 |
|
|
|
|
11/01/2001
Washington Wire
The tragic events of September 11 will undoubtedly affect us all for the rest of our lives. What we once viewed as normal, everyday occurrences, will no longer be just routine. At least in the short term, every time we hear a siren, or a helicopter overhead, we might well find ourselves wondering what it means.
As the end of September approached, Washington was getting back to a more or less regular routine, although normalcy had not returned. Around Capitol Hill, there are far more uniformed police officers, and guards stationed at entrances to congressional buildings appear -- at least for the moment -- to be more diligent about watching what's going through the X-ray machines and who's coming into the buildings. My concern is that we historically are a disaster- or crisis-reactive society; it seems that we beef up security or make a road or intersection safer only after a particularly bad event or accident. Hopefully, the steps already being taken around the country will not fade into memory or out of deployment.
The shock of September 11 is being felt on the legislative front as well. Where Congress once had an ambitious but contentious agenda it intended to tackle this fall, many initiatives that once were considered likely for House or Senate action this year now seem likely to be shelved until 2002. Instead, leaders of the House and Senate have confirmed that
they will jettison all but a few of their earlier priorities, both to focus on urgent national security and economic challenges and to avoid partisan debates that would, in the words of The Washington Post, "shatter the spirit of national unity President Bush invoked in his address to a joint session of Congress" on September 20.
The only previously announced legislative priorities which could proceed this year are the President's education reform package and a patients' bill of rights measure. In addition, the Bush Administration and business lobbyists are pressing for action to broaden the president's trade negotiation authority.
Legislation that will probably not surface again until the second session of the 107th Congress include Social Security reform, campaign finance reform, comprehensive energy legislation, several environmental proposals, reauthorization of federal farm programs, and review and reauthorization of federal telecommunications law.
All of these initiatives have been the subject of congressional hearings this year, although only the telecom bill was not considered to have had a reasonable chance to be voted on by at least one of the chambers this year. Rather, key congressional staff felt for some time that it was more likely that telecom issues would not advance in earnest until 2002. Nevertheless, our review of key telecommunications issues will continue, since we must be prepared for action next year. Accordingly, I renew my request for comments and input from any NATE members with particular interests in or concerns with current telecommunications law or programs. Anyone wishing to convey their views should contact Patrick Howey at the NATE office or me.
I have already reached out to OSHA Assistant Secretary, John Henshaw, about a possible meeting to discuss key issues, particularly the riding the line matter. I will work with Patrick Howey and the Board to identify a mutually convenient time for the Board's return to Washington.
As I end this article, I ask two things. First, please let us hear from you. And second, be sure to treat family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers with more consideration and kindness than you might otherwise have before September 11. We have pulled together as a nation, so it follows that we should also pull together as individuals.
Finally, on a personal note, I want to let everyone know once again what a caring person NATE's chairman, Kevin Hayden, is. On September 11, while New York (where I'm from) and Washington/ Virginia (where I live) were under attack, Kevin phoned me to see if I was okay. His simple gesture spoke volumes as to the type of person he is. I was truly touched by his concern, and I am proud to be associated with him.
Jim Goldwater is a Vice President at Bob Lawrence & Associates. For further information, he can be contacted at Bob Lawrence & Associates' office at 345 South Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-836-6196; Fax: 703-836-6086; E-Mail: jimauh2o@aol.com
Jim Goldwater
© 2001 Tower Times. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
