Click here to watch Rep. Blumenauer's Floor Speech

I listen to my friend from Indiana wondering what could possibly have economic impact investing in the arts or climate change. i don't know what's going on in Indiana but if you talk to the arts groups in Oregon or in Massachusetts or in New York or Illinois, they will tell you that investments there will produce economic activity in areas that are strained and underserved. Investment in climate change and energy research creates jobs and businesses crying out for it -- business is crying out for it large and small.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) Says Federal Government Must Become More Engaged and Invested in Renewing and Rebuilding Our Nation

For Immediate Release                                             
Media Contact: Sahar Wali
January 28, 2009                                             
202-225-8413 Office/202-834-6919 Cell
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Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) praised the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.  The report card assigned a cumulative grade of D to our nation’s infrastructure and noted that all levels of government and the private sector would need to invest $2.2 trillion for repairs and needed upgrades. Rep. Blumenauer’s statement on the report card is below:

Today I voted for final passage of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.  By reversing a Supreme Court decision that has kept women from pursuing pay discrimination claims, this bill will begin to close the pay gap for American women. It will likely be the first major piece of legislation President Barack Obama signs into law.

I was encouraged by a report from the House Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities that says Oregon is slated to receive more than $2.1 billion in federal stimulus under the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Rebuilding and Renewing America

We are watching America’s highways and bridges crumble, levees breach, and antiquated water systems endanger our environment and our communities' health. The power grid is increasingly outdated and the promise of broadband internet has yet to be delivered to all Americans. I believe America needs a new plan to maintain and invest in the infrastructure that will keep our economy competitive, our environment clean, and our families safe, healthy and economically secure. Read more.

My Iraq Legislation

I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning, but simply opposing the war is not enough. That is why I introduced the New Direction for Iraq Act, which requires the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq, aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability, and a new approach towards reconstruction. Read more.

Energy and the Environment

Health Care