Congressman Greg Walden's Oregon
Congressional Connection
12/20/07
Dear fellow Oregonian,
Hello from Washington, D.C., where I am preparing to
return home to Hood River now that the House of
Representatives has wrapped up its work for the first
session of the 110th Congress.
This week we successfully blocked tens of billions of
dollars in tax increases, enacted sound legislation to
increase automobile and energy efficiency, and stopped
the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) from gouging middle
income taxpayers.
Wednesday morning, I joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a
handful of other House and Senate leaders to attend
President Bush’s signing of the energy bill, which takes
major steps toward some very important goals for the
country. It will increase vehicle fuel efficiency
standards by 40 percent by 2020, which is the country's
first increase in 32 years. This will go a long way to
reduce our dependence on foreign oil from dangerous
regimes and save consumers money at the pump.
The bill also calls for improved energy efficiency of
appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and
dishwashers, and a 70 percent increase in the efficiency
of light bulbs. These lighting standards alone could
lower our annual electricity bills by $13 billion in
2020.
At the very last minute, Congress finally passed a patch
for the looming hike of the AMT, which would have
swallowed 23 million middle class families if not
addressed by Congress. Without action, tax increases of
up to $2,000 and delays in tax returns would have been a
most unwelcome Christmas present for millions of
American taxpayers.
I remain terribly disappointed that Congress again
failed to extend the county payments program. Even in
the $517 billion omnibus spending bill, the leadership
could not set aside one dollar to support America’s
forested communities. For this reason alone, I voted
against the bill when it was first considered by the
House.
As if the omission of county payments isn’t bad enough,
both the public and members of Congress were given less
than 24 hours to review the mammoth measure. I consider
myself a good reader, but 3,565 pages in under a day is
a tall order!
The omnibus bill did, however, finally appropriate money
for veterans’ health care and benefits. You may recall
that a veterans appropriations bill passed the House and
Senate months ago, but was bizarrely withheld from being
sent to President, denying an additional $18.5 million
per day since Oct. 1 that would have helped pay for the
needs of our veterans. Now, veterans will get the help
they deserve.
I also supported legislation to prevent deep cuts in
reimbursement rates from hitting physicians who care for
seniors. The current payment system is terribly flawed
and I’ve cosponsored legislation to fix it. The last
minute action by Congress delayed for only six months a
10 percent cut in physician payments. Congress needs to
find a solution to this annual problem.
In addition, I supported an extension of the State
Childrens’ Health Insurance Program through March of
2009. This fully funds the program and leaves in place
requirements that those most in need get covered first.
I’m hopeful that next year Congress can address the
bigger issue of insuring the tens of millions of
Americans who lack health care insurance. There are many
good ideas out there that could form the basis for real
reform of the system and real coverage for Americans in
need.
Meanwhile, after the holidays, I’ll resume my active
meeting schedule around our enormous district, adding to
my “to do” list at every stop, I’m sure. Until the next
newsletter, or until our paths cross again personally, I
wish you, your family and loved ones a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best regards,
Greg Walden
Member of Congress
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