Congressman Sabo December Newsletter

[Oreo]

Sabo always has some great info in these newssletters. Thought I'd share

Greetings.

In an unusual move, the U.S. House of Representatives worked through the December 18-19th weekend with an all-night Sunday voting session to wrap up its work before the holiday recess. In addition to attempting to complete appropriations bills that are essential to keeping the federal government running, several other issues were hotly debated.

Lifting a ban on oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was a last-minute addition to the defense appropriations bill when debated in the House, even though the two issues are totally unrelated. The only way the majority party could insure passage was by including it in a must-pass national and homeland security bill, considered in a House voting session that began late in the evening on Sunday, December 18th and ended just before dawn on Monday, December 19th. Drilling in ANWR passed in the House, but Senate Democrats were able to remove the provision from the defense bill.

As 2005 closes, it is disappointing to reflect on how many issues went unaddressed that are important to Americans' daily lives, such as health care, voting reform, meaningful energy policy and pension program safeguards. With control of the legislative schedule in the House and the Senate, the majority party has great responsibility for this situation. I remain hopeful that in 2006, Members of Congress will work together to truly benefit the people.


Sabo on Iraq
"I am more convinced with each day that passes that my vote against the Iraq war in October 2002 was the right decision. I support Congressman Murtha's resolution to redeploy our troops from Iraq. As commander in chief, it is imperative for President Bush to define what he means by 'victory' in Iraq and level with the American people about the capacity of the Iraqi government and security forces to provide for their own security and stability. As for a plan for Iraq, the status quo is simply not acceptable, and I will continue to demand accountability from the President," Congresssman Sabo said.

Immigration and Border Security Bill Vote in House
Earlier this month, the House voted on an immigration and border security bill, H.R. 4437. Hastily patched together and unlikely to advance in the Senate, Congressman Sabo believes the bill was more about posturing than sincere policy making. "The immigration and border control system is broken and needs fixing. But there are already laws on the books that are not enforced or fully funded - and this bill will just add to that list," he said.

Sabo Supports Executive Compensation Reform bill
Congressman Sabo is an original co-sponsor of "The Protection Against Executive Compensation Abuse Act," introduced by Rep. Barney Frank. The bill intends to address the problem of runaway executive compensation by requiring greater disclosure of executive compensation to shareholders. The legislation sets no limits on compensation, but gives shareholders more information about management abuse, pay packages, and any self-serving business decisions by executives. Click here to read more about Rep. Frank's bill.

Many of you may be receiving my e-newsletter for the first time. If you are interested in receiving it ongoing, please visit my website to sign up: http://sabo.house.gov. My intention is to provide timely highlights of my work representing you in Washington.