Michele Bachmann Tea Party Express.Response 01/25/11 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Michele Bachmann Tea Party Express.Response 01/25/11 "For two years President Obama made promises... He claimed that he would find solutions to fix our economy and help create jobs. "Well, here are a few suggestions: "The President could stop the EPA from imposing a job-destroying cap-and-trade system. "The President could agree with House Republicans and commit himself to signing a Balanced Budget Amendment.

"The President could also agree to an all-of-the-above energy policy [4] whereby we increase American energy production, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, reduce the price of gas at the pump, and create good-paying jobs in the U.S.

"The President could turn back some of the 132 regulations put in place in the last two years that each have an impact of $100-million or more on our economy."

"Thanks to all of you, there's reason to hope that real spending cuts are coming. Last November many of you went to the polls and voted out big-spending politicians and you put in their place men and women who have come to Washington with a commitment to follow the Constitution and cut the size of government. And I believe that we are in the early days of a history-making turn here in the House of Representatives.

"Last week we voted to repeal ObamaCare, and each day going forward, we must work hard to dismantle the massive government expansion that has happened over the past two years."

Transcript: Bachmann's response to State of the Union FULL TEXT

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, 6th District of Minnesota Washington Office 103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

VIDEO CREDIT: PBSNewsHour

Paul Ryan's Republican Address (Response) LIVE VIDEO and CHAT 01/25/11

Paul Ryan's Republican Address (Response) LIVE VIDEO and CHAT 01/25/11

“Americans are skeptical of both political parties, and that skepticism is justified – especially when it comes to spending. So hold all of us accountable. In this very room, the House will produce, debate, and advance a budget. Last year – in an unprecedented failure – Congress chose not to pass, or even propose a budget. The spending spree continued unchecked. We owe you a better choice and a different vision. Our forthcoming budget is our obligation to you – to show you how we intend to do things differently … how we will cut spending to get the debt down… help create jobs and prosperity … and reform government programs.”

- Paul Ryan Republican Address to the Nation January 25, 2011

Preview of Paul Ryan's Republican Response 01/25/11

Preview of Chairman Paul Ryan's Republican Address to the Nation by Paul Ryan on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 5:04pm “Americans are skeptical of both political parties, and that skepticism is justified – especially when it comes to spending. So hold all of us accountable. In this very room, the House will produce, debate, and advance a budget.

Last year – in an unprecedented failure – Congress chose not to pass, or even propose a budget. The spending spree continued unchecked. We owe you a better choice and a different vision. Our forthcoming budget is our obligation to you – to show you how we intend to do things differently … how we will cut spending to get the debt down… help create jobs and prosperity … and reform government programs.”

- Paul Ryan

Republican Address to the Nation

January 25, 2011

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan Biography

Paul Davis Ryan Born January 29, 1970 and raised in the community of Janesville and is a fifth-generation Wisconsin native. Paul is a graduate of Joseph A. Craig High School in Janesville.

Paul is the the youngest of four children of Paul M. Ryan, a lawyer (deceased) and Betty Ryan, they put the kids on an incentive system for allowances -- if they got a B on their report cards, their allowance was cut from $4 to $2, and a C meant no allowance.

At 16, he discovered his father dead of a heart attack,  Ryan's father, grandfather and great-grandfather all died from heart attacks at ages 55, 57 and 59 respectively, which inspired his later interest in health and exercise. Paul had to inform his mother and older siblings. His sister is nine years older and two brothers eight and five years his senior. “It threw me for a loop for a couple of years.” Ryan recalls, “I did a lot of soul-searching. A lot of self-discovery. I started forming my beliefs.” His older brother Tobin, a private equity executive, says that one of Paul's chores was brushing and braiding the hair of their grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's.

Paul Ryan developed his political philosophy reading the works of free market authors including Milton Friedman, F. A. Hayek, and Ayn Rand. "The reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand," Ryan said at a D.C. gathering four years ago honoring the author of "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead."

He worked as a marketing consultant for his family's construction business before being elected to Congress. Ryan Incorporated Central began as an earthmoving business created by his great-grandfather in 1884. Ryan Inc. Central, his cousins’ excavating company, is a union shop, Ryan worked there in high school and later briefly as a marketing consultant while running for office. “I grew up in organized labor,” he says. “I have a lot of constituents who are in organized labor. I really do not have this ‘us against them’ mentality.” “He’s an amazing politician,” says John Drew, former president of United Auto Workers Local 72 in Kenosha and now a UAW staff member. “If I called Paul Ryan when I was president of the local, within two hours I would get a personal phone call back. He showed up at my going-away party from Local 72 – on a Saturday night he drove across the district just to see me.

Using the Social Security survivors benefits he received until his 18th birthday, he paid for his education. His grandfather and an uncle were cardiologists, and he went to Miami planning to become a doctor, until the required physics and chemistry courses turned him off. While at school Ryan won a summer internship beginning in 1992 in Wisconsin Sen. Robert Kasten’s office.

Paul Ryan offical Photo (archive) Paul Ryan offical Photo (2012)

Ryan turned his focus to economics. and earned a degree in economics and political science from Miami University in Ohio in 1992 and is a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduating Ryan worked as a speechwriter for Jack Kemp and William Bennett at the think tank Empower America (a predecessor to FreedomWorks) and served as a legislative aide to Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas from 1995 to 1997. Fifteen years ago, Paul Ryan was moonlighting as a waiter at a Mexican restaurant on Capitol Hill. Ryan won his congressional seat in 1998 After Republicans lost control of Congress in 2006, Ryan became the ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee, he introduced his first version of the "Roadmap" in May of 2008, which formed the basis for his updated proposal released this year. His website Americanroadmap.org outlines his plans to rewrite the entire federal tax, healthcare and Social Security system. Currently serving his 7th term as a Member of Congress for the 1st Congressional District including Racine and Kenosha Counties and some of Milwaukee’s southern suburbs. He is now the Chairman of the House Budget Committee. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Social Security, health care and trade laws. On his his support for federal legislation banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, Ryan says, "I take lot of crap for that vote" from conservatives, says Ryan, who doesn't consider himself a strict libertarian but says his views lean that way on this issue. "The way I see that  . . .  may be informed by just friendships I've had, people I grew up with in Janesville who didn't choose to be gay. It wasn't an orientation they decided to experiment (with) or choose. It's just who they are. They were just created that way."

Paul Ryan on Jobs Paul Ryan with wife Janna, Sam, Liza & Charlie 2008 Janna Little Ryan

On Social Security "If we actually accomplish this goal of personalizing Social Security, think of what we will accomplish. Every worker, every laborer in America will not only be a laborer but a capitalist. They will be an owner of society.  . . .  That's that many more people in America who are not going to listen to the likes of Dick Gephardt and Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, the collectivist, class-warfare-breathing demagogues," said Ryan. Paul and his wife Janna (Janna Little Ryan) live in Janesville with their children, Elizabeth, and two sons, Charles and Samuel. A Catholic He is a member of St. John Vianney’s Parish. Mrs. Ryan, was a Washington tax attorney living in Arlington, Va., when she met him. The Oklahoma native graduated from Wellesley College and George Washington University Law School. Janna worked as an aide to a conservative Oklahoma Democrat in Congress and is the niece of David Boren, a veteran Democrat who served in the Senate and as governor. Paul spotted her in camouflage at a dinner for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, which bird-dogs legislation affecting hunters’ rights. In April 2000, Ryan asked Janna to marry him at Big St. Germain Lake in northern Wisconsin, one of his favorite fishing spots. The couple was married in Oklahoma City in December 2000. Ryan can manage long weekends in the district, dinner at home at least twice a week, with time for "my real passion," bowhunting. His former House colleague Mark Green says he has gotten e-mails from Ryan while the congressman was sitting in his tree stand, with BlackBerry, waiting for a deer. He belongs to his hometown's archery association, the Janesville Bowmen as well as Ducks Unlimited. In Washington during the week, he leads about a dozen congressmen, including former football player Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), through a workout called P90X, a bipartisan series of pushups, pull-ups, karate, and yoga. On August 11, 2012, Ryan accepted Mitt Romney's invitation to join his campaign as running mate, in front of the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia.

TEXT RESOURCES:

• Ryan draws inspiration from family, mentors
• Biography of Congressman Paul Ryan
• The Man With the Plan The American Spectator
• Obama's new adversary
• Ryan shines as GOP seeks vision - JSOnline
• 10 Things You Didn't Know About Paul Ryan
• Why He Matters - WhoRunsGov
• That Hair, Those Eyes, That Plan
• Paul Ryan From Wikipedia
• The most influential US conservatives: 20-1
• Project Vote Smart - Representative Paul D. Ryan

IMAGE CREDIT:

• Paul Ryan offical Photos - These United States Congress images are in the public domain. This may be because it is an official Congressional portrait, because it was taken by an official employee of the Congress, or because it has been released into the public domain and posted on the official websites of a member of Congress. As  works of the U.S. federal government, these images are in the public domain.
• ryanforcongress08, Paul Ryan with wife Janna, Sam, Liza & Charlie 2008
• foxnews.com/ - Janna Little Ryan

VIDEO CREDIT:

• ryanforcongress.com Paul Ryan on Jobs

Michele Bachmann Calls on Dayton to Change Course Away from ObamaCare

St. Paul, MN, Jan 24 - Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) joined her state legislative colleagues today at the Minnesota State Capitol to urge Governor Mark Dayton to work on bipartisan healthcare solutions rather take Minnesota down the job-destroying road of ObamaCare.

State legislators present with Bachmann were Senator Warren Limmer (SD-32), Senator Ted Lillie (SD-56), Senator Gretchen Hoffman (SD-10), Representative Bruce Anderson (19A) and Representative Bob Dettmer (52A).

Excerpt of Bachmann’s remarks prepared for delivery:

“All across the country we’re seeing that ObamaCare is driving up healthcare costs. Insurance premiums are rising. Bureaucrats are starting a process that will expand the list of minimum benefits insurance companies must offer. That will raise the price of health insurance and take away consumer choice.

“Serious steps are being taken to stop this job-destroying legislation that will cause healthcare costs to rise exponentially. Yet here in Minnesota, Governor Dayton is unyielding in his desire to fully commit our state to it.

“We are here this morning to call on the Governor to change course.

“If Governor Dayton truly believes that cutting spending and shrinking the size of government are complex issues, then how can he not at least withdraw his Executive Order [that will expand medical assistance, ensnare the state in ObamaCare, and cost Minnesotans millions of dollars], sit down with these lawmakers, and work on the kind of bipartisan healthcare solutions that will not add to our state’s $6 billion deficit.”

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Proudly Serving the 6th District of Minnesota. # Washington Office 107 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475.

House Committee on Education and the Workforce to Hold Hearing on State of the American Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. | January 24, 2011 - On Wednesday, January 25, 2011 at 2 p.m., the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), will hold a hearing on “The State of the American Workforce” in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Since the Great Recession began in December of 2007, more than 7 million jobs have been lost. While the National Bureau of Economic Research has stated the recession ended in June of 2009, job growth continues to lag behind what is necessary to rebuild from the recent economic downturn. The latest unemployment statistics from the Department of Labor reflect that unemployment remained above 9 percent for the 20th consecutive month, and 14.5 million Americans are unemployed. Members of the committee will examine broadly the challenges facing the economy and the private-sector job market. Members will receive a wide array of testimony that will look at the challenges facing states, manufacturers, and small business owners. The hearing will be the first the committee will conduct to examine more closely the current state of the American workforce and develop solutions that will encourage the private sector to expand and hire new workers.

# # #

WITNESS LIST

The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell
Governor
Commonwealth of Virginia
Richmond, VA

Douglas Holtz-Eakin
President
American Action Forum
Washington, D.C.

Dyke Messinger
President
Power Curbers, Inc.
Salisbury, NC
On behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers

Heather Boushey
Senior Economist
Center for American Progress
Washington, D.C.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce 2181 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Tel: 202-225-4527 Fax: 202-225-9571

Armed Services Committee Leaders Announce Subcommittee Membership for the 112th Congress

Washington, D.C.—U.S Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today announced the leadership and membership of the subcommittees for the 112th Congress.

“Our Members are the workhorses for the Armed Services Committee. Ranking Member Smith and I are pleased with the experienced leadership teams we have for each subcommittee and the expertise that each Member brings to their individual subcommittee. Working together in a bipartisan manner, we will go to work for the men and women of America’s Armed Forces and ensure we are meeting our constitutional responsibilities to provide for the nation’s common defense,” said Chairman McKeon.

“I am pleased that we have the full committee roster and subcommittee responsibilities in place and can now move forward with supporting our men and women in the Armed Services,” said Ranking Member Congressman Adam Smith. “While a number of excellent and dedicated members will not be returning this Congress, Chairman McKeon and I agree that we have a great slate of members and we have no doubt that this committee will continue its outstanding work. Based on a strong and unwavering commitment to our troops, Veterans and their families, this committee has always worked in a bipartisan manner and as Ranking Member I will do my part to continue to build on that tradition. Additionally, I want to wish Congresswoman Giffords and her family the very best. She is a dear friend and an essential part of this committee and we look forward to having her back.”

Below are the subcommittees for the Armed Services Committee in the 112th Congress (listed alphabetically):

Emerging Threats and Capabilities

Republican Members (10)

Mac Thornberry of Texas, Chairman

Jeff Miller of Florida

John Kline of Minnesota

Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania

Michael Conaway of Texas

Chris Gibson of New York

Bobby Schilling of Illinois

Allen West of Florida

Trent Franks of Arizona

Duncan Hunter of California

Democratic Members (8)

Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, Ranking Member

Loretta Sanchez of California

Robert Andrews of New Jersey

Susan Davis of California

Tim Ryan of Ohio

C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland

Hank Johnson of Georgia

Kathy Castor of Florida

Military Personnel

Republican Members (8)

Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Chairman

Walter B. Jones of North Carolina

Mike Coffman of Colorado

Tom Rooney of Florida

Joe Heck of Nevada

Allen West of Florida

Austin Scott of Georgia

Vicky Hartzler of Missouri

Democratic Members (6)

Susan Davis of California, Ranking Member

Robert Brady of Pennsylvania

Madeleine Bordallo of Guam

Dave Loebsack of Iowa

Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts

Chellie Pingree of Maine

Oversight and Investigations

Republican Members (6)

Robert J. Wittman of Virginia, Chairman

Michael Conaway of Texas

Mo Brooks of Alabama

Todd Young of Indiana

Tom Rooney of Florida

Mike Coffman of Colorado

Democratic Members (4)

Jim Cooper of Tennessee, Ranking Member

Robert Andrews of New Jersey

Loretta Sanchez of California

Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii

Readiness

Republican Members (12)

J. Randy Forbes of Virginia, Chairman

Mike Rogers of Alabama

Joe Heck of Nevada

Austin Scott of Georgia

Frank A. LoBiondo of New Jersey

Chris Gibson of New York

Vicky Hartzler of Missouri

Bobby Schilling of Illinois

Jon Runyan of New Jersey

Tim Griffin of Arkansas

Steve Palazzo of Mississippi

Martha Roby of Alabama

Democratic Members (9)

Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Ranking Member

Silvestre Reyes of Texas

Joe Courtney of Connecticut

Dave Loebsack of Iowa

Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona

Larry Kissell of North Carolina

Bill Owens of New York

Tim Ryan of Ohio

Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaii

Seapower and Projection Forces

Republican Members (11)

W. Todd Akin of Missouri, Chairman

Duncan Hunter of California

Mike Coffman of Colorado

Scott Rigell of Virginia

Tim Griffin of Arkansas

Steve Palazzo of Mississippi

Todd Young of Indiana

Roscoe G. Bartlett of Maryland

J. Randy Forbes of Virginia

Robert J. Wittman of Virginia

Todd Platts of Pennsylvania

Democratic Members (9)

Mike McIntyre of North Carolina, Ranking Member

Susan Davis of California

Jim Langevin of Rhode Island

Rick Larsen of Washington State

Joe Courtney of Connecticut

Chellie Pingree of Maine

Mark Critz of Pennsylvania

Hank Johnson of Georgia

Betty Sutton of Ohio

Strategic Forces

Republican Members (9)

Michael R. Turner of Ohio, Chairman

Trent Franks of Arizona

Doug Lamborn of Colorado

Mo Brooks of Alabama

Mac Thornberry of Texas

Mike Rogers of Alabama

John Fleming of Louisiana

Scott Rigell of Virginia

Austin Scott of Georgia

Democratic Members (7)

Loretta Sanchez of California, Ranking Member

Jim Langevin of Rhode Island

Rick Larsen of Washington State

Martin Heinrich of New Mexico

John Garamendi of California

C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland

Betty Sutton of Ohio

Tactical Air and Land Forces

Republican Members (14)

Roscoe G. Bartlett of Maryland, Chairman

Frank A. LoBiondo of New Jersey

John Fleming of Louisiana

Tom Rooney of Florida

Todd Platts of Pennsylvania

Vicky Hartzler of Missouri

Jon Runyan of New Jersey

Martha Roby of Alabama

Walter B. Jones of North Carolina

W. Todd Akin of Missouri

Joe Wilson of South Carolina

Michael R. Turner of Ohio

Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania

Doug Lamborn of Colorado

Democratic Members (11)

Silvestre Reyes of Texas, Ranking Member

Mike McIntyre of North Carolina

Jim Cooper of Tennessee

Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona

Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts

Larry Kissell of North Carolina

Martin Heinrich of New Mexico

Bill Owens of New York

John Garamendi of California

Mark Critz of Pennsylvania

Kathy Castor of Florida

###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: House Armed Services Committee 2340 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 226-8980 Fax: (202) 225-0858

H.Res. 38 A resolution Reducing Non-Security Spending to Fiscal Year 2008 Levels or Less

Sponsor: Rep. David Dreier, (Rules Committee) Date: January 24, 2011. 112th Congress, 1st Session. Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) H.RES.38

FLOOR SITUATION

The House is scheduled to consider H.Res. 43, a rule providing for the consideration of H.Res. 38, on Monday, January 24, 2011. H.Res. 43 is scheduled to be considered with one hour of debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules. H.Res. 43 was reported by the Committee on Rules on January 19, 2011.

If H.Res. 43 is approved, the rule will provide for consideration of H.Res. 38, a resolution reducing non-security spending for the remainder of FY 2011 to FY 2008 levels or less. H.Res. 38 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

H.Res. 38 would require the House Budget Committee to set non-security budget allocation levels for the remainder of FY 2011 at FY 2008 spending levels or less. Pursuant to the rules of the 112th Congress (H.Res. 5), the Budget Committee is required to set budget allocations levels for subcommittees (known as section 302(a) allocations) for the remainder of FY 2011 by printing those levels in the Congressional Record. Under the House Rules, allocations printed in the Congressional Record would be considered to be the adoption of a concurrent resolution and serve as the budget allocation levels for the remainder of FY 2011.

H.Res. 38 would require the Budget Committee to provide non-security spending for the remainder of FY 2011 at FY 2008 levels or less. Under the Rules of the 112th Congress, the Budget Committee chairman has interim authority that only applies to the FY 2011 budget to file committee allocations and budget aggregates that would serve as the budget until Congress adopts a new budget. Legislation that violates the committee allocations or the budget aggregates is subject to points of order under the Budget Act.

BACKGROUND

After an explosion in spending and two consecutive years of trillion dollar deficits, House Democrats failed to even propose a budget for the current fiscal year—the first time this has happened since 1974, when the modern congressional budget process was established. Last September, House Republicans called on Democrats to join them and immediately begin to end their job-killing spending spree by reducing FY 2011 spending to pre-bailout, pre-stimulus levels. Democrats refused to join with House Republicans and instead chose to use a stop-gap funding measure during a lame-duck session of Congress to keep spending at the unsustainably high levels until March 4, 2011. Bringing spending back to FY 2008 levels will set a new spending baseline and reduce overall government spending for years to come. Cutting spending back to pre-bailout, pre-stimulus levels will be one of many steps that House Republicans will take to rein in runaway government spending that destroys jobs.

The Rules of the 112th Congress (H.Res. 5) provide the Budget Committee the authority to file temporary budget allocations to committees (known as section 302(a) allocations) for FY 2011. The aggregates and allocations printed in the Congressional Record would be considered to be the adoption of a concurrent resolution on the budget for the remainder of FY 2011. The Rules also provide authority for the Budget Committee Chairman to set total spending and revenue levels. This is temporary authority that lasts until adoption of the budget later this year and it only applies to the FY 2011 budget.

COST

A CBO cost estimate for H. Res. 38 was not available at press time.

Bill Summary & Status 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) H.RES.38

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on Rules 1627 Longworth HOB T (202) 225-9191 F (202) 225-6763

Eric Cantor MEET THE PRESS 01/23/11 VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Eric Cantor MEET THE PRESS 01/23/11 January 23, 2011 VIDEO TEXT TRANSCRIPT

MR. GREGORY: Good morning. This weekend, the president has offered up a preview of his State of the Union address in an online video to his supporters. The focus of his address, the president says, will be "making sure the economy is working for everybody." And with us this morning for his first appearance here as House majority leader, Congressman Eric Cantor of Virginia.

Welcome back to MEET THE PRESS.

REP. ERIC CANTOR (R-VA): Good morning, David.

MR. GREGORY: Everybody's talking about the State of the Union address, and the president is already previewing it. This is a portion of the message that he will deliver on Tuesday. Watch.

(Videotape, yesterday)

PRES. BARACK OBAMA: And so my principle focus, my number one focus, is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are growing, and that we are creating jobs not just now, but well into the future. And that's what is going to be the main topic of the State of the Union.

(End videotape)

MR. GREGORY: Being competitive, in his mind, also means some additional targeted spending in some areas to make America competitive, as well as cuts, as well as dealing with the deficit. Here is the headline in The New York Times this morning, the way they describe it: "Obama to Press Centrist Agenda in His Address. A Retooled Presidency. Balancing Deficit Cuts with New Spending to Create Jobs."

Is that a vision you can support?

REP. CANTOR: David, you know, I'm, I'm really interested to see and hear what the president has to say. I, I, I think he's got a real chance to lead here. But the question is, did he listen and has he learned from the last election? I think that the vision the president laid out over the last two years is one very much focused on increasing government spending and trying to spawn action from a Washington-based perspective. And, and what the people have said is, "Enough. We've got to shrink government, we've got to cut spending, and we need to really look to the private sector to grow jobs."

MR. GREGORY: But he's saying, he's saying now there's got to be a combination of some spending to keep America competitive, and also cuts dealing with the deficit. Is that a vision you can support?

REP. CANTOR: What we've said is our Congress is going to be a cut and grow Congress; that we believe we've got to cut spending, we've got to cut the regulations that have stopped job growth.

MR. GREGORY: Right.

REP. CANTOR: When the president talks about competitiveness, sure, we want America to be competitive. But then when he talks about investing, I think even someone from the White House this week had said that this is going to be a cut and invest White House. We want to cut and grow. Because when we, we hear invest, when--from anyone in Washington, to me that means more spending. And any...

MR. GREGORY: Right. Well, well, let's just be clear. You don't believe that there's a balance that you have to get right in terms of investing in the economy to help it innovate, to become more competitive. That's not a vision you agree with.

REP. CANTOR: David, where--what I would say is the investment needs to occur in the private sector.

MR. GREGORY: Not by government.

REP. CANTOR: And, and for too long, and for too long now there's been uncertainty on the part of investors.

MR. GREGORY: Right. OK, well, let's, let's pick up where Republicans have left off. Cut and grow, that's the mantra. You campaigned on a pledge to America last September, and this is a part of what you said, it was very clear: "We will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to balance the budget and pay down the debt." And then you came into office and you said, "Well, we're not going to hit that $100 billion figure." And here was the headline on Friday in The Washington Post: "GOP bloc in the House calls for deeper cuts," and the sub-headline: "Campaign pledge divides the party." You're arguing about just how much to spend. I thought this was already worked out.

REP. CANTOR: David, let, let's step back a minute and look at sort of the whole sort of continuum of the spending challenges. We're, we're going to really have three bites at the apple here as far as approaching reducing spending and the size of Washington. As far as the mess in the past, we're going to have this debt limit increase vote that will come, and that is dealing with the rampant spending that's been in place in this town for some time that's gone on overdrive in, in the last couple years.

MR. GREGORY: And I'll get to the debt limit, but this is a targeted question.

REP. CANTOR: But as far as the decisions that we make now, it is about the continuing resolution vote that will come up in the next month or so, al right?

MR. GREGORY: Right. But $100 billion, or not $100 billion?

REP. CANTOR: And, and we've committed to say $100 billion in reductions, which brings spending down to '08 levels.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT Meet the Press transcript for Jan. 23, 2011

TEXT and VIDEO CREDIT: msnbc.com

John Barrasso Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 01/22/11

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) released the following weekly Republican address. The address is available in both audio and video format and is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, January 22, 2011.

Full text transcript of Senator Barrasso’s Address:

“I’m John Barrasso, a doctor and a United States Senator for Wyoming. “I’m pleased to talk with you today from my hometown of Casper. “Across our country, Americans remain shocked and saddened by the recent violence in Arizona.

“As we return to work in Washington, our hearts go out to Congresswoman Giffords, the other victims and their families.

“They remain in our thoughts and in our prayers.

“Earlier this week, the newly elected House of Representatives immediately kept its promise to you, the American people. It did so by voting to repeal the President’s health care spending law.

“Now it’s the Senate’s turn.

“The President’s party has wasted millions of your taxpayer dollars trying to persuade you to support this law.

“Well, in spite of the mailings and the misleading television ads, they have failed.

“A recent poll showed that a majority of Americans still want this law repealed.

“And the reasons are clear.

“Ask yourself – are you better off or worse off now that the healthcare law has been on the books for almost a year?

“Has the cost of your own health insurance gone down?

“Remember the President promised that the law would significantly reduce your costs.

“If you get health insurance through your job, are you confident that you can keep it?

“We’ve already heard how the new law forces many employers to choose between keeping workers and paying for insurance coverage.

“How about the availability of your care?

“As most Americans know, coverage does not equal good care.

“According to the government's own experts, it could get a lot harder for many Americans to find a doctor or a hospital to go to.

“Now, for seniors, the reason is because the law cuts 500 billion dollars from Medicare - not to save Medicare, but to start a whole new Washington program.

“And seniors are not the only Americans targeted by the President’s new law.

“Small-business owners now have to file burdensome tax forms for basic business expenses such as phone and Internet service, shipping costs, office supplies.

“This absurd provision only increases the costs of owning and operating a small business.

“Each and every day, more people pay the price of Obamacare’s mountain of mandates.

“As I travel across the country, I continue to hear from Americans who want Washington to take its hands off of their health care.

“Interestingly, the only way to get out of this law, is to have friends in high places – like in the President’s own administration.

“While the Administration is forcing most Americans to accept the new law, over one and a half million Americans now get a free pass.

“These people have been given special Washington waivers.

“Many of these waivers have gone to labor unions who supported the law in the first place, but now don’t want to live under it.

“Well, if you don’t have a lawyer or a lobbyist connected to this Administration, you’re out of luck.

“This isn’t fair and it’s not the American way.

“As a doctor, I have taken care of families for over a quarter of a century.

“I know that this law is bad for patients, it’s bad for providers – the nurses and the doctors who care for those patients – and it’s bad for taxpayers.

“As a doctor, I’m disturbed that the law will require more IRS agents to investigate you. To make sure you actually buy insurance – but it fails to deal in any meaningful way with the shortage of nurses and doctors to actually take care of you.

“Your health care decisions should be decided in your doctor’s office – not a Washington office.

“Nothing should come between you and your doctor.

“Not a government bureaucrat.

“Not an insurance company bureaucrat. Nothing.

“Republicans will fight to repeal this job-destroying law and replace it with patient centered reforms.

“Reforms like making it legal for Americans to buy health insurance from companies in other states.

“Ending junk lawsuits that drive up the cost of everyone’s care.

“And restoring Americans’ freedom over their own health care decisions.

“Thanks to the vote in the House of Representatives, we are now one step closer to victory in the fight for a health care policy that puts Americans first – not Washington.

“Our job won’t be done until we repeal and replace this bad law.

“Thanks for listening.” ###

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

VIDEO CREDIT: gopweeklyaddress

AUDIO VIDEO FILES CREDIT: Republican.Senate.Gov

Jim Jordan Scott Garrett Jim DeMint Unveil the Spending Reduction Act

Jim Jordan Scott Garrett Jim DeMint

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), Rep. Scott Garrett (R-New Jersey), chairman of the RSC Budget and Spending Task Force, and Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, unveiled the Spending Reduction Act, which begins to address the rapidly growing national debt by making substantial spending cuts immediately and throughout the next decade. “The national debt has grown from $8.6 trillion four years ago to more than $14 trillion today,” said Jordan. “This mountain of debt, nearly the size of our entire economy, threatens to create a whole new financial crisis. Every day we refuse to change course and instill some fiscal responsibility, the problem grows even larger. Unless Washington acts soon to cut spending, massive tax hikes, economic stagnation, and national bankruptcy will rob our children of the opportunity to reach for the American Dream.” “The Spending Reduction Act gives us a $2.5 trillion head start in the race to preserve the fiscal stability of the United States,” said Garrett. “This bill represents the first step in the process, not the last. To achieve long-term fiscal stability, we must finish the race by making the tough decisions Congress has put off for far too long. Only after we tear down barriers to job creation and make reforms to our entitlement programs can we truly resolve our debt crisis.” “Our nation stands on the edge of a fiscal cliff and we face a stark choice: go over the edge into bankruptcy and declining freedom or choose to make the hard decisions today to save our country for our children and grandchildren," said DeMint. "I'm proud to stand with Congressmen Jordan and Garrett against the wave of wasteful Washington spending. The Spending Reduction Act begins the difficult task of shrinking the federal bureaucracy that threatens our future prosperity. Congress must take the steps now to balance the budget, pay off our debt, and preserve freedom for future generations.” Compared to current projections, the Spending Reduction Act would save taxpayers $2.5 trillion through 2021.

It starts by keeping House Republicans’ pledge to take current spending back to 2008 levels and repeal unspent funds from the failed “stimulus.” At the beginning of the next fiscal year on October 1, 2011, spending is further reduced to 2006 levels and frozen there for the next decade. To help achieve these savings, the bill shrinks the size and cost of the civilian federal workforce and specifically targets over 100 budget items and spending reforms.

The Spending Reduction Act Download file in .doc fomat

TEXT and .doc CREDIT: United States Senator Jim DeMint

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

RNC: Chairman Reince Priebus announces transition tea

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement announcing the RNC transition team charged with implementing the plan to restore faith in Republican donors and communicate with the American public.

The team consists of Ed Gillespie and Nick Ayers who are doing this on a volunteer basis and will not accept any payment or staff positions at the RNC. It will be a 30 day transition period. Priebus also made three appointments to the RNC Executive Committee – Steve King, Henry Barbour and Betti Hill who will serve on the transition team with the full Executive Committee of the RNC.

“When I ran for Chairman of the RNC, I promised to make changes and begin the outreach process with key Republican donors. Today, I am honored to announce the team that will help ensure Republicans have a top-notch ground game in the 2012 election cycle. Together, we will build on our success in 2010 and take back the White House and the United States Senate.” – RNC Chairman Reince Priebus

RNC TRANSITION TEAM

Transition Chairman

Ed Gillespie – A former Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Counselor to President George W. Bush, Gillespie is one of the top political strategists in the country.

“It is incredibly important for the Republican National Committee to have the resources to compete with the Democrats in the 2012 cycle. Together, this team will take the necessary steps to have significant Republican gains in 2011 and 2012. I am honored to be a part of this important process to build our Party and reach out to GOP donors and grassroots in the coming weeks and months.” – Ed Gillespie

Transition Co-Chairmen

Steve King – A successful Wisconsin businessman, Steve King is a former chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin and became National Committeeman from Wisconsin in 2007.

Henry Barbour –Barbour has worked in Republican Party politics for years and now serves as the National Committeeman for the Mississippi Republican Party.

Betti Hill –Hill is a member of the Montana Republican State Central Committee as the National Committeewoman. She has served on numerous statewide campaigns and is currently a member of the Lewis & Clark County Republican Women.

Transition Team Members

Reince Priebus Sharon Day, NCW Florida Demetra DeMonte, NCW Illinois Tony Parker, NCM District of Columbia Bruce Ash, NCM Arizona Mary Buestrin, NCW Wisconsin Jim Bopp, NCM Indiana Louis Pope, NCM Maryland Jan Staples, NCW Maine Alec Poitevint, NCM Georgia Ruth Ulrich, NCW Louisiana Jeff Kent, NCM Washington Miriam Hellreich, NCW Hawaii De Carlson, NCW Nebraska Pete Ricketts, NCM Nebraska Joyce Lyons Terhes, NCW Maryland Bill Crocker, NCM Texas Cindy Costa, NCW South Carolina Sharon Giese, NCW Arizona Bruce Hough, NCM Utah

RNC Chairman RNC Co-Chairman RNC Secretary RNC Treasurer Rules Committee Chairman Vice Chairman Midwestern Region Vice Chairman Midwestern Region Vice Chairman Northeastern Region Vice Chairman Northeastern Region Vice Chairman Southern Region Vice Chairman Southern Region Vice Chairman Western Region Vice Chairman Western Region Midwestern Region Midwestern Region Northeastern Region Southern Region Southern Region Western Region Western Region

Transition Director

Nick Ayers – Ayers is the former Executive Director of the Republican Governors Association that deployed more than 100 million dollars in 37 gubernatorial races.

TEXT CREDIT: WisPolitics.com:

IMAGE CREDIT: ReinceForRNCChair

(RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus Statement On The House Vote To Repeal Obamacare

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to repeal Obamacare:

“It’s hard to see how anyone can defend a piece of legislation that destroys jobs and was enacted despite the objections of the American people. President Obama’s government takeover of healthcare is a serious impediment to job creation and does nothing to control the rising cost of health coverage or improve care. Today’s vote to repeal this law is not only a vote to curb out of control government spending and grow our economy but also a vote to begin real healthcare reform that actually provides increased access and better quality care for patients. The American people have made it clear that they want their government to focus on job creation and deficit reduction, so it is my hope that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will give them a full hearing by bringing this legislation before the full Senate for an up or down vote.”

TEXT CREDIT: Republican National Committee 310 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 info@gop.com p 202.863.8500 | f 202.863.8820

IMAGE CREDIT: ReinceForRNCChair

Marsha Blackburn Remarks at 'State of the Net' Conference VIDEO FULL TEXT

Representative Marsh Blackburn (R-TN) discusses Net Neutrality and other matters at the State of the Net conference presented by the Advisory Committee to the Congressional Internet Caucus in Washington D.C. She calls the legislation "overreaching" and charges that it will "cripple and handicap" economies.

Washington, Jan 18 - WASHINGTON- Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) gave the keynote address to the 'State of the Net' conference. Her remarks as prepared for delivery can be found excerpted below. FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT Marsha Blackburn Remarks at 'State of the Net' Conference

“Both Republicans and Democrats active on the tech policy front have hyper-focused on technology – or the delivery systems- as the be-all, end-all of tech policy without giving sufficient thought to what is driving the technology and its development. “

“For Conservatives, the challenge must be to look beyond platforms and technology to seek out those core Conservative values that are the basis of all of our positions. We must see the latest regulatory impulse at the FCC as the wakeup call it is. We must seriously apply our philosophy of government to the new economy that will drive American life and culture in this century. Tech policy debates will shape the engine of our economy and could become the next great challenge to our principles. The degree to which that economy is kept free, to which property rights are protected in the next century, to which free speech is assured; may all be shaped by tech policy. Free markets, rule of law, property rights, small government-- these are all core conservative values. These are THE core conservative values, and Conservatives must rise to defend them in the tech policy debates of the coming decades- not to mention the coming Congress.”

“The FCC thought they were pushing into a regulatory vacuum last month when they unveiled their net neutrality rules. They may find soon that they stumbled into a Congressional hurricane. No one, Republican or Democrat, Congressman or Commissioner, believes that these new regulations are also the final word. They are the first draft many regulations to come. And as the rules are revised and revised and revised, they create instability, unpredictability- the greatest of all disincentives to investment.”

“Does the Internet deserve special regulation simply because it conducts commerce in a new way? I say it does not. Should the Internet be regulated in extraordinary ways, in a manner we have not applied to other markets? Should we accept any regulation beyond the traditional protection of private property, enforcement of law, and protection of speech? Conservatives must not.”

“Beginning with the coming repeal of the FCC overreach, Conservatives should apply our philosophy to the broader arena of tech policy. We must do so in the spirit of our classic defense of free markets and property rights while guarding against needless regulation and federal intervention.”

FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT Marsha Blackburn Remarks at 'State of the Net' Conference

TEXT CREDIT: Marsha Blackburn

VIDEO and DESCRIPTION CREDIT: PadenNoble

H.R. 2, Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law FULL TEXT VIDEO

H.R. 2, Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law FULL TEXT VIDEO. The House is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday January 19th

“Washington has an illness. The illness is spending. The debt is a symptom of that illness. The American people want it cured. President Obama and Congressional Democrats have been on a job-destroying spending spree that has left us with nothing but historic unemployment and the most debt in U.S. history.

If they want us to help pay their bills, they are going to have to start cutting up their credit cards. Cutting up the credit cards’ means cutting spending – and implementing spending reforms to ensure we keep on cutting. We know the American people will settle for nothing less."

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)

Meeting on H.R. 2, Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law and H.Res. 9, Instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law.

Meeting time: January 6, 2011 at 10 a.m. in H-313 the Capitol.

112TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. R. ll

To repeal the job-killing health care law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CANTOR (for himself and [see ATTACHED LIST of cosponsors]) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
lllllllllllllll

A BILL To repeal the job-killing health care law and health carerelated provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

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 ‘‘Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act’’.

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January 3, 2011 (5:41 p.m.) F:\P12\H12\ACA\ACA-REP_002.XML f:\VHLC\010311\010311.304.xml (482841|1)

SEC. 2. REPEAL OF THE JOB-KILLING HEALTH CARE LAW AND HEALTH CARE-RELATED PROVISIONS IN THE HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2010.

(a) JOB-KILLING HEALTH CARE LAW.—Effective as of the enactment of Public Law 111–148, such Act is repealed, and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such Act are restored or revived as if such Act had not been enacted.

(b) HEALTH CARE-RELATED PROVISIONS IN THE HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2010.

—Effective as of the enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–152), title I and subtitle B of title II of such Act are repealed, and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such title or subtitle, respectively, are restored or revived as if such title and subtitle had not been enacted.

Resources: FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT:

• Text of H.R. 2 (as introduced)
• Summary and Text of Amendments
• CBO Estimate

• PDF copy of the rule, H.Res. 26, (as filed).
• PDF copy of the report, H.Rept 111-2, (as filed).

TEXT CREDIT: Speaker of the House John Boehner Contact: H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-511

VIDEO and H.R. 2 CREDIT: Committee on Rules January 12, 2011 Jo Maney (202-226-2006) jo.maney@mail.house.gov U.S. House of Representatives H-312 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-9191 Fax: (202) 225-6763 Email: Rules.Rs@mail.house.gov

House Rules Committee Notice of Meeting to Reduce Spending Through a Transition to Non-Security Spending at Fiscal Year 2008 Levels

January 17, 2011, The Rules Committee will hold an original jurisdiction hearing and markup on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in H-313 Capitol on the following measure:

IN PDF FORMAT: H.Res. ___, to Reduce Spending Through a Transition to Non-Security Spending at Fiscal Year 2008 Levels.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Committee on Rules U.S. House of Representatives H-312 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-9191 Fax: (202) 225-6763 Email: Rules.Rs@mail.house.gov

Mike Pence Recalls Trip To Selma in Remarks At Martin Luther King, Jr Events in Indiana

Congressman Mike Pence participated in the 2010 Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, which took place from March 5—7 with stops in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of the most pivotal events of the civil rights movement. Congressman Pence joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) in serving as honorary co-leaders and Congressman Artur Davis (D-AL) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) were the honorary co-hosts. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) served once again as the Pilgrimage Chairman. Congressman Mike Pence participated in the 2010 Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, which took place from March 5—7 with stops in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of the most pivotal events of the civil rights movement. Congressman Pence joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) in serving as honorary co-leaders and Congressman Artur Davis (D-AL) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) were the honorary co-hosts. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) served once again as the Pilgrimage Chairman.

Congressman Pence recalled his trip to Selma, AL, and the 10th Congressional Civil Right Pilgrimage today at events across his district as he spoke about, "Our Debt To History: Remember Those Who Went Before." Montgomery, Alabama March 7, 2010 By Mike Pence Last weekend our family had the privilege of joining colleagues from both political parties on a walk through the historic sites of the Civil Rights movement in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. We will never forget the experience. I served as co-leader of the 10th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage sponsored by the Faith & Politics Institute. We arrived in Montgomery on Saturday afternoon and made our way to the home church of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sitting in the front pew at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, we heard from Dorothy Cotton about her years working with Dr. King. She spoke of the faith that sustained their work and the historic importance of music and singing to the movement. We then made our way to the Civil Rights Memorial, where our kids were given the privilege of laying a wreath to honor those who had lost their lives in the struggle for equality, and into the nearby museum with its inspiring displays of history. But it was the personal stories of segregation, told by the people who lived it and peacefully fought against it, that were most moving to us. Hearing firsthand accounts of how African Americans in the South were systematically denied the right to vote, intimidated, beaten and even killed fighting for that right will never leave us. The next day, we traveled with my colleague and legendary civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis to Selma, Alabama. John Lewis was personally recruited by Dr. King as a college student and his courage and moral authority continue to inspire millions. John took us to Selma to mark the anniversary of a day that changed his life and America: March 7, 1965, also known as "Bloody Sunday." As John recounted that momentous day, he told of how he and several hundred courageous activists crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma during a march on the state capitol and were beaten by state police waiting on the far side of the bridge.

The images of that day were transmitted around the world and would sear the conscience of the nation. It set the stage for more protests and was the catalyst for Congress to enact the Voting Rights Act later that year.

We gathered for worship at Brown Chapel in Selma, and after a rousing service, we left the church to walk to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. As a leader of the trip, I had the privilege to walk at the front of the march with John Lewis and other congressmen and dignitaries and I had the great honor of walking the entire way alongside Dr. F.D. Reese, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma.

As we began the march, I asked Dr. Reese if he could tell me about that day 45 years ago, and he did. As we strolled the historic route, surrounded by thousands, I was enthralled by this pastor's description of that fateful day. He said that when they reached the crest of the bridge and could see the other side of the river, the first thing they saw was the state police waiting to stop the march. He said, "All you saw was a sea of blue," but still they marched.

I asked if they thought of turning back when they saw the array of police. He smiled and said, "No, we had prayed at the Brown Chapel and decided we would go on regardless." And so they did.

After pausing at the base of the bridge for prayer, he told me how the tear gas and the beatings with night sticks overtook the crowd. My friend John Lewis was among those most severely beaten.

As our march came to an end, I extended my hand to Dr. Reese and thanked him not only for what he had done for the civil rights movement, but I thanked him for what he, John Lewis and others had done for America that day. Dr. Reese replied humbly, "God did something here." And through these brave Americans, I believe that with all my heart.

Every American should know the story of Montgomery and Selma. Thanks to courageous Americans like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Dorothy Cotton and F.D. Reese, these cities have become an integral part of the American story in our nation's unrelenting march toward a more perfect union.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: mikepence.house.gov Washington D.C. Office 100 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 (p) 202 225-3021 (f) 202 225-3382

Peter T. King Statement on DHS Decision to Cancel SBInet Program

Washington, D.C. (Friday, January 14, 2011)– Today, ­U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decision to cancel the SBInet program: “While I understand the Department of Homeland Security decision to end the SBInet program, I continue to have very serious concerns about the Obama Administration’s lack of urgency to secure the border. Since announcing a moratorium to SBInet, it has taken DHS a full year to make the final decision to cancel the program. Now today, we learn that DHS will spend all of 2011, and maybe longer, deciding what to do next. These delays are unacceptable.

The Obama Administration must promptly present the people of this country with a comprehensive plan to secure our borders, incorporating the necessary staffing, fencing, and technology. I expect the Administration, in its upcoming 2012 budget proposal, to put forward such a plan, including timelines and metrics.” ###

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on Homeland Security U.S. House of Representatives H2-176 Ford House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Office: (202) 226-8417 Fax: (202) 226-3399 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Shane Wolfe (202) 226-8417

IMAGE CREDIT: peteking.house.gov Washington Office 339 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-7896 Fax: 202-226-2279 Email: Pete.King@mail.house.gov

Spencer Bachus SIGTARP Report Confirms “Too Big To Fail” Has Not Ended

WASHINGTON: Financial Services Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus made the following statement regarding the report by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP): “House Republicans said all along that the greatest weakness of the Democrats' financial regulation bill was that far from ending ‘too big to fail,’ it wrote that troubling doctrine into Federal law. The SIG-TARP confirmed that in its report.

"Secretary Geithner’s acknowledgment that ‘exceptional’ action may be required again in spite of the Dodd-Frank Act being law confirms what Republicans have long contended – that the doctrine of ‘too big to fail’ unfortunately remains alive and well in Washington, D.C. Republicans believe the ‘exceptional’ action needed is to end bailouts and send a clear signal taxpayers will never again be forced to rescue or subsidize a failed financial company, its obligations, its creditors or counterparties.

"During the debate on regulatory reform, Republicans introduced the only legislation that would end ‘too big to fail,’ end bailouts, and protect taxpayers. Our bill would have sent failed non-banks to an enhanced bankruptcy proceeding. This is the only way to protect taxpayers.

"We need to bring a real end to ‘too big to fail.’ Taxpayers and future generations should not be burdened with having to pay for the mistakes made on Wall Street."

Released Audit Report in PDF FORMAT: Extraordinary Financial Assistance Provided to Citigroup, Inc. - To fulfill SIGTARP’s mandate to promote the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of TARP programs and operations, SIGTARP’s Audit Division has identified several aspects of TARP – some internal to Treasury and some external – that will be the general focus of its work. SIGTARP issues audit reports that address various topics associated with TARP operations. These reports make recommendations for positive change to improve the economy and efficiency of the TARP.

TEXT CREDIT: Committee on Financial Services • 2129 Rayburn House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-7502 For Press Inquiries: (202) 226-0471

IMAGE CREDIT: Spencer Bachus Washington Office 2246 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 20515 (p) 202-225-4921 (f) 202-225-2082

Fred Upton Announces Additional Staff Changes at Energy and Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), incoming Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced additional staff hires and promotions for the Energy and Commerce Committee. Upton previously named Gary Andres as Staff Director and made a first round of staff announcements in late December. "I am thrilled with the impressive team we have for the Energy and Commerce Committee - some are continuing their service while others are returning to public service at this most important time," said Upton.

"Their knowledge and expertise will be critical as Energy and Commerce takes the lead to foster a new era of job growth, repeal the budget-busting health law, fight rampant regulations, fortify our energy security, cut spending, and reduce the size of government."

Michael Bloomquist - Deputy General Counsel
Bloomquist returns to the Committee from Wiley Rein LLP where he was a partner in the International Trade and Policy groups. While in private practice he worked on energy, environmental, and climate matters. In addition to his prior service on the Committee, Bloomquist's government experience includes working for the then Committee on Science, and in the Office of the Solicitor at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Todd Harrison - Chief Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Harrison previously served as a state and federal prosecutor in New York, in which capacity he tried over forty cases, including terrorism and capital cases. Harrison served in the U.S. Department of Justice for nearly six years as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, most recently as the deputy chief of the Violent Crimes and Terrorism Section. Previously, Mr. Harrison served as an assistant district attorney for five years in the New York County District Attorney’s Office under Robert M. Morgenthau. For the last three years, Harrison has been a white collar criminal defense attorney in New York with the law firm of Patton Boggs LLP.

David McCarthy - Chief Counsel, Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
McCarthy served as Republican Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment from 2006 through 2008. He has staffed various House Committees dating from the 1980s. In the interim he has practiced law and headed the Washington offices for a Midwest energy company and an alternative fuel company.

John O'Shea, M.D. - Senior Health Policy Advisor
O’Shea comes to the Committee with over 20 years experience as a practicing surgeon. He received a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on Health Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2006. Following graduation from the Kennedy School, he was the Harvard Graduate Fellow in health policy at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC. He has worked on a number of health care issues, including the Medicare physician payment system, quality and access in the Medicaid program, the delivery of emergency medical services, medical malpractice and the effects of heath care reform on the patient-doctor relationship. He also has a Graduate Degree in the History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied the history of health care policy in the United States.

Julie Goon - Senior Health Policy Advisor
Goon served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush for Economic Policy at the National Economic Council (NEC) from 2006 to 2009, and was responsible for the NEC’s health care portfolio including entitlement programs (Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP), health care access issues, transparency in pricing and quality, and health information technology. Goon joined the NEC from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she served as Director of Medicare Outreach and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Goon joins the Committee from General Electric where she has been Director of healthymagination, GE's cross-business initiative built on a global commitment to reduce costs, improve quality and expand access through innovation and partnership.

Jeff Mortier - Professional Staff Member
Mortier joins the Committee after spending the past five years on the staff of Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY), where he served as a Senior Policy Advisor and focused on health care and telecommunications policy.

Andy Duberstein - Special Assistant to the Chairman
Duberstein joins the Committee after 18 months in the office of Congressman Michael N. Castle (R-DE). Andy attended Franklin & Marshall College, graduating with a degree in Government and a minor in Economics. Additionally, from 2003 to 2004, Andy served as a Page in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Charlotte Savercool – Special Assistant to the Staff Director
Savercool joins the Committee after a five month internship in Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s office. A recent graduate of Virginia Tech, Savercool previously interned in Leader Cantor's office in the summer of 2008 and also completed an internship in the Office of Environment and Energy at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The following individuals will continue their service on the Committee in new capacities for the 112th Congress:

Alan Slobodin - Chief Investigative Counsel, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Slobodin has served on the Committee since 1995, including as Senior Oversight Counsel under Chairman Tom Bliley (R-VA), Deputy Chief Counsel for Oversight and Investigations under Chairmen Billy Tauzin (R-LA) and Joe Barton (R-TX), and Republican Chief Counsel for Oversight and Investigations under Ranking Member Joe Barton. Previously, he served on the House Committee on the Judiciary and worked for the Washington Legal Foundation.

Mary Neumayr – Senior Energy Counsel
Prior to joining the Committee, Neumayr served as Deputy General Counsel for Environment and Nuclear Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy (2006-2009), and as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (2003-2006).

Jerry Couri – Senior Environmental Policy Advisor
Couri’s tenure on the Committee dates back to the 107th Congress. During that time, he has focused primarily on issues falling within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy. He has worked on the Solid Waste Disposal Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Superfund, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. He continues regulatory oversight of these laws. Prior to serving at the Committee, Couri handled environmental issues related to the Committee in the personal offices of the late Congressman Paul Gillmor (R-OH) and Congressman Scott Klug (R-WI).

Garret Golding – Professional Staff Member
Golding, who first joined the Committee in 2006, will continue his service working on oil and gas issues for the Subcommittee on Energy and Power. Golding earned his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and will complete a masters degree at the Naval War College this summer. # # #

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

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