April 28, 2008
Op-ed

Providence Journal Live Web Chat Hosted by G. Wayne Miller

Senator Jack Reed answered questions from readers at the Providence Journal from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday, April 28.

G. Wayne Miller: Welcome everyone, Senator Reed has joined us and he'll be answering questions momentarily.

Navy Joe: Since assuming majorities in House & Senate, the general economic conditions have deteriorated. I see no reported indication that the majority is "reaching across the aisle" to accomplish anything substantive. When will you and the leaders, take time off from relentlessly criticizing the President, "reach across the aisle" and do something? I don't care to hear about the minority frustrating your initiatives. You did the same thing. When will we open up "ANWAR"?

Senator Reed: I'm very happy to have the opportunity to talk with all of you. Thank you for your timely and important questions. Navy Joe, You might be aware that we just passed, on a bipartisan basis, a major stimulus package which will provide $ 164 billion in tax rebates to low and moderate-income Americans. Moreover, we passed a few months ago the first increase in automobile mileage standards in more than 20 years. This last measure will begin to address long-term energy problems. In addition to these efforts, I believe we will need another stimulus package that focuses on infrastructure improvements and job creation. We are trying to build a bipartisan consensus on this issue, but to date, the administration is not supportive.

To continue regarding ANWAR, I believe the best approach is to decrease demand for petroleum products through measures like improved gasoline mileage for cars.

jmac: What is the US government doing about the constant increase of gas and oil prices? From the gas pumps to home heating oil, the US consumer is being robbed. The impact is being felt everywhere from small businesses (such Fishing vessels and trucking companies) to those citizens living on fixed incomes. What is the Government's plan or do they even have one? Something has to be done.

Senator Reed: Gasoline prices are much too high and are placing an incredible burden on American families. We have tried to propose some short-run approaches including urging the administration to avoid further acquisitions of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In addition, we are beginning to focus on the commodities trading market to ensure that there is no illegal speculation in oil products. We have urged energy companies to voluntarily contribute to a home-heating assistance program. Unfortunately, they have rebuffed our efforts to date. These measures, at best, will only bring modest relief. The real question is how quickly we can shift to alternate fuels throughout the economy. This will be one of the key challenges of the next several years.

G. Wayne Miller: The senator is giving detailed responses to questions, which is why there is a bit of a pasue between answers!

jlo: Good Afternoon Senator Reed, In light of the current housing crisis, I am wondering what can be done to help or level the property tax for cities and towns of RI. As a Executrix of my father's Estate, I am tryng to sell his home and find myself lowering the price just to catch the eyesof prospective new home owners. While I pay high (Prov) property tax on previous years figures. I am sure there are other people going through the same thing. I am also concerned that the housing crisis wil cause many people in my same situation to lower the price so low that estate obligation may not be taken care of.

Senator Reed: We are seeing a serious decline in housing prices across the country. This decline has many serious consequences. It places pressure on individuals like yourself who have to dispose of property. It also puts pressure on local budgets as the overall value of property declines, causing declines in revenue. I am working with my colleagues on legislation that will authorize the Federal Housing Administration to intervene more decisively to prevent foreclosures. These foreclosures are one of the major factors driving down property values. Unless we are able to establish a floor in residential home prices, I am concerned that further erosion will undermine the housing market and the overall economy.

G. Wayne Miller: Just a reminder of how we do things here -- as with all chats, our guests choose the questions they answer, and given limited time, they may not be able to get to all of them. That will likely be the case today, as numerous questions were submitted in advance and more are coming in live. Thanks for your understanding.

Bob Petrone: Sen. Reed, On January 16, 2008 there was an article in the Providence Journal announcing that Rhode Island would receive an additional $4.5 million (initial grant was $13.5 million) in heating assistance from money that was released by the Bush administration. With gasoline prices on a steady rise do you see the possibility of assisting low income families and seniors with similar help to purchase gas?

Senator Reed: The low-income heating assistance program is already in effect and we have been able to provide additional resources to Rhode Island over the past few months. There is no similar program with respect to gasoline. I do not believe that such a program will be created in the near future. Relief at the pump will come by the adoption of policies to lessen demand, to better regulate the futures markets and to invest in adequate public transportation.

clockwalk: Senator Reed, Why is it necessary to subsidise our oil companies. Shell oil announced that they were not devoting as much money to oil exploration next year. Isn't that why we subsidise them?

Senator Reed: I believe that the incentives for major oil companies are misplaced. I supported efforts to direct these tax incentives to encourage alternate energy. Unfortunately, we could not muster the 60 votes necessary to include this provision in the last energy bill. I believe we must do this to improve our energy position and also to pay for new investment in alternate energy programs.

Dani: Our children have grown up in this state to believe that most public officials are corrupt - and that you only get somewhere in RI if you "know someone" - this starts in small ways - getting into a class that might be full - to getting a speeding ticket taken care of. They learn the ropes, young, of how to make your way in this, our smallest state. A life of public service seems tainted to them, and while they may consider law school, or a similar profession, you do not hear too many young people say they want to run for office -- and they are gearing their career search out of RI. How can we turn this around - it might be too late for my children (21 and 18), but you may have a chance to see your little one grow and prosper in our state, if we are successful.

Senator Reed: I believe public service is an important calling. I think we have to recognize not only the shortcomings, but also a significant number of men and women who devote themselves to public service. These individuals serve in many different capacities and from every political persuasion. Often they don't get the attention they deserve. Hopefully their example can inspire the young people of Rhode Island.

cmkearns: Hi Senator Reed, my name is Chris Kearns I am a student at URI. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question and participate in this chat. My question to you is numerous states along the east coast are going to be involved in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Iniative Policy. The cap and trade program to deal with greenhouse gases. I was wondering what your feelings are of a national policy to address climate change in the U.S.? Is it something you feel will be addressed over the next year or two? Thanks for answering my question.

Senator Reed: The issue of environmental and energy policy must be addressed in the next administration. Indeed, it should be one of the major topics in the next State of the Union speech in January of 2009. Global warming must be addressed. I believe that steps to shift to alternate fuels and lower the demand for petroleum products is the most efficient strategy. This approach also has the potential to open up a significant opportunity for the growth of jobs in green technologies. It can be a way to enhance not only our environment, but our global competitive position.

RhodeIslandGirl: There are thousands of low income Rhode Island families who heat with electricity, and the rising cost of energy has made it so these people have astronomically high bills. Most of them are facing a shut off on May 1st, and National Grid usually wants a certain percentage (a costly one) as a downpayment before a payment plan can be established. The funding for heating assistance and Good neighbor fund was limited, and has been exhausted. What is being done to help these families?

Senator Reed: I am requesting, along with several colleagues, that the next supplemental appropriations bill contain approximately $800 million for additional LIHEAP funding for the nation. This will free up additional resources for Rhode Island. However, even with these resources, there are many, many families that are facing difficult choices to maintain basic utilities services.

blueocean42: My question is regarding the large number of homeless people in this state and the "huge" need for services to help these people start over and get off the street. Since the Gov closed the one in Cranston, the beds are so few and as of 4-12 the smaller shelters have closed. (nights extremely cold still) Is there anything being done to help from your end?

Senator Reed: I am the principal sponsor of legislation to reform and reauthorize the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Act. This legislation will focus efforts to improve the delivery of homelessness services and to reward communities that have taken a strong proactive effort to assist homeless individuals. Also, I am principal sponsor of legislation to create an affordable housing trust fund, funded by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the two major secondary mortgage market companies). By increasing the supply of affordable housing, we can give more people a chance to find homes.

Babbine: Senator Reed I work very hard just to make ends meet. At times, they don't even come close to meeting yet I work 2 jobs and earn good money. I have cut back on everything and don't even put my heat above 62 in the winter. My car has 11600 miles on it in 1 1/2 years. I do all I can to survive yet I hear of these oil companies (and Presidents, Vice-Presidents, etc.) earning so much money. What can be done to assist people in my situation? My income is near $65000. That makes me a member - poor member - of the middle class that is about to dissolve. At what point does the government step in and force major industries to stop gouging us?

Senator Reed: I am working with Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington on legislation to prevent price gouging in the sale of gasoline products, but your question raises significant issues regarding the ability of working families to make ends meet. We have to take significant action involving more affordable access to health care, better support for education, including higher education, and increasing the opportunity for good, well-paying jobs.

P. J.: I have recently seen the Oscar-nominated documentary "No End In Sight" about the lack of readiness or preparation for the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq invasion and the mishandling of the subsequent occupation. With your West Point background and your frequent trips to Iraq, what would you advise the next president regarding how to proceed with the current situation in Iraq and how to avoid future quagmires?

Senator Reed: We have to shift responsibility to the government of Iraq and its armed forces. I believe we have to adopt the policy of beginning a deliberate downsizing of our forces and shifting to the missions of training, counterterrorism, and force protection. These missions will allow us to reduce our forces and to assist the government of Iraq in maintaining stability. Also, these military actions must be accompanied by diplomatic initiatives in the region to provide political support for a stable situation in Iraq.

G. Wayne Miller: The senator is trying to select a broad variety of topics from the many questions submitted. Hopefully, he will have time to touch on all of the issues raised...

Mary: Why aren't there investigations regarding the amount of money that has been wasted and/or stolen in Iraq?

Senator Reed: There are investigations underway by the Congress and the Government Accounting Office. These investigations are of recent origin. Previously, neither the administration nor the prior Congress wanted to look at the emerging evidence of corruption in Iraq. Unfortunately, these investigations point to the loss of billions of dollars, and the failure to provide timely assistance to the people of Iraq. We must follow up on these investigations to ensure that this episode is not repeated.

MikeR: It is my understanding that you are "Anti-Gun". If this is the case why do you choose not to support a citizens individual right guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and Article I, Section 22 of the Rhode Island State Constitution? A right that allows me to protect myself and family from criminals and tyranny.

Senator Reed: I support sensible rules with respect to gun ownership. There are thousands and thousands of responsible Americans who use firearms for recreation and for hunting. This is a long and recognized tradition in the United States. The challenge is to balance the legitimate use of firearms with the need to protect public safety. This is a continuing and evolving debate. At present, the Supreme Court is considering a major Second Amendment case regarding the District of Columbia. Their decision could have a significant impact on the interpretation of the Second Amendment.

Are: student loan intrest rates are out of control, what can be done about that?

Senator Reed: A few months ago, the Congress passed major legislation, which I co-sponsored, that lowered the interest rates charged on federally backed student loans, and it also increased the maximum Pell Grant. However, due to the significant increases in tuition, many families cannot fund all of their payments with a combination of Pell Grants and federal loans. Private loans have increased and their interest rates are not directly regulated by federal policy. We continue to attempt to raise the Pell Grant levels and to provide reasonable rates on federal loans.

E.A.Rubel: Is the administration conciderating invading Iran?

Senator Reed: I can't speak for the administration. The Iranians continue to pursue a nuclear fuel cycle and it is imperative that we work with the international community through diplomacy to prevent a situation in which the Iranians are tempted to circumvent the nonproliferation regime and obtain a nuclear device. Unfortunately, I believe the administration's strategy in Iraq has enhanced the political power of Iran in the region. The Iranians have close ties to many individuals within the government of Iraq and the deployment of over 100,000 American military personnel in Iraq has placed significant constraints on our ability to respond with land forces in a further contingency.

maria: We have excellent participation this afternoon but that means we also have a large number of questions and only a limited amoung of time. Senator Reed is answering as many questions as he can.

john: There seems to be a common theme - we are all hurting between rising gasoline and fuel prices, every increasing taxes at the local level, salaries unable to keep up with inflation. Any ideas to help the ever shrinking middle class? I make far too much to qualify for heating assistance, or food stamps or welfare but I find myself charging gasoline and groceries every month. I work full time, and have a 2nd part time job and 3 kids. But I am falling more and more behind...

Senator Reed: The most significant economic issue which is facing the nation is the huge pressure on middle-class Americans. Income growth in the middle class has been stagnant for the last decade. Middle-income Americans are being confronted with rising prices and the last foundation of their economic health was the value of their home. These values are shrinking. In the long run, we have to educate our citizens to be competitive in a world economy. There is a strong correlation between education and income. In the short run, we have to prevent the decline of housing prices, which tends to undercut the wealth of middle-income families. We also have to think about investment in infrastructure to provide short-term stimulus and jobs and to provide long-term productive capacity. Finally, we have to address the issue of soaring health-care costs. These costs place a burden on families and on businesses. These are difficult problems, but unless we face them, we will not be able to create an economy that rewards all of its workers, not just the most affluent.

GILDA COLANNINO: I know you have an amendment to reduce the American forces in Iraq,but how do you get the President to end the war and admit he made a mistake.

Senator Reed: We will continue to press our amendment to change our policy in Iraq, but unfortunately, the president continues to oppose these changes.

stephenb: What is your take on our trade agreements, such as NAFTA/CAFTA and China? Are they in need of modification? We seem to be giving away our nation these days.

Senator Reed: I opposed NAFTA because I did not think it would significantly add to our economy, nor would it necessarily provide needed reforms in Mexico. I supported access to the World Trade Organization for China because it represented a way to raise standards within China and hold them accountable in a world trade forum. We cannot avoid significant trade in a global economy, but we have to be careful to ensure that trade agreements are not one-sided. Trade agreements should open up markets for our products and also increase the standards, particularly environmental and working standards, in the other country. If we do this, the benefits of trade can be shared by a broader segment of the population.

jamesb: any decisions on who you'll vote for as a SUPERDELEGATE?

Senator Reed: I have not made a decision with respect to the candidacies of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama. I am confident that both are eminently qualified to serve. I recognize that we should determine a nomination in the next several weeks in order to prepare for the fall campaign.

G. Wayne Miller: We are almost done. We have had more than 100 separate people log in, making this one of our largest chats ever.

ken: What are you doing to stop the flood of ILLEGAL immigrants into the US and Rhode Island? I'm sick of working two jobs to pay for them!!!

Senator Reed: We have significantly increased the resources going to border protection. A significant part of our national policy should be to have effective border enforcement.

aaronbuehler: Sen. Reed, Thank you for engaging in this unique method of communicating with your constituents. I served with the 173rd LRSD (RI Nat'l Guard) in Iraq and am entitled to Montgomery GI Bill benefits for college education. I am sure that you are well aware of the current shortcomings of this outdated program. The funds available to Veterans through the bill are currently just not sufficient to meet the rising costs of college. This is the Bill which brought educational opportunities to so many Americans returning from WWII but is not meeting the needs of the Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. When can we expect Congress to support those who have given so much in the service to their country?

Senator Reed: Thank you for your service to the nation and to the Army. Senator Jim Webb is working on legislation that would significantly enhance the benefits for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. I am very pleased to be supporting his efforts. Hopefully we can give you the same benefits that veterans of other conflicts have enjoyed and you can take your great skills and deploy them here at home. Thank you.

Senator Reed: Thank you for your participation. I am sorry that I must depart. You can reach me at reed.senate.gov. Again, thank you for your comments and your questions. Best wishes, Jack.

G. Wayne Miller: Time has run out. Thanks to Senator Reed for joining us -- as well as thanks to all of the projo.com readers who signed on or submitted questions in advance for this hour-long chat.

maria: We'll have to conclude our hour-long chat now. We'll post a transcript of this chat shortly.

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