Missouri’s reps count achievements

Published Friday, December 28, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) - A list of the accomplishments of Missouri’s U.S. House delegation in 2007 and goals for next year:

● Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Columbia said he will urge Congress to pass a farm bill early next year "to provide the necessary safety net" for farmers. "I expect to spend much of my time on the Ways and Means Committee fighting the Democrats’ seemingly endless attempts to increase taxes."

● Republican Rep. Todd Akin of suburban St. Louis worked to include $2.5 billion in the annual blueprint for defense spending for eight more Boeing C-17 military cargo aircraft to be produced. The money helps prevent the entire assembly line for the C-17 and its contractors from shutting down.

● Republican Rep. Roy Blunt of Springfield worked as minority whip to frustrate Democratic efforts that run contrary to GOP philosophy. Next year he’ll work on "what we need to do to return to our principles and allow us to close this relatively narrow gap between the two parties in the House and elect a Republican House," he said.

● Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan of St. Louis included provisions in the water projects bill to improve outdated sewer systems in the St. Louis area and for new flood control projects in Festus and Crystal City. He said he also won passage of an amendment to keep adequate funding for Head Start programs. Carnahan said he will help force the Bush administration to end the Iraq war and work to secure U.S. borders.

● Democratic Rep. William Lacy Clay of St. Louis praised congressional passage of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the energy bill that will reduce dependence on foreign oil. "Like an overwhelming majority of our nation, my top priority for 2008 is to do whatever I can to bring a safe and sane conclusion to the war in Iraq and return our focus to the daunting challenges facing us at home," Clay said.

● Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City said he’s proud of his efforts to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act and increase penalties on agencies that don’t comply. He also introduced a national organ donor registry bill and prepared for the upcoming 2010 census, which is overseen by the subcommittee he leads.

● Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau succeeded in preventing the Department of the Interior from closing its mapping agency in Rolla. Next year she plans to continue to push legislation to let the government negotiate Medicare drug prices.

● Republican Rep. Sam Graves of Tarkio co-authored legislation to help small businesses get investment capital. Next year, Graves faces a tough re-election challenge from former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes.

● Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton of Lexington spent much of his time as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee on oversight of the Iraq war and working to pass the Defense Authorization Bill. "The bill we passed is the best we’ve ever had," Skelton said. "It’s good for military readiness, refitting equipment, increasing the size of the Army and the Marine Corps, and giving a pay raise for the troops."