A Year of Progress, Renewed Optimism
for the Future

JANUARY 2002

Past Columns

The start of a new year calls for us to take stock of our progress over the past 12 months and set our goals for the coming year.

Congress began 2001 with an extensive to-do list. Our top priorities included passage of the President’s plan for comprehensive education reform, tax relief for all working Americans and renewal of Trade Promotion Authority.

The events of September 11th did not lessen our commitment to these important issues. The 107th Congress not only took swift action to address homeland security, provide aid to New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and support the President’s war on terrorism, we also remained dedicated to the domestic concerns of Americans.

Earlier this year, the President and Congress delivered tax relief to millions of hardworking Americans. Through rebates and tax reductions, the tax relief we provided will allow families the financial freedom to better care for their children and plan for the future.

We also approved H.R. 1, the President’s Leave No Child Behind Act. Working with members of both parties, the President led the effort resulting in legislation that emphasizes basic reading and writing skills and increases in accountability and funding flexibility for state and local school districts. Legislation I sponsored to make financial literacy a part of every child’s education was also included in the education reform bill. This initiative will ensure that students are taught the basic financial skills necessary for success in the marketplace.

The President also worked closely with Congress to secure passage of Trade Promotion Authority. By giving the President the authority to negotiate trade agreements, TPA strengthens America’s international leadership role and gives our businesses and workers access to millions of new consumers across the world.

This was a year of reform and bipartisan compromise on important domestic concerns, but it was also one in which Congress took action to prepare our government for a war on terrorism. We could not have imagined September 11th, but the people of America, the President and Congress are meeting the challenge. In the coming year, we will continue working to ensure that our economy grows and that our defenses are strong.