JANUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER 

Hello Friends,

Happy New Year. I hope you all had a safe and wonderful holiday season. As many of you know the 110th Democratic led Congress has been called the “Do Nothing Congress” or the “Post Office Congress.” This Congress has received those labels because of a lack of progress, stalled legislation, and political games by the majority. Instead of tackling the important issues like immigration, social security, and improving healthcare, the Democratic leadership has decided to rename federal buildings. In fact, of the 155 bills signed into law, 64 of them renamed post offices and court houses. 

While millions of Americans are making New Years resolutions, it is my resolution for 2008 to continue to serve the people I represent and do everything I can to encourage and motivate the government to resolve the important issues and fix our nation’s problems. The 110th Congress still has a lot of work to do and that is why it is so important that I hear from you about what issues matter to you. You can let me know by answering the survey question on this e-newsletter or by emailing or calling one of my offices. 

Thank you and if there is anything I can be helpful with -- whether it's dealing with an agency of the federal government, answering questions about federal aid and programs, or even providing a tour of the U.S. Capitol next time you're in Washington -- please don't hesitate to call on me through any one of my offices. 


SCHIP Continued till 2009
On December 19th, I voted to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 31, 2009, which ensures that over 6 million children will continue to receive the medical care they need. SCHIP was created in 1997 to provide government funded healthcare to low-income American children, who did not have private health insurance and were ineligible for Medicaid. Read More


Setting Our Nation’s Budget
Millions of American households establish a budget every year. Setting aside money for mortgages, educational expenses, and an assortment of other costs, the household knows what they can and cannot afford for the coming year. Similarly, a fundamental task of Congress is to establish our nation’s budget for the next fiscal year. Setting up funding for the 15 Cabinet Departments (i.e. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Education – just to name a few), is required to be finalized by October 1st. However, due to mismanagement and political pandering by the Democratic leadership, our country went without a budget for 87 days. Read More


Delivering $22 million for the 29th District in 2007
As your Representative, one of my primary jobs is to fight for Federal funding that promotes job growth and economic development in the 29th District. I am pleased to announce that in 2007, I secured over $22 million for the 29th District. Read More


Critical Legislation for Energy Independence
 On Wednesday of this week, crude oil prices soared to $100 a barrel for the first time. The rising price of oil affects everyone. From the pain at the pump to rising prices at the grocery store, this energy crisis is only going to escalate until we do something about it. That is why I voted for an energy bill on December 18th, which increases fuel mileage requirements for automobiles and SUVs for the first time in 32 years. This bill also raises automobile fuel efficiency standards, mandated additional production of ethanol, reduced home energy consumption, and does not include any tax hikes. Read More



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