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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act
The shooting at Fort Hood on November 5th took the lives of thirteen brave men and women. Like everyone around the nation and in the 19th Congressional District, I was deeply saddened by the events that unfolded at Fort Hood. It is a tragedy we will never forget.
Because this was an act of terror in our own backyard, I believe the Army and civilian personnel who were wounded or killed in the shooting attack on Fort Hood should be granted the same benefits and recognition as combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have joined with my fellow Texan, Congressman Carter, in a bi-partisan effort to introduce H.R. 4088, the Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act. This bill would ensure that the members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood receive the same level of benefits as those who are killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving on active duty with the Armed Forces.
H.R. 4088 is an important step in protecting these families who might not otherwise see maximum life insurance payments in addition to other benefits. The bill would also allow for the fallen military personnel to receive the Purple Heart, and civilians to receive the Medal of Freedom.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of these victims, and those who were wounded in this violent attack. We will never forget their sacrifices. May God continue to watch over the Fort Hood family.
Click here to read the full text of H.R. 4088.
Because this was an act of terror in our own backyard, I believe the Army and civilian personnel who were wounded or killed in the shooting attack on Fort Hood should be granted the same benefits and recognition as combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have joined with my fellow Texan, Congressman Carter, in a bi-partisan effort to introduce H.R. 4088, the Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act. This bill would ensure that the members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood receive the same level of benefits as those who are killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving on active duty with the Armed Forces.
H.R. 4088 is an important step in protecting these families who might not otherwise see maximum life insurance payments in addition to other benefits. The bill would also allow for the fallen military personnel to receive the Purple Heart, and civilians to receive the Medal of Freedom.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of these victims, and those who were wounded in this violent attack. We will never forget their sacrifices. May God continue to watch over the Fort Hood family.
Click here to read the full text of H.R. 4088.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Yesterday, I posted a story from Politico that indicated a shift in strategy by the Obama Administration to focus on spending and the deficit.
For months, my Republican colleagues and I have been arguing the necessity of fiscally responsible solutions to tackle the immediate challenges facing the American people. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington continue to ignore us and the real concerns facing your families.
As many have pointed out, Republicans did not stand strong enough for a limited government when they were in charge in Congress. However, Speaker Pelosi and President Obama have since floored the accelerator and dramatically increased spending and the role of government, refusing to make tough choices. If Congress goes along with President Obama’s budget plan, the national debt would reach $24.498 trillion by 2019. Our children and grandchildren should not be forced to pick up the tab for the unyielding spending of the federal government.
With unemployment at a 26-year high of 10.2%, reports coming in that “stimulus job” claims were wildly overstated, and a White House “jobs summit” in the works, Speaker Pelosi and her liberal Congress may finally be realizing their so-called stimulus has ultimately failed to get Americans back to work. I believe the priority of the President and Congress should be jobs, jobs, jobs.
I urge you to check out the following chart from the Heritage Foundation based on White House estimates and actual unemployment.
You and I both know that massive government spending is the most inefficient and ineffective way to promote economic growth. Instead of weighing down the economy with unprecedented deficits and a job-killing agenda, we need to put the economic power back in the hands of families and employers.
For months, my Republican colleagues and I have been arguing the necessity of fiscally responsible solutions to tackle the immediate challenges facing the American people. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington continue to ignore us and the real concerns facing your families.
As many have pointed out, Republicans did not stand strong enough for a limited government when they were in charge in Congress. However, Speaker Pelosi and President Obama have since floored the accelerator and dramatically increased spending and the role of government, refusing to make tough choices. If Congress goes along with President Obama’s budget plan, the national debt would reach $24.498 trillion by 2019. Our children and grandchildren should not be forced to pick up the tab for the unyielding spending of the federal government.
With unemployment at a 26-year high of 10.2%, reports coming in that “stimulus job” claims were wildly overstated, and a White House “jobs summit” in the works, Speaker Pelosi and her liberal Congress may finally be realizing their so-called stimulus has ultimately failed to get Americans back to work. I believe the priority of the President and Congress should be jobs, jobs, jobs.
I urge you to check out the following chart from the Heritage Foundation based on White House estimates and actual unemployment.
You and I both know that massive government spending is the most inefficient and ineffective way to promote economic growth. Instead of weighing down the economy with unprecedented deficits and a job-killing agenda, we need to put the economic power back in the hands of families and employers.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Is the President finally getting the picture?
According to an article last week in Politico, President Obama plans to address cutting the federal deficit and domestic spending in 2010. While that is all well and good, isn’t this reaction almost a year late?
Since President Obama took office we have seen unprecedented government spending, 26-year high unemployment rates, and an ever-expanding federal debt. For 2009, the federal budget deficit hit $1.4 trillion, meaning the government spent $1.4 trillion more than it took in. In October, the start of the new fiscal year, the deficit hit a record of $176.4 billion for just one month. With a start like that, the red ink for 2010 is looking a lot like 2009.
This year we have seen President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress push a tax-loaded cap and trade plan, costly health care legislation, and an economic “stimulus” package, some of the largest spending programs in our nation’s history. Certainly Congress needs to address the deficit, but we should have started before it became this large.
As many have pointed out, Republicans did not stand strong enough for a limited government when they were in charge in Congress. However, the current Democrat Majority and President Obama have since floored the accelerator and dramatically increased spending and the role of government, refusing to make tough choices and putting all the sacrifice on future generations. Digging the hole even deeper is not the answer.
We must do something more than simply “address” these issues. We need concrete, common-sense solutions that will outline exactly how we will decrease spending and borrowing, without further burdening taxpayers. The real road to economic recovery starts with a return to the principles of fiscal discipline. I have introduced my own bill, H.R. 534 the Responsible Government Empowerment Act, and am a cosponsor of the Spending, Deficit and Debt Control Act of 2009, which outlines how Congress can return to fiscal discipline by putting a lid on spending, combating waste, placing a cap on deficits and creating a legally binding budget. While I hope President Obama’s rhetoric will truly yield reality in the future, what we really need are solutions, like these bills, that put a plan into action right now.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Veterans History Project
The stories of war are invaluable memories of our nation’s history. They are remembrances of the struggles and sacrifices Americans have faced to guarantee freedom for their fellow citizens and for nations around the world living in oppression. Through the Veterans History Project (VHP), we can learn from the past and carry the legacy of these brave men and women into the future.
An act of Congress established the VHP in 2000 to ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are recorded for future generations. As a part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the VHP’s goal is to preserve, and “make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” A collection of these records will be compiled in an online database and kept on permanent collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Information regarding this worthwhile endeavor can be found at: http://www.loc.gov/vets.
So far the VHP has collected over 65,000 individual accounts of wartime. However, there are countless numbers of veterans whose stories are not recorded, many of these in the 19th District. I encourage all veterans to record their stories for future generations.
To learn more about how to participate in the Veterans History Project, click here. You can also access this, and other information for veterans, by visiting my website.
An act of Congress established the VHP in 2000 to ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are recorded for future generations. As a part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the VHP’s goal is to preserve, and “make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” A collection of these records will be compiled in an online database and kept on permanent collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Information regarding this worthwhile endeavor can be found at: http://www.loc.gov/vets.
So far the VHP has collected over 65,000 individual accounts of wartime. However, there are countless numbers of veterans whose stories are not recorded, many of these in the 19th District. I encourage all veterans to record their stories for future generations.
To learn more about how to participate in the Veterans History Project, click here. You can also access this, and other information for veterans, by visiting my website.
Celebrating the Marine Corps 234th Birthday
On the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, I extend my heartfelt well wishes to U.S. Marines in the 19th Congressional District and around the world. Since the birth of our nation, the Marines have diligently defended our Constitution, ensuring the many freedoms we value.
On this day before Veterans Day, it is only right that we honor the brave spirit and valor of the Marine Corps. Our Marines can always be found where the fighting is the toughest, and where pure strength and courage are what pulls them to ultimate victory. From all who have gone before us to those who are serving this great nation now, we remember you and lift you up in our prayers. May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
Semper Fidelis!
On this day before Veterans Day, it is only right that we honor the brave spirit and valor of the Marine Corps. Our Marines can always be found where the fighting is the toughest, and where pure strength and courage are what pulls them to ultimate victory. From all who have gone before us to those who are serving this great nation now, we remember you and lift you up in our prayers. May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
Semper Fidelis!
Monday, November 9, 2009
20th Anniversary of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down, leading to the unification of a nation once separated by armed guards and barbed wire, forever connected by history -- it was a movement of peace, not force. Today, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of that historic day. It was in the spirit of that Shining City on the Hill when on the sunset of his presidency Ronald Reagan stood upon the world stage, and amplified the words that millions of others who knew of freedom were feeling “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” which culminated in millions being free for the first time in their lives.
It’s difficult to imagine that just twenty years ago the people of East Germany lived in an oppressed environment, cut off from the free world. The peaceful dismantling of the Berlin Wall was a symbol of freedom for the people of East Germany along with many around the world facing similar persecution, marking the beginning of the fall of Communism.
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the hope brought by the reunification of Germany is one memory that will forever stand out in my mind. We all need to remember the Berlin Wall. Today we are once again reminded of just how precious our freedom really is, and we proudly join with the people of Germany in celebrating this monumental anniversary.
It’s difficult to imagine that just twenty years ago the people of East Germany lived in an oppressed environment, cut off from the free world. The peaceful dismantling of the Berlin Wall was a symbol of freedom for the people of East Germany along with many around the world facing similar persecution, marking the beginning of the fall of Communism.
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the hope brought by the reunification of Germany is one memory that will forever stand out in my mind. We all need to remember the Berlin Wall. Today we are once again reminded of just how precious our freedom really is, and we proudly join with the people of Germany in celebrating this monumental anniversary.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mandatory Provision of Social Security Account Numbers and Notification of Mismatches and Multiple Uses
There are countless flaws in Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill. One of these directly impacting the 19th Congressional District, and all American taxpayers, are the provisions in this legislation that fail to adequately verify U.S. citizenship for federal benefits and would potentially provide health care to millions of illegal immigrants. According to analysis from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) the number of illegal immigrants covered under Speaker Pelosi’s health care takeover (H.R. 3962) has increased by 2.5 million from their original bill, H.R. 3200.
Any federal benefits that illegal immigrants may receive will be 100 percent funded by our tax dollars. The American people should not be forced to finance benefits for illegal immigrants. This morning I joined with Joe Wilson, Sam Johnson and several of my Republican colleagues in the House for a press conference on the shortcomings in Speaker Pelosi’s health care takeover, and how we can best address these particular issues.
In an effort to prevent chronic identity theft and abuse of taxpayer dollars, I have submitted an amendment to Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill that would require anyone participating in the health insurance exchange to have his or her social security number verified. The Social Security Administration will be responsible for monitoring and notifying the Department of Homeland Security if there are social security mismatches.
The process put into place by this amendment would take steps to curb the number of those who have entered this country illegally, using stolen social security numbers, from illegally obtaining federal benefits.
Any federal benefits that illegal immigrants may receive will be 100 percent funded by our tax dollars. The American people should not be forced to finance benefits for illegal immigrants. This morning I joined with Joe Wilson, Sam Johnson and several of my Republican colleagues in the House for a press conference on the shortcomings in Speaker Pelosi’s health care takeover, and how we can best address these particular issues.
In an effort to prevent chronic identity theft and abuse of taxpayer dollars, I have submitted an amendment to Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill that would require anyone participating in the health insurance exchange to have his or her social security number verified. The Social Security Administration will be responsible for monitoring and notifying the Department of Homeland Security if there are social security mismatches.
The process put into place by this amendment would take steps to curb the number of those who have entered this country illegally, using stolen social security numbers, from illegally obtaining federal benefits.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
“House Call” in Washington
To the people of the 19th Congressional District and America, I have heard your voice. I heard you in August and I hear you now. I understand you’re mad and frustrated about the political circus occurring in Washington. Enough is enough. Today, Speaker Pelosi heard you loud and clear.
We don’t want a government takeover of our health care. Rather, we need a balanced approach that puts patients first. We need real answers that make sense in the real world. Health care reform must be based on competition, preserve the relationship between doctors and patients, and reduce health care costs for American families without a massive government intrusion.
My colleagues and I are on the side of the American people. We have answered your calls for reform by putting forward common-sense health care legislation that reduces the deficit, lowers insurance premiums, and improves coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.
As your voice in Congress, I will continue to fight for the choice you deserve. A one-size-fits-all plan will not work. You know what is best for your families better than the government does.
Speaker Pelosi, listen to the American people. Health care is too important to get wrong.
Click here to listen to my speech at the "House Call."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Pelosi's Manager's Amendment
Last night, House Democrats submitted a 42-page amendment to the proposed health care bill, setting the 72-hour review period into motion. The amendment is a package of changes to Speaker Pelosi’s 1,990-page bill. All of these amendments have been pre-approved by the Democrat Majority without Republican input. This amendment will push the text of the bill to well over 2,000 pages.
As it stands now Speaker Pelosi’s bill permits federal funds to be used for abortion in government-run insurance plans. Supporters of the bill say that only private funds will be used to fund abortion in the government insurance plan, but this simply is not true. The bill places individual premium payments into a federal Treasury account that may be used to pay for abortions. It is important to take notice that these premiums are federal funds. Going even further, this legislation will attempt to subsidize private insurance plans that cover abortion.
Pelosi's plan is to demand that the House pass the bill under a "closed rule," which is a procedure that would not allow any amendments to H.R. 3962 to be considered. On top of that the proposed manager’s amendment does not even address the issue of abortion. Instead it includes things like changes to biofuel tax law.
If this bill passes without removing the abortion provisions, this will be the first time in decades that federal dollars will go towards abortion. I cannot stand for the federal funding of abortions- it is one of the many reasons I continue to oppose this bill.
As it stands now Speaker Pelosi’s bill permits federal funds to be used for abortion in government-run insurance plans. Supporters of the bill say that only private funds will be used to fund abortion in the government insurance plan, but this simply is not true. The bill places individual premium payments into a federal Treasury account that may be used to pay for abortions. It is important to take notice that these premiums are federal funds. Going even further, this legislation will attempt to subsidize private insurance plans that cover abortion.
Pelosi's plan is to demand that the House pass the bill under a "closed rule," which is a procedure that would not allow any amendments to H.R. 3962 to be considered. On top of that the proposed manager’s amendment does not even address the issue of abortion. Instead it includes things like changes to biofuel tax law.
If this bill passes without removing the abortion provisions, this will be the first time in decades that federal dollars will go towards abortion. I cannot stand for the federal funding of abortions- it is one of the many reasons I continue to oppose this bill.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Reading Speaker Pelosi’s Bill
Earlier this afternoon, I joined my Republican colleagues to sit down, read and discuss portions of Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill. This was a great opportunity to read through the bill, and discuss the misguided policies and consequences of this legislation with my colleagues. Unfortunately, this may well be our only chance to openly speak-out against the bill. We are continuing to hear that Speaker Pelosi may restrict all amendments and severely limit any debate on the House floor. This is unacceptable. Congress needs time to openly debate 1,990 pages of legislation.
As I continue to review this legislation, I am convinced that this truly is the worst bill ever with very few benefits to the people of West Texas and the Big Country.
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