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RSC Member Activity
2008
Following are RSC member driven initiatives, press releases, articles, and other conservative activity on issues of the day.
(5/12/08) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote this op-ed about the importance of a national language.
(5/12/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which proves that spending choices in Washington are not well done.
(5/12/08) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced the Gas Tax Relief and Earmark Moratorium Act (H.R. 5995), which would provide a three-month gas-tax holiday and a one-year time-out from earmarks.
(5/12/08) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) delivered this powerful speech on the House floor about “the forgotten man” in the Democrat mortgage bailout plans.
(5/12/08) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) sent this "Dear Colleague" letter introducing the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act (H.R. 5984), which would provide for the limited continuation of alternative energy production incentives and incentives to improve energy efficiency that would otherwise lapse under current tax law.
(5/12/08) Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) will soon introduce the Freedom to Serve Act, which would create a separate federal criminal penalty for undermining or preventing military recruiting through vandalism, acts of violence, or intimidation.
(5/12/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) made this statement about the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel, asserting that “Israel remains a nation under siege.”
(5/12/08) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) made this statement decrying the catastrophic loss of life being exacerbated by the Burmese military regime’s refusal to issue visas to foreign aid workers or accept disaster assistance from the United States for the victims of the devastating cyclone that occurred on May 3rd.
(5/12/08) Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) will soon introduce this concurrent resolution calling for the naming of an aircraft carrier as the U.S.S. Barry M. Goldwater.
(5/5/08) Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) circulated to his colleagues this Wall Street Journal op-ed against so-called “net neutrality.”(5/5/08) Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA) made this statement calling on the Senate to reject the Law of the Sea Treaty.
(5/5/08) Various RSC Members cheered the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in the landmark Indiana photo ID case, upholding a state’s right to require voters to present photo ID before being allowed to vote. To read the statement from:
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), click here;
Rep. Steve King (R-IA), click here; and
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), click here.
(5/5/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) distributed this “Dear Colleague” letter to introduce the Remove Incentives to Produce Ethanol Act (H.R. 5911), which would repeal: 1) the renewable fuels standards enacted last year, 2) tax credits for ethanol producers, and 3) tariffs and duties on importing ethanol. Read more here
(5/5/08) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) stepped up his promotion of the NEW Idea Act (H.R. 3554) which would make wages and benefits paid to illegal immigrants nondeductible for federal tax purposes. Read Rep. King’s “Dear Colleague” letter on the legislation for more information.
(5/5/08) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) distributed this release, announcing that he will soon introduce legislation placing income limits on qualifying for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
(5/5/08) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) circulated this “Dear Colleague” letter introducing the Making Health Care More Affordable Act (H.R. 5955), composite legislation that would implement a variety of provisions aimed at allowing individuals and families to obtain more affordable, more accessible, and more flexible health insurance coverage within a patient-centered consumer-based system.
(5/5/08) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) spearheaded this letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), decrying proposals to increase “localism” regulations on broadcasters.
(5/5/08) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) issued this statement calling on the Bush Administration to do more to address massive human rights violations in North Korea.
(5/5/08) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) wrote this op-ed about the rising cost of higher education.
(5/5/08) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wrote this op-ed about the need for more patient-centered health care decisions.
(4/28/08) Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) criticized the “mega waste” in the Medicaid program in this statement.
(4/28/08) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) called for the removal of barriers to success for small businesses in this op-ed.
(4/28/08) Resident Commissioner Luis Fortuño (R-PR) and Rep Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) circulated this letter from the Speaker of the Colombian House of Representatives, calling the U.S. House’s recent move to delay consideration of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement “a blow to the Colombian economy” that amounts to “colonial treatment…unbefitting one of the United States’ staunchest allies.”
(4/28/08) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) issued this statement applauding the passage of his resolution (H.Res. 1016) honoring the late William F. Buckley, conservative icon and founder of National Review magazine.
(4/28/08) Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) asserted, in this op-ed, that “ignoring illegal immigration won’t make it go away.”
(4/28/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) pointedly argued against a taxpayer bailout of mortgage lenders and borrowers in this interview on CNN.
(4/21/08) Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) distributed this “Dear Colleague” letter intoducing the Federal Sunset Act (H.R. 5794), which would create a bipartisan sunset commission to set an expiration date on each federal agency.
(4/21/08) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) released this letter to introduce the LIMITS Act, which would restrict representatives to the United Nations from state sponsors of terrorism to travel within ½ mile around the UN’s complex.
(4/21/08) Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) introduced the Cell Tax Fairness Act (H.R. 5793), which would prevent the imposition of new discriminatory tax increases on wireless service.
(4/21/08) Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) wrote this letter to former President Jimmy Carter, urging him cancel his meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal.
(4/21/08) Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) issued this statement, calling on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to revoke former President Jimmy Carter’s passport in response to the former President traveling to Syria to meet with the terrorist organization Hamas.
(4/21/08) Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) also released a statement condemning former President Carter’s meeting with Hamas in the following statement:
(4/21/08) Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) wrote this op-ed about the important progress being made in Iraq.
(4/21/08) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) wrote this landmark op-ed about the current state of the economy, its relation to the Great Depression of last century, and the recipe for economic growth.
(4/21/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) circulated this release to introduce a bill (H.R. 5847) to prohibit U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting the 2009 United Nations Durban Review Conference II, in light of its predecessor conference a platform to advance anti-Semitism.
(4/21/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) also wrote this op-ed about the need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax now.
(4/21/08) Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM) introduced the Zeroing in American Energy Act (H.R. 5805), which would create public-private partnerships for the increased harnessing of solar energy.
(4/21/08) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed, “Tax Day Cometh.”
(4/21/08) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) introduced a change to House Rules (H.Res. 565) to make it easier for Members to vote separately on separate issues tied together in one bill. Click here for more details.
(4/21/08) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wrote this op-ed about getting the economy moving again.
(4/14/08) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) introduced the English as the Official Language Act (H.R. 5759), which would state that there is no entitlement to receive federal documents and services in languages other than English, unless explicitly required by statute.
(4/14/08) Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) distributed this letter to introduce the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act (H.R. 5775), which would authorize civil monetary penalties in cases where unions clearly disregard disclosure requirements and the rights of union members regarding union dues.
(4/14/08) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) circulated this “Dear Colleague” letter introducing the Homeowner Empowerment Act (H.R. 5776), which would exclude from gross income certain distributions from qualified retirement plans used for mortgage payments.
(4/14/08) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) released this statement to introduce the Help Kids Save for College Act (H.R. 5591), which would allow employers to make tax-free matching contributions to employees’ “529” education investment accounts, up to $500 a year per employee.
(4/14/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) offered this successful amendment to the Beach Protection Act (H.R. 2537), which would shield from earmarking any project funded by this Act. Learn more here.
(4/14/08) Rep. John Carter (R-TX) released this statement to defend the importance of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
(4/14/08) Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) also underscored the need to bring the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement to the House floor soon in this press release.
(4/14/08) Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter seeking co-sponsors for the Digital Television Transition Consumer Relief Act (H.R. 5635), which would temporarily waive the tariff on digital television (DTV) set top converter boxes.
(4/14/08) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced the SMASH Act (H.R. 5769), which would prohibit the sending of a text message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a cell phone number listed on the national do-not-call registry. For more information, click here.
(4/14/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) made this statement, urging Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) to hold a hearing to further examine the actions taken by the Federal Reserve in the recent sale of Bear Stearns to JP Morgan.
(4/14/08) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) praised the mounting successes of coalition forces in Iraq in this blog post.
(4/14/08) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed, “Free Trade Is Diplomatic Engagement.”
(4/7/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) introduced a bill (H.R. 5656) to repeal a section of a newly enacted energy law that prevents the Defense Department from getting more of its fuels from U.S. sources and from Canada. For more information, click here.
(4/7/08) Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) announced in this “Dear Colleague” letter that he will introduce legislation prohibiting federal funds from being used for any project or program named after a sitting Member of Congress.
(4/7/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released this “Dear Colleague” letter promoting the Securing Medicare and Retirement for Tomorrow (SMART) Act (H.R. 4181), aimed solving the crisis created by the unfunded entitlement liabilities of Medicare and Social Security by transitioning to a system where today’s workers are able to choose between the current system and ownership over their retirement and future health care.
(4/7/08) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) offered this statement on the Democrat foolishness of trying to increase taxes on today’s energy producers.
(4/7/08) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) wrote this op-ed about the urgent need to make sweeping reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
(4/7/08) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) sent this letter urging negotiators on the farm bill to consider the inappropriateness of giving farm subsidies to wealthy people in Manhattan.
(4/7/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) made these comments questioning the federal “bail-out” of Bear Stearns and cast doubt on Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s new proposals for regulating the nation’s financial system.
(3/31/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) released this “Dear Colleague” announcing the introduction of the Blogger Protection Act, which would statutorily shield bloggers from various limitations and reporting requirements under campaign finance law.
(3/31/08) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) will soon introduce the Splash and Dash Correction Act, which would ensure that that tax credit for producing alcohol fuel or biodiesel mixtures in the United States applies only to such fuels made for consumption in the United States. Read this “Dear Colleague” letter for more information.
(3/31/08) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) is also stepping up his promotion of the Enumerated Powers Act (H.R. 1359), which would require each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act.
(3/24/08) Numerous RSC Members issued statements commemorating the five-year anniversary of the commencement of the Iraq War. Click on the names below to read each Member's remarks.
Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)
Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC)
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
Rep. Stevan Pearce (R-NM)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
(3/24/08) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) issued this statement lambasting Democrat efforts to raise the federal gas tax by 50 cents per gallon.
(3/24/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) delivered these landmark remarks on the House floor, arguing that the current practice of earmarking actually makes it harder for Congress to oversee the federal bureaucracy.
(3/24/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) also circulated this op-ed by Senator (and former RSC Member) Tom Coburn (R-OK), debunking the notion that America’s Founders would be supportive of the current practice of earmarking.
(3/24/08) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote this op-ed on recent Democrat initiatives that would increase America’s reliance on foreign energy supplies.
(3/24/08) Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) labeled as a “tremendous disappointment” the recent Court of Appeals ruling declaring that parents without teaching credentials who home school their children are violating California law. For more information read Rep. McKeon’s full statement.
(3/17/08) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) is urging Americans to view this unedited video from Iraq, documenting tangible progress being made there.
(3/17/08) Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) introduced the Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 5616), which would repeal the mandated phase-out of the incandescent light bulb. Please read this “Dear Colleague” letter to learn more about the bill.
(3/17/08) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced the New Employee Verification Act (H.R. 5515), which would improvement employment authorization verification. For more information about the bill read this summary of the legislation.
(3/17/08) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) wrote this op-ed, “Good Border Fences Make Good Neighbors.”
(3/17/08) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) sent this "Dear Colleague" letter introduced a bill (H.R. 5642) to sharply increase the number of H-1B visas available for high-skilled immigrants to come to, or remain in, the United States this and next year.
(3/17/08) Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) wrote this op-ed about the emerging signs of success in Iraq and Afghanistan.
(3/17/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) continued to lead the charge for an earmark moratorium, against which the House voted last week (as part of the budget resolution). Read this recent “Dear Colleague” letter from Rep. Flake to learn more.
(3/17/08) Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) sent this letter, promoting his No More Excuses Energy Act (H.R. 3089), which would encourage domestic energy production in the United States.
(3/17/08) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) is stepping up his efforts on the Balanced Budget Amendment (H.J.Res. 1).
(3/17/08) Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) circulated this “Dear Colleague” letter, expressing doubts about the need for increased federal regulations on credit cards, as many Democrats are proposing.
(3/17/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) also issued this statement, criticizing the Democrat move to make it harder for people to get credit cards.
(3/17/08) Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) is the Republican lead on an initiative in Congress (H.R. 3934) to remove out-dated tariffs on low-cost footwear, worth nearly $800 million a year. Read this summary of the bill for more information.
(3/17/08) Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter, introducing the Section 8 Reform, Responsibility, & Accountability Act (H.R. 5490), which would add certain personal responsibility to the Section 8 housing program.
(3/17/08) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) issued this release, touting President Bush’s call for passage of the Broadcaster Freedom Act (H.R. 2905), which would prohibit the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine.
(3/17/08) Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter introducing a resolution to commemorate the 25th anniversary of proposing the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).
(3/17/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which may not be so sweet.
(3/10/08) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) are gathering original co-sponsors on the Iraq Victory Resolution, which would send a clear message of support to the troops that Congress believes that the Iraq War is not lost and hopes for (and will do all it can to ensure) victory there as soon as possible:
(3/10/08) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) touts the continued improvements in Iraq, as he witnessed personally on a recent congressional delegation trip, in this blogpost.
(3/10/08) Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) issued this statement of support of the Colombian government’s incursion into Ecuador to kill terrorists, and then called on the U.S. State Department to label Venezuela a state sponsor of terrorism because of its ties to the anti-Colombia terrorists.
(3/10/08) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) sent this letter seeking additional co-sponsors for his Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (H.R. 3554), which would make wages and benefits paid to illegal aliens nondeductible for federal tax purposes, while providing a safe harbor for employers who take certain steps to verify the citizenship of employees. Click here to learn more:
(3/10/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which may make you think that Congress just wings it when it comes to spending decisions
(3/10/08) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) sent this Dear Colleague letter introducing legislation, titled Jenny’s Law, that would prohibit serious sex offenders from receiving a military burial.
(3/3/08) Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA) sent this letter seeking co-sponsors for the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (H.R. 5467), which would help identify, reduce, and eliminate improper federal payments, as well as recover lost federal funds.
(3/3/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) wrote this op-ed in The Washington Times about the Economic Growth Act (H.R. 5109).
(2/25/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which may leave you crying for your mommy.
(2/19/08) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) sent this letter announcing that he will soon introduce the SOLDIER SUPPORT Act, which would authorize the President to transfer funding for any earmark listed in either the current FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act or the upcoming FY2009 appropriations bills directly to war-related activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
(2/19/08) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) is building support for the Seniors’ Financial Security Act (HR 2507), which would abolish taxes on Social Security benefits. Learn more about the bill in this Dear Colleague letter.
(2/19/08) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) sent this letter to introduce the MOBILE Cell Phone Act (H.R. 5450), which would repeal the IRS requirement that employers maintain detailed logs of their employees’ cell phone use.
(2/19/08) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) circulated this letter announcing the Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act (H.R. 5434), which would prohibit the National Park Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System from creating or enforcing regulations that infringe on 2nd Amendment rights.
(2/19/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) wrote this op-ed about the need to stand up for the people of Sderot, Israel, who are being barraged with Palestinian rocket fire on a daily basis.
(2/19/08) Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) sent this Dear Colleague seeking co-sponsors for the Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act (H.R. 5131), which would make it a federal crime to vandalize the grave of a member of the Armed Services, whether that member is buried on public or private property.
(2/19/08) Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is seeking additional co-sponsors for a resolution (H.Res. 965) condemning the actions and statements of Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frýas.
(2/19/08) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) and Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) circulated this piece from the Wall Street Journal, discouraging further federal regulation of credit cards.
(2/11/08) Earmark Hypocrisy
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) issued this statement regarding Republican efforts to reform earmarks and the failure of House Democrats to work together to address the broken system.
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote this op-ed in The Washington Times on the problems with current earmarking practices.
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) wrote this op-ed in USA Today on the need to reform the earmarking system.
(2/11/08) Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) introduced the Semper Fi Act (H.R. 5222), which would strike all fiscal year 2008 earmarks for the city of Berkeley, California, and transfer the money to the United States Marines for recruiting. Read the bill text, which is a reaction to Berkeley’s decision to deem the Marine recruiting station there as "unwelcome." For more background on the story please see this report.
(2/11/08) Rep. John Kline (R-MN), in light of the City of Berkeley’s hostile treatment of the Marines, introduced a resolution (H.Res. 958) reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to the Marine Corps in defense of the United States.
(2/11/08) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) delivered this address at Ball State University, opposing the proposed Democrat weakening of socially conservative provisions in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
(2/11/08) Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sent this letter, urging caution on a newly unveiled Democrat bill to increase federal regulations on credit cards.
(2/4/08) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) called for the permanent extension of the modernized Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in this op-ed.
(2/4/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent this press release pointing out how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) recently declared herself to “not [be] a supporter of earmarks,” yet actually secured dozens of millions of dollars in earmarks for herself.
(2/4/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) sent this "Dear Colleague" letter introducing their bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 951) condemning the ongoing, Iranian-enabled, Palestinian rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and supporting Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself against such attacks.
(2/4/08) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) circulated this op-ed by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX), urging a hands-off approach to the downturn in the housing market.
(2/4/08) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued this letter in an effort to gather co-sponsors for the Independent Health Record Trust Act (H.R. 2991), which would give individuals the option of submitting their medical records to be managed electronically by health record trusts, thereby giving people lifetime medical records that could be easily, yet securely, shared.
(2/4/08) Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) and a dozen other House Republicans sent this RSC-generated letter to the General Services Administration (GSA), urging GSA to return to its past practice of reporting how much land the federal government owns in each state.
(2/4/08) Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) circulated this letter seeking co-sponsors for a bill (H.R. 2312) to make permanent the individual income tax rates for capital gains and dividends.
(2/4/08) Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) sent this "Dear Colleague" seeking co-sponsors for his resolution (H.Con.Res. 281) that would recognize the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, including the prominent role the Declaration of Independence played in his political philosophy, and call upon the President to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the anniversary of the birth of our sixteenth president.
(1/28/08) Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) sent this letter introducing the American Job Creation and Economic Stimulus Act (H.R. 5101), which would accelerate the phase-in of the tax deduction for domestic production activities.
(1/28/08) Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) is gathering cosponsors on this resolution (H.Res. 886) to express sympathy to victims and families surrounding the December 9, 2007, shootings at Youth With A Mission and New Life Church in Colorado.
(1/28/08) Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) is gathering co-sponsors for his Ultrasound Informed Consent Act (H.R. 5032), which would ensure that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound, and the opportunity to review the ultrasound, before giving informed consent to receive an abortion.
(1/28/08) Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) made a case for the REAL ID Act in the this op-ed.
(1/28/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) released this statement touting the passage of his legislation (H.R. 3959) that would make significant reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program to help homeowners prepare for disaster and save taxpayers from expensive bail-outs.
(1/22/08) Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and several leading RSC Members introduced the Middle Class Jobs Protection Act (H.R. 4995), which, among other things, would reduce the top corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%. See this release to learn more about the bill.
(1/22/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) condemned the “massive” gas tax increase recommended by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, in this statement.
(1/22/08) Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) similarly criticized the proposal to raise the gas tax in this statement.
(1/22/08) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter urging quick action on his Bonus Depreciation Extension Act (H.R. 827), which would provide for 50% bonus depreciation.
(1/22/08) Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) sent this letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), urging quick action on a one-year “patch” for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for 2008.
(1/22/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) called his colleagues’ attention to this recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, highlighting the impact of earmarks on research funds typically distributed based on merit and competition.
(1/22/08) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) sent this letter introducing the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5057) to extend a federal DNA backlog processing program through 2014.
(1/22/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which could yield a soaring cost for taxpayers.
(1/14/08) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) issued this release calling for an overhaul of federal education policy, promoting his LEARN Act (H.R. 3177) as an alternative to what he calls the “high cost, low-result regulatory structure imposed on schools by No Child Left Behind (NCLB).”
(1/14/08) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) made this statement praising U.S. combat troops and diplomats on the anniversary of the “surge” in Iraq.
(1/14/08) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) is seeking co-sponsors for his resolution (H.Res. 888) expressing support for designating the first week of May as “American Religious History Week.”
(1/14/08) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) announced that she will soon introduce the Federal Tax Withholding Act, which would make federal tax withholding voluntary.
(1/14/08) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which could milk taxpayers dry.
(1/7/08) Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) issued this release introducing the Positive Alternatives Act (H.R. 4852), which would allow states to use their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant dollars to offer pregnant women alternative-to-abortion services.
(1/7/08) Various RSC Members issued statements condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Click on the names below to read each Member's remarks.
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL)
Rep. Stevan Pearce (R-NM)
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
