Maria's Monday Memo

Maria's Monday Memo

This week on the Senate floor: Decreasing American dependence on foreign oil

This week the full Senate begins consideration of national energy legislation. I supported the legislation in the Energy Committee because it includes some important provisions for Washington state, such as protecting consumer interests against the greed of companies like Enron, and expanding federal support of biofuels so our farmers can produce a clean and affordable alternative to foreign oil.

On the Senate floor I will offer an amendment to the energy bill that will make it even better - for Washington state, and for America . In order to prevent the United States from becoming any more dependent on foreign oil imports, my amendment would set a national, 20-year goal to import 1.5 million barrels oil per day less in 2025 than we are doing today.

In 1973, our nation only imported about 28 percent of its oil supply. But today, we are importing about 58 percent of our total supply - a figure that is expected to increase to 68 percent in 2025. As long as we remain dependent on oil as a primary fuel source, dependence on foreign imports will remain a fact of life. The U.S. sits on just 3 percent of the world's proven oil reserves, in stark contrast to the two-thirds located in the Persian Gulf region.

Technology already exists to dramatically increase the productivity of the U.S. energy supply and replace imported oil. These include numerous efficiency technologies, oil extraction technologies that can pull more oil from existing U.S. oil fields, and the potential for American farmers to grow cleaner-burning biofuels to replace foreign oil.

The price of oil could climb as high as $100 per barrel during some periods in the next 20-25 years. My amendment would reduce foreign imports equivalent to the amount of oil we currently get from Saudi Arabia . By setting a goal for energy independence, we will strategically combat foreign oil's stranglehold on the U.S. economy.

Pushing to renew the Violence Against Women Act

This weekend I met with survivors of domestic violence, local advocates, and law enforcement officers in Vancouver and Seattle to hear about the services available to victims of domestic violence.

These programs are supported by landmark legislation first passed by Congress in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This important bill stiffened penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders, provides resources for battered women to get services they need, and funds local law enforcement training programs.

Many great programs exist around the state to provide these services, but they are at risk of being eliminated if VAWA is not renewed before it expires at the end of this year. That is why last week I co-sponsored legislation to renew VAWA, so that so that services for survivors of domestic violence will continue to be available for them and their families.

Over 51,000 domestic violence-related arrests were made in Washington state in 2003. While over 25,000 Washington state adults and children were served by programs funded by VAWA in 2001, almost 33,000 other victims were turned away because there were not enough resources to help them. These statistics explain the need to renew - and build upon - existing domestic violence support efforts.

Domestic violence is a tragic and horrible act that happens everywhere. This is not just a problem for women, it's a problem for everyone, and we all need to work together to solve it. I'll keep you updated as the legislation to renew VAWA is considered by the Senate.

Standing up for Washington state aerospace workers

Washington state's aerospace industry is poised to compete with anyone in the world. Our workers are dedicated and well-trained, and in the new 787, Boeing has designed a product that promises to take the world by storm. In fact, recent news reports predict that for the first time in the last four years, Boeing appears likely to receive more new plane orders than its primary competitor, Airbus. This proves that American innovation in aerospace technology is alive and well, and that Washington state's aerospace professionals have plenty of work ahead during the next few years.

Unfortunately, the international aerospace market is not a level playing field. The European Union continues to provide billions of dollars in subsidies to Airbus. One form of these subsidies from European governments allows Airbus to develop new planes without risking financial loss if the planes don't sell. We should all be so lucky.

I believe these subsidies violate international trade rules regulated by the World Trade Organization, and I applaud the U.S. Trade Representative for bringing a case against the Europeans for continuing to provide these subsidies. Consumers around the world will win when there is true competition, not direct government financing.
Visiting Washington , D.C. ?

Are you planning to visit Washington , D.C. ? If so, I would welcome the opportunity to meet you. On Thursday, June 16, at 8:30 a.m., I will host one of my regular coffees for constituents in my Washington , D.C. , office. If you will be in the nation's capital and would like to attend, please call my office at (202) 224-3441, or fill out a reservation form online by visiting my web site at http://cantwell.senate.gov/services/coffee.html .

http://cantwell.senate.gov/updates/weekly_update.html