David Vitter Comments on Obama Administration’s New Revised Moratorium

Comments on Obama Administration’s New Revised Moratorium (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today made the following comments regarding the Obama administration’s announcement that it will issue a new revised offshore drilling moratorium.

“Even after a federal appeals court rejected the government's previous efforts to ban drilling off our coast, the Obama administration is still pushing for a moratorium that could devastate Louisiana’s economy,” said Vitter. “A more prudent course than this across the board moratorium is to conduct increased rig inspections with tougher safety regulations. Instead the president continues to push this moratorium, which only wreaks havoc on Louisiana jobs at a time when our economy is already suffering,” said Vitter.

TEXT CREDIT: Senator David Vitter Washington, D.C. Office 516 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Main: (202) 224-4623 Fax: (202) 228-5061

IMAGE CREDIT: SenatorVitter

Rick Lazio: Andrew Cuomo has a history of stonewalling release of his tax returns What's Missing? VIDEO

Statement: Rick Lazio to Cuomo on Releasing Tax Returns: "Name The Time & Place"
Lazio notes Cuomo has stonewalled the release of personal tax returns in the past

New York, NY - Andrew Cuomo has a well-documented history of stonewalling the release of his personal tax returns. In recent weeks, while not willing to release his own returns, Cuomo and his surrogates have asked for copies of Rick Lazio’s returns. From numerous press accounts of Cuomo’s stonewalling the release of his returns in the past filing for extensions and having staff members “brief” reporters on the contents of his returns (without releasing the actual return), Cuomo is throwing political stones from his glass house.

For the good of transparency of our government officials and a clean election process, Rick Lazio issued the following challenge to Andrew Cuomo and his running mate Robert Duffy today:

"Among the many things wrong with Albany, is a lack of transparency. Having been promised more transparency in Washington by Barak Obama, we have been let down time and again; and the same is true of the Albany crowd."

"Andrew, for the good of this election process let us together, along with our respective running mates publicly disclose our federal and state income tax returns for the past ten years to the public and members of the media, at the same time and the same place. While I suggest a location that is convenient for the members of our press corps here in New York, I will even let you pick the time and place."

"As many New Yorkers know, I have spent the past ten years working in the private sector, paying the ever increasing taxes the Albany crowd have levied on the citizens of this state. I have earned honest wages and paid my taxes. Along with my running mate, Greg Edwards, we have nothing to hide from the citizens of this state and we feel you should not either, so please join us in this effort to instill trust amongst the citizens of this state. The people of New York await your prompt response."

TEXT CREDIT: Lazio 2010, P.O. Box 4818 New York, NY 10185 Main Phone: 212-944-5800

VIDEO CREDIT: ricklaziotv

Newt Gingrich Carly Fiorina upsets Barbara Boxer VIDEO

Carly Fiorina Confidently Surges, Backed by Business Figures & Job-Creators.

In California, Republican Carly Fiorina’s momentum is bringing the Senate race to a “pivotal moment,” as Barbara Boxer slips even further in the polls. ABC-7 San Francisco reports: … Republican Carly Fiorina is within 3 percentage points of Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer… More voters now hold an unfavorable view of Boxer at 52 percent…

While the Mercury News reports on Fiorina’s fast-growing her support among business figures and job-creators: Republican Senate nominee and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina on Friday announced a group of 100 business figures backing her campaign to unseat Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in November…

TEXT CREDIT: Carly for California Contact and Resource Information 915 L Street, Suite C-378 Sacramento, CA 95814 (877) 664-6676 contact@carlyforca.com

VIDEO CREDIT: CarlyforCalifornia

John Boozman Beat Blanche Lincoln Sign the Petition

Senator Lincoln has ignored Arkansas's voice and continually sided with the Obama-Pelosi-Reid Big Government agenda. Do you want to restore your voice to the U.S. Senate? If so, then I have something you can do: Please sign John Boozman's "Beat Blanche Lincoln" petition today and then share it with your friends.

Our goal is to identify voters by county that are committed to voting against Senator Lincoln and then ask them to recruit their friends. We've set an initial goal of 10,000 signatures.

Will you sign John Boozman petition today? And then ask your friends and family to do so as well? Working together we can restore Arkansas's voice in the US Senate!

TEXT CREDIT: John Boozman for US Senate: 11300 Financial Centre Parkway Suite 1200 Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 227-0062 | info@boozman.com

Marco Rubio Charlie Crist’A Political Move VIDEO

Rubio For Senate Releases New Web Video: “A Political Move”

Miami, FL – With Floridians calling Charlie Crist’s “photo-op” special session a blatant political move meant more to protect the governor’s political career than our beaches, the Rubio for Senate campaign today released a new web video entitled, “A Political Move.” Across the state, Crist’s Washington-style political gimmick is leading to questions about the governor’s motives because ultimately his amendment will do nothing to help Panhandle businesses, keep oil off our beaches or prevent future oil spills.

TEXT CREDIT: Marco Rubio for US Senate Rubio for Senate 2030 South Douglas Road Suite 105 Coral Gables, FL 33134 (786) 953-6711

VIDEO CREDIT: MarcoRubio

Terry Branstad Exactly Right TEXT VIDEO

(URBANDALE) – The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign today launched its newest ad, “Exactly Right.”

The ad, which will run statewide on network and cable, can be seen here:

Branstad 2010 campaign manager Jeff Boeyink released the following statement:

“While the Culver campaign is trying to mislead and misdirect Iowans about Terry Branstad’s outstanding record of achievement, Governor Culver cannot hide from results of his failed leadership. Nowhere is that failed leadership more evident than in regards to the plight of Iowa’s unemployed and his inability to articulate a plan to stimulate Iowa’s economy and create new jobs.

“Governor Branstad took office at one of the most challenging times in our state’s history, facing an unemployment rate of 8.6%. Working with Iowans, Governor Branstad led Iowa out of that dark place, helped create nearly 300,000 jobs for Iowans, and left our state with an unemployment rate that was the lowest in the state’s history at that time.

“With news this week of another major Iowa employer laying off 1,000 hard working Iowans, it is time to bring back Terry Branstad’s proven ability and effective leadership to help grow the economy and create new jobs for the more than 115,000 Iowans currently seeking work.”

The script of the ad is as follows: FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Chet Culver likes to say unemployment was highest in state history when Terry Branstad took office. He’s exactly right.

And by the time Terry Branstad left, unemployment was the lowest in state history and Terry helped create nearly 300,000 new jobs.

Chet Culver, under him unemployment has nearly doubled to 6.8%, the highest in 24 years and Iowa has already lost more than 30,000 jobs

Iowa on Terry Branstad, or Iowa on Chet Culver?

Any Questions? # # #

VIDEO CREDIT: GovernorBranstad2010

TEXT CREDIT: GovernorBranstad2010

Ronnie Barrett Endorses Zach Wamp for Governor VIDEO

NASHVILLE – Ronnie Barrett, well-known Tennessee gun rights advocate and the CEO of Barrett Firearms, today endorsed Zach Wamp for Governor.

Barrett started Barrett Firearms 28 years ago, and he has become a revered icon in the world of firearms manufacturing, and staunch defender of the second amendment.

“Whenever Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners needed a friend in Congress, Zach Wamp stood strong with us to protect and defend our 2nd Amendment rights, that’s why he’s always received an A rating from the National Rifle Association” said Barrett. “We need that same strong backbone and consistent support from our next Governor, and I’m convinced that Zach Wamp will be that man. I strongly encourage all Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners to support Zach Wamp for Governor.”

Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Barrett Firearms is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. Their products are used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies. The United States military adopted the Barrett .50 caliber rifle as well as more than 50 American allied countries across the world and has been an important weapon for our fighting troops.

“I am honored to have Ronnie Barrett join our campaign for Governor,” said Wamp. “Ronnie and Barrett Firearms are a true Tennessee success stories and his endorsement is more proof of our campaign’s momentum. As Governor, I will continue my long, consistent record of fighting to protect the 2nd Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens and sportsmen.”

In February, Barrett was honored by NRA Publications with the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. Ronnie is a past recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and has been recognized by both Inc. Magazine and Business Tennessee Magazine as a top entrepreneurial company. The United States Army in 2004 named the Barrett M107 as “One of the Top 10 Greatest Inventions”. The first time in history any firearm had made the list.

Ronnie has been featured on shows like 60 Minutes, Paula Zaun, Dateline, Discovery channel, History channel and Military Channel and many others. His rifles are seen in major motion pictures as well as depicted in the top rated action video games in America.

For more information about Zach Wamp and his campaign for governor, including his 20/20 Vision For an Even Better Tennessee, please visit the campaign online at www.ZachWamp.com.

VIDEO CREDIT: zachwamp2010

TEXT CREDIT: Zach Wamp for Governor P.O.Box 23748 | Chattanooga, TN 37422 Phone (423) 648-9946

President Obama Harry Reid Two Of A Kind VIDEO

You think they're not scared, look at how the left bank media is covering Sharron Angle.

President Obama is in to Las Vegas, Nevada to help rescue the reelection hopes of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. It would be difficult to find two people who have dealt more blows to Nevada’s economy than President Obama and Harry Reid. As two of the most powerful politicians in Washington, this Democratic duo has schemed and forced their liberal agenda onto the people of Nevada, leading to 14% unemployment in the state, the highest in the nation. Nevadans will surely have a lot of questions for a President and Majority Leader who have sold them out in favor of promoting their failed far-left, tax and spend policies. Unfortunately, Harry Reid’s shameless devotion to President Obama’s job-killing agenda and his thirty year record of putting Washington first will do little to assuage their economic woes.

VIDEO CREDIT: rnc

TEXT CREDIT: Republican National Committee

Mark Kirk Pledges to Fight against Lake Michigan Sewage Dumping VIDEO

Congressman disagrees with Giannoulias on re-reversing flow of Chicago River citing public health risks, unknown economic costs;

Kirk: “We should ban all sewage dumping into Lake Michigan.”

CHICAGO – Coming off the Fourth of July holiday and with the summer beach season underway, Congressman Mark Kirk today underlined his commitment to banning all sewage dumping in the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are the crown jewel of the Midwest and provide drinking water to 40 million people,” said Congressman Kirk, a co-chair of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force. “As a Senator, I will fight to protect Lake Michigan and work to ban all sewage dumping into the Great Lakes.”

Last year, Congressman Kirk joined with Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) to introduce the Great Lakes Water Protection Act (H.R. 54), which would ban sewage dumping in the lakes. Congressman Kirk also supported the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 (H.R.2093) last year, which would reauthorize the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act through 2014.

An EPA study cited by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimated that nearly 300 people could expect to contract a respiratory illness after swimming in Lake Michigan in Chicago on one summer weekend due to elevated pathogen levels in the water. According to the NRDC, closings and/or advisories were issued for 49 beaches in the Chicago area at some point in 2008.

According to a 2007 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, there are roughly 30 communities whose sewage overflow enters the Lake Michigan basin.

During the press conference, Congressman Kirk noted his disagreement with opponent Alexi Giannoulias with regard to re-reversing the flow of the Chicago River. Last month, Giannoulias told a gathering hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Council that he would support such a plan.

“Chicago made the right decision more than a century ago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River, protect the region’s drinking water and keep the shores of Lake Michigan clean,” Congressman Kirk said. “Instead of dumping the Chicago River into the lake, I will fight to end all ban sewage dumping into Lake Michigan.”

TEXT CREDIT: Kirk for Senate Phone: (847) 498-0300 - Fax: (847) 559-2940 Email: info@kirkforsenate.com P.O. Box 8 - Winnetka, Illinois 60093

VIDEO CREDIT: MarkKirkNews

Rory Reid's Name Used in an Ad? VIDEO

In this exclusive video obtained by the Republican Governors Association, it is clear that Rory Reid apparently does not react well to learning that his last name actually appears in his latest TV ad.

VIDEO CREDIT: RepGovs

Obama Takes More Time Off from Oil Spill to Clean Up Harry Reid’s Mess VIDEO

Las Vegas -- Thursday and Friday morning President Barack Obama took time away from his busy schedule of playing golf and suing the state of Arizona to fly to Las Vegas and host a swanky fundraiser for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Obama spoke to a packed house of lobbyists and special-interest groups. During the speech, approximately 2,000,000 gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico and thousands of workers continued to be displaced.

Jerry Stacy, spokesman for U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle said today, “Why was the President in Nevada at all? Shouldn’t he be more concerned about suing Arizona, a state that's actually trying to do something about immigration, unlike his Administration? Or the clean up of the oil spill in the Gulf that happened because his Mineral Management Agency got too cozy with BP?

Instead he’s flying out from Washington on the taxpayer dime trying to bail out ‘Rubber-Stamp Harry Reid’ and talking down to Nevadans about their economy getting better and what a great job Reid is doing. It’s insulting to the people of Nevada--they know better.”

At the glitzy Las Vegas fundraiser President Obama hosted for Reid, Obama also went so far as to call Angle “extreme.”

“What is truly extreme is Obama and Reid saddling this country with 13 trillion dollars in debt,” said Stacy. “What’s extreme is proposing higher taxes in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression. What’s extreme is pushing for more spending when Nevada’s unemployment rate sits at 14 percent.

“It’s appropriate that Obama and Reid would come to Las Vegas to ‘double down’ on their failed policies of higher taxes, more spending, and more regulation. I suppose Nevadans should just be glad President Obama managed to get out of town without insulting Las Vegas or further damaging the tourism industry here.”

“Nevada needs a Senator who will go to Washington and fight for lowering taxes, cutting spending, and letting small businesses keep more of their money so they can create jobs and get Nevada moving again. That’s Sharron Angle,” Stacy concluded.

The Reid/Obama Record:

* Currently, The Unemployment Rate In The U.S. Is 9.5 Percent, Up From 8.2 Percent When The Stimulus Was Passed. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/8/10)

* Since The Stimulus Passed, 2.3 Million Americans Lost Their Job. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 6/15/10)

* Since The Stimulus Passed, Las Vegas Has Lost Over 39,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Risen From 10.3 Percent To 14.1 Percent, The Highest Unemployment Rate For A Major Metropolitan Area. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/8/10)

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Sharron Angle - PO Box 33058 Reno NV 89533 (775) 787-6017 (Reno) (702) 243-1976 (Las Vegas)

VIDEO CREDIT: sharronangle

IRS Unprepared for Tax Assessment Calamity Taxpayer Advocate Submits Mid-Year Report to Congress

Washington, Jul 9 - With the passage of ObamaCare, the IRS gets the job of administering all the tax-related provisions – and there are more than a few – that turn the wheels of this new grand social experiment. But it turns out the agency is not exactly equipped for the job. Get ready for more costly trouble for businesses and non-profits, wrongly-imposed penalties, and of course, a big mess for taxpayers. Clearly, more government does not equal better health care.

“The [IRS], which will be responsible for administering major aspects of health insurance finance, is neither structured nor funded to effectively oversee social programs, the National Taxpayer Advocate Service said in a news release.”

“In addition, a tax reporting requirement in the health-care law ‘may impose significant burdens on businesses, charities, and government agencies,’ the advocate service reported.”

“The IRS ‘will face challenges making productive use of this new volume of information,’ the mid-year report said. ‘In our view, it is highly likely that the IRS will improperly assess penalties that it must abate later, after great expenditure of taxpayer and IRS time and effort.’”

“The requirement could bury the IRS in tens of millions of paper filings that it will have to pay employees to process or discard, Olson said through a spokesman.”

ObamaCare…it’s Bad Medicine. We must repeal it and replace it with patient-centered health care reform. ###

WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson today released a report to Congress that identifies the priority issues the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will address during the coming fiscal year. The report expresses concern about the adequacy of IRS taxpayer service, particularly as the IRS begins to implement health care reform, about new information reporting burdens facing small businesses and others, and about certain IRS collection practices.

Among the areas the report identifies for particular emphasis in FY 2011 are the following: Summary National Taxpayer Advocate Submits Mid-Year Report to Congress and FULL TEXT in PDF Format FY 2011 Objectives Report to Congress

Congressman Phil Gingrey Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/10/10

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. MOV File (FULL HD - 1.7 GB) || MP4 File || MPEG File

Washington (Jul 9) In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) invites Americans fed up with Washington’s out-of-control ‘stimulus’ spending spree to make their voices heard through America Speaking Out and help construct a new agenda rooted in the principles of a smaller, more accountable, and less costly government.

Central to this effort, Rep. Gingrey notes, is an innovative web forum where Americans can share their ideas and have them debated, discussed, and voted on in an open and transparent forum. As part of this national conversation, Rep. Gingrey and House Republicans have been holding America Speaking Out town hall meetings throughout the Independence Day district work period. Now in his fourth term in Congress, Rep. Gingrey represents Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. Text of the address follows;

Hello, I’m Doctor Phil Gingrey, and I work for the people of Georgia’s 11th Congressional District.

“Americans are fed up with how things are going in the country right now. They see more job losses, rising debt, and plummeting home sales. They feel let down by a government that passes one 2,000-page, trillion-dollar law after another instead of focusing on addressing the problems Americans worry about every day.

“Republicans are listening and offering better solutions that get Washington out of your way, out of your pocket, and back on your side.

“Just look at jobs. President Obama and Democrats in Washington are still trying to convince Americans that their trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ is working. But our economy has lost more than three million private sector jobs since February 2009. During that same time period, the federal government has actually grown by more than 400,000 jobs. More government, fewer jobs – that’s not recovery, those aren’t results, they’re just more of the same broken promises. Republicans are offering specific proposals to cut spending now. We can provide the fiscal discipline economists say is needed to create private-sector jobs and boost our economy.

“Americans are calling for a return to common sense in how we solve problems – and how the people communicate with their government. Because even though the world is becoming more connected through the web, mobile apps, and social media, our government is growing more out of touch, doing an awful lot more talking than listening.

“That’s why Republicans have launched America Speaking Out, a new project that is revolutionizing the way we govern by engaging the American people and seeking your ideas for making things better.

“The hub of this unprecedented initiative is an innovative web forum – AmericaSpeakingOut.com – that allows you to submit your ideas for a new agenda, regardless of what party you’re affiliated with. Once you post an idea, it is then debated, discussed, and voted on. Republican lawmakers are also sharing their ideas and putting together new proposals based on your feedback.

“We’re also taking America Speaking Out to your communities by holding town hall meetings in rooms just like this to get a real, face-to-face dialogue going about what we need to do to turn things around. I hosted one such event earlier this week at a senior center in the town of Rome, Georgia. The conversation was spirited, the kind you’ve probably participated in yourself recently – with people asking why we are spending so much and getting so little in return, with folks pleading for the president to stop doubling down on policies that are hurting instead of helping.

“One father stood up and said ‘my family has to budget, so why isn’t Washington?’ A small business owner said he’s still struggling to figure out whether he’ll be able to continue providing health insurance for his nine employees after the government takeover of health care. But what got everyone nodding was a World War Two veteran who stood up and said ‘I don’t believe my children and grandchildren will enjoy the same freedoms and the same prosperity that I have enjoyed.’

“Americans are proud of this country, they want to see things get better, and they want to be part of that turnaround. That’s what America Speaking Out is all about.

“So I hope you will take this opportunity to visit AmericaSpeakingOut.com and contact your representative to find out about upcoming America Speaking Out town halls in your area.

“Thank you so much for listening.”

TEXT CREDIT: Office of the House Republican Leader H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Multimedia Credit: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Governor Christie Releases New Jersey Privatization Task Force Report FULL TEXT

Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie read to children from the Brick Police Athletic League as part of Literacy Awareness Week in the Outer Office at the Statehouse on Thursday, July 8, 2010. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)

Governor Christie continues his common sense approach to debt reduction. Trenton, NJ - Governor Chris Christie today welcomed the report of the New Jersey Privatization Task Force calling it a path to a more efficient, cost-effective government. The report identifies more than $200 million in potential cost savings from across state agencies.

"In March, I asked the Privatization Task Force to develop a strategy that would reduce the size, scope and cost of state government," said Governor Christie. "What they have provided is a path for change that will benefit New Jersey's taxpayers through improvements in the quality of public service programs and services delivered to our citizens without placing further burdens upon the State budget. I look forward to further reviewing these recommendations."

Overall, privatization has been used effectively by the federal government, other states and by some New Jersey State departments and municipalities, resulting in efficiencies and cost savings for labor and technology, competitive procurement improvements, enhanced timeliness and increased access to outside expertise and innovation for these organizations.

Gathering input from an array of privatization experts, stakeholders and the general public, the five-member Task Force held public hearings in Trenton, Summit and Voorhees to help formulate their recommendations for a comprehensive approach to streamlining certain areas of government operations.

According to the Task Force report, to establish privatization as an effective policy, an appropriate management structure should be in place, suitable policies should be adopted and best practices should be followed.

Among the Department-specific recommendations made by the Task Force:

* Within the Dept. of Community Affairs, the privatization of Housing & Uniform Construction Code enforcement
* Within the Dept. of Corrections, exploring opportunities to privatize inmate medical health services and correctional facilities' food services
* Within the Dept. of Environmental Protection, entering into long-term concession agreements for the operation and management of all state parks
* Within the Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, the outsourcing of boiler and pressure vessel inspections
* Within the Motor Vehicle Commission, the full decentralization of passenger vehicle inspections
* At the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the outsourcing of manual toll collection
* Within the Dept. of Transportation, the use of long-term, performance-based highway maintenance contracts
* Within the Dept. of the Treasury, the outsourcing of worker's compensation claims processing and all pension, payroll and benefit payment systems

"Our Task Force learned that major privatization initiatives succeed only when they are undertaken by a leader with the political will to overcome bureaucratic inertia and confront entrenched interests," said Congressman Dick Zimmer, who chaired the Task Force. "We are confident that Governor Christie has the requisite political will to deliver the benefits of privatization to the taxpayers of New Jersey."

Governor Christie signed Executive Order 17 creating the New Jersey Privatization Task Force on March 11 to examine areas where government services and functions could be provided by the private sector. Task Force members included former Congressman Dick Zimmer, Chair, as well as Todd Caliguire, President, ANW/Crestwood, Inc.; Kathleen Davis, Executive VP & COO, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey; John Galandak, President, Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey and Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield. # # #

FULL TEXT of Report in PDF Format: July 9, 2010 - The New Jersey Privatization Task Force Final Report (May 2010)

Sarah Palin sarahpac Mama Grizzlies VIDEO

Scareliberal Sarah continues to push all the right buttons. Mama Grizzlies

"Enjoy the video and please support commonsense conservative candidates who will work with you and for you to take back our country!" Sarah Palin

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

Mike Weinstein "GLEE" Moment VIDEO

Mike Weinstein was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 serving District 19. He and Sara, his wife of over 30 years, have three children, Scott, Daryl and Danielle. In this video we see his son Scott having a "GLEE" moment for his dad's re-election campaign. Much needed relief in an arena of the self important.

VIDEO CREDIT: electmikeweinstein Video produced by Scott Leigh All Rights Reserved.

TEXT CREDIT: Mike Weinstein, Republican for State Representative, District 19

Pamela Gorman, The Fun Little Gun Video that has the Left all Stirred Up

Women with automatic weapon has the libs in a lather. The fun little video that is making such a stir.

Americans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. That is what the 2nd Amendment means to me and that’s what I will vigorously defend in Congress. As a responsible gun owner and a concealed permit holder, I know firsthand the importance of protecting your right to keep and bear arms. That is why I will oppose any and all efforts in Congress to limit or proscribe the 2nd Amendment rights of law abiding Americans.

TEXT CREDIT: Pamela Gorman 2010

VIDEO CREDIT: pamelagorman10

Johnny Isakson Elena Kagan will legislate through activist judicial decisions

Legislate from the bench, activist judicial decisions, ban on military recruiters, i'm sure everything will be ok. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today made the following statement regarding his intention to vote against the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“I have personally interviewed Ms. Kagan, and I have carefully followed the Judiciary Committee hearings as well as her testimony. After thorough consideration, I have determined that I will not vote for her confirmation.

“I voted against Ms. Kagan’s confirmation as Solicitor General of the United States in 2009 because of her support of a ban on military recruiters at Harvard University. Her lack of appellate or trial experience also concerned me greatly.

“I believe a qualified judge is one who understands the value and the strength and the power of the Constitution of the United States of America, who will rule based on the law, and who will not legislate through activist judicial decisions. I do not believe Ms. Kagan’s record has met this standard.” ###

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 7, 2010 Washington: United States Senate, 120 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-3643 Fax: (202) 228-0724 Atlanta: One Overton Park, 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970, Atlanta, GA 30339 Tel: (770) 661-0999 Fax: (770) 661-0768

Jody Hice Billboards Calling Out Obama on Socialist Change

Although they've been up since late last month the liberal media is just starting to notice, enjoy.

Atlanta, GA — Jody Hice for Congress announced the launch of several billboards across Georgia’s 7th Congressional District which visually contrast Hice’s position as a “constitutional conservative” against what he sees as President Obama’s socialist policies.

The lower portion of the billboard features an image of the American flag and the Constitution along with Hice’s name. There is a banner across the top of the signs asking voters if they have “Had Enough of Obama’s Change?” The “C” in change is a red hammer and sickle and represents the socialist change that Hice alleges Obama is pushing in America.

Dr. Jody Hice issued the following statement regarding the design:

“I am going to be a Congressman who shoots straight with the American people, not one who hides behind the cloak of political correctness. Our country is in a colossal mess that endangers our future. A radical president with huge liberal Democrat majorities in Congress is engineering a socialist takeover of our nation. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s new book To Save America – Stopping Obama’s Secular-Socialist Machine has it right. In Congress, I will relentlessly fight to stop the socialist tide. I will be a leader for restoring the freedoms that we are losing to big government. I will fight to restore the American Free Enterprise system to re-build our economy and create jobs. I am not a politician. Politicians look for a wave to ride. I, on the other hand, am asking voters to send me to DC to create a wave which will wash our nation clean from the oppressive assault we are currently under from Obama and Washington liberals.”

Jody Hice for Congress PO Box 681 Bethlehem, GA 30620 (678) 835-8321

Citizens United Ad President Obama, 'Stop Iran Now' TEXT VIDEO

GREAT AD.

As President Obama prepares to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel today, Citizens United announced the launch of a national ad buy telling the President to stop Iran’s march towards a nuclear weapon before it’s too late.

David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United, said, “from the first days of his presidential campaign through today, President Obama has displayed a dangerous naiveté when it comes to the threat that Iran poses to our allies in the Middle East and to the United States itself. History demonstrates that sanctions are not a cure-all for regimes bent on destroying other peaceful nations. The President must step up to this challenge before Iran has the opportunity to develop nuclear weapons."

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT – “Words” (:30)

He had good intentions.

He honestly thought simply talking to your adversaries could change things.

He ignored violent repression, dismissed explicit threats and believed that appeasement was the path to peace.

Neville Chamberlain’s mistakes preceded a war that cost 30 million lives.

If Barack Obama repeats the same mistakes today . . . and Iran gets nuclear weapons . . . how many will suffer?

Mr. President: Stop Iran. Now. # # #

TEXT VIDEO CREDIT: Citizens United

Martha Roby, If You’re Against ObamaCare, Why Not Repeal It?

(MONTGOMERY, AL) – A discharge petition that would force a vote on the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) on June 16.

While five of Alabama’s Congressmen (Reps. Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Griffith and Rogers) and 104 other Members of Congress have supported this effort to repeal the ObamaCare legislation, Rep. Bobby Bright has not.

While Bright voted against the health care bill, since its passage he has also gone on record opposing repeal, calling such efforts “premature” and stating his support for allowing the bill’s numerous provisions to take effect.

“Congressman Bright reminds us time and again about his ‘no’ vote on ObamaCare,” said Martha Roby, Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District. “Why won’t he join these other Congressmen in signing the discharge petition and allow the bill to the floor for a vote? Either he supports the legislation or he doesn’t. He can’t have it both ways.”

“Alabama’s Second District needs a Representative who is willing to stand up and be a leader on this issue,” Roby said. “This health care law is not about reforming health care. Instead, this law is a symptom of a bigger problem, which is an unprecedented government intrusion into our daily lives. We need a Congressman willing to stand up to the Democratic leadership in Washington and their liberal agenda.”

“I am committed to not only defund, repeal, and replace this bill, but also to find common sense solutions to make health care more affordable, accessible, and portable,” said Roby.

In order to bring H.R. 4972 to the floor for a vote, the discharge petition would need 218 signatures.

BACKGROUND: The discharge petition filed by Rep. Steve King has 109 signatures: clerk.house.gov/111/lrc/pd/Petitions/

Bobby Bright wants ObamaCare to become law, calling efforts to repeal the health care bill “immature politics:”

“There is some good things about (the bill), though, and to say let’s appeal the whole thing is immature politics.”

SOURCE: Holli Keaton, “Congressman has Health Care on Mind,” Troy Messenger, 4/5/10


Bright has criticized efforts to fight the bill on other occasions as well. Earlier, he called the fight to stop it “premature:”

“While Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery voted against the bill he said he is hesitant to jump on board with a full-scale appeal. ‘While I strongly disagree with many aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and voted against the bill, I believe it’s premature to discuss repealing a bill that was just passed and has yet to be signed into law by the President,’ he said. ‘A wholesale repeal, or legal challenge, of the bill ignores the fact that this legislation contains some good parts, many of which will go into effect soon.’”

SOURCE: Ryan Charles, “State may join in lawsuit over health care bill,” Troy Messenger, 3/22/10 ###

Martha Roby for Congress, 2876 Zelda Road. Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 239-8660 - phone. (334) 239-9449 - fax

Ron Paul, Obama Administration "They have done a lot to interfere" with oil spill clean up VIDEO

"They have done a lot to interfere," Paul told National Political Correspondent Jessica Yellin on CNN's "John King USA."

No you're not crazy, the Obama administration's full court press to hinder the clean up effort continues.

Americans Say Tax Cuts Better Employment Boost than Gov’t Spending

So how long until the governing bodies reflect these percentages? and how about those 15% that still believe that you can give the government 2$ and they can give you back 3$ change.

Americans Say Tax Cuts Better Employment Boost than Gov’t Spending.

Washington, Jul 6 - “Which is a better way to create new jobs – cutting taxes or increasing government spending?”

69% Cutting taxes

15% Increasing government spending

16% Not sure

Rasmussen Reports; conducted July 1, 2010; Survey of 1,000 Likely Voters

Heartbeat of America is a periodic release from the Republican Study Committee highlighting public sentiment. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7.6.2010 House Republican Study Committee 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 226-9717 Fax: (202) 226-1633 rsc@mail.house.gov

Ron Paul statement on Michael Steele comments Obama Afghanistan VIDEO

i was saying just this when i heard Chairman Steele's remarks, it's President Obama's NOW, let him man-up and own his policy. Funny how everyone pretends they don't get it. Thank you Chairman Steele and Dr. Paul.

LAKE JACKSON, Texas -- Congressman Ron Paul today issued the following statement on Michael Steele’s recent comments that Afghanistan is a war of President Obama’s choosing:

“I would like to congratulate Michael Steele for his leadership on one of the most important issues of today. He is absolutely right: Afghanistan is now Obama’s war. During the 2008 campaign, Obama was out in front in insisting that more troops be sent to Afghanistan. Obama called for expanding the war even as he pretended to be a peace candidate.

“Michael Steele should not resign. Smart policies make smart politics. He is guiding the party in the right direction and we are on the verge of victory this fall. Chairman Steele should not back off. He is giving the country, especially young people, hope as he speaks truth about this war.

“I have to ask myself, what is the agenda of the harsh critics demanding this resignation? Why do they support Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s war?

“The American people are sick and tired spending hundreds of billions of dollars a year, draining our economy and straining our military. Michael Steele has it right and Republicans should stick by him.”

Senator McCain on ABC News 'This Week' VIDEO

i know a lot of you were not crazy for John in the last election and may not have done all you could to aid in his election, how did that work out for you?

Senator McCain appeared on ABC News "This Week" with Jake Tapper to discuss Iraq, Afghanistan and US Domestic Policy. Senator McCain is currently on a trip to the middle east and spoke from Kabul, Afghanistan.

John McCain for U.S. Senate 1702 E. Highland Avenue, #101 Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phone: 602-604-2010

Senator Saxby Chambliss Weekly Republican Address TEXT VIDEO 07/03/10

Hello, I’m Senator Saxby Chambliss from Georgia.

Before I begin my remarks, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a colleague, Senator Robert Byrd. The longest-serving senator ever, he had the greatest respect for the rules and traditions of the Senate, and for all three branches of government. He defended them with passion and vigor. I extend my deepest sympathies to Senator Byrd’s family.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July. From the village squares of New England to the palm-fringed beaches of California, and from the courthouse green in my hometown of Moultrie, Georgia, to windswept prairie cities and beyond, Americans are gathering this weekend to celebrate our nation’s birthday.

Amid the red-white-and-blue bunting and family picnics, many of us will listen to the words of a document, published 234 years ago, that urged Americans to throw off the yoke of a king and make their own destiny as an independent nation and a free people.

Signing the Declaration of Independence was a daring move by brave, thoughtful men. By embarking on such a bold experiment, they risked life and limb to create a nation based not on ethnicity or religion or geographic boundaries, but one based solely on ideas.

The Declaration of Independence is, quite simply, a textbook of freedom.

As the Declaration’s parchment has yellowed with age, America has become a rich nation whose ideals and economy have been the envy of the world. We have faced down many enemies at home and abroad.

But one of the most dangerous threats confronting America today doesn’t come from without, but from within. And I’m talking about our national debt.

Wisely, the Declaration’s author, Thomas Jefferson, warned of this danger early on. As he once said, “There does not exist an engine so corruptive of the government and so demoralizing of the nation as public debt. It will bring us more ruin at home than all the enemies from abroad against whom this Army and Navy are to protect us.”

As usual, Jefferson was right.

At a time when many Americans are clipping coupons and pinching pennies, President Obama and the Democrats in Congress continue to spend money that they – we – do not have.

Three weeks ago, America’s national debt topped $13 trillion. And let me say that one more time: $13 trillion is owed by the United States of America today. That number is so big it’s difficult to comprehend.

If you take that $13 trillion and divide it by the number of Americans, that’s $42,000 for every person in this country.

The national debt has risen by $2.4 trillion in the 500 days since President Obama took office. That’s an average of nearly $5 billion a day.

Even though we have to borrow 43 cents of every dollar we spend and the debt is set to double in five years, Congress and this White House still continue to splurge.
More than half of the $9 trillion in debt America will accrue in the next decade will be from interest alone. That money could be better used on national defense or returned to taxpayers.

Instead, future generations will be forced to pay higher taxes to foot the bill for Democrats’ out-of-control spending.

And with much of America’s debt being held by other nations – such as China – our national debt is also a national security issue. No less than the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, said last month, “I actually believe that the biggest national security threat we have is our national debt.”

Just as with our energy and food supplies, America is vulnerable when we disproportionately rely on other nations. It is a matter of great concern that we are in deep debt to countries that often don’t share our values or positions.

At some point we have to say “enough is enough.” We have to make tough decisions about spending beyond our means.

I continue to hope that President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and others will take a step toward responsibility and restraint, and reject the path of reckless spending that America is presently on.

Ours is a great nation. We can be even greater if we heed Jefferson’s words and secure America’s fiscal future.

I wish all Americans a happy Independence Day. As this weekend’s fireworks simulate the rockets’ glare, I hope each of us will pause and think of our men and women in uniform who are facing real rockets, bombs and bullets in faraway places. We are grateful for their service.

May God bless them, and may God continue to bless our nation. Thank you. ####

Statement from RNC Chairman Michael Steele on Afghanistan War VIDEO

UPDATE and upon further review: Ron Paul statement on Michael Steele comments Obama Afghanistan VIDEO

The video with Chairman Steele's foot in mouth moment and his post foot removal statement below.

Statement from RNC Chairman Michael Steele on Afghanistan War

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“As we enter the Fourth of July weekend, I proudly remember standing with Maryland National Guardsmen on their way to the Middle East and later stood with the mothers of soldiers lost at war. There is no question that America must win the war on terror.

“During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Barack Obama made clear his belief that we should not fight in Iraq, but instead concentrate on Afghanistan. Now, as President, he has indeed shifted his focus to this region. That means this is his strategy. And, for the sake of the security of the free world, our country must give our troops the support necessary to win this war.

“As we have learned throughout history, winning a war in Afghanistan is a difficult task. We must also remember that after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, it is also a necessary one. That is why I supported the decision to increase our troop force and, like the entire United States Senate, I support General Petraeus’ confirmation. The stakes are too high for us to accept anything but success in Afghanistan.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

Republican National Committee 310 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 info@gop.com p 202.863.8500 | f 202.863.8820

VIDEO CREDIT: RealityCheck411

Sharron Angle Lays Out Her Agenda For Defeating Sen. Harry Reid and Improving the US Economy VIDEO

Sharron Angle continues to say most of the right things, smaller government, quit spending money we don't have, her controversial, liberals think so, close the department of education, interesting flat taxer, good stuff and no more Harry Reid what are we waiting for.

Sharron Angle Lays Out Her Agenda For Defeating Sen. Harry Reid and Improving the US Economy.

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Sharron Angle - PO Box 33058 Reno NV 89533 (775) 787-6017 (Reno) (702) 243-1976 (Las Vegas)

What About The Country, Mr. President? VIDEO

In case you missed it, a recap of a hard week for the country

NEW VIDEO: “What About The Country, Mr. President?”

New GOP Leader Video Released In Response To Disappointing Jobs Report Challenges President Obama to Focus On American People’s Priorities

Washington (Jul 2) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today released a new web video challenging President Obama to focus on the American people’s priorities after the release of yet another disappointing jobs report. The video, entitled “What About The Country, Mr. President?,” features questions posed by Boehner to President Obama regarding jobs, spending, the financial meltdown, and the Gulf oil spill:

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: “WHAT ABOUT THE COUNTRY, MR. PRESIDENT?”

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH): “This week, President Obama traveled to Racine, Wisconsin – a city with 14 percent unemployment – and used his time there to attack me. But I’d ask the President several questions:”

President Obama: “In the Gulf, we don’t yet know what caused the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.”

Leader Boehner: “Why aren’t you focused on stopping the oil spill in the Gulf and getting the Gulf cleaned up?”

President Obama: “The second thing we’ve got to do is make sure that we’ve got regulations in place so that people don't get tricked into buying homes that they can't afford again.”

Leader Boehner: “Why aren’t you focused on reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?”

President Obama: “The debt is getting bigger, the deficit is getting bigger. How do we get government spending under control?”

Leader Boehner: “Why aren’t you focused on cutting spending now?”

President Obama: “So if I had been just thinking politics I would have sent you one big check with my picture on it.”

Leader Boehner: “Why isn’t the President focused on creating jobs that the American people are asking for?”

Leader Boehner: “Mr. President, what about the country?”

TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

President Obama's Public Relations Campaign on the Oil Spill is Harming the Actual Clean-Up TEXT VIDEO

Frontline Accounts of Oil Spill Differ from Official Account on Key Points FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT of REPORT in PDF FORMAT: How the White House Public Relations Campaign on the Oil Spill is Harming the Actual Clean-Up

WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) released a report today entitled, “How the White House Public Relations Campaign on the Oil Spill is Harming the Actual Clean-Up," that reports the conclusions from the Committee’s recent fact-finding exercise on the Louisiana coast that uncovered evidence that Administration officials have misrepresented key facts including the number of assets dedicated to cleaning up the spill, the timing of when officials knew about the oil leak, the extent to which the federal government has been in control, and the effectiveness of its command structure. Furthermore, local officials in Louisiana fear and evidence suggests that, in addition to being unprepared for the upcoming hurricane season, policy decisions made by this Administration, including the drilling moratorium and an apparent refusal to waive the union-backed Jones Act, will stifle economic recovery in the region for years to come.

“This report reveals a stark contrast between the narrative being told by the Administration in Washington and the sobering realities and challenges that the people closest to this catastrophe are struggling to overcome,” said Issa. “These testimonials from the people who are on the frontlines of this crisis have brought to light a bureaucratic quagmire that is exacerbating the response and clean-up effort - in a post-Katrina world, this is unimaginable and unacceptable. The evidence on the ground suggests that the White House has been more focused on the public relations of this crisis than with providing local officials the resources they need to deal with it.”

Recently, Ranking Member Issa and the panels’ Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-NY) visited the Gulf of Mexico to survey the damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon explosion and the resulting oil leak. At the Unified Area Command center in Robert, Louisiana they received formal briefings from BP, Coast Guard, and various federal government representatives assessing the situation on the ground. Committee staff remained in the region and conducted a series of interviews with local leaders from Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard’s Parish, and Lafourche Parish. Jefferson Parish is the most populous Parish in the state and was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. It is also described as “ground zero” in the battle against the oil spill due to tidal patterns. St. Bernard Parish was flooded levee-to-levee in the wake of Katrina. Of its 27,000 homes, only five remained untouched by Katrina’s flood waters. Lafourche Parish is home to Port Fourchon, a low lying coastal city at the intersection of the Bayou Lafourche and the Gulf of Mexico.

Pursuant to this review, staff has found numerous instances in which the situation on the ground conflicts with official reports. Of enormous concern, the situation in the Gulf is actually more dysfunctional and dire than what has been portrayed through official reports and press accounts based on official information. This blurring of reality is exacerbating problems with the clean-up effort.

The following key findings are based upon witness interviews and documents provided by federal and state entities to Committee investigators:

* Officials on the ground dispute key White House assertions about the number and timeliness of assets deployed in the Gulf. Local officials describe White House outreach efforts as more focused on stopping bad press than on addressing the disaster at hand;

* The White House’s assurances that there are adequate resources are at odds with the reality on the ground, where those on the frontline of the spill express significant frustration over the lack of assets. Local complaints are supported by the fact that the White House waited until Day 70 of the oil spill to accept critical offers of international assistance. Local workers and boats could have been assisting more with the clean-up if the Federal government had provided them with needed supplies and equipment;

* While the White House has tried to use the delay in finding a visible leak to explain its early silence on the oil spill, Transocean officials and Coast Guard documents from the scene of the oil spill reveal clear and early indications of a substantial oil leak days earlier than White House accounts;

* The failure of Administration officials to quickly waive laws preventing necessary foreign assets from reaching the Gulf and other regulations are hampering efforts to clean-up and limit damage from the oil spill. Local officials feel the federal government is making the perfect the enemy of the good in cleanup efforts;

* Local officials strongly dispute President Obama’s insistence that the federal government – and not BP – has been in control since day one. One Coast Guard Admiral told congressional investigators that decisions on the ground are made through a “consensus-based” process with BP. In practice, the Federal Government is not in charge of oil spill response efforts through a command-and-control approach

* Local officials strongly believe the President’s call for a drilling moratorium will significantly compound the economic damage caused by the oil spill and will actually increase risk associated with future offshore drilling projects. ###

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform B350A RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, DC 20515 PHONE: (202) 225-5074 FAX: (202) 225-3974

VIDEO: oversightandreform

President Obama Enforce Federal Law, Secure the Border

Did you ever think you'd live to see this day. The Obama administration has ceded part of the United States to foreign criminal elements. This sign is 80 miles from the border and only 30 miles from Phoenix. This is the border control the President promised to Governor Brewer, signs warning citizens not to travel in their own state. We have our own warning, don't let this happen to you.

Washington, Jul 1 - Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after President Obama called for “comprehensive immigration reform” in a speech at American University today.

“When the American people hear prominent Democrats like Congressman Pete Stark say that ‘our borders are quite secure’ – despite 20 million people living here illegally and violent drug cartels crossing our southern border every single day – they, rightfully, lose all trust in Washington,” said Chairman Price. “In 1986, the federal government promised to secure the border after granting a ‘one-time’ amnesty. A generation later, Americans are still waiting for that promise to be kept.

“Americans are sick and tired of leaders in Washington making promises that are never kept or expire when no one is looking. That is why there has been strong public support for the actions taken by Arizona to pick up the slack for Washington’s failure. President Obama should be thanking Arizona for lending a hand, not threatening the state with a lawsuit. Rather than ignore the facts or criticize local officials, Washington should focus on securing the border and enforcing federal laws.” ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7.1.2010 House Republican Study Committee 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 226-9717 Fax: (202) 226-1633

Chris Christie discusses closing $11 Billion budget gap They Said It Couldn’t Be Done TEXT VIDEO

They Said It Couldn't Be Done: Governor Christie discusses closing an $11 Billion budget gap without raising any taxes on the people of the State of New Jersey. Governor Christie calls on voters to contact State legislators an urge them to support Cap 2.5.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Hi, this is Governor Chris Christie. Back on March 16th I presented a budget to the State Legislature that closed an $11 Billion budget gap without raising any taxes on the people of the State of New Jersey. At the time, they said it couldn’t be done – that you couldn’t bring Republicans and Democrats together to close the largest budget gap of any state in America and do it without raising taxes. Well, today I am glad to report to you that I have signed the budget; the budget that closes that $11 Billion budget gap without any new taxes; the budget that puts us back on the road to fiscal sanity.

Now this is just the first step of what we have to do to make Trenton responsive to the people and to make government smaller and smarter and more efficient. We need now immediately to give you a voice in controlling the biggest problem in the history of New Jersey, property taxes. We have the highest property taxes in the nation and I proposed constitutional cap to cap property taxes at no more than a 2.5% increase per year. And under my plan, the only way that that can be changed is if you voted to change it. But we have little time left. In the next ten days we need the State Legislature to act to put Cap 2.5 on the ballot for this November’s election. I need you to call your legislator. I need you to call them now with one simple message – Let me vote.

If you do that, we can cap property taxes and really put the state of New Jersey on the road to fiscal sanity and property tax relief and reform. It’s great being your governor. I’m happy to have been able to do this budget and I look forward to bringing more reform to New Jersey every day I’m in this office. Thank you all very much. # # #

For Immediate Release: Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Contact: Michael Drewniak 609-777-2600

Office of the Governor State of New Jersey, 1996-2010 PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-6000

VIDEO: GovChristie

Sarah Palin on American energy policy, the BP oil spill and the Obama administration's response VIDEO

“You asked for the job Mr. President, now buck up or stay in the truck.”



“You’d never guess that the last inspection of the rig took place just 10 days before the blowout preventer failed, and that would definitely be on President Obama’s watch, as in stop pointing fingers at everybody else and take responsibility."

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin spoke to a crowd of over 4,000 at Tyler's Oil Palace. American energy policy, the BP oil spill and the federal response to the disaster dominated Ms. Palin's speech.

VIDEO: ktbbam600

Scott Brown Sends Letter To Dodd, Frank Opposing $19 Billion Bank Tax In Financial Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) sent the following letter to Senate Committee on Banking Chairman Chris Dodd and House Committee on Financial Resources Chairman Barney Frank to express his strong opposition to the bank tax that was included in the conference report for the financial regulatory reform bill.

Dear Chairman Dodd and Chairman Frank,

I am writing you to express my strong opposition to the $19 billion bank tax that was included in the financial reform bill during the conference committee. This tax was not in the Senate version of the bill, which I supported. If the final version of this bill contains these higher taxes, I will not support it.

It is especially troubling that this provision was inserted in the conference report in the dead of night without hearings or economic analysis. While some will try to argue this isn’t a tax, this new provision takes real money away from the economy, making it unavailable for lending on Main Street, and gives it to Washington. That sounds like a tax to me.

I have always strongly opposed a bank tax because, as the non-partisan CBO has said, costs would be passed onto the millions of American consumers and small businesses who rely on major U.S. financial institutions for their checking, ATM, loans or other services. This tax will be paid by consumers who will have to pay higher fees and the small businesses that won’t get the funding they need to invest and create jobs.

Imposing this new tax is the wrong option. Our economy is still struggling. It is wrong to impose higher taxes and ignore the impact it will have on our economy without considering other ways we might offset the costs of the measure. I am asking that the conference committee find a way to offset the cost of the bill by cutting unnecessary federal spending. There are hundreds of billions in unspent federal funds sitting around, some authorized years ago for long-dead initiatives. Congress needs to start to looking there first, and I stand ready to help.

Sincerely,

Senator Scott P. Brown

###

Senator Scott P. Brown 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4543 Fax: (202) 228-2646

The U.S. Export-Import Bank Exporting Jobs to China

Lost jobs in the Gulf from the drilling ban, lost hi-tech jobs in Florida and Texas from cancellations of the manned space program, lost manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin. The Obama Aministration in a full court press against private sector jobs that nobody seems to notice. Sensenbrenner, Ryan Urge Export-Import Bank to Reverse India Plant Ruling ‘You Are Simply Exporting Jobs to China’

Washington, D.C. –The U.S. Export-Import Bank should place jobs over environmental activism and reverse its recent decision not to extend loan guarantees to an Indian power plant that planned to make a significant equipment purchase from a Wisconsin company, Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis, and Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said in a letter to the bank’s chairman.

“With the national unemployment rate continuing to hover close to 10 percent, all steps should be taken to reinvigorate the economy and bring jobs to the United States,” the letter to Export-Import Bank Chairman Fred Hochberg said. “However, with this decision, you are simply exporting American jobs to China.”

By rejecting a bid for an approximate $600 million loan guarantee for Reliance Power Ltd.’s coal-fired power generation station near Sasan, India, the Export-Import Bank prevented South Milwaukee-based manufacturer Bucyrus International Inc. from creating more than 1,000 jobs, Sensenbrenner and Ryan said in the letter. Bucyrus International’s chief executive told the media that the decision would cost up to 300 jobs in Wisconsin, and up to 700 jobs in other states.

“There’s no clearer demonstration of how this Administration’s environmental activism will cost U.S. jobs than this ruling by the Export-Import Bank,” said Sensenbrenner, Ranking Republican on the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. “This baffling decision will have a direct impact on Wisconsin’s people and its economy and it shows to just what lengths the Administration will go to push its environmental agenda. The only guarantee that the Export-Import Bank offers is that no Americans will benefit from this project.”

The bank’s decision won’t prevent India from moving forward with the project, the letter said, but instead of purchasing equipment from an American manufacturer, Reliance Power will likely turn to firms in China and Belarus for its industrial hardware. “Climate change is a global issue and greenhouse gas emissions are not confined within geographic boundaries,” the letter said. “Therefore, your decision not only eliminates American jobs, it will not mitigate climate change in any manner.”

“The Administration’s actions show that attempting to reduce reducing global warming – by a fraction of a degree over the next century – is a higher priority than keeping Wisconsin residents employed now. The vibrancy and competitiveness of the American economy should never take a back seat to political ideology and it’s reprehensible that the Administration has arrived at the faulty conclusion that we are incapable of enacting energy policies that are both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial,” said Ryan, Ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee. “American products and workers can compete with the best in the world, if they are given a chance – unfortunately, in this instance, they were not. Should the Administration fail to reverse this decision, or worse, should it continue with muscling through a byzantine cap-and-trade scheme, we need only to look to Bucyrus to see the repercussions.”

The bank’s decision also reflected the Administration’s environmental policies, Sensenbrenner and Ryan said. After the decision, Hochberg released a statement citing the Administration’s “commitment to transition away from high-carbon investments.” The Departments of State and Treasury also support the bank’s decision to reject the loan guarantees.

Related Letter To Administration in PDF Format:Sensenbrenner, Ryan Urge Export-Import Bank to Reverse India Plant Ruling

Republicans - Select Committee on Energy Independance and Global Warming H2-344 Ford House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-0110 | Fax: (202) 225-0095