A Lett​er from Representa​tive Jeff Denham

March 18, 2011

Dear Friend,

 

This week was a difficult week for all Americans. Japan, one of our closest international allies, was hit with a disastrous earthquake which caused a devastating tsunami and damaged their nuclear reactors.  Japan is now beginning their efforts to recover and rebuild the regions impacted by the tsunami.  My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with all people suffering a loss from this tragic event.

 

There was also an increased uncertainty among Americans this week because of the global energy market and the rising price of gas. Already a major concern of drivers and families across the country, gas prices became even more unsettled because of the unrest in Libya and the nuclear reactor aftermath in Japan. While we cannot control worldwide events that cause market uncertainty and surging prices, we can control the amount of energy exploration and production we undertake domestically. We can no longer afford burdensome government policies that are driving up gas prices, inhibiting our ability to create American jobs and decrease our debt. We must increase domestic production now.

 

As of this week, I am a cosponsor of two bills that will significantly increase domestic energy exploration and drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf and open ANWR for oil and gas production.  I did this because we need to put Americans back to work and decrease our dependence on foreign entities for energy. The Committee on Natural Resources, which I am a member of, held an oversight hearing yesterday to figure out how we can harness American resources to create jobs and address rising gasoline prices.  We heard from and questioned several energy experts about America's vast energy reserves on federal lands. 

 

In a continued effort to do more with less and cut government spending, Congress passed the second short term bill that will fund government operations for three more weeks, through April 8th. In total, the Continuing Resolution contains $10 billion in savings that are in line with our initial cuts proposed in H.R. 1.  House Republicans are leading the effort to end out of control spending and clean up the spending mess in Washington, but now it is time for the Administration and Congressional Democrats to step up to the plate and act.  They need to join us in cutting spending in order to make our business climate competitive again and get people back to work. 

 

Frank Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday. Flags around the country were flown at half staff to honor and celebrate the exemplary life that Mr. Buckles lived.  In the hard times our country is facing, we should all take time to honor and remember those how continue to risk their lives for our country every day.  

 

On Wednesday, I published an Editorial in the Modesto Bee outlining my position on High-Speed Rail (HSR) in California. I have always supported the concept of HSR in California. However, we must have a solid business plan that shows people and investors how this system is going to be run and paid for before more money is thrown at the project. So far, California does not have that. I am working with the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to provide aggressive oversight of California's HSR project and ensure that there is a plan that includes adequate cost controls, the transparency valley farmers deserve and the oversight taxpayer's demand. Until a feasible plan is created, California leaders should have the choice to allocate the funds from HSR to Highway 99 in order to see immediate results and create jobs now.

 

I am looking forward to the upcoming week in the district. I will be hosting Ray Appleton's show on KMJ 580 radio on Wednesday afternoon. Tune in and listen to discussions about High-Speed rail, rising gas prices, what Republicans in the House are doing to solve the budget crisis or call in to ask me about issues on your mind. Additionally, be sure to check my website or stop by my offices to stay up to date on my latest work and to talk to me and my staff.  I look forward to seeing you out in the Valley next week. 

 

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