Marco Rubio Votes Against Further Delay Of Debt Crisis Debate VIDEO

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorMarcoRubio

IMAGE CREDIT: Senator Marco Rubio Facebook

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

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

Opening Statement of Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton

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

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

Opening Statement of Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield

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

Opening Statement of Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden

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

Track Committee Consideration and View Additional Background

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

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

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

VIDEO CREDIT: energyandcommerce