Congress recently convened for the 108th legislative session. Returning after the holiday, Members arrived refreshed and ready to give 100% of our energy and focus on the opportunities and challenges facing the nation. While the War on Terrorism remains on the forefront of Congress' agenda, other issues I believe Congress will address this year are:

 

Providing a Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Seniors- Quick action on a prescription drug benefit for seniors in 2003 will be a top issue on Congress' agenda.

In 2001, the average Medicare beneficiary was spending $942 a year on prescription drugs. That, coupled with news that the price of prescription drugs is expected to increase 20 percent this year, has left many wondering if there will ever be an end to the skyrocketing costs of the drugs that many of our seniors depend each and every day.

Because today's Medicare was built for yesterday's medical care, Medicare has not kept pace with new medical advances and cost-effective treatments that utilize prescription drugs. Comprehensive reform is critical. Additionally, the plan must be available to all – including those living and working in rural areas. Only then will our seniors have a Medicare prescription drug component that provides choice and accommodates advances in health care.

 

After working with many others who are concerned about the rising costs of health care, and having introduced two prescription drug plans of my own, my goal is to find an affordable and workable solution to this problem. We took a step toward that goal at the end of 2002 when President Bush announced his decision to close loopholes in existing law (Hatch-Waxman) with regard to generic drugs. This much needed action, which is somewhat similar to the legislation I introduced during the 107th Congress, should bring savings to consumers, the government and private insurers. I am encouraged by this development and remain hopeful that we can build on this new momentum and find a long-term solution to a problem that has affected our seniors for far too long.

 

Improving Trade Opportunities for Our Farmers and Ranchers - In 2000, Congress passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. This law allows U.S. farmers to sell agricultural commodities (through third-party financing) to several countries that had previously been excluded from trade with the United States.

In November 2001, Congress and America's farmers saw that legislative effort become a reality. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Michelle, the island country of Cuba made the first of several cash purchases of American rice, wheat and soybeans. Some of those commodities came out of the Eighth District and left from our very own ports right along the Mississippi River. Most recently they have made other purchases like peas, lentils, apples and chicken. To date, reports indicate that Havana is forecast to buy over $200 million in U.S. food and farm exports – all purchases paid for in cash.

 

U.S. farmers and ranchers rely heavily on trade with other countries. In fact, more than 30 percent of their income comes from trade around the world. Trade embargoes and policies which use food as a weapon of foreign policy have failed time and time again. Access to new markets is essential to expand U.S. sales opportunities for our farmers and ranchers. Opening new and viable markets will provide an economic boost to many producers who are currently experiencing financial stress. That is why improving and expanding trade opportunities will remain one of my top priorities in the 108th Congress.

 

Securing Funding for Our Roads and Bridges- In Missouri, all you have to is stop by the local coffee shop and in a matter of minutes someone will be talking about the problems with Missouri's roads and bridges. Here at home, 59 percent of our roads have been rated either poor or mediocre (only California and Massachusetts have more deficient roads). Likewise, Missouri's 23,385 bridges are rated as the second most deficient bridges in the country (TRIP, The Road Information Program).

When you stop to consider that according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) truck travel is expected to increase by 89 percent in the Midwest by 2020, it's obvious that Missouri's transportation infrastructure is facing two problems -- age and overall deterioration. Addressing the needs of our roads and bridges can also be the difference between the success and failure of Missouri's economic prosperity. A complete four-lane structure across Southern Missouri would result in better safety and increased economic growth and opportunity. Additionally, businesses could receive products in a more efficient manner and tourists traveling from Branson to Nashville would be able to spend more of their tourism dollars in towns along completed highways in Southern Missouri.

 

In Congress, many of us interested in improving transportation are preparing for reauthorization of the federal Highway Bill. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, I know the unique transportation needs facing Missouri and will be working closely with others in Congress to ensure that the needs of the Heartland are addressed throughout the process. During the last Highway Bill our persistence paid off and we received a fairer dollar-for-dollar return on the taxes Missourians pay into the Federal Highway Trust Fund. In 2003, I'll be working with Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent to secure a higher return on our tax dollar investment. I'll also be working on other transportation needs so that Missouri has the federal resources it needs to assist the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) in addressing the transportation challenges in our region.

 

The 108th Congress has a daunting list of tasks to accomplish, but I am optimistic we can get the job done. As we embark on this new legislative session, I'm certain that the sailing will not always be smooth and that there will be days when people forget to put people before politics. But I believe that it will be a memorable and worthwhile journey. Wherever the road may take us, I remain committed to focusing my energies on ensuring that the values we hold dear in Southern Missouri -- faith, family and community -- are the principles that guide my work in Congress.