Stuck in the Senate

There are 347 House-passed bills currently stuck in the United States Senate. Of these bills, dozens would create good-paying jobs for the many currently unemployed Americans. Unemployment is still high, and it’s important that we pass legislation that will get hard working Americans back to work.

Americans are frustrated and angry with their Federal government. They want their leaders to provide solutions.  So far neither the Senate nor the President have delivered. The House has focused on solutions that would create jobs immediately, save jobs by decreasing regulations, reform the tax code to put more money in people’s paychecks, and provide skills training for those looking for work. The House has taken action to put this economy back on track. It’s time for the Senate to act.

Working in the First District

This month I will be traveling throughout the First District meeting with constituents and business leaders. During the first week of August I have traveled through four counties and have had numerous meetings. On Wednesday had I had the opportunity to meet with small business leaders in Clarksburg and hear their concerns.

One common theme I hear from business leaders in West Virginia is the need for jobs, and fear of job killing regulations. The EPA’s war on coal has had a particular impact on West Virginia. The Obama Administration’s EPA rule to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal power plants is killing jobs, raising electric bills, and crushing our economy.

We need to find solutions, and help Americans get back to work. Throughout the rest of this month I will be listening to constituents and discussing their concerns. While the House may not be in session, you can be sure that I am still working hard to serve the First District.

Making America Great

What makes America Great? This was the question I posed to the Wheeling Kiwanis club on Thursday. I asked attendees whether they felt their quality of life was as good as or better than their parents. Almost everyone raised their hands. However when asked how many felt the same would be true for their children, very few hands were up.

Currently, 71% of Americans feel the nation is headed in the wrong direction, 60% believe America is in a period of decline and 76% lack confidence that their children ultimately will be better off than they were. These are unfortunate statistics that have been reflected across the First District.

The question What Makes America Great? is one I consistently ask constituents who I speak to, and I get a variety of answers. We are currently in a decline, with Americans losing trust in our government. That’s why I’m serving the First District - to make sure our kids and grandkids get a better life and that we return America to being the great country it can be. If you would like to share your thoughts and what you think makes America great, please feel free to share on my Facebook or Twitter page.

Saving Rural Post Offices

This month the United State Postal Service(USPS)is continuing to hold community meetings throughout West Virginia to hear concerns over post offices having their hours cut. If your post office is being considered for a reduction of hours, these meetings are a chance for your voice to be heard.

In May 2012, the USPS proposed the Post Plan to help “preserve rural post offices”. This came after stakeholders and consumers wanted another option to shutting down their rural post offices. Currently there are almost 14,000 post offices across America being considered for a reduction of hours. The upcoming meetings in the First District are as follows:

Keep an eye out for meetings in your area. It is important for people to attend so that the USPS is forced to listen to these rural communities who would be drastically affected by these changes. My office will continue to post meetings times on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Constituent Meetings

Throughout August I will be traveling the First District, meeting with constituents and visiting local businesses. Keep an eye out if I’m visiting your area. If you are ever in the Washington D.C. office please drop in and say hello. If you want an appointment just give my office a call at 202-225-4172, or submit a request on my website at www.mckinley.house.gov.