A lot has occurred in our state and in our Nation the past two weeks. We were all horrified last week when the unspeakable events unfolded in Bailey and then again in Pennsylvania this week. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with family, friends and loved ones in both communities. I am proud of the response by Platte Canyon High School administrators and local law enforcement; it was well organized and efficient. This shows how far we have come since those first chaotic hours at Columbine High School in April 1999, and how well our law enforcement and education officials have applied the lessons learned. Unfortunately, the Administration has repeatedly proposed to eliminate funding for school safety programs. I pledge to continue to work to ensure our Nation’s schools receive the funding they need to secure the safety of our children.

Last week the Senate adjourned for its final work-period until after the election. On immigration, Congress has abdicated its responsibility to address immigration reform in a comprehensive manner and adopted a piecemeal effort on an unfunded border fence as part of a Republican political gimmick. It is my hope we can re-address immigration reform in a comprehensive manner later this year and in the next Congress.

The Senate also took a vote on military tribunals last week. I voted for the bill to jumpstart the process to determine the guilt or innocence of hundreds of people the Bush Administration has held in captivity and in limbo for years. No process has been in place to move forward with these prisoners until now. I fought the Bush Administration’s proposal to abandon the Geneva Convention and allow torture of persons in captivity. I joined with Democratic and Republican Senators to ensure that the final bill preserved the Geneva Convention and barred torture. I will work with my Senate colleagues to ensure that thorough oversight and a meaningful review of this legislation occurs.

Back in the state this week, I met with Coloradans throughout the southeastern region including the towns of Walsenburg, Trinidad, Springfield, Lamar, Eads, Cheyenne Wells, Las Animas, La Junta and Crowley to discuss agriculture, law enforcement, health care and other issues. I visited with veterans at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Walsenburg, county commissioners in Springfield, farmers and ranchers in Lamar, students at Cheyenne Wells High School, law enforcement officials in Las Animas and Crowley community members. Most of these communities are rural and rely solely on agriculture to drive their economy, but they know the issues affecting our State and our Nation and have a unique perspective.

The rest of the month of October I will connect with Coloradans across much of the state. I have announced more Farm Bill listening sessions to hear the needs of Colorado farmers, ranchers and rural communities in Greeley, Pueblo, Cortez and Craig. In addition to my Farm Bill listening sessions, I will be meeting with Coloradans in other communities across Colorado on issues affecting our land and water, law enforcement and veterans. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Ken Salazar,
United States Senator

Sen. Salazar statement on so-called “Border Fence” bill

Sen. Salazar applauds passage of bill to move northern Colorado water facilities from federal ownership to local management

Sen. Salazar works to provide emergency funds to counties for costs of paper ballots

Sen. Salazar to vote for secure borders, improved homeland security and our men and women in uniform

Sen. Salazar praises commitment to speedy work on consensus Bark Beetle bill

Sen. Salazar applauds House for protecting Rio Grande River and water rights for San Luis Valley

Sen. Salazar continues to work for creation of Rural Policing Institute

Sen. Salazar requests USDA take steps to bring relief to Colorado farmers suffering from prolonged drought