Press Releases

The American people, including myself, want to see success and want to see us out of Afghanistan.

My committee work in the Senate, my meetings with many people connected to the issue and my visit to Afghanistan earlier this year have convinced me we need to focus on clear, definable objectives there, not just troop numbers.

When I was in forestry school, I visited numerous timber stands throughout Idaho. Visiting those stands today and seeing the devastation that has been caused by the bark beetle is very sad. We are one lightning or match strike away from a catastrophic fire, particularly in the central part of Idaho where we have large stands of lodge-pole pines.

There is no question our health care system needs reform, but moving forward on a bill that increases the cost of insurance premiums, raises taxes and cuts Medicare benefits to meet an arbitrary deadline is wrong. Our health care system impacts the life of every American and any changes to it need to be carefully considered with consequences known, not rushed through so the President can check off another box on his list of campaign promises.

To suggest that our economy would be better off if those here illegally were given the same access to jobs as the millions of Americans now unemployed is ridiculous and insensitive. The White House and Congress should be working to get people back to work, not on policies that reward those who break the law.

As I read this bill, it is apparent that it will raise the cost of health insurance, raise the cost of health care, raise taxes and reduce Medicare benefits. I cannot support it.

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