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.

Weekly Republican Address Lindsey Graham 11/28/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Lindsey Graham 11/28/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

In the Weekly Republican Address, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says that Thanksgiving is a great time to express gratitude and appreciation for the service of America's men and women in uniform. A senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who meets regularly with America's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, Senator Graham says it is because of their bravery and willingness to endure tremendous hardships that Americans are able to be at home with their families this holiday season. "Some are serving our nation overseas, thousands of miles away, and in their world, the creature comforts you and I take for granted -- things like running water and electricity -- are considered luxuries," says Senator Graham. This Thanksgiving, Senator Graham tells our troops and their families, "we truly owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay."

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

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

“Hello, I’m Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

“As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important for us all to reflect on our many blessings. Family and friends immediately come to mind.

“But there are many Americans who will not be able to celebrate this holiday season at their home. Some are serving our nation overseas, thousands of miles away. And in their world, the creature comforts you and I take for granted -- things like running water and electricity -- are considered luxuries.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’ve had the great honor of meeting many of these American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Together, they make up the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.

“I have been fortunate to witness first-hand, the remarkable work they have done and continue to do in some of the most challenging of circumstances.

“Whether in the cities of Iraq or the many remote, isolated villages of Afghanistan, I’ve seen the oppressive conditions under which our bravest Americans are forced to operate.

“Yet our soldiers continue to persevere and carry on, driven by a desire and commitment to keep our enemies at bay. For these Americans, their service to protecting our nation is more than a job. It is a calling.

“They maintain an unwavering focus and determination not to surrender an inch to the enemy. And time and time again they show a willingness to reenlist and return to the fight.

“I continue to be amazed by their teamwork and compassion – not only towards each other – but also towards the least fortunate among them.

“Whether sharing their food and water, or pooling their own money to buy a soccer ball for a child who owns next to nothing – they are living proof of the American spirit of helping others who are down and out.

“Our American soldiers serve as some of the best ambassadors the United States could ever hope for. They are tough and determined, yet equally kind and compassionate.

“On this Thanksgiving, I want to express all of our appreciation – Republican, Democrat, Independent -- for the service of our men and women in uniform and their families.

“To the military spouse, who has to be both mom and dad, God Bless. To the children of our military members, who have missed holidays and birthdays, God Bless you.

“It is because of the bravery of our troops, and their willingness to endure tremendous hardships that we are able to be at home with our families this holiday season.

“To our troops and their families, we truly owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

“Thank you for listening. May God continue to bless you, and all those who serve our great nation.”

Weekly Republican Address Michael Burgess M.D 11/23/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Michael Burgess M.D 11/23/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO. WASHINGTON, DC – Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX) shares stories from his constituents that show how the reality of the president’s health care law doesn’t match what he promised. Dr. Burgess spent nearly thirty years practicing medicine in North Texas before being elected to the House, where he serves as vice-chair of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

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

Category: News & Politics. License: Standard YouTube License.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Hello, I’m Dr. Michael Burgess. I spent nearly three decades practicing medicine in North Texas before being elected to the United States House of Representatives.

Here, I serve as vice chair of the House’s top health care oversight committee. Just this week, we held the administration accountable once again for their failed promises to the American people and their misleading statements to Congress.

It has now become clear that the reality of the president’s health care law does not match what he promised:

A website that was launched before it was finished.

Waves of cancellation letters.

The sticker shock of high premiums - coupled with ever-increasing deductibles.

Many families are now learning that they may not just lose their plan. But if they like their doctor, they may lose their doctor too.

They may lose their doctor in part because there is already a shortage of primary care physician. Many of these plans will now be paying doctors less – so many doctors, whose waiting rooms are already full, have chosen not to participate in the new plans.

It’s a trainwreck for doctors, a trainwreck for patients, and most importantly, it's a trainwreck for the American people.

And the trouble is, this is only the beginning.

Every day, the stack of sad stories coming into my office grows ever taller.

Like the letter I received from a small business owner in Frisco, Texas. He says that his premiums are set to rise by 22 percent.

“Basically,” he says, “this law will take down my company and the 125 people that I employ or it will require me to reduce wages … thus hurting the very people who are just trying to make a living.”

I also heard from a woman in Lewisville who said she and her husband got a notice that their deductibles will double and their premiums will go up as well.

“At this point,” she writes, “for us to start a family next year it will cost over 15 percent of our combined household income before we even get covered by insurance to have a child. We need help.”

And consider this experience that a woman in Keller, Texas is having. 14 years ago, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and because of the new law, she is about to lose her coverage.

When trying to sign up for a new plan, she was told she had to have her identity verified. After going through all of the steps to do just that, she never heard back.

When she called a couple weeks later to find out how long it would take, they had no answer.

“This is beyond stressful,” she writes. “Can I continue to see my neurologist? Will I still have access to my medications? It is heart breaking and by far the most broken system I’ve ever seen.”

Isn’t this exactly the kind of confusion and uncertainty that the president promised to fix?

Many Americans are now questioning the White House’s credibility, and rightfully so. They are right to expect the president to admit his mistakes and start giving some clear answers.

As a physician, I know our health care system needs improvement – but this law is already failing. The best thing we can do now is scrap it and start over with a step-by-step approach that focuses on lower costs and patient-centered solutions.

For now though, we will continue to ask the tough questions, and hold this president accountable for his broken promises on this self-inflicted disaster.

May God bless you and your family, may God bless the United States, and thanks for listening.

Weekly Republican Address Ron Johnson 11/16/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Ron Johnson 11/16/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO In the Weekly Republican Address, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin calls on Democrats to join Republicans in passing legislation he authored to limit the damage of the deeply flawed Obamacare health law. Referring to the President's comments at a news conference this week, Senator Johnson says that President Obama did "far more than just fumble the ball" on the healthcare rollout.

Senator Johnson has introduced the 'If you like your health plan, you can keep it Act,' which would help millions of Americans keep the health care plans and doctors they like -- a promise President Obama made dozens of times both before and after passage of the law. "Unfortunately, the implementation of Obamacare has progressed to a point where millions of cancelled plans cannot be reinstated," says Senator Johnson. "But the freedom of millions of Americans to keep doctors, treatments, and health plans they do value can still be preserved if Congress acts swiftly and decisively."

Category: News & Politics, License, Standard YouTube License.

Weekly Republican Address Ron Johnson 11/16/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

“Hi, I'm Senator Ron Johnson from the great State of Wisconsin.

“President Obama said he wants to fundamentally transform America. So far, his attempt to transform our health care system has not been pretty – with Obamacare, he did far more than just fumble the ball.

“Contrary to his repeated promise, that ‘if you like your health care plan, you can keep it,’ millions of Americans are not only losing their insurance coverage, they are losing access to the doctors and treatments that have kept them alive.

“President Obama's so-called apology, was as phony as his fraudulent marketing of Obamacare. He seemed to be saying he was sorry Americans actually believed him, but took no responsibility for their plight. It was like telling someone you're sorry their dog died, but refusing to acknowledge you ran over the dog.

“Sorry Mr. President, it didn't work. Millions of Americans are coming to realize that those are your tire tracks on their cancelled policies. It is also obvious that you didn't inadvertently misspeak when you promised Americans they can keep their doctors and health plans - and do it all at a lower cost.

“Those assurances weren't slight exaggerations or innocent shadings of the truth. They were statements that were fully vetted, coldly calculated, and carefully crafted to deceptively sell your health care plan to a trusting public. It was a political fraud echoed relentlessly by House and Senate Democrats who should be held accountable for the disastrous consequences of their grand deception.

“Consumer fraud this massive in the private sector could – and should – bear serious legal ramifications. For President Obama, however, it helped secure enough votes to pass Obamacare, and win reelection.

“Now America must face the truth, and Congress must work to limit the damage that Obamacare will inflict on our health care system and people's lives. The systemic failure of the healthcare.gov website and cancelled policies are only the tip of this destructive iceberg.

“Because if you think only those that buy individual policies will lose their coverage, think again. Obamacare creates huge incentives for businesses to stop providing health care as a benefit. As a result, millions more will lose their tax-exempt employer-sponsored health plan and be forced to try buying insurance with after-tax dollars on the exchanges.

“Hopefully, Americans who were deceived will question the credibility of those who made so many false promises. Does anyone actually believe Obamacare is bending the cost curve down, that working Americans won't be forced to pick up the tab, that the quality of care won't suffer, rationing won't occur, or that much needed medical innovation won't be diminished?

“Does anyone really believe their personal information in the hands of federal bureaucrats will remain private and won't be abused, or that Obamacare will actually reduce federal debt and deficits?

“I’m asking every American to believe what their eyes and ears are telling them. The federal government is dysfunctional. It is broken, ineffective, and inefficient. Do you really want Washington taking over a greater share of our health care system – getting more involved in your health care decisions? Americans are finding out that is a prescription for disaster.

“Obamacare will not fix an imperfect health care system. It will cause more damage for far more people than any problems it will ever solve. Now is the time to start reversing that damage – before it’s too late.

“A good place to start would be supporting the bill I introduced in the Senate called ‘If you like your health plan, you can keep it Act,’ or a similar measure just passed in the House. Unfortunately, the implementation of Obamacare has progressed to a point where millions of cancelled plans cannot be reinstated. But the freedom of millions of Americans to keep doctors, treatments, and health plans they do value can still be preserved if Congress acts swiftly and decisively.

“I also plan to introduce a new bill titled ‘Preserve Freedom and Choice in Health Care,’ which will attempt to protect liberty and the rights of individuals to make their own health care decisions. We need long-term solutions to the Obamacare debacle, not short-term political fixes like those recently proposed by the President and Senate Democrats that simply will not work.

“Throughout the health care debate, Republicans have proposed dozens of solutions designed to help control costs and improve quality – without surrendering control of your personal health care decisions to nameless bureaucrats in Washington. Now is the time to enact those common sense ideas.

“But none of this will occur unless the American people hold those who supported Obamacare accountable – and do so with a very loud voice. Democrat Senators must help Republicans pass legislation to limit the damage of Obamacare. If not, those who choose to ignore the plight of millions of Americans should be replaced next November by those who will act.

“Thank you”

Darrell Issa Statement on Low ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers

WASHINGTON – House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., released the following statement on the low ObamaCare enrollment numbers released today.

“The 27,000 enrollments through federally facilitated exchange pale in comparison to the millions of Americans who have lost their health insurance under ObamaCare,” Issa stated. “The president promised that if you like your health insurance, you can keep it – period. Not only is that untrue, but this Administration cannot even offer a workable alternative to people once they have lost the insurance they liked. At today’s House Oversight Committee hearing, White House officials could not say whether HealthCare.gov will be operational by the end of the month, nor could they say who was ultimately responsible for the website’s failure. It is time for the president to finally acknowledge ObamaCare isn’t working and to delay the law, in fairness to families and individuals.”

Today, Chairman Issa also convened the Committee’s first hearing on the technical problems with HealthCare.gov and what is being done to fix them. At the hearing, White House official Todd Park could not confirm whether the website would be ready by the end of November, as promised. The panel of Administration technology experts, including Chief Information Officer Steven VanRoekel and Henry Chao, one of the top CMS officials tasked with implementing ObamaCare, could not state who was responsible for HealthCare.gov’s rollout.

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 2157 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5074 Fax: (202) 225-3974

Weekly Republican Address Todd Young 11/09/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Todd Young 11/09/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO WASHINGTON, DC – Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) shares some of the many stories he has received from constituents who have had their health insurance canceled and their premiums increase as a result of the president’s health care law.

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

Remarks of Representative Todd Young (R-IN) Weekly Republican Address Bloomington, IN November 9, 2013

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Hello I’m Congressman Todd Young from the great state of Indiana.

In recent weeks, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from many Hoosiers about the impact the new health care law is having on them and their families. Today I’d like to share with you some of their experiences.

Mike from Bloomington wrote in to say that the plan he has now – which he likes – is being canceled at the end of the year. This, of course, is exactly what the president and other champions of the law promised would not happen. Mike’s new plan will cost him $900 more a month.

Scott from Salem shared his story about how, shortly after being told his company would cover the 20 percent increase for employee health care coverage, several of his co-workers were laid off and annual Christmas bonuses were canceled.

Alan from Jeffersonville asked us for help with his wife Laura’s situation. For eight years now, Laura has been battling a form of incurable cancer. She was getting insurance through our state’s high-risk pool, which is dissolving because of the new law.

After 25 days of trying, the couple was finally able to get on healthcare.gov —only to discover that just one company currently offers insurance for them through the website.

Unfortunately, that company won’t cover Laura’s current doctors, and her out-of pocket-expenses to keep those doctors will go up by more than $20,000 a year. As Alan puts it, their family basically has two choices: ‘one, end her treatment or two, go broke.’

And there’s Marvin from Bloomington, who shared with me this cancelation notice his wife, Kathy, received. To avoid a lapse in coverage, she must sign up for a new plan.

I held up this letter last week at a hearing with the Medicare administrator responsible for the exchange. Her suggestion was that Marvin and Kathy go to the website.

Well sure enough, they tried. Because the White House said the problem was too many people trying to sign up at once, Marvin and Kathy even set their alarm clock for the middle of the night, just so they could log on when there was less traffic.

After a month of trying and getting nowhere, they gave up on the exchange. It now looks like they’ll end up buying private insurance. They know it’ll probably cost more, but they’d rather have that certainty and avoid federal penalties than bear more worry and sleepless nights.

This is what betrayal looks like.

Here you have hardworking people who were repeatedly told not to worry, that their coverage would stay the same and—if anything—their costs would go down. Just the opposite is happening.

Adding insult to injury, the White House – the president – isn’t leveling with us. He’s trying to cover his tracks, claiming he never really made these promises.

No wonder a member of his own party called this a ‘crisis of confidence.’

If the president is truly sorry about all this, he’ll take steps to right this wrong.

That’s why I’ve authored a bill to delay this law’s individual mandate tax – as has the senior senator in our state, Dan Coats. After all, how can you tax people for not buying a product from a website that doesn’t work?

In addition, next week, the House will take up the Keep Your Health Care Act, which will ensure plans available today in the individual market can continue to exist. No one should have to go to their inbox or mailbox in fear of finding out they’re losing a plan they like — or worse, a plan they need.

And we’re going to keep asking hard questions and having hearings so we can get to the bottom of this.

Because the problem isn’t just a website – it’s the whole law. Let’s stop this train wreck now, and give Americans the basic fairness and peace of mind that they deserve.

Thank you for listening.

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

Chris Christie Acceptance Speech 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

Chris Christie Acceptance Speech 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

"Thank you, New Jersey, for making me the luckiest guy in the world," "I did not seek a second term to do small things," he said. "I sought a second term to finish the job. Now watch me do it." "If we can do this in Trenton, New Jersey, maybe the folks in Washington, DC should tune in on their TVs right now, see how it's done!"

Transcript (provided by the Christie campaign):

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, I stand here as your Governor, and I am so proud to be your Governor.

Born in Newark, raised in Livingston, made my wife from Pennsylvania a real Jersey girl, and raised our family right here in this amazing state, I love just as much as my mother and father raised me to love it.

You see, what people have never understood about us, is that I didn’t any introduction to all of you. I know you, because I’m one of you.

So tonight, first and foremost, I want to say thank you, New Jersey, for making me the luckiest guy in the world.

And the only greatest honor and privilege than being a one-term governor of New Jersey, is to be a two-term governor of New Jersey.

You got to meet my kids again tonight, and Mary Pat and I are so proud of them. Andrew, Sarah, Patrick, and Bridgette, I love you all.

And over the last four years, but especially this year, New Jersey got to know what a special first lady they have, I love you Mary Pat.

I spoke to Senator Buono awhile ago. No, no, she congratulated me, it was very gracious. Very gracious, in her congratulations, and I thanked her for a spirited campaign, and for her 20 years of public service to this state.

Now when we came to office four years ago, we stood behind a podium like this, and said that people were tired of politics as usual, they wanted to get things done, and we promised we were going to go to Trenton and turn things upside down, and I think we’ve done just that.

The people of New Jersey four years ago were downhearted and dispirited, they didn’t believe that government could work for them anymore.

In fact, what they thought was that government was just there to take from them but not to give to them, not to work with them, not to work for them. Well, four years later, we stand here tonight showing that it is possible to put doing your job first, to put working together first, to fight for what you believe in, yet still stand by your principles and get something done for the people who elected you. The biggest thing, the biggest thing I’ve learned over the last four years about leadership is that leadership is much less about talking than it is about listening, about bringing people around the table listening to each other, showing them respect, doing what needed to be done to be able to bring people together and to achieve what we needed to achieve to move our state forward.

Now listen, I know that if we can do this in Trenton, New Jersey, maybe the folks in Washington, DC should tune in their tvs right now to see how it’s done. See, listen, we’re New Jersey. We still fight, we still yell. But when we fight, we fight for those things that really matter in people’s lives. And while we may not always agree, we show up everywhere. We just don’t show up in the places that vote for us a lot, we show up in the places that vote for us a little. We don’t just show up in the places where we’re comfortable, we show up in the places where we’re uncomfortable.

Because when you lead, you need to be there. You need to show up, you need to listen and then you need to act. And you don’t just show up six months before an election, you show up four years before one. And you just don’t take no for an answer the first time no has happened. You keep going back and trying more. Because when I was elected four years ago, I wasn’t elected just by the people who voted for me. I was the governor of all the people.

And tonight, overwhelmingly, those people have said, ‘come on board, it’s fine here, let’s have more people support the governor’ and now we have a big, big win tonight. What people have told me over the last four years is that more than anything else, they want the truth. They want the truth. You know, we don’t always agree with each other in New Jersey. Some folks don’t agree with some of the things I do and certainly they don’t agree with some of the things I say sometimes. But they know, they know they never have to wonder. When they walked into the voting booth today, they didn’t say, ‘hey I wonder who this guy is and what he stands for, what he’s willing to fight for, what he’s willing to do when the chips are down.’

You can agree with me, you can disagree with me. But I will never stop leading the state I love. People across the country have asked me how it is we’ve been able to do what we’ve achieved. And I’m reminded of a story that Pastor Joe Carter of the New Hope Baptist Church told just one week ago today on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. He called what had happened in New Jersey the last year the ‘spirit of Sandy.’ He spoke about people coming together.

He said when the lights went out, no one cared what color your skin was. He said when you didn’t have any food, no one cared whether it was a Republican or Democrat offering you the food. When you didn’t have a warm place for your family because of what happened in the storm, you didn’t care if it was someone who thought government should be big or small. At that moment, the ‘spirit of Sandy’ infected all of us.

Reverend Carter was right. And he prayed that day that the spirit of Sandy would stay with us well beyond the days that the recovery will take. My pledge to you tonight is I will govern with the spirit of Sandy. It’s true of New Jersey and all the people who live here, they’re ready to live that way, too. as you governor it’s never mattered to me where someone is from, whether they voted for me or not, what the of their skin was or their political party. for me being governor has always been about getting the job done first. now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have principles. we have many of them. and we have stood and fought every day to cut taxes, to reduce the size of government spending, to reform pensions and benefits, to reform a broken education system and to make sure that we create opportunity again for New Jerseyans.

And for the next four years, we will fight to make those changes permanent, and we will fight to make them bigger. I did not seek a second term to do small things. I sought a second term to finish the job – now watch me do it.

I want to thank a few people in addition to my family before we go tonight. I want to tell you that I, over the last year have had the greatest campaign team any governor could ever ask for, they ran a flawless campaign and I thank them for it.

And I want to thank my cabinet and my senior staff, who especially over the last year have worked tirelessly with me to help bring back — bring back the great state of New Jersey from the second worst national disaster to ever hit this country.

And I want to thank the second woman, who said yes to me when I asked – New Jersey’s great Lt. Governor, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

I used to tell folks all the time that I had the greatest job in the world – for a Jersey kid to be elected Governor of the state where I was born and raised.

It’s the greatest job that you could ever have in your life – I loved it every day, I would get up and know that I would have a chance to do something great. I didn’t do something great every day, but I had a chance to do something great every day for people that I would probably never meet.

But on October 29th of last year, that job changed. It’s no longer a job for me. It’s a mission. You see, a mission is different than a job. A mission is something that’s sacred. It’s a sacred trust that was thrust upon me and you on October 29th of last year.

And that mission, that mission is to make sure that everyone, everyone in New Jersey who’s affected by Sandy is returned to normalcy in their life. And i want to promise you tonight, i will not let anyone, anything, any political party, any governmental entity or any force get in between me and the completion of my mission.

You see, for those veterans out there tonight, you know — you know how sacred a mission is. Sacredness of the mission of a soldier is that no one ever is left behind. No one is ever left behind on the battle field. And on the battle field that Sandy turned this state into, New Jerseyans will never leave any New Jerseyan behind.

I’m resolved to complete this mission, not because of me, but because of you. For the last year I’ve had a lot of people ask me for hugs. A lot of people. [inaudible crowd] You’ll get your hug later, brother. And I can tell you this. [Inaudible crowd]. I guess there is open bar tonight, huh?

People ask me for hugs to comfort them. People asked me for hugs to make sure I wouldn’t forget them. People asked me for hugs just to know that the leader of this state cared about them. And people came up to me all the time in the aftermath and said to me, “Governor, where did you get the energy? Where did you get the energy day after day after to do that?” And I told them, “You don’t understand, do you? Those hugs gave more to me than I could ever give back to them. They gave me hope and faith and optimism for our future.

The people of New Jersey have given me much more than I could ever hope to give back to them. They’ve given me hope. They’ve given me faith. And they’ve given me their trust. And it’s with that hope, with that optimism, that faith, and that trust that we together confront the next four years of opportunity for our state.

I know that tonight a dispirited America, angry with their dysfunctional government in Washington looks to New Jersey to say, “is what I think’s happening really happening? Are people really coming together? Are we really working, African Americans and Hispanics, suburbanites and city-dwellers, farmers and teachers, are we really all working together?” Let me give the answer to everyone who is watching tonight – under this government, our first job is to get the job done. And as long as I am governor, that job will always, always be finished.

I think tonight most particularly – and I know my dad and my brother and sister who are here tonight with me share this same view. I think tonight most particularly about my mother.

All of you who have heard me over the last four years know that she was and still is the dominant influence in my life. As I said on the video, as I said on the video, my mom used to say to me all the time, “Christopher, be yourself. Because then tomorrow you don’t have to worry about trying to remember who you pretended to be yesterday.”

Powerful words from a woman who I miss every day. But tonight, tonight I know that my mom is looking down on New Jersey and saying to me — I can feel it – she’s saying to me, “Chris, the job’s not done yet. Get back to work and finish the job for the people of New Jersey.” That’s exactly what I’ll do. I love you, New Jersey. Thank you very much!

- See more at: http://blogs.app.com/capitolquickies/2013/11/06/chris-christies-victory-speech-in-text-and-word-cloud/#sthash.kWvuMzvY.dpuf

Congressman Robert Hurt: A Bipartisan Call for Delay of the Individual Mandate within the President's Healthcare Law

This week, after watching the failed roll out of Healthcare.gov take the spotlight, several new and unnerving facts emerged as Congress held hearings to investigate further the inner workings of the Administration’s handling and implementation of the President’s healthcare law. Maintaining and introducing the website should have been the simplest aspect of this complex piece of legislation, and if its failed roll out is any indication, it alarms me to think of what lies ahead.

The American people are now seeing that the President misled us about the consequences of this misguided law. The President promised the American people that “if you like your health care plan, you can keep it;” yet, reports this week indicated that millions of people will lose their current plan, being forced to obtain plans that are much more expensive and may not allow them to see their current doctor. This fact was known to the Administration for more than three years, yet it continued to assuage Americans’ fears with a false promise. Apparently, the President’s motto should have stated that, “if the government likes your health care plan, the government will let you keep it.”

The President also promised that health care costs would decrease for everyone, saving on average $2,500 per family. Instead, rates and deductibles are skyrocketing, and Americans are not only facing higher healthcare costs, but some are being forced to reduce their working hours because of compliances being enforced by the ACA.

While members of Congress are trying to conduct oversight to get answers from the Administration about how and why this law is failing so badly, the Administration seeks to hide the truth from the American people. On October 8th, Congress requested enrollment figures; and while the Secretary did not offer up that information, major news outlets have recently reported that just 6 people enrolled in the exchanges on its first day. This is a testament to both the website’s inoperability and the fact that the American people are wary of government-run health care.

The Administration has admitted on numerous occasions that the President’s health care law is not working. Businesses, but not American citizens, have been granted a one-year delay from the law’s mandates, the website is a debacle, and there is little to no transparency when it comes to the law’s implementation. Now, it is time that individuals are granted the same reprieve from the Affordable Care Act that businesses have received. I am encouraged that some of our Democratic colleagues in the Senate have begun to call for a delay in the individual mandate, especially after Republicans in the House requested it last month. Ultimately, a full repeal of the damaging healthcare law is in the best interest of the American people; however, until we are able to achieve this long-term goal, I remain committed to ensuring its harm is minimized as much as possible through delaying its implementation.


Congressman Robert Hurt Washington, D.C. 125 Cannon Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4711 Fax: (202) 225-5681

President Obama "If you like your current health care plan, you can keep it." A Promise He Could Not Keep

A Promise He Could Not Keep . President Obama repeatedly promised Americans that, "If you like your current health care plan, you can keep it." Now, millions of Americans are discovering that is a promise the President could not keep.

Category: News & Politics. License: Standard YouTube License

Weekly Republican Address Dan Coats 11/02/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Dan Coats 11/02/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

In the Weekly Republican Address, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana says that fixing the faulty Obamacare website isn't going to solve the deep and systemic problems plaguing the ill-conceived health care law. "The failure of Obamacare launch is just the tip of the iceberg, and unless we act, Americans will be stuck on board this Titanic," says Coats, who has introduced legislation to delay the Obamacare mandates for one year. While the President granted a one-year delay for employers who don't provide health insurance coverage to workers, he refuses to grant similar relief to individuals and families who must purchase their own health plans. "This simply isn't fair," Coats says.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Hello. I'm Dan Coats and I have the honor of representing the people of Indiana in the United States Senate.

Two hundred and thirty-five years ago this July 4th, our Founding Fathers risked their lives and signed a document announcing the birth of America. Their brave declaration of freedom changed the course of history and revolutionized the world.

Our Founding Fathers severed the chains of tyranny to provide a land of opportunity for future generations. They left it to their children and grandchildren to protect this gift.

This generational responsibility is the story of America. Today, we must ask ourselves: Will we continue this tradition? Will we leave behind a more prosperous country for our children?

When I retired from the Senate 12 years ago, I felt confident that my children and grandchildren would have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream: a quality education, home ownership, and a good paying job to support a family. But over the past few years, I saw that dream become ever tougher for Americans to reach.

I returned to the Senate for one reason: I refused to stand on the sidelines. I refused to be part of the first generation to leave behind a country in worse shape than the one we inherited.

The American people understand the urgency of our fiscal crisis. They want their elected officials to stop spending money we don't have, and to enact policies that will grow our economy and get Americans back to work.

Unfortunately, the president's economic plan of spending and borrowing has failed. Over the past two years, debt has skyrocketed 35 percent to our nation's limit of $14.3 trillion. The annual deficit is now three times greater than the highest deficit of the previous administration. And today, nearly 14 million Americans are without work.

If these numbers aren't alarming enough, then the president should consider the numerous warnings from the financial markets both here and abroad. The eyes of the world are fixed on the U.S. to see if we have the political courage and moral sense to solve our debt crisis.

The president and Democrats in Congress must recognize that their game plan is not working. It's time to acknowledge that more government and higher taxes is not the answer to our problem. It's time for bold action and a new plan to address our current crisis.

For inspiration, they should look outside Washington, and there is no better playbook for getting us on the right track than the one used in Indiana.

The Hoosier way is quite simple -- we work hard and we live within our means. In Indiana, we understand that you cannot spend more money than you take in. When our state fell off course, a leader stepped up with solutions to steer it straight, and the people of Indiana responded.

Gov. Mitch Daniels, like the president, inherited a weak economy. In 2005, Indiana faced a $200 million deficit and had failed to balance the budget for seven years. And while other states increased spending and raised taxes, Indiana reduced spending, cut taxes and paid down its debts. Thanks to our governor's leadership and the resolve of Hoosiers, our state is now the most attractive place to do business in the Midwest.

The spend less, borrow less and tax less model in Indiana has resulted in balanced budgets, job creation, and a triple-A credit rating. In contrast, the spend more, borrow more and tax more approach of the president has resulted in fewer jobs, higher debt and a threatened downgrade from credit agencies.

The Hoosier model is a necessary first step to repairing our country's finances. And this week, every Senate Republican took that step by committing to a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The speaker of the House has committed to bringing the Balanced Budget Amendment to a vote later this month, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has committed to fighting for a vote in the Senate as well. Broke or balanced, that's the choice before us.

Now some doubt our ability to overcome this fiscal crisis. But the problem we face is not insurmountable. We have overcome major challenges in the past. Times of trial have always produced moments of great leadership that rally the American people.

Now is the time for decisive leadership from this president.

It's time to cast aside the false safety of political denial and re-election hopes and put the future of our country above all else.

On July 4th 1776, our Founding Fathers put their honor and lives on the line to break from oppression and create a republic that valued individual rights, freedom, and liberty.

It is not only our duty, but our moral obligation to break from the oppression of debt and strengthen our country. We must all rise above the political considerations and do what is right for the future of our nation.

Thank you and may God continue to bless America as we celebrate our Independence.

Senator Mike Lee introduces The “Working Family Flexibility Act”

WASHINGTON – 10/31/13, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill to help workers handle the constant challenge of work-life balance by allowing all individuals who work overtime to choose between monetary compensation or comp-time. The “Working Family Flexibility Act” would free workers to choose the best way to alleviate the difficulties of juggling work, home, kids, and community. Sen. Lee’s bill is a companion to legislation first introduced by Rep. Martha Roby (AL) in the House.

“For many families, especially with young children, their most precious commodity is time,” said Sen. Lee. “But today, federal labor laws restrict the way moms and dads and everyone else can use their time. For decades, Congress has given a special exemption from these laws to government employees. This is unacceptable. The same work-life options available to government employees should be available to private-sector workers, as well.”

“I am excited about the Working Families Flexibility Act gaining traction in the Senate, and I appreciate Sen. Mike Lee stepping forward to introduce a companion bill,” said Rep. Roby. “Talk to any working mom and dad and they’ll tell you they need more time – just one more hour in the day to make life work. We can’t legislate another hour in the day, but we can help working people better balance the demands of family and work by removing an unnecessary federal restriction on utilizing comp time in the private sector.”

Rep. Roby’s “Working Families Flexibility Act”, H.R. 1406, passed the House of Representatives in May. Sen. Lee’s bill is cosponsored by Sens. Coburn, Cruz, Hatch, Johnson, Paul, Risch, Roberts, and Rubio.

More Information:

How It Works

Gives employers the ability to offer their employees the option of comp time or overtime pay, both accrued at 1½ times the overtime hours worked.
Requires employers who decide to offer this option to their employees to establish a written agreement with the employee outlining the options and to allow each employee to voluntarily choose the option that best fits his needs.
Requires that comp time agreements be included in the collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the union and the employer for any employee represented by a union.
Allows employees who choose to accrue comp time to accrue up to 160 hours each year.
Allows employees to “cash out” their accrued comp time at the traditional overtime pay rate at any time throughout the year.
Maintains all existing employee protections, including the current 40-hour workweek and overtime accrual, and provides additional safeguards to ensure that the choice to use comp time is voluntary.
Requires employers to pay employees at the traditional overtime rate for any unused comp time at the end of each calendar year.

What It Does

Ends the unfair discrimination against private-sector employees
Enables parents to better balance work and family obligations
Frees all workers to choose which commodity – time or money – is the more important resource at a given time
Lessens the burden of unnecessary federal regulation.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) Washington, D.C. 316 Hart Senate Office Building. Washington, D.C. 20510. Phone: 202-224-5444 Fax: 202-228-1168

Marco Rubio, Trey Radel, Delay Until Fully Functional Act

Sen. Rubio, Rep. Radel Introduce Legislation to Delay ObamaCare Mandate Until Websites are Fully Functional

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Trey Radel (R-FL) today introduced the “Delay Until Fully Functional Act,” a bill delaying the individual mandate under ObamaCare until six months after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) certifies that the exchange website is fully functional.

The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), James Inhofe (R-OK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thad Cochran (R-MS), John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Johanns (R-NE).

“It is unacceptable that Americans will soon be forced to pay a fine for not purchasing insurance when the very websites they are supposed to use for purchasing it have been rendered useless from numerous glitches and technical errors,” said Rubio. “Americans already have too many financial burdens for Washington to go adding another useless and unjust tax, especially when that tax punishes the American people for the government’s own errors. I believe ObamaCare must eventually be entirely repealed and replaced, but until that becomes possible we must continue to focus on protecting Americans from the law’s ongoing problems.”

“The President has given big business and corporations an exemption from his signature law, it only seems fair to give you and your family a break from the fine as well,” said Radel. “The Rubio-Radel bill ensures the ObamaCare fine will be delayed until the Administration can show Healthcare.gov and all other sign up options are fully functional.”

The “Delay Until Fully Functional Act” would delay the ObamaCare individual mandate and require that GAO study and report to Congress on the websites within 30 days. If the GAO study says the American Health Benefit Exchange is not fully functional and operating in a manner consistent with the role envisioned for exchanges under this act, GAO will do subsequent studies and reports every 60 days until the Comptroller General determines that the exchanges are fully functional. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) inspector general would then issue a certification based on the results of the GAO report. The individual mandate would be reinstated 6 months after the HHS inspector general certification.

The legislation has been endorsed by FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union.

The full text of the Senate bill is available here. Legislation to Delay ObamaCare Mandate Until Websites are Fully Functional

Senator Marco Rubio 284 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-3041. Representative Trey Radel WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE 1123 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 P: (202) 225-2536.

S.J.RES.25 Rand Paul Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to Congress

Rand Paul Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to Congress.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Rand Paul last week introduced S.J. Res. 25, a constitutional amendment that would hold government officials to the same standard as the American people. The amendment states that "Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to Congress." The amendment also contains two provisions that apply that same principle to the Executive Branch and Judicial Branch of the federal government. The amendment text can be found below:

S.J.RES.25 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to applying laws equally to the citizens of the United States and the Federal Government. (Introduced in Senate - IS)

SJ 25 IS 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. J. RES. 25 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to applying laws equally to the citizens of the United States and the Federal Government.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 11, 2013 Mr. PAUL introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

JOINT RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to applying laws equally to the citizens of the United States and the Federal Government.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States:

'Article--

'Section 1. Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to Congress.

'Section 2. Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to the executive branch of Government, including the President, Vice President, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and all other officers of the United States, including those provided for under this Constitution and by law, and inferior officers to the President established by law.

'Section 3. Congress shall make no law applicable to a citizen of the United States that is not equally applicable to judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, including the Chief Justice, and judges of such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.

'Section 4. Nothing in this article shall preempt any specific provision of this Constitution.'

###

Weekly Republican Address Fred Upton 10/26/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT PODCAST VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Fred Upton 10/26/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO Download the MP3 Audio for PODCAST

The problems with Obamacare are more than just website glitches. From broken promises to special waivers, House Republicans are actively conducting thoughtful oversight of this law, while at the same time crafting patient-centered solutions to improve healthcare for all Americans. We want to hear your stories, so if you are having difficulties as a result of Obamacare, please share your experience at www.gop.gov/YourStory.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT: Remarks by House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) Weekly Republican Address Washington, DC October 26, 2013

Hey there. I’m Michigan Representative Fred Upton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Our panel has been active in crafting solutions to improve health care for the American people, as well as conducting thoughtful oversight of the president’s health care law.

Over the last year, we have become all too familiar with the troubled rollout of the law with its broken promises, missed deadlines, delays, special waivers, and now website crashes.

This week, in this committee room, four of the lead contractors responsible for the troubled healthcare.gov website testified about what went wrong.

Next week, we will hear directly from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Despite hundreds of millions of taxpayers dollars invested, the website still does not work for most.

At a time when we can do everything from ordering a pizza, flowers, or airline tickets, or banking and paying bills, they expect the same reliable service from healthcare.gov – and it’s still not ready for primetime.

Over the months leading up to the October 1 launch, top administration officials and lead contractors appeared before this committee, looked us in the eye, and assured us repeatedly that everything was “on track.”

Except that it wasn’t, as we now know all too well.

The broken healthcare.gov website has captured the nation’s attention, but this is more than a website problem. We are also concerned about what happens next.

Will enrollment glitches become provider payment glitches?

Will patients show up at their doctor’s office or hospital only to be told they aren’t in the system?

And is the personal information Americans provide as part of the enrollment process safe from cyber hackers and identity theft.

Oversight is not about blame – it is about accountability… transparency. And it’s about fairness for the American public.

In a few short months, families across the country will be subject to penalties under the law’s individual mandate.

How can the administration punish innocent Americans by forcing them to buy a product many cannot afford, from a system that does not work?

And what about the promises that health care costs would go down, and that Americans could keep their health plans if they liked them, “No matter what?”

The reality in communities across America is that premiums are going higher – for some, as much as 400 percent higher.

And millions of Americans are receiving unwelcome notices that their plans are being terminated. Believe it or not, more people are receiving cancellation notices in just three states than are applying in all 50 states.

This is not what health reform promised.

In the past few days, the bipartisan chorus has been growing to delay the individual mandate, to delay the penalty that Americans would face for being unable to purchase insurance through this broken system.

This is good news.

The business mandate was delayed, and it’s only fair that individuals and families receive the same treatment.

Likewise, we should look for bipartisan solutions to allow Americans to keep their current insurance.

After all, that was President Obama’s solemn promise during the health care debate.

We will continue working toward patient-centered reforms that keep costs down for folks, all the while improving quality of care. This is a matter of fairness for all.

If you are facing hardships as a result of the law, we want to hear from you. Please go to http://gop.gov/YourStory to share your experience.

Thank you. And God Bless.
- See more at: http://www.speaker.gov/video/weekly-republican-address-chairman-fred-upton-obamacare-oversight-fairness-all#sthash.7jGQTrAq.dpuf

Marco Rubio: Delay IRS Penalties Until ObamaCare Websites Work VIDEO

Senator Marco Rubio: “It’s pretty straightforward. It’s unfair that on the one hand you are telling people that if they don’t buy insurance next year the IRS is going to come after them with a fine. It’s unfair to say that to them and then turn around and make it so difficult, or impossible, for them to buy that health insurance. So what the bill would basically say is that the ObamaCare website has to be up and functioning for six consecutive months before they can begin to enforce this individual mandate on people. How you can punish people for not buying something that is impossible to buy because of the inability of this website to function because of government incompetence?”

FOX News’ Bill O’Reilly: “How do you see this bill coming? I would imagine every Republican senator would vote for it, but are you going to able to peel off some Democrats to do that? Maybe Manchin of West Virginia would do it, but I don’t know anybody else.”

Rubio: “Well, I think they’re going to have to do this no matter what and it’s a question of when they’re going to finally admit to that. Now look, I actually don’t think this is a partisan thing. I think no matter how you may feel about ObamaCare - I certainly would like to see it repealed and replaced, others may disagree - but no matter how you may feel about ObamaCare, this is not about that. This is about the fact that it is unfair that you are going to punish people, that you are going to send the IRS after people.”

O’Reilly: “Now, will your bill contain the provision that if you want to sign up for ObamaCare now you certainly can, it’s just that you don’t have to and you won’t be punished. So that gives everybody the option of, ‘Yeah, I will do it’ or ‘I won’t do it’, and as you said, when they get the glitches out of the software so that people can efficiently decide what they want to do, then you can do the mandatory deal. That is fair. But politics being as it -- you know, what I said is true: It’s not about ObamaCare. You know that Senator, this is about the whole entitlement culture. It’s a much bigger thing.”

Rubio: “Right. The issue of ObamaCare is about a much broader agenda to inject more government control over our lives and over our economy. But I’m dealing right now with a very focused issue. Let me give you an example. On this very day in Florida, it was announced that 300,000 people are going to lose their individual coverage because of ObamaCare. Now those people next year, they don’t have health insurance. They are going to owe the IRS money in the form of a fine. Where are they supposed to go now and buy that health insurance if the website isn’t working, if Consumer Reports is telling people to avoid the website? So, what this bill does is it says basically this: until that website is certified to be functioning, you cannot enforce this on people. It’s simply not fair.”

O’Reilly: “Did you see the polls today saying, you know, that the Tea Party, 25% of Americans approve, 75% don’t approve and the Republican Party is not much better, maybe 30%, 32% approve? You think that’s a real troubling situation for you guys?”

Rubio: “You know, these polls fluctuate. They come and go. I mean, if we lived our lives based on polls, you know, we wouldn’t be able to do anything else. The bottom line is that we have some very serious issues that this country is confronting. You’ve outlined some of them in your Talking Points Memo tonight. But at the basis of all of this is that the American Dream as we know it, what makes our country special, it’s being eroded and we’re running out of time to do something about it. And I certainly feel like people in my party are fighting on the right side of that.”

interview on “The O’Reilly Factor” U.S. Senator Marco Rubio October 22, 2013

Senator Marco Rubio 284 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-3041

HealthCare.gov Development, Decision to Hide Premium Prices from Shoppers was Made One Month Before Launch

HealthCare.gov Development, Decision to Hide Premium Prices from Shoppers was Made One Month Before Launch.

Decision to Hide Prices from Shoppers was Made One Month Before Launch, Contractors Tell Oversight Committee

WASHINGTON – Leaders on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are seeking answers from the Obama Administration’s top technology officials about the development of the problem-plagued federal insurance exchange website, HealthCare.gov, in a letter announced today. Information obtained by the Committee indicates that, just one month before the website’s launch, the Administration directed contractors to change the site’s design to hide price comparisons from unregistered shoppers.

“Given the information gathered by the Committee thus far, we are concerned that the Administration required contractors to change course late in the implementation process to conceal ObamaCare’s effect on increasing health insurance premiums,” the letter to Steve VanRoekel, the Chief Information Officer, and Todd Park, the Chief Technology Officer, at the White House Office of Management and Budget, states. “We believe that the political decision to mask the ‘sticker shock’ of ObamaCare to the American people prevented contractors from using universally accepted and OMB-advocated IT ‘best practices’ in the development and roll out of this massive federal government IT project. When prudent design and programming decisions are subordinated to politics, the result is the chaotic mess we have today.”

The letter, signed by Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and Subcommittee Chairmen John Mica, R-Fla., James Lankford, R-Okla., Jim Jordan, R-Ohio and Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, cites January 9, 2013 and October 16, 2013 briefings with CGI Federal Inc., one of the major contractors tasked with building the federal health insurance exchange website.

“CGI officials told Committee staff that CMS officials and employees constantly mentioned the ‘White House’ when discussing matters with CGI. For example, CMS officials would routinely state: ‘this is what the White House wants,’” the letter continues. “Moreover, CGI officials told Committee staff that the ability to shop for health insurance without registering for an account – a central design feature of the health insurance exchange – was removed ‘in late August or early September.’”

“Although, CGI officials were not able to identify who within the Administration made the decision to disable the anonymous shopping feature, evidence is mounting that political considerations motivated the decision,” the letter finds.

The Committee has longstanding legislative jurisdiction over federal information technology (IT) acquisition. Most recently, the Committee released a June 2013 staff report on flawed contracting processes for IT purchases at the IRS. The Committee has also sent several letters to Health and Human Services’ Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about contracting practices at HHS and HHS’s role in ObamaCare implementation. In September 2013, the Committee issued a staff report detailing the security risks posed by the Administration’s extralegal Navigator and Assister outreach campaign.

You can read a copy of the letter here: Decision to Hide Prices from Shoppers

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 2157 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5074 Fax: (202) 225-3974

Weekly Republican Address Ken Cuccinelli 10/19/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Ken Cuccinelli 10/19/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

In the Weekly Republican Address, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli speaks about the failure of the Obamacare rollout earlier this month, but notes that the President's health care law "was fundamentally broken even before it started." Cuccinelli, the first attorney general in America to challenge the law in federal court, says, "President Obama's ideas are deeply flawed and the implementation of this law has been a national embarrassment. Let me be plain, the law that carries the President's name is the hallmark of a reckless federal bureaucracy that has lost its way."

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

“Hello, I’m Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

“Today, our nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia face tremendous challenges. Citizens are seeking leaders who are willing to speak out and stand up for our first principles and take on a federal government that is out of control, eating away our liberty and crushing opportunity.

“This gross government overreach is best exemplified in the so-called Affordable Care Act. ObamaCare represents one of the largest and most reckless expansions of government in the more than 200-year history of our nation.

“I believe that ObamaCare is unconstitutional. I believe it’s an affront to the freedoms and liberties our founding fathers fought to establish on our behalf. I’m proud to say many of those heroes were Virginians, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.

“Because I believed ObamaCare was an affront to our liberty, I stood up. I was the first attorney general in America to challenge the law in federal court. And today, I continue to search for avenues to minimize ObamaCare’s hurtful impact on Virginians.

“During the debate over this law, citizens in the Commonwealth were told they could easily access information about their health care choices and join the system, well that proved to be untrue. They were told their premiums wouldn’t increase, that proved to be false. And they were told they could keep access to their insurance and their doctors, and that proved to be downright dishonest.

“Today, our citizens are deeply concerned about what the future holds. What kind of country will we hand to our children? As a husband and proud father of seven, my wife and I share these concerns.

“It's why I stood up and said ObamaCare is not right for Virginia. It’s why I fought alongside 27 other state attorneys general and said ObamaCare is not right for America. It’s why I am sharing this message with you today. I know we can do better…

“My alma mater – the University of Virginia – just announced that it will no longer be able to provide health care coverage to many spouses of their thousands of employees. And just two weeks ago, the Fairfax County Water Authority, a significant government employer in Northern Virginia, announced that it’s going to have to drop coverage for its employees because of ObamaCare’s taxes.

“Everywhere you look, there’s more evidence that ObamaCare was fundamentally broken even before it started. And while our citizens bear the brunt of the law, it seems like big corporations and special interests have gotten exempted. Even Members of Congress are getting preferential treatment, yet everyday Virginians, of whom I am privileged to count myself, are paying the costs and experiencing diminished freedoms.

“President Obama’s ideas are deeply flawed and the implementation of this law has been a national embarrassment. Let me be plain, the law that carries the President’s name is the hallmark of a reckless federal government that has lost its way.

“As Attorney General of a Commonwealth which was one of our nation’s first 13 colonies, and the birthplace of American democracy, I’ll never stand by and watch as our hard fought freedoms are taken away.

“We can do better. We need to provide flexibility and choice within our health care system. Our citizens shouldn’t be forced to choose insurance providers and doctors who’ve been preselected by government bureaucrats. We need to open up the insurance market and allow cross state purchase of insurance to drive competition and lower premiums.

“Physicians are fleeing Medicaid because they're paid so little and have to spend more time completing regulatory paperwork, time they would rather spend treating their patients. Our citizens should be able to choose the health care providers who they believe will provide the best care for their needs, and we shouldn't have to make our healthcare decisions with 16,000 IRS agents looming as the ObamaCare enforcers.

“Most importantly, we need to reverse the perverse incentives that have raised the cost of insurance premiums and have forced employers to drop health care benefits and full-time jobs in order to stay in business.

“Our health care system should be transparent at all levels and provide pricing to inform and empower American families.

“We should support market based solutions for health care reform and empower patients free of government control. More and more government in health care has proven to make it worse, not better! America needs to go the other way, trusting our people and our doctors to work out a system that's best for healthcare, not marching to the senseless beat of some far off government drum.

“If the politicians who gave us this train wreck expect us to live by this law, then the same law without special exemptions should apply to Congress. Is that really too much to ask?

“ObamaCare serves as a grave threat to the future prosperity of the citizens of Virginia, and I’ll continue to resist expanding it. Not just in Washington, but in every state in America. I promise that I'll do my part in Virginia, and I know you'll do yours! Together we can make America better tomorrow than it is today.

“Thank you for listening.

“God bless each one of you.

“And God bless our beloved country.”

Marsha Blackburn on her vote in opposition to the McConnell-Reid debt ceiling proposal

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued the following statement on her vote in opposition to the McConnell-Reid debt ceiling proposal.

“While I believe it important to make sure our nation does not default on our debt, I cannot support the Senate proposal in it’s current form. House Republicans have fought to provide the same relief to hard-working Americans that the Obama Administration has generously provided to unions and big business to negate the impact of Obamacare. Every American should be treated equally under the law. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case in our nation’s capitol.

“Not only have President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid refused to come to the table and negotiate with us on the issues that are the drivers of our nation’s debt but the President won't even agree to give up his own gold-plated health insurance plan and enter into the state exchanges like me, my staff and many of my constituents.

“As the Budget Committees convene a budget conference, I will continue to work to enact spending cuts that are equal to the lift in the debt ceiling. We simply cannot continue to spend more money than we take in. As we begin discussions on the budget we must turn our focus on the harmful impact that Obamacare is having on our nation’s long-term spending. In refusing to confront the core problems that created this debt crisis, we fail to do the work the American people expect. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road.”


Congressman Blackburn is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. She serves as Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee and also holds a seat on the Budget Committee. Blackburn is a founding member of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee.

Marsha Blackburn Washington, Oct 16 | Mike Reynard(202-225-1112) Washington, DC Office 217 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 T (202) 225-2811 F (202) 225-3004

Cut Spending & Grow the Economy

Cut Spending & Grow the Economy. Republicans refuse to support Democrats' attempts to increase spending and raise the debt limit by a trillion dollars. We continue to fight for policies to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class.

RepublicanSenators. Category: News & Politics. License: Standard YouTube License

Republicans should continue to stand with working people against Obamacare

Sen. Cruz Statement on Obamacare, Government Funding, and the Debt Ceiling. "Republicans should continue to stand with working people against Obamacare"

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding Obamacare and the debate over government funding and the debt ceiling:

"The American people don't want Obamacare, and they don't want more debt. The American people did not rally across the nation in August and September, sign petitions by the millions, and shut down the congressional switchboard to now be left out of deals being negotiated in backrooms.

"Republicans in Washington -- who control the House of Representatives and 46 seats in the Senate -- should continue to stand with working people against Obamacare. Democrats are refusing to negotiate and refusing to compromise; their position is patently unreasonable, and we should emphatically make that case to the American people.

"House Republicans have heroically led this fight, and they should stand firm. Patience and courage and persistence is required, and will not come from the permanent beltway class.

"So-called grand bargains historically have been neither grand nor a bargain -- typically resulting in more debt, more spending, and more government.

"The American people expect their government to function -- and we can ensure that right now. We can fund our essential priorities and commit to paying our debt first, even while opposing Obamacare.

"The people want jobs and strong economic growth back, and Obamacare is a major impediment to both. As long as we keep listening to the people and fighting for jobs and prosperity, Republicans will win this debate."

###

Senator Ted Cruz Washington Office 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5922Contact: press@cruz.senate.gov / (202) 228-7561 Saturday, October 12, 2013

The White House Built Sloppy IT Architecture VIDEO

Dr. Burgess on the Floor: The White House Built Sloppy IT Architecture VIDEO. Last week Congressman Michael C. Burgess M.D. spoke on the House floor regarding problems with the Health Care Exchanges.

Category: News & Politics License: Standard YouTube License

Congressman Paul Ryan at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

Congressman Paul Ryan at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

We have an opportunity here to pay down our national debt and jumpstart our economy. You know, divided government, it’s frustrating. But our country is worth the effort. We have to find a way to make it work. Now, this president, he won’t agree to everything that we need to do. A budget agreement with this president and this Senate, it won’t solve all of our problems. But I hope it’s a start. I hope we can get a down payment on our debt.

Full Text Transcript in PDF Format: 2013 Values Voter Summit Congressman Paul Ryan

Dr. Ben Carson at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

Dr. Ben Carson at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

My dream was to become a doctor. As a youngster growing up in Detroit and Boston, it seemed like a lofty goal, but something that I felt was obtainable. And when I finally did achieve that dream as an intern and a junior resident at Johns Hopkins, one of the things that really struck me as I went into those wards, and I would see all of these people – the CEO of this company, the president of this organization, the crown prince of this country, the queen of this nation – frequently dying of some horrible disease, and every single one of them would have gladly given every penny and every title for a clean bill of health.

And you begin to realize how critically important your health is. It is the most valuable thing that you have. Everything else pales into insignificance compared to your health. And that’s the reason that your health should be controlled by you and not by the government.

Full Text Transcript in PDF Format: 2013 Values Voter Summit Dr. Ben Carson

Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at Values Voter Summit 2013 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO

I am here this morning with a word of encouragement and exhortation. I want to say two things: Number one, these are extraordinary times. These are not typical times. The challenges facing this country are unlike any we have ever seen. You look at our Constitution, you look at our Bill of Rights, this is an administration that seems bound and determined to violate every single of our Bill of Rights.

Full Text Transcript in PDF Format: 2013 Values Voter Summit Senator Ted Cruz

Weekly Republican Address Buck McKeon 10/12/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO

Weekly Republican Address Buck McKeon 10/12/13 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT VIDEO. In this week's address, Chairman Buck McKeon describes how both parties came together this week to make sure that the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country were given the benefits they deserve. This bipartisanship should continue, both as we look towards ways at reopening our entire government, and as we tackle our nation's enormous debt. After all, sitting down and resolving our differences is exactly what Americans expect their leaders to do.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

"Hello, I’m Buck McKeon, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

"For all the focus on disagreements in Washington, we’ve actually found some common ground this week.

"On Thursday, President Obama signed legislation that guarantees death benefits for the families of fallen troops will continue to be paid out during the government shutdown.

"We’ve also come together to ensure that members of our military and the civilians who support them will be paid no matter what.

"We shouldn’t stop there.

"The House has passed more than a dozen bills providing funding for things we can all agree on.

"Veterans, cancer research, National Guard, national parks, Head Start, food safety, flight safety, border security, nuclear weapon security, and more.

"President Obama and Senate Democrats should back these bills immediately.

"Then the president should work with us on plans to reopen the entire government and make sure we do not default on our debts.

"After all, sitting down and resolving our differences is exactly what Americans expect their leaders to do – especially at times like this.

"To that end, a group of House Republicans, including myself, went to the White House on Thursday to talk with the president and see where we can find common ground. Those conversations are continuing.

"Now, I’m sure all this back-and-forth has sounded like the typical Washington drama. But politics isn’t about politicians. It isn’t about Washington. It’s about you and your family.

"It’s about building an economy that generates good-paying jobs and real prosperity.

"It’s about making sure there’s fairness for everyone under the president’s health care law – so that hardworking people like you get the same relief big businesses have received.

"It’s about stemming the tide of debt and deficits that threatens to wash out an entire generation’s opportunities.

"And it's about ensuring our troops in harm's way, and their families, are taken care of, the same way they take care of us at home.

"Preserving the American Dream. That’s what this is about.

"And the longer we go on settling for maybe-next-time, for this notion that putting things off until after the next election is okay, the harder this will get.

"It’s a challenge, but we can do this. Let’s get back to work, together.

"Thank you for listening."

Congressman Rob Bishop Votes to Provide Security and Support to Families of Fallen Heroes

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01) voted in support the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act and the Flight Safety Act. The Senate must vote in support of both bills before they go to the President for signature.

“The House continues to work toward addressing the unintended consequences that have come as a result of President Obama and Senator Harry Reid’s refusal to work with us on a budget agreement. There is certainly common ground that can be found in all of this but it takes the willingness of both parties in both chambers of Congress to come together. Today, both democrats and republicans came together to pass legislation that will fund the Federal Aviation Administration, which helps ensure safe air travel across the country.

We also passed legislation supporting the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The Administration should choose to restore payments to these families immediately. In the event that they don’t, this legislation will ensure that families get the benefits necessary to address their needs during this difficult time. These families should not have had to worry in the first place and shame on President Obama for not stepping up to the plate to reassure them that they would receive the help and support they deserve. It appears the Administration allowed this matter to linger as part of their efforts to be as vindictive about the shutdown as possible. The Senate should pass both bills immediately,” said Bishop.


Washington, Oct 9 | Melissa.Subbotin@mail.house.gov Washington Office 123 Cannon Building Washington, DC 20515 ph: 202-225-0453 fax: 202-225-5857