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Congressman Zach Wamp, Third District of Tennessee
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WDEF News 12
Rep. Zach Wamp Calls Proposed Energy Bill A Looming Tax Burden
June 29 –
Congressman Zach Wamp opposed an energy bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a narrow majority, and it could change the way American industry does business. Wamp said that the bill in its present form will do damage to many companies by forcing them to install expensive new equipment during a recession.
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WRCB TV
Wamp salutes award-winning employers, students
June 29 –
Congressman Zach Wamp joined hundreds of Tennessee Valley residents in saluting award winning employers and students at the 2009 Better Business Bureau Awards Luncheon. On the business side, he's still glowing about Volkswagen's upcoming Auto Plant in Chattanooga. He also expressed concern about the Cap and Trade Bill and he urged caution saying the benefits may be outweighed by the costs.
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Talk Radio News
Business Leaders Say Green Initiatives Are Key to Improving Economy
June 25 –
Congressman Zach Wamp discussed instilling sustainable initiatives in households, businesses and the government at form entitled Corporate Sustainability, The Environment and Economic Recovery, Investing for the Future. “We need the revenues [from sustainable development] to ever grow our own economy again, to lead the world in the energy solutions for the future, cause the nexus between the environment, energy and our national security is the most important policy nexus of our time,” said Rep. Wamp.
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The Leaf Chronicle
Support boosted for $15M projects on post
June 21 –
Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp has pledged his support to help the Citizens for Fort Campbell advocacy group notch another victory, this time in securing about $15 million for two projects for the 2010 fiscal year. "(The Citizens for Fort Campbell group) are the best of the best citizens in terms of what they advocate for and how they go about it," said Congressman Zach Wamp, the ranking member of the Military Construction subcommittee. Wamp said the goal was to get the bill to President Barack Obama "in a timely manner," and have the plan approved by September, the end of the fiscal year.
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WTVC TV
House Looks to Trim its Energy Bill
June 15 –
EPB has announced their collaboration with the UTC SimCenter and Bloom Energy in an early evaluation of pre-commercial fuel cell technology. "The fuel cell project, with major support from Congressman Zach Wamp, is a way for EPB, Bloom Energy, and UTC SimCenter to be involved in leading edge technology that can help us all make sound decisions on alternate energy sources," said Steve Clark, EPB's Vice President of Strategic Systems.
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The Washington Post
House Looks to Trim its Energy Bill
June 11 –
Rep. Zach Wamp has one idea: an advanced kind of fuel cell. He'd like to see the House hook one up to power some, or all, of one of its office buildings. Wamp said the House’s prominence as a national stage makes it a good place for energy demonstrations. "This could be highly effective" at showing off new technologies, Wamp said. "We can talk for another generation about energy independence, but if we don't put some money behind it, it's not going to happen."
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WBIR
TN site being considered for new nuclear plant
June 11 –
TVA is looking at a Clinch River site near Oak Ridge for the first of the new mPower reactor being. The Clinch River Breeder Reactor project was cancelled in 1983 after more than a decade of development because of huge cost overruns and other concerns. Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Rep. Zach Wamp attended the company's news conference.
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New York Times
Company Calls New Small Nuclear Reactor a 'Game Changer'
June 10 –
A major manufacturer of power-generation equipment announced plans to build a small nuclear reactor that company officials touted as a "potential game changer for the global nuclear market." Joining company executives at the press conference were Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Reps. Lincoln Davis and Zach Wamp, as well as Ohio Sen. George Voinovich.
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National Review
We Need 100 Nukes by 2030
June 10 –
Republicans have finally hit their stride. Both House and Senate members are quickly falling behind the rallying cry, “100 New Reactors by 2030.” Congressman Zach Wamp warned that the United States is falling behind other countries in nuclear technology. “What we’re talking about here isn’t just a revival of the nuclear industry,” he said. “We’re talking about an American industrial renaissance.”
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Clarksville Online
32 Fort Campbell soldiers become citizens
May 30 –
With military band music and dignitaries ranging from the Commander in Chief - President Barack Obama, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to Congressman Zach Wamp, along with fellow soldiers and officers, family and friends, Fort Campbell welcomed thirty-two new citizens to our collective bosom. Wamp thanked the new citizens, for their example, devotion and service, which has given new blood to the American ideal and renewed the American spirit.
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WRCB TV
Home Schooled Students Graduate in Record Numbers
May 30 –
A bill to change diploma recognition was recently been passed by the state legislature. Rep. Zach Wamp said the home school program addresses a problem plaguing public schools. “One of our problems in Tennessee is that students are not learning to read," he added. "By the time they get to third grade, many of our public school students have low reading levels, so this is one of the things (home schooling) centers on."
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WBIR TV
Sen. Alexander proposes building 100 nuclear power plants
May 28 –
The senator has the support of Congressmen Zach Wamp and Lincoln Davis."We're still caught in a time warp on this issue of nuclear energy. I can't think of a single thing that would do more to stimulate the U.S. economy quickly than to carry out the recommendations that he [Alexander] makes today, " said Wamp.
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Roll Call
Making the CVC More God-Conscious
May 26 –
Members are hoping to inject more religion into the Capitol Visitor Center with a bill that would direct the Architect of the Capitol to engrave “In God We Trust” and the words of the Pledge of Allegiance in the underground building. Rep. Zach Wamp introduced a bill that would place a plaque in the CVC that would explain the religious underpinnings for President Abraham Lincoln’s decision to free the slaves, among other things.
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WTCV TV
Hundreds Honor Veterans at National Cemetery
May 26 –
Local elected officials were at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, along with keynote speaker Congressman Zach Wamp. Every branch of the military was honored at the services.
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WDEF TV
Community Pays Tribute On Memorial Day
May 25 –
A thankful community sings along to God Bless America, as they remember those who have served in uniform. That's why Congressman Zach Wamp wants to declare May Military Appreciation Month. His bill already passed the house.
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Maryville Daily Times
State leaders headline corridor summit
May 22
The Tennessee Valley Corridor’s annual National Technology Summit reconvenes at the Y-12 National Security Complex New Hope Center in Oak Ridge. Featured speakers during the event include corridor founder and host U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, U.S. Reps. Lincoln Davis and Phil Roe, as well as U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith from North Alabama.
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WRCB TV
New Welding School Offers Free Training
May 19
Energy Solutions Group is training 30 students at a time in advanced welding skills. ESG says the manufacturing industry is making a come back. "If we've got the workers, and they are trained, then companies are going to invest in Tennessee," said Congressman Zach Wamp. "That's what it's all about."
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Roll Call
Campus Notebook: Emancipating the CVC
May 18
Reps. Zach Wamp and Jesse Jackson Jr. introduced a bill directing the Architect of the Capitol to include an “educational display” in the Capitol Visitor Center that discusses emancipation. Wamp and Jackson led the effort to change the name of the CVC’s Great Hall to Emancipation Hall, convincing fellow lawmakers that the new building should recognize the slave laborers who helped build the Capitol. “Without it, you’ve done nothing more than name the room,” Wamp said.
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News Blaze
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Launches New National Adult Fitness Test
May 17
– The Adult Fitness Test was launched with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, Acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, Rep. Zach Wamp and The Biggest Loser contestant, Bernardo "Bernie" Salazar. Denise Austin led a group of adults through a demonstration of the test. "While many Americans know physical activity is important for leading a healthy life and reducing the risk for many serious diseases, many Americans don't know where to begin," says Wamp.
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The Daily Post-Athenian
Wamp tells TWC grads: "It's what you do in life"
May 18 –
Zach Wamp, who represents the state's Third Congressional District, was the keynote speaker during Tennessee Wesleyan College's 152nd Commencement. "It's not what you have, it's what you do," he said. "Try to pour your heart into others. The motive is not money, it's not to have things or where you live or even how you look. It's impact."

WRCB TV
Volkswagen Raises the First Wall

May 14 –
A promise of jobs, prosperity and a new Chattanooga was realized Thursday. Crews took a symbolic step towards completing that promise, raising the first wall of the VW plant at Enterprise South. Plant manager Frank Fischer called it a big day, saying the company is putting down new roots in the U.S. And Tennessee Congressman Zach Wamp says it's another sign that VW is here for the long haul.
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The Auto Channel
Volkswagen Factory in Chattanooga Foundation for Future U.S. Strategy
May 14 –
"The first wall of the production facility going up is another sign that Volkswagen is a part of our community and here for the long haul," said Congressman Zach Wamp."It is exciting to see a next-generation and environmentally-friendly manufacturing plant being built in the heart of the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor. At a time when unemployment is rising across the nation, it is encouraging to know this billion dollar investment will continue to create new jobs in our region."
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Tennessean
State Should Get Aboard High-Speed Movement

May 8 –
The nation should be eager to ramp up activity on high-speed rail service, and Tennessee should strive to be in the middle of that effort. Even at that, the president's proposal looks weak in the eyes of some who see such benefits clearly. Rep. Zach Wamp recognized the relative timidity of such investment, saying it was just "giving vitamins" to the concept and that if the nation really wants to make an impact "you have to throw the ball deep." Wamp is right.

Congressional Quarterly
Obama Budget Fiscal 2010: Veterans Affairs
May 7 –
In line with President Obama’s pledge to boost spending for veterans, the fiscal 2010 budget request includes a nearly 16 percent increase for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Zach Wamp, ranking Republican on that panel, was also pleased by the proposed increases. “This budget goes a long way in keeping the bipartisan commitment to honor every man and woman in uniform, those serving now and those that have served in the past.”

The Hill Blog
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles/font>
May 6 –
Sixty-four percent of American adults and 34% of children suffer from chronic disease, often brought about by obesity and lack of physical activity. That’s why I and Rep. Zach Wamp recently introduced the WHIP (Workforce Health Improvement Program) and PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Acts - to give people the incentive they need to get active; further preventing illness and disease.
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Congress Daily

Banks Will Be On The Defensive Again This Week, As OMB Preps Budget Details
May 4 –
With the administration expected to deliver its final budget, the House and Senate Appropriations committees will finally get a fuller look at agency needs. "There are still so many accounts and line items we are not aware what the budget request from the administration actually is," House Military Construction-VA Appropriations Subcommittee ranking member Zach Wamp, said. "We've had witness after witness say 'we are not at liberty to talk about that because we don't know what the numbers are' and that has made it very awkward."
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Lab Manager

Private Office Space Available at NL Halcyon Center

May 1 –
The officials at Monday's ceremony praised the leadership and support of Rep. Zach Wamp, who attended the open house. The 15-year-old Halcyon Commercialization Center, formerly used for office space, was remodeled with funding from three U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awards totaling $692,000.
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Birmingham Star

Care needed to prevent Iraq from deteriorating says Petraeus
April 27 –
Representative Zach Wamp asked General Petraeus what recent attacks could mean for the U.S. military drawdown."Give us a feeling from your perspective of how much security and war-fighting capability is still necessary for us in Iraq to leave it in a condition that those security forces in Iraq will be able to maintain the progress that has been made.”
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National Journal
Taking The Long View On The Recovery

April 25 –
The president wants Americans to see his agenda as one huge package. What will save us from ruin, in Obama's view, is not spending cuts or tax hikes. It's growth. The president must respond to the doubters, such as the tens of thousands of protesters who gathered at "tea parties" around the country on April 15 to protest government spending and bailouts -- and not just by Democrats. "Republicans blew it on spending, but now Democrats are on steroids with spending," said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Site Selection
Wacker Completes Dynamic Trio
April 23 – Tennessee is getting used to good news, as Wacker’s was the third announcement in eight months to unveil a billion-dollar project. Wamp is thrilled to see the big projects extend the economic development vision for the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor that he’s promoted during his 14 years in the U.S. Congress.
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Rutherford County Daily News Journal
Preservation Trust focuses on shared heritage
April 16 – Congressman Zach Wamp will speak on his recent efforts to expand the National Trail of Tears, establish the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, and designate Green McAdoo School, site of the school desegregation crisis in Clinton as a national historic site.

WDEF-TV
Chattanooga To Atlanta Connection Not In Obama's High Speed Rail Plan

April 16 –
Wamp says our corridor remains at the mercy of the Department of Transportation. "All the local governments from Atlanta to Chattanooga have agreed to put up their cost share, that's done if the federal government will just give us the $15 million that was supposed to be designated."
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Defense Professionals
BAE Systems Recieves Award for Outer Tactical Vests
April 13 –
BAE Systems has received a contract to produce and deliver 75,000 Outer Tactical Vests from the Defense Logistics Agency. “The new BAE Systems contract will maintain tactical vest production at its Jefferson City and Grainger County facilities and allow Tennessee's strong work force to continue to help protect our soldiers,” said Congressman Zach Wamp.
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Blount Today
Leadership Blount plans sixth annual summit
April 8 –
Leadership Blount and the Center for Strong Communities at Maryville College will bring the sixth annual Leadership Summit to focus on the current economic climate at a national and local level. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Bill Fox, UT economist and U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp.
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Clinton Courier
Green McAdoo study approved

April 5 – President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2008, which includes a provision for a study of the Green McAdoo Cultural Center and Museum in Clinton. Rep. Zach Wamp and U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker sponsored legislation to include Green McAdoo.

KFSM-TV
Two new routes added to the Trail of Tears
April 6
Four thousand Cherokees died on the Trail of Tears as they were forced to endure harsh conditions on the journey to Indian Territory in 1838 and 1839. New legislation signed into law by the president designates additional routes as part of the historic trail. Congressman Zach Wamp, who authored the legislation, is himself part Cherokee.
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Cherokee Phoenix
Trail of Tears Expanded
April 1
The Trail of Tears Documentation Act was approved by Congress last week as part of the Public Lands bill. It adds to the Trail of Tears Study Act, which was signed into law in December 2006 to recognize the Trail. Now, according to Rep. Zach Wamp, author of the new act, previously omitted threads of the trail in this region will be included.
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Maryville Daily Times
DOE facilities in Oak Ridge to get $755M for cleanup
April 1
DOE will use the money to demolish 49 Oak Ridge buildings, including some highly contaminated by uranium – a total of 330,000 square feet of rusty, hulking, leaking structures. Wamp called it "considerable during an economic downturn," but one that will "save significant taxpayer dollars in the long run.”
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Seymour Herald
Congressman seeking interns for Washington office

March 31
– Congressman Zach Wamp has two openings for challenging, unpaid internships for college students or recent graduates in his Washington, D.C., office. The office is seeking a full-time intern to start immediately to assist with legislative and constituent services, as well as a full-time press intern for June, July, and August.
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The Hill
Dozens of Republicans sign on to currency ban
March
27 – Rep. Michele Bachmann's legislation to ban U.S. recognition of a global currency has gained 29 co-sponsors in the House. All Republicans, co-sponsors include a number of prominent conservatives. Among the supporters are Rep. Ron Paul, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, Rep. Zach Wamp, and Rep Tom Price.
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Politico
The Red Coats’ Turn
March 25 –
Rep. Zach Wamp figures he’s given about 1,700 tours of the Capitol since coming to Congress in 1995, and he’s heard some crazy stuff along the way — not so much from tourists as from the other amateur tour guides. All that was supposed to change in December, when the $621 million Capitol Visitor Center opened.
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Forbes.com
Oak Ridge lab receives $71M
March 24 – The Oak Ridge National Laboratory will use a portion of its federal economic stimulus funding to replace a half-century-old research building, managers said Monday. With Recovery Act funding, officials hope to complete the project a year early in 2011. "This modernization effort will help keep ORNL as one of our nation's premier laboratories," said U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn. It also will mean about 170 construction jobs.

Volunteer TV WVLT
ORNL funding to bring new jobs, economic development
March 23
– Congressman Zach Wamp issued a statement about the ORNL funding: “Secretary Chu’s announcement means more jobs and more economic development opportunities are coming to Oak Ridge. This modernization effort will help keep ORNL as one of our nation’s premier laboratories. There will be increased employment in the area from both the approximately 170 construction jobs and the permanent jobs that will come from lab improvements.”
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USA Today
NFL players call for improved physical education
March 21
– Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall joined lawmakers, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, health advocates, NFL cheerleaders and dozens of schoolchildren on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Rep. Zach Wamp argued that kids are overmedicated, adding that the best antidepressant is sweat. "The human body was made to move," he said.
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WTVC Channel 9
Volkswagen Gives $5.2 Million to Tennessee Education
March 20
– State and local officials including Congressman Zach Wamp helped Volkswagen commemorate the "Partners in Education" program."East Tennessee is extremely pleased to welcome Volkswagen to our state, not only for the investment and jobs that the company will bring to our region, but to make them part of our community," said Wamp.
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Seymour Herald
TV Corridor to Meet in Oak Ridge
March 23 –
The Tennessee Valley Corridor, a multi-state regional economic development organization, is bringing this year's National Technology Summit back to Oak Ridge. "What first started as a small regional summit in Oak Ridge has now grown nearly 15 years later to become a national award-winning regional economic development organization uniting 10 congressional districts across five states,” Zach Wamp said.
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Renewable Energy World
House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus has new leadership
March 20
House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Zach Wamp announced that Rep. Vern Ehlers will succeed Rep. Wamp as Republican Co-Chair of the bipartisan Caucus. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus was founded in the House of Representatives on in 1996.
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Associated Press
NFL Fitness Legislation

March 19 –
Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall lawmakers, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, health advocates, NFL cheerleaders and dozens of schoolchildren for the soggy pep rally, held in a light rain on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Rep. Zach Wamp argued that kids are overmedicated, adding that the best antidepressant is sweat."The human body was made to move," he said.
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Charlotte Observer
NFL players promoting improved physical education
March 19 –
Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall lawmakers, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, health advocates, NFL cheerleaders and dozens of schoolchildren for the soggy pep rally, held in a light rain on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Rep. Zach Wamp argued that kids are overmedicated, adding that the best antidepressant is sweat."The human body was made to move," he said.
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ESPN NFL News
Players push for passage of FIT Kids Act
March 19 –
Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall lawmakers, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, health advocates, NFL cheerleaders and dozens of schoolchildren for the soggy pep rally, held in a light rain on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Rep. Zach Wamp argued that kids are overmedicated, adding that the best antidepressant is sweat."The human body was made to move," he said.
Click here to read the article

The Washington Post: D.C. Sports Bog
Smoot and Hall on lobbying Congress
March 19 –
The most effective anti-depressant in the history of the world is sweat," Rep. Zach Wamp was saying this afternoon. Wamp and his brothers in suits--including Senator Tom Harkin--were gathered on a rainy stretch of lawn to promote the FIT Kids Act, requiring all sorts of folks to report on students' physical activity in an effort to combat childhood obesity.
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Blount Today
Wamp to offer noon address for Leadership Summit
March 19 –
Leadership Blount is spearheading an effort to bring a local spotlight to the national economic crisis by hosting its 6th Annual Leadership Summit. Congressman Zach Wamp is the luncheon keynote speaker. “Congressman Wamp will provide a unique national perspective on what is arguably the most challenging time in our history,” said Herb Handly, chairman of Leadership Blount.
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Maryville Daily Times
Wamp to address 6th annual Blount Leadership Summit
March 19 –
Leadership Blount, in partnership with Maryville College's Center for Strong Communities, is spotlighting the national economic crisis at its 6th Annual Leadership Summit. The program will feature U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp as its luncheon keynote speaker. Wamp has represented the 3rd Congressional district in East Tennessee for the past 14 years.
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Hawaii Reporter
Senate and House introduce bills prohibiting authorized generics
March 16 –
Recently, a number of bills that would significantly impact the biotech and pharma industry have been introduced in Congress. The House bill, which was introduced on January 15, was sponsored by Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and co-sponsored by Representatives Marion Berry (D-AR), Dennis Moore (D-KS), and Zach Wamp.
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Associated Press
Oak Ridge sends radioactive waste to NM

March 2 –
Republican Congressman Zach Wamp of Tennessee says that for the first time since Oak Ridge began in 1943, it's shipping out the highest level waste from manmade nuclear materials. Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee has sent its first remote-handled radioactive waste to southern New Mexico for disposal.
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PR Newswire
Trane Leader Goes to Capitol Hill to 'Unlock the Keys to Energy Efficiency'
March 2 –
The Alliance to Save Energy has invited public and private sector leaders to Capitol Hill, including Larry Wash, , contracting and parts for Trane. Trane has a presence throughout the state of Tennessee with manufacturing, sales, service and parts retail centers. Wash will preview Zach Wamp's "Unsung Hero Award" presentation with brief remarks about the opportunities to make existing buildings in Tennessee and throughout the U.S. more energy and operationally efficient.
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NPR
Some Early Reax To Obama Speech
February 25 –
Rep. Zach Wamp: "President Obama's delivery of the state of our union was confident, but I am not confident that his agenda is the right approach for America. While I support efforts to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce the growth of government in order to reduce the deficit, adding a tax burden on small-business owners and employers is no way to increase jobs or grow the economy.”
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The New Yorker
Partisanship, by the Bye
February 23 –
Throughout the Battle of the Stimulus Package one question preoccupied commentators and observers: was President Obama being “bipartisan” enough? Still, the President found time for cordiality, inviting Republicans from both Houses of Congress to join him. Nor was his “outreach” purely social. “This was not a drive-by P.R. stunt, and I actually thought it might be,” Zach Wamp, of Tennessee, told the Times after he and his Republican House colleagues finished a long session with the President. “It was a substantive, in-depth discussion with our conference.”
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Enterprise News
Filner breathes life into Merchant Mariner legislation
February 18 –
The push is on again to provide a monthly pension for World War II Merchant Mariners. Congressman Bob Filner introduced the legislation in the House Jan. 6 and referred to Filner’s committee for further action. Thus far, 14 members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors including Zach Wamp of Tennessee.
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NEI Smart Brief
Nuclear business leaders to meet this week in Chattanooga
February 16 –
A gathering in Chattanooga this week will help firms that want to build nuclear power plants meet up with suppliers of components, commodities and services, writes Rep. Zach Wamp, who touts nuclear energy investments. Wamp writes that nuclear energy can help create new jobs, promote energy independence and address climate change.
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WRCB TV
Tenn US Reps vote party line on stimulus bill

February 14 – The Tennessee delegation in the U.S. House voted along party lines when the House passed a $787 billion economic stimulus bill. Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Nashville had opposed the measure earlier but changed his vote, saying the compromise bill was an improvement than the original version. Democrats Steve Cohen, Lincoln Davis, Bart Gordon and John Tanner of Union City joined Cooper in voting for the bill. Republicans Marsha Blackburn of Brentwood, Jimmy Duncan of Knoxville, Phil Roe of Johnson City and Zach Wamp of Chattanooga were against.

CNN Politics
Stimulus package en route to Obama's desk

February 14
– The U.S. Senate gave final approval Friday to a $787 billion recovery package that President Obama hopes will help boost an economy in freefall with a combination of government spending and tax cuts and credits. Some Republicans in the House expressed frustration over how little time they had to read the 1,000-plus-page bill, and others predicted ruin if it passed. "Just because Republicans spent too much money after September 11 and lost our way on financial matters doesn't mean the Democratic party should be allowed to wreck our ship of state," said Rep. Zach Wamp "This is taking us quickly down the wrong road. Vote no."
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CNS News
Democratic Senator Predicts None of His Colleagues 'Will Have the Chance' to Read Final Stimulus Bill Before Vote
February 13 –
Sen. Frank Lautenberg predicted on Thursday that none of his Senate colleagues would "have the chance" to read the entire final version of the $790-billion stimulus bill before the bill comes up for a final vote in Congress. “The Democrats have thrown this at us very last-minute,” said Rep. Zach Wamp. “That’s why the rule of thumb in the United States Congress should be, ‘When in doubt, vote no,’ because the devil is in the details and that’s why this stimulus is not worthy of support.”
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Trading Markets
BAE Systems Secures Army Deal for Outer Tactical Vests
February 9 –
BAE Systems has received a $43.7 million contract to produce and deliver 75,000 Improved Outer Tactical Vests (IOTV) for the U.S. Army. "This contract award from the Army will restore more than 100 jobs at the Grainger County facility and allow Tennessee's strong work force to continue to help protect our soldiers," said Congressman Zach Wamp.

Walker County Messenger
Mullis submits “Plain Train” legislation
February 9 –
[Georgia] State Sen. Jeff Mullis offered “Plane Train” legislation, which supports the creation of a magnetic levitating, or maglev, train connecting Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta to the Chattanooga Municipal Airport. “A Maglev high-speed connection between Chattanooga and Atlanta would be beneficial for both communities as it would increase economic development, bring more people to the underutilized Chattanooga airport and relieve congestion at Atlanta’s busy airport,” said Congressman Zach Wamp.
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Roll Call
House GOP drafting earmark reform for all
February 9 –
Rep. Zach Wamp, a member of the Appropriations Committee who co-authored a proposal for a temporary moratorium on earmarks in 2008, said abuse of the process coupled with the constitutional right to have a say over the federal budget makes the issue particularly complicated. “It’s one of the most difficult issues for Congress to address for either party.”
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Air Force Times
Services wrestle with rise in suicide rates
February 5 –
“This suicide rate issue is the canary in the mine, in a sense,” said Rep. Zach Wamp as he asked the services’ senior enlisted advisers for their thoughts about the reasons for the increase.
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U.S. Army News
Sergeant major of Army testifies on Capitol Hill
February 5 –
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston told Congress that childcare and access to healthcare treatment are top concerns of soldiers and their families. Minority Ranking Member Zach Wamp expressed his appreciation and commitment of continued support to the Army and military at large.
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Modern Medicine
Bill challenges marketing of authorized generic drugs
February 2 –
The legislation would prevent name-brand pharmaceutical companies from launching advertising campaigns for their generic versions during the 180-day period after a generic company’s patent challenge is upheld. Emerson reintroduced the bipartisan legislation with U.S. Reps. Marion Berry (D-Ark.), Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), and Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.).
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As Obama talks of bipartisanship, definitions vary
February 2 –
Republicans are wondering whether Obama's outreach, appreciated as it was, may not extend to agreeing to the compromises they want. For the concept to mean something it needs to involve Republicans earlier in the process. Otherwise, said Rep. Zach Wamp, "it's like coming into the kitchen after the meal's been cooked and saying, 'Let's cook a meal.'"
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NY Times
Obama is open to c
ompromise
January 29 –
President Obama made a campaign trip of sorts to seek bipartisan support for his economic stimulus plan, visiting Republicans. “This was not a drive-by P.R. stunt, and I actually thought it might be,” said Rep. Zach Wamp. “It was a substantive, in-depth discussion with our conference, and he’s very effective. He knows that the debt and the deficit are huge long-term problems as well,” Mr. Wamp said, “and he made a compelling case. He sounded, frankly, a lot like a Republican.”
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CNN
Republicans take on a new rallying cry
January 29 –
With the departure of President George W. Bush, Republicans have a new rallying cry: Back to basics! “Republicans blew it on spending, but now Democrats are on steroids with spending," says Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Roll Call
Jack Bauer, the House version
January 29 –
John “Jack” Kelliher has spent years guarding the House chamber, ensuring that Members don’t get killed — or kill each other. As Kelliher’s last day approached, Members took to the floor to congratulate him on his retirement. Kelliher “could be our Jack Bauer,” Rep. Zach Wamp said. “I have had more laughs in the last 15 years with Jack out on the balcony than just about anybody in the House,” Wamp said. “He is a good-natured man and a man of extraordinary commitment to our country. We will sorely miss him.”
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The Tennessean
Tennessee Democrats struggle with vote on rescued
January 28 –
Republican Zach Wamp was adamant in his opposition to the bill. Wamp said the transportation and energy provisions of the legislation would create jobs but the rest would simply add to the national debt. "You can't borrow your way out of debt. You can't spend your way into prosperity," Wamp said. He raised the question of when the U.S. might lose its ability to borrow money in world markets. "Then what do we do?" Wamp said.

Fox News
Two Tenn. congressmen seeking $25M for ash cleanup
January 28 –
Two Tennessee congressmen say they are seeking $25 million from a federal economic stimulus bill to help pay for cleaning up a large coal ash spill in Kingston. Republican Rep. Zach Wamp said the money would help Tennessee Valley Authority electricity customers who might otherwise have to cover the costs through an increase in their bills eventually.
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Baptist Press
Congress’s Southern Baptists express hope

January 20 –
Southern Baptists in Congress expressed a range of views about President Obama and the new administration, although members of both parties say they are hopeful that both sides of the aisle can work together to find solutions. "I pray that the next four years bring a genuine commitment to the protection of life at all its stages -- from conception to natural death. We must all remember that we have a moral obligation to help one another, especially the least among us. I am hopeful that throughout the next four years we do just that,” said Rep. Zach Wamp
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Congressional Quarterly
House stimulus plan strikes GOP appropriations as too big

January 20 –
Republican members of the House Appropriations Committee prepared to make their case that the House stimulus plan is too big and doesn’t do enough to spur job creation, citing a new report from the Congressional Budget Office to bolster their case. Republicans said they planned to offer amendments but were not optimistic about making major changes. “I expect that the changes that we propose would be fairly modest,” said Zach Wamp

The Tennessean
Senators promise greater scrutiny of TVA

January 9 –
Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp said Congress should push to include dollars in an upcoming economic aid plan or in other spending bills. He said because heavy rains may have contributed to the breach, it should be considered as a disaster eligible for federal emergency money. "The federal government needs to look at this as more of a Katrina-like event," he said.

Memphis Commercial Appeal
TVA toxic ash spill could affect MLGW customers

January 9 –
Rep. Zach Wamp said Congress should authorize federal funds for the job. He said that because heavy rains may have contributed to the breach, it should be considered a disaster eligible for federal emergency money. "The federal government needs to look at this as more of a Katrina-like event," Wamp said.
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Memphis Commercial Appeal
Lawmakers say ash spill could lead to more oversight of TVA

January 8 –
U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp said the spill is “a Katrina-like event” and suggested that federal funding should be made available to deal with the aftermath. While the exact cause hasn’t been determined, heavy rain contributed to the problem, Wamp said, “so in a sense, it’s also a weather-related catastrophe.”
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