By Congresswoman Lois Capps

Published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on December 31^st, 2006
 

The New Year presents an important opportunity to reflect on events of the recent past and make plans for the future.  During the last few weeks of both the 109^th Congress and 2006, I have been assessing the failings of this past Congressional session and looking forward to the opportunities presented by the New Year and new Congress to address our country’s many challenges. 

Looking back on the recent mid-term elections, it is abundantly clear that on November 7^th voters on the Central Coast and across the country sent a strong message that they were tired of business as usual in Washington and favored a new direction for America.    Voters were sick of the Republican-led “Do Less Than Nothing” Congress that repeatedly put partisanship and ideology above the good of the country.  Voters were also tired of a Congress marred by scandal.  Finally, the elections were a powerful referendum on the war in Iraq, reflecting the public’s displeasure with the handling of the war and fears about the rapidly deteriorating condition facing tens of thousands of brave American troops. 

Democrats in Congress heard this call for change loud and clear.  We won new majorities in both the House and Senate and are committed to heeding this message.  When the 110^th Congress convenes on January 4^th the new Democratic majority will immediately begin implementing this vision for change with an ambitious “First 100 Hours” agenda.  During this time we will ban lobbyist provided gifts, meals and travel expenses, implement changes in how the House operates to ensure more transparent and open government, and reform the “earmarking” process of federal funds.

In addition, we will vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage, promote life-saving stem cell research, implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, repeal recently enacted subsidies to Big Oil and increase investment in renewable fuels, cut interest rates on student loans, and require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.  Many of these key bills and rule changes were proposed in previous Congresses and enjoyed bi-partisan support, but were blocked by the Republican leadership.  Implementing these changes will positively affect the lives of all Americans and help restore confidence in the integrity of Congress.   

Beyond these specific measures that we hope to address in the first 100 legislative hours, Democrats (and many Republicans) are committed to pursuing legislation to promote real security overseas and at home, strengthen our economy, improve education for all our kids, pursue energy independence, make available affordable health care, and guarantee retirement security. 

In addition to these Democratic priorities, there are several critical local issues that I will be working on in the next session of Congress.  These include providing year round public access to Santa Rosa Island, protecting our coast from new offshore drilling, and fixing the flawed Medicare payment formulas that underpay our doctors and weaken our health care system.  

Last, but certainly not least, I want to see an end to the war in Iraq and the removal of our troops from that conflict as soon as safely possible.  Our brave men and women in uniform – and their families – deserve our fullest support for all that they are sacrificing during this holiday season and throughout the year. 

I hope the 110^th Congress, led by a new Democratic majority, will be more bipartisan and promote common sense solutions to the challenges facing the American people.  With a new direction that restores honest leadership, bipartisanship, and fiscal discipline I believe that America’s leaders will once again govern in a manner our citizens deserve and expect.  I wish all of you health and happiness in this New Year. 

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.