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Congress must work with our new president to secure nation's economic future [RINO] [triple barf]
Sanford News, Sanford, Maine ^ | 2009-01-29 | U.S. Senator Susan Collins

Posted on 01/29/2009 8:23:14 AM PST by rabscuttle385

America recently reaffirmed its proud history as we inaugurated our 44th president. A huge crowd withstood bitter cold to be part of this landmark ceremony. I was struck by how well the musical performers reflected the diversity that is America's strength. President Obama's inaugural address was at once an uplifting tribute to the American spirit and a sobering reminder of the challenges confronting our nation. These are challenges that we must meet together.

No challenge is more urgent than the current economic crisis. I am honored that my Senate colleagues have chosen me to serve on the Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for approving all federal discretionary spending and will play a key role in forging legislation to help our economy recover. I look forward to serving in this important position. Our nation faces an extremely tight federal budget while we are in the midst of a recession. It is critical that federal dollars be spent wisely and investments be made to help save jobs.

This appointment marks the first time that Maine has been represented on this powerful committee since Senator Margaret Chase Smith in 1972. It is exciting to follow in the footsteps of the woman who has long been my inspiration in public service. With my colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe, continuing her service on the Senate Finance Committee, the Maine traditions of fiscal prudence and getting real results will help guide our nation through these turbulent economic times.

The Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful of Senate Committees and one of the oldest. It was formed in 1867 in order to separate the complex task of formulating tax policy — the jurisdiction of the Finance Committee — from the equally complex task of determining how federal funds should be spent. Its very first chairman was a Mainer, Senator Lot M. Morrill. This native of Belgrade is one of the great figures in Maine history, serving in our State Legislature, as governor, as a U.S. Senator during the Civil War, and finally as Treasury Secretary during Reconstruction.

My first duty on the committee is to begin crafting the Senate version of an economic stimulus package. The House version, developed in consultation with President Obama and his advisors, would provide $355 billion to states for highway and other infrastructure improvements. It is essential that any federal stimulus package provide immediate job creation and market stabilization and that it protect taxpayers with vigorous oversight and accountability measures. I am committed to ensuring that this package assists small businesses, which are the true economic engines of our state and our nation.

In addition to this new position on Appropriations, I am grateful that my colleagues unanimously granted me a waiver so that I can continue to serve as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I will also continue to serve as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, and on the Special Committee on Aging. The workload will be huge, but the opportunity is equally huge.

My membership on the Appropriations Committee will allow me to have greater input on funding of priorities that are important to Mainers, such as shipbuilding, health care, education, research and development, transportation, while also giving me the ability to continue pressing for the elimination of wasteful spending that worsens our federal deficit. And, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work hard on defense issues that are important to Maine, and our nation, and to be a leading advocate for Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pratt and Whitney, and the many other defense contractors in Maine that contribute to our national security.

Congress must work together with our new President to make a brighter and more secure economic future. I am gratified to have the confidence of my Senate colleagues and honored to have the trust of the people of Maine.


TOPICS: Government; US: Maine
KEYWORDS: 111th; 3bagger; barfalert; bho2009; bho44; bhostooge; bhotool; obama; rino; senate; susancollins; ussenate; vichy; zero; zeroworship
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To: BenLurkin

I’m glad someone else believes that voter fraud was involved in that 52%.


21 posted on 01/29/2009 8:49:15 AM PST by Right Cal Gal (Abraham Lincoln would have let Berkeley leave the Union without a fight)
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To: rabscuttle385
The e-mail I just sent her:

Dear Senator Collins,

I was deeply saddened by your article in todays Sanford News. It's the policies not the person or office that matter most. When the presidents policies are harmful and dangerous to the security and prosperity of our nation it is your duty to oppose them. In the first week in office Mr. Obama has weakened this nation's security more than any other president in the last 20 years. His economic plans will do the same thing. Now is NOT the time to cooperate. Now is the time to STOP these bad ideas from becoming reality.

Respectfully,
BubbaBasher

22 posted on 01/29/2009 8:51:06 AM PST by BubbaBasher (This space available for a bailout.)
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To: NewHampshireDuo

Although I agree with you, that’s also the reason Snowe and Collins ignore you.

Please call their offices and urge them to oppose the “stimulus” package. They only care what Maine voters have to say.


23 posted on 01/29/2009 8:55:39 AM PST by rightinthemiddle (Without the Mainstream Media, the Left is Nothing.)
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To: rabscuttle385

Ms Collins;

Please explain to us Just how this bill Stimulates the economy?????????


24 posted on 01/29/2009 9:13:20 AM PST by CPT Clay (Drill ANWR, Personal Accounts NOW ,)
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To: stockpirate

Amen

I’ve been trying to get abunch of former Indymac employees to visit Chucky Shumer.


25 posted on 01/29/2009 9:17:22 AM PST by CPT Clay (Drill ANWR, Personal Accounts NOW ,)
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To: rightinthemiddle

Done - for what it’s worth.


26 posted on 01/29/2009 11:31:47 AM PST by NewHampshireDuo (Earth - Taking care of itself since 4.6 billion BC)
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To: NewHampshireDuo

Great!


27 posted on 01/29/2009 1:37:47 PM PST by rightinthemiddle (Without the Mainstream Media, the Left is Nothing.)
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