January 06, 2009 09:43 PM UTC

My priorities in the 111th Congress

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• by: Diana DeGette

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

    Americans overwhelmingly voted for change just a few months ago, and today, as we open the 111th Congress, our job and that of the incoming Obama Administration, is to deliver on that change. As the Dean of the Delegation, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Colorado and in Congress on bipartisan measures to stabilize our economy, reestablish cutting-edge research, ensure access to quality health care, and develop a comprehensive energy plan. I am optimistic that with hard work and support from you, great things can be accomplished for Colorado. My agenda reflects that of the American people – priorities that will benefit not only our state, but the entire country. As Chief Deputy Whip and the Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I have the unique opportunity to play a significant role in some of our nation’s most pressing debates:

·    Expanding stem cell research so millions of patients and their families can have hope for a life-saving cure;

·    Enhancing and expanding the children’s health care program to provide coverage to millions of low-income children who live daily without health care;

·    Reforming our nation’s health care system so all Americans have access to health care, and as a result, live healthier and longer lives;

·    Ensuring the safety of our food supply so tainted foods are removed from our store shelves immediately;

·    Developing a comprehensive energy plan that addresses global climate change, ensures the safety of our drinking water, protects Colorado wilderness, and invests in alternative sources of energy.

      Embryonic stem cell research is one of my top priorities and it will be at the top of the agenda when President-elect Obama takes office. As the chief architect of legislation overturning President Bush’s restrictions, I have remained committed to reversing this draconian policy and allowing this cutting-edge research to move forward despite two vetoes. There is a need for strong federal leadership by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in carrying out an ethical stem cell research program in order to realize the full potential for stem cell therapies.  In an op-ed in the Denver Post, I recently urged President-elect Obama to overturn the current restrictions immediately by signing an Executive Order. This would send a strong signal to America and to the world that we are ready to move forward with a robust research program. While I support an Executive Order, the New York Times discusses how an immediate Executive Order, complemented by possible legislation later, would be a “win-win situation” ensuring this life-saving research will actually move forward.

     Last year we fought hard to enhance the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Unfortunately, it also met the fate of the President’s veto. The bipartisan compromise bill that passed the House would have provided coverage for more than 10 million low-income kids nationwide – preserving coverage for 6.6 million children currently in the program while providing new health care coverage to nearly 4 million additional kids.  Approximately 60,000 additional children in Colorado would have received new health care coverage.   During this Congress, I hope to ensure the passage of an even stronger SCHIP measure that not only covers as many low-income children eligible for the program, but also covers pregnant women for appropriate pre-natal, post-natal and regular health care, and provides bonus payments to states for signing up children who are currently eligible to receive Medicaid and SCHIP coverage, but are not yet on the rolls.

     Along with children’s health care, I am excited about the opportunity to address national health care reform.  It is unacceptable that over 47 million Americans do not have health insurance. I am strongly committed to the goal of providing access to health care for all Americans and look forward to passing comprehensive health care legislation in the 111th Congress.  

     Last year’s repeated outbreaks of tainted foods sounded the alarm for protecting our nation’s food supply. Sadly, the gaps in the system left us vulnerable to contamination in our foods resulting in thousands sick and wary of the foods we bring home for our families. As I have in the past, I will again move forward with key food safety legislation that will protect American families from tainted food products. It is imperative that we give the government the ability to force a recall immediately when contamination is found in our foods, and the ability to track the source of that contamination from the farm to the fork. If not, we risk more outbreaks that could be deadlier than in the past.

     Finally, I have long supported legislation to combat global warming and look forward to working closely with new Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. My goals also include reintroducing legislation to both protect our drinking water threatened by hydraulic fracturing and Colorado’s wilderness. The first will ensure that oil and gas drilling will be done as safely as possible by making the process of hydraulic fracturing comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.  Hydraulic fracturing, which is used in most wells, injects chemicals into underground coal seams to blast open rock and increase the efficiency of the well.  While this method increases the amount of gas that can be extracted per well, the chemical residue can be left underground, which can threaten drinking water supplies.  I also plan on reintroducing the Colorado Wilderness Act, which would protect 1.65 million acres of Colorado’s most spectacular public lands.  Along with these pieces of legislation, I look forward to once again leading the passage of a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) since Colorado has been at the forefront of alternative sources of energy.

     Throughout the 111th Congress, I hope to keep in touch with everyone – whether you’re a constituent, blogger or in the online community. I plan on adding more videos to my YouTube page, making podcasts available on my website, and speaking directly with constituents through electronic town hall meetings.  If you would like to receive regular updates on my activities in Congress, click here to sign up for my e-news.  If you live in the First Congressional District and would like to contact me about legislation or request help with federal agencies, please send an email through my website.  I look forward to an exciting and productive 111th Congress that will bring a better quality of life for all in Colorado and Americans nationwide.