Editor, OBSERVER:
In the July 8 OBSERVER reports that Republican Congressman Tom Reed "said he has a four-point plan for job growth which includes reducing the national debt, comprehensive tax reform, regulatory relief and a comprehensive 'all of the above' energy policy."
Reviewing Representative Reed's bills, resolutions, and amendments at thomas.loc.gov, I see that he has sponsored 34 bills in the current Congress. Ten have gained co-sponsors. None have been enacted into law.
On May 7, Reed introduced 22 bills without co-sponsors "to extend the temporary suspension of (custom) duties on" various manufactures, mostly components of lighting devices.
I am interested to hear Reed reconcile an effort to reduce the national debt while attempting to suspend customs duties. Such suspension presumably increases competitiveness of foreign manufacturers against domestic operators and their employees.
MICHAEL C. BARRIS, Ph.D.,
Fredonia
