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A Call for Ceasefire and Engagement |
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Oregonians have long watched the momentous changes in the Middle East with hope and concern. One fundamental lesson has emerged: without political processes that aim for peace, violent events and the acts of extremists can overpower the desire of people across the region to live in security.
With daily rocket attacks ever deeper into Israel and hundreds already killed in what Israel calls the start of a multi-stage offensive, forceful U.S. diplomatic re-engagement to support peace is critical. Yet, nearly a decade of failed Bush policies has left America in a weakened position abroad. I was particularly discouraged that the U.S. did not try to broker an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas or improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. An out-of-touch U.S. leadership has made America, Israel, and the region less safe.
The Bush administration should use its remaining days to renew our commitment to this region and forcefully advocate for a path towards peace.
Although a secure Israel and an independent Palestinian state living side by side seems less likely at the moment, I have high hopes that the new Obama administration will exhibit a strong reversal of course and re-engage the region. To make this path ready I strongly urge all parties to usher in the New Year with a renewed ceasefire agreement. We must continue to work for a peace process that recognizes the legitimate needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. This is the only hope for a better future.
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My Priorities for Oregon and the Nation |
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 The power grid is increasingly outdated and the promise of broadband internet has yet to be delivered to all Americans.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
Global warming is an escalating crisis for this generation and the ones to follow. As a longtime advocate for reducing our carbon emissions and protecting the planet, I was honored to be named to the first ever Global Warming Committee. Read more about the committee and my work to stop global warming here. Read more.
Health Care
Health care in United States is reaching a crisis point with 500,000 Oregonians lacking health insurance and over 47 million Americans nationwide struggling to access health coverage. Employer-based health insurance is increasingly unsustainable and we need to move toward a new health care delivery system, which is why I have co-sponsored the Healthy Americans Act. Read more.
Tax Fairness
Under the Bush administration, tax giveaways for the wealthy and unnecessary subsidies have badly tilted the playing field against average taxpayers. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for taxes and revenue, I am protecting hardworking families from unfair taxes like the AMT and eliminating corporate tax loopholes and giveaways. Read more.
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