Hutchison Capitol Comment - Texans Talk Domestic Issues

TEXANS TALK DOMESTIC ISSUES

While our television sets are often tuned to the latest news from around the globe, here on the home front we continue to face a number of challenges. In my annual Listening Post survey I asked Texans' opinions on the important domestic issues facing Congress in 2004. Nearly 85 percent of respondents placed equal on importance on medical liability reform, a prescription drug benefit in Medicare and judicial nominations. Here's a breakdown of what you had to say:

Medical Liability Reform

The issue that received the most support - and the strongest opinions - was medical liability reform. Here are a few of your comments:

We need major tort reform nation wide and especially in the medical field ... we need to start making people responsible for their own actions. Foster, Graham
Something needs to be done regarding the misuse of our court system. We are being undone by our own legal system. David, Riviera
Tort reform should not be limited to medical liability reform. Outrageous lawsuits and the threat of unlimited legal liability strangle our economy in many fields. Shelly, Bowie

Shelly, many of my colleagues in Congress and I agree with you - tort reform is high on the agenda for this year. We know that frivolous lawsuits of all kinds clog our legal system and ultimately harm the citizens they are designed to protect. One Texan from Boerne put it simply when replying with their most important issue: "TORT REFORM, TORT REFORM, TORT REFORM."

Confirmation of Federal Judges

In 2003, the confirmation of federal judges was a key priority in Washington, D.C. The framers of our Constitution intended to balance power throughout government. For example, federal judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate - a process that ensures each nominee is thoroughly vetted and affirmed an able judge. Unfortunately, many qualified candidates have been stuck on the sidelines because of political games while benches in our nation's courts sit vacant. Here are your thoughts on the issue:

Confirmation of federal judges is of crucial importance to future for generations. Scott, Houston
President Bush should do a recess appointment of all judges who haven't been given an up/down vote by the full Senate after he's re-elected! Delaney, Georgetown
The confirmation of logical, conservative judges is by far the most important and long-lasting issue. Sean, Houston

Reauthorization of Highway Funding Legislation

One issue that wasn't on many Texans' radar screens was the reauthorization of highway funding. As the chair of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee in the Senate, the issue of highway funding is under my purview. And, with more than 79,513 miles of highway stretching across Texas -more than any other state - I know the importance of a reliable, functioning transportation network. This year, Congress is scheduled to reauthorize legislation to fund our nation's highways - I will continue to fight to ensure Texas gets back its fair share of federal dollars sent to Washington. Here are a few of your comments:

What we need is a national transportation vision that moves beyond the automobile. Fred, Hewitt
Transportation infrastructure improvement should be our priority behind the war on terrorism. John, Dallas
Highway funding should be done at the pump. Morris, Mineola
I think it is counterproductive to build super highways when we are trying to get people to consume less gas and ride public transportation, which is costing millions and consuming energy. Sue, Irving

Medicare Reform

Shortly after the survey was distributed, Congress enacted Medicare reform legislation that included a prescription drug component. While the bill was not perfect, it is a good first step in providing better health care to our nation's seniors. I appreciate the input of so many Texans on this important issue and will continue to work in Congress toward better health coverage for all Americans.

January 16, 2004