From war in Iraq to meeting Floridians’ everyday concerns - big issues still confronting lawmakers

By Bill Nelson

December 1, 2005

As the New Year quickly approaches and I reflect on 2005, I feel honored to serve and represent the state of Florida in the U.S. Senate, particularly as we grapple with the big issues that are facing the nation today.

The war in Iraq, oil-drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, FEMA, Hurricane Wilma, Supreme Court nominations and even corruption within our own government are just a few of the year’s headlines in our state and across the country.

In Congress this year, I’ve had to fight many powerful interests, from insurance companies to oil companies to the big banks. And I’m continuing to fight everyday to preserve Social Security for our seniors, to protect the privacy of everyday citizens from hackers and identity thieves, and to ensure that our children and grandchildren receive a good education and a good-paying job.

As the Congress finishes up before the holidays, I am reminded of all the victories we have achieved for Florida this year. This fall, with the help of a bipartisan group of Florida’s Congress members, I successfully blocked a provision that would have subjected Florida to oil-drilling 25 miles off the coast. My legislation to increase military survivor benefits will now help improve the lives of 55,000 widows, widowers, and orphans. I made sure that a new Florida program designed to electronically track sex-offenders after they leave jail received $2 million in federal funds. And Florida conservation projects received $140 million at my request.

I’m already looking towards the coming year with optimism. In November, the Senate came remarkably close to passing my legislation to give seniors more time to enroll in the new prescription drug program, and I feel confident that we will successfully pass this provision in the New Year.

In addition, I’ll continue to demand full accountability from FEMA and will fight to increase NOAA funding to better prepare Florida for future hurricane seasons. And I’ll do everything within my capacity to make sure oil drilling stays away from Florida’s coasts permanently.

I’m committed to addressing the everyday concerns and problems of my constituents in 2006, and although we face many challenges, I remain optimistic for the future of our great state of Florida and our country.

Bill Nelson is Florida's senior U.S. senator.

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