Keeping America safe

On February 16, 2008, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) expired, stripping our nation’s intelligence community of the vital tools they need to keep the American people safe. Every day our national security is put at risk because a long term extension of FISA has not been passed by Congress. My colleagues in the Senate have put partisan politics aside and acted in our nation’s best interest by passing a bipartisan long term FISA extension. Unfortunately, leadership in the House has failed to take action on this important legislation. With that in mind, I recently signed a discharge petition to immediately bring H.R. 5440 to the House floor for a vote. This legislation is identical to the Senate passed long term extension, which would modernize FISA by closing unintended loopholes in our intelligence laws and providing our law enforcement community with 21st century tools to meet and defeat 21st century terrorism. I will continue to work to ensure that our government takes a responsible and balanced approach to fighting terrorism that respects personal privacy and gives the law enforcement community the tools they need to protect the American people.

Preserving the sanctity of life

Recently, I participated in an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing addressing stem cell research. I heard testimony from patients who had been successfully treated with adult stem cells for conditions such as heart failure and cancer. Each day, adult, pluripotent, amniotic and cord blood stem cells are demonstrating the same flexibility for treatment as embryonic stem cells, with greater success rates and without the destruction of human embryos. These cells have been used successfully in human clinical trials to treat over 70 diseases in human patients, including spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and heart disease.

The science behind embryonic stem cell research is inconclusive. There is little evidence to show that embryonic stem cells can be used successfully in medical treatment. I believe by focusing our scientific research efforts on non-embryonic stem cell research, we can begin to find cures for those suffering from devastating diseases.

The following students were winners of an essay contest on "Patriotism" held at Herald Elementary. The contest is sponsored by the "HOME REPRESENTATIVE CLUB" of Collinsville.