Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death PODCAST FULL AUDIO and TEXT

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775. Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death PODCAST FULL AUDIO OF SPEECH

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free—if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending—if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained—we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable—and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

TEXT CREDIT: Wikisource

AUDIO CREDIT: Embassy of the United States

IMAGE CREDIT: Public Domain Clip Art

NRSC Statement On Senator Claire McCaskill’s Latest Ethics Admission VIDEO

Will Senator Claire McCaskill come clean about the $76,000 of taxpayer dollars funneled to her shell companies? Ask her to release the tax records on her LLC's that she paid $76,000.

In the wake of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s (D-MO) admission today that she failed to pay nearly $300,000 in property taxes on her private plane – a confession that came only under heavy pressure from Republicans in the wake of reports that she billed taxpayers for travel on her personal aircraft, including for at least one purely political trip, which her office had initially and vehemently denied – National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Executive Director Rob Jesmer issued the following statement:

“Can Missouri voters even believe anything Senator McCaskill says anymore? This is the third time in less than two weeks that she’s had to change her story about her private plane, and she only admitted any of her wrongdoing once she got caught by the media. Now, millionaire Claire McCaskill wants to simply write yet another big check and hope people won’t ask any more questions. It’s high time for McCaskill to finally live up to the same standards of transparency and accountability that she demands of others by immediately releasing her shell company tax records.

TEXT CREDIT: National Republican Senatorial Committee.

VIDEO CREDIT: TheNRSC

Wisconsin Department of Justice files appeal in 4th District Court of Appeals seeking to lift a Temporary Restraining Order Wisconsin Act 10 FULL TEXT

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen

Wisconsin Department of Justice files appeal in 4th District Court of Appeals seeking to lift a Temporary Restraining Order Wisconsin Act 10 FULL TEXT Justice Department Appeal to Restraining Order FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT Monday, March 21, 2011 MADISON – Today the Wisconsin Department of Justice filed an appeal in the 4th District Court of Appeals seeking to lift a Temporary Restraining Order placed on Secretary of State Doug La Follette's duty to publish 2011 Wisconsin Act 10. Taken directly from the brief the Department asserts: [The] “Court does not need to determine whether the Open Meetings Law was violated.

Instead, it must only assess whether a court may issue an injunction against a party over whom it has no personal jurisdiction, whether a court may issue an injunction to interfere with the constitutional power of the Legislature to declare what shall become law, and whether a court may issue an injunction to suspend publication of a law on a legal basis that does not provide the court with the authority to declare the law void. If the court lacks any of these powers, the TRO must be promptly vacated.”

In summary, today's action by the Justice Department argues:

(1) The (Dane County Circuit) court had no jurisdiction over the legislators (who have legislative immunity) or the Secretary of State (who is not a proper defendant in an Open Meetings case and also enjoys sovereign immunity;

(2) The court may not interfere with the legislative process and enjoin the publication of a bill as the last step in the legislative process; and

(3) Even if the Budget Repair Act were published law, a court could not void it on the basis of an Open Meetings violation. Supreme Court decisions have made clear that a court may not void a law based upon the legislature's failure to follow rules of legislative process, whether those rules exist in statute or legislative rules. Courts may only evaluate whether constitutional procedural requirements were met


TEXT, IMAGE and PDF CREDIT: Wisconsin Department of Justice News Contact William A. Cosh (608)266-1221

Tim Pawlenty for President Exploratory Committee Announcement VIDEO

Governor Tim Pawlenty announces his Presidential Exploratory Committee on Facebook on March 21, 2011.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: GovernorTimPawlenty

Congressional Budget Office Releases Analysis of President’s Budget FULL TEXT

President’s Irresponsible Budget Even Worse than Advertised. Congressional Budget Office Releases Analysis of President’s Budget. Preliminary Analysis of the President's Budget for 2012 FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT

Washington – The President’s budget, with annual deficits averaging nearly $1 trillion over the next decade, was revealed to be far worse than initially advertised according to a report released today by the Congressional Budget Office [CBO]. Federal spending runs at record post-war levels, never falling below 23 percent of gross domestic product [GDP]. Cumulative deficits are $2.3 trillion higher over 10 years under the CBO estimates than the White House projected, and the debt increase is $1.8 trillion greater over the same period.

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul D. Ryan made the following statement about the report:

“The Congressional Budget Office’s report exposes the widening gulf between the President’s rhetoric and his budget’s reality. Simply put, the President’s budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much – and it continues to heap an unsustainable burden of debt on American families, today and in the future. The President’s budget never reaches ‘primary balance,’ meaning that it fails to clear even the low bar the Administration set for itself in justifying its claims of sustainability.

“With this irresponsible budget proposal, the President has shown a discouraging lack of leadership with respect to our fiscal challenges. His budget completely ignored the recommendations of his own Fiscal Commission, refusing to seriously advance any of their major proposals for reining in the runaway spending in our major entitlement programs.

“In the weeks ahead, the House Budget Committee will lead where the President has failed. In sharp contrast to the empty promises and diminished future offered by the President’s budget, we will chart a path to real security and a prosperous future. The American people demand – and deserve – honest leadership on our greatest fiscal and economic challenges.”

Spending: $3.7 trillion in spending this year, 24.3 percent of GDP (highest since World War II) $46.2 trillion in spending over the decade

Taxes: $1.5 trillion tax increase on families, small businesses, and job creators, Federal taxes reach 19.3 percent of GDP in 2021

Deficits and Debt: $1.2 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2012, a record fourth straight deficit exceeding the trillion-dollar mark. More than doubles the debt by 2016 compared with the President’s first year in office, and nearly triples the debt by 2021

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Contact: Conor Sweeney 202-226-7270

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseBudgetCommittee U.S. House of Representatives 207 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

Statement by Speaker Boehner on Libya

Speaker Boehner meets with Gen. David Petraeus in his Capitol Hill office. March 17, 2011.

WASHINGTON, DC (Mar 20) House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the situation in Libya: “The United States has a moral obligation to stand with those who seek freedom from oppression and self-government for their people. It’s unacceptable and outrageous for Qadhafi to attack his own people, and the violence must stop.

“The President is the commander-in-chief, but the Administration has a responsibility to define for the American people, the Congress, and our troops what the mission in Libya is, better explain what America’s role is in achieving that mission, and make clear how it will be accomplished. Before any further military commitments are made, the Administration must do a better job of communicating to the American people and to Congress about our mission in Libya and how it will be achieved.”

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

IMAGE CREDIT: SpeakerBoehner

Jaime Herrera Beutler Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 03/19/11

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

Jaime Herrera Beutler Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 03/19/11

Weekly Republican Address: Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler on Ending Uncertainty & Helping Small Businesses Hire Again

Washington (Mar 18) Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) highlights the new House majority’s efforts to end the uncertainty facing America’s job creators and foster an environment in which they can begin hiring again. In the address, Rep. Herrera Beutler notes that Republican lawmakers “are headed back to our districts this weekend to start a dialogue with the American people” about the need to take action on the spending binge in Washington, which is making it harder for our economy to create jobs. Rep. Herrera Beutler, a member of the House Small Business Committee, is in her first term representing Washington’s Third Congressional District.

“Hello, I’m Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, and I have the great privilege of serving Washington State’s Third Congressional District.

“I’d just like to begin by saying, on behalf of the people I represent, that we are thinking of the people of Japan and praying for them as they continue to deal with the devastation following last week’s earthquake and tsunami.

“I’ve only been in Congress about two months now, and I like to think about my job as a tale of two Washingtons. In the hard-working communities of southwest Washington state, families are scraping to save more than they spend as they cope with double-digit unemployment, rising costs of gas and health care, and other challenges. Small business owners are working hard to stay afloat while struggling with fear and uncertainty over what new regulation or tax hike the government’s going to hand down to them next.

“Meanwhile, here in Washington, D.C., the powers-that-be have enlisted an ‘army of lobbyists’ to try and block even the modest efforts to address our $14 trillion debt. They’re also throwing a wrench into the gears of job creation with regulation after regulation that, just by entering the pipeline, breed more fear and uncertainty. As a result, our economy isn’t producing enough jobs. It’s struggling.

“I was sent here to get this Washington, with all its overspending and overregulation, out of the way, so the country we know and love can thrive and prosper.

“Right now, the new House majority is hard at work on eliminating regulatory barriers to job creation. Earlier this month, the House voted to repeal the 1099 mandate in ObamaCare that will hamstring small businesses. Soon, we will vote to stop the EPA’s backdoor national energy tax that would drive up gas prices. And we’re holding hearings on the REINS Act, common-sense reforms that give the people’s Congress a say before the government tries to implement any costly, job-crushing regulations.

“We’re also working to cut wasteful spending, so we can send a strong signal: that Washington is going to stop using our small businesses as piggy banks and focus on helping them get back to creating jobs. Already, we have cut Washington spending by $10 billion over five weeks. This is real money, especially when you consider that the president and Democrats in Congress originally suggested that not a single dime in spending cuts would be had.

“Of course, if we’re serious about ending the uncertainty for job creators in our economy, we need to cut more. As economists have explained and many Americans already know, it’s the private sector that creates jobs and government overspending just crowds out private investment. That’s why last month the House passed a measure, reflecting the will of the people, that includes significant cuts and reforms in the way Washington D.C. spends taxpayers’ time and money. This legislation is necessary because last year, when Democrats ran both houses of Congress, they failed to offer a budget. For the first time in modern history, Congress failed to do this.

“The Senate needs to step up and follow us in passing a bill so we can prevent a government shutdown and support job growth by reducing spending. But to date, the Democrats in the Senate haven’t passed anything – and instead of offering a credible, long-term plan, the president has stayed on the sidelines.

“If we want to get our economy back to creating jobs, we can’t duck our responsibility to rein in spending. It’s important we get beyond last year’s mess so we can focus on the full scope of the spending problems in Washington D.C. Republicans are determined to begin a dialogue about entitlement reform, even though the president's budget is silent. Failing to address the explosive growth of autopilot spending means failing to address our debt crisis. That means more uncertainty for our small businesses who create jobs, and more uncertainty for every American who counts on programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Without reforms, they simply won’t be there for future generations. And that’s unacceptable.

“My Republican colleagues and I have headed back to our districts this week to start a dialogue with the American people about all of these issues. We invite the President and our Democratic colleagues to join us in this dialogue. Together, we can end the uncertainty in our economy, help small businesses begin hiring again, and replace the crushing burden of debt in America with economic growth, freedom, and prosperity.

“Thank you so much for listening.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseConference

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

AUDIO / VIDEO FILES CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Bob Dutton Statement on Budget Bill Vote

Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton (Rancho Cucamonga) released the following statement regarding the March 17 vote on the budget bill:

“Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have passed a budget without Republican support. This budget grows government by 30 percent over the next three years and relies on the hope that Californians will increase their own taxes by $50 billion during the next five years,” said Dutton. “Senate Republicans will continue to fight for a state budget that puts people back to work, includes long-term solutions, and puts an end to government as usual.”

TEST CREDIT: CA State Senator Bob Dutton Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 305 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4031 Fax: (916) 327-2272

VIDEO CREDIT: CA Senate Republican Caucus

Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to Deliver the Weekly Republican Address

Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to Deliver the Weekly Republican Address. Speaker Boehner announced yesterday that Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) will deliver the Weekly Republican Address tomorrow, Saturday, March 19. Here's a sneak peek of Rep. Herrera Beutler in her office recording the address, which will focus on what the new House majority is doing to fulfill the American people's priorities of creating jobs & cutting spending.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: GOP.gov

Interview With Michael Williams & Senator Rand Paul PODCAST

Listen to internet radio with AACONS on Blog Talk Radio

Michael Williams is a Commissioner on the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the oil and gas industry. It is the state’s oldest regulatory agency. Elected statewide three times, he was elected to complete an unexpired term in November 2000. In November 2002 and 2008, they re-elected him to full six-year terms.

Aspects of My Life

“Most lives have defining moments.” For me, it was the period between 1967 and 1971. I learned I could compete, could succeed and had value.

Senator Rand Paul

Senator Rand Paul, M.D. has been married for 20 years to the former Kelley Ashby, who is originally from Russellville, Kentucky. Rand and Kelley have three sons: William, 18; Duncan, 14; and Robert, 11.

Dr. Paul and his family live in Bowling Green, where Rand owned his own ophthalmology practice and performed eye surgery for 18 years.

Rand is the third of five children born to Carol and Ron Paul. He grew up in Lake Jackson, Texas and attended Baylor University. He graduated from Duke Medical School in 1988. Dr. Paul completed a general surgery internship at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta and completed his residency in ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center. Upon completion of his training in 1993, Rand and Kelley moved to Bowling Green to start their family and begin his ophthalmology practice.

In 1995, Rand founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic, an organization that provides eye exams and surgery to needy families and individuals. Rand is a former president and 17 year member of Lions Clubs International, which is dedicated to preserving sight by providing eyeglasses and surgery to the less fortunate around the world. In recognition of his outstanding and sustained efforts to provide vision care to Kentuckians in need, Lions Clubs International has awarded Rand many of its highest commendations.

In addition to his work with the Lions Clubs, Dr. Paul has provided free eye surgery to children from around the world through his participation in the Children of the Americas Program.

A large part of Rand's daily work is dedicated to preserving the vision of our seniors. In 2002, The Twilight Wish Foundation recognized Rand for Outstanding Service and Commitment to Seniors.

Rand is a devoted husband and father. He regularly volunteers to coach teams for each of his three sons in Little League baseball, soccer, and basketball. Rand and Kelley have been members of The Presbyterian Church since 1993, where Kelley currently serves as a Deacon. Rand is a hard-working, dedicated physician, not a career politician. His entrance into politics is indicative of his life's work: a desire to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions.

He pledges to work every day in the U.S. Senate at reforming government and ending business as usual here in our nation's capital.

TEXT CREDIT:

• Michael Williams for United States Senate
• U.S. Senator for Kentucky:

Jeb Hensarling Statement on House Vote to Defund NPR H.R. 1076

WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1076 Bill Text 112th Congress (2011-2012) H.RES.174.RH, a bill that, if enacted, would prohibit federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) as a way to reduce job-destroying spending. “Republicans fully understand that to bolster job growth today and avert national bankruptcy tomorrow, the federal government must stop spending money that it doesn’t have. This especially applies to government programs that are particularly defective or wasteful. That is why the House voted today to ban federal funding for National Public Radio.

“Government has no business in the news business. Even NPR’s own former fundraising executive recently admitted that the organization ‘would be better off in the long run without federal funding.’

“NPR is widely recognized as a partisan media outlet that has long served as a platform for decidedly left-leaning programming and commentary. This is a highly objectionable trait for an organization that is funded by American taxpayers. Thanks to today’s House vote, we are one step closer to ensuring that will no longer be the case.

“America’s spending-driven debt crisis demands serious leadership that will take action to put the nation back on a fiscally sustainable course for the future. At a time when we are borrowing 42 cents on every dollar, much of it from the Chinese, today’s vote to defund NPR is a small but significant step to ending Washington’s culture of spending so that economic confidence can be restored and Americans can go back to work.”

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FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT Bill Text 112th Congress (2011-2012) H.RES.174.RH,

TEXT CREDIT: The House Republican Conference Press Office at (202) 226-9000 or
Shannon McGahn (shannon.mcgahn@mail.house.gov)

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

Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for Events Impacting Health Security LIVE WEBCAST

Subcommittee Hearing: “Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for Events Impacting Health Security” LIVE WEBCAST

On Thursday, March 17, 2011 the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications will hold a hearing entitled “Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for Events Impacting Health Security.” The Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. in 311 Cannon House Office Building.
Opening Statements

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Chairman [full text of opening statement] in PDF FORMAT

Witnesses

Dr. Alexander Garza, Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security [full text of testimony] in PDF FORMAT

TEXT and IMAGE VIDEO CREDIT: Committee on Homeland Security U.S. House of Representatives H2-176 Ford House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Office: (202) 226-8417 Fax: (202) 226-3399 Media Inquiries Communications Director: Shane Wolfe.

The Global Nuclear Revival and U.S. Nonproliferation Policy

Ros-Lehtinen Statement at Hearing on U.S. Nonproliferation Policy

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following opening statement at a hearing this morning entitled, “The Global Nuclear Revival and U.S. Nonproliferation Policy:”

“The tragedy in Japan continues to dominate the news. The scale of the devastation and suffering is unimaginable. Even though we watch in safety from the other side of the planet, I believe I speak for all of the Committee members in saying that our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Japan during this terrible crisis, especially those who have lost loved ones and those whose lives have been unexpectedly upended and filled with despair.

“That ongoing situation is of direct relevance to today’s hearing. Many are already predicting that the global nuclear revival now underway will be stopped in its tracks by the images of exploding nuclear reactors, terrified refugees, and the prospect of huge areas rendered uninhabitable.

“These events have already begun to influence the debate over nuclear energy in the U.S. and Europe. However, China and other countries, especially in the Middle East, are unlikely to be deterred from their nuclear ambitions. And it is in these countries pursuing nuclear power for political aims, many for destructive goals, that the risk of proliferation is the greatest.

“Rogue nations attempting to build a nuclear weapons program need a nuclear energy program to use as cover. We can be certain that the crisis in Japan will not persuade the Iranian regime to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Nor should we expect North Korea to dismantle its recently revealed uranium enrichment program due to concerns that an accident could devastate the nearby population.

“But the nuclear menace we face is broader than simply that of traditional nuclear weapons. The crisis in Japan is a dramatic demonstration of the real-world threat resulting from nuclear material over which we have lost control. A radiological bomb that uses conventional explosives to disperse radioactive materials is a far more achievable goal for al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations than a nuclear device.

“We know that these groups are actively seeking these materials and have also targeted nuclear installations for destruction in the hope of spreading nuclear devastation. So the prospect of sudden and widespread nuclear contamination in far-away Japan should remind us that we face an even greater threat from our self-proclaimed enemies, who are even now planning to unleash it in the centers of our cities.

“The crisis in Japan also shows us that even a country at the highest level of development, with massive resources and legions of technicians, scientists, and officials, may be unable to prevent a catastrophe. Therefore, spreading nuclear facilities to unstable regimes throughout the Middle East and the Third World, which often have only limited resources and expertise, is laying the groundwork for potential disaster and a vast expansion of proliferation opportunities.

“Russia and France are the most irresponsible in this regard, with their most senior officials acting as salesmen for their state-owned nuclear corporations. But we are not innocent ourselves. At a minimum we should not be contributing to the problem with politically-driven nuclear cooperation agreements.

“The Atomic Energy Act, which governs these agreements, was written in an era when safe, clean nuclear energy was the hope of the future and proliferation concerns were minimal. Over the years, tougher provisions have been written into the Act, but the situation remains far from satisfactory.

“A key problem is that Congress has little influence, largely because these agreements automatically go into effect unless those seeking to stop them can secure veto-proof majorities in both houses, a high hurdle indeed. But when writing the law, Congress never intended for our long-term national security interests to be made subordinate to short-term political concerns.

“Congress must act to fix this problem, especially by requiring that nuclear cooperation agreements receive an affirmative vote before going into effect. I plan to introduce legislation to give Congress that power and also to strengthen the non-proliferation provisions in all future nuclear cooperation agreements. Several other members on both sides of the aisle are considering similar legislation, and I hope to work with them to craft a bipartisan bill that can be passed by this Committee quickly and, hopefully, unanimously.

“The crisis in Japan has also graphically demonstrated that the nuclear threat we face is far more than that simply of accidents at electricity plants. We have enemies—non-state actors and rogue regimes – who are working to bring about an even greater disaster here, not as an act of God, but instead of conscious design. Our laws and our policies must address this threat before it is too late.”

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. House of Representatives. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman. Press Contact: Brad Goehner, (202) 226-8467

Energy and Power Subcommittee Launches Hearing Series on “American Energy Initiative” THURSDAY LIVE VIDEO WEBCAST

Energy and Power Subcommittee Launches Hearing Series on “American Energy Initiative” THURSDAY LIVE VIDEO WEBCAST. Energy and Power Subcommittee Launches Hearing Series on “American Energy Initiative” THURSDAY LIVE VIDEO WEBCAST

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power, chaired by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), will host the first component of the committee’s “American Energy Initiative” hearing on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. in room 2123 of Rayburn House Office Building.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) unveiled the initiative at a press conference last week alongside other top House Republicans including Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee Fred Upton (R-MI). Thursday’s hearing will focus on oil supplies, gasoline prices, and jobs in the Gulf of Mexico. Recent global events in Libya and the Middle East have provided a sharp reminder of the potential for an oil-supply disruption, underscoring our own nation’s energy vulnerabilities. As gasoline prices continue to rise, approaching $4.00 per gallon, the nation can no longer afford policies that lock away our domestic oil-and-gas resources and thwart job growth. We must pursue a new American Energy Initiative to fortify our energy security and provide for high-paying American jobs.

The hearing is open to the public and press. Opening statements, witness testimony, and a live webcast will be available online at energycommerce.house.gov.

Witness List

Jim Noe
Executive Director
Shallow Water Energy Security Coalition

Lucian Pugliaresi
President
Energy Policy Research Foundation, Inc.

Jim Adams
President
Offshore Marine Service Association

Rip Daniels
CEO/Manager, WJZD-FM
Vice President, Mississippi Gulf Coast Tourism Commission

Dr. Joseph R. Mason
Professor
E.J. Ourso School of Business
Louisiana State University

Dr. Mark Cooper
Research Director
Consumer Federation of America

Marty Massey
Chief Executive Officer
Marine Well Containment Company

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: House Energy and Commerce Committee January 11, 2011 By Alexa Marrero, (202) 225-3641 or Sean Bonyun, (202) 225-3761 2125 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-2927

Congressman Earl Blumenauer defends Crowley calls Obama's actions Outrages

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) defends PJ Crowley Blumenauer tweeted Today: repblumenauer Earl Blumenauer "Outrageous -PJ Crowley leaving State Department for saying the truth about treatment of Bradley Manning. Obama needs to fix this."

State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley resigned after the assistant secretary of state for public affairs, said WikiLeaks suspect Bradley Manning was being "mistreated" at the Marine Corps Base brig in Quantico, Virginia. "What is being done to Bradley Manning is ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid on the part of the department of defense,"

Mr Crowley's remark came in response to a question last week during a public forum at MIT.

STATEMENT BY PHILIP J. CROWLEY

The unauthorized disclosure of classified information is a serious crime under U.S. law. My recent comments regarding the conditions of the pre-trial detention of Private First Class Bradley Manning were intended to highlight the broader, even strategic impact of discrete actions undertaken by national security agencies every day and their impact on our global standing and leadership. The exercise of power in today’s challenging times and relentless media environment must be prudent and consistent with our laws and values.

Given the impact of my remarks, for which I take full responsibility, I have submitted my resignation as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Spokesman for the Department of State.

RESOURCES: Resignation of Philip J. Crowley as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs

Marco Rubio Votes Against Further Delay Of Debt Crisis Debate VIDEO

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio tonight voted against proceeding to new legislation on the Senate floor until the Senate begins in earnest a long overdue and urgently needed debate on America’s debt crisis.

“In the first two months of this year, Senate Democrat leaders have spent invaluable time not on tackling the debt but on re-authorizing the Federal Aviation Administration and reforming the patent system. Our national debt crisis is an urgent priority, and should no longer be postponed in favor of other issues that can, frankly, wait,” said Senator Rubio.

“Our government is spending more money than it is taking in at a rate of $4 billion per day,” added Rubio. “Until the Senate gets serious about this problem, I will continue standing with my colleagues and blocking any new legislation that fails to directly address this crisis in a meaningful way.”

Today’s vote comes on the heels of Senator Rubio’s March 10 letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid informing him of the “intention to object to the consideration of any legislation that fails to directly address this crisis in a meaningful way.” The letter was spearheaded by Senator David Vitter (R-LA).

TEXT CREDIT: Senator Marco Rubio Washington, D.C. United States Senate Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-3041

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorMarcoRubio

IMAGE CREDIT: Senator Marco Rubio Facebook

House Energy and Commerce Committee Energy Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 910) and Resolution Disapproving the FCC’s Internet Rules (H.J.Res. 37) VIDEO TEXT

House Energy and Commerce Committee Begins Consideration of the Energy Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 910) and Resolution Disapproving the FCC’s Internet Rules (H.J.Res. 37)

Opening Statement of Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton

We’re here today to commence consideration of two bills that – while addressing significantly different topics – together exemplify a major reason we were sent here by the voters. With these bills, we are putting the brakes on runaway federal government.

There’s an old adage that says when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Today, America finds itself in an economic hole dug deeper and deeper amid excessive federal spending and costly regulations. FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT Opening Statement of Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton

Opening Statement of Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield

Thank you, Mr. Upton for moving forward this very important piece of legislation. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill. As you know, this bill passed by voice vote in my subcommittee last week with no amendments offered. I believe this is a good bill that should also sail through full committee. Clearly, the American people have rejected a regulatory scheme to regulate greenhouse gases, which is why it is so vital that we pass H.R. 910. FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT Opening Statement of Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield

Opening Statement of Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden

The Internet is open and thriving and creating jobs because of the hands-off approach the government has taken to date. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the retail offering of Internet access as a telecommunications service, as Clinton-era Solicitor General Seth Waxman has explained. The FCC intends to change that with recently adopted rules to impose unprecedented regulation on the Internet. FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT Opening Statement of Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden

Track Committee Consideration and View Additional Background

View bill FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT and other relevant materials on the Energy and Commerce Committee website, with regular updates to be posted throughout the day tomorrow as consideration of the legislation proceeds.

• H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 and
• H.J. Res. 37, a resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices.

###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: House Energy and Commerce Committee January 11, 2011 By Alexa Marrero, (202) 225-3641 or Sean Bonyun, (202) 225-3761 2125 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-2927

VIDEO CREDIT: energyandcommerce

H.R. 836 Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act FULL TEXT

To rescind the unobligated funding for the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program and to terminate the program. Bill Text Versions 112th Congress (2011-2012) H.R.836 FULL TEXT in PDF Format. This week, the House passed a bill I introduced ending a $1 billion wasteful government housing program that would actually increase the debt of the very homeowners it claims to be helping. America is drowning in a sea of red ink. If we want to help job creators create jobs today we’ve got to start taking away the uncertainty brought about by our nation’s spending-driven debt crisis. If we want to save our children from bankruptcy tomorrow, we’ve got to stop spending money that we do not have.

Not only is the Emergency Homeowner Relief Program ill-advised, it is also far too expensive. According to President Obama’s budget proposal this program which provides loans to unemployed homeowners who cannot pay their mortgages, would have a 98 percent subsidy rate. That means that for every $1 of taxpayer money spent on this program, the taxpayers will loose 98 cents. The best foreclosure mitigation program in America is a job. It’s not a government check, it’s a paycheck. Spending a billion dollars on yet another questionable housing program at a time when our country is in unprecedented debt does not make any sense.

If we can’t terminate this program in order to save our children from bankruptcy, in order to help create jobs; one program at one billion dollars where not one penny has left the door, how are we going to make the tough decisions that are necessary to save the country from bankruptcy? I am committed to putting America back on the road to economic growth and job creation by putting an end to Washington’s job-destroying spending spree. Today’s vote to save $1 billion is another important step in this direction. By cutting spending today, we took a small step toward restoring promise to our economy and saving the American dream for our children tomorrow.

FULL TEXT: H.R. 836 Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act'.

SEC. 2. RESCISSION OF FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAM.

Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act, there are rescinded and permanently canceled all unobligated balances remaining available as of such date of enactment of the amounts made available by section 1496(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203; 124 Stat. 2207; 12 U.S.C. 2706 note). All such unobligated balances so rescinded and permanently canceled shall be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for reducing the debt of the Federal Government.

SEC. 3. TERMINATION OF EMERGENCY MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAM.

(a) Repeal- Title I of the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 (12 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.), as amended by section 1496(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, is hereby repealed.

(b) Treatment of Remaining Funds- Notwithstanding the repeal under subsection (a) of this section, any amounts made available under the provision specified in section 2 of this Act and obligated before the date of the enactment of this Act shall continue to be governed by the provisions of law specified in subsection (a) of this section, as in effect immediately before such repeal.

(c) Termination- Upon the completion of outlays to liquidate all amounts referred to in subsection (b) of this section and the completion of all activities with respect to such amounts under the provisions of law specified in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall terminate the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program authorized under the provisions specified in subsection (a).

(d) Study of Use of Program by Members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, Gold Star Recipients, and Members and Veterans With Service-connected Disabilities and Their Families-

(1) STUDY- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study to determine the extent of usage of the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program authorized under the provisions specified in subsection (a) by, and the impact of such program on, covered homeowners.

(2) REPORT- Not later than the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report setting forth the results of the study under paragraph (1) and identifying best practices, with respect to covered homeowners, that could be applied to the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program.

(3) COVERED HOMEOWNER- For purposes of this subsection, the term `covered homeowner' means a homeowner who is--

(A) a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty or the spouse or parent of such a member;

(B) a veteran, as such term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code;

(C) eligible to receive a Gold Star lapel pin under section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, as a widow, parent, or next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces person who died in a manner described in subsection (a) of such section; or

(D) such members and veterans of the Armed Forces who have service-connected injuries, and survivors and dependents of such members and veterans of the Armed Forces with such injuries.

Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2011.

Attest: Clerk. 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 836 AN ACT

To rescind the unobligated funding for the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program and to terminate the program.

Bill Text Versions 112th Congress (2011-2012) H.R.836 FULL TEXT in PDF Format

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

Chris Christie The Ides of March are coming… and I’m waiting VIDEO

“The Choice” that Governor Christie has laid out for the New Jersey legislature. Overview of this year's budget. Governor Christie's FY 2012 Budget Overview [pdf 1.02MB]

Achieves New Normal in Budgeting By Maintaining Fiscal Discipline and Funding Key Priorities for New Jerseyans

Trenton, NJ – Advancing his vision for a New Normal in state budgeting, Governor Chris Christie presented a $29.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2012 that cuts real spending for a second consecutive year.

The Governor’s Budget proposal includes $200 million in focused tax cuts, provides additional property tax relief, increases school aid and funds a reformed state pension system, while preserving or increasing funding to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens. The Fiscal Year 2012 Budget marks a departure from the Trenton tradition of budgeting to meet deficit projections that embrace wish-list spending by legislators and assume continuous funding increases that irresponsibly ignore actual revenue sources and the fiscal health of the state.

The Governor’s Budget – which reduces real spending by 2.6 percent from the current fiscal year – hits the reset button on the state budgeting process and starts with the refreshing assumption that budgeting and spending must be reality-based and zero-based. The New Normal means developing a bottom-up approach – establishing priorities and funding them based on revenue that is actually available and predictable versus the old approach of assuming every line item and program will automatically be funded at the same or higher level than prior years.

“The old way of budgeting and thinking must be stricken from our collective minds if we are to successfully emerge from this fiscal crisis with permanently reformed budgeting and spending habits,” Governor Chris Christie said. “This is a new paradigm for state government – a New Normal – that cuts and spends responsibly, incentivizes our local governments to do better with what our taxpayers entrust to them, and causes businesses to feel welcome and want to stay and expand or relocate to our state.”

The Governor’s Budget proposal adheres to necessary spending and budgeting discipline, but also meets New Jersey’s most vital spending priorities. Among those priorities in the budget:

* Increases education aid to every school district in New Jersey by a total of $250 million;

* Fulfills the statutory commitment to make a $506 million payment to a reformed state pension fund, representing the first funding to the defined benefit plans since fiscal year 2009;

* Provides $200 million in job-creating, strategic tax cuts that are responsible and sustainable;

* Doubles funding for the Homestead Rebate to provide direct property tax relief in the form of a property tax credit under the newly named Homestead Benefit program;

* Protects municipal aid and keeps funding at fiscal year 2011 levels to help towns meet the new 2 percent property tax cap (while decreasing by 10 percent the category of Special Transitional Aid to cities, in keeping with the Governor’s pledge to end cities’ reliance on the aid as they adopt best-practices budgeting to improve fiscal and management reforms); and
* Increases and secures New Jersey hospital funding by a total of $20 million, and increases funding for student financial aid by the same amount.

The Governor’s Budget takes all possible steps to maintain the safety net for New Jersey’s most vulnerable and at-need individuals and families. From prescription drug aid for seniors to helping low-income tenants stay in their homes, the Governor’s Budget includes billions of dollars and:

Preserves critical spending and fully funds the fiscal year 2011 increases to the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold Prescription Assistance Programs without increases in co-pays or eligibility – keeping it one of the most generous such benefit programs in the nation;

Allocates $20.4 million to help the developmentally disabled lead richer, happier lives through new community placement and services, and funds day programs and other services; similarly, the budget continues and expands funding for the requirement that the state expand the number of residential and community settings for New Jersey’s mentally ill;

Preserves the current level of support for higher education, after years of cuts, while increasing student aid programs by $20 million and providing $15 million for capital improvements at community colleges;

Provides resources to keep 4,300 low-income citizens in their homes and apartments, including $25 million from the New Jersey Affordable Housing Agency Trust Fund and $9 million from the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency; and

Avoids an increase in NJ Transit fares and expands bus service to select growth markets.

The damage caused by years of fiscal mismanagement, coupled with the lingering effects of the national recession, will continue to restrain state spending for years to come. The reality is that the New Normal of the current economic and fiscal climate necessitates more painful choices in how the state allocates finite taxpayer dollars. Facing up to those realities, the proposed budget continues on the path of making difficult, often painful choices in nearly every department. Funding in even worthwhile, popular programs is reduced or eliminated in order to fund priorities.

Governor Christie will continue to insist that the shared sacrifice be spread among state employees as well, including in payment of a fair share of medical costs. By increasing co-payments and premiums to levels still below what federal employees pay, the state will save $323 million that will be used to pay for other critically important programs – and prevent increases in some of the highest sales, income and property taxes in the nation.

Finally, to pave the way for the best possible outcome for our state and its people as we deal with the New Normal and emerge from recession, the Governor intends to better position our businesses and attract new ones with tax cuts, reform and incentives to spur job growth and business expansion. To that end, he proposes a comprehensive but phased-in program of $2.5 billion in job-creation incentives over the next five years. As part of the program, Governor Christie is proposing for Fiscal 2012 tax cuts and reforms resulting in approximately $200 million in savings for businesses.

The package outlined by the Governor increases the state’s competitiveness in a responsible and sustainable manner by providing critical tax reform and incentives across a variety of tax-policy areas, including: loss carry-forward relief for small businesses, a reduction of the S-corporation minimum tax, increasing the credit allowed for research and development investments, exemptions for business software technology reinvestment, increasing funding for economic development programs, and the phasing-out of the Technology Energy Facility Assessment to provide needed relief from New Jersey’s already-high energy costs.

Governor Christie has committed to only putting in place tax cuts and incentives that are paid for within the context of a Constitutionally-balanced state budget. By providing for a phase-in of the program, the fiscal impact rises with the expected expansion of the state’s economy while minimizing the impact on the state budget each year.

The budget proposal, a representation of the Governor’s commitment to maintain fiscal discipline, also outlines a bold reform agenda to take on the big issues facing New Jersey, including the Governor’s comprehensive reform plans to restore fiscal sanity to out-of-control pension and health benefits systems, make 2011 the Year of Education Reform to bring the opportunity of a high-quality education to every child, and the pro-growth, responsible package of tax reforms and incentives to create Jersey Jobs and increase New Jersey’s competitiveness, as outlined above.

Attached to this release is a document providing an overview of this year's budget. an overview of this year's budget. Governor Christie's FY 2012 Budget Overview [pdf 1.02MB]

VIDEO CREDIT: GovChristie

TEXT CREDIT: Office of the Governor

Lisa Murkowski Weekly Republican Address TEXT VIDEO 03/12/11

(Editors Note: i know, i know. our regular readers will remember our support of Joe Miller. Feel free to comment.)

This is Lisa Murkowski, senator for Alaska and lead Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Japan in the wake of Friday’s terrible earthquake and tsunami. In Alaska, the memories of the devastating 1964 quake are still with us. We know we’re just beginning to comprehend the magnitude of this quake and its devastation.

We share and support the President’s commitment to bring America’s resources to bear to help Japan recover -- and we commend the actions that he has taken so far. This tragedy -- as well as the upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa -- serve as stark reminders of how intertwined our world economy is; how world events beyond our control can affect all of us. It makes it all the more important that we control those things we can.

I want to speak with you today about one of the threats that we’re....
...experiencing personally, rising energy prices. And, I want to share some of the steps that Republicans are ready to take right now – steps that will protect America from international conflicts, create thousands of new jobs, reduce our budget deficit, and help bring energy prices back down to earth.

Nationwide, gasoline prices have risen by 40 cents over the past month, and have more than doubled since January of 2009. A gallon of gas is heading north of $4. That’s not just pain at the pump; it’s crippling for anyone with bills to pay, groceries to buy, or a long commute.

When gasoline prices go up, families and businesses are stretched thin. Budgets are harder to balance and jobs are destroyed. If energy prices keep climbing, our nation could slip back into recession – just as we’re finally emerging from the last one.

The worst part of this emerging crisis is that our own government deserves much of the blame. International events have pushed prices higher, but our own shortsightedness and restrictions have also played a critical role.

Some in Washington believe higher oil and gas prices, driven even higher by proposed new taxes, are needed to make Americans behave the way they think they should. Higher energy prices are their explicit goal. They don’t realize or don’t care about the damage to the economy, the pain to a mom as she fills her minivan, or a farmer as he tries to bring in a harvest.

America now imports 11 million barrels of oil every day. Last year alone, we spent more than $330 billion on foreign oil, much of it in countries that are not our friends.

We don’t import oil because our domestic reserves are exhausted. Not even close. Since 1919, people have claimed that America is ‘running out of oil.’ It might surprise you that we’re still the world’s third-largest oil producer, and seem to find more whenever we actually look.

Republicans know that it’s past time to produce more of America’s oil. My home state of Alaska alone has estimated resources in excess of 65 years’ worth of Persian Gulf imports.

Republicans would end the de facto moratorium on new development in the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the Rocky Mountain West. Instead of canceling leases and refusing to issue permits, we need to put people back to work.

It’s also time to shelve the bad ideas. Democrats have repeatedly sought to increase taxes and fees while slowing the permitting process. That won’t solve any problems, but it will mean less production, more imports, and higher prices. To boost production, we need to cut red tape and streamline regulations.

Both supply and demand affect oil prices, and that’s why Republicans support both new production and alternatives to reduce consumption. But we’re also thinking about what comes next, and we’re committed to making progress on cleaner energy -- that’s just not our only goal. We also want energy to be affordable, abundant, diverse, and domestic.

For far too long, our nation has lacked a coherent energy policy. For too many decades, opponents have argued against vital long-term policies because they won’t produce instant gratification. We’ve ignored the tremendous benefits of American oil production -- jobs, money, and security -- and now we’re facing the consequences.

Republicans believe that Americans deserve better, and we believe the federal government can do better. We’re ready to make meaningful progress on energy, and we’re hopeful that our Democratic colleagues will join us. ####

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

COMMENTS FROM YOUTUBE

This "unfortunate" individual is not the true Republican Senator from Alaska.

She is a Democrat. GammaSigmaBeta

Why is she doing the adress? She is not a Republican. smileyyeah

Why in the world would the GOP pick a committed RINO to be their spokesperson. Are these people high? GOP fail. WarEagle8055

Are you kidding me? Alexr197

this woman got all that support from demos against a legitimate conservative candidate and she is delivering the GOP address?? RINO City - nothing has changed. Roachenator

@boyjimmy8 I completely understand your frustration jimmy, I agree with your sentiment, the bad words are a little strong but your message is right on. It makes you wonder what the rino's have that is more important than their integrity and principles our founding Fathers wrote in the Declaration and Constitution, its like the rino's have a pact with the Democrats, maybe a special ticket for something they think is better than freedom, who knows but we do not stand with them or them with us. shootymcblood

why is this skank, this low life RINO and butt kissing establishment corruptocrat given this position of speaking for Republicans? I am embarassed that this skank, this corrupt politician, this butt kissing piece of crap is a "spokesperson"???

This only shows how stupid the Republican Senate is... a bunch of pussies who are in love with the money and the corruption.

I loath this stinky, smelly skank.... what a bitch. boyjimmy8