Republican presidential debate New Hampshire 06/13/11 FULL VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

UPDATE: 10/12/11

Republican GOP Debate Hanover, New Hampshire 10/11/11 FULL VIDEO

GOP presidential candidates debated the issues in New Hampshire 06/13/11 at 8:00 pm ET. Republican presidential debate FULL VIDEO.

Republican presidential candidates debated the issues on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Republican presidential primary contenders faced off Monday, June 13 in the first New Hampshire debate of the season presented by CNN, Hearst Television’s WMUR, and the New Hampshire Union Leader, voters had opportunities to question the candidates in person and online.

The debate featured questions from New Hampshire voters inside the debate hall and from town hall locations in Hancock, Plymouth, and Rochester, New Hampshire. In addition, CNN solicited comments from its users on CNN.com as well as questions via Facebook and Twitter.

The following Republican candidates participated in the debate: Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.

The debate, which will aired live from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, was be moderated by CNN anchor and chief national correspondent John King, with questions from WMUR-TV’s Jean Mackin, Josh McElveen and Jennifer Vaughn and New Hampshire Union Leader’s John DiStaso and Tom Fahey.

Viewers watching on television and online were invited to comment or ask questions by posting comments to CNNPolitics.com, by logging on to John King, USA’s Facebook page and by using the #CNNdebate hashtag on Twitter. New Hampshire voters watching the debate at the Rochester town hall were hosted by CNN correspondent Tom Foreman and were equipped with handheld dial-testing devices to register their reactions during the debate.

Republican Debate Aired June 13, 2011 - 20:00 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

JOHN KING, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the first Republican presidential debate in this first-in-the-nation primary state. Behind me on this stage, the Republican candidates for president appearing together on the same stage for the first time tonight.

And tonight's debate will be different than any presidential debate you've ever seen. Over the course of the next two hours, in addition to questions from myself and journalists from our partners, WMUR and the New Hampshire Union Leader, the candidates will take questions directly from voters right here in Manchester, as well as from voters at town meetings taking place tonight all across New Hampshire.

So let's get right to it and meet the candidates. Now, we've asked for no opening statements. However, we will continue a tradition from our past New Hampshire debates, to ask each candidate in one short sentence -- hopefully, five, maybe six or seven seconds -- to introduce themselves to the voters of New Hampshire and the United States of America.

Let me begin with an example. I'm John King with CNN. I am honored to be your moderator tonight, and I am thrilled to be back in Red Sox nation.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, let's start at the edge of the stage with Senator Rick Santorum.

FORMER SEN. RICK SANTORUM (R), PENNSYLVANIA: Hello, New Hampshire. I'm Rick Santorum. I served 12 years representing Pennsylvania in the United States Senate, but I also have substantial executive experience making the tough decisions and balancing budgets and cutting spending. Karen and I are the parents of seven children.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: Congresswoman?

REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R), MINNESOTA: Hi, my name is Michelle Bachmann. I'm a former federal tax litigation attorney. I'm a businesswoman. We started our own successful company. I'm also a member of the United States Congress. I'm a wife of 33 years. I've had five children, and we are the proud foster parents of 23 great children. And it's a thrill to be here tonight in the "Live Free or Die" state. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: Mr. Speaker?

FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH: I'm Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House. And when 14 million Americans are out of work, we need a new president to end the Obama depression.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: Governor?

FORMER GOV. MITT ROMNEY (R), MASSACHUSETTS: I'm Mitt Romney, and it's an honor to be back at Saint Anselm. Hopefully I'll get it right this year. And appreciate the chance to be with you and to welcome my wife. And I have five sons, as you know, five daughters-in law, 16 grandkids. The most important thing in my life is to make sure their future is bright and that America is always known as the hope of the Earth. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

REP. RON PAUL (R), TEXAS: I am Congressman Ron Paul. I've been elected to the Congress 12 times from Texas. Before I went into the Congress, I delivered babies for a living and delivered 4,000 babies. Now I would like to be known and defend the title that I am the champion of liberty and I defend the Constitution. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: Governor?

FORMER GOV. TIM PAWLENTY (R), MINNESOTA: Good evening, I'm Tim Pawlenty. I'm a husband. My wife, Mary, and I have been married for 23 years. I'm the father of two beautiful daughters, Anna and Mara. I'm a neighbor. And I'm running for president of the United States because I love America, but like you, I'm concerned about its future. I've got the experience and the leadership and the results to lead it to a better place.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: Mr. Cain?

HERMAN CAIN, GODFATHER PIZZA CEO: Hello, I'm Herman Cain. I am not a politician. I am a problem-solver with over 40 years of business and executive experience, father of two, grandfather of three, and I'm here tonight because it's not about us. It's about those grandkids. Happy to be here in New Hampshire.

(APPLAUSE)

KING: All right.

Our thanks to the candidates. You'll get to know them better as the night goes on. Our rules are pretty straightforward. Each candidate will be given one minute to answer our leadoff questions. At my discretion, I may ask other candidates to weigh in on each topic. Now, candidates would get about 30 seconds to answer those follow-up questions. I say about 30 seconds, because we're on the honor system tonight, no bells, no whistles. You won't see any flashing lights up here.

If they're running over time, I'll try to gently remind them it's time to move on. And we're hoping some of the answers will be as short -- maybe a sentence, maybe even just one word. We can hope, right?

We've also asked the candidates to answer the questions that they're asked, rather than the question they might have wished to be asked.

That's enough -- uh-huh -- that's enough for me tonight. Let's get straight to the people of New Hampshire. Now, our first question comes from a voter up in Plymouth. Also there is the New Hampshire Union Leader's Tom Fahey. Tom?

(APPLAUSE)

JOHN FAHEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER: Thank you, John.

I'm here with Mr. Marquez-Sterling. He is a retired professor from Plymouth State University, and he's got a question about jobs. FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: CNN Observations :: Home:

Michele Bachmann: I'm Running for President VIDEO

Michele Bachmann announces on June 13, 2011 that she is running for President of The United States of America.

Manchester, N.H. – Minnesota Congresswoman, and conservative leader, Michele Bachmann announced today she has filed the official paperwork to run for President of the United States. Rep. Bachmann made the announcement during the first major 2012 Republican Presidential Debate in New Hampshire at Saint Anselm College.

"Our country needs a leader who understands the hardships that people across America have been facing over the past few years, and who will do what it takes to renew the American dream. We must become a strong and proud America again, and I see clearly a better path to a brighter future," said Rep. Bachmann. "For these reasons, earlier this evening I instructed my team to file the necessary paperwork to allow me to seek the office of President of the United States."

The Bachmann for President campaign filed official candidacy paperwork Monday afternoon, and are gearing up for a campaign announcement tour in the coming weeks in Iowa. With the filing, Rep. Bachmann suspended her Congressional campaign and is no longer actively seeking re-election in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District.

TEXT CREDIT: facebook.com/teambachmann

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: teambachmann

Michele Bachmann at Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference VIDEO

Michele Bachmann at Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference VIDEO

Michele Bachmann spoke at the second annual Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference on June 3, 2011.

Faith & Freedom Conference and Strategy Briefing at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel. The Conference and Strategy Briefing has quickly become a top destination for conservative activists who want to learn how to beat the Left!

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: RepublicHeritage

TEXT CREDIT: 2011 Conference and Strategy Briefing | Faith and Freedom Coalition

Michele Bachmann on 2012 Race Good Morning America 05/31/11 VIDEO

Michele Bachmann on 2012 Race: Palin Showdown? Tea party star talks to George Stephanopoulos about the 2012 primary race. 5/31/2011. VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: Good Morning America

Michele Bachmann Responds to President Obama’s blame Israel first. Policy

Washington, May 19 - Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) released the following response after President Obama’s speech today on his Middle East policy, which included a dramatic shift away from support of Israel: “Today President Barack Obama has again indicated that his policy towards Israel is to blame Israel first. In a shocking display of betrayal towards our ally, President Obama is now calling on Israel to give up yet more land and return to its 1967 borders.

If there is anything that has been proven, the policy of land-for-peace has meant that Israel has continually had to give away increasing amounts of its land and decrease its size. In exchange, it still has not known security. President Obama wants to further this policy by putting Israel in a very vulnerable position with borders that would be extremely difficult to defend.

“I am calling on President Obama to reverse course and clearly renounce the position which he spelled out today. This is an insult to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the day before the Prime Minister is scheduled to come to the United States. President Obama’s remarks are clearly in opposition to the position that Israel has taken in regards to its own borders. These remarks do not reflect the will of the constituents in my district, nor do I believe that they represent the will of the majority of the American people.

“America has stood with Israel since President Harry Truman recognized Israel a mere 11 minutes after Israel became a state in 1948. But during his tenure as President of the United States, President Obama has initiated a policy which shows contempt for Israel’s concern and safety. In an era dubbed the ‘Arab Spring’ we have seen increased volatility in the Middle East region, and President Obama has only added to the heightened hostility by calling on Israel to return to the 1967 borders. I disagree with President Obama and I stand with our friend Israel 100 percent. I am saddened and disappointed deeply by President Obama’s statement.” ###

Contact: Doug Sachtleben 202-225-2331

TEXT CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Proudly Serving the 6th District of Minnesota Washington Office 103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

Michele Bachmann Nuclear Power Remains Vital VIDEO

Rep. Bachmann joined David Asman and Liz Claman on Bulls and Bears on Fox Business today. She spoke about why the situation in Japan can be a learning opportunity for the U.S. Our nation should not do away with nuclear power, but rather we can put greater safety measures into place and new responses into place because of what happened in Japan. Bachmann also discussed her "no" vote on the continuing resolution, due to the fact the CR did not included language to defund ObamaCare

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: RepMicheleBachmann

Michele Bachmann Tea Party Express.Response 01/25/11 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Michele Bachmann Tea Party Express.Response 01/25/11 "For two years President Obama made promises... He claimed that he would find solutions to fix our economy and help create jobs. "Well, here are a few suggestions: "The President could stop the EPA from imposing a job-destroying cap-and-trade system. "The President could agree with House Republicans and commit himself to signing a Balanced Budget Amendment.

"The President could also agree to an all-of-the-above energy policy [4] whereby we increase American energy production, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, reduce the price of gas at the pump, and create good-paying jobs in the U.S.

"The President could turn back some of the 132 regulations put in place in the last two years that each have an impact of $100-million or more on our economy."

"Thanks to all of you, there's reason to hope that real spending cuts are coming. Last November many of you went to the polls and voted out big-spending politicians and you put in their place men and women who have come to Washington with a commitment to follow the Constitution and cut the size of government. And I believe that we are in the early days of a history-making turn here in the House of Representatives.

"Last week we voted to repeal ObamaCare, and each day going forward, we must work hard to dismantle the massive government expansion that has happened over the past two years."

Transcript: Bachmann's response to State of the Union FULL TEXT

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, 6th District of Minnesota Washington Office 103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

VIDEO CREDIT: PBSNewsHour

Michele Bachmann Calls on Dayton to Change Course Away from ObamaCare

St. Paul, MN, Jan 24 - Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) joined her state legislative colleagues today at the Minnesota State Capitol to urge Governor Mark Dayton to work on bipartisan healthcare solutions rather take Minnesota down the job-destroying road of ObamaCare.

State legislators present with Bachmann were Senator Warren Limmer (SD-32), Senator Ted Lillie (SD-56), Senator Gretchen Hoffman (SD-10), Representative Bruce Anderson (19A) and Representative Bob Dettmer (52A).

Excerpt of Bachmann’s remarks prepared for delivery:

“All across the country we’re seeing that ObamaCare is driving up healthcare costs. Insurance premiums are rising. Bureaucrats are starting a process that will expand the list of minimum benefits insurance companies must offer. That will raise the price of health insurance and take away consumer choice.

“Serious steps are being taken to stop this job-destroying legislation that will cause healthcare costs to rise exponentially. Yet here in Minnesota, Governor Dayton is unyielding in his desire to fully commit our state to it.

“We are here this morning to call on the Governor to change course.

“If Governor Dayton truly believes that cutting spending and shrinking the size of government are complex issues, then how can he not at least withdraw his Executive Order [that will expand medical assistance, ensnare the state in ObamaCare, and cost Minnesotans millions of dollars], sit down with these lawmakers, and work on the kind of bipartisan healthcare solutions that will not add to our state’s $6 billion deficit.”

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Proudly Serving the 6th District of Minnesota. # Washington Office 107 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475.

Michele Bachmann introduced H.R. 87, to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill

POSTS TAGGED: Michele Bachmann

Washington, Jan 6 - Upon being sworn in for her third term in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) introduced new legislation, H.R. 87 Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) H.R.87, to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill, one of the most far-reaching legislative items of the previous Congress. Congresswoman Bachmann released the following statement about the repeal legislation: “I’m pleased to offer a full repeal of the job-killing Dodd-Frank financial regulatory bill.

Dodd-Frank grossly expanded the federal government beyond its jurisdictional boundaries. It gave Washington bureaucrats the power to interpret and enforce the legislation with little oversight.

“Dodd-Frank also failed to address the taxpayer-funded liabilities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Real financial regulatory reform must deal with these lenders who were a leading cause of our economic recession. True reform must also end the bailout mindset that was perpetuated by the last Congress. I am proud to work towards repeal of Dodd-Frank because Congress must protect the taxpayers, instead of handing out favors to Wall Street.”

Bachmann’s legislation has been endorsed by the Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity. Original cosponsors include Chairman Darrell Issa (CA-49) of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Representative Todd Akin (MO-2), Representative Tom McClintock (CA-4) and Representative Bill Posey (FL-15). ###

Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) H.R.87

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, 6th District of Minnesota Washington Office 103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

Face The Nation Michele Bachmann, Mike Kelly, Debbie Wasserman, Anthony Weiner FULL VIDEO and TEXT TRANSCRIPT 01/02/11

Harry Smith spoke with Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), and Rep. elect Mike Kelly (R-PA) on how, with a shift in power, will congress set aside disagreements and work together to solve such issues as deficit reduction, job creation, and turning the economy around.

January 2, 2011 FULL TEXT Transcript:

GUESTS: REPRESENTATIVE MICHELE BACHMANN R-Minnesota, REPRESENTATIVE DARRELL ISSA R-California, REPRESENTATIVE DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ D-Florida, REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY WEINER D-New York, REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT MIKE KELLY R-Pennsylvania, MODERATOR PANELIST: Mr. Harry Smith CBS News.

This is a rush transcript provided for the information and convenience of the press. Accuracy is not guaranteed. In case of doubt, please check with FACE THE NATION - CBS NEWS (202) 457-4481

HARRY SMITH: Today on FACE THE NATION, power shift. The new Congress, more Republicans, fewer Democrats and the President says he’s ready.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: I’m willing to work with anyone of either party who’s got a good idea and the commitment to see it through.

HARRY SMITH: So who will hold sway? What influence will the Tea Party have on the Republicans? And for Democrats will they be united against Republican rule, or can the two sides work together. We’ll talk with House Democrats Debbie Wasserman Shultz of Florida and Anthony Weiner of New York, along with Republican Tea Party caucus leader Michele Bachman of Minnesota plus Tea Party-backed Representative-elect Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. Then we’ll hear from Congressman Darrell Issa, the new chairman of the House committee, in charge of government investigation, about his plans. But first, what’s ahead for the new Congress on FACE THE NATION.

ANNOUNCER: FACE THE NATION with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer. And now from Washington, substituting for Bob Schieffer, Harry Smith.

HARRY SMITH: Happy New Year, everybody. Thank you all, panel, here in New-- in Washington for joining us and Michele Bachmann joins us this morning from Minneapolis. Well, the 112th Congress set to convene on Wednesday, but I want to go back a little bit and talk about the last workings of the 111th with you, Michele, and in particular that the year ended with this deal on taxes and an extension of unemployment benefits. Would that deal have been made with a Congress that’s about to take convene on Wednesday?

REPRESENTATIVE MICHELE BACHMANN (R-Minnesota): Well, that’s a good question. There was a diversity of opinion on this bill. I voted against it because I was concerned about it not being paid for. It also blows a one-hundred-eleven-billion-dollar hole in the Social Security trust fund. There is no money in that trust fund, so they have to go to the General Treasury where there’s also no money. That means an additional borrowing for that one hundred eleven billion, in addition to the fifty-seven billion for unemployment. So we’re-- we’re continuing to go down the road that we’ve gone down before which is spending money that we don’t have. And that’s really, I think, one of the strongest messages that we took away from the election in November. Stop spending money that you don’t have.

HARRY SMITH: Is the Republican Party in this new Congress, is it a House divided?

REPRESENTATIVE MICHELE BACHMANN: No. I really don’t think it is. I think, we’re very-- I think we’re-- we’re fairly unified, but of course, you know, we-- we won’t all necessarily be agreeing on everything. But I think you see a fairly-- fairly cohesive group that we-- we have a sing-- singularity of purpose and that we want to be able to get the budget in order. I think that’s really job number one, because we want to see the-- the economy shift so that we have a focus on private job creation. FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: cbsnews.com/

© 2011, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. PLEASE CREDIT ANY QUOTES OR EXCERPTS FROM THIS CBS TELEVISION PROGRAM TO "CBS NEWS' FACE THE NATION."

Michele Bachmann seeking the position of House Republican Conference Chair

Bachmann Seeks Conference Chair Support from Colleagues. Washington, Nov 8 - Last week Congresswoman Michele Bachmann announced she is seeking the position of House Republican Conference Chair. Below is the “Dear Colleague” letter she sent to fellow Republican representatives.

November 3, 2010

Dear Republican Colleague,

Yesterday Americans exercised their right at the ballot box and with their voice entrusted the future of the House of Representatives to the Republican Party. With our majority designation we must now pursue a limited government by lowering taxes, ending the bailouts, and decreasing the debt. We are at a pivotal point in our nation’s history and the American people want to know their elected officials are working towards results. Faced with Democratic control of the Senate and the White House, proclaiming our party’s message effectively will be imperative. If the American people know they have a voice in Washington then our message must resonate from coast to coast.

I write you today to ask for your support as I announce my candidacy for Republican Conference Chair. In this important position, I pledge to you to listen to your concerns and to the needs of your district so together we can deliver a unified message with an organized strategy.

My goal will be to build on the excellent work Chairman Mike Pence has accomplished. As we witnessed yesterday, during his chairmanship Mike equipped our Conference with the tools necessary to effectively communicate our message.

Last night’s victory was an historic election which was fueled by the heartfelt concerns of the American people over whether our great experiment in liberty will survive. Our majority votes were garnered from disillusioned Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, and remarkably, from people with no particular political affiliation at all.

During this election cycle and across the nation the American people have asked, “Will the new Republican majority reflect our values as they assume their position of leadership?" This is a critical question our Conference needs to answer.

Over the past four years, I have fought continually (and at some cost) for the principals of constitutional conservatism. I have successfully communicated this message in Washington and to the people we serve across America. In part, I have been highly targeted because I have been willing to challenge the Obama/Pelosi liberal establishment.

To our Conference I bring strong principled conservative values, a proven level of experience, effectiveness with our friends in the local and national media, and an energetic national constituency that reflects the results of Tuesday night. It is important that our Conference demonstrate to the people who sent us here that their concerns will be tirelessly advanced at the table of leadership.

With your support I assure you Conference will listen to the concerns of the American people, the same people that gave us this historic majority.

Your friend in the cause of liberty,

Michele

P.S. I often think the greatest test comes when our party is in the majority. We must prove that we are up to the task and will see our agenda through.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Proudly Serving the 6th District of Minnesota. # Washington Office 107 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475.

Michele Bachmann The Need for Tax Cuts VIDEO

Michele Bachmann The Need for Tax Cuts VIDEO

Rep. Bachmann discusses compromise in the new Congress and one item Republicans will not compromise on -- tax cuts. She promotes tax cuts for all and explains why they will be good for job creation and our nation's economy.

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: RepMicheleBachmann

Michele Bachmann Outlines Goals of Tea Party Caucus VIDEO

Rep. Bachmann was interviewed by Bill Hemmer on America's Newsroom regarding the creation of the House Tea Party Caucus.

Latest Members of the Tea Party Caucus

Washington, Jul 21 - Here is a list of those Members of Congress who have officially joined the Tea Party Caucus: (Updated at 5:45pm ET on 7/21/10 - 35 Members Total)

Todd Akin (MO-2)
Rodney Alexander (LA-5)
Michele Bachmann (MN-6)
Joe Barton (TX-6)
Roscoe Bartlett (MD-6)
Gus Bilirakis (FL-9)
Rob Bishop (UT-1)
Michael Burgess (TX-26)
Paul Broun (GA-10)
Dan Burton (IN-5)
John Carter (TX-31)
John Culberson (TX-7)
John Fleming (LA-4)
Trent Franks (AZ-2)
Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
Louie Gohmert (TX-1)
Tom Graves (GA-9)
Pete Hoekstra (MI-2)
Walter Jones (NC-3)
Steve King (IA-5)
Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
Cynthia Lummis (WY)
Tom McClintock (CA-4)
Gary Miller (CA-42)
Jerry Moran (KS-1)
Randy Neugebauer (TX-19)
Mike Pence (IN-6)
Tom Price (GA-6)
Denny Rehberg (MT)
Pete Sessions (TX-32)
Adrian Smith (NE-3)
Lamar Smith (TX-21)
Cliff Stearns (FL-6)
Todd Tiahrt (KS-4)
Joe Wilson (SC-2)

VIDEO CREDIT: RepMicheleBachmann

TEXT CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann # Washington Office 107 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

Michele Bachmann Says the Democrat Health Care Bill is Far From Settled VIDEO

All Americans should have access to quality, affordable health care. Sadly, there are more than 42 million Americans without health care coverage. Many of these individuals find health insurance to be unattainable, unavailable, and unaffordable. With health care costs rising and unemployment escalating, it is more important than ever to address the issue of the uninsured.

Policies that will increase competition and individual choice in the healthcare marketplace are essential to achieving greater efficiency and affordability for everyone. My bipartisan legislation, H.R. 502, the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act, would make medical expenses, including health care premiums, 100% tax-deductible for all individuals. Under current law, health insurance is tax-free for those who receive it through their employers. My bill would give this same tax benefit to people who buy their own health insurance or pay for medical care “out-of-pocket.” This would give all Americans the freedom to purchase the health plan of their choice, to pick their preferred doctors and to make their own medical decisions.

Additionally, I support the expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) which currently allow Americans to save a limited amount of money for medical expenses tax-free. I also advocate the creation of Association Health Plans (AHPs), which would allow small businesses to band together through trade associations to purchase health insurance for their employees at a lower cost. Finally, the flood of frivolous lawsuits in our nation must be addressed to curb the rising cost of health care. Frivolous lawsuits impose extremely high costs on physicians, causing doctors to abandon certain areas of practice or even leave certain regions, making health care less accessible.

As your representative, I will continue to fight for competitive reforms designed to lower costs, increase accessibility and improve our country’s overall health care system.

TEXT CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanStudyComm

Michele Bachmann Reacts to Obama's Speech on Afghanistan VIDEO

Washington, D.C., - U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann released the the following statement after President Obama delivered an address in which he called for a new strategy involving 30,000 additional U.S. forces in Afghanistan:

"After several long months of deliberation, I'm pleased that the President has not turned his back on Afghanistan. As the President has said, the war in Afghanistan is a war of necessity. However, I sincerely hope that the President is truly committed to victory. While it’s important to acknowledge that U.S. forces will not be in Afghanistan forever, we must not have a concrete time line for withdrawal as it will ultimately hurt our effort and energize our enemies.

"Clearly, it’s in the vital interests of the United States to defeat the Taliban, destroy Al Qaeda, and establish a free, sovereign Afghanistan that can govern and look after its own people. Anything less and we’re guaranteeing almost certain instability and chaos in the region. But going forward, we must be in it to win it because if we engage in this effort halfheartedly, then the war is already lost."

Contact: Dave Dziok 202-225-2331

The Dollar is in Serious Trouble Michele Bachmann VIDEO

"The agenda of spend now, someone else will pay later pursued by this President and his Democrat allies in Congress is not only handing record high debts and deficits to our children. It is also handing them a legacy of a weakened dollar. But, the majority here in Washington seems entirely unmotivated to do anything about it." Published: 10/8/2009

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. 6th District of Minnesota:

Bachmann Applauds IRS’ Decision to Sever Ties with ACORN and Urges Further Action

Representative Michele Bachmann

U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-06), a former federal tax attorney, today praised the IRS’ decision to sever ties with ACORN and its involvement in the volunteer tax assistance program:

“I applaud the IRS for dropping ACORN from participation in the volunteer tax assistance program,” said Bachmann. “ACORN has proven time and time again that it is either unable or unwilling to ensure that it operates with high ethical standards. The IRS’ action yesterday is one step in the right direction, but there is more that the IRS should do. There is ample evidence of ACORN’s abuse of the public trust and the IRS should determine if it should continue to enjoy the privilege of tax-exemption.”

On September 11, 2009, Bachmann sent a letter to the IRS requesting that it immediately revoke ACORN’s current tax exempt status. A copy of the letter is below:

September 11, 2009

The Honorable Douglas Shulman
Commissioner
Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20224

Dear Commissioner Shulman,

This week, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), an organization that has received more than $53 million in direct federal funding since 1994, once again made unsavory headlines.

On Wednesday, FBI and state authorities charged 11 ACORN employees with voter registration fraud in Miami, Florida. In this case, of 1,400 registration cards collected by these employees, 888 were found to be falsified. A day later, two Baltimore-based ACORN workers were caught on camera giving advice to a couple, whom they believed were opening a brothel, on avoiding taxes, seeking HUD grants, and setting up a prostitution ring as a legitimate business. Today, yet another video surfaced showing two more ACORN employees assisting this couple under the same premise in Washington, D.C.

Unfortunately, the past week brought to light further evidence that ACORN either cannot or will not enforce even the most basic standards of ethical behavior amongst its employees. This is not something that should be new and surprising to anyone who has seen the plethora of headlines about criminal investigations, indictments, and consent decrees in more than a dozen states.

For instance, just four months ago, Nevada authorities filed criminal charges against ACORN and two former employees for voter registration fraud. Authorities alleged that ACORN had policies requiring employees in Las Vegas to sign up 20 new voters per day or be fired, a violation of state quota laws. In January 2009, a voter registration worker for ACORN in East St. Louis was indicted on two counts of voter fraud for submitting forged cards for residents at nursing homes without their knowledge. In October 2008, reports emerged that a Philadelphia man was charged with forgery, allegedly altering 18 voter registration applications. That same month, an ACORN worker in Washington State was convicted of helping to register nearly 2,000 voters who did not exist.

Despite ACORN’s pleas that this is just a few bad apples, it’s clear that the problems exist on a systemic level. In fact, Nevada’s Democrat attorney general, Catherine Cortez Masto, said earlier this year that ACORN’s own training manuals “clearly detail, condone and require illegal acts.” The new videos that surfaced this week provide a clear glimpse into the behind-the-scenes activities occurring in ACORN offices across our nation.

So long as this dark cloud of suspicion is hanging over ACORN, this organization should no longer enjoy the privilege of tax-exempt status. Evidence that it has abused taxpayer dollars continues to mount and the IRS should strip this organization and its affiliates from its current tax-exempt status immediately. And, if this is not action that the IRS intends to take, I respectfully request a response from you as to the reasons that the IRS deems such actions to be unwarranted.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your prompt reply. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Director, Jessica Perry, at 202-225-2331 should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Michele Bachmann, Member of Congress ###