In just a little over a year there will be a big change in the way television is broadcast. By February 17, 2009, every television set in America will need to be digital television (DTV) compatible to continue to receive local broadcast programming. On that day in February, all full-power television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals and continue their broadcasts in an exclusively digital format. While next February may seem a long time away, broadcasters are working to prepare the public ahead of time to help consumers get the education and equipment they need to successfully complete the DTV transition.

America's leaders understand that securing a strong and reliable relationship with Pakistan is a critical foreign policy goal. Global terrorism is thriving along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, radical Islamic practices are surging in the area, and most recently, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated. It is evident that U.S.-Pakistani diplomatic relations have become more important than ever to ensuring the success of the War on Terror and protecting our country's national security.

Last week Congress finally finished its work for the year and recessed for the Christmas holidays. And while the 2007 congressional scorecard was marked by extreme partisanship, legislative gridlock and political stalemate, I am proud of several accomplishments we were able to achieve in the waning days of the session. Chief among them were heading off a massive middle class tax increase, extending health insurance to the poorest children in America and making sure the brave men and women of our armed forces have the resources necessary to fight and win the war on terror.