The Congressional Connector:
The Week of April 4 - 8, 2005
Rep. Levin to Introduce Living Will Legislation in House
On April 6, Rep. Levin announced he will introduce the Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2005. "It has become increasingly clear that the public needs and wants more information to help make their own personal decisions, according to the laws of their state about end of life care," said Rep. Levin. "This legislation is an important next step to ensure that a person's advanced directive is known and respected, that questions are being answered in the preparation of such a directive, and that the information on state laws is broadly available to those who wish to exercise their rights." For additional information and a summary of the legislation, click here.
Ukraine’s New President Addresses Joint Session of Congress
This week, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko made his first visit
to the United States since taking office on January 23rd. Yushchenko
was swept into office late last year by what has become known as the
"Orange Revolution." After a first presidential runoff was marked by
widespread election fraud, the Ukrainian people took to the streets in
protest. The Ukrainian Supreme Court ordered a new election on
December 26th, which Yushchenko won. On April 6, President
Yushchenko’s addressed a Joint Session of Congress. He thanked the
United States for standing with the Ukrainian people as they demanded
free and fair elections. To read Congressman Levin’s floor statement
on President Yushchenko’s remarks,
click here.
Oil Industry Mergers Push Up Gas Prices
Gasoline prices hit record highs this week in nearly every state,
including Michigan, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report.
Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular gas rose to
$2.25 on Thursday. The average price in Michigan was considerably
higher, topping off at $2.35. California posted the highest average
price at $2.55 a gallon. While rising crude oil prices are the single
largest influence on the soaring price of gasoline, U.S. consumers
also pay more at the pump today because of the large number of oil
company mergers that have occurred in recent years, according to a
report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO
reported that oil company mergers reduce competition within the
industry and generally lead to higher gasoline prices. To read the GAO
report,
click here.
Bush Administration Announces Increase in Medicare Premiums
On April 5th, the Bush Administration announced that next year’s
Medicare Part B premiums will rise 14 percent to $89.20 per month.
Medicare Part B covers doctor’s visits, outpatient services and
supplemental medical services. Combined with the 2005 increase,
patients have been faced with a 34 percent increase in Medicare
premiums since the end of 2004.
House Approves Resolution Honoring Pope John Paul II
On April 7, the House unanimously approved a resolution honoring the
life of Pope John Paul II. The measure commends his enduring
contributions to the causes of freedom, human dignity, and peace in
the world.
