Congressman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV 3) was the guest on Radio Active today Wednesday October 1, 2008.
Rep. Rahall discussed the $700 billion dollar bailout or "rescue"of the nation's so called financial crisis. He said he voted for it because he felt the risk was to high to to do nothing. Doing nothing, however, is exactly what University of Illinois - Chicago Economics Professor, Lawrence Officer, said Congress should do on C-Span's Open Phone segment this morning. He said Federal intervention should be minimal.
Rahall also reinforced his support of Amtrak (I agree with him on this). I even suggested that Bluefield be added to the number of passenger stations in the 3rd district. There are presently 3 stops - Huntington, Hinton, and Prince (Raliegh County).
Funding for the King Coal Highway was another topic. Rahall said when people drive less, the Highway Trust Fund gets less money for road projects. The Fund is funded with a federal tax on gasoline. He pledged to continue to look for new resources for the highway.
While Congress doesn't have a direct role in deciding what post offices stay open or are closed, Rahall said he would at least inquire about the status of the Downtown Bluefield Post Office. It was announced on Radio Active (WHIS 1440 AM) and on The Bluefield Red Eye last week that there are plans to close the 97 year old post office located in the Elizabeth Kee Federal Building.
William Paine, the show's producer and the station's news director, asked the Congressman if he would be willing to appear on the show with his Republican opponent, Marty Gearheart of Bluefield for an issues discussion. He said he was open to the idea. He also said that he has already agreed to a debate in Huntington later this month.
Contact me, Craig Hammond, at newsbrew@gmail.com
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