Congressman Steve Buyer's proposals

President-Elect Barack Obama will officially take office next week.  But, Congress is already considering Obama's $825 billion dollar stimulus bill designed to jump-start the economy.  Fourth District Congressman Steve Buyer's proposals involving energy and veterans are included in that bill, known as the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill."

Congressman Buyer said with the recent energy price spikes, a smart way to spend dollars is by addressing energy issues.

"It should help be a wake up call to our nation regarding peak oil. The leading geophysicists of the world say based on growth of populations and economies that the world should hit peak oil between 2037-2040. If we do not prepare for that event then geopolitically bad things begin to happen as nations begin to fight for scarce resources," said Buyer.

Close to $50 billion dollars out of the $825 billion dollar package would go towards alternative energy.  Buyer says another 32 billion would be spent on upgrades to the electric grid.  Buyer also urged the President-Elect to include over 2 billion dollars to assist veterans.  The money would go to veteran's medical facilities as well as making monuments and repairs at veterans cemeteries.

"To make sure the monuments are taken care of properly and that the grounds are fitting for how we feel about these men and women that sacrificed so much for our liberty," said Buyer.

Buyer said he is pleased the bill included some of his proposals.  But, he will continue trying to get more dollars to create economic opportunities for veterans.