Mike Johanns to Oppose Diamond Nomination to Federal Reserve

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today announced his opposition to the nomination of Peter Diamond to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Johanns is a member of the Senate Banking Committee, which will vote Thursday on whether to advance Diamond's nomination to the Senator floor. "With our country spending its way into a crisis, I can no longer support a nominee so vocally in favor of more spending, more stimulus, and more quantitative easing," Johanns said.

"We must be increasingly wary of the threat of inflation, yet the Fed continues to print money with reckless abandon. Because this nominee's recent comments in support of more stimulus and quantitative easing have demonstrated such an alarming lack of concern over our spending and fiscal realities, I cannot support his nomination."

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senator Mike Johanns for the State of Nebraska: Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

IMAGE CREDIT: All rights reserved by Senator Mike Johanns

Mike Johanns commends Colleagues For Passing 1099 Repeal VIDEO

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today commended his Senate colleagues for rising above the partisan fray and pushing the 1099 repeal effort onward to the President's desk. Over the past eight months Johanns introduced 1099 repeal seven times, and today it finally passed in the Senate by a vote of 87-12.

"Today, the wrench has finally been pulled from the gears of progress," Johanns said. "I appreciate that my colleagues have seen the wisdom of avoiding further delays and getting this costly, looming paperwork burden off the backs of our job creators. We now need only a simple signature from the President and this bill will become law, saving jobs and much needed capital for our small businesses." Background: • The 1099 repeal passed today is identical to a stand-alone bill Johanns had previously introduced, and which has already passed in the House of Representatives.

Since both houses have passed identical versions, 1099 repeal will not have to go to a Conference Committee, and now only needs the President's signature to be enacted into law.

• An amendment that would have resulted in further delay of 1099 repeal was rejected.

• Johanns has introduced legislation to repeal the 1099 mandate seven times. Click here for more on his efforts, and for a list of businesses supporting full repeal of the 1099 provision.

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorMikeJohanns

TEXT CREDIT: Mike Johanns Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET.

IMAGE CREDIT: This United States Congress image is in the public domain. This may be because it is an official Congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain

Mike Johanns Applauds Florida Court Ruling On Unconstitutionality Of Health Care Bill

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today expressed support for the ruling by a U.S. District Court in Florida that the health care law enacted last year is unconstitutional. Last November, Johanns joined 31 of his colleagues in filing a legal brief challenging the law's constitutionality. "I strongly believe that Congress does not have the authority to force individuals to buy a product, as the health care law does, and that is exactly what the District Court has ruled today," Johanns said. "There is a reason we teach schoolchildren at a young age about the ideas of checks and balances and limited government.

Congress does not have unlimited power. I'm pleased to see the Court has provided a necessary check on Congressional overreach."

TEXT CREDIT: Senator Johanns Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

IMAGE CREDIT: This United States Congress image is in the public domain. This may be because it is an official Congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain

Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/31/10

Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/31/10 Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, July 31, 2010 MP4 File and WMV File

Full text transcript of Senator Johanns’ Address:

Hello, I’m Senator Mike Johanns from the great state of Nebraska.

I begin with a very sincere question for our President.

Isn’t it time, Mr. President, to tone down the rhetoric and to govern?

I’m a relatively new member of the U.S. Senate. But, I’ve had an opportunity to serve in the Cabinet; to govern a state; and to serve as the Mayor of a wonderful community.

And I learned early on that to advance an agenda, a leader needs to pull people together.

You talk about creating jobs and that sounds good, but your policies just do the opposite – with a fiercely anti-business tone.

Let’s take an honest look at the impact of your agenda.

More than 80 percent of jobs are provided by the private sector. Those are the jobs that put food on the table, pay the mortgage, and send our children to college.

Our small businesses generate 65 percent of the new jobs.

In Nebraska, we like to call them our Mom and Pop enterprises.

These are really good people who don’t want to get caught-up in a political debate.

They want to get up in the morning, head to work and find creative ways to build their businesses.

And your policies, Mr. President, are hurting them.

Let me give you an example: embedded in...

your health care law – under Section 9006 – is a job-crushing provision.

It affects every business, every church and charity; every state and local government.

It requires all of them to track their purchases and when they hit $600 with any vendor in a year – for any services or supplies – your health care law requires them to file a 10-99 form with the IRS and with that vendor.

This will create a mountain of new paperwork – increasing it by as much as 2,000 percent, according to one study.

One small business owner in Nebraska did an analysis and came to the conclusion it will cost his business an extra $15 thousand dollars a year.

Now that may not sound like much here in Washington, but to a small business in Nebraska, that would go a long way to putting another American to work.

Instead, that money will pay for paperwork… and for what purpose, Mr. President?

Even the National Taxpayer Advocate – a division of the IRS itself – predicts there will be little benefit and a mess of erroneous tax penalties.

This foolish policy hammers our business community when we should be supporting their job growth.

It’s only one example of how the Administration’s promise to support small businesses really rings hollow.

Then there’s the employer mandate in the health care law, which studies confirm will divert money from wages.

It forces employers to provide government-approved coverage or pay a tax of $2,000 per employee.

Another example: the new Medicare tax.

The majority of small businesses pay taxes at the individual level, so this new $210 billion tax will hurt; hitting businesses that employ between 20 and 200 workers especially hard.

And that’s one-quarter of our workforce.

To put it simply; your actions thus far, Mr. President, don’t encourage small businesses to hire employees.

You’re signaling to the business owners that they best be very cautious, not only because of the flurry of new taxes and regulations, but also because a national energy tax is next on your agenda.

It's time to stop pushing anti-growth policies and start supporting a real job growth agenda.

After all, what matters most is what we actually do, not what we say.

I'm Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. Thank you for your time.

VIDEO CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

TEXT CREDIT: Mike Johanns

AUDIO VIDEO CREDIT: Republican.Senate.Gov

Mike Johanns S.3593 FULL TEXT and the DeMint-Vitter Amendment

Senator Mike Johanns was one of only two Republicans to vote against the DeMint-Vitter Amendment SA 4464, George Voinovich being the other.

The senator pleads guilty with an explanation that follows;

Johanns Bill Aims To Protect Cities, States From Costly Lawsuits Over Local Immigration Laws.

Sen. Mike Johanns today introduced a bill that would make the federal government think twice before it sues states and cities over local immigration laws. The bill would require the federal government to reimburse a city, state, or municipality for any attorney fees or other court costs accrued if the Justice Department sues and the local law is upheld.

"My bill levels the playing field for states and communities that might otherwise be crushed financially by federal litigation," Johanns said. "The federal immigration lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt by the Justice Department to use its vast resources to overwhelm local governments with lawyers and litigation. The bottom line is that we're in this situation because the federal government has neglected its responsibility to secure the border."

Bill Summary & Status 111th Congress (2009 - 2010) S.3593

S.3593 - Title: A bill to require the Federal Government to pay the costs incurred by a State or local government in defending a State or local immigration law that survives a constitutional challenge by the Federal Government in Federal court.
Sponsor: Sen Johanns, Mike [NE] (introduced 7/15/2010) Cosponsors (None)

Related Bills: H.R.5774

Latest Major Action: 7/15/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Text of Legislation

S.3593 -- To require the Federal Government to pay the costs incurred by a State or local government in defending a State or local immigration law that survives a constitutional challenge by... (Introduced in Senate - IS)

S 3593 IS

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 3593

To require the Federal Government to pay the costs incurred by a State or local government in defending a State or local immigration law that survives a constitutional challenge by the Federal Government in Federal court.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 15, 2010

Mr. JOHANNS introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To require the Federal Government to pay the costs incurred by a State or local government in defending a State or local immigration law that survives a constitutional challenge by the Federal Government in Federal court.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. PAYMENT OF ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COURT COSTS RELATED TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CHALLENGE OF STATE IMMIGRATION LAW.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all attorneys' fees and associated court costs incurred by a State or unit of local government in the course of defending a constitutional challenge to a State law or a municipal ordinance regarding immigration that is brought by the Federal Government in any Federal court shall be paid by the Federal Government if the court upholds, in whole or in part, the challenged State law or municipal ordinance.

Mike Johanns Elena Kagan 'a proclivity towards judicial activism'

Mike Johanns speaks after being nominated by George W. Bush for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 2004

"a proclivity towards judicial activism" that's a nice way to say it. Johanns Opposes Kagan Supreme Court Nomination July 8, 2010 WASHINGTON Sen. Mike Johanns today made the following statement announcing his opposition to Elena Kagan to be the next Supreme Court Justice:

“After thoroughly reviewing her record and listening to remarks at her hearing, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support Ms. Kagan’s nomination. Judges must adhere to the Constitution and must not interpret the law based on an activist, ideological agenda. The court is not a place to create laws, and I am not convinced Ms. Kagan understands this fundamental premise. Her long career as a political advisor and an academic insufficiently prepares her for a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court. Not only does she lack experience on the bench, but her record clearly demonstrates a proclivity towards judicial activism.

“Her views and actions on abortion are particularly alarming. As an advisor to the Clinton administration, Ms. Kagan led the fight to keep partial-birth abortion legal. She even went so far as to insert her own personal beliefs in the place of science—extremely disturbing given the horrific nature of partial-birth abortion.

“Ms. Kagan also has a troubling record as Dean of Harvard Law School. I'm disturbed by her decision to actively defy federal law by banning military recruiters from campus during a time of war. Furthermore, I'm concerned about her views on the second amendment. The right to bear arms is a Constitutional right that I take very seriously, and judges must seek to protect it.

“Finally, Ms. Kagan appears to believe the federal government’s power over the individual rights of our citizens is virtually limitless. The Supreme Court Justices must ensure any law Congress creates does not infringe on the Constitutional rights of our country's citizens, not be a rubber stamp for unconstitutional laws that threaten an individual's personal freedoms. For these reasons, I will vote against Ms. Kagan’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Background:

• When the Supreme Court struck down Nebraska's ban on partial-birth abortions in 2000, it backed up its decision with language from a purportedly non-partisan physicians' group. Yet it has been reported that the critical part of that statement was not written by doctors, but by Elena Kagan, who at the time was a White House policy adviser to President Clinton. This language essentially overrode scientific findings against partial-birth abortion in favor of Ms. Kagan's view.

o “The documents involved date from the Clinton White House. They show Miss Kagan’s willingness to manipulate medical science to fit the Democratic party’s political agenda on the hot-button issue of abortion.” (National Review Online, “Kagan’s Abortion Distortion,” 6/29/10)

• In 2003, then-Harvard Law School Dean Kagan banned military recruiters from campus because of the military’s long-standing policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In March 2006, the Supreme Court unanimously repudiated Kagan's position. (“Potential Court Pick Faced Dilemma At Harvard,” The New York Times, 5/7/10)

• Ms. Kagan worked on numerous anti-Second Amendment initiatives as a senior advisor in the Clinton Administration. At the center of an anti-gun rights Administration, she worked to advance its policy agenda. (The Washington Post, “Papers Covering Elena Kagan’s Time As Clinton Adviser Released,” 6/5/10)

o “Kagan was immersed in initiatives on gun control." (The Washington Post, “Papers Covering Elena Kagan’s Time As Clinton Adviser Released,” 6/5/10)

• During Ms. Kagan’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) asked Kagan her views on the limits of the Commerce Clause. He asked whether a federal law requiring each individual to consume three fruits and vegetables a day would be constitutionally objectionable. Ms. Kagan ducked the question and never stated whether such a law would violate liberty or privacy protections found in the Constitution. (Transcript, Elena Kagan Confirmation Hearings, 6/30/10)

o “The real question here is whether Ms. Kagan recognizes any limits on the Commerce Clause, which legislators have used as justification to regulate or mandate just about anything, and which the Obama Administration is eyeing as its golden ticket to defend ObamaCare.” (Wall Street Journal, “Kagan’s Commerce Show-and-Tell,” 7/1/10)

U.S. Senator Mike Johanns for the State of Nebraska: Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address 10/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Senator Mike Johanns Weekly Republican Address 10/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Hi, I'm Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. My Republican colleagues and I have a simple test for reforming health care: Will this legislation improve your life?

Here's what I mean: Americans face rising health care costs, and it's increasingly difficult to get access to health care. True health care reform should decrease what you're paying, and make it easier for you to receive care. That should be a no-brainer.

Yet current proposals in Congress don't accomplish this goal, and could even have the opposite effect, negatively impacting each and every one of us.

To the working mother with a disabled child who uses a Flexible Spending Account and those pre-tax dollars for treatment, medicine, and therapy for your child: this plan will end these accounts as we know them today, and result in increased out of pocket costs.

To the factory worker, who has forgone pay raises for the promise of better insurance benefits for you and your family: your health insurance will be taxed and your premiums will go up.

To the recent college graduate burdened with student loans: you'll be forced to buy health insurance the government mandates, and if you refuse, you'll be hit with a penalty.

To our seniors, who wish to receive care in the comfort of their homes: funding for hospice care and home health care services would be cut.

My state, Nebraska, stands to lose $126 million for home health services, and many of the 38 Nebraska hospices would be in danger of literally shutting their doors. Nearly $500 billion will be cut from Medicare nationwide.

The bottom line is this: we're nearing 10 percent unemployment. We have a record budget deficit, and many families are working hard just to put food on the table and to pay the bills. Yet, there's no doubt about it: these proposals will negatively impact pocketbooks and paychecks across America.

President Obama has promised open deliberations in front of C-SPAN cameras for all Americans to learn how reform will impact them. However, a 1,500 page bill, full of carve-outs and backroom deals, is currently being brokered behind closed doors.

We're about to significantly alter one-sixth of our economy—now is not the time to shut Americans out.

Reports of this deal-making are shameful. Why do Michigan, Rhode Island, Oregon and Nevada get special deals on Medicaid costs? Why do New Yorkers with Cadillac plans get a pass on paying the tax? It is shameful.

So now, as a select few deliberate over legislation that will mean higher premiums across the board; higher taxes for hard-working families; and cuts to Medicare for senior citizens; I ask: will this improve your life?

Republicans are in favor of lowering costs, reforming insurance so Americans can get care when they need it, and providing assistance for those who can't afford insurance.

See, we stand ready with ideas to tackle those challenges. But hundreds of pages filled with backroom deals, higher insurance premiums, higher taxes, and cuts to Medicare are not the answer.

I am Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska. Thank you for your time. ###