e-Newsletter

Statement

e-Newsletter

Welcome to the October edition of E-News! This electronic newsletter provides a great opportunity to share information on important issues facing Idaho, the West and our country. It also gives me a way to provide updates on matters that may not make national news, but hold great interest for Idahoans. Please visit my website for more information throughout the month of October.

It is hard to believe that September is almost over. Getting kids back to school seems to put everyone in the mindset of buckling down and getting to the tasks that we need to tackle. I enjoyed traveling throughout Idaho and meeting with many of you during the state work period in August. The Senate, is now back to work here in our nation's capital. I am honored to serve you and look forward to continuing to fight for your interests in Washington, DC. We have been at work on the Defense Authorization bill, appropriations, as well as a variety of other legislation. As we enter this process, I will:

* strongly support legislation that safeguards our nation as we face terror worldwide;
* continue to support efforts in Congress to commit the resources necessary to have the strongest border enforcement possible;
* promote appropriations that support responsible agency spending and
* focus on issues important to Idahoans including critical land management legislation, the farm bill and ensuring that families are protected from drugs and violence inside their homes, neighborhoods and communities.

In this month's e-newsletter, you will find information on:

* Agriculture: Idaho will receive federal grants for agricultural producers and renewable energy projects
* Water Resources: Water Resources Development Act includes projects in Idaho
* Taxes: The Endangered Species Recovery Act provides tax incentives for private landowners
* Defense: U.S. Senate continues work on Defense Authorization bill
* Domestic Violence: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
* Service Academy Day: The Idaho Congressional Delegation hosts information sessions in Idaho

Agriculture

Eight Idaho agricultural producers are now in line for more than $1.5 million in Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry and Credit, I am pleased that these federal grants are being provided to independent producers and agricultural producer groups for both planning activities and working capital. For more information on the individual grants, visit my website.

Also, two Idaho renewable energy projects will receive federal funds under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) section 9006 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. The loans and grants will benefit rural economies and promote energy efficiency. Return to top.

Water Resources

On September 24, the U.S. Senate authorized several water projects benefiting Idaho in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 2864. I voted in favor of the WRDA Conference Report, and it passed by a 81-12 vote. Passing this bill for the first time in seven years will provide much-needed funds for critical water infrastructure projects in the state. These projects are integral to both the livehoods of many Idahoans and to the future of our water resources. The WRDA projects provide substantial improvements to important water projects in Idaho. Return to top.

Taxes

On September 21, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed my legislation, the Endangered Species Recovery Act (S. 700), and the act is now one step closer to becoming law. Along with Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas), I first introduced this legislation in December of 2005 to provide tax incentives for private landowners to improve habitat for endangered and threatened species. Under this legislation, landowners including farmers and ranchers would receive tax credits for participating in species recovery efforts. Groups with wide-ranging interests and coalitions have endorsed the measure, including: The National Wildlife Federation, American Farm Bureau, Environmental Defense, National Association of Conservation Districts; National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, Defenders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited and many others who have contributed to the legislative effort. Return to top.

Defense

The Senate is currently working on the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Defense Authorization bill, which has been a vehicle for debate on several controversial issues such as: management of troops in Iraq, the status of and habeas corpus petitions for detainees and the U.S. policy in Iran. The Senate is expected to complete consideration of the defense authorization bill by the end of this week. For more information on issues being considered and updates on the bill, please go to the defense section of my website. Return to top.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence should never affect anyone but, tragically, too often it does. It is dangerous and more pervasive than most people suspect. The costs are social, economic and multi-generational. It leaves scars and teaches the lesson that distorted and criminal behavior is somehow acceptable and in many cases, frighteningly normal. From children witnessing a parent assault another parent, to that child mimicking a parent, either perpetrator or victim, a few years later in a dating relationship, to a marriage in which his or her home becomes a carbon copy of the prison that was theirs as a child, this terrible and tragic cycle rages on. Return to top.

October is Domestic is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time, I ask that you take time to educate yourself about the crime of domestic violence and drug abuse in your community. Please visit the family and social policy section of my website.

Service Academy Day

Representatives from our nation's service academies will be available during information sessions hosted by the Idaho Congressional Delegation on October 6. Students interested in learning more about the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S.Naval Academy (Marines attend the U.S. Naval Academy) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, are invited to attend. While a congressional nomination is not needed for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, representatives have been invited to participate. The deadline to apply for nominations to the four military academies is October 31. The information sessions will be held at the Administration Building in Coeur d'Alene and at Timberline High School in Boise. Due to a scheduling conflict, there will not be an Academy Day session in Idaho Falls as originally planned. For more information, please call Linda Norris of my staff at (202) 224-0851. Also, please visit the Nominations to U.S. Military Academies section of my website.

It is my hope that you will benefit from being aware of changes in legislation of concern to you. Please visit the Issues and Legislation section of my website for information that addresses many issues important to all of us. As always, I highly value the opinions and concerns of my fellow Idahoans. With that in mind, we continue to work to improve my website. Please e-mail any suggestions that you have for improving my website, and let me know if there are issues that you would like me to address. Please send your comments to webmaster@crapo.senate.gov.

Also, it is of utmost importance to me to stay informed on matters of concern to you. By keeping current on issues critical to Idaho, the West and our country, we all benefit. Please share E-News with your friends, co-workers or family members. Use the 'Tell a Friend' form to your left to pass along this E-Newsletter to them!

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