For the next Congress, once we get back here in January, we need an energy bill that moves us rapidly toward energy independence.  The tax incentives in the energy bill from last summer are for only two years.

Job 1 in the next Congress is Phase 2 of the energy bill that includes new fuels and flexible fuel vehicles.  We need competitive forces to drive down the cost of gasoline.

This week’s announcement by Bob Ney that he will not stand for re-election adds yet another casualty to the ethics and bribery scandals engulfing Washington.

The departures of the likes of Ney and Tom DeLay are undoubtedly welcomed by anybody who has the better interests of the country at heart.  Who could really fret about losing a Texan who used his “hammer Read more...

I think it's very important that we pass the video franchising bill.  That is necessary to facilitate the entry of telephone companies to cable television businesses in a way that would benefit consumers with lower prices and more varied television offerings.  The bill will enable local governments to offer telecomm services, particularly broadband.

Sending radio transmissions to the oppressed Cuban nation will help overcome the Castro-imposed information barricade. The messages the US is sending to Cuba will show people there that we are on their side in support of freedom and democracy and in opposition to tyranny. We thank President Bush for his commitment to our cause for freedom and justice for our brothers and sisters on the island.

The President’s recent veto of legislation to update outdated stem cell policy in the light of scientific advances, supported by 193 Representatives and 37 Senators, not only hurts research at the federal level, but also impairs state research as well. Federal funding is currently restricted to research using 21 old, contaminated stem cell lines. Meanwhile, scientists have developed techniques to derive more efficacious, uncontaminated lines that have proven three times as popular among scientists over the last three years, despite the absence of federal money to conduct research on them. State stem cell initiatives have attempted to fund research using the newer lines, but federal policy has once again gotten in the way.

Because of the restrictive federal policy, states cannot use facilities or equipment purchased with federal funds to conduct research on stem cell lines that are ineligible for federal funding. This has forced states and universities to spend large sums of money on redundant equipment and laboratories, as well as create expensive bureaucracies to track which costs can be paid with federal funds. New Jersey is spending 75% of its money for stem cell research on new equipment and a stem cell research institute. The University of California-San Francisco is spending $6 million to remake a lab for stem cell research. In a recent report entitled “Too Much to Ask

The University of Miami Hurricanes are not the only hurricanes frequenting Florida recently.  In just the last two years, Florida has had to endure the devastation from eight hurricanes that severely impacted families, farmers, homes, businesses and schools.



This year, we already had one storm become a hurricane, though Hurricane Chris thankfully dissipated without causing any damage.  While hurricanes are an unfortunate reality, better preparation for natural disasters can help communities rebound quicker.



To help people prepare for this year's hurricane season, I sent a hurricane preparedness checklist to those in the communities I represent.



The effects of a natural disaster can be reduced if you are aware of the steps families should take before, during, and after any natural disaster.  It is also important that every family member know the local emergency phone numbers.



Ultimately, the federal government can only do so much. Florida is blessed to have local and state authorities who understand their roles and respond quickly.  By taking personal responsibility, individuals can better ensure that their families and neighbors are protected during natural disasters.

I was particularly displeased with Abe Foxman’s response to my posting because he deliberately miscast my critique of the Administration’s handling of Middle East policy and then had the gall to suggest that I had turned a blind eye to the regional threat posed by Iran.
Abe, it is not I who stood by while Iran and extremists were strengthened in the region. It is policies, pursued by this Administration and, I dare say, supported by you, that are responsible for the nightmare we see before us.

The disastrous war in Iraq, the unilateralism of the Sharon/Olmert governments, our neglect of Lebanon and now, the onslaughts against Gaza and Lebanon—have all contributed to making a Middle East that is more dangerous and more anti-American than at any time in history—with Iran sitting in a corner licking it chops.

The current wars raging in the region are neither “clarifying Read more...

Today's shutdown of BP's North Slope operations appears to be the result of the chronic mismanagement of its drilling operations in the U.S.  I questioned Department of Transportation officials in April about an earlier BP spill of 267,000 gallons of oil from Prudhoe Bay and learned that after the largest oil spill in the history of the North Slope (in March), that BP had not cleaned many of its pipelines for years - some for as many as 15 years.  Other pipelines up in Alaska are cleaned every few weeks.

BP's negligence is deplorable. And the DOT, which has oversight of these pipelines, must also be given the full powers needed to implement minimum maintenance standards so that these shutdowns are avoided. Right now, the Department has the power to step in after a spill, but lacks the full authority to regulate safety at this type of pipeline.

With oil above $70 per barrel and BP raking in record profits, surely it can afford to properly clean and maintain its pipelines. This shutdown will dramatically increase oil prices and the American people will be footing the bill for this massive failure of DOT's regulatory oversight and BP's corporate responsibility.

From a personal standpoint, I hope we look at drought relief.  I'm from a state that was affected by eight years of drought.  Also the inheritance tax reform - we badly need it because the inheritance tax reform expires in 2010 - it's very difficult for people to do estate tax planning because the change so distorts their decisions.  We need something people can hang their hat on.