E-Newsletter from Congressman Steve Austria

Statement

Dear Friends,

I am excited about the opportunity to communicate with you regularly through my e-newsletter to keep you updated on issues and events happening in Washington, D.C. and here in the district. To become a subscriber simply click on the "click here" button in the blue e-mail updates box to the right. Please feel free to encourage your friends and family who may be interested to sign up as well. Staying connected with you is my highest priority. I encourage you to contact me with any problems, feedback or comments you may have.

Quote of the Week:

"Energy independence is the best preparation America can make for the future."- President Ronald Reagan, 1982

Issue of the Week: Gas Prices and Achieving an Energy Policy

Each weekend I return home and visit with constituents throughout my district, often attending events and town-hall meetings where many of you, including many hard-working families and small business owners, have expressed your hardships and concerns about the cost of high gas prices.

Since 2009, gas prices have spiked from the average around $1.80 to nearly $4.00 dollars per gallon. This increase in the cost of gas is hurting our small businesses and killing jobs here at home.

Although it's clear that America is facing an energy crisis, which is hurting our economy and stifling its recovery, our nation still has a bounty of energy resources domestically. Despite all the promises and proposals to expand domestic energy production and lower gas prices for hardworking Americans we have yet to see any sort of energy plan from this administration. Nearly 60 percent of our country's oil is imported from foreign countries -- this reliance on foreign energy is a threat to our national security and a barrier to our economic growth. Our current energy dependence subjects all of us to radical swings in energy costs and prices at the pump. Families in Ohio and small business owners cannot afford to remain on this path of uncertainty.

Many of you have asked what is causing the sudden increase in gas prices. Some factors that contribute to the driving the costs of oil and gasoline include: the greater demand for oil from emerging markets, such as China; our nations continued reliance on OPEC and foreign oil; the international uncertainty of Iran's nuclear threat; and finally and most importantly, the lack of leadership in Washington to produce a common sense domestic energy plan.

An "all of the above approach" to domestic energy will open up America's vast energy reserves, including natural gas, which Ohio has an abundance of, while continuing to explore new emerging forms of all domestic energy production. The significant oil reserves here at home and off our shores would help increase our domestic energy production and reduce our reliance on foreign oil, which is also important for our national security. Another critical part of the solution to decreasing our reliance on oil from unstable countries is legislation from Washington to allow production of the Keystone Pipeline. The Keystone XL Pipeline is a shovel ready project that would immediately produce thousands of new jobs here in the United States and allows for expanded oil drilling in offshore reservoirs. Unfortunately, this project has fallen victim to a political inside baseball game within Washington.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to increase our domestic energy production and reduce our reliance on foreign oil to create a more stable energy environment for our nation's hard-working families and small businesses.

What's Happening Around the District: The 445th Airlift Wing Annual Awards Banquet

Since the release of the President's proposed budget, I have remained actively engaged with our military's senior leadership, supporting the requests and needs of our local Airmen. I recently had breakfast with Secretary Donley and General Schwartz to discuss the Air Force's decision to divest itself of C-127J aircraft and the plans for a future mission at Mansfield ANG base. Although the final details are still being addressed by the Air Force and members of the Ohio delegation, I remain committed to finding a solution that supports our Guardsmen, our Nation's fiscal responsibility, and our interest in national security. Additionally, I had the opportunity to discuss MILCON requests with Colonel Major, Vice Commander of the 445 AW and their new training needs as they transition from C-5 to C-17 aircraft. Subsequently, I addressed the need for an assault runway close to WPAFB with General Raymond Johns (Commander of Air Mobility Command) during a recent meeting.

This month, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 445th Airlift Wing Annual Banquet at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. With a unit of about 250 officers and 1,700 enlisted troops, the 445th Airlift Wing is an accomplished group, receiving the Outstanding Unit of the Year for Air Force Reserve Command in 2011. The 445th Airlift Wing has provided assistance in Operation Enduring Freedom and other important, active roles in the Middle East, as well as responding to national disasters at home, especially after the horrific attacks of September 11th, 2001. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Wing was called to provide emergency airlift of supplies, medical teams and FEMA personnel to McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., to assist with operations involving the World Trade Center collapse in New York City.

I believe that there is no other nation on earth whose soldiers, reservists, and veterans are more dedicated than ours. Those who have served as a member of the U.S. Military have given so much for the freedom for others, not only in our country but around the globe. I am especially grateful for our military men and women -- past and present -- who have made great sacrifices for our nation's liberty and freedom.

I look forward to staying in touch with you. Providing outreach and quality constituent service is a priority for me. I encourage you to contact my district offices in Springfield and Lancaster, my Washington D.C. office, or visit my Web Site with any questions or concerns you may have. Also, stay up-to-date on current issues by following my Facebook page and Twitter feed. I want to assure you that my staff and I stand ready to do whatever we can to help our community thrive.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress
OH-07

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