Charlie Bass' Capitol Link
Linking Granite Staters to the Nation’s Capitol

Vol. 6 No. 32- Week of November 11, 2005

WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT
Defending the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
On Thursday, my effort to remove language from the House version Of the Deficit Reduction Act that would have opened up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling was successful.

As reported out of the House Budget Committee, language originally included in this bill would have allowed part of this refuge to be leased out to oil and gasoline companies to drill for oil and natural gas.  In response to the inclusion of this harmful provision, I authored a letter to the House leadership signed by 25 of my moderate Republican colleagues that expressed our strong opposition to drilling in ANWR. I then presented this letter to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Committee on Rules Chairman David Dreier (R- at a leadership meeting on Thursday night.

I am pleased that my message was heard and that this damaging language was stripped from the bill. As I told the leadership team, the critical value of this Refuge to arctic and sub-arctic wildlife is undeniable. I have consistently opposed drilling in ANWR throughout my six terms in Congress, because I believe that instead of reversing decades of protection for this publicly-held land, we must instead focus greater attention on developing renewable energy sources, alternative fuels, and more efficient energy systems. More net energy savings can come from these avenues – producing savings that would benefit America’s long-term economic leadership and security – than could ever be obtained from ANWR.

Furthermore, reversing the protection for ANWR would set a dangerous precedent that would render all federally-designated wilderness areas – from our White Mountains in New Hampshire to Yellowstone or even the Grand Canyon – obsolete. Over 45 years ago, President Eisenhower granted ANWR federal protection in order to safeguard this refuge for future generations. I am pleased that so many of my colleagues joined me in continuing to honor this conservation pledge, and I look forward to passing the budget package without this provision included when it comes up for a vote next week.

“Over 45 years ago, Congress pledged to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for future generations. I intend to honor that pledge.”

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Protecting Those Who Protect Us
This week, I supported legislation to protect both our federal, state, and local judges and our law enforcement agents from increasing threats to their personal wellbeing. Over the past ten years, law enforcement officials have faced a record-number of violent threats to and physical attacks on their lives. The Secure Access to Justice and Court Protection Act seeks to thwart this unconscionable trend by increasing the minimum prison sentence for criminals who assault judges, federal personnel, witnesses, informants, and jurors. I am pleased to inform you that this measure passed by a vote of 375-45.

FEMA Opens New Offices in NH to Assist Flood Victims
This week, FEMA opened two new offices in Keene and Alstead to assist residents affected by the early October floods. I encourage all citizens whose property or residence was damaged or destroyed by the floods to apply for financial assistance by visiting one of these FEMA offices, located at 25 Roxbury Street in Keene and at the Third Congregational Church, 14 River Street, in Alstead. Please do not hesitate to contact my district office in Keene for further information on how to seek federal aid or to request assistance in navigating the paperwork process.

Additionally, the New Hampshire Business Resource Center is offering free services to all New Hampshire businesses impacted by the floods. The Center is providing information on other types of disaster relief assistance and loans that may be available to local businesses. The Center is part of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, and can be contacted at (603) 271-2591.

For more information on FEMA's activity in New Hampshire, visit their website on the state’s Severe Storms and Flooding Declaration at http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=5165.

Honoring Our Veterans
As we gather across this great nation to celebrate Veterans’ Day tomorrow, I hope that you will join me in remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country’s fundamental freedoms and those who continue to serve our nation with honor.   These men and women gave their lives so that you and I may continue to enjoy the liberties that others around the world are not afforded.  For this we are – and should remain – eternally grateful.

I look forward to honoring the courageous actions of these distinguished veterans at a tribute event in Plaistow, NH, on Friday evening.

APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE
On Wednesday, I supported the passage of the Conference Report for the Science and Departments of State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006. This bill allocates $57.85 billion to support the work of several government agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Small Business Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The measure allows for the continuation of the vital programs administered by these agencies and provides additional resources to address the challenges of this new fiscal year.

I also joined 398 of my House colleagues on Wednesday in voting in favor of the Conference Report for the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006. The bill funds a variety of programs essential to improving our national energy system, and provides increased funding for initiatives aimed at curtailing air and water pollution. I was particularly pleased that this legislation promotes increased usage of renewable fuels and allocates new resources for important energy conservation initiatives.

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