Tim Pawlenty announces on ABC's "This Week" that he will discontinue his run for president TEXT VIDEO

Interview with Tim Pawlenty: Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty on leaving the presidential race. 06:20 | 08/14/2011 Tim Pawlenty announces on ABC's "This Week" that he will discontinue his run for president. (ABC News)

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Congressman, a disappointing -- I'm sorry, Governor, a disappointing finish for you. What went wrong?

PAWLENTY: Well, it was disappointing. But let me first say, Jake, this has been an incredible process. It's been a great honor for Mary and me and our team to convey the message of trying to get this country back on track -- and I think it is off-track -- but bringing my record forward as a two-term governor of a blue state, doing things like getting government spending under control, doing health care reform the right way, and much more.

But obviously that message didn't get the kind of traction or lift that we needed and hoped for coming into the and out of the Ames straw poll. We needed to get some lift to continue on and to have a pathway forward. That didn't happen.

So I'm announcing this morning on your show that I'm going to be ending my campaign for president, but I'm very, very grateful for the people of Iowa, the people of this country, who I had a chance to make my case to, and for my supporters and staff and friends who've been so loyal and helpful. I really appreciate all of them.

I wish it would have been different. But, obviously, the pathway forward for me doesn't really exist. And so we're going to end the campaign.

TAPPER: What do you think went wrong? You're a popular two-term governor from a neighboring state. You had a lot of organization. You had some money at one point. Why couldn't you sell the dog food here?

PAWLENTY: Well, I hope it's better than dog food, Jake. It's more...

(CROSSTALK)

TAPPER: The filet, why couldn't you sell it?

PAWLENTY: Well, there's a lot of factors that go into a successful campaign. Obviously, we had some success raising money, but we needed to continue that, and Ames was a benchmark for that. And if we didn't do well in Ames, we weren't going to have the fuel to keep the car going down the road. But also, there's a lot of other choices in the race. And for me, what I brought forward I thought was a rational, established, credible, strong record of results, based on experience governing -- a two-term governor of a blue state. But I think the audience, so to speak, was looking for something different.

TAPPER: Well, that is a question about the -- today's Republican Party. Do you think that they're not looking for somebody that has worked with Democrats? Do you think they're not looking for someone that has results? You've derided those people who are voting for entertainers as opposed to people who can lead. Is that just not what the Republican electorate is looking for right now?

PAWLENTY: Well, I congratulate Congresswoman Bachmann on her victory and, for that matter, Congressman Ron Paul's close second. I mean, those are very impressive numbers. They lapped the field almost. And so congratulations to them.

But, you know, this is a long journey. The party is going to be now more broadly discussing who they want for their candidate, not just in Iowa, but in other places around the country. So we don't know what this ultimately will look like, but what we do know, at least for Ames and for Iowa and for me, is my record of being a two-term governor in a blue state with all the record -- results that I had wasn't sufficient to get us to the next phase.

TAPPER: Well, you raise a good point. This is a long process. And other candidates in previous years have stuck it out, waited for other campaigns to implode or go away. I think that there are a lot of people who wonder if Rick Perry is really all that his -- the hype says he is, that wonder if Congresswoman Bachmann can go the distance. Why not stick it out?

PAWLENTY: Well, because we needed to get some lift. You know, I'm from a small state. I don't have a big national financial network or political network. And so -- I think the measure of us in this phase was really, can you get some lift out of Ames to get the ante, if you will, to get to the next round? And that didn't happen, unfortunately. I wish it would have; it didn't happen. But even at a minimal level, you need to make sure that you've got that kind of ability to continue on and hopefully get some momentum, but that pathway doesn't appear available to me.

TAPPER: This must be personally devastating. I mean, you've worked very hard for this for a long time. And as a young politician, it's everyone's dream to be president of the United States. What is -- what is it like personally? I mean, I realize you get to spend more time with your family now, and you actually mean that, because you actually have a family you want to spend time with. But -- but how -- how difficult is this?

PAWLENTY: Well, first of all, I'm not so young anymore. I've turned 50, and I'm feeling the years there. But beyond that, it's not that difficult. I'm doing this because I love this country and I want to defeat Barack Obama, because I think he's got it on the wrong course. But I don't get my identity or my sense of worth or my values or my faith from politics. I first get it from my personal faith in God. And then I believe in this country. I love this country. I believe I can make a contribution to it. I thought I would have been a great president, but, obviously, that pathway for now isn't there.

TAPPER: You've said in the past that the Republican Party needs to be careful in not being -- and not be reckless in choosing the nominee. Do you think Michele Bachmann would be a reckless pick? You can tell me now, because you're not running anymore...

(CROSSTALK)

PAWLENTY: Well, the -- this thing is going to unfold over the next six, eight months. And this is a long road, as you well know. So all of these candidates, whether it's Congresswoman Bachmann, you know, Governor Perry, all the others, they're going to be tested. And this -- as you know, it's a big, bright light that comes down on you, and we'll see.

But I do believe that we're going to have a very good candidate who's going to beat Barack Obama. But Barack Obama's numbers aren't very good nationally, and in the swing states that are going to decide the election, they're terrible.

TAPPER: Right, but the wrong nominee...

(CROSSTALK)

TAPPER: ... could still lead to Barack Obama winning.

PAWLENTY: Yeah, that wouldn't be helpful. But sometimes, you know, what looks certain this summer will look different next summer. We don't know what's the right or wrong nominee. And all of them are going to be tested, and somebody who can thrive in this process will have their meddle tested, and they'll be improved. And so a lot of times you see candidates start out weaker, they get stronger over time, or start out strong and fall by the wayside. So we just don't know, but I'm confident that our candidate will be a strong candidate. We've got these wonderful ex-governors in the race, people...

TAPPER: Are you going to endorse anyone?

PAWLENTY: Probably eventually, but not anytime soon.

TAPPER: Would you be willing to consider being a vice president to one of these nominees...

(CROSSTALK)

PAWLENTY: No, I've been down that road. That's not something I'm even going to consider.

TAPPER: Do you think Michele Bachmann is qualified to be president?

PAWLENTY: Well, I think she's qualified to be president.

TAPPER: You do?

PAWLENTY: I think now she's going to have to make her case to the American people about whether she's the best candidate and why she should be the Republican nominee and why she should be the next president against Barack Obama. And time will tell whether she can do that.

TAPPER: And what's next for you?

PAWLENTY: Well, what's next, I'm going to take my daughter to college over the next few days. And then I really don't know what the future holds for me. I have absolutely no plans, which is at the same time very liberating, but also a little concerning, so I've got to get to work.

TAPPER: All right. Well, Governor Tim Pawlenty, we thank you for joining us on this -- must be a difficult morning for you, and we wish you well.

PAWLENTY: Thank you, Jake. Appreciate you having me on.

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: This Week with Christiane Amanpour - ABC News

Michele Bachmann has issued the following statement after winning the Iowa Straw Poll: VIDEO

Ames, Iowa – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has issued the following statement after winning the Iowa Straw Poll:

“I want to thank the people of Iowa for for this tremendous victory. Together we sent a message that we intend to make President Obama a one term president. The Iowa Straw Poll was a important first step in what will be a long race for the presidency. Now we turn our attention toward winning the Iowa Caucuses and taking our message of reining in wasteful spending, keeping taxes low, growing our economy and creating jobs to the people of New Hampshire, South Carolina and all 50 states.”

TEXT CREDIT: Bachmann for President P.O. Box 96891 | Washington, D.C. 20090-6891 info@michelebachmann.com

2011 Ames Iowa Republican Straw Poll FULL RESULTS

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Wins 2011 Iowa Straw Poll Turnout exceeds 2007 Straw Poll, 2nd Highest Turnout Ever

AMES- Minutes ago in front of thousands of Iowa Republicans at the Hilton Coliseum, Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn announced Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the winner of the 2011 Iowa Straw Poll . A full breakdown of the results is copied below. A total of 16,892 ballots were cast during the 2011 Straw Poll which included a write-in opportunity for the first time. The Straw Poll was previously held in 1979, 1987, 1995, 1999 and 2007. The 2011 Iowa Straw Poll was held just two days after the Iowa GOP/Fox News debate- the most watched debate in 2011 by more than 1 million viewers.

2011 Ames Iowa Republican Straw Poll FULL RESULTS. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Wins 2011 Iowa Straw Poll.

2011 Straw Poll Full Results (Votes, %)
1. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (4823, 28.55%)
2. Congressman Ron Paul (4671, 27.65%)
3. Governor Tim Pawlenty (2293, 13.57%)
4. Senator Rick Santorum (1657, 9.81%)
5. Herman Cain(1456, 8.62%)
6. Governor Rick Perry (718, 3.62%) write-in
7. Governor Mitt Romney (567, 3.36%)
8. Speaker Newt Gingrich (385, 2.28%)
9. Governor Jon Huntsman (69, 0.41%)
10. Congressman Thad McCotter (35, 0.21%)
Scattering (162, 0.96 %) Includes all those receiving votes at less than one-percent that were not on the ballot.

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa and Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidate’s Committee.

For Immediate Release, Saturday, August 13, 2011 Posted on August 13, 2011 by info@iowagop.org

TEXT CREDIT: IowaGOP

Rick Perry’s Presidential Announcement Remarks FULL TEXT VIDEO

Complete video of Texas Gov. Rick Perry at the Redstate Gathering in South Carolina where he announced his candidacy for President of the United States.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: RedState Gathering 2011- Charleston, S.C. Text of Gov. Perry’s remarks as delivered:

Howdy. Thank you, Erick (Erickson, editor of RedState). It is great to be at RedState. And I’ll tell you what, it’s even better to be governor of the largest red state in America.

It’s sure good to be back in the Palmetto State, in South Carolina. I enjoy coming to places where people elect folks like Nikki Haley, true conservatives. And also where they love the greatest fighting force on the face of the earth…the United States Military.

And I want to take a moment and ask you to just take a silence, think about those young Navy SEALs and the other special operators who gave it all in the service of their country. Just take a moment to say Thank you, Lord, that we have those kind of selfless, sacrificial men and women. Their sacrifice was immeasurable, their dedication profound, and we will never, ever forget them.

I stand before you today as the governor of Texas. But I also stand before you the son of two tenant farmers, Ray Perry, who came home after 35 bombing missions over Europe to work his little corner of land out there, and Amelia who made sure my sister Milla and I had everything that we needed, including hand-sewing my clothes until I went off to college.

I am also the product of a place called Paint Creek. Doesn’t have a zip code. It’s too small to be called a town along the rolling plains of Texas. We grew dryland cotton and wheat, and when I wasn’t farming or attending Paint Creek Rural School, I was generally over at Troop 48 working on my Eagle Scout award.

Around the age of 8, I was blessed – didn’t realize it, but I was blessed to meet my future wife, Anita Thigpen, at a piano recital. We had our first date eight years later. And she finally agreed to marry me 16 years after that. Nobody says I am not persistent.

There is no greater way to live life than with someone you love, and my first love is with us today, my lovely wife Anita. We’re also blessed to have two incredible children, Griffin and Sydney, and they are also with us today, and our wonderful daughter-in-law Meredith. I’d just like to introduce those two. Thank you.

What I learned growing up on the farm was a way of life that was centered on hard work, and on faith and on thrift. Those values have stuck with me my whole life. But it wasn’t until I graduated from Texas A&M University and joined the United States Air Force, flying C-130’s all around the globe, that I truly appreciated the blessings of freedom.

To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, I realized that the United States of America really is the last great hope of mankind. What I saw was systems of government that elevated rulers at the expense of the people. Socialist systems cloaked maybe in good intentions but were delivering misery and stagnation. And I learned that not everyone values life like we do in America, or the rights that are endowed to every human being by a loving God.

You see, as Americans we’re not defined by class, and we will never be told our place. What makes our nation exceptional is that anyone, from any background, can climb the highest of heights. As Americans, we don’t see the role of government as guaranteeing outcomes, but allowing free men and women to flourish based on their own vision, their hard work and their personal responsibility. And as Americans, we realize there is no taxpayer money that wasn’t first earned by the sweat and toil of one of our citizens.

That’s why we reject this President’s unbridled fixation on taking more money out of the wallets and pocketbooks of American families and employers and giving it to a central government. “Spreading the wealth” punishes success while setting America on course to greater dependency on government. Washington’s insatiable desire to spend our children’s inheritance on failed “stimulus” plans and other misguided economic theories have given us record debt and left us with far too many unemployed.

But of course, now we’re told we are in recovery. Yeah.

But this sure doesn’t feel like a recovery to more than nine percent of Americans out there who are unemployed, or the sixteen percent of African Americans and 11 percent of Hispanics in the same position, or the millions more who can only find part-time work, or those who have stopped even looking for a job.

One in six work-eligible Americans cannot find a full-time job. That is not a recovery. That is an economic disaster.

If you think about it, for those Americans who do have full-time jobs, they aren’t experiencing economic recovery with the rising fuel costs and the food prices that are going up. Recovery is a meaningless word if the bank has foreclosed on your home, if you are under water on your mortgage, or if you are up to the max on your credit card debt. Those Americans know that this President and his big-spending, big-government policies have prolonged our national misery, not alleviated it.

And what do we say to our children? Y’all figure it out? Don’t worry, Washington’s created 17 debt and entitlement commissions in 30 years, but the fact of the matter is they just didn’t have the courage to make the decisions to allow you to have the future that you actually deserve? That Washington wouldn’t even make modest entitlement program reforms in this last debate? And the President even refused to lay out a plan, for fear of the next election? How can the wealthiest nation in the history of civilization fail so miserably to pay its bills? How does that happen?

Well, Mr. President, let us tell you something: you can’t win the future by selling America off to foreign creditors.

We cannot afford four more years of this rudderless leadership. Last week, that leadership failed, and the tax and spend and borrow agenda of this President led to the first ever downgrade of the credit rating of the United States of America.

In reality though, this is just the most recent downgrade. The fact is for nearly three years President Obama has been downgrading American jobs. He’s been downgrading our standing in the world. He’s been downgrading our financial stability. He’s been downgrading our confidence, and downgrading the hope for a better future for our children. That’s a fact.

His policies are not only a threat to this economy, so are his appointees – a threat. You see he stacked the National Labor Relations Board with anti-business cronies who want to dictate to a private company, Boeing, where they can build a plant. No president, no president should kill jobs in South Carolina, or any other state for that matter, simply because they choose to go to a right-to-work state.

You see, when the Obama Administration is not stifling economic growth with over-regulation, they are achieving the same through their reckless spending. Debt is not only a threat to our economy, but also to our security.

America’s standing in the world is in peril, not only because of disastrous economic policies, but from the incoherent muddle that they call foreign policy. Our president has insulted our friends and he’s encouraged our enemies, thumbing his nose at traditional allies like Israel. He seeks to dictate new borders for the Middle East and the oldest democracy there, Israel, while he is an abject failure in his constitutional duty to protect our borders in the United States.

His foreign policy seems to be based on alienating our traditional allies, while basing our domestic agenda on importing those failed Western European social values. We don’t need a president who apologizes for America. We need a president who protects and projects those values.

Look, it’s pretty simple: we’re going to stand with those who stand with us, and we will vigorously defend our interests. And those who threaten our interests, harm our citizens – we will simply not be scolding you, we will defeat you.



Our nation cannot and it must not endure four more years of aimless foreign policy. We cannot and must not endure four more years of rising unemployment, rising taxes, rising debt, rising energy dependence on nations that intend us harm.

It is time to get America working again. To get citizens – to get our citizens working in good jobs and getting the government to working for the people again.

Page one of any economic plan to get America working is to give a pink slip to the current resident in the White House.

Listen, we just got to get back to the basic truths of economic success. As Governor, I’ve had to deal with the consequences of this national recession. In 2003, and again this year, my state faced billions of dollars in budget shortfalls. But we worked hard, we made tough decisions, we balanced our budget. Not by raising taxes, but by setting priorities and cutting government spending. It can and it must be done in Washington, DC.

Dr. Schwertner (State Representative, R-Williamson County, TX), we have led Texas based on some just really pretty simple guiding principles. One is don’t spend all of the money. Two is keeping the taxes low and under control. Three is you have your regulatory climate fair and predictable. Four is reform the legal system so frivolous lawsuits don’t paralyze employers that are trying to create jobs.

Over the years, we have followed this recipe to produce the strongest economy in the nation. Since June of 2009, Texas is responsible for more than 40 percent of all of the new jobs created in America.

Now think about that. We’re home to less than 10 percent of the population in America, but forty percent of all the new jobs were created in that state.

I’ve cut taxes. I have delivered historic property tax reductions. I was the first governor since World War II to cut general revenue spending in our state budget. We passed lawsuit reform, including just this last session a “loser pays” law to stop the frivolous lawsuits that were happening.

And I know I’ve talked a lot about Texas here in the last little bit. I’m a Texan and proud of it. But first, and foremost, I’m an incredibly proud American.

And I know something: America is not broken. Washington, D.C., is broken!

We need balanced budgets. We need lower taxes. We need less regulation. And we need civil justice reform – those same four principles. Our country’s most urgent need is to revitalize our economy, stop the generational theft that is going on with this record debt.

I come to South Carolina because I will not sit back and accept the path that America is on. Because a great country requires a better direction. Because a renewed nation needs a new president.

It is time to get America working again. And that’s why, with the support of my family, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of America, I declare to you today as a candidate for President of the United States.

It’s time for America to believe again. It’s time to believe that the promise of our future is far greater than even our best days behind us. It’s time to believe again in the potential of private enterprise, set free from the shackles of overbearing federal government. And it’s time to truly restore our standing in the world, and renew our faith in freedom as the best hope for peace in this world that’s beset with strife.

The change we seek will never emanate out of Washington, D.C. It will come from the windswept prairies of Middle America, the farms and factories across this great land, from the hearts and minds of the goodhearted Americans who will accept not a future that is less than our past, patriots – patriots who will not be consigned to a fate of less freedom in exchange for more government.

We do not have to accept our current circumstances. We will change them. We are Americans. That’s what we do. We roll up our sleeves. We go to work. We fix things.

We stand up and proudly proclaim that Washington is not our caretaker and we reject the state that, in Margaret Thatcher’s words, she said a state that takes too much from us in order to do too much for us. We will not stand for that any longer.

We’re dismayed at the injustice that nearly half of all Americans don’t even pay any income tax. And you know the liberals out there are saying that we need to pay more. We are indignant about leaders who do not listen and spend money faster than they can print it.

In America, the people are not subjects of government. The government is subject to the people. And it is up to us, to this present generation of Americans, to take a stand for freedom, to send a message to Washington that we’re taking our future back from the grips of central planners who would control our healthcare, who would spend our treasure, who downgrade our future and micro-manage our lives.

It is time to limit and simplify the taxes in this country. We have to quit spending money we don’t have. We need to get our fiscal house in order and restore our good credit. And we will repeal this President’s misguided, one-size-fits-all government healthcare plan immediately.

We’ll create jobs. We’ll get America working again. We’ll create jobs and we’ll build wealth, we’ll truly educate and innovate in science, and in technology, engineering and math. We’ll create the jobs and the progress needed to get America working again.

And I’ll promise you this: I’ll work every day to make Washington, D.C. as inconsequential in your life as I can. And at the same time, we’ll be freeing our families and small businesses and states from the burdensome and costly federal government so those groups can create, innovate and succeed.

I believe in America. I believe in Her purpose and Her promise. I believe Her best days have not yet been lived. I believe Her greatest deeds are reserved for the generations to come. With the help and the courage of the American people, we will get our country working again. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

TEXT CREDIT: Rick Perry for President

VIDEO and TEXT RESOURCE CREDIT: FreedomsLighthouse

Pat Toomey Weekly Republican Address TEXT VIDEO 08/132/11

Hi, I’m Senator Pat Toomey from the great state of Pennsylvania, and I’m pleased to have this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you today.

Like a lot of Americans all around the country, I’m deeply concerned about the lack of job growth and our stagnant economy.

Now President Obama inherited a weak economy, but by nearly every measure, he has made the economy worse. Over two years ago, his administration told us that passing his $787 billion stimulus bill would keep unemployment below 8 percent.

Instead, since the stimulus was enacted, our economy has lost more than 1.3 million jobs and the unemployment rate has averaged over 9 percent.

Today, fewer people are working; gas prices are higher; home values are lower; wages are weaker; healthcare is more expensive; taxes are heading higher and our federal deficits are much larger than when President Obama took office.

Clearly, the policies of this administration are not working.

So, what went wrong? Well, a big part of the problem has been job-killing regulations. Everyday, small business owners, job creators and entrepreneurs are bombarded with new regulations and higher costs, discouraging these employers from expanding their businesses and hiring additional workers.

This is what I hear when I travel across my home state of Pennsylvania. Whether I am touring a manufacturing plant, talking to dairy farmers or energy producers, visiting a trucking company, or meeting with medical device makers, the message I hear is the same: The crushing burden of federal regulations is making it increasingly difficult for them to grow their new businesses, hire new workers, and in some cases, just keep their doors open.

For example, it can sometimes take years for a new life-saving medical device to be approved by the FDA. A hot dog factory can wait months for federal regulators to approve food product labels, throwing their entire production schedule off.

Future investment in broadband networks has been jeopardized by burdensome new Internet regulations adopted by the FCC. New financial services mandates are raising the cost of credit. And the National Labor Relations Board is now dictating to companies where they can locate new plants.

These are just a few examples out of hundreds, maybe thousands. And, the number of regulations has only increased since President Obama came into office. The Federal Register, containing all federal regulations, now totals a whopping 49,000 pages, covering everything from paint, to dust, cement, to cars, medicine and livestock.

With so many burdens and the threat of new obstacles in the future, it’s not hard to understand why job creators are leery of assuming the risk and costs that come with starting a new business or expanding an existing company. As a former small business owner who ran several restaurants with my brothers, I can attest to the burden these regulations impose on our job creators.

Despite all these obstacles, I remain very optimistic about our future. Americans are still the hardest working, most industrious, and innovative, most entrepreneurial people in the world. And if we just let them, they’ll build more factories, start more businesses, hire more workers, produce more goods, and create more inventions.

But first, government has to get out of the way.

Course, we need some regulations to keep us safe, but these regulations must be enacted in a thoughtful manner and with a careful consideration to the impact they have on jobs. First, we should start by eliminating some of the most harmful regulations already on the books, including the president’s health care bill with its maze of new costly rules.

Next, several of my colleagues and I have introduced legislation that will make sure future regulations are not overly burdensome. For example, the Employer Impact Act, introduced by Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, is a simple bill: It would require all federal agencies to consider the number of jobs that will be lost as a result of a proposed rule or regulation. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin has introduced legislation that would place a moratorium on new federal regulations with an economic impact exceeding $100 million until the unemployment rate falls below 7.7 percent.

And, as a newly appointed member of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, I’m ready to work hard with my fellow committee members to produce a proposal that will reduce government spending, and help to create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.

You know, I have every confidence that the 21st century can be another great American century. And I know we can have a booming economy. But to get there, we have to remember the source of our national strength. Our strength doesn’t come from a bigger government controlling our economy.

It comes from a free enterprise system and the hard-working, honest citizens who make it run - the kind of industrious folks I see every day in Pennsylvania.

When government lets these folks grow their businesses and work hard without putting obstacles in their way, that’s when we’ll achieve the flourishing recovery and the job creation that our country needs and deserves. I’m Pat Toomey, and I thank you for listening.

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News.

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

VIDEO CREDIT: Vote4Paul2012

Iowa Republican presidential debate Closing Arguments 08/11/11 VIDEO

Republican Rivals Make Closing Arguments in Iowa Aug 11, 2011 - VIDEO 6:10 - GOP candidates make presidential pitch.

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News.

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: FoxNews.com

Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty Trade Shots Fox News Republican presidential debate Iowa 08/11/11 VIDEO

Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty Trade Shots Fox News Republican presidential debate Iowa 08/11/11 VIDEO

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: FoxNews.com

John Boehner announces his intent to appoint Jeb Hensarling, Dave Camp and Fred Upton to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today announced his intent to appoint the following three lawmakers to represent House Republicans on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:

House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI)
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI)

Speaker Boehner has tapped Chairman Hensarling to serve as a co-chair of the joint select committee. Boehner issued the following statement regarding the appointments of Chairmen Hensarling, Camp, and Upton:

“Our debt and deficits are a threat to our economy, and America cannot achieve long-term job growth until we take action to address this crisis. In the weeks ahead, a serious, bipartisan committee of lawmakers will begin the hard but necessary work of making the tough choices needed to rein in mandatory and entitlement spending, which are the drivers of our debt. The lawmakers I have appointed to serve on this joint committee are proven leaders who have earned the trust and confidence of their colleagues and constituents. They understand the gravity of our debt crisis and I appreciate their willingness to serve on this panel.

“The two parties have fundamental differences about government and its proper role in our society. Where we've been able to agree, we have acted, and in a way consistent with the American people’s desire for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. Still, the differences remain, and so does the urgent work of returning our economy to creating jobs and lifting the crushing burden of debt that threatens our children’s future. This joint committee presents an opportunity for both parties to bring to the table their best ideas, debate them on the merits, and ultimately come together to do what’s best for our country. With all that’s at stake, I expect that the joint select committee will conduct its work in the open and transparent manner the American people deserve.”

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

IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

Iowa Republican presidential debate Fox News Washington Examiner LIVE STREAM VIDEO 08/11/11

UPDATE: Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

Live Streaming Video via FoxNews.com. coverage begins at 8:45 p.m. ET. (5:45 p.m. PT) with the debate scheduled from 9 to 11:00 p.m. EDT. Mobile phone viewing, the live stream can also be seen via Fox News iPhone and iPad app and Droid app

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

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News. LIVE STREAM VIDEO 08/11/11

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

The debate, which will be moderated by Fox News anchor Bret Baier, with 3 other panelists, Fox News’ Chris Wallace, Byron York, The Washington Examiner chief political correspondent and Susan Ferrechio The Washington Examiner’s chief congressional correspondent.

Rob Portman issued the following statement today regarding his appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Portman Statement on Appointment to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), former head of the of the Office of Management and Budget, and a Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding his appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:

“I am honored to answer the call to serve on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and will work hard to ensure that meaningful spending cuts are made to reduce our deficits, change the trajectory of Washington's record high debt, and to encourage economic growth and job creation. With the U.S. debt now equal to 100% of the GDP, Washington cannot continue to kick the can down the road again. Not only does Washington’s out of control spending have a long-term impact on America’s economic stability, but it has an immediate impact on our ability to generate jobs and opportunity.”

TEXT CREDIT: Rob Portman DC Washington, DC 338 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-3353

IMAGE CREDIT: SenRobPortman

Pat Toomey issued the following statement on announcement that he will be selected to serve on the super committee created by the Budget Control Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the announcement that he will be selected to serve on the super committee created by the Budget Control Act:

"I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve on this bipartisan committee and to be part of the important work we will be doing. In light of last week's events, with the nation's credit downgrade and the deep drop in the markets, it is all the more imperative that this committee do its job effectively and come up with a product that both tackles our debt crisis and can help revive our failing economy.

"Despite the difficulties ahead, I am committed to tackling this challenge and am hopeful that we can produce a proposal that seriously reduces our nation's deficits and grows our economy. Throughout the debate over the debt ceiling, I stressed that we need a solution that achieves the dual goals of putting our government on a path toward a balance budget, and maximizing economic growth and enabling us to create the jobs we badly need. I remain committed to both of these vital goals."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding his selection of Sen. Toomey:

"From his first day in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Toomey has demonstrated a deep understanding of fiscal matters and is a leader on budget and deficit issues. He drafted a budget proposal that was widely supported by the Republican caucus and was actively involved in the recent debt limit debate. His years of experience in the financial sector and on the House Budget Committee will also serve him well in his new role, along with an unwavering commitment to the principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. The American people know that we cannot dig ourselves out of this situation by nibbling around the edges, and I am confident that the Senate Republican appointments to the joint committee can be counted on to propose solutions that put the interests of all Americans ahead of any one political party."

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Pat Toomey Senator for Pennsylvania Washington, D.C. 502 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4254 Fax: (202) 228-0284

President Obama puts dog off his feed VIDEO

President Obama puts dog off his feed VIDEO. When this dog gets fed treats, he will eat them as long as they are from mom or dad. Not President Obama

VIDEO CREDIT: WhatTheFwafa

John Boehner released the following statement in response to the President’s remarks today Deficit Reduction and Jobs :

Aug 8, 2011 Washington - Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement in response to the President’s remarks today:

“I agree with the President that we did not need a ratings agency to tell us America is facing a debt crisis. Uncontrolled spending over decades – by both parties – has created an environment of economic uncertainty that is destroying jobs. And just as both parties contributed to our unsustainable debt, both parties must work now to cut spending. Republicans have demonstrated this problem can be solved without job-destroying tax hikes. We passed a budget that would spend $6.2 trillion less than the President’s proposal; we passed a Cut, Cap, and Balance plan that would save trillions of dollars; and, with the Budget Control Act, we passed a meaningful down payment on deficit reduction – all without tax increases. But difficult work remains, and over the next few months members of the Joint Select Committee will need to make tough choices to rein in the mandatory and entitlement spending that is driving our long-term debt. It is welcome news that the President will contribute to this process by laying out specific reforms he supports.

“As we are reminded today, this challenge is ultimately about jobs and our economy. Providing economic certainty and creating an environment in which businesses can invest and jobs can flourish must remain our number-one focus. That’s why raising taxes is simply the wrong approach. I look forward to working with leaders of both parties to reduce spending, boost confidence, and give American small businesses the stability they need to create jobs.”

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

IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

Jeb Hensarling Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/22/11

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

Washington (Jul 22) Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) discusses Republicans’ continued efforts to create a better environment for private sector job creation and address America’s debt crisis. Earlier this week, the Republican-led House passed ‘cut, cap, and balance’ legislation that cuts spending, promotes private sector job growth, and avoids a government default. The measure received bipartisan backing in the House and strong support from the American people. Rep. Hensarling is chairman of the House Republican Conference. Following is the full text of the address.

“Hello, I’m Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas and I serve as the chairman of the House Republican Conference.

“You know, unfortunately, every day we hear about some friend or some neighbor who just got laid off or still can’t find a job. The Obama Administration promised its ‘stimulus’ plan would help keep unemployment below eight percent. And instead, unemployment has been above eight percent for 29 straight months, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression. 14 million of our fellow citizens remain out of work. So is it any surprise that the number one question in America remains, ‘where are the jobs?’

“You know, by and large, it’s a lack of confidence in our nation’s future that’s holding our economy back, whether it’s uncertainty about our national debt, uncertainty about taxes, uncertainty about all the regulations and mandates that just keep pouring out of Washington. Small business owners are pleading for the government to stop the reckless spending, balance the budget, and then just get out of the way.

“That’s why the Republican-led House is focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job growth – the kind of growth the President promised with his ‘stimulus’ but failed to deliver. As part of our Plan for America’s Job Creators, we’ve passed a series of jobs bills to cut wasteful Washington spending, rein in needless red tape, and increase American energy production. Our plan includes the budget, written by Chairman Paul Ryan and the Budget Committee that actually pays down our debt over time and paves a path to prosperity and economic growth.
“We Americans are the best entrepreneurs and workers in the world. Given a level playing field, we can compete and win against anyone, anywhere, anytime. But not as long as the policies coming out of Washington remain harmful to jobs. What we need to do is get government out of the way so our economy can get back to creating jobs.

“That’s what makes this debate we’re having about America’s fiscal future so important. Our government has gotten so big, so expensive it’s keeping our economy from recovering as it should. Job creators are fearful that our $14 trillion debt is going to lead to higher taxes, which could harm their businesses and destroy even more jobs.

“Just this week the co-founder of Home Depot, Bernie Marcus, when he was asked what’s the ‘single biggest impediment to job growth,’ he answered: ‘The U.S. government.’ He went on to say: ‘If we don’t lower spending and if we don’t deal with paying down the debt, we are going to have to raise taxes ... [and ] when you raise taxes, you cost jobs.’ This sentiment is echoed by small business people and entrepreneurs from coast to coast.

The American people have long since said, ‘It’s time to quit spending money we don’t have. It’s time to stop borrowing 42 cents on the dollar – much of it from the Chinese – and then sending the bill to our children and grandchildren.’

“Credit rating agencies have spelled out the consequences of failing to heed this message, warning that even if we’re able to avoid any type of default, that may very well downgrade our status unless we take serious action to get our fiscal house in order.

“That’s why the House this week passed ‘cut, cap, and balance’ legislation.

“First, the legislation immediately cuts government spending to 2008 levels. You know, I just haven’t really met anybody who thought government was too small before President Obama became president.

“Second, it puts caps in place to ensure government spending is put on a glide path to be no more than 20 percent of our economy, as it has been on average since World War II.

“Last, but not least, it amends the Constitution to balance the budget once and for all. Every family, small business, and almost every state has to balance their budget. Why should the federal government be any different? And our plan accomplishes this without imposing job-crushing tax hikes.

“Now unfortunately, the Democratic-led Senate tabled this common-sense measure despite the fact it received bipartisan backing in the House and overwhelming support from the American people.

“You know, the Democrats who run Washington are pretty good at telling us what they’re against, but they have yet to put a plan on the table that tells us what they’re for. Speeches and press releases won’t do the trick. It’s time for some action. Senator Reid, if you don’t like our plan to deal with the debt crisis, where is your plan? Mr. President, if you don’t like our plan to deal with the debt crisis, where is your plan?

“If we’re going to avoid any type of default and downgrade – if we’re going to resume job creation in America – the president and his allies need to listen to the people and work with Republicans to cut up the credit cards once and for all.

“It’s time to ‘cut, cap, and balance.’ That’s what will give us jobs, hope, and opportunity. Thank you for listening.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseConference

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

Bob Corker Praises House for Passing Cut, Cap, and Balance, Calls on Senate to Do the Same VIDEO

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., an original co-sponsor of S.1340, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, praised the House for passing their version of the bill and called on the Senate to do the same.

“This legislation puts on paper what I’ve been pushing from day one of the 112th Congress: we need spending cuts now, a long-term plan like the CAP Act to put a fiscal straitjacket on Congress, and a constitutional amendment to keep Congress from falling off the wagon as it relates to over-spending,” Corker said. “Now, more than 813 days since the Senate passed a budget, we must put enforceable limits on all future spending in a way that encourages economic growth and demonstrates to the American people and the world that we will get our debt and deficits under control.”

The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, S.1340, would dramatically reduce federal spending as a share of the economy over the next decade by setting enforceable limits on all annual federal spending similar to the Corker CAP Act. It would significantly reduce non-defense discretionary spending in 2012 and require passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, which Corker and all Senate Republicans have supported separately in S.J. Res 10.

About the Corker CAP Act:

Introduced by Sen. Corker in December 2010, the CAP Act, S. 245, would set an across-the-board, binding cap on all federal spending. The fiscal straitjacket created by the CAP Act would result in $7.6 trillion less spending over a 10 year period. Specifically, the bill would:

(1) Put in place a 10-year glide path to cap all spending – discretionary and mandatory – to a declining percentage of the country’s gross domestic product, eventually bringing spending down from the current level, 24.7 percent of GDP, to the 40-year historical level of 20.6 percent, and

(2) If Congress fails to meet the annual cap, require the Office of Management and Budget to make evenly distributed, simultaneous cuts throughout the federal budget to bring spending down to the pre-determined level. Only a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress could override the binding cap, and

(3) For the first time, eliminate the deceptive “off-budget” distinction for Social Security – providing a complete and accurate assessment of all federal spending.

Senate sponsors of the CAP Act include: Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Representatives Jim Cooper (D-TN-5) and Jimmy Duncan (R-TN-2) have introduced a companion version of the bill in the House, which is cosponsored by Diane Black (R-TN-6), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-7), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-4), Stephen Fincher (R-TN-8), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3), Jim Renacci (R-OH-16) and Phil Roe (R-TN-1).

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TEXT CREDIT: United States Senator Bob Corker, Tennessee Washington, D.C. United States Senate Dirksen Senate Office Building SD-185 Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-3344 Fax: 202-228-0566

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: senatorcorker

Cut, Cap and Balance: Today The American People Will Now Know Where We Stand VIDEO

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Friday regarding a vote on a Democrat proposal to table the Cut, Cap and Balance bill. The Cut, Cap and Balance bill would cut government spending now, cap it in the future and approve a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget:

“Five months ago, President Obama unveiled the only concrete statement he’s made to date on our nation’s debt crisis: A 10-year budget plan so preposterous, so unequal to the moment, that it was rejected in the Senate by a vote of 97-0.

“The President’s response to this crisis was to pretend it didn’t exist.

“Two months later, the President doubled down on his vision for a future of debt by demanding that Congress raise the debt limit without any cuts to spending or any plan to rein it in.

“It was a total abdication of leadership, and it wasn’t sustainable.

“So over the past several weeks the President has been doing his best impersonation of a fiscal moderate. He’s talked about balance and left it to others to fill in the blanks.

“And here’s what Democrats in Congress have proposed as a solution: More spending and higher taxes — as the solution to a debt crisis.

“Just yesterday, with the clock ticking, we heard reports of a `volcanic’ eruption among Democrats at the suggestion that we should solve this crisis by focusing on reducing Washington spending.

“The solution to this crisis is not complicated: If you’re spending more money than you’re taking in, you need to spend less money.

“This isn’t rocket science.

“We could solve this problem this morning if Democrats would let us vote on the Cut, Cap, and Balance bill — and join us in backing this legislation that Republicans support.

“But the first step in solving a problem is to admit you have one, and too many Democrats refuse to admit that Washington has a spending problem.

“That’s why Republicans have insisted that we focus on spending in this debate.

“The reason we’ve got a $14 trillion debt is because no matter how much money Washington has, it always spends more — and the only way to cure the problem is to stop enabling it.

“Americans get it.

“And I want to thank every American who’s spoken out in favor of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Plan.

“Today the American people will now know where we stand.

“A vote to table this bill is a vote to ignore this crisis even longer.

“A vote to get on this bill is a vote for getting our house in order

“So I would urge my Democrat colleagues one more time to re-consider their position.

“Join us in support of a future we can afford.”

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Washington Office 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2541 Fax: (202) 224-2499

VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanLeader

Rand Paul Votes In Favor Of Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Sen. Rand Paul and his Senate colleagues were given the opportunity to vote on the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, following its passage in the House of Representatives. While this proposal for dealing with the debt crisis failed to pass, Sen. Paul, an original co-sponsor of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, issued the following statement:

"Today 46 Republican Senators joined 234 congressmen of both parties in voting for the only plan that raises the debt ceiling and solves our debt problem - the Cut, Cap and Balance Act."

"This vital bill has the support of nearly 70 percent of Americans and would finally ensure a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. What it does not yet have is the support of Senate Democrats, who are apparently willing to risk a debt crisis to avoid balancing the budget and end their spending addiction."

"This fight is not over. We have ten more days during which the American people must make their voices heard to Senate Democrats to allow passage of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act.

"This Act would help restore trust in the American people that their Congress can balance a budget and return our nation on the path to prosperity." ###

TEXT CREDIT: Rand Paul | United States Senator Washington, DC 208 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-4343

IMAGE CREDIT: SenatorRandPaul

Despite approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling, President Obama has yet to produce a concrete plan to address our nation's colossal debt

Despite the fast-approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling, President Obama has yet to produce a concrete plan to address our nation's colossal debt. Meanwhile, his failed economic policies have left individuals and businesses struggling. Senate Republicans hope the president will stop obstructing real reform and work with Republicans to put in place responsible economic policies to reduce the debt and create an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs.

VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanSenators

TEXT CREDIT: Senate Republican Conference 405 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Telephone: (202) 224-2764 Fax: (202) 228-4276

Congressman Phil Gingrey Applauds House Passage of Cut, Cap, and Balance Act

Washington - Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA) today issued the following statement in support of the House of Representatives passing the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act: “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011 and I applaud both my Republican and Democrat colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation to fundamentally change our government’s spending habits. By the end of this year, our national debt will grow larger than our entire economy. The actions set forth in the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act will help to stabilize our economy by enacting long-term spending cuts without raising taxes on over-burdened and hardworking Americans. At a time when struggling families are sacrificing to balance their resources, I am pleased that our federal government is finally doing the same. I urge the President, as well as my Democrat colleagues in the Senate, to immediately take up and approve this historic legislation.”

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, by a vote of 234 to 190.

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: gingrey.house.gov/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Contact: Brooke Sammon 202-225-2931

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced the American Land Act

This week, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced the American Land Act. This bill would require the Administration to open up nearly 1/4 of the land currently owned by the federal government for sale to the American people. The federal government currently owns 27% (623 million acres) of the total land in the United States. This land is larger than the countries of France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium put together. The proceeds from the sales—potentially $200 billion or more--would be directly applied to reduce the federal budget deficit.

“It is time for the federal government to let Americans own American land. The government cannot afford its massive estate; we need to give up some of our assets so that we can pay our bills, “said Poe. “Allowing Americans to buy American land would provide a way to generate new revenue without new taxes, create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. Transferring ownership of natural resources to the public would also be a more efficient way to utilize our natural assets. This is a common sense solution to reducing the national debt.”

Allowing Americans to purchase 24.3% (174 million acres) of this land would have the potential to generate up to $200 billion or more to pay off the federal budget deficit. The bill does not authorize the sale of land owned by the National Park Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Ted Poe, Serving the 2nd District of Texas Washington, D.C. Office 430 Cannon Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-6565 (202) 225-5547 fax (866) 425-6565 toll free

Mike Coffman Statement on Cut, Cap & Balance Debate

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), chairman of the Congressional Balanced Budget Amendment Caucus, issued the following statement as the U.S. House of Representatives debates H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. “The greatest threat to our national security is the reckless out of control spending in Washington, D.C. The power to continue to spend money that we don’t have must be stripped away from congress and the only way to permanently accomplish that is by amending our constitution with a balanced budget requirement.”

“Linking the passage of the balance budget amendment, along with meaningful spending cuts, is the only way to get conservatives like myself to vote for an increase in the debt limit.”

“The balanced budget amendment is not popular among so many Washington politicians who see their power base as their ability to spend without limit in order to buy votes for the next election. Even if the balanced budget amendment doesn’t pass this time around we will have planted the seed for its future passage as our debt crisis deepens.”

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TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Mike Coffman: Washington Office • 1222 Longworth HOB • Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-7882 • Fax: (202) 226-4623

IMAGE CREDIT: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code.

Jeb Hensarling Responds to President Obama's Threat to Veto Cut, Cap and Balance Legislation

WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) today issued the following response to President Obama’s threat to veto Cut, Cap and Balance legislation the House is scheduled to vote on this week. “I find it incredibly ironic that President Obama is one of the few Americans who think we don’t need a constitutional amendment ‘to do our jobs.’ The point of cutting up the credit cards in order to raise the debt ceiling isn’t to meet his tax and spend demands; it’s to force him to stop spending money we don’t have.

“Since he took office the national debt has increased by $3.7 trillion and here we are, days away from default, and the president still hasn’t given us a plan for how we’re going to tackle this spending-driven debt crisis.

“It took the U.S. from 1776 to 1992 to accumulate the same amount of debt that President Obama accumulated in two and a half years. This is a spending-driven debt crisis, and the solution must be to control spending, not to raise taxes.

“Thomas Jefferson regretted that an amendment to ensure we paid our bills each year was not included in our Constitution. There has never been a more urgent time than now. Our debt crisis is a legitimate threat to the future of our children and grandchildren, and extraordinary problems call for extraordinary action. America cannot afford to wait any longer.”

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TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Conference Press Office email (conferencepress@mail.house.gov)

IMAGE CREDIT: Jeb Hensarling Washington, DC. Office 129 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-3484 Fax: 202-226-4888

Marco Rubio Face the Nation 07/17/11 VIDEO

Marco Rubio: America's problem is debt, not debt limit

2:06 July 17, 2011 Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) spoke with Bob Schieffer on what he truly feels caused the country's current debt crisis and the provisions he feels necessary to be included in a compromise for him to vote on raising the debt ceiling.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: "CBS NEWS' FACE THE NATION."

Jim DeMint Meet The Press 07/17/11 VIDEO TEXT

DAVID GREGORY:
Was Senator DeMint, what-- what's going on here? I mean so many people I talk to are frankly disgusted with Washington. You know, you have on the one side people saying that-- that Republicans are-- are just crazy. That they won't negotiate. That they're being unreasonable. That they're denying the prospect of a default. Michelle Bachmann saying it's a misnomer when the Fed chief says it would be economic calamity.

And on the other side you-- you know, you've got Republicans saying, "Look, somebody's got to draw a line in the sand here. It's-- it's the Democrats who have run up-- the debt since President Obama got into office." But the reality is nobody is really willing to compromise and to make a deal.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, David, we certainly are willing to compromise. We're willing to give the president an increase in the debt limit. And you'll see the House pass that bill this-- this week. But Senator Durbin and 20 other-- Democrats in the Senator are on record supporting a balanced budget amendment. And that is a place that we have to get to.

But we need to realize, setting all politics aside, that our country is on course for a financial disaster. We can't take another $10 trillion in debt that the president has proposed. So it is absurd to say that we cannot agree that sometime in the next decade that we have to stop spending more than we're bringing in. You'll see in the next week Republicans are more than willing to work with the president.

DAVID GREGORY:
But--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
But the only pro-- proposal that the president has sent to Congress, David, is a budget that increases the debt another--

DAVID GREGORY:
All right.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
--$10--

DAVID GREGORY:
But-- but--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
--trillion.

DAVID GREGORY:
--Senator DeMint.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Not the--

(OVERTALK)

DAVID GREGORY:
Let's be realistic. Bottom line here. If a balanced budget amendment is not passed, which it-- you heard Senator Durbin say it's not going to be passed, will Republicans still vote to raise the debt ceiling? And if not, are you prepared for the consequences on this economy and for the country?

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, I hope the president won't take us through that. And I hope Senator Durbin won't. But we've got to draw a line in the-- in the sand now, because the day of reckoning is going to come. And the longer we put it off, the bigger the problems are going to be for our country.

I mean Moody's, Standard and Poor, these agencies are telling us if we increase this debt limit without credible and long-term deficit reduction, that they're going to lower our ratings. That means it's going to be harder and more expensive to borrow money and we can't borrow another $10 trillion that the president's proposed.

DAVID GREGORY:
Right. But Senator--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Again--

(OVERTALK)

DAVID GREGORY:
--I'm sorry. I'm not getting an answer, though. But what-- what's going to happen? How does this end? I know what your position is. How does this end? Are you saying that you would put the country into default by not raising the debt ceiling unless you get this balanced budget amendment?

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, David, we're not going to default. And if you listen to your previous guest, he said we won't meet some obligations, but he didn't say we were going to default. I don't want to put the country through that, but the fact is Republicans and Democrats have been irresponsible. They've brought our debt to the point where we literally can't borrow much more money without bankrupting our country.

So now is the time for the president, Senator Durbin and the Democrats to work with us and at least agree that we can make some cuts now and-- and cap spending over 10 years and let the states decide if sometime over the next decade that we'll balance our budget.

DAVID GREGORY:
You know, Sen--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
That's hardly a radical idea.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: Meet The Press

Frank Wolf calls on Senate to reject confirmation of President Obama’s nominee to head National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Justice Department’s counterterrorism programs, today called on the Senate to reject the confirmation of President Obama’s nominee to head the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). In a letter to Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein, Wolf said he believed Obama nominee Matt Olsen’s actions as the director of the Obama Administration’s Guantanamo Review Task Force raise serious questions about his judgment and ability to ensure unbiased analysis.

Wolf, who has a long history of work on terrorism issues, cited three separate instances of concern about questionable decisions and statements by Olsen regarding the release of terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Bay to meet the Obama Administration’s goal of closing the prison within a year of the president taking office.

Wolf referred to evidence that the task force led by Olsen altered some detainee assessments, overturning Department of Defense (DOD) assessments, to clear and expedite the release of a large number of detainees. Wolf indicated DOD believes that some of these detainees have since returned to terrorism since their release.

Wolf questioned Olsen’s judgment under pressure from the Obama Administration to re-classify detainee threat levels. "The director of the NCTC must be able to withstand political pressure," Wolf said, "and that is not something I have seen in Mr. Olsen’s actions."

Wolf also said he has evidence that Olsen was not forthright with him and his staff in a briefing about the effort to release a number of Uighur detainees to northern Virginia in 2009.

"Leading the NCTC is a serious responsibility and requires a director that is exceptionally experienced, forthcoming, trustworthy and has strong judgment," wrote Wolf.

He added: "I do not question Mr. Olsen’s professional qualifications for this position, but from my observations of his recent leadership positions, I believe that he lacks the judgment to lead the NCTC."

The full text of Wolf’s letter is available below:

Dear Senator Feinstein:

I write in opposition to Mr. Matthew Olsen's nomination to serve as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which is located in my congressional district. I believe Mr. Olsen exercised questionable judgment and made misleading statements while serving as the special counselor to the attorney general and executive director of the Obama Administration's Guantanamo Review Task Force, where he led the interagency process to implement the president's executive order that led to the release of a number of dangerous terrorist detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Dozens of high risk terrorist detainees recommended for release by the task force led by Mr. Olsen were released abroad to dangerously unstable countries, including Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan.

As then-ranking member and now chairman of the House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations subcommittee -- which funds the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals Service and which helped fund the NCTC's predecessor, the Terrorist Threat Integration Center -- I was disturbed by decisions and statements made by Mr. Olsen in 2009 while he led the task force. These concerns have deepened based on new information that has come to light in recent articles from Newsweek, The Washington Post, The National Journal and The Weekly Standard. These reports have raised troubling questions about Mr. Olsen's leadership of the task force and his actions in response to White House influence.

Additionally, my personal interactions with Mr. Olsen, as well as these subsequent news reports, lead me to conclude that he was not forthright with the Congress and may have changed detainee assessments under political pressure from administration officials. I believe these are troubling concerns which deserve a thorough investigation and should give the Senate serious pause as it considers who should lead the NCTC. I have visited the NCTC on several occasions and have met with a number of its former directors, as well as the former and current directors of National Intelligence. I have seen firsthand the critical work that is done by the center and fully understand the need for an independent, capable and principled director to lead the operation.

There are three concerns that have led me to oppose Mr. Olsen's nomination. First, it is clear to me that in order to achieve the president's promise to close Guantanamo Bay during his first year in office, Mr. Olsen may have been susceptible to the immense political pressure placed on the interagency task force to re-classify detainee threat levels. Second, it has become clear that Mr. Olsen's task force may have altered some detainee assessments -- overturning Department of Defense assessments -- in order to clear and expedite the release of a large number of detainees. Third, I have recently learned that Mr. Olsen was not forthright me and my staff about the effort to release a number of Uighur detainees to northern Virginia in 2009. Attached is a white paper that addresses these concerns in greater detail.

Leading the NCTC is a serious responsibility and requires a director that is exceptionally experienced, forthcoming, trustworthy and has good judgment. The analyses and recommendations provided by the NCTC have direct bearing on the safety of the American people. The director must be able to withstand political pressure from all sides, facilitate the complete and straightforward sharing of information and ensure unbiased analysis. I do not question Mr. Olsen's professional qualifications for this position, but from my observations of his recent leadership positions, I believe that he lacks the judgment to lead the NCTC.

I am willing to testify about my concerns during your committee's upcoming confirmation hearing for Mr. Olsen. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-225-5136 to discuss any of this information.

Frank Wolf Member of Congress

Washington Office 241 Cannon Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-5136 (202) 225-0437 fax

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Frank R. Wolf

John Boehner With Economy in Trouble, It’s Time for Democrats to Get Serious About Cutting Spending VIDEO

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today made the following remarks at a press conference with Republican leaders regarding the White House request for an increase in the debt limit:

“All year long, we have led on the big issues facing our country. The House-passed budget, written by Paul Ryan and the Budget Committee, I think set the standard for serious debate. We’ve passed or pushed for bill after bill that would create jobs, by easing the burdens of regulations, expanding exports, and increasing the supply of American energy.

“In the debt limit debate, our goals are simple: no one wants the United States to default on our obligations. We won’t see real economic growth without a serious plan to deal with our deficit and debt. Yesterday, at the White House, Secretary Geithner echoed both of those points. Our stand on the debt limit has been clear: there can be no tax hikes because tax hikes destroy jobs; we need real spending cuts and real spending cuts that will exceed the amount of increase in the debt limit; and we need real reforms to restrain the growth of spending in future years, like spending caps and a Balanced Budget Amendment.

“Listen, we’re in the 4th quarter here. Time and time again Republicans have offered serious proposals to cut spending and address these issues, and I think it’s time for the Democrats to get serious as well. We asked the president to lead. We asked him to put forward a plan – not a speech, a real plan – and he hasn't. We will.”

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

Orrin Hatch Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/16/11

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Good morning. I’m Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah.

Our nation is in the midst of one of the most critical debates in generations. It is a debate about the size, scope, and shape of our national government. It’s a debate over whether we act responsibly so our children and grandchildren aren’t left carrying the burden of unsustainable debt.

While the details of this debate change by the day, the fundamentals are clear. President Obama and his Democratic allies in Congress refuse to come up with a legitimate plan to confront our run-away spending that has left our country over $14 trillion in debt. He refuses to reform our near bankrupt entitlement programs -- all while pushing job-killing tax hikes.

We’ve been down this road before, and Republicans will not go down it again. In 1990, Congress and the President struck a deficit reduction deal that combined spending cuts with tax increases. Unfortunately, while the tax hikes remained, the spending restraint did not, and our debt has only marched higher.

The solution to a spending crisis is not tax increases. Yet, Washington has consistently demonstrated that it cannot control its urge to spend. That is why the only long-term solution is a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. Only by restoring constitutional restraints on the ability of Congress to spend, can we constrain the growth of the federal government.

Think of how different our fiscal picture would be if we’d passed one in 1997. After a fierce debate, the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution that I introduced was defeated by just one vote in the United States Senate.

Instead of sending that amendment to the states for ratification, and addressing the need for fiscal balance, fourteen years later, our nation faces a debt crisis of epic proportions. Our national debt has gone from roughly $5 trillion in 1997 to over $14 trillion today. That's more than $45,000 for every man, woman, and child in America.

And that debt keeps growing. According to Congress's nonpartisan budget scorekeeper, the Congressional Budget Office, the nation's debt could reach an astonishing 101 percent of domestic product in a decade -- with interest payments that could reach over a trillion dollars a year.

The situation has only gotten worse after the Obama administration. In his first two years in office, discretionary spending has skyrocketed by 84 percent, including the failed stimulus, with spending reaching 25 percent of our nation's economic output. We haven't seen spending levels this high since World War II.

This soaring debt is the number one issue I hear about from the people in my home state of Utah. As our economy continues to flounder, and families across Utah and all of America are forced to cut back, Washington refuses to make the tough choices that will bring down our massive debt. They know that we need immediate spending cuts; they know we need to cap spending; they know we need a Balanced Budget Amendment.

Next week we have an opportunity to set things right. In the Senate, all 47 Republican senators back a Balanced Budget Amendment I've introduced with my colleagues Mike Lee and John Cornyn. It would require the president to submit, and Congress to pass, a balanced budget every year. And most importantly, it limits spending to 18 percent of gross domestic product and requires supermajorities in both houses of Congress to raise taxes.

Unfortunately, last week the White House dismissed a Balanced Budget Amendment saying it is not good for the economy, and that our debt isn't a constitutional issue.

The American people know better. A Balanced Budget Amendment is essential for our economy, and our debt is definitely a constitutional issue.

After all, the constitution belongs to the people, who determine what is a constitutional issue -- not the White House. And if the debt isn't a 'constitutional issue,' why is it that every state in the union but Vermont has a constitutional balanced budget requirement?

This kind of strong budgetary reform would put us on a path to fiscal health and would prevent this White House or any future White House from forcing more debt on the American people.

The only reason this Administration doesn't want a constitutional amendment is because they want to keep spending the American people's money. And the only reason congressional Democrats would refuse to pass it, is because they know the people of this country would rise up and quickly ratify it.

A balanced budget amendment makes sense; its time has more than come. Now, Congress must act. Thank you for listening and may God continue to bless America.

VIDEO IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress