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A Comprehensive Energy Plan |
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The Republican demand to “Drill, baby, Drill!” and their threat to hold the entire federal government hostage to eliminate a decades-old ban on offshore drilling, may actually prove helpful to those who understand that a truly sustainable energy policy requires a more comprehensive approach.
This week the House of Representatives will vote on a Democratic proposal that offers something more than a high-school cheer: responsible off-shore drilling; fair value to American taxpayers for oil extracted from public lands and waters; additional incentives for energy conservation; and production tax credits for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The House has passed these tax credits four times to no avail. Now is our chance to get the Republicans in the Senate and the President on board in giving these emerging industries, which are so crucial for Oregon’s expanding green economy, the support they need.
Our energy bill puts all the pieces together in a thoughtful way, offering more than a bumper-sticker solution to Americans’ legitimate energy concerns. As is often the case in the democratic process, this bill is not perfect, but it is certainly light-years ahead of the one-dimensional, disingenuous approach touted by the Republicans.
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My Priorities for Oregon and the Nation |
Rebuilding and Renewing America
We are watching America’s highways and bridges crumble, levees breach, and antiquated water systems endanger our environment and our communities' health. The power grid is increasingly outdated and the promise of broadband internet has yet to be delivered to all Americans. I believe America needs a new plan to maintain and invest in the infrastructure that will keep our economy competitive, our environment clean, and our families safe, healthy and economically secure. Read more.
My Iraq Legislation
I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning, but simply opposing the war is not enough. That is why I introduced the New Direction for Iraq Act, which requires the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq, aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability, and a new approach towards reconstruction. Read more.
Energy and the Environment
Global warming is an escalating crisis for this generation and the ones to follow. As a longtime advocate for reducing our carbon emissions and protecting the planet, I was honored to be named to the first ever Global Warming Committee. Read more about the committee and my work to stop global warming here. Read more.
Health Care
Health care in United States is reaching a crisis point with 500,000 Oregonians lacking health insurance and over 47 million Americans nationwide struggling to access health coverage. Employer-based health insurance is increasingly unsustainable and we need to move toward a new health care delivery system, which is why I have co-sponsored the Healthy Americans Act. Read more.
Tax Fairness
Under the Bush administration, tax giveaways for the wealthy and unnecessary subsidies have badly tilted the playing field against average taxpayers. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for taxes and revenue, I am protecting hardworking families from unfair taxes like the AMT and eliminating corporate tax loopholes and giveaways. Read more.
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