Rep. Calvert: Americans Win on Offshore Drilling and No Government Shutdown

Dear Friends,

            This week Congress passed a Continuing Resolution that funds the federal government until March 6, 2009. However, the legislation included the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense, Military Construction and Homeland Security Appropriations so that all programs under these bills will be funded through FY2009. For all other government programs, Congress will need to pass additional funding legislation before March 6, 2009.

Good news -- the Continuing Resolution did not renew the offshore drilling ban. Coastal states will continue to control areas up to three miles off their coasts, while areas beyond three miles will now be subject to federal leasing. I believe a new drilling policy should be put in place that would allow for offshore energy exploration in a manner that protects the environment, is beyond the visible horizon, and gives coastal states more input in the process and a greater share of the royalties. Earlier this year I introduced the Maximize Offshore Resource Exploration (MORE) Act, H.R. 6529, which creates a new OCS leasing structure that accomplishes all of these objectives.

The ability for the U.S. to develop its own resources, while moving away from oil as a primary source of energy, will significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I continue to push for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes wind, solar, nuclear, and conservation as well as the development of our own natural gas and oil reserves, both on land and offshore.

More good news -- the Continuing Resolution (CR) also reauthorizes E-Verify until March 6, 2009. E-Verify, set to expire November 30, 2008, is the only tool available to employers to check the legal status of new employees. It’s web-based, timely and 99.5% accurate. The CR also provides $100 million for FY2009 for E-Verify which will allow the program to operate beyond March 6, 2009 if Congress fails to act. In order to force the issue, I introduced H.R. 5596, on March 12, 2008, to reauthorize E-Verify for ten years and I also introduced an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would have extended the authority for the E-Verify program. On July 31, 2008, a five year extension of the bill passed the House. However, legislation continues to be held up in the Senate which would provide for a longer extension. I will continue to push for an extended reauthorization to ensure states, local governments and businesses using E-Verify continue to have the ability to check the work status of new employees.

            In closing, I continue to work closely with my colleagues on how best to move forward and resolve the immediate crisis facing the credit and financial markets. I will provide details about the pending legislation very soon. In the meantime, I’ve included a survey on the left to hear from you about the financial crisis.

Sincerely,

KEN CALVERT

Member of Congress