A word from Congressman Zach Wamp...

June 2 – Education from Conception to the Grave
Schools are wrapping up for the year, and across the state, many children and teens eagerly await the promise of summer. But learning doesn’t end with summer vacation or even with a diploma. Education is a lifelong journey that begins at conception and continues to the grave. Most education discussions are narrowly focused on the K-12 and college years. But in the 21st Century, it is much more expansive, and our efforts to educate Tennesseans should reflect the differing needs of individuals at every stage of life. It starts in the womb and continues well into adulthood. Though the joys of summer may beckon us at any age, our learning days are never really over as we continue down the road of education.

May 13 – Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln was not motivated by fame, power or money, but by impact. He often spoke about how he wanted to use his brief moment in time, his life, to impact others at the very highest potential. Lincoln epitomized that public service commitment and demonstrated it throughout his life, particularly as president during difficult days. Things could not have been worse, yet he persevered at home and for the public like no other has before. Lincoln truly goes down in history as our greatest president through that dedication and perseverance.

March 17 – New Billion Dollar Investments Did Not Happen By Accident
Despite today’s troubling economic times, there is one region of the country that is still on the move attracting big new business investments and creating the jobs of the future. It’s happening in our very own Tennessee Valley Corridor. Nearly fifteen years ago at a regional economic development summit I convened in Oak Ridge, a core group of East Tennessee leaders began working together to link and leverage the many science, technology, education and business assets for new regional job creation. Now, thanks to that clear vision, the strong partnerships we have put together and the hard work by so many dedicated leaders, our efforts have paid off BIG -- with two new billion dollar business investments in the heart of our high-tech Corridor, even in the midst of a national recession.

February 19 – Global Security Issues Influence Economic Future
Recent events in the Middle East reflect the region’s growing struggles and its continued significance to global security. Last week’s election in Israel was a virtual tie and this inconclusive result has thrown the government into uncertainty. On Saturday, the king of Saudi Arabia shook up his government by naming the first female minister to sit in the Saudi cabinet and replacing some extreme government ideologues with less radical Islamic leaders. Since the terrorist attacks on our country on 9/11, I have taken an active interest in the Middle East and it continues to be an essential front for global security challenges. These complex global security issues affect the people we represent and the great challenges in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan determine not only the security of the entire world, but also our economic future.

February 13 – Nuclear Energy Brings Green Jobs
A piece of the conversation is missing from all the talk about how to stimulate the economy. Nuclear energy investments would help restore U.S. competiveness, grow our manufacturing sector, create new American jobs and address the challenges of energy independence and climate change. It is a carbon-free alternative to meet our increasing energy demands and has been a leading creator of green jobs for more than half a century. Nuclear energy offers a multitude of opportunities for Tennessee-based manufacturers, suppliers and our well-trained workforce.

January 23 – Inauguration of the 44th President
Electricity was in the air this week in Washington, D.C., as people lined up all over the city to be a part of this historic Inauguration of our 44th President. While I didn’t vote for Barack Obama for President because of his policies and what his party and agenda stand for, I was still a proud American upon his Inauguration this week. Barack Obama is breaking barriers and as an African-American elected to serve as President, he represents a long journey fulfilled. I share in the promise of America that anyone can become President of the United States.