Doc Hastings visits Moses Lake

Shares accomplishments of the 109th Congress

MOSES LAKE — Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, visited the Columbia Basin Herald to discuss the impact of the 109th Congress on the Columbia Basin Tuesday.

Hastings has a vendetta against methamphetamine.

"I can't comprehend that world but it is a world for some people," Hastings said while visiting the Columbia Basin Herald. "I don't understand. I don't understand why people do that but they do. This stuff is too easy to get."

Washington state will receive a portion of $500 million to aid investigations resulting in the imprisonment of methamphetamine producers and distributors, he said. It will also pay for additional equipment to combat the drug.

He is also interested in child safety.

The Child Safety Act protects children from exploitation and violent crimes, he said. The act strengthens penalties against those who commit a crime against a child and helps to prevent child exploitation on the Internet.

During the 109th Congress, Hastings worked with communities, including Othello, to make bridge improvements. Funding is allocated from the Highway Trust Fund, which is comprised of the federal gas tax.

Another issue he is working on is an energy plan encouraging the production of domestic oil, nuclear energy and natural gas. The plan calls for renewable resources, energy efficiency and conservation, Hastings said.

"I think we have to become more energy independent," he said.

A trade agreement was enacted with Central America reducing tariffs on U.S. exports, such as agricultural products.

"I'm particularly pleased that provisions I worked for to eliminate Central American tariffs on American apples, pears and cherries were included in the agreement," he noted.

A state sales tax deduction was approved for an additional two years. Tax payers can deduct Washington sales tax from their taxes for 2006 to 2007.