Press Releases

If we truly want to preserve species we must work collaboratively to have any chance of success. A top down mandate, which is what this listing is, pushes parties apart and is detrimental to species recovery. Governor Otter is right in filing this notice and the federal government needs to work with the state, not against them, if they want to recover this or any other species.

As a former prosecuting attorney, I understand the importance of treating all lives, including those of the unborn, with dignity and respect. Prosecuting Major Hasan for taking the life of an unborn child is consistent not only with the demands of the UCMJ, but also consistent with the demands for justice.

Recently a World War II veteran stopped by my office and shared his stories of storming the beach at Normandy and of fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. It was an honor to hear this important history and this project provides a way to make sure our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have that same opportunity.

The tragic events at Fort Hood are despicable and horrific. That someone would open fire on his fellow soldiers on American soil is simply unthinkable. The brave men and women who risk their lives defending our freedom deserve so much more. Vicki's and my thoughts and prayers go out to each of the victims and their families in this difficult time. In the wake of these events and on the eve of Veterans Day, we urge Idahoans to remember those, past and present, who willingly sacrifice all for our country. Many of these heroes are our neighbors, friends and family

Having two sites qualify in the top five reflects the first-rate facilities, training and support our military men and women receive in Idaho. As the public process now begins, I encourage Idahoans to play a supportive role in these important siting decisions.

The input I get from Idahoans is invaluable to my work in the Senate. I look forward to listening to the comments from those on the call and encourage everyone to join this discussion of issues that affect us all.

This was not about fixing Medicare reimbursement rates, it was an attempt to falsely lower the final price tag on the health care reform bill by taking a single issue out and treating it separately. Doctors deserve fair compensation for the critical services they provide thus making their services more available to all Medicare recipients, but this bill is simply not the way to do it.

I am pleased critical infrastructure and next generation nuclear energy projects at the INL will receive this needed funding. It demonstrates the important contribution Idaho continues to make to our nation's energy research and security.

Today's vote is, unfortunately, another step toward government-run health care at the expense of America's families. Instead of responsible reform, the proposal raises taxes, increases the cost of insurance premiums for all Americans and employers, imposes a larger Medicaid burden on states and cuts Medicare benefits by half of a trillion dollars. As expansive and socialistic as it is, it still fails to accomplish the original goal of providing insurance coverage to every American. Health care needs reform, but this is not the right way to do it. Fortunately, this is only one in a series of efforts at reform

We are honored to have Dr. Bird as a resident of Idaho and congratulate him on this outstanding honor. His inventions and innovations have brought the gift of life to countless people throughout the world. We are also proud to have his lifesaving devices manufactured in north Idaho.