Dave Camp: Mitt Romney has released a bold, aggressive plan on tax reform. The President, well, he finally released a “framework” for partial reform.

Dave Camp: Mitt Romney has released a bold, aggressive plan on tax reform. The President, well, he finally released a “framework” for partial reform.

Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) Remarks: Federal Policy Group’s 2012 Tax, Budget, and Legislative Policy Seminar Thursday, May 17, 2012 (Remarks as prepared)

As I prepared for today’s remarks, I looked back on the comments I made last year when I spoke to you. Whether it was looming tax hikes that still hang over this weak economy, stalled trade deals that have since been signed into law, or the debt limit crisis, which the Budget Control Act pushed off until at least the end of this year or early 2013, last year dealt us a lot of challenges.

Some we dealt with better than others. For example, the payroll tax conference committee, despite the December theatrics, was resolved ahead of schedule – the deal was announced two weeks prior to the February 29 deadline. Others, like the Supercommittee, well…let’s not go back there.

The bottom line is this: America is still in crisis. Unemployment remains high, while participation in the workforce is at a 30-year low. While the Budget Control Act took the first step towards reducing out-of-control spending in Washington, we are but a few short months from yet again hitting our nation’s debt limit. Worse yet, the small businesses we’re counting on to move our economy forward and virtually every worker in America is facing the prospect of higher taxes starting January 1.

Of the challenges that still remain, there is one simple unifying thread that is woven through each of them – jobs.

If we are to unlock new opportunities for job creation and strengthen the economy, then we must take even larger steps toward comprehensive tax reform. At the Ways and Means Committee, we have established a framework for comprehensive reform that brings the corporate and the individual rate in line at a top rate of 25 percent on both sides.

As you know, every Republican Member of the Ways and Means Committee signed a letter to the Budget Committee detailing these policies and the House has adopted this approach as part of this year’s budget resolution. Not only will we cut rates, we:

• Collapse the six rates on the individual side to two rates of 10 and 25 percent;
• Eliminate the AMT, which should have been named the “alternative maximum tax;” and
• Move from an outdated worldwide system of taxation to a more competitive territorial system.

Moving to a territorial system, along with a lower corporate rate, is critical to ensuring that we are an attractive destination for other countries looking for new places to do business. It is equally important that we – once-and-for-all – have a tax system that encourages our companies doing business abroad to bring profits back home instead of leaving them stranded around the globe.

American companies should be free to invest their global earnings in their American operations – not once, not once every few years, but each and every year. It is time America’s tax code put the American economy first.

That is the cornerstone of the territorial draft the Committee released last fall. I know many of you have been actively engaged in helping us refine that proposal, and I thank you for your advice and practical knowledge of how the rules Washington sets can impact business and workers in the real world.

So, what do we have to show for all of this? Where do we really stand on tax reform? Well, two-years ago, when I was the Ranking Member of the Committee, no one was seriously talking about tax reform. Today, House Republicans have made it a centerpiece of our platform. Mitt Romney has released a bold, aggressive plan. The President, well, he finally released a “framework” for partial reform.

Clearly, progress has been made. This isn’t just some Dusty Springfield song, and we aren’t just sitting around “wishing and hoping and thinking and praying,” that tax reform will get done.

Over the last month, I and Pat Tiberi, Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, in coordination with Kevin McCarthy and Peter Roskam – our Whip Team – hosted tax planning sessions with House Republicans. As a result of those meetings, I can firmly say our goal is: One, block massive, job-killing tax increases; and, two, enact – not just pass – comprehensive tax reform.

And, there is strong support to use the expiration of the 2010 compromise as leverage to force action in 2013 on comprehensive tax reform. How? Simple: in addition to extending current low-tax policies originally enacted in 2001 and 2003, we should enact fast track procedures to compel comprehensive tax reform next year. There are 34 examples of fast track already in law. The one most of us recognize is TPA – Trade Promotion Authority.

This is an idea House Republicans support, the Speaker endorsed it earlier this week, and I urge the Senate and the President to get behind it as well. Doing so would send a clear, strong message to the markets, to employers and families that Washington is serious about reforming our tax code and putting us on a path to sustained economic growth.

Now, as Chairman, it should come as no secret to any of you that I have tended to run things differently than my predecessors – both Republican and Democrat. I am not fond of putting out a bill and expecting that the support will come. Nor do I prefer the “take it or leave it” approach to legislating that has become too common over the years. It simply does not yield the results and the growth that this country so deeply needs.

Instead, I intend, as I have said since the first hearing of this Congress, to run the Committee in a way that not only allows stakeholders at all levels the opportunity to share their thoughts – but makes clear that they are expected to do so as well.

Simply put, I intend to continue taking an open approach to tax reform, because I believe Congress wants and needs to hear from a variety of voices. We need to hear from families who have struggled too long under a maze of complexity that leaves them unable to understand how to make sense of a tax code that is ten times the size of the Bible – with none of the Good News.

We want to hear from small businesses who for too long have been living in fear because they are worried they will be used as the next “pay for” on something like a student loan bill.

And, we need to understand how our larger corporate businesses will be hurt when their long-term investment and planning decisions are waylaid because they are hit by a new tax or left in a lurch because they aren’t the politically-favored flavor of the week over at the White House.

In other words, we need you – all of you.

It has been said that when it comes to the legislative process in Washington that, “If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu.” Well, let me be clear – you are all at the table. We want you there, and we need you there. And if you, your industry, your association, or your advocacy group thinks otherwise, then I encourage you to look again. There is a place card with your name on it, so pull up a chair. I strongly urge you not to turn away from this opportunity.

I’ve already heard from a number of different industries regarding items they believe must be preserved as we embark on tax reform. My response has been and will continue to be the same to each and every one: tax reform cannot be achieved if everyone retreats to their four corners. That has happened too many times, and it’s why we are now struggling under the weight of a tax code that bears significant responsibility for the sluggish economic recovery.

So, come to the table – with your ideas, your thoughts, and a desire to work with your job-creating colleagues, and the men and women you employ, so that we can create a path for comprehensive tax reform that is worthy of the people we live and work with every day.

Given that I am currently serving as a conferee on the Highway bill, I hope that you will pardon the pun when I say that the pathway to comprehensive tax reform is not an express lane.

Instead, there are a few stops we need to make on the way.

So, before I close, please allow me to talk about one of those stops – tax extenders. In 2010, and mostly as a result of negotiations behind closed doors, 73 provisions expired. I was there, and I didn’t enjoy it.

Washington should not operate in the dark. Congress is a public body and must conduct itself in public. That is why I have tasked Chairman Tiberi with an open review of the tax extenders, something that neither Ways and Means nor Senate Finance has done since 2005.

If extenders are beneficial and are helping the economy, then they should be seriously considered. On the other hand, if an extender has outlived its value, and if it is not producing the economic benefits it once was, then we need to determine whether there is merit in continuing that provision.

Those are not easy choices to make, and matters are only further complicated by the fact that we are trying to bridge to tax reform and we are still dealing with the combination of a weakened economy and historic levels of debt and deficits. That said, Washington must make these choices – it is what the American people sent us here to do.

I know this may make some people nervous. Don’t be; no decisions have been made. And, I know there are rumors that Chairman Tiberi and the Select Revenue Subcommittee will be doing more work in this area. Let me put that rumor to rest – they will be. Before any decisions are reached there will be another hearing, and I expect that will happen early in June.

Yes, these are big tasks and big goals, but I’ve learned in life to set the bar high. Frankly, setting the bar low only guarantees you will trip over it.

So, while overhauling our outdated tax code is an ambitious goal, it is also necessary. If the United States is to be a beacon for attracting new investment, then we must take steps that provide an opportunity for all job creators – small, medium, and large – to be a part of that economic renaissance. And that begins with all of us working together.

I thank you for providing me this opportunity to speak with you today, and I look forward to our continued work together.

### +sookie tex

Contact: Michelle Dimarob, or Sarah Swinehart (202) 226-4774 1101 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone (202) 225-3625 Fax (202) 225-2610

IMAGE CREDIT: Ways and Means Committee Facebook

Boehner’s Address on the Economy, Debt Limit, and American Jobs VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Following is the full text, as prepared for delivery, of House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) address to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s 2012 Fiscal Summit on efforts to put our nation back on a path to prosperity and economic growth by cutting government spending, preventing job-crushing tax hikes, and making long-term changes to entitlement programs. In the address, Boehner renews his commitment to the principle that any increase in the nation’s debt limit must be accompanied by spending cuts and reforms larger than the amount of the debt limit hike. Failing to again meet this standard – dubbed the “Boehner principle” by Stanford economist John B. Taylor – in conjunction with the next debt limit increase means pushing American prosperity and job growth farther away.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

It’s truly an honor to be with you in the historic Mellon Auditorium. It was here in the spring of 1949 that the United States and our closest allies gathered to sign the North Atlantic Treaty, giving birth to NATO.

On that occasion, President Truman declared that people ‘with courage and vision can still determine their own destiny. They can choose freedom or slavery.’

In our time, all of these great nations face a grave threat to freedom, one from within, and that is debt. It is shackling our economies and smothering the opportunities that have blessed us with so much.

Once again the world looks to the United States for what it always has: an example. It is the example of a free people whose hard work and sacrifice make up the sum total of thriving towns and a vibrant economy. It’s a humble government that lives within its means and unleashes the potential of first-rate ideas and world-class products. It’s a nation never content with the status quo and always on the make.

I got a glimpse of this example growing up working at my dad’s tavern just outside Cincinnati, and then lived a piece of it running my own small business.

Instead of this shining example, what does the world now see?

A president on whose watch the United States lost its gold-plated triple-A rating for the first time in our history;

A Senate, controlled by the president’s party, that has not passed a budget in more than three years;

And, earlier this month, another unemployment report showing that the world’s greatest economy remains unable to generate enough jobs to spur strong and lasting growth.

If you should know one thing about me, it’s that I’m an optimist.

Yes, times are tough, but our future doesn’t need to be dark. We don’t have to accept a new normal where the workplace looks more like a battlefield and families have to endure flat incomes, weak job prospects, and higher prices in their daily lives.

We have every reason to believe we can come out of this freer and more prosperous than ever. And we will, if we confront our challenges now while we still have the ability to do so.

For the solution to what ails our economy is not government – it’s the American people.

The failure of ‘stimulus’ – a word people in Washington won’t even use anymore – has sparked a rebellion against overspending, overtaxation, and overregulation.

Americans, who take pride in living on a budget, recognize we can’t go on spending money we don’t have, and that our economy is stuck in large part because it’s stuck with debt.

Nationwide, we’re seeing a groundswell of support for bold ideas that reject small politics, cast off big government, and return us to common sense and first principles – the kind of ideas that will restore prosperity and substantially improve the trajectory of our economy.

In March, as part of our Plan for America’s Job Creators, the House passed an honest budget with real spending cuts, pro-growth tax reform, and serious entitlement reform. It’s a far-reaching effort to control government’s worst habits and capitalize on the American people’s best. This budget gets our fiscal house in order AND promotes long-term growth. Far from settling for stability, it offers a true path to prosperity.

Various bipartisan commissions and coalitions have devised ambitious plans as well. The math and the mix are different, but the goals are mainly the same.

And of course, there are summits like these that bring together people who just get it. Of course, while I’m happy to be here and I’m sure we all enjoy each other’s company, we can also agree that we’ve talked this problem to death.

It’s about time we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

For all the focus on Election Day, another date looms large for every household and every business, and that’s January 1, 2013.

On that day, without action by Congress, a sudden and massive tax increase will be imposed on every American – by an average of $3,000 per household. Rates go up, the child tax credit is cut in half, the AMT patches end, the estate tax returns to 2001 levels, and so on.

Now, it gets a little more complicated than that. What will expire on January 1 is cause for concern – as is what will take effect. That includes:

Indiscriminate spending cuts of $1.2 trillion – half of which would devastate our men and women in uniform and send a signal of weakness;

Several tax increases from the health care law that is making it harder to hire new workers;

As well as a slate of energy and banking rules and regulations that will also increase the strain on the private sector.

But … it gets even more complicated than that.

Sometime after the election, the federal government will near the statutory debt limit.

This end-of-the-year pileup, commonly called the ‘fiscal cliff,’ is a chance for us to bid farewell – permanently – to the era of so-called ‘timely, temporary, and targeted’ short-term government intervention.

For years, Washington has force-fed our economy with a constant diet of meddling, micromanagement, and manipulation. None of it has been a substitute for long-term economic investment, private initiative, and freedom

Previous Congresses have encountered lesser precipices with lower stakes, and made a beeline for the closest lame-duck escape hatch.

Let me put your mind at ease. This Congress will not follow that path, not if I have anything to do with it.

Having run a business, I know that failing to plan is planning to fail. The real pain comes from doing nothing … ‘austerity’ is what will become necessary if we do nothing now. We’ll wake up one day without a choice in the matter.

There’s also no salvation to be found in doing anything just to get by, just to get through this year.

‘Nothing’ is not an option, and ‘anything’ is not a plan. To get on the path to prosperity, we have to avoid the fiscal cliff, but we need to start today.

To show my intentions are sincere, I’ll start with the stickiest issue, and that of course is the debt limit.

On several occasions in the past, the debt limit has been the catalyst for budget agreements. Last year, however, the president requested a quote-unquote ‘clean’ debt limit increase – business as usual.

Well I’ve run a business, and that’s no way to do it. It’s certainly no way to run a government either, especially one that has run up a debt bigger than the entire economy. Business as usual will no longer do.

So last year around this time, I accepted an invitation to address the Economic Club of New York. I went up there and said that in my view, the debt limit exists in statute precisely so that government is forced to address its fiscal issues.

Yes, allowing America to default would be irresponsible. But it would be more irresponsible to raise the debt ceiling without taking dramatic steps to reduce spending and reform the budget process.

We shouldn’t dread the debt limit. We should welcome it. It’s an action-forcing event in a town that has become infamous for inaction.

That night in New York City, I put forth the principle that we should not raise the debt ceiling without real spending cuts and reforms that exceed the amount of the debt limit increase.

From all the way up in Midtown Manhattan, I could hear a great wailing and gnashing of teeth. Over the next couple of months, I was asked again and again if I would yield on my ‘position,’ what it would take, if I would budge…

Each and every time, I said ‘no’ … because it isn’t a ‘position’ – it’s a principle. Not just that – it’s the right thing to do.

When the time comes, I will again insist on my simple principle of cuts and reforms greater than the debt limit increase. This is the only avenue I see right now to force the elected leadership of this country to solve our structural fiscal imbalance.

If that means we have to do a series of stop-gap measures, so be it – but that’s not the ideal. Let’s start solving the problem. We can make the bold cuts and reforms necessary to meet this principle, and we must.

Just so we’re clear, I’m talking about REAL cuts and reforms – not these tricks and gimmicks that have given Washington a pass on grappling with its spending problem.

Last year, in our negotiations with the White House, the president and his team put a number of gimmicks on the table. Plenty of thought and creativity went into them – things like counting money that was never going to be spent as savings.

Maybe in another time, with another Speaker, gimmicks like these would be acceptable.

But, as a matter of simple arithmetic, they won’t work.

They won’t work, and as I told the president, we’re not doing things that way anymore.

What also doesn’t count as ‘cuts and reforms’ are tax increases. Tax hikes destroy jobs – especially an increase on the magnitude set for January 1st. Small businesses need to plan. We shouldn’t wait until New Year’s Eve to give American job creators the confidence that they aren’t going to get hit with a tax hike on New Year’s Day.

Any sudden tax hike would hurt our economy, so this fall – before the election – the House of Representatives will vote to stop the largest tax increase in American history.

This will give Congress time to work on broad-based tax reform that lowers rates for individuals and businesses while closing deductions, credits, and special carveouts.

Eyebrows go up all over town whenever I talk about this, but when I say ‘broad-based’ tax reform, I mean it. We need to do it all … deal with the whole code, personal and corporate it’s fairer and more productive for everyone.

That’s why our bill to stop the New Year’s Day tax increase will also establish an expedited process by which Congress would enact real tax reform in 2013. This process would look something like how we handle Trade Promotion Authority, where you put in place a timeline for both houses to act.

The Ways & Means Committee will work out the details, but the bottom line is: if we do this right, we will never again have to deal with the uncertainty of expiring tax rates.

We’ll have replaced the broken status quo with a tax code that maintains progressivity, taxes income once, and creates a fairer, simpler code.

And if we do THAT right, we will see increased revenue from more economic growth.

Again, change doesn’t need to be sudden or painful.

Last fall, when I addressed the Economic Club of Washington, I said that making relatively small changes now can lead to huge dividends down the road in terms of debt reduction. As we approach the issue of the debt limit again, we need to continue to bear this in mind.

As you know, we could eliminate all of the unfunded liabilities in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid tomorrow, and the effect within the Congressional Budget Office 10-year window could be minimal.

That’s because changes to these programs take time and are phased-in slowly.

For example, when Congress last increased the retirement age for Social Security, the increase – a mere two years – was scheduled to fully take effect 40 years after the law was enacted.

Another example: take the House Budget Resolution and its assumptions for Medicare reform. Those would not even begin until after 2022.

Smart and modest changes today mean huge dividends down the line.

Now, I can already hear the grumbles … partisans getting all worked up or people saying, eh, let’s wait until after the election.

We can’t wait. Employers large and small are already bracing for the coming tax hikes and regulations, which freeze their plans. The markets aren’t going to wait forever; eventually they’re going to start reacting.

We now know that we ignore these warnings at our own peril.

That’s why the House will do its part to ease the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff. And I hope the president will step up, bring his party’s Senate leaders along, and work with us.

Because if there’s one action-forcing event that trumps all the rest – even the debt limit – it’s presidential leadership.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe President Obama cares about this country and knows what the right thing to do is. But knowing what’s right and doing what’s right are different things.

The difference between knowing what’s right and doing what’s right is courage, and the president, I’m sorry to say, lost his.

He was willing to talk about the tough choices needed to preserve and strengthen our entitlement programs, but he wasn’t ready to take action.

As it turned out, he wouldn’t agree to even the most basic entitlement reform unless it was accompanied by tax increases on small business job creators.

We were on the verge of an agreement that would have reduced the deficit by trillions, by strengthening entitlement programs and reforming the tax code with permanently lower rates for all, laying the foundation for lasting growth.

But when the president saw his former colleagues in the Senate getting ready to press for tax hikes, he lost his nerve. The political temptation was too great. He moved the goalposts, changed his stance, and demanded tax hikes.

We ended up enacting a package with cuts and reforms larger than the hike. But it could have been so much more.

The letdown was considerable. And, in turn, our nation’s credit rating was downgraded for the first time.

Well it should also be the last time that happens, which is why I came here today.

If the president continues to put politics before principle – or party before country, as he often accuses others of doing – our economy will suffer and we may well miss our last chance to solve this crisis on our own terms.

But if we have leaders who will lead … if we have leaders with the courage to make tough choices and the vision to pursue a future paved with growth, then we can heal our economy and again be the example for all to follow.

I’m ready, and I’ve been ready. I’m not angling for higher office. This is the last position in government I will hold. I haven’t come this far to walk away.

All my life, I’ve operated by a simple code: if you do the right thing for the reasons, good things will happen.

Well, NOW is the time to do the right thing.

Let’s do it for the right reasons – we don’t need to be dragged kicking and screaming. That’s not the American way. Let’s summon the courage and vision to choose freedom, to choose prosperity, and to determine our destiny.

Then we’ll not only have succeeded in solving this crisis – we’ll be worthy of that success.

Thank you all. +sookie tex

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: John Boehner | speaker.gov H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-5117

VIDEO CREDIT: Uploaded by JohnBoehner on May 15, 2012

Ron Paul issued the following statement concerning his 2012 Presidential campaign FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

“We will continue to take leadership positions, win delegates, and carry a strong message to the Republican National Convention that Liberty is the way of the future.” – Ron Paul

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul issued the following statement to supporters and the general public concerning the continuation of his historic bid for the GOP nomination.

The statement tees up forthcoming information the campaign will release concerning its fruitful delegate-attainment strategy still occurring at delegate-selection events such as state conventions ahead of the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Ron Paul issued the following statement concerning his 2012 Presidential campaign FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Below please find comments from Congressman Paul:

Ron Paul with 3,000 Texas voters — at Texas A&M University. April 10

“As I reflect on our 2012 Presidential campaign, I am humbled by the supporters who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much. And I am so proud of what we have accomplished. We will not stop until we have restored what once made America the greatest country in human history.

“This campaign fought hard and won electoral success that the talking heads and pundits never thought possible. But, this campaign is also about more than just the 2012 election. It has been part of a quest I began 40 years ago and that so many have joined. It is about the campaign for Liberty, which has taken a tremendous leap forward in this election and will continue to grow stronger in the future until we finally win.

“Our campaign will continue to work in the state convention process. We will continue to take leadership positions, win delegates, and carry a strong message to the Republican National Convention that Liberty is the way of the future.

“Moving forward, however, we will no longer spend resources campaigning in primaries in states that have not yet voted. Doing so with any hope of success would take many tens of millions of dollars we simply do not have. I encourage all supporters of Liberty to make sure you get to the polls and make your voices heard, particularly in the local, state, and Congressional elections, where so many defenders of Freedom are fighting and need your support.

“I hope all supporters of Liberty will remain deeply involved – become delegates, win office, and take leadership positions. I will be right there with you. In the coming days, my campaign leadership will lay out to you our delegate strategy and what you can do to help, so please stay tuned.

For Liberty, Ron Paul.” ### +sookie tex

Press Release: Ron Paul Statement on Campaign Going Forward. Paid for by Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Committee www.ronpaul2012.com

IMAGE CREDIT: Albums by Ron Paul:

Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee. 8000 Forbes Place, Suite 200. Springfield VA 22151. Headquarters Phone (Toll-Free): 1-855-886-9779
Headquarters Phone (Local): 1-703-563-6620 Headquarters Fax: 1-703-563-7330

Republican National Committee Releases New Web Video Empty Promises: Debt & Deficits FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

WASHINGTON - The Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new web video "Empty Promises: Debt and Deficits" demonstrating President Obama's repeated broken promises when it comes to spending. Barack Obama promised to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term but has run trillion dollar deficits every year since. Now, as he's campaigning for a second term, he's making the same empty promises he made four years ago.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

"President Obama has broken his promise over and over when it comes to reining in Washington's out of control spending," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "During the campaign, he lambasted the growing debt and, once elected, he pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term.

"Yet, President Obama's record has been to double-down on Washington's out of control spending by running trillion dollar deficits every year he's been in office. His serial disregard of the nation's finances is mortgaging our children's future, guaranteeing that the next generation will not be better off.

"Barack Obama is right--the American people are tired of politicians who talk the talk but don't walk the walk when it comes to fiscal responsibility. After four years of lip-service on spending, it is clear that Barack Obama is just a typical politician, saying one thing to get elected and doing another once in office."

### +sookie tex

Paid for by the Republican National Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.GOP.com Republican National Committee 310 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 info@gop.com p 202.863.8500 || f 202.863.8820

VIDEO CREDIT: Published on May 14, 2012 by rnc (The Republican National Committee) License: Standard YouTube License. Category: News & Politics.

Kristi Noem Weekly Republican GOP Address Pitches GOP Jobs Plan as Gift for Moms & College Grads 05/12/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

Kristi Noem Weekly Republican GOP Address Pitches GOP Jobs Plan as Gift for Moms & College Grads 05/12/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO - DOWNLOAD MP3 for PODCAST || Download Video .mpeg4 ||

Washington (May 11) - Delivering the Weekly Republican Address on Mother’s Day weekend, Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) says that in the wake of last week’s disappointing unemployment report, Republicans continue to focus on the economy and the pro-growth Plan for America’s Job Creators. Rep. Noem notes that President Obama is “ignoring the tough choices and trying to distract from the real issues,” pointing to his recent politicization of women’s health and student loan rates. Rep. Noem, who received her bachelor’s degree last weekend, highlights how more than half of young college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed due to policies like the president’s health care law that make it harder to hire new workers. “If the president is truly serious about doing what’s best for women, young people, and all Americans,” Rep. Noem says, he should work with Republicans to help get our economy back on track.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“Hello, I’m Kristi Noem from the great state of South Dakota. I’m a proud wife, mother, rancher, and a member of the United States House of Representatives. Last week, I took on another title, ‘college graduate.’ When I was 22, I had to leave school to help run our family farming and ranching operation after my dad died in an accident on our farm. After many years, I returned to school in 2008, and was grateful to walk across the stage at South Dakota State University last Saturday with my political science degree in hand.

“Commencements are happy occasions, of course, but I couldn’t help but think about the challenges that this year’s graduates will face. Last week’s disappointing unemployment figures were a sobering reminder that our economy continues to struggle. Over half of the recent college graduates cannot get a job in President Obama’s economy. One of the reasons is that policies like the president’s health care law, they make our economy worse by making it harder for small businesses to hire new workers.

“The president claims to be leading us ‘forward’ but his policies have us stuck. Instead of working with Republicans to rebuild the economy, the president is ignoring the tough choices and trying to distract from the real issues.

“When the House recently passed legislation to prevent student loan rates from doubling, the president falsely claimed that by targeting an ObamaCare slush fund to pay for our fix, that Republicans were slashing support for women’s health. Independent news organizations quickly debunked these allegations. What’s more, the president has twice cut money from this very same slush fund, most recently in his own budget. This is just further proof that he is politicizing this issue to distract the American people.

“The challenges young people and women face in this economy need to be addressed, not exploited for political gain. Like any mother, I want to know our kids and grandkids will have even greater opportunities than we had, and that the free and prosperous America that we grew up in is still going to be there for them.

“That’s why Republicans are focused – we’re focused on helping put Americans back to work through our ‘Plan for America’s Job Creators.’ In the House, we’ve passed several ‘all of the above’ energy bills to address high gas prices and help create jobs. We’ve passed a budget to lift the crushing burden of debt that’s hurting our economy and is threatening our future. We’ve passed small business tax cuts and bills reining in red tape so we can get government out of the private sector’s way. All told, more than two dozen House-passed jobs bills are awaiting action in the Democratic-controlled Senate. If the president is truly serious about doing what’s best for women, young people – and all Americans – working on these jobs bills should be our focus.

“One of the main reasons I finished school was to set an example for my children. That’s as good of a reason as any for leaders in Washington to put aside this nonsense, focus on the real issues and work together to get our economy back on track. Action on a real jobs plan that preserves the American Dream is a gift every mother would appreciate for her child.

“Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you 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

Michele Bachmann issued the following statement today about her decision to withdraw her dual Swiss citizenship

Image Caption: On April 25, I testified before the House Oversight Committee’s hearing on how to protect taxpayers from Medicaid fraud

Bachmann Statement on Withdrawal of Dual Swiss Citizenship "I want to make it perfectly clear: I am a proud American citizen"

Washington, May 10 - Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement today about her decision to withdraw her dual Swiss citizenship:

"Today I sent a letter to the Swiss Consulate requesting withdrawal of my dual Swiss citizenship, which was conferred upon me by operation of Swiss law when I married my husband in 1978. I took this action because I want to make it perfectly clear: I was born in America and I am a proud American citizen. I am, and always have been, 100 percent committed to our United States Constitution and the United States of America. As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, stepdaughter of an Army veteran and sister of a Navy veteran, I am proud of my allegiance to the greatest nation the world has ever known."

Under Swiss law, Bachmann automatically received dual Swiss citizenship when she married her husband, a dual American and Swiss citizen, in 1978.

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TEXT CREDIT: Michele Bachmann Washington Office 103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

IMAGE CREDIT: Michele Bachmann's Albums Facebook

Rick Santorum's Endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Rick Santorum's Endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

On Friday, Governor Romney came to Pittsburgh for an over-hour long one-on-one meeting. The conversation was candid, collegial and focused on the issues that you helped me give voice to during our campaign; because I believe they are essential ingredients to not only winning this fall, but turning our country around.

While the issue of my endorsement did not come up, I certainly have heard from many of you who have weighed in on whether or not I should issue a formal endorsement. Thank you for your counsel, it has been most helpful. However, I felt that it was completely impossible for me to even consider an endorsement until after a meeting to discuss issues critical to those of us who often feel our voices are not heard by the establishment: social conservatives, tea-party supporters, lower and middle income working families.

Clearly without the overwhelming support from you all, I never would have won 11 states and over 3 million votes, and we would not have won more counties than all the other candidates combined. I can assure you that even though I am no longer a candidate for president, I will still continue to fight every day for our shared values - the values that made America the greatest country in the history of the world.

Rick Santorum speaks to bloggers at CPAC Bloggers Lounge This photo was taken on February 10, 2011 using a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi. License: Copyright All rights reserved by Senator Rick Santorum

During our meeting I felt a deep responsibility to assess Governor Romney's commitment to addressing the issues most important to conservatives, as well his commitment to ensuring our appropriate representation in a Romney administration.

The family and its foundational role in America's economic success, a central point of our campaign, was discussed at length. I was impressed with the Governor's deep understanding of this connection and his commitment to economic policies that preserve and strengthen families. He clearly understands that having pro-family initiatives are not only the morally and economically right thing to do, but that the family is the basic building block of our society and must be preserved.

I also shared with Governor Romney my belief that we cannot restore America as the greatest economic engine the world has ever seen until we return America to being a manufacturing superpower. He listened very carefully to my advice on this matter, and while our policy prescriptions differed, he clearly expressed his desire to create more opportunities for those that are feeling left behind in this economy.

As it is often said, "personnel is policy." I strongly encouraged Governor Romney as he builds out his campaign staff and advisors that he add more conservative leaders as an integral part of his team. And you can be sure that I will work with the Governor to help him in this task to ensure he has a strong team that will support him in his conservative policy initiatives.

Of course we talked about what it would take to win this election. As you know I started almost every speech with the phrase that this was the most important election since the election of 1860 and four more years of President Obama is simply not an option. As I contemplated what further steps I will take, that reality weighed heavy on me. The America we know is being fundamentally changed to look more like a European socialist state than the land of opportunity our founding fathers established.

Freedom and personal responsibility are being replaced with big government dependency. The greatest and most productive workers in the world are being hamstrung by excessive regulations making it impossible to compete. Our healthcare system had been socialized, and the worth of each life dictated by some government bureaucrat. Our allies are insulted while our enemies are appeased. And our religious beliefs and freedom have come under attack.

What is even more troubling is what a second term of an Obama administration could bring. President Obama's admission to the Russians that he will have more flexibility in a second term can only be translated to "if you thought I was liberal in the first four years you haven't seen anything yet!"

The primary campaign certainly made it clear that Governor Romney and I have some differences. But there are many significant areas in which we agree: the need for lower taxes, smaller government, and a reduction in out-of-control spending. We certainly agree that abortion is wrong and marriage should be between one man and one woman. I am also comfortable with Governor Romney on foreign policy matters, and we share the belief that we can never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. And while I had concerns about Governor Romney making a case as a candidate about fighting against Obamacare, I have no doubt if elected he will work with a Republican Congress to repeal it and replace it with a bottom up, patient, not government, driven system.

Above all else, we both agree that President Obama must be defeated. The task will not be easy. It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious. Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win this the most critical election of our lifetime.

My conversation with Governor Romney was very productive, but I intend to keep lines of communication open with him and his campaign. I hope to ensure that the values that made America that shining city on the hill are illuminated brightly by our party and our candidates thus ensuring not just a victory, but a mandate for conservative governance.

Karen and I know firsthand how difficult the campaign trail can be particularly as governor Romney faces relentless attacks from the democrats. We have been praying for him and his family and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.

I look forward to working together to defeat President Obama this fall and to protect faith, family, freedom and opportunity in America.

TEXT CREDIT: Rick Santorum for President PO Box 37 Verona, PA 15147 888.321.6675

IMAGE CREDIT: Senator Rick Santorum's photostream

Bob Corker Weekly Republican GOP Address Democrats' Failed Fiscal Leadership 05/05/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

Bob Corker Weekly Republican GOP Address Democrats' Failed Fiscal Leadership 05/05/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO - DOWNLOAD MP3 for PODCAST

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., delivered the Weekly Republican Address today, calling for pro-growth tax reform and a long-term plan to reduce our debt and strengthen Social Security and Medicare for the long haul.

The audio of the address is available here, the video is available here and you may download the address here.

“Preserving the principles that have made this country great is the struggle of this generation—free enterprise, personal liberty and a society where everyone has the tools and the opportunity to earn success,” said Corker. “Nothing makes people happier than earning success. Our Founding Fathers understood this and considered the ‘pursuit of happiness’ to be a God-given right. Let’s put in place policies that will enable future generations to earn success. It’s the American Dream.”

A full transcript of the address follows:

“I’m Bob Corker, and I’m proud to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate.

“When I was 25 years old, I saved $8,000 and started my own construction company. I worked hard, and my business expanded. Our country’s free enterprise system gave me the opportunity to earn success and to live the American Dream.

“I became involved in public service to help provide my neighbors with the opportunity to experience the American Dream themselves, and I came to Washington with the same goal.

“But I fear our country is moving to a place where politicians have lost sight of the value of earned success.

“Politicians are bankrupting our country by passing legislation without paying for it and abandoning the free market principles that give people the opportunity to succeed.

“It’s disappointing and, I can assure you, highly frustrating to see what happens here in Washington: More spending and debt and kicking tough decisions down the road, robbing – literally robbing – the next generation of the opportunity to pursue success and live their own American Dream.

“Last Sunday marked three years since the Senate has passed a budget. Three years. Think about that. The federal government, which spends more than $3.5 trillion a year, much of it borrowed from outside the United States, has no guideline for how that money is spent.

“The Democratic Leader of the Senate said it would be ‘foolish for us to do a budget at this stage,’ and he’s even refused to hold a vote.

“When the Democratic chairman of the Senate Budget Committee attempted to hold a markup on a budget, he was stopped at the last minute and pulled a vote from consideration.

“And what about our presidential leadership? President Obama’s budget failed to receive a single ‘yes’ vote in either House of Congress last year. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, this year’s presidential budget would actually decrease economic growth over the next decade.

“This kind of Washington mismanagement has put us in a place where over the last three years our debt has increased by more than $4 trillion.

“Failing to accomplish even the most basic responsibility of government is a total failure of leadership and represents everything the American people hate about Washington.

“Just last month, the trustees for Medicare and Social Security reiterated that the programs are on a path towards insolvency and in urgent need of reform.

“Despite every warning sign imaginable, we have no solutions from this Administration or Democratic leadership in the Senate.

“The President punts on almost every tough decision. In fact, as he appeals to college students, his Administration is robbing those same young people of their American inheritance, spending their money on my generation and engaging in nothing short of generational theft.

“Families and state governments are making tough decisions every day in order to make ends meet. And businesses are crying out for clarity on tax rates and regulation. This uncertainty is what’s weighing down the recovery and preventing the investment needed to create jobs in Tennessee and throughout the country. Washington’s lack of courage to deal with out-of-control spending is only adding to the sense of uncertainty among investors and potential small businesses owners.

“At present, our inability to deal with these issues is our greatest enemy. In other words, we are our greatest enemy. But I also believe it can be our greatest opportunity.

“We need pro-growth tax reform. This means simplifying the tax code and doing away with most, if not all, of the $1.2 trillion in loopholes and tax expenditures that Congress has created to try to drive your behavior. This would allow us to broaden the tax base and lower rates for everyone.

“This kind of tax reform combined with a long-term plan to reduce our debt and strengthen Social Security and Medicare so that they are solvent for the long haul would really cause our economy to just take off.

“Growing the private sector, not government, will ensure that we remain the strongest country in the world. Preserving the principles that have made this country great is the struggle of this generation—free enterprise, personal liberty and a society where everyone has the tools and the opportunity to earn success.

“Nothing makes people happier than earning success. Our Founding Fathers understood this and considered the ‘pursuit of happiness’ to be a God-given right. Let’s put in place policies that will enable future generations to earn success. It’s the American Dream.”
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TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senator Bob Corker 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C., 20510

VIDEO CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

AUDIO CREDIT: src.senate.gov/

Michele Bachmann Endorses Mitt Romney VIDEO

Michele Bachmann Endorses Mitt Romney VIDEO

Kelly Ayotte introduces Mitt Romney Portsmouth N.H. VIDEO

Kelly Ayotte introduces Mitt Romney at an event in Portsmouth to talk about commercial fishing and their belief that the Obama White House has stifled it and other small business with too much regulation. After her intro, Romney greets the crowd and recognized certain people in the audience, including former N.H. Gov. John Sununu. No mention by either Romney nor Ayotte about speculation concerning Ayotte becoming Romney's running mate.

Category: News & Politics Tags: Mitt Romney, Kelly Ayotte, Portsmouth, presidential campaign.

License: Standard YouTube License.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: pbriand3 Published on Apr 30, 2012 by

IMAGE CREDIT: by wmurtv Published on Apr 30, 2012 U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte introduces Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Portsmouth. Category: News & Politics Tags: Kelly, Ayotte, Portsmouth, Mitt Romney. License: Standard YouTube License.

Mitt Romney Web Video "Broken Promises: Spending"

Mitt Romney Press | April 30, 2012 Location Boston, MA United States.  FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Today, Romney for President released a new web video describing President Obama’s failure to rein in spending and reduce the size of government, “Broken Promises: Spending.”

AD FACTS: Script For “Broken Promises: Spending”

VIDEO TEXT: “August 28, 2008”

VIDEO TEXT: “What Barack Obama Promised…”

SEN. BARACK OBAMA: “But I will also go through the federal budget line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less, because we cannot meet 21st century challenges with a 20th century bureaucracy.”

SEN. BARACK OBAMA: “But I will also go through the federal budget line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less, because we cannot meet 21st century challenges with a 20th century bureaucracy.” (Sen. Barack Obama, “Remarks,” Denver, CO 8/28/08)

VIDEO TEXT: “2009-2012”

VIDEO TEXT: “What President Obama Delivered.”

VIDEO TEXT: “‘Taxpayer Dollars Were Squandered’ After GSA Officials Spent Nearly $1 Million For A Lavish Conference For Only 300 Attendees.”

“Taxpayer Dollars Were Squandered” After GSA Officials Spent Nearly $1 Million For A Lavish Conference For Only 300 Attendees. “GSA Administrator Martha Johnson admitted in a letter of resignation that her agency had made a ‘significant misstep’ and that ‘taxpayer dollars were squandered.’ A GSA Inspector General's report on the 2010 GSA ‘Western Regions’ training conference in Las Vegas shows the government spent more than $822,000 for the 300 attendees…” (Lesa Jansen, “GSA Head Resigns Over 'Wasteful' Las Vegas Seminar,” CNN, 4/2/12)

VIDEO TEXT: “Obama’s Budget Projects That The Deficit For The Current Year Will Total $1.33 Trillion, The Fourth Straight Year Of Deficits Over $1 Trillion.”

“Obama's Budget Projects That The Deficit For The Current Year Will Total $1.33 Trillion, The Fourth Straight Year Of Deficits Over $1 Trillion.” (“Highlights Of Obama's $3.8 Trillion Budget,” The Associated Press, 2/13/12)

VIDEO TEXT: “Under President Obama, The Nation’s Total Public Debt Has Reached A Record $15.6 Trillion.”

Under President Obama, The Nation’s Total Public Debt Has Reached A Record $15.6 Trillion. (U.S. Department Of The Treasury, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 4/26/12)

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President

VIDEO CREDIT:: Published on Apr 30, 2012 by mittromney License: Standard YouTube License +sookie tex

Paul Ryan Weekly Republican GOP Address Marks Three-Year Anniversary of Senate Dems’ Last Budget 04/28/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO

Paul Ryan Weekly Republican GOP Address Marks Three-Year Anniversary of Senate Dems’ Last Budget 04/28/12 TEXT PODCAST VIDEO. Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST || Download Video .mpeg4 ||

Washington (Apr 28) - Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) discusses Republicans’ Path to Prosperity budget, which cuts government spending to protect hardworking taxpayers, strengthens health and retirement security, and lifts the crushing burden of debt. Sunday marks three years to the day since the Democratic-run Senate last passed a budget, a failure of governing that has contributed to the ‘stimulus’ spending binge that is hurting our economy.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“Hello, my name is Paul Ryan and I represent the first district of Wisconsin.

“As I go around Southern Wisconsin and visit with Americans across the country about the debt and the economy, people often ask: is it too late to save America from a diminished future?

“It’s a difficult question, it’s one that makes me worry about my children’s future, and I know you’re worried too.

“But the honest answer is this: It’s not too late to save the American Dream.

“You see, we are closer than you think to solutions that will help create jobs and put us back on a path to prosperity.

“Regrettably, this president has failed to lead us, to unite us, and to help us address our defining challenges.

“Last week, leaders in the United States Senate, which is controlled by the president’s own party, announced they would not advance a budget for the third year in a row. Tomorrow, in fact, will mark three years to the day since the Senate last fulfilled this basic governing responsibility.

“This unserious approach to budgeting has dire consequences for American families. The President and his party leaders are now insisting that Washington take trillions of dollars from hardworking Americans in an effort to lock in ever-higher government spending.

“If we’ve learned anything over the last three years, it’s that this approach won’t work.

“The good news is, there’s a better way forward: a budget, recently passed by the House of Representatives, that would lift the debt and free the nation from the constraints of ever-expanding government.

“If enacted, this budget would promote economic growth and opportunity starting today, with bold reforms to the tax code and a credible, principled plan to prevent a debt crisis from ever happening.

“It would support safe, responsible energy exploration here at home to address high gas prices and it would repeal the president’s health care law, which is making it harder for businesses to hire new workers.

“Repealing the President’s health care law would also protect America’s seniors. The law raids over $500 billion from Medicare and empowers a board of 15 unelected bureaucrats to cut Medicare in ways that would deny seniors access to the care they need.

“Our budget saves and strengthens Medicare by proposing to put 50 million seniors, not 15 unaccountable bureaucrats, in charge of their personal health care decisions.

“This budget would also ensure the federal government can make good on its commitment to younger Americans – a stark contrast to the dismal economy and empty promises offered by the President’s policies.

“Our budget expands opportunity for the next generation, saves them from a debt-burdened future, and ensures that the important education programs they rely on are made stronger and more sustainable.

“The President is hunkered down in campaign mode, and seems intent on dividing Americans for political gain instead of offering credible solutions to our most pressing fiscal and economic challenges. And his party leaders in the Senate? They’re about to go another year without a budget.

“By contrast, the Republican-led House has passed a pro-growth budget and nearly 30 jobs bills that are waiting for action in the Senate. This week, we passed four more bills relating to stopping cyberterrorism – which hurts our economy and costs jobs. And we’re working to advance the Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring 20,000 jobs to the United States.

“We will get back on a path to prosperity – it is not too late to get this right. But only with the right leadership in place can we renew the American promise of leaving our children a stronger nation than the one our parents left us.

“Thank you.”

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

House Votes to Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling, Cut ObamaCare Slush Fund

House Votes to Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling, Cut ObamaCare Slush Fund

WASHINGTON, DC (Apr 27)

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement after the House approved the Interest Rate Reduction Act (H.R. 4628), legislation by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) that would extend current student loan interest rates by cutting spending from an ObamaCare slush fund:

“Students and families are struggling in President Obama’s economy. Nearly half of college graduates are unemployed or underemployed, and laws like ObamaCare have only made it harder for small businesses to hire them. That’s why House Republicans voted to extend current student loan rates and to pay for it by eliminating an ObamaCare slush fund President Obama himself proposed cutting from his budget. It’s time for the president and Democrats in Congress to stop exploiting the challenges facing young Americans for political gain, and start working with Republicans to create a better environment for private-sector job growth.”

Speaker John Boehner, joined by Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN), left, and Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) announces the House will vote to extend the current interest rates on federal student loans, paid for by eliminating a slush fund in the president’s health care law -- the law that is one of the reasons American small businesses today are not hiring more recent college graduates. April 25, 2012. (Official Photo by Bryant Avondoglio)

# # # # # +sookie tex

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

IMAGE CREDIT: This official Speaker of the House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the Speaker of the House or any Member of Congress.

Mitt Romney speech Manchester, New Hampshire after winning the New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware primaries 04/24/12 FULL VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Mitt Romney speech Manchester, New Hampshire after winning the New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware primaries 04/24/12 FULL VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Mitt Romney tonight delivered remarks in Manchester, New Hampshire. The following remarks were prepared for delivery:

Thank you Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York! And tonight I can say thank you, America. After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and more than a few long nights, I can say with confidence – and gratitude – that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility. And, together, we will win on November 6th!

We launched this campaign not far from here on a beautiful June day. It has been an extraordinarily journey.

Americans have always been eternal optimists. But over the last three and a half years, we have seen hopes and dreams diminished by false promises and weak leadership. Everywhere I go, Americans are tired of being tired, and many of those who are fortunate enough to have a job are working harder for less.

For every single mom who feels heartbroken when she has to explain to her kids that she needs to take a second job … for grandparents who can’t afford the gas to visit their grandchildren … for the mom and dad who never thought they’d be on food stamps … for the small business owner desperately cutting back just to keep the doors open one more month – to all of the thousands of good and decent Americans I’ve met who want nothing more than a better chance, a fighting chance, to all of you, I have a simple message: Hold on a little longer. A better America begins tonight.

Tonight is the start of a new campaign to unite every American who knows in their heart that we can do better! The last few years have been the best that Barack Obama can do, but it’s not the best America can do!

Tonight is the beginning of the end of the disappointments of the Obama years and the start of a new and better chapter that we will write together.

This has already been a long campaign, but many Americans are just now beginning to focus on the choice before the country. In the days ahead, I look forward to spending time with many of you personally. I want to hear what’s on your mind, hear about your concerns, and learn about your families. I want to know what you think we can do to make this country better…and what you expect from your next President.

And I’ll tell you a little bit about myself. I’ll probably start out talking about my wonderful wife Ann – I usually do – and I’ll probably bore you with stories about our kids and grandkids. I’ll tell you about how much I love this country, where someone like my dad, who grew up poor and never graduated from college, could pursue his dreams and work his way up to running a great car company. Only in America could a man like my dad become governor of the state in which he once sold paint from the trunk of his car.

I’d say that you might have heard that I was successful in business. And that rumor is true. But you might not have heard that I became successful by helping start a business that grew from 10 people to hundreds of people. You might not have heard that our business helped start other businesses, like Staples and Sports Authority and a new steel mill and a learning center called Bright Horizons. And I’d tell you that not every business made it and there were good days and bad days, but every day was a lesson. And after 25 years, I know how to lead us out of this stagnant Obama economy and into a job-creating recovery!

Four years ago Barack Obama dazzled us in front of Greek columns with sweeping promises of hope and change. But after we came down to earth, after the celebration and parades, what do we have to show for three and a half years of President Obama?

Is it easier to make ends meet? Is it easier to sell your home or buy a new one? Have you saved what you needed for retirement? Are you making more in your job? Do you have a better chance to get a better job? Do you pay less at the pump?

If the answer were “yes” to those questions, then President Obama would be running for re-election based on his achievements…and rightly so. But because he has failed, he will run a campaign of diversions, distractions, and distortions. That kind of campaign may have worked at another place and in a different time. But not here and not now. It’s still about the economy …and we’re not stupid.

People are hurting in America. And we know that something is wrong, terribly wrong with the direction of the country.

We know that this election is about the kind of America we will live in and the kind of America we will leave to future generations. When it comes to the character of America, President Obama and I have very different visions.

Government is at the center of his vision. It dispenses the benefits, borrows what it cannot take, and consumes a greater and greater share of the economy. With Obamacare fully installed, government will come to control half the economy, and we will have effectively ceased to be a free enterprise society.

This President is putting us on a path where our lives will be ruled by bureaucrats and boards, commissions and czars. He’s asking us to accept that Washington knows best – and can provide all.

We’ve already seen where this path leads. It erodes freedom. It deadens the entrepreneurial spirit. And it hurts the very people it’s supposed to help. Those who promise to spread the wealth around only ever succeed in spreading poverty. Other nations have chosen that path. It leads to chronic high unemployment, crushing debt, and stagnant wages.

I have a very different vision for America, and of our future. It is an America driven by freedom, where free people, pursuing happiness in their own unique ways, create free enterprises that employ more and more Americans. Because there are so many enterprises that are succeeding, the competition for hard-working, educated and skilled employees is intense, and so wages and salaries rise.

I see an America with a growing middle class, with rising standards of living. I see children even more successful than their parents - some successful even beyond their wildest dreams – and others congratulating them for their achievement, not attacking them for it.

This America is fundamentally fair. We will stop the unfairness of urban children being denied access to the good schools of their choice; we will stop the unfairness of politicians giving taxpayer money to their friends’ businesses; we will stop the unfairness of requiring union workers to contribute to politicians not of their choosing; we will stop the unfairness of government workers getting better pay and benefits than the taxpayers they serve; and we will stop the unfairness of one generation passing larger and larger debts on to the next.

In the America I see, character and choices matter. And education, hard work, and living within our means are valued and rewarded. And poverty will be defeated, not with a government check, but with respect and achievement that is taught by parents, learned in school, and practiced in the workplace.

This is the America that was won for us by the nation’s Founders, and earned for us by the Greatest Generation. It is the America that has produced the most innovative, most productive, and the most powerful economy in the world.

As I look around at the millions of Americans without work, the graduates who can't get a job, the soldiers who return home to an unemployment line, it breaks my heart. This does not have to be. It is the result of failed leadership and of a faulty vision. We will restore the promise of America only if we restore the principles of freedom and opportunity that made America the greatest nation on earth.

Today, the hill before us is a little steep but we have always been a nation of big steppers. Many Americans have given up on this President but they haven’t ever thought about giving up. Not on themselves. Not on each other. And not on America.

In the days ahead, join me in the next step toward that destination of November 6th, when across America we can give a sigh of relief and know that the Promise of America has been kept. The dreamers can dream a little bigger, the help wanted signs can be dusted off, and we can start again.

And this time we’ll get it right. We’ll stop the days of apologizing for success at home and never again apologize for America abroad.

There was a time – not so long ago – when each of us could walk a little taller and stand a little straighter because we had a gift that no one else in the world shared. We were Americans. That meant something different to each of us but it meant something special to all of us. We knew it without question. And so did the world.

Those days are coming back. That’s our destiny.

We believe in America. We believe in ourselves. Our greatest days are still ahead. We are, after all, Americans!

God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

### +sookie tex

TEXT CREDIT: Romney for President, PO Box 149756, Boston, MA 02114-9756, or call 857-288-3500.

VIDEO CREDIT: AbsolutelyDefinite

RNC VIDEO President Obama's Got America Singin' the Blues

RNC VIDEO President Obama's Got America Singin' the Blues 

Category: News & Politics. Tags: president, barack, obama, singing, sing, blues, al, green, greene, pbs, fundraiser, sings, gas, energy, policy, america, rnc, republican national committe, web, ad, 15, second, sec.

License: Standard YouTube License

TEXT CREDIT: Published on Apr 24, 2012 by rnc

RNC VIDEO: Welcome to North Carolina, President Obama

RNC VIDEO: Welcome to North Carolina, President Obama

Category: News & Politics. Tags: president, barack, obama, north, carolina, nc, bev, perdue, purdue, scandal, sex, harassment, harrassment, state, party, chair, chairman, jay, parmley, david, parker, svc.

License: Standard YouTube License.

TEXT CREDIT: Published on Apr 24, 2012 by rnc

"If I wanted America to fail" VIDEO

"If I wanted America to fail" VIDEO - The environmental agenda has been infected by extremism—it's become an economic suicide pact. And we're here to challenge it. On Earth Day, visit www.freemarketamerica.org. Category: Nonprofits & Activism. Tags: fma, free, market, america, freemarketmerica, alg, americans, for, limited, government, if i wanted america to fail, free market America.

VIDEO CREDIT: Published on Apr 20, 2012 by FreeMarketAmerica License: Standard YouTube License.

Roy Blunt Weekly Republican GOP Address On Energy & Jobs - 04/23/12 TEXT VIDEO

Roy Blunt Weekly Republican GOP Address On Energy & Jobs - 04/23/12 TEXT VIDEO

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) delivers the Weekly Republican Address, calling for the Administration and Senate Democrats to quit blocking bipartisan solutions to the high unemployment numbers and increasing gas prices. Senator Blunt says "jobs, jobs, and jobs should be the number one, two and three domestic priorities of the federal government and that the shortest path to more American jobs is more American energy."

Sen. Blunt says, "[f]uel costs are on track to hit an average of $4 a gallon by summertime—that's more than double what they cost when President Obama took office, and it marks a record high for the last two months. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. As a candidate, the President said, that energy costs, his quote, he said, 'would necessarily skyrocket' under his plan. Well that's probably one promise the American people wish he hadn't kept."

He concludes, "the administration continues to block the Keystone XL Pipeline—that's the nation's largest shovel-ready project, no taxpayer money involved, it would create thousands of American jobs and deliver more than 800,000 barrels of oil a day to our refineries from our best trading partner and our closest neighbor, Canada—all without costing taxpayers. The Keystone Pipeline is one common-sense step in the right direction to help put more people back to work, reduce prices at the pump, and position our nation for greater energy security now and in the future. Jobs, jobs, and jobs should be the number one, two and three domestic priorities of the federal government. The shortest path to more American jobs is more American energy."

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“Hi, I’m Roy Blunt; I represent Missouri in the United States Senate.

“With Election Day less than seven months away, we've heard a lot from President Obama lately about so-called ‘economic fairness.’

“If we're going to talk about economic fairness, or about fairness, one of the most pressing economic issues facing families, seniors, and job creators in Missouri and across America is the strain of skyrocketing gas prices.

“Fuel costs are on track to hit an average of $4 a gallon by summertime—that’s more than double what they cost when President Obama took office, and it marks a record high for the last two months.

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. As a candidate, the President said, that energy costs, his quote, he said, ‘would necessarily skyrocket’ under his plan. Well that’s probably one promise the American people wish he hadn’t kept.

“Unfortunately, instead of working together to pass bipartisan solutions that would relieve pain at the pump and pressure on jobs, this administration is focused on the wrong things.

“The latest example was the Senate's vote this week on the so-called Buffett Tax—a gimmick that would do nothing to jumpstart jobs or lower fuel prices for average Americans who are really struggling to make ends meet and has a lot of negative consequences.

“My colleagues across the aisle readily admit that this bill would not help our struggling economy. In fact, the lead sponsor of the Buffett Tax admitted on the Senate floor this week, that according to him, ‘the aim of this bill is not to lower the unemployment rate or the price of gasoline.’

“Now the real question that Americans should be asking is ‘why not?’ Why would the Senate be talking about things that wouldn’t have impact on energy prices or our economy? Why would we have wasted the week on something like that? There’s really no excuse for not doing things that would lower gas prices and encourage private sector job creation.

“Four out of five people hit by the new tax are business owners. With nearly 13 million Americans unemployed, the last thing we need is to raise taxes and create greater uncertainty for our nation's job creators.

“According to a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, uncertainty and gas prices are the top concerns for small businesses.

“More than half of all small businesses said they weren’t hiring because they said they ‘weren’t confident in the recovery,’ and a third said they weren’t hiring due to the ‘uncertainty driven by Washington.’ Well we didn’t do anything this week about either of those problems and some of them can only be solved by government doing its job.

“Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of small businesses reported that gas prices were their top concern.

“Unfortunately, for years this administration and Democrats in the Senate continue to dismiss bipartisan solutions that would help put people back to work and encourage more economic energy development.

“Ten years ago, when gas prices averaged $1.45 a gallon, Senate Democrats blocked legislation that would have produced more domestic energy here in the United States and lowered the price today. They said their reason was well we wouldn’t have that energy for 10 years—10 years later that’s a pretty hallow excuse.

“In addition, the Administration continues to block the Keystone XL Pipeline—that’s the nation's largest shovel-ready project, no taxpayer money involved, it would create thousands of American jobs and deliver more than 800,000 barrels of oil a day to our refineries from our best trading partner and our closest neighbor, Canada—all without costing taxpayers.

“The Keystone Pipeline is one common-sense step in the right direction to help put more people back to work, reduce prices at the pump, and position our nation for greater energy security now and in the future.

“Jobs, jobs, and jobs should be the number one, two and three domestic priorities of the federal government. The shortest path to more American jobs is more American energy.

“We should do the right the thing for American jobs and American families and by the way, we should do it now!”

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VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: Published on April 23, 2012 by; gopweeklyaddress License: Standard YouTube License.

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senator Roy Blunt Washington, D.C. Office. 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510. Phone: (202) 224-5721 Fax: (202) 224-8149

From 'Hope' to Hypocrisy: Excuses, Excuses RNC VIDEO ... because excuses don't pay the mortgage.

From 'Hope' to Hypocrisy: Excuses, Excuses RNC VIDEO ... because excuses don't pay the mortgage.

Category: News & Politics, Tags: republican national committee, License: Standard YouTube License.

Published on Apr 16, 2012 by rnc. WEB: www.GOP.com

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