I hope that the New Year has brought you happiness and the time with family that is so important. I spent the holidays on my family’s ranch in the San Luis Valley with my family, my mother and brothers and sisters. It reminded me that family is what makes all things possible.

Recently, we heard from the President on his plan for the war in Iraq. I am skeptical of his plan to increase troop levels and its impact on our Nation’s security. Even good Republican friends like Senator Chuck Hagel are opposed to the President’s plan. I had hoped that in the President’s two months of deliberation he would develop a workable plan for success in Iraq that would bring our troops home. I will continue to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to find a new direction in Iraq.

Much of Colorado is still suffering from the two tough blizzards that swept across the Front Range and eastern plains over the last three weeks. As local governments, the Colorado Department of Emergency Management, the Colorado National Guard and others reacted to the crisis, I called on President Bush for a disaster declaration to release emergency funds for the rescue of people and livestock in Southeastern Colorado. In 1997, we learned firsthand about the personal and financial cost of responding slowly to a similar blizzard, and I continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and to press the federal government to move forward without delay on assistance to the people who live in Southeastern Colorado.

The Senate has been considering much-needed ethics reform legislation to clean up Washington. We must end this culture of corruption and bring accountability back to the process and show the nation we are worthy of the faith they have put in us to lead this country. These reforms should not just be limited to Congress – they should include the Executive Branch, too.

As we move forward in the 110th Congress, I hope to create solutions to the issues we left unfinished last year, such as comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, I will focus on improving our Nation’s energy independence and making Colorado the renewable energy capitol of the world. Those same renewable energy efforts will bring opportunity to rural communities across Colorado. We must revitalize rural America and bring a helping hand to our hardest working Americans who have suffered silently through drought and population loss. Additionally, through my new seat on the Senate Finance Committee, I will work on ways to lower health care costs for all Americans. Health care reform is a must: this issue is at a crisis and band-aid solutions will no longer suffice.

Finally, I want to lend my voice of congratulations to Governor Bill Ritter. His swearing-in last week marked a new direction for Colorado. Governor Ritter has inherited many challenges, but I have every confidence he will meet them head-on, and I am more optimistic for Colorado’s future today than ever before. I look forward to working with him and his new Administration on issues important to Coloradans.

Thank you.

Ken Salazar

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