--Randy’s Roundup--

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

December 8, 2008

Automotive Bailout

This week, the House and Senate may consider a plan for the federal government to provide loans to the U.S. automotive industry.  The latest proposal involves taking funds previously allocated to the Energy Department to make loans to automakers to help them advance energy efficiency in new cars and trucks and allowing the automakers to use those loan funds for additional purposes.

Executives from the auto companies, as well as representatives for workers, suppliers and auto dealers, have been to Capitol Hill twice asking for this assistance to the struggling companies before the Financial Services Committee, of which I am a member.  I have also heard from auto dealers across District 19 about the difficult situations they are facing, as well as from many taxpayers who are frustrated that their tax dollars could be used for this purpose.

One of my questions to the automotive industry is how much is enough to stabilize these companies and whether allowing these loans will simply begin a long process of continued federal support for the domestic auto industry.

I believe it is not the role of Congress to decide winners and losers in our economy.  If Congress moves forward on this legislation, how many more industries will be the next in line for assistance?  How much more of the taxpayers’ dollars can we lend out as we continue down this road?

These are difficult questions to answer, but I will continue to listen and review the details of the latest proposal as those are laid out in advance of a vote later this week.

Travels to Afghanistan and Africa

Last week, I traveled with U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Representative Jeff Miller (R-FL) to Africa and Afghanistan. The purpose of our trip was to meet with leaders in these countries to learn more about the economic, military and social issues impacting their lives.

While in Afghanistan, we were able to meet with U.S. troops who are continuing the fight against Taliban extremists to support the young Afghan government.

Although violence has increased in the Afghanistan and Pakistan region in recent months, our troops remain optimistic and focused on the mission ahead.  They are dedicated to establishing a safe and secure environment for democracy to take root. Their actions along with the help of the Afghan people are working to build a free and stable country. 

Our delegation also traveled to Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia. We met with various leaders and discussed the importance of combating HIV/AIDS, resolving conflict and ethnic violence as well as finding solutions that will increase the economic stability and growth within many of these African nations.

Letter to the President

Today, I joined my West Texas colleague Congressman Mike Conaway in sending a letter to President Bush regarding the WTO Doha Round trade negotiations.

Although I am a strong supporter of free and fair trade, I am concerned that some WTO members are pressing to finalize negotiations before the end of the year and before gaps in the current proposals have been addressed.  Understanding the importance of this agreement, I would not wish to overlook any key points or rush to complete the agreement for the sake of getting it done before a new Administration is in place.

My hope is to continue working with President Bush and Ambassador Schwab to create a trade agreement that will expand the opportunities for U.S. farmers and manufacturers in markets around the world.  However, current proposals before the WTO include too many loopholes that would limit new access to markets for the United States even though the United States has made very large offers with regard to agriculture.

We will continue to closely monitor this situation in the coming days as WTO leaders decide whether or not convene a negotiating meeting. To view the letter we sent to President Bush please click here.

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As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website www.randy.house.gov, or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.