The Fourth of July is when we gather to celebrate our nation’s birth and the continuation of our freedom. So far in 2011 we have enjoyed nearly 190 days of freedom and we’re in our 235th year of freedom.
With that in mind I was delighted to officially participate in so many patriotic and community events during the recent District Work Period at home. I was privileged to participate in Celebrate America in Rocklin, which was attended by thousands from around the Sacramento area – sort of a preview to more fireworks and traditional festivities at the end of the week in Folsom.
I was honored to “ride shotgun” on a Wells Fargo stagecoach replica during the Folsom Pro Rodeo’s commemorative cattle drive on Thursday and participate in the rodeo grand ceremonies on Friday before a fantastic crowd at historic Dan Russell Arena.
At these large gatherings I got to connect with many old and new friends and, not surprisingly, our discussions turned to the challenges facing our country. They encouraged me to continue my efforts at getting federal spending under control and removing regulatory barriers that are hampering our economic recovery and job creation.
This week in Washington there will be many discussions about how to arrive at those goals but there are no shortcuts, no substitutes for bringing the country’s spending in line with the methods you must follow in balancing your own spending. Just because the government can make adjustments to the debt ceiling that doesn’t mean that it should do so without first implementing budgetary guidelines to prevent a reoccurrence. The road to our future will be scrapped for insufficient funds if we do anything less.
In the midst of these uncertain times, though, it was heartening to tour some well-run and forward-looking projects in the District: Cal ISO (California Independent System Operator), one of two power-grid operations facilities in California; and the “Big Build” new airport terminal project at the Sacramento International Airport which is rapidly approaching completion.
I was at Cal ISO to speak about the growing cybersecurity threats that mount each day, and to which we pay so much attention in the Department of Homeland Security. I know from my work as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies for DHS that disruption of our power grid would have profoundly negative consequences.
My tour of the new Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport – scheduled to begin operations by the end of the year – left me impressed and confident the Sacramento region has positioned itself well for the future of air travel.
This very satisfying trip home was yet another reminder that I get to represent a community of patriotic and responsible citizens who ask no less of their government in Washington.
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Lungren
Member of Congress
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