance to millions of children who need it. As of September 1999, nearly 2 million children were covered by the Administration's Children's Health Insurance Program - which now includes programs approved in 56 states and territories. This program will cover up to 5 million children throughout the United States.
Gore Promoted Efforts to Target and Enroll Uninsured Children in Health Care Coverage. Al Gore announced new federal efforts to sign up uninsured children who are eligible but not enrolled in health insurance programs. The initiative encourages states to partner school lunch programs with efforts to educate families in low-income housing programs about health insurance.
Gore Worked to Protect Infants from Malnutrition. In 1980, after conducting hearings on the quality of infant formula, Al Gore cosponsored and helped pass legislation to improve its nutrition standards. The legislation also established safety standards for formula in order to protect children from nutritional deficiencies.
Gore and the Administration Have Increased Childhood Immunizations. In 1993, the Administration called for a Childhood Immunization Initiative to ensure that all children are immunized against disease. The result has been some of the highest immunization rates ever - 90 percent of toddlers received the most critical doses of each of the routinely recommended vaccines in 1996, 1997 and 1998; and childhood immunization coverage rates in 1998 were the highest ever recorded.
GORE PROMOTED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WOMEN'S HEALTH
Gore Has Fought For Access to High-Quality Cancer Detection and Treatment for Women. The Administration's Fiscal Year 2001 budget includes a new $220 million initiative to extend insurance coverage to more uninsured women who have breast or cervical cancer. In addition, the Administration implemented the Mammography Quality Standards Act to ensure the quality of mammograms and worked to ensure that Medicare covers up-to-date cancer detection tests.
Gore Led Efforts to Improve Women's Physical and Mental Health. As a U.S. Senator, Gore was a co-sponsor of the Women's Health Equity Act of 1991. This bill sought to establish an Office of Research of Women's Health to address women's health and mental health issues. Ovarian cancer, infertility, breast cancer and other deadly diseases were to be addressed by the Office of Research.
Gore Fought to Provide Pregnant Women with Better Prenatal Health Care. Al Gore has fought for better prenatal and post birth services for women. In 1981, he co-sponsored the Maternal and Infant Health Services Act, and in 1985 he co-sponsored the Maternal and Child Health Preventive Care Amendments. Both bills sought to extend services to women during their pregnancy and in the days following the end of the pregnancy.
GORE WORKED TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE MEDICARE
Gore is Working to Secure Medicare for Future Generations. Al Gore has been a leader in the fight to help preserve and strengthen Medicare. Gore is proposing a fiscally responsible approach to protect Medicare by dedicating over $400 billion of the federal budget surplus to Medicare by putting it in a "lock-box" that cannot be raided for other purposes. Al Gore also wants to improve Medicare by providing all seniors with a new, much-needed, voluntary prescription drug benefit.
Gore Has Worked to Extend the Solvency of the Trust Fund. When the Clinton-Gore Administration took office, the Medicare Trust Fund was scheduled to go broke in 1999. In large part because of the reforms that Al Gore and the Administration advocated in the 1993 and in the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, the Medicare Trust Fund is now solvent until at least 2025. Al Gore has also proposed comprehensive Medicare reform that makes Medicare more efficient, extends the life of the Trust Fund, and adds a long overdue Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Gore Opposed Efforts to Increase the Eligibility Age for Medicare. Al Gore has also opposed attempts to restrict the Medicare program by increasing its age of eligibility. In 1997, he criticized a Senate proposal that would have increased the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67.
Gore Opposed Republican Efforts to Cut Medicare. Al Gore fought Republican efforts to slash Medicare by $270 billion while at the same time proposing finance tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations. The Republican plan Gore opposed would have implemented dangerous structural reforms that could have threatened beneficiaries. In 1995, Gore vowed to defeat the Republican plan, calling it "mean spirited" and "dead flat wrong."
Gore Helped Lead Efforts to Eliminate Medicare Fraud. Al Gore and the Administration have aggressively combated Medicare fraud to save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. Gore has advocated a number of steps for combating fraud, including rewards of up to $1,000 for beneficiaries who report fraud. In 1999, Gore announced a new proposal to allow criminal investigators and civil prosecutors to work together on fraud cases and to prevent providers from avoiding fines by declaring bankruptcy. The Clinton-Gore Administration collected $490 million from successful Medicare fraud prosecutions in 1999 - a 65% increase over 1998 - and reached a $486 million settlement with a national health care provider this year.
Gore Has Fought for Medicare to Cover Cancer Clinical Trials. Al Gore promoted cancer research and treatment by fighting to allow seniors to access cancer clinical treatment trials. America's seniors make up half of all cancer patients but often cannot participate in cutting-edge clinical trials because Medicare does not pay for these experimental treatments. In 1998, Al Gore fought for an Administration proposal that would enable Medicare to cover patients who participate in these trials. Al Gore and the Administration also included a $750 million 3-year Cancer Clinical Trial Demonstration project in their fiscal year 2001 budget proposal.
Gore Protected Seniors from Purchasing Worthless Insurance. Al Gore was a co-sponsor of the Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979, which sought to eliminate fraud in "Medigap" insurance. This bill directed the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification of health insurance policies sold to supplement Medicare.
GORE FOUGHT TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN MEDICAID
Gore Worked to Provide People with Disabilities Access to Medicaid. Al Gore fought for the landmark Work Incentives Improvement Act, signed into law last year, to allow people with disabilities to retain Medicare coverage and buy into Medicaid when they return to work. Highlighting the need for the Act, Gore stated, "We are never again going to allow narrow-mindedness and littleness of spirit to prevent people with disabilities from coming into the workplace."
Gore Worked to Improve Medicaid Enrollment. Al Gore worked to reduce Medicaid enrollment barriers confronting low-income families. In October, Gore announced a new initiative to allow states to align their definitions of income for food stamps and Medicaid eligibility - enabling states to have increase the likelihood that eligible families would enroll in both programs.
Gore and the Administration Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Breast and Cervical Cancer. Al Gore and the Administration have proposed allowing states to expand Medicaid coverage for breast and cervical cancer. The proposal would improve coverage for low-income, uninsured women who screen positive under the CDC Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
GORE WORKED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH LONG TERM CARE NEEDS
Gore and the Administration are Fighting for Long Term Care Needs. In January, the Administration announced a proposal to invest $28 billion over 10 years to support families with long-term care needs. This proposal would provide families with long-term care needs with a $3,000 tax credit, establish a Family Caregivers Program, and improve Medicaid eligibility for home- and community-based care. The proposal also encouraged partnerships between low-income housing for the elderly and Medicaid to promote home-based long term care. Finally, the proposal called on the government to offer high quality long-term care insurance to federal employees as a model for the private sector.
Gore and the Administration Fought to Restore Funding for Hospitals and Nursing Homes. In 1997, Gore favored immediately rewriting the 1997 Balanced Budget Act to ensure that hospitals and nursing homes get the reimbursements they need. In 1999, Gore and the Administration fought for and won $16 billion over 5 years. Gore announced that over $2.7 billion during 5 years would go to nursing homes and that caps on therapy services would be lifted.
Gore and the Administration Improved the Quality of Nursing Homes. Al Gore and the Administration worked to improve nursing home quality by issuing tough, new regulations, expanding inspection and enforcement systems, and creating the Nursing Home Quality Initiative to give consumers access to information about nursing home quality. These efforts expanded inspection and enforcement and reduced cases of resident malnutrition.
GORE PROMOTED PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Gore Worked To Increase Preventative Health Care Services. Al Gore and the Administration signed legislation in 1997 improving access to preventative coverage through Medicare - including screenings for osteoporosis, prostate cancer and breast cancer. As a Member of Congress, Gore cosponsored legislation to examine preventative health care programs for the elderly and to fund primary pediatric care for disadvantaged children.
Gore Worked to Strengthen Cigarette Warning Labels. In 1984, Al Gore helped forge an agreement between the tobacco companies and health advocates on a bill that strengthened warning labels on cigarette packages informing consumers on the risks of cancer, heart disease, emphysema and fetal injury. The American Heart Association praised Gore's efforts and stated that he was "very forceful with the [tobacco] industry."
Gore Fought for Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverages. In 1988, Al Gore, along with Senator Thurmond, fought successfully for legislation that would require a warning label on alcoholic beverages about the dangers of alcohol for pregnant women and the dangers of drinking and driving. Gore chaired the subcommittee hearings on the issue, in which he attacked the alcohol industry for refusing to even show up. Because of this law, the alcohol industry was forced to place warning labels on beverages. Then in 1990, Gore introduced legislation to place warning labels in alcohol advertising.
Gore Worked for Useful, Consumer-Friendly Safety Labels for Over-the-Counter Drugs. Al Gore and the Administration worked with over-the-counter drug makers to develop new, consumer-oriented safety labels. Gore announced new regulations which will, over a two year period, eliminate dense fine print in favor of easy-to-understand "drug fact" labels. Studies indicate that misuse of over-the-counter drugs leads to more than 170,000 hospitalizations per year - half of which could be prevented by consumer education.
GORE FOUGHT TO PROMOTE MEDICAL ADVANCES WHILE PROMOTING BIOETHICS
Gore Sponsored the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984. As a Representative, Al Gore and Senator Orin Hatch sponsored the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984, which established a computerized network to match donated organs with the patients who need them. In addition, the bill outlawed the buying and selling of organs, and called for a study of the ethical issues surrounding transplants.
Gore and the Administration Have Increased Funding for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research. Al Gore and the Administration have prioritized medical research for breast cancer. Between 1993 and 1998 funding for breast cancer research, prevention and treatment has more than doubled, from $283 million to $599 million. In fact, total breast and cervical cancer research funding was $844 million in 1998.
Gore Fought for Research and Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. As a U.S. Senator, Gore cosponsored the Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1985 that sought funding for Alzheimer's programs, and he authored a bill to create 20 regional centers for Alzheimer's treatment. In 1998, the Administration proposed the largest increase ever for the National Institute of Health to fund Alzheimer's research.
Gore Strongly Supported the Human Genome Project. As Vice President, Al Gore has been a staunch advocate of the Human Genome Project, started in the mid-eighties, that aims to identify each of the estimated 50,000 to 100,000 genes that govern the form and functions of the human body. Identifying the genes will allow scientists to determine the genetic cause behind many different diseases, including cancer. The Administration has continued to fund and expand this program, and the researchers recently announced they had completed a basic map of the entire human genome.
Gore Held Early Hearings on Biotechnology and Promoted Ethics Compliance. Then-Rep. Al Gore, as chair of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, held some of the earliest hearings pertaining to the growing biotechnology and genetics industry. In 1983, Gore sponsored legislation calling for the creation of a commission to monitor genetic engineering and related ethical questions, and he proposed legislation to ensure that the biotechnology industry was adhering to ethical and safety standards. In 1985, Congress established a Biomedical Ethics Board (BEB) to report on human genetic experiments.
Part VIII: Welfare Reform
GORE HELPED OVERHAUL THE WELFARE SYSTEM
Gore and the Administration Transformed the Broken Welfare System. In 1996, the Administration signed a bipartisan welfare plan that has dramatically changed the nation's welfare system into one that requires work in exchange for time-limited assistance. The law contains strong work requirements, performance bonuses to reward states for moving welfare recipients into jobs and reducing illegitimacy, state maintenance of effort requirements, comprehensive child support enforcement, and supports for families moving from welfare to work -- including increased funding for child care.
Under Gore and the Administration, Welfare Rolls Have Fallen to Historic Lows. During the Clinton-Gore Administration, welfare rolls are down by 53 percent and are at their lowest level since 1968. Welfare caseloads have dropped from 14.1 million in January 1993 to 6.6 million in September 1999, a drop of 7.5 million. The percent of Americans on welfare is now at 2.4 percent, the lowest level since 1966. Additionally, the percentage of employed welfare recipients (including employment, work experience and community service) reached 27 percent in 1998, compared to less than 7 percent in 1992.
GORE LED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S EFFORT TO HIRE WELFARE RECIPIENTS
Gore Led the Federal Government Effort to Hire Welfare Recipients; Resulted in Nearly 30,000 Welfare Recipients Hired. On June 5, 1997, Gore announced the commitments of each Cabinet department and major federal agencies to hire 10,000 welfare recipients over the next four years. The report issued by Gore outlined how the federal government would succeed in hiring and retraining welfare recipients. "All employers, including the federal government, have a role to play in moving people from welfare to work," Gore said. "The report, which I am releasing today, demonstrates how the federal government will do its fair share and lead by example." As of April 22, 2000, the federal government has hired 28,634 welfare recipients, nearly tripling the goal of hiring 10,000 recipients by the year 2000.
August 2, 1999, Gore Announced Federal Government Had Hired More Than 14,000 Welfare Recipients; Recipients Staying in Jobs Longer than Other Federal Workers. On August 2, 1999, Gore announced that the federal government had hired more than 14,000 welfare recipients since launching the federal Welfare-to-Work Hiring Initiative in March 1997. In addition, data from the Office of Personnel Management showed that almost 70 percent of federal Welfare-to-Work hires were still in their federal positions after one year. "More and more people are moving from welfare to work, and I'm proud the federal government is doing its part," Gore said. "And I'm particularly pleased that nearly 70 percent of federal Welfare-to-Work hires were still on board with us after one year - a far higher retention rate than for other federal employees. Clearly, welfare to work can pay off for both employers and employees."
April 9, 1998, Gore Announced Federal Government Had Hired More Than 3,600 Welfare Recipients. Nearly one year after announcing the federal government's commitment to hire 10,000 welfare recipients, Gore announced that the federal government had already hired more than 3,600 welfare recipients. "With over 3,600 former welfare recipients now hired, we are less than one-third of the way toward our deadline and more than one-third of the way toward our goal," Gore said.
GORE LED THE ADMINISTRATION'S WELFARE-TO-WORK COALITION TO SUSTAIN SUCCESS
In 1997, Gore Announced Creation of Welfare-to-Work Coalition to Sustain Success. On May 29, 1997, Gore announced that creation of the Welfare-to-Work Coalition to Sustain Success (originally composed of 18 civic groups; now composed of 29) aimed at helping welfare recipients keep the jobs they find. Working with federal and state offices, private organizations and businesses, members of the Welfare-to-Work Coalition to Sustain Success provide support services that welfare recipients and new workers need most to get and keep their jobs. Support services include mentoring, counseling, and training. By building on the strengths of its volunteer Member organizations, the Coalition ensures that programs and services are tailored to the unique needs of local communities.
Gore Praised Democratic Texas Comptroller John Sharp's Family Pathfinders Program at Announcement of Welfare-to-Work Coalition. During his announcement of the Welfare-to-Work Coalition, Gore praised the Family Pathfinders program, which was run by Texas Comptroller John Sharp, for its efforts to help poor mothers and children who needed assistance while working.
Gore Held Interactive Town Hall Meeting with Welfare-to-Work Coalition to Sustain Success. On May 19, 1998, Gore held an interactive town hall meeting with the Welfare-to-Work Coalition and Small Business Administration head Aida Alvarez that focused on helping small businesses that had hired welfare recipients train and retain their workers. Thirty-two groups in sixteen states participated in the discussion with the Gore.
Gore's Welfare-to-Work Coalition Has Many Success Stories Throughout the Country.
Adventist Community Services launched a nationwide Tutoring and Mentoring initiative with a satellite uplink seminar for all local units, including 2,000 churches that can co-sponsor local programs.
Goodwill Industries expanded their programs to accommodate individuals leaving the welfare rolls, providing services to an estimated 55,000 welfare recipients between 1998 and 1999.
The International Association of Jewish Vocational Services has served nearly 19,000 welfare recipients from both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities between 1998 and 1999. In November 1998, Gore announced that IAJVS, among other grantees, would receive Department of Labor funding to support IAJVS' Regional Employment and Training Initiative to place long-term welfare recipients into health care industry jobs.
The Salvation Army in Buffalo, New York operates a training program targeted to welfare recipients. The training curriculum offers job skills, balancing work and family responsibilities, communication, GED, and English as a Second Language classes.
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville works with Opry Mills Corporation and the Rockefeller Foundation to provide job training and placement assistance to welfare recipients.
The Women's Missionary Union launched a special project called Christian Women's Job Corps with 40 sites nationwide to assist former welfare recipients and other women in learning life skills, completing their education, and obtaining and retaining successful employment.
GORE HELPED CREATE THE WELFARE TO WORK PARTNERSHIP
Gore and the Administration Launched Welfare to Work Partnership in 1997 to Challenge Businesses to Do Their Part to Make Welfare Reform Successful. In May 1997, the Administration launched the Welfare to Work Partnership-a national, nonpartisan partnership effort to enlist the American business community to help move recipients of public assistance into private sector jobs. The Partnership began with 105 participating businesses, and, has now grown to more than 15,000 businesses of all sizes and industries. Since 1997, these businesses have hired nearly 650,000 welfare recipients.
GORE FOUGHT FOR WELFARE-TO-WORK GRANTS TO HELP WELFARE RECIPIENTS
In 1997, Gore and the Administration Announced $3 Billion in Welfare-to-Work Grants for States and Local Initiatives. On September 3, 1997, Gore and the Administration announced $3 billion in welfare-to-work grants to boost state efforts to give welfare recipients job training and experience. The grants included $1.5 billion for 1998 and $1.5 billion for 1999 (25 % awarded to cities that applied independently for the grants and the remainder going to states based on the number of welfare recipients) and were funded by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 signed by the Administration. Texas received an estimated $75.6 million in grants from this program. On November 23, 1998, Gore announced $273 million for 75 federal Welfare-to-Work Competitive grants to fund innovative local initiatives to help train welfare recipients and give them the skills they need to retain their jobs.
Part IX: Disabilities
GORE WORKED TO EXPAND SPECIAL EDUCATION
Gore Emphasized the Importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Gore proposed an additional $1.5 billion in the first year on special education, the largest increase ever enacted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - to strengthen the federal commitment to help states and school districts educate children with disabilities while supporting other initiatives to help all students get the high-quality education they need and deserve. This budget would provide an important down payment toward the federal goal of providing 40 percent of the excess costs of educating children with disabilities.
Gore Supported More Funding for Special Education. The Administration's FY01 budget includes $6.4 billion for Special Education, an increase of $333 million, to expand on its commitment to improve educational results for children with disabilities. It also included $290 million for grants to states to help ensure that students with disabilities get appropriate public education.
Fighting For More Funding. The FY01 Budget also calls for a $9 million increase for grants to infants and families to provide intervention services to children with disabilities as early as possible, $8 million for states to help schools comply with special education law, and $10 million to help schools implement research-based practices to serve children with disabilities.
GORE FOUGHT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO WORK
Gore and the Administration Proposed $1,000 Tax Credit for Work Related Expenses for People with Disabilities. In the FY 2001 budget, Gore and the Administration renewed their proposal for a $1,000 tax credit for work-related expenses for people with disabilities. This tax credit was proposed last year but not supported by Congress. The credit would help workers with significant disabilities cover the formal and informal costs that are associated with employment, such as specialized transportation and technology. Like the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, it would help ensure that people with disabilities have the tools they need to return to work by recognizing the extra costs associated with working.
Gore and the Administration Proposed Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants to Improve Employment Outcomes of Individuals with Disabilities. The Administration's FY 2001 budget includes $2.4 billion, an increase of $60.8 million, to assist State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to improve the employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities. A wide range of services is provided each year to about 1.2 million individuals with disabilities, and these funds will assist States to address the needs of this population.
Increasing the Substantial Gainful Activity Amount. In February 1999, Gore announced a proposal increasing allowable monthly earnings from $ 500 to $700 a month -- a 40 percent increase -- enabling Americans with disabilities to make the most of their abilities.
In July 1999, the Social Security Administration increased the monthly earnings guidelines from $500 to $700 per month, enabling beneficiaries with disabilities to earn more without affecting their benefits. These guidelines are used to determine whether the work activities of a person with impairments, other than blindness, demonstrate that he or she is able to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Lobbyist for the Association for Retarded Citizens Welcomes Gore's Proposal. Martha Ford, lobbyist for the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), welcomed the proposed change. "This is an important step, long awaited, and it will help a lot of people," she said. "It will make a significant difference for lower-income workers who are severely disabled and need continued support."
Gore and the Administration Signed the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. On August 7, 1998, the Administration signed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which included the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, helping to improve worker training and placement options for people with disabilities. WIA establishes better links between the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system and the general workforce development system. Job seekers with disabilities now have improved options for service through the mainstream worker training and placement system, and through the disability-specific VR system. WIA also strengthens the Rehabilitation Act by giving increased options to individuals with disabilities in developing VR plans.
Al and Tipper Gore and the Administration Have Fought for Fairness for People With Mental Illnesses. In June 1999, the Administration signed an executive order ensuring that individuals with psychiatric disabilities are given the same hiring opportunities as persons with significant physical disabilities or mental retardation. Gore and the Administration called for parity for mental health and substance abuse coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) by 2001. Also, in 1999, the Administration held a landmark conference on mental health to raise awareness and break down barriers for people with mental illness. In addition, the Administration fought for the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 that took steps to eliminate disparities between physical and mental illness.
Gore and the Administration Enacted the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) is a historic bill the Administration signed into law that will help provide better health care options for people with disabilities who work. TWWIIA will improve employment opportunities by: creating new options and incentives for states to offer a Medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities; extending Medicare coverage for an additional 4 ½ years for people on disability insurance who return to work; creating a $250 million Medicaid buy-in demonstration to help people whose disabilities have not yet progressed so far that they cannot work; and enhancing employment-related services for people with disabilities through the new "Ticket to Work" Program.
GORE WORKED TO ESTABLISH PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE
Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Increase Employment of Adults with Disabilities. Under the Administration, an Executive Order was signed in March 1998 establishing the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. The Task Force is charged with creating a coordinated and aggressive national policy to move individuals with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate approaching that of the general adult population. The Task Force is analyzing the barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities and the Administration has already moved to implement almost all of its recommendations.
GORE FOUGHT FOR QUALITY HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
Gore and the Administration Proposed Extending Medicare Access for People with Disabilities Who Work. The Administration's FY 2001 budget builds on achievements enacted in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act to ensure that individuals with disabilities have full opportunity to participate in and contribute to our growing economy. Gore and the Administration have proposed removing the currents limits on Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work, giving individuals with disabilities lifetime access to Medicare.
Working to Expand Medicaid. Vice President Gore believes we should strengthen Medicaid by making it easier for states to expand coverage to home and community-based services. To eliminate Medicaid's historical bias towards nursing homes, Gore would enable states to expand their programs to cover community based care as well as nursing home residents with income up to 300 percent of the Social Security Income (SSI) limits, without requiring a complicated and frequently time-consuming Federal waiver.
Gore Fought for a Strong, Enforceable Patients' Bill of Rights for All Americans. Al Gore has been an advocate for a Patients' Bill of Rights to ensure that people insured by HMOs get the health care they need, when they need it. He has called for granting patients the right to appeal a denial of treatment to an outside review board, improving access to specialists, and guaranteeing coverage of emergency room treatment. The Washington Post reported that "Gore has been an outspoken advocate of the Patients' Bill of Rights."
Gore and the Administration are Fighting for Long Term Care Needs. In January, the Administration announced a proposal to invest $28 billion over 10 years to support families with long-term care needs. This proposal would provide families with long-term care needs with a $3,000 tax credit, establish a Family Caregivers Program, and improve Medicaid eligibility for home- and community-based care. The proposal also encouraged partnerships between low-income housing for the elderly and Medicaid to promote home-based long term care. Finally, the proposal called on the government to offer high quality long-term care insurance to federal employees as a model for the private sector.
GORE WORKED TO ENSURE NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Gore and the Administration Proposed Increasing Assistive Technology Initiatives. The Administration's FY 2001 budget includes $100 million (a $13.5 million increase) for disability and technology research at the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). NIDRR will launch a comprehensive technology initiative which includes: $5 million for an Educational Technology Initiative; $3.4 million for a multi-pronged Employment initiative; and $5.1 million for a Community Independence initiative The Administration's request also includes $15 million to support grants that establish or maintain alternative loan financing programs. Most people with disabilities do not have the private financial resources to purchase the assistive technology they need.
The Administration Signed the Assistive Technology Act to Help Low-Income Individuals with Disabilities. Technology is a crucial component in enabling people with disabilities to obtain and keep meaningful employment. With the support of the Administration, Congress passed the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which reauthorizes the "Tech Act" that created State Assistive Technology Centers to provide assistive devices to low-income individuals with disabilities.
GORE FOUGHT TO EXPAND HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Increase Housing Options for Americans with Disabilities. The Administration has worked hard to increase housing options for people with disabilities. In 1998, HUD issued a statement supporting the view that institutional living does not constitute real housing for people with disabilities. On April 28, 1998, Fannie Mae published "A Home of Your Own Guide," the first manual providing step-by-step home buying guidance for people with disabilities. In February, HUD Secretary Cuomo issued a directive encouraging communities to use community development block grant funds for home modifications for people with disabilities. Also, in HUD's recent Notices of Funding Availability, the agency included bonus points for developers who build structures that include "visitability" by people with disabilities.
Increasing Section 8 Funding. The Administration supported the inclusion of $40 million in Section 8 funding for people with disabilities, in part to offset the displacement likely to occur as a result of "elderly-only" designation of public housing formerly occupied by people with disabilities.
Helping Renters Buy Their First Home. The Administration created a homeownership voucher program in 1999 that will allow as many as 50,000 families to use their Section 8 rental assistance vouchers to become first-time homebuyers. Under the new program, the same HUD funds helping pay a family's rent will instead be used for the family's monthly mortgage payments.
Part X: Environment
GORE WORKED FOR CLEANER AIR
Gore and the Administration Strengthened Clean Air Protections. In 1997, the Administration approved strong new clean air standards for soot and smog that could prevent up to 15,000 premature deaths a year and improve the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from respiratory illnesses. They are currently defending the standards against legal assaults by polluters.
Gore and the Administration Have Worked to Clean Up Auto Emissions. Last year, the Administration adopted new Tier 2 emission standards for passenger cars, SUVs and other light-duty trucks, producing cars that are 77 percent cleaner than those on the road today. These measures are the equivalent of removing 164 million cars from the road, and once implemented, will prevent 4,300 premature deaths and 173,000 cases of childhood respiratory illness each year.
Gore Worked with Auto Makers to Develop Fuel-Efficient Vehicles. In 1993, Vice President Gore was instrumental in launching the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) - a joint effort of the Big Three automakers and the federal government with the goal of developing more fuel-efficient vehicles within one decade. Earlier this year, Gore applauded the progress of this partnership when three concept cars - capable of getting 80 miles to the gallon - were unveiled. He also welcomed a new commitment by the automakers to speed up the timetable for marketing autos with these fuel-efficiency technologies within the next four years. In addition, Gore announced that the PNGV research program would be expanded to help develop higher fuel economy in SUVs, minivans and other light-duty trucks.
Gore And The Administration Supported Tax Credits For Energy Efficiency. In order to improve energy efficiency and help the environment, the President proposed $9 billion in tax credits for energy-efficient cars, homes, and appliances.
GORE WORKED FOR CLEANER WATER
Gore Has Helped Lead the Administration's Safe Drinking Water Initiatives. The Administration has granted $1.9 billion in low interest loans to communities to upgrade water systems nationwide, and Al Gore has helped lead the Administration's Water 2000 initiative. Gore announced assistance for more than 80 safe drinking water projects in 43 states and Puerto Rico in 1997 and over 100 similar projects in rural America in 1999.
Gore Worked to Strengthen the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, the Administration approved legislation to strengthen the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring water utilities to inform their customers about the quality of their drinking water. As a result of these efforts, the population in areas meeting drinking water standards has increased 17.2% from 196.1 million in 1993 to 229.8 million in 1999.
Gore was an Original Cosponsor of the Water Quality Act of 1987. Al Gore was an original cosponsor of the Water Quality Act of 1987, which amended the nation's main water pollution control law, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (the Clean Water Act). This Act established, for the first time, a mandatory federal permit program to control discharges of industrial and municipal wastewater. In addition, the Act also authorized $18 billion for sewage treatment plants and other funds for water pollution control programs.
GORE ADDRESSED GLOBAL WARMING AND INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGES
Gore Helped Lead Early Efforts Against Global Warming. As Vice President, and as a U.S. Senator, Al Gore has been recognized as an early leader in international efforts to combat global warming:
Co-sponsored early legislation to study the implications of global warming and to encourage the development of environmental technologies to combat global warming.
Chaired the U.S. Congressional delegation to the Interparliamentary Conference on the Global Environment, which reached an agreement between 40 nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Led the U.S. Senate delegation to the "Earth Summit," which produced a new understanding of the role of the interdependency of environment, trade and finance, consumption patterns and the need to set out to determine a long-term plan for global sustainable development.
Helped produce an agreement at the Kyoto Global Warming Conference among 150 nations for limiting the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere.
Gore Pushed the Bush Administration to Speed the Phase-Out of Ozone Depleting Chemicals. Gore sponsored an amendment to express the sense of the Senate that the EPA should accelerate the phase-out of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer and move to strengthen the 1987 Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer. The New York Times reported that Gore's amendment helped to push the Bush Administration to "a surprise reversal of its public position…support[ing] a Senate action to phase out much faster the chemicals that damage the protective ozone layer high in the atmosphere." In 1989, 300,000 metric tons of CFCs were emitted in the United States. By 1996, ozone depleting chloroflurocarbon (CFC) emissions were eliminated.
Gore and the Administration Worked to Expand Our Ability to Address Global Climate Change. Al Gore and the Administration secured $11.6 billion for the Global Change Research Program to enhance surface and satellite monitoring of changes in temperature and precipitation and expand climate change research efforts. The Administration also secured more than $2 billion to research and develop clean energy technologies within carbon-emitting sectors of the economy as part of the Climate Change Technology Initiative.
Gore is Working to Meet the Challenge of Global Warming. Al Gore and the Administration proposed an FY 2001 budget which includes $2.4 billion -- a 42 percent increase -- to combat global climate change, and $1.7 billion for scientific research into factors influencing climate and the likely consequences of global warming.
GORE WORKED TO CLEAN UP TOXIC WASTES
Gore Chaired Some of the First Congressional Hearings on Toxic Waste Clean Up. On October 30, 1978, Al Gore chaired the first congressional oversight hearing on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) dealing with toxic waste clean up. This House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing was the first in a lengthy series of hearings that examined hazardous waste dump sites, and laid the groundwork for passage of the Superfund Act in 1980. At Gore's urging, the committee later undertook a "Waste Disposal Site Survey" of the 53 largest domestic chemical companies. This survey disclosed data on 3,383 disposal sites, approximately 2,000 of which were previously unknown to the EPA.
The Clinton-Gore Administration Cleaned Up 3 times as Many Toxic Waste Sites as the Reagan & Bush Administrations Combined. Since 1993, the Clinton-Gore Administration has cleaned up 525 toxic waste sites- over three times more than were cleaned up during the previous 12 years. Cleanup is completed or underway at over 90% of all Superfund sites. Furthermore, the Clinton-Gore Administration has worked to reduce the release of toxic chemicals in private industry and from the federal government. Toxic chemical releases were down over 23% between 1991 and 1997, and Department of Defense toxic releases have fallen 64.8% between 1994 and 1998.
GORE ENCOURAGED MORE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Gore Launched the Administration's Livable Communities Initiative. Al Gore launched the Administration's Livable Communities initiative to provide citizens and communities with the tools and the resources needed to encourage smart growth, ease congestion, and improve quality of life. The initiative includes a citizen website and calls for $700 million in tax credits to help local communities raise $10.75 billion in Better America Bonds to achieve quality of life improvements for Americans. In addition, the Administration's FY2001 budget calls for $9.3 billion, a 14 percent increase, for the Administration's Livable Communities initiative to help communities grow in ways that enhance quality and strong economies.
Gore Led the Administration's Successful Brownfield Redevelopment Efforts. Since 1995, the Administration helped remove more than 30,000 sites from the Superfund database -- allowing them to access important resources to further the process of revitalization. In 1997, Al Gore announced the Administration's Brownfields National Partnership to streamline resources from 20 federal agencies to address Brownfield cleanup and redevelopment. The Administration has provided almost $70 million in seed grants to over 300 communities to leverage over $1.6 billion dollars in private funds for projects to revitalize brownfields. The Administration also has secured a tax incentive allowing businesses in targeted areas to deduct certain cleanup costs through 2001.
GORE WORKED TO PRESERVE OUR NATURAL TREASURES
Gore and the Administration Have Been Fighting for Full Funding of the Lands Legacy Initiative. For the second year in a row, Al Gore and the Administration have proposed full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through their Lands Legacy initiative. As part of their FY2001 budget proposal, the President and Vice President have requested $1.4 billion for the Lands Legacy initiative to build upon the $652 million secured by the Administration for the initiative in the FY2000 budget. The Clinton-Gore Administration is the first administration in many years to request full funding of the LCWF.
Gore and the Administration Have Protected America's Environmental Treasures. Al Gore has taken an active role in the Administration's efforts to protect our environmental treasures. In 1996, Gore unveiled a strategy to protect the Everglades, and in 1998 Gore unveiled a $7.8 billion proposal to restore the natural water flow in the Everglades. Gore also supported efforts to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to protect valuable roadless areas in National forests. In addition, the Administration has used the Antiquities Act to preserve and protect five natural treasures - more acreage in the lower 48 states than any prior administration in history. The Administration also has created 13 new national parks.
Gore and the Administration Have Protected America's Rivers and Forests. The Clinton-Gore Administration worked to protect more than 10 million acres of old growth reserves in the Pacific Northwest, and to restore and revitalize 14 "American Heritage Rivers." In 1994, the Administration created a Pacific Northwest Forest plan to protect the Northern Spotted Owl while allowing timber-dependent communities the opportunity for economic growth. Timber harvested from national forests has decreased 54.8% while recreational use of national forests has increased 29.6% from 263 to 341 million visitor days between 1992 and 1998.
Gore and the Administration Worked To Protect Forests and Biodiversity Around the World. In its FY01 budget, the Administration called for $150 million for a new Greening the Globe initiative to help stem the loss of forests worldwide.
Part XI: Energy
GORE WORKED TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON FOREIGN OIL
Gore Supported the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Prevent U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil. Al Gore was an early, vocal advocate for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He argued, "We need the cushion to fall back on in case some events occur in the Middle East which deprive the world of that very tenuous supply of oil," and he noted that the "SPR is a vital asset to our national security."
Gore Supported the Development of New Energy Technologies. Al Gore observed that "America's reliance on imported oil and the stranglehold that reliance has allowed oil-exporting nations to gain on our economy and our foreign policy" created a need for alternative fuel and energy sources.
Gore Supported Alternative Energy Sources in the U.S. House and Senate. Al Gore supported the creation of a $75 million solar and renewable energy source loan program for the Small Business Administration, and he voted for legislation accelerating federal research to develop energy cells to convert sunlight to electricity in 1978. Later, Gore repeatedly opposed Reagan Administration efforts to abandon alternative energy projects, and he repeatedly voted to fund synthetic and alcohol-based fuel and solar energy research.
Gore, as Vice President, Led Efforts to Develop Clean Energy Technologies. Al Gore and the Administration won more than $1 billion in 1998 and 1999 for the Climate Change Technology Initiative. This Initiative promotes clean energy research and development in order to develop renewable energy sources that will save consumers money. In addition, the Administration has extended tax credits for wind and biomass energy production through 2001. These efforts help to reduce emissions and reliance on imported oil.
Gore and the Administration Promoted Federal Efforts to Create Biomass Energy. Al Gore and the Administration, by Executive Order, have coordinated federal efforts to promote the development and use of bio-based energy technologies. These new technologies convert crops, trees and other "biomasses" into a different sources of energy. New fuels from these efforts could help reduce reliance on foreign oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tons per year in 2010 - the equivalent of taking 70 million cars off the road.
Gore and the Administration Promoted New Energy Efficiency Standards. Al Gore and the Administration issued new energy efficiency standards for Federal buildings and household appliances. They issued an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to reduce energy use in buildings 35% by 2010, issued new energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners, and developed new partnerships with industry to improve energy efficiency in cars and homes. These efforts are intended to improve energy conservation and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.
GORE WORKED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM OIL INDUSTRY PRICE GOUGING
Gore Investigated and Fought to Eliminate Oil Industry Price Gouging. As a Congressman, Al Gore investigated collusive oil industry pricing practices that cheated consumers out of over $10 billion between 1973 and 1981. Gore subsequently worked to punish oil companies that participated in these illegal schemes.
Gore Found that Oil Company Pricing Violated Federal Law. Al Gore cited evidence to show that several major oil companies had disobeyed federal laws in order to increase prices during and after the Arab oil embargo. Gore pursued these charges during House investigations and claimed, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse and now we have evidence that ignorance was feigned in order to maximize profits."
Gore Sponsored Legislation to Investigate Illegal Oil Pricing Practices. In 1982, Al Gore introduced legislation to establish an independent Office of Special Prosecution to investigate and prosecute violations of the oil pricing regulations contained in the Emergency Petroleum Act of 1973. Gore criticized lax Federal enforcement of these regulations. Gore stated that his legislation was needed "to bring these white-collar criminals to justice and, once and for, put an end to what is the largest conspiracy, in monetary terms, ever perpetrated against the American people."
Gore Opposed Amnesty for Industry Cartels. Al Gore argued that the Department of Energy was "negligent" for failing to pursue the illegal pricing scheme, and he opposed Reagan Administration plans to abandon penalizing oil companies for fraudulently elevating oil prices. The Administration was planning to either provide amnesty to oil companies or settle for grossly inadequate fines such as a $27 million settlement with Mobil Oil for overcharging consumers $923 million.
Gore Led the Congressional Investigation into the Natural Gas Crisis of 1977. Al Gore successfully urged the House investigations subcommittee to inquire whether the natural gas shortage of 1977 had been created artificially. After calling natural gas producers, Federal Power Commission members, and others to testify, Gore uncovered evidence that trillions of cubic feet of natural gas had been withheld from production and he concluded that natural gas pipeline companies and suppliers were natural monopolies. He noted, "Well over half of the end price natural gas goes to the pipelines and the distribution network, and they, by nature, are not competitive." Gore also found that certain government regulations contributed to the national shortfall in natural gas.
GORE FOUGHT FOR OIL SPILL VICTIMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Gore Worked to Prevent Oil Spills and Promote Clean Up Efforts. In 1977, Al Gore voted to increase liability for those who cause oil spills and for the creation of a fund to help pay oil spill clean-up costs. ] In 1980, Gore repeatedly voted to establish two $375 million funds to clean up spills and compensate victims of spills. In 1989, Gore also voted in favor of requiring double hulls for oil tankers traveling in U.S. waters, and he voted in favor of measures which eliminated liability limits for spills from tankers, barges and onshore and offshore facilities.
Gore Took On the Oil Industry to Protect Victims of Oil Spills. Al Gore repeatedly fought efforts to limit liability for victims of oil spills. In 1989, Gore voted to ensure that offshore oil producers would be liable for damages and costs resulting from an oil spill. Gore also voted to eliminate liability limits for spills from tankers, barges and onshore and offshore facilities, and to strike the maximum liability cap for oil spills. Gore then voted for final passage of the Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act.
Gore Voted Against Offshore Oil Drilling and Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Al Gore opposed offshore oil drilling in environmentally sensitive areas. In 1982, Gore criticized Reagan Administration support for the expansion of offshore drilling on wilderness land. In 1987, Gore reiterated his position by stating, "I do not believe that there ought to be drilling and exploration in environmentally sensitive areas where there is a high likelihood of serious environmental damage." In 1991 and 1992, Gore voted against funding offshore oil drilling activities off the Gulf of Mexico and the coast of Florida, and he opposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Gore Supported Efforts to Improve Management of Precious Ocean and Coastal Resources. As a U.S. Representative, Al Gore sought to improve the management of precious coastal resources. In 1978, Gore voted in favor of creating federally approved coastal management zones in the Outer Continental Shelf. In 1982, Gore voted to create a $300 million fund from offshore oil, gas, and mineral leases to promote research and development of Ocean and Coastal Management.
Read more of Al Gore's accomplishment's here!
