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RSC BLOG
A Way Out of the Wilderness
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-06-2008, 02:03 PM)
Don't miss Rep. Jeff Flake's piece on how Republicans can come back from the wilderness.
Posted in General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Inalienable Rights
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-31-2008, 08:02 AM)
If you read one piece on inalienable rights and freedom this year, make it this one by soon-to-be-Congressman Tom McClintock. It's one you'll want to pass to others.
Posted in General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
The New New Deal
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-30-2008, 12:49 PM)
Fantastic piece by Pat Toomey about the specifics of the New Deal that hampered the U.S. economy--and how those specifics may soon be repeated.
Posted in General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Never Forget
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-23-2008, 10:50 AM)
25 years ago today, on Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon killed 220 U.S. Marines, 18 sailors and 3 Army soldiers. A near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers. Never forget.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security, International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
#2 AQI Taken Out
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-15-2008, 01:48 PM)
Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss this excellent news about the number two Al Qaeda leader in Iraq being taken out by U.S. forces. I wonder if Democrats will admit that this is good news.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security, International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Can Mickey Mouse Vote?
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-14-2008, 11:25 AM)
Add this to your list of ACORN outrages. They tried to register Mickey Mouse to vote!
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
When Will We Sour On The Sweeteners?
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (10-08-2008, 03:29 PM)
With all the attention last week focused on the massive $700 billion bailout bill that the administration and Democrat leadership were pushing through Congress, there was little notice of the $110 billion in pork added to bait members of Congress into voting for the package.
Posted in Taxes | 3 Comments | View Full Posting
Bachmann on the Mess
Posted by: Paul Teller (09-26-2008, 02:33 PM)
Check out this excellent piece by Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota about how we got into the financial mess we're in.
Posted in Government Oversight, Unspecified | 3 Comments | View Full Posting
Mortgage Crisis – All Roads Lead to Fannie and Freddie, and Congress.
Posted by: Rep. Dave Weldon (09-25-2008, 06:25 PM)
With the talk of Washington and much of the Nation currently surrounding the looming financial crisis and the “bailout” package proposed by Treasury Secretary Paulson, many Americans are rightly asking how we got in to this mess. While it is imperative that Congress take action to alleviate further problems in our economy, answering the “how we got here” question is essential because it will provide the necessary insight to know the right and wrong steps to take to remedy this crisis and avoid another one in the future. While many Democrats are blaming “deregulation” for our housing and economic troubles, nothing could be further from the truth. Note that no real legislation or substantive examples are ever cited by Sen. Obama or other Democrat leaders when they blame the false demon of deregulation. They blame deregulation because the Democrats answer for virtually every calamity that befalls our nation is more federal regulation and intervention in the private sector. It is becoming clear that federal regulation and government mandates are the root problem (as they often are), not the solution. Read on to see why. So what and who are the real culprits? According to numerous leading experts and a review of recent history, the very structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are largely at fault in initiating and escalating this major economic market meltdown. Both Fannie and Freddie are unique entities known as government sponsored enterprises, GSEs in Washington-speak, and therefore get their charter and marching orders from Congress. So Congress, namely powerful House and Senate Democrat Members, has enabled the GSEs in their push for more “affordable housing” to buy up increasingly risky subprime mortgages, then bundle and sell these sub-par assets to investment banks. You see, Congress set numerical thresholds for the number of low income loans Fannie and Freddie must meet, which was in conflict with their obligation to shareholders to lend to more qualified buyers and ensure a profit. Finding the Origins of the Mortgage Crisis. This Fox News piece reviews the recent history of Fannie and Freddie, and details Republican efforts as recent as 2005 to reign them in and avoid a future government bailout. Blame Fannie Mae and Congress For the Credit Mess. This recent Wall Street Journal article accurately accounts the foibles of the GSEs and congressional complicity in creating this situation. Of particular note is that those that championed the “affordable housing” mission of Fannie and Freddie, namely House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank and his Senate counterpart Sen. Chris Dodd, are the primary negotiators on the bailout package with the Administration. Illegal Immigrations to Blame? Believe it or not, there is compelling evidence that our historically lax immigration enforcement has also played a major role in worsening the mortgage crisis. Thisarticle by Michelle Malkin details the pattern of abuse in lending by banks to the nation’s largest illegal alien “sanctuaries.” This is yet another reason that we must enforce our border and immigration laws for the good of our country, our financial system, and the rule of law.
Posted in Government Oversight, On the House Floor | 6 Comments | View Full Posting
Earmarks Gimmick on the House Floor Now
Posted by: Paul Teller (09-23-2008, 11:16 AM)
H.R. 5244, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act (sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY), is scheduled to be considered on the House floor on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, subject to a closed rule (H.Res. 1476), allowing NO amendments.
Posted in Appropriations, Defense-Homeland Security, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Congress May Consider Minibus-CR Bill Next Week
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-18-2008, 02:36 PM)
With two weeks until the beginning of fiscal year 2009, the House has passed just one of the regular appropriations bills needed to fund the government next year, and has failed to send any of the twelve bills to the President for his signature. A continuing resolution will have to be enacted to keep the government running beyond September 30th of this year. Democrats reportedly plan to combine the Military Construction-Veterans, Homeland Security, and Defense Appropriations bills (which has not even been considered by the full committee), along with the continuing resolution probably lasting into mid-November, into one bill. The three FY 2009 regular appropriations bills would be 13.8 percent and 6.2 percent increases compared to last year respectively. Overall, the Democrat plan will increase spending through the appropriations process by $72 billion or 7.7 percent. To shutoff Republicans from being able to offer a Motion to Recommit, the FY 2008 House-passed Homeland Security bill (H.R. 2638) may be used as the vehicle.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrat "Energy" Bill a Boon to Unions
Posted by: Paul Teller (09-16-2008, 03:13 PM)
I know no one’s talking much about this, but it’s worth noting that today’s Democrat “energy” bill includes a boon to labor unions by requiring that any new pipelines built in or near the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska use union labor (or non-union labor under union-like conditions). These Project Labor Agreements, as they are called, are inefficient, yield higher construction costs, and often delay the completion dates of projects. Since we need more American energy as soon as possible, this is just one more reason for conservatives to be concerned about this legislation.
Posted in Education and Labor, Energy and Environment | 2 Comments | View Full Posting
The Laffer Curve in the 1840s
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-16-2008, 12:37 PM)
Walter Borneman has written a new biography of President James Polk that includes one interesting detail about how the Polk Administration increased revenues during the Mexican-American War.
This was seven decades before the 16th Amendment and the income tax, so a crucial source of federal revenue was the tariff. Beyond the impact on revenue, the tariff was a contentious issue because of its economic impact. But early in Polk’s term, Treasury Secretary Robert J. Walker conducted an analysis aimed at finding what tariff rates maximize revenue. Or as the resulting report put it: "At what rate duties on various articles would produce the maximum revenue--or in other words, beyond what point duties became high enough to reduce the volume of imports and hence the amount of revenue."
This report was the basis of the Walker Tariff of 1846. This legislation, which helped finance the Mexican-American War, lowered tariff rates to increase federal revenue.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
$50 Billion “Stimulus” Supplemental May be on House Floor Next Week
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-11-2008, 12:26 PM)
In February, Congress enacted a $168 billion economic stimulus. In June, Congress enacted a $260 billion supplemental for war funding, domestic spending, and new entitlement spending. However, some Democrats wanted to include extra domestic spending that did not become law. As soon as next week, the House may consider a supplemental with some of this additional spending, such as new Medicaid spending (in the form of an FMAP increase), unemployment benefits, infrastructure spending (for transportation, schools, and water and sewers), LIHEAP, and food stamps. $50 billion worth of loan guarantees for the auto industry, intended to help the industry produce more energy efficient vehicles, may also be included in the package. Unlike the economic stimulus bill signed into law earlier this year, this legislation is not expected to include rebate checks.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Budget Outlook Worsens by $3.4 Trillion since January 2007
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-11-2008, 12:24 PM)
Yesterday, CBO released its updated 2008-2018 Budget and Economic Outlook. The report projects a $407 billion deficit (2.9 percent of GDP) in FY 2008, a $438 billion deficit (3.0 percent of GDP) in FY 2009, and a $2.7 trillion deficit over the 2008-2018 period. To date, the largest nominal budget deficit in U.S. history is the $413 billion deficit incurred in 2004. From 2005-2007, due to the growth of tax collections, the deficit declined every year reaching $162 billion in FY 2007—a reduction of 60 percent in three years. If CBO’s projections for 2008 and 2009 prove correct, the 110th Congress will have presided over a 170.4 percent increase of the federal deficit in two years, while running up the largest and third largest nominal budget deficits in U.S. history.
In January 2007, the same month Democrats took control of Congress, CBO projected an $800 billion surplus over the 2008-2017 period. The new report projects a $2.6 trillion deficit over the same period and thus represents a $3.4 trillion projected deterioration of the nation’s finances in 20 months. Both the January 2007 and the current projections assume that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts will expire, the “doc fix” will not be extended, and the AMT patch will not be extended.
The higher deficit projections are driven by higher spending, which is projected to increase by 8.3 percent in 2008 and by 6.9 percent in 2009. As a percentage of the economy, federal spending is projected to reach 21.5 percent of GDP in 2009, which compares to 20.0 percent of GDP in 2007, and 20.3 percent of GDP over the average of the last 40 years. Over the full 2008-2018 period, CBO projects that spending will average 21.1 percent of GDP. Federal revenues have never exceeded 20.9 percent of GDP (a level reached in 1944, 2000), the average figure over the past 40 years is 18.3 percent of GDP, and this year federal revenues are projected to be 17.9 percent of GDP. There is no precedent for federal taxes at the level CBO projects federal spending will be over the next ten years.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Conservatism Isn't the Culprit
Posted by: Paul Teller (08-29-2008, 02:31 PM)
Excellent piece today by Heritage President Ed Feulner on the lessons of abandoning conservative principles: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,413201,00.html.
Posted in Budget, General, Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
HHS Should be Praised for Proposing Regulations to Protect Pro-Life Healthcare Providers
Posted by: Representative Joe Pitts (08-22-2008, 01:22 PM)
I applaud HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt for proposing regulations that would increase compliance with laws protecting federally funded health care providers’ right of conscience by requiring that recipients of federal funds verify they are complying with conscience laws. These laws were established to prevent discrimination against physicians, health care professionals, hospitals, health insurance plans, or any other kind of health care facility, who object to abortion on the basis of “religious beliefs or moral convictions.” The new proposed regulations will help ensure enforcement of these important protections. Healthcare providers deserve protections for their legal right to practice without violating their religious beliefs or moral convictions. On an issue as fundamental as life, healthcare providers should not be forced to abandon their moral convictions when they come to work. It is ironic that many who claim to be ‘pro-choice’ are opposing regulations that would protect the freedom of health care providers to choose to practice according to their conscience.
Over the past three decades, Congress has enacted several statutes to safeguard provider conscience rights, and the proposed regulation would increase awareness of and compliance with these laws. Specifically, the proposed rule would: Clarify that non-discrimination protections apply to institutional health care providers as well as to individual employees working for recipients of certain funds from HHS; require recipients of certain HHS funds to certify their compliance with laws protecting provider conscience rights; designate the HHS Office for Civil Rights as the entity to receive complaints of discrimination addressed by the existing statutes and the proposed regulation; and charge HHS officials to work with any state or local government or entity that may be in violation of existing statutes and the proposed regulation to encourage voluntary steps to bring that government or entity into compliance with the law. If, despite the Department’s efforts, compliance is not achieved, HHS officials will consider all legal options, including termination of funding and the return of funds paid out in violation of the nondiscrimination provisions
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
It's About More Than Just Gas Prices
Posted by: Rep. John Shadegg (08-08-2008, 05:47 PM)
From August 5, 2008:
Posted in Energy and Environment, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
It's Time to Change America's Anti-Energy Policy
Posted by: Rep. John Shadegg (08-08-2008, 05:46 PM)
This is an important effort to make the case to the American people that we have had an anti-energy policy for 30 years. You can defend that, perhaps, when gasoline prices were dramatically lower or diesel prices were lower or jet fuel prices were lower. And you might be able to defend it when we knew less about how to get oil out of the ground without causing environmental damage. The last oil spill off the coast of America was 37 years ago. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit there was no significant spill. The vast majority of the American people believe we should be tapping our resources and using more American-made energy. I think it’s a no-brainer that we would be better off to stop buying oil from our enemies.
Posted in Energy and Environment, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Report from the Floor
Posted by: Rep. Gresham Barrett (08-08-2008, 05:44 PM)
From August 4, 2008:
Posted in Energy and Environment, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
CONSERVATIVE ACTIVISTS NEEDED--American Energy Revolt on the Floor
Posted by: Paul Teller (08-04-2008, 11:05 AM)
Attention all conservative activists (including those to which you forward this blogpost)!
Posted in Energy and Environment, On the House Floor | 3 Comments | View Full Posting
Earmarks Live to See Another Day
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (08-01-2008, 11:28 AM)
Today, Jeff Flake and I offered an amendment to the FY2009 Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. Our amendment would prohibit funding for the 103 congressionally requested earmarks found in the bill. This amendment would also reduce the overall cost of the bill by the more than half a billion taxpayer dollars.
Posted in Appropriations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Tax Incentives for American Energy
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (07-31-2008, 08:43 PM)
Today, I unveiled legislation that provides tax incentives for renewable energy technology. My bill, the Promoting New American Energy (PNAE) Act would accelerate tax depreciation for investments in renewable energy.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Airlines Off Base on Fuel Costs
Posted by: Paul Teller (07-31-2008, 10:23 AM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) fired back at the airlines today, who've been claiming that high gasoline prices are the result of unscrupulous actions by Wall Street "speculators." See the Chairman's piece here.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Drilling in ANWR Will Reduce Gas Prices
Posted by: Paul Teller (07-25-2008, 03:37 PM)
Check out this piece by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) about how drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will help reduce prices at the pump.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
More Good News from Iraq
Posted by: Rep. Joe Pitts (07-18-2008, 09:37 AM)
More good news is coming out of Iraq. The AP recently reported that U.S. forces, in cooperation with Iraqi authorities, have just completed a top secret operation that involved shipping 550 metric tons of uranium yellowcake out of Iraq.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security, International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Bring the House into the 21st Century
Posted by: Rep. John Culberson (07-15-2008, 04:41 PM)
Last week I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner, (which can be viewed on my website) asking them to review the Rules and allow new media to follow the same rules as the traditional media. Many Members of Congress engage the media by posting entries on Twitter.com, where one can post regular updates from the House floor and the halls of Congress, and on Qik.com, where one can post short films and video updates on the Internet. By expanding their use of these tools, Members can make themselves more accessible to any of their constituents who are interested in polite and meaningful debate and discussion. However, the Rules of the House have not kept pace with new technology. Instead of making Members more accessible to the general public and shining sunlight in the deepest corners of Congress, the Rules actually prohibit these types of communication. I am now seeking cosigners for my letter asking House Leadership to review the rules regarding new media outlets. To see or sign onto this letter, please contact Alicia Lee in my office at alicia.lee@mail.house.gov or at 202-225-2571.
Posted in Unspecified | 2 Comments | View Full Posting
Out-of-Control Spending!
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (07-10-2008, 03:02 PM)
On Monday I penned this op-ed for the Washington Examiner on the out-of-control spending in Congress and my pledge to give up earmarks. Please take a look.
Posted in Appropriations, Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Policy Brief: The Effect of Capital Gains Tax Cuts on Revenue
Posted by: Brad Watson (07-10-2008, 02:58 PM)
Over the past three decades, there have been five notable changes to the capital gains tax rate. In 1978, 1981, 1997, and 2003 legislation was enacted lowering the capital gains tax rate. Over this same period, the capital gains tax has been increased just once in 1986. The most recent change, the 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, reduced the top capital gains tax rate from 20 percent to 15 percent. This provision is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, at which time the top rate will revert back to 20 percent. Many Democrats have called for higher capital gains tax rates, and the FY 2008 and FY 2009 budget resolution conference reports both call for the capital gains tax rate to return to 20 percent after 2010. Most conservatives argue that such capital gains rate increases will not only prove harmful to the economy but will have the opposite than intended effect on revenues. The RSC has prepared this policy brief to analyze the recent history of capital gains tax rates and revenue.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Policy Brief: The Consequences of Repealing the Social Security Wage Cap
Posted by: Brad Watson (07-10-2008, 02:46 PM)
The Social Security program is funded by a 12.4 percent payroll tax, 6.2 percent on the employee and 6.2 percent on the employer. In 2008, the Social Security payroll tax applies to the first $102,000 of an employee’s income. This $102,000 threshold, beyond which wages are not subject to the Social Security payroll tax, is the Social Security wage cap. Some Democrats, as a means to address Social Security’s financial troubles, advocate raising or completely eliminating the Social Security wage cap. The RSC has prepared this policy brief analyzing the impact of these proposals on the Social Security system and on the tax burden.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Drill Now!
Posted by: Rep. Ted Poe (07-10-2008, 02:37 PM)
I am seeking cosponsors for the Developing Resources Immediately and Long-Term through Leases on Our Nation’s Offshore Waters (DRILL NOW) Act of 2008. This legislation establishes and ensures long-term energy supplies closer to America by ending current longstanding moratoriums on domestic production of energy offshore. It allows states to decide on drilling closer to their shores and lets them share in the revenue from leases within 50 miles of their coast. It also allows 25 f the royalty revenue on these leases to be deposited in a clean and alternative energy fund, which can be used to expand future energy sources nationwide in addition to petroleum and natural gas, such as biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, fuel cells, solar, wind, and hydropower. According to the Minerals Management Service, the most promising areas for new supplies of oil (86 billion barrels) and gas (420 trillion cubic feet) continue to be offshore. Allowing this energy to be tapped will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, provide billions in revenue to the federal government for clean and alternative energy research, and provide billions in revenue to many cash-strapped state governments. If you would like to join me as a cosponsor please contact Alan Knapp in my office at alan.knapp@mail.house.gov or 202-225-6565.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Five FY 2009 Spending Bills Approved by Appropriations Committee
Posted by: Brad Watson (07-10-2008, 02:27 PM)
Five of the twelve FY 2009 appropriations bills have been approved by the full Appropriations Committee: Military Construction-Veterans (13.8 percent increase from last year), Homeland Security (6.2 percent increase), Energy and Water (7.7 percent increase), Financial Services (7.4 percent increase), and CJS (9.4 percent increase). Five of the bills—the Legislative Branch, Interior, Labor-HHS, Agriculture, and T-HUD bill have been approved at the subcommittee level. And two of the FY 2009 appropriations bills, State-Foreign Operations and Defense, have yet to be marked up at the subcommittee level. The Democrats will not bring any appropriations bills to the floor this week.
Citizens Against Government Waste reports that the five bills marked up by the full committee include 3,694 earmarks at a cost to taxpayers of more than $2 billion. This breaks down as follows: the CJS bill includes 1,123 earmarks at a cost of $409.8 million, the Energy and Water bill includes 655 earmarks at a cost of $821 million, the Financial Services bill includes 197 earmarks at a cost of $57 million, the Military Construction-Veterans bill includes 102 earmarks at a cost of $621.3 million, and the Homeland Security bill includes 102 earmarks at a cost of $120.1 million.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
New Information on the HPV Vaccine and Local Mandates
Posted by: Sarah Makin (07-09-2008, 06:21 PM)
A Freedom of Information request by Judicial Watch, a conservative Washington D.C.- based public interest group, has unearthed very upsetting news that Gardasil—a vaccine administered to women to prevent certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)—may have very adverse side effects including, anaphylaxis, convulsions, paralysis, spontaneous abortions, and even death.
You may recall that in the past year since the FDA approved Gardasil, school based health clinics and school districts have been introducing initiatives to mandate that middle-school and high-school girls receive the vaccine. Although there are no federal mandates that force parents to have their children vaccinated, state laws can require certain vaccinations for attendance at public school. Many states would like to include Gardasil in their list of required vaccinations; in Virginia, they already have. In fact, a new Virginia law requires that girls entering the 6th grade get the vaccine (the law will go into effect in 2010 so as to have more time to study Gardasil and its effects).
Unfortunately, the rights of parents are slowly being taken away each day in America, and new state mandates requiring a potential harmful vaccine is yet another way that parental rights are being undermined.
Note: RSC Member Representative Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced a bill, H.R. 1153, last year that would prohibit federal funds or other assistance from being made available to any state to implement any requirement that individuals receive vaccination for HPV. Currently, 52 Members of the RSC are cosponsors of that legislation.
Posted in Unspecified | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Medicare Spent $92 Million on Prescriptions from Dead Doctors
Posted by: Brad Watson (07-09-2008, 06:16 PM)
The Washington Post reports that medical suppliers billed Medicare for up to $92 million since 2000 for wheelchairs and home equipment that was prescribed by dead physicians. Since 2000, about 500,000 such fraudulent claims were honored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at a total cost of between $60 million and $92 million.
Posted in Budget | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
CBO: $268 Billion Deficit through First Nine Months of FY 2008
Posted by: Brad Watson (07-09-2008, 06:00 PM)
With one-quarter of the current fiscal year still remaining, CBO projects that the federal deficit for the first nine months of FY 2008 is $268 billion. This is more than double the federal deficit at this point in FY 2008 ($120 billion). Federal tax collections are down 1 percent and spending is up 6.4 percent so far this year, but CBO notes that outlays in June were reduced by $62 billion because of “calendar-related shifts and certain one-time shifts.” CBO also notes that $79 billion of the $148 billion increase in the deficit is attributable to tax rebates included in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Some private economists forecast that the final FY 2008 deficit may reach $500 billion, which would be the highest nominal federal deficit in U.S history.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Bring the Madrassa Boys Home
Posted by: Rep. Michael McCaul (07-09-2008, 03:24 PM)
Pakistani Madrassas have come under intense international scrutiny for their anti-Western teaching and their links to terrorism, including the London subway bombings three years ago. Three of the four suicide bombers who carried out the London plot were British nationals of Pakistani descent and two of them attended madrassas in Pakistan. The Binoria madrassa is known to recruit Americans most aggressively. It prominently displays a banner supporting the Taliban and Osama bin Laden spoke to students there before the 9/11 attacks. It is believed that there are 600 American boys being educated in 22 madrassas in Pakistan. Moreover, it is known that the Binoria Madrassa has students from American allied countries such as Canada as well, and other countries which have open travel policies with the United States. Therefore I’m asking Members to become original cosponsors of my resolution to encourage the U.S. Secretary of State to work with the new democratically elected Government of Pakistan to secure the return of all American children being educated in madrassas in Pakistan. We must send a clear message that the United States of America will be vigilant in protecting our national borders and our children. If you would like to cosponsor this resolution or have any questions please contact Alex Manning in my office at Alex.Manning@mail.house.gov.
Posted in International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
There They Go Again!
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (07-09-2008, 03:18 PM)
When will the Washington insiders get it? Today, The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper reported about an earmark from Democratic Congressman Paul Kanjorski (PA), which the Department of Transportation (DOT) is actively opposing.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Priceless Opinion
Posted by: Paul Teller (07-02-2008, 04:48 PM)
Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss the Supreme Court's striking down of yet another part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance regulation law. Read more here.
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats Don’t Want to Vote on Parental Consent
Posted by: Sarah Makin (07-01-2008, 10:52 AM)
The House of Representatives considered a bill last week (H.R. 6385) to regulate the enforcement of child abuse and neglect at residential treatment facilities at the federal government level—regulation which is already occurring at the state level. Republicans offered a Motion to Recommit (MTR)—a last chance measure for Republicans to make the bill better—which would have amended the bill to require that a covered treatment facility under the bill create a policy to ensure that parental consent is required before any prescription medication (including contraception), not previously disclosed in writing by such parents or legal guardians, may be dispensed to such child. This MTR put the Democrats in a tough position, as the Democrat Leadership didn’t want their Members to have to take a vote on requiring parental consent for contraceptives for teens.
It may be important to note that teenage pregnancy rates have declined to about 75 per 1,000, down from a 1990 peak of 117, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research center. According to a recent Associated Press-Ipsos poll, sixty-seven percent of parents support giving contraceptives to teen students. According to the poll, only 30 percent of parents were in favor of providing contraceptives without parental consent.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
For Shale!
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (06-30-2008, 02:26 PM)
Last week I wrote an op/ed in the Washington Times about the need for Congress to reduce our nation’s outrageous gas prices. My op/ed calls for the immediate opening of U.S. shale reserves to solve our energy dilemma. Click here to read on…
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Restroom Gender Parity
Posted by: Sarah Makin (06-27-2008, 04:09 PM)
With record gas prices and the largest deficit in history, the Democrats bring you … Restroom Gender Parity. This week, Rep. Towns (D-NY) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) circulated a Dear Colleague letter amongst their House Colleagues entitled, “Support for Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings: Co-sponsor the ‘Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act of 2008’.” According to the Dear Colleague, the bill would “require any federal building constructed for public use, with a total expenditure in excess of $1,500,000, to have a 2 to 1 ratio for women and men’s restrooms.” The bill would use American taxpayer dollars to double the amount of women’s bathrooms in federal buildings and allow “for the advancement of gender parity” and “the general well being and health care of women everywhere.”
Is this really how Congress should be spending its time?
Posted in Unspecified | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Freedom!
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (06-26-2008, 05:13 PM)
I was pleased to see the Supreme Court uphold our nation’s greatest document, the Constitution, today restoring Second Amendment rights long denied to D.C residents by their extraordinarily restrictive firearm ban. The Second Amendment, which guarantees the individual right to bear arms, has been attacked by Washington politicians for far too long. Our Founding Fathers wrote this Amendment to protect the rights of our citizens. It’s a relief to hear that the voices of D.C.’s citizens were heard at the U.S. Supreme Court and that their freedom to own a firearm was protected.
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Do as I say, not as I do?
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (06-26-2008, 01:02 PM)
It is interesting to note that just three months ago, Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd wrote to President to demand the resignation of then HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson because of “allegations of impropriety.” That is an interesting twist of fate, given the situation that Senator Dodd finds himself in today, similarly facing “allegations of impropriety.”
Posted in Government Oversight | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
A Victory For Freedom
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (06-26-2008, 10:34 AM)
The Supreme Court has overturned Washington D.C.'s unconstitutional ban on handguns, opening the door for DC residents to have the same 2nd Amendment rights as the rest of our nation. Check out the RSC release here. Follow Bench Memos over at National Review for updated info. The decision can be read here.
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Sunlight
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (06-25-2008, 11:32 AM)
In the past year, I along with several of my fellow “earmark warriors” have advocated for sweeping reforms of the earmark process. One of the main pillars of this effort is the complete and outright disclosure of all earmarks requests. Our friends over at the Sunlight Foundation have compiled a list of members who are currently transparent in their earmark requests, those who aren’t, and those who have currently abstained from earmarking. Click here to see the list in full.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Pelosi Reaffirms Support for Reviving the Fairness Doctrine
Posted by: Paul Teller (06-25-2008, 11:06 AM)
Did you see that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) unabashedly came out in support for reviving the anti-free-speech Fairness Doctrine? Check it out here.
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Off-the-Chart Gas Prices
Posted by: Rep, Michele Bachmann (06-24-2008, 05:44 PM)
Congressional leadership is to blame for the off-the-chart gas prices. America’s families are struggling to make ends meet. We must act now to bring them the relief they deserve. At a time when food costs are high, our nation’s taxpayers can’t afford to wait much longer for a relief plan from Congress.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 2 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC on Social Issues
Posted by: Sarah Makin (06-23-2008, 04:21 PM)
RSC staff recently came across a blog post and comment which asserts that the RSC "looks like they’re lagging behind on pushing a social conservative agenda" and accuses the RSC of inaction—"you think the RSC would have rang the bell"—on the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program which was under consideration in the Appropriations Subcommittee this week.
In response to that posting, it may be important to recognize some of the recent pro-life and pro-family issues that the RSC has supported, encouraged, and galvanized RSC Members around in the past few months:
• Last week, a policy brief outlining the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program was published and sent to every RSC office. Behind the scenes work was done to galvanize support for the program and encourage the Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman to continue to fund the program.
• The RSC Action Plan contains the following:
A MORAL APPROACH FOR PARENTS TO PROTECT AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN. Parenting in the 21st Century is a difficult responsibility that is made even more difficult by government intrusion in decisions that should be made within the family. Republicans understand that parents know best how to protect and educate their children and understand that their rights must be protected from encroachment by outsiders. House Republicans are committed to supporting parental rights, by (1) ensuring that a child cannot be transported across a state border for an abortion in order to circumvent state parental notification requirements, and (2) empowering parents to maintain control over their family’s personal education decisions.
• During consideration of the Iraq War Supplemental, the RSC was steadfast in their efforts to ensure that a “nominal drug provision” was not included in the domestic add-ons of the legislation. This provision would have granted favor to Planned Parenthood—the number one abortion provider in the country—by allowing them to receive low cost contraceptives and abortafacients. Due to the efforts of many, Planned Parenthood’s number one legislative goal was thwarted.
• During the debate on the reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief in Africa, the RSC lead the charge, along with the House Pro-life Caucus and the House Values Action Team (VAT) to ensure that numerous pro-life and pro-family provisions were maintained. Among those were: continuing the abstinence and be faithful treatment approach, ensuring that monies were not being used for international family planning, maintaining all prostitution pledges, removing all references to “reproductive health”, and maintaining conscious clauses. This policy brief was published by the RSC to ensure that these issues remained paramount in the debate. Along with the Pro-life Caucus and VAT, many of these issues were addressed before the bill came to the House floor. Without the support from the Pro-life Caucus, VAT, and the RSC, many of these issues may have remained in the final bill—creating an international funding disaster.
• A bill reauthorizing programs under AmeriCorps was recently considered by the House, and RSC staff was diligent in educating Members and staff that AmeriCorps has funded Planned Parenthood, and other questionable programs in the past. Furthermore, the RSC stressed that the federal government should not continue to support an organization that uses their funds in ways that the majority of the American people would find questionable. Due in part to RSC’s actions, the bill failed under suspension of the rules, and the Democratic majority has yet to pass their bill.
While these are just a few of the issues that the RSC has stood firm on—there should be no question that the RSC remains fully committed to supporting pro-life and pro-family policies.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
LIBERALS IN CONGRESS CALL TO NATIONALIZE ENERGY SUPPLY
Posted by: Rep. John Carter (06-20-2008, 02:05 PM)
This past week many House Democrats have called to nationalize American energy production. If Congress thinks it is a wise move to socialize our energy supply, Americans need to look no further than Hugo Chavez to see an example of what is to come for our country. This proposal is clearly wrong and goes against every principle of freedom and democracy that defines our great nation.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Appropriations Committee Introduces 302(b) Allocations
Posted by: Brad Watson (06-19-2008, 11:25 AM)
Last week, Chairman Obey proposed the 302(b) allocations for the twelve FY 2009 appropriations bills (see the proposal here). The Obey proposal would lead to higher spending compared to last year for all twelve FY 2009 spending bills. Nine of the twelve bills would also exceed the President’s request. The $1.013 trillion overall spending level is $24 billion more than the President’s request (including $3.3 billion of advance appropriations above the President’s request) and 7.7 percent above last year.
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FY 2008 Deficit Rising
Posted by: Brad Watson (06-19-2008, 11:12 AM)
With one-third of the current fiscal year still remaining, CBO reports that the federal deficit for the first eight months of FY 2008 is $317 billion. This is more than double the federal deficit at this point in FY 2007 ($148 billion). Federal tax collections are up 0.3 percent and spending is up 9.6 percent compared to this time last year. Should the deficit continue at the same pace for the remaining four months of FY 2008, the final deficit figure would come to $476 billion.
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US Must Embrace Opportunity to Support Israel
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (06-17-2008, 09:03 AM)
The United States assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council on June 1. Consequently, this month provides the U.S. with an opportunity to support Israel.
Posted in International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Chairman Hensarling's "Friends of Angelo" Dear Colleague Letter
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (06-16-2008, 11:22 AM)
RSC Chairman Hensarling sent the “Dear Colleague” letter, pasted below, to Members of the House of Representatives after it was revealed that several Members of Congress may have benefitted from preferential interest rates. For more information about the “Friends of Angelo” allegations, check out the New York Times story here.
‘Friends of Angelo’ Allegations?
Dear Colleague:
With all of the recent turmoil we have been experiencing in our mortgage market, I am concerned about allegations of preferential treatment afforded to some individuals in Congress regarding their mortgages. Although these reports are still merely allegations, it is disconcerting to think Members of Congress might be knowingly or unknowingly receiving preferential treatment while millions of hardworking Americans struggle to repay their mortgage debts and cope with $4/gallon gasoline and soaring foods prices.
While some might disagree regarding what the proper response of the federal government to this mortgage market turmoil should be, I think we all can agree that it would be wrong for Members of Congress to get special treatment on their mortgages simply because they are elected office holders. That’s why next week I will be sending a letter to the Speaker and the appropriate chairman with oversight requesting hearings on this issue. We must ensure that no Member is inappropriately benefiting from their position.
Of course, it is important to note that at this time these are merely allegations of preferential treatment, but that should not absolve us of our responsibility to ensure that Members of Congress do not receive special treatment while average Americans are scrimping and saving to keep their homes.
Posted in Government Oversight | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats Filibustered the Civil Rights Act
Posted by: Paul Teller (06-12-2008, 12:01 PM)
Check out this little tidbit of history. Democrats filibustered the 1964 Civil Rights Act for 57 hours! Amazing that folks don't bring that up more often.
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$14.9 Billion Amtrak Reauthorization Bill Passes House
Posted by: Brad Watson (06-12-2008, 10:12 AM)
Yesterday, the House passed legislation, H.R. 6003, to reauthorize Amtrak at a total level of spending over five years (subject to appropriation) of $14.9 billion. The last Amtrak authorization bill was enacted in 1997 (the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act), and lapsed at the end of 2002. Notably, this legislation required Amtrak to begin operating without federal subsidies after 2002. In 2008, Amtrak will receive $1.3 billion. For FY 2009, Amtrak’s request is $1.67 billion and the President’s budget request is $900 million. H.R. 6003 provides an annual, average authorized funding level of $3 billion. This is more than double the FY 2008 appropriation for Amtrak and is more than triple the President’s FY 2009 request.
The Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 required Amtrak to operate independent of Amtrak subsidies after 2002. Section 214 of the bill repeals this requirement, replacing it with a statement that, “Amtrak and its Board of Directors shall adopt a long-term plan that minimizes the need for Federal operating subsidies.”
Historically, many conservatives have worked to either limit or eliminate subsidies to Amtrak. For example, President Reagan reduced Amtrak subsidies in the 1980s, President Bush proposed to eliminate Amtrak subsidies in his FY 2006 budget submission, and the FY 2007 RSC Contract with America Renewed budget alternative also proposed to eliminate Amtrak’s subsidies.
Amtrak has an annual deficit of more than $1 billion. Contributors to that deficit include losses from providing food service (in 2003 Amtrak spent $158 million on food that it sold to passengers for only $78 million), losses from low-demand long-distance routes (a $600 million deficit in 2004), losses from providing subsidized sleeper car service on long-distance routes (between $75 million and $158 million a year according to CRS), and a high-paid, unionized workforce (the average Amtrak food service worker gets paid $54,800 a year plus tips). Amtrak spending currently accounts for 2 percent of all federal transportation spending ($1.3 billion out of a federal transportation budget of more than $70 billion), while carrying less than one percent of intercity traffic. Since 1970, federal subsidies to Amtrak have totaled more than $30 billion.
Posted in Budget | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
House to Vote on Unemployment Benefit Expansion Today
Posted by: Brad Watson (06-12-2008, 09:37 AM)
Today, the House will vote again on legislation (H.R. 5749) to extend unemployment benefits, for individuals who have exhausted their regular benefits, for thirteen weeks. The bill also provides an additional extension of thirteen weeks for states that have a total unemployment rate of more than 6 percent. The Congress has never created an unemployment compensation extension program with the unemployment rate as low as it currently is (5.5 percent).
H.R. 5749 would increase entitlement spending by $12.8 billion over five years and increase the deficit by $12.2 billion. The legislation includes no offset for this new spending. Consequently, the bill violates PAYGO—the fifth time the Majority will have violated PAYGO in six months. In addition, the real cost of this legislation will likely exceed this amount, since Congress may extend the program beyond the April 1, 2009 sunset date. For example, the last temporary program was extended for a total of 30 months. Some conservatives may also have concerns that extending unemployment benefits creates incentives to delay returning to work, which has a negative effect on the economy. As Martin Feldstein stated in testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in January of this year: "[w]hile raising unemployment benefits or extending the duration of benefits beyond 26 weeks would help some individuals ... it would also create undesirable incentives for individuals to delay returning to work. That would lower earnings and total spending."
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Despots in Black Robes…
Posted by: Rep. Paul Broun (06-11-2008, 11:53 AM)
Just shy of a month ago, the California Supreme Court defied over 4.6 million voters and overturned a state statue banning homosexual marriage. Last week, the same court—in what has been called one of the most egregious cases of judicial activism in modern American history—refused a petition for Stay and Rehearing of the May 15 decision.
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
No More Excuses
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (06-11-2008, 09:29 AM)
The Democrats have had more than enough time to unveil their "common-sense plan" to reign in energy prices. Having failed, Republicans have taken the lead.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Senate Food Fight
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (06-09-2008, 04:47 PM)
Since 1993, the Senate side restaurants have lost more than $18 million and it is estimated that the cafeterias have lost as much as $2 million already this year, and without a $250,000 subsidy from taxpayers, the Senate won't make payroll next month.
Posted in Government Oversight | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Senate Food Fight
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (06-09-2008, 04:46 PM)
Since 1993, the Senate side restaurants have lost more than $18 million and it is estimated that the cafeterias have lost as much as $2 million already this year, and without a $250,000 subsidy from taxpayers, the Senate won't make payroll next month.
Posted in Government Oversight | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Institute of Peace and Dem Budget
Posted by: Rep. Tom Feeney (06-06-2008, 04:06 PM)
As middle-class American families are re-budgeting for the increasing pain they face at the pump, Speaker Pelosi has recklessly passed the largest tax increase in American history. The Democrats have yet again shown their disregard for fiscal discipline by passing a massive $683 billion tax increase over the next five years. On average, the families in my home state of Florida will face a $3,040 tax increase - at a minimum.
Posted in Appropriations, Budget, On the House Floor, Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Help Me Honor a Conservative Warrior
Posted by: Rep. John Shadegg (06-05-2008, 11:42 AM)
John Tanner (D-TN) and I have introduced H.Res.881, a resolution honoring the life and mourning the death of John Berthoud, Ph.D. John Berthoud died suddenly on September 27, 2007, at the age of 45. For 11 years, Dr. Berthoud served as President of the Nation Taxpayers Union (NTU), an organization whose mission is to fight for lower taxes and less government. Since Dr. Berthoud was a young man, he devoted his life to public service and the development of good public policy, writing prolifically on the subject of fiscal affairs and tirelessly advocating for fiscal discipline at all levels of government in the United States and around the world. Dr. Berthoud became an opinion leader on both tax policy and the role government should play in society, serving on the board of the American Conservative Union and as a contributor to Human Events. It is only fitting that the House of Representatives pay tribute to Dr. John Berthoud for his contributions to public policy and the discourse of the nation. For more information or to cosponsor H.Res.881, please contact John Stephenson at john.stephenson@mail.house.gov or 202-225-3361.
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Birthday Wishes
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (06-03-2008, 09:53 AM)
Just taking a moment to wish Erick Erickson over at Red State happy birthday wishes.
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Carbon Power Brokers
Posted by: Paul Teller (06-02-2008, 09:51 AM)
Check out this insightful piece by George Will on how cap-and-trade as a solution to global warming is nothing more than socialism in its purest form.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Green Borders
Posted by: Paul Teller (05-30-2008, 03:12 PM)
Take ten minutes to read this powerful piece by Ben Lerner on how the Left is putting the habitat of the jaguar above very real, very scary national security concerns.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
FY 2009 Budget Postponed Again
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-22-2008, 02:33 PM)
The House was scheduled to consider the FY 2009 budget resolution yesterday, but consideration of the resolution has been delayed until June due to a PAYGO violation. Highlights of the resolution:
The Largest Tax Increase in U.S. History: The House-passed budget resolution’s revenue figure assumes expiration of all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts—a $683 billion tax increase over five years. The conference report contains a lower revenue figure, which would be the equivalent to a $347 billion tax increase over five years. However, as the House Budget Committee Republicans note, the effect of this conference report is to require the full $683 billion tax increase for two reasons. First, the budget resolution contains a “tax trigger” which does not allow any of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to continue beyond 2010 unless surpluses are projected in 2012 and 2013. Second, nothing in this budget resolution waives the PAYGO rule, which would require an extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to be offset with tax increases.
$80 Billion Increase in FY 2009 Discretionary Spending: Provides a FY 2009 discretionary spending 302(a) allocation to the Appropriations Committee of $1.013 trillion, an $80 billion or 8.6 percent increase compared to last year. This is $21 billion above the President’s request in FY 2009, which translates to $241 billion over five years.
War Funding: Provides $178 billion for war funding in FY 2008 and FY 2009, but assumes no spending beyond that amount in 2010-2013.
Entitlements/Earmarks: The conference report includes no entitlement reform or earmark reform provisions, and contains no reconciliation instructions.
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Democrats Create Another PAYGO Loophole
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-22-2008, 02:22 PM)
Last week, the House considered the supplemental and approved an amendment to increase direct spending by more than $66 billion. A portion of this higher spending was offset with $55 billion in tax increases. The net effect of the legislation approved by the House, when considering the impact on both direct spending and revenue, was to increase the deficit by $11 billion. This violates the Majority’s PAYGO rule and Representative Paul Ryan raised a point of order to that effect. The Chair ruled otherwise however, and in the process, created yet another loophole to the PAYGO rule. The Chair ruled that it could not determine that the legislation impacts direct spending—even though it plainly does and CBO scores $66 billion in entitlement spending in the bill—since this direct spending is attached to an appropriations bill. In other words, PAYGO imposes no limitation on direct spending that increases the deficit as long as it is attached to an appropriations bill. The bill also included more than $180 billion in non-offset higher discretionary spending, but PAYGO imposes no limit at all on discretionary spending that increases the deficit.
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House to Consider DOD Authorization with Earmark Waiver
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-22-2008, 02:15 PM)
Today, the House is scheduled to complete consideration of the FY 2009 Defense Authorization bill which contains hundreds of earmarks, most of which are included in the report language instead of the text of the bill. Earlier this year, President Bush issued executive order 13457, which requires agencies to ignore earmarks that are only included in the bill’s report language and not in the actual text. This executive order states, “executive agencies should not commit, obligate, or expend funds on the basis of earmarks included in any non-statutory source, including requests in reports of committees of the Congress or other congressional documents.” Section 1431 of the Defense Authorization bill waives this executive order with respect to the legislation. Representative Jeff Flake offered an amendment to strike this provision from the bill, but it was not made in order by the Rules Committee.
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Principles before Policies
Posted by: Paul Teller (05-20-2008, 04:02 PM)
If you haven't yet read this brilliant piece by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) about the need for Republicans to put principles before policies, please take 5 minutes to do so. It'll be the most thought-provoking piece you read this week for sure.
Posted in General | 2 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC's Action Plan for House Republicans
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (05-20-2008, 12:34 PM)
Today the RSC, led by Chairman Jeb Hensarling, presented its Action Plan for House Republicans today. To read a one-page summary of the action items, click here. To read a more detailed summary of the RSC's plan, click here.
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Earmark...Defeated!
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (05-13-2008, 06:25 PM)
This morning, The Hill reported that Rep. John Murtha’s infamous earmark for the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) was stripped from the 2009 intelligence authorization bill, the very same project which Democrats fought so hard to defend last year.
Posted in Appropriations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
The Baucus Bond Earmark
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (05-13-2008, 04:12 PM)
Democrats are once again breaking their promise of government transparency, accountability and reform. Tucked away deep within the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) is a special-interest earmark inserted by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) for the “Qualified Forestry Bonds Program.”
This program would provide federally funded-tax credit bonds, “Baucus Bonds,” for forest purchases that meet the following standards:
A)The forest must be adjacent to U.S. Forest Service Land;
B) Half of the parcel must be turned over to the U.S. Forest Service;
C) It must include at least 40,000 total acres; and
D) It must be subject to a “native fish habitat conservation plan approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.”
Within the entire United States, only one land area qualifies for the earmark – a 1.6 million acre piece of land that stretches from Montana to Washington State, owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company. The Plum Creek Timber Company is attempting to sell the land to the “Nature Conservancy” – which the Washington Post exposed as the “world’s richest environmental group, amassing $3 billion in assets.” The earmark would allow the Nature Conservancy to claim a $250 million “tax refund,” providing incentive for the group to purchase the land from Plum Creek. The tax refund would be provided even though the Nature Conservancy is a non-profit group that does not pay taxes.
According to the FEC Website, employees of Plum Creek Timber have donated nearly $17,000 to Senator Baucus’ war chest during this election cycle alone. Senator Baucus not only included “Baucus Bonds” in the Farm Bill, he also put them in last year’s energy bill – despite the fact that this special interest earmark would have nothing to do with agriculture or energy. The “Baucus Bonds” would provide $250 million in taxpayer funds to help provide incentive for the richest environmental group in the world to buy land from donors of Senator Baucus.
Watch Congressman Eric Cantor and Ways and Means Committee offer a motion to strike this earmark here and read David Freddoso’s NRO story on the Baucus Bond earmark here.
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Five Steps to Help Reduce Gas Prices
Posted by: Rep. Mary Fallin (05-12-2008, 11:03 AM)
In the City of Edmond and all over the U.S., rising gasoline prices are hurting families, businesses and consumers. We’re burning up gas on the way to work, paying more for food, and struggling with rising overhead costs. Skyrocketing prices are hitting us where it hurts: our wallets.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 3 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats Mortage Bailouts and the Forgotten Man
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (05-08-2008, 04:37 PM)
I strongly suggest that you watch Congressman Tom Feeney’s (R-FL) eloquent defense of the “forgotten man” on the House floor this afternoon. Feeney’s speech was delivered in opposition to the Democrats’ mortgage bailout bills that would expose innocent & forgotten taxpayers to over $300 billion worth of risk in order to bail out speculators and those who participated in mortgage fraud.
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Recent Advances In Adult and Alternative Methods to Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Posted by: Sarah Makin (05-07-2008, 06:18 PM)
In light of tomorrow’s hearing on Stem Cells in the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, below are just a few of the recent advances in ethical research being done with adult stem cells, and other alternative methods to embryonic stem cell research.
OVERALL SUCCESS
"Stem cells mature," Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio), April 6, 2008, www.ohio.com/news/17332904.html
STEM CELL SOURCES
"Stem cell therapy in rats improves Parkinson’s: study," Thomson Financial News, April 7, 2008, www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/07/afx4859467.html
CORD BLOOD
"Valuable blood discarded,"Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio), April 6, 2008, www.ohio.com/news/17332894.html
BONE/CARTILAGE
"Skin cell jab to cure tennis elbow by regenerating damaged tendon," (London) Daily Mail, April 7, 2008, www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=557897&in_page_id=1774
EYE/EAR
"Treatment helps child see," The Examiner (Missouri), April 20, 2008, www.examiner.com/a-1350610~Treatment_helps_child_see.html
HEART
"Final Data From the Bioheart Seismic Trial Suggest Safety, Efficacy of Autologous Stem-Cell Therapy for Treating Congestive Heart Failure," PRNewswire, April 1, 2008,
"When a needle in the heart can help," Houston Chronicle, April 4, 2008, www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5676836.html
"Heart Derived Stem Cells Develop Into Heart Muscle," ScienceDaily, April 23, 2008, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080423101822.htm
SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA
"Promising quest for cure," Baltimore Sun, March 30, 2008, www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-te.sickle30mar30,0,6112155.story
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/04-01-2008/0004784459&EDATE=TUE
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
House May Vote on Supplemental Tomorrow
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-07-2008, 04:13 PM)
Tomorrow, the House is scheduled to vote on the FY 2008 war funding supplemental. Though text is unavailable, the rule will make in order three amendments to a shell bill (likely the FY 2008 Military Construction-Veterans bill). The first amendment is expected to provide approximately $170 billion to cover both the outstanding portion of the President’s FY 2008 war funding request, plus a portion of anticipated FY 2009 war funding. The second amendment includes policy language on Iraq that would among other things lead to withdrawal. And the third amendment attaches additional domestic spending to the bill, mostly unrelated to the President’s supplemental request.
It is unclear what the total level of spending included in the third amendment would amount to, but among other things, it will include higher GI education benefits for veterans costing up to $52 billion over ten years (that the Administration is opposed to because it may weaken the current, all-volunteer force), a $16 billion extension of unemployment benefits, language blocking seven CMS Medicaid regulations, $5.8 billion for Louisiana levees, and funding for the census. The bill would violate PAYGO, since it would provide no offsets for the unemployment compensation benefits or the GI benefits. The Medicaid regulations, blocked by the bill for one year, would save taxpayers more than $42 billion over ten years.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Farm Bill Conference Report to Rely on Budget Gimmicks
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-07-2008, 04:08 PM)
The House may soon vote on a farm bill conference report that will provide more than $610 billion over ten years in mandatory spending—an average of $61 billion per year. By point of comparison, the 2002 farm bill cost $270 billion over six years, an average of $45 billion a year. Over the first ten years, H.R. 2419’s spending total exceeds the CBO baseline—the amount of spending that would occur with an extension of the current farm bill—by $10 billion.
This increase is offset by extending customs user fees, the use of which might be considered a budget gimmick by some conservatives since this merely provides an extension of current law. In addition, the bill relies on timing shifts to “pay for” part of the increased cost of the bill. Finally, the bill uses the now out of date FY 2007 baseline instead of the FY 2008 baseline. This violates’s the PAYGO requirement that a bill’s impact on the deficit be judged by the most up to date baseline. When the cost of these budget gimmicks are accounted for, the farm bill may increases spending by close to $20 billion above the baseline over ten years.
It is sometimes argued that the previous farm bill, enacted in 2002, came in under budget. The actual cost of this legislation over six years amounted to $270.2 billion which comes to an average of $45 billion a year. According to CRS, while spending on farm programs came in $22.7 billion less than projected, spending on Food Stamps came in $28.7 billion more than projected. Overall, the 2002 farm bill cost $6.1 billion or 2.3 percent more than the original projection of $264.1 billion.
If, as expected, the House votes soon on a farm bill conference report that uses the out of date 2007 baseline (in violation of PAYGO), this will be the fourth time in just over four months that the requirements of PAYGO have been waived—the AMT patch, the stimulus package, the FY 2008 supplemental, and the farm bill.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Rising Deficit Leads to Reintroduction of One-year Treasury Bills
Posted by: Brad Watson (05-07-2008, 04:04 PM)
The one-year Treasury bill, which was eliminated in February of 2001, is being reintroduced to meet the federal government’s borrowing needs. Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets Anthony Ryan stated, “Over the last several months, changes in economic conditions, financial markets and monetary and fiscal policy have impacted Treasury’s marketable borrowing needs.” Some private economists expect this year’s deficit to come in as high as $500 billion, which would triple last year’s $162 billion deficit.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Bailout!
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (05-07-2008, 12:54 PM)
Today the House is expected to consider H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, which would put the American taxpayers on the hook for a new $15 billion dollar program.
Posted in On the House Floor | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
American Energy Independence?
Posted by: Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (05-06-2008, 10:37 PM)
While giving lip service to “American energy independence,” House Democrats have blocked all avenues for increasing U.S. energy production. They’ve blocked drilling for the 10 billion barrels buried beneath Alaskan tundra, they’ve blocked drilling for the 20 billion barrels off the shore of our coasts, and they’ve blocked development of the 1.2 trillion barrels in oil-shale in the Mountain West.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Bachmann Amendment to Housing Bill Would Help Homeowners and Taxpayers
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (05-05-2008, 01:13 PM)
The amendment I introduced to the FHA Housing and Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act is vital to protect the taxpayers. Without this amendment, this legislation invites widespread abuse and lenders will continue to make loans they would otherwise deem too risky because if things fall through the bill simply gets mailed to the American taxpayer. My amendment would put standards and penalties in place to discourage lenders from treating the American people like an ATM to absorb their financial risk.
Posted in On the House Floor | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Advancements in Nanotechnology
Posted by: Rep. Lamar Smith (05-02-2008, 11:57 AM)
The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act (H.R. 5940), strengthens the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) by adding several provisions to encourage nanotechnology education, research and economic development. Nanotechnology is the science of the very small - devices and structures as small as one one-hundred-thousandth the diameter of a human hair. It is a size scale where the unfamiliar forces of quantum physics take over, enabling marvelous technological feats. Nanotechnology exists in people’s everyday lives ranging from the stain-resistant, wrinkle-free pants you wear to the ultraviolet-light blocking sunscreens you use. This bill will help to stimulate education, research and development of new technology such as detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive agents. Already today, computers and disk drives contain nanotechnology and soon, most computer and telecommunications hardware will be based on it. In the future, nanotechnology will begin to transform biotechnology, medicine, military systems, and energy systems. Nanotechnology is the future of science and information technology, it is small science that can do big things.
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Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act
Posted by: Sarah Makin (05-02-2008, 10:15 AM)
Today the House passed H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) by a vote of 414 to 1. Last week, the same bill passed the Senate by a vote of 95-0. Thanks to the diligent efforts on the part of pro-life staff, all pro-life concerns with prior drafts of H.R. 493 were resolved in the Energy and Commerce Committee before the House vote last year. The language included to address these concerns states that genetic information covered by GINA includes the genetic information of a "fetus" or "embryo." The amendment also adjusts the definition of family member to include children who have been placed for adoption as well as children who have been adopted. Passage of this legislation marks a pro-life win in the House.
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Gas Prices Keep Ticking Up
Posted by: Rep. Virginia Foxx (05-02-2008, 09:54 AM)
Two years ago Speaker Pelosi promised she had a “commonsense plan” to bring down gas prices.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Not Helping the Student Loan Market
Posted by: Sarah Makin (05-02-2008, 08:52 AM)
Yesterday the House passed H.R. 5715 again, this time concurring in the Senate Amendments to the bill. Similar to its previous passage in the House, today the bill passed 388 to 21. Interestingly, the Senate amended the bill and added some language which may have the opposite effect of helping students get the loans that they need.
Language added to the bill will require that "lenders of last resort" (LOLR) must not offer an interest rate "or other terms and conditions that are more favorable to the borrower than the maximum interest rates … applicable to that type of loan under this part." So now, a student who is unable to get a federal loan through the federal family education loan program (FFEL) may not only have to resort to a LOLR, but the interest rate that they may be offered must be no less than the maximum interest rate in the market.
Not so consumer friendly after all.
To read the RSC legislative bulletin on H.R. 5715 see here and here.
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A Second Amendment Victory
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (05-01-2008, 12:29 PM)
Yesterday, Secretary Dirk Kempthorne updated the Department of Interior’s national park and wildlife refuge regulations. Under the new regulations, law-abiding citizens would be allowed to possess, carry, and transport concealed and operable firearms in national parks and refuge areas in the same way they would on similar state land. Their decision reversed a 25 year old regulation that banned firearms in national parks – regardless of state and local laws.
Earlier this year my friend Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and I introduced the “Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008,” to prohibit the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s inconsistent and unconstitutional regulations that ban law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms on land managed by these agencies. The bill is a House companion to Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) Senate legislation.
I was pleased to see that Secretary Kempthorne reviewed and updated the Department’s regulations to recognize the rights of law-abiding citizens who visit national parks. This is a victory for personal freedoms, and those who hoose to exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves and their families while enjoying America’s vast natural landscape. We must never allow bureaucrat-birthed regulations to take precedence over state laws and the constitutional rights of the American people.
Despite this good news, I am absolutely certain that a Democrat administration would reverse this decision given the opportunity. There, I think it’s important for Congress to act. We can remove this important issue from the hands of Washington bureaucrats by passing the Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008. I can assure you that House conservatives will continue to work on behalf of every law-abiding American citizen by ensuring that their Second amendment rights are permanently protected on all of our nation’s federal lands.
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House Approves Expansion of Earmarks in 2005 Highway Bill
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-30-2008, 06:00 PM)
Today, the House passed H.R. 1195, “technical corrections” for programs in the 2005 highway bill (P.L. 109-59). Many of these changes are technical corrections to fix drafting errors or other problems from the 2005 highway bill. But, some changes increase funding for, or substantially change the nature of, earmarks provided in the 2005 SAFETEA-LU bill. One such example is the MAGLEV earmark, which is provided $90 million in mandatory funding (as opposed to a discretionary authorization provided in SAFETEA-LU) and a much extended route (instead of staying inside the state of Nevada, the project is expanded from Las Vegas to Anaheim). Opponents of the project argue that it will compete with a private company that is raising billions of dollars (without taxpayer support) for high-speed rail from Nevada to California. In addition, the price of a round-trip flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles can cost as little as $118 and take only one hour and ten minutes, which may limit demand for the MAGLEV route.
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Farm Bill Conferees Move Closer to Agreement
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-30-2008, 05:57 PM)
According to media reports, farm bill conferees may be close to a deal that would increase spending on farm programs by $10 billion above the baseline over the next ten years. To offset this higher spending level, the legislation would extend customs user fees after the 2014 expiration date—which is scored as offsetting receipts (or negative spending) instead of a revenue increase. On ethanol, the reported deal would extend the ethanol tax credit but reduce it from 51 cents to 45 cents, while the cellulosic ethanol tax credit would be increased from 51 cents to $1. Reportedly, two other tax relief provisions that would be included are depreciation for race horses and timber tax credits. President Bush has been insistent that the farm bill include reforms such as a prohibition on wealthy farmers receiving subsidies, and it is unclear to what extent his concerns will be met.
The conferees are currently using the 2007 baseline, instead of the most updated baseline available from CBO. Depending on the shape of the final farm bill, such “baseline shopping” could free up more money for spending, and thus be considered a budget gimmick to get around PAYGO. Representative Paul Ryan has introduced a Motion to Instruct Conferees that would require the most recent baseline to be used instead of the 2007 baseline.
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On the Horizon: GI Benefit Expansion
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-30-2008, 05:42 PM)
Speaker Pelosi is considering bringing the war supplemental to the floor, as early as next week, without first having a markup in the Appropriations Committee. Instead, the plan would be to use last year’s unenacted Military Construction-Veterans bill as a shell for the supplemental, with three amendments to be made in order. The first, would include the $108 billion remaining of the President’s request (along with a possible “bridge fund” for FY 2009). The second amendment would include policy language on Iraq. The third amendment would include unrelated domestic spending. Potential domestic spending items include funding for levees, the recently passed Medicaid bill (H.R. 5613) that delays for one year seven CMS regulations that would save taxpayers about $40 billion over ten years, and an extension of unemployment benefits.
Another potential addition is new mandatory spending on GI benefits for veterans, modeled on legislation introduced by Senator Webb (S. 22). Among other things, S. 22 would increase the education benefit for veterans who have served since September 11, 2001, with a benefit up to the most expensive instate public school, plus a monthly stipend for housing costs in the area. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Representative Herseth Sandlin. Depending on the version, this could add roughly $30—$50 billion over ten years.
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Faith in America Today
Posted by: Rep. Mary Fallin (04-30-2008, 04:24 PM)
Many Americans were able to watch this month as Pope Benedict XVI made his first visit to the United States. I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend as he said mass in our nation’s Capitol.
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Yes or No, Indeed
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-29-2008, 11:46 AM)
During the Committee of Oversight and Government Reform hearing held last week on abstinence education (see previous blog post for background) Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) helped to draw attention to bias of the Democrat’s witness panel—even if proven 100% effective, they are ideologically opposed to abstinence education. To watch Representative Foxx ask the question that uncovered their bias, click here.
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Reasons to Defund Planned Parenthood
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-29-2008, 08:43 AM)
On Thursday, April 24, 2008, African-American preachers and pro-life advocates, including Dr. Alveda King and Representative Trent Franks, peacefully gathered outside of a northwestern DC Planned Parenthood clinic, holding signs reading, "Planned Parenthood=Tax Sponsored Racism." This event was held in response to recent sting operations that exposed Planned Parenthood employees who were willing to take racially motivated donations—money earmarked to pay for abortions of minority unborn children. For coverage of the event held last week, see this YouTube clip, or read this article by Fox News.
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A Great Day for Democracy!
Posted by: Rep. Steve King (04-28-2008, 04:51 PM)
The United States Supreme Court ruling today to uphold state Voter ID laws is a victory for every American citizen and for the Rule of Law. The most important right Americans have is the right to vote. Our Republic will fall when Americans lose faith in the integrity of the voting process. Voter ID laws simply protect the electoral process against fraud. The Supreme Court has offered a clear Constitutional ruling on the law, in sharp contrast to the political arguments by those who oppose voter ID laws in order to further their own political agenda.
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Chairman Waxman sets Abstinence Education in his Scope
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-24-2008, 05:42 PM)
Yesterday, Chairman Waxman held a Committee on Government Oversight and Reform hearing on abstinence education. After expressing years of contempt toward abstinence education, Chairman Waxman had his day, and stacked his witness panel full of witnesses who are unquestionably hostile toward abstinence education.
Among the minority’s panel experts were Senator Brownback and Dr. Stan Weed—both of whom testified in defense of abstinence education and highlighted research that demonstrates that abstinence education actually works. This week, the Heritage Foundation released a study that examined existing research on the effectiveness of abstinence education and confirmed that the overwhelming majority of studies on abstinence education report positive results. The study can be read here.
Thankfully, numerous RSC Members attended the hearing and pressed the majority’s panel to explain their support for "comprehensive sex education." RSC Members Mark Souder and Jim Jordan read samples of content included in a CDC approved "comprehensive" sex education curricula, which contained little discussion of the benefits of abstinence, but did contain information actively promoting risky behavior (such as showering together, exploring sexual touching, and purchasing condoms without parental knowledge). One curriculum even listed drug use with clean needles and syringes as a yellow or green light activity.
RSC Member Virginia Foxx continued to surprise the panelists when she asked whether they would support optional federal funding for abstinence education if abstinence programs were shown to be as beneficial as or more beneficial than "comprehensive" sex education—5 of the 7 panelists answered "no." Clearly, the responses of these "experts" reveal an ideological agenda that is fundamentally opposed to the message of abstinence, regardless of its true effectiveness.
For those who doubt the efforts of abstinence education supporters—American parents continue to overwhelmingly support and prefer abstinence education over so-called "comprehensive" sex education, as shown in a recent Zogby poll. Yet, if Waxman has his way, they will disregard parents’ wishes and replace the message of abstinence and empowerment with the often age-inappropriate and distorted messages of so-called "comprehensive" sex education.
For more coverage of the hearing:
Classroom Clashes: What Should Teens Learn About Sex?
Federal funding of abstinence-only sex education programs debated
Experts say US sex abstinence program doesn't work
Stacked Congressional Panel Blasts Abstinence Education, Urges Cuts
Abstinence education program under scope
House Committee Hears Biased Report on Abstinence Education
Waxman Sham Hearing Distorts Abstinence Education Benefits
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Free Market Economics and Ireland’s Prosperity
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-22-2008, 10:57 AM)
For much of its history, Ireland was one of Europe’s poorer countries. For example, Sean Dorgan of the Heritage Foundation notes that in the 1950s, 400,000 people—one-seventh of Ireland’s population—emigrated in search of better economic opportunities. But since 1970, and especially since the early 1990s, Ireland has had impressive growth. In the same Heritage Foundation paper, Dorgan calculates that from 1994 to 2004 Ireland’s economic growth increased by approximately 8 percent annually. Ireland also has low inflation—an average of 2.5 percent over the previous three years. Its unemployment rate is low at 4.3 percent. And from 1990 to 2005, employment in Ireland increased from 1.1 million to 1.9 million, an increase of 73 percent in 15 years.
The period of robust economic growth in Ireland which began in the 1990s coincided with major reductions to the country’s top individual and corporate tax rates. The corporate tax rate was reduced from 40 percent to 12.5 percent (the lowest of any country in the OECD according to the Tax Foundation), the top individual tax rate was reduced from 58 percent to 42 percent, and in 1999 the capital gains tax rate was lowered from 40 percent to 20 percent (in the following three years capital gains revenue increased by 270 percent).
Today, Ireland has the second highest per capita GDP in the world—$43,600. So it is perhaps not a coincidence that, according to the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, Ireland is the third freest economy in the world and ranks first in Europe.
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Feeney's Right on the Money
Posted by: Paul Teller (04-17-2008, 01:34 PM)
If you haven't already seen this piece by RSC Member Tom Feeney (R-FL), take 5 minutes and read it. It hits the nail so squarely on the head about the current state of the economy, its relation to the Great Depression of last century, and the recipe for economic growth that I can barely contain my excitement as I write this blog post. If you agree, pass along the link and/or blog about it yourself. Thanks....
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Scott Garrett, Bringing Common Sense, Talks Energy and Gas Prices
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (04-17-2008, 10:58 AM)
As Democrats continued to mismanage the House by using two days consider the “Beach Protection Act,” (as gas prices continued to rise) Congressman Scott Garrett, an RSC Member from the 5th district of New Jersey, took to the floor and added a little common sense into an institution which too often needs an infusion of it. Check out his speech here.
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Let's not rush things
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (04-14-2008, 04:33 PM)
On Thursday of last week, the Financial Services Committee, on which I sit, wrapped up hearings on housing and home ownership legislation. It’s vital that Congress do serious due diligence on this matter as the mortgage rescue proposal before us walks a very fine line. Acting impetuously now could expose Americans to more harm down the road.
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“Competitive sourcing dies with a whimper”
Posted by: Andy Koenig (04-08-2008, 07:13 PM)
In this story, published earlier today, NRO’s David Freddoso refers to House passage of H.R. 3352, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2008, as “a sign that conservatives have let momentum die for private outsourcing.” The bill (which the RSC highlighted last week) reauthorized federal underwater mapping programs provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and reversed over a decade of competitive sourcing precedent by providing the agency with a new, $75 million ship to conduct mapping projects.
In 1994, a GAO report found that NOAA was wasting tens of millions of tax dollars by maintaining its own fleet while numerous, less expensive private entities could do the same work, with the same results, at a cheaper price. Since that time Congress has worked to ensure that NOAA secured the best available price for underwater mapping by using private sources. In 1996, amendments added to the Department of Commence appropriations bill prohibited NOAA from participating in any modernization projects that were not privately bid and began taking steps to eliminate NOAA’s expensive fleet altogether. Unfortunately, NOAA and Congress have taken the first step back to a wasteful and uncompetitive policy that was found lacking and replaced nearly 15 years ago.
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CBS Exposes More on Congressman Murtha
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (04-07-2008, 11:01 AM)
RSC TV is featuring a recent report by CBS Evening News "follows the money" on Democratic Congressman John Murtha's (D-PA) earmark trail. According to the report, Murtha has used $2 BILLION taxpayer dollars since 1992 to fund his wasteful pork projects. All the while, he received generous campaign contributions from his earmark recipients. Check out the video here.
*** UPDATE (4:30 PM) *** - An alert reader reminded me of Mary Katharine Ham's hilarious attempt to find the Center for Instrumented Critical Infrastructure in Johnstown, PA. Check it out over on HamNation.
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The Paulson Proposal
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (04-04-2008, 04:14 PM)
Secretary Paulson has led us to an important conversation, and I appreciate his blueprint as a discussion tool. This comprehensive strategy to reform the way our nation’s financial system is regulated reaches far beyond today’s headlines about our marketplace. As this and other proposals are considered, Congress must keep in mind what history has proven: increasing inefficient government regulation of financial markets only leads to more problems down the road. Our goal should be to instill confidence in the market, protect consumers, and strengthen innovation. Any regulatory overhaul must strike the right balance amongst all of these notions. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee and a Representative from a state with one of the nation’s largest financial services sectors, I look forward to delving into the details and being an active part of this important national discussion.
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“Reasons to Defund Planned Parenthood”--PART IV
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-04-2008, 03:41 PM)
According to Cybercast News Service (CNS): Planned Parenthood made $115 million in excess revenue last year—thanks to $337 million from taxpayers—and, is currently lobbying for even more federal funding. Furthermore, Planned Parenthood broke the $1 billion revenue mark for the first time ever for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2007.
Even though Planned Parenthood’s stated goal is to make abortions rare by providing contraceptives, the group performed nearly 25,000 more abortions and gave out nearly 200,000 more "emergency contraception" ("morning-after" pill) kits this year.
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Add this to the list of “Reasons to Defund Planned Parenthood”--PART III
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-03-2008, 04:31 PM)
Planned Parenthood (PPFA) recently addressed a room full of Capitol Hill staffers at a rally encouraging support for increased federal funding for "comprehensive sex education." As keynote speaker for the affair, actress Kate Walsh—who may believe that playing a Doctor on television qualifies her for doling out medical advice—showed her support for increased federal government support of sex education. As is standard operating procedure for Planned Parenthood, Ms. Walsh lectured the room on the "need" for comprehensive sex education in our schools, using inaccurate Planned Parenthood statistics as "proof."
Ms. Walsh, who serves on Planned Parenthood’s Board of Advisors, was quick to say, "Abstinence is not working. It’s a $1.5 billion program over the last ten years that has, quite frankly, failed." While she and PPFA President Cecile Richards were quick to advertise PPFA’s accomplishments in doling out almost 2.5 million contraceptive kits and performing over a million pap tests this year—they neglected to mention the increase in the number of abortions performed at the hands of PPFA Doctors across the country. This year, the number of abortions performed at PPFA rose from 264,943 to 289,750. Furthermore, while they took the time to question the current administration on their support for "real" sex education, they neglected to note that abstinence-only education receives one-tenth the funding that comprehensive sex education programs receive from the federal government. PPFA’s annual take from the federal government alone rounds out to over $300 million this year. (You can read more about the Capitol Hill event here, and access PPFA’s annual report here.)
In light of this, it may be appropriate to hear about PPFA, in their own words:
* Planned Parenthood opposes any "legislation that would elevate the legal status of a fetus, at any stage of development, to that of an adult"
* Planned Parenthood believes pro-lifers are "waging a war on women," and claim, "this is the real face of Bush's compassionate conservatism—a war on women and children across the globe"
* Planned Parenthood actively ignores statutory rape reporting laws and campaigns against efforts to enforce or strengthen them (see previous post)
* Planned Parenthood would willingly accept donations for racist purposes (see previous post)
* Planned Parenthood promotes itself as a "non-partisan" organization, yet promises to turn out millions of votes and dollars to elect pro-abortion candidates to the White House, Congress, and State Governments
* Planned Parenthood reports that it is a "not-for-profit" organization and receives over $336 million in government grants and contracts. In addition, they had an "excess of revenue over expenses" of almost $56 million in 2005 and $112 million in 2006
* Planned Parenthood in Kansas claims to be "a trusted source of health care and education for thousands of women, men and children" yet have been charged with 107 criminal counts including failure to report sexual abuse and falsifying documents in order to perform illegal late term abortions
* Planned Parenthood in California has privately admitted to overcharging the state and federal governments by at least $180 million for birth-control pills, despite internal and external warnings that its billing practices were improper
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Democratic Presidential Nominee Obama on Abortion
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-03-2008, 03:47 PM)
At a campaign stop in Pennsylvania earlier this week, Senator Obama answered a question regarding the right to abortion with, “Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at age 16 ...”
Obama—equating his future grandchildren with sexually transmitted diseases. Click here to hear Representative Pitts (R-PA) one-minute reponse given on the House floor on April 1, 2008.
To read further about Obama's comments, see this blog entry from the Politico.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
CAGW Releases 2008 Congressional Pig Book
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-02-2008, 04:39 PM)
Today, CAGW released the 2008 Congressional Pig Book. According to CAGW, in FY 2008 Congress included 11,610 earmarks in the appropriations bills at a cost to taxpayers of $17.2 billion. This is the second highest number of earmarks any Congress has ever approved and represents a 337 percent increase above FY 2007. CAGW's full report can be found here.
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$50 Billion PEPFAR Expansion Passes House
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-02-2008, 03:59 PM)
In 2003, PEPFAR was authorized at $15 billion over five years. The President’s FY 2009 budget requested that funding be doubled to $30 billion (also over five years). Today, the House passed legislation that provides an authorization level of $50 billion—$35 billion above, or more than triple, the 2003 PEPFAR law. Representative John Campbell offered an amendment to the bill that the Rules Committee refused to make in order which would have provided level funding for PEPFAR, instead of a $35 billion increase.
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Domestic Spending to be added to War Supplemental?
Posted by: Brad Watson (04-02-2008, 03:40 PM)
The President has requested a total of $196.4 billion in war-related emergency spending for FY 2008. To date, $86.8 billion of this money has been appropriated by Congress, which means $110 billion of the request is still outstanding. Last year, Democrats used the FY 2007 war supplemental to carry $17 billion worth of non-war domestic spending. With the schedule for consideration of the regular FY 2009 appropriations bills uncertain, and with the difficulty Democrats will face enacting the FY 2009 appropriations bills into law during this Congress given differences with President Bush over spending levels, policy riders, and earmarks, the FY 2008 supplemental may again be used by House Democrats as a vehicle to add domestic spending.
Potential additions to the supplemental include postponement of seven Bush Administration Medicaid regulations that restrain the growth of the program, as well as other spending items that were not included in the first stimulus but advocated by many Democrats, such as LIHEAP, Medicaid spending, and unemployment benefits. In addition, the Democrats may attempt to divert funding that would normally be provided during the FY 2009 regular appropriations process to the supplemental, which would be a budget gimmick to free up room under the 302(a) allocation for FY 2009.
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Add this to the list of “Reasons to Defund Planned Parenthood”—PART II
Posted by: Sarah Makin (04-01-2008, 03:29 PM)
A lawsuit, filed in Ohio in March 2005, alleges Planned Parenthood performed an unlawful abortion on a 14-year old girl who, pregnant and scared, turned to Planned Parenthood for guidance—after she was raped by her soccer coach. According to this article, the Planned Parenthood in Ohio is being accused of performing an unlawful abortion on a minor by failing to obtain parental consent, failure to obtain informed consent from the young girl, and failure to report suspected child abuse.
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that Planned Parenthood is accused of circumventing the law—laws which are designed to protect. The RSC will continue to post more on the atrocities of Planned Parenthood in this space.
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Save the Light Bulb!
Posted by: Rep. Michele Bachmann (04-01-2008, 03:13 PM)
I wish it were an April’s fool’s joke, but it’s not: Congress passed a ban on the everyday light bulb.
Posted in Energy and Environment | 2 Comments | View Full Posting
Protect Bloggers!
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (03-28-2008, 10:14 AM)
Two years ago, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) issued regulations that protected bloggers from being hampered by certain campaign finance laws. Under these regulations, bloggers cannot be considered to have made a contribution or expenditure on behalf of (or in opposition to) a candidate simply because they link to campaign websites or write about the positions of federal candidates. Additionally, blogs are treated as any other publication under the general media exemption from most campaign finance restrictions. Without such protections, bloggers could be subject to various limitations and reporting requirements under campaign finance law.
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Dick Armey takes on Earmarks
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-27-2008, 09:04 AM)
Freedomworks Chairman and former Majority Leader Dick Armey had an excellent op/ed over on Townhall about earmarks.
Highlights: There are three groups of people who regularly spend other people’s money: children, thieves, and politicians. All three of these groups need supervision—a watchful, responsible eye who keeps them in line. For children, that means parents. For thieves, that means police and the courts. For politicians, that means America’s many concerned voters.
Supervision is easiest for the first two groups. Children living under the same roof are tough for parents to ignore. Courts and the police are paid to be vigilant regarding the actions of thieves. Voters, however, have plenty to do in their own lives. Managing homes, jobs, and families takes enough time without having to pay attention to the inner-workings of Washington. In my time as House Majority Leader, I learned that politicians rely on this fact in order to persist in their wasteful ways. Instead of looking for ways to serve their constituents, many in Washington hope the electorate will be too busy to pay attention so that they can continue with their three favorite activities: spending, spending, and more spending. Nowhere is this clearer than with Congressional earmarks, perhaps the most visible symbol of Congressional waste today.
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Missed Opportunities on Earmarks
Posted by: Paul Teller (03-21-2008, 10:52 AM)
Check out this insightful op-ed by Andrew Moylan of NTU on how Republicans have consistently missed opportunities to truly take the lead on earmark reform.
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Victory in California
Posted by: Sarah Makin (03-20-2008, 10:48 AM)
Tuesday, a U.S. District Judge in California ruled in a case where the state of California challenged a national abortion law that protects the right of physicians to refuse to perform abortions based on moral or religious objections (with an exception for life of the mother situations). The Judge ruled that California cannot sue until the federal government actually threatens to withhold funding over an emergency abortion—something that has not yet occurred. In light of this, all eyes will be on the President to see if he will implement regulations to enforce this provision of law before leaving office. See the full article here.
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Let's Praise Reagan's SDI Vision
Posted by: Rep. Doug Lamborn (03-13-2008, 03:49 PM)
I recently had the honor of speaking at the Center for National Policy conference in New Orleans on President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative and its legacy.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Speechless
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (03-13-2008, 03:39 PM)
I am on the floor of the House right now, listening to the spirited debate. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) ,the Majority Leader, just spoke on the floor. He labeled earmarks as "Congressional Investments". Those were his exact words... I am speechless...
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House to Soon Vote on Democrat Budget Resolution
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-13-2008, 02:09 PM)
Later today, the House will vote on the Democrat budget resolution. Compared to a baseline that assumes extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, the Democrat budget increases taxes by $683 billion over five years. This is almost three times as large as the current record for an enacted tax increase, the $240 billion 1993 Clinton tax increase. Other highlights of Democrat budget resolution:
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Republican Budget Substitute Prevents Tax Increases
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-13-2008, 01:49 PM)
In a few minutes, the House will begin debate on the Republican budget alternative, authored by Representative Paul Ryan. Unlike the Democrat budget resolution, the GOP substitute budgets for a full extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, prevents an expansion of the AMT for the next three years, and achieves full repeal of the AMT in 2013. The Ryan-authored budget also includes entitlement reform by including reconciliation instructions that would restrain mandatory spending to save taxpayers $412.5 billion over five years.
On earmarks, the Republican budget includes a one-year moratorium and creates a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to be comprised of sixteen members, which is modeled on the Kingston/Wamp/Wolf legislation (H.Con.Res. 263). Finally, the Republican budget includes numerous budget reforms that are not included in the Democrat budget resolution: repeal of the “Gephardt Rule,” a limit on advance appropriations of $23.6 billion ($4 billion less than the Democrat budget), and the Legislative Line Item Veto that passed the House in the 109th Congress.
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Hensarling Points to Lack of Reform in Democrat Budget
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-13-2008, 01:19 PM)
Yesterday, RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling and Representative Rob Andrews appeard on CSPAN's Washington Journal and had a discussion on the FY 2009 budget. Representative Hensarling pointed out that the Democrat budget resolution raises taxes by $683 billion and does not include any entitlement reform, which means the federal government's unfunded liabilities will increase by $2 trillion a year. You can watch a clip of the debate here.
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Congressman Pitts Speaks Out Against the Democrats' Budget
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-13-2008, 12:23 PM)
Watch Congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA) speak out against Democrat efforts to impose the largest tax increase in history upon the American people.
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ACORN: At It Again
Posted by: Paul Teller (03-13-2008, 10:26 AM)
On March 13, 2008, Philadelphia election officials accused ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, of submitting voter-registration paperwork without sufficient data, with discrepancies, or for people already registered. Shocker! Election commissioners are asking the District Attorney’s Office to investigate ACORN’s registration efforts prior to the Pennsylvania presidential primary next month.
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Are the Watchdogs Barking?
Posted by: Paul Teller (03-12-2008, 10:14 AM)
As you may have heard, last night, the Democrats violated their own new ethics rule (about holding a vote open past its allotted time in order to try to change the outcome of the vote) in order to create a supposedly independent ethics office. I look forward to the strong statements of condemnation of last night’s violation of House ethics rules that are soon to come from Washington’s ethics watchdogs, like Common Cause, CREW, Democracy 21, and Public Citizen. Surely these groups won’t allow a violation of this serious nature to occur without negative comment. Surely these groups won't miss noting the irony of violating House ethics rules in order to pass an ethics resolution. And surely these groups won’t skip the opportunity to demonstrate that they are not just mouthpieces for the Democratic Party, as some have accused them of being, but are instead independent, ideologically consistent arbiters of truth and protectors of the highest ethical standards in Washington, no matter who the violators are.
Posted in General, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Introduces Iraq Victory Resolution
Posted by: Paul Teller (03-11-2008, 02:46 PM)
The RSC, led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), today introduced the Iraq Victory Resolution with 56 original co-sponsors, including Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Deputy Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-FL), Republican Conference Vice-Chair Kay Granger (R-TX), Middle East Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Pence (R-IN), and distinguished veteran and war hero Sam Johnson (R-TX). The resolution sends a clear message to American servicemen and women in Iraq that Congress supports them, believes progress is being made, and will continue to work to help ensure victory in Iraq.
Lead sponsor of the resolution, Rep. Joe Wilson, offered the following comment:
“We offered this resolution to let the brave men and women in uniform know that we in Congress are astutely aware of the progress being made in Iraq and that it is they who are mostly responsible for that progress. Terrorist attacks are down, terrorist operations have been eviscerated in key Iraqi cities, social services have improved, and life for many Iraqis is beginning to stabilize. It hurts morale when such progress goes unreported and thus virtually unnoticed back in America, and we believe it is important to let our troops know that we stand with them.”
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling added this comment:
“Though we can never adequately express our gratitude for the sacrifices that the men and women of our armed forces and their families continue to make in Iraq, this resolution is one way to show our united support for them. Although some continue to deny American military success in Iraq, we will counter their nay-saying with a strong, positive message of hope for our troops and their families. I’m extremely disappointed that not one Democrat has agreed to co-sponsor this resolution, despite each of their offices being approached twice. Their silence is deafening. I hope they will reconsider and sign onto this resolution shortly—if for no other reason than to allow soldiers in theater in Iraq, in beds at VA hospitals, or in training on bases across the country to know that Congress hasn’t lost faith in their mission in Iraq or in their ability to deliver tangible military and social improvements on the ground there.”
The text of the Iraq Victory Resolution, in its entirety, is as follows:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress—
(1) supports the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost;
(2) recognizes that the overall progress being made on the ground in Iraq is undeniable;
(3) recognizes that much of this progress is due to the skill, persistence, and valor of the American servicemember;
(4) recognizes that the decision by the President and our military leadership to provide a surge of troops to implement a new counterinsurgency strategy was the correct course of action and has been successful; and
(5) hopes for, and will do all it can to help ensure, coalition victory there as soon as possible.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security, International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Fiscal Reform Bills Authored by RSC Members
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-11-2008, 09:45 AM)
The RSC has prepared this Policy Brief, which will be updated periodically throughout the year, summarizing fiscal reform bills introduced by RSC Members that address several issues of concern to conservatives.
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Eliminate Improper Payments
Posted by: Rep. Brian Bilbray (03-10-2008, 11:59 AM)
With the federal debt continually reaching greater and greater levels it is absolutely essential that we find ways to reduce federal spending and eliminate government waste. The Republicans’ recent moves in favor of a total overhaul of the earmark system are a step in the right direction, but we must do more. There are many areas where we can work to cut federal spending and one of the best areas is also one of the most often ignored: improper payments by the federal government. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimates that $55 billion in FY07 was wasted on overpayments and avoidable mistakes by federal agencies. Recent successes by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) demonstration program have shown that it is possible to recover large portions of the wasted funds. Through RAC in 2007, CMS was able to recover more than $350 million dollars in overpayments in just three states: California, Florida, and New York. To help the federal government more aggressively target overpayments, Rep. Patrick Murphy and I introduced H.R. 5467, the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act. This bill would improve budget transparency by lowering the reporting threshold for improper payments and require agencies that outlay more than one million dollars to seek recovery of overpayments, rather than the current standard of only those with outlays of $500 million or more. In addition, it would hold agencies accountable for their progress in limiting overpayments. Altogether these provisions could save the taxpayer billions in wasted funds. With the budget deficit hovering near $400 billion we have a long way to go before we can get our government back into the black, but going after these sources of wasted taxpayer money would be a great step in the right direction. For more information on the RAC program click here.
Posted in Appropriations, Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Hensarling-Pence-Kirk Dear Colleague Urging One-Year Earmark Moratorium
Posted by: Russ Vought (03-07-2008, 12:47 PM)
In response to reports that Democrats are now considering a moratorium on earmarks, RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling, former RSC Chairman Mike Pence, and Representative Mark Kirk sent this Dear Colleague encouraging Republicans to adopt a one-year moratorium on earmarks.
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The Politico Talks Budget School
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-06-2008, 05:10 PM)
This morning, the "Shenanigans" column in the Politico spotlighted the RSC's budget school being coordinated by RSC Communications Chair Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The next Budget School hour on the House floor will take place on Tuesday evening. Make sure to tune in to CSPAN to watch!
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Campbell Pushes Earmark Moratorium Amendment in Budget Committee
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-06-2008, 01:56 PM)
Yesterday, RSC Budget and Spending Task Force Chairman John Campbell proposed an amendment at the House Budget Committee markup of the FY 2009 budget resolution that would have imposed a one year moratorium on earmarks. Unfortunately, the amendment was defeated by the Majority on a strict party line vote. Not one Democrat on the Budget Committee voted for the Campbell amendment. Check out the clip of debate in committee on the Campbell amendment here.
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Hensarling Talks Entitlements at Budget Markup
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-06-2008, 01:43 PM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling discussed America's entitlement crisis yesterday during the markup of the 2009 Federal Budget. Make sure to check it out on RSC Tve.
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Spratt Budget Resolution Unveiled
Posted by: Brad Watson (03-05-2008, 04:37 PM)
Today, the House Budget Committee is considering the FY 2009 budget resolution. As was the case with the House-approved version last year, the Democrat budget plan assumes expiration of all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. This would provide for a $683 billion tax increase over five years and a $2.27 trillion tax increase over ten years, by far the largest tax increase in U.S. history. By point of comparison, the current record for an enacted tax increase is the 1993 Clinton tax increase, which amounted to $240 billion over five years. On the AMT, the Democrat budget resolution provides reconciliation instructions that allow $70 billion for an AMT patch in FY 2009, but only if taxes are increased by a corresponding amount over the FY 2010—13 period. This in effect holds AMT relief hostage to a $70 billion tax increase and requires new tax increases merely to prevent a tax increase. Chairman Conrad does not plan to include similar reconciliation instructions for the AMT in the Senate budget resolution.
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Largest Tax Increase in History, Reckless Spending, Entitlement Dereliction
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (03-05-2008, 12:38 PM)
Some things never change. Today, Democrats proposed a budget that is the largest in American history and will be subsidized by the largest tax increase ever imposed upon the American people. Democrats talk the talk, but hardly ever walk the walk. Raising your taxes to fuel more wasteful Washington spending is another example of Democrats campaigning as stewards of fiscal responsibility but acting like teenagers at the mall with daddy’s credit card.
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Check Out RSC TV
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-04-2008, 01:39 PM)
The RSC has launched its own youtube channel called "RSC TV." Make sure to check it out. If you work for an RSC Member, please feel free to send along any content that you would like featured on RSC TV.
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Congressmen Call for Defunding Planned Parenthood
Posted by: Sarah Makin (03-04-2008, 09:10 AM)
As follow-up to a previous post which highlighted some of Planned Parenthood’s questionable behaviors, there is news today that Planned Parenthood is at it again. Teenwire.com, a website sponsored and run by Planned Parenthood, drew attention from Members of the Republican Study Committee when it was found to be actively promoting the use of pornography for teenagers as a way to circumvent sexual activity (according to Planned Parenthood). Three Republican Study Committee Members, Rep. Lamborn, Rep. King, and Rep. Pitts, are calling for the end of Planned Parenthood’s federal funding, according to this article. Chairman of the House Values Action Team, Rep. Pitts, is quoted in the article saying, "I don't believe taxpayer funding should be going to groups that put sexually explicit material on the Internet targeted at minors."
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Swearing Off Earmarks
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-03-2008, 02:55 PM)
Has your member of Congress sworn off earmarks? The RSC is now highlighting Members of Congress who have taken the no earmark pledge.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
FISA Update
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (03-03-2008, 10:08 AM)
House Democrats seem to be sending a signal that they are finally willing to compromise on FISA, which the American people have been calling for now for weeks.
RSC Chairman Hensarling has issued several statements on FISA, notably here and here.
In addition, Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), RSC Member, wrote a great editorial on FISA that appeared in the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Key graph: House leadership will not support current FISA legislation because the bill would prevent trial lawyers from suing American telecommunications companies who cooperate with American intelligence agencies' monitoring of foreign terrorist communications. It is shameful that some in Washington place the ability of trial lawyers to sue over national security. When American companies assist American intelligence agencies with monitoring foreign terrorist threats, they should be thanked, not sued. We need the foreign intelligence surveillance law passed so America's intelligence community can monitor al-Qaida and other terrorist networks without getting permission to listen to foreign terrorists plotting on foreign lands.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Add this to the list of “Reasons to Defund Planned Parenthood”
Posted by: Sarah Makin (03-03-2008, 09:40 AM)
Planned Parenthood has built a laundry list of despicable behavior that can be attributed to them—a list that has been growing steadily ever since their inception over 90 years ago. The list of horrendous activities occurring within the walls of clinics all across America has been growing just as fast as the support that they receive from the U.S. federal government with American tax dollars. To list just a few, Planned Parenthood of America has been charged with the following:
• Doling out inaccurate information on sex and abortion to teenagers
• Covering up child molesters and statutory rape offenders
• Telling women that abortion is “safe” (directly on their website)
• Promotion of irresponsible sexual activity by minors
• Opposition to parental involvement for cases involving minors
• Performing roughly 265,000 abortions per year
And now, we can add to that non-exhaustive list, promotion and propagation of racism and hatred towards African Americans.
A recent “sting operation” exposed Planned Parenthood for who they really are. Reported in this article, an actor, posing as a potential donor, called a clinic in Idaho and asked if she could earmark her donation for a “black baby.” The woman at the clinic (the Director at the time) responded by saying, “Mmmm, absolutely … always, always.” The caller went on to say, “You know, we just think, the less black kids out there, the better,” to which the Director of the Planned Parenthood clinic responded, “Understandable, understandable.” To read the whole conversation and others like it, see this article.
That should not be news to anyone who has paid attention to the atrocities occurring at Planned Parenthoods all over this country. As was stated by Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood founder, blacks, immigrants and poor people are simply “... human weeds,’ ‘reckless breeders,’ ‘spawning ... human beings who never should have been born.” Today, she would be proud of her employees.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
The Democrats Politicizing of PEPFAR
Posted by: Sarah Makin (02-29-2008, 09:37 AM)
In his State of the Union address on January 28, 2003, President Bush announced the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is a five-year, $15 billion, program meant to address the HIV/AIDS global pandemic. The program, which passed with bipartisan support in 2003, has been working successfully to curb the transmission rates and spread of HIV/AIDS over the past five years. PEPFAR stands to be reauthorized by Congress this year.
Using the reauthorization of PEPFAR as the pawn, the Democrats hijacked a successful and bipartisan bill by incorporating their pro-abortion agenda (by widening the scope of PEPFAR to include “family planning” activities). They also stripped out numerous provisions from the successful 2003 bill relating to prostitution and successful prevention programs—all in the name of helping Africa’s in their struggle against this pandemic.
As if this were not already enough, the Democrats also removed a provision in the 2003 bill which required that 55 percent of all PEPFAR funds be used for treatment of HIV/AIDS, leaving the other 45 percent for prevention programs. The purpose of this requirement was to fight the tendency of the foreign aid “industrial complex” to lobby foreign aid donors to spend money primarily on meetings, travel, consultants, “technical assistance” and foreign aid contractors based in Washington, DC and European capitals. The treatment floor serves as a way to make sure that PEPFAR money is spent in a way that will actually help Africans, which is the main priority of PEPFAR.
In a late, closed-door meeting Tuesday night, the House Foreign Affairs Acting Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen came up with a compromise bill—turning a horrendous bill into something that would receive bi-partisan support. While many of the pro-life concerns were addressed, the Democrats maintained an authorization level of $50 billion, and neglected to address the treatment floor provision (among other things). This raises serious concerns among many, least among those being that the lack of a prescriptive treatment floor leaves the program open to increased fraud and abuse. The elimination of the treatment floor frees up dollars for more conferences, travel meetings, etc.
Posted in International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Congress “Lags” in Passing FISA Bill, Supports Caffeine Addiction Instead…
Posted by: Chris Jacobs (02-28-2008, 04:47 PM)
This afternoon, House Majority Leader Hoyer announced that the mental health parity bill (H.R. 1424) would be considered in the House next Wednesday. Among other provisions, the bill would require employers who offer mental health coverage to provide benefits for a wide array of mental health and substance abuse diseases, and impose numerous federal mandates on group health insurance plans.
At a time when Democrats are refusing to allow the House to vote on legislation extending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to protect our country from terrorists, the House will instead take time to vote on a bill that would require employers to cover such “disorders” as jet lag and caffeine addiction—not to mention psycho-sexual disorders like gender identity disorder and pedophilia.
Instead of making our nation safe from terrorists, Democrats are working hard to rid us from the evils of jet lag. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad—and dangerous.
Posted in Health Care | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
William F. Buckley's Accomplishments
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-28-2008, 11:22 AM)
George H. Nash has an article on NRO that points out some amazing facts about William F. Buckley’s accomplishments. Key paragraph:
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Democrats Ignore Call for Earmark Moratorium
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-27-2008, 03:35 PM)
At the Republican retreat, House Republicans called on Speaker Pelosi to agree to an earmark moratorium and allow the House to vote on H.Con.Res. 263, the Kingston/Wamp/Wolf bill to create a sixteen member Joint Select Committee on earmark reform. In the interim, House Republicans also agreed to impose standards on their own requests including: no more “monuments to me,” no more “airdropped” earmarks, no more earmarks to “fronts” or pass-through entities, a requirement that earmark recipients be required to put up matching funds, and a requirement that Members who secure an earmark include information about the earmark in the Congressional Record. As House Democrats have shown no inclination to agree to an earmark moratorium, allow the House to vote on the Kingston/Wamp/Wolf bill, or otherwise reform the current earmarking process, 21 Members of Congress (20 Republicans, 1 Democrat) have decided not to request earmarks for FY 2009.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Budget Resolution Markup Next Week
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-27-2008, 03:28 PM)
Next week the Budget Committee will markup the FY 2009 budget resolution, with floor consideration scheduled for the following week. According to media reports, Democrats are considering reconciliation instructions for a number of spending items including Medicare physician payments, money for state infrastructure, and Medicaid. The Democrats may also include reconciliation instructions to increase taxes for an AMT patch, a tax extenders bill, and the energy tax bill. As Senator Kent Conrad put it, “I want to be clear, no decisions have been made. But given the state of the economy, I think we have to consider some reconciliation instructions.” The advantage reconciliation offers Democrats is it makes it possible to pass legislation with the support of only 51 Senators instead of 60 (to reach the 3/5 cloture requirement).
The FY 2009 budget resolution could also include some notable tax and spending decisions. If Democrats assume the full amount of revenue from expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts—as they did in the original House-passed version of the FY 2008 budget resolution—this would be the equivalent of a $635.1 billion tax increase over five years. The President’s request for discretionary spending in FY 2009—the 302(a) allocation—is $987.6 billion. If precedent is any guide, the Democrat budget resolution will exceed this figure, and perhaps cross the $1 trillion threshold for the first time in U.S. history.
The Democrat budget resolution will also show a significantly larger federal deficit. Last year’s deficit was $163 billion, which was the third year in a row of declining deficits. But the President’s budget request projects a deficit of $410 billion in FY 2008 and $407 billion in FY 2009—the second and third largest budget deficits in U.S. history. If Congress fails to show some restraint on spending, it is possible the deficit could exceed the previous high, a $413 billion deficit in FY 2004. The federal government has run a budget deficit in 42 of the last 47 years.
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Swearing off Earmarks
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (02-27-2008, 10:07 AM)
The Club For Growth continues to keep a running tab of Members of Congress whom have sworn off earmarks. Check it out.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) on Stem Cells—Wrong Again
Posted by: Sarah Makin (02-25-2008, 03:31 PM)
According to Congressional Quarterly, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), the House’s leading proponent of embryonic stem cell research, is writing a book slamming GOP positions on stem cells and similar pro-life issues. According to Lyons Press (the publishing company), Rep. DeGette’s new book is a "a blistering indictment of the Republican positions on sex education, birth control, abortion and embryonic stem cell research."
Rep. DeGette has offered legislation in the past to expand embryonic-destructive stem cell research—legislation that has twice been vetoed by the President. Having failed at her past efforts, her new anti-unborn child book will attempt to make an argument for how conservatives have politicized sex and how it is imperative that the federal government increase funding for embryo destructive research. The release of her book will be timed to coincide with the Democratic National Convention—conveniently located in Denver, DeGette’s home district.
Also of note, Rep. DeGette’s book will come out just months after groundbreaking new research finding that adult stem cells can be successfully manipulated into embryonic-like stem cells (referred to as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)). These iPS cells show enormous potential for near-term clinical benefits in individuals suffering from debilitating diseases, without the ethical dilemmas surrounding their embryonic counterparts.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
UNC Professor Suggests Abortion for Down Syndrome Babies
Posted by: Sarah Makin (02-22-2008, 12:38 PM)
Apparently it's not a disqualifier to be a Biology professor at the University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, to be prejudiced against people with disabilities.
According to a recent article, a UNC biology professor, Albert Harris, told his embryology students that babies who have Down syndrome should be aborted. When asked to comment on whether or not he would encourage his wife to abort their disabled child, Mr. Harris responded that though he believes aborting a fetus with Down syndrome is the moral thing to do, “I don’t necessarily do the moral thing.” He then went on to say, “I don’t like to see anything die. I stopped doing herpetology and marine biology because it involved killing animals.” (Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians). When asked to explain when he thinks life begins, Harris said “I say that life doesn’t begin. It continues, and it becomes more complicated, and eventually it becomes something that it’s definitely murder to kill."
Should Mr. Harris be interested in participating in a dialogue on this topic, the following questions could be posed: Do you consider a fetus to be alive, and if so, why do you consider killing something the moral thing to do? Furthermore, who do you suggest on aborting next?
The University has yet to take any action against Mr. Harris.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Medicare & Entitlement Reform
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (02-22-2008, 09:40 AM)
This morning, the Washington Times featured an op/ed penned by RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling describing the importance of Medicare/entitlement reform as well as the failure of Democrats to work with Republicans to fix these programs. Make sure to check it out.
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FY 2008 Deficit Rising
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-13-2008, 03:14 PM)
Through January, four months into the 2008 fiscal year, the federal deficit is $87.7 billion. This is more than double the comparable figure for this time last year of $42.2 billion. Through the first four months of the fiscal year, federal revenues are up 3.2% while spending is up 8.3%.
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Abraham Lincoln Day
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-12-2008, 01:32 PM)
The Great Emancipator was born 199 years ago today in Hardin County, Kentucky. Happy Lincoln Day!
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RSC Chairman Hensarling Speak to CPAC
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (02-07-2008, 04:27 PM)
Earlier today, RSC Chairman Hensarling had to opportunity to speak to a large crowd at CPAC. Check out his speech.
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Outrage at Berkeley
Posted by: Rep. John Campbell (02-06-2008, 04:57 PM)
You might have heard about Berkeley’s City Council's recent vote to tell the Marines to close their recruiting station in the city. With this vote, they told the Marines that their recruiting office is not welcome in their city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as an uninvited and unwelcome intruders.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security, General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
The Tax Man Cometh
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (02-06-2008, 10:29 AM)
On top of sanctioning the largest tax increase in history, Democrats in Congress seem content to raise all kinds of taxes on hard working American families. Unless Congress acts, and acts quickly, your taxes are going to rise. Check this out.
Posted in Taxes | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Palestinian Rockets Still Pounding Israel
Posted by: Paul Teller (02-05-2008, 11:08 AM)
More Palestinian rockets hit Israel today. Check it out here and let me know if we can sign your boss onto our AIPAC-supported resolution condemning these vicious attacks. Thanks….
Posted in International Relations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Continues to Drive the Earmark Issue Against Democrats
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (02-05-2008, 09:02 AM)
This morning, two members of the Republican Study Committee continued to drive the earmark reform message against Democrats.
Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ) by penned an op/ed in the USA Today entitled "Wasting Billions." Key graph: "One would think that having a Democratic Congress would mean additional oversight on domestic spending decisions made by a Republican administration — oversight that was sorely lacking when Republicans controlled Congress. This hasn't been the case."
Also this morning, former RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote an op/ed that appeared in the Washington Times entitled, "Earmarking Reform." Key graph: After seeing House Democrats return to "earmarks as usual," including hundreds of unexamined earmarks in recent spending bills, I believe that the time for an earmark moratorium has arrived. And House Republicans have risen to the challenge. Recently, Republicans in Congress took a significant step toward earmark reform by challenging House Democrats to join them in a "time-out" on earmarking. Republicans united behind a challenge for an earmark moratorium and called for the establishment of a new select committee that would conduct public hearings and make recommendations that will change the way that Congress spends the people's money forever. By challenging House Democrats to join in a bipartisan effort ending the current practice of earmarking in Washington, House Republicans have thrown down the gauntlet of reform. Should Democrats refuse this bipartisan challenge, choosing to defend the current system for earmark spending, they will have dismissed the heartfelt concern of millions of Americans who long to see integrity restored in the national legislature. If Democrats refuse to join us in the cause of reform, Republicans will continue to press for an earmark moratorium and fundamental reform. Nothing short of a full moratorium followed by a public vetting of the current system will restore public confidence in our federal budget.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Policy Brief: President's FY 2009 Budget Request
Posted by: Brad Watson (02-04-2008, 07:24 PM)
To coincide with the release of the President's FY 2009 budget request, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief which contains highlights of the proposed budget.
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House GOP Gears Up for Earmark Showdown With Democrats
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (02-04-2008, 02:42 PM)
Two weeks ago, the Republican Conference, under the leadership of Congressman John Boehner, adopted several self-imposed guidelines to begin reforming the broken down earmark process. Though I believe that as Republicans we need to go even further by adopting a full year long earmarking moratorium while significantly changing the earmarking system as we know it today, our House Republican leaders deserve credit for making earmark reform a top priority.
Conservatives consistently make the case that the earmarking process has too often lent itself to the triumph of seniority over merit, secrecy over transparency, and the special interest over the national interest. And though I am disappointed by the refusal of Democrats to work with Republicans to fix the broken earmark system, I can’t say that I am shocked by it. Are you?
When it comes to earmarks, Democrats seem to be eating their pork from two different troughs. They failed to live up to a promise to cut the number of taxpayer funded earmarks in half. Democrats broke another promise to bring greater transparency to the process and instead attempted to keep earmarks hidden from the view of the taxpayers who pay for them. Not to be outdone by her caucus, Speaker Pelosi tells reporters that she’d personally get rid of all earmarks while remaining one of the largest earmarkers in the House – and that is saying something.
People see earmarks as the poster children of fiscal irresponsibility, the kissing cousin to unethical behavior, and an all too frequent enabler of unlawful acts. Worse, the emerging pattern of campaign donations coming in one door and taxpayer funded earmarks going out of the other is nothing short of corrupt.
Despite their abysmal approval ratings, it is clear that Democrats are satisfied with business as usual in Washington. At a time when families across America are tightening their belts, it is an utter embarrassment for some in Congress to continue to waste taxpayer money on monuments to themselves, lobster institutes, and hippie museums. On behalf of each of you, your families, and taxpayers across the country, we pledge to use every method at our disposal to bring the broken earmark process to an immediate halt.
Posted in Appropriations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Earmarks
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-29-2008, 12:26 PM)
In doing some research on earmarks, I stumbled across some interesting facts on the Americans for Prosperity website. Keep in mind that up until the last 20 years, the number of earmarks requested each year was well under 500 total - as compared to over 13,000 today.
The concept of “earmarking,” or directing federal tax dollar collections to individual local projects requested by Members of Congress was the brainchild of Congressman John C. Calhoun. Congressman Calhoun proposed the Bonus Bill of 1817 to construct highways linking the East and South of the United States to its Western frontier (referred to in the legislation as “internal improvements”).
Congressman Calhoun wanted to spend the earnings surplus from the Second Bank of the United States to pay for his program, and made the argument that the General Welfare and Post Roads clauses of the Constitution allowed for it. Without speaking to its merits, President James Madison vetoed the bill as unconstitutional. His veto message follows:
Having considered the bill ... I am constrained by the insuperable difficulty I feel in reconciling this bill with the Constitution of the United States. ... The legislative powers vested in Congress are specified ... in the ... Constitution, and it does not appear that the power proposed to be exercised by the bill is among the enumerated powers. ...
And regarding the General Welfare Clause, Madison wrote:
Such a view of the Constitution would have the effect of giving to Congress a general power of legislation instead of the defined and limited one hitherto understood to belong to them, the terms 'common defense and general welfare' embracing every object and act within the purview of a legislative trust.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Chairman to Call on Members to Take Earmark Pledge
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-28-2008, 07:12 PM)
Noting the growing number of Republican members that have taken personal earmark moratoriums, RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling tonight will call on senior Members of the Republican Conference – including appropriators, ranking members and particularly members of the Republican Leadership team – to follow the example set by Republican Leader John Boehner and pledge their own personal earmark moratorium until integrity is restored to the process.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
CBO Projects Higher FY 2008 Deficit
Posted by: Brad Watson (01-25-2008, 04:25 PM)
This week CBO released its forecast for the FY 2008 to 2018 period. The projections show a deficit of $219 billion in FY 2008 compared to last year's deficit of $163 billion. Over the five year budget window, CBO projects a deficit of $408 billion, but over the full ten year budget window, the forecast is for a $274 billion surplus. It is important to note that CBO projections are based on the continuation of current law which assumes among other things that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire, the AMT begins to impact more and more taxpayers, and discretionary spending grows at the rate of inflation.
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France May Freeze Government Spending for Five Years
Posted by: Brad Watson (01-25-2008, 04:04 PM)
According to the Financial Times, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon wants to prevent government spending from growing over the next five years. As the Prime Minister puts it: “The idea is straightforward: we want to freeze public spending for five years.” The French public sector currently consumes 53 percent of the country’s national output. CBO projects that the U.S. budget is projected to increase by $874 billion or 34 percent over the next five years.
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RSC Introduces the Economic Growth Act
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (01-23-2008, 04:50 PM)
Today, I and forty-nine of my House Republican colleagues, introduced the RSC’s Economic Growth Act of 2008. This package is a much-needed jumpstart to our nation’s economy. This bill is a commonsense approach to protecting and preserving American jobs. History has shown that the most effective way to reinvigorate the economy and spur economic growth is to ensure that job creators face a lower tax and regulatory burden. Congress and the Administration must pass an economic package that actually works to stimulate our economy long-term. Protecting and securing America’s jobs is the taxpayer friendly approach to accomplishing this. The Economic Growth Act contains four main provisions, as follows: 1) Full, Immediate Expensing. The bill would allow all businesses to immediately expense—or fully deduct on their tax returns—the costs of assets (including buildings) they purchase for their business in the year that they buy such assets (“Section 179” expensing). Under current law, businesses can only take limited deductions in pieces, over several years. By uncapping and accelerating the expensing, this provision would encourage the purchase of assets with which to grow a business. 2) Significant Reduction in the Top Corporate Tax Rate. The bill would immediately cut the top corporate income tax rate from 35 o 25 aligning it with the average rate in the European Union. By allowing businesses to keep more of the money they earn, this provision would encourage the expansion of businesses, the hiring of more workers, and an acceleration of investment, while making American companies more competitive internationally. 3) End the Capital Gains Tax on Inflation. The bill would index for inflation the cost basis used when calculating the capital gains tax on assets acquired before the end of 2008. Under current law, the capital gains tax is based on the difference in the original purchase price of the asset and the sale price of the asset. However, some of this difference, or “gain,” can be attributed to inflation. By effectively reducing the amount of a gain that is taxable, this provision would encourage the movement of capital in 2008 and spur voluminous economic investment. 4) Simplify the Capital Gains Rate Structure. The bill would allow corporations to benefit from the 15 apital gains rate. Under current law, individuals pay a top capital gains rate of 15 but corporations are subject to a 35 op rate. By encouraging corporations to sell unwanted assets, this provision would unleash funds and materials with which to create jobs and grow the economy. For more information or to co-sponsor, please contact Paul Teller with the RSC at paul.teller@mail.house.gov.
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Marching for Life
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (01-22-2008, 11:00 AM)
Once again, it is the 22nd of January and thousands of Americans will come to Washington to march for life. Moms, dads and children from across the country will weather the cold and the elements to remind us of our shared obligation to the principle that the right to live isn’t just for the planned. As we reflect on the solemn anniversary of a horrible Supreme Court Decision, there are reasons for hope. Today, more and more Americans have welcomed the life message, and as a result, all available data reveals that today more young Americans are choosing life.
It is my hope that this year, the anniversary of Roe V. Wade will serve as a reminder that the next President will have an opportunity to ensure that all lives are protected equally under the law. It is our responsibility to unite under that belief. Though it has been 35 years and nearly 50 million lives lost, I remain eternally hopeful that one day we will look back and remember a time when America lost her way, but she came back to the truth of the unalienable right to life.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Chairman Hensarling to Appear on CNBC
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-21-2008, 01:11 PM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling will be appearing on CNBC's Squawk Box tomorrow morning to discuss a conservative approach to providing economic stimulus.
He will appear at 8:10 AM eastern time.
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We Can't Afford Congress
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-18-2008, 04:53 PM)
Check out this superb piece by former congressman and modern RSC founder Ernest Istook (R-OK), bemoaning the high cost of Congress.
Posted in Energy and Environment, General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
1.2 Million Still A Big Number
Posted by: Sarah Makin (01-18-2008, 02:07 PM)
While this report is certainly good news, 1.2 million is still a massive number. In Washington, 1.2 million is usually a dollar figure thrown around by some in debates over government spending, and even then, too often people forget how large that number actually is. Unfortunately, this number represents something much more important than dollars—human lives lost. We can not forget that. Until this number reaches zero, the job of pro-lifers will not be complete.
Count it as a success for mankind that a spokesperson for the Guttmacher Institute admits that abortion restrictions may contribute to the lessening number of abortions. This is a point that tends to raise serious contention among our anti-life counterparts. According to Rachel Jones of the Guttmacher Institute, “It could be more women using contraception and not having as many unintended pregnancies. It could be more restrictions on abortions making it more difficult for women to obtain abortion services. It could be a combination of these and other dynamics.”
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RSC Wants to put the "Stim" in Stimulus
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-18-2008, 12:56 PM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling weighed in on the discussions over an economic growth package, or "stimulus" plan this morning. Check out his statement.
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Rep. Kaptur's Whoopsie
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-17-2008, 01:55 PM)
Rep. Kaptur seemed a little confused during today's Budget Committee hearing with Fed Chairman Bernanke. Not only did she mistake him for Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, she clearly was unaware that Goldman Sachs was one of the few firms that didn’t participate in the subprime market.
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Chairman Hensarling will be on Bloomberg Television
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (01-17-2008, 11:41 AM)
Congressman Hensarling will be appearing on Bloomberg television today at 2:30, along with Democrat Jim Cooper (TN) to discuss the economy, FED Chairman Bernanke's testimony before the House Budget Committee, and potential stimulus packages.
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Democrats Consider Use of Reconciliation, Adoption of Early CR for FY 2009
Posted by: Brad Watson (01-17-2008, 09:47 AM)
After finishing the FY 2008 budget 80 days late, Democrats are reportedly considering the use of two strategies for the FY 2009 budget process. First, the Democrats may try and use reconciliation more, even for increasing direct spending, which negatively impacts the federal budget. In last year’s budget resolution, the majority broke with precedent to include reconciliation instructions for the Education and Workforce Committee to save $750 million, a far lower figure than previous efforts at budget reconciliation. The real purpose of this legislation was not to save money, but instead to create new entitlements. The advantage reconciliation offers Democrats is that it makes it possible to pass legislation with the support of only 51 Senators instead of 60 (to reach the 3/5 cloture requirement). For this reason, Democrats are looking at the possibility of including much more extensive reconciliation instructions in the FY 2009 budget resolution.
Second, Congressional Democrats may try to enact a CR very early in the FY 2009 appropriations process, the purpose of which would be to carry the fight over spending levels into the next administration. In the FY 2008 budget process, Democrats fought to spend $23 billion more than President Bush’s request. Although the President’s FY 2009 budget has yet to be released, Congressional leaders are once again anticipating that their budget will propose a higher overall level of spending. The Democrats are considering passing a CR, as early as this spring or summer, that would cover the period from October 1, 2008 through the beginning of the next administration—in the hopes that their higher level of spending might be approved by the next administration.
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Competing Economic Growth Plans Under Discussion
Posted by: Brad Watson (01-17-2008, 09:32 AM)
With growing concern about the threat of a recession this year, President Bush and Congressional leaders will be offering dueling “stimulus” packages. Some Democrats want any package to significantly increase federal spending by increasing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) and by increasing spending on food stamps, LIHEAP, and unemployment benefits. One idea that has received some consideration from both parties is to provide a one-time tax rebate worth perhaps $300 to all taxpayers below a certain income level. Any stimulus package could end up impacting the federal deficit by $100 billion or more. Early indications are that Congressional Democrats will waive their PAYGO rule, since as Chairman Rangel put it, “PAYGO is inconsistent with trying to resolve a recession.”
In contrast to these plans, Congressman Cantor will introduce the Middle Class Job Protection Act to reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 to 25 percent and provide 50 percent bonus depreciation and increased Section 179 expensing over the next two years. Unlike a tax rebate approach that fails to change taxpayers’ long-term behavior (encouraging them to take risks and invest), this legislation aims to improve economic growth by lifting barriers to investment and job creation. The U.S. corporate tax rate, which the Middle Class Job Protection Act would reduce, is currently the second highest in the OECD.
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The Answer is Not to Raise Taxes on Already High Prices at the Pump
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (01-16-2008, 12:37 PM)
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission’s recommendation for a massive gas tax hike at a time when people are paying through the nose at the pump is absolutely absurd. Their proposal would raise gas prices up to 40 cents per gallon within five years and as much as 91 cents in 20 years. Once again American taxpayers are expected to foot the bill for Washington’s addictive tax and spend habits. Increasing gas taxes is not the answer to our transportation woes. Legislators need to work to spend current funds smarter on needed repairs and improvements. Too much is wasted now on pet transportation projects, photo opportunities and pork barrel spending.
Posted in Energy and Environment, Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Israel Must Prevent a Nuclear Iran
Posted by: Rep. Trent Franks (01-14-2008, 05:34 PM)
Today Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made the statement that Israel rejects "no options" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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Federal Spending Up 9 Percent in First Quarter of FY 2008
Posted by: Brad Watson (01-14-2008, 05:24 PM)
According to CBO’s Monthly Budget Review for January, the federal budget deficit for the first quarter of FY 2008 amounted to $107 billion, which is $27 billion more than the same period last year. Through the first quarter, spending is growing at an annual rate of 9 percent (compared to 3 percent in FY 2007) while revenue is growing by an annual rate of 6 percent. CBO will release an updated forecast for the FY 2008 deficit, as well as the budget picture for FY 2009—2018, on January 23, 2008.
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The House Next Week: Diving Right In
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-10-2008, 12:38 PM)
It looks like the House will dive right back in to major, controversial bills next week. We’ll of course put out our usual write-ups next week, but we wanted to give you a heads-up so you can start looking at the bills and alerting your contacts, as appropriate. Here are the two that have been listed so far:
Posted in On the House Floor | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Capitalism: A Dirty Word?
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-10-2008, 09:23 AM)
Did you hear that the Voice of America removed "capitalism" from its approved vocabulary list for broadcasts into totalitarian and other non-democratic regions of the world? This is a move that would make the Soviets proud.
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Fund on Photo ID
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-09-2008, 10:30 AM)
Great piece by John Fund in the Wall Street Journal today on requiring photo ID to vote:
Voter-Fraud Showdown
How can anyone object to asking for ID?
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Time to LEARN
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (01-07-2008, 02:29 PM)
January 8th marks the 6-year anniversary of No Child Left Behind. Since 2002, NCLB has thrust federal bureaucrats into local schools, millions of dollars and millions of teacher work-hours have been wasted to excessive paperwork and regulatory red tape. And, the results are clear: Children are not getting better educations and no one is held accountable for it.
Posted in Education and Labor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Tax Relief 'Round the World
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-07-2008, 09:24 AM)
Check out this short-but-enlightening Wall Street Journal piece (also pasted below) about tax cuts going on around the world, even in some of the least-likely of places.
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RSC Praised on Housing Analysis
Posted by: Paul Teller (01-02-2008, 03:29 PM)
The RSC was praised in National Review for its work against expanding the Federal Housing Administration, especially as a solution to the subprime mortgage "crisis."
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Air Dropped Earmarks
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (12-18-2007, 01:11 PM)
As you may have heard, the massive 3500 plus page spending bill last night contained over 9000 earmarks (spread over 692 pages). What you may not have heard is that over 300 of these earmarks were "air-dropped" into the bill, which means that they were secretly inserted in back room negotiations between House and Senate appropriators. This means that these specific earmarks were not passed by either the House or Senate during previous consideration of spending bills, were not subject to a point of order, amendment or debate on the floor of either body questioning their merit.
Here you can find a list of "air-dropped" earmarks in the omnibus bill. Let us know if they pass your smell test and whether you think Congress should have had the opportunity to weigh their merit.
Posted in Appropriations | 3 Comments | View Full Posting
Massive Spending Bill Bad for Taxpayers
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (12-17-2007, 10:54 AM)
Late last night, Democrats released a 3,565-page FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill (which means that 11 spending bills have been combined to form one massive bill) that is expected to be voted on later today. This means that members will not even have the ability to read the bill before knowing what they are voting on. This is hardly the way to do business if spending accountability is a priority.
After spending all night trying to review this enormous bill, I can say that this legislation is a bad for deal for American taxpayers, American families and the fiscal future of our children. Unfortunately, Democrats squandered an opportunity to work together on a clean bill that is free of wasteful earmarks and budget gimmicks.
Just three years ago, then Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called the refusal to allow Members three days to read legislation before voting on it ‘martial law.’ Abandoning her word, Speaker Pelosi is now engaging in ‘martial law’ herself by trying to forcing this bill through Congress before anyone knows exactly what is in it. What could they be hiding?
Earmarks? Check.
We know that this bill contains over 8000 earmarks. Those earmarks, combined with budget gimmicks that hide billions of dollars and other added-on spending ensure that the Democrats’ bill is well over the spending level requested by President Bush. While providing additional funds for our veterans is important, that extra spending must be offset elsewhere in this trillion dollar budget.
This debate is really about two different fiscal roads. One road leads us to the largest tax increase in American history to be followed by an even larger tax increase, which would threaten our children and grandchildren with a lower standard of living. The other road is the path to fiscal responsibility. It is a path to make sure that the Federal budget does not grow beyond the ability of the American family budget to pay for it. To accomplish that, the government – like all American families – must live within a budget and this omnibus bill doesn’t get us there.
Finally, this bill fails to provide funds for many of our troops serving in harm’s way. It is an absolute disgrace that Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Congress believe that it is more important to prioritize funding for Washington bureaucracies than American armed forces serving in Iraq. Last time I checked, every member of Congress received a paycheck from the U.S. Treasury, just like American servicemen. As we enter the holiday season, I hope that Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Caucus Chairman Emanuel solemnly reflect upon that fact and reconsider their indefensible position.
Posted in Appropriations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Reported Omnibus is Way Above President's Level
Posted by: Russ Vought (12-13-2007, 10:59 AM)
By now many of you have probably read numerous stories describing the latest Democrat omnibus package. As reported, it would result in a topline discretionary level of $936.5 billion—$3.7 billion above the President’s request. This extra funding is for the increased veterans funding contained in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill that Congress passed and the Administration has said it would accept IF “Congress…provide[s] reductions in other appropriations bills to offset this increase and meet the President’s topline of $933 billion.” The Statement of Administration Policy went on to say that “if Congress increases VA funding above the President’s request and does not offset this increase with spending reductions in other bills, the President will veto any other bills that exceed his request until Congress demonstrates a path to reach the President’s topline of $933 billion.” The Democrats omnibus package would not do that.
In addition, the omnibus bill would include up to $7.4 billion in “emergency spending” to avoid spending restraints. Some conservatives may view a portion of this additional spending as failing to reach the criteria meriting an emergency designation due to the predicable nature of the spending (for example $100 million is designated as emergency spending for security at political conventions, which occur on a predictable basis once every four years). Furthermore, the Democrats have already successfully enacted $6.4 billion for similarly questionable emergencies for FY 2008 by attaching them to Defense appropriations bill and have shifted $3.5 billion away from underfunded defense priorities to spend on domestic items—those increases needed to be added to the total as well. And finally, the Democrats employ an additional gimmick by increasing advance appropriations by $2 billion—a gimmick that the Administration opposed in its SAPs.
In short, as described and reported, the latest Democrat omnibus package—described as meeting the President’s top-line spending amount—is roughly $23 billion above the President’s comparable request for domestic spending.
The omnibus bill would also fund only up to $30 billion in supplemental funding for Afghanistan—not for Iraq and without any transfer authority to allow the President to shift a portion to Iraq. This would have the perverse result of treating our troops in Afghanistan differently than our troops in Iraq.
The omnibus bill would also include earmarks, with many potentially “air-dropped” without having been approved or considered by either the House or the Senate to this date.
Also note that it is still unclear what the omnibus will include or not include with regard to important policy riders, including numerous pro-life riders such as the Mexico City Policy language, border security construction, energy security, etc.
More information will be provided as we have it.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
A Win for Small Business
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (12-12-2007, 07:09 PM)
Today, I was able to score a win for small business. SEC Chairman Christopher Cox announced that he would extend the deadline for small businesses to file required reports under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley law. This fight is something I’ve been very active on because I know that small business is the engine of the American economy and that the current Sarbanes Oxley regulations are choking them with red tape and paperwork.
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Uncertain Outlook for Omnibus
Posted by: Brad Watson (12-12-2007, 04:28 PM)
Seventy-three days into the 2008 fiscal year, the Congress has still only enacted one (the DOD bill) of the twelve appropriations bills into law. Consequently, the non-defense portion of the federal government is being funded by a continuing resolution that expires on December 14th.
In an effort by Democrats to conclude the FY 2008 budget, the House was originally scheduled to consider the so-called “split the difference” omnibus on Tuesday. Now that this strategy appears to be dead, it is unclear how the FY 2008 appropriations process will conclude or what the next bill might look like.
The difference between the President’s budget request for the twelve spending bills and the Democrat budget resolution amounts to $23 billion. The so-called “split the difference” omnibus would have been portrayed by Democrats as setting an overall spending level between the Democrat figure and the President’s budget. In reality, this omnibus would have caused the non-defense appropriations bills to end up $29.5 billion above the President’s budget request—and thus fall far short of any goal to “split the difference” with the President.
This is in large measure because, reportedly, the omnibus would have included $7 billion in domestic emergency spending. This emergency spending would have included among other things: $600 million for drought relief, $300 million for wildfire prevention, $200 million for the Minnesota bridge repair, $100 million for security at political conventions, $400 million for WIC, and $2.3 billion for foreign aid programs. Of note, even though the “split the difference” omnibus may not be considered by the House, whether this extra emergency spending is attached to other legislation or whether it is paid for is still in dispute.
Furthermore, the Democrats already enacted $6.4 billion for similarly questionable emergencies for FY 2008 by attaching them to the Defense bill. And finally, the Democrats employ an additional gimmick by increasing advance appropriations by $2 billion. When the $14.1 billion in spending above the President’s budget request, the $7 billion in domestic emergency spending, the $2 billion in advance appropriations, and the $6.4 billion in domestic emergency spending from the Defense bill is added together, the bill would have been $29.5 billion above the President’s request for non-defense spending. When an omnibus is finally brought before the House floor for consideration, it is important to note all of the spending that is in the bill, not just the non-emergency spending figure.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Chairman Hensarling Takes Blue Dogs to Task on AMT
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (12-12-2007, 04:24 PM)
House Democrats are once again wasting valuable time on a flawed AMT bill that both Democrats in the Senate and the President have made clear will never be signed into law. Earlier this month the Senate passed a “clean” AMT patch and overwhelmingly rejected the inclusion of tax increases in such a bill by an 88-5 margin. The failure by the Democrat Majority to address the expanding AMT has kept up to 25 million families in the dark about their tax situation in 2008 and has guaranteed a filing season full of taxpayer confusion. Treasury Secretary Paulson has already cautioned that enactment of a patch in mid-to-late December “could delay issuance of approximately $75 billion in refunds to taxpayers who are likely to file their returns before March 31, 2008.” These delays could impact 50 million taxpayers, half of whom are not even subject to the AMT.
Congressman Hensarling called Blue Dog Democrats to task earlier today for support an AMT patch that would raise taxes.
“Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats in her caucus owe an apology to the 25 million Americans facing a substantial tax increase and the millions more who could see their refund checks delayed. I am particularly disappointed in the ‘Blue Dog’ caucus, who, by advocating tax increases, have decided to punish new groups of Americans in order to fuel the massive Washington spending sprees sought by Democrat party leaders. The AMT was never intended to be forced upon middle-class American families, and Republicans are working to ensure that it never will. Blue Dog Democrats need to take a hard look in the mirror and realize that targeting new groups of taxpayers to foot the bill for their Leadership’s spending spree is a complete abandonment of their self-proclaimed principles.”
Read the full statement here.
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What is $450 Billion within the Context of the Federal Budget?
Posted by: Russ Vought (12-05-2007, 04:49 PM)
Congressional Democrats have argued that their higher spending level—$21 billion in FY 2008—is a small fraction of the overall federal budget. But over ten years, this difference amounts to $450 billion, which is a far more significant figure than many of the budget fights that will take place this year. For example, $450 billion amounts to:
a six-year repeal of the AMT,
twice the “cost” of extending the child tax credit for another ten years,
91 percent of the “cost” of making the death tax permanent,
53 percent of the “cost” of making the individual income tax rates permanent,
11 times the amount of money needed to make marriage penalty relief permanent,
twice the amount needed to make the capital gains and dividend tax relief permanent, or
nearly the same amount needed to protect the non-interest portion of the Social Security surplus over five years.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Members Pay Tribute to Chairman Henry Hyde
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (12-05-2007, 04:41 PM)
Last night, Congressmen Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL) hosted a hour tribute to Henry Hyde on the House Floor during the RSC’s special order hour.
Watch as the the following RSC Members honor Chairman Henry Hyde:
Moment of Silence
Congressman Peter Roskam (who represents Henry Hyde’s district)
Congressman Donald Manzulo
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling
Congressman Trent Franks
Congressman Bob Goodlatte
In addition, you can view all of the local Chicago news broadcasts remembering Henry Hyde on a youtube channel called “Honor Henry Hyde” created by Congressman Roskam’s office.
Posted in On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats Struggle to Complete FY 2008 Budget Work
Posted by: Brad Watson (12-05-2007, 03:38 PM)
To date, the Congress has enacted one (the DOD bill) of the twelve appropriations bills into law. Aside from that, one conference report was vetoed by the President (Labor-HHS), one conference report has passed the House but not the Senate (Transportation-HUD), but the remaining nine bills have not been sent to the President. Consequently, the non-defense portion of the federal government is being funded by a continuing resolution that is currently set to expire on December 14th.
For the eleven remaining FY 2008 appropriations bills, the Democrats will put an omnibus on the floor next week. Reportedly, this legislation will “split the difference” between the President’s request for overall FY 2008 discretionary spending and the Democrats’ 302(a) allocation. Not counting the extra $2 billion in advance appropriations, this means that the bill would exceed the President’s request by $11 billion and would exceed last year’s spending levels by $70 billion. In addition, it may include up to $9 billion in “emergency spending.” $20 billion isn’t exactly splitting the difference. It is important to note that though this higher spending is portrayed in the media as representing a one year cost, it gets added to CBO’s baseline and thus has implications for spending through the ten-year budget window. In total, the Democrat budget plan would spend an additional $204 billion over five years, and an additional $450 billion over ten years.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC to Host Tribute Hour to Chairman Henry Hyde
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (12-04-2007, 11:41 AM)
Tonight RSC members Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Congressman Donald Manzullo (R-IL) will host a very important Special Order in honor of Chairman Henry Hyde, who passed away last week. The tribute will take place during the 2nd hour after last votes tonight, which should be a little after 9 PM. Make sure to check it out on CSPAN.
In case you missed it, last week National Review Online put together a symposium of thoughts and wishes from former colleagues, friends, and admirers of Chairman Hyde’s legacy.
Posted in On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
110th Congress Is Bad for Business
Posted by: Paul Teller (12-03-2007, 01:08 PM)
Since the opening gavel of the 110th Congress, business interests have been under attack. Week after week, the Pelosi-led House has attempted to increase costs and regulations on businesses. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some examples of these House-passed bills (with embedded hyperlinks for more information) that would harm businesses and, therefore, employees, consumers, the stock market, and the economy as a whole.
Posted in General, On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Chairman Henry Hyde will be missed, but his legacy lives on
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (11-29-2007, 11:31 AM)
I was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Henry Hyde this morning, a leader in the conservative movement in the House for decades. Today we remember him as a true statesman and leader of distinction who served the American people with courage, nobility and pride. Chairman Hyde was a pioneer in the effort to protect human life, and because of his tireless efforts, there are thousands of people living around the world today who remember his service to mankind. He was a commanding presence in an institution that too often lacks them, and a voice of statesman and intelligence in a field that too often overlooks them.
Henry’s great victory for humankind will never be forgotten, particularly by those who live today because of the Hyde Amendment. There aren’t many people who can move on from the boundaries of earth knowing that their effort has saved thousands and thousands of human beings. Henry can rest knowing that he has done so. His work to protect human rights across the globe was relentless and will carry on for generations to come, in countries that many of us will never visit, in villages that many of us will never see. Though we reflect on his passing with great sadness, Chairman Hyde’s steadfast dedication to the belief in the sanctity of life reminds each of us that there is more work to be done. I offer my prayers, condolences, and sincere gratitude to my friend (and Henry Hyde’s son, who resides in Dallas, Texas) Bob Hyde, his siblings and the rest of the Hyde family.
Posted in General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Pence Urges Caution at Annapolis
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-28-2007, 01:26 PM)
And as a follow-up to my blog post yesterday, see this statement from Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), urging caution at the Israeli-Palestinian conference at Annapolis, Maryland.
Posted in International Relations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Pence on Annapolis
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-27-2007, 05:11 PM)
I thought you’d want to see this recent blogpost from Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), expressing “grave reservations” about this week’s Israeli-Palestinian conference in Annapolis.
Posted in International Relations | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
The NY Times Wants More Federal Regulation of Technology. SHOCKER!
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-27-2007, 12:00 PM)
I'm not sure why I'm surprised that the New York Times editorial board has once again taken a pro-government-expansion position, but their argument in today's editorial about the need to increase the already burdensome regulations on the cable industry is breath-taking in its unabashedly socialist stance on technological advances (if something is successful, even in the face of massive competition, the government should rein it in).
Posted in Telecom | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Excellent Piece on Gun Rights
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-26-2007, 11:53 AM)
I just wanted to make sure you didn’t miss this beauty. It gives us all we need to combat liberals on the issue of gun rights in the District of Columbia (and everywhere in America), which will be before the Supreme Court of the United States soon. Here's the text of the piece, in case you don't have a Wall Street Journal account:
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Rep. Feeney Demands Release of Border Patrol Agents
Posted by: Rep. Tom Feeney (11-19-2007, 05:53 PM)
Enough is enough. It is high time that the President listens to the will of the people and pardons Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean who are currently serving decade-long prison sentences for shooting an illegal alien drug dealer they thought was armed. In January, I called on the President to issue a pardon and that apparently fell of deaf ears. Then, in February after Agent Ramos was beaten in prison by an illegal immigrant, I yet again urged the President to pardon the agents.
To be frank, I'm no longer asking nicely. At this point, the President's competence and willingness to defend our borders is in serious question.
Just last week,Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila, the drug smuggler who Ramos and Compean are in prison for shooting, was arrested again on drug smuggling charges after he was given immunity by U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton. Even more disturbing is that the U.S. government may have known about his drug-smuggling history.
The President needs to immediately intervene and release Border Agents Ramos and Compean. Every red-blooded American should be outraged at the mistreatment of the Border Security Agents who are out-numbered and out-gunned for 2,000 miles along America's borders. When the Bush Administration supports illegal alien drug dealers over our own officers, America loses.
Since President Bush and Speaker Pelosi continue to drag their feet on securing America's borders, I have launched a border security alert. American patriots should check in here on a regular basis and leave their comments.
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
CBO Report: Long-Term Federal Health Care Spending Unsustainable
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-16-2007, 01:42 PM)
Earlier this month, CBO published a report on the long-term outlook for federal health care spending. In the report, CBO projects federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid will increase from 4 percent of GDP in 2007, to 7 percent of GDP in 2025, to 12 percent of GDP in 2050, to 19 percent of GDP in 2082. To put these figures in perspective, the entire federal budget amounted to 20 percent of GDP in FY 2007.
The report notes: “The main message of this study is that, without changes in federal law, federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid is on a path that cannot be sustained.”
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Get Tougher?
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-16-2007, 10:55 AM)
Yesterday, the House passed a mortgage regulation bill that many conservatives feel would be too damaging to the credit market, the housing market, because of its federal micromanagement of, and overreaction to, natural market forces affecting subprime and other loans. But note what the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Brad Miller (Democrat of North Carolina), said on the House floor about his plans for the bill as it moves through Congress:
Posted in On the House Floor | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Heritage Foundation Analysis of "Mother of All Tax Hikes" Bill
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-15-2007, 06:30 PM)
The Heritage Foundation has published an analysis of how the proposed Rangel "Mother of All Tax Hikes" bill (H.R. 3970), combined with allowing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to expire (as the Democrat budget resolution for FY 2008 calls for), would effect the economy. Among other things, their analysis projects an average of 600,000 jobs would be lost each year over the next ten years. The Heritage Foundation also has data on the impact by Congressional District, which can be found here.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
FY 2008 Appropriations Update
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-15-2007, 04:33 PM)
The FY 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies conference report passed the House yesterday by a vote of 270 to 147. The bill sets discretionary spending at $51 billion—$3 billion (6.3 percent) above the President’s budget request and $3.4 billion (7.2 percent) above last year. The bill also includes more than 2,000 earmarks. This includes 21 that were “airdropped”—earmarks that were not passed by either House of Congress.
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Don't Expect Your Tax Refund on Time
Posted by: Paul Teller (11-15-2007, 01:28 PM)
As the Senate Republican Policy Committee (RPC) points out, since 2001, the latest that Congress has gone without fixing the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for the current tax year is May 11. As Thanksgiving recess approaches, Congress is in serious danger of harming the American taxpayer if it does not quickly send an AMT "patch" bill to the President.
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A Veterans Day Message
Posted by: Rep. Zach Wamp (11-09-2007, 10:20 AM)
I just finished my morning run here in Washington today. As I came down off the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, I began to hear in the distance names being called, one at a time over a loud speaker. As I got closer and closer to the Vietnam Memorial, I saw a small group gathered there. One man with a microphone was reading one name at a time – every single name off of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, remembering that every single life was a huge sacrifice for all of us and our entire nation for the principles we hold dear: freedom and liberty. That begins the Veterans Day weekend.
This small group that gathered there were not the war protestors, they are a few blocks away and they are also entitled under our rights and privileges guaranteed under our Constitution and Bill of Rights to say whatever they would say. But the small group at the Vietnam Memorial was a group of patriots who understand that freedom is not free. It comes with a huge sacrifice that these veterans, these heroes, these brave souls knew about and were willing to put their life on the line between the threat and our civilian population for the rest of us.
That’s what Veterans Day is all about. It meant a lot to me to hear those names being called, it means a lot to me to know that all the Vietnam veterans, the World War II veterans, the Korean War veterans, the Desert Storm veterans, and those that are coming home today from Iraq and Afghanistan have served our country with such valor.
We’re all grateful and this weekend, Veterans Day weekend, we all pause as we should every day, and thank every single man and women who’ve stood in uniform and extended freedom from our generation to the next or to our generation from the last. Thank you.
Posted in General | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Pelosi Chooses Politics over Troop Funding… Again
Posted by: Andy Koenig (11-08-2007, 04:05 PM)
Despite five months of continued success by American forces in Iraq, Speaker Pelosi announced today that the House will consider a war spending bill that would give our troops only a quarter of the funds requested by the Administration and top U.S. generals. According to an Associated Press article, the Pelosi bill, which could be on the House floor as early as tomorrow, would send only $50 billion toward the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan – a far cry from the $196 billion requested. The measure would only fund military operations for an additional four months, setting up another battle this spring.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
A Golf Program in the Defense Bill?
Posted by: Rep. Jeff Flake (11-08-2007, 02:35 PM)
There are over two thousand earmarks in the Defense Appropriations bill--and one of them is a golf program for kids! Outraged? Learn more about it here.
Posted in Appropriations, Defense-Homeland Security, On the House Floor | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
We Need the SKIL
Posted by: Rep. John Shadegg (11-08-2007, 02:14 PM)
I am seeking cosponsors for H.R. 1930, the Securing Knowledge, Innovation, and Leadership Act of 2007 (SKIL Act). The bill aims to keep our economy competitive in the world market by increasing the H-1B visa (highly-skilled worker visas) cap from 65,000 to 115,000. Currently, businesses are required to pay $1,500 for each individual on an H-1B visa, but a Senate proposal will increase that amount to $5,000 per person. The proposal does this at a time when the European Union is actively recruiting U.S.-educated foreigners who are unable to obtain visas due to a cap that does not reflect market demand. For more information, please contact Natalie Farr in my office.
Posted in Judiciary and Immigration | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Why Patch the AMT When We Can Repeal It?
Posted by: Rep. Paul Ryan (11-08-2007, 09:04 AM)
Why PATCH the AMT when we can REPEAL it?
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
New Jersey Bioethics Victory
Posted by: Sarah Makin (11-07-2007, 04:42 PM)
On Election Day in New Jersey, voters rejected a measure on the ballot which would have provided $450 million in taxpayer funds for embryo destructive stem cell research. According to a LifeNews article from yesterday, “the result is a major defeat for Governor Jon Corzine, who personally campaigned for this Question and contributed $200,000 to a shadow group which ran radio ads and made phone calls featuring Michael J. Fox.”
With more and more research showing that embryonic stem cell research does not provide the cures or therapies for patients the way that adult stem cells do, this vote is a reflection that either the public is catching on, or their consciences are playing a larger role when they step into the voting booths. Either way, this victory in New Jersey sets a new standard for liberal northeastern states to start paying attention to the reality of the science behind stem cells therapies—embryonic stem cells don’t cure.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
House Passes Labor-HHS, Military-Veterans Conference Report
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-07-2007, 03:28 PM)
Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 3043, the conference report for the combined FY 2008 Labor-HHS and Military-Veterans Appropriations bills. This legislation, at $215.4 billion, is a $21.2 billion (or 10.9 percent) increase above last year, and $13.8 billion (or 6.8 percent) above the President’s request. The President has threatened to veto this legislation, and the 269 to 142 vote in favor of H.R. 3043 would not be enough to overturn such a veto.
The Labor-HHS portion of the conference report is $6.2 billion (4.3 percent) above last year and $9.8 billion (6.9 percent) above the President’s request. Though the bill does comply with the Budget Act, the Labor-HHS section of the bill also includes $21 billion in advance appropriations, an increase of $2.4 billion compared to the President’s request. As a result of this budgetary gimmick, the Labor-HHS portion of the bill is actually $12.2 billion over the President’s request. The Military-Veterans portion of the conference report is $15 billion (30 percent) above last year and $4 billion above the President’s request (6.6 percent).
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Defense Bill and CR on Floor Tomorrow
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-07-2007, 03:22 PM)
House and Senate conferees have approved a $459 billion Defense Appropriations bill—$40 billion above last year, and $3.5 billion below the President’s request. The bill also provides $11.6 billion in emergency spending for Mine Resistant Armor Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which is part of the President’s $196 billion request for FY 2008 emergency spending related to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Defense Appropriations conference report also includes an extension of the current CR from November 16th to December 14th. However, the CR is not clean by any means. Of note, this CR includes $6.4 billion in emergency spending—$500 million for fire suppression, $2.9 billion to replenish FEMA’s disaster relief fund, and $3 billion for the “Road Home” program, which is intended to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita rebuild their homes. The CR also provides an operating rate for the Department of Veterans Affairs that is $2.9 billion higher than FY 2007, as well as an operating rate for the Census Bureau that is $300 million above the FY 2007 enacted level. However, the CR would not include the full funding for Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving that to separate legislation.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Rangel AMT Bill Proposes Tax Increases and Gimmicks
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-07-2007, 03:19 PM)
On Friday, the House may consider H.R. 3996, the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007. The main thrust of this legislation is to provide permanent, new taxes in order to temporarily prevent scheduled tax increases. Specifically, the legislation would extend dozens of expiring tax provisions and prevent the AMT from impacting 21 million new taxpayers for one year. In both respects, the legislation does not actually provide new tax relief, it merely prevents tax increases. Perhaps the most notable tax increase in the bill is the $25 billion tax increase that comes in the form of taxing investment manager’s “carried interest” at the same rate as ordinary income (up to 35 percent), as compared to the 15 percent rate under current law.
H.R. 3996 also takes an often used budget gimmick to new heights. As previous bills reported out of Ways and Means have also done, H.R. 3996 increases the estimated tax payments that certain corporations must remit to the federal government. Under current law, corporations with assets of at least $1 billion must make estimated tax payments for the third quarter of 2012 that are 115% the estimated payment otherwise due. The payment due for the fourth quarter of 2012 is then reduced accordingly so that the corporations pay no net increase in estimated payments in 2012. H.R. 3996 would increase this 115% figure all the way to 181%. This revenue timing shift is merely a budget gimmick used to comply with the House’s PAYGO rules. Without this gimmick, the bill would fall $37 billion short of meeting PAYGO over the first five years.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrat Labor-HHS/Military-Veterans Conference Report Daschles Taxpayers
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (11-06-2007, 01:19 PM)
Later tonight, Speaker Pelosi and the rest of the Democrat Leadership will bring an 853-page Labor-HHS/ Military-Veterans Conference Report to the floor of the House. This bill will include secret earmarks that were inserted after both the House and Senate voted on the different spending bills included in this larger Conference Report.
What does that mean? It means that these earmarks were not able to be seen by most of the members of the House and Senate. Along those same lines, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Whip Steny Hoyer, and Democrat Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel brought this 853 page bill to the floor without allowing Members of Congress even a single day to read it.
To put that in perspective, these Democrat Leaders have wasted 306 days trying to write and finalize a single spending bill to send to the President, yet they are refusing to allow other Members of Congress even a single day to read through the monstrosity that they have put together. That’s right, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Rahm Emanuel, and David Obey are trying to force Members of Congress to spend billions of taxpayer dollars without allowing them to know what they are spending it on.
The bill will cost taxpayers nearly $151 billion, a $21.2 billion increase from last year ( 10.9 percent increase) and is 6.8 percent more than the President’s request.
The Democrat Conference Report includes more than 150 pages of earmarks that would spend millions of taxpayer dollars on entities like the LBJ foundation in Austin, a Jazz museum in Kansas City, and a Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. In addition, the Conference Report contains secret, new earmarks that were added after both the House and Senate passed each spending bill. And among the nine secret new earmarks that Democrat leaders are asking taxpayers to foot the bill for is the Thomas Daschle Center for Public Service ($1,000,000).
I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure what the Thomas Daschle Center for Public Service has to do with either Labor, or Health or Human Services. Far worse, to corrupt a bill intended to fund veterans’ services with entities like the Thomas Daschle Center for Public Service is an insult to those who have worn our nation’s uniform. I would hope that Senator Daschle would respectfully request that funding for his center be removed from this bill.
The actions of Speaker Pelosi and this Democrat Congress are reckless. It is astounding to see the lengths to which they will go to rip-off taxpayers and American families. In the meantime, I hope that Senator Daschle does the right thing and asks that the earmark in his name be removed from the bill.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
President Vetoes WRDA Bill
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-02-2007, 05:19 PM)
Citing concerns about too much spending, today, the President vetoed H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. According to CQ, both the House and Senate may vote next week on a veto override.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
House Approves TAA Expansion
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-01-2007, 04:12 PM)
Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 3920, the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007, by a vote of 264 to 157. This legislation extends the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program for five years and nearly doubles the cost of the program. The bill increases mandatory spending by $8.6 billion over ten years and increases taxes by a net of $9.4 billion over ten years. Among other things, some conservatives may be concerned that this expansion of the TAA program will not be accompanied with enough progress on trade. The Administration issued a SAP threatening to veto this legislation, and the margin of passage would not be enough to override such a veto.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Budget Fight Amounts to $204 Billion over Five Years
Posted by: Brad Watson (11-01-2007, 02:52 PM)
Congressional Democrats have sought to downplay the $23 billion in higher spending that separates their proposed spending levels from the President’s overall request for the FY 2008 appropriations bills and to argue that $23 billion is not a significant figure when put in perspective by the overall federal budget. But as Budget Committee Republicans recently calculated, this $23 billion difference over one year actually amounts to $204 billion over the five year budget window. It is worth noting that if Congress were to simply exert enough spending discipline to complete the FY 2008 budget process at the President’s requested level, this would save taxpayers enough money to obviate the need for 52 percent of the Congressional Democrat budget’s $392 billion over five year tax increase.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
No Federally Funded Presidential Campaigns? Can It Be?
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-29-2007, 12:37 PM)
Check out this insightful commentary by former commissioner at the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Brad Smith, who is a brave warrior for free speech. He makes the point that, the way things are going (or not going) with the confirmation of FEC commissioners, the FEC may not be able to dole out it presidential campaign matching funds in 2008, upon which several major candidates are relying. Does that mean we may see no federally funded presidential campaigns this general election cycle? Can it be?
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC's Taxpayer Choice Act Gaining Steam
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-29-2007, 08:12 AM)
Two op/eds that highlighted the RSC’s Taxpayer Choice Act to your attention. The first, written by former Majority Leader Dick Armey, appeared in the WSJ while the second was written by the editors of National Review Online. In addition, in case you missed it, the principal authors of the RSC’s plan to repeal the AMT penned an op/ed for the NY Post on Thursday.
Since the WSJ is subscription only, here are a few key graphs from the Armey op/ed: “Thankfully, there's an alternative to Mr. Rangel's redistributive approach, and it's being offered by a group of pro-growth tax reformers in the House of Representatives. “The Taxpayer Choice Act,” is being offered by Reps. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.), Jeb Hensarling (R., Texas), and John Campbell (R., Calif.) that repeals the AMT while fundamentally reforming the tax code. These young Republican legislative entrepreneurs offer taxpayers the choice of remaining in the current system with its itemized deductions, charts and schedules, or moving into a greatly simplified system that eliminates all deductions and loopholes while offering only two simple rates. All taxpayers would have a standard individual deduction of $12,500, and individuals earning below $100,000 would pay a flat 10 percent of income, while individuals earning above that would pay 25 percent. Calculating taxes would take less time than brewing a pot of coffee.
“Last year I observed on this page that, on fiscal policy, voters could not see a dime's worth of difference between the two political parties. How things have changed. Mr. Rangel's mother-of-all tax increases is another of the same, tired, "tax-the-rich" revenue-raising schemes of past Democratic Congresses. It focuses on redistributing income through the tax code at the expense of economic growth and tax simplicity. Such tax schemes have a high political-demagogy coefficient that can temporarily satisfy liberal constituencies, but they always backfire in practice…..
“The Taxpayer Choice Act, on the other hand, is based on the belief that the only legitimate purpose of the tax code is to raise the revenue necessary to fund the legitimate expense of government; it is not a place for social engineering or rewarding favored political constituencies. It treats taxpayers with dignity, and moves us in the direction of eliminating double taxation, which encourages capital formation, savings and investment.
“I have long advocated a tax code that is simple, fair, flat and honest. Income should be taxed once, and only once, thereby promoting economic growth through increased savings and investment. Sadly, Mr. Rangel's Democratic vision for tax policy takes giant steps away from that ideal. Republicans have a competing vision that offers taxpayers an escape from both the AMT and many of the heavy compliance costs of today's tax code.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
A Bad Name to Mothers
Posted by: Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (10-25-2007, 02:53 PM)
I want to thank Chairman Rangel for unveiling the true, big-ticket cost to families for the Democrats’ 10-month spending spree. Rangel says he wants the "Mother of All Tax Reforms," giving a bad name to "mothers" and to "reforms." What we have here is the "Evil Step-Mother of Tax Hikes." Republican tax cuts have fueled our economy and led to record-high federal revenues. Yes, we need to improve our tax system but good mothers and good reforms aren’t punitive or counter-productive.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
It's Immoral to Raise Taxes
Posted by: Rep. Tom Feeney (10-25-2007, 02:52 PM)
It is immoral to raise taxes on middle class families when they are increasingly burdened by property taxes and mortgage rates. Liberals are already wasting entirely too much of our hard-earned money in Washington. Until Congress can regain their trust, hardworking taxpayers should fight tooth and nail before they send one more penny to Uncle Sam for Woodstock Museums and Bridges to Nowhere. I will work hard to protect the wallets of middle class families from the tax-and-spend beltway liberals who don't know the first thing about balancing a budget.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Raising Taxes Is An Accomplishment?
Posted by: Rep. Patrick McHenry (10-25-2007, 02:49 PM)
So now we've seen the Democrats' Mother of All Tax Hikes. But Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. The federal government is set to spend more money next year than the GDP of every country on Earth other than Japan. The Democrats have already voted to raise taxes by more than $100 billion this year, so it’s not surprising that their idea of tax reform simply means higher taxes. The surprising part is that they’ll tell you with a straight face that a trillion dollar tax hike is a major accomplishment.
Posted in Taxes | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
The Correction of Tax Mistakes Should Never Be Offset
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-25-2007, 09:54 AM)
Because this "Dear Colleague" letter sent yesterday by the four original sponsors of the RSC's Taxpayer Choice Act (H.R. 3818) is getting considerable attention, I thought I'd reprint it here in its entirety. Let me know your thoughts.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Contrasting AMT Repeal Plans
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-25-2007, 08:44 AM)
This morning, as Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel will introduce the "Mother of all tax hikes," the authors of the RSC's Taxpayer Choice Act penned an op/ed in the New York Post on their bill that would repeal the AMT while offering taxpayers the opportunity to become part of a 21st Century tax system that is fair, simple, efficient and, above all, accountable.
Quite a stark difference - there will be two sides to the tax reform debate. One will be on the side of the taxpayer and the other with the government. Republicans will put the taxpayer first, and by imposing a massive tax increase, Democrats have chosen to put the government first.
Posted in Taxes | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Ways and Means TAA Markup Today
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-24-2007, 07:17 PM)
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is intended to help workers adjust to job losses that result from trade. The program currently costs taxpayers about $966 million a year and provides assistance to 54,000 workers (3 percent of job losses result from trade). This comes to $18,000 per worker.
H.R. 3920, the Global and Trade Assistance Act of 2007 extends the TAA program through 2012 and expands the program to include service workers. Historically, the TAA has been accompanied with progress on trade negotiations. Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 3920 proposes a large expansion of the program without enough trade progress. For instance, Speaker Pelosi has said that a vote on TAA will precede a vote on the Peru agreement. However, there are still three other such agreements and Trade Promotion Authority that are arguably harder to pass through Congress. Among other things, the TAA program would be expanded by tripling the TAA training budget and by expanding the program to federal, state, and local workers.
The legislation would also extend the Federal Unemployment payroll tax surcharge (FUTA), currently set to expire at the end of this year, which some conservatives may view as an unnecessary tax increase since the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF) currently has a balance of $35 billion.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Administration Updates FY 2008 War Funding Request
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-24-2007, 07:10 PM)
On Monday, the President updated his FY 2008 emergency spending request to fund the War in Iraq and Afghanistan, with an additional request of $45.9 billion. Of this amount, $42.3 billion would be provided for the Department of Defense (DOD) and $3.6 billion for the Department of State and other international programs. This brings the total FY 2008 GWOT supplemental request to $196 billion. The President previously requested $141.7 billion as part of his FY 2008 budget request and $5.4 billion in a July request for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPs) vehicles—enacted into law by Congress as part of the CR.
By way of comparison, total FY 2007 GWOT emergency spending amounted to $169 billion—$70 billion was included in the “bridge fund” in the FY 2007 Defense spending bill, with the remaining $99 billion enacted as part of the war supplemental signed into law in 2007.
The $45.9 billion in additional funding for FY 2008 is divided between $17.8 billion for Military and Intelligence Operations, $24.3 billion for equipment, force structure, and facilities improvements, and $3.6 billion for international affairs and stabilization activities.
Chairman Obey has made it clear that he does not plan to consider this request until sometime next year. Meanwhile Senator Reid has stated, “We’re going to get to the supplemental appropriations bill, but we’re not going to be in a rush to do that.” The President has asked Congress to consider the war funding bill prior to Congress finishing its business for the year. In the meantime, the CR allows the Pentagon to continue to operate using funds from last year’s $70 billion bridge fund, but the CR is set to expire on November 16.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Keep Internet Access Tax-Free
Posted by: Rep. Lamar Smith (10-23-2007, 03:00 PM)
Internet access should be tax-free. Americans should be able to access the Internet without being subject to state and local taxes, whether those taxes are imposed directly or through an Internet service provider. Last week the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend the Internet tax moratorium for an additional four years. On November 1, 2007, the current Internet tax moratorium is scheduled to expire. While I’m pleased that Congress has extended the ban on Internet taxes, I’m disappointed that we did not make the ban permanent. Across the nation, American consumers and businesses support a permanent ban on Internet taxes. Permanently banning Internet taxes would spur economic growth and development. High-tech and IP industries account for over half of all U.S. exports, represent 40 percent of our economic growth and employ nearly four percent of U.S. workers. Only by permanently extending the moratorium can we continue to keep the cost of Internet access down so that lower income individuals – those who are most sensitive to the cost – can continue to use the great informational tool that is the Internet.
Posted in Taxes, Telecom | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
$1.7 Trillion in CBO Baseline at Stake
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-19-2007, 10:02 AM)
When CBO published its most recent projections for the ten year budget window in August, it made two changes to the baseline that could have large consequences for whether the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts will be allowed to continue (thus preventing a huge tax increase on the American people) or whether Congress will instead finance a huge increase in domestic spending.
The August CBO baseline substantially increased the estimate for federal tax collections, improving the budget picture by $859 billion over ten years compared to the earlier March forecast, which has the consequence of making an extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that much more affordable. This additional projected revenue, along with the surpluses projected under current law, would be enough to cover 77 percent of the "cost" of making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, except that another change to CBO’s numbers from March to August had an opposite effect. With passage of the FY 2007 war supplemental, CBO built the cost of this one year spending bill into the baseline for the entire ten year budget window. Consequently, a $120 billion spending bill covering just FY 2007 caused CBO to project an additional $1.7 trillion in spending over ten years.
This makes it easier for Democrats to argue that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts are not affordable. It is unclear, though, how appropriate it is to assume an extension of the FY 2007 war supplemental for the duration of the budget window. And should this estimate prove off the mark, with lower spending on defense over the 2011-2017 period, this projection makes it easy for the Democrats to convert this spending that CBO projected would be spent on defense to spending on other domestic priorities.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
The Facts on SCHIP
Posted by: Rep. Joe Barton (10-18-2007, 04:55 PM)
Here are the facts. Under current law, every child in America who is below 100 percent of poverty is covered by Medicaid. Both parties support that. Under current law, every child in America who lives in a family between 100 and 200 percent of poverty is covered by SCHIP if they’ll sign up. Now there are some children in families that won’t sign up. In Dallas, Texas, I’m told that only 33 percent of the eligible SCHIP children are actually in an SCHIP program. That’s a travesty, and we ought to do something together to reach out to those children and those families and make sure that they either have SCHIP coverage or private insurance – that they have something. We can work together on that on a bipartisan basis. Now once you get above 200 percent of poverty, we have a difference of opinion.
Posted in Health Care | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Huge, Potential FAA Tax Gimmick
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-18-2007, 04:47 PM)
The Airport and Airway Trust Fund collects about $12 billion a year in revenues. The House recently passed legislation to reauthorize FAA programs and extend the taxes that fund these programs (H.R. 2881). Although this legislation has not become law, the continuing resolution extended these taxes through November 16, which otherwise would have expired on September 30th. CBO does not score an extension of these revenue provisions as an increase in revenue since an extension is assumed in CBO’s baseline. This means that extending these FAA taxes does not free up money for other expenditures under PAYGO. However, should the Democrats allow these taxes to expire, no matter how temporarily, CBO would score reinstating these taxes as a revenue increase, which means that the Democrats would be able to apply this money for PAYGO. This could potentially provide about $100 billion over ten years as an “offset” for the Democrats to use for either an AMT bill or various spending initiatives.
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Senate Votes to Preserve Rangel’s "Monument to Me" Earmark
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-18-2007, 04:30 PM)
As Roll Call reported this morning, “the House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) is hoping to steer some $2 million to a building project at the City College of New York that will house — wait for it — not one, not two, but three construction projects bearing the gravelly voiced lawmaker’s name.”
Today, the Senate voted 61 to 34 to reject an amendment offered by Senator Jim DeMint, to the Senate Labor-HHS appropriations bill, which would have prevented taxpayer money from being spent on this earmark. 32 Republican Senators were joined by only 2 Democrats in favor of the DeMint amendment.
This earmark was previously included in the House-passed version of the legislation (H.R. 3043). Representative John Campbell drew attention to this earmark, when it was brought before the House three months ago, by offering an amendment to strip it from the bill. Rep. Campbell’s amendment was rejected by a vote of 108 to 316—only one Democrat voted to strike this amendment from the bill. See here and here for more information on this earmark and the efforts of Representative Campbell to prevent taxpayer money from being used for this purpose.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Attack Parasites on the Health Care System
Posted by: Rep. Scott Garrett (10-18-2007, 04:11 PM)
Today, the Democrat majority failed to override the President’s veto of the multi-billion expansion of SCHIP. It’s clear that this bill was never about helping children. It was always about politics. The Democrat majority moved this bill forward knowing all along the bill would face a veto from the President – a veto they never had the votes to override. They refused to negotiate in good faith, in a bipartisan way. And, as a result, we must now go back to the drawing board. I am hopeful that when we do, we don’t simply tinker around the edges – papering over the barriers to access that so many children and families now face, but will take a good, hard look at fixing our healthcare system. We have the highest quality care, but high costs keep too many people from accessing that care. We must attack parasites on the healthcare system like outrageous medical malpractice insurance that keep health coverage costs artificially inflated and keep health coverage out of reach for too many.
Posted in Health Care | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Political Gamesmanship of SCHIP Must End
Posted by: Rep. Adrian Smith (10-18-2007, 03:46 PM)
Today, I voted to sustain President Bush’s veto. This debate is not about providing health care to America’s low-income children. That idea has widespread support – including mine – and SCHIP is an important part of reaching that goal. Instead of working to ensure those who need this assistance receive it, earlier this year Congress passed a bill which opens loopholes for illegal immigrants, expands the program to cover individuals with high incomes, encourages more federal spending, and forces the program to rely on an unstable funding source – increased cigarette taxes. The President was wise to veto it.
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Today's SCHIP Vote
Posted by: Sarah Makin (10-18-2007, 03:05 PM)
This afternoon, on a 273—156 vote, the House upheld the President’s veto of the SCHIP expansion and tax increase bill. This vote margin was 13 votes short of the 286 votes that would have been needed to override the veto.
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Congressional Common Sense?
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-18-2007, 03:01 PM)
A clever person from Elm Grove, Wisconsin, sent me the following email regarding the RSC's Taxpayer Choice Act (H.R. 3818)--
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Hensarling: To Tax or Not to Tax
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-18-2007, 02:42 PM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) penned this op-ed in Human Events about the need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) without increasing taxes.
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RSC Chairman calls on Rep. Stark to Apologize or Resign
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-18-2007, 01:52 PM)
During House consideration of a bill on children’s healthcare, Stark made the following comments (viewed here):
“I yield myself two minutes. Madam speaker, I, first of all, I’m just amazed that they can't figure out -- the Republicans are worried that they can't pay for insuring an additional 10 million children. They sure don't care about finding $200 billion to fight the illegal war in Iraq. Where are you going to get that money? Are you going to tell us lies like you're telling us today? Is that how you're going to fund the war? You don't have money to fund the war on children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if he can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement.”
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling immediately called on Rep. Stark to apologize or resign. You can view the statement here, and the Chairman’s comments are below.
“Congressman Stark’s comments were hateful and wrong, and should be labeled as such by the House Democrat Leadership. No matter your political position on the war in Iraq or any other issue, it shows a complete disregard for the men and women who have volunteered for military service and the Office of the President to make such an outlandish and asinine statement.
“Congressman Stark’s comments are completely inappropriate for an elected official. He should offer an immediate apology, or he should resign from the office in which he has been entrusted to serve. He owes that to the men and women who have so courageously put their life on the line to serve their country and the families that support them.”
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Chairman Hensarling Urges Members to Sign Fairness Doctrine Discharge Petition
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-18-2007, 11:38 AM)
RSC Chairman Hensarling urges all RSC Members to sign the discharge petition for legislation (H.R. 2905, the Broadcaster Freedom Act) to statutorily prohibit the FCC from restoring the “Fairness Doctrine” (regulations requiring political balance in radio and TV broadcasts). NOTE: Members must physically sign the petition at the desk on the House floor; staff cannot call in or drop off a signature. If a majority of the whole House signs on to this discharge petition, then the rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2905 would be able to come to the House floor without the permission of House leaders.
Posted in On the House Floor, Telecom | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Chairmen Call for Restraint on Armenian Genocide Resolution
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-18-2007, 11:29 AM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and the three most recent former RSC Chairmen sent the following letter to House Democrat Leadership this morning, regarding the Armenian genocide resolution:
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Prescribe 'the pill' at middle school?
Posted by: Sarah Makin (10-17-2007, 08:31 AM)
As an 11 year old Middle School student, you still can't get Tylenol in school without a parent's note, but at one Maine Middle School health care center young girls may soon be given "contraceptive pills, patches or injections, as well as the morning-after pill" as forms of birth control, without their parent's notification or approval. According to an article in the Portland Press Herald, "although students must have written parental permission to be treated at Portland's school-based health centers, state law allows them to seek confidential health care and to decide whether to inform their parents about the services they receive." Beyond the fact that none of the aforementioned contraceptive methods have been proved safe for children that young, this should raise serious concerns about our health care system overlooking the rights of parents. The RSC will follow the development of this story, and will report more in this space.
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Rep. Garrett Calls Out Governor Corzine on SCHIP
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-16-2007, 02:13 PM)
Congressman Scott Garrett (R-NJ), a member of the RSC, has a great post over on Red State about SCHIP, and gives a little anecdote about why the and what it the Democratic Governor of New Jersey is pressuring New Jersey Congressmen. Make sure to check it out.
Key Graph: Because of the SCHIP veto override which is set to come to the House floor on Thursday, MoveOn.org is attempting to flood my office with phone calls to override the President’s veto. Even New Jersey Governor John Corzine personally called my office today in hopes of urging me to change my vote. Governor Corzine knows that overburdened NJ taxpayers are on the verge of a tax revolt after years of out-of –control tax-and-spend policies out of Trenton. He knows that unless he can get the infusion of additional federal tax dollars that the Democrats’ SCHIP entitlement explosion will add to the State coffers, he’ll be forced to make tough choices that he and the legislature are just not prepared to make. Well, I hope he’s reading this now….
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Support Building for Taxpayer Choice
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-16-2007, 01:14 PM)
Just wanted to let you know that we are closing in on 50 co-sponsors for the RSC’s major tax relief proposal, the Taxpayer Choice Act (H.R. 3818), which would: 1) prevent automatic tax increases by immediately and completely repealing the AMT, 2) make permanent the current tax rates on capital gains and dividends, and 3) give taxpayers the option of paying their income taxes under a massively simplified tax system with lower rates and no special deductions.
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More on Armenian Genocide Resolution
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-16-2007, 11:51 AM)
RSC Chairman Hensarling wrote an op/ed for National Review on the non-binding resolution that condemns what is now the nation of Turkey (at the time, the Ottoman Empire) for genocide for the mass killings of Armenians.
Also written about by Rich Lowry here and the WSJ here.
Key graph from Chairman Hensarling: Is it appropriate for Congress to act so irresponsibly that it would purposely consider legislation which could cause direct harm to the men and women of our armed forces? This is the question that Speaker Pelosi must consider; while the resolution that will be brought to the floor will be largely symbolic, its repercussions most certainly will not be.
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats Take Their Time Completing FY 2008 Budget
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-15-2007, 03:32 PM)
Today marks the beginning of the third week of the 2008 fiscal year. However, Congress has still not sent any of the twelve FY 2008 spending bill to the President for his approval—the federal government is currently being funded by a continuing resolution, which sets funding for most federal programs at FY 2007 levels.
The front page of today’s Roll Call has a story on the potential Congressional schedule through the end of this year. The article begins by noting, “Democrats still do not have a firm plan for how to resolve a spending impasse with President Bush and are now setting their sights on early to mid-December as their target for adjourning for the year.”
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Democrat's Misguided Resolution Could Endanger US forces in Iraq
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-15-2007, 11:13 AM)
Human Events ran an excellent piece this morning from Jed Babbin on Speaker Pelosi’s misguided decision to force a non-binding resolution passed (which was passed on October 10 by the House Foreign Affairs Committee) that labels the 1915-1923 massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire a genocide.
Of course, this has put at risk the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey, a strategic ally in our military efforts in Iraq. Turkey has warned the U.S. about pursuing this resolution any further. It seems as though Anti-War Democrats are trying to use any means at their disposal to make victory in Iraq even more difficult.
Key quotes from GOP leaders mentioned in Babbin’s column:
Republican Leader Boehner: “If the Turks cut off our ability to use Incirlik, there’s no question that this could jeopardize our troops on the ground in Iraq. And frankly, if this is just the latest in the Democrats’ string of back-door attempts to force a retreat from the war against al Qaeda, it’s certainly the most dangerous.”
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling: “We are a nation at war, and our first concern must always be the brave men and women of our armed forces, who I believe are done a great disservice by this symbolic House vote. This is just one more example of Democrats in the House being either oblivious or indifferent to the welfare of American forces serving in harm’s way.”
Posted in Defense-Homeland Security | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
"Legal or Not, Abortion Rates Compare"
Posted by: Sarah Makin (10-12-2007, 11:00 AM)
The New York Times ran a story that cited a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Guttmacher Institute which concludes that pro-life laws in countries are doing more harm than good for women around the world—an interesting approach to suggest that law don’t matter that much. Hypothetically, the equivalent to the argument made in this article would be to argue that because another country, with weaker murder penalties, has a similar murder rate as the United States, outlawing murder could be considered a failed policy. Perhaps we should overturn murder laws too.
Considering the source—since the Guttmacher Institute is hardly an unbiased research firm when it comes to international abortion statistics, it is reasonable to assume that their abortion and mother mortality figures are inaccurate as many countries do not accurately report their true abortion statistics (the United States being one of them). For instance, according to ex-abortionist Dr. Nathanson, "We [NARAL] aroused enough sympathy to sell our program of permissive abortion by fabricating the number of illegal abortions done annually in the U.S. The actual figure was approaching 100,000 but the figure we gave to the media repeatedly was 1,000,000. Repeating the big lie often enough convinces the public." Additionally, while their statistics from Eastern Europe may encourage some, it is important to remember that under communist control, abortion was the primary form of birth control. For a little more insight into the misrepresentations of such a study, read this article from Life News.
Posted in Life Issues and Abortion | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
More Analysis of the RSC Taxpayer Choice Act
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-11-2007, 06:05 PM)
The Cato Institute’s blog has a good analysis of the RSC Taxpayer Choice Act. Check it out here. And here is an analysis at the National Taxpayers Union blog.
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AMT REPEAL: More Choice or More Taxes?
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-11-2007, 11:07 AM)
While Ways & Means Chairman Charlie Rangel and House Democrats are planning “the mother of all tax reforms,” – aka, a trillion dollar tax hike – the Republican Study Committee has introduced the Taxpayer Choice Act, a comprehensive, individual income tax reform initiative with two principal goals: 1) eliminating massive future tax increases by repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and 2) providing individuals a choice for an alternative tax system that is transparent, simple and efficient. Unlike any other AMT reforms to date, the RSC plan will not increase taxes for ANY American.
Robert Novak wrote a column today on the RSC Taxpayer’s Choice Act. Read Chairman Hensarling’s post.
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Heritage takes on SCHIP
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-11-2007, 10:47 AM)
Heritage has put together a great new video on SCHIP that outlines the case for helping uninsured children. They've also started putting out a daily FAQ explaining SCHIP.
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National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act Passes House
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-10-2007, 06:13 PM)
Today, the House passed H.R. 2895, the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act, by a vote of 264 to 148. This bill establishes an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be funded from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As passed by the House, the legislation allows third party groups with political agendas that are contrary to our free-market principles (such as ACORN), to receive funding from the Affordable Housing Fund. Language in the bill states that no funds from the bill may be used for political activities. However, many conservatives have expressed concern that since money is fungible, the bill would still allow liberal entities to use money from the Affordable Housing Fund to displace other funds, thus freeing up other money for political activities. To solve this problem, some conservatives have fought for language preventing groups that participate in political activities from receiving funding. In addition, some conservatives have regarded the required GSE contributions to the Fund as a tax on publicly-traded corporations. Arguably, since the GSEs constitute a duopoly, they have a heightened ability to pass this “contribution” on to consumers—thus making housing less affordable rather than more.
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RSC Taxpayer Choice Act
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (10-10-2007, 12:58 PM)
Today, the Republican Study Committee will introduce the Taxpayer Choice Act, a comprehensive, individual income tax reform initiative with two principal goals: 1) eliminating massive future tax increases by repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax; and 2) providing individuals a choice for an alternative tax system that is transparent, simple and efficient.
Republicans have tried to fix the AMT problem before. In 1999, the GOP-controlled Congress passed a full repeal of the AMT and sent the bill to President Bill Clinton. Unfortunately, it was vetoed. In addition, despite campaign promises to reform or repeal the AMT, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats have failed to act this year.
Unlike any other AMT reforms to date, the RSC plan will not increase taxes for ANY American. It also retains a fair and equitable distribution of federal tax burdens. In fact, if all taxpayers chose to pay taxes under the Taxpayer Choice Act, the distribution of tax burdens among income groups would remain extremely close to what it is today. For instance, taxpayers in the third income quintile (those earning between $29,000 and $50,000) would pay about 9 percent of overall taxes under the Simplified Tax, similar to the 8.6 percent under current law.
Above all, this plan offers a choice: taxpayers can choose the new system or stay with the current tax code. They have the freedom to select the option that best suits their particular circumstances.
As a matter of principle, we are an overtaxed nation and hardworking Americans deserve a break; as a matter of principle, Americans should have a tax code that is fair, simple and consistent; and, as a matter of principle, Americans should not have to abide by a tax code that is over 10,000 pages long. There is a fundamental difference when it comes to AMT policy: Does the money generated from the AMT belong to American families or the federal government? We believe it belongs to families, and that’s who should keep it.
It is time to move beyond trying to fix the AMT by making the tax code even more complex. Does anyone believe that further complicating an already dilapidated tax code is the answer? Let’s scrap an outdated tax policy that is causing greater harm by the minute and begin steps toward modernizing and simplifying a tax code that no longer represents the interests of American families.
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CBO: FY 2007 Deficit Falls to $161 Billion
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-09-2007, 01:36 PM)
CBO projects that the FY 2007 federal deficit came in at $161 billion. This compares to a $248 billion deficit in FY 2006, a $318 billion deficit in FY 2005, and a $413 billion deficit in FY 2004. In just three years, the deficit has fallen by $252 billion or 61 percent.
This deficit reduction has been driven by growth in federal tax revenue. Though not as impressive as federal revenue growth in 2005 and 2006 (14.5 percent and 11.8 percent respectively), federal tax collections increased by 6.7 percent in FY 2007 (compared to 5 percent nominal GDP growth). Since 2004, federal tax collections have increased by $688 billion or 37 percent. The federal tax burden, measured as a percent of GDP, is now significantly above the 40 year average (18.8 percent of GDP compared to 18.2 percent of GDP).
In light of the fact that the recent deficit reduction has been due to very impressive revenue growth, two points are worth making. First, CBO projects that the overall trend is for federal revenue to continue to increase as a percentage of GDP— even if the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts are made permanent. Since federal tax collections are already at a high level, and expected to increase further as a percentage of the economy, this calls into question claims that the answer to the federal government’s longer-term budget woes is higher taxes. Second, though federal revenue will continue to grow (and grow faster than the rate of economic growth), no one expects federal revenue to grow at the double-digit growth rate of the last three years—which means Congress will have to show some restraint on the spending side of the ledger if further progress is to be made on the deficit.
The lower FY 2007 deficit is the third year in a row that the deficit has fallen. And as a share of the economy—at 1.2 percent of GDP—the deficit is smaller than the 40 year average which is 2.3 percent of GDP. The federal government has run a deficit in 42 of the last 47 years.
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RSC to Launch AMT Repeal Initiative
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-09-2007, 01:14 PM)
Tomorrow, RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), House Budget Committee Ranking member Paul Ryan (R-WI), Congressman John Campbell, (R-CA), Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and other RSC members will introduce the Taxpayer Choice Act, a comprehensive, individual income tax reform initiative with two principal aims: 1) eliminating massive future tax increases by repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax; and 2) providing individuals an alternative tax system that is transparent, simple and efficient.
Stay tuned for more details.
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Passing of Rep. Jo Ann Davis
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-09-2007, 09:39 AM)
Over the weekend, we were saddened to learn that a member of the RSC family had passed away. Representative Jo Ann Davis, a Four-term Republican member of Congress, died of breast cancer Oct. 6 at her home in Gloucester. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Davis’s husband, Chuck Davis, a battalion chief for the Hampton Fire Department; and her two sons, Christopher and Charles Davis, as well as the rest of the Davis family.
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U.S. Economy Adds Jobs for 49th Consecutive Month
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-05-2007, 02:17 PM)
Today’s report from the Department of Labor (DOL) contains some good news about the U.S. economy. For September, the DOL estimates the U.S. economy added 110,000 new jobs. In addition, the earlier estimate for August was revised upward to a gain of 89,000 jobs (the original estimate was for a loss of 4,000 jobs). A total 8.4 million new jobs have been added over the last 49 months. This is the longest period of uninterrupted job creation on record.
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House Defeats Amendment to Prevent Taxpayer Money from Being Spent on Lobbyists
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-05-2007, 01:59 PM)
Yesterday, RSC Member Jim Jordan offered an amendment in the form of a Motion to Recommit (MTR) to the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 (H.R. 3246). The amendment would simply have prohibited any funding authorized by the legislation from being used for lobbying on the common sense principle that no taxpayer money should be used for lobbyist activities. On a 201 – 218 vote, with House Democrats voting no by a margin of 11 – 214, the MTR offered by Representative Jordan was defeated.
H.R. 3246 authorizes $1.25 billion over five years (subject to appropriation) to create three new federal programs—the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. The legislation also creates the Delta Regional Commission and the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission, both of which replace existing federal programs (the Delta Regional Authority and the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority).
On final passage, H.R. 3246 was approved by a vote of 264 to 154. The President has threatened to veto this bill, citing concerns about the expansion of the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage law to projects funded by the bill and the new spending authorized for new programs that is duplicative of existing federal programs. Yesterday's vote margin in favor of the bill would not be enough to override a potential veto by the President.
Posted in Budget | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Keep the Internet Tax Free
Posted by: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (10-04-2007, 03:24 PM)
As you may know, House Democrats are stalling on a bill that would extend the Internet tax moratorium, previously passed by House Republicans, which expires on November 1. Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, wrote about the issue yesterday.
Here we go again! Another day, another threat of a Democrat tax increase. Sometimes I wonder whether there is there anything that Democrats won’t try to tax. What I know is that American families are already taxed to death. Nearly everything that we do is taxed, whether it’s drinking your morning coffee or making phone call home. From the moment we turn on the lights in the morning till the moment we shut our eyes at night, we are paying one tax or another.
The internet has been a boon to our economy, created millions of jobs and has served as an invaluable learning tool for our children. House Democrat Leaders must take immediate action to ensure that hard working Americans and their families are not punished simply for using the internet.
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GOP Reclaiming the Fiscal Responsibility Brand
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-04-2007, 12:13 PM)
In a story in the Christian Science Monitor today, Republican efforts to prevent massive increases in government spending and expansion are detailed. Also detailed is the RSC lead effort (spearheaded by Congressman John Campbell) to get 147 Republicans to sign a letter to President Bush pledging to uphold his veto of bloated Democrat spending bills.
Here are some excerpts: “For Republicans… the fall budget battles are a chance to show angry conservatives that the GOP is getting back to a concern over a restraint in spending.”
"This marks the president's last chance to reassert control over the budget process that's been allowed to flail along wildly for six years now," says Pete Sepp, a vice president at the National Taxpayers Union in Alexandria, Va. "If this is an effort to reestablish credentials [with fiscal conservatives], there is a lot more reestablishment to do beyond S-CHIP. The sincerity of this effort will be judged by the number of vetoes."
The 12 spending bills passed by the House are already some $23 billion more than the $933 billion that Bush requested in his FY 2008 budget in February. Bush says the increases are irresponsible and he has threatened to veto nine of the 12 bills. The overall federal budget for FY 2008 is $2.7 trillion.
But conservative activists say the cost over the next 10 years of programs set in motion this year will be hundreds of billions of dollars. “Iraq is not forever. Any newly initiated spending project is," says Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, an antitax group. A big fight over spending will help the GOP rebuild bridges with the conservative movement, he says. "If the president spends the last year-and-a-half of his presidency in a knock-down, drag-out fight on spending, this will be remembered. The modern Republican Party will be regaining its brand with his leadership. The country needs an anti-spending party, and we lost it for a while."
In the House, some 147 Republicans have already signed a pledge with GOP leadership that they will vote to sustain a presidential veto on any spending bill. If those promises hold, that would be enough to prevent any veto override.
Posted in Appropriations | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
President Vetoes SCHIP Expansion Bill
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-03-2007, 08:54 PM)
Today, the President vetoed H.R. 976, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which includes $35 billion in new entitlement spending over five years. Compared to the first bill that came before the House prior to the August recess, H.R. 976 increases taxes by an additional $6 billion over five years, but does not include the $50 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage plans and the repeal of a cost containment provision included in the 2003 Medicare law.
Many conservatives have expressed concerns about the bill’s use of regressive tax increases, the major PAYGO gimmick (the bill reduces SCHIP funding by 80 percent in the last six months of 2012, something that is very unlikely to actually occur), and the expansion of eligibility limits to families significantly beyond 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. It is uncertain when a veto override vote might occur in the House. 151 Republicans voted against the SCHIP expansion bill last week—146 votes are needed to sustain a veto if 435 Members are voting.
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Democrats Want to Raise Taxes to Pay for Surrender Plan in Iraq
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-02-2007, 03:03 PM)
As if we don’t pay enough taxes, today senior Democrat Congressmen David Obey (D-WI), John Murtha (D-PA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) announced that they would try to impose a ‘war tax’ upon American families in order to fund American troops fighting terrorism abroad.
Yes, these are the same Democrats who can’t even manage to complete work on one appropriations bill, including one that provides funding for veterans’ services. And these are indeed the same Democrats who have already passed legislation in the House that would raise taxes by over $430 billion. And yes, these are the same Democrats who continue to use American troops as political props as they try to push surrender legislation through the Congress. Read RSC Chairman Hensarling’s statement.
Posted in Taxes | 1 Comments | View Full Posting
Repeal a Part of McCain-Feingold!
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-02-2007, 02:49 PM)
I just wanted to call your attention to a bill that Rep. Mike Pence just (quietly) introduced: The Freedom of Political Speech Act, H.R. 3714. In short, the bill would repeal what many people view as the worst part of “McCain-Feingold,” the infamous campaign finance law from the 107th Congress. Rep. Pence’s bill would completely eliminate the “electioneering communications” section of McCain-Feingold. This is the section, widely viewed by conservatives as unconstitutional, that prohibits any reference to a federal candidate in a broadcast ad 30 days before a primary and 60 days before a general election, unless the ad is paid for with PAC funds.
Posted in Campaign Finance-Elections | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
Democrats on Global Warming
Posted by: Paul Teller (10-01-2007, 02:42 PM)
In light of increasing social pressures for lawmakers to legislate on global warming, the RSC prepared this policy brief on Democrat “cap-and-trade” proposals. Enjoy!
Posted in Energy and Environment | 0 Comments | View Full Posting
RSC Policy Brief: Transportation Spending and Gasoline Taxes
Posted by: Brad Watson (10-01-2007, 01:01 PM)
In light of proposals to increase taxes on gasoline to pay for new spending for bridge repairs, and for transportation infrastructure improvements in general, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief to analyze whether more federal transportation spending is needed and to assess a potential gas tax increase.
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More on SCHIP
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (10-01-2007, 09:22 AM)
Today, Roll Call describes the effort by House conservatives to stick together to uphold President Bush’s promised veto AND make clear the massive flaws of SCHIP expansion.
Key Graph: Conservative House Republicans showed no signs of folding late last week. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (Texas), chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, ripped SCHIP as “the single worst piece of legislation to come to the floor,” and said conservative voters should be energized. “They want to see the Republican Party stand for limited government, freedom, quality and affordable health care — and they want to see us fight, and that’s what they saw this week,” Hensarling said. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Budget Committee, applauded the SCHIP vote but said he and other conservatives need to work together to develop a realistic plan for dealing with the uninsured. “I think this is sort of getting back to core principles, but the next stage is conservatives need to come up with an answer for the uninsured or else they can’t claim to be part of the debate.”
Also today, the Associated Press reports that the massive expansion of SCHIP will be paid for by the working poor. As AP notes, “The program expansion passed by the House and Senate last week would be financed with a 156 percent increase in the federal cigarette tax, taking it to $1 per pack from the current 39 cents. Low-income people smoke more heavily than do wealthier people in the United States, making cigarette taxes a regressive form of revenue.” Former RSC Chairman Pence (R-IN) is quoted in the AP story, noting: "The headline ought to read, 'Smokers in America to pay for middle-class welfare.'"
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Democrats Still Figuring Out Budget Schedule
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-28-2007, 05:47 PM)
The next time Congress meets, the 2007 fiscal year will have ended and the federal budget will have turned the page to FY 2008. Yet, the Democrats have failed to send even one FY 2008 spending bill to the President—they are 0 for 12 in that regard. Instead the Democrats had to in effect file an extension so they could turn in their work late, by passing a CR to keep the government running at FY 2007 levels (with some modifications) through November 16th of this year. It is questionable whether Democrat leaders will put this extra time to good use.
CQ Today has an article in this morning’s edition with the headline: “Reid Hints at Budget Strategy as Senate Clears Stopgap Spending Bill.” What is Reid’s strategy? According to the article, “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, said Thursday that Democrats hope to send the President three fiscal 2008 spending bills within weeks to ‘see what he does with them.'”
So the Democrat Congress will fail to meet the deadline for every single one of the twelve spending bills that fund the government next year. And the Democrat Majority Leader in the Senate hopes to send three (out of the twelve) within weeks not in order to try and actually enact just a small portion of the federal budget for next year, but instead to “see what he [the President] does with them.” Another option that would achieve the same result would be to check out this site, which might save everyone some time.
Meanwhile, the Democrat leaders in the House are not saying whether they share Senator Reid’s goal of waiting a few weeks before sending a small fraction of the budget to the President. Majority Leader Hoyer said, “No decisions have been made on that yet.”
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Senate Votes to Increase Debt Limit by $850 Billion
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-28-2007, 01:53 PM)
Yesterday, the Senate voted to increase the federal debt limit by $850 billion—an increase from $8.965 trillion to $9.815 trillion. Due to the Gephardt Rule, the House automatically passed a debt limit increase when it passed the FY 2008 budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 21). The bill now goes to the President’s desk. Secretary Paulson has previously warned that the federal government will reach its borrowing limit on October 1st.
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Passing of NTU President John Berthoud
Posted by: Russ Vought (09-28-2007, 01:11 PM)
As many of you may have heard by now, America lost a true patriot yesterday with the death of John Berthoud, the President of the National Taxpayers Union. Others have been far more eloquent about his life and career, but I did want to add a brief note here on the passing of such a dear friend to the conservative movement and the Republican Study Committee. He will be missed. John’s loved ones, friends, and colleagues are in the prayers of the RSC family as they mourn such an incredible man. In particular, please see former RSC Chairman Mike Pence’s statement from this morning on John’s passing:
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Books Return to Shelves in Prison Libraries
Posted by: Sarah Makin (09-27-2007, 12:43 PM)
A New York Times story today has confirmed that the Bureau of Prisons, responding to the concerns of RSC Chairman Hensarling, VAT Chairman Pitts, and Representative Manzullo among others, has begun returning religious materials that have been removed from prison chapel library shelves due to the recent Standardized Chapel Library Project initiative.
As the NYT article states, “In response to concerns expressed by members of several religious communities, the Bureau of Prisons has decided to alter its planned course of action with respect to the Chapel Library Project.” While this doesn’t mean that the BoP will completely give up their plans to establish religious text lists, it shows that they are recognizing that they may have taken the wrong path to achieve an otherwise admirable goal, to curb violence and the formation of terrorist cells in our prisons.
While a solid first step, more must be done to ensure that the federal government does not become the arbiter of what is read and not read in America. Additionally, the information requested in the letter sent by RSC Chairman Hensarling, VAT Chairman Pitts, and Representative Manzullo is still necessary to understand the Bureau of Prisons’ original intent and motivation for this project. As of today, no formal response has been issued to the September 18th letter.
Check back to the RSC blog for updates on any correspondence with the BoP.
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RSC Members to Meet with President Bush today
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (09-27-2007, 10:19 AM)
Later today, a group of leading House conservatives from the Republican Study Committee will travel up Pennsylvania Avenue to meet with President Bush on several national issues.
Certain to be atop of the discussion will be Republican efforts to avoid a government shutdown in the wake of House budget negotiation delays. As you know, Democrats on the Hill have yet to complete work on a single appropriations bill. In addition to this stunning lack of progress, Democrat spending proposals this year are already a whopping $23 billion more than what the President has requested. Of the 12 House-passed bills, the President has issued veto threats on 9 of them. Currently, 147 House Republicans have pledged to uphold the President’s veto of these bills due to spending concerns.
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Continuing Resolution Passes House
Posted by: Brad Watson (09-26-2007, 06:18 PM)
With the current fiscal year ending on September 30, the House today approved H.J.Res. 52, a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running through November 16th of this year. The CR would provide funding at the same level as the regular appropriations bills from last year (this compares to the lower of the House, Senate, and previous year enacted formula that was used by Republicans in the 109th Congress) with some notable modifications. In order to provide continued funding for the war, the $70 billion of emergency war spending from last year’s DOD Appropriations bill would be included in the formula for the CR. In addition, $1.8 billion of emergency spending on border security would be included in the base for homeland security. H.J.Res. 52 also includes an appropriation of $5.2 billion for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund (MRAPs). The vote in favor of this legislation was 404 to 14.
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Washington Times and the Standardized Chapel Library Project
Posted by: Sarah Makin (09-25-2007, 02:11 PM)
An editorial in yesterday's Washington Times reveals that upon following up with the Bureau of Prisons on their Standardized Chapel Library Project, they too have not received any answers or additional information. As the editorial notes, the Times requested the official list of acceptable religious titles from the Bureau and was denied and told that a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act would need to be filed in order to get such information. In addition, when the Times asked for the list of “experts” who compiled the acceptable materials list, they were denied such information. The editorial also credits the members of the RSC for the letter sent to the Bureau last week requesting additional information on the Standardized Chapel Library Project saying, “Thankfully, conservatives on Capitol Hill are now demanding answers from prison administrators, who are throwing the baby out with the bathwater ...”
For background on this issue see previous blogs posts (1, 2 and 3) as well as the RSC press release and letter sent by RSC Chairman Hensarling, VAT Chairman Pitts, and Representative Manzullo to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons.
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Norquist: S-CHIP a Down-Payment on HillaryCare 2.0
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (09-25-2007, 11:23 AM)
Grover G. Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, has an excellent op/ed today on NRO about the Democrats taxing and spending bonanza, highlighting their attempts to massively expand SCHIP as a pre-cursor to socialized medicine in the mold of Senator Clinton's plan, known as HillaryCare 2.0.
Key graph(s): This current fight on S-CHIP is the first act of a three-act play. In Act I, Congress bloats S-CHIP spending and fleeces taxpayers to pay for it. In Act II, President Bush vetoes this down-payment on HillaryCare 2.0, and sends it back to the Hill. In Act III, Congress and the president come to some accommodation. That may involve a smaller expansion, but the most likely outcome is the can is kicked to 2009 and a new administration. The current fight might be compared to the “phony war” that preceded World War II: We’re using real bullets, but the host of armies has not yet gathered on the battlefield.
Either way, the news is bad for taxpayers. Congress, in flipping Democrat, has made call after call for higher taxes and more spending. President Bush, meanwhile, is the only protection taxpayers have from the unwanted advances of liberals in Congress. It’s essential for taxpayers that they hold their representatives and senators to account for this tax-and-spend orgy. Sixty-one Democrat congressmen (about half of them freshmen) come from historically red — i.e., Republican — districts. Some decapitated heads might have to be hoisted on the city wall before Congress gets the message.
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SCHIP in The House
Posted by: Brad Dayspring (09-25-2007, 10:32 AM)
SCHIP is back up in the House today. Despite assurances from President Bush that he will veto the bill, and despite the fact that the current SCHIP program (created by Republicans) will expire on September 30, the Democrat Congress will still attempt to force taxpayers to pay for healthcare for families making $83,000 per year. Read more here, here, and here.
Here’s today’s statement from the Office of Management and Budget: The Administration strongly supports reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which maintains SCHIP’s original purpose of targeting health care dollars to low-income children who need them most. However, the current bill goes too far toward federalizing health care and turns a program meant to help low-income children into one that covers children in some households with incomes of up to $83,000 a year. If H.R. 976 were presented to the President in its current form, he would veto the bill.
It is urgent that Congress complete its work and send the President a bill he can sign before the program expires September 30, 2007, or at a minimum to pass a clean, temporary extension of the current SCHIP program that he can sign by September 30th.
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Oversight Effort Gains Traction
Posted by: Sarah Makin (09-21-2007, 09:51 AM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling was quoted today in a New York Times follow-up to their story from September 10th regarding the Bureau of Prisons Standardized Chapel Library Project (see previous blog posts on this issue) as saying that, “Anything that impinges upon the religious liberties of American citizens, be they incarcerated or not, is something that’s going to cause House conservatives great concern."
With more groups becoming active and growing awareness about of this project, we will continue to provide updates on any and all correspondence with the Bureau of Prisons. As of today, RSC Chairman Hensarling, VAT Chairman Pitts, and Representative Manzullo have yet to receive an official response to their letter, sent to the Director of the Bureau on September 18th.
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Bureau of Prisons Library Project Update
Posted by: Sarah Makin (09-18-2007, 12:45 PM)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), VAT Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA), and Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-IL) sent a letter today to Mr. Harley Lappin, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, asking for additional information and clarification on the federal effort to ban religious texts from federal prisons (the Standardized Chapel Library Project—see previous blog post). Read the press release here.
As the letter notes, “We must ensure that in America the federal government is not the undue arbiter of what may or may not be read by our citizens.”
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