U.S. Senator Larry Craig
Serving the citizens of Idaho
http://craig.senate.gov/

On this page

Current Issue Issue Archive

An update on issues important to Idaho, the West, and our Nation from U.S. Senator Larry Craig craig.senate.gov/ enews April 19, 2007 Volume VI, Number 8

Don't Mend it, End it It's no secret our tax code is broken, and at no time is that more evident than each April when we sit down to file our taxes. According to the Internal Revenue Service, in 2005, Americans spent approximately 6.4 billion hours preparing their tax returns and nearly $265 billion in compliance costs, not to mention more than 66,000 pages of federal tax rules and over 893 different forms taxpayers must wade through each year. It's no wonder better that 60 percent of taxpayers hire professionals to file their tax returns. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Our tax code tells us the best time to marry, when to buy a home, how much to save and invest, and even when it would be the best time to die. Nearly every major life decision can be affected by the tax code in one form or another. The purpose of the tax code should be to simply fund the federal government, not tell us how to live our lives. The time for piecemeal fixes to the tax code has passed. Fundamental reform is the only thing that will effectively reintroduce fairness and simplicity to the system. The best approach is to replace our arcane tax code with a low, flat tax rate. To accomplish this, I am cosponsoring the Tax Simplification Act, which would replace our current tax code with a flat tax. Watch the video or read the full text of my floor speech on tax reform. Explore my Fiscal Responsibility Issue Brief. Listen to my April Podchat, where I answer questions from Idahoans. Respond with your views on tax reform by sending me an e-mail message. Idaho has the lowest per capita greenhouse gas production along with the lowest average electric rates in the nation. Should power rates in Idaho be increased to subsidize greenhouse gas reductions in other states? Yes, No, or Undecided Subscribers are invited to access the online ballot from the emailed version of eNEWS. On April 5, subscribers were asked: The Democrats' fiscal year 2008 budget raises taxes by $739 billion, which translates to a tax increase of more than $2,000 per household per year for the next ten years. Are you willing to pay this increase in taxes? A) Yes    [I would pay more: 13%, 122 votes] B) No    [I wouldn't pay more: 75%, 703 votes] C) It Depends    [12%, 116 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: Overview of upcoming Senate business and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Washington Report, 04/19/2007 [Streaming RealMedia, 3:48] “Democrats have remained true to their tax and spend ways.” - “Terrible Tax Day Approaches” an editorial by Larry Craig

More news from the U.S. Senate: • Stabenow, Craig Introduce Bill to Enhance Specialty Crop Competitiveness -4/19/07 • USDA to Provide Assistance to Eradicate Potato Cyst Nematode in Idaho -4/19/07 • Craig, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Spur Biogas Development -4/18/07 • Veterans Court on Record-Setting Pace -4/13/07 • Editorial: One Dinner Table at a Time -4/12/07 • New Legislation to Help Veterans with Burn Injuries -3/23/07 • Craig Rejects Surrender Date -3/22/07 Current Event April 11, 2007 Meridian native Kendra Waitley served as Idaho's Cherry Blossom Princess at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. More information, including an interview with Kendra, is available on my website. My Idaho Newsreel features new footage from my town meeting in Salmon and my speech to the Boise City Club on immigration reform. Congressional Diplomats? The Constitution is quite clear about the separation of powers between the Legislative and Executive branches of our government, and the Executive Branch has the exclusive authority to conduct negotiations with foreign countries. Members of Congress have the ability to express their dissent from the floor of their respective chambers. It is a very dangerous precedent to set if Members of Congress decide to buck the American foreign policy agenda and carry mixed messages to foreign governments, especially foreign governments hostile to our country. My Floor Statements page has my full statement on this issue, and other issues I address on the Senate floor. 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.