Weekly Republican Address Tom Rooney 02/14/14 FULL PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Tom Rooney 02/14/14 FULL PODCAST TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

WASHINGTON, DC – In this week’s Republican address, Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) shares stories from seniors in his district who, because of the new health care law, have already lost access to the doctors and plans they like – something the president repeatedly promised would not happen. With this law continuing to wipe out options for seniors, Rooney joins House Republican leaders in urging the president to address these problems before it is too late,

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Remarks of Representative Tom Rooney (R-FL) Weekly Republican Address The Capitol February 15, 2014 Good morning.

My name is Tom Rooney, and here in the House, I represent Florida's 17th District.

Few promises are more sacred than the ones we make to older Americans. Protecting the dignity and the security our seniors have earned is a commitment that spans generations and party lines. For example, during President Obama's health care speech to Congress in the fall of 2009, he took a moment to speak directly to older Americans. “These steps.” he said, “will ensure that you – America’s seniors – get the benefits you've been promised.” Then, during a telephone town hall with seniors from around the country, he said he wanted to respond to what he called “hysterical claims” about his plan. “Here’s the truth," he said, “if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.”

That is the promise he made – several times.

But here's the reality.

To help pay for his health care law, the president made deep cuts to the successful Medicare Advantage program, which serves nearly 30 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries. This includes seniors with low incomes, patients with chronic conditions, and Americans in rural areas.

It’s a win-win program that gives seniors more control over their care and delivers better value for both them and the taxpayer.

But now, because of the president’s health care law, I'm hearing from seniors in my district who have already lost their doctors.

Constituents tell me they can no longer see the primary care physicians they have been going to for ten and even twenty years.

One woman told me that four of her specialists have already been dropped from her plan.

Another shared with me the story of how her husband lost access to the cardiologist he’s been seeing since his heart surgery five years ago.

In Florida’s heartland, seniors are now forced to drive an hour or more just to see a primary care doctor, let alone a specialist.

And across the country, millions of seniors are now paying more money for fewer choices, less access and far less peace of mind.

This goes well beyond a glitch or a pocketbook issue.

This is a breach of faith.

The president’s promises have proven false for working families, and now they are proving false for our seniors as well.

That is why, on Thursday, Republican leaders sent a letter to the president warning that unless something is done, his health care law will continue to wipe out options for seniors.

After all the assurances he gave older Americans, shouldn’t the president develop a plan to address the problems his law is causing them?

That’s what our letter asks him to do.

But better yet, members of both parties should listen closely to the stories like the ones I have shared.

I'm sure they sound a lot like what they're hearing back in their own districts.

Let's work together to repeal this law so we can focus on better solutions that lower costs for all Americans, especially our parents and grandparents.

We pledge to do our part, and now we ask the president to do his.

Thank you for listening.

Office of the Speaker H-232 The Capitol Washington D.C. 20515 P: (202) 225-0600 F: (202) 225-5117 +sookie tex

Keystone Pipeline: It's Time VIDEO

Keystone Pipeline: It's Time VIDEO. After five years, five studies, and countless public comments, it's time. Category: News and Politics. License: Standard YouTube License.

Office of the Speaker John Boehner H-232 The Capitol Washington D.C. 20515 P: (202) 225-0600 F: (202) 225-5117

Ted Cruz to Object to Any Effort to Raise the Debt Ceiling with a Simple Majority Vote

Ted Cruz to Object to Any Effort to Raise the Debt Ceiling with a Simple Majority Vote

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement regarding his objection to any effort to raise the debt ceiling with a simple majority vote:

"If you ask anybody outside of Washington whether we should keep increasing the debt ceiling without fixing the underlying problem of out-of-control spending, the answer is ‘of course not.’ This answer cuts across party lines and ideology—outside the Beltway, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and Libertarians all agree that living within your means is basic common sense. And yet Washington is not listening to the American people.

“Under President Obama, our national debt has increased from $10 trillion to $17 trillion, and now the President is asking for yet another blank check to keep increasing our debt without doing anything to reform Washington’s spending problem. This is wrong, and it’s irresponsible. Our parents didn’t do this to us, and we shouldn’t do it to our kids and grandkids.

“Historically, the debt ceiling has proven the most effective leverage for reining in spending; 28 times, Congress has attached meaningful conditions to debt ceiling increases. We should do so again to address the real problem. I intend to object to any effort to raise the debt ceiling on a 50-vote threshold. I will insist instead on a 60-vote threshold, and if Republicans stand together we can demand meaningful spending restraint to help pull our nation back from the fiscal and economic cliff.”

###

Ted Cruz @SenTedCruz, R-Texas February 11, 2014 (202) 228-7561 Washington, D.C.(202) 224-5922 185 Dirksen Washington, DC 20510

Weekly Republican Address Richard Burr 02/08/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Richard Burr 02/08/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

The Senate will turn to legislation on Monday that would repeal a cut to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for some military retirees. While the Democrat COLA proposal would add to the federal deficit, Republicans have introduced legislation that would repeal the COLA cut without adding to the debt.

In the Weekly Republican Address, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the ranking Republican on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, highlights a number of other veterans issues, including a dysfunctional VA disability claims system that is plagued by errors and delays and is failing veterans of all ages. "As the nation's military stands down from its war footing, veterans should not have to wage another battle here at home, this time against government bureaucracy," says Burr.

Category: News and Politics. License. Standard YouTube License

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

"This week, President Obama shared with all Americans his priorities and concerns about the serious economic challenges we as America are facing. I appreciated his optimism and agree with him that our country has the ability to overcome this significant economic challenge. "The strongest tool we as Americans have is our ability to rally together and to find solutions with unity of purpose. There is no limit to our ability and potential when we as a nation and as a people work together.

"Many times, disagreements between the two political parties in Washington get all the headlines. What's not reported is the fact that Republicans and Democrats agree on where we want to go, but we disagree on how we're going to get there.

"These uncertain times present us with a defining moment. The actions and decisions we make and the actions we take in our nation's capital and in the state capitals across this country will have a profound impact on the way of life for years to come.

"Families facing tough decisions at home know this because they are confronting the same challenges. Washington needs to understand this reality as well. It's difficult to fully appreciate, but every time Congress and the President spends a dollar, it's actually a dollar PLUS interest that our children and our grandchildren will have to pay back.

"We must remind ourselves of this fact every single day. Unfortunately, Washington is in a state of denial. Our spending habits haven't gotten better, they've only gotten worse.

"It seems that every morning you pick up the newspaper, you're reading about another multi-billion dollar government spending plan being proposed or even worse, passed. The numbers are so large, and the deficits so staggering, it's difficult for the average person to imagine how much money we're talking about. We become numb to what the dollar figures really mean, or the obligation that accompanies them. Let me take a moment to try to explain what is happening in Washington right now, and what it will mean for all of us down the road.

"This week, the president submitted to Congress the single largest increase in federal spending in the history of the United States, while driving the deficit to levels that were once thought impossible. If we just look at what our debt spending will cost us in interest payments alone, we are talking about 4 trillion dollars over the next 10 years, more than a billion dollars of interest payments every day. Think of that 4 trillion as a finance charge on your credit card bill -- you have to pay, but you get nothing for it in return. This finance charge obligates more than $52,000 for every family in America over the same 10-year period.

"These payments don't even make a dent in the balance we owe. In fact, the balance on our credit card continues to grow as we continue to spend. Like a family that finds itself choking under the weight of credit card balances and finance charges, the federal government is quickly obligating the American people to a similar fate.

"This is why we must keep our eye on the big picture. For two centuries, the American Dream has depended on the simple belief that men and women work hard so their children would have a better future. Looking at the spending priorities of Democrats in Washington in the proposed budget and over the past month, it's hard to escape the reality that for the first time we could see the American Dream vanish. Now, instead of working hard so our children can have a better life tomorrow, we are asking our children to work hard so that we don't have to make tough choices today.

"It's long past time to show restraint and to make the tough choices that will help put our fiscal house in order. Generations of Americans past have often been called on to make great sacrifices for their country. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Is it not time for government to make sacrifices for future generations? It's time for those elected to lead. Will we rise to the challenge, and make the tough choices necessary? Or will we simply hand the obligation to our children and wish them good luck?"

Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Weekly Republican Address Susan Brooks, Gregg Harper, Martha Roby, and Fred Upton 02/01/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

WASHINGTON, DC – In this week’s Republican address, Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Gregg Harper (R-MS), Martha Roby (R-AL), and Fred Upton (R-MI) call on President Obama to support House-passed bills that address issues he discussed in the State of the Union. Among these areas of common ground are federal research, job training, workplace rules, and natural gas. The address echoes a letter House Republican leaders sent to the president on Thursday.

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT. Weekly Republican Address Cambridge, MD February 1, 2014

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI):

You may not have been thinking about it at the time. but on Tuesday, when the president was delivering the State of the Union, we were observing a tradition prescribed by our Constitution. All branches of government and all walks of life gathering round in the people’s House. It is democracy at its finest. But these blessings do come with responsibilities. The Constitution also requires the president and the Congress to heed the will of you, the people, and work together to carry out the business of the country.

So in that spirit, Republicans have identified four areas of bipartisan common ground that the president talked about in his speech.

Even better, these are all areas where the House has already acted and we can move the ball forward without delay.

We’d like to share these ideas with you now.

Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS): Well, for example, the president talked about supporting federally funded research to unleash more great discoveries. 



We agree. More must be done to prioritize the resources we have for the research we need.

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act would eliminate public funding for political party conventions and instead fund pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. 


We’re talking about everything from cancer, autism, and Fragile X Syndrome to the rarest genetic disorders.

No, we can’t fix it all, but surely creating a lifetime of hope and opportunity for our most vulnerable kids is more important than subsidizing week-long political pep rallies.

Representative Martha Roby (R-AL): We also want to do all we can to help hardworking Americans balance the demands of family and work.

Whether it's for taking a child to the doctor or taking care of aging parents, many Americans need more flexibility in their jobs.

The president talked some about this, saying we need to fix workplace rules from the “Mad Men” era.

I’m glad he raised this issue.

The Working Families Flexibility Act allows workers in the private sector the option of using their overtime toward paid time off – or comp time – if that's what they'd rather have.

Government employees already have this option, so why not give private sector workers the same choices?

Our bill would finally replace restrictions that, believe it or not, have been in place since 1938, long before Don Draper’s time.

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN): Of course more must be done for the millions of Americans who are having such a hard time finding a job.

One thing the president talked about is ensuring workers can get the right skills for the right jobs.

We agree this is critical. As someone who worked at a community college in job training, I know our economy has changed, but the way we train our workers has not.

The SKILLS Act would consolidate the dozens of job training programs on the books and put the focus on programs that work. Programs that actually lead to jobs.

All while strengthening the vital relationship between our community colleges and job training programs.

I strongly believe this legislation would create an opportunity for every American to find a good paying job.

Chairman Upton: We not only want Americans working again – we want them building.

The president talked about how natural gas production is good for our economy and for our jobs.

We couldn’t agree more.

And in a bitterly cold winter, in my home state of Michigan and across much of the nation, where the demand for electricity is high, and heating bills even higher, the time is ripe for action.

But our infrastructure has not kept pace, which is why we must build an Architecture of Abundance to help create jobs today and keep energy affordable tomorrow.

The Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act cuts red tape to ensure that pipelines can be built. It connects natural gas supplies with new manufacturing plants. And it is another step towards a real all-of-the-above energy policy.

These four bills cover a lot of ground, I know, but they are all about making life work for more Americans. And again, they need only a vote in the Senate - because we’ve already passed them in the House - to make it to the president’s desk.

To help push things along, Republican leaders have sent a letter to President Obama laying out all this common ground, and we are eagerly awaiting his reply.

We believe that this can be a year of bipartisan action, a moment when speeches give way to solutions.

The American people never let us down, and we cannot let them down either.

Rand Paul response to President Obama State of the Union address FULL VIDEO

Republican National Convention Blog. Sen. Rand Paul delivered his response to President Obama's State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. Below is the video and excerpts of his speech.

TEXT EXCERPTS:

"Let me say from the outset, I will work with the President, Democrats, Independents and anyone else who wants to get people back to work and alleviate poverty in our country."

"In the marketplace, most small businesses fail. If government is to send money to certain people to create businesses, they will more often than not pick the wrong people and no jobs will be created." "Government spending doesn't work. It doesn't create jobs. Only the democracy of the marketplace can find those capable of creating jobs." "I believe in an America with a strong safety net, but one that doesn't suffocate our resolve to better ourselves and our country." "The ticket to the middle class is not higher taxes on the very businesses that must create the jobs."

"Economic growth will come when we lower taxes for everyone, especially people who own businesses and create jobs."

"We must choose a new way, a way that empowers the individual through education and responsibility to earn a place alongside their fellow Americans in the most prosperous nation ever conceived."

###

Sen. Rand Paul Washington, DC 124 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-4343

Republican Address to the Nation State of the Union LIVE VIDEO

Republican Address to the Nation State of the Union LIVE VIDEO. 2014 House Republican State of the Union Response

House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation. You can watch her address via live stream at SOTU.gop.gov. Learn more about Cathy in this brief Biography and biographical video.

Tune in beginning at 8:30pm ET on Tuesday, January 28th to watch the State of the Union and the Republican Address to the Nation, with exclusive graphics, charts and photos that can only be found here.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers Biography Biographical Video

Cathy McMorris Rodgers Biography Biographical Video. Republican National Convention Blog. House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation. You can watch her address via live stream at SOTU.gop.gov. Learn more about Cathy in this brief biographical video.

Now in her fifth term representing Washington's Fifth District, McMorris Rodgers hails from a farming family with deep roots in Eastern Washington, where she grew up working with her parents and brother at their orchard and fruit stand in Kettle Falls. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and later earned an Executive MBA from the University of Washington.

After rising to become minority leader in Washington's State House, she was elected to Congress, where she serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and has been a member of Republican leadership since 2009. As Conference Chair, McMorris Rodgers is the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives. She co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus and the Congressional Military Family Caucus. She is married to Brian Rodgers, a retired Navy Commander, and they have three children: Cole, 6; Grace, 3; and Brynn, 2 months.

Office of the Speaker H-232 The Capitol Washington D.C. 20515 P: (202) 225-0600 F: (202) 225-5117

Weekly Republican Address Roy Blunt 01/25/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Republican National Convention Blog. Weekly Republican Address Roy Blunt 01/25/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO. In the Weekly Republican Address, Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri says he'd like to see President Obama embrace real job creation solutions when he delivers his State of the Union address next week -- things such as approving construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline that would generate tens of thousands of new jobs at no cost to taxpayers.

Blunt says the President will have a "lot of explaining" to do in his State of the Union speech as to how more government, more spending, more taxes and more debt help out-of-work and poor Americans. "If all he has to offer is more of the same, or if he refuses to acknowledge that his own policies have failed to work -- the President is simply doing what many failed leaders have done before him: trying to set one group of Americans against another group of Americans," Blunt says. "We don't need more class warfare, and we don't need more interference from Washington.

No government program can replace what a good job means for the future of a family."

“Hi, I’m Senator Roy Blunt.

“In a few days, President Obama will deliver his sixth State of the Union address. According to recent reports, the President plans to use this speech as a kick off for his so-called ‘year of action.’ He intends to focus on income inequality leading up to the midterm elections this year.

“Well, the President’s right about at least one thing. Americans are hurting. Too many of the poorest Americans continue to suffer from stalled job creation, skyrocketing federal debt, burdensome regulations, and broken promises on health care reform. “What President Obama fails to acknowledge is that Americans are hurting as a result of his own policies. “More than 10 million people are still unemployed nationwide. Another 2.4 million people want to work, but have stopped looking for a job. And almost 8 million people have already been forced to take part-time jobs because they can’t find the full-time jobs they’d like to have.

“This administration’s agenda to create more government, more spending, more taxes, and more debt has created an inequality crisis of opportunity in our country. Those policies have been disproportionately hurtful to the poorest among us for the past five years.

“When he delivers his State of the Union address this week, the President has a lot of explaining to do.

“If all he has to offer is more of the same, or if he refuses to acknowledge that his own policies have failed to work – the President is simply doing what many failed leaders have done before him: trying to set one group of Americans against another group of Americans.

“We don’t need more class warfare, and we don’t need more interference from Washington. No government program can replace what a good job means for the future of a family.

“Republicans are ready to turn these policies around and launch a ‘year of action’ – starting with fixing our broken health care system.

“Every day, I hear from Missourians who are dealing with increased costs, lost coverage, finding a new doctor, part-time jobs thanks to the President's health care law.

“The administration has decided which parts of the law to follow and which parts to delay. The President himself was forced to take back his promise that people could keep their plan if they liked it.

“This isn’t the result of some website glitch. It’s a law that’s fundamentally flawed. And it’s hurting the very families who need affordable coverage and good-paying, full-time jobs the most.

“Let’s work together to replace a plan that won’t work with common-sense solutions. Solutions like buying insurance across state lines and fair tax treatment for every health care dollar.

“We can also help jump-start job creation for American workers by creating more economic certainty.

“No one wants to create a job or hire more people when they have needless uncertainties about what the future holds. That’s why we need to eliminate confusing and inefficient government regulations.

“I’ve joined Senator Angus King from Maine to introduce a bipartisan bill that does just that by streamlining, consolidating, and repealing costly and needless government regulations.

“We can also create economic opportunities for American workers by supporting increased domestic energy production. More American energy means more American jobs. The President’s own State Department acknowledged that the Keystone XL Pipeline – as just one example – would create tens of thousands of jobs at no cost to taxpayers.

“Now, this project’s been stalled for more than five years. It’s time for President Obama to approve truly shovel-ready projects like Keystone to encourage private sector job creation.

“More American energy means more American jobs; and not just the jobs to produce the energy, but also when you provide predictable utility bills and a dependable delivery system, you encourage more American manufacturing and more American technology jobs as well.

“Republicans in Congress are ready for a ‘year of action.’ Ready to enact a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda.

“The House has already passed a number of bills aimed at jump-starting the economy – bills that are stalled in the Senate that’s controlled by Democrats and Majority Leader Harry Reid.

“The President says he has a pen to sign executive orders and a phone to rally support. The Congress should insist that he find the Constitution and follow it.

“President Obama can join us to grow the nation’s economy and the nation’s jobs. Or he can continue pushing for more regulations, more taxes, higher utility bills, and health care turmoil – bad policies that hurt poor Americans the most.

“Mr. President, let’s use the ‘year of action’ to have a little less talk, and a lot more action.”

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy Republican leadership team drafting “principles” for overhauling immigration laws

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) In a Tuesday evening interview with Eyewitness News, McCarthy said he is in favor of granting legal status to those undocumented immigrants who qualify.

"The principles aren't written yet, but in my personal belief, I think it'll go with legal status that will allow you to work and pay taxes," "That's a decision that every Republican will have to make in laying out the principles, but that's my personal position," - House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy

"We are working on a standards or principles document," - House speaker John A. Boehner

RNC Message Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following message on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

“Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and we honor his legacy,” said RNC Chairman Priebus. “He dedicated his life to building a more just society where opportunity is afforded to all. In the face of often brutal opposition, he dared to fight against the injustices of segregation. Through brave actions and stirring words, he called on a nation to live up to its own ideals. We’re a better country thanks to Dr. King, but even as we remember his triumphs, we recognize that the work must continue. We must keep fighting for a country where no one is denied the opportunity to achieve their vision of the American Dream.”

“Today and every day we remember Dr. King and the civil rights leaders who made great sacrifices so that we could live in a better America,” said Co-Chairman Day. “We honor their legacy when we stand against prejudice, hate, and injustice. Let us remain committed to the causes of freedom, faith and equality.”

###

Republican National Committee. 310 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 202-863-8500 www.gop.com

Weekly Republican Address Marlin Stutzman 01/18/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Marlin Stutzman 01/18/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO . WASHINGTON, DC – In this week’s Republican address, Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) calls on President Obama to help make this a year of bipartisan action by urging his party’s leaders in the Senate to take up House-passed jobs bills:

“Mr. President, the American people haven’t backed down and neither can we. Call on your party to give these jobs bills a vote. Let’s keep the focus on employment, not unemployment. Let’s do what Americans have always done and pull together towards better days and a more prosperous future.”

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Remarks of Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) Weekly Republican Address Washington, DC. January 18, 2014

Hello. I’m Congressman Marlin Stutzman, a fourth-generation farmer, and I have the honor of serving Indiana’s Third District.

Across the country, from small towns to inner cities, too many of our fellow citizens feel like the American Dream is out of reach. Our economy just isn’t creating enough jobs. More than ten million Americans are unemployed. Last month, roughly 350,000 Americans—a little more than the population of Tampa, Florida—stopped looking for work. Health care premiums have gone up. And millions of families have lost their insurance because of the new health care law. But Americans don’t need to read another jobs report to know that our economy is struggling. For the past five years, they’ve lived it. They’ve spent sleepless nights worrying about rent checks, car payments, and student loans. They’ve made that long walk to the mailbox, running through the numbers to cover the next round of bills. And after checking homework, they’ve combed through job listings.

This isn’t new. It’s daily life. But every morning these men and women wake up with a determination and a purpose. Like all of life’s best things, the pursuit of happiness isn’t easy.

That’s something I learned growing up on the farm and something Americans have always believed.

That’s why we don’t give up. It’s just not who we are.

The American people haven’t quit and neither have Republicans.

We’re listening and we’re trying to help any way that we can. In the House, we’ve passed dozens of good, common-sense jobs bills.

An all-of-the-above energy plan will get Americans back to work with immediate solutions like approving the Keystone pipeline and moving forward with offshore energy production.

The SKILLS Act rebuilds and updates our job training programs by cutting government overlap and equipping unemployed Americans with the tools they need.

We’ve upended Washington’s hurtful ‘regulate first, ask later’ approach to red tape and fought arbitrary regulations that restrict access to much-needed capital.

We restored bipartisan welfare reform that helped millions of Americans trade government checks for paychecks.

This is just a start.

The House has passed dozens of jobs bills, many with bipartisan support. Each one would help Americans get the jobs they deserve. Unfortunately, all of these proposals are gathering dust in the Senate.

President Obama’s latest slogan is a “year of action” but his administration and his party’s leaders in the Senate are sitting on the bench.

They seem to have surrendered to a new normal of high unemployment. Instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with out-of-work Americans, they’re focused on making it easier to live without a job. They’re focused on bigger government and less opportunity. More debt and fewer jobs.

That might sound good in Washington but back home that’s not the American Dream folks are chasing. It’s definitely not what an economic recovery looks like. And it’s not something we have to settle for.

Republicans hope the president is serious about making 2014 a “year of action.” It should start by giving each of these jobs bills an up-or-down vote in the Senate.

Mr. President, the American people haven’t backed down and neither can we. Call on your party to give these jobs bills a vote.

Let’s keep the focus on employment, not unemployment.

Let’s do what Americans have always done and pull together towards better days and a more prosperous future.

Thank you for listening.

Weekly Republican Address Thad Cochran 01/11/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Thad Cochran 01/11/14 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. In the Weekly Republican Address, Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi says the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, isn't living up to the promises made by its supporters and he called for repealing the defunding the law because of its cost and complexity. "We should go back to the drawing board and craft commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will work better for all Americans, without spending billions of taxpayer dollars to support these failing policies," Cochran says. "In the spirit of the New Year, we should resolve to help make our health care system more user-friendly and affordable."

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“Hello. I’m Thad Cochran, United States Senator for Mississippi.

“The beginning of the New Year is a time when many Americans decide to make positive changes in their lives. It can be a time we decide to adopt healthier lifestyles or take a fresh look at the family budget. “Unfortunately, as this year begins many people are worried about how the so-called Affordable Care Act, also known as ‘Obamacare,’ is affecting both their health and personal finances. “Republicans in the Senate think we should repeal or defund the program because of its cost and complexity. “The Affordable Care Act was supposed to be fully operational by January 1 of this year. But, here we are two weeks into 2014, and the administration continues to struggle to implement the law’s burdensome mandates.

“The law is not living up to the promises made by its supporters, and it is questionable whether the law will meet its fundamental purpose -- to significantly expand health insurance coverage. Five million Americans have been kicked out of the health plans that they liked and were promised they could keep.

“Some of my constituents have discovered that the new insurance can cost twice as much as they had been paying. Many others are being denied access to doctors with whom they were perfectly happy.

“The administration’s enrollment numbers don’t paint a pretty picture. They don’t tell us how many of the enrollees have actually lost existing coverage and were forced into the exchanges; and the numbers don’t tell us whether applicants have actually paid their premiums and received coverage. There is ample reason to be skeptical that those numbers will improve substantially.

“If the law can’t keep its most basic promise, it should be repealed, and we’ve introduced legislation to do just that.

“We should go back to the drawing board and draft commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will work better for all Americans, without spending billions of taxpayer dollars to support these failing policies.

“In the spirit of the New Year, we should resolve to help make our health care system more user-friendly and affordable. Thank you."

Weekly Republican Address Gregg Harper 01/04/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Gregg Harper 01/04/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. In this week’s Republican address, Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) calls on the United States Senate to pass the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which boosts funding for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health by ending taxpayer subsidies for party conventions. The measure, which enjoys strong bipartisan and grassroots support, passed the House last month.

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

Remarks of Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS) Weekly Republican Address The Capitol January 4, 2014

Good morning and Happy New Year from the Capitol.

Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS)

Kids are always saying something isn’t fair, but sometimes they’ve got a point. Did you know that today in America, only four percent of all federal funding for cancer research goes to childhood cancer? That’s right, four percent for all pediatric cancers combined. This doesn’t just set us back in the race for cutting-edge cures and treatments. It places a ceiling on a child’s ability to overcome obstacles and do great things. I’m sure this issue hits home for many of you. It certainly does for our family. Livingston, our oldest, was 4 when he was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a disorder that is often misdiagnosed as autism. Today, he’s making his way through college in a program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Many families, of course, are not as fortunate. They’re out there waiting for hope and answers that often never come.

No, we can’t fix everything. But that doesn’t mean we should accept things as they are. After all, don’t we teach our kids never to settle for less?

That’s why I was proud to introduce H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.

This bipartisan legislation directs much-needed resources to pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. We do this using taxpayer dollars currently set aside for political party conventions.

Instead of funding these conventions once every four years, we’ll make it a daily priority to explore the full potential of clinical trials and advancements. Not only for childhood cancer, but for all pediatric conditions – even the most rare genetic diseases.

Last month, the House passed H.R. 2019 with strong support from both sides of the aisle. Now it's the Senate's turn to step up so we can send this bill to the president’s desk.

The good news is, these same Senate leaders have already voted to end the taxpayer subsidy for party conventions. Here’s a way to cut this unnecessary spending and put it towards building a better future for our kids.

Peter Welch, my Democratic co-sponsor for this bill, had it right when he asked: “Can we just put the battle axes down for a while and take a step forward?”

I know we can. And if we do, it just might inspire us to come together and do what the American people sent us here to do. Jobs, health care, energy, education, and innovation are all areas in which the House has started work that Washington needs to finish this year.

But first, we need your help to get this done.

Don’t take it from me. Gabriella Miller, this bill’s namesake – was … well, she was something special.

She was 9 when she found out that she had a brain tumor the size of a walnut. And she was 10 when brain cancer took her life. In that time, Gabriella – never at a loss for words or wisdom – became the leader of this movement.

And she was awfully good at it. “If I go,” Gabriella said, “If I lose my battle I’m going to want all the people to carry on with the war, and we're going to win this war."

Let’s go out and prove her right. Join us in urging our senators to put kids first and pass this bill.

In this season of sweeping resolutions, here’s a chance to show how one small change can make a big difference.

Thank you for listening.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 Full Text and Analysis

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 Full Text and Analysis. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Budget Committee chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced that they have reached a two-year budget agreement in advance of the budget conference’s December 13th deadline.

“I’m proud of this agreement,” said Chairman Ryan. “It reduces the deficit—without raising taxes. And it cuts spending in a smarter way. It’s a firm step in the right direction, and I ask all my colleagues in the House to support it.”

“This agreement breaks through the recent dysfunction to prevent another government shutdown and roll back sequestration’s cuts to defense and domestic investments in a balanced way,” said Chairman Murray. “It’s a good step in the right direction that can hopefully rebuild some trust and serve as a foundation for continued bipartisan work.”

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 would set overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion—about halfway between the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion and the House budget level of $967 billion. The agreement would provide $63 billion in sequester relief over two years, split evenly between defense and non-defense programs. In fiscal year 2014, defense discretionary spending would be set at $520.5 billion, and non-defense discretionary spending would be set at $491.8 billion.

The sequester relief is fully offset by savings elsewhere in the budget. The agreement includes dozens of specific deficit-reduction provisions, with mandatory savings and non-tax revenue totaling approximately $85 billion. The agreement would reduce the deficit by between $20 and $23 billion.

The House of Representatives is expected to take up the Bipartisan Budget Act first, followed by the Senate. If this bill is signed into law, the appropriations committees will then be able to work on spending bills at an agreed-upon level in advance of the January 15th deadline.

Washington, Dec 10, 2013 | Conor Sweeney (Ryan): (202) 226-6100 Eli Zupnick (Murray): (202) 224-5398 | 0 comments.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 Full Text and Analysis in PDF Format

Summary || Legislative Text || Section by Section || ​Key Charts

Weekly Republican Address James E. Risch 12/24/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO.

Weekly Republican Address James E. Risch 12/24/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. In the Weekly Republican Address, Senator James E. Risch of Idaho delivers a holiday message in which he calls on Americans to count their many blessings and remember the brave and dedicated men and women in the military who keep our nation free.

"They serve in our homeland and in faraway places across the globe. Their sacrifices and those of their families allow us to live in the freest and most prosperous nation in the world—the United States of America,"

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

“Hi, I’m Senator Jim Risch and I am honored to represent the people of Idaho.

Senator James E. Risch of Idaho

“Today, all across America, we are gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. These are priceless times following age-old traditions and making memories that will last a lifetime. It is a season filled with awe, wonder, colorful and twinkling lights, familiar songs, delightful events and sharing gifts. “As we reach for one of those gifts under the tree and untie a bow, I encourage all of us to remember the bountiful and most prized gifts we enjoy—the gifts of freedom and worship. Even though we have problems in our country, this is the time of year to look at all the good things and all the blessings that we have. “Our freedoms have been defended for more than 200 years by our men and women serving in uniform in the United States military. They serve in our homeland and in faraway places across the globe. Their sacrifices and those of their families allow us to live in the freest and most prosperous nation in the world—the United States of America.

“As you gather with your family around your table, take a moment to remember these brave and dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines—especially those serving in harm’s way and separated by vast oceans and miles of land from their special loved ones. These are the heroes who keep our nation free. And remember their families, who also make great sacrifices. They, too, are invaluable to our hopes and dreams in this country. We are a grateful nation.

“And with all our gifts, hopes and dreams on our minds, let’s also remember those who do not have significant means; those who live on shoestring budgets or even less and may not be able to easily provide for their needs or fill their tables. May we each consider how personally we can encourage and help make theirs a blessed and happy Christmas, too. We’ve heard it said many times that Americans are a generous people, and we are indeed, the most generous in the world.

“I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, happy holidays of all kinds and all the best for a wonderful new year. May God continue to bless you, and to bless America.”

Weekly Republican Address Aaron Schock 12/21/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Aaron Schock 12/21/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. Delivering the Weekly Republican Address from the campus of Eureka College in Eureka, IL, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) talks about the House’s efforts to deliver fairness and better solutions for young people hurting from the president’s health care law. Schock is one of the youngest members of Congress and co-founder of the Congressional Future Caucus.

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Remarks of Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL) Weekly Republican Address. Eureka College, Eureka, IL. December 21, 2013.

Good morning from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois – the proud alma mater of Ronald Reagan.

On campuses like this, young people are just beginning to make choices that will shape their future. Right now – even in the middle of finals week – they’re being told that to make the future better, they should rush out and get covered under the president’s health care law. Not only that, they’re being told to “spread the word’” about what a great deal it is. The state of Illinois is spending a million dollars just this week on television advertising to try and sell the health care law. This is on top of $684 million already being spent nationwide to promote it. But no matter how many actors, and rappers, and rock stars the president rolls out, the best sales pitch in the world can’t sell a bad product. And this health care law is a bad product for young people.

How bad? Well, typically, based on health and age, it costs about six times more to insure a 64-year old than it does an 18-year old.

The health care law, however, says that insurance companies can only charge their most expensive customers three times what they do their cheapest customers.

In other words, they are forced by law to shift the cost of older and sicker patients onto young people. And the president needs a lot of young people – about 2.7 million – to enroll so he can shift the costs onto them and keep premiums from skyrocketing.

In Washington, they call this “community rating,” but where I come from, we call it a ripoff. According to one independent estimate, for a healthy, non-smoking 30-year old male, the cheapest health insurance plan – the cheapest one – will be on average 260 percent more expensive. That's two and a half times what a young person should be paying.

You know, it’s funny, the Obama administration held a contest encouraging millennials to come up with a catchy slogan or video to help sell the law.

The winning entry was a song with lyrics that actually included the line: “Don’t worry about the price tag.”

Well, it’s tough not to worry about the price tag when you’re racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, doing work-study to make it by, and trying to save for your first apartment – all at a time when youth unemployment in this country is nearly 16 percent.

Young people helped put the president in office, and with this health care law, he’s pushing them into years of less choice, fewer opportunities, and larger bills.

This isn’t how it was supposed to be.

And everywhere I go people come up and say we should do something to stop this law, and they’re right.

We ought to scrap it and start over with an approach that focuses on lower costs, more choice, and more freedom and competition.

We should make it so that young people pay their fair share for health care, and nothing more.

And instead of Washington telling us what to buy, let’s get back to letting every American choose the plan that’s best for them and their family.

Every time I’m asked what Washington can do to connect with millennials, my answer is that we should actually get government out of the way. Hard work and a good education will take you further than any government program.

And let’s give young people the chance to build confidence, give them an incentive to work, and save, and invest, take risks, and rekindle that entrepreneurial spirit that sets this country apart.

The president’s health care law does none of this – and it only sets us back and makes things more expensive. I know – and you know – that we can do better.

Thank you for listening. Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

The Path to Prosperity: The House Republicans’ FY2014 Budget FULL TEXT

The Path to Prosperity: The House Republicans’ FY2014 Budget FULL TEXT The United States faces many challenges. This year, unemployment will hover around 8 percent, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

1 Economic growth will remain tepid. The national debt recently eclipsed the size of our economy. Millions of families are stuck in foreclosure. Student loans are piling up. Gas prices are at historic highs. And soon, families will struggle with a new health-care bureaucracy, while medical costs further erode their paychecks.

It’s no surprise, then, that most Americans think we’re on the wrong track. 2 By living beyond our means, we’re stealing from the next generation. By promising a higher standard of living today, the federal government is guaranteeing a lower standard of living tomorrow. So it’s troubling to consider where this track will lead. Unless we act, by 2023, we will add another $8.2 trillion to our national debt. That debt will weigh down our country like an anchor.

Unless we change course, we will have a debt crisis. Pressed for cash, the government will take the easy way out: It will crank up the printing presses. The final stage of this intergenerational theft will be the debasement of our currency. Government will cheat us of our just rewards. Our finances will collapse. The economy will stall. The safety net will unravel. And the most vulnerable will suffer.

But it’s not too late. This budget provides an exit ramp from the current mess—and an entry ramp to a better future. Unlike the President’s last budget, which never balanced, this budget achieves balance within ten years. In the next decade, it spends $4.6 trillion less than will be provided under the current path. The fact is, we owe the American people a balanced budget. The less we owe to foreign creditors, the more of our future we will control.

And we balance the budget for an important reason: An unbalanced budget is a sign of overreach. When government does too much, it doesn’t do anything well. So our budget makes room for community—for the vast middle ground between government and the person. It recognizes that people do not find happiness in grim isolation or by government fiat. They find it through friendship—through free, vibrant exchange with the people around them. They find it through achievement. They find it in their families and neighborhoods, their places of worship and youth groups. They find it in a healthy mix of self-fulfillment and belonging.

While we belong to one country, we also belong to thousands of communities—each of them rich in tradition. And these communities don’t obstruct our personal growth. They encourage it. So the duty of government is not to displace these communities, but to support them. It isn’t to blunt their differences or to flatten their character—to mash them all together into a dull conformity. It’s to secure our individual rights and to protect that diversity.

We are a self-governing people. Yet, if we can’t manage our own affairs, we can hardly govern a nation. It’s in the assembly hall and the boardroom—in the town meeting and the state legislature—that we learn how to govern. And that’s where we forge our common bonds. Yes, government is one of those bonds. But it can’t unite 300 million people—not on its own. It needs our communities to tie us together.

Today, our communities—our families, in particular—face many dangers: rising health-care costs, a stagnant economy, a massive debt, an uncertain world. These dangers require a lean, dynamic government—one that can protect its people and keep its word. They also require government to respect its limits—to understand it plays a role in our lives, but not the leading one.

This budget seeks to revive our communities with an emphasis on six areas. It expands opportunity by growing our economy. It strengthens the safety net by retooling federal aid. It secures seniors’ retirement by reforming entitlements. It restores fair play to the marketplace by ending cronyism. It keeps our country safe by rebuilding our military. And it ends Washington’s culture of reckless spending.

None of these priorities can be met if a debt crisis hits. This budget gets government spending under control. Balancing the budget is a sensible goal—a commitment that both parties should share. And because our debt has grown with greater speed, the Committee on the Budget has tackled it with greater urgency. But our aim isn’t merely a balanced ledger. It’s the well-being of our people. We need government to focus on the people’s priorities—not its own. And so our budget returns the federal government to its proper limits and focus.

We can overcome these challenges—and we must. It’s our duty to leave the next generation a better country than the one we inherited. We know what the problem is: We have to fix our entitlements and to grow the economy. We understand that not everyone shares our view. And we respect that difference of opinion. Last year, the American people chose divided government. So this year, we have to make it work. We offer this budget in recognition of that need—and in a spirit of good will.

FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT The House Republicans’ FY2014 Budget:

Paul Ryan Chairman of the House Budget Committee Member of Congress, First District of Wisconsin March 12, 2013

Weekly Republican Address Pat Toomey 12/14/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Pat Toomey 12/14/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. In the Weekly Republican Address, Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania talks about how the President's deeply flawed health care law is causing millions of Americans to lose the insurance plans they liked and pay higher premiums and deductibles under new Obamacare plans. He tells of a constituent with multiple sclerosis who was recently kicked off of her insurance plan because of Obamacare. The woman now has a choice of two plans -- one that will allow her to keep her doctor and the other that will pay for her medication. "Neither plan will do both," says Toomey. "These are the kinds of painful and unfair choices millions of people now face" thanks to Obamacare.

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“I’m Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey.

“These days, lots of Americans think Members of Congress are out of touch, and you know, at times there’s some truth to that.

“But there’s at least one instance in which many Members of Congress are feeling the very same pain that the rest of America is feeling. And that’s with this new health care law.

“Now, I don’t think anyone should be forced onto Obamacare. But as a Senator, Obamacare forced me and my family onto an exchange for health coverage.

“Just last week, my wife, Kris, tried to sign up on the health exchange website that’s available to us.

“Now, my wife is a very sharp woman, she’s a former computer software consultant.

“She’s also an amazing person and a great mom, but that’s another story.

“When Kris went onto the website, she typed in all our personal information and that of all our three children.

“And then, when she tried to browse the various plans, the website denied her. She tried again, and it still didn’t work. When she called someone and asked for help, she was told the system just wasn’t working right now and it was best to try again later.

“Well, I’ll tell you, I really wish this were a case of a Member of Congress just out of touch. Unfortunately, it’s not.

“The fiasco my wife just faced with the health care website is being experienced by Americans across the country when they try to sign up for health insurance.

“If this were just a matter of a slow-moving computer glitch, well then maybe that would be excusable. But it’s much more than that.

“It’s been reported that that perhaps as many as one-third of those who have been able to complete the online enrollment process might not actually have insurance coverage at all. Apparently, the enrollment information isn’t always being transmitted to the insurers in a large number of cases.

“Can you imagine going to your doctor or to a hospital in January only to find out you’re not actually insured?

“Well, the President says his team is working out the kinks in the website. Now, I hope that’s true.

“It sure seems like there’s a long way to go. But let’s assume that the website problems eventually get fixed. Sadly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“Before Obamacare became law, the President often told everyone that, and I quote, ‘if you like the health insurance you have, you can keep it, period.’ End quote.

“Well, millions of Americans are now finding out that was never true. The fact is, Obamacare was designed to cancel many plans that people had and people liked – the President now admits as much.

“But this is creating excruciating choices. I recently heard from a woman from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She has multiple sclerosis – has for years – and Obamacare kicked her off an insurance plan that worked for her for many years.

“Yes, she can get a plan in the new health care exchange. In fact, it turns out there are two options available to her. One of the options would let her keep her doctor. The other would pay for her medication. And neither plan will do both.

“These are the kinds of painful and unfair choices millions of people now face.

“Now, if you have not yet been directly harmed by Obamacare, consider yourself fortunate.

“But take the time to listen to your friends, family, and neighbors. They’ll tell you stories of lost coverage, higher costs, enrollment errors, not to mention lost jobs and fewer hours working. It’s a disaster for our country, and it’s only going to get worse.

“But this is the holiday season, and we should offer some hope and good cheer. The truth is, there are good reasons for hope, if we can just change direction.

“There are common-sense, bipartisan solutions to our health care problems that don’t require Obamacare’s wholesale government take-over of the system.

“Now, in a nutshell, we can make insurance more accessible, more affordable, and more responsive to individuals and families. And put patients and their doctors in charge of health care decisions, instead of politicians and government bureaucrats.

“We can help those with preexisting conditions purchase affordable insurance.

“I’d like to give individuals the same tax benefits enjoyed by employers buying insurance for their employees.

“We can make it easier to carry health insurance from job to job or to purchase it across state lines.

“We can help small businesses pool together to get quality coverage for their workers at lower prices.

“We can rein in frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits that drive up medical costs for everyone.

“The problem with Obamacare isn’t just a glitch. It’s fundamental and it’s taking away our freedom. At the heart of the program is the idea that the government should decide your health coverage – what you require and how much you should pay. Never mind what you want, what you need, and what you can afford.

“But working together, we can put an end to the dropped coverage and higher costs that the Obamacare law is forcing on so many.

“I think Americans should be free to choose the insurance coverage that’s right for them. That choice should not be in the hands of the Obama Administration or at the mercy of malfunctioning government websites.

“Thanks for listening. And Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy holiday season to everyone.”

Weekly Republican Address Renee Ellmers 12/07/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Renee Ellmers 12/07/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO WASHINGTON, DC – Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) talks about the House’s ongoing focus on jobs and shares stories from constituents struggling to cope with the effects of the president’s health care law. Rep. Ellmers serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and is chair of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee.

The full audio of the address is here. Download MP3 for PODCAST

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT - Remarks of Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) Weekly Republican Address U.S. Capitol December 7, 2013.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and hello, my name is Renee Ellmers, and I represent North Carolina’s Second Congressional District

Like many of you, I’m frustrated with the president’s health care law, especially where jobs and working families are concerned. I say this not only as a congresswoman and chair of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee; I say it as a nurse and the mother of a son in college.

After all, it’s often women who make the health care decisions for our families. We put a lot of time and thought into these choices and how they’ll affect our budgets

So by canceling your insurance – despite a promise to let you keep your plan – the Obama administration is essentially saying it knows what’s best for you and your family. Not only that, they are making you pay more – usually much more – and in many cases, taking away the doctors you’ve been seeing for years.

If you want to talk about a ‘war on women,’ look no further than this health care law.

Just consider some of the stories I’ve heard from folks in my district.

Marian from Pittsboro told me that she and her husband received cancellation notices and that the replacement would double their premiums. When she called to ask for help, the insurance company told Marian that if she doesn’t sign up for a new plan, the law requires that they enroll her in the “suggested policy.” This increase, she says, will consume their gas and grocery money for the month. She now sees no choice but to cancel their insurance altogether.

Kent and Ulli from Cary are in their mid-50s and they report that their premiums are about to jump from $248 to $968 per month. That is nearly four times higher. Ken and Ulli have always preferred a high deductible policy because they work hard to stay in good health and when they do need care, they like to shop for the best value. But as we have seen, this administration thinks it knows better than they do.

And then there’s Liz from Sanford. She’s a small business owner with only two employees: herself and her husband. Their premiums went up 127 percent on account of the new law. Liz told me that she and her husband are regular, hardworking, healthy Americans. She said “we are not wealthy. I really don’t know what will happen in the future.”

Seeing so many hardworking people have to spend the holiday season wondering ‘what’s next?’ – it’s heartbreaking. And it’s wrong.

These families wouldn’t be in this boat if those who wrote the law had listened to hardworking taxpayers instead of relying on insurance companies and big businesses. Even now, these same entities are the ones getting special delays, breaks, and workarounds from the White House.

Families who work hard and play by the rules deserve some basic choices, fairness and relief.

That’s why the House has passed legislation to delay the individual mandate for all Americans and let you keep the plan you like. These proposals are among the dozens of House-passed jobs bills awaiting action in the Democratic-run Senate. Leaders there, however, continue to stand in the way of the American people.

For our part, Republicans will continue to listen, focus on jobs, and give this law the scrutiny it deserves. We’re also going to keep pressing the president to do the right thing. If the president won't scrap this law, isn't it time for him to delay it for all Americans before it does further harm?

On behalf of all of us here, let me wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Thank you for listening.