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

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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 August 10, 2007 Volume VI, Number 16

Improving Veterans Services 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. For instance, I worked to increase the healthcare opportunities for Idaho veterans through the Community Based Outpatient Clinic that opened in Caldwell, expanding clinic operating hours in Lewiston and using telemedicine in Salmon. The full Senate also passed my legislation improving the treatment offered to those with traumatic brain injuries. I've also pressed to expand education benefits for veterans and their families and to make owning a home easier for disabled veterans. Some of these programs come with a price, and as a fiscal conservative I take my stewardship of your tax dollars seriously. I've resisted efforts to make funding the VA mandatory; our experience with Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare clearly show that "mandatory funding" is not a cure-all...we need "mandatory fiscal restraint". READ a Sneak Peek of my 2007 Veterans Newsletter EXPLORE the Veterans History Project LISTEN to my Podchat about Veterans Healthcare and the Iraq war RESPOND with your views on Veterans issues or other topics. Some in Congress have proposed raising the federal fuel tax to pay for bridge and highway infrastructure repairs. Would you support such a proposal? A) Yes, at whatever price it would take B) Yes, as long as the tax was less than 5 cents per gallon C) No, I don't support any increase in the fuel tax Subscribers are invited to access the online ballot from the emailed version of eNEWS. On July 26, subscribers were asked: Are you or an immediate family member a veteran? A) I'm a veteran    [52%, 315 votes] B) I have a parent who is a veteran   [24%, 142 votes] C) I have a sibling who is a veteran    [8%, 46 votes] D) I have a child who is a veteran    [8%, 45 votes] E) I don't have any veterans in my immediate family    [8%, 50 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 boosts science and math education programs; Congress approves new ethic rules; and special feature on the "Artist of the Capitol," Constantino Brumidi. The Washington Report, 08/09/2007 [Streaming RealMedia] “One of the most rewarding experiences of my political career was authoring and then seeing legislation passed which provides immediate payments of between $25,000 and $100,000 to service members who have been traumatically injured. ” - Dramatic Changes for Veterans an editorial by Senator Larry Craig

More news from the U.S. Senate: • New Legislation Would Create Six Epilepsy Centers for the VA -8/6/07 • Where is the Fiscal Responsibility? -8/2/07 • Senate Clears Caswell for BLM -8/6/07 • President to Sign Nuclear Education Provision -8/3/07 • Western Weeds Will Wither -8/2/07 • Feds Assist Ranchers Impacted by Fires -8/2/07 • 'Ethics Reform' Falls Short -8/2/07 • New Downwinder Bill Includes Idaho, Montana -8/1/07 • Senate Approves Homeland Security Appropriations -7/26/07 • Fires: Delegation Pledges Assistance, Calls for Flexibility -7/26/07 Current Event Three Creek Fire Meeting With fires raging out of control in Idaho, I met with ranchers in Three Creek to talk about the problem. Event Details Idahoan Moves to Bureau of Land Management It's always good to have a Western perspective in the land management agencies, and even better when that perspective is given by an Idahoan. Jim Caswell fits the bill, and I'm happy to report he was recently approved by the full Senate to serve as the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Jim was a former Forest Supervisor and also was the head of Idaho's Office of Species Conservation under Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter. I look forward to having someone of Jim's caliber heading up BLM. The fact that he was confirmed so quickly, I think, speaks to his strong qualifications for the job. In the numerous times I've worked with Jim over the years, I've always found him to be reasonable, practical and very fair, and I'm sure he'll continue to demonstrate these qualities in his new role. Visit the BLM's Idaho Portal to learn more about the work the BLM does in Idaho. 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.