Ehrlich on Washington column, April 7, 1996

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of April 7, 1 996 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT Before the 104th Congress adjourned last week for a brief Easter recess, my House colleagues and I amassed the most substantive record of legislative achievement Washington has seen in decades. Let me share with you a few examples of our work. Line-item veto: We enacted legislation giving the President the authority to veto individual spending measures and pork-barrel projects from larger appropriations bills. Farm program reform: Both the House and Senate passed a farm bill which reforms our nation’s costly, antiquated farm subsidy program. Under the new program, farmers will receive fixed federal payments for farm crops, and may exercise greater freedom to decide which crops to plant. The bill also reauthorizes important environmental and farm conservation programs. Health care reform: We passed a common-sense health care reform bill which will enable workers who change or lose their jobs to retain their health care coverage. Additionally, it will prohibit denial to coverage to those with preexisting conditions; control health care costs by limiting malpractice awards; and make it easier for small businesses to purchase health care policies from insurers. Immigration reform: The House-passed immigration bill will prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining jobs and welfare benefits in the United States. It also beefs up government efforts to stem the tide of illegal immigrants that threatens the integrity of our borders.