MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER« Thread Started on Dec 14,

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER« Thread Started on Dec 14, 2007, 10:14pm » --------------------------------------------------------------------------------MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER This week, the House again passed a fiscally responsible bill that will protect 23 million Americans from being hit by the Alternative Minimum Tax next year. All Senate Democrats voted in favor of the earlier House AMT bill, but Senate Republicans blocked it. By passing another fully paid-for AMT bill, House Democrats are giving Senate Republicans another chance to do the right thing and pass AMT protection that will not add to the nation's debt.For the first time in three years, the House passed an Intelligence Authorization conference report this week, which will strengthen oversight and accountability of the intelligence community, and prohibit the use of torture. Requiring all American intelligence agencies to comply with the U.S. Army Field Manual on Interrogations will demonstrate our commitment to the values that make us Americans, and is an important step to restore and repair our nation's good reputation in the world. The House also passed a Defense Authorization conference report that sets our defense priorities for the next year.Next week, the House will take up an historic energy bill that raises fuel economy standards for the first time in years, and puts our nation on the path to energy independence. We will also address funding for America's priorities, as well as extending the children's health insurance program to ensure that no children who are currently covered lose access to health care while negotiations to expand coverage to 10 million low-income children continue.Sincerely yours,STENY H. HOYER