Five Years too Long, Balancing the Budget, New Ethics Office

Op-Ed

Five Years too Long, Balancing the Budget, New Ethics Office (March 2008)

Dear Friends,

It is that time of year again -- tax time! The April 15th deadline is fast approaching to file our state and federal taxes. This year, however, for many of us, there is a little extra incentive to make sure we file on time. Filing a tax return this year is the only way to determine if you are eligible for a stimulus payment.

In January, Congress passed the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act (H.R. 5140). This important measure represents a bipartisan commitment to help hardworking Americans weather these turbulent economic times. This measure, which includes provisions for small businesses in addition to rebate checks for individuals, will quickly inject $150 billion into our economy to help revitalize our markets and work to increase consumer confidence. If you have questions about the rebates, please click here.

Five Years too Long

As the Iraq War enters its fifth year and we mourn the loss of over 4,000 brave men and women, it is more critical than ever that Congress insist on a plan to end our military presence in that country. While I never voted to go to war in the first place, I did support measures that gave our troops the weapons and equipment they needed to complete their missions. But now their military mission must end. In the coming months, I vow to continue to push for a responsible, phased redeployment of our troops from Iraq and to insist that the Iraqi government begin to take responsibility for the stability and security of their own country. With this redeployment, we will be able to refocus our efforts in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and to protect our homeland.

Did you know?

Langevin is one of only 52 Members of Congress being presented with this year's "Humane Advocate" award for having a perfect score on the Humane Society Scorecard for 2007, which rates representatives on their animal protection efforts.

Balancing the Budget

In this time of economic uncertainty, Americans look to Congress to put forth a plan that will restore our prosperity and promote fiscal discipline. The Democratic Budget Resolution for fiscal year 2009 fulfills that promise by investing in fiscally responsible tax relief for millions of households and in programs that strengthen the economy, make America safer, and help families struggling to make ends meet.

I am pleased that the budget we passed restores many of the important programs that the President proposed to cut, while achieving balance by 2012. Our budget resolution represents a new roadmap toward achieving the true priorities of Americans. Click here to learn more about the budget, including education, community development, energy, health care, homeland security and transportation programs.

New Ethics Office

After Congress passed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act -- the strongest ethics and lobbying reforms since the Watergate era -- I proudly supported a measure to establish an Office of Congressional Ethics in an effort to hold Members of Congress accountable for their actions.

The Office of Congressional Ethics will be comprised of six individuals appointed jointly by the Speaker and Minority Leader. Current members of Congress and lobbyists would not be eligible to serve on the panel, which has the power to initiate investigations of Members of Congress when it deems appropriate. Investigations could only be initiated if supported by a Democratic and Republican member of the panel. At the conclusion of an investigation, the panel would report its findings to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee) and recommend whether the committee should review the allegations.

The Democratic Congress is serious about changing the way business is done in Washington. That is why we have strengthened the ethics process to ensure that Members of Congress are held accountable for their actions and do not violate the public trust.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me about your priorities and concerns as the 110th Congress continues.

Sincerely,

Jim Langevin

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