Ehrlich on Washington column, March 5, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of March 5, 200 1 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Meeting America’s Challenges with Confidence When President George W. Bush addressed the Joint Session of Congress this past week, he presented more than just a budget to the 107th Congress. He presented a clear course of action for Americans to meet the challenges that await us in a new century. I have great confidence in his proposals and look forward to putting his budget to work for the citizens of Maryland. In his address, President Bush made clear that America’s greatest investment must be in its children. Accordingly, America’s health and strength will only continue if we commit ourselves to common-sense education reform. Like the President, I believe that parents and teachers are best prepared to help each child reach his or her potential. Additionally, Americans are blessed to have First Lady Laura Bush, a former school teacher and librarian, leading the fight against illiteracy among children. I was fortunate to visit a Maryland public elementary school with Mrs. Bush recently, and I watched as children and teachers alike embraced her compassion and sincerity. The First Lady has set an example that, if followed, will make teachers a remarkably steadying influence on America’s future leaders. The President also put forth common-sense proposals for Social Security and Medicare. His budget will provide seniors with prescription drug benefits and the freedom to choose a doctor without government intrusion. Further, the President’s budget will protect the Social Security surplus from Washington’s bureaucracies and let seniors enjoy their full retirement benefits. Today’s seniors enjoy longer, healthier lives and Congress must provide them with the retirement security and quality medical care they deserve. Per his campaign promise, the President also committed America to relieving the tax burden on families, improving the livelihood of our military families, and revitalizing the economy through entrepreneurship and tax relief. Perhaps the greatest reforms, though, have already taken root in the nation’s capital. President Bush has ushered in a renewed sense of cooperation and optimism in Washington, two principles that were silenced by controversy and scandal in recent years. America’s leaders should always debate the merits of a government initiative, yet the spirit of civil discourse in Washington can now be the rule, not the exception.