Press Releases

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.

Already this year we have found surprise after surprise in legislation, like the stimulus bill, when it was rushed through without seeing the light of day. A three-day window to examine legislation and consider its cost is reasonable, responsible and provides the oversight we desperately need. The president and the American people have said they want greater transparency and this resolution provides it.

During my visit to the UAE earlier this year, I was impressed by their sincerity and commitment to use nuclear power for peaceful power generation purposes and to forsake enrichment. This agreement could very well be a model used not only in the region, but around the world for the development of nuclear energy.

This proposal should be labeled ‘cap and tax.' It is nothing more than a tax disguised as an experiment to halt global warming. If you turn on a light, drive a car or buy groceries, you will pay more if this passes. When this legislation comes before the Foreign Relations Committee, where I serve, I will be asking hard questions about the impact it will have on Idahoans.

The number of places where people can safely and responsibly take part in recreational shooting and target practice has decreased over the decades.