As we celebrated our nation’s Independence earlier this week, I believe that we as Americans should also take this midyear point to look towards the future and focus on how the many choices and decisions we make today will affect our nation tomorrow.  It is essential, however, to remember that we are afforded this luxury only because of the thousands of brave military men and women who have served and are currently serving on our behalf to protect our freedom. Without their selfless sacrifices, this opportunity would not be possible.   

Most Americans are keenly aware of the tremendous challenges that confront our nation on the world stage.  Yet many challenges exist here at home that we must work to solve today to protect  future generations of Americans.  I believe that two of these challenges are the need to place a greater emphasis on energy independence, and the need to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system.  It’s time that the Republican-controlled Congress and the Bush Administration make these national priorities. 

I believe that we are presently at, or quickly approaching, an energy crisis that can no longer be put off until tomorrow.  Working families across Arkansas have been crippled by ever rising prices at the pump.  I’ve written extensively in previous newsletters about the numerous bills I’ve cosponsored which are real solutions to rising gas prices that will create jobs and put us on a real path toward energy independence. 

These bills include H.R. 1398, a bill that mandates ten percent ethanol and biodiesel in our domestic fuel supply, which could reduce the price we pay at the pump by as much as 70 cents a gallon.  Or H.R. 5372, a bill that would extend tax incentives to encourage the production of these home grown biofuels, giving our farmers exciting new markets.

However, I, and other like-minded members of Congress, cannot advance these common-sense approaches if we’re not given the opportunity by the Republican majority.  The time has come to have a comprehensive plan in place to end our reliance on foreign sources of energy once and for all.  

In addition, the entrance of undocumented immigrants into this country is a severe threat to our economic well being and our security.  Earlier this year the President announced plans to deploy 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S. -- Mexico border in an effort to tighten that porous region.  Yet according to recent news reports, as of last Friday which was also the Administration’s deadline to have 2,500 of those troops deployed, only 483 such Guard members were in place physically on the border.

These actions, combined with the fact that Republican leaders in the House and Senate have brought the immigration debate to a virtual standstill, only indicate to me that securing our borders and fixing our broken immigration system is simply not a priority. 

Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for as Americans.  Our freedoms and liberties inspired by the Declaration of Independence have stood the test of time for 230 years.  But it’s also a good occasion to plan for the future, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to focus our sights on all that we must overcome in order to keep our country moving forward on a prosperous path.   It’s time that the Congress and this Administration lead our country forward and not back away from tackling the very real challenges that lie ahead, like energy independence and strengthening our borders.  To me, there would be nothing more patriotic.