December 2009 E-News

Statement

Welcome to the December edition of E-News! This electronic newsletter provides a great way to share information on important issues facing Idaho, the West and our country. Through my website, iTownHall meetings, podcasts, Facebook, YouTube and this newsletter, I will continue to keep you updated on federal efforts and legislation important to Idaho and our country. E-News also offers me a way to update you on matters that may not make national news, but hold great interest for Idahoans. Also, use the "Tell a Friend" form on the lower left to pass this along to friends, co-workers and family members. It is my hope that you will benefit from being aware of changes in legislation of concern to you. As always, it is extremely important to me to stay informed on matters of interest to you.

2008 Capitol Christmas TreeAlthough the holidays are a time for cheer and joy, it is hard to focus on festive times when our country is facing very tough economic times. Our national debt is at an astounding all-time high of $12 trillion. In October, the unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent, the highest since April 1983. We have all heard stories of familes devastated by the loss of their homes and livelihoods. As we debate creating more government bureaucracy and adding even more government spending, I will continue to do everything in my power to remain true to our shared conservative principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and the defense of our personal freedoms.

This year, with our economy in such a challenging state, it is more important than ever that we consider what we can do to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Stop and look around you; there are many people in need. Every day we can make a difference to those around us. This can be helping out an elderly neighbor by by shoveling their driveway, visiting someone in a retirement home or sending a greeting card or a message to someone serving our country overseas. There are countless ways that we can give of ourselves each day, and with so many of our fellow Americans in need it is a meaningful way for us to show the true spirit of the season.

In this month's E-News, you will find information on:

* Health Care-Update on health care reform
* Veterans-Idahoans honored with Spirit of Freedom Awards
* Energy-Cap and trade should not be rushed
* Natural Resources-Idaho's hunting and fishing heritage

Health Care

Recently, I voted against moving ahead on a health care reform proposal. This legislation, drafted behind closed doors with only Democrats involved, is a massive government takeover that will drive up the cost of health insurance and medical care. The legislation passed on a strictly partisan vote of 60 to 39. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announced that the Senate will begin full debate on the measure following the Thanksgiving state work period.

This 2,000-plus page bill is not the kind of reform the American people want. It raises taxes by half a trillion dollars, increases premiums and cuts Medicare at the expense of our senior citizens to create a new entitlement program. It grows the federal government by over $2.4 trillion, imposes penalties on individuals and employers and forces the needy uninsured into a failing Medicaid system, resulting in an unfunded mandate on our struggling states. And, at the end, the bill still leaves millions of Americans uninsured. Return to the top.

Veterans

Seven years ago, I established the Spirit of Freedom Award to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation in the military. The Spirit of Freedom Award is also bestowed upon dedicated volunteers who offer assistance to our veterans in need. During Veterans Day ceremonies around Idaho this year 18 remarkable veterans and volunteers were presented with Spirit of Freedom Awards. These exceptional individuals demonstrate the true meaning of service to our country and a commitment to volunteerism. Return to the top.

Energy

Earlier this month, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, on which I serve, chose to report Senator Barbara Boxer's (D-California) and Senator John Kerry's (D-Massachusetts) cap and trade bill to the floor of the Senate without Republican participation. I have heard from Idahoans countless times about the effects that this legislation will have on Idaho families and jobs, and I share their concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency has yet to conclude a full and thorough cost-analysis of the legislation. There is absolutely no reason, other than trying to meet an artificial deadline for international audiences, to move this bill so quickly without sufficient cost analysis and public review. If some Senators wish to proceed with this deeply flawed approach, they ought to explain that approach to the American people and tell them how much it will cost. The public has consistently stated that it expects Congress to take the time necessary to get legislation done properly and carefully, and the American people want and deserve transparency. Return to the top.

Natural Resources

Each year, thousands of Idahoans head outdoors to hunt, fish, camp and hike or simply enjoy Idaho's beautiful scenery and wildlife. As co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, and as ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Wildlife and Water, much of my time is spent on issues involving fish, wildlife, water, and the land itself. I also enjoy hunting and fishing and greatly appreciate this part of Idaho's culture and heritage.

Sportsmen have brought great benefits for all who enjoy the great outdoors. History shows, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many game species were in trouble, and sportsmen were the first to voice concern for species conservation and the first to consider how to do it. They insisted on rules and systems of hunting and fishing, and they were willing to pay for it. Sportsmen like President Theodore Roosevelt promoted rules of "fair chase" and periods when wildlife would be allowed to rest, grow and reproduce.
We should also thank landowners and wildlife managers. Without planning and vision, we would not have the abundant, healthy wildlife populations we have today. Private landowners have vital winter range and habitat with water, cover and all the necessary resources for fish and wildlife. Idaho law directs the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to manage our wildlife resources for the benefit of all and for the maximum benefit of hunting, fishing and trapping. Thousands of Idahoans enjoy these activities and look forward with anticipation and excitement to each season. Our state does a good job of managing all species in perpetuity as sustained and renewable natural resources.

Wildlife populations, in general, are stable or increasing, which is remarkable amidst a growing human population. Deer, elk, antelope, bears, mountain lions, pheasants, ducks and many other species are abundant in Idaho. Wildlife managers partner with sportsmen and landowners for the good of wildlife and historic uses of the land. It is a system that benefits all involved. And it is the end result of a process started by sportsmen, who wanted to see wildlife and habitat preserved for the benefit of future generations of hunters, fishermen and women and all who enjoy nature.

As a U.S. Senator and a hunter and fisherman, I applaud the work of sportsmen, landowners, and wildlife managers, and I will continue to work to protect our right to our hunting heritage. Return to the top.

Still looking for more information? Use the questions to the left to specify issues that are of concern to you.

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. But please do not reply to this e-newsletter. Any comments, suggestions or concerns that you have should be sent to me through the E-mail Me section on my website. Also, let me know if there are issues that you would like me to address.

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