Republican Study Committee will offer an amendment to reduce spending in H.R. 1, the FY 2011 continuing resolution, by an additional $22 billion

RSC Members Offer Amendment to Cut More from 2011 Spending Bill Looking to Make a Good Bill Better Washington, Feb 18 -

Today, members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) will offer an amendment to reduce spending in H.R. 1, the FY 2011 continuing resolution, by an additional $22 billion. The amendment would return total non-security spending in 2011 to just below its pre-stimulus 2008 level, which represents a savings of more than $100 billion from President Obama’s non-security discretionary budget request for this year.

“After years of endless increases, Congress is finally talking about how to reduce spending and get Washington out of the way,” said RSC Chairman Jim Jordan. “In the last four years, federal spending rose by nearly 36% while Americans’ median family income fell by 4.2%. At the same time, the national debt spiked by a staggering $5.4 trillion.

“Families and businesses have had to cut back, and they’re demanding that Washington do the same. This week, Republicans are taking the first step to getting the country’s finances in order. This is already a good bill, but I believe we can make it even better.”

The amendment, which will be formally offered by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, makes across-the-board cuts of 11% to Legislative Branch accounts and 5.5% to all other non-security accounts, excluding aid to Israel.

In addition to Chairman Jordan and Rep. Blackburn, other sponsors of the amendment include Reps. Jeff Flake, Scott Garrett, Mike Pence, John Campbell, Jeff Duncan, Frank Guinta, Tim Huelskamp, Steve Southerland, and Joe Walsh.

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Republican Study Committee (RSC) - The Caucus of House Conservatives FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2.18.2011

Jeff Flake Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 01/15/11

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST || FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. || MPEG File || MP4 File ||

“Last week’s horrific attack in Tucson is a stark reminder of the senseless brutality of which some are capable; the selfless bravery with which true heroes respond; and the enduring need for leaders who will uphold their oaths and listen to their constituents.”

Washington (Jan 14)

Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) honors the victims and pays tribute the heroes of the horrific events that unfolded in Tucson, Arizona last week. In the address, Rep. Flake recounts the inspiring acts of heroism that emerged from this tragedy, and reaffirms Congress’ commitment to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was so dutifully carrying out on that tragic day. Rep. Flake is in his sixth term and represents Arizona’s 6th Congressional District.

“Hello, I’m Jeff Flake, and I represent the people of Arizona’s sixth Congressional District. “Last week’s horrific attack in Tucson is a stark reminder of the senseless brutality of which some are capable; the selfless bravery with which true heroes respond; and the enduring need for leaders who will uphold their oaths and listen to their constituents.

“My heart goes out to the family of my friend and colleague, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, and to all those impacted by this heinous act.

“Among the lost are a federal judge ... a young girl, born on September 11th ... a Congressional staffer ...

“Many others were injured. And the lives of many are forever changed.

“These violent acts have no place in our society. And we should honor those who stood up in defiance, for it was from the shadows of this evil that we saw true heroism emerge.

“When shots began to fire, Daniel Hernandez – a young man who joined Gabby’s staff as an intern just days before the incident – rushed into harm’s way. As he checked the pulses of the wounded he noticed Gabby on the ground, injured. He ran to her aid, and amid the crisis, shielded and tended to her.

“His bravery and level-headedness during the crisis meant the difference between life and death -- literally. Doctors have said that the actions Daniel took may very well have saved Gabby Giffords.

“‘Of course you’re afraid,’ he said, but ‘you kind of have to do what you can.’ ‘People needed help.’

“Daniel’s story on its own would have been inspiring if not for the many heroes who deserve our praise as well. These include the men and women who helped disarm the attacker and hold him until law enforcement arrived. And of course, the talented medical personnel who have performed so admirably.

“I last spoke with Gabby just days ago during our swearing-in ceremony on the House floor. In the past we’ve partnered on legislation making the House of Representatives more open and more accountable.

“While we may not agree on everything, members of Congress are bound together by a sacred oath to support and defend the Constitution. As Speaker Boehner has said, an attack on one of us is an attack on all who serve – an attack on representative democracy itself.

“Gabby’s assailant struck while she was engaged in the most fundamental duty of a lawmaker: listening to her constituents.

“It’s part of what distinguished us from the tyrannies of old and it continues to separate us from the despotisms of today. The people are sovereign. The freedom and wisdom of the people determine our future -- not the whims of dictators and certainly not the bullets of fanatics.

“And so it is our duty to uphold our oath, to listen and to represent. We will not let this inhumane act cow us into doing otherwise.

“Please continue to keep all of the victims of this horrific tragedy in your thoughts. Pray that the injured make a speedy recovery and that those whose lives we’ve lost have their reward in heaven.

“Thank you for listening.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseConference

TEXT CREDIT: Speaker of the House John Boehner Contact H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-5117

AUDIO/VIDEO CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Congressman Jeff Flake H.R.5536 -- Debt Buy-Down Act FULL TEXT

Congressman Flake: So Just How Broke Are We? Mesa, Arizona, Dec 20 - Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today illustrated the size and scope of the growing national debt. Last week, an Abu Dhabi hotel debuted its opulent 43-foot tree worth $11 million. Approximately 130 ornaments made of various precious stones adorn the tree.

The U.S. is so broke that our massive almost-$14 trillion debt is equal to approximately 1.27 million jewel-decked trees like the one in Abu Dhabi.

“We ought to deck the halls of Congress with some fiscal restraint,” said Flake.

Along with Senator McCain, Congressman Flake introduced the Debt Buy-Down Act, which allows taxpayers to designate up to 10 percent of their federal income tax liability to reduce the national debt. The bill then requires Congress to reduce federal spending by that amount.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals to designate that up to 10 percent of their income tax liability be used to reduce the national debt, and to require spending reductions equal to the amounts so designated.

DOCUMENTS in PDF FORMAT:

• The Debt Buy-Down Act of 2010 (H.R. 5536/S. 3496) Section by Section
• H.R.5536 -- Debt Buy-Down Act FULL TEXT

Jeff Flake So Just How Broke Are We?

Washington, D.C., Dec 6 - Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today illustrated the size and scope of the growing national debt. The U.S. government has halted production of its new, technologically advanced $100 bills due to an issue with the presses that print U.S. money. A Yahoo! Blog post states that the flawed bills cost approximately $120 million to print and add up to $10 billion – more than 10-percent of our total money supply. And because the flaw cannot be repaired, the bills will now have to be burned.

If we saved the quarantined bills from fiery doom and instead put them to use in paying off our massive $13 trillion debt, the government would have to goof up approximately 1,300 more times before our debt would be paid off.

“We’ve been figuratively burning money for years, but now we’re literally burning money?” said Flake.

Along with Senator McCain, Congressman Flake introduced the Debt Buy-Down Act, which allows taxpayers to designate up to 10 percent of their federal income tax liability to reduce the national debt. The bill then requires Congress to reduce federal spending by that amount.

More information on the Debt Buy-Down Act can be found here. ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Jeff Flake Washington, D.C. Office 240 Cannon H.O.B. Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2635 - phone (202) 226-4386 - fax

Congressman Flake Spotlights Egregious Earmark of the Week

Mesa, Arizona, Nov 24 - Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today highlighted a pork project contained in the agriculture appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010. This week’s egregious earmark: $500,000 for the National Wild Turkey Federation in Nebraska. “No thanks on the pork, but could you please pass the earmark reform?” said Flake.

Contact: Matthew Specht 202-225-2635

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Jeff Flake