Garrett Gazette - December 5, 2006
Garrett Gazette - December 5, 2006
Dear Friends:
This week, Congress is scheduled to complete its work for the 109th Congress and adjourn until the 110th Congress convenes in January. There are a number of issues that I will be pursuing in these remaining days. For instance, Congress must fix the Medicare reimbursement rate cuts that will slash funding for providers and hospitals. And, Congress must pass a sensible Federal spending resolution that funds the government but doesn't turn into a pork barrel free-for-all.
From a more local perspective, I will be pursuing final approval of my legislation to name portions of the Musconetcong River as a national wild and scenic river. At more than 42 miles, the Musconetcong is the largest New Jersey tributary to the Delaware River. It rests in the middle of the environmentally sensitive New Jersey Highlands. And, my bill would provide the help needed to improve the water quality of the River, as well recreational enjoyment of the River. My legislation will not freeze development, but will provide the opportunity to preserve the natural beauty and rural character of the Musonetcong and its surrounding habitat, protecting open space that is increasingly rare in the most densely populated stat in the country.
I have worked closely with the Musonetcong Watershed Association, as well as the National Park Service, and the 18 municipalities along the river in crafting this bill. It has passed the House already. And the Senate has passed its companion bill. Just one more vote of support will send it to the President's desk and I will be working hard this week to ensure that this occurs before the Congress adjourns.
Sincerely,
Scott Garrett
Member of Congress
ISSUE OF THE WEEK: AMBASSADOR JOHN BOLTON RESIGNS IN FACE OF SENATE REFUSAL TO ALLOW DEBATE ON HIS APPOINTMENT FOR 16 MONTHS
Today, John Bolton, who has been serving our nation as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations since August 2005, submitted his resignation to President Bush. His confirmation to that position has been held up in the U.S. Senate. In light of that legislative log-jam and the fast approaching Congressional adjournment, Ambassador Bolton submitted his resignation and President Bush accepted it.
John Bolton has honorably served this nation at the United Nations, leading successful diplomatic efforts related to North Korea's military and nuclear activities, Iran's uranium enrichment program, peacekeeping operations in the Darfur region of Sudan, Israel and the Middle East, and more. Furthermore he has been a strong voice for reform in the procedures and management of the United Nations, which as been scarred by repeated scandal and corruption.
As you may recall, last week I reported to you that I had been organizing a letter with my colleagues urging the Senate to at least allow a fair and full debate on John Bolton's qualifications. This week, both the House and Senate are scheduled to complete the work of the 109th Congress. I am hopeful that the Senate's reluctance to allow debate and consideration of Ambassador Bolton's confirmation is not indicative of the upcoming 110th Congress, and that members of both the House and the Senate will keep their focus on achieving results for the communities that they represent here in Washington.
http://garrett.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=53912