Border Security, Safe Water Supply Remain Key Priorities
A new Congress is underway in Washington. It may be under new leadership, but my key priorities remain the same - border security, a safe reliable water supply for the Foothills, and working to expand the transportation infrastructure that sustains our growing economy in Southern California. On the opening day of the new Congress, I introduced three pieces of legislation to advance these goals.
H.R. 98, the Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act, deals with stopping illegal immigration by addressing the issue of too many unreliable documents, a faulty employment verification system, and lax enforcement. It’s my hope that this legislation will be a part of any immigration legislation that is considered in the new Congress. We have to get serious about enforcement if we’re going to be able to fix the broken system.
In order to continue strong progress already underway on the issue of a safe, reliable drinking supply, I introduced H.R. 122, the Inland Empire Regional Water Recycling Initiative, and H.R. 123, the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund. H.R. 122 authorizes $30 million for the Inland Empire Utilities Agency and the Cucamonga Valley Water District to produce recycled water in order to reduce our dependence on expensive imported water. H.R. 123 will continue to provide federal support for the work already underway at the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority to clean up perchlorate contamination. This legislation will ensure additional funds are authorized to keep this vital program going.
I will also be working to reduce traffic congestion by extending the Gold Line Foothill Extension Light Rail to Montclair. I believe this extension will be a key component of a viable transit alternative, which will improve the quality of life in the Foothills.
There will of course be other challenges in the coming months. We must remain vigilant in the war against terrorism. We must keep the tremendous economic growth and job creation we’ve seen going. And we must work to continue reducing the federal deficit, which has been cut nearly in half in the last two years. As always, my primary focus will be with you, my constituents. I hope that you won’t hesitate to call if our office can be of any assistance, or if you just want to pass along your thoughts on what’s happening in Washington. Happy New Year.
