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| Greetings
from U.S. Senator Ken Salazar Greetings! September has arrived and Congress is now back in session in Washington. I spent the last few days of August in southern Colorado including Pueblo, Westcliffe and the San Luis Valley. In Pueblo I walked in the State Fair’s parades and visited with constituents at various fair-related events. In Westcliffe, I met with and listened to local residents who are anxious for change and progress in Washington on the issues they care about such as immigration reform, health care and gasoline prices. And in the San Luis Valley I spent time with my 84 year old mother, Emma and traveled with her on a much anticipated pilgrimage to visit her siblings living in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The trip reinvigorated me and reminded me of the unending importance of family and connection. Unfortunately, last week, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld accused those who are critical of the Administration’s miscalculations in Iraq of “moral and intellectual confusion.” Secretary Rumsfeld has grossly mismanaged our Nation’s involvement in Iraq, placing hundreds of thousands of American servicemembers in harms way without the proper equipment to do the job. Secretary Rumsfeld has grossly underestimated the cost. The Secretary’s latest comments were the last straw; I wrote to President Bush last week and asked him to dismiss Secretary Rumsfeld from his post. Despite these challenges imposed by Secretary Rumsfeld, our troops have performed admirably. However, it is disrespectful to their effort and mission for Secretary Rumsfeld to continue in this important role, and our Nation needs new leadership at the Department of Defense. Also this week, the Senate wrapped up consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill. I strongly support our troops and their global mission to keep us safe. This $466.6 billion defense appropriations bill contains several important provisions for Colorado, including $26.5 million in new technologies produced by Colorado companies, over $7 million for upgrades at Fort Carson and Schreiver Air Force Base and $800,000 to develop master plan for infrastructure restoration at the United States Air Force Academy. Also last week, Colorado scored a major win with the National Park Service. After nearly a year of hearings, one-on-one meetings, official letters and public statements, the National Park Services committed to maintain its nearly-100-year-old commitment to the principle of “do no harm.” This week, the U.S. Forest Service announced it would provide an additional $1 million in federal funding to combat bark beetles in Region 2, the Rocky Mountain Region. In June of this year, I had requested USDA Undersecretary Mark Rey release these additional resources for Forest Service hazardous fuels and forest health projects in Colorado, and I am pleased he responded with this important funding. Bark Beetles are one of the biggest threats to our Nation’s forests, I will continue to do everything I can to fight the scourge of the bark beetle. This week I joined a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues in introducing an emergency agriculture disaster relief bill. After spending the last month hearing from Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities during listening sessions around the state, the message was clear: the need for emergency relief is more pressing than ever. Farmers and ranchers in Colorado and across the Nation have suffered back-to-back years of devastating losses as a result of ongoing drought conditions and higher input costs. Washington has repeatedly failed to act on this urgent crisis, and must act immediately to prevent these communities from withering on the vine. Finally, this Monday brings us to the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Each American grappled to understand this moment in history as it unfolded before us, trying to make sense of senselessness. As a Nation, we continue to struggle with it each day. Like all Americans, I have spent many hours seeking meaning from and understanding of the events of September 11, 2001. It has not been an easy task, nor will it ever be completed. But we know the importance of remembering those who are not here with us now – the innocent passengers aboard those four planes, and in the Towers and the Pentagon; the courageous first responders who charged into the chaos to try and save their fellow man; the brave service members who have given their lives around the world to protect the freedoms we continue to enjoy, to engage our enemies wherever they may run and hide. Those lost to us on September 11th and the struggles afterwards shall never be forgotten. They remain in our hearts, the source of our resolve. As we have in the past, America shall meet this challenge as we did then – with honor, wisdom and an unbreakable spirit. I look forward to continuing to work for you in the United States Senate.
Please contact
me with any questions or concerns you have. Sincerely, Ken Salazar, Working for Colorado Sen. Salazar disappointed in BLM decision to not seek public comment before Roan Plateau lands leased/Will remain watchful of next steps Sen. Salazar statement on the President’s announcement regarding detainees in CIA facilities Senator Salazar opposes Federalizing National Guard Sen. Salazar announces Bipartisan Ag Disaster Relief bill Senator Salazar efforts to maintain National Parks’ guiding principles pays off In the News Drilling OK'd on Roan// BLM plan for plateau carries restrictions BLM plan calls for drilling Roan// Work to be done in sensitive way, feds say VA reviewing policy for national cemeteries GJDS editorial: Parks’ principles restored Senators seek congressional probe of DirecTV Hospital contract void// HealthOne no longer 'in network' for United Healthcare Controversy over Senate immigration hearing in Colorado Salazar demands Rumsfeld be fired// Defense secretary's salvo at war critics angers Democrats Salazar joins Democrats in calling for Rumsfeld's firing 2 Colo. Dems hit storm response Pine
beetles looking for fresh trees/Experts ask for help to stem spread
Senator Ken Salazar's DC office is located at 702 Hart Senate office building, Washington, DC 20510. He has Colorado regional offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Ft. Morgan, Pueblo, Durango, Grand Junction and Alamosa. For contact and mailing info, click here.
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