A record-turn out on Election Day may reflect that voters learned a lesson from four years ago. That is, every single vote counts. With memories of a razor thin margin of victory in 2000, voters flocked to the polls to make their voices heard.
And George W. Bush earned a second-term. The president’s message to win the war on terror, simplify the tax code and fix Social Security resonated with voters.
On Nov. 2, Iowans also re-hired me as their senior U.S. Senator. I appreciate very much the overwhelming show of support from Iowa voters. Having earned your trust for another six years, I’ll keep up my end of the bargain.
You can bet I'll work harder than ever to represent my home state. And I’ll continue my 24-year pledge to visit each of Iowa’s 99 counties at least once every year. Keeping my eyes and ears to the ground at home makes me a more effective hired hand for Iowans in Washington.
That includes my influential leadership position as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. From here I will bear critical influence over much of the president’s domestic agenda over the next four years.
I plan on making bipartisan progress on restructuring the tax code and saving Social Security a priority. My chairmanship of the Finance Committee will give Iowans a front row seat at the policymaking tables in Washington during these discussions.
I intend to continue the long-held tradition of bipartisanship as chairman of the Senate tax-writing committee. I stick to the philosophy that public policy is crafted for the public good. That means casting a wide net to capture a solid consensus among my fellow lawmakers.
In the 109th Congress, I intend to advance the tax relief legacy started during the president’s first term. Continued economic growth depends on it. Other priorities include: addressing the uninsured and improving access to affordable health care; increasing retirement savings; closing loopholes in the federal tax code; overseeing the roll-out of the historic Medicare prescription drug benefit; updating the federal welfare laws; and, advancing job-creating trade agreements.
Many people say they are glad the political season is behind us. Some grew weary of the 24-hour spin cycle. But despite campaign fatigue, folks across the country turned out in droves, the highest voter turnout since 1968. With nearly 120 million voters casting their ballots, I’d say American democracy in the 21st century is alive and kicking.
Now that the electioneering is over, lawmakers and the president can get on with the people’s business. It’s time to get to work. And I’m eager to make good on the promises made on the campaign trail.