By Congressman Bruce Poliquin
(R-Maine)
Recently, I had a terrific week out of Washington and I was able to spend time at home in Maine. It was great to visit, Penobscot, Androscoggin, Kennebec, and, especially, The County.
What I learned visiting with our neighbors is that Maine people still want a growing economy with more jobs and less debt. Maine people want a government that gives them the freedom to make their own decisions. Maine people want efficient, effective government that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Since January, I have been fighting to help balance the budget, lower our energy costs and protect our paper mills. And to safeguard those who protected us, I am supporting efforts to increase veterans’ access to health care.
To put America back on the right fiscal track, I supported a budget that will balance in less than 10 years, without raising taxes. It saves $5.5 trillion by thoughtfully and carefully prioritizing our spending. President Obama unveiled a budget that never balances, ever, and raises taxes by two trillion dollars. This budget doesn’t work for us Mainers so I am working to fix it.
I have also been working to stop the Canadian government from giving unfair trade subsidies to their paper mills. As a result of these unfair subsidies, Madison paper mill briefly curtailed production and temporarily laid off most non-salaried employees for two weeks.
I’m pleased to report that, after receiving numerous letters and calls from myself and our Senators, the United States International Trade Commission voted to move forward with their investigation in to these unfair trade subsidies. I will continue to fight and urge the Administration to help protect Mainers and our jobs.
Also, one of my top priorities is to continue to support the brave men and women in uniform during active duty and once they return to civilian life.
I have supported several bills, like the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act, that will help veterans access the health care they were promised, earned and deserve. As a member of the military veterans’ caucus, I will continue to work to make sure that our brave men and women of the military receive access to health care.
Additionally, I have been working to help protect our Second Amendment rights. For instance, I have supported legislation that will allow Mainers who have a valid concealed carry permit, to cross state borders and have their permit be valid as long as that state allows concealed carry permits/licenses.
I also sent a letter to the letter to the Director of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, B. Todd Jones, expressing concerns of a proposal that would ban one of the most popular ammunition cartridges used by our Maine sportsmen. After receiving pressure from Congress, the ATF shelved their ammunition ban. I will always fight to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and will make sure our hard-working and law-abiding Mainers are able to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for your continued support as we work together for a better future.
