Budget Stimulation Project - Research Paper Example

The result of which was to bring to light the inhumane conditions within the prison, leading to the American public questioning their continued support of the South Vietnamese Government. Senator Harkin married his wife Ruth Raduenz in 1968 and they have two daughters and three grandchildren1 Congressman Harkin began his service as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives in 1974. Then years later, Congressman Harkin became Senator Harkin and has the distinction of being the first Senator elected to a fifth term in Iowa.

One of his more interesting and innovating achievements is the creation of a ’mobile office’ which is run from a van from which he travels through 99 counties each year to bring his congressional services to his constituents. One of his first achievements was through Senator Ted Kennedy who approached Senator Harkin to draft a bill in relationship to the rights of those with physical and mental challenges. Because Senator Harkin’s brother, Frank, had been deaf from birth, Senator Harkin was tapped as being sensitive to the needs and issues faced by those with physical and mental challenges, and the result was The Americans with Disabilities Act.

This legislation revolutionized the accessibility afforded to those with challenges through requirements for public buildings and requirements for public transportation and employment accommodations.2 Congressional Interests The types of concerns that Senator Harkin has supported have been to endorse the needs and address the concerns of the American public. Senator Harkin has been active in promoting health and health care initiatives, his belief system centered on a concept he terms ’well-care’, which he believes is in contrast to the current system which treats people after they become sick.

In addressing health throughout one’s life, the prevention of a great many health problems could be avoided, not only saving lives, but saving money in the costs of treatments. He has worked to increase the budgets for research on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, along with working to reverse the position that President Bush held on embryonic stem-cell research. Education has been another great concern for Senator Harkin as he has “worked to reduce class size, give students better computer and internet access, expand school counseling and safety programs and inprove teacher training”.

3 Additionally, Senator Harkin has had interests in agricultural issues, promoting efficiency in energy use and conservation for continued agricultural benefit. Senator Harkin is considered a moderate and has served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, with serving as Member Ex Officio for the subcommittees on Children and Families; Employment and Work Safety; and Retirement and Aging. He has served on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, with membership on the subcommittees on Hunger, Nutrition, and Family Farms; Production, Income Protection, and Price Support; and Rural Revitalization.

He has also served on Senate Committee on Appropriations, with membership