Subcommittee will Oversee Agriculture and Energy Issues
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler has been selected to serve as chairman
of the Small Business Committee’s subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship.
“Owning your own business is truly the American Dream. It is a dream I have been lucky
enough to achieve. Now, as chairman of the Rural and Urban Subcommittee I look
forward to fostering a strong climate for small business development so more Americans
can know the thrill of being their own boss,” said Rep. Shuler.
“I will use this chairmanship to call particular attention to the needs of our rural
communities. I look forward to working closely with our local leaders to expand our
economy through the development of sustainable energy. My subcommittee will also
ensure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to compete and sell their
products in a global marketplace.”
The Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship has oversight on agricultural
and energy issues, as well as oversight of programs targeted toward rural and urban
economic growth. Rep. Shuler’s subcommittee will also oversee a number of
entrepreneurial development programs including the National Veterans’ Business
Development Corporation, National Women’s Business Council, and New Markets Tax
Credit Program.
Rep. Shuler continued, “We have lost thousands of good-paying American manufacturing
jobs. Just recently, Graham County lost over 200 jobs when the Stanley Furniture plant
downsized. This job loss makes it even more important for Americans to have the tools
and resources they need to open their own businesses.”
The Small Business Committee will have a total of five subcommittees: Finance and Tax,
Contracting and Technology, Regulations Health Care and Trade, Rural and Urban
Entrepreneurship, and Investigations and Oversight.
###
January 2007 Archives
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler released the following statement this
morning regarding President Bush’s State of the Union address.
“Last night in his State of the Union address President Bush called for many things –
from to a real commitment to alternative energy to balancing the budget to making health
care more affordable for working Americans. However, these are all items we have heard
him talk about before, and the American people are tired of talk. Now, we need action.”
“I look forward to working with members of both parties to move this Congress beyond
partisan differences and solve the serious issues facing our nation.”
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler’s Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler stood with fellow members of the
fiscally responsible Blue Dog Caucus to demand greater accountability and responsibility
regarding spending for the war in Iraq.
In a news conference in the Capitol today, the Blue Dog Coalition announced its plan to
introduce a resolution calling for increased fiscal accountability in funding the Iraq war.
The resolution focuses on four crucial points for demanding fiscal responsibility in Iraq.
The points are: a call for transparency on how Iraq war funds are spent; the creation of a
Truman Commission to investigate the awarding of contracts; a need to fund the Iraq war
through the normal appropriations process and not through “emergency” supplementals;
and using American resources to improve Iraqi assumption of internal policing
operations.
“Throughout the war in Iraq Congress has failed to exercise any oversight or
accountability over its funding. American taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability,
and responsibility over the budgeting of this war. They should know how their money is
being spent, and the legislation we introduced today will give them that information,”
said Shuler.
“We also should know that the money we are spending is going to fully support our men
and women in uniform. With government and media reports showing fraud and waste by
contractors in Iraq, our brave fighting men and women deserve this legislation.”
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Stands with Blue Dogs to Demand Fiscal Accountability in Iraq
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler voted to end American taxpayer
subsidies to Big Oil companies and to make strong investments in sustainable energy this
evening. H.R. 6, the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act of 2007
(CLEAN Energy Act) passed the House with bi-partisan support 264-163.
The legislation repeals $14 billion in subsidies given to Big Oil companies. Those funds
will be invested in clean and renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
“The time has come for us to make America energy independent. Our reliance on foreign
petroleum is a serious national security risk, as well as a severe detriment to our
environment,” Rep. Shuler said. “By passing H.R. 6 today we have taken the initial steps
toward achieving true energy independence, while promoting job creation and protecting
our environment for future generations.”
“It is shameful that our government has been giving away our taxpayer dollars to the Big
Oil companies while our working families are paying more at the gas pump. By ending
these subsidies, this corporate welfare program, we are finally worrying more about
American taxpayers than oil company profits.”
In 2006, the big five oil companies made $97 billion – nearly five times their profits in
2002 while gas prices at the pump topped $3 per gallon.
###
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler today asked all constituents with open
casework from the office of former Representative Charles Taylor to contact the his
district office in Asheville. Rep. Shuler also called on all media outlets in North
Carolina’s 11th District to assist in the dissemination of this information.
As has been reported, Mr. Taylor and his office refused to communicate with us during
the transition and chose not to transfer any open casework files to the new district staff
upon leaving office. “This lack of information places any constituent who had an ongoing
case in an extremely regrettable and unnecessary situation,” said Hayden Rogers, Chief
of Staff to Congressman Shuler.
“I want to make certain that every person who had counted on their Member of Congress
for assistance receives the attention they deserve. That is why my staff and I are asking
that any person with unresolved casework to please contact us at (828) 252-1651. I thank
all the people of Western North Carolina and our local media for their assistance with this
matter.”
Congressman Shuler’s District office is located at 356 Biltmore Avenue suite 400,
Asheville.
###
Congressman Heath Shuler’s District Office
356 Biltmore Ave.
Suite 400
Asheville, NC 28801
828-252-1651
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler asks Constituents with Open Casework to Contact District Office
Office of Representative Heath Shuler
Representing North Carolina’s Eleventh Congressional District
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrew Whalen, Communications Director
office: (202) 225-6401 / cell: (202) 731-5116
________________________________________________________________________
Congressman Heath Shuler Helps Make College More Affordable for WNC Students
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler voted to make college more affordable
and accessible for thousands of students across Western North Carolina by slashing the
interest rate on subsidized student loans. The bill cuts the interest rate on subsidized
student loans from 6.8% to 3.4% over the next five years: from 6.8% to 6.12% in 2007;
5.44% in 2008; 4.76% in 2009; 4.08% in 2010; and 3.4% in 2011.
The bill passed the House of Representatives this evening with tremendous bi-partisan
support, 356-71.
“Tuition and fees have increased 41 percent since 2001 and interest rates on student loans
have also risen, making college unaffordable for thousands of working families across
Western North Carolina. No American student should be denied a college education
because of cost. This legislation begins addressing those concerns and will help more
working families send their children to college,” said Shuler.
“To create new jobs and expand the economy of the 11th District we need a college-
educated workforce,” said Rep. Shuler. “By making college more affordable for our
students we will be able to grow that workforce right here in our mountains.”
In the state of North Carolina there are currently over 92,000 four-year college students
who receive subsidized student loans. Once fully phased in, this legislation will save the
average college student in North Carolina starting school in 2011 with subsidized loans
$4,270 over the life of the loan.
Following the Pay-As-You-Go budget requirements that Rep. Shuler championed, the bill
is fully paid for by making modest reductions in certain lender and guaranty agency
subsidies in order to make the student loan program more efficient and effective for
students and for American taxpayers.
###
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler voted today to help seniors pay less for
the prescription drugs they need. H.R. 4, which passed the House of Representatives with
bi-partisan support, changes the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to require the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices.
“This is a common sense bill that allows us to use the bargaining power of the 22 million
seniors enrolled in Plan D to lower drug prices,” said Rep. Shuler. “We have a moral
obligation to care for our senior citizens, and we are doing that by making prescription
drugs more affordable.”
This bill provides the HHS Secretary discretion in how to implement their negotiating
authority. Negotiation was used successfully in 2001 to obtain lower prices for Cipro, the
prescription drug used in response to the anthrax attacks. The bill also requires the
Secretary to submit a report on the negotiations by June 1, 2007, and every six months
thereafter.
“Our states and the Veteran’s Administration have shown that we can successfully
negotiate lower drug prices. It’s time to put the power of negotiation to work for all
American seniors,” Shuler concluded.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Votes to Help Seniors get Lower Prescription Drug Prices
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler announced today that he has been
chosen to serve as a Deputy At-Large Whip in the 110th Congress by House Majority
Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC). In his leadership role, Rep. Shuler will play a key role in
helping pass legislation important to America’s working families.
“I am excited and honored to be a part of the team that will be advancing legislation that
will help the working families of Western North Carolina and our entire nation,” said
Shuler. “The agenda I will be advancing as a Deputy At-Large Whip will be pro-family,
pro-American worker, and pro-energy independence. I will use this leadership position to
make certain that the moderate, common sense views of the people of the 11th District are
heard loud and clear here in Congress.”
Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said of adding Shuler to his whip team, “When I visited
Heath Shuler this fall in North Carolina I saw in him the leadership and dedication
needed for an effective whip organization. But even more important is the perspective he
brings to our Caucus and to my leadership team. His dedication to mountain values and
working families will be critical to our success in delivering an agenda that meets the
needs of the American people.”
The term “whip” is derived from the British Parliament which adopted the term from the
fox-hunting position “whipper-in,” the rider who kept the fox hounds gathered together
behind their mission. The whip’s job in Congress is to gather support for legislation
when it comes to the floor for a vote.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Chosen for Leadership Role in His First Term
Washington, D.C. – Below please find a statement from Rep. Heath Shuler on H.R. 3
and his co-sponsorship of H.R. 322, the “Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies
Enhancement Act of 2007.”
“This afternoon, after listening to arguments from both sides and taking time for personal
thought, I cast my vote against H.R. 3.”
“We are continuing to see exceptional advancements in stem cell research that does not
endanger human embryos, especially from amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. It is
my belief that at this time those are the areas of research that are most promising and
offer the most diverse number of cell lines. I believe advancements in these areas are
eminent and are where we should be focusing our federal research dollars.”
“I do believe there are tremendous advancements to be made from stem cell research that
is done ethically and without destroying embryos, which is what H.R. 322 promotes. This
bill was written and introduced by two members of the House, one who is a human
physiologist and the other is an Ob/Gyn. That is why today I was proud to become a co-
sponsor of that legislation.”
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Statement on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler voted to give a raise to millions of
hardworking Americans and their families today by raising the federal minimum wage to
$7.25 over two years. Rep. Shuler was an original cosponsor of H.R. 2, the bill to raise
the minimum wage for the first time in ten years. It passed with tremendous bi-partisan
support 315-116
“For ten years American working families have been getting squeezed,” said Rep. Shuler.
They are paying more at the gas pump. They are paying more for child care, and they are
paying more for health care. It is time for them to be paid more. The passage of this bill is
a real victory for Western North Carolina working families.”
The bipartisan bill raises the minimum wage to $5.85, 60 days after enactment; to $6.55,
one year later; and to $7.25, one year after that. This would mean an additional $4,400
per year for a family of three, equaling 15 months of groceries, or over two years of
health care – helping them to keep up with rising costs.
According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute the current minimum wage
has the lowest real dollar value in 51 years. Studies have also shown that states with
minimum wages above the federal level show faster levels of small business and retail
job growth.
As of January 1, 2007, twenty-eight states, including North Carolina have a state
minimum wage above the current federal level.
“It is shameful that over the past decade members of Congress have given themselves
thousands of dollars in pay raises, while ignoring the needs of our poorest workers. By
passing this bill we are helping millions of Americans raise their standard of living and
provide better lives for their families,” Rep. Shuler concluded.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Helps Working Families by Raising the Minimum Wage
Washington, D.C. – Below please find Rep. Heath Shuler’s statement on the President’s
speech this evening.
“In November the American people called for a change in strategy in Iraq.”
“This afternoon I met with White House officials hoping to hear from them a clear plan
and new strategy for victory in Iraq. Tonight, the American people tuned in to President
Bush’s address hoping to hear the same – that we would have a new strategy which
would stabilize Iraq and bring our troops home as quickly and safely as possible. Instead,
we heard a call for escalation and continuation – an escalation of the number of our
troops fighting in Iraq and a continuation of the same failed policies and reckless
optimism.”
“We have watched as the President has sent more and more troops to Iraq, with the same
results. The President has asked us to send more of our brave young men and women into
harm’s away, against the advice of his generals and the Iraq Study Group. Americans
across our nation -- Republican and Democrat -- agree that is unacceptable.”
“I will always stand up for our troops and vote to give them the resources they need. I
will also ensure that our brave men and women are not sent into battle without a clear
mission. That is not the case now. It is time for a truly new strategy in Iraq – one
supported by our military leaders and worthy of the men and women in uniform.”
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Statement on President’s Speech
Washington, DC – Representative Heath Shuler gave his first speech today on the floor
of the U.S. House discussing the importance of returning fiscal responsibility to
Congress. Returning fiscal discipline and common-sense budgeting are a top priority for
Rep. Shuler in the 110th Congress.
On the floor Shuler said, “The times of reckless and unchecked spending by Congress are
over. It’s time to budget with common-sense. Congress must live within its means, just
like our families and our businesses.”
After addressing the House, Rep. Shuler stood with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and
other members of the Blue Dog Caucus to discuss two measures included in the House
rules package that are key to restoring accountability and fiscal discipline in government.
Shuler
The rules package includes two principles of the Blue Dog Coalition’s 12-point plan to
end the nation’s addiction to deficit spending. Specifically, the rules package requires
pay-as-you-go budget discipline, known as “PAYGO,” with no new deficit spending. The
rules package also requires full transparency for earmarks to end their abuse by special
interest groups.
“The American people have spoken very clearly on this issue. They are tired of Congress
risking their children’s future by borrowing billions of dollars from China for their
dangerous deficit spending. It is our children and grandchildren that will be paying for
these poor decisions,” Shuler said. “With this PAYGO legislation we are taking the first
steps to restoring fiscal sanity to our nation’s budget. Congress must live within its
means, just like our families and our businesses.”
Shortly after the press conference Rep. Shuler cast his vote for the House rules.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Addresses U.S. House for First Time and Votes to Return Fiscal Discipline to Congress
Washington, D.C. -- Representative Heath Shuler was officially sworn-in to the 110th
Congress on Thursday, January 4th. Rep. Shuler and the entire membership of the House
of Representatives stood and took the Oath of Office shortly after 2:30 p.m.
“I am honored and humbled that the people of Western North Carolina have chosen me to
be their representative here in the House,” said Shuler “We have an ambitious schedule
for the first 100 hours to begin putting America back on track.”
“We will change the way business is done in Washington by enacting ethics rules that
ban gifts and travel from lobbyists and restore trust in Congress by returning fiscal sanity
to our budget process and ending the abuse of earmarks. We are also going to make
changes to help American workers by raising the minimum wage, to help our seniors by
allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription
drug prices for Medicare, and to help our families by cutting interest rates on student
loans.”
Rep. Shuler’s office in Washington, D.C. is located at Cannon 512. The office number is
202-225-6401.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Officially Sworn-In to U.S. House of Representatives
