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RSC Policy Brief: Vote Fraud in 2008 (9/8/08)
This RSC Policy Brief (updated September 3, 2008) features a running list of examples of vote fraud reported in the media and will highlight the legislative proposals introduced to increase—or arguably to decrease in some cases—the integrity of elections nationwide.
American Energy Revolt Going Strong! (8/11/08)
Dozens of House Republicans continue to return to Washington, DC, in a revolt against the House’s formal adjournment for summer vacation, in protest of Speaker Pelosi denying the House a vote on increasing the development of American energy.
Various RSC Members issued statements on the energy revolt this week, as follows:
Rep. John Culberson (R-TX)
Rep. David Davis (R-TN)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC)
Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL)
In addition, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) wrote this op-ed about the energy revolt.
American Energy Freedom Day—50 Days Away! (8/11/08)
The RSC continues to gather signatures on a letter to Democrat leadership, urging them not to schedule any legislation that would continue the moratoria on oil and gas leasing on most of the Outer Continental Shelf and on oil shale leasing on federal lands. Such moratoria are set to automatically expire on October 1st—a day the RSC and Senator DeMint (R-SC) are calling “American Energy Freedom Day.” The letter also notes that, should any legislation extending these moratoria be sent to President Bush’s desk, the RSC would encourage the President to veto it. To see video clips from Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) and RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) about American Energy Freedom Day, click here and here.
American Energy Revolt (8/4/08)
RSC Members Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Tom Price (R-GA), Mike Pence (R-IN), and John Shadegg (R-AZ) continue to lead dozens of House Republicans in a revolt against the House’s formal adjournment for summer vacation, in protest of Speaker Pelosi denying the House a vote on increasing the development of American energy. Read this RSC press release on the energy revolt to learn more. To see a video clip about the floor revolt, click here.
In addition, Various RSC Members issued their own releases on the energy revolt, as follows:
Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
Rep. Mary Fallin (R-OK)
Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI)
Rep. John Kline (R-MN)
Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID)
Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA)
Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) continued his famous “tweeting” from the House floor about the American energy revolt.
Special Session on American Energy (8/1/08)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and former RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) sent this letter to President Bush, urging him to call Congress back into special session, under Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, in order to demand a vote on legislation increasing American energy development. The White House has since responded by saying it has no intention of calling a special session.
American Energy Freedom Day (7/31/08)
The RSC is gathering signatures on a letter to Democrat leadership, urging them not to schedule any legislation that would continue the moratoria on oil and gas leasing on most of the Outer Continental Shelf and on oil shale leasing on federal lands. Such moratoria are set to automatically expire on October 1st—a day the RSC and Senator DeMint (R-SC) are calling “American Energy Freedom Day.” The letter also notes that, should any legislation extending these moratoria be sent to President Bush’s desk, the RSC would encourage the President to veto it. For more information about the American Energy Freedom Day, read this press release.
Additionally, this coalition letter in support of this effort on American Energy Freedom Day was recently released.
To see a video clip from Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) about American Energy Freedom Day, click here.
To see a countdown clock to American Energy Freedom Day, click here.
American Energy: A Matter of Priorities (7/31/08)
The House has formally adjourned for its summer vacation, and the Democrats have still not brought to the House floor any legislation increasing the supply of American energy, despite gasoline prices above $4-a-gallon in many locations nationwide. You might be interested to read, however, what the Democrats have brought to the House floor instead.
Turning Off the Trigger (7/24/08)
Conservatives rallied against the ultimately successful Democrat effort to turn off the Medicare cost-containment “trigger” that the RSC had inserted into the infamous Medicare prescription drug law in 2003. Read the statement from RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) here. Read a statement from Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) here. Access RSC talking points on the “trigger” here. See a list of questions that the RSC posed to Democrats who wanted to turn off the “trigger” here.
National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (7/15/08)
In advance of the Democrats bringing to the floor a bill shortening the oil and gas lease periods in the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPRA), the RSC released this backgrounder on NPRA.
RSC Policy Briefs (7/7/07)
The RSC released several Policy Briefs over the recess, including the following:
Revenue Effects of Capital Gains Tax Cuts.
Religious Persecution in China.
The Consequences of Repealing the Social Security Wage Cap.
DC School Choice (6/20/08)
In light of Democrat attempts to reduce funding for the wildly popular school choice program in the nation’s capital, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief on the bipartisan program
Conservatives Demand Lower Taxes (6/16/08)
Conservatives fundamentally believe that the federal government should do fewer things with fewer taxpayer resources, so that American citizens and businesses can do more things with more of their own resources. Tax relief is about returning power to the private person and the private enterprise, by requiring that they send less money to Washington. The RSC has prepared this menu of bills introduced by RSC Members in the 110th Congress that would lessen the tax burden for individuals and businesses, thereby reducing the reach of the federal government and increasing freedom for all Americans.
Democrat Assault on American Energy (5/28/08)
In light of rising crude oil prices, the resulting spike in gas prices, and the continued reliance on energy supplies from unfriendly or unstable regions of the world, the RSC has prepared this Policy Brief detailing the Democrat pattern of blocking attempts to increase the supply of American energy and actively promoting policies that would make American energy less available, more expensive, and thus less affordable for poor and middle class Americans.
The RSC’s Action Plan for House Republicans (5/20/08)
Today the Republican Study Committee unveiled its Action Plan for the House GOP Conference. 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.
RSC Urges Offsets to Increase G.I. Benefits without Raising Taxes (5/15/08)
As the House of Representatives considers amendments to H.R. 2642, the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 war funding supplemental, which will increase taxes on small businesses by $52 billion over ten years, RSC Chairman Hensarling introduced this proposal to increase education benefits for American GIs without raising taxes.
G.I. Bill Expansion (5/8/08)
In light of the increasing attention over proposals to increase GI benefits and the fact that some version—most likely H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act—is set to be included in the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 war funding supplemental, the RSC has prepared the this Policy Brief to provide Members and staff with relevant information.
Rebutting Democrats on Health Savings Accounts (5/5/08)
The RSC prepared this Policy Brief rebutting Democrat interpretations of a recent report on enrollment and use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Who Are the Uninsured? (4/28/08)
As part of this week’s activities for “Cover the Uninsured Week,” the RSC has prepared this Policy Brief analyzing various segments of the population lacking health insurance coverage.
Spending Limit Amendment (4/21/08)
Last week, the RSC debuted its Spending Limit Amendment, which would amend the U.S. Constitution to prevent federal spending from growing faster than inflation.
To read a one-page summary of the amendment, click here.
To read a “Dear Colleague” letter about the amendment, click here.
To read a question-and-answer document about the amendment, click here.
To read the text of the amendment, click here.
Understanding the Housing Market (4/21/08)
In light of the increasing concerns over the state of housing in America, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief analyzing the current housing market and legislative responses.
High-Skilled Immigration Letter (4/21/08)
Last week, the RSC sent this open letter to House leadership, urging them to decouple the legal immigration issue from the illegal immigration issue and soon bring a bill to the House floor increasing temporary, legal, high-skilled immigration to the United States.
Law of the Sea Treaty Letter (4/21/08)
Last week, the RSC sent this open letter to the U.S. Senate, urging senators to reject the Law of the Sea Treaty.
Student Loan Legislation (4/14/08)
In light of the markup of H.R. 5715 in the Education and Labor Committee, this Policy Brief outlines initial concerns regarding Chairman Miller’s proposal to ensure the continued availability of student financial assistance (H.R. 5715), and the effects that previous legislation has had on the loan market.
Proposed HSA Restrictions (4/8/08)
In light of Wednesday’s announced House Ways and Means Committee markup, and potential legislative language designed to place additional restrictions on the operation of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), the RSC has prepared this Policy Brief analyzing this issue.
Tax Day Cometh (4/7/08)
With Tax Day (April 15th) looming, this “Tax Facts” information might be useful in comprehending the growing burden of complying with the federal tax code.
Impending Tax Increases (4/4/08)
The RSC recently updated its annual document showing the tax increases that will automatically occur unless Congress takes action. To read the up-to-date list of impending tax increases, click here.
Medicaid and the States (4/2/08)
In light of potential regulatory and legislative actions designed to make adjustments to Medicaid’s joint state-federal financing mechanism, the RSC has prepared this Policy Brief analyzing several elements of the various policy proposals.
Medicare's Impending Insolvency (3/31/08)
Last week, the Trustees for Medicare and Social Security issued their annual report detailing the worsening financial condition of both entitlement programs. To read the statement from RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) on this troubling report, click here.
For more details on the impending insolvency of Medicare, read this RSC Policy Brief. Also, see this RSC Policy Brief on the soaring costs of health care.
RSC Fiscal Reform Bills (3/10/08)
In light of the looming entitlement crisis and discretionary spending that continues to explode, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief highlighting the fiscal reform bills introduced by individual RSC Members.
Specialty Hospitals (3/7/08)
In light of the Democrat financial attack on specialty, physician-owned hospitals in last week’s mental health parity bill, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief on specialty hospitals.
PEPFAR Reauthorization (3/4/08)
After the House Foreign Affairs Committee met last week to mark-up the reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), the RSC released this policy update outlining the major changes made to the bill and issues that were not addressed during mark-up.
Farewell, Bill Buckley (3/3/08)
Numerous RSC Members released statements lamenting the passing of conservative icon William F. Buckley last week. To read statements from RSC Members, click the names below:
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL), on behalf of the RSC, drafted this House resolution honoring Bill Buckley and plans to introduce it with as many co-sponsors as possible on March 4th.
Children’s Health Insurance in Bush Budget (3/3/08)
The RSC has prepared this Policy Brief analyzing proposals regarding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget.
DC Metro (3/3/08)
The RSC prepared this Policy Brief on the metro system of the National Capital Area and its dependence on federal funds.
PEPFAR Reauthorization (2/26/08)
As the House prepares to consider legislation reauthorizing the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), the RSC released this Q & A document addressing serious concerns the bill has raised from both fiscal and a pro-life perspectives.
Medicare Trigger (2/25/08)
The RSC has prepared this Policy Brief summarizing President Bush’s proposals to address the Medicare funding warning issued by the Medicare trustees, as required by the Medicare Modernization Act. RSC Chairman Hensarling (R-TX) also wrote this op-ed in The Washington Times on the looming financial crisis in Medicare.
Federal Spending Stats (2/19/08)
As Congress begins the FY 2009 budget process, the RSC prepared this one-pager with information on how much the federal government spends, what the public thinks about it, and what happens if federal spending continues on its present course.
Shadegg Retirement (2/15/08)
Last week, former RSC Chairman John Shadegg (R-AZ) announced that he would retire from Congress at the end of this year. In reaction to this unexpected announcement, 145 House Republicans signed this letter, urging him to reconsider his decision.
PEPFAR (2/11/08)
Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee was scheduled to mark up a bill reauthorizing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The bill raises some serious fiscal and values concerns for conservatives, which are detailed in this RSC Policy Brief.
The Administration's FY 2009 Budget Request (2/4/08)
To coincide with he release of the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief which contains highlights of the proposed budget and this Policy Brief analyzing new health care spending proposals.
Economic Growth Act (1/28/08)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) led the RSC in introducing the Economic Growth Act (H.R. 5109), which would unleash the potential of the American economy by providing tax relief for job-creators. For more detailed information on the bill, click here and here.
End the Tax on Inflation (1/28/08)
The RSC sent this letter to the President and the Secretary of the Treasury, urging them to take regulatory action to end the capital gains tax on inflation.
RSC Policy Briefs: Medicare Funding
In light of discussions about additional Medicaid funding as part of an economic “stimulus” package, and the President’s impending release of Medicare cost-containment legislation as part of provisions in the Medicare Modernization Act, the RSC has prepared two policy briefs regarding these issues.
To read the Policy Brief on the Medicare funding warning incorporated into the Medicare Modernization Act, click here.
To read the Policy Brief on current Medicaid Funding Issues, click here.
RSC Policy Brief: The 110th Congress Is Bad for Business (12/3/07)
Since the opening minutes of the 110th Congress, business interests have been under attack. Hardly a week has gone by that a bill that would increase costs for, or regulations on, businesses has not passed the House. The RSC has prepared 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.
To read RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling's latest statement on the 100th Congress' anti-business agenda, click here.
RSC Introduces Legislation to Eliminate the AMT
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; 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. 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. 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.
Short Summary
Detailed Summary
Q & A
Also, read Robert Novak's Washington Post Editorial Praising the Taxpayer Choice Act, this Letter from the National Taxpayers Union Endorsing the RSC's latest legislation and this Wall Street Journal op-ed by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, is support the Taxpayer Choice Act.
RSC Prepares to Fight Wasteful Spending (11/14/07)
As Congress sends President Bush appropriations conference reports that contain excessive and wasteful spending, you might want to review this RSC-generated letter, signed by a veto-proof number of House Members, promising to vote to sustain the President’s veto of any appropriations bill that contributes to total spending above the President’s request.
The “Mother of All Tax Bills” (11/5/07)
This RSC Policy Brief examines the two schools of thought—to offset or not to offset—and features a summary of what House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) referred to as the “Mother of All Tax Bills” (H.R. 3970).
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