With 2007 winding to a close, here is an update on the many issues Congress has been debating in Washington. Please feel free to forward this page to friends and neighbors, and you can contact me by clicking here.

War and American Foreign Policy

You may have received an e-mail recently detailing the House of Representative's November 20 vote to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq. Since then, Senate Republicans have again killed attempts to end the war. (Click here for more...)

Affordable Health Care

There are times when life mirrors film, and recently that's come true with health care. Having recently seen the documentary "Sicko," I am troubled by the many difficulties Americans have in accessing affordable health care. (Click here for more...)

Veterans' Issues

America's armed forces and veterans are always on my mind. While I strongly oppose the war in Iraq, I also work feverishly to support the military and the nation's many veterans. (Click here for more...)

Taxes

As the end of the year approaches, that means Tax Day is right around the corner. Democrats made a commitment this year to make the tax system fair again. Over the past year, Congress has worked hard to do just that. (Click here for more...)

Helping Our Youngest Children

Head Start has been the premiere early childhood education program in the United States for more than 40 years. This is an important program for the Central Coast, and its recent reauthorization will help thousands of local families. (Click here for more...)

Consumer Safety

Consumer spending represents a huge portion of the U.S. economy. But that doesn't mean items imported into the United States shouldn't be carefully watched over, especially the many toys that will be purchased this holiday season. (Click here for more...)

Medicare Prescription Drug Open Enrollment

Medicare's open enrollment period runs through December 31, offering beneficiaries the chance to switch prescription drug plans. Here are some tips on how to choose wisely. (Click here for more...)

Housing on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, home prices are sky high. And now the mortgage industry is in turmoil, a crisis that could affect everyone. Here are some resources that can help homeowners under pressure. (Click here for more...)

Digital Television Transition

Starting February 17, 2009, the traditional analog signals used to broadcast television shows will be abandoned in favor of an all-digital format. Next year, all U.S. households will be offered coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes for traditional television sets. (Click here for more...)

Farmworker Health

The Central Coast is a hub for the state's agriculture industry, but farmworkers still face many obstacles in the search for safe working and housing conditions. A new resource offers much-needed information. (Click here for more...)

Telemarketing Calls

Many Central Coast residents have taken advantage of the National Do Not Call Registry, which began registering phone numbers in June 2003. Here is some updated information about that program. (Click here for more...)