Rep. Steve Rothman discussed alternative energy, health insurance and foreign relations among other topics at the Edgewater Community Center last week.

The Democratic congressman represents the 9th District and visits approximately 20 of his 37 municipalities each year for listening sessions.

"This is an opportunity for me to talk with my constituents and listen to your concerns," he told the audience on Aug. 14.

A resident asked about the "Notch Baby" Bill, which seeks to get more Social Security money for people born between 1917 and 1926, since they believe they don’t receive the proper amount. Rothman said Congress tried to address the issue years ago.

"But some people, including myself, don’t believe it was properly addressed," Rothman said.

He co-sponsored the "Notch Baby" bill that would pay a $5,000 lump sum the affected residents, but there hasn’t been enough support to get it passed.

Residents asked about the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Rothman said he does not favor drilling in America, but as a member of the House of Representative’s Science and Technology committee he is encouraged by other possibilities.

"We are closer to becoming alternative energy-efficient in the future," Rothman said.

Researchers are looking to design buildings to be more efficient using wind and solar panels. He said that appliances draw energy even when turned off, so the idea of a microchip that could prevent that is being explored.

Another resident suggested setting a national speed limit at 55 mph to lower gas use. Rothman said he heard that idea at a listening session in another town.

"I just don’t think there’s enough support to change it," he said. "But it’s definitely an option that can help."

A resident who works in the internet technology field asked why the United States keeps granting student visas when it causes Americans to lose jobs to outsourcing overseas. Rothman said he’s aware of that concern and said Microsoft founder Bill Gates testified before the Science and Technology committee.

Rothman said Gates thinks that continuing that practice can actually create more jobs in America, even though many of those students return to their countries. Rothman said the committee is still trying to determine what needs to be done.

A resident said that the last time Rothman visited he said Democrats were the minority and couldn’t control the voting in the House of Representatives. The resident asked why they aren’t getting more done now that they are the majority.

Rothman said a number of projects have already happened, including a mortgage refinancing bill that helps homeowners, road improvements across New Jersey, a reduction of flights at Teteroboro airport and more money for college aid. In addition, veterans can now get tuition for four years, Rothman said.

Rothman asked for a moment of silence at the start of the listening session to honor the military members serving overseas.

"However you feel about the reasons for the war, we should all acknowledge the sacrifice of our troops," he said.

Congress has allocated more money to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

"You have soldiers doing two, three or four tours and they’re coming back with more post-traumatic stress disorder than we’ve seen before," Rothman said. "It’s a very real issue."

Rothman also fielded some personal questions from residents, like issues with hospital over-billing. He encouraged residents to call his Hackensack office when they have issues so that his staff can meet with them to assist.