Rep. Boozman Hails House Accomplishments in First 100 Days of 109th Congress Energy Bill, Highway Bill & Death Tax Repeal Among Highlights

Rep. Boozman Hails House Accomplishments in First 100 Days of 109th Congress Energy Bill, Highway Bill & Death Tax Repeal Among Highlights

Washington, May 5 -

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today outlined the ways House Republicans have helped strengthen America during the first 100 days of the 109th Congress.

"I am pleased with how productive this session of Congress has been so far," said Boozman. "In just 100 days, we have worked hard to improve the economy, spur job creation, and ensure solid and steady growth for years to come."

Among the legislative initiatives passed by House Republicans are:

The Highway Bill (H.R. 3): With more than 67 percent of our nation's freight moving on highways, the transportation reauthorization bill funds our federal highways at $283.9 billion and helps increase the quality of our transportation infrastructure. Products will move more efficiently and commuters will find their traveling time significantly reduced. The bill also has a job creation aspect to it, as economists estimate that for every $1 billion dollars spent to improve our highways, 40,000 jobs will be created.

"Our region continues to be one of the fastest growing in the country and this funding will help our municipalities deal with the strain that has been placed on our infrastructure," Boozman said on passage of the highway bill.

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6): The energy bill will create close to half a million new jobs in the manufacturing, construction, agriculture and technology sectors by reducing our dependence on foreign oil while exploring different sources of renewable fuels and nuclear energy. Another 735,000 jobs could be created by promoting the responsible exploration of energy in ANWR. This legislation will eventually lower the cost of gasoline. Soaring gas prices are especially difficult on small business.

"This is an important piece of legislation," said Boozman when he voted for the energy bill. "Not only does it address the current crisis of high gas prices, but it sets a stage for making our country less dependent on foreign sources of oil in the future."

Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 (H.R. 8): The Death Tax is responsible for ending family businesses, eliminating jobs and discouraging savings. All of this money, including the tax itself, could be used to grow small businesses and hire more workers.

When the death tax repeal passed the House, Boozman said, "This tax hits small businesses and family farms hardest, forcing them to divert resources from investment and employment to pay this unfair tax. There is no doubt that it is a hindrance to economic growth."

Class Action Fairness Act (S. 5): When predatory trial attorneys shop for favorable judges to get multimillion dollar rulings, it drains billions from our economy annually. This practice forces small businesses to pay outrageous fees, and in turn, the cost is passed back to consumers. This new law will eliminate these needless fees and allow small businesses to hire more workers, as a result of not paying those costs.

Boozman voted for the bill saying, "What we are trying to do is ensure that plaintiffs, not their attorneys, are the primary beneficiaries of the class action process."

Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (S. 256): Bankruptcy Reform will reduce the number of abusive and frivolous bankruptcy filings that have hurt the economy and small businesses by raising the cost of credit. The President has already enacted this important legislation.

"President Bush signed this important bill into law and I believe it will reduce abuses of the system and help keep the economy moving forward," Boozman said about the bankruptcy reform bill.

"This has been a busy 100 days, but we have started the 109th Congress off in a productive agenda," said Boozman. "We will continue to pass legislation that strengthens America, and protects our future," said Boozman.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=26699