The rubber stamp myth
Guest Columnist
By Congressman John 'Randy' Kuhl

As a public servant for 27 years, I am used to the mud slinging and the name calling. I've learned that there is no way that all of my decisions are going to please everyone. To me, the most important aspect of my job is serving the 29th District and not trying to oblige the naysayer. But there comes a time when enough is enough and the record must be set straight. And that time is now.

I have wrongly been called a "rubber stamp" and "Bush clone" for obvious political reasons. However, my record proves that these labels are incorrect. In fact, in the past three months I have voted opposite the Bush Administration's position over 45 times. From the FAA Reauthorization to the College Cost Reduction Act, I have listened to my constituents and voted to represent the needs of my district.

Below are just a few of the bills that I voted for despite the president's opposition. These bills made significant strides in benefiting Upstate New Yorkers and that is why I voted for them.

• FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 2881) - This bill provides valuable funding for local airports in the 29th District for improvements such as runway repairs, taxiway rehabilitations, congestion relief, and increased lighting at airports.

• Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 2) - This bill would increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour over two years.

• College Student Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 5) - This bill helps students save thousands of dollars in interest payments on their college loans by cutting interest rates on need-based federal loans for undergraduate students from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent.

• Healthy Communities Water Supply Act (H.R. 700) - This bill would extend a pilot program for alternative water source projects, such as water reclamation, reuse and conservation, and authorizes $125 million for EPA grants to water resource development agencies for such projects.

• Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R. 569) - This bill would correct common sewer related problems caused by excessive water by providing $1.8 billion over five years for EPA sewer overflow control grants to states and municipalities.

• Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 985) - This bill would expand whistleblower protection laws to employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office.

• Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) - This bill provides federal assistance to states and localities for prosecuting hate crimes.

• Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 1401) - This bill provides necessary funding to secure our railroads and protect the traveling public.

• Improving Head Start Act of 2007 (H.R. 1429) - This bill would create a greater role for states and local school districts, improve disclosure and transparency of Head Start, improve teacher quality requirements, strengthen the role of parents, and facilitate the enrollment of homeless children in Head Start.

• Agricultural Disaster Assistance (H.R. 2207) - This bill would provide the necessary funding for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the remainder of the current fiscal year and cover the losses in 2005 and 2006.

• Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 (H.R. 1851) - This bill makes several changes to the Section 8 housing assistance program including: 1) modifying the voucher funding formula; 2) changing the requirements for inspecting housing units; 3) enhancing the Family Self Sufficiency program; and 4) authorizing 20,000 new vouchers for each fiscal year through 2012.

• Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 1252) - This bill makes it unlawful during a period proclaimed by the President as an energy emergency to sell gasoline or any other petroleum distillate at a price that: (1) is unconscionably excessive; or (2) indicates the seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances of an emergency to increase prices unreasonably.

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I am proud of my voting record and my ability to stand up and vote for the district. I am not and never will be a "rubber stamp" to anyone in any administration.