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After seven years of dangerous energy policies, Oregon families are reeling from the effects of rising gas prices. When we should have been investing in renewable energy and becoming more efficient, the Bush administration kept walking the same, dangerous path. They’re doing it again by proposing we drill in the Arctic and along our precious coasts.
Opening up new areas to drilling can take 10-20 years to produce oil, but people need relief today. This is why I propose we release oil stored in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is now 97% full. This has been done before, and in 1991 it reduced the cost of oil by one-third.
Although we urgently need a long term strategy to remedy the Bush administration’s failed energy policies, Oregonians also need immediate relief. This week I introduced a bill that would immediately reduce the impact of high gas prices by providing Americans with a range of transportation options.
Read More about my Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008.
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My Priorities for Oregon and the Nation |
Rebuilding and Renewing America
We are watching America’s highways and bridges crumble, levees breach, and antiquated water systems endanger our environment and our communities' health. The power grid is increasingly outdated and the promise of broadband internet has yet to be delivered to all Americans. I believe America needs a new plan to maintain and invest in the infrastructure that will keep our economy competitive, our environment clean, and our families safe, healthy and economically secure. Read more.
My Iraq Legislation
I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning, but simply opposing the war is not enough. That is why I introduced the New Direction for Iraq Act, which requires the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq, aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability, and a new approach towards reconstruction. Read more.
Energy and the Environment
Global warming is an escalating crisis for this generation and the ones to follow. As a longtime advocate for reducing our carbon emissions and protecting the planet, I was honored to be named to the first ever Global Warming Committee. Read more about the committee and my work to stop global warming here. Read more.
Health Care
Health care in United States is reaching a crisis point with 500,000 Oregonians lacking health insurance and over 47 million Americans nationwide struggling to access health coverage. Employer-based health insurance is increasingly unsustainable and we need to move toward a new health care delivery system, which is why I have co-sponsored the Healthy Americans Act. Read more.
Tax Fairness
Under the Bush administration, tax giveaways for the wealthy and unnecessary subsidies have badly tilted the playing field against average taxpayers. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for taxes and revenue, I am protecting hardworking families from unfair taxes like the AMT and eliminating corporate tax loopholes and giveaways. Read more.
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