|
Blumenauer on Obama Budget Proposal |
Washington, DC – President Obama today released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2011. The following is a statement from Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore), a member of the House Budget Committee:
“Our country faces serious economic challenges, and at a time when we are working to spur job growth, jumpstart the economy, and rein in the deficit, we must prioritize. We can’t do it all, and the President’s budget makes clear that job growth, education, transportation and clean energy innovation are at the top of the list.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Blumenauer Response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address |
Washington, DC – President Obama tonight delivered his State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress. The following is a statement from Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore):
“Tonight President Obama gave a clear, forceful, and at times humorous defense of his vision for America. He was clear that he will fight for his priorities, and tonight was an example of how he will also explain them in ways people can better understand.
“He has said that he cares more about America’s future than his reelection, something that Congress and Americans needed to hear.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
The Future of Health Care Reform |
There has been much speculation on the impact of the Massachusetts Senate election on health care reform in Congress. Only time will tell how the political calculus has changed, but our goal remains unchanged: comprehensive, affordable health care for every American.
The bill the House passed last fall remains the best proposal. I will continue to support that legislation. The interests of my constituents and the country demand that I will be flexible, but there should be no stampede to pass flawed legislation.
As we look for a new legislative path for comprehensive reform, I hope the House will consider, pass, and send to the Senate individual provisions that are supported by the American people. Three examples are: repeal of anti-trust exemptions for health insurers, end-of-life support for seniors, and Medicare pilot programs, such as accountable care organizations which will improve our health systems. Having members of the House and Senate take a stand on simple but important provisions will build momentum while clarifying where people stand and identifying areas of agreement.
We have come too far, and making sure every American has access to quality, affordable health care is too important not to do everything we can to make reform a reality.
|
|
|
Blumenauer: Supreme Court Decision Places Corporate Interests Above Public Interest |
|
Washington, D.C – Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ban on corporate contributions to election campaigns. In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Court ruled that corporations may spend freely to support or oppose candidates for President and Congress.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision is an unfortunate escalation in the campaign spending arms race. Opening the corporate spigot directly into Congressional and Presidential elections will further tilt the playing field towards a narrow range of interests, already well represented with lobbyists and campaign contributions.
|
|
Read more...
|
| |
|
|
