HOUSING CRISIS: First on the agenda this week will be the Foreclosure Prevention Bill, which provides much-needed help to homeowners on the brink of foreclosure. It will expand funding for counseling; expand revenue bonding authority for states so they can refinance mortgages and keep families in their homes and out of foreclosure; and it includes Community Development Block Grants, which have been successful helping communities hard-hit by the current crisis. Whole communities are at risk and Congress must act.

I believe we must balance the current housing legislation with an incentive for prospective buyers to get off the sidelines and into the housing market. I will continue to move forward the Cardin/Ensign First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Amendment that I introduced last week. Families are reluctant to buy right now because they have real concerns that values may drop. If we can put some money on the table with a tax credit, it is more likely they will move forward with a purchase. And a tax credit to spur home ownership will help stimulate the economy in the sector that triggered our economic downturn.

IRAQ UPDATE: This week, as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will be questioning General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker on the current status of U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq. Our troops have performed admirably, but this war was recklessly begun. The Administration has cherry-picked the facts and intelligence used for starting and continuing our military engagement. Each time the facts show the mission was wrong, the American public has been told to 'wait and see' while they string things out a little longer. This is not an acceptable strategy. President Bush owes the American public a clear path to end our military involvement. After more than five years, more than 4,000 American lives lost, 30,000 wounded, and $600 billion spent, we've got to find the smartest, most prudent way to end it and bring our troops home. The hard decisions cannot wait 10 months for the next President to take office.

REFUGEES: As a Co-Chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I'll also be participating in a hearing Thursday on the looming refugee crisis in Iraq and the region. Millions of Iraqis have been displaced internally or forced to flee the country. Whatever military and diplomatic solution brings this conflict to an end may be overshadowed by the impact of these refugees when the try to return home or settle in their current location.

TAX DAY APPROACHING: Most Americans are aware that Congress passed an economic stimulus package, including a modest rebate, to help families struggling in our slow economy. However, many, like veterans who rely on VA disability benefits, seniors who rely on Social Security, or others who would not otherwise need to file a tax return, will need to do so this year to receive their rebate. I know that these are difficult times for Marylanders and families nationwide, so no one who is eligible for a rebate should pass up this opportunity. Approximately 130 million Americans will receive rebates up to $600. Couples who file jointly will receive $1200. Plus, there is a $300 rebate per child. Taxpayers who have qualifying income of $3,000 to $75,000 are eligible. Certain Social Security and VA benefits qualify. More information on the stimulus rebates passed by Congress is available at our economic stimulus page or www.irs.gov.