Studying Climate Change and Research with the Science Committee

Recently, I traveled with a number of my Science Committee colleagues as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Antarctica. This trip was led by Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA), the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, a Subcommittee on which I serve.

Climate change is an issue that must be scrutinized and fully understood before any hasty policy changes are enacted. Frequently, terms such as “global warming” are used as scare tactics without a full understanding of all issues at hand.  This trip afforded me the opportunity to see what and why specific climate changes are occurring and learn more about what the appropriate response from Congress should be.  I have always believed in being a good steward of the environment, and I learned a tremendous amount of information during this very cold (29 degrees below zero, even though it was summer), but enlightening trip.

It has always been a concern of mine that politics has driven science with regard to climate change.  Traveling with this delegation, I was able to see research facilities in Antarctica first-hand and learn about climate change research projects for which federal funding is being used. 

As the Science and Technology Committee continues to oversee and make recommendations on scientific research projects in Antarctica and elsewhere, it is vital to make sure we are getting the maximum benefit from every dollar spent.  We must have reliable research in order to accurately understand long-term changes taking place with our climate and our world.  As Congress debates whether policy changes are needed to address climate change and what such policies would be, any actions must be firmly grounded in sound research-based facts.

One Year Anniversary of the Troop Surge In Iraq

It has been just over a year since President Bush announced plans to send additional troops to Iraq to help quell the insurgents and stabilize Baghdad. I am pleased to say that after one year, we have seen notable progress.

Just recently, the Baghdad symphony was performing and citizens were crowding the streets to celebrate the start of 2008. Both military and civilian casualties are down, and thousands upon thousands of Iraqis are returning home. In many parts of Iraq, political and economic stability are beginning to take hold.

This is a far different picture from a year ago. While the mission is far from complete, substantial steps have been made toward achieving a stable and self-governing Iraq. Our generals and soldiers on the ground deserve recognition for the positive accomplishments made over the last year.

Farm Bill Update

With Congress just returning this week to start the new year, staff from the House and Senate have begun meeting to review the differences in their versions of the Farm Bill. Additionally, the Chairmen of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have been in discussions to help establish a smooth negotiating process once Congress returns.

Once the formal discussions begin and the conference committee meets, there will be many items on the table.  As you know, there are many differences between the House and Senate versions, as well as differences with the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) current position, specifically on payment limits.  There will undoubtedly be many discussions between all parties until a final agreement is reached.  It is my hope Congress can work together with USDA to resolve differences over items such as levels of spending for nutrition and other areas of the bill, including how to pay for programs without tax increases or funding cuts for commodity programs. 

I will, of course, keep you posted as these discussions progress in the coming weeks.

Coming Soon

Please continue to follow the Roundup as information regarding the Second Session of the 110th Congress begins. As Congress formalizes an agenda for the coming year, I plan to keep you updated on my agenda and the issues I will be working on for the folks of the 19th District.

--Randy