Weekly Update from Senator John Ensign
January 28 - February 3, 2008: Remembering Colonel D’ Grisier, Ensign Reflects on State of the Union, Delegation Continues Fight against Yucca, Ensign Offers Amendment to Stimulus Package

Remembering Colonel D’Arcy Grisier
Late last year my staff and I lost a dear member of our team and extended family. Colonel D’Arcy Grisier’s presence in our lives has been sorely missed, and it was with a heavy heart that I delivered a tribute on the Senate floor remembering D for all that he was and, even more, for what he meant to all of us. His wife and children continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Senator Ensign's Floor Speech in Honor of Col. D'

Ensign Reflects on State of the Union
As President Bush stood to deliver his final State of the Union address, I reflected upon all that has taken place over these last seven years. Our country has survived one of its lowest lows, the attacks of September 11, and, as Americans, we have continued the fight to protect our nation from those who wish to do us harm. There is still much left to be accomplished before a new President of the United States takes office. The President laid out an ambitious goal for the security of our nation, our economy, and our future. I am hopeful that we will move forward with the President’s agenda in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation and the American people will receive the economic opportunity and security they deserve.

Nevada Delegation Continues Fight against Yucca
This week, members of the Nevada Delegation met to continue the fight against Yucca Mountain. As we stress the fact that Yucca Mountain will not be built, it is important for us to recognize those who will lose their jobs as we derail the funding of this project. I cannot emphasize enough my sympathies on this matter, but I steadfastly believe that this is an unfortunate result of staying on course to protect the future of Nevada. The Nevada Delegation signed a letter to Secretary Chao, the Secretary of Labor, seeking out possibilities to soften the blow of these layoffs for the workers.

Nevada Delegation Letter to Secretary Chao

Ensign Offers Amendment to Stimulus Package
This week I offered an amendment to the Senate stimulus package. This amendment will eliminate the possibility that people residing in this country illegally will receive the rebate checks offered by the economic stimulus package. Social Security numbers, used illegally for documentation, will be identified and rebate checks will not issued to those numbers. Under my amendment, rebate checks will not be issued to those who are here illegally. This amendment is paramount to ensuring that the stimulus package offered by Congress does not reward illegal behavior and is fair to Americans citizens and legal residents of the United States. The Senate Finance Committee passed this amendment, and it now awaits a vote on the Senate floor as part of the stimulus package debate.

Sincerely, John Ensign United States Senator