Congressional Update

The 109^th Congress remains focused on the war on terror and homeland security, jobs and economic security, health care, education, transportation, energy and immigration policy.  The major issues are summarized below:

WAR ON TERROR AND HOMELAND SECURITY.  Our prayers are with our brave troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.  We need to expedite the training of Iraqi security forces so they can secure their country and our troops can come home with their mission completed. 

I supported the recent extension of the Patriot Act to give law enforcement the tools to apprehend suspected terrorists.  I also supported the border security legislation passed by the House.

JOBS AND TAX RELIEF.  Over 5 million new jobs have been created since the 2003 tax cuts took effect.  Last month, our economy added 211,000 new jobs.  A House and Senate conference committee is finalizing work on extending tax relief, including Alternative Minimum Tax relief, an extension of the 15% rate on dividends and capital gains, as well as increased expensing for small businesses to expand and create new jobs.

HEALTH CARE AND MEDICARE.  Medicare prescription drug coverage began January 1, 2006.  Over 27 million seniors and people with disabilities are enrolled.  Average monthly premiums are $25 and premiums are as low as $1.87 in Minnesota.  To reduce health care costs, we should allow reimportation of prescription drugs, negotiate Medicare drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, expand Health Savings Accounts and enact medical liability reform and Association Health Plans.

EDUCATION.  Federal spending provides 8% of the funding for Minnesota’s public schools, and I am strongly committed to adequately funding education programs crucial to Minnesota’s children.  That’s why I have cosponsored legislation to increase federal funding for the special education and Title I programs.  Because I am deeply concerned about the impact of No Child Left Behind on our schools, I have also sponsored legislation that would suspend sanctions on school districts that fail to meet testing mandates in any year in which Title I is not fully funded.

ETHICS.  Sweeping, bipartisan reforms are needed to restore the integrity of Congress and the trust of the American people.  That’s why I support bipartisan legislation to ban privately funded Congressional travel and all gifts from lobbyists, as well as lobbying and unfair access by former Members.  We also need to eliminate special interest projects that do not receive individual scrutiny and approval by Congress.  And I am pleased the House recently passed reforms to make “527” groups comply with campaign finance laws.

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT.  Congress enacted a comprehensive energy bill – with emphasis on conservation, renewables and increased supply – to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower gas prices.  I opposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) due to environmental concerns.

TRANSPORTATION.  Congress finally passed and the President signed into law the major highway and transit bill, which includes critical funding for improvements to I-494, I-35W, Highways 169,610 and 212, as well as the Northstar Corridor.  These essential projects will decrease traffic congestion and shorten commute times in our area.

PROPERTY RIGHTS.  I have cosponsored the Private Property Rights Protection Act to restore property rights diminished by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Our bill would prevent the government from seizing homes and other private property in the name of economic development simply to raise tax revenues.  Congress should pass our legislation without further delay to protect the rights of private property owners as guaranteed by the Constitution.

DEFICIT REDUCTION.  The federal deficit is nearly $100 billion lower than previously predicted, largely because of increased revenues from a growing economy.  Much more needs to be done to reduce the deficit, including cutting the massive pork-barrel spending, reducing unnecessary discretionary spending, rescinding certain funds already allocated and eliminating wasteful federal programs.  Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill that I opposed because I believe it had the wrong priorities for deficit reduction, disproportionately harming children, the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income individuals who need health care through Medicaid, as well as limiting access to higher education through student loan cuts.

LAWSUIT REFORM.   Congress enacted class action lawsuit reform to curb abuses against small businesses, which create the bulk of new jobs.  The House has also passed legislation to crack down on frivolous lawsuits and medical liability reform to reduce health care costs.

MENTAL HEALTH AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT PARITY.  I will continue to fight to provide greater access to treatment for people with mental illness and chemical dependency.  My legislation will prevent insurance companies from erecting discriminatory barriers that don’t exist for other diseases.  I am hopeful this cost-effective and lifesaving legislation will be enacted this session.