Rep. Boozman Discusses Policy With President Bush

Rep. Boozman Discusses Policy With President Bush

Congressman among handful of lawmakers invited to White House to meet with the president

Washington, Mar 29 -

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today met with President George W. Bush at the White House to discuss the top issues facing the nation.

Boozman was among a handful of lawmakers invited to discuss priorities with the president in the Roosevelt Room. Iraq, energy and immigration were among the issues the lawmakers discussed with President Bush.

"The president was very receptive to the ideas my colleagues and I put forward," said Boozman. "I am very appreciative of the opportunity to personally let him know what is on the minds of my constituents on these important matters."

On Iraq, Boozman said he "agreed with the Commander-in-Chief's message during the meeting that we will leave as soon as possible, but we are not going to surrender."

Boozman offered up advice on how to get the message out that Iraq is moving toward self-government.

"I've been to Iraq four times now, and each time, I have seen even more progress. Unfortunately, that message isn't getting out. My colleagues and I who have been there can help show the world the positive things that are happening on the ground," said Boozman.

On energy, Boozman said "the president remains committed to the bold ideas" he proposed in his State of the Union address.

"As I met with constituents in the Third District last week, high gasoline and home heating costs were at the top of their lists of concerns. The president restated his commitment to a bold new approach to energy policy, one that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and encourage alternative fuels," said Boozman.

Immigration, a front page issues these days, came up during the course of the meeting.

"The president listened to our concerns and assured us that he does not support amnesty for illegal immigrants. The people of the Third District don't, I don't and I am glad to see the president doesn't either," Boozman said.

This was Boozman's first visit to the White House to discuss policy issues with President Bush.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=41586