Dec. 20, 2010

Locals give back, and not just during holiday season

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As we approach Christmas day, there is a focus to help out those less fortunate. But across District Three, even in these tough economic times, folks have been giving back all year long.

This week, as I've done in years past, I wanted to share with you a few stories my staff and I have heard. There is never room to mention every story we all know of, but these are a few that came to my attention.

For example, in October, students at Opelika High School held a paper airplane flying contest to raise money to help send area veterans to Washington, D.C. with the Honor Flight Program.

Starting in late April, the Alexander City Parks and Recreation 50-plus quilting group prepared 100 pillowcases to be sent to wounded soldiers overseas.

In the summer, a senior at Springwood in Lanett organized a concert fundraiser to start a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) start a chapter in Haiti.

In February in Auburn, a 10-year-old organized a charity basketball tournament that raised $700 for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Mountain Springs Baptist Church, a small church in Tallapoosa County, has packed over 400 shoeboxes full of toys and hygiene gifts to deliver to needy children in the hills of the Appalachian Mountains near Lynch, Ky. They have also collected over a hundred “Sacks of Love” filled food to deliver to needy families. This effort has involved a lot of folks from both Tallapoosa and Randolph counties.

In the town of Shorter, the mayor provided a summer tutorial program for all the youth.

In Goodwater, the mayor organized their annual “Toys for Tots” program.

In Macon County, Macon DHR and a local head start cooked Thanksgiving dinners for the needy.

In Montgomery, First Baptist Church on Ripley Street provides “Meals on Wheels” on a weekly basis, as do other churches all over the state.

These are just a few examples of folks across east Alabama giving, not only during the holidays but all year long. It is this spirit of helping our neighbor that makes our state so great.

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God bless us all throughout this holiday season.

As always, you can contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, be a fan on Facebook, follow me on Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube page.

Dec. 2, 2010

Extend the Bush tax cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As most of you across East Alabama are aware, right now in Congress, there is a lot of talking going on about the soon-to-expire Bush tax cuts. There’s no final bill yet on the table, but more of a heated debate on who – if anyone – should face a tax increase. 

I don’t have to tell you what our economic climate has been like the past two years in this country. In every county across East Alabama, there are signs of a weak economy. Businesses are struggling, folks out of work – this painful economy is indeed a hard pill to swallow. 

That is why it is unconscionable to me that any member of this Congress could even propose allowing any of the tax cuts expire during these tough times. The best idea that the Democratic leadership – which still controls the House – has come up with is to allow the tax cuts to continue for those making under $250,000. That is a lot of money, but let me explain why the middle class can also be included in the bracket making over $250,000.  

Most of you would agree that in the state of Alabama, small businesses are the backbone and driving force of our local economies. If you own a small business, you may bring in more than $250,000 a year, but out of that $250,000, you have to pay overhead, employees, insurance and so on. That means jobs for everyone else. If the Democratic leadership allows the tax hikes to happen, less of that money will be available to run the business. That means there could be fewer jobs. Right now, folks need a break to help get back on their feet. A tax increase is not going to help anyone. 

As far as the argument of extending these tax cuts and causing an increase in our nation’s debt, I know the departments and agencies across Washington, D.C. can cut their budget and stop wasteful spending. Why don’t we try to make some cuts in Washington first? It’s about taking care of the folks back home while working to lessen waste, fraud and abuse across the board. I hope Congress will listen to their constituents who have loudly spoken and will not raise taxes on anyone. 

Nov. 18, 2010

Rebuilding the people's house

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After coming back to Washington, D.C. for the lame-duck session in Congress, there’s a new sense of urgency on Capitol Hill. 

In early November, people across the United States, had the opportunity to have their voices heard in the direction they want our country to be headed. Their voices came through loud and clear. They want a Congress that’s transparent and accountable to the people that will get our fiscal house in order and focus on jobs. 

I have felt the same frustrations most folks across east Alabama have had with the current Democratic-controlled Congress. My sincere hope is change and accountability is on its way. Over the past two years, we’ve all struggled with these tough economic times.

It’s been hard to find relief. 

Our country’s spending remains out of control, while folks across the country have done quite the opposite by cutting back on their spending. Why doesn’t the federal government have to follow suit? The two highest deficits ever recorded in history happened on the watch of the 111th Congress. Our debt is at $13.7 trillion, and before one more dollar of debt is added we must demand real cuts to begin to slow that ever growing bill. 

Before the Republican Congress begins its work in 2011, the agenda is packed for its brief lame duck session under Democratic control in November and December. Topping the agenda, with unemployment over nine percent for the 18th consecutive month, it is unconscionable to me that Congress is still talking about allowing tax increases in about six weeks. When did a tax increase create a good-paying job? Letting these expire will only kick hard-working families and small businesses when they are already down.  

Many more issues await the lame duck session under the Democratic leadership, including very difficult spending decisions. 

Looking forward to 2011, one thing’s for sure: in this economy Americans don’t really care about politics. They want results – a better economy, lower spending and more accountability in Washington. I would also like to see the healthcare bill repealed and replaced with better solutions. 

Many of those changes are coming. Many others may be hard to come by, because President Obama may oppose them or push his agenda.  Focusing on jobs, fixing our economy and passing legislation that helps put more people back in good-paying jobs must be, and I believe will be, at the top of the agenda next year. 

You have spoken, and I am optimistic the new Republican-led House of Representatives will finally listen. I hope under the new leadership, you – the people – can help us rebuild this House. 

As always, feel free to contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

July 29, 2010

Tax hikes in the current economy?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Congress gets ready to take a six-week district work period, instead of staying at work to come up with common sense solutions to our growing economic problems, the summer temperatures are on the rise just like Congress’ seemingly never-ending spending spree. 

As folks across this country struggle monthly to pay bills, make ends meet and cut excessive spending out of their budgetary diets, Congress does exactly the opposite. 

As many of you across east Alabama may have heard recently, the Obama Administration estimates that the 2010 deficit will be $1.47 trillion – an all-time high following last year’s $1.4 trillion. 

Our national debt now sits at $13.2 trillion, which equals over $119,000 per taxpayer. While there certainly have been deficits in recent years, they’ve been nothing like this. It can’t continue. Yet when it comes to spending and taxes, it looks like things just might get worse if the Democratic leadership in Congress has its way. 

In these tough economic times, it sounds like the Democratic leadership may let some or all of the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 expire – which, in plain English, means raising taxes.  

Their rationale is the deficit. According to Speaker Pelosi, if Congress just lets these tax cuts expire, more money will help close the budget deficit.  

That assumes the Democratic-controlled Congress wouldn’t simply spend the money, which I believe they couldn’t resist doing. Part of the problem is that no one trusts Congress to make the tough choices about spending cuts. East Alabamians want to see proof. 

And we’re not just talking about increasing taxes on the rich, like some claim. We’re talking about increasing taxes on middle-class families if the child tax credit is cut in half, along with higher taxes on couples through the marriage penalty and higher taxes on moderate income families currently in the 10 percent tax bracket. 

Simply increasing these taxes will hurt families in this economy.  

Small business owners will also be hit hard with more taxes to pay, which will discourage investing, which will in turn further stall our economy and lessen job creation. 

The tax increases would come on top of other recent tax increases, like those in the healthcare overhaul. And further tax increases in the form of cap-and-trade remain stubbornly on the table, all while unemployment is still so high. With unemployment at 10 percent, there’s no denying that jobs should be the number one priority for Congress. 

As Congress takes this six-week break to spend time in their respective districts, I hope folks let their representatives know that they demand better. 

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issues at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, friend me on Facebook at RepMikeRogersAL, watch me on YouTube at MikeRogersAL03, and follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL.

July 15, 2010

Stop the spending spree

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Out of control. Those three words explain what a lot of folks across east Alabama think about the spending frenzy Congress has been on recently. What’s this spending addiction gotten us? Too little economic and job growth and too much debt. 

You may have seen recently the comments of one of the chairmen of President Obama’s deficit commission, Erskine Bowles, who was also chief of staff for President Bill Clinton: “This debt is like a cancer. It is truly going to destroy the country from within.”  

He speaks the truth. This debt “disease,” if not healed, will cripple the economy for future generations. The result will be fewer jobs, a slower economy and a lower standard of living. The trillion dollar question is this: Why is Congress still spending? The national debt has hit a new high at $13.1 trillion, which equates to over $119,000 per American taxpayer. If the taxpayers are overly conscious to spend within their means during this hard time, shouldn’t the government be doing the same? 

Democratic leaders in Congress defend their legislative priorities by saying the economy needs more, not less, spending. I disagree. By 2020, we’ll be spending almost $2 trillion, just on interest.   

According to the Labor Department, Alabama has lost over 40,000 jobs since the $787 billion stimulus bill was signed into law last year.

Alabama’s unemployment rate is close to 11 percent, and according to state figures over 225,000 Alabamians are still out of work. People are hurting badly.  

The answer lies in cutting spending. Congress must work to balance the budget and stop racking up endless debt. It can do that by cutting programs that have outlived their usefulness, eliminating waste and fraud, taking a hard look at our priorities and advocating policies that allow the private sector to grow and create good paying jobs. 

The day is rapidly approaching when the national debt becomes unsustainable. Our nation will then face some difficult choices. Congress must act now instead of putting those hard decisions and mountains of debt on our children. A good start would be working to balance the budget.  At least that would stop increasing our debt. Then we can start to work together on long term solutions.  

The people of east Alabama deserve better. Congress must break its addiction to spending.

 July 2, 2010

Harsh realities of the Gulf oil spill

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  On top of our already terrible economy, more devastation is sweeping across Alabama as oil begins to harm our beautiful beaches and coastal wildlife.

April 20 was the day the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster began after an explosion on a BP drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 workers. 

Now after over two months, the oil is still spewing. It’s soiled the coast from Louisiana to Florida. 

Recently, I flew down to Louisiana to see some of this nightmare for myself. Along with some of my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee, we flew over the spill site and saw the oil floating on top and just below the water. We were told what we’ve all heard: BP should have the gushing oil well capped by mid-August. Let’s hope that prediction comes true. 

But what happens next? 

Clean up crews are working hard. We’ve heard about a chemical dispersant used to both dissolve and bring the oil together and make it easier to remove. Its long-term effects aren’t known. 

What is just as devastating is the financial hit folks in the Gulf region are taking while they are already down in this tough economic climate. Families are cancelling their trips to the Gulf coast. The usually busy beach restaurants and ice cream shops are empty because vacationers have gone elsewhere. Across the Gulf coast, shrimpers sit idle. Fishing is banned in more and more areas. To make matter worse, we have just entered hurricane season.  

Across east Alabama and the rest of the state, we are deeply proud of our beautiful beaches, our coastline and wildlife and the communities that depend upon them. We’re all heartbroken and angry the spill happened and hasn’t been stopped. 

The blame for this disaster lies squarely with BP. Had they not cut corners, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened. They must make this right. In a few weeks, the Homeland Security Committee is planning to hold a hearing on the oil spill response. I look forward to hearing the testimony of BP and federal officials responsible for cleaning up this disaster.  

In the meantime, get more information on the spill response at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.  

If you can afford it, go visit our beaches. Go out to eat, spend a little money, and show your support for our Gulf coast and the folks living in the area. 

June 17, 2010

Growing debt, growing concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During these tough economic times, folks across east Alabama have tightened their belts and gotten used to spending their hard-earned money only on items they need.  

With the federal government, it is a different story. The U.S. national debt is now over $13 trillion. Most of us cannot wrap our heads around that astronomical amount of money. That’s about $42,300 for every American man, woman and child.  

Right now, foreign countries own over $4 trillion of our debt or close to 32 percent.  Of that, China owns the most of that debt at $900 billion. Not to mention that oil exporting states like Iran and Venezuela collectively own over $230 billion of our debt as well. 

Of course, not all debt is bad. Over our lifetimes, almost all of us go into debt for one reason or another, whether it’s to purchase a home, buy a car, pay for an education or even try to start a business. But the growing debt our nation has taken on in recent years is truly frightening.  It not only continues to hurt our economy as the federal government spends more money we don’t have, it is a threat to our national security. 

Last year, amidst an economic crisis, the Democratic leadership in Congress and President Obama promised the $787 billion stimulus bill would stimulate our economy and help get our nation back on track. Fast forward to today, and our national unemployment still looms around 10 percent, and we seem to be in about the same economic position. 

You may have recently seen that 95 percent of all new jobs created in May were temporary, taxpayer-funded Census jobs. Of course, we are thankful for the jobs that folks can get, but it’s clear that government stimulus spending hasn’t created enough permanent private sector jobs to be called effective policy. 

So what is Congress going to do to slow the spending? Long-term, how can we begin to balance our nation’s books so we stop adding to our $13 trillion debt?

That’s a tough question. That debate will be a growing part of our nation’s dialogue for many years to come. But what we do know is more government spending like we’ve seen too much of recently probably won’t do the trick.  

Congress can do better and the people of Alabama and across the country deserve better.  

As always, feel free to contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, friend me on Facebook/RepMikeRogersAL, watch me on YouTube/MikeRogersAL03and follow me on Twitter/RepMikeRogersAL.

May 25, 2010

Agriculture: Alabama's lifeblood

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture is the heartbeat of our economy in Alabama. Farming and the businesses it supports account for 21 percent of Alabama’s workforce and $43 billion of the state’s output.

I recently took part in a series of field hearings with the Agriculture Committee to prepare for the 2012 Farm Bill.

Hearings began in Morrow, Ga., then over to Troy, where Congressman Bobby Bright (AL-02) and I co-hosted the hearing. I was pleased to have three witnesses from east Alabama there to testify: Mr. Lamar Dewberry, a forestry producer in Lineville; Mr. Doug Gibbs, a beef producer from Ranburne; and Dr. Steven Taylor from Auburn University.

After the hearing in Troy, we headed to Lubbock, Texas, and then finished in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Farm Bill ensures America can feed itself. Unlike too many of our industries, which have outsourced jobs overseas, our farmers continue to produce most of our food right here. That means jobs. It also means we are less reliant on other countries for our essentials.

The Farm Bill also has a number of important non-farm provisions as well, like funding for rural broadband service and nutrition programs like food stamps and school lunches.

Judging by the feedback we got at these hearings, the 2012 Farm Bill debate will again see tension between the bill’s two primary goals: a safety net for U.S. producers so they can continue operating and producing the safest and most affordable food supply in the world, and its important nutrition programs. Believe it or not, conservation and farm support programs only account for 32 percent of the spending in the farm bill; nutrition programs account for 67 percent. 

Some farmers raised specific concerns about the new program authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill called Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE), which was designed to act as a possible replacement for current farm support programs. It was clear from these hearings that the ACRE program is not an effective tool in the South. 

Others emphasized concerns about crop insurance, which helps farmers survive the ups and downs caused by weather or disease. Some of the current policies aren’t fulfilling their stated goals. 

Most folks remember the three years of drought Alabama recently suffered, which was especially hard on Alabama’s farmers.  In years past, Congress passed bills to provide relief from individual disasters in an ad hoc manner. 

In the 2008 Farm Bill we attempted to address this by creating a permanent disaster program called the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE).  Many of the producers expressed frustration with the SURE program because of its slow response and cumbersome bureaucracy.   

Information like this is invaluable to hear. These witnesses live with the regulations Congress enforces, and knowing what works and what doesn’t will help legislators be a stronger voice for our farmers and producers.

As Congress begins the debate on the Farm Bill for 2012, I’ll continue to hold Agriculture Advisory Committee meetings so I can stay on top of the issues most important to the agriculture sector in east Alabama. Please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

May 6, 2010

An unconstitutional Congress?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — What’s been going on in Washington over the last year or so has been a huge topic of conversation.  You hear about it around the dinner table, at church, and at work. Never in my lifetime have I seen so many people actively engaged in the issues, which is a very good thing.

That said, most of the folks that I talk with across east Alabama are deeply concerned about the direction in which our country is headed. I agree, and I think they’re concerned for a number of reasons. One is our recession-plagued economy and a persistent lack of new jobs. Another is our growing debt.

But more philosophically, I think folks believe this Congress and the administration simply want to expand the scope of the federal government. That’s a problem because the bigger it grows, the bigger presence it has in our everyday lives, which could leave us fewer freedoms.

Our Founding Fathers believed in a strong federal government, but they also believed in limits on that power. There’s no better proof of that than the 10th Amendment to the Constitution: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People.”

The health care bill is an example of congressional overreaching. Aside from its many intrusive flaws, one of its most hotly debated provisions is the mandate requiring all Americans to purchase health insurance. Congress shouldn’t be able to force law-abiding citizens to engage in an activity if they choose not to – even if it’s against what some considered to be their own good.  I think it’s unconstitutional and should be repealed and replaced with common-sense reforms.

Another example is the financial reform debate. Instead of focusing on the abuses of the Wall Street executives primarily responsible for the economic meltdown, Congress and the Treasury Department have too often used the financial reform debate as an excuse to go after Main Street. Many want to more heavily regulate local community banks, hospitals, dentists, auto shops and lots of other small businesses that create jobs. With the government’s takeover of General Motors, you start to wonder about the true motives behind these actions.

You see it with the so-called “Policy Czars”. These unelected officials are not accountable to anyone – not Congress and certainly not the people. The president can select people he wants to serve in the administration, but according to the Constitution, those key leaders are subject to the confirmation process in the Senate and must report regularly to Congress. Czars aren’t bound by these rules.

Maybe folks would have a better opinion of Congress if it would follow its constitutional role, and focus on issues most pressing like spending, debt and legislation that helps strengthen our economy.

April 23, 2010

Immigration reform coming next?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whether you agree or disagree with the Democratic leadership’s legislative agenda in Congress – I have opposed most of it – I think most folks believe it’s been a highly partisan, highly controversial year-and-a-half. 

That agenda has most recently been highlighted by the passage of healthcare reform, which I strongly opposed, along with most east Alabamians. 

After spending the last couple of weeks traveling across east Alabama, holding public forums and town halls, and listening to folks’ growing concerns about our economy and Congress’ agenda, I thought Washington may have had enough of controversy. Guess again. If you thought their version of healthcare reform was bad, wait until you see what’s being discussed now: immigration reform.  

Some of the proposals being floated range from open borders, to creating a path to citizenship, to amnesty. I will strongly oppose any of these types of proposals. 

We are, of course, a nation of immigrants. Our economy needs people to come here legally and work, especially in our agriculture sector. But as I’ve said before, before Congress considers any immigration bill, it should seal our borders first in order to gain control over this national security nightmare.  

I’ve been a strong supporter of building a fence on our southern border.  Unfortunately, the White House and the Democratic Congress don’t seem to agree. In fact, President Obama’s budget request for 2011 slashes funding for fencing and technology on the border by over $225 million. To make matters worse, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as of last year there were over 540,000 fugitive aliens at large in the United States. But the administration requests no additional funds or staff to help apprehend and remove these dangerous criminal aliens. 

The trend on workplace enforcement isn’t encouraging. Administrative arrests are down 68 percent, criminal arrests down 60 percent and criminal indictments down 58 percent. We know that around seven million illegal immigrants are working here illegally. 

It’s clear that the federal government is failing in its fundamental – I would argue constitutional –  responsibility to seal and secure our borders. In the immigration reform debate, that should come first. 

As always, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

March 16, 2010

Will Democrat leadership listen on healthcare?

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Living in America, we are deeply fortunate to have our freedoms, our Constitution, and our democracy. When it comes to the healthcare debate, though, it seems that Congress is getting ready to overrule the masses to change one-sixth of our economy. 

Folks across east Alabama and the country have been speaking out against the current health care reform plan. Those voices seem to be falling on deaf ears. No matter what the majority of Americans want, the Democratic leadership seems to think they know best, and is working to ram healthcare reform through Congress using a Beltway maneuver called “reconciliation.”  

I recently took a poll during a live tele-town hall I held and almost 80 percent were concerned about the focus of the Democratic-controlled Congress on healthcare, instead of jobs. Right now, folks across east Alabama are focused on the economy and job creation. The latest unemployment numbers for the state from January is 11.1 percent -- up from 8.1 percent last year.  

Isn’t that proof enough that folks are still hurting and it doesn’t seem to be getting better?

 Last week I gave a speech on the House floor reminding the Democratic leadership that folks are focused on the economy in these tough times. Across east Alabama people want to know “Where are the jobs?” not “Where is my government-run healthcare?” 

Apparently it’s in the bill – but don’t ask to see it yet. Speaker Pelosi said recently, “But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it…”   

A majority of Americans have spoken. They do not want the current healthcare reform bill, whatever it is. I think Congress should defeat this bill and start from scratch. Let’s pass incremental reforms, not an overhaul of the entire system, to help tackle the challenges like cost, availability, and quality. 

Being able to buy health insurance across state lines, for example, could help drive down costs and increase competition. On the other hand, including a provision allowing tax-payer dollars to fund or subsidize abortions is just plain wrong. 

Congress, of course, has rarely used reconciliation before. But never in the history of our Republic has Congress used reconciliation to pass a bill of this scope and size, especially one that so many Americans don’t want. We’re talking about what could be a $1 trillion bill. I oppose it. 

It’s all about the economy and job creation. I hope Congress will start listening to what the people want. As always, contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers.

March 1, 2010

Healthcare reform: Wrong focus, wrong time

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Alabamians who watched portions of the recent Health Care Summit at the Blair House in Washington, D.C., probably heard a lot of what’s already been said over the past year. One notable difference in this setting was while the two sides strongly disagreed, both sides were in the same room to talk. Americans need to see more of that from Congress.

According to news reports, however, it looks like the Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate may press forward with their healthcare plan, despite increasingly strong opposition to the proposal.

That means little may have come from the summit, which is disappointing. Many east Alabamians are concerned about our healthcare system. But with Alabama’s unemployment rate at 11 percent, it’s jobs that top the list of concerns. I recently held a live tele-town hall meeting and according to a survey I held, folks agreed with me two-to-one. 

This week, I gave a short speech on the House floor about jobs, pointing out that President Obama recently said he would focus “like a laser” on jobs. 

That’s the right thing to do. Which brings up the question: why are Congress and the Democratic leadership still spending so much time working on a comprehensive healthcare reform bill the American public doesn’t seem to want? 

In public meeting events across east Alabama these past two months, folks had the chance to talk with me about concerns most important to them. Job creation is number one. Health care reform is also important, of course, but an overhaul of the entire system is not the correct approach. Congress should start from scratch, and instead work to find ways to cover the roughly 15 percent of Americans who have no health coverage. One way is allowing Association Health Plans (AHP). Another way is to let insurance be sold across state lines. In order to help bring down costs, Congress should pass tort reform.  

With our nation in the midst of this terrible recession, Congress’ focus should be on jobs. Let’s pass reforms that have wide support, like eliminating the antitrust exemption for health insurance companies, which I voted for last week – but not a massive government intervention into our healthcare system. 

I want to hear from you. As always, contact me on this or any issue at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, friend me at www.facebook.com, follow me on Twitter or watch my latest videos at www.YouTube.com/MikeRogersAL03. 

Feb. 1, 2010

Report from Washington: Show us the jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, I spent a day in Talladega touring several local industries. These visits come on the heels of the release of our most recent unemployment numbers – 11 percent for the state, which is almost double what it was this time last year (6.5 percent). That’s a lot of pain. I saw it in the business owners trying to make a living. And I saw it, as I have all over east Alabama this past year, in the faces of those who have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. 

According to a new survey by the Pew Research Center, the three top concerns for Americans are the economy at 83 percent, jobs at 81 percent and terrorism at 80 percent. Healthcare reform came in at 57 percent. The American people and the people of Alabama are speaking loud and clear. The number one issue is jobs and strengthening our economy. When it comes to healthcare, the House Democratic leadership should realize Americans don’t want their current plan. Making our healthcare system simpler and more affordable, yes. But not the bill currently before Congress, which I strongly oppose. 

Could Congress pass some common sense healthcare reform solutions like tort reform and association health plans? Yes. But the current bill will hurt small businesses, the backbone of our economy, and could possibly force some small businesses to shut their doors. That is not the “American Dream.” Talk with our business community – the very people who help create the jobs we need – and you hear a deep seated concern about the direction that Congress is headed. They see tax increases in the healthcare reform bill. They see employer mandates. They see the Cap and Trade bill, which would raise costs for our manufacturers already struggling to compete with countries like China. Small business owners say to me, why should we risk expanding our businesses if Congress is just going to penalize us? Good question. So much for new jobs. 

During these tough economic times, I think Congress is going in the wrong direction. Instead of trying to pass jobs-threatening proposals like the climate change bill, which I opposed, how about passing seemingly more jobs-friendly solutions like increased energy exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? Let’s use American resources we already have to help increase our energy supplies and lower costs for working families, instead of taxing jobs-creating Alabama industries. 

It’s all about jobs and our economy. I hope Congress gets that message in 2010.  As always, contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers or friend me at www.facebook.com.