Price, Hayes Discuss Pending Issues

Greeted by a responsive crowd, the congressmen led a discussion titled "Congress 2002: The Economy, Religion and Politics and the War on Terrorism" at the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University.

Amid tongue-and-cheek put downs of UNC's and praises of Duke's basketball teams, Price and Hayes each gave 10-minute informal statements.

In his opening speech, Hayes discussed the importance of being honorable while in the national public eye. Price gave a rundown of the issues Congress will be reviewing and voting on this spring.

The representatives went on to conduct a tag team question-and-answer session.

The topics broached included educational bills, national debt, Medicare, party politics, redistricting, missile defense, the economy and national security.

The most prevalent topics were the war on terrorism and national security, both of which Hayes delved into early in the program.

"If we eliminate criminals from the civilized world, then we're going to be able to identify and support individuals who appreciate freedom, and we will bring it to them," he said.

Price praised President Bush for his actions regarding the war on terrorism.

"One of the things that is commendable about the way President Bush has handled this crisis is the way he very carefully (considered) how we were going to proceed," he said.

The issue of political party differences was grazed in the course of the discussion. Hayes said the differences between parties are too negligible to be satisfying.

"I am a recovering Democrat," he said. "I don't belong to an organized party -- I'm a Republican. I don't think we're partisan enough."

Issues surrounding health care also were brought up in the discussion.

Hayes said health care could improve with community aid. "There are just different ways a community can participate -- providing lots of service for a number of folks who need medication and need to see doctors," he said.

Price said it is difficult to cope with the complications of Medicare. "It is very unpleasant and unanticipated," he said.

Both Price and Hayes said they are optimistic about the 2002 spring session of Congress. Hayes said, "There are kinds of situations where things are getting done that ought to be done."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.