U.S. Senator Larry Craig
Serving the citizens of Idaho
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An update on issues important to Idaho, the West, and our Nation from U.S. Senator Larry Craig craig.senate.gov/ enews October 19, 2007 Volume VI, Number 19

Appropriate Appropriations A lot has been said recently about wasteful spending in Washington. With the tax-and-spend policies of the Democratic majority—whose budget will increase spending by more than $600 billion and taxes by more than $700 billion—it's a fact that's hard to ignore. I believe taxpayers expect their elected representatives to be careful with how they spend their money. That's why for the past 27 years, fiscal restraint has been one of my top priorities. My record speaks for itself. I've never voted for a tax increase, and the National Taxpayers Union found that had all the legislation I sponsored or cosponsored in the last Congress been passed, it would have resulted in a savings of $49 billion dollars. I'm proud of that record, and I will keep doing all I can to see that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. I will continue working to establish a fiscally responsible budget. But once the budget limits have been established, I will fight for Idaho priorities and projects that demonstrate they are fiscally responsible, cannot be accomplished without federal help, and benefit the nation as well as our State. This week the Senate considered two important appropriations bills—the Commerce, Justice, and Science bill and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill. Both of these bills contained federal assistance for projects important to Idaho, ranging from building a nursing facility to helping peace officers disseminate critical law enforcement information. One project receiving funding that will make Idaho particularly proud is the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The largest multi-day winter sporting event ever held in the United States will be coming to Idaho in 2009. Idaho has a lot to do to get ready to host the world, and this funding will help ensure the success of the event and showcase our wonderful State. READ my statement on the Special Olympics EXPLORE my Fiscal Responsibility Issue Briefing RESPOND with your views on appropriations, fiscal responsibility or other topics. Who is more worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize, Al Gore or the troops fighting the War on Terror? A) Al Gore B) Troops fighting War on Terror Subscribers are invited to access the online ballot from the emailed version of eNEWS. On September 28, subscribers were asked: Should the State Childrens' Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) be expanded to include some coverage for adults? A) Yes    [37%, 278 votes] B) No   [63%, 468 votes]

Open a window on Washington My biweekly video digest features highlights of recent legislative activities with insights into what lies ahead on the agenda. In the most recent update: Senate considers improvements to veterans' care, clears appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice and Science, and discusses ban on taxing Internet access. The Washington Report, 10/18/2007 [Streaming RealMedia] “I believe in the constitutional principles of limited federal government, free enterprise, private property and individual liberty and responsibility. ” - Philosophy, Mission, and Goals Senate Mission Statement by Senator Larry Craig

More news from the U.S. Senate: • Craig Supports Vets' Health Care Proposals -10/17/07 • More Idaho Projects Cleared in CJS Bill -10/17/07 • DOE Loan Guarantee Program Will Bring Alternative Energy to Idaho -10/4/07 • Idaho Defense Projects Clear the Senate -10/4/07 Current Event Veterans Health Care Hearing As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I heard testimony recently on how to improve the health care our nation's veterans receive. Event Details Regional Offices: at your service My work in Washington, DC and the vast size of our State make it impossible for me to be everywhere at once. For that reason, I've set up six regional offices across the State. If you are having problems with a federal agency, there are specialists in my regional offices who may be able to help resolve your problem. They are trained, competent, dedicated and authorized to act in my name in dealing with federal agencies. While I cannot guarantee the final outcome, I can ensure that your case is treated fairly and expeditiously. For more information on what I and my regional offices can help you with, please visit the Constituent Services section of my website. These offices are fully authorized to act on my behalf and are experts in problem resolution and constituent service. Privacy Policy     Office Locations     Contact Me     Forms Library     Search my website

Issue Archive

To open a different issue of eNEWS, please select it from the archive list below:

Patriot Day at the Pentagon, 2008-09-11

[Volume 7, Number 16] I had the honor of attending the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial on the seventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The monument sits along the flight path of Flight 77, overlooking the section of the building where it crashed, claiming 184 lives, including 2 Idahoans � Naval Reserve Commander Ronald Vauk of Nampa and Brady Howell of Sugar City.

Working for Idaho, 2008-08-22

[Volume 7, Number 15] The Dog Days of summer are upon us, and they've hit the U.S. Senate too. Fortunately, some progress benefiting Idaho was made before these unproductive days hit.

Gauging Gas Prices, 2008-07-25

[Volume 7, Number 14] The rising cost of gasoline has dominated the news over the past few months. I have heard from literally thousands of Idahoans about the issue, and take their stories and opinions with me to the discussions and hearings I take part in each day.

Energizing Idaho, 2008-07-11

[Volume 7, Number 13] A few months ago the French company Areva selected Bonneville County for a $2 billion uranium enrichment plant. I recently traveled to France to get a firsthand look at Areva's nuclear facilities there.

Bulletproofing Gun Rights, June 27, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 12] The Supreme Court's ruling was a particularly joyous one for me, but nobody should imagine this decision puts an end to all controversies surrounding the Second Amendment.

Medicare on Life Support, June 13, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 11]

Honor and Gratitude, May 30, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 10] This past week the nation paused to honor our military men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country, as well as those still living who have served and continue to serve.

Viva AREVA!, May 12, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 09] Idaho is celebrating the news that AREVA, the global supplier of technology, services, and products related to the generation of clean nuclear power, will build its first U.S. uranium enrichment plant in Bonneville County.

Fat or Flat?, April 25, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 08] Our tax code is broken and must be replaced with a tax system that is simple, transparent, and fair to everyone.

Shelter from the Subprime Storm, April 11, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 07] I opposed the economic stimulus handout bill that the Congress passed in February, largely because it failed to address the housing problems that are the root cause of our current economic downturn.

IDAH2O, March 28, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 06] Water is truly the lifeblood of the West. It is vital to Idahoans, and very much one of our Idaho necessities.

No Bull: Beef is Safe, March 7, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 05] When I witnessed the recent recall of 143 million pounds of beef from a processing plant in California, I shared the concerns of these hard working Idahoans, as well as the consuming public.

Leadership. Experience. Commitment, February 22, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 04] Thanks to the President's Day recess, I spent this week home in Idaho, traveling and talking to Idahoans.

Debt-Bloating Stimulus Package, February 8, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 03] I think it's fiscally irresponsible to increase our budget deficit by $150 billion just to give everyone a few hundred extra bucks to spend.

Hello, 2008, January 25, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 02] My own legislative goals for 2008 are clear cut. As I have been doing for years, I will fight this year to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Goodbye, 2007, January 11, 2008

[Volume 7, Number 01] Despite the doom and gloom, there were a number of successes in Congress last year that will make positive changes for Idahoans.

Dreaming of a Clean (Energy) Christmas, December 20, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 23] After three decades of my "policy wonking" on energy independence and clean energy development, all of a sudden the American public seems to be taking note of energy again.

Climate Change Battle Cry, November 30, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 22] As we move into the final stretch of the calendar year there is still a lot of work to be completed by the Congress, especially considering how little the new Majority has gotten done so far.

Remembering Veterans, November 16, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 21] My work on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has made Veterans' Day even more meaningful for me.

All About Agriculture, November 2, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 20] I believe that properly shaped federal agricultural policy is critical to the health of our agricultural economy as well as to our economic security.

Appropriate Appropriations, October 19, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 19] A lot has been said recently about wasteful spending in Washington. With the tax-and-spend policies of the Democratic majority-whose budget will increase spending by more than $600 billion and taxes by more than $700 billion-it's a fact that's hard to ignore.

Listening to Idahoans, Working for Idaho, September 28, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 18] Understanding the views of those I represent is an important part of my job as Idaho's Senator. That's why in the previous edition of eNEWS, I asked what you believed to be the most critical issue that Congress must address before the end of this year.

Idaho's Capitol Connection, August 23, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 17] I have been refining my website by adding new features and issue briefings.

Improving Veterans Services, August 9, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 16] As the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I have had the privilege of working on many issues important to Idaho's 132,000 veterans.

Burning Issues Before Congress, July 26, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 15] The smoke you see hanging over Idaho is a visible reminder that mismanagement has left our public lands in a dangerous state of disrepair.

Focus on Freedom, July 13, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 14] With Congress currently debating the Department of Defense Authorization Bill, the bill that funds the armed forces that help keep us free, and on the heels of Independence Day, I wanted to give you a status report on the ongoing fight for freedom.

Immigration Reform Update, June 28, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 13] We can all agree that people must not be allowed to enter the United States illegally, and those who have done so must be held accountable.

Energy Bill is Due, June 14, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 12] I support an energy policy that will both decrease demand and increase supply. For instance, I am supporting expanding our use of alternative fuel sources like ethanol, increasing vehicle fuel efficiency standards, and expanding our exploration of domestic oil and gas resources.

Legendary Heroes, May 31, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 11] As millions of Americans hit the highway last weekend to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday, I joined U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson and other Members of Congress in traveling to France to commemorate the first American pilots who died during World War I.

Older, Wiser and Healthier, May 18, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 10] With approximately 78 million baby boomers beginning to retire, our nation faces significant challenges.

Collaborative Conservation, May 4, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 9] As this year's Earth Day passed, like many folks I reflected on where our environment stands.

Don't Mend it, End it, April 19, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 8] The purpose of the tax code should be to simply fund the federal government, not tell us how to live our lives.

Second Amendment Comes First, April 5, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 7] The Constitution provides that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Farm Bill Due, March 22, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 6] My goal is to represent Idaho agriculture's interest in the debate to ensure that needs and concerns of Idaho are considered as we update our national agricultural policies.

Empowering veterans with healthcare choice, March 8, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 5] I am proposing that we empower veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing them to choose their healthcare provider--either the VA or another local doctor.

Bringing our budget Back to Black, February 22, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 4] By the year 2050, federal spending will consume fifty percent of our economy, which translates, in tax dollars, to a tax increase of 60 percent, or an additional $11,000 per household.

Surge to Success, February 8, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 3] It is no secret that I am concerned about the situation in Iraq. My anxiety matches that of the citizens of Idaho, and like many of you, I have taken a much more critical look at the way the war has been handled.

And, SOTU spoke the President, January 26, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 2] On Tuesday, in his annual State of the Union address, President Bush stayed true to form and presented bold initiatives to tackle long-standing problems.

Our fate hangs in the Balance, January 12, 2007

[Volume 6, Number 1] With a new year and a new Congress comes a renewed opportunity to fix our broken federal budget.