Even as Congress returns this week to tie up loose ends from the first session of the 109th Congress, Republicans and Democrats have already begun laying the strategic groundwork for the 2006 election-year agenda.
As the debate over immigration reform intensifies, and the number of competing bills grows almost daily, it is important that we focus on the realities of the current climate, not the red-hot rhetoric, if we are going to seriously address this important issue.
After years of lip service and even outright neglect, immigration reform is finally front and center on Washington’s agenda. The issue has such resonance that it seems every Congressman has introduced a bill on the subject. At least in the House, a consensus is emerging to secure our borders, increase work site enforcement and, now, revoke birthright citizenship.
Many critics of the war in Iraq seem to have lost sight of the dire importance of our victory over terrorism. Victory in Iraq is a vital national interest to the United States. Iraq is at the forefront of the global war on terror, and our resolve in this fight — or lack thereof — will send a resounding message to terrorists across the globe.
The frustration recently demonstrated on the floor of the House of Representatives reflected the frustration of many with the current course of the war in Iraq. American lives continue to be lost as attacks continue in Iraq, and the American people are not seeing the progress that would make them believe American forces will be able to be come home anytime soon.
“It’s too complicated; I have to hire a professional; there are too many forms; it’s unfair; rich people don’t pay their fair share; it’s full of loopholes for special interest groups.”
President Bush began his second term in office with two large issues on his domestic agenda: Social Security and tax reform.
Congress four months ago passed the first comprehensive
energy bill in 12 years, and we are already seeing results. Let me cite a few: 2,500 megawatts of new wind power are being installed this year; utilities and consortiums have announced plans to build 13 new nuclear power plants; 24 new ethanol plants are being built, and seven existing plants are being expanded; and a pilot program in the bill will bring to market seven trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the next 15 years. These and a dozen other recent accomplishments are directly attributable to the energy bill.
This winter, millions of low-income Americans are expected to have an unprecedented need for home energy assistance. With heating costs predicted to rise up to 50 percent, and with hundreds of thousands of hurricane victims still struggling to restore energy services in new or temporary homes, these disadvantaged customers face a looming crisis.
