Senator Maria Cantwell's Weekly Update for Washington State

Senator Maria Cantwell's Weekly Update for Washington State

Securing America's Borders

Last December, undercover federal agents were able to obtain and transport enough radioactive material through checkpoints along America's northern and southern borders to produce two dirty bombs. While border inspectors detected the radioactive materials, they had no way to validate the documents used to get the materials over the border. The documents turned out to be counterfeit. We need better communication and monitoring to make sure our border agents can detect counterfeit documents and keep malevolent individuals from bringing dangerous materials into our country. Congress demanded better monitoring and stricter controls in legislation passed last summer, but these have yet to be implemented. We need a system to help customs agents verify documents presented by those attempting to bring dangerous materials into the U.S. Our country can't afford these gaping security holes, and I'll continue fighting for real action to secure our borders.

I'm also calling for a program to reimburse communities along America's northern border for the cost of prosecuting border crimes and detaining individuals suspected of border violations. Right now, we're forcing local jurisdictions along our northern border to pay for security at the expense of other local projects. Investigations and arrests initiated by federal authorities often get dumped onto counties and cities, with no offer from the federal government to cover the cost. In Whatcom County, for example, more than 85 percent of criminal apprehensions made by federal law enforcement officers at the border in 2004 were turned over to the county for prosecution, costing the county more than $2.5 million. My Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act, modeled on an existing program for the southern border, would reimburse communities for the cost of prosecuting cases, detaining suspects, and constructing holding spaces. America's border communities shouldn't have to subsidize our nation's security.
Keeping Our National Guard Ready and Well Equipped

At the Pentagon's direction, the Washington Army National Guard's 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team was required to leave approximately 1,400 items—including weapons, radios, and hundreds of vehicles—worth more than $30 million in Iraq for other units to use. National Guard units across the country face a similar situation, hindering training efforts and limiting the Guard's ability to respond to civil emergencies. Our National Guard plays an indispensable role in national defense and emergency response. To make sure our citizen soldiers stay equipped and ready, I've introduced the National Guard Equipment Accountability Act to require a Department of Defense report detailing all National Guard equipment diverted to other units as well as a plan to track and replace the equipment. Reports would have to be completed within 90 days of the equipment's diversion. We need to make sure these brave men and women have the support they need.
Investigating Record-High Fuel Costs

Last Thursday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) agreed to conduct an investigation into years of rising fuel costs. I requested this comprehensive analysis of fuel inventory practices, refining capacity, and market transparency last month because we need answers that get to the bottom of today's volatile fuel prices. Between March 2005 and March 2006, the price of unleaded regular gasoline in Washington state climbed from $2.23 to $2.56 per gallon, continuing a four-year upward trend. At a hearing last November, I questioned oil company CEOs about below-average reserves, unregulated trading, and gasoline exports during times of record U.S. prices, but they refused to provide the answers the American people deserve. This GAO investigation is a much-needed step toward getting these answers. Right now, not even the federal regulators in charge of protecting consumers have comprehensive information to get to the bottom of these volatile fuel prices. No one is keeping track of the big picture. To deliver a more stable energy future, we need transparency and a better understanding of fundamental fuel market dynamics.
Raising Awareness During National Public Health Week

This week is National Public Health Week, and this year, a special emphasis is being placed on raising healthy kids in healthy environments. We all know that exercise and a healthy diet can prevent disease and make our communities healthier. More recent is the focus on how our built environment impacts our physical and mental health. Building schools, parks, businesses, and communities in a way that promotes healthy, toxic-free environments and encourages people to get outdoors is an important point of focus. We must also continue working to increase access to medical and preventive health services and prepare our nation's children for a healthy and successful future. Washington is often at the forefront of environmental issues and we must continue working together to advance healthy communities for the sake of our children and all who call Washington home.

http://cantwell.senate.gov/news/weekly_update.cfm