An Update From Washington - Weekly Column

Statement

An Update from Washington

Last week, America's Affordable Health Choices Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill proposes a significant overhaul of our health care system, and is over 1,000 pages long and takes two large three ring binders to hold it. The bill is currently being examined by three different committees in the House- Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce. Without question, it will be a major focus in Congress over the next couple of weeks.

To be clear, I would vote against the bill if it came to a floor vote in its current form. I have serious concerns with the health care bill, specifically the inclusion of a public option and employer and individual mandates for insurance coverage. Additionally, the bill is paid for by increasing taxes on some small businesses and individuals, something that should never be done during a recession. We should be looking for ways to support and help small businesses, not hurt them.

The introduction of this health care bill is a first step in a long process and I will continue to follow its progress and continue to look for opportunities to make improvements to the bill. The Senate is currently working on a bipartisan health care solution and I am hopeful that the deliberative process produces a bill that is much better for the American people. The final product must be bipartisan, and it must use a market-based approach to address current problems in our nation's health care. Regardless of the outcome, I will read the final bill closely and be well-informed on its content before voting on any legislation.

Alabama Energy and Water Projects

Several Alabama-specific projects were included in last week's Energy and Water Appropriations Act. Among the projects are funds for biodiesel research at Auburn University at Montgomery and maintenance and improvements at Walter F. George Lock and Dam in Eufaula. In addition, H.R. 3183 funds energy and water projects across the country. The bill passed by a bipartisan 320 - 97 vote and now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

Along with fellow Alabama delegation member Congressman Robert Aderholt, I requested and secured $800,000 for the Farm Deployable Microbial Bioreactor for Fuel Ethanol Production project at Auburn University at Montgomery. The project, which I recently visited, is developing an easy way for farmers to convert inedible plant waste into ethanol. If successful, this will provide Alabama farmers with an inexpensive and energy-efficient way to run their farms.

Additionally, H.R. 3183 funds energy and water projects across the country, including nearly $9 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to perform scheduled operations at the Walter F. George Lock and Dam. The bill also appropriates money for American nuclear weapons, as well as nuclear non-proliferation efforts around the world to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons and radioactive material.

The Energy and Water Appropriations Act is important legislation which authorizes critical projects around the country while keeping spending in check from the previous year's levels. I was proud to vote for this bill to ensure our water and energy resources across the country receive the support they need.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our offices in Montgomery at (334) 277-9113, Dothan at (334) 794-9680, Opp at (334) 493-9253, or Ozark at (334) 445-4600. You can also visit the website at www.bright.house.gov to sign up for the e-newsletter. It is my great pleasure to serve you and the entire Second District of Alabama.

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