|
Spotlighting Mt. Hood Legislation |
|
When Oregonians first put their heads together to determine the fate of Mt. Hood, they came up with a lot of ideas. Farmers wanted to cultivate land for growing cherries and pears, Native Americans wanted to preserve their natural heritage, and hikers wanted to keep their trees and trails pristine. And why not? This Oregon landmark has something for everyone to enjoy.
That’s why this week I was proud that the House Natural Resources Subcommittee had a hearing on my comprehensive legislation for protecting and preserving Mt. Hood’s natural resources. This new bill, HR 6290, the Lewis and Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Act, will designate more than 130,000 acres as wilderness, more than 30,000 acres as national recreation areas, and up to 80 miles as wild and scenic rivers. What’s more, it will uphold Native American treaty rights, and address transportation and recreation challenges.
There is no question but that Mt. Hood is an icon that must be preserved for our children, and our children’s children. I stand firm in my commitment to moving forward with this legislation. And I will fight to make sure that the dreams so many of us have for this mountain, are realized. Click here to read more about this legislation.
|
|
|
My Priorities for Oregon and the Nation |
Rebuilding and Renewing America
We are watching America’s highways and bridges crumble, levees breach, and antiquated water systems endanger our environment and our communities' health. The power grid is increasingly outdated and the promise of broadband internet has yet to be delivered to all Americans. I believe America needs a new plan to maintain and invest in the infrastructure that will keep our economy competitive, our environment clean, and our families safe, healthy and economically secure. Read more.
My Iraq Legislation
I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning, but simply opposing the war is not enough. That is why I introduced the New Direction for Iraq Act, which requires the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq, aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability, and a new approach towards reconstruction. Read more.
Energy and the Environment
Global warming is an escalating crisis for this generation and the ones to follow. As a longtime advocate for reducing our carbon emissions and protecting the planet, I was honored to be named to the first ever Global Warming Committee. Read more about the committee and my work to stop global warming here. Read more.
Health Care
Health care in United States is reaching a crisis point with 500,000 Oregonians lacking health insurance and over 47 million Americans nationwide struggling to access health coverage. Employer-based health insurance is increasingly unsustainable and we need to move toward a new health care delivery system, which is why I have co-sponsored the Healthy Americans Act. Read more.
Tax Fairness
Under the Bush administration, tax giveaways for the wealthy and unnecessary subsidies have badly tilted the playing field against average taxpayers. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for taxes and revenue, I am protecting hardworking families from unfair taxes like the AMT and eliminating corporate tax loopholes and giveaways. Read more.
|
|
|
