mrs JULIE WILLIAMS

Support legislation that will make higher education affordable, bolster STEM education, increase funding for NIH, DoE and NSF, and maintain adequate accreditation regulations that do not interfere with the diversity of New England's higher education institutions.

* Support increased appropriations for the improvement of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education pipeline provided in the continuing resolution for FY 2007, in addition to federal funding for departments and institutions that contribute significantly to the advancements of reserach and development Support S. 761, the America COMPETES Act, which would help our nation invest in innovation and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to strengthen America's place in the global economy. Support increased funding for STEM education as part of STEM Education Coalition

Call for an increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as its appropriations level has not kept up with inflation over the years.

* Called for additional appropriations for the National Institutes of Health of $619.5 million for FY 20007 in the continuing resolution. Support an increase in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program to provide coverage for qualified children until the end of FY 2007. Support additional appropriations for Community Health Centers of $206.9 million included in the continuing resolution for FY 2007, including $25 million in additional funding for existing health centers.

Called for additional appropriations for Amtrak to at least meet the FY 2006 level of funding of $1.3 billion.

Support the Cantwell Amendment to S. 1348 - comprehensive immigration reform legislation - to restore key H-1B visa exemptions passed by the Senate in 2006.