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Guest Commentary February 1, 2002
The President's Agenda Requires Bipartisan Support
The Honorable Olympia Snowe
Last week, 52 million Americans, both at home and abroad, gathered around their televisions, radios, and in some cases even computer screens as our President delivered to Congress his address on the State of the Union. In his speech, he explained that our country - though fighting a war and facing a recession - is strong, and will stay committed to defeating terrorism and reviving our economy. To this end, President Bush detailed an agenda around which America can unite, and expressed his desire to work with Congressional members of both parties to forge bipartisan policies that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the American people.
The President's plan stems from a commitment to three goals: winning the war on terrorism; strengthening protections of our homeland; and revitalizing our economy and creating jobs. Stated plainly and simply, these goals require a bipartisan commitment to become reality, and as co-chair of the Senate Centrist Coalition I will work with the President and my colleagues to build the needed support.
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I applaud the President for his strong support of defense and national security - the largest increase in defense spending in 20 years. When I was a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, I strove to strengthen America's military, and provide fair pay to our men and women in uniform. With his proposals, the President will continue these investments - and extend our nation's capabilities to fight global terrorism, or other enemies abroad - wherever and whenever they are identified.
On the home front, the President's plan to ensure security will target aid where it will be most helpful. President Bush has pledged to nearly double spending on homeland security, to $38.8 billion, and target aid to states and localities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During eight roundtable discussions I hosted throughout Maine last month, state and local officials told me their priorities were improved federal coordination and funding, and I shared those concerns with the Administration, urging them to adopt a FEMA-like model for homeland security. The President's address shows that someone listened, as his plan will meet many of the challenges identified in our meetings. For example, the ten-fold increase in funding for first responders - fire, police, and emergency personnel - and streamlined funding process through FEMA will help states like Maine meet the challenge of protecting the homeland.
President Bush stressed that guarding the nation's borders also is of paramount importance - building on the message he delivered in Portland two weeks ago. I believe the President's proposals to dramatically boost funding for the Coast Guard, border security, and customs operations are on target. And I welcome the steps he has proposed to boost security along our nation's borders - whether they are on land, on the sea, or in the sky. It is with this goal in mind that I introduced the Transparent Sea Act last fall to permit the Coast Guard to know at all times who is on America's waters, what cargo they are carrying, and where they are going.
While placing great emphasis on issues of national and homeland security, the President also made it clear that he has not forgotten the state of our economy. America has been in a recession since March, and - while there are signs the economy is now improving - we need to do all we can to help those who have lost their jobs and ensure the strongest recovery possible. A stimulus package can provide crucial investments - like extended unemployment benefits and health coverage - to help these Americans, while spurring growth to get the economy moving again.
In December, I helped craft a tri-partisan, centrist stimulus plan which received the President's endorsement. That plan has passed the House of Representatives, and I believe it is now time to bring the proposal to a vote on the Senate floor. Our citizens - and our economy - can't wait any longer for this stimulus.
Finally, I commend the President's continuing commitment to our nation's seniors by protecting Social Security and strengthening Medicare. As someone who has worked to pass a prescription drug benefit for the past four years, I consider this goal one of our nation's foremost domestic priorities. Clearly, the President agrees - and I am encouraged he is working with us to provide seniors with an affordable drug plan as part of an effort to strengthen Medicare. Now, I hope Congress will follow his lead and pass such a benefit.
The President's message is simple: we will win war on terrorism, we will protect our homeland, and we will revive our economy. President Bush has set the blueprint for action, and Congress must now answer the President's call by setting aside partisan views and developing legislation that supports these goals.
Olympia Snowe, a Republican, is a U.S. Senator from Maine. The above column has been adapted from Sen. Snowe's weekly column, February 1, 2002. To contact her, Click Here.
The above column has been distributed by PoliticsOL.com.
