-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

September 8, 2008

Congress Returns To Unfinished Business

During August, many of my colleagues and I continued to discuss energy policy on the House floor even though the House was not in session.  Now that the House is back in session, we will continue to demand that Speaker Pelosi bring up much-needed energy legislation.

Energy security is not a Republican or Democrat issue; it is an American issue. While oil prices have declined somewhat, that doesn’t mean Congress no longer needs to act.  When the demand for energy continues and nothing is done to increase our own supply, we will continue to be subject to price swings and be reliant on other nations for our energy.

On September 30, the federal moratorium on additional off-shore energy production will expire.  While I would like Congress allow the expiration, I don’t expect the leadership will simply let the moratorium go away.  My concern is that an extension of the moratorium and other issues will get wrapped up into a larger package without the opportunity for amendments and full debate.

In addition to energy, funding for the federal government is also on the list of unfinished business.  One of Congress’ Constitutional responsibilities that must be taken care of every year is funding the federal government.  While it is never easy to prioritize how much is spent on what government programs, this is Congress’ job.  The current fiscal year ends September 30, but so far the House has passed only one of the 12 annual bills that fund federal government agencies and programs.

If Congress doesn’t finish these bills and simply extends current funding levels temporarily, at least federal spending won’t go up in the short run.   The bad news is that I expect House leaders will instead load this extension bill up with increased spending for favored items, harmful energy proposals and a lot of unrelated items your tax dollars should not be used for.  These types of bills always concern me.

Failing to pass this legislation will force the government to cease operating.  The American people don’t benefit from a debate about shutting down the government.  But they also don’t benefit from bill packed with unrelated items and more spending.  As the House works toward resolving the funding situation, I will work to keep any extension bills clean and limit spending increases.


Seven Years Have Past, But We Will Never Forget

This week millions of Americans will once again mark one of the most horrific tragedies to occur on our soil, the attacks on September 11.  To this day, it brings back feelings of loss, hurt, patriotism and resolve, enabling all of us to reflect on that warm, fall morning in our own special way.  To the families and friends of those impacted by that loss, your nation will never let you grieve alone.  To the families and friends of those who’ve fought on foreign soil to ensure that we will never again have a tragedy like this occur in America, you have our solemn thanks.

On Thursday, the Pentagon Memorial to those who died will be officially unveiled, permanently, and most importantly, individually enshrining each of those 184 brave souls who left us on that day.  Visitors can learn who these instant heroes were, the lives they led and the beautiful families they left behind.  

One of the greatest experiences I have representing the 19th Congressional District is hosting constituents like you in Washington, DC who travel to learn the rich history of our nation’s capital.  With this newest tribute to America’s heroes, no visit would be complete with taking time to honor their memory.  To learn more about the Pentagon Memorial, please visit here: http://memorial.pentagon.mil/


Concerns With Federalizing Financial Institutions

You may have seen in the news that federal regulators used their authority to place Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under their control in order to restructure these two companies that help support mortgage lending.  While a stable housing market is important to our economy, I am concerned with this move to federalize these two financial institutions.  When the federal government takes actions such as this, it masks the market consequences of irresponsible behavior.  

 As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, my first priority is ensuring protection of the taxpayers, and I will push regulators to put them first.  

While these entities are now under the conservatorship of the federal government and will be for the near future, how our nation’s housing finance system will operate beyond that time is very much in question.  If I learned one thing from my experience in housing and banking before coming to Congress, it’s that our nation must have a robust and liquid mortgage finance system that enables American families to continue to afford homeownership.  Ensuring our country continues to have such a system going forward should be the next priority.

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website www.randy.house.gov, or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.