Homeland Security Act tops list

by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, 6th District

As we all return to work from the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope all American’s, especially those in the Sixth District, enjoyed time with family and loved ones. This is a special time of year, one that should be shared with those close to us.

Although Congress has adjourned for the year, overall I was pleased with the legislation we were able to help get passed. On many important issues, Congress was able to work in a bi-partisan manner with President Bush to pass legislation important to the people of the 6th District as well as the rest of the nation.

The Homeland Security Act, which was signed into law by President Bush last week, is one of our greatest accomplishments. There is no doubt as American’s we are targets of aggression and cowardly terrorist attacks. I am confidant this law will help decrease that risk by establishing one department solely dedicated to government’s top priority – protecting American’s at home. This legislation also authorized airline pilots to be armed with handguns in cockpits, this is something I heard much support for while traveling the district.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, we were able to do much more than I suspect anyone imagined possible this year. As a member of the Speaker’s Prescription Drug Task Force, I was very pleased that in the House we were able to pass the Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002. This bill would have devoted $350 billion to prescription drug coverage for America’s seniors. The bottom line is our plan for seniors is affordable, voluntary and will lower drug costs now. Despite running into roadblocks in the Senate this is legislation that I am committed to getting through Congress and to the President to sign. Hopefully, we can take this measure up early in the new year to increase its chances for passage.

On several fronts I was able to pass important legislation during my first term in Congress. I was able to do my part to improve airline security by passing legislation that will require screening of all baggage. Seen as the most vulnerable part of our nation’s air security system, this new requirement will ensure that all bags whether they are carried on or checked are screened by the best available means including bomb detection equipment. I also authored legislation that will guarantee that 95 cents of every federal education dollar is returned to the classroom. I do not think anyone really believed that we could cut off the bureaucracy and send these dollars back to our teachers and kids. Nonetheless, when I started seeking support for the requirement, Republicans and Democrats alike realized that it is the classrooms, not the bureaucracy, that need more resources. Moreover, I included language in the President’s education bill that will protect teachers from frivolous lawsuits. I was very happy to see both of those amendments signed into law earlier this year.

The list of bills passed through the House is long: new corporate responsibility measures, a balanced energy plan, Pension Security Act, Terrorism Risk Insurance, Tax Relief for all American’s and making that tax relief permanent, and Welfare Reform Reauthorization. I look to continue to fight for the Sixth District in the 108th Congress in the year.

As always, if you have any problems or ideas for legislation please contact me at either of my district offices or by calling my office in Washington D.C.