Michael Burgess： Government Spending Is Simply Not The Answer VIDEO

Congressman Burgess outlines his opposition to the Democrats big-government, job-killing policies of the last two years and explains his solutions for getting our economy back on track.

VIDEO CREDIT: MichaelCBurgessMD

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Michael C. Burgess : 26th District Of Texas. WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 2241 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 P: (202) 225-7772 F: (202) 225-2919

Connie Mack Named Chairman of Western Hemisphere Subcommittee in 112th Congress

All rights reserved By Representative Connie Mack. This photo was taken on August 16, 2010 using a Nikon D3.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today was named Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere for the 112th Congress. Mack currently serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee. The Western Hemisphere Subcommittee oversees matters affecting U.S. foreign policy and political relations in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Mack said:

“I’m truly honored to be named Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee and to continue my work on addressing the pressing issues facing the region.

“With freedom and free markets under continuous assault by thugocrats like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and the Castro Brothers in Cuba, the United States must remain committed to countering the influence of these socialist leaders in the region. We must also work with our allies in the hemisphere to eradicate terrorist organizations like the FARC, keep a watchful eye on the dangerous ties between Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, and build relationships based on our shared goals of freedom, security, and prosperity.

“I look forward to working with Chairman Ros-Lehtinen, the other Subcommittee Chairmen, and the entire Committee on improving U.S. foreign policy and preserving freedom around the world.”

Incoming Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said, “Congressman Mack does not hesitate to call a dictator a dictator, or, as is his preferred term, a “thugocrat.” Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa are all placing democracy under siege in Latin America, and I am happy to have Connie standing up to their tyrannical advances as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.” -- 30 --

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Connie Mack Washington, D.C. 115 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-2536 Fax: 202-226-0439

Denny Rehberg Statement on Census Results for Montana

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement after 2010 Decennial Census results were released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite a 9.6% increase in population, Montana will remain the second largest Congressional District by area and by far the most populated district in the country with only a single Representative in the U.S. House.

Rehberg has long pointed out that the influx of illegal immigrants impact the apportionment of Representatives, disproportionately benefiting Southern border states at the expense of states like Montana.

“It’s a tremendous honor to serve as Montana’s only Representative in the U.S. House, and it’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Montanans deserve to be represented accurately, which is why I have always paid careful attention to the input I receive at public listening sessions when I visit each of Montana’s 56 unique counties. Montanans can’t afford for me to simply take marching orders from Party Bosses and hide from them whenever we face a tough issue. It’s my job to represent the Last Best Place and I’ll keep doing that to the very best of my ability.”

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Denny Rehberg Washington, DC Office 2448 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC, 20515 phone: (202) 225-3211 fax: (202) 225-5687

IMAGE CREDIT: This United States Congress image is in the public domain. This may be because it is an official congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain by a member of Congress.

Patrick McHenry Named Chairman of Oversight Subcommittee on Bailouts, Financial Services

Washington, D.C., Dec 20 - Last Friday, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee incoming Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) named Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) the Chairman of the Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs. “Over the past three years, our government has committed trillions of taxpayer dollars to bail out private institutions without proper oversight.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are at the core of this economic crisis, yet continue to have access to the taxpayers’ pocketbook,” said McHenry. “This Administration has taken unprecedented action in the financial and capital markets – now it’s time we hold them accountable. I look forward to leading this Committee’s charge to bring transparency, openness, and solutions for the challenges facing our financial system.”

“Patrick will be at the heart of our Committee’s effort to make the federal bureaucracy more accountable for how it spends the American people’s money,” Issa said. “On this Subcommittee, Patrick will be able to champion the American people’s right to know – fighting for more transparency and more answers on what led to this financial meltdown and how we can avoid a similar collapse in the future. He will help lead this Committee’s interface with the financial services industry and ensure that both government and private enterprises are held accountable for how they spend taxpayer dollars.” ###

Contact: Michael Babyak 202.225.2576

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Patrick McHenry WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE 224 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Telephone: 202.225.2576 Fax: 202.225.0316

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

Lynn Westmoreland Named to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker-Elect John Boehner last week announced Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03) will be one of the new members selected to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in the 112th Congress. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is charged with oversight of the United States Intelligence Community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

“There is nothing I take more seriously that ensuring our nation’s security at home and around the world,” stated Westmoreland. “One of our greatest assets in the war against terrorism is our intelligence community, and as a member of the Select Intelligence Committee, I will be committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to carry out their important mission. I am honored to be named to this important committee and look forward to serving on it in the 112th Congress.”

Members of the Select Intelligence Committee are selected by the Speaker of the House. Upon naming Congressman Westmoreland as one of the six new members to the influential committee, Speaker-Designate John Boehner (OH-08) congratulated him on his new assignment.

“The members of the House Intelligence Committee are charged with one of the most significant responsibilities of Congress – keeping the American people safe by ensuring our nation’s intelligence community has the resources and authorities it needs to succeed and conducting effective oversight of the Administration,” stated Speaker-Designate Boehner. “Republicans have made a Pledge to America to keep our nation secure at home and abroad, and I am confident that the experience and expertise that Congressman Westmoreland will bring to this post will enhance the effectiveness of the Committee. I look forward to working with him.”

The 112th Congress will be sworn-in on January 5th. Westmoreland is currently the only Georgian serving on the committee.

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Lynn A. Westmoreland WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 2433 Rayburn House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 Phone (202) 225-5901 Fax (202) 225-2515

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

Congressman Jeff Flake H.R.5536 -- Debt Buy-Down Act FULL TEXT

Congressman Flake: So Just How Broke Are We? Mesa, Arizona, Dec 20 - Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today illustrated the size and scope of the growing national debt. Last week, an Abu Dhabi hotel debuted its opulent 43-foot tree worth $11 million. Approximately 130 ornaments made of various precious stones adorn the tree.

The U.S. is so broke that our massive almost-$14 trillion debt is equal to approximately 1.27 million jewel-decked trees like the one in Abu Dhabi.

“We ought to deck the halls of Congress with some fiscal restraint,” said Flake.

Along with Senator McCain, Congressman Flake introduced the Debt Buy-Down Act, which allows taxpayers to designate up to 10 percent of their federal income tax liability to reduce the national debt. The bill then requires Congress to reduce federal spending by that amount.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals to designate that up to 10 percent of their income tax liability be used to reduce the national debt, and to require spending reductions equal to the amounts so designated.

DOCUMENTS in PDF FORMAT:

• The Debt Buy-Down Act of 2010 (H.R. 5536/S. 3496) Section by Section
• H.R.5536 -- Debt Buy-Down Act FULL TEXT

John Boehner Congratulates 2010-2011 Service Academy Nominees

Rep. Boehner congratulates his 2010-2011 8th District service academy nominees at a reception yesterday in West Chester. (courtesy of WestChesterBuzz.com).

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) yesterday congratulated his United States Service Academy nominees for the class of 2015 and their families yesterday at a reception in West Chester, Ohio. A list of the 24 nominees is included below.

“These are the best and brightest kids in our district,” Boehner said. “They are going off to be educated and gain skills to help keep America free.”

Each year Boehner nominates select students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military (West Point), and Naval Academies. An independent review board made up of local community leaders and veterans interviews each applicant and makes its recommendations to Boehner based on the academic achievement, athletic accomplishments, community involvement, commitment to service, and strength of character of each applicant.

A congressional nomination does not guarantee an appointment. Appointments are made solely by the respective academy.

Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami, and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County. He was first elected to Congress in 1990.

# # # # #

2010-2011 EIGHTH DISTRICT SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEES

U.S. Naval Academy

Brittany Wheat, Piqua High School

James Wilker, Versailles High School

Isaac Snapp, Piqua High School

Grace Jett, Troy Christian High School

Connor Vitek, Maritime Academy (Lakota West High School graduate)

Alex Monson, Lakota East High School

Jordan Ammon, Fairfield High School

Carter Adams, Fairfield High School

Paris Bess, Troy Christian High School

Adam Fabry, Lakota East High School

U.S. Military Academy

Reed Pyers, Miami East High School

Chris Daniel, Madison High School

Michael Kitching, Lakota East High School

Tucker Filbrun, Lakota East High School

David Fields, Lakota West High School

Adam Peltier, Marion Military Institute (Lehman Catholic High School graduate)

Carolyn Pitman, Lakota East High School

U.S. Air Force Academy

Jordan Boivin, Lakota West High School

Benjamin Lenos, Madison High School

Hannah Weeger, Fairfield High School

Logan Schneider, Lakota East High School

Kyle Hall, Milton-Union High School

Rikki Feightner, Piqua High School

Brandon Mullen, Lehman Catholic High School

TEXT CREDIT: gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

John Boehner weekly legislative briefing.12/17/10 VIDEO

Washington (Dec 17) House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the House passed a measure to stop all the job-killing tax hikes scheduled for January 1st:

“With nearly one in 10 Americans out of work, acting to ensure no American’s taxes go up on January 1st was critically important. Failing to stop all the tax hikes would have destroyed more jobs and deepened the uncertainty in our economy. Stopping all the tax hikes is a good first step in our efforts to reduce the uncertainty family-owned small businesses are facing, but much more needs to be done, including cutting spending, permanently eliminating the threat of job-killing tax hikes, and repealing the job-killing health care law. These are critical priorities the new majority has pledged to act on in the next Congress, and I hope President Obama will listen to the American people and work with us to stop Washington’s job-killing policies.”

TEXT CREDIT: gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Senator. John Cornyn Weekly Republican Address VIDEO 12/18/10

In the Weekly Republican Address, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) discusses how the changes Americans voted for in November are already affecting Washington.

Sen. Cornyn says, "Republicans prevented a massive, job-killing 'New Year's Day tax increase.'... This bipartisan agreement was made possible because voters gave Republicans much more leverage at the negotiating table. Our leverage forced the White House to abandon its 'class-warfare' rhetoric; stop pandering to the President's left-wing base; and do the right thing for American taxpayers and job creators."

He also points out that Republicans "[held] the line on reckless federal spending."

Sen. Cornyn explains, "Despite their willingness to work with Republicans on taxes, Senate Democrats went their own way on spending by proposing a nearly $1.3 trillion omnibus bill on the American people and by insisting we'd have to vote on it before anyone had the time to figure out what was in it.... "Senate Republicans stood together but we did not stand alone. Millions of Americans made their voices heard on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. You lit up the phone lines across the Capitol and across the Nation. Thank you for doing that. You helped strengthened the resolve of the Republican Caucus and rattled the nerves of the big spenders on the other side of the aisle."

TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Hello, I’m Texas Senator John Cornyn. On November 2, voters elected 13 new Republican senators and sent 63 more Republicans to serve in the House of Representatives. This week, even before these new reinforcements have taken their seats, Republicans showed the American people that we got the message. And everyone can see how your choices have already changed the terms of the debate here in Washington. First, Republicans prevented a massive, job-killing ‘New Year’s Day tax increase.’

Before Congress acted, every American taxpayer was looking at a much higher tax bill in just a few weeks. Those higher taxes would have been devastating to millions of American families and small businesses and could have increased the risk of a ‘double-dip’ recession.

But our bipartisan agreement with the White House changed all that. Our agreement....
...keeps marginal income tax rates low, preserves the one-thousand-dollar per child tax credit, extends relief from the marriage penalty, blocks higher taxes on capital gains and dividends, protects at least 21 million additional families from the alternative minimum tax and reduces the sting of the ‘death tax’ on families and small businesses.

This bipartisan agreement was made possible because voters gave Republicans much more leverage at the negotiating table. Our leverage forced the White House to abandon its ‘class-warfare’ rhetoric, stop pandering to the President’s left-wing base; and do the right thing for American taxpayers and job creators.

Republicans delivered even more ‘tidings of comfort and joy’ this week by holding the line on reckless federal spending. Despite their willingness to work with Republicans on taxes, Senate Democrats went their own way on spending by proposing a nearly $1.3-trillion omnibus bill on the American people and by insisting we’d have to vote on it before anyone had the time to figure out what was in it.

This ‘spending snowstorm’ was nearly 2,000 pages long. It combined 12 separate appropriations bills that were never debated or amended on the Senate floor. And it included more than one billion dollars to feed the beast of ObamaCare, part of which was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge just a few short days ago.

Senate Republicans stood together but we did not stand alone. Millions of Americans made their voices heard on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. You lit up the phone lines across the Capitol and across the nation. Thank you for doing that. You helped strengthened the resolve of the Republican Caucus and rattled the nerves of the big spenders on the other side of the aisle.

As we approach the Christmas season and the new year, it’s easy to see how much you have changed our nation’s capital. Last year, on Christmas Eve, Senate Democrats passed a divisive 2.6-trillion-dollar healthcare bill strictly along party lines. This year, God willing, Washington will give the American people a far better gift: a silent night.

Have a joyous holiday season, keep our troops in your prayers, and remember that the best days for our country lie ahead. Thank you. ####

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

IMAGE CREDIT: United States Senator John Cornyn, Texas

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT VIDEO

“Mr. President, at 12:15 p.m. this afternoon, my office received a copy of the omnibus appropriations bill. It is 1,924 pages long and contains the funding for all 12 of the annual appropriations bills for a grand total of over $1.1 Trillion. It is important to note that the 1,924 pages is only the legislative language and does not include the thousands of pages of report language which contain the details of the billions of dollars in earmarks and, I’m sure, countless policy riders.

“While we continue to uncover which earmarks the appropriators decided to fund – thanks to a new online database – we at least know what earmarks were requested by Members and how much those projects would cost the American people if they were all funded. Taxpayers against

Earmarks, www.washingtonwatch.com and Taxpayers for Common Sense joined forces to create this database. According to the data they compiled – for fiscal year 2011 Members requested over 39,000 earmarks totaling over $130 billion. Absolutely disgraceful. I encourage every American to go to the website www.endingspending.com study it, and make yourselves aware of how your elected officials seek to spend your money.

“In the short time I’ve had to review this massive piece of legislation – I’ve identified approximately 6,488 earmarks totaling nearly $8.3 billion. Here is a small sample:

$277,000 for potato pest management in Wisconsin

$246,000 for bovine tuberculosis in Michigan and Minnesota

$522,000 for cranberry and blueberry disease and breeding in New Jersey

$500,000 for oyster safety in Florida

$349,000 for swine waste management in North Carolina

$413,000 for peanut research in Alabama

$247,000 for virus free wine grapes in Washington

$208,000 beaver management in North Carolina

$94,000 for blackbird management in Louisiana

$165,000 for maple syrup research in Vermont

$235,000 for noxious weed management in Nevada

$100,000 for the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage Visitor’s Center in New York

$300,000 for the Polynesian Voyaging Society in Hawaii

$400,000 for solar parking canopies and plug-in electric stations in Kansas

“Additionally, the bill earmarks $727,000 to compensate ranchers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan whenever endangered wolves eat their cattle. As my colleagues know, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Gray Wolf program is under intense scrutiny for wasting millions of taxpayer dollars every year to ‘recover’ endangered wolves that are now overpopulating the West and Midwest. My State of Arizona has a similar wolf program but ranchers in my state aren’t getting $727,000 in this bill.

“Mr. President, I will have much more to say about this bill later this week. I assure my colleagues – we will spend a great deal of time talking about this bill and the outrageous number of earmarks it contains. But for now let me just say this: it is December 14th – we are 22 days away from the beginning of a new Congress and nearly three full months into fiscal year 2011 – and yet we have not debated a single spending bill or considered any amendments to cut costs or get our debt under control. Furthermore, the majority decided that they just didn’t feel like doing a budget this year. How is that responsible leadership?

“This is the ninth omnibus appropriations bill we have considered in this body since 2000. That is shameful and we should be embarrassed by the fact that we care so little about doing the people’s business that we continuously put off fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities until the very last minute.

“One thing is abundantly clear to me – that the majority has not learned the lessons of last month’s election. The American people could not have been more clear. They are tired of wasteful spending. They are tired of big government. They are tired of sweetheart deals for special interests. They are tired of business as usual in Washington. And they are tired of massive bills – just like this one – put together behind closed doors, and rammed through the Congress at the last moment so that no one has the opportunity to read them and no one really knows what kind of waste is in them.

“Let me be clear about one thing – if the Majority Leader insists on proceeding to this monstrosity - the American people will know what’s in it. I will be joined by many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle to ensure that every single word of this bill is read aloud here on the Senate floor.

“I encourage my friends on the other side of the aisle to rethink their strategy and move forward with a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government into next year when a new Congress takes over – a Congress that was elected by the American people on November 2nd. “The majority may be able to strong arm enough members into voting for this omnibus – but they will not win in the end. The American people will remember – and I predict that we will see a repeat of November 2nd in the very near future.”

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorJohnMcCain

TEXT CREDIT: United States Senator John McCain United States Senate, 241 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20510, Main: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862

Darrell Issa Welcomes Addition of 16 New Republicans to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Darrell Issa Receives Good Government Award by Congressman Darrell Issa All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the incoming Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today announced that the House Republican Steering Committee has approved the addition of sixteen new Republican Members to the Committee to join Reps. Dan Burton (R-IN), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), John Mica (R-FL) and Michael Turner (R-OH) who will remain on the Committee. “There couldn’t be a better team to stand on the frontline of the effort to reign in a federal bureaucracy that has institutionalized waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement,” Issa said. “I am particularly excited to have so many incoming members join this Committee with a new mandate to make government more accountable and transparent.

Their enthusiasm and commitment to reforming government so that it works better for the American people will be the driving force behind this Committee’s success.”

The sixteen new Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in alphabetical order, are:

* Mr. Justin Amash (R-MI)
* Ms. Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY)
* Dr. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN)
* Mr. Blake Farenholt (R-TX)
* Dr. Paul Gosar (R-AZ)
* Mr. Trey Gowdy (R-SC)
* Mr. Frank Guinta (R-NH)
* Mr. Mike Kelly (R-PA)
* Mr. Raul Labrador (ID)
* Mr. James Lankford (R-OK)
* Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL)
* Mr. Pat Meehan (R-PA)
* Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA)
* Mr. Dennis Ross (R-FL)
* Mr. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
* Mr. Joe Walsh (R-IL)

###

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

GOP Watchdog Jason Chaffetz to Glenn Beck:Tax Deal Isn't Good for Long-Term Debt Problem VIDEO

Utah's GOP Watchdog Jason Chaffetz breaks down why he will oppose President Obama's tax deal with Glenn Beck. 12-13-10: Fox News Channel's Glenn Beck Program.

VIDEO CREDIT: oversightandreform

John Barrasso Senators Secure Key Ruling to Amend START Preamble

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) secured a key ruling that would allow the Senate to amend the preamble to the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Last week, Barrasso joined a group of Senate Republicans in requesting a clarification from the Senate Parliamentarian on whether or not the Senate has the authority to amend treaty preambles. Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin officially confirmed that the Senate does in fact have the authority to amend treaty preambles.

Barrasso released the following statement about the clarification and how it will affect the debate on the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START):

“START’s preamble specifically places limits on missile defense and weakens the ability of the United States to defend itself. I look forward to offering my amendment on the Senate floor to strike the limitations on our missile defense from the treaty’s preamble. Since the Administration claims the preamble language is non-binding, they should have no problem eliminating this restrictive language from the treaty.

“Most Americans would agree that preambles affect policy. After all, we value and respect the preamble to our own constitution – ‘We the people…’

“Today, the Senate Parliamentarian delivered a consequential ruling when he confirmed that the Senate can amend treaty preambles. We now have the clear authority to improve START’s preamble.”

Background:

The Administration has come out claiming START’s preamble is non-binding. On May 18, 2010 Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said:

“The treaty’s preamble does include language acknowledging the relationship between strategic offensive and defensive forces, but this is simply a statement of fact. It does not constrain our missile defense programs in any way.”

On September 16, 2010, Senator Barrasso offered an amendment in a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations business meeting to strike restrictive language from START’s preamble.

During that same business meeting, an objection was made to Senator Barrasso’s amendment on procedural grounds. The claim was that under Senate precedent, preambles to treaties are not allowed to be amended.

On December 14, 2010 Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin clarified that the Senate is in fact allowed to amend preambles to treaties:

“We have been asked to re-examine the precedent from May 18, 1998, noted at footnote 31 in the Treaties chapter of Riddick’s, which states that preambles to treaties are not amendable. In that instance, a Senator asserted that 10 years earlier the Vice President had stated that preambles to treaties were not amendable, and that Senator asked if that were still the case. The Chair said that it was still the case. However, in 1978 the Vice President simply indicated that there were no preambles, not that they were not amendable. The statement from 1988 could not affirm what was not stated in 1978, so the probative value of each for the stated point of procedure is eroded.

“We have found no other authority to support the conclusion that preambles to treaties are not amendable, nor have we heard an argument to support that position. Unless it can be demonstrated to us that there is in fact valid precedent or convincing logic preventing the Senate from amending preambles to treaties, we will advise from this point forward that preambles to treaties may be amended.” ###

TEXT CREDIT: US Senator John Barrasso 307 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-6441 Fax: 202-224-1724 Tollfree: 866-235-9553

Roger Wicker Votes to Prevent Americans from Receiving Largest Tax Hike in History

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) issued the following statement today after voting to prevent tax hikes from hitting Americans on Jan. 1, 2011: “Raising taxes on any American family or small business would further strain our weak economic recovery. Extending the existing tax rates helps create stability so businesses can invest and hire. Preventing the largest tax hike from hitting Americans is one of the many steps we need to get our economy back on track.

“I am glad that the Senate’s year-end tax package also includes a continuation of my GO Zone bond and bonus depreciation provisions to help the Gulf Coast attract private investment and create jobs. These GO Zone provisions provide important tools to spur economic development in the hard hit areas along the Gulf.”

The Senate passed the tax package by a vote of 81 to 19. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage. # # #

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Senator Roger Wicker

John Ensign INTERNET REGULATION WILL SLOW THE PACE OF INNOVATION AND JEOPARDIZE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Washington, D.C. –Senator John Ensign, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet today sent a letter signed by 28 of his colleagues to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing their strong opposition to the FCC’s intent to regulate the Internet. Senator Ensign has long-opposed this burdensome regulation which is a direct blow to innovation.

In the letter, the senators wrote, “The Internet, as an open platform for innovation, is not an aspiration, it is a reality—the United States does not need new burdensome regulations to make it so. This is an unjustified and unnecessary expansion of government control over private enterprise. We strongly urge you to abandon your decision to impose new restrictions on this important and dynamic segment of our economy.

“While the rules that you are proposing will have little, if any, positive impact for consumers, they will likely reduce the potential for innovation and investment in broadband networks. Your proposal would establish the Commission as the central arbiter of which new network practices are and are not reasonable, making the Commission the gatekeeper for any future broadband innovations. This will dramatically slow the pace of that innovation and jeopardize billions of dollars of future investment into broadband networks.”

Senators who signed the letter:

Ensign, Isakson, Brownback, Crapo, DeMint, Risch, McCain, Wicker, Hutchison, McConnell, Roberts, Kyl, Cornyn, Enzi, Bunning, Hatch, Johanns, Coburn, Chambliss, Barrasso, Alexander, Vitter, Thune, Bond, Graham, Bennett, Burr, Grassley, Inhofe ###

letter signed by 28 Senators. in PDF FORMAT

TEXT CREDIT: John Ensign, United States Senator of Nevada Press Secretary Jennifer Cooper 119 Russell Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Tel: (202) 224-6244

John Thune Blasts Democrats' Massive Government Spending Bill

Says attempt to pass Omnibus ignores will of voters December 14th, 2010 - WASHINGTON, DC - Senator John Thune today criticized Senate Democrat leadership's attempt to pass a massive Omnibus spending bill.

"The attempt by Democrat leadership to rush through a nearly 2,000 page spending bill in the final days of the lame-duck session ignores the clear will expressed by the voters this past election," said Thune. "This bill is loaded up with pork projects and should not get a vote. Congress should listen to the American people and stop this reckless spending."

Thune has called for a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) free of earmarks and special funding projects. Currently, the federal government is funded under a CR that expires on Saturday, December 18, 2010. ###

TEXT CREDIT: Senator John Thune United States Senate SR-493 Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2321 Fax: (202) 228-5429 TollFree: 1-866-850-3855

IMAGE CREDIT: rnc

Mike Pence Virginia Ruling Confirms Need For Obamacare Repeal

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement today after a federal district judge in Virginia ruled that a major provision of ObamaCare is unconstitutional. “Now that a federal judge has shown the individual mandate in ObamaCare to be unconstitutional, it's time to repeal it lock, stock and barrel.

A majority of Americans rejected ObamaCare long before it became law, and their frustration with this government takeover of health care has only grown. They know it’s time to repeal ObamaCare, with its budget-busting price tag and job-killing mandates, and replace it with common sense solutions that actually lower costs without growing the size of government.”

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Mike Pence Washington D.C. Office 1431 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (p) 202 225-3021 (f) 202 225-3382

Paul Ryan Statement on Tax Agreement VIDEO

Ryan Statement on Tax Agreement Bipartisan agreement avoids crippling, across-the-board tax hikes

WASHINGTON – In response to a recently announced bipartisan agreement to prevent looming tax increases, House Budget Committee Ranking Member Paul Ryan (WI-01) issued the following statement:

"President Obama has acted responsibly in reaching an agreement with Republicans to prevent across-the-board tax increases from hitting American families and job creators. Sound economics appear to have trumped the politics of class warfare. While I prefer a permanent prevention of tax increases to promote growth and ensure certainty, there is a growing bipartisan consensus that raising taxes would be a big mistake. This agreement affirms an essential proposition: raising tax rates hinders economic growth and job creation.

“Policymakers cannot continue to chase ever-higher levels of government spending with ever-higher tax rates. To address the Federal government’s fiscal imbalance, we need both economic growth and serious spending discipline. It is critical that we match opposition to tax increases with a fervent commitment to restrain the explosive growth of government spending.

“While I have concerns with some specific aspects of the plan, I support the proposed framework to avert further economic hardship and provide a first step to restore the foundations for sustained growth and job creation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep taxes low, and will continue to make the case for an equal commitment to spending restraint and real reform.”

Contact: Kevin Seifert (202) 225-3031

House Budget Committee Republican analysis on the tax debate: “The Impact of Looming Tax Increase” in PDF FORMAT house.gov/budget_republicans/taxdebate

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: ConservativeCavalry

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan

Tell Congress to Stand Up to Pelosi on Taxes Crossroads GPS VIDEO

Crossroads GPS is running z $400,000 campaign of radio ads in 12 districts across the country to urge Congress to stand up for America’s struggling families and small businesses by passing tax relief for all taxpayers – not bow to Nancy Pelosi’s tax hike agenda. We need jobs, not job-killing taxes.

Listen to this sample of one of the radio ads targeting Gerry Connolly of Virginia’s 11th district.

The group also includes Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, Jim Costa of California, Sanford D. Bishop Jr. of Georgia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Ben Chandler of Kentucky, Gary Peters of Michigan, Heath Shuler of North Carolina, Timothy H. Bishop of New York, Maurice D. Hinchey of New York, Bill Owens of New York and Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania.

Time is running out for Congress to extend tax relief to all Americans, but Nancy Pelosi is standing in the way. Tell your Congressman to stand up to Pelosi's tax hike agenda.

TEXT CREDIT: Crossroads GPS

VIDEO CREDIT: CrossroadsGPSChannel

Virginia wins federal court challenge Health insurance mandate is unconstitutional FULL TEXT VIDEO

RICHMOND (December 13, 2010) – Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced today that the Commonwealth of Virginia won its lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care act. The attorney general asked the court to find that the health care mandate that every individual buy government-approved health insurance unconstitutional.

Federal District Court Judge Henry Hudson agreed with the attorney general and ruled today that the health insurance mandate is unconstitutional.

Federal Judge Rules Obamacare Mandate Unconstitutional Case 3:10-cv-00188-HEH Document 84 FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT

“Today we prevailed. This is a great day for the Constitution! This won’t be the final round, as this will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, but today is a critical milestone in the protection of the Constitution,” said Cuccinelli.

Virginia argued that the mandate that every person must buy government-approved health insurance violates the Constitution and that using the Constitution’s Commerce Clause to force people to buy a product goes beyond Congress’s power.

“The insurance mandate penalizes people for not engaging in commerce. In other words, you can get fined for doing nothing,” said Cuccinelli.

The judge agreed:

“The unchecked expansion of congressional power to the limits suggested by the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers. At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance – or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage – it’s about an individual’s right to choose to participate.”

Virginia also argued that the penalty the government wants to charge if one does not buy health insurance is not a tax. Virginia said that the government cannot call the penalty a tax to try to make it legal under Congress’s taxing authority. Congress and the president called it a penalty and said it was not a tax; they passed it as a penalty, not a tax; it works as a penalty, not as a tax. The judge again agreed with Virginia.

“When we brought suit back in March, media outlets and legal experts said we didn’t have a chance. They accused us of everything from playing politics instead of practicing law, to filing a frivolous lawsuit. They said our argument about constitutionality was in vain, that we relied on a controversial reading of the Constitution, and that we couldn’t prevail against the federal government,” said Cuccinelli.

“This ruling is extremely positive for anyone who believes in the system of federalism created by our Founding Fathers. It underscores that the Constitution’s limitations on federal power mean something. The rule of law means something. As attorney general of Virginia, I took an oath to protect the Constitution, and I’m keeping that oath.”

Cuccinelli also recognized the need for reform in health care, but said that further government intrusion was the problem, not the answer: “For the past nine months, we have been arguing the constitutionality of this law. I have said all along that this lawsuit is not about health care. It is about liberty. At the same time, I understand that people want more affordable health care, and I sympathize with people who honestly can’t afford it.

“But as someone who has sworn to uphold the law, I cannot endorse taking away the rights of all so that government can provide health care to some.

“If we cross this constitutional line with health care now – where the government can force us to buy a private product and say it is for our own good – then we will have given the government the power to force us to buy other private products, such as cars, gym memberships, or even asparagus. The government’s power to intrude on our lives for our own good will be virtually unlimited.

“You may be willing to put up with that now, when the government is doing something you like. But what happens when it starts to impose things on you that you do not like? Then, it will be too late.

“Yes, parts of our health care system need to be fixed. Yes, expenses are out of control. Yes, not everyone’s needs are being met. But there are better solutions than giving up our freedom. The problem with health care costs is not that there is not enough government involvement. It is that there is too much government. It is time we took the power out of the hands of the politicians and put it in the hands of the consumers,” he said.

Before the ruling came down, Cuccinelli initiated conversations with the Justice Department about fast-tracking the suit to the U.S. Supreme Court. “With this ongoing court battle, there is a great deal of uncertainty for states, individuals, and businesses as to whether this law will be around two years from now or not. We need this resolved as quickly as possible – for the good of our people and our economy,” said Cuccinelli.

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Office of the Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II Attorney General 900 East Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-786-2071 For Release: December 13, 2010 Contact: Brian J. Gottstein Email: bgottstein@oag.state.va.us (best contact method) Phone: 804-786-5874