on this page: Stem Cells | 9/11 Commission | Iraq | Ethics Reform | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends,

Over the last year, I have had the honor and privilege to meet and speak with so many of you in the Second Congressional District.  Whether it was to officially open the new headquarters of South County Community Action, release a report on school safety at Chariho High School, tour North Safety in Cranston, or visit small businesses with the Broad Street Merchants Association in Providence, I have enjoyed sharing time with the people and organizations that contribute so much to Rhode Island communities.

     
Langevin with state Representative Grace Diaz during a tour with the Broad Street Merchants Association in Providence.

     
Langevin visiting with seniors at the South Kingstown Senior Center.

As I travel throughout the Second Congressional District, people want to know what's going on in Washington and ask questions about issues such as the war in Iraq, homeland security, stem cell research, and affordable health care.

I am grateful to the voters of the Second Congressional District for returning me to Congress for a fourth term to tackle all these issues and more.  I am very excited to get to work in the 110th Congress as part of a new and energized Democratic majority.  I know that under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, we can get our nation moving in a positive direction once again.

I look forward to meaningful debate as we construct thoughtful policies that will positively impact the hardworking Rhode Island families.  I will renew my work on health care reform by continuing to push for my American Health Benefits Plan (PDF 26KB) and improving the Medicare prescription drug program, and I will continue to support a common-sense energy policy focused on viable alternative energy options.

« Langevin speaking with an employee at the Trudeau Center in Warwick.

I am also eager to continue my focus on:

Stem Cells

In my last newsletter, I wrote that I was not giving up the fight for stem cell research in this country.  The November elections have left me more optimistic than ever that we can achieve a veto-proof majority in the 110th Congress.  I look forward to remaining at the forefront of this issue nationally.

9/11 Commission

As the current Ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack, I would be honored to continue in a leadership position on the Committee.  I will work tirelessly to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, from stopping the proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons to enhancing communications interoperability for first responders in Rhode Island and across the country.

« Langevin learns about nuclear detection capabilities at a Nevada test facility.

Iraq

In August 2006, I called for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who, as you know, resigned days after the November elections.  I am confident that with new leaders both in Congress and at the Pentagon, we will begin to see significant policy changes in Iraq. We need to begin redeploying our troops out of Iraq as soon as possible.  But as we draw down our military forces, we must strengthen our diplomatic and economic efforts and provide continuing support to Iraqi security forces.

« Langevin tours the 281st Combat Communications Group and 282nd Communications Squadron in North Smithfield with General Robert T. Bray, commanding general of the RI National Guard.

Ethics Reform

In January 2006 I cosponsored a 14-point reform package designed to weaken lobbyist influence, strengthen fiscal discipline, curb abuses of power, restrict the use of earmarks, create more time for serious Congressional oversight and prevent last minute items from being slipped into legislation without proper review.  I look forward to pushing these reforms early in the new year, all of which stand to benefit the legislative process and enhance the credibility of Congress.

In closing, let me thank you for your continued interest and support.  As we enter the 110th Congress, please do not hesitate to contact me about your priorities and concerns.  I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.

Sincerely,

Privacy Statement

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