In a time of serious budget deficits, immense war costs and a sluggish economy, we cannot afford to grant such outlandish subsidies to some of our Nation's largest corporations.

The single most important factor in determining America’s success in the 21st century will be maintaining our ability to be an innovative and creative society.

As founder and co-chair of the upper Mississippi River Congressional task force, I have long sought to preserve the river’s health and historical multiple uses, including as a natural waterway and a home to wildlife, for the benefit of future generations of Americans.

For as long as the power of America’s diversity is diminished by acts of discrimination and violence against people just because they are black, Hispanic, Asian, Jewish, Muslim or gay, we still must overcome.

In addition, the oil royalties the Federal Government does not collect from big oil will starve the Land and Water Conservation Fund of critical financial resources.

Right now, a majority of the debt is owed to foreign interests, Japan being the largest purchaser of government debt today, soon to be surpassed by China as the number one purchaser of our debt in this Nation.

In the coming year, I believe we can make sure America lives up to its legacy as a land of opportunity if the President is willing to back up his rhetoric with substance.

The key to any successful plan is buy-in from the public, and what this process has demonstrated is the importance of including citizens in formulating a consensus plan that preserves our beautiful refuge.

In fact, I have four of the technical schools in the Third Congressional District in western Wisconsin as well as many of their campus satellites.

Instead of the administration being so eager to dismantle the New Deal, we should be working together to offer the American people a New New Deal.