As the deficit continues to grow and jobs are lost every day, the Obama Administration has once again introduced more costly regulations and energy taxes that will kill jobs and drive up energy prices. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the air we breathe as a danger to the public and therefore, it would take steps to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases labeled as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Apparently, carbon dioxide, the very gas that we exhale when breathing, is a danger to our health. Not only is breathing now an endangerment to other humans, but it will also prove to be expensive. These detrimental claims would implement costly restrictions on vehicle and industry emissions, severely restricting businesses, and promoting bad public policy, like a national energy tax, that will take our economy from bad to worse.
It is no accident that this announcement was made the same day as the climate change summit opened in Copenhagen. President Obama needed something to show the summit, and the EPA delivered. As we witnessed with the administration’s recent EPA decision, liberal Democrats will stop at nothing to overcome the strong objections of the American people to a cap and tax system. The American people deserve to have their voices heard in this important debate, not silenced by bureaucrats at the United Nations.
To stop the EPA from enforcing such misguided regulations, I joined Rep. Marsha Blackburn, in January, as an original cosponsor to H.R. 391 that would legislatively prohibit the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide under the Clean Air Act. Adding more costly government mandates and increasing energy costs will result in further limiting economic growth and job creation in our already struggling economy. This is a troubling equation that provides further evidence that the President Obama’s agenda is becoming increasingly driven by Speaker Pelosi and her liberal special interest groups at the expense of families and small businesses.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mr. President, you can't keep spending money we don't have
Just because the President and his Administration now expect TARP to be cheaper than they originally thought, that doesn’t mean TARP has no cost. TARP will still cost the taxpayers billions of dollars at the end of the day.
If TARP really will cost less than anticipated, that’s good news, but that doesn’t mean there is surplus money to spend. If the President wants to spend more on another stimulus, that money still has to be borrowed and added to the national debt. This faulty government accounting will catch up with us, and our creditors will begin calling.
It’s an interesting coincidence that the White House has determined TARP will be cheaper just when they are looking for a way to justify more spending. However, the American people know the difference between ending TARP, getting their money back and reducing the debt and spending that money on something else.
NOTE: Yesterday, I sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urging him to end TARP, as well as ensure all TARP repayments, dividends, and other income go toward debt reduction rather than more spending.
If TARP really will cost less than anticipated, that’s good news, but that doesn’t mean there is surplus money to spend. If the President wants to spend more on another stimulus, that money still has to be borrowed and added to the national debt. This faulty government accounting will catch up with us, and our creditors will begin calling.
It’s an interesting coincidence that the White House has determined TARP will be cheaper just when they are looking for a way to justify more spending. However, the American people know the difference between ending TARP, getting their money back and reducing the debt and spending that money on something else.
NOTE: Yesterday, I sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urging him to end TARP, as well as ensure all TARP repayments, dividends, and other income go toward debt reduction rather than more spending.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Taxpayers Should Not Be Funding Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Yesterday the Obama Administration announced the first wave of federally funded human embryonic stem cell research. This news is disheartening to me, as well as many others around the nation who strongly believe in the inherent preservation of life from its beginning.
Embryonic stem cell research is disrespectful to the sanctity of life and uses taxpayer dollars to support research whose only proven result at this time is the destruction of human embryos. Moreover, other means of conducting research using adult stem cells and other alternatives to embryonic stem cells offer more promise. For example, a study in 2007, conducted by Brazilian and American scientists, found that adult stem cells could be used to treat those suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Instead of forcing millions of Americans to fund research that they believe crosses ethical boundaries, we should instead focus our resources on these alternative forms of stem cell research.
On Wednesday, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins was quoted, in favor of this research, as saying, "What we're talking about today is just the beginning." I agree with her, but in a different sense. It is the beginning of destroying innocent human life funded by the American taxpayers. I hope that you won’t stand for this, and as your representative in Congress, neither will I. I remain committed to supporting promising ethical research on adult stem cells and opposing research that does not treat human life with the dignity it deserves.
Embryonic stem cell research is disrespectful to the sanctity of life and uses taxpayer dollars to support research whose only proven result at this time is the destruction of human embryos. Moreover, other means of conducting research using adult stem cells and other alternatives to embryonic stem cells offer more promise. For example, a study in 2007, conducted by Brazilian and American scientists, found that adult stem cells could be used to treat those suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Instead of forcing millions of Americans to fund research that they believe crosses ethical boundaries, we should instead focus our resources on these alternative forms of stem cell research.
On Wednesday, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins was quoted, in favor of this research, as saying, "What we're talking about today is just the beginning." I agree with her, but in a different sense. It is the beginning of destroying innocent human life funded by the American taxpayers. I hope that you won’t stand for this, and as your representative in Congress, neither will I. I remain committed to supporting promising ethical research on adult stem cells and opposing research that does not treat human life with the dignity it deserves.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Another “stimulus” is not the solution
Nearly 10 months after signing his $787 billion economic stimulus bill into law, President Obama will host a Stimulus II Jobs Summit tomorrow. According to the Chair of his Council of Economic Advisors, the purpose is to “jump-start job creation.”
For months, the White House has been focused on pushing a massive government takeover of our health care system and an expensive cap and tax bill through Congress, both of which would cost us jobs. As unemployment continues to soar, a Jobs Summit would have been timelier before borrowing and spending billions of dollars.
People are tired of Washington running amuck with their hard-earned tax dollars. It’s time for a change in economic policy. With all the uncertainty the government has created about taxes, energy costs, health care mandates and other things that impact job creators, it’s no wonder employers are concerned about hiring.
This afternoon, Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) delivered economic remarks at the Heritage Foundation, during which he detailed a conservative vision to revitalize the economy, create jobs and restrain spending.
As a member of the Economic Recovery Solutions Group for House Republicans, my colleagues and I have been meeting all year on ways to improve the economy. And lately our focus has been on a no-cost jobs plan. As the President kicks off his jobs summit tomorrow, I encourage you to visit http://republicanwhip.house.gov/uploadedfiles/JobsProposals.pdf and learn about the common-sense proposals that Mr. Cantor laid out and which I support.
Instead of mounting unprecedented rates of federal debt, we need a plan that focuses on job creation instead of more spending legislation masked as a jobs creation bill. While President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and the liberal Congress continue to push us deeper into debt, I stand with the American people. We must begin practicing fiscal restraint. While they continue to expand government control, I will continue to promote and support long-term job creating solutions.
For months, the White House has been focused on pushing a massive government takeover of our health care system and an expensive cap and tax bill through Congress, both of which would cost us jobs. As unemployment continues to soar, a Jobs Summit would have been timelier before borrowing and spending billions of dollars.
People are tired of Washington running amuck with their hard-earned tax dollars. It’s time for a change in economic policy. With all the uncertainty the government has created about taxes, energy costs, health care mandates and other things that impact job creators, it’s no wonder employers are concerned about hiring.
This afternoon, Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) delivered economic remarks at the Heritage Foundation, during which he detailed a conservative vision to revitalize the economy, create jobs and restrain spending.
As a member of the Economic Recovery Solutions Group for House Republicans, my colleagues and I have been meeting all year on ways to improve the economy. And lately our focus has been on a no-cost jobs plan. As the President kicks off his jobs summit tomorrow, I encourage you to visit http://republicanwhip.house.gov/uploadedfiles/JobsProposals.pdf and learn about the common-sense proposals that Mr. Cantor laid out and which I support.
Instead of mounting unprecedented rates of federal debt, we need a plan that focuses on job creation instead of more spending legislation masked as a jobs creation bill. While President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and the liberal Congress continue to push us deeper into debt, I stand with the American people. We must begin practicing fiscal restraint. While they continue to expand government control, I will continue to promote and support long-term job creating solutions.
A New Way Forward in Afghanistan
Last night, as a nation, we heard the President’s new Afghanistan strategy. After months of deliberation the President appears to be taking decisive action. I am glad to see that. The longer we wait to take action, the stronger a foothold al-Qaeda and the Taliban threaten to gain in Afghanistan and Pakistan. National security is one of the most critical issues facing our nation, and the War on Terror is not yet over. This long overdue speech culminates a decision-making course that began in March with the announcement that the United States would pursue a broad counterinsurgency strategy to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
Although I support the President’s decision to provide sufficient U.S. forces in order to achieve success in Afghanistan, I continue to have questions as to whether this plan will fully accomplish our mission in the region. I am also deeply concerned about announcing an “exit strategy” before we’ve provided more troops and resources to help achieve success, and whether this signals to the Taliban and al-Qaeda that they can run out the “Washington clock.”
The mission of rooting out al-Qaeda and preventing a Taliban takeover is achievable, but only if we provide our commanders and troops the resources they need to clear, hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. We must reaffirm our commitment to Afghanistan. Success will be defined as a stable country that denies the Taliban and al-Qaeda a safe haven to launch attacks against the Afghan people, Afghanistan’s neighbors, or the United States and its allies.
In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to Congress hearing directly from General McChrystal on whether this force will provide the resources he needs to hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. Additionally, the upcoming testimony by Secretary of Defense Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mullen, and Secretary Clinton will provide additional insights on the President’s plan for the way forward.
Although I support the President’s decision to provide sufficient U.S. forces in order to achieve success in Afghanistan, I continue to have questions as to whether this plan will fully accomplish our mission in the region. I am also deeply concerned about announcing an “exit strategy” before we’ve provided more troops and resources to help achieve success, and whether this signals to the Taliban and al-Qaeda that they can run out the “Washington clock.”
The mission of rooting out al-Qaeda and preventing a Taliban takeover is achievable, but only if we provide our commanders and troops the resources they need to clear, hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. We must reaffirm our commitment to Afghanistan. Success will be defined as a stable country that denies the Taliban and al-Qaeda a safe haven to launch attacks against the Afghan people, Afghanistan’s neighbors, or the United States and its allies.
In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to Congress hearing directly from General McChrystal on whether this force will provide the resources he needs to hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. Additionally, the upcoming testimony by Secretary of Defense Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mullen, and Secretary Clinton will provide additional insights on the President’s plan for the way forward.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Terrorists Are Not Welcome
Throughout our nation’s history, the people of the United States have not taken attacks on their freedom lightly. The deliberate terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten by the American people. Even considering transporting self-confessed September 11th mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his co-conspirators to the U.S. for trial in a New York City civilian court is a blatant disregard to the safety of all Americans.
To prevent the Obama Administration from granting these war criminals the same judicial due process rights of Americans citizens, I have joined with my fellow Texan, Congressman Louie Gohmert, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4127.
H.R. 4127 would amend the Military Commissions Act of 2009 to make it mandatory that all “alien unprivileged enemy belligerents,” be tried for either a term of incarceration or death and stand trial in a constitutionally established military commission rather than a civilian court. These “alien unprivileged enemy belligerents” would include any detainees in Guantanamo facing trial.
So often we forget the sound principles of our nation. If we look to the Constitution for guidance, we will find the best path for bringing these foreign terrorists to trial. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution provides Congress with the authority to establish tribunals and such military commissions. In fact, it is Congress, not the President or Supreme Court, that is given complete authority to establish all courts and their jurisdictions that are inferior to the Supreme Court under Article III, Sections 1 & 2.
As a Member of Congress, I took an oath to protect American citizens against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This legislation is an important step in doing just that. There is no clear reason why these terrorists should be brought anywhere in the United States. Foreign terrorists who violently attack our nation have no claim to the same Constitutional rights of the American people that they sought to destroy. One step on American soil is simply one step too far. I will do all that I can in Congress to protect our nation’s safety and uphold our own inalienable rights under the Constitution.
To prevent the Obama Administration from granting these war criminals the same judicial due process rights of Americans citizens, I have joined with my fellow Texan, Congressman Louie Gohmert, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4127.
H.R. 4127 would amend the Military Commissions Act of 2009 to make it mandatory that all “alien unprivileged enemy belligerents,” be tried for either a term of incarceration or death and stand trial in a constitutionally established military commission rather than a civilian court. These “alien unprivileged enemy belligerents” would include any detainees in Guantanamo facing trial.
So often we forget the sound principles of our nation. If we look to the Constitution for guidance, we will find the best path for bringing these foreign terrorists to trial. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution provides Congress with the authority to establish tribunals and such military commissions. In fact, it is Congress, not the President or Supreme Court, that is given complete authority to establish all courts and their jurisdictions that are inferior to the Supreme Court under Article III, Sections 1 & 2.
As a Member of Congress, I took an oath to protect American citizens against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This legislation is an important step in doing just that. There is no clear reason why these terrorists should be brought anywhere in the United States. Foreign terrorists who violently attack our nation have no claim to the same Constitutional rights of the American people that they sought to destroy. One step on American soil is simply one step too far. I will do all that I can in Congress to protect our nation’s safety and uphold our own inalienable rights under the Constitution.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Failure at Recovery.gov
Have you heard of Utah’s 7th Congressional District or Florida’s 86th District? Neither have I. Apparently, these non-existent Congressional districts have received millions of dollars in stimulus funding, marking yet another failure in transparency at the White House.
In early 2009, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi forced the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through Congress. This massive spending legislation was billed as a so-called “economic stimulus,” and was promised to create jobs, spend money on “shovel-ready” projects and turn around our economy. Unfortunately, the “stimulus” has done very little to boost job growth. In fact, the U.S. has lost over 2.8 million jobs since it was signed into law.
Now we find out that there have been serious inaccuracies when it comes to reporting the use of stimulus funds on Recovery.gov, the federal government’s tracking website. Recovery.gov was set up at a cost of $18 million to provide Americans “unprecedented oversight and transparency” as well as direct access to how their tax dollars are being spent in the stimulus package.
Recovery.gov relies on self-reporting by recipients of the stimulus money. Apparently no one checks to verify the accuracy of their reports. Last week, the Obama Administration removed more than 60,000 jobs from its most recent report on the stimulus because of “unrealistic data.” To make matters worse, this week ABC News reported that millions of dollars have been spent and many jobs created in Congressional Districts that don’t even exist.
This leads me to ask: How can we expect this Administration to manage billions of dollars stimulus funds when they can’t even accurately run a website?
In early 2009, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi forced the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through Congress. This massive spending legislation was billed as a so-called “economic stimulus,” and was promised to create jobs, spend money on “shovel-ready” projects and turn around our economy. Unfortunately, the “stimulus” has done very little to boost job growth. In fact, the U.S. has lost over 2.8 million jobs since it was signed into law.
Now we find out that there have been serious inaccuracies when it comes to reporting the use of stimulus funds on Recovery.gov, the federal government’s tracking website. Recovery.gov was set up at a cost of $18 million to provide Americans “unprecedented oversight and transparency” as well as direct access to how their tax dollars are being spent in the stimulus package.
Recovery.gov relies on self-reporting by recipients of the stimulus money. Apparently no one checks to verify the accuracy of their reports. Last week, the Obama Administration removed more than 60,000 jobs from its most recent report on the stimulus because of “unrealistic data.” To make matters worse, this week ABC News reported that millions of dollars have been spent and many jobs created in Congressional Districts that don’t even exist.
This leads me to ask: How can we expect this Administration to manage billions of dollars stimulus funds when they can’t even accurately run a website?
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