Michele Bachmann: President becomes a ‘health-care dictator’ under Obamacare NBC Meet The Press with David Gregory 04/15/12 VIDEO

Michele Bachmann: President becomes a ‘health-care dictator’ under Obamacare NBC Meet The Press with David Gregory 04/15/12 VIDEO. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., debate the contraception and health-care issues.

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: NBC Meet The Press with David Gregory

Darrell Issa Face the Nation 04/15/12 VIDEO

Rep. Darrell Issa, chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, On CBS News' "Face the Nation," with Bob Schieffer 04/15/12 FULL VIDEO Secret Service may need "soul-searching"

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: CBS News' "Face the Nation"

Reince Priebus CNN on the "Buffett Rule" and 2012 politics State of the Union with Candy Crowley 04/15/12 VIDEO

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus CNN State of the Union with Candy Crowley, on Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul the "Buffett Rule" and 2012 politics 04/15/12 VIDEO

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: CNN State of the Union with Candy Crowley

Fred Upton Weekly Republican GOP Address Outlines Next Steps on Gas Prices 04/14/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

Fred Upton Weekly Republican GOP Address Outlines Next Steps on Gas Prices 04/14/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO. Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST || Download Video [.mpeg] || Download Video [.mp4] || Download Audio [.mp3]

Washington (Apr 14) Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) outlines next steps in the House’s efforts to implement an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy that would address high gas prices and help create jobs. As part of the American Energy Initiative, the House has passed several ‘all-of-the-above’ energy bills, but they remain stalled in the Democratic-run Senate, and President Obama has made no attempt to press for Senate action. Chairman Upton’s address continues a coordinated Republican offensive to hold the Obama Administration accountable for high gas prices and call for a real, ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy. The audio of the Weekly Republican Address is available immediately; the video will be available for viewing and downloading after the embargo is lifted tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. ET. FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW

***EMBARGOED UNTIL 04/14/12, 6:00 A.M. EST***

“Hey, I’m Fred Upton. I proudly represent Southwest Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives, where I serve as chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “Our committee oversees national energy policy, a topic on the minds of millions of Americans grappling with high gasoline prices. “Vice President Biden recently said that ‘our energy policy’s the best it’s ever been.’ But the facts say otherwise. Last year we produced 100 million barrels less on federal lands than we did the year before. The president rejected the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have decreased our dependence on oil from unstable regions of the world. And heavy-handed federal agencies are adding new layers of regulations on the energy sector, pushing prices only higher.

“In many ways this administration’s policies are moving us backwards, and making gas prices even worse.

“For families and small businesses here in Michigan and around the country, higher energy prices have real consequences. Everything from their daily commute to the grocery bill is getting more expensive. And higher energy prices mean fewer jobs.

“In a few days, our committee will consider two bills that are part of our American Energy Initiative, a bipartisan alternative to this administration’s failed energy policy.

“In the House, Republicans have already passed a number of common-sense bills to address rising energy prices and create the jobs that we need. So far, these bills are being blocked by the Democratic-controlled Senate, but we’re not going to stop until they start listening to the American people.

“I recently toured a Michigan oil refinery where I heard firsthand how layers of red tape are making it harder and more expensive to refine and sell fuel here in America.

“The first of our committee’s measures pushes the pause button on costly new regs affecting refineries until we study them all to determine how much they’re driving up the price at the pump.

“Cutting through the red tape is part of the equation, but we have to address supply. President Obama tapped into our emergency oil supply – known as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – last year, and he’s thinking about doing it again. But that is not a real solution to rising gas prices. If we deplete our reserves, it indeed is a real threat to our energy security.

“The second bill we’ll soon consider says that if the president releases oil from our emergency reserves, he must open up more federal land for energy development.

“Energy could be a great American success story. We are a land of abundant resources and unparalleled human creativity. Technological breakthroughs are helping us unlock vast energy resources that were previously inaccessible – and we’re doing it in an environmentally safe way.

“Today we’re knocking at the door of a brighter energy future; one that promises abundant, secure, and cheaper North American supplies, as long as Washington doesn’t create artificial obstacles. That is what Republicans are working toward, and we invite the president to join us. If he won't lead, we will.

“Affordable energy is essential to job creation and economic recovery. We need it to fuel our vehicles, power our homes, and rev up our economic engine. The American Energy Initiative captures that spirit of optimism. It’s a better solution to power our future.

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

VIDEO CREDIT: HouseConference

TEXT CREDIT: John Boehner | speaker.gov 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 +sookie tex

Trayvon Martin Media Alert State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference 6:00 PM ET 04/11/12

Angela B. Corey

Trayvon Martin Media Alert State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference TONIGHT 6:00 PM ET 04/11/12 State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference Wednesday night at the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference Wednesday night at the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida. Ms. Corey is prepared to release new information regarding the Trayvon Martin shooting death investigation. The news conference will begin at 6:00 p.m. The State Attorney’s Office is located at 220 E. Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Satellite/live truck operators will be allowed inside the location two hours before the event. Please be prepared for a 1,000 ft. cable run. Reporters and photographers will be allowed inside at least 30 minutes before the news conference begins.

Parking spaces for satellite and live trucks have been blocked off on Market Street, which runs along the east side of the SAO building. Other news vehicles will be able to park on Newnan Street, which runs along the west side of the SAO building.

If you have not submitted names and pictures of those who will attend, please do so by 3 p.m. If your name is not on the list, you will not be allowed inside.

All media representatives will have to go through a security checkpoint. You will be asked to provide a driver’s license as well as your media outlet ID. If you are unable to provide an ID, security can turn you away.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference Wednesday night at the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida.
Ms. Corey is prepared to release new information regarding the Trayvon Martin shooting death investigation.

The news conference will begin at 6:00 p.m. The State Attorney’s Office is located at 220 E. Bay Street in downtown Jacksonville.

Satellite/live truck operators will be allowed inside the location two hours before the event. Please be prepared for a 1,000 ft. cable run. Reporters and photographers will be allowed inside at least 30 minutes before the news conference begins.

Parking spaces for satellite and live trucks have been blocked off on Market Street, which runs along the east side of the SAO building. Other news vehicles will be able to park on Newnan Street, which runs along the west side of the SAO building.

If you have not submitted names and pictures of those who will attend, please do so by 3 p.m. If your name is not on the list, you will not be allowed inside.

All media representatives will have to go through a security checkpoint. You will be asked to provide a driver’s license as well as your media outlet ID. If you are unable to provide an ID, security can turn you away.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Office of the State Attorney Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida www.sao4th.com Contact: Jackelyn Barnard Tel: (904) 630-4995 JBarnard@coj.net ANGELA B. COREY STATE ATTORNEY ***MEDIA UPDATE*** For Immediate Release April 11, 2012 ### +sookie tex

FULL RELEASE TEXT in PDF FORMAT: Trayvon Martin Media Alert State Attorney Angela Corey will hold a news conference 6:00 PM ET 04/11/12

State Attorney Angela Corey Trayvon Martin MEDIA UPDATE 04/11/12

Angela B. Corey

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – State Attorney Angela Corey has decided not to use a Grand Jury in the Trayvon Martin shooting death investigation. The decision should not be considered a factor in the final determination of the case. The Grand Jury, set to convene on April 10, 2012, was previously scheduled by the former prosecutor. Ms. Corey was appointed as the Special Prosecutor on March 22, 2012, by Governor Rick Scott. From the moment she was assigned, Ms. Corey noted she may not need a Grand Jury. At this time, the investigation continues and there will be no further comment from this office. You will be notified of any new developments via email. ### +sookie tex

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Office of the State Attorney Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida www.sao4th.com Contact: Jackelyn Barnard Tel: (904) 630-4995 JBarnard@coj.net ANGELA B. COREY STATE ATTORNEY ***MEDIA UPDATE*** For Immediate Release

FULL RELEASE TEXT in PDF FORMAT: State Attorney Angela Corey Trayvon Martin MEDIA UPDATE

Rick Santorum Speech Announcing Withdrawal From (suspending) Presidential Campaign FULL TEXT and VIDEO

Rick Santorum Speech Announcing Withdrawal From (suspending) Presidential Campaign VIDEO

Speaking in the state that he used to represent in the Senate, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum told supporters in Gettysburg, Pa., that he's suspending his campaign ahead of the Pennsylvania primary.

"Against all odds, we won 11 states, millions of voters, millions of votes," Santorum said. "We found that support. I found a deeper love for this country."

"This game is a long, long, long way from over," he added, taking aim at President Obama's hopes of re-election.

Santorum did not answer reporters' shouted questions after the speech about whether he would throw his support behind rival Mitt Romney.

Category: News & Politics. Tags: rick santorum, mitt romney, republicans, GOP, vote 2012, speech, gettysburg, bella, general election, president obama, barack obama, white house, Barack Obama (US President)

License: Standard YouTube License.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: Uploaded by PBSNewsHour on Apr 10, 2012

BELOW STATEMENT FROM Rick Santorum for President PO Box 37 Verona, PA 15147 888.321.6675 Info@RickSantorum.com

A Message from Rick and Karen: Thank You.

Thank you. For your support, for your encouragement, and for your prayers for our family, especially Bella. You may have heard that we were able to bring her home from the hospital last night.

She has pneumonia, but like her Dad, she's a fighter. It's in the blood.

Today I announced that I am suspending my campaign for the President of the United States. This has been one of the hardest decisions Karen and I have ever had to face together. And it has been hard in large measure because of you. I know that my candidacy has offered you a way to fight for your convictions, and I do not want to let you down.

Since I first ran for Congress in a Democrat-majority district in Pittsburgh, I have fought for struggling families. I have fought for the unborn. I have fought for those losing hope in the American Dream.

And during this Presidential race we have fought hard. Together. You have been with me every step of the way. Every volunteer, donor, friend and family has given sacrificially of their time and their treasure. We are humbled and thankful.

We literally started this campaign in our kitchen with family and a few friends. The way that you make decisions. We believe America is the land of opportunity, and decided to do what we can to protect the hope that our forefathers sacrificed to give us a future for our children. A future of freedom secured through our sacrifices today.

Over 160,000 of you contributed to the campaign. Like you have for your children, we have sacrificed almost everything we have to ensure that this hope and dream is not lost with another four years under Barack Obama. Our average donation has been only $73.10. Few races in history have so many people give so modestly to preserve liberty.

We have been outspent in most states 5-1 or even 10-1. And we still won, or we've come incredibly close. Iowa and the three-state sweep. An over 20-point win in Louisiana. Only a few votes short of victory in Michigan and Ohio. We have made history. There has been no other Presidential comeback race like ours.

Our good friends in Texas have been working non-stop to make sure that they have a say in the choice of our nominee, but without the state changing its delegate allocation to winner-take-all, I do not see a path forward that does not risk our shared objective of defeating Barack Obama in November. I want to thank them for their valiant efforts.

I am planning to do everything in my power to bring a change about in the White House. But our campaign has debt, and I cannot be free to focus on helping defeat him with this burden. I am asking you to consider one more contribution of $25, $50 or even $73.10.

From the start of this race I have offered a unique voice in the debate. One that the party and the country needs to hear. I have been your voice. I have been positive. I have been willing to stand for issues that some believe are controversial and would prefer to sweep under the rug.

We have carried the torch. High. Together we have fought for the principles that this country was founded on; that made this country great. Without fighting for them, this country cannot continue to be great.

And we have fought fair. I am proud of the race we have run. We talked issues. We avoided character attacks. We have run almost entirely positive ads.

I want to continue to be your voice. Please CLICK HERE to contribute $25, $50 or even $73.10. We have had miraculous days of almost $1 million from supporters like you that allowed us to be competitive and win key states. We need you to step up again.

When I ran for the Senate in 1994 and defeated a sitting incumbent Senator, I asked the people of Pennsylvania to Join the Fight. They did.

I know you will. God bless you, and please keep us in your prayers. And know that we keep you in ours.

Bush Center Tax Conference 04/10/12 LIVE STREAMING VIDEO

Bush Center Tax Conference 04/10/12 LIVE STREAMING VIDEO

The 4% Growth Project was launched by the Bush Institute in 2011 with the goal of achieving sustainable and real GDP growth of four percent, an attainable level that will ensure Americans of better jobs, lower debt, and vastly increased opportunity and prosperity. Through this conference and other events, the 4% Growth Project will identify changes in government policy and business practices that will produce higher growth and advocate those changes to policy makers and the public. The aim of this conference, as well, is to change the economic conversation in America so that it focuses on growth and what causes it.

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag: #4percent

Conference Agenda

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Welcome and Opening Remarks
The Honorable Mark Langdale
President, George W. Bush Foundation
The Honorable James K. Glassman
Founding Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute
Steve Forbes
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Media

9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.Plenary Session
The Honorable George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States
The Honorable Chris Christie
Governor of New Jersey
9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.Panel Discussion I
State Governments and Taxes

10:40 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.Panel Discussion II

Governors’ Roundtable

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Concurrent Breakout Sessions

The Federal Government’s Record on Taxes: the 1920s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
or
Nations and Taxes

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Featured Address

Paul A. Gigot
Editorial Page Editor and Vice President,
The Wall Street Journal
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Chairman of the House Budget Committee

2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Markets and Taxes
or
Let's Get Real: Business Leaders

3:50 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.Closing Panel Discussion

Blitz Solutions

PDF:

• Download the Tax Policies for 4% Growth Map»
• Download the Tax Policies for 4% Growth Agenda»

TEXT CREDIT: George W. Bush Presidential Center 877-254-4160 || P.O. Box 600610 || Dallas, Texas 75360 || info@bushcenter.com

VIDEO CREDIT: Bush Presidential Center Channel

Mary Fallin Weekly Republican GOP Address Lack of Leadership On Energy - 04/07/12 TEXT VIDEO

Mary Fallin Weekly Republican GOP Address Lack of Leadership On Energy - 04/07/12 TEXT VIDEO

In the Weekly Republican Address, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin says the energy crisis facing America isn't caused by a lack of energy resources, but rather stems from a lack of leadership that starts "at the top" with the President. "America remains dependent on foreign oil from unstable and anti-Western regimes, and yet the President is blocking the pipeline that would transport oil to the United States from our neighbor and ally—Canada," she says. "Millions of Americans remain out of work, but President Obama continues to propose job-killing tax hikes and obstruct the basic energy infrastructure projects that would lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs, not to mention more revenue in state budgets."

Category: News & Politics

Tags: Mary Fallin, Oklahoma, Governor, Republican Address Response Obama White House Senate Congress Energy Oil Natural Gas Renewable Independence Keystone XL Pipeline Tax Increases Jobs Drilling Prices Leadership.

License: Standard YouTube License

VIDEO IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: Published on Apr 7, 2012 by gopweeklyaddress

Paul Ryan: President Barack Obama's failed agenda is stifling opportunity and hope for the next generation VIDEO

Paul Ryan: President Barack Obama's failed agenda is stifling opportunity and hope for the next generation.

In response to House GOP budget, President Obama distorts and divides in order to distract

Following another disappointing partisan speech by President Barack Obama, in which he tried to substitute tired political attacks for the principled leadership he refuses to offer, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin issued the following statement:

“History will not be kind to a President who, when it came time to confront our generation’s defining challenge, chose to duck and run. The President refuses to take responsibility for the economy and refuses to offer a credible plan to address the most predictable economic crisis in our history. Instead, he has chosen tired and cynical political attacks as he focuses on his own re-election.

“The President has offered four budgets during his four years in the White House – each committed to funding ever-higher government spending by taking more from hardworking Americans and adding to a crushing burden of debt. His failed agenda is stifling opportunity and hope for the next generation.

“Like his reckless budgets, today’s speech by President Obama is as revealing as it is disappointing: While others lead by offering real solutions, he has chosen to distort the truth and divide Americans in order to distract from his failed record. His empty promises are quickly becoming broken promises – and the American people will hold him accountable for this violation of their trust.”

To learn more:

• For the facts on The Path to Prosperity: http://budget.house.gov/SettingtheRecordStraight/
• For a side-by-side comparison of the President’s budget (which was unanimously rejected on a bipartisan basis last week) and the House-passed FY2013 budget: http://budget.house.gov/prosperity/contrastinvisions

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on the Budget: U.S. House of Representatives 207 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 April 3, 2012

VIDEO CREDIT: HouseBudgetCommittee Uploaded by HouseBudgetCommittee on Apr 4, 2012. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) refutes President Obama's inaccurate attacks on the House Budget on Fox News.

"Obama Energy Plan: Slinging Mud" WEB VIDEO

Romney for President Releases New Web Video: "Obama Energy Plan: Slinging Mud"

Romney for President today released a new web video titled “Obama Energy Plan: Slinging Mud.” President Obama is attacking Mitt Romney because his energy policies have failed. In states across the country, gas prices have roughly doubled since President Obama took office. Mitt Romney will offer solutions to our energy problem instead of excuses.

Mitt Romney Press | April 4, 2012 Location Boston, MA United States

### +sookie tex

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President

VIDEO CREDIT: mittromney

Scott Walker signed legislation into law aimed at protecting children from injuries stemming from concussions

Madison—At Lambeau Field in Green Bay today, Governor Scott Walker signed bipartisan legislation into law that is aimed at protecting children from critical injuries stemming from multiple concussions. Assembly Bill (AB) 259 affects athletes under the age of 19 that are involved in organized sports. Under the new law, players that suffer a possible concussion are not allowed to return to play until they are cleared by a health care professional trained in concussion evaluation and management.

“We often hear about the effects of concussions on pro-athletes, like those that play here at Lambeau Field,” Governor Walker said. “And the reality is that it takes even longer for younger athletes to recover from this type of brain injury. If they suffer a second or third concussion before they have had time to heal properly the damages can be irreparable. The goal of this bill is to greatly lessen the risk of long-term injury or death.”

AB 259 has been dubbed the Sidelined for Safety Act, which also promotes education by requiring coaches and parents of athletes to read and sign information about the dangers of concussions.

With this bill, Wisconsin becomes the 32nd state to have a Sidelined for Safety law.

Packer President Mark Murphy and Former Packer Mark Tauscher joined Governor Walker in speaking in support of the new law. Governor Walker thanked Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Rep. Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee) for their work on the legislation, who were also in attendance.

###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Office of the Governor Scott Walker Mail, Office of Governor Scott Walker 115 East Capitol Madison, WI 53702 Phone (608) 266-1212 Email: govgeneral@wisconsin.gov

Governor Scott Walker received endorsements from the Milwaukee Police Association and the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association today

Scott Walker wife and family

Madison, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker received endorsements from the Milwaukee Police Association and the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association today in the upcoming recall election. “Governor Walker has a strong record of supporting public safety with an unwavering commitment to first responders,” said Michael Crivello, president of the Milwaukee Police Association. “Today, we are proud to announce our support for Governor Walker’s reelection.” Dave Seager, president of the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association also proudly expressed support for Governor Walker saying, “Throughout his service in the State Assembly, as Milwaukee County executive, and now as governor, Governor Walker has always supported public safety and protected the needs of first responders.

There is no greater advocate for public safety than Governor Walker.”

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Walker reinforced his commitment to Milwaukee’s first responders:

“I am honored to have the endorsement of courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to protect the citizens of Milwaukee. I will continue to support the needs of not just these selfless individuals, but first responders all across the state in every way to ensure a safer Wisconsin for all citizens.”

###

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Scott Walker PO Box 620437 Middleton, WI 53562

IMAGE CREDIT: Office of the Governor Scott Walker

Angela B. Corey on Trayvon Martin 'Press and Public should mind our own business' cites Florida’s public records laws

Angela B. Corey on Trayvon Martin 'Press and Public should mind our own business' cites Florida’s public records laws

Angela B. Corey

Office of the State Attorney Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida www.sao4th.com Contact: Jackelyn Barnard Tel: (904) 630-4995 JBarnard@coj.net ANGELA B. COREY STATE ATTORNEY ***MEDIA UPDATE*** For Immediate Release March 29, 2012. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It has been one week since the Governor’s appointment of State Attorney Angela Corey, of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Her team of prosecutors and investigators are diligently working to investigate the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. In the last couple of days, numerous media outlets have reported a variety of information from a variety of sources. Some of that information is protected by Florida’s public records laws, sections F.S.119.071(2)(c)1* and 119.011(3).

At this time, we are asserting an active criminal investigative information records exemption for any documents, videos, or factual information regarding the case.

We appreciate both your interest in the case and the public’s desire to know more details. However, in order to protect the integrity of the case, there will be no further comment at this time. This also includes the confirmation or clarification of information. If anything needs to be disseminated, you will receive an alert via email.

For the sake of all involved, please allow us to do our job within the bounds of Florida law.

###

*(2) AGENCY INVESTIGATIONS.—
……

(c) 1. Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

Trayvon Martin - Media Update FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT March 30, 2012 Office of the State Attorney Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

John Boehner Weekly Republican GOP Address Challenging President Obama to Back House-Passed Energy Bills 03/31/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

John Boehner Weekly Republican GOP Address Challenging President Obama to Back House-Passed Energy Bills 03/31/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO. Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST || FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. || Download Video [.mpeg] || Download Video [.mp4]

***EMBARGOED UNTIL 3/31/12, 6:00 A.M. EST***

Washington (Mar 31) In the Weekly Republican Address, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) challenges President Obama to press for Senate action on bipartisan, House-passed energy bills. All of these bills have passed with bipartisan support, and many are backed by the president’s own jobs council. The address caps off a week that saw passage of the GOP’s “Path to Prosperity” budget and a 90-day transportation bill extension that Democrats initially vowed to oppose, as well as the launch of the next phase of the American Energy Initiative. The audio of the Weekly Republican Address is available immediately; the video will be available for viewing and downloading after the embargo is lifted at 6:00 a.m. ET.

“One of the biggest challenges facing hardworking taxpayers right now is the pain at the pump. Rising gas prices wreak all kinds of havoc on cash-strapped families, especially in this time when many are still asking 'where are the jobs?' Going back to my days running a small business, I’ve heard plenty of politicians say they’ll do something about energy, but never follow up. This has to change.

“The Republican-led House is acting, approving a budget this week that removes government barriers to job creation… including policies that block American energy production and drive up gas prices. This budget now heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it faces an uncertain fate. You see, the Senate hasn’t passed a budget in more than 1,000 days, a failure of leadership that has contributed to Washington’s ‘stimulus’ spending binge.

“The budget, I’m sorry to say, is just the tip of the iceberg. The Senate has stalled dozens of House-passed bills, several of which would implement the Republicans’ ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy to address rising gas prices and help create jobs. All of these energy bills passed with bipartisan support. Many are backed by the president’s own jobs council.

“About a month ago, during a meeting at the White House, I asked President Obama to consider working with us on these proposals in light of his newfound support for an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy. The president, who has seen gas prices more than double on his watch, assured leaders in Congress there was room for common ground. It was a new sign of hope, but unfortunately, only a brief one.

“In the weeks since our discussion, President Obama hasn’t spoken up about these bipartisan, House-passed energy bills, and gas prices continue to rise.

“About the only thing the president has pushed the Senate to do is to prevent construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a job-creating project that the American people strongly support. He personally lobbied Senate Democrats before the vote … and that may have made the difference. He also successfully urged Senate Democrats to take up energy tax legislation that won’t lower the price of gas, and according to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, would actually make it more expensive. Clearly the president has some sway over Senate Democrats.

“So today I’m challenging President Obama to make good on his rhetoric and urge the Senate to allow a vote on bipartisan, House-passed energy bills. Let’s seize on our common ground and move forward on a path to a real ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy.

“In the meantime, the House will continue to act. This week, Republicans launched the next phase of our American Energy Initiative focused on addressing rising gas prices. This phase includes proposals, for example, to responsibly increase energy production on federal lands and freeze new refinery regulations that will hurt our economy. The pain at the pump is an urgent issue for hardworking taxpayers and it deserves the same urgency from leaders here in Washington. The House is doing its part, but we can do a whole lot more if President Obama steps up and heeds the will of the American people.

“Thanks for listening.”

VIDEO CREDIT: HouseConference

TEXT CREDIT: John Boehner | speaker.gov 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 +sookie tex

President George H. W. Bush Endorses Mitt Romney VIDEO

Mitt Romney Press | March 29, 2012 Location Boston, MA United States

Mitt Romney today announced the support of President George H.W. Bush.

“As a naval aviator, congressman, ambassador, CIA director, vice president, and president, George H.W. Bush served our country with great devotion and high distinction over many decades. When we talk about the Greatest Generation, we are talking about those like President Bush, who, after Pearl Harbor, enlisted in our armed forces and served with unflinching courage during World War II. This is a man who knows from the ground up – and from the top down – the meaning of responsibility in exercising leadership in our democracy. I am proud to have him as my mentor. Ann and I are grateful to be able to call Barbara and George our good friends. There is no greater honor than earning President Bush’s endorsement and I am grateful for all George and Barbara have done.”

### +sookie tex

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President

Supreme Court Oral Argument Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) FULL PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT

SCOTUS Oral Argument Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ACA Cases (obamacare) FULL MP3 for PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT

The audio recordings of all oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court of the United States are available to the public at the end of each argument week. The audio recordings are posted on Fridays after Conference.

The public may either download the audio files or listen to the recordings on the Court’s Web site. The audio recordings are listed by case name, docket number, and the date of oral argument.

The Court began audio recording oral arguments in 1955. The recordings are maintained at The National Archives and Records Administration. Prior to the 2010 Term, the recordings from one Term of Court were not available until the beginning of the next Term. The Archives will continue to serve as the official repository for the Court’s audio recordings.

Oral Argument - Audio National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius Docket Number: 11-393 Date Argued: 03/28/12

MP3

Download

Play

FULL TEXT Transcript (PDF) View

Department of Health and Human Servs. v. Florida. Docket Number: 11-398-Monday. Date Argued: 03/26/12.

Monday

MP3

Download

Play

FULL TEXT Transcript (PDF) View

Tuesday

MP3

Download

Play

FULL TEXT Transcript (PDF) View

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius Docket Number: 11-393 Date Argued: 03/28/12.

MP3

Download

Play

FULL TEXT Transcript (PDF) View

Florida v. Department of Health and Human Servs. Docket Number: 11-400. Date Argued: 03/28/12.

MP3

Download

Play

FULL TEXT Transcript (PDF) View

Supreme Court of the United States 1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543 Telephone:202-479-3000 TTY:202-479-3472 (Available M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern) +sookie tex

IMAGE CREDIT: Public Domain Clip Art

Rand Paul Introduces Amendments to Lower Gas Prices VIDEO TEXT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sen. Rand Paul took to the Senate floor to address S.2204, a bill that would force tax hikes on oil companies - and in turn, likely increase gas prices for consumers. Below is a transcript and video of his speech.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

I rise today to discuss gas prices. Gas prices have doubled under this President, so today this body will consider new legislation which the other side, I assume thinks will make the situation better. But the other side's solution is to raise taxes on oil companies, raise taxes by $25 billion.

Any of you who have a business know that when you raise taxes on a business, it's simply a cost to doing business. When your costs increase from making your product, what do you do? You charge your consumer more.

So I'm not sure what person is advising the other side, but I don't quite understand how raising $25 billion worth of cost on the oil industry is going to help gas prices. In fact, I think it's going to send gas prices even higher.

Now some on the other side say this is a matter of fairness. Everybody needs to pay their fair share. Well, oil companies actually pay $86 million a day in taxes. The oil companies in the last 10 years have paid over $100 billion in taxes.

The people who say we just must punish them. They're making too much money, let's punish them. The oil companies employ 9.2 million people. They're 8 percent of our GDP. Do we want to punish the people who are creating jobs, the people who are trying to make us energy-independent in our country? It makes absolutely no sense.

Now some will argue we need to make the tax code fair and the oil companies have special exemptions. Guess what? These exemptions and business deductions apply to other businesses, but they just want to take them away from one of our successful industries.

Now it seems to me if an industry is successful and creates 9.2 million jobs, instead of punishing them; you should want to encourage them. I would think you'd want to say to the oil companies, 'What obstacles are there to you making more money and hiring more people?' Instead they say, 'No, we must punish them. We must tax them more make things.'

The thing is this whole thing about fairness is so misguided and gotten out of hand. The rich in our society do pay the vast majority of our taxes. Do not let them tell you kwroer wise. Those who make over $200,000 pay 70 percent of the income tax. Those who make over $70,000 pay about 96 percent of the income tax; 47 percent of our public don't pay an income.

So those who are saying the rich are not paying their fair share are trying to use envy and class warfare to get you stirred up, but it makes absolutely no sense. We as a society need to glorify those who make a profit and those who employ people.

We need to encourage more business in this country, and the oil company employs 9.2 million people. We don't need to heap punishment on them. We need to give them encouragement to employ more people. I will have two amendments to this bill that I think will actually make it better.

While the President talks about people not paying their fair share, he's actually giving more than their fair share to his friends. I don't think the government should be used as a loan agency to give money to your contributors. This is unseemly. The conflict of interest is, I think, undeniable.

We have companies like Solyndra. This is a company that received $500 million of your money and went bankrupt. Just so happens that the owner of the company is the 20th-richest man of the United States and a big donor of the President. It just so happens that this company, Solyndra, the person who approved their loan was related, was the husband of a woman who worked for Solyndra.

Another company, a company called bright source out of Massachusetts, is owned by one of the Kennedy family. They got $1.8 billion, and guess who approved their loan? A guy that used to work for the Kennedys who is now in president Obama's administration. It doesn't pass the smell test.

What we have is crony capitalism, or crony governmentalism, where the government is picking out their friends and giving money to their friends. And so we come here today to raise taxes on big oil. Meanwhile we're giving money to millionaires and billionaires, and it doesn't seem right that your tax dollars should be sent to companies simply because they were big contributors.

Another company, Fisker Karma got $500 million supposedly to make an electric car in in the United States. Guess where they're making it? In Finland.

We sent money to Solyndra through international banks, through the Ex-Im banks. We sent money to First Solar through the Ex-Im bank. You have known what their money was for?

Given to them so they could buy their own product. The company bought a subsidiary in Canada. We gave money to the company in the United States and let them buy their own product with your money. It makes absolutely no sense.

So I have two proposals. One amendment to this bill would say, look, if you think that some companies are getting unfair deductions, let's get rid of all deductions. Let's just have a flat tax. Let's make the corporate income tax 17 percent; currently its 35 percent.

See if you want to encourage business, you want to encourage employment, you lower taxes. You don't raise taxes. Canada has an income tax for their corporations of 17 percent. Most of Europe is in the low 20's. And we're at 35 percent.

We wonder why we can't get business started in this country. We wonder why there is billions; even trillions of dollars left overseas that won't come home because we want to charge them 35 percent tax when it comes home.

Our bill would also say if you've already paid taxes overseas once, you don't have to pay again when you come home. So a 17 percent flat tax, you would see a boom in this country like you haven't seen in a generation. You would see millions of jobs being created if we would just learn the basic facts of economics.

If you punish a company, you'll have fewer jobs. If you encourage a company by giving them more tax breaks, you'll have more jobs. Taxes are a cost.

If this bill passes, not only will your gas prices continue to rise -- they have already doubled -- but you'll see your gas prices going through the roof. But then again, there are people in this administration that don't even drive a car. They don't understand the price of gas because they don't have to drive a car. Someone picks them up in a limousine.

The thing is they need to go to the pump. They need to see how much we're spending on gas. They need to see what they're doing to this country and what they're doing to the job market.

I have a second amendment to this bill that would take all of this money, all of these loans that they're giving to their buddies, the Solyndra loans, the Fisker Karma loans, the First Solar loans, all of this money that is being dispensed to people who are large contributors of the President; we would take that loan program and eliminate it.

When we eliminate that loan program, we would save nearly $30 billion. The GAO has said as much as $6 billion is at risk for loss now. If we were to eliminate that money, we could put half towards the debt and then put half towards rebuilding our infrastructure.

The President says he wants to rebuild our bridges. He came to our state and I stood on a bridge with him and said I would help. The way you help is by not passing out dollars to your friends that are being lost by the billions of dollars. You can't simply create the money. Let's find the money.

So I propose to end the department of energy loans and take that money, put half of it against the debt and put half of that into repairing and replacing our bridges. This is how government should work. You should pick priorities. There is not an unlimited amount of money.

So let's take it from an area where it is prone to corruption and where it is prone to a conflict of interest, these alternative-energy loans that seem to be going mostly to the President's friends and political campaign contributors. Let's take that money and put it to repair the bridges and to pay down the debt.

This is what responsible government should do. But what we are doing in this body, what will happen in the next 24 hours as we discuss this bill is -- and everybody in America needs to be very clear about this.

When you go to the gas pump and you pay more every day for gasoline, you need to realize where the responsibility lies. The responsibility lies with those who are running up the debt. And as we pay for the debt, we print new money. Your gas prices rising means the value of your dollar is shrinking. That's why your prices are rising. You need to realize who is to blame for your gas prices.

It is those who are running up the debt. But you also have to realize that it's even worse than that. It's not just the running up of the debt. You have to realize that these people today now want to add $25 billion to the gas prices.

That's what happens. When you raise the taxes of the oil companies, you will add $25 billion in taxes, but you will increase their cost by $25 billion and businesses that sell products simply pass that on to the consumer.

So what we'll hear about, and they should retitle their bill; we are willing to by this legislation increase gas prices. It should be called "the bill to raise your gas prices."

So what I would ask this body to do is to consider two amendments that would actually lower the debt and take money away from crony capitalism and another one that would reform the tax code to eliminate deductions and discrepancies within the tax code but to do it by lowering the tax rate, flattening the tax rate and allowing business to succeed in our country.

It gets down to who do you want to represent you in Washington; do you want a party that basically wants to punish business, those that are creating jobs? Or do you want a party that wants to encourage business?

We're in the midst of a great recession. Until we understand this fundamental fact, we're not going to recover as a nation. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield back the remainder of my time.

###

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

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorRandPaul Category: News & Politics. Tags: 032712, Sen Rand Paul, Introduces Amendments, Lower Gas Prices. License: Standard YouTube License.

Eric Cantor Statement On House Vote To Send The JOBS Act To The President

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) made the following statement on sending the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act as amended by the Senate to the President.

“Today, the House voted to send the bipartisan JOBS Act to the President’s desk for his signature and deliver real results for our nation’s small business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators. Both parties in Congress, the President and entrepreneurs like Steve Case came together on this bill that will increase capital formation and pave the way for more small-scale businesses to go public and create jobs.

The bipartisan JOBS Act represents an increasingly rare legislative victory in Washington where both sides seized the opportunity to work together, improved the bill and passed it with strong bipartisan support. We should build on this momentum going forward, and use the opportunity provided by the Small Business Tax Cut in April, so we can continue to help small businesses and job creators in this country to grow and hire.”

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Office of the Majority Leader H-329, The Capitol House of Representatives P: 202.225.4000 Press Release March 27, 2012 Contact: Laena Fallon 202-225-4027

Mitt Romney Announces Support of Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy

Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy

Mitt Romney today announced the support of California Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Congressman McCarthy will serve as a California Statewide Chair. “Kevin has been a leading voice in the effort to cut spending, reduce burdensome regulations, and make government more accountable to the taxpayers,” said Mitt Romney. “I share this vision for our country and look forward to working with Kevin on these issues so that we can fix our economy and get the country back on track.” Announcing his support, Majority Whip McCarthy said, “After a long and grueling primary, it is clear that Mitt Romney is the best candidate to face President Obama and fix the mess of his one and only term.

Republicans need to unite and work together if we plan to take back the White House and put in place policies that will get our nation back on a path to prosperity by reducing taxes, shrinking government, and empowering the private sector. I am proud to support Mitt Romney and urge my fellow Republicans to do the same.”

Background on Majority Whip McCarthy:

Congressman McCarthy represents California’s 22nd district. Congressman McCarthy has served since 2007 and was elected by his fellow Republicans to serve as the House Majority Whip. Prior to his election to Congress, McCarthy started his own small business before the age of 21 and also served as district director for Congressman Bill Thomas. Kevin is a native of Bakersfield and a fourth-generation Kern County resident where he lives with his wife and two children.

### +sookie tex


TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President

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.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" PDF from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Mitt Romney Announces Support of Utah Senator Mike Lee FULL TEXT

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Utah Senator Mike Lee. “Mike has been fighting on the frontlines to repeal Obamacare and restore fiscal sanity in Washington,” said Mitt Romney. “I will need the support and hard work of leaders like him if we are going to be successful in shrinking the federal government and restoring America’s promise of freedom and prosperity. I am honored to have Mike’s support and look forward to his advice in the coming months.” Announcing his support, Senator Lee said, “If Republicans want to repeal President Obama’s unconstitutional health care plan, restore limited government and individual liberty, they must unite behind Mitt Romney.

He is the one candidate who will be able to win in November and implement policies that conservatives like me have been fighting for in the Senate. Conservatives can’t afford to allow President Obama to have another four years in office. That is why I support Mitt Romney and urge my fellow constitutional conservatives to support him as the nominee of our party.”

Background on Senator Mike Lee:

Senator Lee was elected in 2010. Senator Lee sits on the Judiciary Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Foreign Relations Committee and the Joint Economic Committee. Senator Lee is one of the Senate’s strongest defenders of the Constitution and advocates for smaller government and individual liberty.

###

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President

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.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" PDF from the U.S. Copyright Office. +sookie tex

Mitch McConnell Weekly Republican Address 03/24/12 TEXT VIDEO

To mark the second anniversary of Obamacare, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) delivers the Weekly Republican Address, calling for repeal and replacement of the Democrats' health care law. On the eve of next week's historic Supreme Court arguments on the constitutionality of the law, McConnell says it's time to replace Obamacare with common-sense reforms Americans want, reforms that lower costs and which put health care back in the hands of individuals and their doctors, rather than Washington bureaucrats.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Hello. I'm Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and the Republican Leader of the United States Senate.

A little more than two years ago, at a moment when Americans were just learning some of the details of President Obama's proposed health care law, the former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, made a comment that's really come to embody the Washington mentality for many Americans.

Commenting on the questions that many Americans had been voicing about the President's health care bill, former Speaker Pelosi said that Congress would have to pass it in order to find out what was in it.

Well, two years have gone by and this is what we know: the President was certainly right to join a call for health care reform. But the giant bill that he and others rammed through Congress has made things worse.

That's why, as we mark the two-year anniversary of the signing of Obamacare this week, Republicans in Congress are more committed than ever to repealing this unconstitutional law and replacing it with the kind of common-sense reforms Americans really want, reforms that actually lower costs, and which put health care back in the hands of individuals and their doctors, rather than unaccountable bureaucrats here in Washington.

As it happens, this year's anniversary happens to fall on the eve of historic Supreme Court arguments on Obamacare. Beginning on Monday, the nation's highest court will hold three days of arguments to decide, among other things, whether the law's mandate that Americans must buy government-approved health insurance is consistent with the U.S. Constitution. As one of many public officials who filed a brief before the court opposing this bill, I believe it isn't. But even if the court disagrees with me, the consequences of this bill are reason enough to make repeal a top priority.

As we look back at how we got to where we are today, most people would probably agree that America's health care system has been in critical need of reform for years. Among other problems were the rising costs of health care for families, job creators and taxpayers, the exposure of too many families to potentially catastrophic health care costs, and the lack of coverage for millions of Americans.

Yet rather than solving the most pressing problems in the old system, the Democrats' partisan health care law has made many of those problems far worse. Costs and premiums are rising, Medicare has been raided, states now struggle to keep pace with even costlier federal mandates than before, and the economy is being sapped as new mandates hold back employers from creating new jobs.

What's more, Americans continue to oppose Obamacare in large numbers. A recent USA Today/Gallup poll showed that 72 percent of Americans, including most Democrats, believe the government mandate to buy health insurance violates the Constitution. This, along with a growing list of unintended consequences and broken promises, are causing many of its original supporters to take another look.

Far from curing a rise in health care costs, Obamacare is now expected to increase health care spending by more than a quarter of a trillion dollars, and federal health care spending and subsidies by nearly $400 billion. Health care premiums for American families are expected to skyrocket by $2100 per year.

And the White House has now admitted what they refused to acknowledge when they forced it into law: a key component of their deficit reduction claims, the CLASS Act, which is designed to deal with long-term care, can't possibly be implemented in a financially sustainable way.

Now they tell us.

As for the law's broader impact on the economy, here too the reality has proven far less appealing than the President's rhetoric. According to the director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, Obamacare means 800,000 fewer jobs over the next decade. One recent private sector analysis concluded that the President's health care law is 'arguably the biggest impediment to hiring, particularly hiring of less skilled workers'.

States have their own challenges. Many couldn't afford federal health care mandates before Obamacare mandated dramatic increases in Medicaid rolls - and the costs to pay for it. Needless to say, even if states are able to meet the costs of covering as many as 25 million more Medicaid patients, the quality of care for those who rely on Medicaid would almost certainly suffer.

In my own state of Kentucky, an estimated 387,000 more people will be forced into Medicaid - at a time when the state is already struggling to provide benefits to the recipients who are currently enrolled. Kentucky's governor - a Democrat - is on record saying he has no idea, no idea how Kentucky will meet its responsibilities if this law forces several hundred thousand more people into the state's Medicaid program. The math just doesn't add up.

And then there are America's seniors, millions of whom have learned since the passage of this bill that the health care they have and like won't necessarily be there in its current form for them anymore.

President Obama was right to attempt a reform; he joined a long list of members of both parties who want to see our health care system improved. But Obamacare clearly isn't the answer. And two years after its passage, Americans have now come to their own conclusion. They don't like it, they think it's unconstitutional, and they want it repealed.

The time has come to clear the way and start over, to replace this unconstitutional law with common-sense, step-by-step reforms that lower costs and Americans support.

VIDEO, IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

Rick Scott Announces Angela B. Corey New State Attorney and Task Force in Response to Trayvon Martin Incident

Angela B. Corey

Rick Scott Announces Angela B. Corey New State Attorney and Task Force in Response to Trayvon Martin Incident FULL TEXT and Supporting Documents in PDF FORMAT Governor Rick Scott Announces New State Attorney and Task Force in Response to Trayvon Martin Incident Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi today worked together to appoint Angela B. Corey (of the 4th Judicial Circuit) as the newly Assigned State Attorney in the investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin. The Governor and Attorney General reached out to State Attorney Norman Wolfinger today. After the conversation, Wolfinger decided to step down from this investigation and turn it over to another state attorney.

The Governor has also announced the formation of a task force which will convene following the conclusion of the investigation by State Attorney Corey. The Governor and General Bondi have full faith in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice and State Attorney Corey that a full and thorough investigation will be conducted.

See below a statement from Governor Scott regarding the formation of the task force, and attached the Executive Order appointing Angela B. Corey as the Assigned State Attorney and a letter from State Attorney Norman Wolfinger requesting the assignment of another state attorney to the investigation.

Statement from Florida Governor Rick Scott Regarding the Creation of a Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection

“As law enforcement investigates the death of Trayvon Martin, Floridians and others around the country have rightly recognized this as a terrible tragedy. Like all Floridians, I believe we must take steps to ensure tragedies like this are avoided. After listening to many concerned citizens in recent days, I will call for a Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection to investigate how to make sure a tragedy such as this does not occur in the future, while at the same time, protecting the fundamental rights of all of our citizens – especially the right to feel protected and safe in our state.

“To this end, I have asked Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll to lead the Task Force, conduct public hearings, take testimony and recommend actions – legislative and otherwise – to both protect our citizens and safeguard our rights. Reverend R. B. Holmes, Jr., the pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee has agreed to be the vice-chair of the Task Force. I have also reached out to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Speaker Dean Cannon, President Mike Haridopolos and incoming presiding officers Don Gaetz and Will Weatherford who all agree that a Task Force needs to be assembled. They will be recommending individuals for me to appoint to the Task Force, which will thoroughly review Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law and any other laws, rules, regulations or programs that relate to public safety and citizen protection.

“It is my intention to have the Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection convene immediately after the investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin by the newly Assigned State Attorney Angela B. Corey (of the 4th Judicial Circuit) formally ends. At that time they can define their mission and scope as well as set a timetable for a report, with recommendations to be delivered to my office and to the Florida Legislature. The Task Force will hold public hearings, take testimony, solicit ideas and review all matters related to the rights of all Floridians to feel safe and secure in our state. As we exercise our right to be free and secure both in public and in the privacy of our own homes it is important that we have an open and honest discussion on these issues so that we might help avoid such tragedies in the future.”

Supporting Documents in PDF FORMAT:

• Executive Order 12-72
• Letter from State Attorney Norman R. Wolfinger

IMAGE CREDIT: From This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a State of Florida "public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf," and does not fall into any of the various categories of works for which the legislature has specifically permitted copyright to be claimed.

See Microdecisions, Inc. v. Skinner. In brief, the "Florida public records law ... overrides a governmental agency's ability to claim a copyright in its work unless the legislature has expressly authorized a public records exemption." Subject to disclaimer.

TEXT CREDIT: Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 (850) 717-9337 Email the Governor>em>

H.R.5 FULL TEXT Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011

Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) H.R.5 FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT H.R.5: Latest Title: Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011. Sponsor: Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] (introduced 1/24/2011) Cosponsors (134). Related Bills: H.RES.591, S.12, S.218, S.1099.

Latest Major Action: 3/21/2012 House floor actions. Status: Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business. House Reports: 112-39 Part 1, 112-39 Part 2, 112-39 Part 3.

Note: March 12 pre-publication copy of Rules Committee Print 112-18, showing the text of H.R. 5, as reported by the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and the text of H.R. 452 as ordered reported by the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, with necessary technical and conforming changes.

ROLL CALL VOTE 126 H.R.5 Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 126 (Republicans in roman; Democrats in italic; Independents underlined)

H R 5 RECORDED VOTE 22-Mar-2012 12:36 PM

QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: To improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.

	Ayes	Noes	PRES	NV
Republican	216	10	4	11
Democratic	7	171		12
Independent
TOTALS	223	181	4	23

---- AYES 223 ---

Adams Aderholt Akin Alexander Amodei Bachmann Barletta Bartlett Barton (TX) Bass (NH) Benishek Berg Biggert Bilbray Bilirakis Black Blackburn Bonner Boren Boustany Brady (TX) Brooks Buchanan Bucshon Buerkle Burgess Burton (IN) Calvert Camp Campbell Canseco Cantor Capito Cardoza Carter Cassidy Chabot Coble Coffman (CO) Cole Conaway Cravaack Crawford Crenshaw Culberson Davis (KY) Denham Dent DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Dold Dreier Duncan (SC) Ellmers Emerson Farenthold Fincher Fitzpatrick Flake Fleischmann Fleming Flores Forbes Fortenberry Foxx Franks (AZ) Frelinghuysen Gallegly Gardner Gerlach Gibbs Gibson Gingrey (GA) Goodlatte Gosar

Gowdy Granger Graves (GA) Graves (MO) Griffin (AR) Grimm Guinta Guthrie Hall Hanna Harper Harris Hartzler Hastings (WA) Hayworth Heck Hensarling Herger Herrera Beutler Hochul Huelskamp Huizenga (MI) Hultgren Hunter Hurt Issa Jenkins Johnson (OH) Johnson, Sam Jones Jordan Kelly King (NY) Kingston Kissell Kline Labrador Lamborn Lance Landry Lankford Latham LaTourette Latta Lewis (CA) LoBiondo Long Lucas Luetkemeyer Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Mack Matheson McCarthy (CA) McCaul McClintock McCotter McHenry McKeon McKinley McMorris Rodgers Meehan Mica Miller (FL) Miller (MI) Miller, Gary Mulvaney Murphy (PA) Myrick Neugebauer Noem Nugent Nunes Nunnelee Olson

Palazzo Paulsen Pearce Pence Peterson Petri Pitts Platts Pompeo Price (GA) Quayle Reed Rehberg Reichert Renacci Ribble Rigell Rivera Roby Roe (TN) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rogers (MI) Rohrabacher Rokita Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross (FL) Royce Runyan Ryan (WI) Scalise Schilling Schmidt Schock Schweikert Scott (SC) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sessions Shimkus Shuster Simpson Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (TX) Southerland Stearns Stivers Stutzman Sullivan Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiberi Tipton Turner (NY) Turner (OH) Upton Walberg Walden Walsh (IL) West Westmoreland Whitfield Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Womack Yoder Young (AK) Young (FL) Young (IN)

---- NOES 181 ---

Altmire Amash Andrews Baca Baldwin Barrow Bass (CA) Becerra Berkley Berman Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Blumenauer Bonamici Boswell Brady (PA) Braley (IA) Butterfield Capps Capuano Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Chandler Chu Cicilline Clarke (MI) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Connolly (VA) Conyers Cooper Costa Costello Courtney Critz Crowley Cuellar Cummings Davis (CA) DeFazio DeGette DeLauro Deutch Dicks Dingell Doggett Donnelly (IN) Doyle Duncan (TN) Edwards Ellison Engel Eshoo Farr Fattah Filner Frank (MA)

Fudge Garamendi Garrett Gohmert Green, Al Green, Gene Griffith (VA) Grijalva Hahn Hanabusa Hastings (FL) Heinrich Higgins Himes Hinchey Hinojosa Hirono Holden Holt Honda Hoyer Israel Jackson Lee (TX) Johnson (GA) Johnson (IL) Johnson, E. B. Kaptur Keating Kildee Kind Kucinich Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Levin Lewis (GA) Lipinski Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Luján Lynch Maloney Markey Matsui McCarthy (NY) McCollum McDermott McGovern McNerney Meeks Michaud Miller (NC) Miller, George Moore Moran Murphy (CT) Nadler Napolitano Neal Olver Owens

Pallone Pascrell Pastor (AZ) Pelosi Perlmutter Peters Pingree (ME) Poe (TX) Polis Posey Price (NC) Quigley Rahall Reyes Richardson Richmond Ross (AR) Rothman (NJ) Roybal-Allard Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Sánchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Schakowsky Schiff Schrader Schwartz Scott (VA) Serrano Sewell Sherman Shuler Sires Slaughter Smith (WA) Speier Stark Sutton Terry Thompson (CA) Tierney Tonko Towns Tsongas Van Hollen Velázquez Visclosky Walz (MN) Wasserman Schultz Waters Watt Waxman Webster Welch Wilson (FL) Woolsey Yarmuth

---- ANSWERED “PRESENT” 4 ---

Broun (GA) King (IA)

Sensenbrenner Woodall

---- NOT VOTING 23 ---

Ackerman Austria Bachus Bishop (UT) Bono Mack Brown (FL) Castor (FL) Chaffetz

Davis (IL) Duffy Gonzalez Gutierrez Jackson (IL) Kinzinger (IL) Lee (CA) Lowey

Manzullo Marchant Marino McIntyre Paul Rangel Thompson (MS)

Paul Ryan House Budget Committee Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Resolution The Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal FULL TEXT

Paul Ryan House Budget Committee Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Resolution The Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal FULL TEXT For years, both political parties have made empty promises to the American people. Unfortunately, the President refuses to take responsibility for avoiding the debt-fueled crisis before us. Instead, his policies have put us on the path to debt and decline. The President and his party’s leaders refuse to take action in the face of the most predictable economic crisis in our nation’s history.

The President’s budget calls for more spending and more debt, while Senate Democrats – for over 1,000 days – have refused to pass a budget. This unserious approach to budgeting has serious consequences for American families, seniors, and the next generation.

We reject the broken politics of the past. The American people deserve real solutions and honest leadership. That’s what we’re delivering with our budget, The Path to Prosperity. House Republicans are advancing a plan of action for American renewal.

Our budget:

Cuts government spending to protect hardworking taxpayers;

Tackles the drivers of our debt, so our troops don’t pay the price for Washington’s failure to take action;

Restores economic freedom and ensures a level playing field for all by putting an end to special-interest favoritism and corporate welfare

Reverses the President’s policies that drive up gas prices, and instead promotes an all-of the-above strategy for unlocking American energy production to help lower costs, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Strengthens health and retirement security by taking power away from government bureaucrats and empowering patients instead with control over their own care;

Reforms our broken tax code to spur job creation and economic opportunity by lowering rates, closing loopholes, and putting hardworking taxpayers ahead of special interests.

At its core, this plan of action is about putting an end to empty promises from a bankrupt government and restoring the fundamental American promise: ensuring our children have more opportunity and inherit a stronger America than our parents gave us.

Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Resolution The Path to Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on the Budget: U.S. House of Representatives 207 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515