Now that the first 100 hour agenda of the new Democratic majority has ended, I would like to take a moment to talk about some of the priorities Congress must address in the months ahead. I intend to draw focus on several core domestic policy goals this year including serious discussion on entitlement reform; expanding access to affordable health care; passing a new Farm Bill that reflects the changing needs of U.S. Agriculture; and strengthening the economies of rural America.

 The facts are undeniable. The federal government’s largest entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare are unsustainable as currently structured. The costs necessary to sustain these programs are growing exponentially as millions of baby boomers approach retirement. We must refocus our concern and reinvigorate our efforts to address the serious challenges these programs face.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, it’s an American issue. The choices without reform are stark: massive benefit cuts, enormous deficits, or huge tax increases. We should not leave these problems for our children and grandchildren to solve.

Earlier this month, I introduced the Social Security Guarantee Plus Act, legislation to fully preserve Social Security and pay full promised benefits to future retirees without raising payroll taxes. The plan establishes a voluntary program that would allow workers to receive a refundable income tax credit of their annual earnings up to $1000 to invest in a tax-free retirement account. Real assets, not IOU’s, would fund promised benefits. These accounts would be inheritable and tax-free if a worker dies before reaching retirement.

The new Congress must also work to expand access to affordable health insurance for all Americans. I will continue to strongly advocate expanding Health Savings Accounts, non-taxed savings accounts used to pay medical expenses. These accounts are reducing health care costs and providing health care insurance to millions. I also support expanding Associated Health Plans, allowing small businesses to join together to exercise greater purchasing power for health insurance for their employees.  This is an important tool to ensure that employees at all businesses, no matter how small, can get affordable, quality health coverage.

            2007 is also a Farm Bill year. I will fight for a strong bill that reflects the primary needs of Kentucky farmers. Agriculture is not and should not be a partisan issue. As a member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, I am also committed to opening new markets for Kentucky’s agricultural exports. I believe removing trade barriers in foreign countries will allow Kentucky farmers to better compete in a growing world market.  

I am hopeful that there will be an expanded and aggressive energy policy in this bill that will bring new opportunities for economic growth in rural communities throughout Kentucky. Exciting technologies are now available to harness Kentucky’s natural resources in an environmentally responsible and economically rewarding way to substitute conventional oil use.

            In addition to the Farm Bill, I will continue to sponsor legislation this year to strengthen rural economies. I recently re-introduced The Rural Communities Investment Act, legislation that would provide tax initiatives to make the interest income on farm real estate and certain rural housing loans exempt from federal taxation. More financing options will encourage greater competition among lenders and better rates for borrowers, providing a solid foundation for new investment and economic stability in America’s small towns.

            Finally, I pledge to continue my aggressive advocacy on behalf of Kentucky veterans and soldiers. Congress must work together to improve veterans benefits and services in the new session, including expanding survivors benefits and increasing veterans medical care funding. At the same time, those of us in Congress must never waver in our obligation to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to successfully complete their important mission and return home.

These are just a few of the complex challenges that face us in the months ahead.  Inaction or reflexive partisan objection will not produce the solutions we were elected to pursue. It should be our collective goal to become a more effective and responsive Congress. I look forward to working with my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike, to make our country stronger.