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 November 16, 2007 Volume VI, Number 21

Remembering Veterans My work on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has made Veterans' Day even more meaningful for me. Working with Veterans Service Organizations and veterans themselves, I have been able to improve the health care and benefits that Idaho veterans receive as well as working to pass commonsense reforms for the entire Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some veterans in Idaho have seen the difficulties of obtaining quality health care in a largely rural state, but I firmly believe that living in rural areas should not preclude a veteran from receiving the benefits and high-quality health care they deserve. Because of that, I worked with VA to open three new Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and I am continuing that work to open more. Among my proudest achievements for veterans was the enactment of legislation creating the Traumatic Injury Protection program under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (T-SGLI) benefit in May 2005. Under the T-SGLI benefit, those traumatically wounded since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are eligible for financial payments that range from $25,000 to $100,000 for qualifying injuries, depending on severity. As of December 1, 2005, all servicemembers and Reservists insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program are also covered under the T-SGLI benefit. Over the next year, I will be working very hard to preserve and build on these achievements for our nation's veterans and their families. I hope all Americans take the opportunity—not just on Veterans Day, but every day—to honor the brave men and women who fight and have fought to keep us safe at home and keep our nation free. EXPLORE my Veterans Link Issue Briefing and newsletter READ The Census Bureau's Veterans Day Facts and Figures WATCH my footage from a climate change hearing RESPOND with your views on Veterans Day, veterans issues or other topics. How should the U.S. reduce carbon emissions? A) Impose a tax on consumers for all carbon emissions B) Establish clean energy and efficiency standards for individual sectors (autos, fuels, power, forests, agriculture) C) Impose an economy-wide cap on emissions and allow all sectors to purchase and trade carbon allowances Subscribers are invited to access the online ballot from the emailed version of eNEWS. On November 2, subscribers were asked: On October 31 the President signed a bill I supported that extends the moratorium on Internet access taxation. How do you feel about the current Internet access tax ban? A) I support the ban on taxes    [97%, 324 votes] B) I think states should be able to tax Internet access   [3%, 11 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: Show of force between legislative and executive branches regarding spending bills. Defense bill enacted and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education vetoed. Congress overrides veto on Water Resources Development Act. The Washington Report, 11/15/2007 [Streaming RealMedia] “Idaho has long been a state well-suited for military training, with excellent facilities that aren't threatened by urban encroachment. ” - Gowen Field projects announced Senator Larry Craig

More news from the U.S. Senate: • Moscow Means Music -11/14/07 • Idaho, Wyoming and Montana Delegations Fight for Snowmobile Use to Remain Open in Yellowstone -11/14/07 • The Ol' Bait and Switch -11/9/07 • Craig and Simpson Secure Economic Development/Transportation Funds for Idaho -11/14/07 • Craig Calls for Studies of Costs and Benefits of Climate Bills -11/8/07 • Craig and Simpson Secure Defense Funds for Idaho -11/7/07 • Craig Secures $7.6 Million for Gowen Field -11/6/07 • Craig and Simpson Secure Funds for Idaho's Hospitals, Education and More -11/1/07 • Craig and Simpson Secure $8 Million For 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho -11/1/07 Current Event Thanksgiving in D.C. Before I return to Idaho for the Thanksgiving break, I gathered my staff together for a "Capital Thanksgiving." Event Details National Adoption Month President Bush has declared November National Adoption Month. It is a time to recognize the adoptive and foster families who have shared their homes and hearts with children in need, and we encourage more Americans to consider adopting young people of all ages. As an adoptive father, I know how much joy can be brought into one's life through adopting a child, but also how difficult it can sometimes be to wade through the adoption process. As a legislator, I know that the process can be made easier so that many more Americans can form families through adoption. Additionally, every year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the National Adoption Day Coalition sponsors National Adoption Day to finalize the adoptions of thousands of children in foster care and to celebrate all families that adopt. On National Adoption Day 2007—Saturday, November 17—hundreds of courts and communities across the nation will come together to finalize thousands of adoptions of children from foster care. The day brings together hundreds of judges, attorneys, adoption agencies, adoption professionals and child advocates who are dedicated to creating forever families for waiting children. 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:

Main Street Rescue or Wall Street Bailout?, 2008-10-03

[Volume 7, Number 17] Two weeks ago, Congress went to work to shape a responsible legislative rescue plan from the initial demands handed us by the Treasury Secretary to allow him to buy toxic mortgage assets from at-risk financial institutions. That plan quickly evolved to include strong protections for taxpayers.

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.

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.