Dan Burton statement after watching President Obama’s speech on his “budget do-over”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN-05) issued the following statement after watching President Obama’s speech on his “budget do-over” which included raising taxes on families and small businesses: “In February of this year, President Obama offered an irresponsible budget for Fiscal Year 2012 that would have imposed a job-crushing $1.5 Trillion tax hike and would have added $9.1 Trillion to the debt over the next decade. After watching President Obama’s budget “do-over” speech today, it is painfully evident that he still doesn’t get it. Our country is broke and the American people understand we can’t continue to spend money we do not have.

“In the President’s second attempt to craft a budget, he failed to offer a serious proposal that addresses Washington’s spending and entitlement problem. Instead, he’s relying on minimal cuts to government bureaucracy while raising taxes on families and small businesses. Doing so is unacceptable and is the wrong thing to do get our economy back on track. We need drastic cuts across the board in addition to lowering the tax burden on those who create jobs, not raise them.

“President Obama talked a lot about “shared sacrifice”, but the government should be the first to step up. Consider that in the first ten years of the implementation of Obamacare, it is estimated that it will cost $2.6 Trillion. If the President is truly serious about deficit reduction, would he at least consider delaying or scaling back a massive new entitlement program that is currently being received by no one?

“My Republican colleagues and I are focused on cutting our bloated budget and bringing down our National debt and deficit. Rep. Paul Ryan, Chairman of the Budget Committee, has put forth a responsible budget that focuses on job creation without raising taxes, that seeks to not spend money Washington doesn’t have, and that eases the burden of debt weighing down on our children’s and grandchildren’s future. These are important steps to securing America’s present as well as its future. We absolutely must get our fiscal house in order now.”

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joshua Gillespie April 13, 2011 (317) 848-0201

TEXT CREDIT: Dan Burton - Indiana 5th District Washington, DC 2308 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0001 (202) 225-2276

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

Paul Ryan Responds to President Obama Deficit Speech VIDEO

WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman Paul D. Ryan made the following statement after listening to the President’s speech on deficit reduction:

“When the President reached out to ask us to attend his speech, we were expecting an olive branch. Instead, his speech was excessively partisan, dramatically inaccurate, and hopelessly inadequate to address our fiscal crisis. What we heard today was not fiscal leadership from our commander-in-chief; we heard a political broadside from our campaigner-in-chief.

“Last year, in the absence of a serious budget, the President created a Fiscal Commission. He then ignored its recommendations and omitted any of its major proposals from his budget, and now he wants to delegate leadership to yet another commission to solve a problem he refuses to confront.

“We need leadership, not a doubling down on the politics of the past. By failing to seriously confront the most predictable economic crisis in our history, this President’s policies are committing our children to a diminished future. We are looking for bipartisan solutions, not partisan rhetoric. When the President is ready to get serious about confronting this challenge, we'll be here.”

*****

Key Facts About the President’s Speech

General:

* Counts unspecified savings over 12 years, not the 10-year window by which serious budget proposals are evaluated.

* Postpones all savings until 2013 – after his reelection campaign.

* Runs away from the Fiscal Commission’s recommendations on Social Security – puts forward no specific ideas or even a process to force action.

* Calls for the appointment of another commission, after mostly omitting from his Fiscal Year 2012 Budget any of proposals submitted by the commission he appointed last year.

* Non-specific framework fails to meet Fiscal Commission's definition of sustainability.

Taxes:

* Proposes to raise taxes on the American people by more than $1 trillion, devastating our fragile economy and stifling job creation.

* Endorsed the Fiscal Commission’s ideas on taxes, which specifically called for lower tax rates and a broader base, but then called for higher tax rates. Which is it?

* Government health and retirement programs are growing at more than twice the speed of the economy. At the current rate of spending, revenue would have to rise “by more than 50 percent” just to keep debt at its current level, according to the Government Accountability Office. That means tax increases across-the-board, now and in the future.

Medicare:

* Instead of proposing structural reforms that would actually reduce health care costs, the President proposed across-the-board cuts to current seniors’ care.

* Strictly limits the amount of health care seniors can receive within the existing structure of unsustainable government health care programs.

* Gives more power to unelected bureaucrats in Washington to determine what treatments seniors should or shouldn’t get, against a backdrop of costs that continue to rise.

* Conceded that the relentlessly rising cost of health care is the primary reason why the nation is threatened by debt, and implicitly conceded that his health care law failed to solve the problem.

* Eviscerates the only competitive element anywhere in health-care entitlement programs – the competition amongst Part D prescription-drug plans – which allowed the drug benefit to come in 41 percent under budget.

Medicaid:

* Acknowledges that the open-ended financing of Medicaid is a crippling financial burden to both states and the federal government, but explicitly rejected the only solution to this problem, which is to give states the freedom they need to design systems that work for the unique needs of their own populations.

Defense:

* Proposes more cuts on top of $78 billion in cuts included in his own defense budget, which he proposed just two months ago – all at a time when he continues to task the military with new missions.

* Secretary Gates has said that the military needs 2 percent – 3 percent real growth just to keep executing the missions that DOD has already been assigned.

* Secretary Gates described deficit reduction plans that let budget targets drive defense policy as “math, not strategy.”

Contact: Conor Sweeney (202) 226-7270

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: VideeWell

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan Washington, DC Office. 1233 Longworth House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3031 Fax: (202) 225-3393

Rob Portman Happy Tax Freedom Day

This year, on average, Ohioans will work 102 days to pay for their tax obligations to the federal, state, and local government. Tax Freedom Day, calculated by the non-partisan Tax Foundation, arrives on April 12th and is the first day that Ohioans can finally begin to reap the rewards of their own hard work. That means that instead of being able to save for your future or pay your child’s tuition, your rent or mortgage, or pay your electric bill, it takes 102 days just to pay taxes.

We seem to be working harder each year to pay for the cost of government. Tax Freedom Day arrived three days later this year than it did last year and almost a full three months later than it did in 1910. This measure of taxation ignores the current year’s deficit, which is at its highest ever – $1.5 trillion. If the IRS actually collected enough taxes to finance all the federal government will spend in 2011, it would have to collect about $1.5 trillion more, moving Tax Freedom Day back to May 23rd instead of April 12th.

Even without including the deficit, Americans will pay more in taxes this year than they will spend on groceries, shelter, and clothing combined.

It’s discouraging that because of the amount of taxes we pay, we don’t start working for ourselves until 102 days into the year. But there is another issue, too, and that is the cost to comply with an increasingly complex tax code. According to an IRS' Taxpayer Advocate Service report, the tax code, “has grown so long that it has become challenging even to figure out how long it is.”

Individuals and businesses, both small and large, face daunting challenges each year when tax season arrives. Job creators are faced with a choice between adding new workers or paying for the remarkably high costs of complying with an onerous tax code. The Tax Foundation projects that compliance alone will cost over $391 billion in 2011. At a time when our unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, we need to be doing all that we can to reduce the overall tax burden, including the compliance costs on job creators so they can add new employees.

If big-government policies and irresponsible deficit spending continue on the unsustainable path that they are currently on, Tax Freedom Day will likely come on a much later date for future generations, forcing Ohioans to work even longer to pay for a growing government.

Over the past two years, I have traveled to every one of Ohio’s 88 counties and visited over 100 factories, farms and businesses to get input on how to bring jobs back to Ohio. Many cited the burden of taxes, both the amount of tax and the administrative costs to comply with such a complicated tax code. The Job Creation Act, which I introduced on the very first day possible, reduces the burden of taxes on workers and small businesses. Economists estimate the payroll tax section of the Job Creation Act alone would create more than 1.4 million jobs.

In addition, I am working to simplify and reduce rates in the tax code; including reducing the corporate tax rate to 25%, which has the potential to create 5.3 million jobs over ten years; and provide incentives for entrepreneurs to invest in plants, equipment and workers that will help innovation and growth in the United States.

On this Tax Freedom Day, let’s rededicate ourselves to a government that lives within its means and a simpler, more sensible tax code that reduces the burdens for all of us.

TEXT CREDIT: Senator Portman, U.S. Senator for Ohio Washington, DC B40D Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-3353

IMAGE CREDIT: by SenRobPortman

Mitt Romney announces Exploratory Committee for President of the United States VIDEO

Mitt Romney I am announcing my Exploratory Committee for President of the United States.

It is time that we put America back on a course of greatness, with a growing economy, good jobs and fiscal discipline in Washington.

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: mittromney

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President Exploratory Committee

Ron Paul The Nanny State Can't Last

Last week, Congress and the administration refused to seriously consider the problem of government spending. Despite the fear-mongering, a government shutdown would not have been as bad as claimed. It is encouraging that some in Washington seem to be insisting on reduced spending, which is definitely a step in the right direction, but only one step.

We have miles to go before we can even come close to a solution, and it will involve completely redefining the role of government in our lives and on the world stage. A compromise was struck at the last minute, but until Democrats agree to rein in entitlement spending, and Republicans back off the blank checks to the military industrial complex, it all amounts to political gamesmanship.

Unfortunately, the compromises always seem to be just the opposite. Instead of the left agreeing to cut social spending and the right agreeing to cut military spending, the right agrees to more welfare and the left agrees to more warfare. In spite of all the rhetoric, we will go deeper in debt, the Fed will print more money, and the value of the dollar will continue to plummet. How long will it be before foreigners stop buying our debt, and hyperinflation arrives?

Throughout history, empires have always overextended themselves through conquests and wealth transfers leading to eventual collapse, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union. We are headed in the same direction and it seems only the chaos of the collapse of the dollar will stop the spending spree. Arguing over funding for Planned Parenthood and NPR, though important, only shows that leadership in Washington either won't face reality, or don't understand how serious the problem is.

Of course, an actual government collapse would create serious problems for many people who have come to depend on government payments for healthcare, retirement income, their children's education, and even food and housing. However, these so-called entitlement programs are unconstitutional to begin with and have engendered a culture of dependence on wealth transfer payments that is out of control. It concerns me greatly that instead of dealing seriously with our situation, so many in Washington would rather allow the chaos that will ensue when all of the dependent people are suddenly cut off.

Better to look reality squarely in the face and tell people the difficult truth that government is simply not capable of managing people's lives from cradle to grave as was foolishly promised. We face trillions in deficits with any of the budgets under consideration. Keeping those promises is, sadly, just not one of our options in the long run. Better to admit the nanny state is coming to an end and we are no longer working on "compromises" but a transition - to a sustainable way of life, one that respects the constitution, the rule of law and property rights.

TEXT CREDIT: Ron Paul Texas Straight Talk Washington, DC 203 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone Number: (202) 225-2831

IMAGE CREDIT: CongressmanRonPaul

Paul Ryan Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 04/09/11

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

Paul Ryan Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 04/09/11

Washington (Apr 9)

Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) highlights the Path to Prosperity, the Republican budget that would spur private-sector job growth, stop Washington from spending money it doesn’t have, and lift the crushing burden of debt that threatens our future. Ryan also highlights the bipartisan agreement reached this week on the largest spending cut in history – “good news for job creators in America.” Following is the full text of the address.

“Hello. I’m Congressman Paul Ryan from Janesville, Wisconsin – and Chairman here at the House Budget Committee. “It’s no secret our government has a spending problem – and the problem has gotten so bad it’s threatening our future and hurting our nation’s ability to create jobs.

Republicans made a pledge that we would work to change this if given the opportunity to lead. Since January, we’ve been urging President Obama to listen to the people and work with us to reduce spending. The president started this year by proposing a freeze that would make no cuts at all. But now bipartisan legislation is in sight to enact the largest spending cut in American history.

“This is good news for job creators in America – but much more has to be done to put our nation on a true path to prosperity. Earlier this week, the House Budget Committee advanced a new budget for the United States government that will move the debate in Washington from billions in spending cuts to trillions.

“We did so because it is unconscionable to leave the next generation with a crushing burden of debt and a nation in decline. Washington’s obsession with the next election has come at the expense of the next generation.

“We are calling this budget The Path to Prosperity, because it is more than just a budget.

“It is a commitment to honor the American legacy of leaving the next generation a more prosperous nation than the one we inherited.

“By removing the anchor of debt that weighs down our economy and advancing pro-growth tax reforms, this budget is a jobs budget. It sends signals to investors, entrepreneurs, and job creators that a brighter future is still possible – a future in which America is still an engine of growth that leads the world.

“Right now, that legacy is in grave danger. This nation is going deeper and deeper into debt – and the spending choices we make today will determine the kind of lives our children enjoy tomorrow.

“The facts are these: Washington has not been telling you the truth about the magnitude of the problems we are facing.

“Unless we act soon, government spending on health and retirement programs will crowd out spending on everything else, including national security. It will literally take every cent of every federal tax dollar just to pay for these programs.

“The non-partisan experts have been clear about what this means:

“Each day that Congress fails to act, the government takes one step closer to breaking its promises to current retirees. Each year that policymakers kick this can down the road means trillions of dollars in empty promises are being made to future generations.

“If we stay on the current path, we are heading toward a debt-fueled economic crisis – meaning massive tax increases, sudden cuts to vital programs, runaway inflation, or all three.

“Make no mistake: The prospect of a crisis is casting a shadow on economic activity in this country. Uncertainty is keeping job creators from hiring as fast as they should be. Businesses know that all this borrowing and spending today means higher taxes and lower incomes for their customers down the road.

“Economists agree: Advancing a credible solution to this crisis will begin to restore confidence and create better conditions for job-creation immediately.

“The President’s recent budget proposal is worse than just a commitment to this status quo. It would actually accelerate this country’s descent into a debt crisis.

“It would double the debt held by the public by the end of his term, and triple it in a decade from now.

“It would raise taxes by $1.5 trillion, even though the problem is that Washington spends too much, not that Americans are taxed too little.

“It would permanently enlarge the size of government by sending government spending as a share of the economy skyrocketing to levels that a healthy economy simply cannot sustain.

“And it offers no real reforms to save government health and retirement programs, and no leadership.

“Our budget is very different: Instead of locking in the spending spree of the last two years, our budget cuts $6.2 trillion in spending from the President’s budget over the next ten years.

“This keeps government spending as a share of the economy consistent with the historical average of 20 percent, so that individuals and the economy can be free.

“Instead of letting deficits spiral out of control, our budget keeps borrowing in check and puts us on the path to balance.

“Instead of adding $13 trillion to the debt over the next decade and trillions more in the years to come, this Path to Prosperity lifts this crushing burden of debt that is threatening our economy and our children’s future.

“It is not too late to fix America’s problems. It is not too late to get our country back on track so our kids can also realize the American Dream.

“We can – and we must – preserve this nation’s exceptional promise, because that is exactly what previous generations of Americans worked so hard to do for us.

“It is time for officials in Washington to stop acting like politicians, and to start acting like leaders.

“We have a legacy to fulfill. It is time for all of us to get to work, put an end to the empty promises, and advance a plan to prosperity.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

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

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

Eric Cantor Statement on Resolution of Disapproval of Net Neutrality Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) today issued the following statement on the passage of a resolution of disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality regulations:

"Today, the House took an important step to bring down the FCC’s harmful and partisan plan to regulate the Internet. These regulations give the government unwarranted authority to control broadband networks which ultimately will hinder a thriving industry, harm competition and stifle innovation. Under Republican leadership, the House is focusing on ending anti-growth government regulations, and I thank the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairmen Upton and Walden for leading the charge against the FCC's attempt to regulate our nation's broadband industry. Broadband networks are more critical than ever to the success and expansion of the private sector, and we will continue to pursue policies that encourage businessmen and women to innovate and expand to ensure their long-term success. The passage of this resolution is part of House Republicans' pro-growth agenda to give business people in this country the chance to grow, innovate and compete so that people can get back to work."

TEXT CREDIT: Eric Cantor || Majority Leader ||

IMAGE CREDIT: EricCantor

John Boehner We’ve Got to Cut Spending If We’re Serious About Creating Jobs VIDEO

Washington (Apr 8) House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) made the following brief statement following a meeting of the House Republican Conference:

“We just met with all of our Members to try to bring them as up to speed as we can, considering that we’re still in discussions. And I might add that these discussions continue to be respectful, we continue to work together. Most of the policy issues have been dealt with and the big fight is over the spending. You’ve heard me say time and time again that we’ve got to cut spending if we’re serious about creating an environment for job creators in America to do what they do best – and that’s to create jobs.

“It’s been a difficult several weeks. Our intention has been to keep the government open. We have no interest in shutting down the government. That’s why we sent the troop funding bill over to the Senate yesterday and attached to it was a seven day agreement to keep the government open while continuing to cut spending. And I’m hopeful the Senate will take this up.

“I’m also hopeful that we’ll be able to come to some agreement. But we’re not going to roll over and sell out the American people like it’s been done time and time again here in Washington. When we say we’re serious about cutting spending, we’re damn serious about it.”

VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

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

Hal Rogers Continuing Resolution Protects our Troops and Their Families, Prevents Government Shutdown H.R. 1363 FULL TEXT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today offered legislation on the floor of the House to prevent a government shutdown by extending federal funding for one additional week. The bill will provide time for House and Senate negotiators to come to a final budget agreement, while funding the Department of Defense – including pay for troops and their families – for the rest of the fiscal year. H.R.1363 -- Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT The floor statement by Chairman Rogers follows: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1363 - the Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011.

I ask my colleagues support for this bill so we can avoid a government shutdown and provide the necessary time to finally complete negotiations on a final funding agreement for the rest of the 2011 fiscal year.

“This bill funds government operations for one more week, while reducing spending by $12 billion. These cuts include funding rescissions, reductions and program terminations from nearly all areas of the government. Virtually all of these cuts were also included in HR 1, and many were included in the President’s budget requests, the Senate’s alternative to H.R. 1, or the recent OMB CR proposal.

“Most importantly, the bill supports our troops and our national security by providing funding for our national Defense for the remainder of the fiscal year. Our troops and their families deserve to have the financial security we promised them while we continue to work towards a final budget agreement.

“After months of uncertainty, it is high time we provide for our national security in a responsible way. This means common-sense funding that ensures the safety of our war fighters and the success of our missions abroad.

“However, while this legislation points us in the right direction on security and spending cuts, what we all want right now is to wrap up these negotiations, complete the process for 2011 and move our many other important legislative items.

“As I have said many times before, short-term measures are not the preferable way to fund the government. So while no one wants to fund the government in one- or two-week bursts, this short-term CR is what we must do to prevent a government shutdown and allow time to pass a smart and thoughtful bill for the rest of the year.

“Mr. Speaker, coming into this Congress, the Democrats left us with a financial mess – soaring deficits, unchecked spending and no budget or Appropriations bill for 2011. And now that we are more than three months in – and six months into the fiscal year – the Senate Democrats have yet to produce any plan to help clean up this mess.

“Despite all the roadblocks we’ve faced throughout the process, we must continue down the path to fiscal solvency, and this CR both affords us the time required to complete negotiations as well as makes the spending cuts needed to continue to help balance our budgets.

“We are committed to making real spending cuts like these to reduce our deficits both now and in the future. We are determined to complete this work where Democrats failed to do so.

“While answering our constituents’ calls to reduce excessive government spending, this bill provides time to negotiate in an honest way to do what is not only right for our constituents, our nation, and our financial future. Let’s pass this bill, and finally get this leftover work from last year behind us.”

Contact: Jennifer Hing, 202-226-7007

###

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on Appropriations H-307, The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Main Number: (202) 225-2771

IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Hal Rogers

Overwhelming Bipartisan Majority of Senators Vote to Stop EPA Overreach

64 vote for one or more EPA amendments; McConnell-Inhofe amendment garners most votes, a bipartisan group of 50

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement Wednesday after an overwhelming bipartisan majority of senators voted in favor of proposals to stop job- and economy-destroying EPA regulations:

"An overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Senate today voted to rein in job- and economy-destroying EPA regulations, underscoring the fact that both Republicans and Democrats oppose giving unelected bureaucrats at the EPA the power to impose a new national energy tax on American job creators and families. Altogether, more than 60 senators voted in favor of four amendments that, to one degree or another, would restrain the EPA’s power to regulate carbon emissions from farmers, manufacturers and power plants. I welcome the House’s expected approval today of legislation similar to the McConnell/Inhofe amendment, one of the four amendments voted on by the Senate. McConnell’s amendment garnered 50 votes, significantly more than the other three combined.

We in the Senate will continue to fight for legislation that will give the certainty that no unelected bureaucrat at the EPA is going to make efforts to create jobs even more difficult than the administration already has." IMAGE CREDIT: RepublicanLeader TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Washington Office 361-A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2541 Fax: (202) 224-2499

McConnell-Inhofe Amendment Would Protect all Job Creators From EPA Overreach VIDEO

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the McConnell-Inhofe Amendment to job-destroying EPA regulations:

“Later today, the Senate will vote on an amendment that one leading newspaper described last week as one of the best proposals for growth and job creation to make it onto the Senate docket in years.

“More specifically, this amendment, which is based on legislation proposed by Senator Inhofe, would prevent unelected bureaucrats at the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing a new national energy tax on American job creators.

“Everyone knows that this attempt to handcuff American businesses with new costs and regulations is the last thing these job-creators need right now.

“That’s why even Democrats in Congress have sought to secure the same kind of exemptions from the law for favored industries in their own states that we saw others from their party trying to secure for favored constituencies in the health care law.

“Democrats from auto states tried to have the auto industry exempted. And Democrats from farming states tried to have farmers exempted.

“What these efforts show, is that Democrats themselves recognize the dangers of these EPA regulations. Yet instead of just voting for the one amendment that solves the problem, they’re hiding behind sham amendments designed to give them political cover.

“Well, Republicans have a better idea — let’s try to make sure everybody is exempted. Let’s not pick winners and losers. Let’s let America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs compete and grow on a level playing field without any more burdensome government regulations, costs, or red tape.

“The McConnell Amendment would do that.

“The McConnell Amendment would give businesses the certainty that no unelected bureaucrat at the EPA is going to make their efforts to create jobs even more difficult than the administration already has.

“So once again, I want to thank Senator Inhofe for his strong leadership on this issue.

“He’s led the way in protecting American jobs from this burdensome proposal with determination and common sense. He deserves the credit.

“And I also want to thank Chairman Upton and my good friend, Congressman Whitfield, for fighting against this effort by the EPA and moving legislation to prevent it in the House.”

VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanLeader

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Washington Office 361-A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2541 Fax: (202) 224-2499

Mike Johanns commends Colleagues For Passing 1099 Repeal VIDEO

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorMikeJohanns

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

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

Paul Ryan Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution FULL TEXT VIDEO

This 3-minute video is a visualization of the House Republicans' budget, "The Path to Prosperity," presented by Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee.

For more information on our plan to avert the US's nearing debt crisis and chart a path of growth and prosperity, visit budget.house.gov

The Path to Prosperity: Restoring America's Promise Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT STATEMENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL AUTHORITY

Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate funds from the Treasury, pay the obligations of and raise revenue for the federal government, and publish statements and accounts of all financial transactions.

By law, Congress is also obligated to write a budget representing its plan to carry out these transactions in the forthcoming fiscal years. While the President is required to propose his administration’s budget requests for Congress’s consideration, Congress alone is responsible for writing the laws that raise revenues, appropriate funds, and prioritize taxpayer dollars within an overall federal budget.

The budget resolution is the only legislative vehicle that views government comprehensively. It provides the framework for the consideration of other legislation. Ultimately, a budget is much more than a series of numbers. It also serves as an expression of Congress’s principles, vision and philosophy of governing.

This Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2012 intends to recommit the nation fully to the timeless principles of American government enshrined in the U.S. Constitution – liberty, limited government, and equality under the rule of law. It seeks to guide policies by those principles, freeing the nation from the crushing burden of debt that is now threatening its future.

This budget is submitted, as prescribed by law, to apply these principles, reflect this vision, and provide a framework for the orderly execution of Congress’s constitutional duties for Fiscal Year 2012 and beyond.

House Budget Committee | April 5, 2011

Statement of Constitutional and Legal Authority Summary of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution

I. A Choice of Two Futures .................................................................................... 9
Introduction
Components of the Federal Budget
The Crushing Burden of Debt
A Reform Agenda for the U.S. Government

II. Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution ................................................................... 27
Efficient, Effective and Responsible Government.................................................................................... 28
Providing for the Common Defense
Streamlining Other Government Agencies
Restraining the Growth of Government by Repealing the Health Care Law
Ending Corporate Welfare
Changing Washington’s Culture of Spending
Strengthening the Social Safety Net ......................................................................................................... 38
Repairing a Broken Medicaid System
Stopping the Abuse of Medicaid by Repealing the Health Care Law
Protecting Assistance for Those in Need
Preparing the Workforce for a 21st Century Economy
Fulfilling the Mission of Health and Retirement Security for All Americans .................................... 44
Saving Medicare
Stopping the Raid on Medicare by Repealing the Health Care Law
Advancing Social Security Reforms
Pro-Growth Tax Reform .............................................................................................................................. 50
Simplifying the Tax Code for Individuals
Stopping Job-Destroying Tax Hikes by Repealing the Health Care Law
Making the Corporate Code More Competitive

III. The Path to Prosperity ........................................................................................ 55
Lifting the Crushing Burden of Debt
Removing the Hurdles to Economic Growth
Appendix I:

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseBudgetCommittee

Paul Ryan Preview of FY2012 Budget - no more empty promises from a broke govt VIDEO

Paul Ryan Preview of FY2012 Budget - no more empty promises from a broke govt -

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan previews the House Republicans' FY2012 budget to be launched this week. While Chairman Ryan's budget is determined to deliver a stronger, more prosperous America for the next generation, too many in Washington remain focused on their next election.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: HouseBudgetCommittee

Reince Priebus Meet the Press 04/03/11 TEXT VIDEO

Reince Priebus the chairman of the Republican National Committee tells Meet the Press moderator David Gregory of his work to rebuild trust and credibility in the organization and offers his take on some potential GOP presidential contenders.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: www.msnbc.msn.com/

Mike Rogers Meet the Press 04/03/11 TEXT VIDEO

MR. GREGORY: We're going to turn now to House Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers, Republican from Michigan. Rogers was elected to Congress back in 2000. Since the 9/11 attacks, he's had a major role in forming key legislation involving the intelligence community, like the Patriot Act, as well as developing counterterrorism strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was a special agent for the FBI, also served in the Army. And he took over the gavel as the chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence at the beginning of this year. The committee has operational and budgetary oversight over the country's intelligence agencies. His appearance this morning comes on--just as news is breaking this week of covert CIA operations on the ground in Libya.

Chairman Rogers, welcome to MEET THE PRESS.

REP. MIKE ROGERS (R-MI): David, thanks for having me.

MR. GREGORY: Good to have you here. Let's pick up on Libya here and specifically about the CIA's role. What are they doing on the ground? And is this part of the strategy to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Libyan rebels?

REP. ROGERS: Well, first of all, I can't comment on any intelligence operations anywhere in the world. They're classified for, for a reason. But let me back up. The CIA was developed and has grown into a pretty robust organization that's designed to go places, even where there are dangerous places, to collect information for policymakers like the United States Congress, like the president, like the military, so that they can make real-time, up-to-date decisions based on what we know on the facts on the ground, so.

MR. GREGORY: But here the major facts are what are the, the rebels doing, what are they, and what do they need? You've said it's not a good idea to supply arms for the rebels. But without it, without the air cover, can they topple Gadhafi?

REP. ROGERS: Well, I supported the no-fly zone early on, as a matter of fact, and support the continuation of the no-fly zone with the ability to strike targets on the ground, armored columns, other things. But what we need to know is who they are. We know what they're against, the rebels.

MR. GREGORY: Hm.

REP. ROGERS: We know that they're against Moammar Gadhafi remaining in power. But we don't know what they're for.

MR. GREGORY: Is there a terrorist element among them?

REP. ROGERS: Well, in most Middle East countries there are elements of al-Qaeda. Now, that doesn't mean they're a part of the government, it doesn't mean they're the majority, it doesn't mean that they're having major influences in the, in the country that--of which they reside. But yes, it's a concern. We know that they're there. They, in the past--the Libyan al-Qaeda element, or al-Qaeda in the Maghreb--provided foreign fighters in Iraq to target U.S. citizens. But that didn't mean that was a part of the Libyan government. It's very tribal, 140 tribes, 30 are which politically active. We just need to know a lot more before we give them advanced weapon systems.

MR. GREGORY: Would you like to see Arab special forces units in a lead role, rather than the CIA on the ground?

REP. ROGERS: Well, I mean, special forces and, and intelligence collection I think are two very, very different things. The special forces on the ground would be designed to, to go and hit targets and, and cause some chaos, if you will, for the enemy. If the Arab League is putting those types of forces on the ground, you know, good on them. The rebels could certainly use that help and support from the Arab League. And I think what you're seeing now amongst the rebels is a little bit organization. One of the good things I think has happened is we've found the, the thousand soldiers or so that have defected. They're getting organized, they're now interfacing with the rebels, getting them more tactically oriented. The pressure on the Gadhafi regime is intense. You know, the--Moussa Koussa, his foreign minister, former head of intelligence, has defected. They're treating him well. He is providing, I think, valuable information to the British and the United States and to the rebels at this point, just by his fact that he is cooperating, being treated well. The pressure on the regime--and more defections, I do believe, will follow--is adding a lot of pressure.

MR. GREGORY: Right. But you heard, you heard Senator Durbin talk, talk about pressure on the regime. The Wall Street editorial this week argued for a more robust, unified voice from the Republicans, saying this: "Republicans ought to prod Mr. Obama," the Journal wrote, "to push for a faster resolution that ends with toppling of Gadhafi and his sons from power. Any result short of that guarantees a divided Libya that may well require international peacekeepers to separate the warring factions. If there is any leader whose terrorist nature the American people understand, it is Gadhafi's." Should that be the view of the Republican Party, to topple him? Is that realistic?

REP. ROGERS: Well, I, I do think Gadhafi remaining in power is not an option, it's not the--an option. But this is--shouldn't be a Republican issue, a Democrat issue, it shouldn't be an Obama issue vs. a John Boehner issue.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

REP. ROGERS: This is an American issue.

MR. GREGORY: But how do you get him out? How do you get him out?

REP. ROGERS: Well, continued sustained efforts here. The rebels are getting better organized. We're putting lots of pressure for defections. And people in the regime have to make choices. They're going to have to decide, do they want to be prosecuted when this is all over for war crimes, or do they want to defect early on and be part of the solution for the future of Libya? And believe me, that's, that's an intense amount of pressure. He's running out of money. We--the United States and Europe has seized some $60 billion-plus worth of assets of Libya that will be turned back over to a Libya to rebuild itself. All the components here and a smart way of going forward so that we don't get embroiled in, in owning the problem of the cleanup, if you will.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

REP. ROGERS: And we don't arm people that we don't know who they are and if they're going to use those weapons against civilians or maybe us in the future. And so you have this growing in the region fight for liberty so that these governments are less hostile to the United States. There are so many reasons for us to be here and show leadership. And I argue Republicans and Democrats ought to stand together with the president to get--to make sure that this thing ends well for the United States and the people of Libya.

MR. GREGORY: But are we in a conflict that it has at its core a vital U.S. interest? I posed that question to the secretary of Defense on this program last week, this is what he said.

(Videotape, last Sunday)

MR. GREGORY: Is Libya in our vital interest as a country?

SEC'Y ROBERT GATES: No, I don't think it's a vital interest for the United States. But we clearly have interests there. And it's a part of the region which is a vital interest for the United States.

(End videotape)

MR. GREGORY: And part of that interest, as the president outlined it in a speech that a lot of people thought was about Libya but about something of an Obama doctrine, was humanitarian. And yet you read the papers this morning, about 800 civilians killed in the Cote d'Ivoire. I mean, how do we form a policy around when we intervene and when we don't if this is not a, a, a war that's in our interest?

REP. ROGERS: Well, I argue it is in our interests, and we ought to stand with the president on making this a, a positive outcome for the United States, again, the people of Libya. Here's--the humanitarian component of it was real and it was something we should have done, stopping the slaughter of tens of thousands of people that we knew was going to happen. But here's somebody who is a state sponsor of terrorism; the bombing of the German discotheque killed American soldiers, planned thought Gadhafi's regime, the Pan Am bombing. This is somebody who still has a chemical weapon stockpile and he has other weapon systems that keeps me up at night thinking about if these things were to, to happen to fall into the wrong hands.

MR. GREGORY: Is Libya a terrorist threat?

REP. ROGERS: Listen, I think if you have a stalemate with Moammar Gadhafi still in power, when you have this split country where he still possesses stockpiles of some pretty awful stuff, I think you have to worry that he is a terrorist threat.

MR. GREGORY: That's significant...

REP. ROGERS: I believe...

MR. GREGORY: ...that this is what the endgame is about for the U.S. is preventing a terror strike by a, by a cornered Gadhafi.

REP. ROGERS: Well, it's a whole host of things. I think that clearly has to be one of them. I mean, we know he has it. He used chemical weapons in his fight against Chad in 1987, that's a fact.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

REP. ROGERS: We have seen--I've been in Libya, I have seen his chemical stockpile. We know it's there, it exists. He has other weapon systems that concern us. But it can't be just that, it has to be all of the other factors.

MR. GREGORY: Just a couple more points in our remaining time. I want to ask you about what I asked Senator Durbin about...

REP. ROGERS: Yeah.

MR. GREGORY: ...these protests that we're seeing throughout Afghanistan because of the Quran burning here in the United States; a publicity stunt for sure, but also an act of extremism. It has real consequences.
Advertise | AdChoices

REP. ROGERS: Absolutely has consequences. And we've asked Americans in every tough conflict we've had in the history of this country to be thoughtful and mindful of each citizen's responsibility to make sure that you're doing your part for our soldiers to come home safely with an accomplished mission. When you do something like this, clearly the First Amendment has--protects that individual from doing that. But when you jeopardize our soldiers and the folks who are--and our civilians who are trying to put Afghanistan back together so we can come home, I would hope that you would stop with that bit of extremism and pull yourself back and look at the bigger, broader, more important picture as a unified and successful United States overseas.

MR. GREGORY: Let me ask you about Iraq because the politics there, the sectarian division is started to tear at the seams a little bit. Of course, we have 47,000 troops there, they're due home by the end of the year. The Washington Post's editorial just this morning poses a pretty provocative question, which is "Iraq's ticking clock: What will happen when the last U.S. troops depart?" If we leave, does Iran become the dominant player in Iraq? And what does that mean for the U.S.?

REP. ROGERS: I don't think it becomes the dominant player in Iraq. It certainly has the potential and they have been a very bad actor in the entire region--which I think is why you saw many Arab countries, both overtly and quietly, support the United States from keeping check on Iran's ambitions in the region. That's not going to go away anytime soon. Their proxy state, Syria, clearly is acting on Iran's behalf. Their activities in Bahrain, very concerning of what they're doing. We're going to have to watch it in Iraq and around the rest of that region. Again, why Libya's important? Imagine now a change where you have Libyans, free democracy of some sort, at least of their choosing, that is less hostile to the United States and more inclusive of other Arab League partners. That's a positive outcome for the United States. When liberty is on the march, we ought to be with it in ways that we can, and responsibly, but we ought to be with it.

MR. GREGORY: Just 20 seconds. You're a former FBI agent. What's the key quality the next FBI director should have?

REP. ROGERS: They need to understand the agent culture. The next 10 years of the FBI are critical. Director Mueller has pulled, pulled the FBI along with some serious changes. Understand the agent culture, the core value of being an investigator first, and applying that to their new mission of counterterrorism and analysts.

MR. GREGORY: Counter--yeah, and counterterrorism.

REP. ROGERS: Yes.

MR. GREGORY: Really, that experience is important.

REP. ROGERS: Yes.

MR. GREGORY: All right, Chairman, thank you very much.

REP. ROGERS: Thanks, David, for having me here.
Advertise | AdChoices

MR. GREGORY: We appreciate you being here.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: www.msnbc.msn.com/

John Boehner Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 04/02/11

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

John Boehner Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 04/02/11

Washington (Apr 2) Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) discusses the new House majority’s efforts to cut spending and tackle the big challenges facing job creation in America. In the address, Boehner, a former small business owner, talks about how the spending binge in Washington is creating uncertainty for private-sector job creators and holding our economy back. He reiterates Republicans’ commitment to fighting for the largest spending cuts possible, and says it’s important to resolve last year’s budget mess so we can tackle the bigger challenges facing job creation. Those challenges include the job-crushing $1.5 trillion tax hike in President Obama’s budget for next year, and his request for an increase in the national debt limit without a commitment to ending runaway spending. Following is the full text of the address.

“Hello, I’m John Boehner. Before I had the honor of representing the people of Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, I ran a small business back in West Chester, Ohio.

Small businesses are the engine of job creation in America: they actually create jobs, the government doesn’t. That’s why I ran for Congress – to do my part to get government out of the way of American prosperity. Despite some recent signs of life, our economy still isn’t creating enough jobs. And one of the reasons for that is the spending binge that’s been going on in Washington.

“Washington’s inability to get spending under control is creating uncertainty for our job creators. It’s discouraging investment in small businesses, and eroding confidence in our economy. To put it simply, the spending binge in Washington is holding our country back and keeping our economy from creating jobs.

“Last year, when the President tried to put forward another big-spending budget on top of his ‘stimulus,’ Americans rose up and demanded we stop the spending binge and start working together to create a better environment for job creation. They put a new majority in charge of the House with clear orders: crash the spending party in Washington so our economy can get back to creating jobs.

“We’ve made some early progress. This year, the federal government will spend at least $51 billion less than it would have if the president had gotten his way. And because we’ve kept the pressure on, Democrats in the White House and the Senate are being forced to talk about a bill that would cut tens of billions more. Over the next decade, the savings will be hundreds of billions of dollars. This is nowhere near enough, but it’s a clear change in direction.

“Now, you’ve heard Democratic leaders claim an agreement has been reached on this issue, but let me be clear. There is no agreement. Republicans continue to fight for the largest spending cuts possible to help end Washington’s job-crushing spending binge.

“To support job creation in America, we need to keep the cuts coming, and we need to do much, much more. That’s why it’s important for Congress to get moving and pass a final bill that resolves last year’s budget mess while making real spending cuts – so we can tackle the bigger challenges facing job creation.

“One of those challenges is stopping the $1.5 trillion tax hike the president called for in his budget for next year. This tax hike will affect every family and small business in America, and it will destroy jobs. The president has also asked Congress to increase the national debt limit – without any commitment to stopping the runaway spending that got us into this mess in the first place. If the president gets his wish, it would send the signal that America has no plan to deal with her spending illness – and that’s going to have the effect, again, of destroying more American jobs.

“We also need to address all the red tape and regulations that are making it harder to create jobs and driving up the cost of health care and energy.

“To put America on a path to prosperity, we need to remove regulatory obstacles to job growth, expand American energy production, end the threat of tax hikes, approve stalled trade agreements that would open new markets, and get government spending under control once and for all. These are the pillars of the Republican plan to help get our economy back to creating jobs, and this is the focus of our new majority in the House.

“Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

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

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

Rand Paul Congressional Correspondents' Dinner VIDEO

Rand Paul M.D. U.S. Senator [R] KY, United States Length: 9 minutes, 25 seconds. The Radio and Television Correspondents Association gathered for their annual dinner. The 67th annual dinner was the first to be called the Congressional Correspondents’ Dinner.

Ben Quayle Congressional Correspondents' Dinner VIDEO

The Radio and Television Correspondents Association gathered for their annual dinner.

Ben Quayle (R-AZ) takes on Obama, Biden, Gingrich, Weiner, Spitzer, and many others at Wednesday evening's Congressional Correspondents' Dinner (formerly the Radio-Television Correspondents' Dinner). The 67th annual dinner was the first to be called the Congressional Correspondents’ Dinner.


VIDEO CREDIT: PoliticoLach

Charles Boustany Conducts Hearing on IRS Practices and the 2011 Filing Season

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana) today held a Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight hearing to discuss the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the 2011 Tax Return Filing Season. IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman was on hand to testify. “Charged with administering this growing tax code, the IRS must simultaneously respect the rights of taxpayers, provide assistance to the millions of taxpayers who have questions about their taxes, and go after those who seek to cheat the tax system,” Boustany said in his opening statement. “The IRS’s dual mission of both revenue collector and social policy program administrator diverts IRS resources from its core mission and can diminish taxpayer service.

Among the biggest contributors to this problem is the new health care law, which gives IRS a host of new responsibilities, including the indoor tanning tax, new taxes and fees on employers and individuals, and a complex small business tax credit.”

Boustany indicated the committee’s desire to work on ways to reform the tax code. When asked if he felt the tax code was too complex, Commissioner Shuman responded, “Yes, it has become incredibly complex.”

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Boustany plans to hold several hearings to look into government waste and spending in federal agencies.

###

Boustany Opening Statement: Hearing on Internal Revenue Service Operations and the 2011 Tax Return Filing Season

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Good morning. I would like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Internal Revenue Service and the 2011 Tax Return Filing Season.

Today’s conversation about the IRS should begin with a topic too often ignored: the taxpayer. The National Taxpayer Advocate’s recent report to Congress provided some alarming facts on what the federal tax code has become, and how it affects the average taxpayer.

Every year, taxpayers face a tax code of growing complexity. For instance, there have been nearly 5,000 changes to the tax code in the past ten years. Between the period of 1975 and 2005, the code tripled in size. As a result of the growing length and complexity of the tax code, individual taxpayers and businesses spend an estimated 6.1 billion hours and $163 billion every single year simply complying with tax-filing requirements. The cost of compliance for your average individual taxpayer was over $250 in 2007.

As we meet today, we are in the middle of the 2011 tax return filing season and millions of individuals and businesses are working to meet their annual tax return filing obligations. As of March 18, IRS had processed over 73 million individual tax returns and issued nearly 65 million refunds totaling $193 billion. With two and a half weeks to go until the April 18 filing deadline, the Subcommittee looks forward to hearing more about the ongoing tax return season and any problems the agency and tax return filers might be encountering. The Subcommittee would also like to learn more about efforts the IRS has undertaken to improve the efficient processing of returns and refunds, including its e-filing modernization program.

Charged with administering this growing tax code, the IRS must simultaneously respect the rights of taxpayers, provide assistance to the millions of taxpayers who have questions about their taxes, and go after those who seek to cheat the tax system.

And the agency has to do this against a backdrop of ever increasing responsibilities to administer social policy programs. The IRS’s dual mission of both revenue collector and social policy program administrator diverts IRS resources from its core mission and can diminish taxpayer service. Among the biggest contributors to this problem is the new health care law, which gives IRS a host of new responsibilities, including the indoor tanning tax, new taxes and fees on employers and individuals, and a complex small business tax credit.

For FY 2012, the IRS has requested nearly $6 billion dollars, an increase of more than 8 percent from the FY 2010 appropriation. Included in this $6 billion is a request for nearly half a billion dollars, and over 1,200 new employees, to implement the health care law’s provisions. And the costs of the health care law do not end there. IRS’s implementation of the health care law is estimated to cost between $5 and $10 billion over the next ten years. So in addition to the current tax return filing season and the IRS budget request, I hope we can take this opportunity to discuss this dual mission and whether it hampers IRS’s core revenue collection responsibilities.

With that, I would like to welcome Commissioner Douglas Shulman here today, and I look forward to a fruitful discussion of his agency, its mission, and the ongoing tax return filing season.

I am now pleased to yield to our Ranking Member, Mr. Lewis.

###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Charles Boustany Washington, DC Office 1431 Longworth House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515-1807 Phone: (202) 225-2031 Fax: (202) 225-5724

TEXT CREDIT: House Committee on Ways & Means 1101 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone (202) 225-3625 Fax (202) 225-2610

John Boehner Calls For House to Renew D.C. School Choice Program H.R. 471 VIDEO FULL TEXT

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) speaks on the House floor in support of H.R. 471, legislation renewing the bipartisan, successful D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which has helped thousands of disadvantaged students gain access to a quality education. Boehner also submitted for the record letters from a parent and several students who hope the Obama Administration will work with Congress to ensure the program will continue.

H.R. 471 To reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes in PDF FORMAT

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

John Kline, Michele Bachmann, Erik Paulsen and Chip Cravaack Voice Concern Over Medical Device Tax

Last night, Reps. John Kline (MN-02), Michele Bachmann (MN-06), Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Chip Cravaack (MN-08) sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman voicing their concerns about the $20 billion medical device tax included in the new healthcare law. In January, Rep. Paulsen introduced the “Protect Medical Innovation Act” which would repeal the job-crushing medical device tax. Reps. Kline, Bachmann and Cravaack are among the bill’s 110 co-sponsors. Minnesota is home to over 400 medical device companies employing 35,000 people.

“The planned $20 billion excise tax on medical device manufacturers will lead to higher prices for devices and increased health care premiums. We also believe the tax will force medical device companies to reduce US employment and research and development expenditures,” said the letter. “We encourage you to look toward established industry sources to better understand the practicalities of the medical device market. As you work through this process, we need to learn more about your approach to these issues to ensure that the regulations do not exacerbate the impact on jobs and competitiveness resulting from the excise tax on medical devices.”

###

Contact: Becky Rogness 202-225-2331

MN Letter to IRS Commissioner Re Medical Device Tax in PDF FORMAT

H.R.436 -- Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2011 in PDF FORMAT

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

Spencer Bachus We will reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac H.R. 1182 FULL TEXT

WASHINGTON (March 29) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) released the following statement about the proposals introduced today by several Republicans on the Committee to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Bachus is Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. “In our Pledge to America, House Republicans said: ‘We will reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by ending their government takeover, shrinking their portfolios, and establishing minimum capital standards.’ As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, I want to make it clear: We are fully committed to these goals.

“On March 17, the Committee’s Vice Chairman, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, introduced H.R. 1182, a bill that represents Republicans’ ultimate objective, as articulated in the Pledge to America, to end the $150 billion bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and make sure that such a bailout is never again forced on the American taxpayer.

Bill Text 112th Congress (2011-2012) H.R.1182.IH in PDF FORMAT To establish a term certain for the conservatorships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to provide conditions for continued operation of such enterprises, and to provide for the wind down of such operations and the dissolution of such enterprises.

“This comprehensive reform of the U.S. mortgage market will be supplemented by targeted bills which Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Scott Garrett will shepherd through his Subcommittee, all of which advance the same goal as the Hensarling bill: to create a well-functioning, private, competitive secondary mortgage market to price mortgages according to risk, be more innovative and efficient, and operate with less political interference.

“Finally, Insurance and Housing Chairman Judy Biggert will begin a parallel legislative effort to reform the Federal Housing Administration. This effort will focus on legislation to clearly define FHA’s mission and prevent it from simply replacing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a source of taxpayer exposure to the mortgage market.

“The strength of the Republican Financial Services Committee team has been and will continue to be the cooperation and collaborative effort of its subcommittee chairmen. The reform of housing policy, which spans the jurisdiction of several subcommittees, will display the power of this willingness to work together and accomplish great things.”

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Spencer Bachus Washington Office 2246 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 20515 (p) 202-225-4921 (f) 202-225-2082

Rand Paul Responds to President Obama's Address 03/28/11 VIDEO FULL TEXT

Following President Obama's national address this evening regarding the situation in Libya, Sen. Rand Paul released the following remarks in response to the President.

VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Rand Paul Response to President Obama’s Address Time to consult Congress, follow Constitution before action Monday, March 28, 2011.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

The President of the United States often faces unforeseeable dilemmas that demand tough decisions based on reliable intelligence. The recent events in Libya presented President Obama with such a scenario. But how our Commander in Chief chose to handle this new dilemma raises serious questions about his understanding of constitutional checks and balances.

Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi is every bit the madman Ronald Reagan once said he was, but are the rebels adherents to Jeffersonian democracy or Bin Laden’s radical jihad?

In 2007, then-candidate Obama said that “The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation.”

I agree with candidate Obama. Unfortunately, President Obama has failed to heed his own advice. He has ignored our constitution and engaged us in a military conflict without congressional debate and approval

What imminent threat did Gadhafi or Libya pose to the United States? Obviously, the decision to take military action of this magnitude is something that should not be taken lightly, and should first require determining whether it is in the United States’ vital national interest.

Over the weekend, even Defense Secretary Robert Gates admitted that America has no vital interest in Libya.

Our brave men and women in uniform are patriotic defenders of our nation. They are members of the greatest military in the world, and in times of war, I am confident of their willingness and ability to ensure that our vital interests are protected.

But they should not be asked to be nation-builders or the world's policemen. And they should serve in wars authorized and called for by the United States Congress, not the United Nations.

At the moment, there are uprisings taking place across the Middle East. The problem with sending U.S. military to help rebels in Libya or anywhere else is that we are taking sides in a conflict and on behalf of a people whom we know nothing about.

When, or if, there is regime change in Libya, what kind of leadership, exactly, will replace Gadhafi? Who are the Libyan rebels exactly? The Daily Telegraph newspaper in London reported over the weekend that some Libyan rebel leaders now claim they have members of al-Qaida within their ranks and are glad to have them. Why do we have American soldiers, our best and bravest, helping people in Libya who may be the very same people we ask our military to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Intervening in a civil war in a tribal society in which our government admits we have no vital interests to help people we do not know, simply does not make any sense. Libyan society is complicated, and we simply do not know enough about the potential outcomes or leaders to know if this will end up in the interests of the United States, or if we are in fact helping to install a radical Islamic government in the place of a secular dictatorship.

Of even more lasting concern is how our troops were committed to this battle by President Obama.

The Founding Fathers understood the seriousness of war and thus included in our Constitution a provision stating that only Congress can declare war. The decision to wage war should not be taken cavalierly. As Madison wrote:

The Constitution supposes what the history of all Governments demonstrates, that the executive is the branch of power most interested in war and most prone to it. It has accordingly with studied care vested the question of war in the Legislature.

If President Obama had consulted Congress, as our Constitution requires him to do, perhaps we could have debated these questions before hastily involving ourselves in yet another Middle Eastern conflict.

The Constitution doesn't say the president can wage war after he talks to a handful of Congressional leaders.

The Constitution says Congress – all of Congress – is responsible for declaring war.

While the President is the commander of our armed forces, he is not a king. He may involve those forces in military conflict only when authorized by Congress or in response to an imminent threat. Neither was the case here.

We are already in two wars that we are not paying for. We are waging war across the Middle East on a credit card, one whose limit is rapidly approaching. And this is just wrong.

We already borrow money from countries like China to pay for our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and it would be interesting to know how many Americans believe we should continue borrowing money and saddling future generations with debt to pay for our current actions in Libya.

The subtext to the President’s speech concerning Libya tonight was “What if we had done nothing?” But a better question might be, What if helping Libya’s interest actually hurts America’s interests? What if we are sending our military to places where we might actually be helping the same terrorists we fight in other countries or potential future terrorists?

It’s time that we re-examine these policies by once again consulting the Constitution on such matters and the common-sense principles that made this country great. We can no longer afford to spend what we don’t have. And we can’t afford to address every other nation’s problems before we can address our own.

Over the coming days and weeks, Congress will force President Obama to confront these questions. Our brave young men and women have answered the call of duty time and time again over the past decade. Our soldiers deserve, at the very least, that before we send them into a third war that Congress – the People’s House – deliberate, debate, and decide whether this war is in our vital national interests.

We will gather information, ask questions, and deliver our best advice about whether we, as the people's representatives, believe we should be at war. Whatever the outcome, we stand square behind our troops, and seek that their mission be clear and true.

Thank you for listening tonight, and God bless the United States of America.

TEXT CREDIT: Senator Paul, U.S. Senator for Kentucky:

VIDEO IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: SenatorRandPaul