March 2009 PDF Print

Right Now

Budget Spends Too Much, Taxes Too Much
This week Congress voted to approve the Democrat endorsed budget.  I wanted to pass along a column that I have written regarding the budget resolution.  You can see video of my floor speech where I opposed it here.  A budget resolution establishes overall spending and tax levels that Congress must follow and helps charts the course of our nation's economy for years to come.  Unfortunately, I believe that the majority party's budget reflects a misguided tax and spend policy that will hurt our nation in the long run.  Instead, I am standing by the American taxpayer and supported an alternative budget that would cut spending, lower taxes, and put us back on the path to prosperity. Share your thoughts


Now is the Time for Entitlement Reform
Recently there have been reports that the Social Security trust fund surplus is diminishing due to declining payroll tax revenue caused by substantial job loss.  Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have tried very hard to ignore our impending entitlement crisis.  It's no surprise that the current economic climate is affecting the Social Security trust fund.  The federal government has raided Social Security to finance an array of unrelated spending projects.  A rapidly diminishing Social Security surplus will force us to borrow even more from foreign governments already growing skittish about buying our debt.  With both Social Security and Medicare now projected to run out of money years earlier than expected, we need to act now on entitlement reform before our current financial situation becomes any worse.  The only alternatives are enormous tax increases or unprecedented levels of debt, either of which would cripple our economy.  We can't pass the buck on entitlement reform any longer.  I will continue to urge President Obama to act upon his promise to make entitlement reform a top priority and ensure that we preserve Social Security for future generations. Share your thoughts



Recent Past

Situation in Darfur Takes a Turn for Worse
I wanted to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan's western region, Darfur.  On March 4, the International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.  Bashir responded by ordering the removal of thirteen nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and terminating the activities of three Sudanese humanitarian agencies. It is estimated that over one million people will stop receiving food distributions, water supply, and health services because of these expulsions.  This action will leave millions vulnerable to hunger and disease in the near future.  Since 2003 the Sudanese government has perpetuated genocide in Darfur by unleashing Arab militias to go to war against African rebels in the region.  An estimated 450,000 people have been killed and over 2.7 million displaced.  While neither party has clean hands, it is a sad reality that the vast majority of the victims have been innocent civilians, including women and children, making it one of the worst human tragedies in recent generations.  As a member of the Sudan Caucus and the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, I have joined many of my fellow House members in urging China, the Arab League, and the African Union to pressure the Sudanese government to reinstate these NGOs, because the ICC's actions should not affect humanitarian efforts in Sudan. Share your thoughts


A Level Playing Field for Small Business Health Care
Recently I introduced a bipartisan bill to address an unfair tax on health insurance premiums for the self-employed.  Under the current tax code, corporations can deduct the cost of health insurance premiums as a business expense and forego payroll (FICA) taxes on these costs.  Self-employed workers, however, cannot take the same deduction and have to pay an additional 15.3 percent tax on those premiums. While health insurance costs are a major concern of all employers, this tax provision unfairly forces the self-employed to pay an extra $1,850 annually.  Because the United States is on the verge of a health care crisis, we need to rise above partisanship to overcome these obstacles.  This legislation would help to level the playing field in health care costs.  It's patently unfair that sole proprietors, a vital part of job creation and our economy, are penalized with additional taxes because they are not granted the write offs that larger businesses receive.  We must correct this inequity and help make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans. Share your thoughts


California Water Shortage
This month I testified before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding the ongoing California drought.  Droughts are nothing new to our State but what is new is the self-imposed regulatory drought brought about by unbalanced environmental laws.  These laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, have delayed the implementation of commonsense practices such as additional surface water storage to meet long-term water needs, while causing short-term pain by placing environmental purposes above the needs of human society.  We must find a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive solution to this water situation that will allow us to equitably meet the needs of all water users, human and otherwise.  You can read the full transcript of my testimony here. Share your thoughts



Northern California News and Events

Frivolous Lawsuits Cost Local Jobs
As you may know, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) was recently forced to close its small-log mill in Quincy, California due to never-ending environmental litigation on timber sales that supply the majority of the mill's material.  In tough economic times such as these, I find it intolerable that 150 hardworking Northern Californians are having their livelihoods upended because of the abuse of the legal system by fringe groups.  Given the state of our Northern California forests and the risk of catastrophic wildfire, we should be doing all we can to protect our communities and put people to work by allowing the responsible thinning our forests without further delay. Share your thoughts


Beale AFB Colonel Discusses Exciting New Mission Herger meets with Colonel Jeffrey Mineo, commander of the 940th Air Refueling Wing at Beale Air Force Base
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Air Force Reservist Colonel Jeffrey Mineo, commander of the 940th Air Refueling Wing at Northern California's Beale Air Force Base.  Col. Mineo was in our nation's capital for annual briefings for Reserve leaders held at the Pentagon.  We discussed the 940th's new multi-dimensional mission, which includes providing manpower support for Beale's 9th Reconnaissance Wing and specifically the unmanned Global Hawk reconnaissance plane.  Col. Mineo noted that the 940th will greatly expand in personnel as it transitions to its new mission.  It is because of the courage and sacrifice of our nation's service members, active duty and reservist alike, that the United States is secure and remains the leading beacon of freedom in the world.  The men and women at Beale AFB showcase these characteristics, and Northern California is fortunate to have this remarkable base in our area. Share your thoughts