Republican Leadership Press Conference April 21, 2010 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

MP3 download for PODCAST

Participants:
- Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)
- Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA)
- Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence
(R-IN)
- Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL)
- Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
- Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Conference Chairman Mike Pence

Good morning, all. We just completed the meeting of the House Republican Conference. The American people are tired of runaway federal spending, borrowing and bailouts. The legislation being considered by the Senate, which passed the House, is nothing but a permanent bailout and House Republicans are determined to oppose it. Last week, some Democrats said there wasn’t a permanent bailout in this bill. Other Democrats, by the end of the week, said there was a permanent bailout fund in the bill. This may be one of those instances where the left hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.

The truth is, the American people are not deceived here. They see that what’s being passed under the cloak of financial services reform is nothing more than making permanent the Wall Street bailouts that passed, some year and a half ago, in the form of the TARP. House Republicans are determined to bring about financial services reform that begins with ending the era of bailouts through bankruptcy code reform and others, and protecting consumers without putting taxpayers on a permanent hook for financial institutions who act in a financially irresponsible way.

Republican Whip Eric Cantor

Good morning. America is at a crossroads and the people across this country realize that decisions that are being made by this majority in Congress, as well as in the administration, are taking us down a path at that cross roads to an America we don’t recognize.

The transformational change that this majority and administration have been about have manifested themselves in bills such as the stimulus bill, the health care bill, the proposed cap and trade bill, and now what we see yet another bill – the reg reform bill. What all these bills have in common is this notion that somehow we need to expand Washington’s reach and at the same time, engage in rhetoric and discussion that aims to tear down the wage creators from trying to help the wage earners. It just doesn’t make sense.

The president is going to Wall Street tomorrow and I know all of us are going to be listening to hear if he’s actually going to try and address problems rather than affect an ideological agenda of transformational change. I personally want to hear the president speak about doing something about Fannie and Freddie and the systemic risk that they cause. We’ve heard nothing about it and all of us know they’ve had a lot to do with why we’re in the shape that we’re in, from an economic standpoint, in the first place. So, I’d say to the president, ‘Instead of engaging in hyperbole about Wall Street, and the typical populist rhetoric that we’ve been about, let’s start trying to focus on the problems and fix them.

Rep. Cynthia Lummis

It is main street banks all over this country that are providing the credit to get America going again, to get small businesses hiring and entrepreneurs back in business, yet this bill focuses on Wall Street. This bill focuses on bailouts. This bill is a job killer.

Rep. Spencer Bachus

There are three things in the bill that are different. There are a lot of things that are alike. We both address derivatives, more transparency, we all close gaps in the regulation. But the three differences are this: the first difference is they have a command and control regime, just like in health care, just like in cap and trade. They would make decisions for the American people and for businesses that those people make for themselves. The government would manage what traditionally in this country the family, or the business, or the individual would manage.

The second big difference: they would continue to manage the permanent bailout authority long after the American people have rejected bailouts. They’re arguing among themselves as Mr. Pence said. Do we have a before-the-fact bailout fund or an after-the-fact bailout fund, or no bailout fund at all? But the one thing they do, they give the FDIC a trillion dollar authority to bailout creditors and counterparties just like they did in AIG.

The third difference, a very important difference that even Democratic economists across the nation said you have to have in the bill, you have to reform Fannie and Freddie. You have to have a resolution of that. If you don’t, you’ll have another $127 billion or $300 billion bailout of them. They have an unlimited line of credit drawn on the American people. Thank you.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito

To end the perpetual bailout and ‘too big to fail’ part of this regulatory reform bill, we as Republicans had very substantial ideas about an enhanced bankruptcy. Let’s separate the taxpayer from the institutions that have engaged in risky behavior, that are putting people’s retirement plans across this country at risk. And let’s put them, if they are beginning to fail or if they are failing, they should go into bankruptcy like every other institution in this country, or every other corporation who has serious financial problems. We had an enhanced bankruptcy, we think it makes sense, not only from a government standpoint, but on main street. It makes good sense because it creates that separation between the taxpayer. It ends too big to fail. It ends the bailout mentality that the Democrats are perpetuating in this bill.

Republican Leader John Boehner

The American people continue to ask the question, ‘where are the jobs?’ All they see out of Washington is this job-killing agenda by the Democrats here that is only making matters worse for American families and small businesses – and this bailout bill is no exception. It will bail out Wall Street at the expense of small banks and small businesses all over the country. The President says that he wants to clean up Wall Street, but when you look at this bill, what he actually does is protect them from ever having a financial problem. Because there is, in fact, a permanent bailout fund here.

Even if they take the $50 billion fund out of the Senate bill, when you look at the authority given to the FDIC and the Treasury, they’ve got the ability to go in and bailout anybody they deem in need of it, or anyone who’s systemically at risk.

But this idea of institutionalizing ‘too big to fail’ will in fact hurt all kinds of businesses around the country. Because as an investor, if you look at one of these big firms that can’t possibly go out of business because they are ‘too big to fail,’ why not invest there? It’s going to be the safest investment in the world and it’s going to have an implicit government guarantee, just like Fannie and Freddie again. This is a bad bill and Republicans are going to stand with the American people, who are standing on their tip-toes yelling, ‘stop!’

GOP.gov - The Website of Republicans in Congress

Ethics Investigation Must Answer: What Did Democratic Leaders Know? When Did They Know? What Did They Do to Protect Staff and Interns?

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the House Ethics Committee’s decision to start a formal investigation regarding how allegations against former Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) were handled by Members of Congress and staff outside his office, including top House Democratic Leaders:

“The American people have the right to expect their elected leaders to adhere to the highest possible standards of ethical conduct. Members of Congress, especially Leaders, have clear responsibilities when it comes to protecting Congressional employees and interns from harassment and abuse. I hope this investigation will establish, in a timely fashion, whether the Democratic leadership lived up to those standards in the case involving Congressman Massa and his employees.

“News reports indicate that Congressman Massa’s pattern of troubling behavior continued long after Democratic Leaders first became aware of his conduct. Speaker Pelosi’s staff has acknowledged they knew about problems in Mr. Massa’s office back in the fall of 2009, and House Majority Leader Hoyer’s office was contacted at least several days before the allegations were publicly known.

“We need answers to serious questions: what did Democratic Leaders know about former Rep. Massa’s conduct? When did they know? What did they do to protect the staff and interns who were being subjected to harassment by their boss?”

Washington, Apr 21 - Office of the House Republican Leader H-204 The Capitol || Washington, DC 20515 || p. (202) 225-4000 || f. (202) 225-5117|| Click here to email the Republican Leader

Sen. Burr Introduces Bill to Increase Employment of Military Spouses

Tax incentive encourages greater opportunity for employers, employees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the Military Spouse Employment Act, legislation that will encourage employers to hire qualified military spouses by expanding the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military families.

“Military spouses are among our nation’s most valuable assets,” Senator Burr said. “These men and women are already sacrificing for our country, and we can’t let the hard facts of military life like relocations get in the way of their career and financial support for their families. By encouraging employers to hire military spouses, this tax incentive results in big returns with just a small investment.”

The Senator introduced this bill in light of recent studies that show that military spouses traditionally earn less income and have higher unemployment rates than their civilian counterparts due to frequent relocations. Using the WOTC would allow an employer to claim a tax credit of 40% of the first $6,000 in wages paid during the worker's first year of employment.

This legislation has the support of the Military Coalition, an alliance representing 5.5 million members in 35 organizations including AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Officers Association of America. Representative John Carter (R-TX) introduced the House version of the bill (H.R. 4764) in March 2010.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Introduction of Legislation to Support Student Civil Rights

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the introduction of SB 955, legislation authored by Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) that would provide local school districts the flexibility to ensure that all California students have access to the high-quality teachers and education they deserve. The Governor also announced his support for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)/Public Council lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) teacher layoff practices that are disproportionally hurting low-income and minority schools; a problem this legislation would help solve.

“It is unacceptable that school districts cannot determine their staffing based on the needs of students, and that is exactly why I am introducing this legislation and supporting the ACLU lawsuit. SB 955 will help ensure that classrooms are filled with effective teachers by giving school districts the flexibility to make staffing decisions based on ability, not just seniority,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I call on the legislators, both Democrat and Republican, to join me in standing up for the civil rights of all California students by supporting this important legislation.”

Decades of research shows that teacher effectiveness is the single most important school-based factor determining student achievement. However, current state law does not provide the flexibility to local school districts to consider anything but seniority in determining teacher layoffs. The effectiveness and excellence of teachers, as well as the needs of schools to keep great teachers, are not allowed to be considered. SB 955 will ensure that the most effective teachers can stay in the classroom by providing significant new program flexibilities for school districts to manage their staffing and resources based on student needs including:

* Seniority Provisions: This would allow schools to layoff, assign, reassign, transfer and rehire teachers and administrators based on effectiveness and subject matter needs, without regard to seniority.
* Flexible Layoff Notification Period Provisions: This would allow schools until the end of the school year to notify teachers of potential layoffs, meaning schools can wait to make staffing decisions until their budgets are finalized – avoiding unfair disruptions to students, teachers and families.
* Streamlined Dismissal Process Provisions: This would allow districts to limit the Commission on Professional Competence (CPC) to only an Administrative Law Judge, and eliminate the binding authority of the current CPC, giving Local Education Agency governing boards final decision-making authority on teacher dismissals. Specifically, this proposal would:
o Eliminate the current prohibition on presentation of evidence to the CPC related to matters that occurred more than four years prior to the filing of the notice of teacher dismissal.
o Eliminate the requirement that teachers placed on administrative leave be paid until formally charged.
* Personnel Management Flexibility Provisions: This would allow schools to offer substitute service to teachers on the basis of subject matter needs, without regard to seniority, and eliminate provisions requiring schools to pay substitutes the former rate paid to them when they were permanently employed.

Governor Schwarzenegger has made improving California’s education system a top priority of his Administration. Most recently, on January 7, 2010, he signed historic education reform legislation to empower parents to have a true voice in making choices for their children, embrace accountability and to transform under-performing schools. To read more about the Governor’s education reform proposals, click here for PDF.

The Governor discussed his support for the ACLU/Public Council lawsuit at Edwin Markham Middle School in Watts. The school serves higher than average percentages of low-income students, students of color and English learners, and has been traditionally plagued by high levels of teacher turnover. Last year, Markham gave layoff notices to half of its teaching staff as a result of current state law that only considers seniority in determining teacher layoffs. This year, Markham expects to layoff even more educators – further harming students access to quality education.

04/20/2010 GAAS:240:10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKeon, Turner & Armed Services Committee Republicans Draw Attention to New Report on Iran’s Military

Washington, D.C.—U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), Armed Forces Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Turner (R-Ohio), and Republican members on the committee today called attention to elements included in and certain information excluded from the Department of Defense’s Military Power Report on Iran. The report, which was mandated in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, is designed to provide Congress and the Administration with an assessment of the Iranian regime’s current and future military strategy.

Rep. McKeon: “The Pentagon’s new report confirms Iran’s efforts to support and cultivate terrorist surrogates throughout the Middle East to attack American citizens and interests. The rogue regime has re-armed Hezbollah and provides the terrorist group hundreds of millions of dollars a year. The assessment also makes it perfectly clear that Iran has gone to great lengths to protect and hide its nuclear infrastructure. Nearly as troubling, Iran is developing anti-access, aerial-denial capabilities with its investments in mobile coastal defense cruise missiles, rockets launchers, coastal artillery and ballistic missiles.”

“Unfortunately, the report failed to include information that is critical to truly assessing Iran’s military capability and future intentions. The Department of Defense failed to provide adequate information on the funding provided to each branch of Iran’s military, the Revolutionary Guards-Quds Force or the country’s special operations forces. Additionally, the report lacked specific information about Iran’s regional strategy and military doctrine—and failed to provide a sufficient assessment of Iran’s conventional or unconventional capabilities.”

“In addition to my concerns about what is not included in the report, I’m bothered by the Administration’s attempts to downplay Iran’s militant ideology in the report. I question the Department’s assessment that the goal of the Iranian strategy is ‘the survival of the regime’ and its ‘ideological goals have taken a back seat to pragmatic considerations.’ This flies in the face of the regime’s efforts to export the Ayatollah’s radical religious vision beyond Iran’s borders.”

Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio): “Despite the Administration’s insistence last September that the long-range missile threat was slower to develop, the Administration’s own report confirms that Iran could develop and test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. by 2015. Therefore, I remain gravely concerned that Administration’s Phased Adaptive Approach is not designed to protect our homeland until 2020. I will look to include specific initiatives in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011to address Iran’s development of missile capabilities and to ensure the U.S. homeland and our Allies are adequately protected before the threat develops.”

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.): “The report released yesterday highlighting Iran’s ability to reach the United States with a long range ballistic missile confirms what we already know – that Iran will stop at nothing to demonstrate its military capability. Whether it is funding insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hezbollah in Lebanon, or Hamas in Gaza, or continuing to develop nuclear capabilities, Iran has been and continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism and a threat to the entire civilized world. And yet, this Administration continues to believe that diplomacy is the answer. Now, based on reports from Secretary Gates, we are in a situation in which we are unprepared to deal with their military advances. It seems clear to me that the time for diplomacy is over. We need to enforce sanctions that have teeth such as prohibiting refined petroleum from being imported into the country.”

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.): “Recently released information on Iran’s military is a stark reminder of the military and nuclear realities in the region. The Department of Defense’s report confirms many concerns including Iran’s efforts to hide nuclear infrastructure, their support of terrorist surrogates, and the terrifying investment in a missile that could hit the United States by 2015. Now is the time for the Administration and Congress to put forward an effective strategy to deal with Iran. Additionally, it is imperative that we work vigilantly with our allies and partners around the world to ensure any measures dissuade Iran from continuing to go down this dangerous road.”

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.): "I am deeply concerned that the DOD's Military Power Report on Iran leaves conspicuously absent several key factors, including the radical ideology that motivates Iran's leaders and its military, which should impact the United States' response to the increasingly belligerent and aggressive Iranian regime. Ignoring key facts about Iran's conventional and unconventional military strategy could have disastrous implications for our foreign policy toward Iran, the world's greatest state sponsor of terrorism and, I believe, the greatest threat to freedom and security we face today. The last remaining window we have to keep Iran from becoming a nuclear power and transferring that knowledge to terrorists all over the world is rapidly closing. I urge the Administration to adopt every possible sense of urgency when addressing the Iranian threat."

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.): “The Iranian regime has done nothing to prove itself as anything but a threat to the United States and our allies in the Middle East and Europe. The Administration is doing a disservice to our military by failing to produce a candid report on the military strength of the Iranian regime,” said Congressman Bill Shuster. “I am particularly concerned that the Administration’s report omits significant information about their development and deployment of active denial systems that could defeat our inventory of short and long range missile systems. This is critical information that will have a important impact on the security posture of our interests in the Persian Gulf and that of our allies. This omission must be corrected.”

Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.): “The report confirms what most intelligent observers of world events already know: Iran poses an increasing threat to regional and global stability. The report offers substantive analysis of Iran’s attempt to protect and hide its nuclear infrastructure, its growing ballistic missile force, and its continued efforts to export radicalism and terrorism abroad. However, it fails to offer a comprehensive strategy to deal with that imminent threat. We cannot continue to deal with Iran’s growing threat on the fly. We must develop a long term approach on how we will stop Iran from threatening global peace and assist Iranian dissidents in their desire for regime change.”

Rep. John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.): “While I’m glad the Pentagon undertook this assessment, I personally didn’t need a report to confirm that the Iranian threat is real and credible. Bottom line is Iran and its extremist regime pose a significant danger to the United States and our allies, particularly Israel. I can only hope that the Democratic majority doesn’t shortchange the Department of Defense again this year on key investments in ballistic missile defense, which are essential to countering the growing threat of a nuclear armed Iran. President Obama and his national security team should heed this warning and get serious about Iran.”

Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.): “We need more specific intelligence about Iran’s true military capabilities. We cannot underestimate, as this report does, the militant ideology of Iran’s leaders or their desire to do us harm.”

McKeon and Turner indicated that they will look to include specific initiatives in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to force the Administration to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy to deal with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military build-up. The House Armed Services Committee is expected to consider the annual defense policy bill in May. ###

Press Release: April 20, 2010

Israel’s Independence Day a Reason to Celebrate

Washington, Apr 20 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement as the Israeli people celebrate their Independence Day.

“Israel’s Independence Day is an occasion to celebrate for every American who values our strong alliance with the leading democracy in the Middle East,” said Chairman Price. “The Israeli people’s journey to preserve their independence as a Jewish state has been and remains a difficult one. Unfortunately, the chill placed on U.S.-Israeli relations by the Obama administration makes that journey even more challenging. Along with a strong majority of the United States Congress, I remain steadfastly committed to ensuring the mutual security of our two nations.

“The American people have no greater friend or ally than Israel. That Israel has received such a cool reception by this current administration while the tyrannical Iranian regime gets ever closer to possessing a nuclear weapon is reckless and irresponsible. The obvious pursuit by Ahmadinejad and company poses a clear threat to the United States, to Israel, and to stability in the region. I call on President Obama on this special day of recognition for Israel to embrace the freedom loving people of Israel and correct the wayward international course of his administration.” ###

Congressman Tom Price is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4.20.2010

America’s Commitment To Israel Must Not Waver

Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, made the following statement as the nation of Israel began its annual Independence Day celebration:

"Sixty-two years ago the state of Israel declared its independence. Today, as Israelis celebrate their Independence Day, I congratulate our most cherished ally for prevailing against long odds.

"Israel lives under the threatening shadow of a neighbor that has vowed to ‘wipe Israel off the map.' But, despite trials and travails throughout its history, Israel remains a beacon of democracy in the Middle East.

"Israel's Independence Day should also serve as a reminder of America's commitment to preserve and protect Israel. The United States stands firm as Israel's closest friend.

"In recent days the White House has given a cold shoulder to Israel. This should not be. It is the responsibility of President Obama and the Congress to ensure that our commitment to Israel does not waver, and that we focus on imposing crippling sanctions against Iran to halt its growing threat against our friend." ###

For Additional Information Contact Matt Lloyd or Mary Vought at (202) 226-9000 or matt.lloyd@mail.house.gov

Ros-Lehtinen: Shouldn’t Human Rights Reports Focus on Human Rights Abusers?

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the release of the 2009 Annual Report of the Organization of American States’ (OAS) Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which reviews the status of human rights in nations of the Western Hemisphere. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“The most surprising aspect of this human rights report was not the mention of violations of human rights and civil liberties by the Cuban and Venezuelan regimes.

“Instead, what was startling was the OAS’s inexplicable and deeply alarming decision to present Colombia and Honduras – both free democracies with a strong commitment to human rights – as worse than the Cuban tyranny and the Chavez dictatorship.

“Shouldn’t human rights reports focus on real human rights abusers?

“By smearing Colombia and Honduras while minimizing the actions of real abusers in Cuba and Venezuela, the OAS is continuing its biased assault against true democracies in the region and moving further away from its mission and founding charter.

“When will the OAS wake up and stand up for the democratic principles upon which the organization was founded? When will it call a tyranny a tyranny and a democracy a democracy? When will it stand on the side of the people of the region, rather than with their oppressors?

“This report proves once again that it falls to the U.S. and other responsible nations to stand up for freedom and democracy in the Hemisphere. The OAS is derelict in its duties.” ######

House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. House of Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican

For Immediate Release April 19, 2010 Contact: Brad Goehner, (202) 226-8467 Alex Cruz, (202) 225-8200

The Toxic VAT - The Senate votes against the tax, 85-13.

“Bipartisanship has broken out in the Senate, not that the media bothered to notice. Last week John McCain introduced a resolution stating that ‘It is the sense of the Senate that the Value Added Tax is a massive tax increase that will cripple families on fixed income and only further push back America's economic recovery.’ The resolution passed 85 to 13.”

The Wall Street Journal – Opinion The Toxic VAT

Press Releases: United States Senator John McCain Press Office April 20, 2010 United States Senate, 241 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20510, Main: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862

Ways and Means Republicans Seek Documents from UnitedHealth Group as Part of Congressional Oversight Investigation

Washington D.C- Ways and Means Republicans today sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group (United) inquiring as to its financial relationship with AARP in regard to the marketing of Medicare Medigap and Medicare Advantage policies. United-AARP insurance plans cover more Medicare beneficiaries than any other insurer, and in 2008 AARP received $652,701,000 from insurance companies with 63 percent ($411,201,630) coming from United. The letter was signed by Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI), Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Wally Herger (R-CA), and Reps. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) and Dave Reichert (R-WA).

In the letter, the Members requested details of the United-AARP financial relationship in the interest of taxpayers who fund the Medicare program and the millions of seniors who rely on Medicare Advantage and Medigap policies. While AARP has previously denied informal requests for documents on this topic, the Republicans noted that United has a long history of turning over contractual and proprietary information similar to what has been requested in order for Congress to fulfill oversight duties.

CAMP: “I urge United to comply with our Congressional investigation so we may conduct the necessary oversight to ensure taxpayers and seniors are being served well. There are hundreds of millions of dollars at stake and the well being of not only the Medicare program but the nation’s seniors who rely on it for medical care.”

HERGER: “The special-interest deals that helped grease the passage of the recent health care legislation served as a reminder that we need far more transparency in Washington. Our goal here is simple - to take an honest look at the relationship between AARP and the health insurance industry and ensure that AARP is acting as an appropriate advocate for seniors.”

BROWN-WAITE: “It is very apparent to me that AARP is more concerned about their bottom line than the well being of their membership. I represent more Medicare recipients than any Member of Congress—these questions need to be asked and it’s my responsibility to ask them.”

REICHERT: “Seniors deserve a straight answer from United and AARP on their financial relationship. Is there a financial benefit to AARP as the government takes over health care in America? They owe an answer to seniors: those losing their benefits and those paying more in additional fees and taxes. There’s a lot at stake for America’s seniors and their future health care benefits. I urge United and AARP to be transparent and honest in this inquiry.” ###

Press Releases Monday, April 19, 2010 Jim Billimoria or Sage Eastman (202) 226-4774

Sen. Inhofe Confident Cap-and-Trade National Energy Tax Won't Pass

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is confident that the new effort to pass a national cap-and-trade energy tax will not pass the Senate this year.

"I know we can beat it," Inhofe told Fox News' Stuart Varney. "This is another cap-and-trade. We went through the McCain-Lieberman bill of '03, the McCain-Lieberman of '05, the Warner-Lieberman of '08, the Waxman bill... I can assure you, I don't think they have more than 25 votes on the Democrats' side, and if you throw Lindsey Graham in there that would be 26 votes."

As reported on HUMAN EVENTS Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have been working in secret for months to construct another run at the national energy tax.

Lieberman sparked uproar when he said recently that Reid would manage bill without a formal introduction to sidestep the committee process.

"That doesn't sound like the regular order to me," Agriculture Committee Chair Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) quipped. "We'll certainly weigh in. And I think where there's an opportunity, whether it's to have hearings or to have a say, we'll do it."

"I'd be surprised if it bypassed Finance," Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee chaired by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.).

Democrats who've been basing their careers on the "green" anthropogenic global warming scam are not going to let this major piece of legislation move quietly -- without grabbing some of the glory in their own committees of jurisdiction.

The date for the unveiling of the new cap and trade national energy tax is April 26. Congressional Quarterly reports "Aides said the date for the bill's release should be solid, because celebrities are expected to attend the event." Ahem.

Inhofe also remarked on plans for Obamacare in a Senate run by Republicans.

"I know the Tea Party people because I've talked to several of their large groups," Inhofe said. "They don't want to pass the largest tax increase in the history of America, they've already had to swallow this government run health care which we'll become a majority and we'll reverse that and turn that thing around. ###

U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works :: Minority Page By Connie Hair Posted: 04/19/2010 ET Posted by Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov

Former President Clinton - “I Worry About More Careless Language…Against The Republican Governor In New Jersey, Governor Christie.” VIDEO

ABC 'This Week' Transcript: Former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton: And the only point I tried to make was that we ought to have a lot of political dissent -- a lot of political argument. Nobody is right all the time. But we also have to take responsibility for the possible consequences of what we say. And we shouldn't demonize the government or its public employees or its elected officials. We can disagree with them. We can harshly criticize them.

But when we turn them into an object of demonization, you know, you -- you increase the number of threats.

But I worry about these threats against the president and the Congress. And I worry about more careless language even against -- some of which we've seen against the Republican governor in New Jersey, Governor Christie. ###

View entire text transcript of "This Week" with Former President Bill Clinton

For Immediate Release: Date: Monday, April 19, 2010. Contact: Michael Drewniak 609-777-2600

FTC On Dodd Bill: “Fewer ‘Cops On The Beat’”

“The Federal Trade Commission (‘FTC’ Or ‘Commission’) Writes To Express Its Strong And Unanimous Concerns With Certain Provisions In The ‘Restoring American Financial Stability Act Of 2010,’ which was recently reported by the Senate Banking Committee (‘Senate bill’).” (Federal Trade Commission, Letter To Sen. Hutchison, 4/16/10)

FTC: “We Fear That The Overall Result Could Be Less Protection For Consumers, And Fewer ‘Cops On The Beat.’” “As this complex measure is currently drafted, however, it could inadvertently restrict the ability of the FTC – an independent, bipartisan agency – to work with a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (‘Bureau’) to stop unfair and deceptive practices that prey on consumers of financial products and services. Moreover, as drafted, the Senate bill could even inhibit the FTC’s authority with respect to nonfinancial products and services. In light of this, we fear that the overall result could be less protection for consumers, and fewer ‘cops on the beat.’” (Federal Trade Commission, Letter To Sen. Hutchison, 4/16/10) ###

SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Tea Party Express Endorses Sharron Angle For U.S. Senate Nevada VIDEO

The Tea Party Express (website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org) is proud to announce its endorsement of former State Assemblywoman Sharron Angle in her campaign for U.S. Senate in the seat currently held by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Angle, a four-term Assemblywoman, is the author of Nevada's Property Tax Reform Initiative, and lost a nail-biter race for Congress in 2006 (losing by less than 1/2%). She has attended 16 tea parties, and raised $1 million in her race for Senate.

"Sharron Angle is a hero for conservatives and the tea party movement. There is no candidate who can match her record of principled conservatism. At a time when politicians of both parties have betrayed the people's trust, Sharron Angle is a rare gem," said Bryan Shroyer, Political Director for the Tea Party Express.

"Her impeccable record in office is consistent with the values of the tea party movement, and her conservative activism since leaving office has earned her the respect and admiration of Nevada Republicans. There is no better candidate for Senate than Angle," said Shroyer.

"Most importantly, Sharron Angle is the strongest candidate to defeat Harry Reid. She offers the clearest contrast to Reid's tax-spend-bailout policies. She does not succumb to the whims of the political establishment or lobbyist, and she is not a creature of the back rooom deal, unlike Harry Reid," Shroyer concluded.

More information on Sharron Angle's campaign can be found online at: http://www.SharronAngle.com/

Governor Mitt Romney Endorses Marco Rubio For U.S. Senate

Miami, FL – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney today announced his endorsement of Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.

“From his humble beginnings as the son of working-class Cuban exiles, Marco Rubio’s meteoric rise – first to Florida Speaker of the House, and now to a candidate for the U.S. Senate – is the embodiment of the American Dream. While I respect Governor Crist, Marco Rubio’s proven record of conservative, principled, and idea-driven leadership is what Florida needs now. Marco Rubio will be a reliable spokesman against the Washington culture of higher spending, higher taxes and higher debt. I am delighted to endorse his campaign and look forward to the contributions he will make in the U.S. Senate,” said Governor Romney.

Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC also announced that it is making a maximum $5,000 primary election contribution to Rubio’s campaign.

Welcoming Romney’s support, Rubio said, “Throughout his career, Governor Romney has taken on monumental challenges and delivered results that have saved companies, created jobs, inspired pride in the U.S. Olympic movement, and brought conservative reform to Massachusetts. At this time of grave economic and national security threats, Governor Romney’s is an important voice speaking with clarity about the dangers of the Obama agenda, while leading the conversation about what it will take to ensure America remains strong, secure and prosperous. I am honored to have Governor Romney’s support as we continue rallying Floridians behind our limited government movement.”

MEDIA ADVISORY: On Monday, Governor Mitt Romney To Campaign With Marco Rubio In Tampa

Miami, FL – This Monday, April 19, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will visit Tampa to campaign with U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio. The following event is free and open to the public, and is open to the media:

Monday, April 19, 2010

11:30 a.m. EDT Governor Romney to campaign with Marco Rubio. Dr. Blaise F. Alfano Conference and Banquet Center 11606 McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612

Note: A mult box and riser will be available.

House Whip Eric Cantor Republican Weekly Address 04/17/10 VIDEO PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT

House Whip Eric Cantor Republican Weekly Address 04/17/10 VIDEO PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Download MP3 for PODCAST “Hello. I’m House Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I have the great privilege of representing the hardworking people of Virginia’s 7th District.

“This week, Americans from coast to coast sent their tax payments to Washington. Your government continues to spend more and more, and that means your taxes are more and more. This has to stop – and you can help stop it.

“The challenges and situations faced by families, small business people, and young workers have no doubt made this tax day particularly painful. But as painful as it was, the truth is that the actions taken by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Obama Administration are going to make the ‘tax days’ of the future much much worse.

“President Obama has signed 25 tax increases passed by the Democratically controlled Congress into law that will cost families and small business people more than $670 billion over the next 10 years. Many of these break the President’s campaign promise not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000 a year. In the House, Speaker Pelosi and her majority have passed legislation that would result in more than a trillion – that’s with a T – dollars in net tax increases.

“But tax increases are the symptom. Runaway spending is Washington’s disease.

“The Democrats control every lever of power in Washington and they’ve never met a tax they didn’t like or found a dollar they couldn’t spend. Their economic plan? You pay, they spend, your children owe. You deserve better.

“Speaking of your children, the deficits left in the wake of President Obama's agenda now stand at $1.5 trillion and will add $11 trillion to our national debt over the next 10 years. One non-partisan study reveals that to keep up with this spending, the government would have to find about half a trillion dollars each year in new revenue. That means that the tax rates on families earning slightly more than $200,000 would skyrocket to well over 70 percent.

“That’s right, 70 PERCENT!

“Democrats have already made clear that more tax increases on income, capital gains and dividends are on the way. Some, including the President himself, refer to this as letting the “Bush tax cuts” expire. But no matter how he spins it, it means you’ll be paying more and more. At the end of this year, Americans will face the ‘Obama tax increase,’ and it will be the largest in history. As if that wasn’t enough, others, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Economic Advisor Paul Volcker support a European-style value-added tax (VAT).

“Higher taxes, reckless deficits, unsustainable debt and a bleak future for our kids and grandkids. We must not leave our children a country more in debt and worse off than we found it. It is our moral obligation to act now to put a stop to this.

“America is at a critical point of decision making. We are a nation at a crossroads. It is up to each of us to determine what kind of country we want to be.

“Down one path is the Democrats’ a trillion dollar health care overhaul, a stimulus law that failed to meet expectations for job creation, the taxpayer funded bailouts of private companies, and a cap-and-trade policy that will impose a massive energy tax upon all Americans. All are costly policies that seize more control over the economy and of our lives. The goal? To remake America in the image of Europe.

“But take hope. Down the other path is responsible, adult leadership, focused firmly on job creation and economic opportunity. We believe in a Congress that will once again listen to the people and return America to the country they know and love. We believe in a limited but effective government that provides a safety net for those who need it most, but sets no limits on opportunity or achievement. We believe that it’s not enough just to talk about ending government waste. You have to take action so that we can begin to erase our deficits and free our children from our debt. And rather than putting the squeeze on our nation’s job creators and entrepreneurs, we believe in a pro-growth strategy to create jobs and empower the American entrepreneur and small business people to thrive.

“This is our choice.

“I’m Eric Cantor, and on behalf of my Republican colleagues, please know that we hear your concerns and we’ll work hard to get Washington working for you once again. Thank you.”

Boehner Statement on SEC Charges Against Goldman Sachs, President Obama’s Top Wall Street Ally

GOP Leader: “Despite President Obama’s rhetoric, his permanent bailout bill gives Goldman Sachs and other big Wall Street banks a permanent, taxpayer-funded safety net by designating them ‘too big to fail.’

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the U.S. Securities & Exchanges Commission (SEC) announced it was charging Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs – which has been supportive of President Obama’s bill to create a permanent bailout fund – with defrauding investors:

“These are very serious charges against a key supporter of President Obama’s bill to create a permanent Wall Street bailout fund. Despite President Obama’s rhetoric, his permanent bailout bill gives Goldman Sachs and other big Wall Street banks a permanent, taxpayer-funded safety net by designating them ‘too big to fail.’ Just whose side is President Obama on?

“Instead of permanent bailouts for President Obama’s Wall Street allies, Republicans believe the best way to protect taxpayers is by reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that sparked the meltdown by giving high-risk loans to people who couldn’t afford it.”

NOTE: Goldman Sachs was President Obama’s top Wall Street contributor during the 2008 election cycle, donating nearly $1 million to his campaign.

Washington, Apr 16

GOP Doctors Caucus Launches Official Website

GOP Doctors Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) and Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) today announced the launch of the group’s official website to promote solutions that lower costs and improve access to quality healthcare in the United States.

“As physicians, the 14 Members of the GOP Doctors caucus know firsthand what needs to be done to save our nations’ health care system, which starts by repealing and replacing Obamacare,” said Congressman Gingrey. “Our new website offers the opportunity for concerned citizens across the country to learn what the doctors in Congress are doing to protect their rights as patients. We hope it serves as a one-stop-shop for Republican ideas on healthcare reform in Congress, and we will continue to work to advance health care solutions that are in the best interests of patients and doctors across the country.”

“Members of the Doctors Caucus offer a unique perspective having diagnosed and treated patients,” said Congressman Murphy. “We know what works and what does not work in our country’s healthcare system. With more than 300 years of combined experience, Caucus members offer reforms based on personal experiences at private practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Such reforms include: how to eliminate the $800 billion to $1 trillion wasted each year in the healthcare system, the use of information technology to improve patient safety, and ways to eliminate healthcare acquired infections. The new website provides a central resource for the public and other members of Congress to learn about these and other ideas, as the Caucus continues to push for meaningful reforms.”

The site can be accessed at: doctorscaucus.gingrey.house.gov/ or doctorscaucus.murphy.house.gov/.

With a total of 14 members, the GOP Doctors Caucus works to develop patient-centered, patient-driven healthcare reforms focused on quality, access, affordability, portability and choice in healthcare. Each caucus member has worked as a medical professional before coming to Congress, and utilizes their experience to help reform and strengthen the health care system in the United States.

The GOP Doctors Caucus includes the following Representatives: John Boozman, Charles Boustany, Michael Burgess, Paul Broun, Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Phil Gingrey, Parker Griffith, John Linder, Tim Murphy, Ron Paul, Tom Price, Phil Roe, and Mike Simpson.

Contact: Meredith Griffanti 202.225.2931

Day of Prayer Not Unconstitutional

Washington, Apr 16 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in response to a federal judge’s decision finding the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional.

“This decision is outrageous and unbelievable. What a great demonstration of how badly we need federal judges who respect the meaning of the Constitution,” said Chairman Price. “The National Day of Prayer does not establish religion or force anyone to engage in prayer. It is simply a reminder of the importance that prayer has played in the lives of Americans and in the foundation of our principles. Americans have observed days of prayer going back to the time of the Founders, and service was routinely held in the Capitol. The National Day of Prayer is fully in keeping with the Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. I call on President Obama and the Department of Justice to actively, visibly, and aggressively appeal this ruling.” ###

Congressman Tom Price is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4.16.2010

Mike Pence Denounces Judge’s “National Day of Prayer” Ruling

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement today following a federal judge’s ruling in Wisconsin that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional:

It’s a sad day when a lone federal judge issues oppressive restrictions on free speech and acts to banish this important day from our national calendar. This ruling ignores established legal precedent and underscores just how important it is that the next nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court has a commitment to a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual recognition of the fact that prayer played a vital role in our nation’s founding and that the American people should continue to pray for our nation, its leaders and its people. It is an example of our Constitution’s protection of religious expression, and I call on the Department of Justice to immediately appeal this flawed ruling.

Background:

Congressman Pence joined 30 of his House colleagues, including Rep. Randy Forbes, Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, on an amicus brief that sought to dismiss the lawsuit. ###

Contact Matt Lloyd or Mary Vought at (202) 226-9000 or matt.lloyd@mail.house.gov

NRSC Launches New Web Video: 'Happy Tax Day' VIDEO

As Americans mark Tax Day, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched a new Web ad highlighting the wasteful spending projects that will lead to even higher taxes thanks to the Democrats’ out-of-control spending agenda in Washington.

At a time when Americans are struggling to make ends meet and suffering from record unemployment, the new NRSC Web ad notes that Democrats continue to fund their unpopular and deeply flawed tax-and-spend agenda at the expense of hard-working taxpayers.

VIDEO CREDIT:TheNRSC

TEXT CREDIT: National Republican Senatorial Committee

Tim Griffin "Our Duty' Radio Ad VIDEO

GriffinCongress, April 15, 2010 Listen to "Our Duty," the new radio advertisement from the Tim Griffin For Congress campaign.

Tim Griffin Announces First Quarter Fundraising Total

$183,765 raised, $404,363 cash on hand. LITTLE ROCK - Second District Congressional candidate, U.S. Army Reservist and former U.S. Attorney Tim Griffin today announced his campaign raised $183,765.41 for the first quarter of 2010.

Griffin’s first quarter fundraising pushes the total raised since the start of his campaign to $575,527.99.

“Our fundraising success is thanks to hundreds of Arkansans who want their elected officials - and the Congress - to work for them, not against them,” Griffin said. “I am humbled by the generosity of Arkansans who support our campaign to elect a common sense conservative in the Second District and a new conservative majority to replace Nancy Pelosi as speaker.

“Our campaign is growing daily, and we continue to build momentum,” Griffin added. “I will continue to discuss the issues important to the people of Central Arkansas: private sector job creation, controlling runaway spending and the debt, and making government a smaller part of our lives."

To date, Griffin’s campaign has received 1,340 contributions. Of that total, 953 (71.1%) have come from individuals in Arkansas.

He enters the run up to the May 18 Republican Primary with $404,363.31 cash on hand.

About Tim Griffin: Tim Griffin is the principal in the Griffin Law Firm, PLLC and in Griffin Public Affairs, LLC, both based in Little Rock. He is a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway and Tulane Law School in New Orleans and attended graduate school at Oxford University. He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years, was deployed to Iraq and holds the rank of Major. He also served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; and Special Assistant to President George W. Bush in the White House. He is a 5th generation Arkansan and lives in Little Rock with his wife Elizabeth and their two children.

For more information, visit www.TimGriffinforCongress.com, stop by our Little Rock campaign headquarters at 300 River Market Avenue, Suite 5, or call (501) 353-0899. Griffin supporters can also follow the campaign on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GriffinCongress and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TimGriffinforCongress. ###

April 15th, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kenneth Ryan James, (501) 766-2079 press@timgriffinforcongress.com>

Conservative Rick Scott Wants to Take Florida in a New Direction VIDEO

“Together We Can Turn Florida Around”

NAPLES, FLORIDA --- Political outsider and conservative businessman Rick Scott
shook up the Florida political establishment today when he declared his candidacy for
governor. In the face of record-high unemployment, 40% of all Florida mortgages being
underwater, and the first population decrease in decades, Scott vowed to use his proven skills as a successful businessman to lead the state in a new, conservative direction and into a prosperous future.

“The professional politicians have failed us at every level. Forty percent of Florida
homeowners are underwater on their mortgages, unemployment is at record highs
and our state budget is a mess. Worse, there is no plan being offered to bring
about economic growth,” said Scott. “It’s time to fight back and hold our
government accountable. Together, we can turn Florida around!”

“I am running to give Floridians a clear choice between a set of Tallahassee
insiders who are professional politicians, or a successful businessman with a track
record of creating jobs, balancing budgets, and getting results. We can no longer
afford to elect career politicians who sit on their hands while our economy crashes
around them,” Scott added.

In early 2009, Scott launched Conservatives for Patients’ Rights, a national campaign, which successfully defeated the government-run public option health care plan proposed by President Obama and liberal Democrats in Washington. The self made entrepreneur brings years of business experience and a strong record of success to the race.

In 2001, he launched Solantic urgent care, which now has 31 locations throughout Florida and has helped 1.5 million patients, while saving them money and delivering better care. Scott also co-founded Columbia Hospital Corporation in 1987 with just two hospitals, and over the following decade the company became the largest hospital company in America and the 12th largest employer in the world.

“Florida needs a conservative who is not afraid to upset the apple cart, an outsider
who is not part of the political establishment, and a businessman who knows how
to create jobs, cut costs, balance budgets, and bring new ideas to old problems.

When I am Governor, our government will live within its means. We will balance
our budgets without Obama’s stimulus funds. We will create jobs the American
way - in the private sector. We will renew Florida’s entrepreneurial spirit and
make our state, once again, the place where everyone wants to be.”

“My first initiative to reign in government and grow the economy will be to
implement what I call Accountability Budgeting. I’ll require each state department
and agency to set annual goals for every dollar they spend. And I’ll measure their
performance against those goals and hold them accountable for their outcomes.
Forcing the bureaucrats to justify the way they spend our tax dollars and holding
them accountable will help eliminate waste, increase efficiencies and eliminate
ineffective programs.”

As Governor, Rick Scott will focus on common sense economics, but as an across-theboard conservative, he will protect our values as well as our tax dollars. Scott resides in Naples, Florida with his wife of 37 years. He has two grown daughters.

“Florida’s future is worth the fight. Our opportunities are too great, our future
too bright for the old ways of government and the failed policies of the past. That’s
why I invite you to join me in a completely different kind of campaign. Together
we can shake up Tallahassee and get Florida growing again. Let’s get to work.” -30-

TEXT CREDIT: Rick Scott, Republican, for Governor

VIDEO CREDIT: ScottForFlorida

Marco Rubio kicked off his “Take A Stand” bus tour

This morning, Marco Rubio kicked off his “Take A Stand” bus tour that will promote his message of sending someone to Washington whom we can trust to take a stand against the Obama-Reid-Pelosi agenda and offer conservative alternatives. For more information about where you can meet-up with Marco during the tour, please visit the tour schedule.

William (B.J.) Lawson Help Stop the Food Safety Modernization Act

Uploaded on February 18, 2010 by Lawson for Congress © All rights reserved.

While we've been campaigning, Washington has still been working -- but not for us. Last year, a dangerous piece of legislation was passed by our House of Representatives -- the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. Despite the reassuring title, this Orwellian legislation will weaken local food producers and suppliers and make us even more dependent on an increasingly brittle and centralized food system. Our 24 year incumbent David Price voted for his lobbyist masters, and against the interests of his constituents, by helping to pass this legislation.

Our last chance to fight this assault on our freedom to feed ourselves and increase our local food security is to head off the Senate's dangerous companion legislation, The Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510).

Please visit the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's Web site today for more information on this bill, and contact information for Senators Burr and Hagan.

Regardless of where you live, please call or write your Senators today. Let them know in no uncertain terms that this legislation must not be passed.

The CFSA does an excellent job at relating the problems with this legislation -- it was written to serve the interests of industrial agriculture, and creates onerous regulatory burdens that will put smaller local/regional producers out of business and prevent new producers from contributing to our local foodsheds.

While the CFSA asks for this legislation to be amended, I believe it must simply be stopped. We must defeat S. 510, and prevent this misguided effort to further consolidate control in the hands of the largest producers.

As your Congressman, I will work to enact agricultural reforms to empower local producers and local foodsheds by restoring a free market economy for our food.

That means ending all agricultural subsidies, ending all taxation on the production of food, and permanently eliminating the estate tax/death tax -- all of which work against the interests of our local farmers and food producers.

A free market for the production of good nutrition will empower us to do a much better job of feeding ourselves, and make a meaningful impact on our health care crisis. As Moses would have said, "Let my people grow!"

TEXT CREDIT: Lawson for Congress

George LeMieux Efforts to stop NASA from Canceling Constellation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) has launched an effort to prohibit NASA from terminating the Constellation Program, which is the follow on space program replacing the space shuttle. The amendment to the FAA Reauthorization bill introduced by LeMieux reiterates federal law prohibiting NASA from using funds in FY2010 to cancel Constellation contracts. Joining LeMieux in the effort are senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Bob Bennett (R-UT).

"NASA is ignoring the will of Congress by taking steps to terminate the Constellation program. This effort sends the clear message that there are no loopholes, exclusions, or other routes the agency can use to kill the program," said LeMieux. "The ultimate determination on the future of the space program rests with Congress, not a budget proposal submitted by the administration."

"The president's proposal to cut funding for the Constellation program would reverse nearly 50 years of U.S. space policy and would effectively end the United State's leadership role in space. His plan cannot be justified as a cost-saving measure, as some have suggested, because it simply transfers spending to other programs rather than cut spending overall," said Senator Sessions (R-AL). "A policy change of this magnitude-determining the future of U.S. manned space flight-should rest with Congress, and not be decided based solely on a budget proposal. This important amendment would block the president's effort to kill Constellation, and would clarify that NASA cannot end the program without Congress, which is accountable to the voters, affirmatively making that decision."

"It is disappointing that Congress must remind NASA to follow the requirements that I included in last year's consolidated appropriations bill, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama," said Senator Shelby (R-AL). "Changes cannot be made to the Constellation program without enacting a new law. I expect NASA to execute the plan accordingly."

Without Constellation, the United States will be reliant on Russia for any manned space missions. The amendment would also waive Anti-deficiency Act provisions cited by the Administrator as justification for setting aside funding and stalling additional work on Constellation. It also requires a study to review the contracts and prohibits any efforts to cancel contracts necessary for the support of the remaining shuttle flights. ###

Related Files:

• Nasa Amendment - NASA Amendment.pdf (479.5 KBs)

Senator Jon Kyl Republican Weekly Address 04/10/10 VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Weekly remarks by Sen. Jon Kyl, as provided by the Republican National Committee

Hello. I’m Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona.

The effects of the ongoing economic slump have been severe and have touched all Americans. Too many people have lost jobs; others are working reduced hours or for lower pay. The latest report shows that unemployment has stubbornly stayed at just below 10 percent. Nearly four million workers have lost their jobs since President Obama took office.

The American people have been telling Washington that promoting job growth must be the first priority. But, for more than a year, Congress and the President have focused instead on a controversial health spending bill which a majority of Americans said they didn’t want.

Recognizing that their $1.2 trillion stimulus has failed and in a frantic, election-year push, Democrats in Congress are labeling every bill they bring up as a ‘jobs’ bill. Most are....
... just more government spending, leading to higher deficits and more debt—and very few jobs.

Republicans have a better plan. We believe the best course is to encourage job creation by private companies. And the way to do that is to limit intrusion by Washington and to keep taxes at a manageable level. The federal government has been growing at an astonishing rate. Just last year, the government borrowed $1.4 trillion! The American economy cannot grow and create good jobs if Washington spending takes more and more resources out of the private economy.

Second, we must not raise taxes. Under current law, unless Congress acts, taxes will rise dramatically on December 31st. Taxes will increase on families with children, on married couples, on income, on capital gains and dividends, and even after death.

It comes to a total of $2 trillion in new taxes over the next 10 years. And that doesn’t include the more than $500 billion in new taxes in the health spending law.

Since most small businesses pay taxes as individuals, the increase in marginal income tax rates will hit job creators hard. Businesses are reluctant to hire because they are unsure about their future tax costs.

Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress have yet to say whether they will prevent this massive tax hike. And, they’ve even proposed new taxes like the cap-and-trade bill.

Republicans believe we need to act now, in a bipartisan way, to head off these tax increases. That would show job creators and families that it’s safe to invest and save.

So, these are two Republican ideas: First, reining in Washington spending. Second, keeping taxes at a manageable level. If we do these two things, private businesses and American families will be able to save, invest, and plan for the future. Together, we can help put Americans back to work. ####

Charles Kong Djou and his values

Charles represents the area from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai on the Honolulu City Council. Before entering the City Council, Charles served in the Hawaii State House where he was the Minority Floor Leader. Charles has spent most of his life in Hawaii. Charles graduated from Punahou School and earned both a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, graduating magna cum laude with distinction. Charles earned his law degree from the University of Southern California law school.

Charles Kong Djou family at home

Outside of the City Council, Charles serves as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Charles also practices as an attorney specializing in business law and teaches at the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law. Charles is an active member of the community. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association and is a former member of the Neighborhood Board.

Charles is a member of the Young Business Roundtable, the Rotary Club, and the Hawaii Telecommunications Association. Charles is also a member of the Hawaii Republican Party, where he previously served as Vice Chair. Charles is married to Stacey Kawasaki Djou and together they have three children. Charles' surname "Djou" is a misspelled French translation of his Chinese surname "Zhou."

Charles' Family
Charles is married to Stacey Kawasaki Djou. Born and raised in Hawaii, Stacey graduated from Kalani High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. An attorney, Stacey earned her law degree from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law. Together they raise their three children in Hawaii Kai.

Charles' Name
People often ask from where Charles' last name, Djou, comes. Charles' father was born in Shanghai, China, and raised in Hong Kong. His mother was raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Charles was raised here in Hawaii. Yet, he has this odd, French-sounding, last name.

It started in the 1920's. Charles' grandfather worked for a French engineering firm in Shanghai. His grandfather's French boss, who spoke only French and Chinese, gave him the French name "Dijou" which roughly sounds like Charles' family's Chinese name, "Zhou." In 1948, during the communist revolution in China, Charles' grandfather fled to Hong Kong, which was then a British colony. Upon his arrival, the British asked Charles' grandfather to fill out immigration papers. Rather than write down his Chinese character, Charles' grandfather wrote down "Djou" - not knowing that this was actually French or that it was misspelled. Charles' father took this name to the United States, Charles was born with it and voil�, you have a local Chinese guy with a French sounding last name.

Resume: PUBLIC SERVICE City Councilman, 2003-Present State Representative, 2000-2002
House Minority Floor Leader, 2001-2002 Assistant House Minority Whip, 2000-2001
Small Business Hawaii "Legislator of the Year," 2001 and 2003 Hawaii Republican Party, Vice Chairman, 1998-1999.

MILITARY SERVICE: US Army Reserve, 9th Regional Readiness Command

COMMUNITY SERVICE: American Lung Association of Hawaii Young Business Roundtable
Hawaii Telecommunications Association Chinese Jaycees, 1997-2001

PROFESSION: Attorney, specializing in business law Adjunct Professor, Univ. of Hawaii Law School

EDUCATION: USC Law School, JD Univ. of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, BS & BA Punahou School

PHOTO and TEXT CREDIT: Djou for Hawaii

VIDEO CREDIT: Djou4Hawaii

Tim Burns Republican Candidate for Congress VIDEO

On April 27, 2009, Tim Burns declared his candidacy for Congress for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.

Even after starting his own business, Tim never had aspirations for public office. But as a businessman, father and community volunteer, he has seen first-hand the value of hard work over handouts. In announcing his candidacy, he stated, "We need to get away from looking to the government to solve all of our problems. Instead we need to force them to solve theirs. We need to stop the bailouts and handouts, and need to balance the budget and ensure that our children will inherit a strong America, not a bankrupt one. I know how to create jobs, make a payroll, meet a budget, and stay out of debt. I am running to restore this forgotten, commonsense value to Washington."

Tim Burns was raised, educated and lives in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. He grew up in the Hornerstown section of Johnstown (Cambria County) and graduated from Johnstown High School in 1986. In 1990, Tim obtained his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana, County).

In 1992, after graduating college, Tim started his own pharmacy technology company in the basement of his house, that improved the process of filling prescription with greater accuracy and grew it to over 400 employees before selling it in 2003. Tim’s business background and work in health care technology make him uniquely qualified to help our nation increase access to quality, affordable health care without raising taxes, and bring business sense to the government.

Since selling his company in 2003, Tim has been active in economic development projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania as an advisor and entrepreneur. He has also volunteered his time helping flood victims in Sharpsburg (Allegheny County), traveling to Mississippi to provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, volunteering at a local hospice and directing a youth camp for special needs children. Tim serves on the Board of Directors for the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA).

Tim Burns’ commitment to conservative values, smaller government, lower taxes, an end to wasteful spending and restoring an ethical standard in public service, makes him the best choice to be the Republican nominee for Congress in the 12th Congressional District. Tim’s life experience growing up and attending school in the 12th Congressional District as well as being a father, entrepreneur, successful businessman and community leader, make him uniquely qualified to serve as our next Congressman.

Tim is a resident of Eighty Four, PA (Washington County) where he enjoys spending time with his two sons, Brock Christian (14) and Trent Matthew (12). He attends St. Benedict Catholic Church in Peters Twp. (Washington County).

TEXT CREDIT: Tim Burns for Congress

VIDEO CREDIT: TimBurns2010

Tom Wiens signs pledge to repeal any federal health care takeover and replace it with real reforms

WIENS SIGNS PLEDGE TO REPLACE HEALTHCARE TAKEOVER WITH REAL REFORMS

Castle Rock- US Senate candidate Tom Wiens signed a pledge sponsored by The Club For Growth today which commits him to "sponsor and support legislation to repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower costs without growing government."

The pledge covers HR3590 and any so-called "fixes," that are passed.

"Real reform in healthcare will be achieved by controlling costs," said Wiens. "The private relationship between a patient and a doctor is the key to this reform.

Uploaded on November 5, 2009 by tom.wiens. © All rights reserved.

For the federal government to intervene in that relationship under HR3590 is a broad overreach of the powers of the government. Not only is it a constitutional violation, it's an ethical violation. It destroys the basis of the relationship between doctors and patients. Insiders from Washington and Wall Street want to replace your doctor with federal insurance adjusters and 16,500 agents of the IRS. With the passage of HR3590 the Feds have taken the best medical system in the history of the world and told everyone that they can manage it better," continued Wiens. "I know they can't; the American people know they can't; they only people who are arrogant enough to believe they can manage our healthcare system better are the same Washington insiders and lobbyists who can't even manage our economy.

The federal government has a Department of Energy, yet our dependence on foreign energy continues to grow; the federal government has a Department of Education, yet we've fallen to 18th among industrial nations in education; the federal government can't even manage to make a profit for the US Post Office even though they have a monopoly on carrying letters in the US. But now Washington insiders say they can manage our healthcare system better; a system that already produces some of the best medical outcomes in the history of the world.

"Of course I will sponsor and support legislation to replace HR3590 with real reforms. It will be the first order of business I attend to.

"Real reform won't be achieved by insiders from Washington and Wall Street giving a bailout to their friends while sticking the rest of us with the bill. Real reform will be achieved by increasing portability of insurance, by increasing access to insurance through free markets, by addressing medical lawsuit reform and lowering costs. Shortly I will be releasing a healthcare plan which addresses each of these issues in a way that's meaningful to people on Main Street who provide all the jobs and pay all the taxes."

A signed copy of the pledge can be viewed here. In PDF Format.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5, 2010 Contact: Brandon Moody 303-325-2750 Email: brandon@tomwiens.com

TEXT CREDIT: Tom Wiens for U.S. Senate,

Jane Norton addresses the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver VIDEO

(ENGLEWOOD) – US Senate candidate Jane Norton this morning addressed the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver’s Builder Eye-Opener Breakfast. Her remarks focused on the current economic climate and her plan to jumpstart the recovery.

“Washington isn’t listening to people like you – the ones on the ground who know better than anyone what needs to be done to get our economy back on track,” said Norton to the group of approximately 100. “The race to recovery begins with restoring some certainty for Colorado businesses. We have to stabilize and lower interest rates, increase access to capital, ensure affordable energy, and foster a reasonable regulatory environment.

“But first and foremost, we need to cut spending. That’s why I support an immediate, 20-percent cut in discretionary spending followed by a three-year freeze. We need to get this budget balanced, and I would go so far as to support an amendment to the Constitution that requires it. We have to eliminate the wasteful spending and earmarks that have buried our nation under a mountain of debt.

“Then we need to repeal and replace ObamaCare. The President’s healthcare plan needs to be scrapped and replaced with real reform that focuses on bringing down costs.

“And finally, we have to allow businesses to create jobs. That’s why I support a timeout from the payroll tax, eliminating the death tax and capital gains tax, and reducing the corporate tax. Our nation has to overhaul its regulatory system by weighing the costs of all this red tape with its limited benefits. We need to focus on efficiency standards, sound science, and maximizing labor.

“I know the answer to economic recovery lies in getting Washington out of the way and allowing the economic engine of the free market to drive our economy back to its previous heights and beyond. And that’s exactly what I intend to do if elected to serve.” ###

TEXT CREDIT: Jane Norton for Colorado

VIDEO CREDIT: Jane Norton for CO

Democrats' Rainbows and Unicorns VIDEO

No mandatory health care, trillions of new jobs, and low-emission unicorns. President Obama is the greatest president ever. www.nrsc.org

ObamaCare: "How?" VIDEO

Rubio for Senate highlights how Crist's early support for Obama's big government agenda helped pave the way for ObamaCare.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy Republican Weekly Address 04/03/10 VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Remarks by Congressman Kevin McCarthy of California, as provided by the Republican National Committee.

Hi, I’m Congressman Kevin McCarthy. I have the great honor of representing California’s 22nd Congressional District. I also serve as the House Republican Chief Deputy Whip. I’d like to start by wishing all those families celebrating Easter and Passover a year of peace and prosperity in this holiday season.

Uploaded on January 27, 2010 by Rep. Kevin McCarthy © All rights reserved.

I need not remind you that this is a time of great economic anxiety for almost everyone. Americans are rightfully asking ‘where are the jobs?’ ‘Why is Washington raising taxes in times of recession?’ ‘Doesn’t anyone care about us?’ ‘Is anyone actually listening?’ I know what you’re thinking. Enough is enough. Stop the spending. Stop the waste. Stop the broken promises. Republicans agree. Major employers are already being squeezed because of the tax increases and cost hikes thanks to the new health care law signed by President Obama.

The new law is just the latest in a series of anti-taxpayer policies coming out of Washington that is making it harder for Americans to save, invest, and hire, but it is by no means the last.

As a former small business owner – a deli here in Bakersfield – I know that there is risk involved in turning a new idea into a successful business. There is no reward without some risk. My small business – like many small businesses – was started on credit. At this time of high unemployment, when we need to focus on jobs, we should not be expanding government spending, government commitments, and government promises that crowd out the small businessman and businesswoman. That’s not good for jobs. That’s not good for anyone.

From TARP and permanent bailouts, to the cap-and-trade national energy tax, the government takeover of healthcare, and huge increases in the national debt – and now still more demands for more spending to change the financial regulations, we have run out of money. And yet this Administration and Congressional Democrats want to spend even more.

So on behalf of the hardworking taxpayers of my district, I have one question for Washington: who is going to pay for all your new spending?

Last fall, when the controversial TARP program was on track to expire, Republicans voted to terminate the program and ensure that any unused funds were used to pay down our crushing national debt. Democrats instead forced through an extension so that they could use it as a ‘slush fund’ for more wasteful Washington spending.

Now, President Obama wants Congress to pass job-killing legislation that would guarantee permanent bailouts for Wall Street. Under his plan, unelected Washington bureaucrats would be granted virtually unlimited power to pick winners and losers – and hardworking American taxpayers would pick up the tab for the reckless decisions made by irresponsible bankers.

What’s worse, this legislation fails to address the root causes of the economic crisis and housing meltdown – the lack of accountability in Washington and on Wall Street.

Republicans have proposed a plan to protect taxpayers, end the permanent bailout and get rid of TARP. Our plan would address the causes of the financial crisis and institute accountability while adopting a new approach to the markets that will no longer include using the taxpayer as Wall Street’s financial lifeline.

Because more Washington bureaucrats, more federal agencies and more blue-ribbon commissions are not the answer. And putting taxpayers on the hook for more bailouts will not revive our struggling economy – it will only compound the pain for struggling small businesses and for families who played by the rules, lived within their means and acted responsibly.

Earlier I asked whether anyone was listening. I’m Kevin McCarthy, a member of the House Republican Conference, and we’re listening. And if you want to put an end to these big government bailouts, the reckless wasteful spending and the mountain of debt, we hope you’re listening, too. ####

Chris Dudley Says Oregon’s Economic Future Depends On Education System That Is Effective And Successful VIDEO

Today, Chris Dudley released the following statement after Oregon’s application for participation in the federal “Race to the Top” education innovation funding program was graded 7th worst among the 40 states that applied. Oregon earned 292.6 points out of a possible 500. Chris Dudley believes instituting new leadership and new ideas can help to get Oregon’s education system back on track:

“Oregon’s economic future depends on a education system that is successful and effective. Regrettably, today’s broken system and the current lack of leadership in Salem are hurting our children and Oregon’s tomorrow.

The Oregonian said, ‘Oregon’s biggest weak spot: extremely weak plans to guarantee highly effective teachers and principals.’ It is frustrating at best that the politicians in Salem refuse to take a stand, reform our system, and move Oregon forward for the future of our children and our state.

As Governor, I will ensure that we educate for our economic future by instituting plans to improve our system through stabilized K-12 funding, increased professional training for our teaches, added incentives for outstanding performance, and a reformed PERS system to curb long-term budget impacts.

We can create an education system that ranks among the best in the country but we need someone from the outside who is not afraid to take a stand and change the status quo in Salem.” Read The Full Oregonian Story Here.

VIDEO CREDIT: ChrisDudley2010

TEXT CREDIT: FRIENDS OF CHRIS DUDLEY