on this page: Boosting the Economy |State of our Union | Remembering those who Served | Privacy Statement

Dear Friends,

If he were alive today, I think Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be impressed with the progress that our nation has made.  African-Americans, women and other historically underrepresented groups are now a driving force in our national political dialogue.  However, while our nation has overcome many obstacles, we still must do more so that everyone may enjoy the full promise of the American dream.

In addition to his efforts to promote equality for all, Dr. King left behind an important legacy of using non-violent approaches to solving problems.  As we look around the world, we recognize that his message of non-violence is more important than ever.  People face bloodshed and strife in places such as Iraq, Kenya, Darfur and the Middle East.  The United States, as a world power, must do everything possible to promote peace, stability and prosperity wherever we can.  I pledge to you that I will continue my efforts in Congress to live up to Dr. King's standards and promote a foreign policy that reflects our best values and ideals.

As we reflect on Dr. King's legacy, we must recommit ourselves to his vision - making sure that every day we do something that brings us closer to the America he knew that we would some day be.  I look forward to working with you as we strive toward those goals, and I know that together, we will succeed.

Langevin met with the Institute for the Study and Practice for Nonviolence on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Classic Cafe in Providence to learn about their efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Boosting the Economy

The harsh realities of high housing and energy costs, combined with the snowballing effects of the recent subprime lending crisis, have made it increasingly clear that our economy will face an even sharper downturn if we do not act soon.  With that in mind, the House took swift and bipartisan action to jump-start our nation's economy by passing the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act (H.R. 5140), a relief measure that is timely, targeted and temporary.  This legislation provides a recovery rebate to 117 million families nationally, including 35 million families who work but make too little to pay income taxes, and 13 million senior citizens.  The broad-based stimulus package will provide tax relief of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child.  Estimates indicate that the average tax rebate per Rhode Island family would be approximately $1,000.  This legislation will help stimulate the economy, providing tax rebates to 400,000 Rhode Island households.  In addition to helping families, the measure includes relief for small businesses and to those facing possible home foreclosure.

Anne Nolan, president of Crossroads Rhode Island, was Langevin's guest to the President's last State of the Union address on January 28.

State of our Union

Despite our struggling economy, a continuing war in Iraq with no end in sight, and the many other great challenges facing our nation, the President's speech on January 28 included few new ideas for solving the country's most pressing problems.  I was pleased that the President recognized the importance of passing an economic stimulus package, but we also need a long-term plan that will boost our economy, create jobs and restore confidence.  Unfortunately, I did not hear any new ideas from the President on how to achieve that goal.  I believe that we can strengthen our economy by investing in our infrastructure, enhancing support services for our most vulnerable citizens and acting quickly to end the mortgage crisis.

I have opposed the war in Iraq since I voted against it in October 2002, and I was again disappointed that the President did not provide the American public with a clear plan to bring our troops home.  Our men and women in uniform have done a fantastic job in this difficult mission, but repeated deployments have harmed the readiness of our military to respond to other contingencies.  As General David Petraeus said, "There is no military solution to Iraq."  We need a real plan that addresses the underlying political and economic problems causing violence in Iraq, but President Bush seems content to continue the status quo and to pass the problem off to the next President.  I find that approach unacceptable, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on a new strategy for Iraq that will bring our troops home.

Langevin recently met with Block Island students who were visiting Washington, D.C. as part of the Close-Up Program.

Remembering those who Served

Last December, Congress passed a spending bill that provided $3.7 billion in additional funding for veterans, and I was pleased that the Bush Administration recently released the money.  This additional funding will help Rhode Island's 86,000 veterans.  One year ago, Americans were shocked to learn of a crisis in care for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Our nation can do better, and this historic funding increase puts us on the right track for America's veterans.  With the release of these funds, the 110th Congress has provided the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  This funding will strengthen quality health care for 5.8 million patients, invest in much-needed maintenance for VA health care facilities and provide treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury for returning veterans.

Langevin chats briefly with Deirdre Phillips, a consultant and Warwick resident, after he addressed members of the New England Council on January 10.

Sincerely,

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