U.S. Sen. Kohl: Outlines priorities for 2008 session of Congress
1/23/2008
Contact: Lynn Becker or Rohit Mahajan
Phone: (202) 224-5653
WASHINGTON - As the U.S. Senate reconvened for the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress this week, Senator Herb Kohl discussed a number of his national and Wisconsin-specific legislative priorities for 2008. Kohl is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which he serves as Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations panel, and the Senate Judiciary Committee, on which he serves as Chairman of the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights panel. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, which focuses on issues affecting senior citizens, older workers and the federal government’s response to the upcoming wave of Baby Boomers entering retirement years.
“With the presidential election season in full swing, a fierce partisan air in Washington and a divided executive and legislative branch, it will take more determination than ever to reach across the aisle to get things done for the American people,” Kohl said. “The best ideas aren’t the exclusive property of one party or the other, but a result of many minds working with our country’s best interest at heart. I look forward to a busy and productive session in the Senate.”
Among Kohl’s priorities for the upcoming session are:
Strengthening the economy:
The President is expected to detail his economic stimulus proposal in the State of the Union address next week, and other possible proposals concerning what should be included in the package will be debated in Congress in the coming weeks. Kohl believes that the priority should be getting tax rebate money into the hands of middle-income working families as quickly as possible. Kohl is also reviewing proposals to extend unemployment benefits and food stamps, implement tax incentives for small businesses to encourage investment, and provide funding for states for increased Medicaid costs and the housing crisis. Kohl and a group of bipartisan Senators have requested additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program as part of the stimulus package.
Addressing the mortgage crisis:
The rise in foreclosures continues to affect communities and the economy, and new foreclosure rescue scams have emerged. Congress will likely consider legislation that would improve lending standards and protect future homeowners from receiving predatory loans. Kohl is considering proposals that would allow bankruptcy judges to restructure mortgage loans for those who have filed for bankruptcy, encourage lenders to work with troubled borrowers and counseling organizations to create affordable and sustainable loan solutions, and place a temporary moratorium on foreclosures.
Ending the war in Iraq:
· Kohl has voted repeatedly to withdraw troops from Iraq in a responsible manner and shift the burden of security to the Iraqi people. After five years of occupation and over $800 billion, the military has been stretched to the breaking point. Kohl believes we need to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq and refocus on destroying Al Qaeda and bringing Osama bin Laden to justice.
Reining in the costs of health care:
Kohl is the author of legislation to end the collusive arrangements between brand name and generic drug companies that keep lower priced drugs off the market.
· Kohl is also the sponsor of legislation to bring full disclosure to the practice of pharmaceutical, medical device and biologics manufacturers providing payments and gifts to doctors. It is estimated that drug companies spend $19 billion annually to lobby physicians. Recent studies show that the more doctors interact with drug marketers, even through receiving small gifts and modest meals, the more likely doctors are to prescribe the expensive new drug that are being marketed to them when a more affordable generic would do. Consumers lose out with unnecessarily high drug costs while drug manufacturers and doctors may benefit.
· Continue oversight of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans to ensure that the healthcare needs of participants—not the financial interests of insurance companies—are the priority.
Defending Wisconsin’s interests in the Farm Bill negotiations:
Extend and improve the MILC program Allow interstate commerce in state-inspected meat and poultry products Restore the Wetland Reserve Program so more wetlands and wildlife habitats in Wisconsin will be protected
Continuing to provide federal funding, through the Appropriations Committee, to strengthen:
Food safety and import inspections Nutrition programs that help young people, older Americans and those in need Housing programs to address the housing needs of low-income families Safe and efficient transportation networks
Protecting the Great Lakes:
With reports of water levels decreasing and the continual threat of invasive species, ensuring the sustainability of the Great Lakes is a priority in 2008. Kohl is a cosponsor of the Clean Water Restoration Act, to restore the original protections of the nation’s rivers, streams, and wetlands. Over the years, there have been attempts - some successful - to chip away at the original protections of the Clean Water Act that Congress passed in 1972. Passage of this bill will be a priority in 2008.
Strengthening education:
Congress is slated to reauthorize the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” (NCLB), to provide reform of the nation’s public schools and opportunity for students to succeed. One of the key components to the success of NCLB is making sure funding is sufficient to meet the law’s goals. Kohl, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – and its subcommittee with jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Education -- will continue to support full funding for NCLB programs and investments.
Bolstering crime prevention and juvenile delinquency prevention programs:
The Senate will debate the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice Bill this year. Kohl, a long-time proponent of crime prevention and anti-gang programs, will work to increase funding for state and local law enforcement officials and address the problem of juvenile offenders.
Increasing consumer protection:
End the collusive arrangements between brand name and generic drug companies that keep lower priced drugs off the market Help “captive shippers” like many small businesses and farmers by eliminating the railroads’ antitrust exemption End the pernicious practice of secret court settlements when public health and safety is affected Preserve discount price stores in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Leegin Protect retirement security by cracking down on so-called “senior financial advisors” who prey on the retirement savings of older Americans, and by requiring the simple and clear disclosure of investment fees to the more than 50 million Americans with 401(k) plans.
Preserving manufacturing jobs:
Kohl is the Senate’s main proponent for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, a nationwide network of centers that helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers compete by producing advanced products, using emerging technology, and streamlined processes. Kohl increased the authorization level for MEP by $19 million, including $122 million for MEP in FY2009.
Improving long-term care in America:
· Push for a nationwide system of comprehensive background checks for all long-term care workers in order to keep those with a record of abuse or a criminal history from working close to vulnerable seniors in nursing homes.
· Allow consumers timely access to accurate information on nursing homes, including the results of government inspections, the number of staff employed at a home, and information about the home’s ownership.
· Strengthen the government’s system of enforcing nursing home quality standards and ensure that regulators are able to intervene quickly in order to protect the safety of residents.
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