Right Now

Pelosi Plan Passes House
I’m disappointed that the House narrowly passed the Pelosi plan for government-run health care. This government takeover of health care would increase health care costs, increase the debt, and lower the quality of care in America. Simply put, this bill would deliver a body blow to both our health care system and our economy. Although we lost this battle, the fight is not over, as the Senate is expected to consider its health care legislation soon, and a potential compromise between the two measures could come to a final vote at the end of this year or early next. I will continue to stand up against bigger government and bureaucracy. You can view my speech in opposition to the bill here. Share your thoughts

President Obama Should Listen to His Generals
Given the escalating violence in Afghanistan I am urging President Obama to act promptly and to implement the strategy recommended by General Stanley McChrystal to turn around the instability in the country. Earlier this year President Obama outlined a counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan and selected new leadership with the appointment of General McChrystal. I strongly supported these decisions and was hopeful that the President would take bold and decisive steps to counter increased violence and instability generated by a resurgent Taliban and other extremists. In a speech in August, President Obama again made it clear that our mission in Afghanistan is a ‘war of necessity’ and that we would not back down. Unfortunately, just a few months later, the President is considering the possibility of abandoning the counter-insurgency strategy before it has been fully implemented.

General McChrystal has offered his straightforward assessment of the situation in Afghanistan. He stated that without a substantial increase in troops and supplies, we risk ‘mission failure.’ No President makes the decision to send troops into combat without great heaviness. But the President’s indecisiveness will only make it more difficult for General McChrystal to wage war to our fullest capability in Afghanistan; a mission which the President correctly points out is essential to our national security and critical to preventing al Qaeda from retrieving the safe haven they enjoyed before 9/11. I urge the President to maintain his support for a counter-insurgency strategy and promptly implement the General’s recommendation for the sake of our brave men and women in uniform and for our citizens here at home. Share your thoughts

Recent Past

Thousands Protest Government Takeover of Health Care
Recently over 10,000 people came to the U.S. Capitol to express their opposition to Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill. These visitors were able to walk the halls of Congress and share their views on the health care bill with their representatives. I and many of my Republican colleagues joined them for a press event on the steps of the Capitol, and I met several of the Californians who were in DC to attend the event and express their concerns with the legislation, including Robin Flores of Chico (pictured left). I am glad to see the American people participating in our democracy, and I will continue to oppose Speaker Pelosi’s health care legislation. Share your thoughts

Where's the Domestic Energy Production?
Several months ago, I expressed my strong concerns regarding the withdrawal of 77 oil and gas leases on federal land in Utah for “further review.” Now the Department of the Interior (DOI) has announced that it will allow leasing on only 17 of the contested sites, while preventing the development of the remaining 60. This decision is based upon the recommendation of a review team that spent only nine days investigating a lease sale the Bureau of Land Management had spent seven years preparing. Furthermore, the DOI had previously taken steps to expedite and expand OCS energy production by developing a new 5-year offshore leasing plan for 2010-15 that would replace the current 2007-12 plan. However, upon taking office, the Obama Administration immediately delayed the new plan and has yet to announce any intention to implement it before the current plan expires in 2012. We are concerned with this decision because we need more domestic production to reduce our reliance on foreign sources, often which are hostile to American interests. Please read more about this important issue here. Share your thoughts

Stalling on Trade Puts American Jobs at Risk
I wanted to inform you that that the European Union (EU) recently completed a trade agreement with South Korea. The U.S. negotiated an agreement with South Korea in 2007, yet the Democratic Congress has refused to act. Because of this, the agriculture and manufacturing industries in Europe will benefit greatly while American agriculture remains at a disadvantage. Northern California, one of the richest agricultural regions in the world, will be directly affected. During a serious economic downturn, it is irresponsible to neglect the benefit of allowing our businesses and farmers to sell their goods around the world. Breaking down trade barriers will create opportunities for the U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, helping to create jobs and grow our economy again. But if we continue to isolate ourselves from the world marketplace, we are gambling with our future economic health. As the EU has demonstrated, other nations aren't standing still. I urge President Obama to make trade a priority and prepare the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement for Congressional consideration immediately. American businesses and their workers can’t afford to wait. Share your thoughts

Northern California News and Events

Increase Federal Protection of Public Lands from Drug Cartels
To address the ongoing problems Northern California is facing regarding marijuana cultivation on federal lands, I have requested a meeting with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Enforcement Administration, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. This meeting is designed to gather information and ensure they are working to develop an effective, coordinated strategy to protect our nation’s public lands and local citizens from the violence and problems that are associated with the ongoing problem of marijuana production on our public lands. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, 3.68 million marijuana plants were seized on federal lands between January and November of 2008. Local law enforcement officials believe that most of this marijuana production is being run by Mexican drug cartels. These drug traffickers are increasingly turning to violence and have fired on law enforcement officers on a number of recent occasions. Their actions jeopardize the lives of our law enforcement officers and citizens using the land for recreation. It is time for the federal government to meet its responsibilities with a sense of urgency. I will continue my efforts to ensure that our law enforcement officials have the necessary resources to fight this growing problem. Share your thoughts

Key Senate Committee Considers Legislation to Improve Recreation Access on Federal Lands in Northern California
Recently, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal land management, received testimony from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service in support of H.R. 689, legislation that I introduced earlier this year. This bill will improve the recreational experience in the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area, located in Shasta County, by addressing the current difficulties resulting from duplicative management by the Forest Service and BLM. I am extremely pleased that the House passed this bill with unanimous support on June 2nd, and that it enjoys the strong support of California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, who have joined in this effort by introducing companion legislation, S. 1328. I am hopeful that with the Administration’s support and the strong backing of Senators Feinstein and Boxer, this bill will move towards swift passage in the Senate and into law. While this legislation serves as just one example of my support for improving access and efficient, multiple-use of our federal lands, these are principles that I have long advocated for and will continue to pursue for federal lands throughout the Second Congressional District. Share your thoughts