Big Issues Face The 110th Congress

There is no doubt that this is a pivotal time in our nation's history. The issues that will be discussed during the 110th Congress affect all Americans and the decisions made will impact all of us and our children for generations.

Fiscal Restraint
The American people deserve to know their tax dollars are being spent wisely. And as a nation in the midst of a global war, sacrifices must be made by all Americans not just our military personnel and their families. Unfortunately, federal spending is out of control and cannot sustain itself spending at this rate.

As Vice Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, Representative Barrett is committed to holding the line on spending and cutting wasteful government spending. He has offered a common sense plan which would reduce spending by five percent for five years saving the government billions of dollars. Included in this plan is a Pay-As-You-Go provision requiring offsets – not based off tax increases – be offered at the time any increase in spending is offered. Another key component is the narrowing of the definition of ‘emergency’ spending.

Lowering the overall amount of money the federal government spends forces those allocating the funds to better prioritize. This approach translates into a strong economy with low unemployment. For the future, it means the ability to keep and improve a health care system that affords opportunity to all citizens long into the golden years of life. The ability to create an environment that allows our kids to get a quality education giving them a better chance at a successful future.

Energy
The current energy supply of our country simply does not meet the growing demand. The solution is to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. And, South Carolina is posed to lead the nation away from traditional energy supplies toward alternative energy sources.

Representative Barrett has a solid record of promoting alternative energy research taking place in South Carolina. He works regularly with organizations and companies within the Third District to promote the benefits of bio-mass energy, hydrogen and nuclear power.

An original member of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Representative Barrett is a strong supporter of the Aiken County Center for Hydrogen Research, the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, the Savannah River National Laboratory, and the International Center for Automotive Research – all of which are currently conducting research related to hydrogen power. Additionally, he was instrumental in requiring the Department of Energy to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy production facilities at existing Energy Department sites, like the Savannah River Site.

Immigration
The first priority in immigration reform must be to secure the borders. The 109th Congress took several steps toward realizing that goal. In the fall of 2006, the Secure Fence Act, which invested over $20 billion in overall border security, was signed into law. The money is currently being used to pay for an increase in the number of agents on the border and increase in overall immigration enforcement, including; the detection of fraudulent visas, and the detention and subsequent removal of illegal aliens - effectively ending the outdated policy of “Catch and Release.” It also provides for construction of over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border, prioritizing placement in critical, highly populated areas. And, as a result of Representative Barrett’s work, an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border is required to be completed.

An active member of the Immigration Reform Caucus, Representative Barrett opposes rewarding those who violate our laws. He put forth his own ideas in the Securing America’s Future through Enforcement Reform Act (SAFER), portions of which were included in different pieces of legislation passed throughout last year. Understanding America has to find a solution to the estimated 8.7 million illegal aliens currently living within our borders, Representative Barrett established an Immigration Advisory Board comprised of citizen living and working in Third District of South Carolina. The advisory board members consult with him on ways to address specific immigration issues effecting the nation and South Carolina.

Global War on Terror

For years, in fact decades, prior to September 11, 2001 America and American interests were continually attacked by terrorists worldwide. With the tragic death of almost 3,000 America citizens on 9/11, the country was faced with a choice: continue the naïve policies of the past or take the fight to the terrorists wherever they live, train, obtain safe harbor and funding. President Bush made it immediately clear his top priority from that day forward would be to protect American citizens and the homeland from future attacks.

This war is not unlike wars of the past. It is taking place in many countries, on many fronts: through diplomatic and political means, by stopping the money being funneled to terrorist organizations, and where necessary, with military force. Americans are understandably uncertain and unsettled, but when the future security of the country is at stake, elected leaders have a responsibility to think beyond today. Representative Barrett will not support policies that take the country toward defeat. A former Captain in the United States Army, he believes the best strategy to pursue is Victory. He is eternally grateful to those who have died defending America, and keeps those fighting today in his prayers.

Social and Constitutional Issues
Culture of life: Representative Barrett is a firm believer that life begins at conception, and that any attempt to harm or endanger the life of an innocent child, born or unborn, is wrong. He is a co-sponsor of several pieces of legislation supporting life and helped push for the passage of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban signed into law by President Bush.

Just as Representative Barrett is steadfast in his opposition to abortion, he stands against the destruction of embryonic stem cells for purposes of research as suggested by some. A balance can be found between the need to find cures for debilitating and life threatening diseases and the protection of unborn baby. Recently, Harvard University and Wake Forest University discovered that stem-cells in amniotic fluid are similar to those found and thought to be unique only to embryonic stem cells. In addition, non-embryonic stem-cell research has been successful in thousands of patients where embryonic stem-cell research has never yielded a healing application in humans.

Sanctity of Marriage: Representative Barrett believes a marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, under God and under law. He has co-sponsored legislation that defines marriage as such, and will work to ensure traditional family values are upheld in law.

Activist Judges: Representative Barrett recognizes the important role the judiciary plays in a democratic system of government. Judges have a duty to interpret the laws and Constitution rather than substitute their personal beliefs and legislate from the bench.

Constitutional Rights: In their great wisdom, the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech as essential and inalienable rights, enshrining those rights in the Constitution. Unfortunately, the courts have begun to undermine these rights by legislating from the bench. Representative Barrett will fight against attempts to impose a broad separation between “church” and “state” that was never the intent of our forefathers.

Additionally, as a staunch defender of the liberties guaranteed under the Constitution, Representative Barrett shares concerns of many regarding potential infringements of privacy rights and the right to due process.This is an issue on which he will remain ever-vigilant. However, Representative Barrett understands the need to balance individuals’ rights with the legitimate need to prevent terrorists the ability to plot, plan and carry out attacks against American citizens and the homeland.