U.S. Senator Larry Craig
Serving the citizens of Idaho
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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 July 13, 2007 Volume VI, Number 14

Focus on Freedom As I watched the Fourth of July celebrations across the State, I was reminded of how much we prize our independence. My own Senate Mission Statement includes personal pledges to work for freedom and liberty. 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. The Senate recessed for the Fourth of July after the Democratic leadership forced a vote on denying workers the freedom to vote in secret about the organization of a union. That's right—they attempted to pass legislation that would have allowed employers and union representatives to monitor and record how each employee voted for union membership. I was proud to stand with the vast majority of workers in opposing this bill, which was ultimately defeated. Democrats in Congress now propose to deny our freedom of expression by reviving an artifact of the Red Scare, the so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Bitter over the success of conservative radio, they hope to use government censors to force radio stations and other media outlets to give equal time to opposing views. The fight for freedom doesn't stop with our civil liberties. Democrats hope to curtail our economic freedoms by raising taxes—including a tax on death itself. I aim to free us from the complication and unnecessary burdens of our tax system with a flat tax. Finally, the fight for freedom in Iraq goes on—and frames the debate over the Department of Defense Authorization bill. As Abraham Lincoln once wrote, "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves". As we await the results of the surge in Iraq, I maintain that success is possible. In the meantime, I will not deny the Iraqis their chance at freedom—though I cannot force them to embrace it. FOLLOW the Iraq debate in my Defense Floor Journal. WATCH my video about the Flat Tax. READ my editorial about the Fairness Doctrine. Respond with your views on freedom, liberty or other issues. How many times per year do you recreate on public lands in Idaho? A) Zero B) Less than 5 C) Five to 10 D) More than 10 Subscribers are invited to access the online ballot from the emailed version of eNEWS. On June 21, subscribers were asked: To decrease our current 60% dependence on foreign oil, do we need to: A) Conserve more    [14%, 108 votes] B) Produce more biofuels    [8%, 61 votes] C) Produce more oil in the U.S.    [23%, 178 votes] D) Do all three    [55%, 426 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 in tug-of-war over troops in Iraq. Foreign investments to be reviewed by intelligence agencies. More safeguards around freedom of speech. Simplifying the tax code. The Washington Report, 07/12/2007 [Streaming RealMedia] “More jobs and a lower tax burden sounds like a pretty good deal for working families across Idaho and the nation. ” - Building Toward Zero an editorial by Senator Larry Craig

More news from the U.S. Senate: • Committee Says 'GO' to Idaho Transportation Projects -7/12/07 • Additional Funding Coming to Assist Idaho Potatoes -7/9/07 • All is Fair in Love and War -7/5/07 • Senate Approves Committee on Foreign Investment Reform Bill -6/29/07 • Craig Calls Free Speech Only Fair Doctrine -6/29/07 • Committee Approves OCS Energy Inventory -6/28/07 • Craig: Immigration Reform Needed -6/28/07 Current Event 4th of July Parade I spent the entire week of the Fourth of July in Idaho, attending events and taking part in celebrations of independence. Event Details Economic Freedom Index: How Free Are We? The Heritage Foundation, a Washington based think tank, and the Wall Street Journal compile an annual Index of Economic Freedom. The ranking is based on criteria such as trade freedom, property rights, freedom from corruption and labor freedom. This year, the United States stands at number 4—behind Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. Our highest ranking was in Business Freedom, while our lowest was in Freedom from Government. Although lists like these are not necessarily definitive, when I see the United States with a low ranking in something like freedom from government interference, it just helps drive home the points made by small businesses, and entrepreneurs across the state: we need less government, not more. That is one reason I teamed up with the Center for the New West to host a luncheon in Washington, D.C. to discuss telecommunications policy, and how to keep it free from unnecessary government intrusion. For more information about the Center for the New West and its mission, visit http://www.centerfornewwest.org. 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.