May 2008 PDF Print

Recent Past

Record Gas Prices Demand New Strategy
Record gas prices are putting a tremendous squeeze on American families, making it harder to raise a family, maintain a farm, or run a small business.  I recently joined several of my colleagues in introducing a legislative package to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy by increasing the supply of American-made energy and streamlining the process for building or upgrading domestic refineries.  It would also reform the nation's ethanol mandate and promote greater use of our clean coal and nuclear resources.  In doing so, it would help our nation regain the lead in energy production, rather than crossing our fingers that OPEC will increase its production when we're in need.  I believe these proposals should be brought to the House floor for immediate consideration.  Share your thoughts


CA Court Decision Undermines Marriage
I was troubled by the California Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn a state law that defined marriage in California as between one man and one woman.  The ruling was a clear example of judicial activism as four unelected judges chose to substitute their own views for those of California voters.  Because California is the most populous state in the country, it will have a major impact on the national debate over marriage laws, and could affect future cases challenging a federal law specifying that states do not have to recognize the same-sex marriages performed in another state.  For countless generations, in nations around the world, marriage has been understood to be a relationship between a man and a woman.  I support a federal constitutional amendment that would protect marriage in the United States once and for all.  Share your thoughts



Right Now

Troop Funding in Limbo
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, our nation's top military leader, recently indicated that funding for our troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq will run out in mid June.  I strongly support a clean troop funding bill that would provide our men and women in uniform with the equipment and tools they need to prosecute their missions, without micromanaging their commanders or including extraneous spending unrelated to these military operations.  Unfortunately, both the House and Senate have passed measures that fall short of these important criteria.  The two bills will now go to a conference committee to resolve the differences between them.  I'm hopeful that the final legislation, which is expected to come to a vote in the next few weeks, meets the needs of our troops while excluding unnecessary or harmful provisions.  Share your thoughts


Op Ed: The Benefits of Fair Trade
You may have seen my recent opinion editorial on fair trade in your local newspaper.  I discuss the importance of trade to our local economy, and express deep concern over recent action in the House of Representatives to deny U.S. producers fair access to the Colombian market.  I strongly believe we must work to level the playing field so that U.S. workers can compete with their counterparts overseas.  Fair trade also fosters job creation and economic growth here at home.  For these reasons, I believe the benefits of trade are truly the best kept secret of the American economy.  Share your thoughts



Coming Up Soon

Measure Urges States to Pass Voter ID Laws
In April, the Supreme Court upheld an Indiana law that requires voters to show a photo ID when they go to the polls.  This ruling is a victory for fair and honest elections.  Importantly, Indiana allows residents who do not have driver's licenses to obtain a photo ID free of charge, so the state can prevent electoral fraud without disenfranchising low-income voters. The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision removes a major roadblock to the enactment of similar laws in other states.  I have cosponsored a resolution in Congress calling on California and other states across the country to pass voter ID laws that prevent fraud and safeguard the integrity of our democratic process. Share your thoughts


Court Ruling on Home Schooling Troubling
A California Appeals Court recently issued a ruling that parents do not have the constitutional right to home school their children. If the opinion is upheld, over 200,000 home school students in California are at risk of being ordered into public school.  As a long time supporter of parental rights in education, I have joined 56 of my colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution calling on the courts to uphold the fundamental and constitutional rights of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.  Additionally, I have joined other members of Congress in filing a brief with the appeals court, urging them to overturn their decision.  Share your thoughts



District News

Memorial Day a Time to Reflect, Honor
Rep. Herger visits Gridley-Biggs CemeteryOn Memorial Day, I had the special privilege of joining many others in honoring America's fallen troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.  The ceremony at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery's Military Court of Honor reflected the community's immense appreciation for our fallen and living veterans.  Millions across our nation similarly paused on this day to remember these brave and treasured Americans.  We must never forget that our freedoms could not have been obtained or secured but for the sacrifices of the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who have served our great nation in uniform.


Butte Student Wins Art Competition
Rep. Herger meets with Michael McConnellI recently presented a certificate of special congressional recognition to Gridley High School student Michael McConnell, the winner of the 2008 Congressional Art Competition for Northern California's 2nd congressional district.  Michael's artwork is entitled, "California Buttes in Bloom." To see it, click here.  Starting in just a few weeks, it will be displayed at an entrance to the U.S. Capitol for one year.  If your family plans to visit our nation's capital, be sure to check it out!