Thursday January 29, 2009
Looking Ahead to the 111th Congress
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As the 110th Congress draws to a close, we can look back on important accomplishments this session like endangered species reform, the Farm Bill, and expanding health care coverage for cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, to name a few. As you know, the 111th Congress begins with a new President and a different balance between the Republican and Democratic Parties in the Senate and the House. While this dynamic will require different legislative strategies and approaches to policy-making, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate, and especially the other members of the Idaho delegation, Senator-elect Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative-elect Walt Minnick to accomplish fiscally-responsible, effective policy objectives that make sense, benefit our society and help our economy.
| Owyhee Initiative - Economy - Agriculture and Trade - Immigration - Health Care - Transportation |
Owyhee Initiative
Almost seven years in the making, comprehensive land management legislation resulting from the historic Owyhee Initiative came very close to passing the Senate in 2008. Senator Reid has indicated that he plans to bring the Owyhee Initiative legislation to the floor of the Senate as one of the first orders of business for the new Congress. Passage of this legislation will write a new chapter in the history of land management in Idaho and the West. Furthermore, I will continue to work with Representative Simpson and Senate leadership on the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act legislation.
Economy
Indications are that the current economic challenges will likely continue for some time. It is more important than ever to make sure that our financial systems and tax structures are constructed and operating in ways that help, not hinder our economy. To that end, it is a top priority of mine to prevent an increase in income tax rates on all Americans, as well as increases in the death tax rates and the capital gains and dividends tax rates. These increases are currently scheduled to occur, barring additional action from Congress. When it comes to our financial services industry, the regulatory structure must be equipped to respond to the current needs of increasingly complex financial arrangements and procedures. Modernizing our financial regulatory structure will reduce the likelihood of the financial catastrophes that characterized the better part of 2008.
Agriculture and Trade
As our world shrinks with technological advances, and more Third World countries are opened for development by way of access to international markets, fair trade and a level playing field for international trade will become absolutely necessary as the U.S. works to maintain economic strength and food security. I will continue to support and advocate for policies that expand market access for Idaho and U.S. industries and adherence by our trading partners to trade commitments. In a related matter, I will continue to support sound implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Immigration
Agriculture and trade issues often raise the issue of immigration. My view of what constitutes sound U.S. immigration policy has not changed. The most effective immigration policy will ensure proper protection of our nation’s borders, and will provide an efficient and workable guest worker program that assures American citizens have the first right to access available jobs. It will not provide amnesty to those who have entered the U.S. illegally.
Health Care
While the current financial difficulties are making media headlines right now, we have another crisis—that is, lack of affordable, choice-centered health care. I will continue working with colleagues in the new Congress to achieve fiscally-responsible bipartisan health care reform, one that incorporates private market initiatives.
Transportation
As most Idahoans know firsthand, transportation dollars are critical to our state. The comprehensive federal transportation bill is scheduled for reauthorization next year, and I will work with the other members of the delegation to ensure that Idaho’s transportation priorities are preserved. I will do all I can to make sure that federal legislation continues to distribute highway funds in a way that recognizes the important national interest in transportation investment throughout rural states, not just in more heavily populated areas. Also, as in the past, I will continue to advocate for development of alternative energy sources, including nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biofuels and innovations in clean coal and natural gas technologies. Idaho remains on the cutting edge of many of these energy developments.
These are just some of my legislative priorities for the next Congress. But, these and other legislative goals of mine will continue to abide by principles of fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction. It is the duty of Congress to allocate tax dollars wisely and with great care. I am energized as I look ahead to next year, working with my colleagues and for Idahoans to enable the federal government to play an appropriately constrained and beneficial role in people’s lives.