Mike Johanns Elena Kagan 'a proclivity towards judicial activism'

Mike Johanns speaks after being nominated by George W. Bush for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 2004

"a proclivity towards judicial activism" that's a nice way to say it. Johanns Opposes Kagan Supreme Court Nomination July 8, 2010 WASHINGTON Sen. Mike Johanns today made the following statement announcing his opposition to Elena Kagan to be the next Supreme Court Justice:

“After thoroughly reviewing her record and listening to remarks at her hearing, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support Ms. Kagan’s nomination. Judges must adhere to the Constitution and must not interpret the law based on an activist, ideological agenda. The court is not a place to create laws, and I am not convinced Ms. Kagan understands this fundamental premise. Her long career as a political advisor and an academic insufficiently prepares her for a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court. Not only does she lack experience on the bench, but her record clearly demonstrates a proclivity towards judicial activism.

“Her views and actions on abortion are particularly alarming. As an advisor to the Clinton administration, Ms. Kagan led the fight to keep partial-birth abortion legal. She even went so far as to insert her own personal beliefs in the place of science—extremely disturbing given the horrific nature of partial-birth abortion.

“Ms. Kagan also has a troubling record as Dean of Harvard Law School. I'm disturbed by her decision to actively defy federal law by banning military recruiters from campus during a time of war. Furthermore, I'm concerned about her views on the second amendment. The right to bear arms is a Constitutional right that I take very seriously, and judges must seek to protect it.

“Finally, Ms. Kagan appears to believe the federal government’s power over the individual rights of our citizens is virtually limitless. The Supreme Court Justices must ensure any law Congress creates does not infringe on the Constitutional rights of our country's citizens, not be a rubber stamp for unconstitutional laws that threaten an individual's personal freedoms. For these reasons, I will vote against Ms. Kagan’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Background:

• When the Supreme Court struck down Nebraska's ban on partial-birth abortions in 2000, it backed up its decision with language from a purportedly non-partisan physicians' group. Yet it has been reported that the critical part of that statement was not written by doctors, but by Elena Kagan, who at the time was a White House policy adviser to President Clinton. This language essentially overrode scientific findings against partial-birth abortion in favor of Ms. Kagan's view.

o “The documents involved date from the Clinton White House. They show Miss Kagan’s willingness to manipulate medical science to fit the Democratic party’s political agenda on the hot-button issue of abortion.” (National Review Online, “Kagan’s Abortion Distortion,” 6/29/10)

• In 2003, then-Harvard Law School Dean Kagan banned military recruiters from campus because of the military’s long-standing policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In March 2006, the Supreme Court unanimously repudiated Kagan's position. (“Potential Court Pick Faced Dilemma At Harvard,” The New York Times, 5/7/10)

• Ms. Kagan worked on numerous anti-Second Amendment initiatives as a senior advisor in the Clinton Administration. At the center of an anti-gun rights Administration, she worked to advance its policy agenda. (The Washington Post, “Papers Covering Elena Kagan’s Time As Clinton Adviser Released,” 6/5/10)

o “Kagan was immersed in initiatives on gun control." (The Washington Post, “Papers Covering Elena Kagan’s Time As Clinton Adviser Released,” 6/5/10)

• During Ms. Kagan’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) asked Kagan her views on the limits of the Commerce Clause. He asked whether a federal law requiring each individual to consume three fruits and vegetables a day would be constitutionally objectionable. Ms. Kagan ducked the question and never stated whether such a law would violate liberty or privacy protections found in the Constitution. (Transcript, Elena Kagan Confirmation Hearings, 6/30/10)

o “The real question here is whether Ms. Kagan recognizes any limits on the Commerce Clause, which legislators have used as justification to regulate or mandate just about anything, and which the Obama Administration is eyeing as its golden ticket to defend ObamaCare.” (Wall Street Journal, “Kagan’s Commerce Show-and-Tell,” 7/1/10)

U.S. Senator Mike Johanns for the State of Nebraska: Washington, D.C. Office: 404 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-4224 Fax: (202) 228-0436 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET

Mike Weinstein "GLEE" Moment VIDEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT CREDIT: Pamela Gorman 2010

VIDEO CREDIT: pamelagorman10

Johnny Isakson Elena Kagan will legislate through activist judicial decisions

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

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

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

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

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

Jody Hice Billboards Calling Out Obama on Socialist Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GREAT AD.

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

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

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT – “Words” (:30)

He had good intentions.

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

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

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

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

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

TEXT VIDEO CREDIT: Citizens United

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69% Cutting taxes

15% Increasing government spending

16% Not sure

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

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

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

Ron Paul statement on Michael Steele comments Obama Afghanistan VIDEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator McCain on ABC News 'This Week' VIDEO

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

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

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

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

Hello, I’m Senator Saxby Chambliss from Georgia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As usual, Jefferson was right.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statement from RNC Chairman Michael Steele on Afghanistan War VIDEO

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

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

Statement from RNC Chairman Michael Steele on Afghanistan War

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO CREDIT: RealityCheck411

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

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

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

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

What About The Country, Mr. President? VIDEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: oversightandreform

President Obama Enforce Federal Law, Secure the Border

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: GovChristie

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

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



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

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

VIDEO: ktbbam600

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

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

Dear Chairman Dodd and Chairman Frank,

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Senator Scott P. Brown

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