Ohio Valley Politics

Congressman Charlie Wilson released a statement late Friday (OK, so I’m behind a little) on the House’s passage of a FISA bill not containing immunity.

“I was proud to vote for today’s FISA bill because it protects our civil rights while giving our intelligence agencies the clarity they need to conduct eavesdropping on foreign targets. In these uncertain times, Americans have the right to be confident that their government is acting in a responsible way. This bill makes some common-sense adjustments to surveillance law, and it should encourage the American people that our government is committed to operating openly. I call on the Senate to pass this bill, and I hope the President will sign it.”

I really hope President Bush realizes that this is the best he’s going to get without upsetting a whole lot of people.

In an effort to get caught up quickly, I’ve also pasted another press release after the break. This one concerns Wilson’s support for the 2009 budget plan.

Congressman Charlie Wilson Backs Budget Plan to Strengthen Economy & Make America Safer

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH-6) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of a new fiscally responsible budget plan that will strengthen the economy and make America safer. The budget for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 212-207.

“I’m proud that the budget passed by the House of Representatives today follows many fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog budget principles,” Wilson said. Wilson is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition. The Blue Dog Coalition endorsed the Fiscal Year 2009 House Budget Resolution.

“This plan includes a commitment to pay-as-you-go requirements and has a fix for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) that is fully paid-for,” Wilson said. If the AMT is not fixed, millions of middle class families will face a tax increase.

“This is the kind of plan that puts working families first. I believe this plan will get our economy moving again and I’m pleased we’ll do that without dumping more debt on a credit card,” Wilson said.

Importantly, the budget approved by the House today will result in a surplus by 2012.

The new Democratic budget makes key investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, which will create hundreds of thousands of green jobs.

Additionally, the budget enhances national security by restoring U.S. military readiness, providing a $4.9 billion increase over Fiscal Year 2008 for veterans’ health care and increasing funding to protect America from terrorism over the President’s proposed levels.

The Democratic plan also rejects the harmful cuts in the President’s plan, including cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, environmental protection and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It accommodates $50 billion over five years for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and provides substantial resources over the President’s budget for education programs.