Congressman Christopher Shays' E-Newsletter
January 2007

Dear Friend,

In this newsletter, we share information about:

• The opening of the 110th Congress, including efforts to strengthen ethics rules, enact 9/11 Commission reforms, increase the minimum wage, expand stem cell research, and address the rising cost of higher education;
  
• Legislation which requires government intervention in Medicare prescription drug prices;
  
• A top priority for the 110th Congress: moving toward energy independence;
  
• Recent federal grants awarded in the Fourth District;
  
• The decision by Congressional leadership not to fund earmarks in this year’s budget; and
  
• An update on Iraq, including reaction to the President’s proposal, work to address the Defense Department’s policy of extending soldiers’ activation, and observations and recommendations from my 15th oversight trip to Iraq.

I hope you find this information useful and that you will not hesitate to contact our office if there is anything we can do to be helpful to you and your neighbors.

Sincerely,

Christopher Shays
Member of Congress

Opening of the 110th Congress

The 110th Congress has taken quick action to strengthen ethics rules, enact more 9/11 Commission reforms, increase the minimum wage, expand stem cell research and address the rising cost of higher education.

Strengthen Ethics

In the last Congress, Representative Marty Meehan (D-MA) and I introduced a broad ethics proposal to strengthen House ethics rules, including a ban on gifts, restriction of use of corporate jets and an end to privately-funded trips. The rules package we passed in the House includes these reforms, which is a good step in the right direction.

We need to continue the momentum with additional reforms. Representative Meehan and I have laid out the following agenda for reforms we would like to see enacted in the 110th Congress:

• Create an Office of Public Integrity, a professional, independent, non-partisan office to investigate ethics complaints;
  
• Replace the Federal Election Commission (FEC) with an independent agency to enforce campaign finance laws;
  
• Enforce regulations of 527 organizations;
  
• Increase disclosure by lobbyists and lobbying firms by making their campaign contribution public and disclosing the amount spent on “grassroots” campaigns;
  
• Require a two-year waiting period before a Member of Congress or senior staff can enter the lobbying profession; and
  
• Improve the presidential public financing system.

Enact 9/11 Commission Reforms

Over a year ago, the 9/11 Public Discourse Project graded the federal government on implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations, issuing a failing, near-failing or average grade on action on 27 of 41 recommendations. As a result, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and I introduced the Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act, which addressed each of the recommendations and held the appropriate agency accountable for reporting to Congress on its actions.

On January 9th, the House passed legislation to do just that, distributing more funds based on risk; improving interoperability so first responders can communicate better; screening air and port cargo; and strengthening the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. After devoting a significant amount of time to creating the 9/11 Commission, enacting its recommendations, and co-chairing the 9/11 Commission Caucus, I am grateful to see continued progress on these critical reforms.

Increase the Minimum Wage

In Connecticut, we know a fair wage is important for working families. For the second time since July, the House successfully passed legislation to increase the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. While Connecticut workers already earn a wage higher than this, it will benefit our state by making us more competitive nationally.

As a leading advocate for increasing the minimum wage, I was grateful moderate Republicans were able to secure a vote in the last Congress and am equally grateful we have another opportunity to increase the minimum wage this year.

Expand Stem Cell Research

Helping expand stem cell research is one of the most important votes I have cast in Congress. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act provides hope for treatment or a cure for millions of people suffering from such debilitating diseases as cancer, juvenile diabetes, ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injuries and others.

I served on the team which led the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act to passage last May, and was grateful we passed it again this Congress. It is my hope the bill will again pass the Senate and the President will reconsider his opposition to expansion of stem cell research.

Steps to Address the Rising Cost of Higher Education

With the cost of college ever-increasing, we need to do what we can to help more students pay for higher education. We took a step forward with House passage of H.R. 5, College Student Relief Act, which cut the interest rate on student loans in half over a five year period, applying to those students whose first loan disbursement date is July 1, 2007.

We need to help make a college education more affordable. This is one step in the right direction.

Legislation Requiring Government Intervention in Medicare Prescription Drug Prices

I opposed H.R. 4, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, because it requires government intervention in the price of Medicare prescription drugs and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, is unlikely to result in savings for seniors.

Currently, 23 million seniors benefit from the Medicare Part D plan, saving an average of $1,200 a year and paying an average of $23 per month in premiums.

If we really want to lower the price of prescription drugs, we should address the disparity between the costs of drugs overseas and the cost of drugs sold in the United States. This is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 380, which would allow the importation of prescription drugs from countries that sell the drugs for a lower price than they are sold in the United States.

Top Priority for the 110th Congress: Moving toward Energy Independence

We need to focus on becoming energy independent, both for our environment and national security. The less oil we consume, the less dependent we are on unstable regimes.

We made progress with the House passage of H.R. 6, the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation (CLEAN) Energy Act. The bill repeals subsidies to large oil and gas companies.

This is an important first step, but we have a lot more work to do to get our country on the path toward energy independence.

I authored the Energy for Our Future Act (EFOFA) with Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) which seeks to increase the fuel efficiency of cars, SUVs and trucks; promote the use of public transportation; and encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles and energy efficient appliances.

Federal Grants Awarded to Fourth District Organizations

Recently, federal programs have provided $5,779,412 for job training, firefighter wellness and recruitment, and services for the elderly in the Fourth District.

• Department of Labor awarded One Coast, One Future, The WorkPlace, Inc. and its partners, a $5 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant to develop the regional economy and strengthen its workforce
  
• Department of Homeland Security awarded $152,306 to the Westport Fire Department for equipment and wellness programs
  
• Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $65,000 to both the Stamford Housing Authority and the Norwalk Housing Authority for job training and supportive services to help residents of public housing transition from welfare to work
  
• Department of Homeland Security awarded $105,877 to the Wilton Fire Department for a comprehensive physical fitness and wellness program for our firefighters
  
• The Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $200,000 Brownfields grant to the City of Bridgeport and Action for Community Development Bridgeport to train low-income residents for environmental jobs
  
• Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $172,229 to Stamford’s New Neighborhoods, Inc. for a Resident Services Coordinator who will help provide supportive services for frail and at-risk residents of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Apartments
  
• Department of Homeland Security awarded $84,000 to Stratfield Fire Department in Fairfield for firefighter recruitment

Decision to Cut Earmarks in Fiscal Year 2007 Budget

The new leadership in the House has announced its intention not to fund “earmarks” in Fiscal Year 2007, denying funding to important local projects. The decision will impact funding for projects such as the Stamford Waste-to-Energy Project, the Bridgeport Intermodal Center and the South Norwalk Train Station.

While we need to find a system to prevent another “Bridge to Nowhere,” it should not be at the expense of vetted local programs which provide social services, public transportation, environmental clean-up and other critical services.

Iraq Update

Reaction to the President’s New Plan in Iraq

The President brought on a new Secretary of Defense and Generals in charge of Iraq, and put forward a new plan for operations in Iraq. I was pleased the White House acknowledged the need for a new strategy, which we have requested for some time.

Now it is Congress’ responsibility to conduct tough oversight and hold the President accountable for carrying out this plan. We need timelines to achieve his stated goals. Without timelines the benchmarks are meaningless; the failure to meet them has to have consequences. We need to see the Iraqis do heavy lifting and start making political compromises before we send in additional troops.

I believe, given we disbanded Iraq’s entire army, police and border patrol, it is our moral obligation not to leave Iraq until Iraqis have the security forces necessary to defend themselves. For me, “winning” is based on the Israeli model -- leave Iraq with a government that can function even in the midst of violence.

Work to Address Forced Extension of Soldiers’ Activation

I am particularly concerned about our soldiers who have already served one or two tours in Iraq and may have to return a second or third time. I wrote to Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ask him to address the policy of “stop-loss,” or forced extension of a soldier’s activation.

We also need to ensure all of our troops who are sent into harm’s way are well-equipped. I have worked extensively to correct equipment problems our soldiers in Iraq have encountered in the past and will continue to conduct oversight to make sure our men and women in the armed forces have the best equipment available.

Observations and Recommendations from 15th Oversight Trip to Iraq

The following are my observations and recommendations from my 15th oversight mission to Iraq December 2-3.

Observation: Iraqi leaders recommended US and Coalition street patrols in urban areas be reduced and eventually eliminated.

Recommendation: US and Coalition troops should expedite the transfer of street patrol responsibility to the Iraqi Army and Police, and allow Iraqi forces to provide security for Iraqi citizens throughout the country.

Observation: US officials and commanders and Iraqi leaders acknowledge the violence and instability are due in large part to the failure of the political leadership to resolve issues of national reconciliation.

Recommendation: While the US cannot dictate the terms of national reconciliation, it must make clear to Iraqi political leaders that without agreement the United States will be forced to withdraw its forces prematurely.

Observation: Iraqi leaders and US officials said Iraq has $25 billion in cash it cannot spend because its ministries do not have the capacity to manage expenditures. Moreover, Iraq is not moving rapidly to develop its oil sector, which could yield hundreds of billions of dollars.

Recommendation: Other US agencies such as the Departments of Treasury and Energy should assist Iraqi ministries in managing their cash resources and help develop oil production.

Observation: Shia “death squad” attacks on Sunni neighborhoods and a failure by the Iraqi Government to provide essential services to Sunni neighborhoods are causing Sunnis to turn to extremist elements.

Recommendation: The United States should urge the Iraqi Government, as the Study Group has also recommended, to “send a clear signal to Sunnis that there is a place for them in national life…unless Sunnis believe they can get a fair deal in Iraq through the political process, there is no prospect the insurgency will end.”

This initiative should include: holding provincial elections to give Sunni-majority cities and towns democratic representation; stopping militia "death squads" attacks on Sunnis; providing for Sunni participation in Government policies and decisions; delivering essential services to Sunni neighborhoods; broadening de-Baathfication to return qualified Iraq professionals to jobs in government; and engaging in a review of the Constitution.

Observation: American military commanders state there are 112 Iraqi Army battalions of 757 soldiers each. This is a total of 84,784 soldiers on duty in combat units. On any given day, absences, both authorized and unauthorized, may reduce this number by approximately 20%.

This leaves a total of approximately 67,000 Iraqi Army soldiers on duty in combat units, ultimately representing only one-half the size of the frequently cited number of 137,500 “trained and equipped” Iraqi Army personnel. Moreover, US Army trainers have formally assessed many of these Iraqi Army battalions to be far from capable of carrying out operations on their own without US units fighting alongside them.

Recommendation: It is absolutely imperative accurate statistics always be provided to Congress and the American public. Accurate statistics help determine when US forces can "stand down" and Iraqi forces can "stand up."

And, as I recommended after my fourteenth visit, the Iraqi government should increase the size of its security forces to at least 440,000 personnel, the number which experts at my Subcommittee’s hearings testified is the realistic force level to serve Iraq’s population.

Observation: US military commanders pointed out lives of American Soldiers and Marines could be saved if Iraqis were provided economic incentives. With jobs, young Iraqi men will have an alternative to the money insurgents offer them. US military commanders praised the Department of Defense’s Industrial Revitalization Initiative to create jobs by finding buyers for the products of Iraqi factories.

Recommendation: Congress and the Administration should work together to support job creation for Iraqi men by ramping up the Industrial Revitalization Initiative.

Observation: Turkey and Egypt support a regional conference of Iraq’s neighbors to halt supply of military, intelligence and financial support to various Iraqi factions. This is consonant with the recommendation of the Iraq Study Group. Iraq has expressed its overall agreement to a conference, provided it first has separate meetings with each of its neighbors and the outcome of the conference is predetermined.

Recommendation: The Iraqi Government should convene a regional conference once it has met individually with its neighbors. Each neighboring state must be urged to provide support and assistance in countering the insurgency and terrorist elements in Iraq.

Observation: Turkey and Egypt are in communication with Syria, and to a lesser extent with Iran. President Talabani recently returned from Iran and reported Iran wishes to talk directly with the United States concerning Iraq and possibly other matters.

Recommendation: The United States should engage in direct discussions with both Syria and Iran on Iraq.

Iraq is clearly in crisis. The United States is at war in a complex situation, where our men and women of the US Armed Forces are in the cross-fire of an insurgency and sectarian conflict. Iraq's political leaders must take immediate and decisive action to achieve national reconciliation which will help curtail the insurgency and sectarian conflict.

I propose four steps so we are not responding to events, but rather driving the agenda and demanding results:

• Begin negotiations immediately on a set of firm timelines with the Government of Iraq that will lead to the drawdown of US forces. This timeline should be based on a worst-case scenario, so we are prepared to respond to unforeseen exigencies yet have a predictable timetable to achieve our objectives. Once agreement is reached, develop a realistic Campaign Plan incorporating these timelines;
  
• Convene a meeting of the key Shia, Sunni and Kurdish decision-makers and inform them that they must meet in continuous session until they reach agreement on all issues in Prime Minister Al-Maliki’s national reconciliation program;
  
• Convene a conference of Iraq’s neighbors – Syria, Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan – to engage directly on measures that will create security and stability in Iraq; and
  
• Upon the conclusion of these three steps, hold a plebiscite among the Iraqi people to ratify the timelines for disengagement agreed to in the negotiations in step one. Unless two-thirds of Iraqi voters endorse these timelines, we should accelerate the pace of our withdrawal.

These steps will require Iraqi leaders to make the political decisions they have avoided, bring Iraq’s neighbors to the table to advance regional stability, and let Iraqi citizens decide the future they want for their country.