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Valley reps look ahead to Obama’s first year
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan is ‘open to listening’ about a 2010 Senate candidacy.
YOUNGSTOWN — Providing health insurance coverage for more children and starting to withdraw troops from Iraq will be among the first accomplishments of the Barack Obama administration, the two U.S. House members who represent the Mahoning Valley say.
On Jan. 20, Democrats will control the White House and both houses of Congress simultaneously for the first time since 1994.
“The American people have high expectations for us, and they should,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, of St. Clairsville, D-6th, who represents all of Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning County. “It puts us under pressure, but I enjoy it. America needs leadership, and I’m so proud to be part of that team.”
An increase in funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is something that will be done shortly after Obama takes office, said Wilson and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th.
The program gives federal money to states to cover uninsured children, typically in families with moderate incomes who aren’t eligible for Medicaid.
Congress approved a bill twice last year to double the $5 billion currently spent on the program, but President George W. Bush vetoed both bills.
Also, Ryan and Wilson support Obama’s plan to withdraw most troops from Iraq over a 17-month period and say they expect the process to begin shortly after the new president takes office.
“We have to wind it down in Iraq because we can’t afford to stay there financially,” said Ryan, whose district includes portions of Mahoning and Trumbull counties. “My hope is the American people give Barack Obama a chance, and there continues to be a recognition that there are serious problems that we need to deal with, but it takes time.”
Pulling out of Iraq would help the struggling economy because the war there costs about $10 billion a month, he said.
There should be a focus on Afghanistan with possibly more troops deployed there, Wilson said.
Smaller steps will be made in 2009 on issues related to alternative energy, improving relationships with European countries and turning around the economy, Ryan said.
Obama “can make down payments in the first year” on those issues, Ryan said. “We can help solve problems that were ignored for the past eight years. We can actually get things done and build confidence over the next few years.”
Ryan said Democrats can blame Bush for many of the problems facing the country: “But a year from now if we’re still having problems the American people won’t want to hear that. We have to show significant accomplishments.”
Wilson points to three issues Congress and the Obama administration must address:
UStabilize the economy.
URe-examine the nation’s energy policy with a focus on developing alternative energy sources.
UDevelop long-term solutions to reducing the cost of health care and making it more accessible.
Wilson wants an audit of the federal government to clearly show: “What we inherited and then show what we have done over a specific period of time. We want to show people our progress.”
Obama understands the struggles of the Mahoning Valley, and his administration can help the area, Ryan and Wilson said.
“We’re in a wonderful position to obtain money for the area for projects related to health care, education, energy and infrastructure,” Ryan said. “Youngstown State University and our tech-belt will take off with some help from the government.”
Ryan said his committee assignments will continue to help the Valley.
“We’ve done a lot of good for the district, bringing in $120 million” for projects since taking office in 2003, Ryan said of himself and his staff.
He serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and on two of its subcommittees: labor, health and human services, education, and related agencies; and energy and water development, and related agencies.
There’s been talk among Ohio Democrats, including Gov. Ted Strickland, about Ryan’s running for the U.S. Senate in 2010. U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, a Republican who’s up for re-election that year, is running for another six-year term.
Ryan said he’s weighing his options.
“We’re positioned well in the House,” he said. “Does being in the Senate help the Valley? Maybe.”
He acknowledges it’s a “big risk” to give up his House seat to run for the Senate.
“I’m open to listening, but I don’t want to make any decisions right now,” Ryan said. “I’m excited about where I am now. Down the line, who knows? It’s always intriguing to do what you’re doing at a higher level.”
Wilson said he wants to retain seats on his two committees: the House Science and Technology Committee and the House Financial Services Committee.
As for the first committee, Wilson said serving on it helps his congressional district, which has coal as one of its leading industries. Wilson is also heavily involved in assisting Baard Energy, which wants to develop a liquid coal plant in Wellsville.
Financial services is leading the U.S. House’s efforts to reform the struggling financial industry.
“This is a good place to stay — in the eye of the storm,” he said. “Change is going on, and it’s time we start leading. I welcome this responsibility.”
But Wilson has ambition.
“Right now, I’m considering to be part of leadership” in the foreseeable future, he said. “I’ll fit in where I’m needed.”
skolnick@vindy.com