Conference Report on S. Con. Res. 70 --The Concurrent Budget Resolution for 2009 – NO I voted against the conference report because for the first time in history, it allows $1 trillion in discretionary spending, which is $24.5 billion more the President's budget. Additionally, the total budget rise to over $3.01 trillion, the first time the federal budget has reached over $3 trillion. This conference report also includes the largest tax Increase in history, automatically raising taxes by at least $683 billion over the next 5 years, and it contains no entitlement spending reform for Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. We cannot continue spending money. The federal government currently has $53 trillion in unfunded liabilities, and until Congress gets our fiscal house in order, I will continue voting against spending more money.

H.R. 1343 --Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007 – YES This bill reauthorizes the community health centers/federally qualified health centers, of which there are currently 10 in Houston. In order for the clinics to receive federal funds and qualify for reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, they must serve an underserved area and have local support from the community with a local board of directors of community volunteers. This bill also extends federal liability protection to volunteer medical practitioners working at community health centers. These community health centers are a vital solution to keeping people out of the emergency departments and to solving the uninsured, by providing preventive primary care to our community.

Bishop (UT) Amendment YES This would change the H.R.5540’s permanent authorization of appropriations to an authorization for five years.

H.R. 5540 --Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act – NO The Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act requires the National Park Service (NPS) to work with State and local governments and the private sector to provide assistance to communities, museums, historic sites, and natural parks around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The technical and financial assistance provided by the NPS is intended to preserve the Bay’s cultural and historic resources, enhance public education and access to the Bay, and create a network of water trails, tour roads, and scenic byways within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I fully support this program, but I voted against H.R. 5540 because the bill permanently authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. It is the responsibility of Congress to evaluate federal programs to make sure tax dollars is being spent wisely and efficiently, and this bill would infringe upon that duty.

H.R. 3058 --Public Land Communities Transition Act of 2007– NO This bill masqueraded as legislation to aid public schools that fall under the Rural Schools Program, a program I support. However, it was really a nearly $2 billion spending increase which will further inhibit the ability of American companies to explore for oil off our American shores, thereby increasing already high energy prices for hard-working American families. Democrats need to work in a bipartisan manner to fund this important program.