Everyone is experiencing the pain of rising gas prices. I cringe
every time my husband and I go to a gas station. The high fuel
prices are also helping drive up the cost of everything else,
like groceries.
That’s why I strongly believe America needs a comprehensive
energy policy—one that meets American energy needs with
American resources. This includes expanding our domestic energy
supply, streamlining the permitting process for refineries,
encouraging conservation and exploring alternative sources of
energy.
Here are some links to help you save money when you drive:
Ways to
improve your gas mileage
Find out how much
your road trip will cost
Find
a fuel efficient vehicle and learn about new emissions standards
Recognizing hydropower as a renewable resource
is one component of a comprehensive energy policy that I’m
advancing. As the lead Republican on the Water and Power Subcommittee
I will fight to protect our dams.
Our dams have a huge impact on our economy and are an essential
part of our daily lives in the Pacific Northwest. We depend
on our dams for irrigation, flood control, transportation and
low cost renewable energy The removal of our dams would only
cause harm to Eastern Washington and the entire Pacific Northwest.
Click here
to watch a video message I recorded on Earth Day that highlights
the importance of our hydroelectric dams.
We are continuing to make progress on the 2007
Farm Bill. I am serving on the Farm Bill Conference Committee,
a select number of House and Senate members who are trying to
resolve the House and Senate versions of the 2007 Farm Bill
and draft a compromise version to send to the President.
Last year, I was pleased that so many of our farmers participated
in Farm Bill listening sessions with me. We visited Davenport,
Ritzville, Walla Walla, Spangle, Omak, Colfax and Springdale.
I’m always proud to remind people agriculture is the
number one industry in Washington State. This farm bill is important
to ensuring our Eastern Washington farmers remain competitive.
In late April, I led a delegation of Spokane business leaders
to the Pentagon where we met with Air Force Chief of Staff General
Michael Moseley regarding Fairchild Air Force Base. I was glad
to hear General Moseley indicate that Fairchild AFB will be
among the first bases to receive the new KC-45A tanker and that
Fairchild AFB will continue to play a critical role in our national
security. General Moseley also praised the wonderful support
the Spokane community gives to Fairchild.
The Pentagon visit was part of Greater Spokane Incorporated's
annual Washington, D.C. fly-in where Spokane businesses and
education leaders conduct a number of meetings to discuss issues
important to Eastern Washington, including Fairchild Air Force
Base.
I am pleased that the Bureau of Reclamation is now offering
20 year leases for Conconully cabin owners, instead of the five
year leases as originally proposed. I heard from a lot of cabin
owners concerned about losing their leases to the public land
on which their private cabins sit.
While the Bureau of Reclamation will now offer 20 year leases,
they will be subject to review every five years. The Bureau
of Reclamation will also review the annual cost of permits,
which in some cases may increase from $700 to $3375 annually.
One of my top priorities is keeping our nation and communities
safe. Our Armed Forces play a vital role in that. It’s
important to honor the service they give to the nation now,
and in the future.
I want to let you know about the legislation I recently supported
that will benefit our military members and veterans.
The Hubbard Act for Sole Survivors (H.R. 5875)
would extend benefits and services to military members who voluntarily
separate from the military due to sole survivorship status.
The term “sole survivor” applies when more than
one immediate family member serves in the military and the family
loses all but one of the family members serving in the Armed
Forces.
Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability
Act of 2008 (H.R. 529) would allow active duty, Reserve
and National Guard military members to transfer unused portions
of their GI Bill benefits to their spouse, children or other
eligible dependents.
Recognizing Family Members of United States Armed Forces
(H. Con. Res, 295) expresses Congress’s deepest
appreciation to the families, both immediate and extended, of
members of the United States Armed Forces for the unwavering
support, both physical and emotional, that family members give
their loved ones while they answer the call to serve their country
and keep the United Sates safe.
Acknowledging the Service Armed Forces Members Give
to the U.S. (H. Res. 1020) which recognizes the tremendous
service members of the Armed Forces have given to the Nation,
especially those who have been wounded in combat and commends
the actions of private citizens and organizations who volunteer
their continued support to America’s wounded warriors.
I also want to make you aware of an online resource through
my website that is full of information to help Eastern Washington
veterans. Click here
for information about how to navigate the Veterans Administration,
find local resources for help and find other sources of federal,
state and local information.
What: 2nd Annual Veterans and Military Resource Fair
When: Saturday, May 31st, from 9am to 1 pm
Where: Washington State University-Spokane Riverpoint Campus
412 East Spokane Falls Boulevard
RSVP: E-mail Deputy
District Director Aimee Henneke or call my District office
at 509-353-2374
|
