Welcome to Wyden News Now
Welcome to Wyden News Now
Dear Friend,
Welcome to the August edition of Wyden News Now. In July, I worked on many important issues for Oregon, including standing alone in the Senate Energy Committee to oppose the recently-passed energy legislation (which gives billions in subsidies to the oil and nuclear industries while failing to move the country toward energy independence), improving pension reform legislation being considered by the Senate Finance committee, and securing funds for a number of important Oregon highway projects. This edition of Wyden News Now highlights a few of the key issues I've worked on for you, as well as what I plan to be working on throughout August.
For more information about all of the issues I've worked on beyond what's in this newsletter, and to weigh in with your thoughts, please visit my Senate website at http://wyden.senate.gov. While you're there, you can send me an e-mail, sharing your views on Oregon's economy, Social Security, or any other subject of interest.
This month I will be traveling across the state to discuss Oregon's public safety and transportation needs. I will also be hosting town hall meetings throughout the state to hear your concerns. For a listing of the meetings and events I'll be hosting in the future, be sure to check my website for updates. I always enjoy hearing from you and I hope to see you at one of these meetings.
Sincerely,
Ron Wyden
United States Senator
Working for Oregonians
Boosting Funding for Oregon's Highways
In July, Congress passed a major highway funding bill that included Federal dollars for a number of projects throughout Oregon. I worked with Senator Smith and the Oregon delegation in the House to secure funds for projects to improve our state's highway infrastructure, which also helps to boost our state's economy and create jobs. For a listing of all of the Oregon highway projects that will now receive funding, click here.
Protecting Pensions for Oregon Workers
In July, I was successful in including a provision in pension reform legislation approved by the Senate Finance Committee that allows workers from companies who were involved in corporate scandals like Enron,Worldcom and at PGE to put more money into deferred compensation retirement savings tax-free. Doing so would essentially allow them to 'catch up' for the money they lost in retirement savings when their company's stock went belly-up. Therefore, a PGE employee will get extra money to put into the PGE 401-K plan tax-free than is normally allowed under the law. To read about another measure I championed that related to double-standards for company CEOs that was included in the Finance Committee's bill, click here.
Fighting the Meth Epidemic in Oregon
Meth is one of the biggest problems facing Oregonians from all walks of life, and requires a multi-pronged approach to protect our citizens. To that end, last month, I worked with Senator Smith to ensure that Federal legislation currently being considered in the Senate to combat meth nationwide - which we both support - would not include a provision limiting Oregon's and other states' right to pass their own tough anti-meth measures. To read more about these efforts, click here.
Working for the Nation
Opposing a Flawed Energy Bill
At the end of July, Congress passed a deeply flawed national energy bill that fails to move America toward smarter energy use and that does nothing to boost our nations' energy independence. I voted against the energy legislation because it was a bill filled largely with tax give-a-ways for energy companies, did not reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, and did not lower gas prices for American families and businesses. To read my floor speech explaining my vote on the energy bill, click here.
Safeguarding Civil Liberties in the PATRIOT Act
Also in July, the Senate passed a renewal of the USA PATRIOT Act. A measure that I worked to keep out of the bill - the administrative subpoena power for the FBI- would have allowed the Bureau to demand documents and other materials in terrorism investigations without first obtaining a judge's approval. I believe that we can protect our national security without gutting civil liberties, but this measure would have gone too far, and I will continue to oppose and block any legislation that contains this provision. Click here to read my speech on the Senate floor about this provision just prior to the Senate's vote.
http://wyden.senate.gov/current_news_letter/082005newsletter.html