Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up

WALBERG WEEKLY WRAP-UP

This past week my wife Sue and I had the privilege of attending the President's State of the Union address for the first time.

Listening to the President discuss the challenges facing our great nation while surrounded by the men and women who serve in the top ranks of our government, this resident of Tipton couldn't help but feel humbled merely to be in the room.

During his speech, the President stated that the majority in Congress has changed, but the responsibilities of Congress have not.

The 110th session of Congress must work in an effective, bi-partisan manner to address numerous important issues, several of which were discussed in the State of the Union.

These include:

- Balancing the budget
Just as American families in the 7th District make difficult decisions every day to ensure their budgets are balanced, Congress must operate within its means.

The President said, "A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy." During the past few years, Congress has gotten away from keeping our fiscal house in order. I have co-sponsored legislation giving the President line-item veto authority, an important tool in the fight against wasteful spending.

In the months ahead, Republicans and Democrats in the House must work together to balance the budget and make certain that taxpayer dollars are going to meaningful programs. We must restore fiscal responsibility in our government.

- Health Care Access and Affordability
From Battle Creek to Adrian, men and women in the 7th District continue to stress to me that they want health care decisions to be made by patients and doctors, not by the government and insurance companies. I look forward to studying the market-based health care reforms proposed by the President.

- The War on Terrorism
I was pleased to hear the President re-affirm his commitment to protect the people of this country from danger. I support his determination for victory and feel it is imperative we provide American men and women in combat with resources that will enable them to come home safe and victorious. The war on terrorism is the calling of our time, and we cannot shirk our obligation to protect our families and nation from the enemies of freedom.

- Alternative Sources of Energy
As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, it is encouraging to hear the President articulate an aggressive plan of stepping up our domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways. Farmers in south central Michigan no doubt were pleased to hear the President continue to tout ethanol as a viable fuel source for the future. This year, Congress will consider a bill I've co-sponsored which will greatly expand ethanol use, and I will act to ensure its passage.

As I work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the coming months, I welcome your input on these and other key issues. My office can be reached at 202-225-6276.

- Tim Walberg

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