ADDRESSING YOUR CONCERNS IN WASHINGTON
Washington, D.C. - At this time of year, it's a challenge to tune out the heated rhetoric and banter to focus on issues that truly matter to all Americans. Despite this environment, we were able to accomplish a lot in Congress before we adjourned last month. We successfully addressed a range of issues with common sense solutions that I believe reflect the values and ideals of the people I represent.
In the last month alone, Congress passed measures to provide for and protect our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan; better secure our borders and ports; and fund homeland security operations here at home. We also continue to receive great news about our nation's thriving economy.
I can think of few issues as important as protecting our men and women in uniform and ensuring our national security. In the House, we passed the Department of Defense spending bill for 2007. While this bill funds the Department generally, specific provisions to protect and provide for our troops serving overseas were included. One of the most important provisions was a pay raise of 2.2 percent for our troops. There is no group of individuals who deserve a pay increase more than our brave men and women fighting to protect our freedoms.
While the military operations continue, Congress must ensure that our military provides the equipment that our troops need, including repairing and replacing equipment lost and damaged during battle. The DOD bill includes $22.9 Billion for this purpose. As President Bush has stated, when the Iraqis are able to defend themselves, our young men and women will come home. The bill provides $1.5 Billion and $1.7 Billion to the Afghanistan and Iraqi Security Forces to help them assume greater responsibility for security in their countries.
I shared an update with you recently about the need for a system of military tribunals that will bring terrorists to justice while remaining true to American values and most importantly, protect our troops fighting the war on terror. I am proud to report that the President signed this important legislation into law earlier this week.
We also passed the Homeland Security appropriations bill that includes provisions that address the problem of illegal immigration, including $1.2 Billion in emergency funds for the construction of border fencing. The bill also includes $2.3 Billion for staffing border control between ports of entry, including funds to hire 1,500 more border patrol agents. Additionally, it includes language setting new criminal penalties for constructing tunnels under the U.S. border and doubles the penalties for smuggling illegal immigrants, drugs, weapons or other illegal items through the tunnels. These successes represent the beginning of our efforts to stop the flow of illegal immigrants.
I think some of the best news I can share with you is about our nation's economy. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy gained 51,000 jobs in the month of September. In fact, September marked the 37th month of job gains - which translates to more than three straight years of economic growth. Thanks to sound economic policies, unemployment is down, gross domestic product is up, and wages continue to rise. That means more money in the pockets of Ohioans and all Americans.
Congress has made some great strides in taking care of the people's business over the last month. But, we have much more to do. Besides securing our nation's border, we need to enact legislation to extend expiring tax cuts and to eliminate or reform the death tax; and pass the remaining appropriations bills that will continue to fund all government operations.
I look forward to returning to Washington in November to continue working for the people of Ohio's Second Congressional district. As always, please continue to call or write our office with your feedback, views and suggestions. I can't do my job without your ongoing valuable input.
http://www.house.gov/list/press/oh02_schmidt/concerns.html