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Congressman Barton on the Issues | Agriculture America’s agriculture industry leads the world in producing a safe, stable, and affordable food supply. As a native Texan I realize the important role agriculture has played in our state’s history, and the increasing affect it will have on our future. The Sixth District of Texas is represented by a wide variety of agricultural markets, from timber, livestock and forage production in the southern counties to corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton in the north. I have consistently supported a federal safety net for America’s agricultural producers, and I will continue to do so in the future. | | Climate Change and Policy Implications Much research has been conducted by various organizations and universities on the subject of climate change, resulting in a wide range of conflicting conclusions. The Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am the Ranking Member, is responsible for overseeing the debate on most environmental policy that moves through the House of Representatives. It is my belief that for the best possible policy to be written, all known facts must be considered as well as the impact of legislation. | | Economic Issues America’s successful and stable economy comes from its ability to adapt to varying conditions. US consumers and businesses are some of the smartest and most industrious in the world. As a proponent of small government, I believe the role of Congress is to foster capitalism by lowering burdensome taxes, reducing wasteful government spending, and eliminating unnecessary regulation. History has proven that economic freedom is the key to prosperity. | | Energy Security The economy and our American way of life are made possible thanks to adequate, affordable supplies of energy. Demand is growing for all sources of energy, and I believe we have a real opportunity to enhance the security of our energy supply. As Ranking Member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee I am involved in developing policy related to energy. As the previous Chairman, I had the opportunity to shepherd the bipartisan Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) into law. Encouraging technological advancements and efficiencies, using diverse sources of energy, and exploring domestic resources are critical elements in our energy strategy and will help us remain the most prosperous nation on earth. | | Environment I strongly support the underlying goals of our nation’s environmental laws like the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and those that protect our National Parks and wildlife habitats. They were passed to safeguard both people and the environment. Since these laws were first written twenty five years ago, we have accomplished a lot. We have made our rivers cleaner and the air we breathe healthier. The EPA does a diligent job of monitoring society’s impact on the world around it. | | Healthcare Access to quality, affordable healthcare is an issue that affects every family. The US health care system is a complicated mix of private and public payers, using a patchwork of different providers to care for patients. In this country, we have the best trained medical professionals, the most state of the art facilities, and are the world leader in technology. The US spends more on health care than any other country in the world. Ensuring Americans are able to afford the health care they need is an important priority for me in Congress. I believe a more market based approach to healthcare will lead to greater flexibility, efficiency, and lower costs. | | Immigration Policy Controlling our borders is the responsibility and duty of the federal government. As Ronald Reagan once said, “A nation without borders is not a nation.” I am proud of the record our country has for welcoming legal immigrants who want to become Americans and contribute to society while pursuing their own American Dream. I am, however, convinced that we must work to end illegal immigration and not reward those who have broken our immigration laws. I am against amnesty. Rewarding those who break our laws only encourages further willful violations of our immigration policies. | | Securing our Nation The great challenge of securing our homeland against enemies foreign and domestic has long been the primary responsibility of the federal government. In the wake of the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Congress, the American people and the President rose to action to defend our country and provide aid to those in need abroad. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Congress, the American people, and the President rose once again to defend our soil. As the terrorists’ methods of attack change so must our efforts to combat and defeat them. | | Social Security I am committed to strengthening the Social Security system for generations to come, while fulfilling the promises made to current retirees and those nearing retirement. The question at hand is how to achieve this important goal. Several plans have been proposed, and as debate moves forward I will be joining my colleagues in an open and honest discussion as to which option best serves the American people. The one certainty is that the issue of Social Security reform needs to be addressed now. Every year this debate is delayed, the harder it becomes to reach a solution. | | Veterans Affairs Now more than ever, our Veterans need to know their government stands behind them. Each day, the men and women of the Armed Forces selflessly put their lives on the line, and one of the strongest ways we can show our support for their service is to ensure they receive the highest quality care available and a lifetime of opportunity. After serving our country, they deserve nothing less. |
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