Bobby Jindal Meet the Press Nov. 21, 2010 TEXT VIDEO

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Governor, welcome back to the program. When we talk about politics, you're going to have to answer all the questions.

GOV. BOBBY JINDAL (R-LA): Well...

MR. GREGORY: You can't wiggle out. You can't use the secretary of State argument on. I'm just putting you on notice.

GOV. JINDAL: That's right. That's not my job. Thank you for having me back.

MR. GREGORY: All right.

GOV. JINDAL: It's great to be back.

MR. GREGORY: I, I want to talk, because your book deals a lot with the issue of the role of government. And we'll talk about the gulf oil spill in just a moment. But let me pick up on an area that I asked Secretary Clinton about, the TSA, these airport screeners and some of these searches that are really disturbing people around the country, is this excessive?

GOV. JINDAL: Absolutely. Now, look, let's start off, we cannot be lackadaisical about protecting our country against terrorists, make no mistake about that. But I've got two primary concerns with how they're doing this. First, George Will, Charles Krauthammer, others have made this point...

MR. GREGORY: Conservative columnists.

GOV. JINDAL: Other conservative columnists have made this point; they're not using common sense, they're not using intelligence. Look, there's no reason for them to be doing these body searches of six-year-old, 12-year-old girls traveling from Louisiana to visit their grandparents. We're not talking about profiling, but use the information to actually--don't let political correctness stop them. Use the information we have to actually apply our defenses to those most likely to cause us harm.

But here's the second concern. It feels too much, from this administration, like we're playing a defensive game in the war on terrorism. Yes, we need to harden our infrastructure, but if you have a committed terrorist who's willing to give up their lives, you look at that past pattern. We got lucky with the bomb in Times Square, we got lucky with the cargo packages, we got lucky with the underwear bomber that the devices didn't go off. Luck is not a strategy. We need to be rooting out these networks, we need to be killing these terrorists. I think that the American people are worried when they see an administration worried about reading Miranda rights to the underwear bomber. They worry when they see an administration committed to civilian trials. They wonder, "You're so worried about the rights of the terrorists, what about the rights of the innocent American traveler?" So, absolutely, I'm concerned that out of political correctness, they're screening people they don't really believe to be dangerous.

MR. GREGORY: So you think profiling is really a better option.

GOV. JINDAL: I don't think it's profiling. I think it's using the information we know. You look at things like, for example, you look at travel patterns, you look at how they purchase their ticket, you look at the information, the intel we've got. We all know--and again, George Will and others make this point so articulately--we all know that the grandmother who's being, being body searched doesn't really pose the threat. We know the little girl going to visit her grandmother--here's the third thing that is also odd. The administration rolled this out right before the busiest travel time of the entire year, never making their case to the American public. If they really believed this was a response to a genuine threat, why didn't they make their case to the American public? The bottom line is, yes, we need to secure our country, but simply playing defense isn't enough.

MR. GREGORY: Well, let me...

GOV. JINDAL: Yes, we need to harden our infrastructure.

MR. GREGORY: Right.

GOV. JINDAL: But I think that it's hard to, to listen to an administration that's reading the Miranda rights, stopping the interrogation of the underwear bomber. And it's so hard to understand, why are they so worried about the terrorist's rights and now our rights?

MR. GREGORY: You know, you, you write about this in your book, and I want to put a portion of it out the way you talk about a therapeutic foreign policy. We'll get that portion of your book and put it on the screen. You write that "Our current therapeutic approach to national security is dangerous. I'm just not interested in empathizing with the `grievances' of our sworn enemies. Let's figure out where they're vulnerable and destroy them." And hearing what you just said, I think a lot of people would hear that and say, "Is that a serious commentary?" I mean, you keep mentioning the Christmas Day bomber, who actually confessed to what he was doing; and the Miranda rights were not read until later, number one. How could you say that this administration, which has so many areas of continuity and is more robust in targeting terrorists in Pakistan, surging up forces in Afghanistan, a continuity with regard to treatment of, of terror suspects and detainees, how could this be a therapeutic approach to foreign policy and national security?

GOV. JINDAL: Well, three things. One, I think the Bush administration was also wrong, by the way, the way they treated Richard Reid, the, the shoe bomber. I, I don't just criticize this president, I criticize President Bush.

MR. GREGORY: So you think President Bush just got lucky?

GOV. JINDAL: No. I...

MR. GREGORY: When there was no strike after--well, how does Obama just get lucky, but President Bush is better?

GOV. JINDAL: Wait a minute. Let me answer your question. First, I think he was wrong and the administration was wrong in the way they approached that bomber in the same way. I mean, go back to the Miranda rights for the, the underwear bomber. What evidence do they need? He--I mean, they caught him with the device. What was the purpose? You asked a great question to Secretary Clinton: Why are we doing these civilian trials if they're not going to release them? Why are we compromising sources?

But here's the second point. You look at some of President Obama's writings. You look at how he talks about, "Well, we need to understand the, the disadvantaged backgrounds. This is a matter of social justice and more foreign aid." Nonsense. The analysts have looked at the terrorists that are coming at us. A--the disproportionate share are educated, come from privileged backgrounds. The reality is, this isn't about people who don't have enough jobs, who don't have enough social aid. This is about fighting an enemy that hates our way of life. This is a fundamental clash of cultures. And I think that it's important to the war on terrorism that we understand what's at stake. This isn't, "Well, let's go and figure out a way to apologize for America." This isn't, "Have we offended them because we're supporting Israel?" I think our foreign policy needs to be based around the understanding this is an enemy that hates our--and disagrees with our fundamental freedoms.

MR. GREGORY: Let's, let's bring it back home. Let's talk about your book, "Leadership in Crisis." Here's some video back in May of you having a pretty heated discussion with the president. And we don't have to relitigate the whole issue there. It had to do with expanding food stamp assistance for those affected by the spill. He was concerned about a letter that you had sent out and some of the timing issues, but you make a larger point as a result of that discussion, and, and you write about it in the book. "That encounter with President Obama served as a reminder to me of why Americans are so frustrated with Washington: the feds focus on the wrong things. Political posturing becomes more important than reality. In Washington they live by the motto: `Perception is reality.' They worry about things they shouldn't and fail to do things that they should focus on. It's called core competence, or lack thereof." Was the administration incompetent in dealing with the gulf oil spill?

GOV. JINDAL: Absolutely. And look, that whole conversation, and even in their response to the book, the administration doesn't get it. They were mad--he was mad about food stamps. The point was two weeks after the explosion, the, the main issue wasn't food stamps. We were frustrated by the lack of resources, lack of a plan.

I write in the book, for example, that there was literally one case, oil coming into Timbalier Bay. There's boom, there, there are resources, there are people, there are boats sitting on the dock in Cocodrie. I take the federal government official in charge of the response to Louisiana by Black Hawk helicopter so he can see the oil, thinking, of course, we'll get a response now. When he sees the oil, he admits there's oil, he admits the resources there. He tells me, because of the bureaucracy, it'll take 24 to 48 hours to move those resources, get them mobilized. That's too late.

A second instance, we have a locally devised solution: vacuum barges to pick up the oil out of the water. The federal government shuts it down for over 24 hours so they can check the valves, so they can count the number of life jackets and fire extinguishers, so they can do routine inspections. After being embarrassed publicly, 24 hours later they admit, "We don't need to do the inspections." But they waste that time in the meantime.

Look, the White House comes back in response to the book and says, "Well, we talked to the governor every day." It wasn't access. We had access. We had plenty of access. It was not getting timely action. You and I were talking about the bureaucracy, the red tape. Fake five years ago, in the federal response to Katrina, we saw some of the same impediments again, in response to the oil spill. At one point, we pointed out there was boom, there was materials all over the country sitting in warehouses and facilities. It took too long to relax the regulations to move those resources to the gulf coast. That would be like fighting a war, running out of ammunition on the front lines, having ammunition sitting in the warehouses because that's what the rules say. They didn't cut through the red tape and bureaucracy. They didn't always realize what were the most important things to get done.

MR. GREGORY: The White House has struck back pretty hard at this. You know, one of the things you talk about is being more concerned with the PR strategy, and yet, look at the cover at this book, "Leadership in Crisis." I mean, you know, you've got a picture of you in, in response to the gulf oil spill. This could be certainly seen as a way to, to shore up your own political standing and use your own PR. And the White House says this, this is a statement they provided to us about some of the substance in the book. I'll put it on the screen. "The governor requested the national guard, we approved and he never put them to work. Governor Jindal pushed for his berms," those sand berms, we can talk more in just minute, "which everyone has agreed were a mistake. Governor Jindal said that we didn't have a plan for skimmers" and "or boom, when he knows perfectly well that we did, [National Incident Commander Adm.] Thad Allen described it to him countless times, and Gov. Jindal's own office approved the plans. He got a daily update on the status of skimmers and boom from the Coast Guard in advance of the daily call." There's nothing, "this is nothing more than trying to sell a book."

GOV. JINDAL: Well, look, the first meeting, he comes on, he tips off the Washington reporter, "Watch this interaction." He tells them, "I'm going to be mad with the governor."

MR. GREGORY: You see--the president, you're saying.

GOV. JINDAL: The president, the, the White House, I'm not sure he actually called all those reporters up and said, "Watch this." The second time he comes down to Louisiana, at the end of the second meeting--we have a meeting with parish presidents, other elected officials. The end of the second meeting, he turns to me and Billy Nungesser, parish--president of Plaquemines Parish, and says, "And I don't want you guys going on TV to criticize me." This is the president of the United States, and he's more worried not about, "Guys, here's the plan. Here's how we're going to fight the oil." Here was the problem, and you look again at the response. Yeah, we talked to him every day, but the, the frustration was actually getting a response, actually getting them to move the assets on the ground. Time and time again, they wouldn't listen to local fishermen. They wouldn't listen to people who lived down there, who know those waters like the back of their hands. From the beginning, they continued to be over reliant on the experts from BP and others. They underestimated the threat. You know, you remember the first several days, there's no...

MR. GREGORY: Right.

GOV. JINDAL: ...oil. Then it's a thousand barrels.

MR. GREGORY: But what about your role, Governor. I mean, your big issue is pushing to build this, this chain of sand berms to get the oil to stop coming ashore. By all accounts, it had a negligible effect, at best.

GOV. JINDAL: Well, that, that's not true, David. We were very pleased. Two things about the sand berms. We've now built over 12 miles, and this is going to be the largest coastal island restoration project in our state's history, which is something, by the way, that is good for our coast, independent of the oil spill, good to protect us against hurricane surge as well as oil spill. We've collected thousands of pounds of oily debris off these berms. We have been able to stop oil both on the surface and submerged oil. And here's the third thing, if they hadn't slowed us down, they took almost a month to approve the permits. Even after they approved the permits, they wouldn't allow us to dredge the sand from the areas they had already approved. We could have built many more miles.

The sand berms were a great success, but here's--this is another great example. They weren't willing to think outside the box. The federal government themselves approved. The US Corps of Engineers said the positives outweigh the negatives. The--Admiral Allen and the president both intervened to approve six of those segments. They themselves--this was a preapproved Coast Guard response to an oil spill, very effective. We are thrilled we did those sand berms.

MR. GREGORY: All right. Well, scientists will disagree with that, but we'll...

GOV. JINDAL: Not every scientist. Now wait a minute, the, the--it--let's not say that everybody disagrees. There are scientists that absolutely say this was one of the best things we could do for coast. Now that we've convinced BP not to just make them temporary berms, but to convert them into coastal islands, the, the restoration of what was the original footprint, there are many scientists who have praised this as one of the most significant steps forward.

MR. GREGORY: All right. Let me ask you a bottom line question. Haley Barbour, the governor of Mississippi, somebody who's, who's been a mentor to you, a very important Republican figure, he said on this program back in June, the federal government's done more right than wrong. What do you know that he doesn't know? What have you seen that he didn't see assessing the situation?

GOV. JINDAL: Well, you go back, you go back to that day. Louisiana at that point had--it continued to bear the brunt of the oil coming in to our coast, and our frustration was, again, when we wanted resources, they weren't there. When their resources weren't available, we came up with solutions, like jack up barges to make the boom last longer so we could deploy it in real time. It literally--it took meetings with the president of the United States to cut through the bureaucracy to get that done. And they wasted time in the meantime.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

GOV. JINDAL: We wanted solutions like using hard pipe to deflect oil. It took too long for them. What we basically said was, "If you don't have the resources, let us protect our own coast. At least, either lead or get out of the way." And the problem was, either they didn't provide the resources, then when we tried, they interfered with our efforts.

MR. GREGORY: Just a minute left here. Some politics questions here. Do you think the president's a one-term president?

GOV. JINDAL: I think it's up to him. I think the voters said a couple of weeks ago they want to see less deficits, less spending, $14 trillion and counting is too much. The government 24 percent of GDP is too high. They don't want this administration to focus on Obamacare, cap and trade, card check. They want this administration and Congress focused on getting the private sector economy running and growing again.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

GOV. JINDAL: If he changes direction, he can certainly make a, a stronger case. But if he stays, if he doubles down on his current path, I think it's going to be very hard to make the case two years from now that he deserves to be re-elected.

MR. GREGORY: You don't want to be president in 2012?

GOV. JINDAL: No. You've got the tape from me last time.

MR. GREGORY: I do. You, would you be on a ticket? Would you be a number two?

GOV. JINDAL: Look, I'm running for re-election in 2011. I'm running to be the governor of Louisiana. There will be other candidates running for president and vice president.

MR. GREGORY: Would you rule out, rule out being a number two on a ticket?

GOV. JINDAL: I'm not going to turn down something that's not been offered to me.

MR. GREGORY: OK.

GOV. JINDAL: But I'm not running for vice president. I'm, I'm...

MR. GREGORY: Would you like to be president some day?

GOV. JINDAL: I, look, my only political aspiration is to be re-elected governor for a second term. We've cut spending in Louisiana. Portfolio.com says we've got the second best economic performance in the country. We're not raising taxes.

MR. GREGORY: Yeah.

GOV. JINDAL: I think we can prove a great example in Louisiana of what Washington should be doing instead of borrowing and printing more money.

MR. GREGORY: Sarah Palin gets a great deal of attention as a movement conservative. Can she unite the Republican Party and actually be the nominee?

GOV. JINDAL: I think she can make a compelling case. I think there's several governors, former governors, and others.

MR. GREGORY: Right.

GOV. JINDAL: My bias is, and I've said this before, I like governors because they have to balance their budgets, they have to run their states. They actually have to, to...

MR. GREGORY: Right. Well, she, she was a governor. But the question is, I'm sure she could make a compelling case, but do you think she can unify the party and actually get the nomination, as you survey the landscape?

GOV. JINDAL: I--look, I'll leave it to the pundits. I'm sure she can. But I'm sure there are a lot of other candidates. I think there's such a focus on the messengers, what's more important is the message. The Republican Party, Karl Rove says we're on probation. He's right. We're on borrowed time. Four years ago we blew it because we defended--the Republican Party defended earmarks and spending we would never accept. Now the Republicans, I'm glad they've shifted their position on earmarks. They've got to cut nondefense discretionary spending. We've got to show in the next two years we're worthy of being a majority party by cutting spending back to historic norms, cutting taxes, getting the private sector economy growing. Let the pundits figure out who's running in 2012, who the nominee is going to be, who the RNC chair is going to be. What's more important for us is to show the American people we've learned our lessons, we deserve to be a majority party again.

MR. GREGORY: All right. We'll leave it there. Governor, thank you very much.

GOV. JINDAL: David, thank you for having me.

MR. GREGORY: Up next.

GOV. JINDAL: And buy the book.

MR. GREGORY: Yeah. There you go.

VIDEO, IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: Meet the Press

Senator Mitch McConnell Weekly Republican Address TEXT VIDEO 11/20/10

In the Weekly Republican Address, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says, "The American people delivered a clear verdict on [the stimulus] and other failed experiments in the government-as-economic-stimulator on Election Day. But Democratic leaders in Washington continue to act as if nothing has changed, including their priorities."

Good Morning. I’m Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky.

As Americans across the country prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this coming week, we’re reminded of the many blessings we enjoy as a nation.

We’re grateful for the sacrifices of the brave men and women in our armed forces who will not be home with their families next week, and who make these blessings possible.

And we’re also conscious this Thanksgiving of the many Americans who are struggling with serious hardships, including the many millions of Americans who are struggling to find work.

At the moment, about 15 million of our fellow citizens are looking for jobs and can’t find one. The unemployment rate has remained stubbornly close to ten percent for a year and a half. We are experiencing what can only....
...be described as a jobs crisis, a sustained period of chronic unemployment; and two years of policies that have vastly increased the size and scope of government and added trillions to the debt and have done little to alleviate this problem.

Take the stimulus, for example.

Here was a bill that was supposed to create millions of jobs and keep unemployment from rising above 8%. Yet, since Democrats passed it nearly two years ago, more than 3 million people have lost jobs and the economy barely has a pulse. The American people delivered a clear verdict on this and other failed experiments in the government-as-economic-stimulator on Election Day. But Democratic leaders in Washington continue to act as if nothing has changed, including their priorities.

The top priority of most Americans is to create jobs and get the economy moving. And the single best thing we could do in Washington to achieve that goal is to prevent a tax hike that’s about to hit every taxpayer and hundreds of thousands of small businesses at the stroke of Midnight on December 31st.

And that’s what I proposed a bill in September that would take care of this giant tax hike and prevent it from going into effect.

Unfortunately, Democratic leaders have shown little interest in the idea.

After adding trillions to the debt on big-government policies most Americans didn’t ask for and which we couldn’t afford, Democratic leaders say they need more money, which they intend to take from small business, even though small businesses create the majority of new jobs.

Americans don’t think we should be raising taxes on anybody, especially in the middle of a recession.

But instead of giving Americans what they want, Democratic leaders plan to use the last few days that lawmakers expect to spend in Washington this year focusing on everything except preventing this tax hike, which will cost us even more jobs: immigration, a repeal of the ‘don't ask, don't tell,’ a reorganization of the FDA, more environmental regulations.

Democrats put off all these things until after the election, along with the most basic task of funding the government. By focusing on them now, and not on legislation to promote job creation and reduce spending, they’re showing where their priorities lie.

This should be an easy one. The bill that job creators and out-of-work Americans need us to pass is the one that ensures taxes won’t go up — one that says Americans and small-business owners won’t get hit with more bad news at the end of the year.

It's time Congress got its priorities straight. It's time Congress focused on job creation — and that means preventing tax hikes. It's time to set aside the political votes and government spending that the administration and Democratic leaders have put above all other priorities for two years.

Time is running out. But it’s not too late for both parties to work together and prevent this massive tax hike from going into effect. It’s not too late to focus on the priorities of the American people. And Republicans in Congress are eager to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who is willing to do so.

Americans spoke loudly and clearly on Election Day. We owe it to them to show we heard them — to work together to get this done. Thanks for listening. ####

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Ron Paul H.R. 6416: American Traveller Dignity Act of 2010 FULL TEXT PDF VIDEO

Congressman Ron Paul is interviewed by Neil Cavuto on TSA abuse, tax cuts and government bailouts. 11/18/2010

Sponsor: Rep. Ronald Paul [R-TX14]

A BILL

To ensure that certain Federal employees cannot hide behind immunity.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘American Traveller Dignity Act of 2010’.

SEC. 2. NO IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN AIRPORT SCREENING METHODS.

No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a Federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives Federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including contact with any clothing the individual is wearing), x-rays, or millimeter waves, or aids in the creation of or views a representation of any part of a individual’s body covered by clothing as a condition for such individual to be in an airport or to fly in an aircraft. The preceding sentence shall apply even if the individual or the individual’s parent, guardian, or any other individual gives consent.

H.R. 6416: American Traveller Dignity Act of 2010 FULL TEXT in PDF Format.

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Republican Governors Association elects leaders VIDEO

Republican Governors Association elects leaders VIDEO. Plenary Session I. FULL STREAMING VIDEO Running time 02:10:33.

Texas Governor Rick Perry was elected Chairman of the Republican Governors Association during the organization's 2010 meeting in San Diego. He replaces Mississippi's Haley Barbour.

Also selected were Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell as its vice chairman, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as the gala chairman and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as recruitment chairwoman.

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IMAGE CREDIT: Republican Governors Association

UTAH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACT FULL TEXT PDF

Bill Summary Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act

The Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act (UT-IIEA) is a state cooperative immigration law enforcement bill, consisting of 15 sections. ...

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACT FULL TEXT PDF

This part is known as "The Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act." Section 3. Section 76-9-1002 is enacted to read: 7 6-9-1002. Definitions. ...

TEXT and PDF CREDIT: Deseret News

Legislation Sponsored by Utah State Representative Stephen E. Sandstrom. Education: B.A., Political Science, Brigham Young University Profession: Architect Recognitions and Affiliations: American Institute of Architects; Airline Pilots Association; National Rifle Association; Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America.

2009-2010 Legislative Assignments: Retirement and Independent Entities Appropriations Subcommittee; Capital Facilities and Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; House Revenue and Taxation Committee; House Retirement and Independent Entities Committee; House Health and Human Services Committee

Legislative Service: January 1, 2007

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Utah House of Representatives:

Excerpts from John Boehner’s Remarks After Being Elected Speaker-Designate

Excerpts from Boehner’s Remarks After Being Elected Speaker-Designate. Washington (Nov 17) Following are excerpts from Speaker-designate John Boehner’s (R-OH) remarks after being elected House Republicans’ designee for Speaker of the House in the 112th Congress:

* “This is the dawn of a new majority. . one I believe will be humbler, wiser, and more focused than its predecessors on the priorities of the people. It will have these traits not because of me, but because of you, and the people you serve. It will have these traits because it was forged in the fires of a new movement that repudiated Washington, and gave us more than 80 new colleagues to stand with us for freedom and smaller government.”

* “The job of the next Speaker is to work to restore the institution. . .restore it to being the People’s House. It’s not about us; it’s about them. And what they want is a smaller, less costly, more accountable government. More jobs, less spending. It’s that simple.”

* "For the good of our nation, and the hopes and dreams of future generations, we have to get this right. We’re going to move ahead with humility. . .cheerful in our demeanor, and steady in our principles. . .always mindful that the power we hold is entrusted to us by our fellow countrymen and the nation we serve. I’m honored and humbled by your confidence in me to lead the House as we begin this journey. From the bottom of my heart – thank you. Let’s get to work.”

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New Republican Leadership Team elected During organizational meetings today 11/17/10

New Republican Leadership Team elected During organizational meetings today 11/17/10. Boehner: New Leadership Team “Reflects a New Majority Ready to Listen and Go to Work”

Washington (Nov 17) During organizational meetings today, House Republicans – including newly elected and returning Members – elected their leadership team for the 112th Congress:

Speaker of the House: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Majority Leader: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Majority Whip: Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
Conference Chairman: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
NRCC Chairman: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Policy Committee Chairman: Rep. Tom Price (R-GA)
Conference Vice-Chair: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Conference Secretary: Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
Freshman Representative: Rep.-elect Kristi Noem (R-SD)
Freshman Representative: Rep.-elect Tim Scott (R-SC)
Rules Committee Representative: Rep. David Dreier (R-CA)
Chairman of the Leadership: Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)

Speaker-designate Boehner issued the following statement regarding the new leadership team:

“Our new leadership team reflects a new majority ready to listen to the people and go to work on their priorities: creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress. These priorities are embodied in the Pledge to America, a governing agenda built by listening to the people.

“Our new leadership team reflects a new majority ready to be humbler, wiser, and more focused than its predecessors on the priorities of the people. It will have these traits not because of me, but because of the people it serves. It will have these traits because it was forged by a new movement that repudiated Washington, and sent us more than 80 new colleagues to stand with us in the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. I am pleased that our new leadership team includes two members of our freshman class, which brings the fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit Americans are longing to see in their government.

“I’m honored and humbled to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues as we begin this journey. I’m particularly grateful to the outgoing members of our leadership team – Mike Pence and Thad McCotter – for their outstanding service, and look forward to their continued contributions in the next Congress.

“Of course, the greatest honor is the one bestowed upon me by the people of Ohio’s Eighth Congressional District, who have sent me here to represent their will. In the end, it’s about them, their fellow Ohioans, and their fellow Americans – they are the ones in charge. We must honor our Constitution and stand up for the values that have made America, America -- economic freedom, individual liberty, and a government accountable to the consent of the governed. These are the principles for which our new majority will stand. For the good of our nation, and the hopes and dreams of future generations, we have to get this right, and God-willing, we will.”

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

Jon Kyl statement regarding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)

Kyl Statement on START WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl made the following statement today regarding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START):

“When Majority Leader Harry Reid asked me if I thought the treaty could be considered in the lame duck session, I replied I did not think so given the combination of other work Congress must do and the complex and unresolved issues related to START and modernization. I appreciate the recent effort by the Administration to address some of the issues that we have raised and I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Kerry, DOD, and DOE officials.” ###

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Dave Camp incoming Ways and Means Chairman longer tax extension for some than for others a total non-starter FULL TEXT

Washington, D.C., Nov 16 - U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-MI, today outlined his priorities for tax policy and reform in a tax speech to the Tax Council. Camp is in line to become the next Chairman of Ways and Means, the House’s tax-writing committee. Today’s speech is Camp’s first after the election that lays out his views on tax policy and reform. Below are key excerpts.

REMARKS AS PREPARED BEFORE THE TAX COUNCIL

On pending tax increases:

“I could easily list every single one of the nearly $700 billion in tax increases that have been signed into law in the last two years alone, but, frankly, you know what they are…and, to be honest, I’d run out of ways to say ‘higher’ and ‘larger’ and ‘job killing’ if I had to list all of them. And, that pales in comparison to the $3.8 trillion tax increase that is in store for the economy on December 31st of this year – just 45 days from now – if the current Majority fails to extend the lower rates on income, dividends and capital gains for all taxpayers.”

On dealing with expired and expiring tax provisions:

“Frankly, it is ridiculous and irresponsible for this problem to have lingered this long. The continued practice of dealing with expired and expiring tax policies after the leaves have begun to fall isn’t fair to taxpayers and doesn’t inspire much confidence in Washington.”

On the 2001/2003 tax rates:

“If the 2001 and 2003 rates expire – and if the new health care law takes full effect – the top individual tax rate will rise above 40 percent, capital gains taxes will surpass 25 percent and the effective tax rate on dividends will more than triple today’s 15 percent. The death tax next year will consume more than half of some estates.”

On extending rates for different time periods for those above and below $200,000/$250,000 in income:

“Their plan to do so by ‘decoupling’ the rates, providing a longer extension for some than for others, however, is a terrible idea and a total non-starter”

On tax reform:

“What we need is a comprehensive reform of the tax code that expands the tax base and lowers rates. The Co-Chairs of the President’s Fiscal Commission recently offered some suggestions. Tax reform is an important part of deficit reduction because while an efficient tax code can ensure the government has the money it needs with as little drag on the economy as possible, a broken tax code that impedes growth will fail to generate sufficient revenues even if spending is cut dramatically. As the Fiscal Commission continues its work, however, I want to make clear that I do not and will not support a higher level of taxation to sustain a permanent and higher level of spending.”

“Yes, I aim to launch and fight the tax reform battle once again. And, I am well aware that this might ruffle those who have used the tax code to benefit particular industries or activities at the expense of economic efficiency, simplicity, and fairness. The tax code should collect the revenue the government needs as efficiently as possible. It should not be a tool of industrial policy… Politics and politicians should not choose the industry of the day; that is the job of our private economy as driven by the spirit of the American people and a nimble free market.”

“Here are my principles of reform: fairer, simpler, and conducive to growth.”

“If families and employers are unimpeded by a cumbersome and excessively complex tax code, not only will we earn the trust of the American people, we will help restore the hope and promise of the American Dream.”

On the deficit:

“In fact, in most of the years we have run surpluses in this country, tax receipts have been below 19 percent of GDP. The notion that we must raise taxes to solve our debt and deficit problems is just wrong. The American people know it, I know it, and it is time Washington learns it.” ###

Camp Lays Out Views on Tax Policy and Reform in First Tax Speech After the Election FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT

TEXT CREDIT: Rep. Dave Camp Washington D.C. Office: 341 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3561 Fax: (202) 225-9679

IMAGE CREDIT: DaveCampYT

Bob Corker announces his desire to change the Federal Reserve’s overly broad dual mandate

Corker Urges Change to Fed’s Dual Mandate November 16 2010 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today announced his desire to change the Federal Reserve’s overly broad dual mandate, which is currently to maintain full employment while also keeping inflation low.

Corker believes the Federal Reserve should move to a single, more focused mandate that will direct the central bank to focus solely on price stability.

“It is time that we work to clarify the mandate of the Federal Reserve. Providing our central bank with a clear and explicit focus on keeping inflation low will serve America better than the broader mandate approach we have today,” said Corker.

This policy position comes on the heels of a lengthy meeting between the senator and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke yesterday (Monday) morning. At this meeting, Corker probed Chairman Bernanke on recent actions by the Fed. As a result of lengthy research and discussion, Corker believes now is the time to direct the mandate of the Fed to focus only on price stability. ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. Senator Bob Corker 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C., 20510 p. 202-224-3344 f. 423-756-2757

Mike Pence introduces legislation to scale back the mandate of the Federal Reserve VIDEO

Pence Introduces Bill to End the Federal Reserve’s Dual Mandate. U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement today as he introduced legislation to scale back the mandate of the Federal Reserve:

“Since 1977 the Fed has been forced to develop monetary policy that balances concerns for employment and inflation. The bill I’m introducing today will end that dual mandate and put the Fed back in the business of solely focusing on price stability and preventing inflation.

“The Fed’s QE2 decision earlier this month to print $600 billion, as an attempt to reduce unemployment, is another example of the failure of its dual mandate. By using monetary stimulus in this way, the central bank has actually taken steps that will prove inflationary in the long run. Printing money is no substitute for sound fiscal policy.

“The Federal Reserve should focus solely on controlling inflation. Unemployment is a matter of great seriousness to the American people, but it is the job of the Congress and the President to put forth pro-growth policies on taxes, to rein in government spending, and to reduce the regulatory burden in order to create an environment that is friendly to our nation’s job creators and that sustains long-term employment. The Fed’s full employment mandate has, too often, led to short-term fixes with long-term inflationary consequences that will not lead to job creation. It’s time to return the Federal Reserve to the singular mission of protecting the fundamental strength and integrity of the dollar.”

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

Mitch McConnell welcomes the freshman Republican senators VIDEO

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell welcomed the freshman Republican senators this morning to his office in the U.S. Capitol.

McConnell said he was excited to be visiting with 13 new Republican senators.

The newly elected members are:
• Senator-elect Kelly Ayotte(N.H.)
• Senator-elect Roy Blunt(Mo.)
• Senator-elect John Boozman(Ark.)
• Senator-elect Dan Coats(Ind.)
• Senator-elect John Hoeven(N.D.)
• Senator-elect Ron Johnson(Wis.)
• Senator-elect Mark Kirk(Ill.)
• Senator-elect Mike Lee(Utah)
• Senator-elect Jerry Moran(Kan.)
• Senator-elect Rand Paul(Ky.)
• Senator-elect Rob Portman(Ohio)
• Senator-elect Marco Rubio(Fla.)
• Senator-elect Pat Toomey(Pa.)

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanSenators

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in support of moratorium on earmarks in the 112th Congress FULL TEXT

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in support of moratorium on earmarks in the 112th Congress. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the united Republican Leadership moratorium on earmarks in the 112th Congress

I have seen a lot of elections in my life, but I have never seen an election like the one we had earlier this month. The 2010 midterm election was a “change” election the likes of which I have never seen, and the change that people want, above all, is right here in Washington.

Most Americans are deeply unhappy with their government, more so than at any other time in decades. And after the way lawmakers have done business up here over the last couple of years, it’s easy to see why. But it’s not enough to point out the faults of the party in power. Americans want change, not mere criticism. And that means that all of us in Washington need to get serious about changing the way we do business, even on things we have defended in the past, perhaps for good reason.

If the voters express themselves clearly and unequivocally on an issue, it’s not enough to persist in doing the opposite on the grounds that “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” That’s what elections are all about, after all. And if this election has shown us anything, it’s that Americans know the difference between talking about change, and actually delivering on it.

Bringing about real change is hard work. It requires elected officials — whether they’re in their first week or their 50th year in office — to challenge others and, above all, to challenge themselves to do things differently from time to time, to question, and then to actually shake up the status quo in pursuit of a goal or a vision that the voters have set for the good of our country.

I have thought about these things long and hard over the past few weeks. I’ve talked with my members. I’ve listened to them. Above all, I have listened to my constituents. And what I’ve concluded is that on the issue of congressional earmarks, as the leader of my party in the Senate, I have to lead first by example. Nearly every day that the Senate’s been in session for the past two years, I have come down to this spot and said that Democrats are ignoring the wishes of the American people. When it comes to earmarks, I won’t be guilty of the same thing.

Make no mistake. I know the good that has come from the projects I have helped support throughout my state. I don’t apologize for them. But there is simply no doubt that the abuse of this practice has caused Americans to view it as a symbol of the waste and the out-of-control spending that every Republican in Washington is determined to fight. And unless people like me show the American people that we’re willing to follow through on small or even symbolic things, we risk losing them on our broader efforts to cut spending and rein in government.

That’s why today I am announcing that I will join the Republican Leadership in the House in support of a moratorium on earmarks in the 112th Congress.

Over the years, I have seen presidents of both parties seek to acquire total discretion over appropriations. And I’ve seen presidents of both parties waste more taxpayer dollars on meritless projects, commissions, and programs than every congressional earmark put together. Look no further than the Stimulus, which Congress passed without any earmarks only to have the current administration load it up with earmarks for everything from turtle tunnels to tennis courts.

Contrast this with truly vital projects I have supported back home in Kentucky, such as the work we’ve done in relation to the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Western Kentucky.

Here was a facility at which workers, for years, were unaware of the dangers that the uranium at the plant posed to their health or how to safely dispose of the hazardous materials that were used there. Thanks to an expose about the plant in the 90s by the “Washington Post”, the danger was made known and I set about forcing the government to put a cleanup plan in place and to treat the people who had worked there. Through the earmark process, we were able to force reluctant administrations of both parties to do what was needed to clean up this site and to screen the people who had worked there for cancer. These screenings saved lives, and they would not have happened if Congress had not directed the funds to pay for them.

Another success story is the Bluegrass Army Depot, which houses some of the deadliest materials and chemical weapons on earth. As a nation we had decided that we would not use the kind of weapons that were stored at this site; and yet the federal government was slow to follow through on safely dismantling and removing them, even after we’d signed an international treaty that required it. But thanks to congressional appropriations we are on the way to destroying the chemical weapons at this site safely and thus protect the community that surrounds it.

Administrations of both parties have failed to see the full merit in either of these projects, which is one of the reasons I have been reluctant to cede responsibility for continuing the good work that is being done on them and on others to the Executive Branch.

So I’m not wild about turning over more spending authority to the executive branch, but I have come to share the view of most Americans that our nation is at a crossroads; that we will not be able to secure the kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren unless we act, and act quickly; and that only way we will be able to turn the corner and save our future is if elected leaders like me make the kinds of difficult decisions voters are clearly asking us to make.

Republicans in and out of Washington have argued strenuously for two years that spending and debt are at crisis levels. And we have demonstrated our seriousness about cutting spending and reining in government. Every Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, for instance, voted against every appropriations bill in committee this year because they simply cost too much. Most included funding for projects in our home states. We voted against them anyway.

Banning earmarks is another small but important symbolic step we can take to show that we’re serious, another step on the way to serious and sustained cuts in spending and to the debt.

Earlier this month voters across the country said they are counting on Republicans to make tough decisions. They gave us a second chance. With this decision, I’m telling them that they were right to put their trust in us. And it’s my fervent hope that it will help demonstrate to the American people in some way just how serious Republicans are about not letting them down.

Republican Leaders in the House and Senate are now united on this issue, united in hearing what the voters have been telling us for two years — and acting on it.

This is no small thing. Old habits aren’t easy to break, but sometimes they must be. And now is such a time. With a $14 trillion debt and an administration that talks about cost-cutting, but then sends over a budget that triples the national debt in 10 years and creates a massive new entitlement program, it’s time for some of us in Washington to show in every way possible that we mean what we say about spending.

With Republican leaders in Congress united, the attention now turns to the President. We have said we are willing to give up discretion; now we’ll see how he handles spending decisions. And if the president ends up with total discretion over spending, we will see even more clearly where his priorities lie. We already saw the administration’s priorities in a Stimulus bill that’s become synonymous with wasteful spending, that borrowed nearly $1 trillion for administration earmarks like turtle tunnels, a sidewalk that lead to a ditch, and research on voter perceptions of the bill.

Congressional Republicans uncovered much of this waste. Through congressional oversight, we will continue to monitor how the money taxpayers send to the administration is actually spent. It’s now up to the President and his party leaders in Congress to show their own seriousness on this issue, to say whether they will join Republican leaders in this effort and then, after that, in significantly reducing the size and cost and reach of government. The people have spoken. They have said as clearly as they can that this is what they want us to do.

They will be watching. ####

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell:

IMAGE CREDIT: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnel

GOP Transition Team Chairman Greg Walden C‑SPAN's Newsmakers VIDEO

GOP Transition Team Chairman Greg Walden C‑SPAN's Newsmakers VIDEO. Transition Chairman Walden on “Newsmakers”: “We have this rare opportunity to get it right” Washington (Nov 14)

During an appearance on C-Span’s “Newsmakers” program this morning, Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden discussed the planning taking place to make Congress more transparent, cost-efficient, accountable, and, in the end, begin to restore trust between the American people and their government. Interviewed by the Associated Press’ Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Politico’s Jake Sherman, Chairman Walden also talked about the energy and enthusiasm that the new crop of GOP lawmakers will contribute to the transition and the ultimate mission of addressing the people’s priorities by implementing the Pledge to America, a new governing agenda focused on cutting spending and helping small businesses get back to creating jobs.

WALDEN: “OUR COUNTRY HAS NEVER NEED A DIFFERENT FOCUS MORE THAN IT DOES TODAY”:

“Our country has never needed a different focus more than it does today. We have this rare opportunity to get it right. We have this enormous freshmen influx who can help us break through some of these things and do the right thing for the institution of Congress. And maybe, if we’re really, really lucky, we’ll see…a little faith restored in the American people, between them and their government.”

WALDEN SAYS MISSION IS TO IMPLEMENT PLEDGE TO AMERICA, CUT SPENDING AND CREATE JOBS:

“Leader Boehner, presumptive Speaker, has made it clear he’ll run this House differently than it’s been run in the past…and open it up and make it more transparent and accountable so we can get on to the mission of implementing the Pledge [to America] – which is to get at wasteful Washington spending, to get...people back to work.”

WALDEN: TRANSITION TEAM LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BRING THE PUBLIC INTO THE PROCESS:

“We’re really looking at how you can modernize Congress, reform Congress, open up Congress, and make it more transparent and accountable so that the public’s business can be done in public – and the public can participate in that business.”

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

VIDEO and RESOURCE CREDIT: C-SPAN

Sarah Palin An Open Letter to Republican Freshmen Members of Congress

Welcome to all Republican Freshmen and congratulations! Congratulations to all of you for your contribution to this historic election, and for the contributions I am certain you will make to our country in the next two years.

Your victory was hard fought, and the success belongs entirely to you and the staff and volunteers who spent countless hours working for this chance to put government back on the side of the people. Now you will come to Washington to serve your nation and leave your mark on history by reining in government spending, preserving our freedoms at home, and restoring America’s leadership abroad. Some of you have asked for my thoughts on how best to proceed in the weeks and months ahead and how best to advance an agenda that can move our country forward. I have a simple answer: stick to the principles that propelled your campaigns. When you take your oath to support and defend our Constitution and to faithfully discharge the duties of your office, remember that present and future generations of “We the People” are counting on you to stand by that oath. Never forget the people who sent you to Washington. Never forget the trust they placed in you to do the right thing.

The task before you is daunting because so much damage has been done in the last two years, but I believe you have the chance to achieve great things.

Republicans campaigned on a promise to rein in out-of-control government spending and to repeal and replace the massive, burdensome, and unwanted health care law President Obama and the Democrat Congress passed earlier this year in defiance of the will of the majority of the American people. These are promises that you must keep. Obamacare is a job-killer, a regulatory nightmare, and an enormous unfunded mandate. The American people don’t want it and we can’t afford it. We ask, with all due respect, that you remember your job will be to work to replace this legislation with real reform that relies on free market principles and patient-centered policies. The first step is, of course, to defund Obamacare.

You’ve also got to be deadly serious about cutting the deficit. Despite what some would like us to believe, tax cuts didn’t get us into the mess we’re in. Government spending did. Tough decisions need to be made about reducing government spending. The longer we put them off, the worse it will get. We need to start by cutting non-essential spending. That includes stopping earmarks (because abuse of the earmark process created the "gateway-drug" that allowed backroom deals and bloated budgets), canceling all further spending on the failed Stimulus program, and rolling back non-discretionary spending to 2008 levels. You can do more, but this would be a good start.

In order to avert a fiscal disaster, we will also need to check the growth of spending on our entitlement programs. That will be a huge challenge, but it must be confronted head on. We must do it in a humane way that honors the government’s current commitments to our fellow Americans while also keeping faith with future generations. We cannot rob from our children and grandchildren’s tomorrow to pay for our unchecked spending today. Beyond that, we need to reform the way Congress conducts business in order to make it procedurally easier to cut spending than to increase it. We need to encourage zero-based budgeting practices in D.C. like the kind fiscally conservative mayors and governors utilize to balance their budgets and reduce unnecessary spending.

There in the insulated and isolated Beltway you will be far removed from the economic pain felt by so many Americans who are out of work. Please remember that if we want real job growth, we must create a stable investment climate by ending the tidal wave of overly burdensome regulations coming out of Washington. Businesses need certainty – and freedom that incentivizes competition – to grow and expand our workforce.

The last thing our small businesses need is tax hikes. It falls to the current Democrat-controlled Congress to decide on the future of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. If it does not permanently renew all of them, you should move quickly to do so in the new Congress. It would remove from households and businesses the threat of a possible $3.8 trillion tax hike hitting all Americans at the worst possible moment, with our economy struggling to recover from a deep recession! You must continue to remind Democrats that the people they are dismissing as “rich” are the small business owners who create up to 70% of all jobs in this country!

Another issue of vital importance is border security. Americans expect our leadership in Washington to act now to secure our borders. Don’t fall for the claims of those who suggest that we can’t secure our borders until we simultaneously deal with the illegal immigrants already here. Let’s deal with securing the border first. That alone is a huge challenge that has been ignored for far too long.

On foreign policy and national security, I urge you to stick to our principles: strong defense, free trade, nurturing allies, and steadfast opposition to America’s enemies. We are the most powerful country on earth and the world is better off because of it. Our president does not seem to understand this. If we withdraw from the world, the world will become a much more dangerous place. You must push President Obama to finish the job right in Iraq and get the job done in Afghanistan, otherwise we who are war-weary will forever question why America’s finest are sent overseas to make the ultimate sacrifice with no clear commitment to victory from those who send them. You should be prepared to stand with the President against Iran’s nuclear aspirations using whatever means necessary to ensure the mullahs in Tehran do not get their hands on nuclear weapons. And you can stand with the Iranian people who oppose the tyrannical rule of the clerics and concretely support their efforts to win their freedom – even if the President does not.

You need to say no to cutting the necessities in our defense budget when we are engaged in two wars and face so many threats – from Islamic extremists to a nuclear Iran to a rising China. As Ronald Reagan said, “We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” You will also have the opportunity to push job-creating free trade agreements with allies like Colombia and South Korea. You can stand with allies like Israel, not criticize them. You can let the President know what you believe – Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, not a settlement. And for those of you joining the United States Senate, don’t listen to desperate politically-motivated arguments about the need for hasty consideration of the “New START” treaty. Insist on your right to patient and careful deliberation of New START to address very real concerns about verification, missile defense, and modernization of our nuclear infrastructure. No New START in the lame duck!

You can stand against misguided proposals to try dangerous, evil terrorists in the US; precipitously close the Guantanamo prison; and a return to the failed policies of the past in treating the war on terror as a law enforcement problem. Finally, you have a platform to express the support of the American people for all those around the world seeking their freedom that God has bestowed within all mankind’s being – from Burma and Egypt to Russia and Venezuela – because the spread of liberty increases our own security. You, freshmen lawmakers, can and will be powerful voices in support of foreign policies that protect our interests and promote our values! Thank you for being willing to fight for our values and our freedom!

In all this, you should extend a hand to President Obama and Democrats in Congress. After this election, they may finally be prepared to work with Republicans on some of these issues for the good of the country. And if not, we will all be looking forward to 2012.

Remember that some in the media will love you when you stray from the time-tested truths that built America into the most exceptional nation on earth. When the Left in the media pat you on the back, quickly reassess where you are and readjust, for the liberals' praise is a warning bell you must heed. Trust me on that.

I and most Americans are so excited for you. Working together, we have every right to be optimistic about our future. We can be hopeful because real hope lies in the ingenuity, generosity, and boundless courage of the everyday Americans who make our country exceptional. These are the men and women who sent you to Washington. May your work and leadership honor their faith in you.

With sincere congratulations and a big Alaskan heart,

Sarah Palin

TEXT CREDIT: Sarah Palin on Facebook

IMAGE CREDIT: Fox News

Congressman Greg Walden Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 11/13/10

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. Video of the address available for download here. Saturday, November 13, 2010 || MP4 File || MPEG File || MOV File (FULL HD) ||

Washington (Nov 12) In the Weekly Republican Address, Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) discusses the transition effort and Republicans’ plans to go to work right away on the people’s priorities: creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress. These priorities are embodied in the Pledge to America -- a governing agenda built by listening to the people. To that end, Rep. Walden encourages Americans to visit the new majority’s transition website and share their ideas.

“Hello, I’m Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon.

“The American people have sent their government a clear message. They want us to focus on creating jobs. They want to see Congress spend less. And they want government to be smaller and less intrusive. They want health care reform that protects jobs instead of this government takeover that’s costing us jobs. And they want Congress to respect their will and honor our Constitution.

“These priorities are embodied in the Pledge to America – it’s a governing agenda focused on creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress, a blueprint built by listening to the American people. In the new majority, the people’s priorities will be our priorities.

“Having run a small business for more than 20 years, I can tell you that no turnaround succeeds without a change in culture. For too long, Washington has been doing what’s best for Washington, and they get away with it. Too often, accountability counts for nothing, and transparency for even less, and common sense -- well it’s an endangered species.

“That’s why our leader, John Boehner, has pledged to run the House of Representatives differently than it’s been run in the past – by both parties. And he’s asked me to lead a transition effort designed to ensure our new majority will be ready to serve as the people’s voice and implement the proposals that Americans are demanding.

“So we’ve assembled a transition team of proven reformers, including citizens newly elected to Congress who’ve jumped at the opportunity to begin changing Congress before being sworn-in. The incoming Republican freshman class – well it’s no ordinary group: nearly half of its roughly 80 members have never served in elective office before. So they bring a fresh perspective and a lot of the energy, intelligence and experience that we want to incorporate into how we implement reforms that give the government back to the people. And for this reason, we’re not only including them in the transition to a new majority, but also giving them a seat at the leadership table in the next Congress.

“We’ve already begun initiating changes to open up the people’s House, including installing public cameras in the powerful Rules Committee. That’s where they decide which bills and which amendments come to the floor for a vote.

“We’re evaluating how Congress operates to make sure there’s time for lawmakers to actually read the bills before they’re voted on and to make certain every one of those bills contains a clear citation of constitutional authority. We want taxpayers to be able to keep tabs on bills as they’re being written and hearings as they’re happening. We’ve got the people’s business to do, and the people have the right to watch that business being done.

“And we’re also tracking down every last rule and roadblock rigged to keep government’s spending binge on auto-pilot. If we’re ever going to change the broken status quo, we need to make it easier to cut spending and harder to increase it.

“And we’re searching for savings so we can cut the cost of Congress, and make this institution more efficient. As is the case for any business seeking a turnaround, there won’t be any sacred cows here.

“Now, we don’t pretend to have all the answers. We invite Americans from all walks of life to visit GOPLeader.gov/NewMajority where you can submit your ideas. We’ve already received hundreds of ideas from across the country. Thank you. Whether you associate with one party, no party, or the Tea Party, we want to hear from you.

“Listening is how we built the Pledge to America, and listening is exactly how we’re going to keep it. So, log on to GOPLeader.gov/NewMajority to learn more and to have your say.

“Thank you very much.”

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

VIDEO CREDIT: HouseConference

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

Randy Altschuler heads to Washington

Joins House Winners for New Member Orientation. Randy Altschuler, who currently holds the lead in the hotly contested race for New York's 1st Congressional seat, will be headed to the nation's Capitol this Sunday to take part in the New Members Orientation for the 112th Congress.

The program, run by the Committee on House Administration, is to educate newly elected members of Congress on such matters as operations of the House, selection of office and staff and legal issues pertaining to Congressional service.

The program kicks off Sunday with a reception and dinner for new members and their spouses. On Monday morning a series of seminars start covering a variety of issues related to Congressional service. The orientation ends Friday with a lottery to determine the selection of offices for the New Members. # # #

ALTSCHULER HEADS TO WASHINGTON FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 11, 2010

For more information on Randy Altschuler and his campaign, please visit www.JoinRandy.org.

TEXT CREDIT: Randy Altschuler for Congress

IMAGE CREDIT: teamaltschuler

Log Cabin Republicans Disappointed that United States Supreme Court Allows ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Continue

(Washington, DC) – The United States Supreme Court has denied Log Cabin Republicans’ request to reinstate a world-wide injunction against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ As a result, servicemembers will continue to be investigated and discharged while Log Cabin Republicans v. United States is under appeal. Arguments are due to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February.

“Log Cabin Republicans are disappointed that the Supreme Court decided to maintain the status quo with regards to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but we are not surprised,” said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans. “We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional policy. Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ doesn’t work.”

“We are disappointed by the Court’s ruling to deny our application to vacate the stay by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” said Dan Woods, White & Case partner who is representing Log Cabin Republicans. “With the likelihood of Congress repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy. We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the Ninth Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips's judgment and injunction.”

Log Cabin Republicans filed suit in federal district court against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2004. The case went to trial in Riverside, California in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution. On October 12, 2010 Judge Phillips issued a worldwide, immediate and permanent injunction against enforcement of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” ###

Log Cabin Republicans promotes legislation to provide basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans and works to build a more inclusive GOP. The 30-year old organization has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office in Washington, DC, a federal political action committee and state political action committees.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Log Cabin Republicans News Release For Immediate Release. November 12, 2010

Saul Anuzis challenging Michael Steele for RNC chairmanship

TO: RNC Members FROM: Saul Anuzis, MI-NCM RE: Announcement for RNC Chairman DATE: November 12, 2010

Congratulations on your success, nationwide and state-by-state. Without the leadership you and our fellow members of the National Committee provide, we as a party, a conservative movement, would not have been able to rally America for the historic victory we achieved on Election Day.

This is an exciting time to be a Republican and, as leaders, we have an awesome task ahead of us. The American people have given us a ‘second chance’ and that opportunity brings with it huge responsibility and challenge.

Now we turn our attention to 2012. America must elect a new President. It is that hope, that necessity, that challenge, that draws me to announce my candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Republican National Committee.

I don’t take lightly the fact that I am challenging a friend and colleague for the Chairmanship. When Michael was elected Chairman, I was the only candidate who stepped forward to attend the next morning’s RNC breakfast meeting, agreed to join the transition team, and later took on several roles as a team player on the RNC…and have attended every meeting since.

Given my involvement and efforts to help over the past two years, it was not an easy decision for me to seek the post. As someone who believes in loyalty, my natural instinct would be to sit this out. But the simple fact is that the overriding challenge we face is winning back the Presidency in 2012 and we will not accomplish that objective unless there is dramatic change in the way the RNC does business.

We cannot be misled by our victories this year. In 1994 we won the House and Senate yet just two years later Bill Clinton cruised to re-election. As we’ve seen in the past two years public opinion can change with breathtaking speed.

We can’t rely on our wins in 2010 to carry us to success in 2012. We also can’t win in 2012 unless the RNC re-establishes itself as the powerful force that put us over the top in 2000 and 2004.

But to be a force, the RNC must change and that requires new leadership at the top. I am offering you an alternative, a choice, a different approach to the leadership and stewardship of our party.

Chairman Steele’s record speaks for itself. He has his way of doing things. I have mine.

We will not win in 2012 if the RNC is not able to provide the financial resources we need to support the organizational efforts and ground games of our state parties. Without a fully funded Victory program we will be overwhelmed by the efforts of the unions, the Obama campaign and all their allies.

Even though we won an overall victory in 2010 we lost some heartbreaking statewide races in places like Illinois, Colorado, West Virginia, Washington and Nevada, and countless congressional and legislative districts because the other side had a better turnout effort.

Think about your own state. Did some terrific Republican candidate work their hearts out, yet fall short by a handful of votes on Election Day? Now ask yourself: if the RNC had properly funded the Victory program in your state, would that candidate have been a winner? Would that candidate have benefited from a robust 72-hour program with ground troops sweeping in for the final weekend?

These are the stakes:

ü We will only win in 2012 if the RNC has the maximum level of resources it is allowed to spend on the GOP Presidential ticket.

ü We will only win in 2012 if the Chairman of the RNC steps out of the limelight and allows our elected officials and presidential candidates to be the face, voice, and agenda setter for Republicans.

ü And, we will only hold on to our gains–and expand them– if the RNC is able to provide the funding and leadership on reapportionment that is so critical.

Thankfully, in 2010 a group of alternative organizations emerged to help fill the void created by the RNC’s shortage of resources. They found support from many RNC major donors who had lost faith in the RNC. We need these groups and their support, but they can’t be expected to replace the RNC in a presidential year. We must rebuild the trust with our party’s major donors and bring them back to the table.

My philosophy of how the National Committee should be run is simple: to use a football analogy, I believe we should do the “blocking and tackling” for the candidates.

Today, we have many great potential candidates emerging as leaders of our country and our party. Member of Congress, Senators and Governors now present the ‘face’ of the Republican Party. As our elected representatives, it is their job to set the public policy agenda.

As party leaders and grassroots activists, it is our job to make the calls, knock on the doors, organize our states and precincts and, most importantly, raise the money to help elect Republicans.

With those thoughts in mind let me outline what I will do if you choose to elect me as Chairman.

ü I will be a tenacious fundraiser who will make fundraising my number 1 priority as Chairman. As the Michigan Republican Chairman during some of our party’s toughest times, I raised record amounts of money to make sure our efforts were funded. I will commit a majority of my time to funding our efforts for this upcoming cycle.

ü I will NOT strive to be the voice or the face of our party. Of course I will be happy to discuss politics and elections with the media, but I won’t be competing with valuable airtime from the men and women on our ticket. Instead, I will work with our elected leaders around the country to give them maximum exposure and guarantee a consistent message that leads us to victory.

ü I will be a nuts & bolts type of Chairman, one who will concentrate on the fundamentals and ensure we properly develop and execute our ground game. It will be my goal to create an unprecedented organizational base, fully funded, to make more phone calls, knock on more doors, mail more material and compete on the airwaves to get our message across.

ü I will work with our National Convention committee and ultimately our nominee for President to ensure an effective, efficient Convention that will showcase our party and launch our nominee into the general election campaign with momentum. I will work diligently to ensure that we spend every dollar towards running the most efficient and exciting convention possible.

ü I will raise the funds needed to make sure we have a state of the art reapportionment program nationwide. To take advantage of our 2010 state election victories we will need to buttress the efforts of our state parties and legislative caucuses to make sure they have the information technology, legal support, and data needed to win the redistricting war.

ü I will run a tight ship and be a conscientious steward of our donor’s money. I will engage both our donor community and the Budget Committee in a detailed review and supervision of how we allocate our resources. I will be accountable for every penny spent. I will always be mindful that the RNC’s resources come from hard-working Americans who love their country and were willing to sacrifice to make it a better place.

ü I will be a team player and work cooperatively with the NRSC, NRCC and RGA to elect more Republicans across our country. I will not take sides in the Presidential primary contest but will be a reliable player that the eventual presidential nominee will be able to depend on, and work with closely and cooperatively through the presidential campaign.

ü I will be available to you and the other Committee members and use your input and advice as we develop election targets and support programs.

ü I will be directly in charge of our Election Day programs and support efforts. During the final days of the 2012 campaign I will be at headquarters 24/7, overseeing our national campaign and making sure that every call is made, every email sent, every piece of literature delivered and every Republican voter we can identify gets to the polls in order to achieve success.

ü Finally, I will ONLY run for ONE term, help elect our president and support his/her recommendation for our next Chairman.

We saw this plan work in Michigan this year. By raising the necessary funds and giving local parties the tools they needed, the Michigan Republican Party created an environment where our slate of great candidates cruised to victory, winning every statewide office, taking back the state house and Supreme Court, increasing majority in the state senate and increasing our GOP Congressional delegation by two seats.

My agenda is very straightforward. I have no interest in running for office. I won’t be writing a book. It is not my goal to be famous. However, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who will work harder, more diligently and be more committed to electing Republicans from the top to every township and city across this great country of ours.

Our Republican Party has a proud history as the Grand Old Party but we have an even brighter future as the Grand Opportunity Party that leads us into the 21st century with innovative solutions based upon our proven principles.

In 2012 one of two things will happen. We will either win back the Senate and White House and set America on the right pathway forward, or we will squander this opportunity and allow President Obama to continue moving our nation to the left, to an era of unprecedented government growth and intrusion into our lives.

As an RNC member, the choice is yours as the outcome will be determined, in large part, by which party has the resources and the organizational program to prevail.

If you believe that what we have seen at the RNC the past two years is good enough to provide us a victory in 2012 then by all means you should stick with our current leadership and direction.

But if you agree with me that victory in 2012 requires a new set of priorities and new leadership I hope you will consider supporting my candidacy for RNC Chairman.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: That’s Saul Folks!

Jim DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, wrote this open letter to the new Senate conservatives VIDEO

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, wrote this open letter to the new Senate conservatives, encouraging them to take steps to maintain their independence as they begin their time in Washington.

WALL STREET JOURNAL

November 3, 2010

Welcome, Senate Conservatives

Remember what the voters back home want — less government and more freedom.

By JIM DEMINT

Congratulations to all the tea party-backed candidates who overcame a determined, partisan opposition to win their elections. The next campaign begins today. Because you must now overcome determined party insiders if this nation is going to be spared from fiscal disaster.

Many of the people who will be welcoming the new class of Senate conservatives to Washington never wanted you here in the first place. The establishment is much more likely to try to buy off your votes than to buy into your limited-government philosophy. Consider what former GOP senator-turned-lobbyist Trent Lott told the Washington Post earlier this year: "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them."

Don't let them. Co-option is coercion. Washington operates on a favor-based economy and for every earmark, committee assignment or fancy title that's given, payback is expected in return. The chits come due when the roll call votes begin. This is how big-spending bills that everyone always decries in public always manage to pass with just enough votes.

But someone can't be bribed if they aren't for sale. Here is some humble advice on how to recognize and refuse such offers.

First, don't request earmarks. If you do, you'll vote for legislation based on what's in it for your state, not what's best for the country. You will lose the ability to criticize wasteful spending. And, if you dare to oppose other pork-barrel projects, the earmarkers will retaliate against you.

In 2005, Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.) offered a measure to kill funding for the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere." Before the vote, Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.), an appropriator, issued a warning on the Senate floor.

"If we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next," she said. "When Members come down to the floor to vote on this amendment, they need to know if they support stripping out this project, Senator Bond [a Republican appropriator] and I are likely to be taking a long, serious look at their projects to determine whether they should be preserved during our upcoming conference negotiations."

The threat worked. Hardly anyone wanted to risk losing earmarks. The Senate voted 82-15 to protect funding for the Bridge to Nowhere.

Second, hire conservative staff. The old saying "personnel is policy" is true. You don't need Beltway strategists and consultants running your office. Find people who share your values and believe in advancing the same policy reforms. Staff who are driven by conservative instincts can protect you from unwanted, outside influences when the pressure is on.

Third, beware of committees. Committee assignments can be used as bait to make senators compromise on other matters. Rookie senators are often told they must be a member of a particular committee to advance a certain piece of legislation. This may be true in the House, but a senator can legislate on any matter from the Senate floor.

Fourth, don't seek titles. The word "Senator" before your name carries plenty of clout. All senators have the power to object to bad legislation, speak on the floor and offer amendments, regardless of how they are ranked in party hierarchy.

Lastly, don't let your re-election become more important than your job. You've campaigned long and hard for the opportunity to go to Washington and restore freedom in America. People will try to convince you to moderate conservative positions and break campaign promises, all in the name of winning the next race. Resist the temptation to do so. There are worse things than losing an election—like breaking your word to voters.

At your swearing-in ceremony, you will, as all senators do, take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution." Most will fail to keep their oath. Doing these five things will help you maintain a focus on national priorities and be one who does.

Congress will never fix entitlements, simplify the tax code or balance the budget as long as members are more concerned with their own narrow, parochial interests. Time spent securing earmarks and serving personal ambitions is time that should be spent working on big-picture reforms.

When you are in Washington, remember what the voters back home want—less government and more freedom. Millions of people are out of work, the government is going bankrupt and the country is trillions in debt. Americans have watched in disgust as billions of their tax dollars have been wasted on failed jobs plans, bailouts and takeovers. It's up to us to stop the spending spree and make sure we have a government that benefits America instead of being a burden to it.

Tea party Republicans were elected to go to Washington and save the country—not be co-opted by the club. So put on your boxing gloves. The fight begins today.

Mr. DeMint is a Republican senator from South Carolina.

TEXT CREDIT: Senate Conservatives Fund — WSJ: Welcome, Senate Conservatives

VIDEO CREDIT: patriotsnetwork

Reagan Presidential Library Foundation to Host First GOP Presidential Debate of the 2012 Campaign

NBC News and POLITICO to Co-Host and Moderate. SIMI VALLEY, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/11/10 -- Former First Lady Nancy Reagan today announced plans to invite all of the leading contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination to two debates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Reagan Presidential Foundation plans to play host to both the first GOP presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle in spring 2011 and a second GOP debate on the eve of the Super Tuesday primaries.

The Reagan Foundation has confirmed NBC News as the television partner and POLITICO as the online partner of the first debate. The media partners for the second, pre-Super Tuesday debate will be announced in 2011.

"Ronnie would be thrilled that the road to the White House will begin at his Presidential Library," Mrs. Reagan said. The Library hosted two debates in the 2008 election cycle, including the first of the election cycle. "I look forward to welcoming and watching the top candidates debate the issues next spring."

"The fact that we are already talking about the 2012 presidential race only foreshadows how invested and deeply-rooted America will be in the political discussion come next spring," said Steve Capus, President of NBC News. "We look forward to working with our esteemed colleagues at POLITICO and the Reagan Library to produce a world-class debate."

"We are honored to be involved in a presidential debate with NBC News and the Reagan Foundation," said Robert Allbritton, publisher of POLITICO. "There are so many important issues confronting this nation, and POLITICO is eager to work with NBC News to fashion a rich and spirited debate among the candidates about the major policy issues of the day."

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ronald Reagan's legacy of inspired freedom and his timeless principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. It sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center and The Air Force One Pavilion. Located in Simi Valley, California the Library houses 63 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It now also serves as the final resting place of America's 40th President. www.reaganfoundation.org

NBC News has been a leading source of global news and information for more than 75 years, first on radio, and today via broadcast and cable television, the Internet, radio and cell phones. Operating around the clock with bureaus in key cities in the U.S. and overseas, NBC News provides immediate coverage and in-depth reporting of major events to a worldwide audience. For more than a decade, NBC News has served as the dominant force in television news, watched by more Americans than any other news organization. NBC News provides more than 25 hours of weekly programming, including the top-rated Nightly News with Brian Williams, Today and Meet the Press programs.

POLITICO is a Washington, D.C.-based political journalism organization that serves as the one-stop shop for the fastest, deepest coverage of the president, the new Congress and the 2012 presidential race. POLITICO's journalists break news and drive conversation about the White House, Capitol Hill and Washington lobbying, plus the intersection of politics with Wall Street, media and personalities. POLITICO launched in January of 2007 with the mission of covering politics with enterprise, style and impact.

Media Contacts: Melissa Giller (805) 522-2977

Governor Christie finds A New Poster Boy for Greed & Arrogance VIDEO

A New Poster Boy for Greed & Arrogance.

Governor Christie stands up against outrageous Superintendent salaries during a town hall meeting in Toms River, New Jersey on November 9, 2010.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: GovChristie