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Columns

Rep. Petri writes a column for the 6th District's weekly and daily newspapers. Below are links to some recent columns:

One Out of Every Three Dollars: Economics professors Nicole and Mark Crain had a stunning column in The Wall Street Journal September 27. Every American who wonders "Where are the jobs?" and worries about the economic opportunities their kids will have should ponder the Crains' first paragraph (October 19, 2010)
How They Explain It: Back in 1994, when the Democrats lost control of the House for the first time in 40 years, ABC news anchor Peter Jennings sought to explain this inexplicable event. "The voters had a temper tantrum last week," he said. (September 15, 2010)
Flood Concerns Address: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in the process of issuing new flood plain maps, causing a great deal of concern from people who have found that their property is now designated as at risk of flooding. This designation generally and significantly increases insurance costs while reducing the market value of property. (August 30, 2010)
Where Are We On Health Care Reform?: If I may use trendy public policy buzz words, over the past several months the Congress and President Obama have provided the American people with a series of "teachable moments" as we struggle over health care. The lesson? As the saying goes, "Nobody's life or property is safe while the legislature is in session." (December 11, 2009)
Do It Right, Not Just Fast: At the 12 town meetings I held last month, large numbers made it clear that they resent being given the bum's rush on health care. Democratic leaders put the emphasis on doing reform fast rather than right, compressing the schedule in order to avoid tough questions and to present the country with a done deal. (September 5, 2009)
From Rep. Petri to the Editor: To the Editor: I recently concluded my latest round of 12 town meetings throughout Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. I found these meetings very helpful in understanding what people at home are thinking about the important issues being debated in Washington. In this case, obviously, health care was the dominant subject discussed. I greatly appreciate the time and effort everyone took to come and share their thoughts on this complex, yet important, issue. (September 8, 2009)
"No" to the Health Care Bill - Here's Why: This month I have been holding town meetings throughout east-central Wisconsin. Health care has been the main topic, and in Omro a gentleman stood up to say, "I'm a farmer, and when I plant 100 acres and I'm having problems with 15 of them because of water, I don't plow the whole 100 acres to fix the 15 - I deal just with the 15. This is how Congress should be dealing with health care." (August 11, 2009)
Hearing From You At Citizen Hours: In mid-January I had a week of Citizen Hours in 12 locations from Manitowoc to Adams, and from Kimberly to Watertown. Despite the winter weather, there were large turnouts at every meeting. (January 25, 2008)
Flying The Crowded Skies: For many of us, air travel has become a nightmare. Since the government started paying attention in 1995, domestic flight delays were at an all-time high earlier this year with more than 25% arriving late from January through July, and with another 2.4% having been cancelled altogether. (November 9, 2007)
Support the Troops, Support Veterans: We hear the phrase a lot, and see it on the backs of cars: "Support Our Troops." With Veterans Day approaching, we should remember to add, "Support Our Veterans." (November 1, 2007)
Sadly, Bridge Tragedy No Surprise: Was I surprised by the tragic Minnesota bridge collapse on August 2? Sadly, no. When it comes to road and bridge maintenance, you don't get what you don't pay for. (August 7, 2007)
Calm the Iraq Rhetoric: The atmosphere in Washington is even more poisonous than usual, thanks to the stalemate in Iraq. People in the capital hold a range of views on the conflict, but the urge to speak in simple, declarative sentences is boiling the debate down to two stark alternatives: "win at all costs" versus "get out no matter what the consequences." (July 27, 2007)
Responding to the Passport Hassle: It's nice when the government realizes it has made a mistake and takes appropriate action, as happened June 7 when the State Department relaxed some passport regulations. (June 11, 2007)
Town Meetings, Office Hours, and Iraq: In early February, Rep. Tom Petri held a series of town meetings at 12 locations throughout the 6th Congressional District. People came to express their views, and naturally, Iraq was a major point of concern, with some supporting the troop surge and others calling for withdrawal. (March 30, 2007)
How to Win In Iraq: Rep. Petri has heard from a lot of people in central Wisconsin who are upset that he expressed doubts about President Bush's surge policy. To be clear, however, the Congressman does support the troops, does support victory in Iraq, and remains opposed to a hasty withdrawal. (February 16, 2007)
How I Voted: Last month the new House Democratic majority decided to start its time in the driver's seat with a high-speed run through several legislative priorities. The "First 100 Legislative Hours" package was rushed to the floor without the usual committee hearings and consideration one might expect, and promises to allow the Republican minority to propose alternatives were violated wholesale. (February 12, 2007)
A Vote for Cheaper Student Loans: On January 17, 2007, the House of Representatives voted to cut $6 billion in excess subsidies to student loan lenders and to direct the savings to reduce the interest rates paid by students who qualify for Stafford student loans. Rep. Petri was one of 124 Republicans supporting this proposal offered by the new House majority. (January 19, 2007)
A Fairer House: A new day dawned with the start of the 110th Congress on January 4, 2007. It's not exactly the new day Rep. Petri would prefer, given the switch of partisan control in Congress, but now its up to the Democrats to fulfill their promise and allow the minority the opportunity to speak its piece. (January 12, 2007)
My Priorities: Despite the change in partisan control of Congress, Rep. Tom Petri's priorities remain the same. Job One is to be a constructive voice on our Iraq policy, on economic growth, tax limitation and spending restraint. (December 8, 2006)
What People Said at Town Meetings: The media frequently talks about Congress leaving town for a "vacation." But in fact, like most members of Congress, Rep. Petri spent much of August with constituents in various settings. In his case, this included 12 town meetings that he hosted throughout the 6th Congessionial District. (September 8, 2006)
Against Animal Rights Extremists: Animal rights extremists advance their cause through "direct action," which includes death threats, vandalism, animal releases and bombings. Their actions are calculated aggressively to intimidate and harass those identified as targets. In response Rep. Petri has introduced H.R. 4239, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. (July 14, 2006)
First Steps on Global Warming: Scientists all over the world are sounding the alarm about global warming. Others, however, insist that the evidence for global warming is being exaggerated. Rep. Petri believes we know enough to want to take prudent steps to limit the release of 'greenhouse gases' such as carbon dioxide and methane and has cosponsored H.R. 5049. (May 12, 2006)
Great Economy, Unhappy People: The U.S. gross domestic product grew by 4.2 percent in 2004 and 3.5 percent in 2005. These are strong advances for a developed economy. Yet, a lot of people don't feel too great about the economy. (April 10, 2006)
Seniors Should Sign Up For Drug Benefits: The initial sign-up deadline for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit is May 15, so Rep. Tom Petri is urging unregistered older Americans to consider joining the 27 million others who are already participating. (March 31, 2006)
Rogue Movers Progress, Regress: The vast majority of moving companies operate in a fair, open and honest way, but the muddled regulatory situation has provided a large opening for rogue movers. As Chairman of the House Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subommittee, Rep. Tom Petri has been working to bring clarity and greater consumer protection to this area. (March 17, 2006)
Our Budget Challenges: The federal government spent close to $2.5 trillion last year, including $318 billion in deficit spending. With the coming retirement of the Baby Boom generation, we simply must get our financial house in order to meet escalating demands on the budget. (March 8, 2006)
What People Tell Me: Rep. Tom Petri recently completed a series of town meetings in 12 cities and towns around Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. Several people came to express concerns about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Others wanted to talk about recent controveries involving lobbyists and members of Congress. (February 7, 2006)
Confused About Medicare Part D?: Senior citizens all across the country are confused about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit - and I don't blame them. Private insurers have stepped forward with a wide variety of plans, which is a good thing. It means, however, that seniors need to research their options carefully. (November 21, 2005)
This Thanksgiving, Consider Adoption: Thanksgiving is almost here, and Americans all over the country are looking forward to gathering together with their extended families to share the annual feast celebrating the Pilgrims' bountiful harvest. But putting the turkey aside, I was reminded recently that simply having a family is something for which to be thankful. (November 15, 2005)
Our Veterans Deserve Our Thanks: Veterans Day is a day for all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. (November 7, 2005)
Hurricane Damage Up Close: It's well known that Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage in Louisiana and Mississippi when it made landfall on August 29. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit subcommittee, Rep. Petri had an opportunity to tour the storm damaged region. (September 28, 2005)
Highway Spending is Important: If you are ever tempted to take highways for granted, and if you are ever tempted to label transportation projects "congressional pork" just because they are expensive, think about the crowded lanes leading north from New Orleans shortly before Hurricane Katrina hit. (September 19, 2005)
What People Tell Me: Democracy can work only if people take the time to meet with their representatives to share their views. Recently, Rep. Tom Petri held a series of citizen hours in 12 cities and towns throughout Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. Here's a sampling of what his constituents have on their minds. (September 11, 2005)
Student Loans and Special Interests: On July 21, Rep. Tom Petri offered an amendment to the Higher Education Act reauthorization bill which would have increased money for Pell grants for low-income students by $17 billion over 10 years at no new cost to the taxpayers. But unfortunately, in Washington it isn't enough for an idea to be good. (July 22, 2005)
Gaylord Nelson: After the recent passing of former Governor and Senator Gaylord Nelson, Rep. Tom Petri was asked to speak at a memorial in the State Capitol on behalf of Gaylord's friend, former Congressman and Defense Secretary Mel Laird, whose doctor advised him not to travel. (July 13, 2005)
Safeguarding Elections: Much has been heard recently about the need for election reforms. In Wisconsin, the state legislature is working on a bill to limit fraudulent voting. In Washington, Rep. Tom Petri is supporting legislation that would increase voter confidence in the outcome of our elections. (June 24, 2005)
Health Care Canadian-Style: It's heard all the time: Why don't we have national health care like Canada? It's an interesting question, but when looking to Canada for lessons on health care, it's necessary to consider both the successes and failures of that nation's approach.
(June 17, 2005)
Keeping Student Loans Affordable: The House Education Committee is preparing to write a new Higher Education Act this year, and student loan policy will be part of that legislation. Rep. Petri has proposed that the government encourage schools to offer Direct Loans instead of the older Federal Familiy Education Loans, making billions of dollars available for other educational needs. (June 10, 2005)
Help For Social Security: Rep. Petri recently introduced legislation to create personal retirement accounts. This proposal differs significantly from the President's plan, especially by guaranteeing that recipients will receive their full Social Security benefits no matter what happens to the investments in the accounts. (May 27, 2005)
You Own Your Government: Plenty of people have alerted me to problems which require government action, and like a person who drives his car into a repair shop, describes the problem and expects the mechanic to figure it all out, they expect me and others in government to find solutions. (May 20, 2005)
The Student Loan Battle: The federal government has had two student loan programs since 1993. Each program provides loans to college, graduate and technical school students on exactly the same terms. One program, however, offers the opportunity to increase financial aid while actually saving taxpayers' money. (May 10, 2005)
Good Questions at Town Meetings: Rep. Petri recently held 12 town meetings at locations throughout the 6th Congressional District and was pleased with the attendance. Naturally, people had several issues on their minds. (April 29, 2005)
Give Road Workers a "Brake": Some say there are only two seasons in Wisconsin: winter and road building season. The latter is getting underway, and as Chairman of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, I was pleased to take part in a major recent event at a worksite near Washington highlighting work zone safety. Also, some words in memory of Pope John Paul II. (April 8, 2005)
Please Come to Town Meetings: Rep. Petri has scheduled 12 town meetings around Wisonsin's 6th Congressional District from March 28 through March 31. These meetings will provide an opportunity for us to talk about issues face-to-face in a group setting. (March 17, 2005)
Hopeful Signs in the Middle East: Something extraordinary happened on March 1, 2005: a New York Times editorial had some nice things to say about President Bush. For those who don't know, Times editorials have been reflexively hostile, the type that mumble, 'Bush's fault. Volcanoes, mosquitoes, paper cuts - all Bush's fault.' (March 4, 2005)
Expose a Dirty Campaign Tactic: Badgers have a reputation for insisting on clean political campaigns. It's no coincidence that when Russ Feingold first ran for senator in the 1992 Democratic primary, he was able to win after trailing in third place partly because his two opponents - the front-runners - spent so much time attacking each other that the voters rejected both of them. (February 18, 2005)
Should We Raid the Transportation Fund?: State officials have a hard enough time governing without getting unsolicited advice from federal legislators, so Rep. Petri was as respectful as he could be when he said: Please, Gov. Doyle, reconsider your two-year plan to take $490 million out of Wisconsin's transportation fund in order to finance unrelated spending. (February 11, 2005)
Hopeful Signs in Iraq: While there are serious dangers and challenges in Iraq, the reality isn't quite as chaotic and out-of-control as it appears. And on Sunday, January 30th, the Iraqi people stunned the world by coming out in large numbers to vote in their first free elections in 50 years. (February 4, 2005)
What's Coming Up In Congress: The 109th Congress was gaveled into existence on January 4th, 2005 with many important and seemingly intractable issues on the agenda. Naturally, terrorism and Iraq will top the list, but other issues also will receive significant attention.
(January 28, 2005)
Let Me Help: Has the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs lost track of your benefits? Are you interested in attending one of the U.S. service academies? Are you having problems with red tape? If so, and you're a 6th District resident, then Rep. Petri wants to hear about it. (November 19, 2004)
Wisconsin's Transportation Funds in the Balance: America's economy depends on efficient transportation to move both people and products. That's why reauthorizing the federal transportation program and ensuring fair treatment for Wisconsin's highway users are top priorities for Rep. Tom Petri. (October 22, 2004)
Time for Transit Security: Public transit systems have been the target of terrorist attacks around the world, and as Chairman of the Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subcommittee, Rep. Petri has responsibility for a significant piece of our security effort. (October 15, 2004)
Iraq and the Economy: It's no surprise to learn what's on the minds of Americans these days. Most folks want to talk about Iraq and the economy. (October 8, 2004)
Our Fox Locks Victory: After a failed attempt by private developers, the Fox River locks and dams were completed by the State of Wisconsin in the 1850s. The federal government took control of the system in 1872 - but, as of September 17th of this year, the locks have "come home" to state ownership. (September 24, 2004)
For Better Student Aid: There's a simple, effective way to boost aid for colleges and students at no cost to the taxpayers. All that's needed is open minds and honest analysis. (September 17, 2004)
The Deficit In Perspective: After decades of struggling with deficits, we all cheered when we achieved a $69 billion surplus in 1998. We continued to run surpluses through the 2001 budget year and managed to pay down close to $559 billion of accumulated federal debts. But then, in 2002 we headed way back into red ink territory. What happened? (September 10, 2004)
Keeping Things In Perspective: Some people get angry when I suggest that things aren't so bad. While there's plenty to worry about, it's important to keep current events in perspective and consider the good news as well as the bad. (August 6, 2004)
Investments for Every Child: Almost daily the news is filled with stories about the financial challenges facing future generations. The ASPIRE Act is a sensible approach to the challenge of encouraging people to save for the future, and of ultimately giving every American first-hand experience with the power of sensible investments. (July 30, 2004)
Food Allergy Bill Will Save Lives: Recent studies estimate that over 11 million Americans have food allergies. Over six million are allergic to fish and shellfish alone. Over three million are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, and the number of children with peanut allergy has doubled in the past five years. (July 23, 2004)
Accomplishments: There is much yet to do, but the current Congress has already racked up several notable accomplishments. The following is a selection of some of the bills that have been signed into law. (July 16, 2004)
No Child Left Behind: You've doubtless heard the cynical saying, "No good deed goes unpunished." That's certainly the case whenever Congress and the President try to solve problems in public policy areas that the opposition party has identified as its own personal property. (July 2, 2004)
Transportation Security: As Chairman of the Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subcommittee, I share considerable responsibility for strengthening transportation security and held a hearing on that topic on June 22, 2004. (June 25, 2004)
Putting Students First: Republicans in Congress will soon have an opportunity to show that they value efficiency over ideology: they can increase student aid without adding to government spending. This is the topic of a column by Rep. Petri which appeared on the op-ed page of The New York Times. (June 18, 2004)
A Job Well Done: We have had a week of praise and eulogies following the death of President Reagan, but the greatest tribute is the high regard shown by the 105,000 people who stood in line, some for as long as five hours and many in the middle of the night, to pay their respects at his flag-draped coffin in the Rotunda of the Capitol. (June 11, 2004)
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!: With growth of 4.4% in the first quarter of 2004, America's economy is continuing to perform well above the historical average. At 5% over the past year as a whole, annual economic growth has been the fastest in nearly 20 years. Employment is also growing strongly. Last month 248,000 jobs were created nationwide. (June 4, 2004)
Let Me Help: Has the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs lost track of your benefits? Are you interested in attending one of the U.S. service academies? Are you having problems with red tape? If you need help with an issue of federal concern, Rep. Petri would like to hear about it. (May 14, 2004)
The New Medicare Drug Card: On May 3, seniors began to sign up for the new federally-sponsored drug discount card. Despite some initial confusion and missteps of the type you can expect with the initiation of any big project, the discount cards promise to provide significant help for older Americans starting on June 1. (May 7, 2004)
Economy Back on Track: Manufacturing jobs have been scarce since the start of the last recession in late 2000 or early 2001. Fortunately, the jobs picture is improving. Payroll employment increased by 308,000 jobs in March and is up by 759,000 jobs over the past seven months. (April 30, 2004)
Fox Locks Progress Good for Wisconsin: Nobody said it would be easy, but after 20 years of effort,we are finally on track to re-open the Fox River locks system - an historical treasure with important tourism potential. (April 23, 2004)
Taking "Jobless" Out of the Recovery: If you're out of work, the economy stinks. But despite all the appropriate distress on the jobs front and all the anguished attention unemployment naturally receives, the statistics show that our economy is strong and getting stronger.
(April 9, 2004)
Against Medicare Distortions: As with just about any multifaceted proposal, last year's Medicare reforms were imperfect. Most importantly, we finally approved legislation to help seniors with their escalating prescription drug bills, but people are attacking it for costing too much while doing too little. But, there's a good answer for each attack. (April 2, 2004)
Some Good News From Iraq: Continuing American deaths and injuries in Iraq make me ill. I want to reduce the exposure of our troops as fast as possible. However, we need to keep in mind our success in removing a brutal dictatorship which seems to have been ready to produce some horrible weapons as soon as the world looked the other way. (March 26, 2004)
Jobs and Trade: When jobs are threatened, foreign competition is the usual first suspect. And no wonder, when everybody has heard about cheap goods flooding into our country which undercut domestic producers. Those goods are clearly a great benefit for consumers, but only those who still have incomes. (March 19, 2004)
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: For years, there have been demands that we establish a prescription drug program as a part of Medicare. Last year, Congress and the President figured out a way to do that. The AARP endorsed the plan, and we passed it into law. As a result, a drug discount card program begins in April. (March 12, 2004)
Help for Consumers: From enacting improvements to our national credit system to taking action against e-mail spam, Congress and the President made some significant advances last year for America's consumers. (March 5, 2004)
For Unborn Victims of Violence: On February 25, by a vote of 254 to 161, the U.S. House passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act which, if the Senate agrees, will establish criminal penalties for harming unborn children during the commission of a federal offense in places under federal jurisdiction, such as Indian reservations and military bases. (February 27, 2004)
In Wisconsin Jobs Are "Job 1": The economy is improving, but job growth continues to be slow despite the best efforts to employ available policy tools. In the meantime, Rep. Tom Petri is pleased to use the resources at his disposal to help Wisconsin businesses in their efforts to increase local employment. (February 6, 2004)
Top 10 Tax Changes for 2004: It's that time again: Tax season. As you sit down to figure out how much you owe or how much you're getting back, you should be aware of the following "Top 10" tax changes for 2004. (January 30, 2004)
More Medicare Support for 6th District Doctors, Hospitals: The new Medicare law continues to be a subject of discussion. Some believe the changes will do too much and will cost too much. Others think the plan will do too little and spend too little. The new law does, however, provide important funding increases for rural doctors and hospitals. (January 23, 2004)
Growth But Too Few Jobs: According to nearly every economic indicator, a vigorous and broad-based economic expansion is well underway. Yet, during his travels around the 6th Congressional District Rep. Tom Petri keeps hearing, "Economic growth? I don't see that here." (January 16, 2004)
Citizen Hours: Listening to 6th District Residents: During the 107th Congress, Rep. Petri spent 190 days working in Wisconsin, held 42 Citizen Hours in 21 cities, hosted 42 Town Meetings in 21 locations, and made 498 stops in 90 cities and towns. Cong. Petri has scheduled a series of citzen hours between January 6 and January 9, 2004. (December 19, 2003)
The New Medicare Law: Congress recently approved a major Medicare reform bill. Some of its advocates portray it as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow while its opponents make it sound like the End of the World. The AARP agreed with a majority of Congress that this program is a step in the right direction. Here is a brief summary of the new law. (December 12, 2003)
Legislative Accomplishments: The first session of the 108th Congress was busy and productive. Besides the major Medicare prescription drug benefit, Congress enacted a variety of significant legislation. The following is a short selection of some of the notable accomplishments. (December 5, 2003)
Let Me Help: One of the jobs of a representative in Congress is to help constituents in their dealings with the federal government. Many people call, write, or visit because they are having trouble with Social Security, Medicare or veterans benefits. Often, Rep. Tom Petri is able to provide needed assistance. (November 21, 2003)
Student Loan Program Threatened: As a member of the old Education and Labor Committee, and now as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Tom Petri has long fought for a system of student loans which would always be affordable because the rate of repayment would vary according to the post-school income of the borrower. (November 14, 2003)
Supporting Our Troops: The people who defend us deserve our respect and our thanks. They have done their duty to us through their military service. It's our duty to them to give them the gratitude and support they so clearly deserve. (November 7, 2003)
The Economy is Roaring Ahead!: The slow economy has provided some difficult years and unemployment remains too high. Still, during the third quarter of the year the economy grew at a blistering 7.2 percent rate. This is the strongest showing since 1984 and hopefully a sign of more good economic news to come. (October 31, 2003)
The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban: On October 21, the Senate concurred with a House vote three weeks earlier banning partial birth abortion, also known as "dilation and extraction." Congress had twice before voted to end the practice, but President Clinton vetoed the legislation. President Bush, however, will sign the bill. (October 24, 2003)
Skepticism About Iraqi Aid: President Bush asked for an additional $87 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan. Of this amount, most was earmarked for continuing military operations. However, the remaining $21.4 billion set aside for "reconstruction" raised many questions which have not been answered properly. (October 17, 2003)
Needed: Fair Trade With China: America has lost 2.6 million manufacturing jobs since March 2000. Any unemployed, laid-off or worried worker in central Wisconsin can tell you all about it, since our many large and small factories are key to our region's prosperity. Many people believe that China's unfair trade practices are to blame, and it's time we addressed this serious issue. (October 10, 2003)
Improving Quality of Life: For the past 12 years, we've guaranteed about two percent of federal highway funds - currently about $600 million per year - to bicycle and pedestrian paths, for downtown streetscapes, scenic highways, tourist welcome centers, historic preservation and wildlife crossings. The results of this program have enhanced our quality of life, and Rep. Petri led the fight when this funding was threatened. (September 26, 2003)
Our Crumbling Infrastructure: Earlier this month the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a "report card" outlining the inadequate condition of our nation's infrastructure. The report cited the need for substantial resources to bring the infrastructure to an acceptable level. The first step is to extend federal transportation programs for another six years. (September 19, 2003)
Thoughts on the War Against Terrorism: With the second 9-11 anniversary just past, people have been asking, "Are we safer now than we were two years ago?" The answer is "yes," although we felt much safer on September 10, 2001 - a time when ignorance was bliss.
(September 12, 2003)
Skyrocketing College Tuitions: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce is turning the spotlight on the issue of exploding college expenses, starting with the release of a congressional report, "The College Cost Crisis." This report contains a number of important findings. (September 5, 2003)
Prescription Drug Update: The lack of prescription drug coverage has become a glaring hole in Medicare. Congress is attempting to fill this hole by developing a plan to help with drug costs, and both the House and Senate approved their separate proposals on June 27, 2003. (August 8, 2003)
Deficits in Perspective: Deficits do matter. Under normal circumstances, balancing the budget is the most reliable way of measuring whether today's government spending is under control. However, we should be cautious about people who want higher taxes largely to make additional spending easier. (July 30, 2003)
Hindsight on Iraq: Over the past few weeks Washington and the media have been filled with second thoughts about Iraq. When controversy erupts, it often takes a while for the arguments to gel, and now, finally, some newspaper columnists have brought together some points I've had in mind but hadn't put into systematic form. (July 25, 2003)
H.S. Students: Service Academies Want You!: If you are an incoming high school senior, you are probably thinking about applying for college in the months ahead. Some students will want to consider the education available at one of the U.S. Service Academies. (July 18, 2003)
Accomplishments in the House: Since the beginning of the 108th Congress, the House of Representatives has been quite productive. The following provides some examples of what the House has achieved. (July 11, 2003)
We Should Teach History and Civics: According to a study last year by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, 99 percent of 556 college seniors tested at 55 leading colleges and universities (including Harvard and Princeton) correctly identified Beavis and Butthead as popular cartoon characters - but only 23 percent could identify James Madison. (June 27, 2003)
Education Efforts Advancing: In late May Wisconsin became the 21st state to have its 'No Child Left Behind' accountability plan approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Among the new provisions are requirements that 95 percent of students in certain grades take state-mandated tests and meet minimum attendance and graduation benchmarks. (June 20, 2003)
The Big and Small Economic Picture: Technically, we are not in a recession, but economic growth has remained sluggish for far longer than anybody expected. Job growth has been slow, and people are looking back at the late 1990s with a feeling of nostalgic affection. However, there are reasons to be confident about our future prosperity. (June 13, 2003)
Fighting Scam Movers: The vast majority of moving companies operate in a fair, open and honest way, but the muddled regulatory situation has provided a large opening for thugs. Cong. Petri has introduced legislation to provide greater authority for state consumer protection agencies to pursue rogue movers who violate federal rules. (June 6, 2003)
Highway Funding On Bumpy Road: America’s economy depends on efficient transportation to move both people and products. Yet, our highways are in bad condition. Something has to be done, and it's going to cost money. (May 30, 2003)
Tax Cuts and Unemployment Benefits: The House and the Senate have agreed to give President Bush much of what he requested in the way of tax cuts to get the economy moving again. Congress has also voted to extend unemployment benefits for an additonal 13 weeks.
(May 23, 2003)
Pension Reform Passes House: On May 14 the House approved pension reform legislation. Assuming the Senate and the President agree, the Pension Security Act will provide workers with more information and greater flexibility in managing their retirement accounts.
(May 16, 2003)
On Civility: While Americans continue to emphasize the importance of civility, as well as the need to keep affirming that importance, it's also important to give credit where it is due: When you consider that non-conformity is a distinguishing American characteristic, we do a pretty good job of being civil. (May 9, 2003)
Fairness for Employees, Retirees: Reducing the regulatory burden on business is one way to help companies turn profits, and healthy, growing, and profitable companies help generate economic growth. However, fairness to employees can be a more important factor, as in the case of conversions to cash-balance pension plans. (May 2, 2003)
Here Are Our Allies!: We've heard a lot about foreign hostility resulting from our efforts in Iraq, yet at other times, positive points of view are expressed. An e-mail message recently received by one of Rep. Petri's colleagues describes an incident which shows this positive perspective. It's reprinted here with the author's permission. (April 18, 2003)
Move April 15th to November!: Cong. Tom Petri is supporting legislation to move the annual tax filing deadline from April 15 to the Monday before Electon Day. Moving the filing date would be a political statement designed to change the dynamics of public policy debates about taxing and spending. (April 11, 2003)
The Poisoned Pen Corner: Many people complain that politicians only shout at each other and never listen. But politicians aren't the only ones who are tempted into angry rhetoric. (April 4, 2003)
The Nature of the Combatants: Now that the war in Iraq has begun the distinction between our values and those of our Iraqi adveraries is clear. Our primary purpose is to remove a threat to our security, but another positive result will be the end of a regime which torments its own people even as it threatens others. (March 28, 2003)
Dissent During Wartime: A recent speech by South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle touched off a contoversery over the appropriateness of political criticism on the eve of a foreign war. Without agreeing with the content of the Senator's comments, it is important to support his right to offer a dissenting opinion. (March 21, 2003)
Two Topics: Medicare Options & Iraq: President Bush announced a general framework for Medicare reform, including the addition of prescription drug coverage. The President has proposed expanding Medicare to include three options for seniors, but is relying on Congress to fill in the details. Also, some answers for opponents of President Bush's Iraq policy. (March 14, 2003)
Help For The Unemployed: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce recently approved President Bush's proposal to provide "Personal Reemployment Accounts." The basic idea is to provide financial assistance, along with broad flexibility, thus making it easier for unemployed individuals to find new jobs. (March 7, 2003)
For Safe Roads and A Strong Economy: While America has benefited greatly from having a strong transportation network on which we can move our people and goods, we are now at a crossroads. Will we make the investment necessary to support a growing economy, or will we allow our transportation infrastructure to deteriorate to the point that it impedes growth? (February 28, 2003)
Concerning Iraq: Many people have held out hope that we could avoid having to go to war in Iraq. Last November, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1441 to give Saddam Hussein one last chance to surrender and dismantle his chemical, biological and nuclear arms programs under United Nations supervision. Hussein appears to be playing his old game of hide and seek, and thus squandering this last chance. (February 21, 2003)
Education Efficiency Restrains Costs: While rising productivity has helped to spur economic growth without creating inflation, one key area where prices consistently rise faster than average is higher education. Recently, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities has been working to bring the benefits of improved productivity to the higher education sector. (February 14, 2003)
Blind Students Need Help: Because of the cumbersome process needed to translate a textbook into Braille or other specialized formats, it can take up to six months for a blind student to have the same materials as his or her sighted peers. Rep. Tom Petri has introduced legislation to correct this problem. (February 7, 2003)
Questions and Answers on Iraq: The debate over a potential war with Iraq has been difficult. Like most Americans, Rep. Tom Petri would like to avoid war, but after listening to President Bush he has concluded that the President has the better arguments. Here are Rep. Petri's thoughts on some of the major questions that have emerged during this debate. (January 31, 2003)
Better Campaign Reform: Many campaign reformers were thrilled with last year's passage of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reforms. However, the need for addditional reform did not end with that law. Rep. Petri has introduced legislation, H.R. 157, to provide a tax credit for small political contributions. The bill is an effort to balance the influence of big money contributors by broadening the base of those who finance political campaigns. (January 24, 2003)
Stop "Smear Polls": It appears to be an ordinary opinion survey, but it just might be a "smear poll." Designed to spread rumors and misinformation, smear polls hide behind the benign curtain of political polling and avoid all campaign regulation. Rep. Petri has introduced legislation to bring this practice under greater public scrutiny. (January 17, 2003)
Coming Up In Congress: The 2003 session of Congress is under way, and people have begun to ask about this year's agenda. Naturally, a top issue will continue to be national security, including the war on terrorism, the possibility of war with Iraq, and growing tensions with North Korea. Another important area of concern is the domestic economy. In addition to these issues, Rep. Petri will continue to focus on education and transportation policy. (January 10, 2003)