U.S.

Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, and 27 House lawmakers recently urged House Speaker

Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., to push for Senate action on several energy bills passed in the House of Representatives."The House has already passed two important measures that will help ease the burden of prices at the pump and ensure that American consumers have access to affordable gas through the summer," English said in a news release."By themselves these bills will not provide an automatic fix to the energy shortage we are experiencing today, but they are part of the solution. The Senate needs to stop stalling and move forward with these common-sense initiatives."In October, the House passed the Gasoline for America's Security Act, legislation to lower gasoline prices and revitalize refineries to help reduce U.S. independence on foreign oil. A key provision in the bill would establish a federal ban on gasoline price gouging.Last month, the House acted on the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act, to encourage new refining capacity to help increase gasoline supplies and drive down high prices.The Senate has failed to take up either measure.———

U.S. Rep. <B>Melissa Hart</B>, R-4th, applauded bipartisan legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives that she said would reduce medical errors and improve patient diagnosis and treatment.In part, Hart said, the Health Information Technology Promotion Act, updates the coding systems used for patient diagnosis and promotes cooperation between states and the federal government to increase the security of medical records."By promoting the use of e-prescriptions and modern technology, this legislation will revamp a system very much in need of modernization," she said in a news release.The Health Information Technology Promotion Act will help reduce medical errors by:• Updating diagnosis coding systems• Promoting cooperation between states and the federal government to increase the security of medical records• Providing grants to promote health information technology in small physician practices and for the uninsured• Providing for a national framework for the use of interoperable health information technology.———

Pennsylvania service members and their families who are facing financial difficulties could be eligible for grants of up to $2,500 from the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, said Rep.<B> Brian Ellis</B>, R-11th."This program was established last year by the Legislature in response to the need of many military families brought about by overseas deployment," said Ellis.More than $148,000 has been donated through contributions and from Pennsylvania taxpayers who chose to donate a portion of their state personal income tax return.The General Assembly created the program to ensure the families of military men and women are able to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and utilities.The program also applies to certain family members of eligible servicemen and women.To apply for assistance, visit the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us. Applications are also available by writing to DMVA, MFRAP, Building P-0-47, FTIG, Annville, PA 17003-5002.Applications also are available from Pennsylvania National Guard Family Assistance Centers.Donations to the program can be made via contribution or through a check-off on the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Form.Direct contributions can be made by sending a check to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Donations are tax- deductible.For information, contact Ellis' district office at 724-283-5852 or 724-352-8110, or visit the DMVA Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us.