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We Need 534 More Like California's Campbell Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., and Robert J. Cihak, M.D., The Medicine Men Wouldn't it be nice if Congress consisted of 535 good men and women who served the country and not themselves? What would such a person look like? Republican Congressman John Campbell (California District 48) fits that bill. His rise through the California State Assembly and Senate to serving in the 109th Congress has been spectacular – and for good reason. He is energetic, hard working, likable, honest, caring, personable and approachable. He is often seen at local Orange County coffeehouses talking with the people. Everyone can go up to him and ask questions, and the congressman will take the time to converse. He and his staff will actually get back to you with real answers, not spin. Let's look at a few of his key accomplishments in the few months he has served us since replacing Chris Cox.
1. Medical Health Savings Accounts for Vets. Campbell introduced legislation to allow veterans to have the same option to take advantage of health savings accounts as the general public. Under current law, individuals who receive care from the VA are ineligible to use this form of health coverage. 2. Opposing Sanctuary Cities. Across the country, three states and more than 50 cities are implementing policies that prohibit law enforcement officers from providing federal officials with information about illegal aliens. The policies in these "sanctuary cities" violate existing federal laws. Congressman Campbell has been the leading advocate in the House to counteract this behavior. In the 109th Congress, he led the stand to counteract these policies by passing amendments to immigration reform and homeland security legislation that would create a mechanism to enforce the current law. 3. Back Bay and County Water Projects. Campbell is leading efforts to fund two projects to clean up the effects of urban runoff in the Upper Newport Back Bay and the San Diego Creek watershed. Funding for these measures was approved by the House and final approval is pending Senate action.
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4. Fiscally Conservative Budget. As a member of the House Budget Committee Campbell helped write one of the most fiscally conservative budgets in years. It keeps spending below the growth in population plus inflation. This budget along with increasing government revenues has help reduce the deficit to the lowest level in four years. 5. Reverse Mortgages for Co-ops. Congressman Campbell authored an amendment that became law as part of legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration. Campbell's amendment extends the benefits of reverse mortgages to individuals who own co-ops. 6. Key Budget Reforms. As a member of the Budget Committee, Campbell co-sponsored two key measures to help bring transparency to congressional earmarking and reform the budget process. The legislative line item veto, which passed the House and is pending consideration in the Senate, would give the president new powers to request the removal of questionable spending projects (more on this). The House also approved rules changes, which are now in effect, to require the disclosure of the sponsor of earmarks when the House considers spending bills 7. Internet Tax Freedom Act. Campbell introduced legislation to make the moratorium on taxes on Internet services permanent. The current moratorium is set to expire at the end of 2007. And finally, yes – you knew it was coming – he is not a trial lawyer, but an accountant, which means he will be fiscally responsible to the people, not to the American Bar Association or the newly renamed, and until recently called, American Association of Trial Lawyers.
In sum, we need more good men and women in Congress. Voters should look for and elect 534 qualified persons locally and nationally with Campbell's ability and character. Editor's Note: Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., wrote this week's commentary. Contact Drs. Glueck & Cihak by e-mail. Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., Newport Beach, Calif., writes on medical-legal and allied ethical issues locally and nationally. Robert J. Cihak, M.D., is a senior fellow and board member of the Discovery Institute and a past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.
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