Congressional Desk
The Congressional Desk provides information, news, and announcements obtained from governmental and communications offices.
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August 29, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Congressman George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following joint statement announcing that the U.S. Department of Education approved California´s application to receive $1.2 billion as part of the...
August 29, 2010
Valley Congressman Likely to Introduce Legislation Calling New Attention to HUD´s Inaction
The government programs and studies to solve the foreclosure crisis may look good on paper or from "10,000 feet above reality in Washington," but they are doing absolutely nothing to help those in ...
August 29, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the House introduction of the oil spill response package. The package includes: the revised Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act, estimated by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office to reduc...
August 29, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) issued the following statement as part of the Congressional Black Caucus´s (CBC) Foreign Policy and International Relations Taskforce event "Focus on Haiti: The Road to Recovery – A Six Month Review":
"As we commemorate the six...
August 29, 2010
Washington, DC — Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) supported and the House passed H.R. 5730, the Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings and Accountability Act, to rescind more than $700 million in unobligated funding for 309 earmarks contained in previous surface transportation authorization...
August 29, 2010
MISSION, KAN. - Todd Tiahrt's U. S. Senate campaign announced that Greg and Missey Smith have endorsed his campaign. The Smith's received national attention in 2007 after their daughter, Kelsey, was abducted from a Target parking lot. The Smith's have since that time dedicated their lives to helpin...
August 29, 2010
Congressman Cardoza joined residents and officials in San Joaquin County in expressing significant concern that prisoner Loren Herzog could be returned to the community.
Herzog is on the verge of early parole after serving 12 years in prison. He was initially sentenced to 78 years in prison ...
August 29, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) issued the following statement in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
"Twenty years ago, we took a historic step in the direction of equality when the Americans with Disabilities Act was s...
August 29, 2010
The leader of a Kansas organization that champions the right to bear arms accused a staff member of Congressman Jerry Moran's campaign for Senate with threatening to damage the group if an endorsement for Moran's primary election rival Todd Tiahrt wasn't withdrawn.
Patricia Stoneking, president ...
August 27, 2010
Meets with Portneuf Valley Brewing, Idaho barley growers in Pocatello Saturday
Pocatello – Efforts to cut taxes and increase employment for small craft breweries in Idaho and other states are gaining momentum, according to the Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Legislation introduced by Crapo and three o...
August 27, 2010
Each time we shop, every time we purchase something, chances are pretty good a truck played a role in getting those goods to that retailer. Trucks play a vital role in our country´s commerce, and getting goods from source to consumer safely and cost-effectively is an important consideration...
August 27, 2010
National awards note improving quality of life for working families
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo´s record of supporting families and family-friendly work practices has garnered a national award. Crapo is one of 29 Members of Congress receiving the "Best of Congress Award" fr...
August 27, 2010
(Washington, DC)- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) recognized the 90th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment.
"Every year, our country marks August 26th as ´Women´s Equality Day.´ On the 90th anniversary of the women´s suffrage movement's great victor...
August 27, 2010
The National Organization for Women applauds Representative Kendrick Meek for his impressive victory in Florida's Democratic primary last Tuesday night. Meek defeated billionaire investor Jeff Greene, despite Greene's estimated $25 million campaign spending and his particularly malicious attacks on ...
August 27, 2010
Democrat hit piece distorts Pompeo´s record of creating hundreds of Kansas jobs
WICHITA, KS – Raj Goyle, Democrat nominee for 4th District Congress, has launched a negative and false attack in the race to replace outgoing U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt.
Goyle has approved and distribute...
August 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) is pleased to announce a grant award from the Department of Transportation to SunLine Transit Agency. The $813,580 grant will help SunLine purchase a replacement bus for better fuel efficiency and research fuel cell technology. The Congresswoma...
August 27, 2010
WICHITA, KS – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts has announced his endorsement of businessman and military veteran Mike Pompeo in the Kansas 4th District Congressional race.
"Mike Pompeo's leadership is exactly what Kansas needs in Washington," Senator Roberts said. "In this era of out-of-control spending,...
August 27, 2010
CHICAGO- The congressional office of Representative Charles B. Rangel joins many other political leaders to become the first legislative office to sign on with Visible Vote, a first-of-its-kind software application. By doing so, Representative Rangel has made a commitment to being transparent and ac...
August 27, 2010
Considers reports of new Repsol deal as two more Cuban political prisoners arrive in Spain
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, questioned if Spain´s interest in helping the Spanish oil company Repsol to profit from ...
August 27, 2010
$46.6 million grant will improve Internet access for homes, schools and businesses
MERCED, CA – Congressman Dennis Cardoza joined with Congressman Jim Costa and Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to announce a $46.6 million grant aimed at enhancing broadband Internet access for the San J...
August 27, 2010
Schiff sought funding for vital cancer effort
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Defense Appropriations bill includes $1 million for the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. In partnership with Children´s Hosp...
August 27, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement following the decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton to grant an injunction blocking parts of the Arizona immigration law (S.B. 1070).
"The Arizona immigration law is constitutional, reinforces federal l...
August 27, 2010
Moran violates Federal Election Commission filing deadline
WICHITA, KAN.-The latest FEC reports show Todd Tiahrt has $227,500 more to spend than Congressman Jerry Moran during the final two weeks of the primary election. Tiahrt raised $72,000 to Jerry Moran's $22,000 in the FEC Pre-Primary report...
August 27, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, reacted to mid-year earnings reports from Wellpoint and Aetna, showing that the companies have been reaping hundreds of millions more in profits while spending hundreds of millions less on medical care.
Aetn...
August 27, 2010
Washington, D.C.–-U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) highlighted several key areas of a new report from the bipartisan independent panel tasked by Congress to review the Department of Defense´s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR).
"The...
August 27, 2010
Toxic Chemicals Contribute to Chronic Disease Epidemic, Sector Says
WASHINGTON-- Health care sector leaders are urging Congress to move swiftly to pass chemical reform legislation, citing the measure as critical to public health protection. On the eve of a hearing on the "Toxic Chemicals Safety ...
August 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) called on Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to end the continued taxpayer bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the current ad...
August 17, 2010
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Donna Christensen convened the inaugural meeting of the Health Equity Leadership Commission Monday morning – a new Commission assembled by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust, with members that have substantive expertise in one or more areas of publi...
August 17, 2010
Legislation to Ensure Broad Application of Public Safety Exception to Miranda in Terrorism Cases, Provide Adequate Time for Questioning of a Suspect Before Appearance in Court
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation to allow for more thorough interrogations of suspected te...
August 17, 2010
Acute Care Clinics Receive CMS Waiver/Extension Needed to Keep Serving the Most Vulnerable Patients
WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri announced an extension of a federal demonstration project that will provide up to $25 million for local community health centers who provide c...
August 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) released the following statement to announce the YouCut winner, a proposal that would eliminate the Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (AEITC), saving taxpayers $1.1 billion over the next decade. The AEITC is not widely used by those eligible for the...
August 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued a statement following the announcement that Beale Air Force Base is the Air Force´s "sole preferred alternative" for the MC-12 mission. Beale, a standout among Air Force bases nationally, has over 4,000 personnel and has a total econom...
August 17, 2010
It's called "identity theft" when someone pretends to be you in order to obtain credit and other benefits in your name. Victims can spend years demonstrating they have been defrauded, getting free of debts they did not incur, and restoring their credit.
One Princeton, Wisc., resi...
August 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the House passed three more components of our "Make It In America" strategy: the National Manufacturing Strategy Act, which will develop a clear plan to strengthen our manufacturing sector; the Clean Energy Technology M...
August 17, 2010
Lawmaker says: "Nine years after September 11, first responders should have the equipment they need. We in Congress must ensure public safety officials have access to a competitive, dynamic, and innovative market for the devices that are used to save lives and help protect our communities."
Was...
August 17, 2010
House Ear Institute May Receive Critical Support
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Defense Appropriations bill includes $1 million he has requested for the House Ear Institute to conduct inner ear research to improve the hearing capabilities of combat veterans. Specific...
August 16, 2010
$1 million committed for project that could eventually create more than 350 jobs
Lewiston – A collaborative land management effort in Idaho´s Clearwater Basin that could create or maintain more than 350 jobs over the next ten years has been selected for federal funding through the U.S. Fore...
August 16, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) along with a number of her House colleagues sent President Obama a letter requesting he take immediate steps to establish a bipartisan Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group (APSG) to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. policy in these countries.
"...
August 16, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) released the following statement regarding the Navy´s intent to purchase 21 Russian Mi-17 helicopters while prohibiting a U.S. company from bidding on the contract.
"The Pentagon is continuing a dangerous pattern of seeking foreign-made...
August 16, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) co-hosted a live America Speaking Out program on the Ray Roberts radio program on KQMS in Redding, California. America Speaking Out is a program designed to gain the input of the American public in order to know what they feel the best way to rever...
August 16, 2010
Concerns raised over lack of congressional consultation, cursory study, legal basis for closure
Washington, D.C. – Virginia Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner and Congressmen Glenn Nye, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, and Bobby Scott sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates calling into quest...
August 16, 2010
Congressman Says HUD Secretary Should Stay In Washington Until Foreclosure Crisis Addressed
WASHINGTON, DC – Citing continuing outrage over President Obama´s response to the foreclosure crisis, Congressman Cardoza introduced a legislative amendment that would kill the travel budget for the ...
August 12, 2010
Want to invest in U.S. Treasury notes? Step right up, alongside China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
While a sign of faith in the stability of the U.S. dollar, all this money from foreigners also worries some people. They say the nearly $4 trillion worth of U.S. government ...
August 12, 2010
Sockeye salmon setting modern-day record for returns this year
Washington, D.C. – The sockeye salmon runs that gave Redfish Lake its name are setting a modern-day record this season by returning to Idaho in numbers not seen since the 1940´s. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will join Idaho leaders...
August 12, 2010
NEW YORK-- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a leading voice in the Congress for educational advancement and college opportunities for low income, underserved youth, is being honored tonight by Living Measure, a New York based charitable organization of young professionals.
Tonight's event - at w...
August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) responded to Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum´s proposed immigration reform plan. The plan would have similar requirements as the controversial immigration law in Arizona.
"This is a divisive plan that only polarizes the...
August 12, 2010
Questions Whether Assistance Advances U.S. Interests
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on her August 5, 2010 request to Committee Chairman Howard L. Berman for a hold on U.S. security assistance to Lebanon. R...
August 12, 2010
House Moves Quickly to Save Jobs, Secure the Border
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri praised the passage of two emergency measures that will help secure the borders and save over 300,000 American jobs. H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, passed the ...
August 12, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, issued a joint statement after the U.S. State Department confirmed that Feisal Abdul Rauf, ...
August 12, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza announced $2.3 million to help San Joaquin County improve the Stockton Metropolitan Airport Terminal Building and modify the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building. In addition, the funds will improve runway lighting at the airport.
Funded by the Federal Avi...
August 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, filed a discharge petition on H.R. 5424, the Reform Americans Can Afford Act, which would repeal the Democrats´ health care law and replace it with commonsense solutions to bring down...
August 12, 2010
McKeon Spotlights Democratic Effort to Harvest $3.3 Billion in Defense Spending to Pay for State Bailout
Washington, D.C. — As Congressional Democrats seek to harvest $3.3 billion dollars already allocated to the Department of Defense to pay for another bailout for state governments, the Se...
August 12, 2010
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member McKeon Argues Against Defense Cuts While U.S. Troops Are Fighting Two Wars
Washington, D.C. — The Military Times reported that a "$10 billion teacher bailout bill that is on a fast track to congressional approval is paid for, in part, with a $3.3 bill...
August 12, 2010
Bill honors Japanese-American World War II Veterans
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) applauded the Senate passage of S.1055, companion legislation to a bill he introduced in the House to pay tribute to the U.S. Army 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, commonly known...
August 12, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, commented on a mid-year earnings report from Humana. The insurer reported that for the first half of the year it collected 9.4 percent more in premiums and profits rose by almost 23 percent, as compared to...
August 12, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reiterated her call for the U.S. to reconsider its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after reports indicated that Issa Batran, a Hamas commander and senio...
August 12, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reiterated her call for the U.S. to sanction companies controlled by the Chinese and Russian governments, in light of recent further reports of extensive investment by those companies in I...
August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) supported Republican efforts to repeal the job-killing mandate in the government health care takeover that requires unnecessary ´1099´ reporting requirements. Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) offered this legislat...
August 12, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark, Chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, joined Rep. Zack Space (D-OH), along with Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) in introducing the Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Ho...
August 12, 2010
UCLA may receive $1 million to develop vital technologies, speed health services to the injured
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Defense Appropriations bill includes $1 million for UCLA´s Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology. The funding wil...
August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) issued the following statement in recognition of the 45th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid being signed into law:
"Compared to a time when only about half of our nation´s seniors had health insurance, Medicare now serves ap...
August 12, 2010
Angeles National Forest May Receive Critical Support
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Interior Appropriations bill includes $700,000 to provide for Station Fire Road and Trail Improvements.
"The Station Fire burned 160,577 acres on the Angeles National Forest from A...
August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution recognizing the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, a unique initiative that seeks to improve health outcomes in black communities across the country through education, community involvement, research, and cul...
August 12, 2010
Legislation Encourages Farmers and Ag Producers To Display American Flag On U.S.-Grown Product Labels
WASHINGTON, DC – The Grown in America Act was passed by the House of Representatives. Introduced by Congressman Cardoza, the resolution encourages both consumers and producers to show their pri...
August 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation´s Mid-Pacific Region has awarded a $14.6 million contract for construction of the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Pumping Plant and Pipeline (Intertie).
The Intertie will connect the ...
August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Jubilee Day. Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee celebrates Jubilee Day annually on October 6.
"Fisk has educated countless intellectual, artistic, and civic leaders,...
August 09, 2010
"Administration selling off our military at auction to pay for its social programs"
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after the Secretary of Defense announced a proposal to close the United States Joint Forces Command today:
"For the past ...
August 09, 2010
Washington, D.C.–U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) today called on Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to provide Armed Services Committee Members with detailed information to justify the Secretary´s proposed cuts to many Department of Defens...
August 09, 2010
The fully-paid for legislation that reduces the deficit and closes loopholes that allow corporations to ship American jobs overseas is getting praise across the nation for keeping our children´s teachers on the job.
AP – Teachers hope $26M jobs bill keeps them employed:
…Teachers call it ...
August 09, 2010
Everybody's asking, "Where are the jobs?" The current Administration and majority in Congress have created a booming job market in one sector: the federal government, which has grown by 9.3 percent since January 2009, not counting temporary census jobs. But as for new private sector jobs, no...
August 09, 2010
Congressional Republicans have made their choice clear – with jaw dropping indifference to America´s teachers and police officers, the GOP is calling for an extension of the deficit-busting Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest few and saddling Americans with nearly $700 billion in debt over a paid...
August 09, 2010
Business Technology Center may receive funding for technology business development program
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Financial Services Appropriations bill includes $112,000 for the Business Technology Center (BTC) of Los Angeles County. The funding will be admi...
August 09, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, responded to the second quarter earnings report by HealthNet. HealthNet reported that it spent 554.8 million – 20 percent – less on medical care, while quarterly profits rose by over 12 percent.
Chairm...
August 09, 2010
Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Ranking Republican Member of the Committee, released the following statement regarding their initiation of a bipartisan Working Group on Iran Sanction Implementa...
August 09, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that said the United States approach to global cybersecurity falls short:
"Serious cyberattacks are happening against the United States this ...
August 08, 2010
Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the below statement following the announcement by the Department of Labor that the economy shed another 131,000 jobs in July and that another 181,000 Americans simply gave up looking for a job during that month. The national unemployment rate continues to hove...
August 08, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the federal court ruling against the Russian government for its refusal to return a collection of historic Jewish books and manuscripts to the Jewish religious organization, C...
August 08, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the report that the economy added 71,000 private sector jobs in the month of July, marking the seventh consecutive month of private sector job growth, even as overall employment declined due to the loss of temporary Census j...
August 08, 2010
$3 Million Disaster Relief Grant Awarded to State Emergency Management Agency
WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has given final approval to a $3 Million Disaster Relief Grant to help fund the proposed buyout of 26 homes o...
August 08, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on Senate passage of a bill to deliver critical funding to states and local communities, and create and save 290,000 American jobs – including 140,000 teacher positions and 150,000 police officers, firefighters, nurses and priv...
August 08, 2010
Chinatown Service Center may receive funding to support education, promote job placement
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Financial Services Appropriations bill includes $200,000 for the Chinatown Service Center (CSC) to expand its Health Career Academy to add a Pharmac...
August 08, 2010
Pasadena City College may receive funding to support education, training for green jobs
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Financial Services Appropriations bill includes $138,000 for the Small Business Employment Training Program for Careers in the Solar Industry at Pasa...
August 07, 2010
Stealth surtax in health care bill will hammer middle class/small business
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Mike Crapo co-sponsored legislation that would repeal a harmful tax on investment income that was included in the new national health care law enacted earlier this year. Under the Health Car...
August 07, 2010
Legislation sets up advisory board, patient registry
Washington, DC – Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate would bring much-needed attention to a progressive and generally fatal disease that takes the lives of 40,000 people each year. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined with Washington Senator ...
August 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released a report titled, "Failure of Leadership: President Obama and the Flawed Federal Response to the BP Disaster."
The report concludes that "President Obama and Administ...
August 07, 2010
Bipartisan legislation would move goods more efficiently, keep roads safer
Washington, DC – Bipartisan legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Maine Senator Susan Collins and Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl would bring more efficiency to the trucking industry and help transport goods to c...
August 04, 2010
Shortly before introduction of the Senate health reform bill last November, U.S. News posted an article entitled Why Wall Street is Bullish on Healthcare Reform. [U.S. News, 11/17/09] The first line summed up business and investor thoughts on the developing health reform legislation. "If reforms o...
August 04, 2010
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) announced his opposition to the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Below are excerpts from his floor speech:
"As I said last August during the debate on Justice Soto...
August 04, 2010
Cites record of political advocacy, fears over judicial activism
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announced that he will not vote in favor of confirming Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision comes on the heels of a review conducted by Crapo of the recently completed confir...
August 04, 2010
House Democrats will continue to work to increase American manufacturing and create new, good-paying American jobs through our "Make it in America" agenda.
Washington Post – New Democratic strategy for creating jobs focuses on a boost in manufacturing:
President Obama and congressional Democ...
August 04, 2010
Schiff Introduces the Utilizing DNA Technology to Solve Cold Cases Act of 2010
Washington, DC – For nearly 25 years, a serial killer roamed the streets of South Los Angeles, murdering 11 people. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Charlie Beck, the challenge facing the LAPD w...
August 01, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after House Republicans blocked passage of the Small Business Tax Relief Act, which would have provided relief for small businesses from reporting requirements and eliminated tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. The ...
July 31, 2010
Call for collaboration, research in bighorn and domestic sheep conflicts
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch called for additional collaboration and research in an attempt to resolve issues between wild bighorn sheep and domestic sheep utilizing public lands for grazing. T...
July 30, 2010
When enacted, the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act would: 1) ensure that BP pays to clean up its mess; 2) invest in Home Star, a bipartisan energy efficiency program that lowers consumers´ energy costs and create jobs; 3) protect the environment by investing in the Land and...
July 30, 2010
Notes first-round recommendation; Gowen up for new mission
Washington, DC – Members of Idaho´s Congressional Delegation say the announcement by the U.S. Air Force that neither Mountain Home Air Force Base nor Gowen Field made the initial list for a new F-35 mission is "disappointing," but d...
July 30, 2010
WASHINGTON– Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt, the deputy ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, offered an amendment to the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act designed to enhance safety and preparedness measures in the wake of BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. O...
July 30, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement late tonight after the House passed H.R. 5850, the fiscal 2011 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill. The bill creates jobs and bolsters the economic recovery by making key investments in transportation and housing infrastruc...
July 30, 2010
Republicans Leaders Call on President Obama and Speaker Pelosi To Commit To Moving a Clear War Supplemental Spending Bill
Washington, D.C.— In an effort to spur action, the Secretary of Defense urged Congress to approve more money for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while testifying before...
July 30, 2010
Last month, in a hearing with BP CEO Tony Hayward before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, Republican Ranking Member Joe Barton of Texas apologized to BP for creating $20 billion accountability fund to pay claims to those affected by the spill after meeting with...
July 30, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, commented on a report released by the Treasury Department detailing enrollment data for the temporary COBRA premium assistance program that was enacted in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This ...
July 30, 2010
Tiahrt Momentum Grows with Endorsements from NW Johnson County Republicans, Darla Jaye and Sen. Julia Lynn
Overland Park, Kan. - Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced that the Northwest Johnson County Republicans organization has endorsed his campaign for the U.S. Senate. As the battleground county ...
July 29, 2010
Crapo, Risch, say restrictions needed on Presidential declarations
Washington, D.C. – Presidential authority to declare new federal monuments on public land will be restricted under legislation introduced by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. The National Monument Designation Transparency ...
July 29, 2010
Rep. Schiff Co-sponsors bill, along with fellow Blue Dog Members
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) supported and the House passed H.R. 2142, the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2010.
"For Congress to make fiscally responsible budgetary decision...
July 29, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) voted to repeal the provision in the government health care takeover that mandates Americans buy government-run insurance. The motion was voted down by House Democrats on a187-230 vote. Congressman Wilson released the following statement after the vo...
July 29, 2010
Urges House & Senate Conferees to include Udall measure
Washington, DC — Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and seven of his House colleagues sent a letter to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, urging them to include a measure in...
July 29, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder calling on him to rescind the administration´s challenge to a 2007 Arizona law that prevents illegal immigrants from being hired in the state. The letter was signed by Tiahrt and five other mem...
July 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republicans on the House Armed Services, Appropriations, and Education and Labor committees urged President Obama and Speaker Pelosi to publicly reject any further delay in troop funding. Although the Senate approved the measure in May, action has been delayed in the House...
July 28, 2010
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) voted to protect consumers, crack down on mortgage fraud and create jobs in the housing industry. H.R. 5072, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Reform Act, passed the House by a 406-4 margin. The legislation will expand homeownership opportunities, r...
July 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa have jointly requested that California water regulators immediately examine the implications of wastewater discharges flowing from Sacramento into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta.
In a two-page letter, Cardoza and Costa noted that ...
July 28, 2010
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) submitted additional stories from survivors of the Armenian Genocide to be included in the Congressional Record – the second set of many submissions into the national record as part of the new Armenian Genocide Congressional Record Project.
"Today, I sub...
July 28, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The top Republican on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee urged the Secretary of Defense to communicate the critical operational need for Congress to approve the President´s request for emergency wartime operations funding without further delay. In a letter to Secre...
July 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza announced that the Bureau of Reclamation will increase the water allocation for Westside San Joaquin Valley farmers by an additional 5 percent. The increase brings the total allocation to 45 percent.
In February, the initial allocation projected for Westside...
July 28, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt, deputy ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called BP and the Administration to task for their poor response to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill during a hearing which included executives from the largest international oi...
July 28, 2010
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) convened a joint hearing of the House Ways and Means Health and Oversight Subcommittees to examine the Administration's efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare. The hearing comes one day after the Department of...
July 28, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage. Despite the clear benefits of the Affordable Care Act, Republican leaders hav...
July 28, 2010
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) will announce the introduction of the Strategic Manufacturing & Job Repatriation Act to develop a national manufacturing strategy to create American jobs. The legislation would comprehensively align existing federal funding – at no new cost – to support job repatriation and m...
July 28, 2010
Legislation Directs Foreclosure Counseling To Communities With Most Need
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Reform Act of 2010 by a vote of 406-4. Included in the bill was an amendment by Congressman Dennis Cardoza. The amend...
July 27, 2010
Joint Strike Fighter Competitive Engine Program Mischaracterized by Opponents as "Earmark"
Washington, D.C. — The engine program for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has generated significant debate as the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and the full House of Representatives consid...
July 27, 2010
282 House Members Vote to Block Detainee Transfers into the United States
Washington, D.C. — During House consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, 114 Democrats joined with an overwhelming number of House Republicans to reject the Obama Administration&ac...
July 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi named House Democratic Members to the conference committee that will complete comprehensive Wall Street reform legislation. These House conferees will work with their Senate counterparts to send a strong bill to the President for his signature that achi...
July 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) joined his colleagues and UCLA alumni in introducing a House resolution to honor the remarkable life and achievements of one of the greatest sports figures and educators in our lifetime, Coach John Wooden. The legislation passed with unanim...
July 27, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) joined with U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-N.Y.) to introduce legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that will protect the unconditional right of Israel to defend itself. The America Stands with Israel Act is directed at the United Nat...
July 27, 2010
Tiahrt Momentum Grows as Conservative Leaders Continue to Join the Fight
WICHITA, Kan. - Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced that Karl Rove will endorse his campaign for the U.S. Senate at two rallies.
Rove served as Senior Advisor and later Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. R...
July 27, 2010
Stark Praises Implementation of Health Reform Provision to Help Medicare Beneficiaries in the "Donut Hole"
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, announced that seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D "donut hole" will begin receiving $250 re...
July 27, 2010
Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) to help families realize the dream of homeownership, protect Americans from mortgage fraud and save taxpayers money.The FHA Reform Act of 2010 (H.R. 5072) ensures that the Federal H...
July 26, 2010
McKeon, Armed Services Committee Republicans to Press the Administration to Develop National Military Strategic Plan to Prevent Iran from Obtaining Nuclear Weapon
Washington, D.C.— Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee believe new revelations that Iran has obtained the abilit...
July 26, 2010
Rep. Cardoza Continues To Press for Additional Economic Assistance in Hardest-Hit Regions
WASHINGTON, DC – The Obama Administration announced that additional support will be provided to communities that have been hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. The announcement comes after more than a year...
July 26, 2010
Washington, D.C. - At a press conference the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus, which is chaired by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), unveiled the "2010 International Piracy Watch List." In an effort ...
July 26, 2010
Washington, D.C. – An effort by Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) to prevent the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States was blocked by Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee during a markup of the annual defense policy bill. Democrats used a parliamentary procedure...
July 26, 2010
Armed Services Committee Approves Independent Investigation into Alleged Improprieties by Some Defense Lawyers for Guantanamo Detainees; Amended Miller Effort Triggers Review by the Department of Defense´s Inspector General into the Actions of the "John Adams Project"
Washington, D.C. &mdas...
July 26, 2010
Turner Amendment Passed by Voice Vote
Washington, D.C. — The House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill that holds the Administration accountable for deploying a missile defense system in Europe to protect the U.S. homeland.
...
July 26, 2010
Majority Blocks Release of Restricted Portion of Pentagon´s Fort Hood Report
Washington, D.C. — The families and victims of the tragic Fort Hood shooting last year will receive combat benefits if an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 offered by Re...
July 26, 2010
Turner Amendment Accepted as Committee Votes to Send a Strong Message to the Administration
Washington, D.C — The House Armed Services Committee voted to send a strong message to the Administration that it believes the recently-released Nuclear Posture Review weakens the national security o...
July 26, 2010
Amendment Allows Additional Life-Saving Combat Enablers To Be Deployed to Afghanistan; Kline Amendment Exempts Key Combat Support Troops from Authorized Deployment Count
Washington, D.C. — Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee successfully amended the National Defense Authorizat...
July 26, 2010
Amendment Would Require the Administration to Develop a National Military Strategic Plan to Prevent Iranian Regime from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons
Washington, D.C. - The House Armed Services Committee approved a Republican amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) that requires the De...
July 25, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) joined with Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and other Republican colleagues to call on Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to block any American taxpayer-funded bailouts of Greece. In a letter to ...
July 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), along with Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (R-IN), and more than 80 other members of the House Republican Conference, introduced a resolution to express the sense of ...
July 25, 2010
Rep. Schiff Co-sponsors the Tax INFO Act, along with fellow Blue Dog Members
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) joined members of the Blue Dog Coalition in introducing the Tax Information for New Fiscal Oversight (INFO) Act. This legislation, cosponsored by Rep. Schiff, will provide a comm...
July 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza joined with the Blue Dog Coalition in introducing the Tax Information for New Fiscal Oversight (INFO) Act. The legislation is a commonsense budget enforcement tool requiring The Joint Committee on Taxation to provide Congress and the public with a straightforward...
July 25, 2010
Rep. Schiff and LA Members Ask AG Holder and FBI Director Mueller to Develop Immediate Solutions to Expeditiously Process Remaining Sexual Assault Evidence Kits
Washington, DC – With Los Angeles struggling to eliminate a backlog in the processing of more than 7,000 rape kits – the evidence coll...
July 24, 2010
I've received thousands of letters from people across Michigan who have lost their jobs – through no fault of their own – in this recession. I have been reading some of those letters on the floor of the U.S. Senate to my colleagues who just don't seem to understand how devastating a job loss can be....
July 24, 2010
Wyoming groups can help shape program affecting the state
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., are working to allow Wyoming stakeholders more time to give their input on changes to the wild horse program being developed by the De...
July 24, 2010
Washington, D.C. – The National Park Service is considering Yellowstone National Park winter use options that range from snowmobiling and plowing roads for cars to no snowmobiling and other very limited use.
U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-...
July 24, 2010
Updates Tax Code to Support Family Farms and Encourage Private Conservation Efforts
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (ID) and Mark Udall (CO) announced that they have introduced bipartisan legislation designed to offer estate tax relief and encourage farmers and ranchers and others wh...
July 24, 2010
General Jim Amos is a graduate of the University of Idaho
Washington, D.C. – A former Idahoan and graduate of the University of Idaho has been nominated to head the U.S. Marine Corps. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo confirmed that General Jim Amos has been nominated by Defense Secretary Robert Gates as...
July 24, 2010
Unfortunately for the millions of hard-working Americans who depend on small businesses, Senate Republicans are once again saying "no" to job creation in the private sector. While the economy is recovering from the worst economic crisis in almost 100 years, sustainable recovery will only be achieve...
July 24, 2010
Urges U.S. to Kick Out PLO Instead, Move Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement strongly objecting to a decision by the U.S. Department of State to grant certain ...
July 24, 2010
Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – the special interests that benefited from George Bush´s policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A decade of Republican rule nearly doubled our nati...
July 21, 2010
Call for Repeal of Wall Street Reform
Today, President Obama will sign into law the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act – legislation that will put consumers first, hold Wall Street and Big Banks accountable, end the era of taxpayer-funded bailouts and "too-big-too-fail." Last week, H...
July 21, 2010
U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) this week joined with the American Center for Law and Justice, the Immigration Reform Law Institute and 80 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief in support of Arizona´s immigration law that is being challenged in federal court by the U.S. Departmen...
July 21, 2010
Supports deficit-neutral alternative extension
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Senate plans to pile another $34 billion onto the national debt with a nearly party-line vote, extending unemployment benefits without providing payment for them. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo supported an alternative measure ...
July 21, 2010
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate moved forward with a temporary extension of unemployment insurance for millions of unemployed workers by using more borrowed money and adding $34 billion to an already staggering deficit and national debt. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., voted against the measure a...
July 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio), ranking member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, released the following statement on the stand-alone unemployment insurance extension:
"Over the past two years, our nation has borrowed $123 billion to pay f...
July 21, 2010
Crapo, Johnson, Risch head bipartisan effort in rural areas
Washington, D.C. – Ending a shortage of rural veterinary medicine is the aim of bipartisan legislation introduced today by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) with Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) as an origina...
July 21, 2010
During May Consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act, 282 House Members Voted to Block Transfer of Terrorist Detainees into the United States
Washington, D.C. — As Members of Congress begin to focus on the August work period, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has fi...
July 21, 2010
During May Consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act, 282 House Members Voted to Block Transfer of Terrorist Detainees into the United States
Washington, D.C. — As Members of Congress begin to focus on the August work period, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has fi...
July 21, 2010
Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – the special interests that benefited from George Bush´s policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A decade of Republican rule nearly doubled our nati...
July 18, 2010
Crapo, Risch co-sponsor relief for small businesses in health care overhaul
Washington, D.C. – Millions of small businesses in Idaho and other states would be spared the agony of onerous tax paperwork associated with health care reform under legislation co-sponsored by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo a...
July 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., decried the recent Senate passage of a bill that enacts a Big Brother financial super agency that will have the power to meddle in every day personal financial decisions.
"This bill will take away liberties, plain and simple. To say it´s f...
July 18, 2010
Republican Appropriators Seek to Reduce Federal Spending by $26 Billion in FY2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Saying the mounting federal debt represents an "unsustainable path" for the nation, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, offered a plan for re...
July 18, 2010
Says bill could make struggling economy worse
Washington, D.C. – Facing a measure that will choke economic growth by restricting credit and fail to end bailouts, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against H.R. 4173, the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010, more commonly known as the fi...
July 18, 2010
Crapo a part of bipartisan effort to produce clean energy at more dams
Washington, D.C. – Idaho could benefit through the job creation and increase in renewable energy production expected if Congress approves the bipartisan Hydropower Improvement Act of 2010. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined ...
July 18, 2010
Years without accountability for Wall Street and big banks brought us the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, the loss of 8 million jobs, failed businesses, a drop in housing prices, and significant losses in personal savings. Senate Democrats worked to restore responsibility and acc...
July 18, 2010
WICHITA, KAN.-Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign released the following statement in response to Congressman Moran's latest ad which has Moran giving a litany of false and misleading statements in yet another desperate attempt to run from his dismal voting record.
"Congressman Moran's latest ad ...
July 18, 2010
Washington D.C. - Representatives Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) and Hal Rogers (KY-05) issued the following statements in response to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration´s (SAMHSA) report released earlier that shows a 400 percent increase between 1998 and 2008 in the number...
July 18, 2010
Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – the special interests that benefited from George Bush´s policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A decade of Republican rule nearly doubled our...
July 18, 2010
Want to Bring Back Failed Bush Economic Policies of Past
Last Sunday, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) let the cat out of the bag on the Republican economic agenda – oppose unemployment benefits, that will help millions of jobless workers while boosting the economy, under the false premise that it costs too...
July 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. – This weekend Congresswoman Barbara Lee will be attending the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna Austria. The International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individ...
July 18, 2010
House GOP Leader Boehner Considers Bills Creating Jobs and Providing Small Businesses $30 Billion Lending Fund Insignificant
House Republican Leader John Boehner said: "There isn´t a legislative agenda. We´ve been sitting around for three months naming post offices and federal build...
July 18, 2010
Earlier this month, the full version of Inspire, a new English language journal, surfaced on the Internet. It's publisher? The Yemen-based terrorist organization, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
Although al Qaeda has long employed the Web, DVDs and video games to reach mass audiences, t...
July 19, 2010
Republicans continue to fight for hundreds of billions of dollars in deficit-busting Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, while opposing a small measure extending emergency unemployment benefits – which would deliver a much-needed lifeline for Americans who have lost jobs through no fault of ...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee today issued the following statement in response to the first story in a series of reports by the Washington Post examining the American national security apparatus:
"The first story in thi...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congressman Dennis Cardoza introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure each veteran returning to civilian life receives a CD for a personal computer that clearly explains the benefits to which they are entitled. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) was the original co-sponsor of...
July 19, 2010
Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, AHMC Health Foundation May Receive Critical Support
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill includes $350,000 for the Rapid Cardiac Diagnostic Project at Gl...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) fought to repeal ObamaCare during House Appropriations Subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill. Tiahrt is the Ranking Republican on the subcommittee that has jurisdiction over all funding...
July 19, 2010
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) released a report on the economic benefits of unemployment insurance. The report concluded that expanded unemployment benefits:
· Added 1.15 million American jobs since 2007;
· Promoted spending by the jobless that increased hours worked f...
July 19, 2010
The Gulf Coast catastrophe underscores the need for comprehensive energy and climate reform to hold Big Oil accountable and reduce our reliance on dirty and foreign fuels.
A new poll released by Benenson Strategies Group shows the American people strongly support a comprehensive energy and...
July 19, 2010
The White House Council of Economic Advisers released its latest quarterly report on the economic impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The report found that the Recovery Act is already responsible for saving or creating 2.5 to 3.6 million jobs. And for every government dollar inv...
July 19, 2010
Congressional Republicans support Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – the special interests that benefited from George Bush´s policies and created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. A decade of Republican rule nearly doubled our nati...
July 19, 2010
Washington– Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) introduced a bipartisan resolution regarding recent events in Kyrgyzstan, including ethnic violence and a successful constitutional referendum. The resolution is cosponsored by Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who both serve with Rep. Pitts o...
July 19, 2010
Legislation will require manufacturing companies to be accountable for using minerals in their products that come from mines funding war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Jim McDermott celebrated the passage of provisions in the Wall Street reform bill that will h...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn posted on his website a counter showing the running tally of unemployed Americans losing their benefits. He urged Senate Republicans to stop blocking numerous important pieces of legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, create 350,00...
July 19, 2010
WICHITA, KAN.-Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign announced that former Oklahoma Congressman JC Watts has endorsed Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate. Watts was one of the most prominent conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives during his tenure and delivered the Republican response to...
July 19, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) announced that the Hemet Fire Department has been awarded $2,260,448 dollars in federal grant funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program Award to help ensure critically needed protection from fire and fire-related hazard...
July 19, 2010
Reauthorizes Program for 5 Years and Makes Key Reforms
Washington, DC – The House of Representatives passed H.R. 5114, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) to improve the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and reauthorize the program for 5 years.
NFIP is the primar...
July 19, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she will appoint Daniel J. Strodel as Interim Chief Administrative Officer. Strodel, who currently serves as a senior advisor to the Committee on House Administration, has more than two decades of experience in management and legal issues on Ca...
July 19, 2010
(JAMAICA, NEW YORK) – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade, urged Republican Senators to stop blocking important legislation that would exped...
HARMAN AMENDMENT TO STUDY FEASIBILITY OF DRILLING RELIEF WELLS IN TANDEM WITH PRIMARY WELLS, ADOPTED
July 19, 2010
Lawmaker says: "Deep water drilling is inherently unsafe and I am pleased that the President is not allowing it off the coast of California. But I understand that even with the BP disaster, off-shore drilling will continue. We must make it safer."
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice),...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act of 2010. Included in the bill is language by Congressman Cardoza aimed at saving Stockton area residents money on their premiums.
The bill overhauls the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and requ...
July 19, 2010
The Education and Labor Committee approved child nutrition legislation Thursday including an amendment proposed by Rep. Tom Petri to make it clear that schools participating in the school lunch program are legally allowed to donate excess food to local food banks.
In 1996, Congress passed the B...
July 19, 2010
WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) has joined with the American Center for Law and Justice, the Immigration Reform Caucus and Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in drafting a brief to file in defense of the Arizona immigration law in response to the misguided deci...
July 18, 2010
Crapo, Risch Continue Push for Idaho Counties
Washington, D.C. - In a bipartisan effort to maintain the "contract" between rural America and the federal government, 29 members of the U.S. Senate from both parties are urging the Obama Administration to include a long-term reauthorization of the co...
July 18, 2010
Warns of more 1099 forms, paperwork during hearing, expert agrees
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., believes most small businesses aren´t ready for the headaches and paperwork the new health care reform law will bring them and he expressed his concerns during a Senate Finan...
July 14, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Casper and Ouagadougou may not seem to have much in common but for one Casper native the two cities represent a birth place and a possible work place.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a confirmation hearing for J. Thomas Dougherty, a nominee for U.S. ambassador to t...
July 14, 2010
Cochran & Republican Appropriators to Withhold Support for FY2011 Bills Unless Committee Accepts Spending Constraints
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee vice chairman U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and all Republican members of the committee issued a letter stating they woul...
July 14, 2010
President signs Klobuchar-Crapo bill creating national standards to level the playing field between domestic products and foreign imports
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) announced that their legislation, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite ...
July 14, 2010
Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday picked the true conservative in the Kansas Republican primary endorsing Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate. Palin called Tiahrt a "protector of our Constitution" and praised his efforts to battle the bailouts, stimulus spending, and higher taxes coming from Washington.
...
July 14, 2010
Proposed education cuts "unacceptable" and will undermine vital reform efforts already underway
Washington—A group of 13 United States senators, led by Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), announced their opposition to $800 million in cuts to essential education reforms included in the House-passed Su...
July 14, 2010
Crapo places students from Sagle and Rexburg on the floor of the Senate
Washington, D.C. – Two Idaho students are spending an interesting summer working on the floor of the United States Senate. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo assisted the Idaho high school students with their applications into the Sen...
July 14, 2010
Enzi, Barrasso carry on late Senator Craig Thomas´ tradition
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., will celebrate the "National Day of the American Cowboy" this July 24. The resolution, which was introduced on June 16 and passed the Senate unanimously on...
July 14, 2010
Ideas and Action to Move Energy Independence, Climate Change Agreement Forward
For more than a decade in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) has been calling for a "Second Declaration of Independence" from foreign sources of energy. Sen. Voinovich understands that crafting ...
July 14, 2010
DPC Fact Sheet
Since March, Senate Democrats spent eight weeks leading the effort to pass a bill that would create jobs and cut taxes. We have gone back and forth countless times, considering ideas, and compromising where necessary in order to gain backing from Republicans in the Senate. We tri...
July 14, 2010
DPC Fact Sheet
Residents of the Gulf Coast have had their lives and livelihoods upended by the BP oil spill, with damages to the environment potentially lasting for generations. Senate Democrats have taken initial steps to help address this catastrophe and provide immediate relief to Gulf Coast ...
July 14, 2010
Bill Would Expand Relief for Americans Sickened by Radiation Exposure
WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of senators, including Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee requesting a hearing on the recently introduced Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)...
July 14, 2010
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., praised a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling stating the right to bear arms, as written in the Second Amendment, applies to every resident of the United States as well as to state and local governments. ...
July 14, 2010
Notes Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld Constitutional rights for gun owners
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court ruling again confirming Americans´ constitutional right to keep and bear arms should be seen as significant for those who seek to restrict firearm ownership, said Idaho S...
June 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. – New health insurance rules unveiled this week violate President Obama´s promise to allow Americans who like their health plans to keep them, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, Ranking Member of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, said on the Senate floor.
"Las...
June 25, 2010
Concerned New Law Fails to Protect Patients with Pre-existing Conditions
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, led Senate Republicans in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathlee...
June 25, 2010
WASHINGTON- The Louisiana State Legislature last week passed a resolution, introduced by State Representative Jared Brossett, D-New Orleans, supporting legislation being introduced by United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneur...
June 25, 2010
Crapo, Risch, Simpson say PILT funding critical for counties
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson say county leaders need release of federal funding distributed under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program. In a letter to Interior Sec...
June 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted with the Senate to unanimously confirm Wendy Olson of Boise as Idaho´s next U.S. Attorney. Olson was recommended by Congressman Walt Minnick and nominated by the White House in March.
Crapo called Olson to congratulate her o...
June 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. –The USDA is publishing proposed rules in the Federal Register that are designed to give small, independent ranchers a place to hang their hat when they have a grievance against a large meat packing operation.
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who authored legislation with similar ...
June 19, 2010
Earlier this year, Congress passed and the President signed landmark health insurance reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (P.L. 111-152), and Americans are already experiencing the benefits. These two...
June 18, 2010
Republicans Continue Push for Clean Funding Bill for U.S. Warfighters
Washington, D.C. — Congressional Democrats still appear to be at odds over a critical war funding measure even as a deadline looms to avert scaled back defense operations. Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Robert...
June 18, 2010
Lead bipartisan effort to combat growing epidemic of drug abuse
Washington, DC -- In an effort to combat the growing problem of drug abuse and addiction around the world, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA -45) and Congressman Patrick Kennedy (RI-01) introduced H.Res.1451, a bipartisan resolution p...
June 18, 2010
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted in favor of legislation that will leverage $300 billion in lending for small businesses and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. This legislation, which expands much-needed lending to small businesses and offers tax incentives to help America...
June 16, 2010
Defense Sec. Gates Says Funds Needed by July 4 to Avoid Combat Disruptions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today received confirmation from Defense Secretary Robert Gates that American military operations will be disrup...
June 15, 2010
Timing coincides with Father´s Day and health screenings on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C. – As Father´s Day approaches, the U.S. Senate has approved a resolution introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo designating this week as "National Men´s Health Week." The legislation, S. Res...
June 15, 2010
Bill creates national standards to level the playing field between domestic products and foreign imports
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) announced today that their legislation, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Act, has passed the fu...
June 11, 2010
File an Amendment to Strike Job-Killing Tax Hike
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the Senate continues to move forward with its debate on H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)...
June 13, 2010
Enzi warns that outcome will negatively impact all businesses
Washington, D.C. – Following months of debate and political wrangling, a bipartisan group of senators received an up or down vote to stop overreaching actions by the Environmental Protection Agency´s attempts to regulate carbon d...
June 13, 2010
Crapo legislation settles land claims along the Blackfoot River
Washington, D.C. – Federal legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo to settle land claims along the Blackfoot River in eastern Idaho has been approved by a Senate committee. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved ...
June 13, 2010
First Wave of Rebate Checks Sent to Seniors in the 'Donut Hole'
Senate Democrats fought for health reform to provide greater savings and higher quality care for America´s seniors and their families and to put control over health care decisions in the hands of the American people, not insura...
June 13, 2010
Coast Guard Bumping Up Against Existing $100 Million Limit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Coast Guard warning that it will soon deplete available resources to address the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) supported Senate passage of legislation to lift the cap placed on f...
June 13, 2010
U.S.-based multinational companies should be subject to fair and balanced tax laws, just like hard-working American families. These big corporations should not be rewarded for shipping millions of jobs overseas. The American Jobs Act would close existing tax loopholes that allow big corporations t...
June 09, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza announced today $1.75 million to help Valley wine and grape growers combat the growing infestation of the European grapevine moth. The money is funded by the Farm Bill through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHI...
June 09, 2010
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Voices Concern over Prematurely Enacting Peace Dividend
Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the Heritage Foundation´s Mackenzie Eaglen reveals a mismatch between the nation´s defense strategy and the resources being provided by the Obam...
June 09, 2010
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that he is taking new steps to expand communication and connectivity with constituents in California's 29th Congressional District, including his participation in the Online All-Star Competition from June 7 until June 21.
"Online social networks...
June 09, 2010
Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-Oakland) applauded the announcement by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis that the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) will be awarding up to $19 million in National Emergency Grant Funding to support the 4,347 workers adversely impacted by the closure of the ...
June 09, 2010
Tiahrt Votes to Protect Taxpayers; Moran Supports Pelosi Rule
OVERLAND PARK, Kan - Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign released the following statement in reference to the Moran attack ad.
"It is obvious today that our efforts to expose Congressman Moran's shocking record of tax increases is r...
June 09, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage – and would leave young adults stranded without employer insurance or access...
June 09, 2010
Six in 10 are Dissatisfied or Angry with Republican Ideas
A new Washington Post/ABC News poll shows more Americans trust Democrats over Republicans to handle the nation´s biggest problems and six in 10 are dissatisfied or angry with Congressional Republicans´ ideas.
From the poll:...
June 09, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extr...
June 08, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., joined several senators today to denounce the overreaching attempts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate carbon dioxide emissions.
"This is truly an overreach. In a big city people are breathing out carbon dioxide all da...
June 08, 2010
Decision by FAA to keep radar in Boise a plus for airport safety, jobs
Washington, D.C. – Members of Idaho´s Congressional Delegation and Boise Mayor David Bieter announced today that the Boise Airport will retain the TRACON radar control system. During personal telephone calls today to De...
June 08, 2010
Write Agriculture Secretary over including fresh white potatoes in WIC Program
Washington, D.C. – A popular federal nutrition program does not offer white potatoes to women, infants and children, and Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch want that changed. The Idahoans are part of a bipartisan...
June 08, 2010
Senate Democrats Advance Legislation to Support our Troops, Promote Critical National Security Objectives, and Fund Vital Disaster Relief Efforts
In May 27th, Senate Democrats led the effort to pass a bipartisan supplemental appropriations bill that funds key counterterrorism and national securit...
June 08, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extre...
June 08, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for America´s seniors. President Obama held a tele-town hall with seniors in Wheaton, Md. today on the legislation´s provisions to strengthen Medicare, close the 'do...
June 08, 2010
Congressman Describes Clapper as a "True, Patriotic American"
(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today endorsed President Obama´s choice of Lt. Gen. James Clapper for Director of National Intelligence and urged his colleagues in the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm...
June 07, 2010
Focused on the need to eliminate sexual assault kit backlogs
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) testified at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security that focused on the need to eliminate sexual assault kit backlogs in Los Angeles and across the nation. T...
June 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced a $19 million grant aimed at helping workers affected by the recent closure of New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc., in Fremont, California.
Under a grant announced by U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, the California Economic Development D...
June 07, 2010
Washington, D.C.—Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee praised committee approval of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The legislation authorizes $567 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security pr...
June 07, 2010
Congressman Cardoza Urges Obama Administration To Increase Water To Valley
WASHINGON, DC – Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) and Jim Costa (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, urging the Departments to incorporate new science into Calif...
June 07, 2010
WASHINGTON– Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt, the deputy ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced his plan to introduce the Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act, designed to increase the liability of companies responsible for oil spills by an amount directly tied to profit...
June 07, 2010
Introduces Legislation to Re-List North Korea on U.S. State-Sponsor of Terrorism List
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the conclusion by international investigators that a North Korean torpedo sank the Sou...
June 07, 2010
Washington– Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) led 154 Republicans in a letter to the President´s debt commission asking the members to reject a new value-added tax. The letter encourages the debt commission members to recommend spending cuts to balance the federal budget. A value-added tax, or VAT, is a...
June 07, 2010
Provision in H.R. 4213 Would Ensure Access to Physicians for Seniors and Military Families
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) joined with the Medicare Rights Center, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Military Officers Association of America, an...
June 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued a statement praising "You Cut," a website designed to get input from Americans across the nation on where they want to see spending cuts. The site received 281,000 responses in the first week. Each week individuals can vote to cut spending ...
June 07, 2010
"This is one of the most productive Congresses in history."
-Norman Ornstein, Congressional Scholar at American Enterprise Institute, Financial Times 3/19/10
"… Congress and the White House have completed 16 months of activity that rival any other since the New Deal in scope or ambition… If the...
June 07, 2010
FREMONT – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis today announced a National Emergency Grant of $19 million from the Department of Labor to help workers who recently lost their jobs with the closure of the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) plant. The announcement came f...
June 07, 2010
Cites Tiahrt's Conservative Leadership and Unwavering Courage
OVERLAND PARK, KS - Todd Tiahrt's (R-Goddard) U.S. Senate campaign today announced that State Senator Julia Lynn (R-Shawnee) has switched her support from Congressman Moran to endorse Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate. Lynn's support in...
June 06, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after being notified of Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair´s resignation:
"Dennis Blair was the consummate public servant who dedicated muc...
June 06, 2010
Rep. Schiff Co-sponsors bill, along with fellow Blue Dog Members
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) joined members of the Blue Dog Coalition in introducing the Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse Act of 2010. This legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Schiff, will make strategic investments in fe...
June 06, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced legislation to honor the late Lena Horne with a Congressional Gold Medal for her outstanding contributions to American culture and the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Horne passed away in New York City on May 9, 2010 at the age of 9...
June 06, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These extreme Republican economic and fiscal policies created the Bus...
June 06, 2010
Washington, DC – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement to commemorate the ground breaking of the Veterans Home of California in Redding. It will be a state run facility that provides aged or disabled veterans with rehabilitative, residential, and medical care services in...
June 06, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and senior members of the House Republican conference introduced the American Self-Defense Protection Act, which is designed to protect U.S. troops from politically-motivated prosecution b...
June 06, 2010
Small firms can insure more employees and help the U.S. economy
In March, Mark Hodesh watched the debate, read the stories, and closely studied the health care reform bill. And after taking in all the changes and how the reform law would affect the 11-person, 100-year-old Downtown Home and Gar...
June 06, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage – and would leave young adults stranded without employer insurance or access t...
June 06, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) introduced the Sons and Daughters of America Act to protect against frivolous lawsuits and profiting by groups that picket at military and other funerals. The measure would prohibit plaintiffs from collecting attorney´s fees in case...
June 06, 2010
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Argues for Greater Scrutiny of Defense Programs, Continued Investments in Current and Future Military Force:
Members of Congress have a solemn duty to be responsible stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars. House Republicans agree with the secretary of Defense th...
June 06, 2010
Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement on the May jobs report:
"Today´s report that the economy added 431,000 jobs is a clear sign that our economy is on the road to recovery, but with unemployment ...
June 06, 2010
Kansas Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt is demonstrating the kind of leadership that is sorely needed in Washington right now.
Fearing that a commission chartered by President Barack Obama and chaired by former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles and former Republican U.S. Sen. Alan Simp...
June 06, 2010
MORAN CLAIMS HE IS OPPOSED TO EARMARKS
Congressman Moran's hypocrisy is insulting to the voters of Kansas who see through his Washington double-speak. Without missing a beat and in typical Washington fashion, Congressman Moran will brag and boast about earmarks he has secured and in the next bre...
June 06, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extre...
June 06, 2010
OVERLAND PARK, KAN.—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor´s disappointing report that showed 95 percent of the 411,000 jobs created in May are a result of temporary, taxpayer-funded Census Bureau hiring—jobs that wil...
June 06, 2010
House Ways and Means, House Energy and Commerce, and Senate Finance Committee leaders work to prevent rate hikes, benefit cuts for seniors in Medicare Advantage plans
Washington, DC – House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA), along with House Ways and Means Committee Ch...
June 06, 2010
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, D-Fla., was named as a co-chairman of the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety.
"Road fatalities are the leading cause of death for Americans traveling abroad," said Rep. Hastings. "I am pleased to offer my experience and leadership to ...
June 03, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced the release of over $1 million in funding to the Association of Asian/Pacific Community Health Organizations. This funding was part of a larger announcement made today by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius ...
June 03, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) and Hal Rogers (KY-05) launched a bi-partisan Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. As the Co-Chairs of the Caucus, Bono Mack and Rogers are long-time advocates for multi-tiered solutions to the ever-growing epidemic that has ...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ext...
Economic News: Weekly Unemployment Claims Drop, Factory Orders and Service Industry Continue to Grow
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ex...
June 03, 2010
Funds will advance the use of health information technology at San Leandro´s Community Health Center Network and Oakland´s Association of Asian/Pacific Community Health Organizations
Washington – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced $4 million in Recovery Act grants to Alameda Cou...
June 03, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued a statement in support of Israel and its right to defend itself from terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, that routinely threaten and seek destruction on Israel. The main organizer of the flotilla that tried to break the legal blockade is...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extre...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extr...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ex...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These extr...
June 03, 2010
Report Finds MA Plans Designed Benefits to Steer Healthier Enrollees to Plans with High Cost Sharing
WASHINGTON – According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committee leaders, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2008 used lo...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage – and would leave young adults stranded without employer insurance or access t...
June 03, 2010
Hastings Introduces Resolution Recognizing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora on its 35th Anniversary
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) has introduced a resolution recognizing the Convention on International Trade in Endang...
June 03, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These extreme Republican economic and fiscal policies created ...
June 02, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage – and would leave young adults stranded without employer insurance or access ...
June 02, 2010
Recovery Act Grant to Benefit Economy, Environment and School Groups
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced today the start of construction on a new administrative headquarters and visitor center for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service´s San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Compl...
June 02, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on today´s passage by the so-called United Nations Human Rights Council of a resolution condemning Israel for its defensive naval operation on May 31, 2010. The resolution...
June 02, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ex...
June 02, 2010
Enzi seeks answers on three free trade agreements in limbo
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., reached out to President Obama today seeking movement on a sure fire way to stimulate America´s economy - finalizing free trade agreements with Korea, Columbia and Panama.
"In a...
May 31, 2010
House Armed Services Committee Members Rally Behind Competition for Pentagon´s Largest Acquisition Program
Washington, D.C. — According to a story in CQ Today, senior members of the House Armed Services Committee are rallying in support of "maintaining two engine manufacturers for new...
May 31, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ext...
May 31, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) praised the move to make Fort Meade the country´s new center for cyber security. The center known as the Cyber Command will protect our nation´s networks that power much of what we do every day. Congressman Ruppersberge...
May 31, 2010
Key Excerpt: "Pentagon Officials Must Follow the Law and Require All Major Programs and Subsystems to Compete"
Washington, D.C. — As the Secretary of Defense intensifies his efforts to block Congressional funding for the Joint Strike Fighter´s competitive engine program, it´s wo...
May 31, 2010
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement after the Obama Administration sent up the "Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010," a legislative proposal to increase the powers of Congress and the President to eliminate wasteful spending through expedited rescission.
"...
May 31, 2010
A top lawmaker on the House intelligence committee said last Sunday the Obama administration is withholding information about the botched Times Square bombing from Congress, continuing a pattern in which Capitol Hill isn't getting the information it needs to conduct oversight.
Rep. Peter Hoekstra...
May 30, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
The...
May 30, 2010
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, hailed the inclusion of key policy changes in the FY´11 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House the other day.
The House took an historic, victorious ...
May 30, 2010
Motion to Ban Transfer of 9-11 Conspirator Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and GITMO Detainees to United States Passes
Washington, D.C.— By a vote of 282-131, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure offered by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) to block the transfer into the United States...
May 30, 2010
Chairwoman, Caucus members win funds for youth jobs, needy families, housings and black farmers
Washington DC –Over the past six months, the Congressional Black Caucus has directed significant efforts to enact a job direct creation legislation to help those Americans hurting the most. As a result...
May 30, 2010
Amendment to Defense Authorization Bill Would Cut $361.6 Million for Missile Defense that the Pentagon Doesn't Want
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) offered an Amendment to the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5136) to eliminate $361.6 million in ballistic missile defense programs.
The Hous...
May 30, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These e...
May 30, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ex...
May 30, 2010
First Myth Busted: Congressman Moran Claims he is a Friend to Kansas Taxpayers
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign announced the launch of the Moran Mythbusters. The Moran Mythbusters will refute, through well documented and undeniable proof, the myriad of myths which Co...
May 30, 2010
Mercury Policy Project testimony charges American Dental Association with misleading Congress, EPA, and the Public on dental mercury impacts
WASHINGTON- Testimony by a mercury watchdog group charges that the American Dental Association has provided misleading information that dentists are volunt...
May 30, 2010
Calling for Forest Service to Consider Repeal of Prohibition on Night Time Flights
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and called for a reconsideration and possible repeal of Forest Service...
May 30, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — doing the bidding of the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies – and getting rewarded by their corporate friends.
These ex...
May 30, 2010
A key Capitol Hill Republican says retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper, the Defense Department's top intelligence official, would be the wrong person to replace outgoing National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, who chaired the House intelligence committee when Republican...
May 30, 2010
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member To Oppose Final Passage of Defense Authorization Bill if House Democrats Refuse to Wait to Hear from America´s Men and Women in Uniform
Washington, D.C. — As the White House and Democratic congressional leaders rush to repeal the Clinton-era "Do...
May 30, 2010
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) submitted four stories from survivors of the Armenian Genocide to be included in the Congressional Record – the first four of many submissions the Congressman has received as part of the new Armenian Genocide Congressional Record Project.
"It is difficul...
May 30, 2010
B-17 Pilot Who Saved Crew Receives Silver Star for Gallantry Sixty-Six Years Later
ST. LOUIS- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri presented our nation's third highest military honor, the Silver Star for Gallantry, to Lt. Edward Stevens, a 93-year old World War II hero who waited 66 years to re...
May 30, 2010
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives launched an online citizens forum May 25th, and Rep. Tom Petri urged his constituents to participate.
"We are taking some of the techniques developed by Facebook and other social media to engage the public in an open and extensive conv...
May 30, 2010
WASHINGTON – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt, deputy ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called on Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to aid in the Gulf Coast recovery by approving more solutions, such as boom and sand berms, in the wake of the recent oil spill.
The Wall...
May 30, 2010
Caps parking at BRAC facility to mitigate gridlock
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, included language in the FY ´11 Defense Authorization bill which would cap the amount of available parking spaces at t...
May 30, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, encouraged all Americans concerned about national security and the nation´s military to participate in America Speaking Out so their voices can be heard.
...
May 30, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee called the rush by the White House and Congressional Democrats to repeal the Clinton-era "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and policy as an affront to military personnel and their families.
"The Secretary of Defense and th...
May 30, 2010
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) joined in introducing a bipartisan bill to give the federal government the resources, authority, and direction to better enforce textile and apparel trade obligations.
"High levels of fraud and illegal imports continue to plague the American textile indus...
May 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bob Corker (R-TN), and Judd Gregg (R-NH), the Republican Senate conferees on financial reform, today sent a letter to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and House Financial Servi...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, held a hearing to examine the effects of the Gulf Coast oil spill on small businesses. The hearing entitled "Impact of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Small Businesses" bro...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) today rejected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi´s $102 billion tax extenders bill (H.R. 4213) that will saddle a net tax increase of $47 billion on the backs of American taxpayers. The so-called "tax extenders" legislation would also add $54 bil...
May 28, 2010
Inslee-Tiahrt tanker amendment is adopted into the NDAA
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) today led a victory for American workers on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives where the Inslee-Tiahrt tanker amendment was adopted into the National Defense Authorization Ac...
May 28, 2010
Congressional Republicans continue to protect insurance companies and threaten to take us back to the failed Bush policies that left workers, families and small businesses with high premiums, denied care and lost coverage – and would leave young adults stranded without employer insurance or acces...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) today expressed in a letter to Governor Charlie Crist his concern that the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center´s Holocaust Rail Car Renovation Project may be cut from this year´s state budget. The Holocaust-era rail ca...
May 28, 2010
Lawmaker says ~"We have spent a trillion dollars bailing out Wall Street, the auto industry and banks. It´s time for more help for Main Street."
Washington, D.C. – Reps. Jane Harman (D-Venice) and David Dreier (R-San Dimas) today introduced H.R. 5429, the "Investor Deposit Yardstick Act" (I...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dennis Cardoza today hailed the decision by Judge Oliver Wanger on Thursday as a significant win for San Joaquin Valley´s west side farmers – as well as for common sense. In a 126-page ruling, Judge Wanger said that the biological opinion on Delta smelt was flawe...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blunt signed onto legislation to repeal the Washington Democrats´ government takeover of health care and replace it with common-sense solutions to increase access and lower costs for patients. Blunt is an original cosponsor of HR...
May 28, 2010
The "Reform Americans Can Afford Act" Would Inject Commonsense Solutions into Health Care System to Make Health Care More Affordable
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), along with Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Republican Conference Chai...
May 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement following President Obama´s press conference on the catastrophic British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. At the news conference, President Obama announced tough and appropriate new restrictions on deepwater drilling, t...
May 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blunt continued his examination of the real cost of the Pelosi-Reid-Obama health care law in a forum he chaired with expert witnesses from around the country.
"Today was an opportunity to take a hard look at the cost of the health c...
May 28, 2010
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign released the following statement regarding Congressman Moran's nearly two decade long pattern of raising taxes on hard working Americans.
"For nearly two decades Congressman Moran has been voting to raise taxes on Kansans, and the Moran...
May 28, 2010
Parking held to 1,000 spaces at BRAC facility to mitigate gridlock
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Language capping the amount of available parking at the Washington Headquarters Service (WHS) facility currently being constructed at the Mark Center in Alexandria (map) was included in the FY ´11 Defense ...
May 28, 2010
McKeon: "America´s Men and Women in Uniform Deserve Better"
Washington, D.C. — In a stunning move, House Democratic Leadership decided a possible repeal of "Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell" that will directly affect our military personnel should only get ten minutes of debate in the...
May 28, 2010
Democrats in Congress made a commitment to our middle class to create jobs and rebuild our economy. And we are delivering.
As we move toward this fall´s election campaign, the contrast between the two parties could not be more clear: Congressional Republicans are on the side of Wall Street...
May 28, 2010
In a May 28 vote, the House of Representatives approved a defense funding bill that included an amendment to strengthen the Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program. The amendment was cosponsored by Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA). The bill next goes to the ...
May 28, 2010
Washington, D.C.—Upon final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 today, the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee criticized the White House and House Democratic leaders for pushing to repeal "Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell" in the face of...
May 28, 2010
Washington, DC)- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) withdrew an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2011 that would have authorized the International Committee of the Red Cross to access detained individuals under United States control.
"Although I be...
May 27, 2010
Clearwater Basin could be national model for management, conservation, jobs
Lewiston – The Clearwater Basin Collaborative, convened by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo in 2008, celebrated its second anniversary in Lewiston with a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the potential to create more than...
May 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., took to the Senate floor last night to decry billions of dollars in out-of-control federal spending and to urge his colleagues to stop spending money the country doesn´t have. He also pointed out budget tricks that waive budget rules and put o...
May 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., co-sponsored a resolution this week to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of America´s small businesses for National Small Business Week on May 23-29. The Senate unanimously passed the resolution on May 26. Enzi encourages everyone to take the t...
May 27, 2010
Two years ago, the unchecked greed and recklessness on Wall Street shattered the lives of millions of Americans, eliminating 8 million jobs and trillions of dollars in savings. After months of hard work, Senate Democrats have passed legislation that holds big banks and CEOs accountable for their ow...
May 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has been named as one of twelve members of the U.S. Senate who will serve on a conference committee on the recently-passed financial regulatory reform bill. Crapo, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, will be part of the bipartisan group attempting t...
May 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks new ways to regulate the Internet, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., are teaming up with their colleagues to urge the FCC to keep the Internet growing, unregulated and accessible to all Americans.
"The Inter...
May 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) issued the following statement on his vote against cloture on the financial reform bill:
"Although I am pleased with the fair and open process my colleagues used to advance this bill – senators were allotted enough time to offer ame...
May 27, 2010
Ten Senators Tell Interior Sec. Extended Drilling Ban Will Mean Job Losses on Gulf Coast
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) signed a letter that asks the U.S. Department of the Interior to authorize the resumption of permit processing for shallow water drilli...
May 27, 2010
Enzi consumer privacy amendment is shut out
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., spent the week fighting to keep people´s private financial records out of the hands of a soon-to-be-created Big Brother financial super agency. Unfortunately, supporters of the financial regula...
May 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the senior Republican member of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, responded to the international civilian-military investigation tea...
May 27, 2010
Earlier this year, Congress passed and the President signed landmark health insurance reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (P.L. 111-152), and Americans are already experiencing the benefits. Senate De...
May 21, 2010
FRONT ROYAL, Va. - Pro-life leaders with ties to Arizona have endorsed former Congressman J.D. Hayworth in the race for the U.S. Senate -- a seat currently held by former GOP Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator John S. McCain III, who is seeking a fifth term. Douglas R. Scott, Jr., president of ...
May 19, 2010
Legislation Co-Sponsored by Rep. Schiff
Washington, DC – The Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act (H.R. 4614) co-sponsored by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Harry Teague (D-NM) passed the House yesterday by a 357 to 32 vote. This bipartisan bill is named after Katie Sepich from Carlsbad, Ne...
May 19, 2010
Presents Amendment to Defense Authorization Bill
Washington, DC) – TRICARE will receive protection from the health care takeover if Congressman Joe Wilson´s (SC-02) amendment is approved in tomorrow´s House markup of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011.
Government offic...
May 19, 2010
Legislation Co-Sponsored by Rep. Schiff
Washington, DC – Today, the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act (H.R. 4614) co-sponsored by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Harry Teague (D-NM) passed the House by a 357 to 32 vote. This bipartisan bill is named after Katie Sepich from Carlsbad, New Mexi...
May 19, 2010
Republican Amendment to the Annual Defense Bill Would Require a Report on Steps Being Taken by the Administration to Protect America against Anti-Access Threats
Washington, D.C. — An op-ed in yesterday´s Wall Street Journal calls into question the ability of the United States to coun...
May 19, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These economic and fiscal policies created the Bush recession —...
May 19, 2010
Reforms Championed by Democrats and Opposed by Congressional Republican Leadership
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insura...
May 19, 2010
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) congratulates US Senatorial candidate Rand Paul (R-KY) today as Paul secured the GOP nomination in Kentucky by defeating KY Secretary of State and establishment candidate, Trey Grayson.
"Congratulations to Rand Paul and to the Tea Party activists ...
Whose Side Are They On: Republican Inaction Protects Big Oil at the Expense of the American Taxpayer
May 19, 2010
Senate Republicans are once again putting special interests ahead of the American people by protecting Big Oil polluters. Attempts to block the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act send a clear message: Senate Republicans are on the side of Big Oil companies.
As the oil spill continues, th...
May 18, 2010
Amendment to include Fannie, Freddie´s debt fails
Washington, D.C. –Idaho Senator Mike Crapo attempted to bring transparency to taxpayers by requiring that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be included in calculations of the national debt as long as either institution is under conservatorship or r...
May 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., introduced an amendment to the financial regulatory reform bill today that will protect consumers´ privacy by preventing a federal bureaucracy from freely thumbing through Americans´ personal financial records at its own discretion.
...
May 18, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These economic and fiscal policies created the Bush recession &mdas...
May 18, 2010
Stark, Levin Comment on Administration Guidelines for Small Business Tax Credits
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, today commented on the Obama Administration...
May 18, 2010
Tiahrt to Receive Defender of Economic Freedom Award
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt's (R-Goddard) U.S. Senate campaign today announced that Tiahrt will receive the "Defender of Economic Freedom Award" from the Club for Growth for his rating on their 2009 Congressional Scorecard. Congressm...
May 18, 2010
Bill Signing Ceremony in the Oval Office with the Pearl Family
Washington, DC — Today, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Pence (R-IN), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press, issued the following statements following the enactment...
Republicans To Offer Fort Hood Amendments to National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011
May 18, 2010
Coffman Amendments Seek to Provide Combat-Related Benefits to Victims, Release Restricted Portion of Pentagon Report on Tragic Fort Hood Shooting
Washington, D.C. — With the House Armed Services Committee set to markup the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 on Wednesday...
May 18, 2010
Lawmaker says, "Both the Times Square and Christmas Day bombers were allowed to board flights, exposing flaws in the passenger vetting system that TSA and CBP have worked diligently to fix. Every time I pass through airport screening, I thank the dedicated TSA and CBP officers for their service to ...
May 18, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These economic and fiscal policies created the Bush recession &mdash...
May 18, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, hailed the U.S. Navy´s decision to enter into a multiyear contract to purchase 124 more F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft in Fiscal Years 2010 through 2013 as a respons...
May 17, 2010
Washington, DC - Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) hosted a reception at his district office on Friday, May 14, to congratulate the three students from the 29th Congressional District who received appointments to U.S. Service Academies and to thank them for their upcoming service to our country. The followin...
Congressman Garamendi Joins Colleagues to Safeguard Communities from Offshore Oil Drilling Disasters
May 17, 2010
Garamendi Authored Bill that Would Stop All New Leases in Federal Waters on West Coast
WALNUT GROVE, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) continued his leadership in demanding accountability from the oil industry in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster by cosponsoring fou...
May 17, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement in response to news reports that the Obama administration plans to ask for $23 billion for education funding to bail out states again – this time in the emergency troop supplemental spending bill. This massive funding...
May 17, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement commending the National Federation of Independent Business for its decision to join 20 state attorney generals from around the country in filing a lawsuit against the unconstitutional mandates in President Obama´...
May 16, 2010
Washington, DC – In a bipartisan effort to protect our nation´s water supply, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), ranking member of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, along with S...
May 16, 2010
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Measure to Support Troops, Disaster Relief
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, indicated his desire for the Senate to debate and pass an emergency supplemental spending bill needed t...
May 16, 2010
CBO Increases Its Estimate of Unbudgeted Discretionary Costs Associated with Reform Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking member on the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee...
May 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of S. 1067, the Lord´s Resistance Army (LRA) Disarmament and Northern Uganda Re...
May 16, 2010
Senate Republicans have once again declared their support for special interests and Wall Street banks, all at the expense of the American consumer. Senator Brownback has brought forward an amendment to carve-out auto dealer financing from consumer protection rules written by the new Consumer Financ...
May 16, 2010
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) began their push to permanently extend a provision that helps small and rural municipal governments raise capital to finance local infrastructure projects – including school and road construction -- and meet other ongoing needs...
May 11, 2010
Points to abuses of TANF program and failure of Tribe, HHS to account for federal funds
Washington, D.C. – Expressing her outrage at the flagrant abuse of taxpayer dollars, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) released the Department of Health and Human Services´ (HHS) response to her quest...
May 11, 2010
Earmarks Are Bad But Earmarkers Are Good?
Wichita, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt's U.S. Senate campaign highlighted the Wichita Eagle article which points to the glaring hypocrisy of those politicians like Jerry Moran who shout to the masses that earmarks are bad, but continually request earmarks ...
May 11, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies. These economic and fiscal policies created the Bush recession — the...
May 11, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded news that Israel´s long-standing candidacy for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been unanimously approved by OECD Member S...
May 11, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) released the following statement urging the Senate to rigorously scrutinize the qualifications of President Obama´s Supreme Court nominee, Solicitor General Elena Kagan.
"Given the Obama administration´s affinity toward policies that erode ou...
May 11, 2010
Ramstein Air Base, Germany — Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrapped up a four-day Congressional Delegation to the Middle East and Afghanistan yesterday by meeting with troops and visiting wounded warriors in Germany.
Yesterday morning, Pelosi and the delegation were briefed by senior commanders of ...
May 11, 2010
Calls on survivors and their families to document stories and memories of the genocide
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) launched an effort to parallel H. Res. 252, the Congressional resolution he introduced to recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide, by calling on survivors of the...
May 11, 2010
Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Outlines National Defense Priorities as Part of Heritage Foundation´s "Protect America Month"
Washington, D.C. — The Heritage Foundation featured an entry by U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) a...
May 11, 2010
Lawmaker says: "If we are serious about getting our arms around both climate change and reducing our dependence on oil, energy efficiency initiatives must be enacted."
Washington, D.C. – Reps. Jane Harman (D-Venice) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, thi...
May 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two Florida lawmakers introduced bills aimed at halting the administration´s plans for a dramatic expansion of offshore drilling – at least until investigations into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill uncover the cause of the disaster.
The legislation, filed in the Senate ...
May 11, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These Bush economic and fiscal policies created the worst financial cr...
May 11, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
These Bush economic and fiscal policies created the worst finan...
May 11, 2010
Interior Department Announces Increase to 40 Percent Allocation for Farmers
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza said he was encouraged by recent efforts to address the California water supply crisis which has adversely affected San Joaquin Valley farmers.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar annou...
May 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Obama announced that his Administration will begin implementing an important program from the Affordable Care Act that will provide significant relief to American businesses and quality, affordable health care for their early retirees. Starting this year, the Early Re...
May 08, 2010
Effort to establish Consumer office under FDIC fails
Washington, D.C. – Efforts to create a new office of consumer protection within the federal entity that oversees the financial industry failed on a nearly party-line vote of 38 to 61 in the U.S. Senate. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of th...
May 08, 2010
Senate Republicans have brought forward a CEO-friendly "plan" that fails to protect consumers, investors and businesses from the predatory practices of Wall Street. This proposal, hastily written after Senators McConnell and Cornyn agreed to do Wall Street´s bidding, would leave hard-working ...
May 08, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies. These Bush economic and fiscal policies created the worst financial crisi...
May 08, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies.
· These economic and fiscal policies created the Bu...
May 08, 2010
New System Will Help Veterans Access the Benefits They Have Earned
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in announcing the launch of its new and improved online form, "Application for Health Benefits," which will make it easier and faster for Vete...
May 08, 2010
Bipartisan Bill Saves Families Money, Energy and Spurs Economic Growth
WASHINGTON, DC – With Congressman Cardoza´s support, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Home Star Energy Retrofit Act yesterday. The bill, of which Congressman Cardoza was a principal co-author, addresses...
May 08, 2010
House Passes the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act
Washington, DC - Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) voted for the bipartisan Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, H.R. 5019, to provide immediate incentives for consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient. Increased demand for energy-saving pr...
May 08, 2010
Congressional Republicans threaten to take us back to the failed policies that created the economic crisis — siding with the special interests: Wall Street banks, credit card companies, Big Oil, and insurance companies. These Bush economic and fiscal policies created the worst financial crisi...
May 08, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced that David Keene has personally endorsed him in his bid for the U.S. Senate. Keene is the Chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU), an organization best known for its numerical rankings of legislators that p...
May 08, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, joined a strong, bipartisan majority to pass H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 246-161, is expected to create nearly 170,000 jobs in construction, retail and manufacturin...
May 08, 2010
Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced H.R. 5231, the Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act of 2010, to close a loophole in U.S. drug enforcement laws and give law enforcement officials greater authority to prosecute individuals engaged in international drug trafficking co...
May 08, 2010
McKeon, Committee Republicans To Use Upcoming Consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act To Press the Administration on Key National Security Issues
Washington, D.C. —According to a Washington Post story, the top Republican in the House of Representatives intends to "deliver th...
May 08, 2010
Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee Releases First Comprehensive Congressional Review of Professional Military Education System in 20 Years
Washington, D.C. – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Vic Snyder (D-Ark.) and Ranking Member Rob Wittman (R-Va.) announced the completion...
May 08, 2010
Resolution Encourages the Display of "In God We Trust" in All Public Buildings and Government Institutions
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced that he has introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. In a...
May 08, 2010
New System Will Help Veterans Access the Benefits They Have Earned.
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) joined the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in announcing the launch of its new and improved online form, "Application for Health Benefits," which will make it easier and faster for Ve...
May 08, 2010
Lawmaker says: "If we are serious about getting our arms around both climate change and reducing our dependence on oil, energy efficiency initiatives must be enacted."
Washington, D.C. – Reps. Jane Harman (D-Venice) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, th...
May 06, 2010
It has been two years since the reckless behavior of big banks and Wall Street CEOs dragged the American economy to the brink of collapse, costing millions of Americans their jobs, homes and life savings. While the economy is rebounding, there is still work to be done to ensure we have a system tha...
May 06, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) stressed their willingness to assist in efforts to mitigate the damage to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from the offshore drilling platform explosion that claimed 11 lives and now has the potential to be a monumental environmental...
May 06, 2010
Crapo, Risch bring Simpson´s CIEDRA legislation before colleagues
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch introduced Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson´s CIEDRA bill on the Boulder-White Clouds in the U.S. Senate. The Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation A...
May 06, 2010
Washington - In the wake of a new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) documenting counterfeit parts within Department of Defense (DOD) and the DOD supply chain, U.S. Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the DOD to take countermeasures to ensure the safety ...
May 06, 2010
Co-sponsors changes with checks, balances, less government intrusion
Washington, D.C. – As the Senate continued its third week of debating financial regulatory reform, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., pushed for changes that would keep Big Brother out of our lives. In a floor speech to his colleag...
May 02, 2010
Washington, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) praised the Senate Committee passage of a version of their legislation (S. 1684) aimed to prevent arson across the country. The Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act, will create a com...
May 02, 2010
Measure requires expanded examination of freedom of the press worldwide.
Washington, DC — Last week, the Senate unanimously passed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act, championed by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Pence (R-IN), co-chairs of the...
April 29, 2010
Enzi improves bill but can´t support final
Washington, D.C. – The Senate Budget Committee began its annual rite of passage last week, marking up its Fiscal Year 2011 budget resolution -- the blueprint that determines federal spending for the next fiscal year and sets a tone for the followi...
April 29, 2010
Questions Financial Regulatory Reform Impact, Recourse for Stanford Financial Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) questioned efforts by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to correct serious problems within the agency that have been linked to financial scandals...
April 29, 2010
Republicans have yet again put their political interests ahead of the well-being of the American people. By refusing to allow debate on Wall Street reform, they have sent a clear message: Senate Republicans are on the side of big banks and Wall Street CEOs. This disingenuous, obstructionist attitu...
April 29, 2010
Crapo sees spending as main problem
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and fellow members of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform met for the first time the other day at the White House. The 18-member commission, called for by President Obama, will work on biparti...
April 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), author and champion of the original statutory debt commission legislation in the Senate, issued the following statement after the first meeting of President Obama´s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform:
"Even th...
April 29, 2010
Doesn´t stop bailouts and hurts Main Street
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, voted against a motion to proceed to the Financial Reform bill (S. 3217) being offered by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christoph...
April 29, 2010
Crapo says reports make case to repeal and replace legislation
Washington, D.C. – New reviews from non-partisan government and Congressional experts now predict the recently-enacted health care law will increase costs and penalties for consumers, and will fail to reduce the skyrocketing cost of h...
April 29, 2010
Pocatello city councilman has extensive law enforcement background
Washington, D.C. – Pocatello City Councilman Brian Underwood will become the next U.S. Marshal for Idaho. Underwood´s nomination has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Underwood has been a member of the Pocatello Police De...
April 29, 2010
Resolution means higher spending, higher taxes, higher debt
Washington, D.C. – Senate Budget Committee member and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against a new budget blueprint from Majority Democrats and the White House because it is heading in the wrong direction by doubling federal debts by and...
April 29, 2010
Crapo, Risch net "A" rating and Silver Mouse Awards in Congressional review
Washington, D.C. – Idahoans have award-winning service at the click of a mouse when they visit the official websites of Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. The ratings for United States Senate websites have been ann...
April 29, 2010
Reuters reports that WellPoint Inc. used a special computer program to target breast cancer patients for termination of insurance; WellPoint plans to hike up premium rates on 800,000 Californians by up to 39 percent on May 1st
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) went to the floo...
April 29, 2010
Education Needed on Rule's Implementation, Impacts on Jobs and Homeowners
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, said he would continue to put pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to better e...
April 29, 2010
During the week of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, many people will reflect on the significant steps the nation has taken to improve the environment and protect our natural resources. While real progress has been made since the first Earth Day in 1970, work continues to help provide current and f...
April 22, 2010
Bipartisan legislation salutes WW II efforts
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) who provided, as civilian volunteers using their own aircraft, extraordinary public and co...
April 22, 2010
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is confident that the new effort to pass a national cap-and-trade energy tax will not pass the Senate this year.
"I know we can beat it," Inhofe told Fox News' Stuart Varney. "This is another cap-and-t...
April 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement concerning draft preemption language he has been working on with his Senate colleagues:
"Because climate change is a global issue,...
April 22, 2010
Lieberman Echoes Inhofe´s Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on missile defense policies and programs, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the committee, pressed witnesses on the U.S.´s capability to intercept a potential...
April 22, 2010
Bill Would Expand Relief for Americans Sickened by Radiation Exposure
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch joined with a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Amendments of 2010. The legislation would provide expanded resti...
April 22, 2010
Washington, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) voted to ensure that veterans and their families receive the care and support they need and deserve after putting themselves in harm´s way for our safety. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act will reform and improve veterans´ h...
April 22, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about the Obama administration´s plan to pay for dozens of spending programs contained in the new healthcare law that the president´s budget does not account for. Neith...
April 22, 2010
Washington, DC – The House of Representative passed a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) supporting the Goals and Ideals of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week. MS Awareness Week was March 8th though March 14th. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic unpredictable disease of the ...
April 22, 2010
Portland Business Journal (Oregon) - $1.5M in stimulus funds pay for 5,800 jobs
Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced Tuesday that $150 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funded about 5,800 jobs in Oregon in the past three months.
In addition to the jobs...
April 22, 2010
AOL News: Implanted Microchips, Armed IRS Agents, and other Health Care Myths
Andrea Stone of AOL News released a list of some of the top health care myths according to the nonpartisan FactCheck.org that continue to be put forward by opponents of reform:
Prepare to have microchips implanted ...
April 22, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) has introduced a congressional resolution calling for an appeal of the ill-advised ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb that the annual National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. Tiahrt was joined by 24 of his colleagues introducing the ...
April 22, 2010
Chairs of Animal Protection Caucus Introduce Bill Making Crush Videos Illegal
WASHINGTON, D.C— Co-chairs of the Animal Protection Caucus Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) introduced, along with 55 other cosponsors, a bipartisan bill authored by Gallegly and designed to overco...
April 22, 2010
Legislation is the Latest Bill of Blue Dog Blueprint for Fiscal Reform
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza joined with fellow Blue Dog Democrats this week in introducing The Targeted Deficit Reduction Act of 2010.
The legislation calls for setting concrete goals to reduce the federal deficit...
April 22, 2010
McKeon Urges Administration to Send Consistent and Strong Message to Iran
Washington, D.C. — According to the Associated Press, the Pentagon´s top policy official ruled out the use of military force in the "near-term" against Iran in order to curtail the extremist regime´s nucle...
April 22, 2010
620 House and Senate Web Sites Evaluated in the 111th Congress Gold Mouse Project
Washington, D.C. — The Web site of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) was recognized by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) for having one of the best Web sites in Congress. CMF analyzed all 620 Congressional...
April 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC — The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) recognized the House Budget Committee´s website yesterday for having one of the best websites in Congress. CMF analyzed all 620 congressional websites, including those of all Senate and House Members, committees (both majorit...
April 17, 2010
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)---The U.S. Senate Democratic Policy Committee (DPC) launched its official presence on the social media platforms Facebook and Twitter, Friday, Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced. The DPC´s Facebook and Twitter sites will provide Americans with new opportunities to stay u...
April 17, 2010
Wyo. witness weighs in during hearing
Washington, D.C. – Layne Parmenter, a principal in Lyman, joined U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., at a Senate roundtable to discuss rural education when Congress fixes the No Child Left Behind Act by reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ES...
April 17, 2010
WASHINGTON – As part of a dramatic improvement in primary health care in America, affordable community health centers will serve 1.3 million more Californians under the health reform overhaul signed into law by President Obama.
Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said the ...
April 17, 2010
At Senate hearing, rebukes decision to deny aid to raze blighted homes; Says people of Gary "have a right to feel like they´ve been hung out to dry"
WASHINGTON— At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Senator Evan Bayh strongly rebuked the nation&ac...
April 17, 2010
April 15, a good time to look at federal spending picture, tax code simplification
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., the only accountant in the Senate, thinks Washington is taxing and spending too much instead of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. A change is needed now.
...
April 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., are fighting to keep payments in the pockets of farmers who need it most. Enzi and Barrasso sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that payments in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 be targeted appropr...
April 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) announced Friday that the National Endowment for the Humanities is awarding Clover Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles 17 classic American books as part of the We the People Bookshelf program.
The books include The Great Little Mad...
April 11, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are congratulating the contributions of Idaho veterans and the Idaho Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa on reaching a historic milestone—recording the 500th veterans´ history for the Idaho Veterans History Project. Crapo and Risch have...
April 11, 2010
Addresses Unique Housing Needs of Native Americans and Concerns that Native American Veterans with Disabilities Have Been Denied Support
Window Rock, AZ – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), chairwoman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, presided ove...
April 11, 2010
The Post-Standard (New York) - Rep. Dan Maffei showcases program spurred by stimulus funds
Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, Wednesday visited a program that trains people to weatherize homes to showcase how the federal stimulus package is creating jobs and making homes more energy efficient.
Onond...
April 11, 2010
Lawmaker says, "Safety should be the chief concern in considering whether or not to move or reconfigure the north runways"
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) wrote to FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt in response to a letter he sent last week to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio ...
April 11, 2010
Cleveland Plain Dealer (Ohio) - Federal stimulus will help 2010 road construction season be Ohio's largest
This summer's highway construction season is the largest in Ohio history, thanks partly to federal stimulus money.
The Ohio Department of Transportation will be awarding $2 billion wo...
April 11, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) announced Friday that the National Endowment for the Humanities is awarding Clover Avenue Elementary School 17 classic American books as part of the We the People Bookshelf program.
The books include The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz, ...
April 11, 2010
Strategy will boost energy efficiency and reduce costs in Washington office
(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger announced a strategic plan to increase energy efficiency, save resources and cut costs in his Washington, DC, office. As a participant in the "My Green Office" progr...
April 11, 2010
Will Press Key Administration Officials on Details and Rationale at Armed Services Committee Hearing on April 14th
Washington, D.C.—The top Republicans on the Armed Services Committee and the Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee welcomed the release of the Administration´s del...
April 11, 2010
UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF LEGISLATORS CHOOSE SIDES IN SENATE PRIMARY
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced the endorsement of twenty three Republican state legislators from the Fourth District in his campaign for the U.S. Senate. These legislators recognize Tiahrt as the conse...
April 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that California State University, Northridge (CSUN) was awarded nearly $8.5 million in federal funding over five years to improve the teacher quality and student achievement for students with disabilities in high-need schools. The...
April 11, 2010
Rome News-Tribune (Georgia) - Northwest Georgia region gets $2.5 million for teen jobs
Federal stimulus money will again let the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission offer a summer jobs program to area teens.
Gwen Dillinger, workforce development director, said the 15-county region received...
April 11, 2010
21% Reimbursement Cut Takes Effect Apr 1 for Physicians
(Washington, D.C) – Starting Apr 1, physicians providing care to Medicare and TRICARE patients will face a 21% reimbursement cut. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) called for a permanent fix to this flawed reimbursement formula.
"For too l...
April 11, 2010
News Leader (Virginia) – $65M PGI expansion will bring jobs
…[Waynesboro Assistant City Manager] Shaw said Waynesboro also received a $17 million federal stimulus recovery zone bond allocation, where Waynesboro would act as the conduit to issue the bonds, if PGI elects to use the low-interest ra...
April 11, 2010
Washington D.C. – Rep. Adam Schiff, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that he has requested that the U.S. Forest Service re-consider its night and early morning flying policy. Rep. Schiff asked House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencie...
April 08, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) disapproved of President Barack Obama´s release of the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) Report , which outlines and revises the role nuclear weapons will play in our country´s security strategy for the next five to ten years. NPR lists major ...
April 08, 2010
Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded more than $267 million in Recovery Act funds to 28 additional non-profit organizations to establish Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers (RECs). The funds will help grow the emerging health information technology ind...
April 08, 2010
Sherman Oaks, CA – Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Brad Sherman toured Spectrolab Inc. in Sylmar to discuss with employees and executives how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is helping the company develop next-generation solar cell technology.
Spectrolab received $2.9 mil...
April 04, 2010
April 14 is Petition Deadline for Farm Groups Affected by Increased Imports
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee´s Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture&ac...
April 04, 2010
Closing the Donut Hole Would Be Especially Helpful to Seniors on Specialty-Tier Eligible Drugs
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, released a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the out-of-pocket costs of seniors on speci...
April 04, 2010
Philadelphia Inquirer (Pennsylvania) - Pa. to fund jobs with federal stimulus money
Pennsylvania's state government will use hundreds of millions of federal stimulus dollars to provide government-subsidized jobs to up to 20,000 adults and young people.
"Together, we have the chance t...
April 04, 2010
BALTIMORE SUN – 4,700 Marylanders to Bunning: Thanks a lot, senator:
"The Senate failed to pass a short-term extension of unemployment compensation and a COBRA subsidy this past weekend, thanks to the action by a single Republican senator, Jim Bunning of Kentucky.
"The Department of Labor this ...
April 04, 2010
In Speech at Heritage Foundation, McKeon Warns Against "Declinist" View of America
Washington, D.C. — According to a story published in PoliticsDaily.com, the United States is "quickly losing its ability to barge [into certain areas] without permission" and "potential target countries and e...
April 04, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement as the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing opening arguments in a case that challenges whether or not local and state entities can take away the 2nd Amendment rights of American citizens to defend themselves in their ...
April 04, 2010
Associated Press - Biden touts jobs created by stimulus in Florida
Vice President Joe Biden told construction workers he knows people are frustrated with the pace of economic recovery, but said Monday federal stimulus spending is working and even more jobs will be created as more transportat...
April 04, 2010
Lawmaker says, "…recovery cannot happen and will not be long lasting if we don´t follow it with responsible federal budgets."
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) joined 34 members of the Blue Dog Coalition in introducing legislation calling for a Constitutional amendment...
April 04, 2010
OIG Finds Medicare Advantage Plans Flaunt Laws and Regulations on Marketing Abuses
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, commented on a report on marketing abuses by Medicare Advantage plans, released by the Department of Health and Human Services O...
April 04, 2010
A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds that the Recovery Act is working to "create jobs and drive economic growth."
Key points from the report:
· Payments Will Shift from Rescue to Rebuild, the Best is Yet to Come;
· Recovery Funds Helped Fill State ...
April 04, 2010
Politics are at play with nuclear waste disposal; unless Congress or our nation's legal system can successfully intervene, the American taxpayer is slated to lose this game.
To date, over $30 billion has been collected in waste disposal fees from electricity ratepayers and $10 billion has been s...
April 01, 2010
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Provide $1 Million to States for Wolf Livestock Compensation Project
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch announced today that Idaho will be among the states receiving funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to compensate livestock p...
April 01, 2010
10 ways Wyoming residents will feel the effects of the new health care law
Washington, D.C. – This week President Obama signed the reconciliation health care reform "fix" bill into law. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., wants Wyoming residents to understand how the new law and the overall health bi...
April 01, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Addressing the nation´s future energy needs can best be outlined by taking new initiatives such as a national nuclear summit, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo is part of a bipartisan group of eleven U.S. Senators who have written President Obama, urging him ...
April 01, 2010
Crapo co-sponsors measure aiding forest products industry
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined three of his Senate colleagues to introduce the American Renewable Biomass Heating Act, bipartisan legislation that could aid Idaho´s forest products industry while promoting ren...
April 01, 2010
For nearly 100 years, American Presidents, from Teddy Roosevelt, to Richard Nixon, to Bill Clinton, all tried to pass comprehensive health insurance reform. That´s why it´s so significant that last week, Congress passed, and President Obama signed, the historic Patient Protection and Aff...
April 01, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza joined in a bipartisan letter demanding that U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke explain why sport fishermen will be allowed to take an undetermined number of salmon under new California Department of Fish and Game regulations while additional pumping restrictio...
April 01, 2010
WASHINGTON – In a letter to leaders on the House Appropriations Committee today, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) and eight of his colleagues called for an increase in funding for programs to dismantle nuclear weapons, and opposed increases in funding for nuclear weapons facilities.
"Taxpayer money should ...
April 01, 2010
Puget Sound Business Journal (Washington) - Washington state energy projects get $16.5M in stimulus funds
Thirteen energy related projects in Washington state will share $16.5 million in federal stimulus funds, the governor´s office said Tuesday.
"This recovery funding is a dou...
April 01, 2010
McKeon´s Multiple Requests for Member Briefing Go Unanswered by the Department of Defense
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Times reports this morning that "a team of CIA counterintelligence officials recently visited the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and concluded th...
April 01, 2010
Southern California Public Radio - Federal funding to create highway construction job-training in Southern California
The $2.7 million in economic-stimulus grants awarded to agencies in the state are part of the Federal Highway Administration's "On the Job Training/Support Services'' program. Th...
April 01, 2010
The other night, health insurers stated that they would comply with the clearly defined regulations requiring them to cover children with pre-existing conditions put forth by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
"In a letter responding to Ms. Sebelius Monday, [Karen Ignag...
April 01, 2010
MLive.com (Michigan) - Millions of stimulus dollars flow into Bay, Genesee and Saginaw counties
...Projects receiving the federal funding have indeed generated employment in schools, airport and road construction and other projects in Bay, Genesee and Saginaw counties.
For example, w...
April 01, 2010
Following the enactment of comprehensive health insurance reform, Republicans continue to speak out against the individual shared responsibility requirement, deeming it a "federal takeover" of health care. Last week, more than a dozen Republican attorneys general challenged the requirement in feder...
March 29, 2010
Calls for U.S. Withdrawal from Council
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on the U.S. to immediately end its membership on the U.N. Human Rights Council, after the Council passed 5 anti-Israel resolutions and one ...
March 29, 2010
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio-3), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released letters he received from the directors of the nation´s nuclear security laboratories in which they commented on the findings and recommendat...
March 29, 2010
Agreement Clears the Way for Construction to Begin on Gold Line Foothill Extension
Washington D.C. – Congressman Adam Schiff applauded the Los Angeles Metro Transportation Authority (Metro) on approving two agreements that will allow construction to begin on Phase 2A of the Gold Line Foothill Ex...
March 29, 2010
Bill to Replace Gov. Health Care Takeover with a More Affordable and Patient-Centered Plan
(Washington, D.C) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4944 the Siding With America´s Patients (SWAP) Act. The SWAP Act will repeal the government h...
March 29, 2010
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced his endorsement of the Second Amendment ballot initiative slated to appear on the November ballot. The Kansas Legislature overwhelming passed the initiative last session to cement the right of the individual to bear arms in the Kansas Cons...
March 29, 2010
"Replace it with sensible solutions that cost less and do more"
WASHINGTON—Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement after the House passed further changes to the Washington Democrats´ two-trillion-dollar government takeover of health care:
"In a third vote in ...
March 29, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement following House Democrat´s passage of a $2.4 trillion healthcare "reconciliation" bill passed by the Senate earlier. The Senate reconciliation bill will raise taxes, kill jobs, and impose more costly governme...
March 29, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, applauded final passage of the reconciliation bill that makes improvements to the health reform legislation signed into law earlier last week. The bill passed 220-207, and is now sent to the President to be ...
March 29, 2010
Republicans supported an individual shared responsibility requirement in health care — before they were against it.
Last Tuesday, President Obama signed into law historic comprehensive health insurance reform legislation, passed by the House on Sunday — ensuring affordability of heal...
March 29, 2010
Last week, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that more than 3,100 public housing authorities across the U.S. successfully met a critical funding deadline outlined in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. Nearly $3 billion in funds are being used to m...
March 29, 2010
Bill Would Improve the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA), Senior Member of the House Ways and Means Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee, and Gwen Moore (D-WI), Vice Chair of the Congressional Women´s Caucus...
March 29, 2010
With Congressman Cardoza´s support, the House of Representatives passed the Small Business and Infrastructure Act. H.R.4849 takes another step in creating jobs, spurring investment and fueling economic recovery.
The legislation uses a host of mechanisms to improve economic conditions.
...
March 29, 2010
The Star Tribune (Minnesota) - Commerce chief touts tax relief, value of census
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke joined [Minneapolis] Mayor R.T. Rybak for an appearance at a south Minneapolis home on Tuesday where the secretary encouraged Minnesotans to fill out and mail back their census form...
March 29, 2010
WASHINGTON—Less than a day after President Obama signed the Democrat´s healthcare bill into law, the Ranking Republican of the House subcommittee with funding jurisdiction over federal healthcare spending has proposed House-Senate strategy discussions to defund the new law. U.S. Congress...
March 29, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after President Obama signed a fig-leaf executive order that does absolutely nothing to change current law allowing for taxpayer-funded abortions. The executive order was signed behind closed doors out of view from...
March 29, 2010
McKeon Claims Court Decision Is Result of the Lack of Clear and Coherent Terrorist Detention and Prosecution Policy within the Administration
Washington, D.C. — According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, a federal judge ordered the release of an al-Qaeda terrorist organizer from th...
March 29, 2010
Following the President signing historic comprehensive health insurance reform legislation, opponents of reform continue to spread myths about the bill, including claims that Americans who don´t buy health insurance could face jail time or harassment from the IRS. Below are the facts.
MY...
March 28, 2010
Washington D.C. – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced that she will join colleagues on a congressional delegation to Haiti to examine recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake on January 12. This trip comes just a week before the Haiti Donors Conference, where the international community w...
March 28, 2010
New Housing Program to Reduce Foreclosures for Unemployed Workers and Assist Those with Underwater Mortgages
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza offered his support to a program by the Obama Administration aimed at providing relief to homeowners who are behind in their mortgage payments or who h...
March 28, 2010
WSLS NBC-10 (Virginia) - Nelson Co. to get $1.8 million for rural hi-speed Internet
More people living in Nelson County will get the opportunity to have hi-speed Internet, thanks to the economic stimulus act.
Fifth District Congressman Tom Perriello (D) says $1,826,646 from the American Reco...
March 28, 2010
"This is one of the most productive Congresses in history."
-Norman Ornstein, Congressional Scholar at American Enterprise Institute, Financial Times 3/19/10
The New Direction Congress is on your side—shifting control from insurance companies to Americans, and from Wall Street to Main St...
March 28, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) and Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Turner (R-Ohio) released the following statement regarding the President´s announcement that the United States and R...
March 27, 2010
Call it the global warming crackup, an unfolding proc ess of contradictory claims about glaciers, weather, and scientists asserting a consensus when none exists. Global warming alarmists can't make up their minds because the entire basis for their energy rationing project has collapsed into a mess o...
March 27, 2010
Senator Again Warns that Reform Will Expand Mandatory Spending, Worsen National Debt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) voted against final passage of legislation written to "fix" the health care reform law enacted Tuesday, as well as initiate a federal government takeover of...
March 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) issued the following statement on his vote against the Democrats´ reconciliation measure to the health care bill:
"There is no doubt our health care system needs reform, but it is Congress´ responsibility to be honest wi...
March 27, 2010
Immediate Benefits
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act include health insurance market reforms that will bring immediate benefits to millions of Americans, including those who currently have coverage. The following benefits will be...
March 27, 2010
Insurance Market Reforms that Protect Consumers
Together, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act will reform the health insurance marketplace by strengthening consumer protections and providing consumers with the information they need t...
March 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Following a whirlwind of votes this week, the Senate passed the health care reconciliation taxing bill by a vote of 56-43. The Senate changed the bill so it must go back the House for another vote before going to the President´s desk for his expected signature.
"The ...
March 27, 2010
By making targeted improvements to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act makes a good bill even better.
Improvements in Medicare for Seniors:
Fills the Medicare prescription drug ´donut hole.´ Enrollees who reach the ...
March 27, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., offered an amendment to the reconciliation bill to "fix" the health care reform bill that would ease the burden of health care reform on American businesses.
"Most employers do provide health insurance to their employees and the majority of tho...
March 27, 2010
Files motion during Senate floor debate on Health Care Reconciliation bill
Washington, D.C. – More than 73 million middle-income American households will see their taxes go up under the health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590) signed into law by President Obama. With the Senate now considering...
March 27, 2010
Idaho delegation pushed for rescission of plan to drop discounts
Washington, DC – Idaho´s congressional delegation says the decision by the U.S. Forest Service to scrap a proposal to cut discount pass rates available to senior citizens and disabled Americans is a good one. The Forest Servi...
March 27, 2010
Earmark Ban Will Not Save a Taxpayer Dime
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), National Journal magazine´s top-ranked Senate Conservative, posed a choice for the U.S. Senate: support reducing the deficit by $1 trillion or support giving President Obama more money to spend on ...
March 24, 2010
Stabenow Small Business Tax Cut Takes Effect Immediately
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) made the following statement after President Barack Obama signed health insurance reform legislation into law:
"Today, history was made as President Obama signed health insurance refor...
March 24, 2010
Crapo, Risch enter statement concerning FAA Reauthorization vote
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch were victorious in their efforts to have the Senate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act prevent the FAA from moving the TRACON radar control system ou...
March 24, 2010
Introduces new version of Endangered Species Recovery Act
Washington, D.C. – Recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species would be improved by voluntary contributions from private landowners under legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo, the Ranking Member of the Sen...
March 24, 2010
Positions on Military Energy Use and the Protection of National Security Information Require Further Explanation
Washington, D.C.—During a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing today, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the SASC, expressed concerns over the nominatio...
March 24, 2010
Call it the global warming crackup, an unfolding process of contradictory claims about glaciers, weather, and scientists asserting a consensus when none exists. Global warming alarmists can't make up their minds because the entire basis for their energy rationing project has collapsed into a mess o...
March 18, 2010
Idaho delegation pushed for rescission of plan to drop discounts
Washington, DC – Idaho´s congressional delegation says the decision by the U.S. Forest Service to scrap a proposal to cut discount pass rates available to senior citizens and disabled Americans is a good one. The Forest Servi...
March 18, 2010
Senate Votes Down Effort to Halt Congressionally-Directed Spending
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, strongly argued against a proposal that would effectively impose a moratorium on how Congress uses earmarks to appropria...
March 18, 2010
Call on Interior to stand firm on existing ruling in face of lawsuit
Washington, D.C. – Idaho´s Congressional Delegation and Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter are calling on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to stand firm on his department´s justified "warranted but precluded" ruling regarding...
March 18, 2010
American families and state governments across the country are cutting spending and making hard decisions about their budgets. It is time the federal government did the same.
Unfortunately, Congress has long demonstrated an innate incompetence in restraining itself. And a proposal to curb spendin...
March 18, 2010
Senator appointed to effort to reverse federal budget deficit
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has been appointed to be one of six U.S. Senators to serve on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. Crapo was selected by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to t...
March 18, 2010
Senate Resolution calls on Obama to intensify help to end import restrictions
Washington, D.C. – More than a dozen U.S. Senators, including Idaho´s Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, say that Japan is not abiding by internationally recognized standards by restricting U.S. beef exports. They are cal...
March 18, 2010
Bipartisan Group Raises Concern Over Anti-Competitive Practices in New Zealand´s Dairy Industry
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are leading a bipartisan effort calling on the Obama Administration to carefully consider the threat to U.S. dairy farmers and processor...
March 18, 2010
Crapo, Risch say collaboration should drive land use questions
Washington, D.C. – Locally-produced collaboration and consensus should drive decisions made about changes in federal land use, say Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. Both Senators have written Secretary of the Interior Ken Sala...
March 18, 2010
Says President´s announcement at Export-Import Bank is "an adrenaline shot to domestic businesses and the workers who depend on them"
Washington - Senator Evan Bayh made the following statement in response to President Obama´s speech at the Export-Import Bank announcing the creation o...
March 18, 2010
Cites Wyoming successes at pay equity hearing
Washington, D.C. – The path to closing the earnings gap between women and men lies in providing the skills and training needed to enable more women - and men - to enter new higher-earning jobs, not burdening employers with new, unfunded mandates, said...
March 18, 2010
Senators challenge Boise air traffic changes by Federal Aviation Administration
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have filed an amendment to stop a proposed move of TRACON radar personnel and facilities from the Boise Airport to Salt Lake City. The amendment comes as the...
March 18, 2010
"The clock is ticking. Congress must act."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citing out-of-control deficit spending by the federal government, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced the Honest Expenditure Limitation Program (HELP) Act of 2010 to rein in government spending. The act, co-sponsored by Sens. Bu...
March 18, 2010
Bringing all senators together could be "fertile soil for problem solving" and "maximize chances for reasoned discourse"
Washington –Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to schedule bipartisan l...
March 15, 2010
Call on Interior to stand firm on existing ruling in face of lawsuit
Washington, D.C. – Idaho´s Congressional Delegation and Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter are calling on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to stand firm on his department´s justified "warranted but precluded" ruling regarding...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., made the following comments following the announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that the sage grouse would be warranted, but precluded for listing under the Endangered Specie...
March 07, 2010
Legislation stops unfunded mandates for drinking water
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are co-sponsoring legislation that would ensure that smaller water systems have the resources necessary to deliver safe drinking water to consumers and comply with federal regulations...
March 07, 2010
11 airports receive funds from Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., said that 11 Wyoming airports will improve travel through the state´s skies and better meet increasing transportation needs in...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement in response to the President´s Letter to Congressional Leaders on Health Insurance Reform:
"The President´s bill is p...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – The Wyoming Congressional Delegation received an ´A´ grade for fiscal responsibility in 2009 for their commitment to reducing federal spending, taxes, debt and regulation.
U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-W...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – On Sunday, February 21st, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) hosted a town hall at Reseda High School, fielding questions from some of the approximately 800 hundred constituents who attended.
Sherman has held over 100 town halls since coming to Congress. In January, Congr...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement on President Obama´s latest government takeover of healthcare proposal.
"I´m concerned the president may be suffering from hearing loss," said Tiahrt. "The American people are yelling against the Dem...
March 07, 2010
(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution that recognizes the Senate Armed Services Committee´s hearing on Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell, and the testimony of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint...
March 07, 2010
Reckless, record-breaking spending in Washington is crippling America´s financial future. Rhetoric alone is certainly not going to fix the spending spree that lawmakers have taken part in for entirely too long. While it is important to study history so we do not make the same mistakes from our...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Representative Adam Schiff, a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, returned from a weeklong trip where he visited American troops in Afghanistan and had an extended meeting with General Stanley McChrystal. Schiff travelled to Kandahar province, Kabul and...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC—Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt reacted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson´s decision to slow implementation of greenhouse gas emissions regulations.
"While postponing these backdoor regulations is a step in the right direction, I will ...
March 07, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the House companion to the Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act, which would impose U.S. sanctions on persons complicit in human rights abuses against the people of Iran. Senators J...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after meeting with top Pentagon officials to review the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for the KC-X aerial refueling tanker competition by the Department of Defense (DoD). Tiahrt participated in a briefing earlie...
March 07, 2010
With 70 GOP Bills, A Lack of Material Will Not be a Problem
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), member of the Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement highlighting what he would like to see during tomorrow´s health care summit:
"On Monday, four days...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced that the American Conservative Union (ACU), the country's oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization, released their Congressional Ratings 2009, which rates Tiahrt at a 96 % for 2009 and at a lifetime rating of 95.27 %. T...
March 07, 2010
Lawmaker says, "Monopolies are not okay. It is past time that insurance companies lose the unfair protection that stymies competition and permits the most cynical and egregious practices."
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) released the following statement following House pa...
March 07, 2010
House Legislation to end anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies is a step to providing greater competition and therefore lower costs to families
(Washington, D.C.) - Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01) joined four hundred and six of his House colleagues in passage of H.R. 4626, legislation w...
March 07, 2010
Notes 6 Year Anniversary of Inhumane Imprisonment of Raul Diaz Pena
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the ongoing inhumane imprisonment of Raul Diaz Pena and Hugo Chavez´s overall campaign to silence ...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after the health care summit at the White House. House and Senate leadership from both parties met with President Obama to discuss health care reform. Herge...
March 07, 2010
Lawmaker favors narrowing sections on National Security Letters and roving wiretaps and eliminating "Lone Wolf" provision
WASHINGTON, DC – Following is a statement by Representative Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee, on HR 3961 – to extend expiring provi...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after leading a successful Republican effort that forced Democrats to pull their flawed annual intelligence bill over language Democrats inserted that targeted ...
March 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the House passage of the Intelligence Authorization Act, which would strengthen and improve America´s intelligence capabilities by increasing funding for human intelligence collection and counterintelligence activitie...
March 07, 2010
On Thursday, I sat down with President Obama and my congressional colleagues from both parties to try to find a way out of the health care crisis threatening our families and businesses. It was a time to face facts none of us can deny: that insurance premiums more than doubled last decade, with no s...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) received vindication by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct that voted unanimously to dismiss a negative referral made against Tiahrt by the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) – a shadow committee established by House Speaker ...
March 07, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) lauded the passage by the House of Representatives of an amendment he introduced to H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Hastings´ amendment seeks to enhance the diversity of the intelligence community...
March 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, joined with fellow Republicans to oppose the flawed, extraordinarily delayed Fiscal Year 2010 Intelligence Authorization Bill that was not updated to address the two terrorist attacks on the ...
February 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Journal Magazine´s annual Congressional Vote Ratings for 2009 has identified U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) as the top Conservative member in the Senate.
In reporting their findings, National Journal said Inhofe was the "only senator with a perfect conservative ...
February 27, 2010
Congressman Garamendi Calls on GOP to End Obstruction of Benefits Crucial to Millions of Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed emergency legislation to extend a range of programs that are expiring this weekend (at midnight, Sunday, February 28), including:
· Unemployment benefits;
...
February 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa issued the following statement regarding the Interior Department´s announcement on agricultural water allocations from the federal Central Valley Project:
In announcing this year´s allocation, the Interior Department said it w...
February 26, 2010
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following progress in the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in January.
· 3 Strategic nuclear warheads deactivated;
· 2 Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) destroyed;
· 3 ICBM mobile launchers destroyed; and,
· 1 Biological moni...
ARMY DECISION TO DENY MILLIONS IN BONUSES TO CONTRACTOR KBR IS "RIGHT CALL," BUT ONLY A "FIRST STEP"
February 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), who chaired Senate hearings on electrocutions of soldiers in Iraq resulting from shoddy contracting work by KBR, said Thursday the Army´s decision to deny million of dollars in bonuses to the firm for its 2008 work in Iraq "is the right call...
February 26, 2010
"Travel Promotion Bill Creates 500,000 Jobs, Reduces Deficit, Strengthens America´s Standing in World" -- SENATOR BYRON DORGAN (D-ND), Senate floor speech on 2/24/10
The Travel Promotion Act (S. 1023), which passed the Senate by a strong bipartisan vote of 79 to 19 on September 9, 2009, w...
February 26, 2010
Senate Approves $15 Billion Measure to Prompt More Job Hires
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) said he is hopeful that the payroll tax holiday incentives included in a Senate jobs bill will help bring down the unemployment rate in Mississippi.
Cochran voted for Senate pas...
February 26, 2010
Shows Scientists Violated Ethics, Reveals Major Disagreements on Climate Science
Washington, D.C.-The Minority Staff of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works released a report titled, "´Consensus' Exposed: The CRU Controversy." The report covers the controversy surrounding em...
February 26, 2010
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., praised the implementation of a law solidifying the first amendment by allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons on to National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public lands.
...
February 26, 2010
Reid Gives Commitment to Vote on Multi-Year Transportation Bill Reauthorization
Washington, D.C. – As Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Ag...
Stabenow, Hatch, Schumer, Snowe, Brown Introduce Bipartisan American Job Creation and Investment Act
February 26, 2010
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation that will make much-needed capital available to struggling American companies. The American Job Creation and Investment Act ...
February 26, 2010
Sacramento, CA— Just weeks after California Assembly Resolution 100 (Jones) was introduced to declare February, 2010 National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 17-year-old Rebecca Layson was brutally murdered, allegedly by her teenage boyfriend and another teen male. Last Fr...
February 26, 2010
Says "endless legislative delays imperil the Republic" and "obstructionists should pay a price in public notoriety and physical exhaustion"
Washington—Senator Evan Bayh said that abuse of the filibuster has reached historically alarming proportions and called on Senate leaders to lower t...
February 21, 2010
The decision by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross to delay its plan to raise rates by up to 39 percent for individual policy holders in California for two months is only delaying the inevitable. A New York Times piece underscores the urgency to pass health insurance reform:
"…in California, wh...
February 21, 2010
At the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Recovery Act by President Obama, Democrats in the House and Administration officials held events during the week to discuss the impact of the recovery package — highlighting local job creation efforts – and other legislation in the works to he...
February 21, 2010
Even as the economy is beginning to turn around with the help of the Recovery Act, states across the country are facing massive budget gaps that they are obligated to close whether through layoffs, cuts to services or even tax increases. Without additional assistance from Congress, hundreds of thou...
February 21, 2010
Urges Administration to Reverse Course on Failed Middle East Policy
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the President´s nomination of Robert Stephen Ford as U.S. Ambassador to Syria. Statement by Ros-Le...
February 21, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of President Obama signing the Democrat´s trillion-dollar stimulus package into law.
"One year ago President Obama took a trillion taxpayer dollars for the so-called stimulus packa...
Fact Sheet: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -Funding American Jobs, Helping American Families
February 21, 2010
One year ago, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law to bring America´s economy back from the brink by giving most Americans the fastest and one of the largest tax cuts in history, creating and saving jobs, and laying the building blocks for long-term prospe...
February 21, 2010
New law will help identify nuclear traffickers and determine sources of illicit nuclear material
Washington, DC – This week, President Obama signed into law Rep. Adam Schiff´s Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (H.R. 730). The legislation will strengthen efforts in the Department of Home...
February 21, 2010
One-Year Anniversary of Recovery Act
This week marks the one-year anniversary of President Obama signing the Recovery Act into law. Members of Congress and Obama Administration officials are holding events this week to mark the local impact — and other legislation in the works to help crea...
February 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) recently launched the newest version of BradSherman.House.gov, featuring a redesigned navigation structure, new graphics and other improvements. This is the first major website redesign for Congressman Sherman since April 2004.
Visitor...
February 21, 2010
The announcement by Anthem Blue Cross to increase premium rates up to 39 percent for individual policy holders in California and a new Department of Health and Human Services report detailing the shocking rise in insurance premiums across the nation affecting millions of Americans, underscores the u...
February 21, 2010
One year ago, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law to bring America´s economy back from the brink by giving most Americans the fastest and one of the largest tax cuts in history, creating and saving jobs, and laying the building blocks for long-term prospe...
February 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, issued the following statement concerning a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran's nuclear program.
"Yesterday's IAEA report shows the urgency of dealing with the real threat posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons....
February 21, 2010
Congressman Jim Moran welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood´s announcement that $58 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant funds from the stimulus bill is coming to the National Capitol Region. The TIGER grants program was est...
February 21, 2010
All School Stakeholders to be held Accountable for Student Progress
Camden City Public Schools has launched a historic and unprecedented district-wide reading initiative in partnership with American Reading Company using federal stimulus funds in all 20 elementary and family schools. Today, schoo...
February 21, 2010
The Baltimore Sun (Maryland) - The stimulus: More successful than you think
The first waves of stimulus spending were weighted toward aid to state governments, which prevented massive layoffs in state capitals across the nation that would have taken teachers out of classrooms and police off the ...
February 21, 2010
On the anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced Recovery Act awards to states, tribal governments, cities, counties and transit agencies across the country to fund 51 innovative transportation projects. Projects funded with the $1.5 ...
February 21, 2010
Need for Health Insurance Reform Clear
The Department of Health and Human Services released a report detailing a shocking rise in insurance premiums scheduled to occur in several states and underscoring the need for health insurance reform.
· Last year, as American workers and their...
February 20, 2010
Evan Bayh is a heartland Democrat with a history of advancing progressive values in a traditionally Republican state. First elected Indiana governor at age 32—America´s youngest governor at the time—Bayh served two terms as Indiana´s chief executive, one term as Indiana secre...
February 20, 2010
Sacramento, CA — Just weeks after California Assembly Resolution 100 (Jones) was introduced to declare February, 2010 National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 17-year-old Rebecca Layson was brutally murdered, allegedly by her teenage boyfriend and another teen male. Last F...
February 20, 2010
"I believe I can best contribute to society in another way"
Indianapolis – Senator Evan Bayh announced he will not seek a third term to the United States Senate. At a news conference at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), he reflected on nearly a quarter-century of public s...
February 20, 2010
GAINESVILLE, Mo.- On February 2nd, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee conducted confirmation hearings for Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary Designate, State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
In her opening statement, Ms. Stock said, "The mission of ECA is to increase ...
February 20, 2010
It is no coincidence that the Great Recession ended just as the stimulus began providing its maximum economic benefit. The stimulus is doing what it was supposed to do: short-circuit the recession and spur recovery. -Dr. Mark Zandi, before the Senate Joint Economic Committee, 10/29/09.
...
February 13, 2010
Washington, DC - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement upon the return of the bipartisan, bicameral delegation from Haiti:
"Friday, February 12th is a national day of mourning in Haiti. Our House and Senate delegation marked the sad occasion with a moment of silence at the Cathed...
February 13, 2010
The Obama Administration announced a total of nearly $1 billion in Recovery Act awards to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (IT) and train workers for the health care jobs of the future. The awards will help make health IT available...
Fact Sheet: As Premiums for Americans Continue to Skyrocket, Need for Health Insurance Reform is Now
February 13, 2010
Following on the heels of new poll data showing 63 percent of Americans want Congress to move forward on comprehensive health insurance reform, an editorial in the Los Angeles Times on the outrageous premium increases announced by Anthem Blue Cross (owned by WellPoint) best illustrates why Congress ...
February 13, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced an airborne laser (ABL) successfully destroyed a ballistic missile in the first test of a futuristic directed energy weapon.
"We have long known the vital importance ...
February 12, 2010
A new memo by Republican strategist Frank Luntz advocates Republicans use scare tactics and fiction to do the bidding of their friends on Wall Street and kill reform.
"In addition to tying regulatory reform to a massive government takeover, Luntz's memo includes several other data points and ...
February 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement on the President´s budget proposal for fiscal years 2011-2020:
"The President´s call for a spending freeze, while commendable, is simply not enough. It won´t take place until at least a year f...
February 12, 2010
Retirees, disabled could lose discounts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Idaho's Congressional Delegation is asking the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service not to cut discounts for senior citizens and disabled Americans under the Interagency Pass Program. The program provides discounted use rates for activities...
February 12, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza strongly criticized a court ruling this week that will lead to further blocking of agricultural water for Westside farmers.
This week U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger ruled that he was unable to grant an order that would have temporarily enjoined federal agencies...
February 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced that he is working with Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Costa on an Emergency Temporary Water Supply Amendment to the Jobs Bill. The amendment aims to provide for an emergency stop-gap agriculture water allocation of 40 percent for the...
February 12, 2010
Says crippling sanctions needed now to be effective
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the announcement by the Iranian regime that it has enriched uranium to the level of 20 percent. Statement by Ros-Lehti...
February 12, 2010
The latest recipient reports on the Recovery Act were posted at the end of January — reporting on one-fifth of the Recovery money spent out for projects and direct aid in the last quarter of 2009 and less than one-tenth of the overall Recovery Act program. The following news clips illustrate ...
February 12, 2010
WASHINGTON - House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) made the following statement on the President's budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
"Our economy began backsliding into recession in December 2007, one full year before President Obama took office. Within weeks after President Obama was in...
February 12, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Administration Fiscal Year 2011 budget request for the Department of Defense:
"I´m pleased that the President´s bu...
February 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on President Obama´s budget request for fiscal year 2011:
"President Obama´s budget directly tackles our nation´s most pressing challenges — reflecting our dedication to fiscal discipline and our ...
February 12, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, commended the Pentagon for its laser focus on winning the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but questioned whether the Administration´s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR)...
February 12, 2010
The productivity [of Congress] began with the stimulus package, which was far more than an injection of $787 billion in government spending to jump-start the ailing economy. More than one-third of it -- $288 billion -- came in the form of tax cuts, making it one of the largest tax cuts in history,...
February 12, 2010
ENDING MEDICARE, MORE TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY
President Obama delivered his fiscal year 2011 Budget Request to Congress. Rather than taking this opportunity to work with Democrats and the White House to move forward with a budget that represents the needs of the country, Republicans are blastin...
February 12, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Iranian regime...
February 11, 2010
While most Washingtonians took cover during the Blizzard of 2010 (or Snowpocalypse, or Snowmaggedon - whatever you want to call it) Sen. James Inhofe's family braved the storm to poke fun at former Vice President Al Gore.
The Oklahoma Republican's daughter, Molly Rapert; her husband, Jimmy; and t...
February 11, 2010
Joins 39 Senators on Senate Resolution
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined a bipartisan group of 39 senators as original cosponsors of a disapproval resolution to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. T...
February 11, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that responsible nations must stand by the Iranian people and unequivocally repudiate the Iranian regime´s human rights abuses. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"This week...
February 11, 2010
According to a new Washington Post poll released Wedneday, Americans strongly support Congress continuing to work on comprehensive health insurance reform (63 percent support) — including a majority of Independents. Work continues between the House and Senate, and President Obama will conve...
February 11, 2010
Senator Allen to Travel to Kansas for a Fundraising Event for Tiahrt
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) announced that former Virginia Governor and former U.S. Senator, George Allen (R-VA) has endorsed his Senatorial campaign and will travel to Kansas to headline a fundraiser ...
February 11, 2010
Martinsville Bulletin (Virginia) - $21.5M in stimulus funds headed to region
A total of $21.5 million in stimulus funds will be used to expand broadband Internet infrastructure in Southside and Southwest Virginia, the area´s lawmakers announced Monday.
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner an...
February 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Intelligence Committee top Republican Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) issued the following joint statement in response to an op-ed published in USA Today that misleads the American people on key intelligence issues and accuses critics of the Ad...
February 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, issued the following statement concerning statements by White House Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan on Meet the Press.
"Can anyone take seriously the White House's assertion that it consulted with Republicans when President Obam...
February 11, 2010
(Washington, DC) The House of Representatives passed an amendment introduced by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) to H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act. Hastings´ amendment addresses the lack of minority representation in the cybersecurity industry—including women and ...
February 11, 2010
Lawmaker says, "circumstances are far worse than they were in the 90s—and political courage is hard to come by."
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) delivered the following statement at a press conference with fellow Blue Dog Democrats as they released their Blueprint fo...
February 11, 2010
The American people are outraged at reports that AIG will hand out $100 million in bonuses to executives in the same divisions whose actions helped precipitate the worst economic meltdown in 70 years. As reform legislation is considered by Congress, will House Republicans stand with Main Street ...
February 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt condemned President Barack Obama´s decision to remove important funding for the Boeing C-17 cargo plane from his $3.8 trillion budget proposal.
"These aircraft are critical in every aspect of our military operations," Blunt said. "On anyt...
February 11, 2010
Republican Legislation Would Force Justice Department to Consult with the Secretary of Defense before Giving Miranda Rights to Terrorists
Washington, D.C. - The Secretary of Defense confirmed during a House Armed Services Committee that he was not consulted before Justice Department officials un...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza testified in support of legislation that would provide immediate aid to drought-stricken farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.
"This bill is a step toward introducing flexibility back into the system and returning sanity to a debate that has veered dangerously off ...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement regarding news that the unemployment rate is 9.7 percent, while 20,000 jobs were lost in January:
"The loss of 20,000 jobs last month is just further proof that Washington Democrats are out of touch with the needs of the A...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement backing legislation to make the Pay-As-You-Go rule statutory. The PAYGO bill passed the House and has also passed the Senate; it now moves to the President´s desk.
"At the outset of the 1990s, Con...
February 07, 2010
Washington– Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) and 27 Members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Thailand imploring him to cease the impending repatriation of Burmese refugees.
Thousands of refugees could be forcibly repatriated from Thailand to Burma where they would ...
February 07, 2010
North Carolina News Network - $130,000,000 In Federal Research Funds Coming To UNC
Scientific research at U-N-C Chapel Hill got a big boost from federal stimulus dollars. UNC grants or awards are expected to total nearly $130 million over a three-year period. That money will go to boosting ...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON—Republicans fought back against a Democrat plan to increase the national debt limit by nearly $2 trillion. In a procedural move on the House floor, Republicans tried to block the debt limit increase and instead force a vote on a bill sponsored by U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan....
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With strong support from Congressman Cardoza, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation forcing Congress to reduce federal spending and curtail the growing national debt.
Pay-As-You-Go, or PAYGO, is one of the most significant victories for the Blue Dog Coalition, w...
February 07, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to raising the national debt limit by $1.9 trillion. Herger spoke in favor of fiscal responsibility and urged Congress to instead take up H.R. 4566, the End TARP Act, t...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC— Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt voted no, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Washington Democrats rammed through yet another measure to dramatically raise the ceiling on the national debt by $1.9 trillion to $14.294 trillion.
"Seven weeks ago, the Washington Democrat...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, has reintroduced a bill that would allow voters to recall members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
"Government does not merely allow for citizen participation – it depends upon it." Hoekstra said. "Voters elected a Republ...
February 07, 2010
Conservative Leader Backs True Conservative Champion
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) secured the high profile endorsement of Christian radio commentator, best-selling author and family advocate Dr. James Dobson. Dobson is the founder of the pro-family non-profit organizati...
February 07, 2010
Republicans have consistently opposed all efforts to hold Wall Street accountable. The same Republicans who are responsible for Bush-era bailouts now refuse to hold Wall Street accountable and oppose reforms of outrageous executive pay practices on Wall Street. Now we know why. The Wall Street Jo...
February 07, 2010
Act would immediately terminate bailout, apply remaining funds to reduce national debt
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), along with Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), introduced the END TARP Act. The legislation would immediately terminate th...
February 07, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced legislation to extend and expand an existing program to incentivize job creation and aid struggling families with children. As part of the Recovery Act, Congress created an Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) to help States with increasing expen...
February 07, 2010
Act would immediately terminate bailout, apply remaining funds to reduce national debt
WASHINGTON – With Democrats poised to vote on raising the nation´s debt ceiling to a staggering $14.3 billion, Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.), Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) and Congressman Wally...
February 07, 2010
Congressional Republicans are standing behind an alternative budget proposal that would eliminate Medicare and privatize Social Security for older Americans – rehashing failed Bush policies that the American people have soundly rejected.
"Some GOP lawmakers also have endorsed Ryan's alternative ...
February 07, 2010
On the heels of Republican victories in Virginia, New Jersey and most recently Massachusetts, the president sent a straightforward message to Republicans in his State of the Union address that "the responsibility to govern is now yours, as well." Accepting the responsibility to govern is something w...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt signed onto legislation (HR 4503) which would renew the policy of treating suspected terrorists as war criminals – not common criminals.
Blunt co-sponsored legislation, drafted by Congressman Lamar Smith (Texas), which would require the Department of Ju...
February 06, 2010
Consumer Confidence Grows, Housing Prices Up
RIGHT DIRECTION:
Mark Zandi, chief economist, co-founder of Moody´s Economy.com and former McCain economic adviser told FOX Business:
"We're heading in the right direction…the recovery has begun. I think prospects are that job growth will ...
February 06, 2010
Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) joined with lead sponsor Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and other House Republicans to introduce legislation requiring the Justice Department (DOJ) to consult with the Direct...
February 06, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced that the cost of President Obama's stimulus plan has jumped another $75 billion:
"American families who are trying to stay financially afloat do ...
February 06, 2010
Plan proposes steps to reduce spending, balance the budget
Washington, DC – Congressman Cardoza joined fellow members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition in releasing the Blue Dog Blueprint for Fiscal Reform, a 10-year plan aimed at cutting federal spending and balancing the budge...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Dennis Cardoza said he had lost confidence in the top housing official in the Obama Administration, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.
The three biggest cities in Congressman Cardoza´s district – Merced, Stockton, and Modesto – have the 3rd...
February 06, 2010
Republican Legislation Would Block Administration Efforts to Import Terrorists into the United States
Washington D.C. — The President´s plan to bring 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other terrorists to New York City for trial drew a powerful opponent: New York City May...
February 06, 2010
Lawmaker says, "all options must be on the table."
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) released the following statement in response to President Obama´s remarks on the economy in the State of the Union address.
"Since my very first term, I have been adamant that Cong...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) made the following statement after the Senate passed statutory PAYGO legislation. Spratt was an original sponsor and floor manager of the PAYGO bill in the House. The bill is expected to come back to the House next week for a vote on fi...
February 06, 2010
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement in response to President Obama's call to repeal Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell during his State of the Union address:
"I am pleased that President Obama has called for the repeal of Don´t Ask, Don&ac...
February 06, 2010
The Detroit News (Michigan) - President makes mark on Michigan
The state also has seen an infusion of stimulus money for highway and bridge work and sewer upgrades, as well as money earmarked for Great Lakes cleanup and pollution control.
The state has been allocated about $11 billio...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza praised a federal judge´s decision to ease the restrictions on the Delta pumps, temporarily increasing irrigation water supplies to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.
"Finally we are seeing some sanity after what has been years of dysfunctional management of...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement about recent political efforts to influence the Air Force´s requirements for replacing its aging fleet of aerial refueling tankers in favor of a foreign competitor. The Air Force has indicated it will release...
February 06, 2010
WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza commended the appointment of Merced County resident Lynn Skinner to the U.S. Department of Agriculture´s California Farm Service Agency State Committee.
As one of the State Committee members she will help oversee such activities as carrying out state agricu...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., spent Wednesday morning with U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner explaining the importance of lending to small businesses and outlining why the federal government needs to live up to its promise to pay Wyoming´s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) ...
February 05, 2010
Sacramento, CA—Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 100 (Jones) recognizes February 2010 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month," and encourages all governmental organizations, private organizations, public officials and California families to work together to raise awa...
February 05, 2010
Bill will allow immigrants with Legal Permanent Residence status to assist the U.S. government and UN in overseas emergencies
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced legislation to provide an exception to the continued physical presence requirement for Leg...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, said that three things are all Idahoans need to know about the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Proposal released earlier by the White House: more spending, higher taxes and record deficits. Crapo said the proposal falls ...
February 05, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), the Senate´s top "debt hawk," released the following statement in reaction to President Obama´s Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget:
"President Obama said today that he rejects the same old grandstanding when the cameras are on and...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. - The President released his Fiscal Year 2011 budget which included a predicted cut to Wyoming´s nearly $115 million in Abandoned Mine Land (AML) money, depending on the state´s annual coal production.
Governor Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barra...
February 05, 2010
In sharp contrast to the previous administration, the President Barack Obama made sweeping changes to our nations missile defense portfolio last year. It slashed the Missile Defense Agency budget by $1.2 billion, reduced the planned number of missile interceptors in Alaska that were intended to prot...
February 05, 2010
Washington, DC – The House passed Rep. Adam Schiff´s Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (H.R. 730) and sent the measure to the President. The legislation will strengthen efforts in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop techniques for "fingerprinting" nuclear material, and wil...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C.—On the eve of the President´s self-imposed deadline to close the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Republican Whip...
February 05, 2010
Small Business Relief Should Trump Big Labor Agenda
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the hearing held by Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the Obama Administration´s labor agenda:
"Special interests, not...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. The House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment, Chaired by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), concluded its inquiry of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana by ...
February 05, 2010
WQOW ABC-18 (Wisconsin) - Stimulus money to pay for clean energy job training
Governor Jim Doyle Wednesday announced a $6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to expand Wisconsin's Apprenticeship Program and train nearly 3,000 workers for clean energy jobs in building trades ...
February 05, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to strike key portions of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. Tiahrt praised the ruling as a victory for free speech rights. Tiahrt voted against the McCain-Feingold plan th...
February 05, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement to mark the failure of the Obama administration to meet its rushed, self-imposed one year deadline to shutter the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay...
February 05, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the S.C. Employment Security Commission announced that South Carolina´s jobless rate reached 12.6 percent in December:
"As dismal unemployment numbers persist month after month, Speaker Pelosi continues...
February 05, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) has sent a letter to the Department of the Interior urging it to move forward with a proposal that would allow more access to oil and gas leases in the Outer Continental Shelf, a move that would boost domestic energy production and create tho...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the 10-year budget forecast released earlier by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
"Today´s CBO report is a clear reminder of the Bush and Republican Congress-era policies that have resulted in the loss of mill...
February 05, 2010
Republican Legislation Would Block Transfers to Countries Where Guantanamo Terrorists Could Easily Rejoin the Fight against American Citizens
Washington, D.C. — On the eve of his missed deadline to close the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, the President transferred two detaine...
February 05, 2010
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Congressional Action on the Economy Is Helping Ohio Families Recover From Failed GOP Policies – Including in Boehner´s District
House Republican Leader John Boehner keeps asking: "where are the jobs?" Well, 79,000 of the jobs funded by the American Recovery a...
February 05, 2010
Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio) - Ohio receives $6 million for worker training
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Ohio $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for what is called green job training, with a special emphasis on communities affected by the auto industry.
...
February 05, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) hosted a telephone town hall, fielding questions from a number of the thousands of constituents who participated from the comfort of their own homes.
A "Telephone Town Hall" operates like a large-scale conference call where constituents c...
February 05, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced that he has introduced a bill that would cut federal government discretionary spending by 10% each year for the next five years. If passed, the Tighten Washington's Belt Act, H.R. 4479, will reduce discretionary spending by 40% thr...
February 05, 2010
Republican Ranking Members Support Additional Security Assistance, Oppose Transfers from Guantanamo to Yemen
Washington, D.C. — Bloomberg News is reporting that the Pentagon will soon propose doubling the $67 million in aid provided to Yemen in 2009 in order to improve the government´...
January 31, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) introduced comprehensive bi-partisan legislation that will provide authority, policy guidance, and operational oversight to the State Department.
The Foreign Relations Authoriza...
January 31, 2010
Crapo, Lieberman, Whitehouse call for activities, awareness
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate is bringing an expanded focus on teen dating violence through a resolution unanimously passed by the Senate earlier this week and championed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Senate Homeland Security an...
January 31, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced legislation to speed recovery efforts in post-earthquake Haiti. The legislation will focus on three areas important to rebuilding Haiti – debt relief, infrastructure, and trade.
"The United States and the...
January 31, 2010
Bill will help put refugees working for U.S. government abroad on path to citizenship
WASHINGTON – Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to provide an exception to the continued physical presence requirement for refugees who assist the U.S. government a...
January 31, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Republican Leader John Boehner, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and Members of Congress will hold a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on March 10, 2010 in the Capitol to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilot...
January 31, 2010
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) responded to the President´s jobs plan outlined earlier and emphasized her support for solutions that will create jobs and bring fiscal discipline to Washington:
"With unemployment at 10 percent nationally and over 14 percent in Riversi...
January 31, 2010
President Obama and Vice President Biden visited Florida to announce more than $8 billion in Recovery Act funding for high-speed rail projects across the country. Overall, 31 states will receive funding.
"Through the Recovery Act, we are making the largest investment in infrastructure since...
January 31, 2010
Republicans Will Work to Block Democrat Efforts to Move Terrorists into "Other" People´s Back Yards
Washington, D.C. — Democrats in the New York congressional delegation and the Chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee are the latest to join with New York City Mayor Michael Blo...
January 31, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on House and Senate leaders to work together to quickly send comprehensive, bipartisan Iran sanctions legislation to the President´s desk. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
...
January 31, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on news that the gross domestic product expanded at an annual rate of 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace the economy has grown in more than six years.
"Today´s GDP numbers are a sign of economic pr...
January 31, 2010
New York Times - Saved by Stimulus in 2009, Wind Industry Pushes for RES
The federal stimulus package turned what could have been a disastrous 2009 for the wind industry into its best year ever.
"We thought we were going to lose half our industry," said Denise Bode, CEO of the Americ...
January 31, 2010
Republicans Continue to Stand Up For Wall Street
Americans strongly support (57 percent to 39 percent) President Obama´s proposal to institute a "responsibility fee" on big banks to ensure financial institutions pay back taxpayers and discourage risky behavior that could lead to another cri...
January 31, 2010
Full Extent of Insurers' Misbehavior is Unknown Because of Limited Data
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, commented on a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on marketing abuses by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. The rep...
January 31, 2010
WKOW ABC-27 (Wisconsin) - Stimulus money = Wisconsin jobs
The federal stimulus package created or saved 44,000 jobs in Wisconsin over the past nine months.
That, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors, in a report on spending from the American Recovery and Reinvest...
January 31, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - The United States Senate is expected to take up legislation to raise the United States debt limit. As part of the agreement to bring this issue to a vote, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has promised to propose an amendment that would strip the Environmental Protection Agency (EP...
January 31, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – More than $13 million will be available for California agriculture to address plant pest and disease issues, Congressman Cardoza announced earlier. The funding is part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
"I am pleased to see California receiving a significant share of these funds and am cert...
January 31, 2010
Measure makes Haiti donations tax-deductable for 2009
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the House passage of legislation which will accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions to re...
January 31, 2010
McKeon, Committee Republicans Press for Answers on "Why Accused Gunman Moved Through the Military´s Ranks"
Washington, D.C. — Republican members on the House Armed Services Committee pressed Togo West and Vern Clark, the authors of an internal Department of Defense review into the mas...
January 31, 2010
Quad-Cities Online (Illinois) - Hare announces over $18 million in Recovery Act Funding to assist R.I., Moline, and Sterling
Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) has received $18,530,708 from the American Recovery and Reinvest...
January 31, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing to receive expert testimony on the threat posed by al-Qaeda and its affiliates on the Arabian Peninsula and in other regions around the world. The subcommittee´s R...
January 31, 2010
Missouri´s State Energy Sector Partnership Will Create Over 800 Training Slots in Clean Energy Sector
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) MO-1 announced that the State of Missouri has been awarded a $6 million Recovery Act Grant to create...
January 31, 2010
Department of Labor grant of $5.9 million for job training in Washington state part of funds Inslee promoted in stimulus legislation
(Washington, D.C.) Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01) joined the US Department of Labor to announce $5.9 million in clean energy job training funds for the Washington State ...
January 31, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt voted to force a vote on The Sunshine Resolution, which would require that health care negotiations be public and open to the media. The effort to require transparency in the health care discussions was unsuccessful.
"If the national Democrats won&acut...
January 31, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued a statement after meeting with officials from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to deal with ...
January 31, 2010
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) has introduced the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Medicine Enhancement Act. This legislation will develop affordable and well-qualified opportunities for individuals who are seeking to become wildlife and zoo veterinarians, spur job g...
January 31, 2010
WICHITA, KS - Congressman Todd Tiahrt's (R-Goddard) United States Senate campaign began airing television and radio advertisements across the state. The ads highlight Tiahrt's conservative leadership and are set to coincide with the annual Kansas Days festivities in which Republicans from across th...
January 28, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that Iran´s authoritarian "Supreme Leader" had called for the destruction of Israel. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"On this International Holocaust Remembr...
January 28, 2010
Cardoza to Bay Delta Committee: Cuts to Valley ag water catastrophic, review is needed of all impacts on the Delta ecosystem
DAVIS, CA – Congressman Cardoza told scientists this week that the current restrictions on water to Valley farmers have had a "catastrophic" impact on agriculture and have ...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and ranking member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), presented the case for impeachment of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana to t...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., joined Congressional members to witness President Obama´s State of the Union address. Below are comments he made after the speech.
"The President touched on a lot of areas tonight and Congress has a long to-do list, but the Pres...
January 28, 2010
Remains concerned over higher taxes, increasing scope of federal government
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement after attending the President´s State of the Union speech this evening on Capitol Hill:
"The President outlined some of the most pressin...
January 28, 2010
Nunn-Lugar program continued substantial reductions in 2009 and will begin a new phase of Global Security Cooperation
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar released a summary of the progress in Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction programs for 2009. Nunn-Lugar made substantial progress in destroying and contai...
January 28, 2010
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following President Barack Obama´s State of the Union address to Congress.
"The President delivered a great speech tonight. Though our country faces significant problems and we have a long road to economic recovery, Presiden...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama´s first State of the Union address:
"It is clear that Americans are facing many challenges and that Washington leadership needs to step up and make hardworking families – n...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, released the following statement in reaction to the President's State of the Union address:
"Tonight President Obama addressed Congress after his first year in office. It was a sobering address. The econ...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) issued the following statement on President Obama´s State of the Union address.
"Roughly 3 million Americans have lost their jobs since President Obama signed the stimulus bill nearly a year ago. Tonight, the president listed a few succes...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement in response to the State of the Union address delivered by President Obama:
"Tonight´s State of the Union address acknowledged many of the serious problems that the United States is facing. I am encouraged t...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the President´s State of the Union address to the United States Congress:
"Republicans stand ready to work with the Preside...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement following President Obama´s State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress:
"Tonight, President Obama presented a vision to the American people of a stronger union, a new foundation for prosperity, and a th...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement after the President´s State of the Union address:
"All over Missouri I´ve been talking to people who are worried about their jobs. They´re worried about this economy. They´re worried about spending...
January 28, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address:
"The conditions across America leading up to this speech tonight are quite serious - unemployment is at double digits and in South Carolina, it...
January 28, 2010
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union address:
"Across the nation, millions of Americans are unemployed and millions more are struggling to make ends meet, including in my own district in South ...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement on President Obama´s State of the Union address.
"I appreciate President Obama´s desire to freeze discretionary spending—but he´s a year too late," said Tiahrt. "Discretionary spending we...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC—Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt pledged to continue pushing for answers from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner regarding his oversight of taxpayer dollars during the taxpayer-funded bailout of AIG.
"For nearly two months I have called on Secretary Geithner to answer very basic ...
January 28, 2010
WASHINGTON—A new development has taken place in the ongoing battle to stop illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-subsidized college tuition. This week a bill was introduced by U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) and U.S. Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) called the Fairness for Ameri...
January 28, 2010
(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced the Veterans Pensions Protection Act, legislation that will protect veterans from losing their pension benefits because they received payments to cover expenses incurred after an accident, theft, loss or casualty loss.
...
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. – At the hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee, Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), Chair of the Intelligence and Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee, called the Christmas Day airliner bombing attempt a failure of intelligence. "Doing better is not optional," Harman...
January 26, 2010
Republican Legislation Would Block Transfers from Guantanamo to Countries with Large Ungoverned Spaces and Significant al-Qaeda Presence
Washington, D.C.—In the wake of its troubling decision to release two Guantanamo detainees to Algeria less than three weeks after placing the country on a...
January 26, 2010
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on today´s meeting in Montreal between high-level representatives of Haiti, the United States, Canada, and other nations and organizations to discuss ways to better coordin...
January 26, 2010
Sun Sentinel (Florida) - State attributes 87,700 jobs to stimulus funding
Stimulus-funded construction jobs are beginning to mount in Florida, as indicated by two announcements Friday.
The state said it would report on Jan. 30 an estimated job impact of 87,700 as of Dec. 31, 2009, du...
January 26, 2010
EXPERTS – AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT HELPED EASE COUNTRY´S ECONOMIC PAIN:
In a survey of economists profiled in today´s USA Today, experts agreed that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in February 2009, helped ease th...
January 26, 2010
(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the launch of South Florida´s newest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) weekly newspaper, South Florida Gay News.com (SFGN). SFGN was founded by Broward criminal defense attorney and...
January 23, 2010
Congress sent President Obama legislation to allow individuals making charitable contributions to Haiti to claim these charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return. The President is expected to sign this legislation soon. As the recovery efforts in Haiti continue, here is a list of informatio...
January 23, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of President Obama's executive order to close the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba:
"The President must finally put the brakes on his efforts to close Guantanamo Bay....
January 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), issued the following statement in response to the release of state unemployment numbers. California has a 12.4 percent unemployment rate, with parts of the 2nd Congressional District suffering from even higher rates:
"Over the course of the la...
January 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) issued the following statement concerning the U.S. Supreme Court´s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Committee, which overturned the long-standing ban on corporate contributions to federal election campaigns.
"It is ...
January 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. – As the President prepares his budget priorities for the year, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., are teaming up with fellow Western senators to ensure money promised to coal producing states isn´t on the chopping block.
"Every year when mone...
January 23, 2010
Crapo, Klobuchar Mark 25th Anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act
Washington, D.C. – Federal funding priorities and efforts to protect victims of crime are being recognized by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). The U.S. Senate passed the Crapo-Klobuchar legislation, ...
January 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistant Center (PTAC) invite small businesses to learn how to sell their products and services in a multi-billion dollar market.
The Wyoming Government Resources & Opportunities for Small Business (GRO-Biz) Co...
January 23, 2010
Amendment comes as Senate considers raising debt ceiling by nearly $2 trillion
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo cast a vote to reduce the nation´s debt, even as other Senators plan a vote to set new records by raising the debt ceiling by nearly $2 trillion. Crapo voted in favor ...
January 23, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) commended the government of Norway for being the first OECD country to publicly disclose its oil and gas revenues as a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Lugar and Cardin called for the U.S., wh...
January 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., made the following comments after Scott Brown, R-Mass., won the special election to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., in the United States Senate.
"I congratulate Senator-elect Brown and look forward to working with the new junior ...
January 17, 2010
If the White House thought they could slip the bailout of Fannie and Freddie through by announcing it in a Christmas Eve news dump, think again. Dennis Kucinich released this statement:
"As Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm annou...
January 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) released the following statement about security and information sharing in light of the Christmas bomb incident:
"We now know that a significant security failure occurred and I applaud President Obama's tough and candid statement -- a welco...
January 17, 2010
Payson Roundup (Arizona) - Local jobs created by stimulus lauded
The first round of federal stimulus spending created or saved 1,100 jobs in the sprawling First Congressional District, which includes Rim Country, according to an analysis released by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.
Her office&a...
January 17, 2010
Concerned about Administration Delays on Crippling Iran Sanctions
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that Iran was close to secretly purchasing from Kazakhstan more than 1,000 tons of uranium for its...
January 17, 2010
The Jackson Citizen Patriot (Michigan) - Stimulus fuels rural home sales
When President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February, some of the first dollars out the door went to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to benefit the nation's farmers and rural areas.
...
January 17, 2010
The ´Truly Impressive,´ ´Astonishingly Long List of Accomplishments´ Year
TIME Magazine, December 16, 2009: "In the first year of the Obama presidency, [Speaker Pelosi] has used that power — and an 81-seat Democratic majority, the largest either party has enjoyed i...
January 17, 2010
Westchester.com (New York) - Westchester Gets $4.5M In Stimulus Funds
Westchester County has received $4.5 million in funding for energy conservation projects – including more than $200,000 for free home energy audits – through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the...
January 17, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) co-authored a bipartisan letter sent to President Obama, expressing strong support for continued security cooperation between the United States and Israel...
January 17, 2010
(Columbia, SC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement after Senator Harry Reid and other Senate Democrats voted to pass a government takeover of health care:
"Through backroom negotiations and sweetheart deals, Senator Reid today secured a government takeover of h...
January 17, 2010
SURVEYS RELIEF EFFORTS, REPORT BACK TO CONGRESS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECOVERY
WASHINGTON, DC – Kendrick Meek today arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to survey relief efforts after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the nation earlier this week.
Meek will evaluate relief efforts on the g...
January 17, 2010
The Daily Times (Maryland) - Kratovil tours stimulus sites
Democratic Rep. Frank Kratovil visited sites in Federalsburg and Stevensville that have received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
First, Kratovil stopped at the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board's...
January 17, 2010
We all remember the Wendy's ad campaign, "Where's the Beef?" This iconic campaign triggered fast food consumers across the nation to take notice of the product - or lack thereof - they were receiving at the drive-through. Sometimes it takes creative campaigns like this to get people to notice they'v...
January 17, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on remarks by a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) official regarding the "unholy alliance" between South American narco-criminal groups and Islamist extremist organizations in wester...
January 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republicans on the House Intelligence, Armed Services and Homeland Security committees outlined four steps that the Obama administration should take immediately to help improve American security in the wake of a terrorist attack on a Michigan-bound aircraft.
"I am conce...
January 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) released the U.S. Census Bureau´s latest San Fernando Valley Census Report. At his request, the Census Bureau updated the report using detailed data from the 2008 American Community Survey (ACS). The first-ever Valley Census Report ...
January 17, 2010
RECEIVES ASSURANCES FROM CEO AND PRESIDENT WES BUSH THAT SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE WILL NOT BE AFFECTED
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) issued the following statement in response to the announcement that aerospace giant Northrop Grumman will move its corporate headquarters from ...
January 17, 2010
Administration Heeds Concerns Raised by Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Buck McKeon and Congressional Republicans
Washington, D.C. — Following concerns raised by Capitol Hill Republicans, the White House announced that it has decided "not to transfer any more Guantanamo Bay prisoner...
January 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC--In a strongly worded letter sent to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt demanded an explanation of what he calls "a backdoor path to regulation" of greenhouse gas emissions and sought answers regarding how the EPA will protec...
January 17, 2010
Bloomberg - NIH Stimulus Money Adds Jobs and Research After Funding Lag
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has created or saved 50,000 jobs with its $10 billion in federal stimulus funds, boosting medical research and returning $2.25 on the dollar in goods and services, the agency´...
January 17, 2010
Washington, D.C.—The top Republicans on the House Armed Services, Appropriations, Intelligence, Homeland Security and Judiciary committees sent a letter to President Obama outlining six initial steps that the Administration should take immediately to help improve American security in the wake...
January 17, 2010
Congressman Cardoza commends appointment of three Californians to top ag positions with Obama Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, offered his congratulations to three Californians who have recently been selected to top agricultural a...
January 17, 2010
President Obama awarded $2.3 billion in Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for new clean-tech manufacturing jobs. The credits will fund 183 projects in 43 states, creating tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs and the domestic manufacturing of advanced clean energy...
January 17, 2010
(Columbia, S.C) – Congressman Joe Wilson unveiled his 2010 legislative priorities during three press conferences throughout South Carolina´s Second Congressional district:
"In 2009, we witnessed the return of big government and its big failures. Lawmakers not only put American taxpayers on...
January 17, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 85,000 American jobs were lost during the month of December, keeping the national unemployment rate at 10 percent for the third consecutive month.
"One year ago Pr...
January 17, 2010
Washington, D.C.—House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) called on the President to reverse several key decisions that have marginalized the war on terrorism within the Administration and commit to winning. McKeon´s statement follows:
"As t...
January 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement after the White House issued a report on the attack on an aircraft in the skies over Michigan by an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist:
"I welcome the administratio...
January 17, 2010
"Secretary Geithner has some explaining to do."
WASHINGTON, DC— Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt reacted strongly to news that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, then led by now-Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, advised AIG to withhold information from the public regarding their payment...
January 17, 2010
Senior Republican Ranking Members on Five Key Committees Encourage President Obama to Prosecute Christmas Day Bomber in Military Tribunal
Washington, D.C. — The New York Times reported that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the right of the Unite...
January 17, 2010
UAW Labor Employment & Training Corporation to Receive $3.2 Million to Retrain Laid-Off Autoworkers for Green Jobs
Washington, D.C.- U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) MO-1 announced that the UAW Labor Employment & Training Corporation will receive a $3.2 milli...
January 16, 2010
Los Angeles – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) announced that she has successfully resolved a dispute between Park Mesa Heights homeowners and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and as a result the homeowners will not be required to purchase costly flood insurance. Congresswo...
January 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after a terror attack in Afghanistan claimed the lives of seven CIA officers and wounded six:
"The American people may never know their names, but we owe the...
January 16, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement about the U.S. Senate vote to pass a taxpayer-funded government takeover of our nation´s healthcare system on Christmas Eve.
"Here we are just hours from Christmas morning and Senate Democrats pass an enor...
January 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC— Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt reacted strongly to news that the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) will not release documents related to AIG´s payments to banks during the taxpayer-funded bailout process in 2008 because the Federal Res...
January 16, 2010
Congressional Republicans Oppose Administration´s Decision to Prosecute 9/11 Co-Conspirators & Others Captured in the War on Terrorism in U.S. Civilian Court
Washington, D.C. — Congressional Republicans have long argued that military tribunals are better equipped than U.S. civilian co...
January 16, 2010
Last week, President Obama awarded $2.3 billion in Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for new clean-tech manufacturing jobs. The credits will fund 183 projects in 43 states, creating tens of thousands of high quality clean energy jobs and the domestic manufacturing of advanced cl...
January 16, 2010
Data Show Recovery Act Working in Transportation Sector
WASHINGTON—The Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit take exception with an Associated Press analysis on the effects of the American Recovery a...
January 16, 2010
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. On this trip, Members of Congress are seeing first-hand the innovative technologies the auto industry is investing in to create the jobs of the future and to ensure our na...
January 16, 2010
"The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others" – Albert Schweitzer
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) shared several ways Ohioans can get involved in helping with Haiti´s emergency rescue efforts.
"I, along with all Ame...
January 16, 2010
Some State Lawmakers Rebel Against Requiring Everyone To Have Health Insurance
Health insurance reform opponents are claiming that the shared responsibility requirement in the legislation that those who can afford health insurance have it – and that those who can afford insurance but for some rea...
January 16, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), Chair of the Congressional Salton Sea Task Force, issued the following statement on the judicial ruling that declared invalid the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), which is aimed to ensure restoration of the Salton Sea and sustainabl...
January 16, 2010
Meek: It´s Been a Long Time Coming
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that the Obama Administration will grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians living in the U.S. The status grants temporary immigration status to nearly 30,000 Haitians curr...
January 16, 2010
Florida Times- Union - FSCJ receives $2.2 million grant for 'green jobs'
A federal "green jobs" program will give training to 390 people in the Jacksonville area by using a $2.2 million grant announced Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Labor.
U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville...
January 16, 2010
Washington, DC - Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), issued a statement in support of a House Republican effort that would require public access to health care negotiations. Herger is an original cosponsor of H.Res. 847, the "Sunshine Resolution." The Sunshine Resolution would require public access t...
January 16, 2010
Meek: "The American People Have Shown an Outpouring of Support . . . Now Is the Time to Give an Added Boost to the Nation´s Charitable Spirit"
WASHINGTON, DC – Kendrick Meek announced that he is introducing legislation to provide tax incentives for American citizens to make monetary donatio...
January 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after press reports that the Obama administration is considering bringing terrorist detainees, including the notorious terrorist known as Hambali, to Washington...
January 15, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, issued the following statement after introducing legislation to raise basic military pay by 1.9 percent for Fiscal Year 2011:
"The brave men and women in our military dese...
Secretary Solis, Secretary Chu & Congressman Clay Announce Almost $50 Million in Recovery Act Grants
January 15, 2010
Grants Used to Advance Biofuels Development & Green Energy Jobs in St. Louis: Donald Danforth Plant Center Wins $44 Million to Convert Green Algae into Biofuel, Better Family Life and Alternative Solutions Awarded $5.6 Million for Green Energy Jobs Training
Washington, D.C.- U.S. Secretary of Lab...
January 15, 2010
The Obama Administration issued a second quarterly report on the economic impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, prepared by the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). According to the report, the Recovery Act boosted economic growth and funded 1.5 million to 2 million jobs thro...
January 15, 2010
If so, relax. You´re probably all worked up about four of the myths polluting this debate.
Polls show that about half the country is still opposed to or skeptical of the health reform legislation entering the endgame in Congress. This could threaten final passage or undermine sustained supp...
January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on a news report showing that the nation's largest insurance companies funneled between $10 million and $20 million through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to fund deceptive television ads opposing health insurance reform. The a...
January 15, 2010
The latest twist of reality put forward by opponents of reform claims that a "marriage penalty" has been inserted into the health reform bill. House Republicans first seized on the myth in a partisan press release—and now The Wall Street Journal has reported it.
MYTH: Democrats have ins...
January 15, 2010
FOX Business - Governor Rendell Says Federal Stimulus Continues to Help Stabilize Economy, Put Pennsylvanians to Work
Governor Edward G. Rendell said that more than 4,200 full-time equivalent jobs were funded directly by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in Pennsylvania in the fourt...
January 15, 2010
"Now is the time for answers"
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the first public hearing being held by the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission:
"As we get fresh evidence that the Recovery Act is working to create and save millions of American jobs, work...
January 15, 2010
Washington– Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) called on Congress to act to prevent the new Washington, DC law to redefine marriage from taking effect until residents are allowed to vote on a ballot initiative. The Washington, D.C. Board of Elections has denied a request for a ballot initiative based on the cit...
January 15, 2010
Says soldiers´ morale is high but announcing timetable for withdrawal a concern.
Washington, D.C. – During a Congressional visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past four days, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo found U.S. soldiers in high spirits but foreign leaders left with questions over ann...
January 15, 2010
(Washington, D.C.)- Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) garnered the highest number of votes in an online poll to determine the "2009 Arms Control Person of the Year." Nine other individuals, institutions, and country groups were nominated by the staff of the Arms Control Association.
Lugar was nomin...
January 15, 2010
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Richard G. Lugar (R-IN), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed their strong support for Iraq´s commitment to greater transparency in its oil and gas industry.
Iraq formally announced Monday its intenti...
January 15, 2010
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar released the following statement on the devastating earthquake in Haiti:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and the many Haitian-Americans in this country who are directly affected by the devastating tragedy. I...
January 15, 2010
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar is calling on the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protective Status for 18 months to Haitian immigrants, in part, so they can send funds home to help their country.
"The devastating earthquake a...
January 15, 2010
Requests USDA purchase of surplus potatoes
Washington, D.C. - Idaho's Congressional Delegation is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist potato producers struggling due to a high supply of domestic potatoes and low prices. In a letter sent to USDA Agricultural Marketing Servi...
January 15, 2010
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) announced the release of $11 million in funding for Alameda County from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This award is part of $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to states, local governments and non-profit housing develope...
January 15, 2010
23 Members Sign on to Rep. Welch Bill Taxing TARP Bonuses of $50,000 or More at 50 Percent
WASHINGTON, DC – Momentum continued to build Thursday for a tax on excessive Wall Street bonuses as 11 House members held a Capitol Hill press conference to rally for the Wall Street Bonus Tax Act (H.R. 442...
January 15, 2010
Congressional Republicans Side with Wall Street over Main Street
"We want our money back and we're going to get it… If these companies are in good enough shape to afford massive bonuses, they are surely in good enough shape to afford paying back every penny to taxpayers."
– President Barack Oba...
January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the announcement by President Obama that he will propose a Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee that would require the largest and most highly leveraged Wall Street firms to pay back taxpayers for the federal assistance ...
January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this afternoon following President Obama´s speech on the disastrous earthquake and ongoing relief efforts in Haiti:
"On behalf of all Members of Congress, I echo President Obama´s message to the Haitian people ...
January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on a report issued by the White House´s Council of Economic Advisors finding that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act created or saved up to 2 million jobs, and added between 1.5 and 3 percentage points to the growth...
January 15, 2010
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama calling on him to immediately dismiss Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for her lack of attention to the threat of terrorism before and after the attempted Christmas Day bom...
January 15, 2010
The Florida political response to the devastation in Haiti has been swift, with calls from Tallahassee to Washington for disaster relief and for "temporary protected status" for Haitian nationals living in the United States. There have been multiple TV appearances and appeals for financial contribut...
January 15, 2010
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, received a phone call from General Douglas Fraser, Commander, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to discuss Haiti relief efforts. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"The first steps in respon...
January 15, 2010
Missile Defense Test, Cyber Attack on Google Highlight Growing Unease between the United States and China
Washington, D.C. — At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, the committee´s senior Republican, U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), used the lack of transparency surround...
January 15, 2010
Dispels Misinformation about the Deportation of Haitians and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
WASHINGTON, DC – Kendrick Meek wrote to President Obama urging swift and targeted assistance to Haiti in the aftermath of a major magnitude 7.0 earthquake and also commented on misinformation about the d...
January 15, 2010
Washington, D.C.—Following a briefing by senior officials from the Department of Defense and the intelligence community, U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, called on the Administration to immediately cease transfers of detaine...
January 15, 2010
WASHINGTON--Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt demanded transparency in negotiations between House and Senate leaders on the final version of their trillion-dollar-plus health care legislation. Blunt signed a discharge petition which, if signed by 218 members of the House, would force a vote on a resol...
January 07, 2010
Mississippi Lawmakers Want Finalized Bill Crafted in "The Light of Day"
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today added their voices to a growing chorus of lawmakers asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow open negotiations in the effort to merge the health ca...
January 05, 2010
Washington, D.C.—In the wake of the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253, the top Republican on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee called on the Administration to cease transfers of terrorist detainees to Yemen from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Citing the high rate of terrori...
December 24, 2009
Senator brings Idahoans´ concerns to colleagues on Senate floor
Washington, D.C. – More than 19,000 people, starting with Idahoans but spreading nationwide to all 50 states, have signed an online petition opposing the current health care reform legislation before the U.S. Senate. The onlin...
December 24, 2009
Washington, D.C. – On Christmas Eve, a divided Senate passed its version of the most sweeping health care legislation in U.S. history. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the vote was a "political engineering marvel, but a disservice to the country." He voted against the measure.
The Senate ...
December 24, 2009
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is fiscally responsible, incremental, expands coverage and protects consumers
Washington, D.C. – Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) offered the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed the Patient and Affordable Care Act:
"I voted in s...
December 24, 2009
Says Congress is sending the wrong message for the new year
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate voted today 60 to 39 along party lines to approve H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. By the same vote, the Senate then followed action by the U.S. House of Representatives to ra...
December 24, 2009
Legislation decreases the number of uninsured, increases access to affordable care and makes health insurance companies more accountable; Includes historic investment in prevention, wellness
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined the Democratic Senate majority in supporting T...
December 22, 2009
Democrats deliver lump of coal with bill to raise health care costs, hike taxes, cut Medicare
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., voted against a government takeover of health care early this morning. Today he decried the sweetheart deals that bought votes and allowed Majority Lead...
December 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) voted early Monday morning against limiting debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR.3590) and moving the health care reform plan crafted by Majority Leader Harry Reid toward Senate approval.
Cochran voted against the clo...
December 21, 2009
McKeon Criticizes $500 Million Price Tag for New Terrorist Detention Facility
Washington, D.C.—House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) criticized the Obama Administration´s handling of the vital national security issues of closing Guantanamo Ba...
December 21, 2009
Says Sanctions Legislation Helps Address Totality of Threat
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that Iran successfully test-fired an upgraded version of its most advanced missile, which is capable of ...
December 21, 2009
House Democrats Block Armed Services, Intelligence Efforts to Force the Administration To Share Information about Guantanamo
Washington, D.C.—According to an article in this morning´s Roll Call, "Congressional Republicans expressed outrage Tuesday over President Barack Obama´s p...
December 21, 2009
´Tis the Season for the American People to Make their Voices Heard
(Columbia, S.C) – The Senate voted to advance a massive government takeover of health care. Two more procedural votes will take place and reports indicate that the final Senate vote is set for 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. C...
December 21, 2009
United States War Bonds Act of 2009 Authorizes Treasury Secretary to Issue War Bonds
Meek: We Need to Promote Shared Sacrifice and Responsibility Along with our Military Families
WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to promote national shared sacrifice and responsibility, U.S. Representative Kendric...
December 21, 2009
Kansas House Majority Leader and Speaker Pro Tem back Tiahrt
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Six-term Representative and Kansas House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) along with the Speaker Pro Tem of the Kansas House and four-term Representative, Arlen Siegfreid (R-Olathe) endorsed Congressman Todd T...
December 21, 2009
Kansas House Majority Leader and Speaker Pro Tem back Tiahrt
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Six-term Representative and Kansas House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) along with the Speaker Pro Tem of the Kansas House and four-term Representative, Arlen Siegfreid (R-Olathe) endorsed Congressman Todd T...
December 20, 2009
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) MO-1, applauded the passage of H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act, which was approved by a vote of 217 – 212. "I´m proud that we´ve redirected $75 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) savings from Wall Street to Main Street ...
December 20, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (pronounced TEE-hart), R-Kan., issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration´s announcement that the United States would help secure $100 billion for a global warming bailout for foreign governments. It was reported that U....
December 20, 2009
"The apple doesn´t fall far from the tree; Son of Stimulus repeats mistakes of his father"
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt voted no on the national Democrats´ second massive round of so-called "stimulus" spending. The legislation, ringing in at $150 billion in new f...
December 20, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark voted to put job creation ahead of war escalation, by voting for the Jobs for Main Street Act (H.R. 2847) and against the Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 3326). Both bills included important provisions that need to be implemented before the end of the year:
• Exten...
December 20, 2009
Defense Bill Includes Transportation Upgrades Connecting New Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir Hospitals to Surrounding Communities
Washington, DC – Congressmen Jim Moran and Chris Van Hollen welcomed the House´s passage of the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill which includes $300 mil...
December 20, 2009
(Washington, DC)- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced the Outpatient Mental Health Modernization Act of 2009, a bill that requires Medicare to reimburse Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPS) for providing transportation, food and nutritional services to psychiatric patients.
...
December 20, 2009
Legislation would split megabanks and reinstitute wall separating investment and commercial banking
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Jay Inslee joined with sponsor Maruice Hinchey (D-NY) to introduce legislation to reinstate portions of the Banking Act of 1933, known to most as the Glass-Steagall ...
December 20, 2009
"Like asking for a higher credit limit when you max out your Visa"
WASHINGTON, DC— Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt voted no, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Washington Democrats rammed through a measure to raise the ceiling on the national debt by $290 billion to $12.4 trillion w...
December 20, 2009
The Jobs on Main Street Act will create or save jobs here at home with targeted investments ($75 billion) for highways and transit, school renovation, hiring teachers, police, and firefighters, small business, job training and affordable housing – key drivers of economic growth that have the most ba...
December 20, 2009
Measure requires expanded examination of freedom of the press worldwide
WASHINGTON, DC— The House passed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act, a bill authored by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Pence (R-IN) Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press. The leg...
December 20, 2009
Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued a statement regarding the 2010 Fiscal Year Defense Appropriations bill. The bill includes funding for troops serving overseas and improvements to health and family programs offered to servicemembers. Because of the late timing of the bill´s passage, a n...
December 20, 2009
Bill Containing Oklahoma Funds Heads to President
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, early Saturday morning voted for final passage of the Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 3326).
"This legislation provides critical fund...
December 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., issued the following statement on the latest Reid health care bill:
"The Democrats are playing ´Let´s make a deal´ with trillions of your hard-earned tax dollars. You and all the American people should know that the Majority L...
December 20, 2009
Copenhagen – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the United Nations Climate Conference. Speaker Pelosi is currently leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Copenhagen.
"The agreement reached tonight in Copenhagen is a breakthrough in the global effort to combat the c...
December 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement as the Copenhagen Climate Conference draws to a close. Herger, along with several other members, introduced a resolution that strongly urged President Obama to keep the United States out of a harmful, binding agreeme...
December 20, 2009
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Included Several Provisions to Ease Military Voter Registration and Ballot Casting
Washington, D.C. —The New York Times is reporting that the Department of Defense will work to eliminate the hurdles for voting by military personnel by...
December 20, 2009
Congressman Wilson Continues to Fight for Job Creation Policies
(Columbia, S.C) – South Carolina´s unemployment rate hit an all-time high at 12.3% for the month of November. Upon hearing about the state´s unemployment numbers, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), a member of the Education...
December 20, 2009
"Fiscal mismanagement of the highest degree"
WASHINGTON, DC— Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt expressed frustration over Secretary of State Hillary Clinton´s recent announcement in Copenhagen that the United States would commit to participating in a $100 billion annual wealth transfer t...
December 20, 2009
Atlanta Journal Constitution (Georgia) - Fiber-optic network will link Atlanta, N.C.
The 260-mile high-speed Internet network Vice President Joe Biden highlighted Thursday in North Georgia will connect downtown Atlanta to North Carolina, boost the region´s economy and create hundreds -...
December 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. —Leading national security officials within the Administration continue to be forced to defend the President´s controversial July 2011 deadline to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. In a meeting with senior Afghan officials in Kabul, the United States´...
December 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, has released the following statement on what President Obama called a "breakthrough in international negotiations" on climate c...
December 19, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar today took to the floor of the Senate to tout the successes of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperation Threat Reduction program.
As START Treaty negotiations continue in Geneva, Switzerland, and President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev discuss an agreement on the side...
December 18, 2009
Copenhagen, Denmark -Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark to "make certain the 191 countries attending COP-15 would not be deceived into thinking the U.S. would pass cap-and-trade legislation." In his rem...
December 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense, early Friday morning issued the following statement regarding his vote against invoking cloture on final passage of the FY2010 Defense Appropriations Bil...
December 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) and the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, released the following statement in light of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski´s (R-Alaska) announcement of her intention t...
December 18, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee supported a bill that will help prevent food borne illness and give the Food and Drug Administration new, modern authorities to address food safety problems.
The...
December 18, 2009
Delegation fights to keep Second Amendment rights consistent across city, state lines
Washington, D.C. – This spring the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether the right to bear arms, as written in the Second Amendment, applies to every resident of the United States or just residents of the Distr...
December 18, 2009
Says Health Reform, Education & Climate Change Plans Weaken Federal Spending Controls
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, cautioned the Senate about creating new programs—whether for health care, climate chan...
December 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced bipartisan legislation to offer direct and timely disaster assistance to farmers throughout the nation who are experiencing significant crop losses due to excessive rainfall this fall.
The crop disaster legislati...
December 18, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., released his version of a health care bill, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," which spans more than 2,000 pages and costs $2.5 trillion, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
U.S. Senator Mik...
December 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, delivered a hour long Senate Floor speech in which he declared 2009 the "Year of the Skeptic," noting that the "tide has turned" against global warming alarmism. Senator Inhof...
December 16, 2009
President Obama inherited an economic mess. There´s no other way to describe it.
There´s no doubt that we´ve made some real progress in getting things back on track. But in every recession, employment – jobs – is always one of the last things to recover. That´s the ca...
December 16, 2009
Crapo Amendment to Protect Taxpayers Voted Down
Washington, D.C. – If the Senate goes on to pass a health care reform bill, the legislation will likely contain at least a half a trillion dollars in new taxes and fees that fall significantly on America´s middle-class taxpayers. The Senate M...
December 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement regarding the Obama Administration´s announcement to transfer GITMO detainees to a prison facility 125 miles west of Chicago in Thomson, Ill.
"President O...
December 16, 2009
Amendment protecting mammograms & preventive measures defeated
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate defeated an amendment that would have guaranteed women the right to seek preventive health care without government interference, something Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said is a bad omen for a health car...
December 16, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar received the Officer´s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary.
The award was given to Lugar for his active role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in supporting the democratization process of Central Eastern Europe, promoting NATO ...
December 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, responded to President Obama´s speech tonight on the administration´s Afghanistan policy:
"After such a long deliberation, I am pleased that President Obama announced his admini...
December 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo reacted to President Obama´s decision to send extra troops to Afghanistan by noting that the President should heed the guidance of his commanders in the field and ensure that U.S. soldiers are given the tools and backing necessary to accomplish their...
December 16, 2009
Email Controversy Has "Far-Reaching Policy Implications"
Washington, D.C.-Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, sent a letter to EPW Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) requesting hearings on the recent disclosure of emails...
December 16, 2009
The image most often invoked by Americans on Thanksgiving Day is that of the Plymouth Pilgrims. Those early settlers celebrated their new friendship with the Wampanoag people and gave thanks for the Hand of Providence supplying provisions to bring them through a harsh New England winter.
While ...
December 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) issued the following statement on U.S. Senator Harry Reid´s (D-NV) health care proposal:
"Americans watching the health care debate in Washington should know that the actions of Congress will have far-reaching consequences on...
December 16, 2009
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act 14-3. The text of the bill is available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1524:. Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar released the following statement:
I thank Chairman Ke...
December 16, 2009
Inhofe Supports Final Passage of Mil Con-VA Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) voted for final passage of H.R.3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. The bill, which passed the Senate with all Senators vot...
December 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) issued the following statement on the national debt surpassing $12 trillion:
"Today our nation has come to a monumental crossroads: our national debt – much of which is money borrowed from foreign countries like China and the OPEC...
December 15, 2009
"Washington is totally out of touch with mainstream America"
Washington—Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) called on President Barack Obama to veto a massive $1.1 trillion spending bill that cleared the Senate by one vote over the weekend.
"The president didn´t create this mess, but Congress...
December 15, 2009
Crapo, Klobuchar Seek Additional Protection in Wood Products
Washington, DC – A key Senate Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to update consumer product protections under the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Woo...
December 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to stop partisan bickering and start digging the country out of a financial debt crisis, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., joined fellow members of Congress to support a task force that would put the country on a fast track to being back in the black.
"Too many com...
December 15, 2009
Crapo Motion Would Stop Health Tax Increases on Middle Class
Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate has halted debate on H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with a motion offered by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo pending on the floor. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Crapo an...
December 15, 2009
It has come to my attention that the Democratic National Committee circulated a so-called "FACT CHECK" sheet that included a quote from Senator Crapo from the floor debate over health care reform. The quote was inaccurate and contained numerous errors, most specifically, the DNC transcription was i...
December 15, 2009
Enzi visits White House to discuss ideas
Washington, D.C. – Following the President´s address to outline his jobs plan for America, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who ran his own small business with his wife before coming to the Senate, was invited to the White House to further discuss way...
December 15, 2009
Legislation sets up Congressional Bipartisan Fiscal Task Force
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is co-sponsoring new legislation that would create a bipartisan task force to study and propose ways to reduce federal spending and the burgeoning national deficit. Crapo, a member of the S...
December 15, 2009
Says including debt limit increase in year-end omnibus would force a choice of "being irresponsible in the short-run or irresponsible in the long-run"
Washington – Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) joined top Senate budget leaders in introducing the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act ...
December 15, 2009
Legislation Modeled after Voinovich-Authored SAFE Commission Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) joined Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Ranking Member Judd Gregg (R-NH) at a press conference to unveil the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fis...
December 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Following an announcement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that the U.S. Forest Service will commit an additional $40 million toward forest health needs because of the bark beetle epidemic in some Western forests, the Wyoming delegation released the following comments:
"Wh...
December 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement about Ms. Aminatou Haidar´s month-long hunger strike in the Canary Islands airport in protest over her refusal to accept Moroccan identity upon her arrival a...
December 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – While climate change discussions continued at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., expressed concern about a sweeping announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency that could suffocate the economy and kill jobs ...
December 15, 2009
Washington, D.C.—Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released the a YouTube video responding to EPA´s finding that greenhouse gases from mobile sources endanger public health and welfare:
Hello, I'm Jim Inhofe, Republ...
December 15, 2009
Warns Participants to Retain Documents
Washington, D.C.-Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, sent letters to several scientists, some of whom allegedly manipulated data to prove the scientific "consensus" of global warming, as wel...
November 23, 2009
Reid bill moves forward despite costs
Washington, D.C. – Late Saturday night, the majority party was able to get the 60 votes necessary to ensure that Majority Leader Reid´s health care reform bill will be considered by the full U.S. Senate.
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., spoke ...
November 23, 2009
Says Reid health care reform bill costs taxpayers, decreases quality
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against moving ahead on a health care reform proposal, saying that the legislation, drafted behind closed doors with only Democrats involved, is a massive government takeover that ...
November 23, 2009
Senate Votes on Whether or Not to Take Up 2,074-Page Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) announced that he will vote against a motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on a 2,074-page bill intended to reform the American health care system.
Cochran...
November 23, 2009
Senate Votes on Whether or Not to Take Up 2,074-Page Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) announced that he will vote against a motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on a 2,074-page bill intended to reform the American health care system.
Cochran...
November 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement regarding the decision by the Obama administration to bring five terrorists, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (the alleged mastermind behind the September 11th attacks), from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United ...
November 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), criticized President Obama´s decision to bring the self-confessed mastermind of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States to New York City for trial in civilian court. Herger argued that this move indicates that President Oba...
November 14, 2009
Following the passage of historic health insurance reform legislation last Saturday, opponents of health insurance reform continue to spread the same myths this week that they used during floor debate of the legislation. The Mythbusters got a post-vote boost from The Washington Post´s Ruth Ma...
November 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration´s decision to try the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the American court system:
"The Obama Administration´s decision to try 9-11 mastermind Khal...
November 14, 2009
(Beaufort, SC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), member of the House Armed Services Committee, \ released the following statement after the Obama Administration announced their decision to bring Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-confessed mastermind of the September 11th terrorist attacks, to New Yo...
November 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day:
"Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of the bravest among us, recognizing the service of those who wear our uniform, paying our respects to those who perished at war and ...
November 14, 2009
Veterans´ Day Edition: ´Health Reform Reneges On the Promise to Provide Choices to Veterans and Service Members´
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about the recently-passed Affordable Health Care for America Act, including saying that reform will undermi...
November 14, 2009
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback and Congressman Todd Tiahrt sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates regarding the possible acquisition of Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance aircraft.
Following is full text of the letter:
Dear Secretary Gates:
Recent reports suggest t...
November 14, 2009
McKeon: "Time is of the Essence and Failure to Seize the Initiative Risks Failure"
Washington, D.C.— The Army´s top officer said he backs an increase in U.S. forces in Afghanistan despite his long-standing concerns about military readiness. According to a Wall Street Journal story fr...
November 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed outrage over the Obama Administration´s plan to try five 9/11 conspirators in New York City.
"President Obama´s failure to recognize terrorist attacks as acts of war is...
November 14, 2009
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar met with actor Jason Alexander, Palestinian Youth Leader Arwa AbdelRahman and Israeli Youth Leader Guy Lupo from OneVoice.
Alexander, famous for his role as George Costanza on Seinfeld, is a member of OneVoice´s Entertain...
November 14, 2009
Crapo and Risch sponsor measure urging recording of veterans´ service
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are urging Americans to join an effort to record the wartime and service histories of our veterans. Crapo and Risch introduced S. Res. 340, which passed the Senate...
November 14, 2009
Testifying as former Indiana governor who had to balance books, Bayh leads "institutional insurrection" before Senate Budget Committee
Washington – In testimony before the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) said he would not vote to raise the federal debt limit unless Congress co...
November 14, 2009
Legislation extends tax credits to small businesses employing active-duty
WASHINGTON- United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., cosponsored a bill introduced by Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., to extend through next year a tax credit for sma...
November 14, 2009
Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer and ranking GOP member Jim Inhofe traded fierce fire last week as their committee battled over whether to move forward with a climate change bill.
But behind closed doors, the California liberal and the Oklahoma conservative say they...
November 14, 2009
Indio, CA – In an effort to expand opportunities for local job seekers, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) hosted a job fair at the Workforce Development Center in Indio. Attended by over 700 residents, the job fair helped connect local employers, ranging from the service and hospitality industry...
November 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed a health care bill over the weekend that U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said would actually increase the cost of health care for most people in Wyoming and the nation while adding "one of the largest bureaucracies money can buy."
"People i...
November 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today commemorated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall:
"Today, we remember the moment twenty years ago when the sacr...
November 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released the following statement on the Obama Administration´s actions to deal with the California Water Crisis:
"Today, Governor Schwarzenegger is signing milestone water legislation in Fresno County, one of the counties hardest hit...
November 10, 2009
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings´ statement on the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 220 to 215 on Saturday, November 7, 2009:
"The passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act by the House on Satur...
November 10, 2009
McKeon: Successful National Elections Key to U.S. Redeployment
Washington, D.C.—The New York Times is reporting today that the Government of Iraq approved a law that will allow national elections to proceed in January. According to the story, "The election, only the second national vote s...
November 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) extended her support for our veterans, service members and their families on recognition of Veteran´s Day.
"As the daughter of a veteran, I believe we have a moral responsibility to keep our promise to the people who have served ou...
November 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, following up on multiple conversations with the Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, requested over the weekend that Blair and the heads of the FBI, the NSA and the CIA direct th...
November 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement praising provisions in the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) that will improve access to Medicaid and reduce Medicare Part D costs for people living with HIV/AIDS. H.R. 3962 passed the House on Saturda...
November 10, 2009
Miami, Florida --- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) issued the following statement on the unjust and cowardly detention and beating of Cuban blogger, Ms. Yoani Sanchez, at the hands of Cuban State security agents.
Ros-Lehtinen´s statement:
"Yoani has been targeted by the Cuban ...
November 10, 2009
Rep. Wasserman Schultz Votes for Legislation that Lowers Costs, Reduces the Deficit
Washington, DC – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz voted for an historic bill that reforms our nation´s health insurance system, brings down the deficit and expands access to affordable, quality health care for ...
November 10, 2009
Commitments for UC Merced Medical School funding will ease Valley physician shortage
WASHINGTON, DC – I voted for H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This bill is a historic and positive national step forward and offers the greatest improvement to the quality of health care fo...
November 10, 2009
For the first time in U.S. history, House votes to provide quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time in America´s history, all Americans will have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation p...
November 10, 2009
... And Send 5.5 million more Americans to the Unemployment Office
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) issued the following statement after the Democrat Majority in the House of Representatives voted 220-215 to pass H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi´s plan for a $1.2 trillion governmen...
November 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt, chairman of the House Health Care Solutions Group, voted against the government takeover of health care and released the following statement after House Democrats passed their plan despite bipartisan opposition:
"As I´ve met ...
November 10, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) - Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) cast his vote in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This landmark legislation will for the first time address the health care needs of Americans and no longer make health care a privilege, but a right. H.R. 3962 provides acc...
November 10, 2009
Affordable Health Care for America Act Covers 96% of Americans, Reduces the Deficit
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Kendrick B. Meek voted in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, historic legislation that will provide needed insurance reforms for Americans with insur...
November 10, 2009
Lawmaker calls it "an outright assault on my constitutional rights"
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, issued the following statement decrying an anti-choice amendment to HR 3269 – the Affordable Health Care for America Act – offered by R...
November 08, 2009
House Republicans have churned out their latest myths and scare tactics about health insurance reform. In fact, they took time to produce a list of distortions about the Affordable Health Care for America Act before they even released their own ideas—a substitute bill that USA Today calls "a...
November 08, 2009
Bill Clears EPW Committee with Incomplete Cost Estimates
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued this statement following Committee action to pass a climate change cap and trade bill. The bill was reported out of com...
November 08, 2009
Bill would also provide assistance to families impacted by Chinese-made drywall
United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., introduced "The Small Business Administration Disaster Recovery and Reform Act of 2009" (S. 2731), a bill to reform...
November 08, 2009
As debate heats up on the House floor on historic health insurance reform, House Republicans are pulling out all the stops to scare the American public about the Affordable Health Care for America Act, including speeches today saying that Americans who don´t buy health insurance could face jai...
November 08, 2009
House Vote Expected Tonight
Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, delivered the following speech on the House floor today during consideration of Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), historic legislation to reform our nation´s health insurance system and ensure a...
November 08, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the decision by the Law Library of Congress to stand by its original findings in an August 2009 report regarding Honduras despite requests made by Congressional Member...
November 08, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Emphasizing the importance of expanding and diversifying America´s energy supply, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) praised the fast tracking of two local solar energy projects. These projects will produce almost 1,500 megawatts of clean energy and will create new jobs a...
November 07, 2009
As the House begins to debate the Affordable Health Care for America Act, the following debunks the false claims that Republicans will be expected to make during floor consideration and debate of the bill:
1. GOP CLAIM: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a governmen...
November 07, 2009
House Republicans have churned out their latest myths and scare tactics about health insurance reform. In fact, they took time to produce a list of distortions about the Affordable Health Care for America Act before they even released their own ideas—a substitute bill that USA Today calls "a...
November 07, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today released the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Republican substitute amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act:
"CBO has confirmed that the...
November 07, 2009
Lawmaker says "health care reform should improve the quality of care while making the system more affordable and accessible."
Washington, DC – After extensive conversations with her constituents, including her "Medicine Cabinet," Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) today indicated her int...
November 06, 2009
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths – now about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act. Below is a response to many of the myths repeated today at the U.S. Capitol.
MYTH: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a "government ta...
November 06, 2009
Moran says measure would protect consumers from industry "tricks".
Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Moran voted to accelerate critical reforms to protect consumers from the abusive practices of the credit card industry late yesterday. The Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act would push up th...
November 04, 2009
Questions Humana, United Health, WellPoint and Aetna About Pricing to Small Business
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee, today announced that the Committee will conduct an investigation into the pricing practices of he...
November 04, 2009
In her speech today at the "Forum of the Future" in Marrakesh, Morocco, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the creation of a U.S. Science Envoy Program which will send three of America´s most prominent scientists to travel the world to engage their counterparts, deepen and develop pa...
November 04, 2009
Let´s face it. There is a lot of misinformation swirling around about the health insurance reform proposals pending in Congress. The Senate Democratic Policy Committee (DPC) has launched a new video feature, The Citizens´ Forum, to help Americans find the facts about health reform.
T...
November 04, 2009
Washington, D.C. – One of Wyoming´s own will have a national platform to advocate for student financial aid. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., appointed David Gruen of Laramie to the Student Financial Aid Advisory Committee. The national committee is designed to provide experti...
November 04, 2009
$3 Trillion Gas Tax, Thousands of Job Losses Cited
Washington, DC – Legislation intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions being debated before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee should incentivize and broaden our national energy portfolio in a way that does not come at the ...
November 04, 2009
What Americans can expect from health care bills
Washington, D.C. – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., highlighted 10 provisions in the majority´s health care bills that would drive up health care costs for American families.
"This health care plan being fo...
November 04, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (Sherman Oaks) announced that California State University, Northridge (CSUN) received $165,000 in federal funding for construction of the Valley Performing Arts Center. Once completed, the Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN will serve as the premi...
November 04, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congressman Adam Schiff, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, commended the appointment of Charlie Beck as Los Angeles Police Chief. Rep. Schiff is the author of comprehensive legislation to fight gang violence and has been a champion in promoting the use of DNA forensi...
November 04, 2009
´Reform Will Undermine the Health Care That Veterans and Military Families Have Now´
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths – now about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act, including saying that health insurance reform will undermine t...
November 04, 2009
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the House´s passage of H. Res. 867, a measure she authored which expresses Congressional support for Israel and opposition to any consideration or endorsement of the "Re...
November 04, 2009
Washington– H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi´s healthcare reform bill, removes important amendments passed in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on which Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) serves.
With the bill set to be considered on the House floor this week, Speaker Pelosi has indicated that there wi...
November 04, 2009
WASHNGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, announced emergency temporary legislation today that will guarantee five paid sick days for a worker sent home or dire...
November 04, 2009
Joins House Republicans to read Pelosi´s 1,990-page bill
WASHINGTON—Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) joined House Republicans in the Republican Reading Room to read H.R. 3962, the latest version of Speaker Pelosi´s government takeover of health care. The bill, which totals nearl...
November 03, 2009
Health Insurance Reform DAILY MYTHBUSTER: ´Public Health Insurance Option Will Lead to Higher Premiums, Not Lower Premiums´
Opponents of reform continue to spread myths – now spreading myths about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act, including saying that ...
November 02, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) voted last week to generate and save more than a million American jobs through H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act. The bill, which passed the House 389-32 , enhances lending opportunities for small businesses, the source of...
October 26, 2009
Protects Main Funding Source for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Victims
Washington, DC – Legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) that protects funds for programs that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual ass...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and George LeMieux said today the Northwest Florida region is destined to become a world-class home for new aviation and aerospace jobs. In conjunction with an announcement a new alliance between four states including Florida, Florida's two U.S. senators cited the...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe says the financial hit suffered by Oklahoma's transportation program this month was $15 million more than expected.
By the end of the week, the Oklahoma Republican hopes to have a deal in place to at least halt that downward trend.
"Oklahoma loses on this," ...
October 26, 2009
Deployment of Additional Troops to Afghanistan Gains Key Endorsement
Washington, D.C.—General Stanley McChrystal´s call for the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan gained a key endorsement over the weekend. As the commander of NATO´s International Security Assistance...
October 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, was joined by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) in questioning the political self-interests of AARP´s endorsement of legislation that will re...
October 26, 2009
Washington, DC – U.S. Postal Service officials informed Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) that four post office branches in the 36th Congressional District will not be closed as a result of the Postal Service´s Station and Branch Optimization study, which could still shutter hundreds of branche...
October 26, 2009
Passage of Rep. Inslee´s H.R. 1641 takes critical next step towards including the Cascadia Marine Trail in the National Trails System
(Washington, D.C.)- This afternoon the House passed the Cascadia Marine Trail Study Act. H.R. 1641, authored by U.S. Rep Jay Inslee (D-Wash), instructs the...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, used a rare, open hearing of a House Intelligence Subcommittee to highlight the fact that nine months to the day after President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order to close Guantanamo Bay...
October 26, 2009
Largest Russian Nuclear Sub Patrolled U.S. Coasts
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following accomplishments for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in September:
· 1 nuclear weapons capable submarine;
· 12 intercontinental ballistic missiles (...
October 26, 2009
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. This week, the mythbusters caught two top Congressional Republicans and a major newspaper trying to mislead America with claims that the House bill would lead to a government takeover of t...
October 26, 2009
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) released a copy of a letter he and two other Representatives sent to the Social Security Inspector General on the issue of fugitive felons receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Herger believes it to be an irre...
October 26, 2009
As you know, water deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to our farmers have been significantly reduced in an effort to protect the threatened Delta Smelt. I have consistently maintained that the pumps are not the problem. It is both unfair and illogical to blame our farmers and growers f...
October 26, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) - At a morning press conference, Congressman Jay Inslee and Congressman Norm Dicks announced an agreement on final language on major reform to Medicare reimbursement rates that will transform the payment system for Washington State and other high-quality, low-cost states, and end ...
October 26, 2009
Amendment to Study Coast Guard's Preparedness Regarding Changes in Haitian Immigration Policies Passes House
(Washington, DC)- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) voted in favor of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2009. Included in the Act was an amendment introduced by Has...
October 26, 2009
Lawmaker says "small boats continue to pose a critical security risk and deserve serious attention."
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) delivered the following statement on the House floor in support of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act, which passed the House by a 385...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Outspoken conservative and former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) announced his support for Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard). Santorum was a two-term Senator from Pennsylvania and served as the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the third most powerful leadership pos...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC –The House of Representatives passed a bill to authorize a sharp increase in solar energy technology research. Congressman Adam Schiff offered an amendment that was included in the bill to ensure that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is eligible to compete for these grants. The bil...
October 26, 2009
(Washington, DC)- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) voted in favor of H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2009. Included in the Act was an amendment introduced by Hastings that ensures the appointment of diverse representation on the Solar Technology Roadmap Committee.
...
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, establishing a short-and long-term strategy for solar research and technology developments in the United States. Included in the legislation was an amendment introduced by Congressman Dennis Cardoza that aims...
October 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after the House passed the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, which would strengthen the American solar technology industry through a coordinated research and development program and public-private partnerships. The bill passed by...
October 26, 2009
Lawmaker says bill will "make clean, renewable energy more affordable and accessible for all Americans."
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) issued the following statement in support of H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, which passed the House by a 310 to 106 vote.
...
October 26, 2009
New Law Ensures Veterans Will Have the Care and Support They Have Earned
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after attending a ceremony at the White House during which President Obama signed into law the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act.
...
October 26, 2009
Washington, DC – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) is seeking a meeting with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Enforcement Administration, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to gather information and ensure they are working to d...
October 26, 2009
Wall Street Journal Editorial Peddles False Talking Points on Public Health Insurance Option
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about America´s Affordable Health Choices Act including on what the public health insurance option is and how it works as a component of co...
October 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after the House Financial Services Committee approved legislation to establish a Consumer Protection Financial Agency. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 39 to 29, represents a key part of a broader effort by Congress and ...
October 22, 2009
Legislation Would Require Department of Health to Create Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans of Every Age
Washington, D.C. – Bicameral, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving America´s public health was introduced yesterday by U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sam Brownback (R-KS),...
October 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., mourned the passing of former Wyoming senator and governor Cliff Hansen. They made the following comments about his life and service to Wyoming.
"The state of Wyoming has lost a great leader...
October 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, named Carrie Apostolou to be the new Republican clerk for the Senate Energy and Water Development Subcommittee.
In addition to naming Apostolou, Cochran also announced that Tyler Owens, s...
October 22, 2009
Crapo, Risch announce funding for INL, geothermal, ISU projects
Washington, DC – A number of Idaho initiatives received final Congressional approval as the U.S. Senate approved the conference report for Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations requests. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL...
October 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Wyoming delegation, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., made comments following the National Park Service announcement finalizing a limit on snowmobile and snowcoach access into Yellowstone National Park.
"The snowmobile a...
October 22, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar welcomed the inclusion of language similar to the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Improvement Act of 2009 into the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 that will soon be considered by both the House of Representatives and Senate.
"The con...
October 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Army is ramping up its response to the exposure of U.S. troops in Iraq to the deadly chemical sodium dichromate, U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said. He said it has also doubled the Army estimate of the number of U.S. troops who may have been exposed to the cancer-caus...
October 22, 2009
In Oval Office meeting, discusses proposal to create special process to get deficits under control.
Washington – One day after a private Oval Office meeting with President Obama to discuss his concerns about mounting federal deficits, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) urged the leader of the Senate to end...
October 22, 2009
It´s hard to believe that 22 years ago I began sharing with our fellow Ohioans the importance of early detection practices in fighting our ongoing battle against breast cancer. My involvement in this cause began after the disease claimed the lives of my two closest friends within a five-mont...
October 22, 2009
Committee-passed plan fails to address future costs in premiums and care.
Washington, DC – Excessive costs, absence of legislative language, lack of complete scoring estimates and a misleading assessment about a government takeover of the nation´s health system were among the reasons that I...
October 12, 2009
Legislation introduced would end federal funding
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo wants to cut all funding for the community action group ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). Crapo voted with the majority of the Senate (83 to 7) to block federal funding to ACO...
October 12, 2009
"´Wait and See´ is not a war strategy and certainly not an approach that our senior military commanders are recommending."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following comments regarding the 8th annive...
October 12, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind) will introduce legislation next week encouraging United States officials to initiate Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the U.S. and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"The United States should proceed to develop a comprehensive strategy...
October 12, 2009
Public-private group advises on trade, regulatory policy
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will help guide U.S. trade and export policy. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is appointing Crapo to the President´s Export Council (PEC). The Council, comprised of pri...
October 12, 2009
Bills should be available online with their total cost
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., put their weight behind an amendment that would change Senate rules to increase transparency in the halls of Congress.
The amendment, which is...
October 12, 2009
Joins colleagues demanding a 72-hour review for legislation before the Senate
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined several of his Senate colleagues to demand changes in Senate rules so that final committee votes not be rushed before the public has a chance to review the content and co...
October 12, 2009
There´s an important development regarding the exposure of hundreds of U.S. troops to the deadly chemical compound sodium dichromate in Iraq. The Department of Defense´s Inspector General, has agreed to investigate the Army´s response to that exposure. I requested such an investiga...
October 12, 2009
Crapo, colleagues call for formal review by tax and budget experts
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, continued his push for transparency and accessibility as the Committee moves toward a final vote on health care reform legislation. Crapo, who h...
October 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three Chairmen – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, i...
October 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following recent media reports that brought to light policy changes for the media covering Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Gitmo), U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to President Obama requesting clarification from the ad...
October 12, 2009
What's up with those geniuses in Congress? First they scurry around to get massive stimulus funding in the pipeline in an effort to quickly jump-start the economy, and then they fiddle around and let regular transportation funding that would further aid the recovery lapse.
Not a good recipe for e...
October 12, 2009
U.S. Sens. Dick Lugar (R-IN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced legislation to reverse the "resource curse" by requiring companies to reveal payments made to U.S. and foreign governments for oil, gas and minerals. Currently countries ri...
October 12, 2009
When President George W. Bush was in the White House, U.S. foreign policy was widely criticized as arrogantly unilateral, and was branded by critics here and abroad as the "go it alone" approach to international relations.
Now, it seems that a dangerous new strategy for American international rel...
October 12, 2009
Crapo, Risch move $3 million slated for urban parks
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch supported an amendment to an Interior Department spending bill erasing plans to spend $2.8 million in badly-needed forest fire mitigation funding in Washington, DC. The nation´s cap...
October 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – As the Senate Finance Committee began consideration of its health care reform bill, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said he would offer amendments to reduce health care costs for average Americans, scale back the total spending in the bill, and protect American workers from new ta...
October 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., made the following comments after a federal judge´s decision to re-list Yellowstone area grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act.
"This is a disappointing decision that...
October 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced his support for Army General Stanley McChrystal, Commander of U.S. and Coalition forces in Afghanistan, and called for the Obama administration to support General McChrystal´s reques...
October 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, added to his initial concerns about President Obama´s cancellation of the third missile defense site. Pointing to the fact that the...
October 12, 2009
Crapo encourages public comment; projected costs are a concern
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo wants Idahoans and Northwest residents to offer comment on a preliminary feasibility study just released by Amtrak that says passenger rail service may be restored to southern Idaho and easter...
October 12, 2009
Legislation introduced would end federal funding
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo wants to cut all funding for the community action group ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). Crapo voted with the majority of the Senate (83 to 7) to block federal funding to ACO...
October 12, 2009
Letter asks President to stop such appointments
Washington, DC – Has the White House employed too many special-issue advisers, known as "czars," who are eluding public scrutiny and Congressional oversight? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and a number of his Senate colleagues believe so, and have highli...
October 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – In a bipartisan effort, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) joined U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Dodd (D- Conn.) and Richard Shelby (R- Ala.) to introduce the Improving Access to Clinical Trials (I-ACT) Act, a bill to allow patients with rare diseases to participate in clinical d...
October 12, 2009
Strong CBO Report, Positive Poll Numbers for the President, Bad Polls for the Republicans and a Parade of Republican Leaders Coming Out for Reform Provides Significant Momentum for Reform and Puts the "Party of No" on Its Heels.
"...We've got to do something. I don't want the Republicans puttin...
October 05, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following letter calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to rescind the "gag order" issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid...
October 05, 2009
Senate Unanimously Passes Legislation To Increase Nonmilitary Aid To Pakistan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) welcomed passage by the United State Senate of a revised version of the Enhanced Partnership with Pak...
October 05, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the cancelled missile defense site in Eastern Europe, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the committee stated, "Obama´s plan makes us more vulnerable."
"Everyone agrees that Iran poses a threat ...
October 05, 2009
Says Finance Committee ignoring review, cost analysis of legislation
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo warned that some members of the Senate Finance Committee are in such a rush to pass a health care reform bill that there may be final votes before the legislation is even written out in ...
October 04, 2009
School wins national recognition from President´s Council
Washington, DC – An Idaho elementary school has received national recognition for attention to fitness and sports. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said he is adding his congratulations to the top award to Ucon Elementary in Idaho Falls. T...
October 04, 2009
Washington, D.C. – As the Finance Committee continues to debate its health reform bill, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) has expressed concern over not only the impact a reduction in funding for Medicare Advantage plans would have on seniors, but also with the Department of Health and Human S...
October 04, 2009
Don´t get complacent about breast cancer
You may not worry about breast cancer the way you used to. In the U.S. alone there are more than 2 million breast cancer survivors today.
This false sense of security may have led to a decrease of mammograms in recent years, however the numb...
October 04, 2009
National Competition in Search of Tomorrow´s Cybersecurity Leaders
Washington, DC – California will join the U.S. Cyber Challenge, a series of competitions aimed at recruiting and training America's next generation of cybersecurity experts, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and the...
October 04, 2009
Draft under consideration by Finance Committee would violate President´s pledge to Americans
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo says the conceptual health care proposal before the Senate Finance Committee creates an undue burden on the middle class by raising taxes on families making...
October 04, 2009
Will also forward comments from Idahoans in response to Pioneer Route study
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is questioning the cost figures cited in a preliminary report Amtrak commissioned on the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service to Idaho along the former Pioneer Route. ...
October 05, 2009
Democrats block Enzi amendment that would lessen the blow of a government mandate
Washington, D.C. – While Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee want to mandate that Americans buy health insurance or face stiff fines and even jail time, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is looking for alternati...
October 05, 2009
International trade panel denies Canada´s remedy for Softwood Lumber Agreement violation
Washington, DC – Idaho´s Congressional Delegation welcomed a ruling by an international arbiter in an ongoing dispute over Canadian softwood exports. The tribunal sided with the U.S. this week ov...
October 05, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following accomplishments for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in August:
· 1 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) destroyed,
· 8 submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) eliminated, and
· ...
October 05, 2009
WASHINGTON- Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., held a hearing on disaster recovery efforts in Galveston, Texas, one year after Hurricane Ike devastated the region and four years after Hurricane Rita. Prior to the hearing, Senator Hutchison and Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas joined the Senator for a tour...
October 05, 2009
Says interested parties should comment on the ag guest worker program
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is encouraging Idahoans to submit comments regarding the U.S. Department of Labor´s H-2A agricultural guest worker program. Earlier this month, the Department of Labor proposed c...
October 05, 2009
Funding for forest restoration, fire fighting, Owyhees included in Interior bill
Washington, DC –Collaborative forest land management and an increase in fire fighting funds were given priority as Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch supported amendments to the Interior Appropriations bill. Th...
October 05, 2009
60,000 Idaho seniors could lose benefits of Medicare Advantage program
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said that senior citizens and state taxpayers will feel the pain if health care reforms envisioned in the Senate Finance Committee are approved by Congress. Crapo, a member of the Fin...
September 13, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has refused to publish evidence that Iran is "pursuing information about weaponization efforts and a military nuclea...
September 14, 2009
Ryun: "There is no better person for this job for Kansans and true conservatives everywhere"
WICHITA – In a battle of former colleagues, former Kansas Second District Congressman and Olympic great Jim Ryun has endorsed Congressman Todd Tiahrt in his bid for the U.S. Senate.
"I served with bot...
September 14, 2009
Calls on OAS to Do the Right Thing for Once
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the plight of Cuban political prisoners, Ariel Sigler Amaya and Normando Hernandez. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"I am e...
September 14, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on an unclassified U.S. intelligence report on Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez´s campaign to silence opponents by extending his control of the media. Statement by Ros-Leht...
September 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-CA) praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for its announcement that it will change the way it calculates premiums when evaluating Medicare Part D plans. This step will increase the choices that benefici...
September 14, 2009
National standards address foreign imports of formaldehyde in products.
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to introduce bipartisan legislation intended to protect consumers by establishing national health standards for formaldehyde in composit...
September 14, 2009
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar told Uruguayan President Tabaré Vásquez that today he has introduced legislation to include Uruguay in the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA). The two met this afternoon in the ceremonial Foreign Relations Commit...
September 14, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act, including the myth that doctors oppose current health insurance reform proposals. In fact, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine today released ...
September 14, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. For example, Republicans continue to claim that health insurance reform will undermine America´s small businesses. However, the fact is that small...
September 14, 2009
WASHINGTON - The commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, may cut the number of support staff to free up US troops for combat against Taliban insurgents, US officials said.
"The idea is use troops more effectively," a US defense official, who spoke on condition of a...
September 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on President Obama´s speech in New York City today, on the first anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, in which the President discussed the urgent need for financial regulatory reform:
"Less than one...
September 14, 2009
Lauds Report by Human Rights Watch
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) -Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the release of a Human Rights Watch report entitled, "They Want Us Exterminated: Murder, Torture, Sexual Orientation and Gender in Iraq." The report documents the ex...
September 13, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of the America´s Affordable Health Choices Act, this time about the bill´s impact on doctors. However, the fact is that the America´s Affordable Health Choices Act will put the power ba...
September 13, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the indictment of Jamal Yousef, a former member of the Syrian military charged with selling military-grade weapons to the FARC in Colombia in exchange for cocaine. Statement ...
September 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, spoke at a town hall meeting in Standish, Mich., where he made the point that the future of Michigan lies in creating jobs in tourism, advanced research and new technology, not "Gitmo Jobs."
...
September 13, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C., – Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a strong advocate for health care reform with a robust public option, released this statement:
"The confusion, misinformation and scare tactics about a ´public option´ that have been trumpeted by the opponents of real health care r...
September 13, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Some opponents of health insurance reform are spreading the myth that reform causes rationing of care – with government bureaucrats deciding what treatments individuals can and cannot receive. The facts are:
· Under America´s Affordable Health Choices Act, th...
September 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, is refusing to sign requests for reprogramming Military Intelligence Program funds, absent a compelling military need, after the Obama administration stonewalled requests for information on i...
September 13, 2009
"A public plan would not destroy the private insurance market but would make it more competitive and lead to the benefits associated with competition. Many private plans would remain attractive because of their ability to be responsive to consumer demands and to be innovative in care management. P...
September 12, 2009
Says we must remain committed, determined, and vigilant.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, marked the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
"Toda...
September 12, 2009
Congresswoman´s Legislation Seeks to Improve Services for Victims of Violence
Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Wasserman Schultz hailed the importance of the Violence Against Women Act on the eve of its 15th anniversary – which falls tomorrow, Sunday, September 13 – and what it has meant for Americ...
September 12, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act, including the thoroughly debunked myth that the House bill will provide taxpayer-financed health coverage for illegal immigrants. The facts disprov...
September 12, 2009
Washington, DC – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks:
"Eight years ago today America was shaken by an attack, rooted in hatred and aimed at striking at the very heart of our nation, that killed over 3,...
September 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the eighth anniversary of September 11:
"Every year on September 11, we remember the victims and honor the heroes of that fateful morning eight years ago. We are reminded of the nearly 3,000 American lives cut short d...
September 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement in commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001:
"It´s no accident that our homeland has not been attacked in the y...
September 12, 2009
I've held more than 40 events across Missouri this month, discussing health care and the ways we can provide higher quality, more competition and access for everyone. I heard from single mothers, small business employees, retirees concerned about Medicare cuts, manufacturers and journalists. They as...
September 12, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) released the following statement responding to new unemployment numbers released by the Kansas Department of Labor. According to the July 2009 Labor Report, unemployment state-wide rose from 7.1 percent to 7.7 percent. The Wichita MSA hit 9.9 pe...
September 10, 2009
Defense-related funding benefits Idaho universities, businesses
Washington, DC – Idaho funding requests for defense and military-related projects submitted by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch were approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The requests for Fiscal Year (FY) 201...
September 10, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act.
Myth: The House bill will tax you $3,800 for not buying health insurance.
Fact: In the House bill, the small percentage of Americans wh...
September 10, 2009
All parties agree, health reform must be a priority this year.
WASHINGTON—Independents 45-plus felt the President´s speech last night addressed some of their questions by a three-to-one margin according to overnight polling released by AARP today. The same survey found that a majorit...
September 10, 2009
Washington, D.C.---Commemorating the eighth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. homeland, Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, today called on President Obama and the U.S. Congress to fully resource and supp...
September 10, 2009
Rep. Petri has made the following comments in response to President Obama's speech last night:
"I think it was a great speech, but it was about a proposal - and in the past, when Presidents have spoken about proposals that they are asking Congress to adopt, they have accompanied them ...
September 10, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Some health insurance reform opponents are arguing that we can´t afford health insurance reform under America´s Affordable Health Choices Act—in the face of a growing deficit. To the contrary, the single most important thing we can do to improve the long-ter...
September 10, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Some health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about the impact of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act on seniors. The facts disprove these claims.
These facts are why the AARP corrected these myths in a statement, adding "… we are pleased nothi...
September 10, 2009
And on Holder Appointment of a Prosecutor for CIA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after the Department of Justice released portions of a CIA IG report on terrorist interrogation and Attorne...
September 10, 2009
Washington, DC-- As seniors in South Florida and across the country face the ever-dwindling buying power of their Social Security checks, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) is advocating for changes in how Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are determined and new protections for senior...
September 10, 2009
Highlight recent arson that caused the death of two firefighters and massive devastation.
Washington, D.C. – Calling attention to the tragic fire caused by arson that resulted in the death of two firefighters, Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) urged Congres...
September 10, 2009
Resolution Honors the lives of Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones who died while bravely fighting the Station Fire
Washington D.C. – Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and David Dreier (R-CA) paid tribute to Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo...
September 10, 2009
The Congressional Black Caucus released the following statement on health reform legislation:
As the Members of Congress who disproportionately represent the men, women and children who are under-insured and uninsured and whose health and wellness have suffered because of the numerous gaps i...
September 10, 2009
National African-American Leaders and Congressional Black Caucus Members Hold Press Announcement at U. S. Capitol to Dispel Myths and Urge Americans to Support Health Care Reform
Washington, DC – Prior to President Obama´s speech to the joint session of Congress on healthcare reform, nation...
September 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, led an effort backed by the Washington Metropolitan Congressional Delegation requesting that House conferees participating in negotiations regarding the FY ´10 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 2647) fight to retain the federal employ...
September 10, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. Republicans, in particular, are showing a recent convert´s zeal for reducing the deficit by claiming we cannot afford health insurance reform now because of the ...
September 10, 2009
WASHINGTON – House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-CA) highlighted a report by Citizens for Tax Justice showing that the $2.5 trillion Bush tax cuts cost two and a half times more than the House Health reform plan. These tax cuts increased the deficit, and overwhelmingly bene...
September 10, 2009
Hoekstra: Administration Response to Guantanamo Bay Visit Request Raises Questions about Commitment to Transparency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said the Obama administration´s response to his request to take Mi...
September 10, 2009
In letter to Clinton, requests clarification on UAE-Iran ties
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a follow-up letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning the proposed U.S.-UAE nuclear agreement as the Sec...
September 10, 2009
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee ranking member Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) slammed on Tuesday President Obama's mid-year budget review for making "assumptions that defy logic as much as his spending defies gravity."
The administration announced that it increased the projected budget ...
September 10, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement on the new federal deficit estimates released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the president´s Office of Management & Budget (OMB). Projections now show a cumulative $9 trillion def...
September 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the updated deficit forecast:
"Today´s deficit projections are a legacy of Bush Administration fiscal policies that turned our surpluses into deficits and led the way toward an economic and financial crisis that has r...
September 10, 2009
Signals Return to Jimmy Carter´s Stagflation
WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) issued a statement regarding reassessments by the Office of Management and Budget and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that reveal a projected ten-year budget deficit of $9.1 trillion:
...
September 09, 2009
Crapo says reform must address costs and coverage
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress regarding health care reform:
"Health care remains one of the highest priorities for the American people...
September 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) this evening made the following remarks in response to President Obama´s health care speech to Congress:
"The President´s proposal tonight outlined four major high-cost areas related to health insurance companies. These proposals wil...
September 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Following President Obama´s address to a joint session of Congress on health care reform this evening, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., urged Democratic leaders not to put an early end to productive, bipartisan health care talks, which he said offer the best opportunity to ac...
September 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement in response to the President´s address to a Joint Session of Congress:
"Tonight, we heard a recycled sales pitch for a flawed plan to establish government-run health care and higher taxes," sai...
September 09, 2009
WASHINGTON- Astronomers declared NASA's Hubble Space Telescope a fully rejuvenated observatory with the release Wednesday of observations from four of its six operating science instruments. Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., unveiled the images at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
Topping the list o...
September 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on the urgent need for health insurance reform:
"Tonight, President Obama made a forceful case to the Congress and the country for long-overdue health ...
September 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) released the following statement on President Barack Obama´s address to Congress this evening:
"President Obama and I agree that health care needs reform. We disagree how to get there.
"President Obama a...
September 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement in response to the President´s address to a Joint Session of Congress:
"Tonight, we heard a recycled sales pitch for a flawed plan to establish government-run health care and higher taxes," sai...
September 09, 2009
The ´Cost´ of the Public Health Insurance Option
Opponents of health insurance reform and some members of the news media continue to repeat a myth that the public health insurance option will cost $1 trillion. In fact, the public option in America´s Affordable Health Choices Act will cost U.S...
September 09, 2009
Lawmaker says: "This program is hugely important to the part of California that I represent."
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) delivered the following statement in support of reauthorizing the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act at today´s Energ...
September 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement following President Obama´s address to a Joint Session of Congress on health care reform:
"Tonight´s speech was a game-changer. President Obama brought clarity to the health care debate. His objective is s...
September 07, 2009
Who Can Taxpayers Hold Accountable?
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sent letters to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the Special Inspector General ...
September 07, 2009
With this June´s historic passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, the United States took a major step toward a new clean energy economy. In a new Washington Post-ABC New poll, we find that the American people continue to support the action we have taken and the direction in whic...
September 07, 2009
Conservative icon calls Tiahrt "a leader in the conservative movement"
WICHITA - Conservative radio talk show host and former Education Secretary Bill Bennett endorsed 4th District Congressman Todd Tiahrt in his bid for the U.S. Senate.
"Todd Tiahrt is a leader in the conservative movement," ...
September 07, 2009
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) sent the following letter to President Barack Obama regarding a June 22 letter he sent with 76 of his colleagues on "Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell." The White House has yet to respond to the letter urging President Obama to suspen...
September 07, 2009
Last week was one of the most inspiring of my public service career as I participated in four historic town hall meetings across the 2nd Congressional District.
For 25 years, I have hosted numerous district meetings. Traditionally, attendance at such events averaged 50 people. In four town halls ...
September 05, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act.
This time, on August 31, House Republican Leader Boehner issued a "GOP Leader Alert" claiming that the House Democrats´ reform bill is "load...
September 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced that he has introduced legislation that would put patients back in the center of the healthcare debate, help save millions of lives and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The Accelerate Cures for Patients Act, H.R. 3475, wou...
September 05, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. They are trying to scare seniors again, this time about the cost of prescription drugs. But the facts—and independent auditors—disprove this m...
September 05, 2009
We don't need radical change. Subsidies and high risk pools can get the job done.
When was the last time you asked your doctor how much it would cost for a necessary test or procedure? In all likelihood, you can't remember. That's because your employer-provided health plan or the government "pai...
September 05, 2009
The voice on an old record is urging listeners to write members of Congress and ask them to oppose this legislation…
"And if you don´t do this and if I don´t do it, one of these days you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children, and our children´s children, what it once was ...
September 05, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported the national unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent in August.
"What these rising unemployment numbers tell us is how ineffective the president´s spending program...
September 05, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement responding to the World Trade Organization´s (WTO) preliminary ruling finding Airbus guilty of receiving billions of dollars in illegal subsidies from European governments. Congressman Tiahrt received a phone call ...
September 05, 2009
Lawmaker says "the end is now in sight."
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has determined that eight schools in the Lennox School District are adversely affected by aircraft noise from the nearby Los Angeles International Air...
September 05, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER: Impact on Seniors
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. Their efforts to scare seniors have spared no myth, no method and no misrepresentation. It has gotten so bad, the Chicago Tribune´s The Swamp...
September 05, 2009
With Labor Day right around the corner, we are reminded of the contributions and achievements of American workers throughout the course of history. As the basic foundation of our economy, America´s workforce represents the cornerstone of our strength and prosperity.
The history of Labor Day st...
September 05, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. This time they are claiming the bill is a risk to the privacy of Americans´ personal health and financial information. The facts disprove their distortions.
...
September 03, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., today issued the following statement on discussions to reach a bipartisan health care reform bill:
"My position has been consistent from the start. I haven´t walked away from our shared goal of health care reform or compromised the o...
September 03, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement regarding the Obama administration´s investigation into past CIA interrogation practices:
"Earlier this year, President-elect Obama said he did not want h...
September 03, 2009
Bono Mack joins community leaders at expansion of high-tech Exotic Electro-Optics sapphire facility
MURRIETA, CA – Emphasizing the benefits of job creation in the community and advanced technology that is enhancing U.S. national security capabilities, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today pr...
September 03, 2009
(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, and Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Europe, sent a letter to Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt in response to an article recently published by the Swedish...
August 28, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hailed the appointment of the first full-time International Energy Coordinator at the State Department.
"Constant diplomatic attention to energy security at the highest levels of our government is vital for ...
August 28, 2009
A government-run option for health care is not an option for U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., a key figure in the health care debate.
Enzi, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and member of the Senate Finance Committee, repeated his opposition to a...
August 28, 2009
Dorgan, Five Other Senators Request DOD IG Investigation in to Army's Response to Exposure of US Troops in Iraq to Deadly Chemical
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and five other U.S. Senators are calling for a Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General´s investigation into...
August 28, 2009
DAILY MYTHBUSTER
With a 33 million customer list, insurance giant Wellpoint is now actively fueling the misinformation campaign against health insurance reform and America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. In a recent email to customers, California insurer Anthem Blue Cross, a Wellpoint subsidiary...
August 29, 2009
In Letter to Secretary Clinton, Questions How U.S. Approach Serves U.S. Interests
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on a letter she sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressing reports that the U.S. i...
August 17, 2009
Strong Turnout, No Shouting at Vermont Town Meetings on Health Care.
ARLINGTON, Vt. – Hundreds of Vermonters – overwhelmingly in favor of health care reform – today packed spirited but civil town meetings hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at a public park here and at a church in Rutland.
...
DORGAN & FIVE OTHER SENATORS CALL FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATION OF ARMY´S RESPONSE TO EXPOSURE
August 13, 2009
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and five other U.S. Senators are calling for a Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General´s investigation into the Army´s response to the exposure of hundreds of U.S. soldiers in Iraq to a deadly carcinogen. Dorgan said the Army&...
August 12, 2009
Dorgan, Five Other Senators Request DOD IG Investigation in to Army's Response to Exposure of US Troops in Iraq to Deadly Chemical
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and five other U.S. Senators are calling for a Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General&ac...
August 09, 2009
Between the rising cost of heath care and the expanding role of government, Americans are frustrated. Economists predict that we will be spending 20 percent of our gross domestic product on health care by 2017. Now the President wants Congress to approve a scheme that effectively repeals Medicare a...
August 09, 2009
Last month, at a meeting overseas of intelligence service chiefs, one of my counterparts from a major Western ally pulled me aside. Why, he asked, is Washington so consumed with what the CIA did in the past, when the most pressing national security concerns are in the present? It was a very good que...
August 09, 2009
SUPPORTS MOST ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION POSSIBLE
Washington, DC – Representative Jane Harman (D-CA), senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, issued the following
statement after voting against an amendment to HR 3200 – America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 – offered by memb...
August 09, 2009
Resolution Will Ensure Metro Receives Matching Funds from Local Jurisdictions
WASHINGTON, DC – The Members of the Washington Metro Area´s House Delegation –Reps. Steny H. Hoyer, Frank R. Wolf, James P. Moran, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Van Hollen, Donna F. Edwards and Gerald E. Connolly –...
August 09, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) joined with Frank Gaffney, founder and president of the Center for Security Policy; Representatives Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) and Lamar Smith (R-TX); and Debra Burlingame, co-founder of 9/11 Families for a Safe and Strong America and sister of Charles...
August 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Rules Committee Chair Louise Slaughter of New York re-introduced the Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act. This legislation would establish a national public health tracking network to allow for the detection and identification of poss...
August 09, 2009
Legislation Amends Tax Code to Allow Baby Formula to be Reimbursed Under a Health Flexible Spending Arrangement for a Mother who has had a Mastectomy and is Unable to Breastfeed;
Wasserman Schultz and Meek: Our Tax Code Should Help – Not Hurt – Mothers Who Have Been Treated for Breast Cancer
...
August 09, 2009
Refuses to give Americans same options they have
WASHINGTON, DC – The majority on the House Energy and Commerce Committee blocked access for all Americans to a plan like the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP). The amendment, introduced by Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blu...
August 09, 2009
Programs prioritize child safety, law enforcement, transportation, and health and family programs
(Washington, DC) -- Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced that she has secured nearly $40 million in federal funds for South Florida, helping to offset the fact that Floridians regularly p...
August 09, 2009
Concern over the U.S. strategic nuclear stockpile, illustrated by problems with a classified material called "Fogbank," has triggered quiet maneuverings on Capitol Hill related to negotiations to extend the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
That treaty expires at year's end.
"Fogbank" play...
August 09, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Following reports that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has been orchestrating an effort to intimidate members of Congress and Governors who raise legitimate concerns regarding the effectiveness of the stimulus, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Mem...
August 09, 2009
As the political debate about how to pay for and pass health reform grows louder and more contentious, we shouldn't lose sight of the reason we're even having this conversation: We have a huge, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve the lives of all Americans, insured and uninsured alike.
...
August 09, 2009
Friday brought to a close the deadliest month of fighting in Afghanistan for U.S. troops since the war´s start eight years ago. As he did every other day of the month, President Barack Obama said nothing about it.
Casualties are mounting in Afghanistan because of a resurgent enemy offe...
August 09, 2009
Paves way for federal funding of family medicine residency program in Stanislaus County
WASHINGTON, DC – Efforts to reestablish federal funding for family residency training in Stanislaus County have received a significant push forward and appear to be on the right track, announced Congressmen De...
August 09, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on reports that Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez has decided to shut down 32 radio stations and 2 television stations, as he reportedly continues his collaboration with the FARC gue...
August 09, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) issued the following statement on charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Bank of America failed to properly disclose to stockholders an agreement concerning bonuses ...
August 09, 2009
The Organization of American States took shape after World War II as a mini United Nations for the Western Hemisphere -- and just like the U.N., it has struggled for decades to prove its effectiveness.
Now the OAS faces new criticism that it isn't upholding its mission to defend democracy in the ...
August 09, 2009
Ileana's Cause: The top Republican on the house Foreign Affairs Committee discusses her longtime fight against tyranny in Latin America and why she believes the U.S. needs to take a stronger stand in support of freedom.
Too often we in the United States take freedom and the rule of law for gran...
August 09, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) repeated his call for the Oversight and Government Reform Committee to move forward with a subpoena of critical Countrywide VIP documents following the decision of the Senate Ethics Committee to ...
August 09, 2009
Award Recognizes Her Accomplishments as Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) received the Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award from the Lawyers´ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law at the National Bar Association´s 84th Annual C...
August 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) praised the Senate´s confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court, in the following statement:
"As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I proudly congratulate Justice Sonia Sotomayor on her histo...
August 09, 2009
Health insurance reform opponents, like Republican Congressman Eric Cantor, continue to spread myths about components of America´s Affordable Health Choices Act. Labeled "key facts" the fact sheet sent by Cantor´s office to each member of Congress simply peddles already disproven myth...
August 09, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 68-31 to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.
"Confirming the first Hispanic-American to the Supreme Court is a historic moment for this country," said Tiahr...
August 09, 2009
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court:
"History was made today by Judge Sonia Sotomayor who has earned the distinct privilege of being confirmed as a United States Supreme...
August 09, 2009
Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) lashed out at Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) after the Republican congressman pushed the powerful Democratic senator to divulge details about low-interest loans he received from Countrywide Financial.
In letters provided to POLITICO, Conrad has accused Issa of attempting ...
August 09, 2009
House Oversight and Government Reform ranking member Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) may be one of the majority´s chief tormentors and an apt political bomb thrower, but the person Democrats have to thank for Issa´s persistence is none other than Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).
"If you look at He...
August 09, 2009
SHORELINE – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) announced that up to 2,550 battery charging systems for electric vehicles will be established throughout the Seattle area by Energy Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. (ETEC), as part of a $99.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The ET...
August 09, 2009
Lawmaker says "we need to be ready to adapt to potentially catastrophic shifts in the environment."
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice) praised a plan by the California Natural Resources Agency calling for statewide preparations for the effects of climate change. The plan offers strateg...
August 09, 2009
Kansas Delegation urges President to see ramifications of Leavenworth as possible site
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback, and U.S. Representatives Lynn Jenkins, Dennis Moore, Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt sent a letter to invite President Obama and his Gitmo task force t...
August 09, 2009
Michigan Democrats recently unveiled their new economic development plan for Michigan: turning the state into a penal colony for federal prisoners, the detainees currently held at Guantanamo Bay and even part of California´s inmate population.
In a rush to fulfill an ill-advised campaign pr...
August 08, 2009
Enzi votes against program again, Senate passes funding extension
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate approved an additional $2 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., voted against the measure.
"We don´t know exactly how much has been spent....
August 08, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) – Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, member of the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change and Nuclear Safety, and co-chair of the Senate Auto Caucus – released the following statement on Senate pas...
August 08, 2009
Say current compensation systems "shortchange our children"
Washington – As President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan unveil guidelines for states to apply for Race to the Top education funding, ten senators urged leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee to fully fund Pr...
August 08, 2009
On July 13, 2009, with only a week´s notice, Turkey hosted the celebrated signing of an agreement to move forward on the Nabucco natural gas pipeline. It was a major breakthrough that had seemed unlikely just more than a year ago when Senator Dick Lugar set out to meet with leaders in supplyin...
August 08, 2009
Delegation gives proposed snowmobile numbers a thumbs down, encourages public comment
Washington, D.C. - The Wyoming delegation, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., made comments following the National Park Service announcement about a proposed i...
August 08, 2009
Senate inaction defies American majority
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats blocked the effort of U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to consider his amendment that would permanently keep the military-run detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GITMO) open while preventing terrorist detainees fro...
August 08, 2009
Voinovich-sponsored bill will examine tax and entitlements, force long-overdue Congressional action
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) has issued a statement of thanks to President Obama for his endorsement of a commission where "…everything is going to have to be on (the)...
August 08, 2009
Bill authorizes Forest Conservation Bonds as common sense way to bring conservation and timber communities together to protect forest land from development
(Washington, D.C.) –U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Patty Murray (D-Washington) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) introduced legislation ...
August 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced the Carbon Storage Stewardship Trust Fund Act of 2009 to help remove a major barrier to private investment in carbon capture and storage.
"New technology holds great promise for job creation and a cleaner ...
August 08, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar welcomed the inclusion of language similar to the Nunn-Lugar Cooperate Threat Reduction Improvement Act of 2009 into the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 currently being debated on the Senate floor.
"The Senate Armed Services Committee has included...
August 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following comments after voting in support of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 that would allow individuals with concealed carry permits to lawfully carry concealed firearms across state lines as lon...
August 06, 2009
Video Uses Humor to Highlight Senate Inaction That Defies American Majority
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate is about to take a month long recess without addressing an important national security issue. While the Democrat lead Senate found time during the last week of business to deal with Cas...
August 06, 2009
Introduces bipartisan bill to give schools increased flexibility
Washington, DC – In response to concerns from Idaho parents, teachers and school administrators, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has reintroduced bipartisan legislation to bring needed reforms to the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act. The...
August 06, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) today announced his decision regarding the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
"For both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, then-Senator Obama promot...
August 06, 2009
Washington, DC – During a speech on the Senate floor, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo noted that a strong majority of Idahoans contacting his office stand in opposition to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Crapo reaffirmed that he will vote against Sotomayor´s appointment when the Senate acts o...
August 06, 2009
Bayh heralds $400 million to create thousands of Hoosier jobs; says Indiana will lead national push to design, build clean-energy cars
Wakarusa, Indiana – Senator Evan Bayh returned to Elkhart County with President Barack Obama to announce more than $400 million for Indiana companies developing n...
August 06, 2009
The Obama Administration announced that Kenneth A. Myers III has been appointed by the Secretary of Defense to be the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). DTRA´s mission is to safeguard the United States from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological...
August 06, 2009
Crapo writes Mountain Home AFB, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes language
Washington, DC – A groundbreaking partnership to transfer unneeded housing units from the Mountain Home Air Force Base to members of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes may soon be law, thanks to language added to a defense authorization bill...
August 06, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to support passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87 to 7. Among a vast number of other provisions, the legis...
August 05, 2009
Establishes August 7 as "National Purple Heart Day"
Washington, DC – Purple Heart recipients and their families will receive increased national honors under legislation introduced by Idaho
Senator Mike Crapo. The bipartisan Senate resolution, S. Con. Res. 36, sponsored by Crapo and Senator Blan...
August 05, 2009
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) urged the full Senate to confirm the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to become an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
In remarks delivered from the Senate floor, Senator Feinstein praised Judge Sotomayor, noting that her ...
August 05, 2009
Helps small businesses access Federal tourism promotion programs
WASHINGTON - The United States Senate passed an amendment sponsored by Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary Landrieu, D-La., to boost tourism revenue for rural small businesses. The "Tourism Promotion for Rura...
August 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said cooler heads need to prevail in the Senate to ensure Americans aren´t stuck with the detrimental consequences of a cap-and-tax program that would create burdensome greenhouse gas emission regulations.
"The House hastily pass...
August 05, 2009
Funding Requests by Crapo, Risch Advanced to Full Senate
Washington, DC – Transportation funding sponsored by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch for road infrastructure and public transportation projects was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Idaho initiatives are included...
August 05, 2009
Washington, DC – The Idaho congressional delegation joined with Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter to respond to the announcement that the Obama Administration has struck a deal to not request any funding for Yucca Mountain in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.
Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter said, "T...
August 05, 2009
Nearly $7 Million Awarded Under Farm Bill Grant Program
Washington, DC – A grant program supported by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo in the 2008 Farm Bill has awarded nearly $7 million to four Idaho projects. The grants were awarded under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), which Crapo ...
August 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., supported a third way to add money to the national highway trust fund without increasing the national debt. The senators were disappointed the Senate defeated their alternative and supported a plan that increases the national...
August 05, 2009
Crapo, Risch advance funding proposals for Idaho medical projects and education programs
Washington, DC – Requests for federal funding by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to expand medical services and education projects in Idaho have been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. ...
August 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said no bipartisan deal on health care reform is imminent and that members of the Finance Committee still have a number of remaining issues to resolve before they will be able to reach a bipartisan agreement.
Reports in this morning´s ...
August 05, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder seeking justification and clarification for a letter the Department of Justice (DOJ) sent to Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson threatening Oklahoma with a loss of federal fu...
August 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Democratic Policy Committee will conduct a congressional oversight hearing, Monday, August 3, to examine whether the U.S. Army responded appropriately to the exposure of hundreds of U.S. troops to a deadly carcinogen at a water injection facility in Iraq.
...
July 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following comments after the U.S. Senate voted 58 to 40 to remove $1.75 billion from the Defense Authorization bill for F-22s. Air Force officials have repeatedly stated that no less than 243 F-22s would be sufficient with a moderate leve...
July 21, 2009
Will Serve as Ranking Member of the East Asian Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, announced today he has been appointed to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to fill the Republican vacancy left by former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman...
July 21, 2009
She Urges Doctors and Nurses to Get Tested for HIV
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) today celebrated National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day and encouraged the nation´s health care workers to be tested for HIV.
"Doctors, nurses, and other clinicians p...
July 21, 2009
Committee Passes Congressman´s Amendment to Ensure California Veterans Receive Equal Educational Benefit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an ongoing legislative battle on behalf of veterans in California and a number of other states, Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) today successfully incl...
July 21, 2009
House Committee Approves Student Loan Reforms
The House Education and Labor Committee approved legislation Tuesday to end the Federal Family Education (FFEL) program in favor of the Direct Loan program. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), a member of the committee, hailed the move as "long overdue and very ...
July 20, 2009
According to released GAO report requested by Lugar
Venezuela´s cooperation on counternarcotics has deteriorated according to a report released today by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report, requested by U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar in February 2008, is an effort by Lugar to ...
July 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After four days of Judge Sonia Sotomayor´s nomination hearing, Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) commented on the contradictory nature of her testimony compared her past rulings and statements. Sotomayor´s comments have come as the result of intense Republican questioning...
July 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today that Amy Rosenbaum, her policy director for the past four years, will step down next month as policy director but will remain in a temporary position to advise on health care reform legislation this fall. Richard Meltzer will assume the role o...
July 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Wilson (R-SC) today praised the announcement by the Secretary of Defense that the U.S. Army will be temporarily expanded by up to 22,000 soldiers:
...
July 20, 2009
Report underscores need for strong international intellectual property protections
Washington, D.C.: The Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus, which is chaired by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), com...
July 20, 2009
Even as changes continue to be made to the health insurance reform bill—and despite a negative portrayal by the pollster—a new Washington Post/ABC News poll confirms a majority of Americans want the critical reform the America´s Affordable Health Choices Act delivers for American f...
July 20, 2009
Tax-funding of abortions in Washington, DC would further target Black population
WASHINGTON- Kansas Rep. Todd Tiahrt made remarks in opposition to tax-funding of abortion, which would increase abortion especially among the impoverished, predominately Black communities of Washington, D.C.
Rep. ...
July 20, 2009
In bank profits, less than meets the eye
NEW YORK — The big banks are making big money again, but they won't be back to health as long as they have to deal with a recession and customers defaulting on mortgages and credit cards.
The impressive numbers included a $3 billion second-quarter...
July 16, 2009
Calls on OAS to Do the Right Thing for Once
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the plight of Cuban political prisoners, Ariel Sigler Amaya and Normando Hernandez. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"...
July 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) introduced the Atomic Veterans Medal Act, legislation to honor members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to atomic testing between 1945 and 1963.
"These veterans showed courage and incredible personal sacrif...
July 16, 2009
The American Medical Association (AMA), the leading voice for America's physicians, announced its support for the America´s Affordable Health Choice Act . According to AMA, the America´s Affordable Health Choices Act will curb out-of-control costs, encourage competition among insurance ...
July 16, 2009
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on an upcoming GAO Report that reportedly blames widespread corruption in the Chavez government for increases in cocaine transshipments through Venezuela. Statement by Ros...
July 16, 2009
The House health reform bill maintains Congress´ commitment to rural America by ensuring that all individuals in rural areas have access to the care they need close to home. The bill:
Provides Coverage for Uninsured Rural Individuals: In rural areas, the uninsured rate reaches 23 percent,...
July 16, 2009
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), member of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, together with Reps. Melissa Bean (D-IL) and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), introduced H.R. 3199 – The Experienced Medic Transition (EMT) Act. The legislation seeks to streamline the integration of retu...
July 16, 2009
Moran Language Makes TurboTax-style Program Available to Veterans
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, supported a number of Northern Virginia BRAC-related military facility funding requests in the FY´10 Militar...
July 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) was appointed to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission by House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio.
Gallegly authored the bill that created the commission and is the second person assigned to the 11-member commission. Secretary of Interior...
July 16, 2009
SHORELINE, WA - U.S. Rep Jay Inslee announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has made $6,283,775 available to Washington state for a consumer rebate program to help households upgrade to energy efficient ENERGY STAR appliances. The funding is authorized and appropriated through the American Rec...
July 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy released $23,818,030 to Washington state for weatherizing homes of low-income families, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"Efficiency is the cheapest fuel," said Inslee. "The ...
July 16, 2009
Under Democratic leadership since 2007, Congress has made historic gains for America´s Troops, Veterans, and Military Families.
It was just over four years ago that our nation sunk to a new low in our treatment of veterans. On June 23, 2005, the Department of Veterans Affairs admitted that...
July 16, 2009
Government-run care will boost deficit, raise costs for Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blunt issued the following statement in response to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Douglas Elmendorf´s confirmation that the Democrats´ plan ...
July 15, 2009
Ros-Lehtinen Statement on Resolution Formally Initiating Congressional Review of UAE Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, submitted a statement for the record upon introducing a joint resoluti...
July 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement after House Democrats introduced their health care plan – the latest attempt by Democrats to grow the size, power, and cost of government on the backs of American taxpayers and small businesses. This comes on the heel of the ...
July 15, 2009
Bill Covers 97 Percent of Americans, Embodies President Obama´s Goals of Lower Costs, More Choices, and Access to Quality, Affordable Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairmen of the three Committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced comprehensi...
July 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The influential House Rules Committee, of which Congressman Cardoza is a member, accepted two of Congressman Dennis Cardoza´s amendments aimed at increasing water flows for agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. This paves the way for passage on the House floor Wednesday as pa...
July 15, 2009
Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement in response to House Democrat´s introduction of their plan for government-run health care:
"Today´s proposal by the House Democrat Leader...
July 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) released the following statement on today´s announcement that the United States and China plan to develop a joint energy research center. Inslee has been a key advocate on this issue, leading an effort in Congress to urge the Administration to e...
July 15, 2009
Rep. Tom Petri expressed reservations Wednesday as the House Education and Labor Committee began work on America´s Affordable Health Choices Act, H.R. 3200, the Democrats' plan to overhaul the nation's health insurance system.
During an opening statement at a committee meeting h...
July 15, 2009
As we celebrated our nation´s birthday, North Korea launched seven missiles, and is now preparing to launch a long range ballistic missile, just months after testing a nuclear weapon. At the same time, Iran is developing both nuclear capabilities and long range missiles, recently disguised as ...
July 15, 2009
Rep. Tom Petri joined Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and others Tuesday in introducing legislation to establish a water trust fund for investing in the nation's drinking water and sewage treatment systems.
"It is no secret to the people of Wisconsin that our aging wastewater infrastruct...
July 15, 2009
Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) has endorsed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, legislation to be introduced today by Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA). This bill would move all new federal student lending to the stable, effective and cost-efficient Direct Loan Program...
July 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Republicans announced today their four appointments to the 10-member Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission formed to investigate the causes, handling, and way forward from the current financial crisis. The creation was such a panel was first proposed by Rep. Darrell I...
July 15, 2009
Washington, D.C.— House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today announced their six appointments to the 10-member Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, established by Congress to examine the domestic and global causes of the financial crisis.
"The American peop...
July 15, 2009
Crapo, Risch promote targeted research funding
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch say research efforts involving energy and agriculture in Idaho have fared well this week as the Senate Appropriations Committee made funding recommendations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 spendi...
July 15, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, released the following statement today on the result of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee´s markup of an 18-month extension to SAFETEA-LU. At t...
July 15, 2009
Enzi says bill gets an F, doesn´t meet President´s goals
Washington, D.C. – After 13 days of negotiations, 50 hours and hundreds of amendments, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed a health care overhaul along party lines. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., R...
July 15, 2009
Pleased Obama Shares Interest in Continent
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who has visited Ghana eight times in the last eight years, commented on the speech given by President Obama to Ghana´s Parliament. President...
July 15, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar said that President Obama´s trip to Ghana offers the opportunity to highlight important issues of food security, energy security and the importance of fighting corruption.
"America has important foreign policy and national security interests in seeing that poor cou...
July 15, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced that the United States and the Republic of Indonesia, Conservation International and Yayasan Keanekaragaman Hayati Indonesia (KEHATI) have signed a debt-for-nature swap under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA).
This swap agreement, reducing Indonesia&a...
July 15, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar represented the United States at the signing of the Nabucco natural gas pipeline treaty in Ankara, Turkey, on Monday, July 13.
Though the U.S. is not a party to the treaty, it has been a strong advocate for the natural gas pipeline that runs from the Caspian Sea region t...
July 15, 2009
Latest Senate reform bill is scored poorly by CBO
Washington, DC – Some reform of the nation´s health care system is needed to reduce costs and improve access to quality coverage, but whatever plan Congress adopts must make fiscal sense, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo, a memb...
July 09, 2009
Before adjourning for the July 4th recess, House Democrats passed a massive new national energy tax. They are trying to sell this flawed approach under the guise of addressing environmental concerns and creating jobs. Unfortunately, their cap and trade or "cap and tax" scheme would be a failure en...
July 09, 2009
During House consideration of H.R. 2637—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010—House Republicans, led by Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), intend to offer a Motion to Recommit that will provide funding for critical equipment required to support and protect America´s...
July 09, 2009
Profits from Conflict Mineral Used in Many Cell Phones Fuels Human Rights Abuses
Rep. Jim McDermott introduced and the House passed his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 to address the mining of Coltan (columbite), a rare mineral used in virtually every cell phone, from ...
July 09, 2009
""The whole question of lying to Congress is serious enough that it should always be investigated and taken seriously."
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and member of the House Judiciary Committee sent a le...
July 09, 2009
Black aides are so scarce on some House committees that the Congressional Black Caucus surveyed the panels. Their conclusion: black staffers are most prevalent when African American chairmen do the hiring.
The 31-person Democratic staff of the House Agriculture Committee and the 24-person Democrati...
July 09, 2009
WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) led Republican efforts to prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions in Washington, D.C. Tiahrt´s amendment would reinstate a 14-year-old prohibition on publicly-funded abortions that Democrats stripped this year at the req...
July 09, 2009
Funds would be re-routed to support the National Endowment for Democracy
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, offered an amendment to the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill (H.R. 3081) to cut fundi...
July 09, 2009
Would transfer funds to support security assistance for Israel, democracy in Iran
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee offered three amendments to the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriat...
July 09, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – A report released by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform finds that the housing bubble that burst in 2007 and led to a financial crisis can be traced back to federal government intervention in the U.S. housing market. The report´s findings are particularl...
July 08, 2009
Will Work With Colleagues to Pass A Bill This Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, applauded Senators Robert Menendez, Orrin Hatch, and Harry Reid for introducing legislation today supporting vehicles that...
July 08, 2009
Cap and tax = national energy tax. Enzi vows to push back against similar legislation.
Washington, D.C. – Following a week traveling in Wyoming and listening to constituents, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., heard time and again the concern many people have with the energy bill recently passed by ...
July 08, 2009
Critical part of Owyhee Initiative included in appropriations bill
Washington, DC – A critical part of the Owyhee Initiative land management legislation led by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo through Congress received initial funding approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee. In outlining agric...
July 08, 2009
Questions Energy Secretary During Committee Hearing
Washington, DC – Any successful effort at addressing climate change, including cap and trade legislation, must include incentives to increase energy production from nuclear power sources, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo told Cabinet secretaries from th...
July 08, 2009
Senator co-sponsors bill to help Congress legislate within constitutional powers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is backing a bill designed to ensure that Congress legislates only within the bounds of its powers granted by the highest law in the land.
Enzi, along with 19 senators...
July 08, 2009
Says health care reform should do more to prevent and treat substance abuse disorders and mental health illnesses.
Washington, D.C. – Emphasizing the wide-spread economic and health impacts of substance abuse and addiction, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today called on House Energy and Com...
July 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC - Members of Washington Metro Area´s Senate and House Delegation – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and Reps. Frank R. Wolf, James P. Moran, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Van Hollen, Donna F. Edwards and Gerald E. Connolly – met today with Washing...
July 08, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) and Jerry McNerney (CA-11) jointly championed legislative language to ensure that small businesses in the Central Valley have access to available federal research and development funds. The language is based on amendments offered by Congre...
July 08, 2009
(Washington, DC) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is calling on Congress to pass the 2010 Intelligence Authorization Act, especially in the wake of recent attacks on American Web sites. The bill increases spending on a variety of current cybersecurity efforts and provides initial inves...
July 08, 2009
Urges Congressional hearing to explore government and the Internet´s role in protecting human rights and freedom throughout the world.
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today urged House Committee on Energy and Commerce leadership to hold a hearing on the role of the I...
July 08, 2009
Science Has Bypassed the Embryonic Stem Cell Debate
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) today called on Congress to consider his Patients First Act, H.R. 877, in light of the Administration´s release this week of final guidelines to expand tax-payer funding of embryonic s...
July 06, 2009
Waxman-Markey's success suggests that House Democrats learned something from 12 years in the minority.
For Democrats with sufficient memory, the party's failure on a key legislative vote in President Clinton's first term flickered like a distant shadow over last week's nail-biting House showdown ...
July 06, 2009
WICHITA – Congressman Todd Tiahrt today released a new video ad expanding on his continued fight against President Obama´s so-called federal stimulus plan. Tiahrt has been running television and radio ads in recent weeks, which have brought attention to his fight against Washington spending an...
July 06, 2009
TOPEKA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement in response to the job loss numbers released today for June. According to the Department of Labor, another 467,000 workers lost their jobs last month pushing the national unemployment rate to 9.5 percent, the highes...
July 06, 2009
Lawmaker says a "cop on the beat" armed with timely information will prevent the next terrorist attack.
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment, submitted comments on the over-classification of intellige...
July 04, 2009
MERCED, CA – At the request of Congressman Cardoza , U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan toured the City of Merced Thursday. During his time here, he informed the San Joaquin Valley that there will be increased eligibility for mortgage refinancing under the Obama Administratio...
July 01, 2009
Crapo to Discuss Cultural Protection with Tribes, Thursday
Duck Valley Indian Reservation – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will join members of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation tomorrow to discuss the first phase of funding that will implement provisions of the Owyhee In...
June 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on a new initiative that will take effect tomorrow, July 1, that will make student loans more affordable by allowing borrowers to cap their monthly loan payments based on how much income they earn. This initiative, the Inco...
June 30, 2009
Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) is pleased to announce that the Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $16 million in conditional loan guarantees to the Berkeley-based Nordic Windpower USA.
The funding will help to underwrite the expansion of Nordic Windpower´s assemb...
June 30, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded over $7.5 million to the California State Coastal Conservancy for the South San Francisco Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. These funds were allocated by the American Recovery a...
June 30, 2009
Oakland, CA – Today, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Unity´s Upper Cardozo Health Center in Washington, DC to announce the release of $851 million in grants to address immediate and pressing health center facility and equipment needs and increase access to health care for millions of America...
June 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. – While marking an important security milestone for the Government of Iraq, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) today praised U.S. troops for their courageous service and dedication. McKeon also urged the President and Congress to work to en...
June 30, 2009
Legislation Provides $130 Billion to Support Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and the Republican me...
June 30, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) encouraged all Americans to get tested for HIV and educate themselves about the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS. She joined other Members of Congress and public health advocates at an event held in advance of National HIV Testing Day (Ju...
June 30, 2009
WICHITA – Congressman Todd Tiahrt´s U.S. Senate campaign continued to gather momentum as the state´s largest pro-life organization officially endorsed Tiahrt in his bid against Jerry Moran.
During press conferences in Overland Park and Wichita, Kansans for Life Federal Political Acti...
June 30, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar today praised the work of the Department of Energy´s National Nuclear Security Administration Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) for the complete removal and secure storage of Romania´s highly enriched uranium.
"The National Nuclear Security Administration...
June 30, 2009
Appropriators include funding for wolf losses
Washington, DC – Ranchers who lose livestock to wolf depredation in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming may be eligible for reimbursement from a fund of $1 million established in part by the efforts of Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch. Idaho´s Se...
June 29, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) voted for the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Authorization bill that includes $8.7 million for McConnell Air Force Base. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Tiahrt secured the funding to help upgrade the Air National Guard&acu...
June 29, 2009
A new survey by the Washington Post and ABC News showed three-quarters of Americans support government action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and found a willingness to tolerate some increased costs. Highlights of the survey include:
· 75 percent think the federal government should "re...
June 29, 2009
Following the Presentation of Articles of Impeachment to the Senate
Washington, D.C. – Lead House impeachment Managers Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) commented on the resignation of Judge Samuel B. Kent.
On Wednesday, Managers on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives deliv...
June 29, 2009
Oakland, CA – Today, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Unity´s Upper Cardozo Health Center in Washington, DC to announce the release of $851 million in grants to address immediate and pressing health center facility and equipment needs and increase access to health care for millions of America...
June 29, 2009
Washington D.C. – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement today after the House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act:
"The consequences of global climate change, disastrous trends of environmental d...
June 29, 2009
(Washington, DC) - The House of Representatives passed H.R.2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by a vote of 389-22. Included in H.R.2647 were two amendments introduced by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar). Hastings´ first amendment prohibits the recruitm...
June 29, 2009
Allocates Individuals´ Federal Tax Refunds Towards Any Unpaid Local Taxes
Arlington County, Virginia – At a public meeting of the Arlington County Board, Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced the introduction of the bipartisan "Local Taxpayers Fairness Act," legislation that w...
June 29, 2009
U.S. House has a choice: Innovation or Taxation
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) introduced an amendment that would replace the entirety of the Energy Tax Bill with his New Manhattan Project, which relies on innovation, rather than taxation to pursue alternative energy and a...
June 29, 2009
WICHITA - After starting statewide television ads last week, Congressman Todd Tiahrt is running radio ads statewide to call further attention to his fight to repeal the "so-called federal stimulus plan". Since the scheme was passed by Congress, more than two million Americans have lost their job...
June 29, 2009
WICHITA – Todd Tiahrt´s decisive 165-46 victory over Jerry Moran in the Olathe Straw Poll Saturday capped a great week for the Tiahrt campaign. Not only did Tiahrt show strong support in a conservative bastion of Johnson County, his campaign organization demonstrated its ability to mobilize vo...
June 29, 2009
Congress and the President are working to enact health care reform legislation that will keep what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Floridians know that inaction is not an option. Sky-rocketing health care costs are hurting families, forcing businesses to cut or drop health ...
June 28, 2009
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the impending constitutional crisis brewing in Honduras and escalating tensions between the executive and the judicial and legislative branches, as well as the military. Stat...
June 28, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger issued the following statement regarding an amendment to the FY2010 Interior Appropriations bill he supported that would provide $25 million for Forest Service law enforcement to combat drug production on federal lands. Drug production on federal lands ...
June 28, 2009
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) commemorated National HIV Testing Day by highlighting the very real threat the United States continues to face from this disease.
"More than one million people in the United States are living with HIV and someone is infected with HIV i...
June 29, 2009
Every day, sick and injured Americans worry about whether they will be able to get better—and whether they can afford to. Millions more wonder if they can even afford routine care to stay healthy and prevent disease before it starts.
This isn't just a matter of cost or inconvenience.
...
June 27, 2009
Four Mile Run Restoration and Drinking Water Safety Funded
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced the following projects were included for Northern Virginia in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations...
June 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza announced several key legislative provisions that will aid Valley agricultural interests. The provisions were included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which the House of Representatives passed today with Congressman Cardoza´s support.
T...
June 27, 2009
Washington D.C. – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act:
"The consequences of global climate change, disastrous trends of environmental degrada...
June 27, 2009
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement regarding House passage of the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act (H.R. 2454), historic legislation that will create clean energy jobs, combat global warming and puts our country on a path to dramat...
June 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt voted against legislation to create a national energy tax. The bill, H.R. 2454, passed by House Democrats contains provisions that would increase energy rates for every American family, farmer and business.
"This bill affects every American that...
June 27, 2009
Legislation that eases regulations limiting federal renewable energy purchases included in energy bill.
Washington, D.C. – The House passed legislation authored by Rep. Adam Schiff which expands the ability of the Federal Government to purchase cheap renewable energy, as part of the American Clea...
June 27, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement shortly before the vote on House Democrats' new national energy tax bill, which will amount to over $3,000 in additional energy expenses per household.
"This is one of the most sweeping, damaging pieces of legi...
June 27, 2009
Washington, DC –Rep. Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, and Rep. Barney Frank, Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, have introduced landmark legislation to reform the Section 8 voucher program.
H.R. 3045, the "Sect...
June 27, 2009
Four Mile Run Restoration and Drinking Water Safety Funded
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced the following projects were included for Northern Virginia in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations...
June 27, 2009
Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva voted in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a bill designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the development of clean, renewable energy sources.
The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a 219-212 v...
June 27, 2009
By a vote of 219 to 212, the House voted Friday evening to approve H.R. 2454, the "Cap-and-Trade" bill to reduce emissions of global warming gases. Rep. Petri voted against the bill.
Rep. Petri has issued the following statement:
"I believe that global warming is a ser...
June 27, 2009
Years of hard work pay off as Inslee authors key provisions and gathers votes for final passage
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives approved climate and energy legislation that will create millions of clean energy jobs and implement the first market-based solution to cut carbon pol...
June 27, 2009
Inhofe Vows to Expose Bill in the Senate as All Cost, No Climate Gain
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, commented on the House passage of the "America's Clean Energy and Security Act," (Waxman-Markey bill) b...
June 27, 2009
Investment will Lower Gas Bills, Boost Economy, Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, joined Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) to introduce bi-partisan legislation that seeks to increase the p...
June 27, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) today blasted Democrats for passing legislation that will increase monthly electricity bills for every Kansas family and will force thousands of Kansas workers to lose their jobs. Tiahrt said President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) w...
June 27, 2009
(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved H. Con. Res. 89 a resolution introduced by Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) and a bipartisan group of his colleagues, supporting the goals and objectives of the Prague Holocaust Era Assets Conference. The resolution commends ...
June 27, 2009
Rep. Wasserman Schultz Votes to Create Clean Energy Jobs and Create Energy Independence
(Washington, DC)—Rep. Wasserman Schultz voted in favor of new clean energy jobs and energy independence, helping to pass H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. This legislation w...
June 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) joined U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) in introducing a bi-partisan adoption bill, the Foreign Adopted Children Equality (FACE) Act (S. 1359), eliminating many of the hurdles internationally adopted children of American citizens currently fa...
June 26, 2009
Modernization and Overall Security Victims of Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, welcomed the completion of the Senate Armed Services Committee´s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal yea...
June 25, 2009
(Washington, DC) The House of Representatives yesterday passed H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 by a vote of 389-37. Included in the legislation was an amendment introduced by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar), to keep open the Federal Emergency Manage...
June 25, 2009
100 Members of Congress Cosponsor Grassroots Movement to Ensure Parents´ Freedom to Raise their Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Constitutional Amendment introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, to protect the parent-child relationship has reached more than 100 co-sponsors in the Hou...
June 25, 2009
Crapo co-sponsors Western Caucus´ broad-based effort
Washington, DC. – Because Idahoans can´t face another summer of rising energy prices, Congress must act quickly on comprehensive energy legislation, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo is joining with members of the new S...
June 25, 2009
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) have introduced legislation to preserve and enhance federal assistance to crime victims under the Victims of Crime Act. The Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act will ensure that victims of crime, through victim service p...
June 25, 2009
Would compensate victims from Nevada testing in 1950s and 60s
Washington, DC – All four Senators representing Idaho and Montana are sponsoring new legislation that would make residents of the two states eligible for a federal government program that compensates people who lived in affected areas ...
June 25, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following accomplishments for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in May:
· 6 nuclear weapons transport train shipments secured.
Earlier this month Lugar announced that the Nunn-Lugar program will continue working with Kazakhs...
June 25, 2009
Washington—Ten moderate Senate Democrats today sent a letter to President Barack Obama voicing support for his key education goals and pledging to "lend our voices to the debate as proponents of education reform."
The letter was initiated by Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN), Tom Carper (D-DE), an...
June 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) released the following statements following unanimous Senate passage of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act (S. 962), also known as the Kerry-Lugar Bill.
"Pakistan is fac...
June 24, 2009
Joint Project of Congresswoman Lee, East Bay Community Foundation
Oakland, CA – The East Bay Community Foundation in collaboration with the Office of Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) has created a new Web-based resource guide to help East Bay non-profits and faith-based organizations search for fede...
June 24, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, this morning delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives during debate on H.R. 2990, the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act.
"...
June 22, 2009
Democrats Plan Tax Increases & Benefit Cuts to "Reform" Health Care
America´s health care system is in need of a fix, but the plan being crafted by Congressional Democrats is hardly what most Americans are expecting. Just consider some of the major challenges facing health care and the Amer...
June 22, 2009
77 Members Urge Swift Action to Repeal Discriminatory Law
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, joined with 76 of his colleagues to send a letter to President Obama urging swift action on repeal of the milita...
June 22, 2009
(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) and 76 Members of Congress sent the following letter to President Barack Obama urging him to suspend the investigation and discharge of service members in the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation. Under the discriminatory...
June 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. – A video of Congressman J. Randy Forbes´ (VA-04) recent statement on the floor of the House of Representatives affirming America´s Judeo-Christian heritage has drawn over one million viewers on YouTube. At the time of this release, the video had been viewed 1,391,977 ti...
June 22, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement after House passage of the Supplemental Conference Report.
"Put the troops first, ditch the bailouts and leave the terrorists at Guantanamo Bay where they belong," said Tiahrt. "An emergency war funding bill ...
June 22, 2009
Newly Introduced Legislation Would Reduce Hazardous Fuels, Red Tape
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) introduced legislation, the "California Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act," which is designed to address the ongoing threat of wildfire in national ...
June 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Republican efforts to restore funding for key components of the comprehensive missile defense system designed to protect America´s homeland, forward-deployed troops, and allies were repeatedly rejected by Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee. The Obama Administra...
June 22, 2009
Somewhere between the health care extremes — no government involvement and total government control — real reform is possible. And reforming America´s health care system is one of the most pressing challenges that we face.
Serious problems have emerged. Skyrocketing administrati...
June 22, 2009
Rep. Wasserman Schultz hails agreement that will cut costs in half for seniors caught in Medicare Part D – at no additional cost to taxpayers
(Washington, DC) – Today, President Obama announced a historic breakthrough to reduce prescription drug costs by 50 percent for seniors who find themselves...
June 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Cardoza has introduced legislation that seeks to encourage the use of solar power by homeowners and ensure an economic incentive for users. The Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act (SOLAR Act) seeks to cut through the bureaucratic and financial red tape ...
June 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted in support of the FY2010 Commerce, Justice and Science-related Appropriations bill which will appropriate $64.6 billion.
"I am pleased to support this legislation that will provide much needed funding to our communities," said Co...
June 22, 2009
WICHITA -- Congressman Todd Tiahrt is running television commercials statewide to call attention to his fight to repeal the "so-called federal stimulus plan". Since the scheme was passed by Congress, more than two million Americans have lost their jobs, home foreclosures are at record highs, and the...
June 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, President Obama joined key lawmakers and health care stakeholders in announcing an agreement to help reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)...
June 22, 2009
Bring Together Clean Energy Businesses, Lawmakers.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, today hosted the Senate Democratic Green Jobs Summit. Vice President Joe Biden de...
June 21, 2009
Washington, D.C. – During debate on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee voted largely along party lines to table a Republican amendment to authorize key benefits for America´s military personnel and their familie...
June 21, 2009
Lawmaker calls bill, "a needed course correction from Bush policies..."
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice) issued the following statement on the Conference Report of H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009. The bill passed by a vote of 226-202.
"We live in difficult ...
June 21, 2009
Congressman Wally Herger issued the following statement regarding the deficit spending undertaken this year in Congress and the decision to restrict debate on future spending bills:
"We´re halfway through 2009 and I am deeply concerned with the excess spending that Congress and the Adminis...
June 21, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on legislation she co-sponsored that would reinstitute statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules, which will restore fiscal discipline to the federal government. Last week, President Obama urged Congress to pass the legislation, wh...
June 21, 2009
"We have learned time and time again that EW saves lives"
Washington– Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16), and Congressman Rick Larsen, (WA-02), Co-Chairmen of the Electronic Warfare Working Group (EWWG), applauded the House Armed Services Committee for agreeing to an amendment to the Defense Authoriz...
June 21, 2009
Introduces resolution to condemn 15th anniversary of Iran/Hezbollah attack
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will meet with Dr. Alberto Nisman, Argentine special prosecutor investigating the bombing of the Argentine Je...
June 21, 2009
In a letter to the AG, Rep. Schiff calls for protection of scientists´ and engineers´ privacy
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff wrote a letter to United States Attorney General Eric Holder requesting that he decline the opportunity to appeal a June 4, 2009 decision by Ninth Circuit C...
June 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Health Care Solutions Group Chairman Roy Blunt issued the following statement after the Solutions Group, joined by Republican Leadership and the Ranking Members on Committees of Jurisdiction, unveiled the common-sense plan to make health care affordable and accessible for al...
June 19, 2009
Washington—With one in three children in the United States living apart from their biological fathers, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) are renewing their efforts to promote healthy families and support American fathers who are trying to earn a livable wage and take...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the June 4, 2009 National Marine Fisheries Service biological opinion on the Central Valley Water Project and California State Water Project, Congressman Cardoza threw his full support behind an amendment to prevent the opinion from taking effect.
Congress...
June 19, 2009
Northern Californians who spent last summer breathing smoke or being forced from their home by the blazes that tore through our local forests are well aware that wildfire is one of our most pressing threats. The 2008 fire season saw over a million acres of our forests burned, the tragic loss of sev...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) knew there would be fierce Democrat opposition to his amendment to repeal portions of the trillion-dollar Obama stimulus plan. He was right. House Democrats voted against the Republican effort to overturn what Tiahrt calls a "failed stimulus spe...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Adam Schiff, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press, introduced a resolution urging North Korea to release American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee on humanitarian grounds. Ms. Ling and Ms. Lee have been held since March 17th when they were detained ...
June 19, 2009
White House Officials Call Firing an Act of "Political Courage"
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) asked Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Lawrence G. Brown to answer critical questions about communica...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank and several other Committee members pledged their support to work with Congressman Cardoza to address the economic devastation facing the San Joaquin Valley.
"I could not be more appreciative of Chairman Frank&acu...
June 19, 2009
"By strengthening our travel promotion efforts to the rest of the world, we can see local benefits for our businesses and our community."
Washington, D.C. – Emphasizing the importance of tourism to the local economy, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) joined several of her colleagues in introdu...
June 19, 2009
Schiff and Goodlatte to serve as lead impeachment managers during Senate trial
Washington, D.C. – Today on the House Floor, House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and ranking member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), presented the case for impeachment of Judge...
June 19, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement after the House passed a bipartisan resolution expressing support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the protection of the rule of law:
"I join my collea...
June 19, 2009
Proposal Embodies President Obama´s Goals of Lower Costs, More Choices, and Access to Quality, Affordable Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their discussion draft for healt...
June 19, 2009
Non-Profits, Law Enforcement, and Environmental Efforts Funded
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced the following projects which were included today in the House approved version of the FY ´10 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill (H.R. 2847). Mo...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt last night offered an amendment to the Intelligence Authorization Bill to block payment of any funds to foreign nations as compensation for relocating Guantanamo detainees.
"It seems the Obama Administration is sending the suspected te...
June 19, 2009
White House Officials admit "president's rhetoric shouldn't be taken literally"
President Obama and congressional Democrats are working overtime to sell the American people on a costly government takeover of our health care system.
"If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your docto...
June 19, 2009
WASHINGTON—Farmers and Ranchers achieved an important victory late Thursday night when the House Appropriations Committee adopted the Tiahrt Amendment preventing the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating livestock as a greenhouse gas source. U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) o...
June 19, 2009
Provides State and Local Funding for Land Preservation in Capital Region
Alexandria, VA, – At a press conference this morning in Founders Park along the Alexandria waterfront, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), along with leaders from key conservation organizations, announced introduction of the "Nati...
June 18, 2009
Oklahoma Farm Groups Praise Inhofe´s Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led the opposition to a bill that would have huge implications on Oklahoma and rural America. While the bill, S. 787, ...
June 18, 2009
Places Hold on Bill Expanding Federal Control of Water
Washington, DC. – Concerned about significant expansions in the power of the federal government, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today voted against S. 787, the Clean Water Restoration Act, despite its passage by the Senate Committee on Environment ...
June 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan, bicameral resolution passed by the U.S. Senate today provides an apology for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans. The measure comes as the nation celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery. It...
June 17, 2009
Co-sponsors bill that stops government rationing of health care
Washington, DC. – With the process of crafting health care reform legislation underway before the Senate Finance Committee, Committee Member Idaho Senator Mike Crapo says doctors must maintain their critical role in leading health ca...
June 17, 2009
Bring Together Clean Energy Businesses, Lawmakers
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, today hosted the Senate Democratic Green Jobs Summit. Vice President Joe Biden delive...
June 17, 2009
Enzi finds plenty of room for improvement in health care bill that costs $1 trillion, leaves 36 million uninsured
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today said he would use the Committee process t...
June 17, 2009
During my tenure in Congress, few budgets have been as greatly awaited as the details of the Obama administration´s fiscal 2010 request for the Department of Defense, which is expected to arrive on Capitol Hill in the coming weeks. This anticipation was underscored recently with Secretary of D...
June 17, 2009
Washington, DC. Since late 2008, media coverage of problems resulting from toxic drywall imported from China has increased rapidly, with more details unfolding.
This substandard drywall can be found in as many as 250,000 homes in 13 states. As homes sustain corrosion in electrical wiring, H...
June 17, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Herger (R-CA) released the following statement after the House passed legislation he wrote to provide more efficient management of federal lands in the 2nd Congressional District. H.R. 689 would allow the consolidation of federal lands in the Chappie-Shasta Off-High...
June 17, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC—In a White House ceremony attended by former first lady Nancy Reagan and U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties), President Obama signed Gallegly´s bill to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The Ronald Reagan Cente...
June 17, 2009
Carving out a relevant, national voice is the preeminent challenge facing Republican leadership in the 111th Congress. Presently, the economy and domestic affairs are at the top of the American political agenda. Yet, the party of Abraham Lincoln needs to focus as well on reclaiming its place as the ...
June 17, 2009
Hijacking the agenda of the Summit of the Americas to proclaim and advance their radical visions was insufficient for the Western Hemisphere´s despotic leaders. These rogues and other apologists for the Cuban regime quickly engaged in an absurd competition to see who could best plead the case ...
June 17, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement this morning after the House Armed Services Committee´s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.
"The National Defense Authorization Act is the culmination of a bipartisan effort in the ...
June 16, 2009
Will make decision on Supreme Court nominee following hearings
Washington, DC. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said today he enjoyed a "pleasant, but brief" meeting this afternoon with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Following the 15-minute meeting, Crapo said he would wait to decide how ...
June 16, 2009
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee today approved the Kerry-Lugar Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 by a vote of 16-0. Following is Sen. Dick Lugar´s statement on the bill:
"I thank all Members of the Committee for working cooperatively on the manager´s package...
June 16, 2009
Washington—Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement in response to the disputed Iranian election:
"I am deeply disturbed by reports from Iran of widespread electoral fr...
June 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza introduced legislation that aims to assist the nation´s community banks, ensuring they continue to play a role in the nation´s economic recovery. Specifically, the legislation would establish the position of Assistant Secretary for Community Financi...
June 16, 2009
The Administration continues to say it wants a bipartisan consensus on health care, but two weeks after Republicans sent a letter to the President requesting a meeting, there´s still no response.
CLAIM: "[M]y hope is that working in a bipartisan fashion we are going to be able...
June 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives took another major step in the long-standing effort to officially recognize Virginia´s Indians, those who greeted the first permanent English colony in the New World at Jamestown. The House approved legislation (H.R. 1385), authored by Rep....
June 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Geological Survey´s (USGS) recent study that revealed clues as to the occurrence of intersex fish in the Potomac River. The study found exposure to estrogen in fish reduces productio...
June 16, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) questioned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about the government´s role in healthcare during a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing for HHS. After welcoming Sebelius to the Committee as the departmen...
June 16, 2009
If sharks stop swimming, they sink and drown. President Obama seems to view his health-care program the same way. "If we don't get it done this year," he said in a recent pep talk to supporters, "we're not going to get it done." Well, why? If laying "a new foundation" for 18% of the economy really i...
June 15, 2009
Hastings Introduces Resolution
(Washington, DC) Tonight, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding Black-Jewish relations and the June 10, 2009 shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. In part...
June 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he intends to offer two amendments to the annual defense policy bill tomorrow that would seek to prevent the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States. The first amendment wou...
June 15, 2009
On March 23, Upon Learning of Medical Mistakes at the Miami VA, Meek Called for an Inspector General´s Report on Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) released the following statement after learning that fewer than half of Veterans Affa...
June 15, 2009
The men and women who join U.S. intelligence organizations are patriots who choose to serve their country in silence and not for public recognition. Most labor for years in anonymity — some risking their lives in the process — without being able to discuss their work. Their achievements ...
June 15, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) today released an exclusive video of the June 3, 2009 ceremony unveiling President Ronald Reagan´s statue in the Capitol Rotunda. The video gives Californians of the 49th Congressional District an inside look at this historic event honoring one of...
June 14, 2009
"If we see money being misspent, we're going to put a stop to it, and we will call it out and we will publicize it." – President Obama speaking at the White House on March 12, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – As President Obama announces his intention to accelerate implementation of stimulus spending, Ho...
June 14, 2009
South Carolina families were hit hard last summer when gas prices shot up to over $4 per gallon. For many, driving to and from work or the store is not a luxury but a necessary part of one's daily life. In particular, those living in rural areas of South Carolina are disproportionately affected by...
June 14, 2009
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution encouraging the United States to participate in the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
"The upcoming 2010 Shanghai Expo brings together more than 170 countries, 70 million visitors, and thousands of displays of new and e...
June 14, 2009
It always seems as if one pressing issue dominates each Congress. After Sept. 11, 2001, it was national security. After the 2006 elections it was immigration. Last summer it was our nation´s energy policy.
This year, Congress is expected to fundamentally reform health care. If the Demo...
June 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza announced that the US Department of Agriculture has accepted the first bid for the recently activated Dairy Export Incentive Program.
The DEIP program was activated in May with the Congressman´s strong support and following several conversations w...
June 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement after Republicans introduced The American Energy Act, alternative energy legislation to the Democrats´ national energy tax:
"This legislation serves as a common-sense alternative to policies so...
June 14, 2009
When it come to Democrats and Health Care "no consensus yet."
House and Senate Democrats unveiled health care legislation drafts, but the reaction was decidedly mixed after House Democrats saw the bill written behind closed doors by liberal Democrat Chairmen Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), George Mille...
June 14, 2009
Last November´s election was in many ways a high point. An energized electorate became engaged in a long and hard-fought campaign, and a young Senator captured the imagination of the nation. Turnout was high.
Yet, on Election Day, an obscure incident in Philadelphia served instead as a low...
June 14, 2009
To Pay for Benefits Promised to America´s Heroes
Washington, D.C. – Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN), the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, called on Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) to utilize the "reserve funds" he imbedded in the ...
June 13, 2009
New Legislation Would Block Feds from Determining Treatment Options Based on Cost
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Delegate Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands), and Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA) announced the introduction of H.R. 2824, the Doctor-Patient Relationship a...
June 13, 2009
Says Bill Will Save Lives, Improve Public Health
Washington, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay applauded the overwhelming bipartisan support for H.R. 1256, The Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act, which was approved in the U.S. House by a vote of 307 – 97. "This is a giant step forward f...
June 13, 2009
Funding will help create local jobs and revitalize communities
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff announced that the cities of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena will receive millions of dollars in bonds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which Congress passe...
June 13, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Despite objective evidence that the President´s Economic Stimulus is failing to meet expectations for creating and protecting jobs, President Obama and other officials continue to claim that the Stimulus has "created or saved" 150,000 jobs and will create or save an additional 600...
June 13, 2009
New Program to Help Northern Virginia Local Governments Finance Economic Development
Washington, D.C., June 12th – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced the award of more than $10 million in economic recovery assistance to Falls Church, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the City...
June 13, 2009
Cite benefits to rural communities and forests
Washington, DC. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are asking Senate appropriators to fully fund a program that would create new jobs and renewable energy products in the nation´s forests, while protecting watersheds and wildlife habitat...
June 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – After the Congressional Conferees removed a provision from the supplemental war spending bill that would prevent the public release of prisoner abuse photos, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his disappointment over the...
June 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Following The International AIDS Society´s (IAS) announcement of its interest in convening the International AIDS Conference in 2012 (AIDS 2012) in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released this statement in support of having the world´s largest healt...
June 13, 2009
Legislation Would Restore Funds for Ground-based Midcourse Defense System
The Strategic Forces Subcommittee passed by voice vote the portion of the defense bill that includes a $1.2 billion cut from last year´s ballistic missile defense appropriated level. The Republicans on the Strategic F...
June 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Treasury Department announced $25 billion in bond authority available under the Recovery Zone Bonds program. Of that $25 billion, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) is pleased to announce that the Cities of Berkeley and Oakland and Alameda County will receive over $63 milli...
June 13, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Ten House Ranking Republican Members are requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) give stakeholders more time to respond to the Proposed Endangerment Finding, which is the predicate for regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) through the ...
June 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted to protect our kids and families from the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco products. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate the advertising, mark...
June 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced legislation with Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to lessen the burdens for small commercial filming on public lands. Specifically, this legislation provides special...
June 11, 2009
Democrats Can´t Write a Bipartisan Bill on their Own
Washington, D.C. – After meeting with President Obama in the Oval Office to discuss health care reform, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, said he remains c...
June 11, 2009
Introduces the Repeal the Stimulus Act of 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., today introduced a bill that would save taxpayers a quarter of a trillion dollars. The Repeal the Stimulus Act of 2009 would rescind all unobligated discretionary funding in the Democrats' so-cal...
June 11, 2009
Says Democrat bill takes "Money Now, Reform Later" approach, undermines U.S. security interests and the security of Israel
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on yesterday´s narrow defeat of an amendment t...
June 11, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) released the following statement regarding the Digital Television (DTV) transition that will take place tomorrow, June 12, 2009.
"In less than 24 hours the Digital TV transition will go into affect," said Congresswoman Lee. "If you have an ...
June 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN), the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, today called on Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) to utilize the "reserve funds" he imbedded in the House Budget Resolution to pay for key benefits that...
June 11, 2009
Pelosi on Holocaust Memorial Resolution: ´We Commit to Continuing Our Work to Build a World Free of Hatred´
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon in strong support of a House resolution to condemn the violent attack at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum y...
June 11, 2009
Lawmaker says "We certainly don´t want a new nuclear power called al Qaeda"
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment, spoke on the floor today in support of HR 1886 – The Pakistan Enduring Assi...
June 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. – As the Obama Administration pursues a policy to "reset" America´s relationship with Russia, Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Jim Marshall (D-GA) yesterday introduced the bipartisan NATO First Act (H.R. 2797) to fortify America´s transatlantic security links with our European al...
June 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) was today honored by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) for her leadership and outstanding efforts on behalf of people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders. In a meeting on Capitol Hill this afte...
June 11, 2009
Legislation would fix doctor underpayments in 14 counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) on Thursday introduced legislation to fix a flaw in the application of a federal Medicare formula that results in lower Medicare reimbursements for doctors in more than a dozen California ...
June 12, 2009
Measure requires expanded examination of freedom of the press worldwide and creates grants to strengthen press freedom around the globe
WASHINGTON, DC— Late yesterday, the House passed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (H.R. 2410). ...
June 09, 2009
Enzi, Barrasso carry on late senator´s tradition
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., will mark their calendars for the "National Day of the American Cowboy" this July 25, 2009. The resolution, which was introduced on May 12 and passed the Senate unanim...
June 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, a Senate Resolution sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and co-sponsored by 13 other Senators marking the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre passed in the Senate by Unanimous Consent. The Resolution commemorates those that stand for freedom in Chin...
June 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC - Late last week, Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) introduced H.R.2712, the Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009. This bill comes on the heels of top Democrats in the House of Representatives threatening to eliminate language preventing the release of the detainee phot...
June 09, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., today led Republican efforts to rescue taxpayers from the Obama administration´s budget-busting stimulus spending. Tiahrt offered an amendment during a House Appropriations Committee meeting to rescind unobligated money in the Democrats' s...
June 09, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Representative Adam Schiff announced that the House Appropriations Committee approved funding for several local law enforcement initiatives to help improve local DNA testing capabilities, reduce the backlog of untested DNA rape kits in the Los Angeles area and upgrade communi...
June 09, 2009
McKeon Statement on Receiving Endorsement of GOP Steering Committee for Lead Republican Post on House Armed Services Committee
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) issued the following statement after being recommended by the Steering Committee to replace Rep. John McHugh ...
June 09, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Cardoza joined President Obama and fellow fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats at the White House to praise the President for his commitment to return to PAYGO, a policy during the 1990s that is credited with reigning in reckless federal spending and r...
June 09, 2009
Good News for Consumers, Automakers and Local Dealers
Washington, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri applauded the passage of H.R. 2751, the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, commonly known as the "Cash for Clunkers" act. The bill passed the U.S. House today by a final vote o...
June 09, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced they would be encouraging their Democrat colleagues in Congress to follow Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) budgeting rules. President Obama made this announcement a day after his administra...
June 09, 2009
(Washington, DC) – Members of the Congressional TriCaucus – comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus – held a news conference today to introduce The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009, which outlines ...
June 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today in conjunction with June being National Caribbean Heritage Month, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced legislation supporting the goals and ideals of National Caribbean American HIV/Awareness Day which is recognized every year on June 8th.
The resolution seeks to e...
June 09, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today in conjunction with June being National Caribbean Heritage Month, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced legislation supporting the goals and ideals of National Caribbean American HIV/Awareness Day which is recognized every year on June 8th.
The resolution seeks to e...
June 06, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), chairwoman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, chaired the subcommittee´s second hearing this year to examine a discussion draft of the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act (SEVRA), legislation that Chairwoma...
June 06, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) issued the following statement expressing disappointment that the House of Representatives´ voted to a reject Republican proposal to H.R. 626 that would have allowed Federal employees to ta...
June 06, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) praised the House passage of H.R. 626, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, on a 258-154 vote. The bill responds to the needs of tens of thousands of working families in the federal government by providing 4 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, a...
June 06, 2009
Reps. Cardoza and Costa Shoot Down Biological Opinion on The Central Valley Water Project And State Water Project
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Marine Fisheries Service finalized a biological opinion on the Central Valley Water Project and State Water Project. The opinion stated fish populat...
June 06, 2009
(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) joined every Republican Member of the tax writing Ways & Means Committee on a letter to the Chairman of the Committee urging a full review of H.R. 2454, the Democratic "cap and trade" bill, that has been called a big tax increase even by leading D...
June 06, 2009
Lawmaker decries absence of clear legal framework, cites Posse Comitatus concerns
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee, introduced two bills to shut down the National Applications Office (NAO). Housed in t...
June 06, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA), in a letter to former Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, expressed serious concerns regarding the omission of a $35 million offer to purchase the Viper automotive line from the company´s bankrup...
June 06, 2009
TOPEKA—The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Kansas State Lodge has presented U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) with the "Kansas Legislator of the Year" award in recognition of his legislative efforts supporting law enforcement officers. Tiahrt was given the award Saturday in Manhattan,...
June 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its monthly jobs report for May. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the labor market conditions for the African American community:
"T...
June 05, 2009
Getting health care reform right, more important than meeting arbitrary deadlines
Washington, D.C. – After meeting with other Senate leaders to discuss health care reform, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., again called on Congress to take the time to reach a bipartisan agreement on health care refo...
June 05, 2009
Getting health care reform right, more important than meeting arbitrary deadlines
Washington, D.C. – After meeting with other Senate leaders to discuss health care reform, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., again called on Congress to take the time to reach a bipartisan agreement on health care refo...
June 05, 2009
Five years ago today, Ronald Reagan´s long goodbye came to an end. The former president who lifted the disheartened American people to their feet and brought the Soviet Union to its knees exited the darkness of a decade-long fight with Alzheimer´s in a perfect picture show ending – with...
June 05, 2009
Losing a job is like taking a punch to the gut. And too many of our friends and neighbors -- hard-working and responsible people -- have recently lost jobs through no fault of their own. The May Labor Report indicated that another 345,000 jobs were lost last month and the nationwide unemployment r...
June 05, 2009
Insufficient forces will cause higher casualties
(Washington D.C.)— U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) requested that the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates immediately reevaluate his war planning for Afghanistan. Coffman, a U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War veteran, spent last week in Iraq a...
June 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – This month, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joins the nation in celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
Congresswoman Lee has led the effort to establish June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Re...
June 03, 2009
Twin Falls, Nampa-Caldwell offices get hometown leadership
Washington, DC. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announces new leadership in his Idaho offices in Twin Falls and Nampa-Caldwell. The changes took effect June 1.
AJ Church is Crapo´s new Regional Director in the South-Central Offi...
June 03, 2009
Warns Oklahoma Jobs at Stake, Calls for Immediate Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, called for swift action by the administration and Congress to address a coming shortfall to the Federal Highway Trus...
June 02, 2009
President rescinds budget cuts to Pacific Coastal Recovery Fund
Washington, DC. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have successfully convinced the Obama Administration to restore $50 million in funding to restore Northwest salmon. The President and his staff responded to requests from Cra...
June 02, 2009
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the brutal murder of Dr. George Tiller:
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms, the cold-blooded murder of Dr. Tiller. To think that even a house of worship is not immune from brutal, ...
June 02, 2009
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) urged Florida residents to plan ahead for the 2009 Hurricane Season, which begins June 1 and runs through the end of November.
"It only takes one storm to wipe out a state. Therefore, we must be prepared early," said Hast...
June 02, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he and seven Members of the House Armed Services Committee have filed H.Res. 477, a resolution of inquiry to direct the Secretary of Defense to produce an annual shipbuilding plan as required by law.
The legislation ...
June 02, 2009
In yet another desperate attempt to provide political cover for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, several Democratic senators have taken to the airwaves in recent days to distort my response to a tragic incident that led to the deaths of two innocent American missionaries, including a 7-month-old girl.
...
May 31, 2009
Shchuch´ye, Russia -- U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar said that the Nunn-Lugar Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility here is a testament to U.S.-Russian "cooperation and our shared dedication to addressing the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction."
More than a decade in the making, the facility...
May 31, 2009
(Washington, DC) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee, which oversees the technical aspects of cybersecurity, issued the following statement after the release of President Barack Obama´s 60-day "Cyberspace Policy Review...
May 31, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Liliana Nunez, a junior at the Webber Institute of Stockton, has been named as the winner of the 18th Congressional District´s Annual Art Competition.
Her acrylic painting, titled "Purple Mist," depicts Stockton´s famed waterfront and recreation area. It was sele...
PELOSI -- Bipartisan Delegation Meet with Top Officials in Hong Kong, Human and Labor Rights Leaders
May 31, 2009
Hong Kong – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a bipartisan congressional delegation traveled from Beijing to Hong Kong, where they met with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and human and labor rights activists.
The delegation met with Hong Kong Chief Executi...
May 31, 2009
SHORELINE, WA – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) applauded a new directive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that protects vulnerable habitats in national forests while permanent protections for roadless areas are developed.
On March 18, 2009, Inslee led a bi-partisan letter to Secretary Vils...
May 31, 2009
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, raised new concerns regarding the authority for U.S. officials to encourage Cuba´s reinstatement into the Organization of American States (OAS).
Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"Th...
May 31, 2009
WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on a U.S. proposal to work towards Cuba´s reinstatement into the Organization of American States (OAS).
Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"Sadly, the U.S. decision to help j...
May 31, 2009
Addition to Boost Local Economy
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) and Lieutenant General Jack. C. Stultz, Chief, U.S. Army Reserve, announced the Army Reserve will soon begin building up a new command and ...
May 31, 2009
Beijing, China – Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a bipartisan congressional delegation met with the three top leaders of the Chinese government: President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, and Wu Bangguo, the Chairman of the National People's Congress.
In separate meetings with each leader, the delegatio...
May 27, 2009
San Diego, Calif. – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, and Alan Bersin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Special Representative for Border Affairs, today met with local, state and federa...
May 22, 2009
Crapo co-sponsors legislation to increase funding share
Washington, DC—Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and Jon Tester (D-Montana) are taking steps to improve how money is distributed to rural transit systems across the country. The Senators have introduced the R...
May 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., praised the President´s signing of a bill that allows law abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons on to National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public lands.
...
May 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., encourages all Americans to take the opportunity to honor the men and women who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and those who continue to serve and protect the country this Memorial Day, May 25.
"This day is important for us to ref...
May 22, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar joined 16 other Republican and Democratic Senators on a bill introduced the other day easing U.S. trade restrictions to Cuba, the Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009, S. 1089. The bill would help U.S. farmers and ranchers export their product...
May 23, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, supported Secretary of State Hillary Clinton´s comments on Wednesday that Cuba should not be allowed to rejoin the Organization of American States (OAS) until it makes political reforms, releases political pris...
May 23, 2009
Inhofe Continues Push to Keep Detainees off American Soil
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, commented on the speech given by President Obama in which the President reasserted his commitment to closing the detention facili...
May 20, 2009
Washington, DC – President Barack Obama today praised Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) for her role in shaping and passing the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (S. 896), legislation that will prevent many home foreclosures and strengthen the housing market.
Congresswoman Waters was one of ...
May 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Today President Barack Obama signed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009. The Act significantly expands protections for whistleblowers who expose fraud in federal contracting.
This new law fixes problems in the False Claims Act, extends whistleblower protections to...
May 18, 2009
WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at a hearing questioned Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew on U.S. sponsorship of an event at the Buenos Aires 35th International Book Fair that explored the significance of the image of C...
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON - In a keynote address at an American Enterprise Institute conference on how the tax code affects low-income taxpayers, Rep. Tom Petri outlined his work on the disincentives faced by low-income individuals and families as they try to make their way into the middle class. He further disc...
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced that Rayne Pegg, of California, has been appointed to the USDA as Administrator of Agricultural Marketing Service. She is currently a deputy secretary of Legislation and Policy for the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.
"Rayne&...
May 20, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, commended Secretary of State Hillary Clinton´s commitment today on two key international energy security initiatives: naming of an International Energy Coordinator and strong support of the Nabucco pipeline.
"U.S...
May 20, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar praised the cooperation between the United States and Kazakhstan that has led to the removal of more than 160 pounds of bomb-grade nuclear material from Kazakhstan through the National Nuclear Security Administration´s Global Threat Reduction Initiative.
"In 2007, fo...
May 20, 2009
Crapo says Idaho agriculture could reap benefits
Washington, DC – Idaho agriculture could benefit from better trade opportunities with Cuba under legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and a large bipartisan group of co-sponsors in the Senate. Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Co...
May 20, 2009
Crapo-Johnson bill defers taxes on mutual fund investments
Washington, DC. – People investing for retirement through the use of mutual funds should not pay capital gains taxes until those shares are sold, according to Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota). To keep retire...
May 20, 2009
Encourages Colleagues to Remain Vigilant in Preventing Detainee Transfers to U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on his Democrat and Republican colleagues in the Senate to stand by their commitment to pre...
May 20, 2009
Senators to help ranchers stay competitive; New bill would stop manipulative markets
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Tim Johnson, D-S.D., introduced a bill today that would stop years of unfair and manipulative meat packer pr...
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA), Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs and Senators Brown (D-OH), Brownback (R-KS) and ...
May 19, 2009
Credit card legislation approved by Senate includes measures to protect college students, ensure safety at ATMs ; Senator Feinstein disappointed that legislation includes provision to allow loaded firearms in national parks
Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today approved legislation that strength...
May 19, 2009
Introduces Amendment During War Supplemental to Prevent Terrorist Transfers to U.S. Soil
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today introduced an amendment to the war supplemental to prohibit the use of funds to transfer det...
May 19, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) hailed the passage by both the House and Senate today of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (S. 896), legislation that she believes will help American families and communities weather the current housing and financial crises.
Congresswoma...
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt today offered an amendment in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to sunset the Democrats´ energy legislation when residential electric rates increase by more than 10 percent.
"The bill the Committee is debating can best be describe...
May 19, 2009
Jim's Journal:
Senate to Take Up Emergency War Spending Bill
The Senate takes up a $91 billion emergency war spending bill on Tuesday that includes partial funding for the shuttering of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, terror detainee facility.
The issue will be the central fight on the bill,...
House Approves Skelton-McHugh Bill Reforming the Department of Defense´s Weapons Acquisition Process
May 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO), Ranking Member John M. McHugh (R-NY), Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ) and Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) praised the U.S. House of Representatives´ passage of H.R. 2101, the Weapons Acquisition System reform Through Enhancing Technical K...
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) issued the following statement in response to the 2009 report of the Board of Trustees of the Medicare Trust Fund:
"The news from the Medicare Trustees earlier today underscores the urgent need for health reform. Wh...
May 19, 2009
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) took part in a community forum regarding the inability to implement balanced forest management and its resulting impacts on our rural forested communities. Held at the Plumas County Fairgrounds, the discussion focused largely on the recent closure o...
May 18, 2009
(Washington, DC) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act of 2009. H.R. 2187 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275 to 155:
"Today, we are thinking ´gree...
May 18, 2009
Leadership requires vision. Implementing a vision requires strategy. Effective strategies require well-articulated tactics. Executives in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors are expected to exercise sound leadership principles when making important decisions on behalf of stakeholders. There is ...
May 18, 2009
Governor AWOL in Understanding Army Needs
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-Aurora) issued a statement today in response to Governor Bill Ritter´s announcement, last Saturday, to the Pueblo Chieftain that he intends to sign House Bill 1317 into law. House Bill 1317 w...
May 18, 2009
Department may be paying disability benefits to non-POWs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two U.S. Representatives, who are both combat veterans, sent a joint letter today to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking him to investigate allegations of fraudulent Prisoner-Of-War (POW) status claims that...
May 18, 2009
Bill honors Japanese-American World War II veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed Rep. Adam Schiff´s (D-CA) legislation that will pay tribute to the Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, commonly known as the "Go For Broke" regiments. The legislat...
May 18, 2009
Washington, D.C.-Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva released the following statement on H.R. 2346, FY 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Bill:
"For the past several weeks, I, along with other Members of the Progressive Caucus, have held a series of conversations on the security situation in Afgha...
May 18, 2009
Bill reflects a change from failed Bush strategies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the West Bank
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) delivered the following statement on the House floor during rule debate on the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009:
I am keenly aware of the econo...
May 18, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, sent letters to the heads of three major pharmaceutical companies calling on them to moderate advertising for erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs such as Viagra and Cialis.
The letters, addressed to the President and CEOs of Pfizer, ...
May 18, 2009
May 17-23 Brings National Small Business Week
Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. Small Business Administration honors the men and women behind our nation´s small businesses for National Small Business Week, Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., took time to recognize the small businesses that keep Wyoming...
May 17, 2009
Funding would be administered by USAID instead of the UN
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) recently offered an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, H.R. 2346, that would remove $119 million in humanitarian aid for the war-ravaged Gaza Strip from under United N...
May 17, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs has selected San Joaquin County as the preferred location to build a new, multi-specialty Ambulatory Care Center.
"Throughout the selection process I supported both San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County...
May 16, 2009
SHORELINE, WA – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee announced that $20 million dollars of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be awarded to Bellevue company Ramgen Power Systems for the expanded development of a carbon dioxide compression project, also known as "carbon capture and storage" (CCS) techno...
May 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding President Obama´s decision to use military commissions to try terror suspects:
"I welcome the President´s decision today to prosecu...
May 16, 2009
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing this week entitled, "AIG: Where is the Taxpayer´s Money Going?" In the course of the Committee´s investigation of the bailout of AIG, we have learned that billions of dollars in taxpayer money has been filtered through AIG t...
May 16, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement after President Obama yesterday told a town hall audience in New Mexico that there were dangers to borrowing and spending too much.
President Barack Obama, calling current deficit spending "unsustainable," warned of sk...
Concern Over Courtyard Gardens' Objectionable Handling of the Jupiter Care Center Ownership Transfer
May 16, 2009
Reps. Hastings and Wexler Express Concern Over Courtyard Gardens' Objectionable Handling of the Jupiter Care Center Ownership Transfer: Courtyard Gardens to Retain Existing Workforce
(Washington, DC)- Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) and Robert Wexler (D-Delray) sent the follo...
May 16, 2009
Requests CIA Pre-Briefing Notes, E-mails Also be Made Publicly Available
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, welcomed the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who revealed her backing for the public release of the...
May 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. ---This past week, an amendment to allow guns in national parks and wildlife refuges was attached to the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights in the U.S. Senate, reversing a restriction that has been in place since the Reagan presidency. The bill is expected to come back for a vote be...
May 15, 2009
Bipartisan Crane Conservation Act passes committee
Washington, D.C. – Some of the most endangered birds in the world, including whooping cranes, will get needed assistance under legislation approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a memb...
May 15, 2009
Crapo assists Army decision to upgrade attack helicopters, training
Washington, DC. – Following months of consultations involving Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Idaho Army National Guard personnel, and Congressional and Guard representatives from other states, the U.S. Army has agreed on an upgrade of...
May 15, 2009
Establishes new money for water and wastewater improvements
Washington, DC – Legislation to reauthorize critical new assistance for local water and wastewater improvements won approval before a Senate committee. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Idaho Senato...
May 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, welcomed Committee passage of a bill he cosponsored, S. 1005, the Water Infrastructure Financing Act. The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 17 to 2.
"The overwhel...
May 15, 2009
Now that the cold, grey days of winter are finally behind us, George and I take every opportunity we can to enjoy the outdoors. We can´t wait to get outside into the sunshine to enjoy the natural beauty of Ohio and breathe in the fresh air. Our passion for living an active, healthy lifestyle also me...
May 15, 2009
Bill would provide steady and reliable workforce for farmers
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) re-introduced legislation to provide much-needed relief to the nation´s ongoing agriculture labor shortage.
The Agricultural Job Opportunities and Benefits Act (AgJOBS) woul...
May 15, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, applauded an agreement last week between European Union member states, Turkey and Azerbaijan to move forward on the Nabucco Pipeline project.
"By forging a Nabucco agreement in Prague, leaders in Turkey, Azerbaij...
May 15, 2009
Crapo says 1,200 e-mails he´s received shows patience wearing thin
Washington, DC – Idahoans, 1,200 strong, have made their point: the nation needs to act now to use balance and bipartisanship in crafting a new energy policy of improved conservation and energy resources, according to Idaho...
May 15, 2009
Guns in parks move one step closer to reality
Washington, D.C. – Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both (R-Wyo.), cheered the Senate passage of an amendment which allows law abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons on to National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publi...
May 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced the National Language Act of 2009, legislation that calls on the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. It clarifies that there is no entitlement to receive federal documents and service...
May 12, 2009
Crapo says bipartisan bill improves access to critical care
Washington, DC. – Legislation introduced today in the U.S. Senate would increase access to critical care in intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the country. The Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act, sponsored by Senators Mik...
May 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), the Second Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, is a co-sponsor of the Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 introduced today by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas). The legislation attempts to reduce delays in the current absentee v...
May 12, 2009
Senate honors Thomas´s legacy with "National Day of the American Cowboy" resolution
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., today introduced a resolution honoring the late Senator Craig Thomas and cowboys all over the nation. The resolution designates Satu...
May 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, commented on the announcement by Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates asking for the resignation of the top U.S. Commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan. To replace General McKier...
May 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced an amendment (S.Amdt.1044) to the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act 2009 (S.454), which he has co-sponsored. His amendment was unanimously accepted by the Senate. Senator In...
May 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke calling for the finalizing o...
May 12, 2009
Senate passes bill to shore up FDIC
Washington, D.C. – Following several days of debate, the U.S. senate passed a bill that will help community banks by extending a higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) limit, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.
The Senate pass...
May 12, 2009
Will establish national commission and force long-overdue Congressional action
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) introduced landmark legislation aimed at comprehensive reform of our nation´s tax and entitlement systems. The Securing Ame...
May 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) this week introduced legislation that will allow communities to make better use of lands that are part of military base closures.
At the heart of the legislation is the no-cost Economic Development Conveyance, or no-cost EDC. This tool, which tr...
May 10, 2009
Clay Says Ending Predatory Lending is Key to Restoring Stability in Housing Market
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri praised House passage of H.R. 1728, the Mortgage Reform & Anti-Predatory Lending Act, which was approved by a vote of 300 – 114. Congressman Clay, who serves ...
May 10, 2009
Ranking Member Crapo co-sponsors water infrastructure legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee´s Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, has joined with Subcommittee Chairman Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), full ...
May 10, 2009
"I believe our bipartisan agreement represents the best opportunity in two decades to get a SRF bill signed into law."
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, together with Senators Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chai...
May 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed dismay that President Obama continues to hail the spending ´cuts´ in his budget, while the budge...
May 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed disappointment in the significant defense cuts in President Obama´s budget. The Appendix to his FY2010 budget shows President Obama´s total spending proposals on a lin...
May 11, 2009
Enzi: Cap and tax is similar to Ponzi scheme - there are no winners
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., told a hearing room of his colleagues that the complex implementation of a cap and tax scheme to reduce carbon emissions resembles a Ponzi scheme and needs significant examinatio...
May 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Wyoming delegation, Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., reiterated their commitment to ensure that a proposal from President Obama to eliminate all future payments to certified states from the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund does...
May 11, 2009
Delegation receives notice from Postmaster General
Washington, DC – Mail delivery will continue for residents of Idaho´s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, announced Idaho´s Congressional Delegation. U.S. Postmaster General John Potter, in separate letters to Senators Mike Crapo and Jim...
May 11, 2009
Support bill to stop gun carry inconsistencies in national parks
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., are pushing to protect second amendment rights in every corner of the nation, including a corner of Wyoming – Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
...
May 07, 2009
Unprecedented interagency collaboration will help save energy cost, lower carbon footprint
WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced an important step forward in the partnership ...
May 07, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary for Science & Technology, Department of Homeland Security and Laurie O. Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, D...
May 07, 2009
Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama would carry heaviest burden
WASHINGTON. D.C. – An analysis of the economic impact of the Waxman/Markey cap-and-trade bill by House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Republican staff has fo...
May 07, 2009
The Army Experience Center (AEC) is an experiment, the first of its kind. The average military recruiting facility is about 800-1200 square feet and it's pretty much an open office with some desks. The Army Experience Center is a 14,000 square foot mini-version of Disney world, with simulation rooms...
May 06, 2009
Announces expansion of CPSC leadership; Agency will receive 71 percent more funding than in FY2007
WASHINGTON – President Obama announced his intent to nominate Inez Moore Tenenbaum as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Robert S. Adler as a new Commissioner of the Consu...
May 06, 2009
Departments of Agriculture and Energy, Environmental Protection Agency to Lead Efforts
Announcement Includes Biofuels Interagency Working Group, Recovery Act Funds for Biofuels Research and Commercialization, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Renewable Fuel Standard
WASHINGTON – Presi...
May 06, 2009
WASHINGTON – The White House yesterday announced that thirty outstanding men and women from across the country have been selected as National Finalists for the White House Fellows Program – the nation´s most prestigious program for leadership and public service. The National Finalists represen...
May 06, 2009
White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation to Coordinate Efforts
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama, in his FY2010 budget, will ask Congress to provide $50 million in seed capital for the Social Innovation Fund to identify the most promising, results-oriented non-profit pr...
May 05, 2009
Senator, staff note Dia del Nino, Cinco de Mayo events
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has co-sponsored a Senate resolution noting the importance children play in promoting Hispanic culture. Crapo´s actions come during a week of events honoring Latino history and cultur...
May 05, 2009
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously passed S. 345, the Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009 originally introduced by U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN), the Committee´s ranking Republican, and Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA). The bill would furth...
May 05, 2009
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously passed S.838, U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar´s bill establishing "United States Science Envoys." The bill would highlight our nation´s commitment to scientific research and education, as well as our willingness to collaborate with other...
May 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said efforts to expand health care coverage must be coupled with competition to bring down health care costs.
Enzi made the comments at today´s Senate Finance Committee roundtable on, "Expanding Health Care Coverage".
"Unless we ha...
May 05, 2009
Charges 5 Cents Per Bag to Protect Environment by Encouraging Reusable Bag Use
Washington, D.C., – Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, introduced Earth-friendly legislation that would place a 5 cent fee on "single use" bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets in orde...
May 05, 2009
Says decision to disclose program´s details but not its successes tells incomplete story
WASHINGTON DC --- Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) called on President Obama to declassify information detailing how the CIA Interrogation Program developed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist a...
May 05, 2009
She Commends FTC for Disabling Scam Artist´s Deceptive Web Site
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) commended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for taking action on her call to disable a deceptive web site purporting to provide loan modifications under the government&acut...
May 05, 2009
While the chattering classes deplore increasing partisan rancor in Washington and around the nation, great strides are being made by political leaders of both parties on issues of great significance to our nation — and the international community.
On a recent fact-finding trip to Afgha...
May 05, 2009
Obama should release the memo on the attacks prevented.
Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair got it right last week when he noted how easy it is to condemn the enhanced interrogation program "on a bright sunny day in April 2009." Reactions to this former CIA program, which was used agai...
May 05, 2009
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act of 2009. The legislation will establish a national commission to study employment and economic insecurity in our country and its affect on Americans´ mental h...
May 05, 2009
Eight Congressional Democrats from Florida Send Letter to State Senator Jeff Atwater and Speaker Larry Cretul
(Washington, DC) Just days after news that Florida´s unemployment rate has surged to a 30-year high, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) sent a letter to State Senator Jeff Atwater and...
May 05, 2009
Legislation with benefits for water resources in the San Joaquin Valley passed the House of Representatives today, Congressman Cardoza announced.
"As I have said many times before, water is among our most valuable resources in the San Joaquin Valley. It is imperative that we do all we can...
May 05, 2009
Calls for Solutions to Rein in Massive Debt
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement as ´Debt Day´ approaches. Herger has joined with other members of Congress in calling for a spending freeze and a responsible budget that addresses our mounti...
May 05, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) applauded the Senate´s passage of legislation to create a panel to examine the financial crisis and encouraged Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats to adopt legislation he first introduced la...
May 05, 2009
Congressional Leadership Medal was awarded to Reps. Stark and Camp by the American Association of Kidney Patients
WASHINGTON- Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) and Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) jointly received the Congressional Leadership Medal from the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) for their wo...
May 05, 2009
Measure enables hiring of forensic analysts to help catch rapists, murderers, and violent felons.
WASHINGTON, DC – The House passed an amendment authored by Rep. Adam Schiff, which will increase the number of forensic analysts and laboratory personnel working to catch rapists, murderers and othe...
May 05, 2009
Washington, DC- In wake of the "swine flu" outbreak, this past February, $900 million for pandemic influenza preparedness was stripped from the American Recovery and Reinvestment.
Ridiculed by Karl Rove and congressional Republicans, the House bill included funds for biomedical advanced research ...
May 05, 2009
WASHINGTON – Senate and House negotiators reached agreement on a budget plan for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President´s budget. Like the House and Senate budget resolutions passed earlier this month, the conference agreement puts the budget back on a fiscally sustaina...
May 05, 2009
Washington, D.C., – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, reintroduced legislation that would create a "U.S. Public Service Academy" modeled after the current military service academies at West Point, Annapolis and Colorado Springs.
"We have world class military service academies, that,...
May 05, 2009
Washington, D.C.,– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced that over $17 million in stimulus funding has been released for maintenance and repair projects at Ft. Myer in Arlington County, Virginia and Ft. Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia.
"The American Recovery and Reinvestmen...
May 05, 2009
WILMINGTON, DE – Vice President Joe Biden, United States Senators Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman, Representative Mike Castle, Gov. Jack Markell, City of Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker and representatives from DelDOT, Amtrak and the Federal Transportation Administration officially kicked off the restoratio...
May 05, 2009
Announces expansion of CPSC leadership; Agency will receive 71 percent more funding than in FY2007
WASHINGTON – President Obama announced his intent to nominate Inez Moore Tenenbaum as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Robert S. Adler as a new Commissioner of the Consu...
May 05, 2009
Washington, DC – Those who own and sell firearms will see increased flexibility from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) under bipartisan legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont). Leahy is Chairman of the Senate Judiciary C...
May 03, 2009
Scott Murphy Wins New York's 20th Congressional District.
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine praised Democrat Scott Murphy's victory over Republican Jim Tedisco in the special election for New York's 20th Congressional District, calling his win in a heavily Republican leaning district a demonstration of bro...
May 01, 2009
Grassroots Movement Behind Ability of Parents to Raise Their Children as They See Fit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Constitutional Amendment to protect the parent-child relationship introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, has reached 80 co-sponsors in the House.
"The grassroots movement behin...
May 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday evening, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) reintroduced a bill to create a Clean Energy Deployment Administration to finance the development and deployment of cutting-edge renewable energy technologies.
The bi-partisan "21st Century Energy Technology Deployment Act" ...
May 01, 2009
Congressman Accountability: Rep. Issa can secure your car--and your wallet.
Before California Rep. Darrell Issa came to Congress, he founded a company called Directed Electronics, whose most well-known product was the Viper car alarm system. Turns out securing automobiles may be the least of Issa...
May 01, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement after voting against the FY2010 budget conference report passed by Democrats on a vote of 233-193.
"Today we again urged Congress to adopt a fiscally-conservative budget to keep the federal government from co...
May 01, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) voted to protect the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, religious freedom, and states´ rights by voting against H.R. 1913, a bill that would introduce discrimination against victims of certain crimes based on a subjective list of...
May 01, 2009
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives gave its final approval to a budget conference agreement for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President´s budget. The plan puts the budget back on a fiscally sustainable path while making strategic investments to rebuild the e...
May 01, 2009
Urges Iranian Officials to Respond to Administration Letter Requesting Information about Levinson
(Washington, DC) The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a resolution, H. Con. 36, introduced by Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), and Congresswom...
May 01, 2009
Issuers Must Provide Total Time and Cost of Debt
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, joined with Representative David Price (D-NC) to successfully offer an amendment to the "Credit Cardholders´ Bill of Rights Act" (H.R. 627). The amendment requires that credit card c...
May 01, 2009
Legislation will protect civilian jobs for Guardsmen on active duty
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) recently introduced legislation that will ensure reemployment protections for National Guardsmen, regardless of whether they are assigned to a homeland security mission or ...
May 01, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) reiterated her call for credit card companies to end unfair practices that hurt American consumers as the House of Representatives passed the Credit Cardholders´ Bill of Rights (H.R. 627). Congresswoman Waters was an original co-sponsor of the leg...
May 01, 2009
Moran Congratulates National Champ William Farley
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement congratulating Arlington resident and Washington-Lee High School student William Farley on winning the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest, a poetr...
May 01, 2009
Act Broadens Federal Protection for Crimes Based on Gender, Sexual Orientation or Disability
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, hailed the passage of expanded Federal Hate Crimes legislation in the U.S. House. H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, ...
May 01, 2009
Legislation Will Provide Relief to Local County Budgets and Defend our Nation´s Criminal Justice System
(Washington, DC) Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar), Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas), and Rush Holt (D-New Jersey) introduced the Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care...
May 01, 2009
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek Urges Governor Charlie Crist to Call Legislature into Special Session if $444 Million in Recovery Dollars for Unemployment Insurance is Left on the Table During Current Legislative Session
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) today wrote Governor Charlie C...
May 01, 2009
Pushes for Faster Implementation of Consumer Protections by Banks, Credit Card Companies during Colloquy
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted in support of the Credit Cardholder´s Bill of Rights. During a discussion on the House Floor, Congresswoman Lee encourage...
May 01, 2009
Introduce legislation to raise awareness of the importance of substance abuse prevention and treatment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing her efforts to raise awareness about the importance of substance abuse prevention and treatment, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), joined by Congressman Patrick...
May 01, 2009
WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives today approved a Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights bill by a vote of 357 - 70. "Most of us have felt victimized by unfair and arbitrary credit card rate hikes, late fees and the like. This bill proposes some restraint," said Rep. Tom Petri, who voted for ...
May 01, 2009
College student credit card debt is exploding, and Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) joined with Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) Thursday to introduce the Student Credit Card Transparency Act, which would help students and their parents learn how colleges and alumni groups are benefiting.
According to ...
May 01, 2009
Crapo, Risch write to Postmaster after discouraging staff-level discussion over cutting Idaho service
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch want the U.S. Postal Service to reconsider ending backcountry air mail service to dozens of Idahoans living in the Frank Church River of N...
May 01, 2009
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) along with original co-sponsors Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers introduced a resolution calling for the establishment of a select House committee to "study and make recommendations ab...
May 01, 2009
Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today announced that the Capitol Power Plant will improve air quality in the District of Columbia and reduce the carbon pollution impact of Congress by using natural gas as the sole fuel source for steam used at the ...
May 01, 2009
Guidelines Sent to Law Enforcement Don´t Match Administration´s Rhetoric
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today blasted new guidelines that could severely limit the ability of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcem...
April 29, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) along with members of his staff were joined this morning by 40 other congressional offices to run a three-mile race as part of efforts to raise money for the DC Special Olympics. This is the second year Tiahrt and his staff participated in th...
April 29, 2009
Says All Groups Must be Valued Equally Under Law
Washington, DC – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009:
"Hate can not be eliminated through leg...
April 29, 2009
Himes Rubber-stamps $3.5 Trillion in Big Government Spending at Expense of American Families
Washington- Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) voted today to pass a federal budget that leaves the door wide open for Obama and Pelosi to jam through their costly big government agenda at the expense of struggling mi...
April 29, 2009
The House today approved a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint that sets the stage for President Obama's ambitious agenda. The vote was 233-193, with Rep. Tom Petri voting "No."
"This year's budget proposal is truly breathtaking in scope," said Petri. "Understandably, some of the spending plans wil...
April 29, 2009
Extends Federal Protection for Gender, Sexual Orientation & Disability
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement today regarding House passage of legislation extending federal protection to individuals targeted because of their gender, gender iden...
April 29, 2009
Conference committee-approved plan approved by full Senate
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against a recommendation for a $3.4 trillion federal budget. The budget resolution bill, agreed to by a House-Senate conference committee, was approved by the full Senate on a 53-43 vote.
...
April 29, 2009
Budget maxes out spending, leaves spiraling debt for future generations
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., addressed his colleagues today about the downfalls of the Democrat Budget Resolution that taxes too much, spends too much and borrows too much.
"This budget cre...
April 29, 2009
"It is irresponsible; it is reckless; and it is a troubling sign of a Majority party with no checks and balances going on a spending spree that will be paid for by the next generation."
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today voted against the conference report on the fiscal ye...
April 29, 2009
Jim´s Journal
I believe the first 100 days of President Obama´s Administration will be remembered for the unprecedented level of new federal spending and the return of big government. This, together with his advocacy of far left liberal causes, from abortion rights, to gun control, to...
April 29, 2009
Jim´s Journal
CONGRESSIONAL Democrats rolled out climate change legislation last week. The rumble that followed was the sound of party moderates and conservatives heading for the hills.
That´s what you get when your proposal to limit carbon output, a so-called "cap-and-trade" ...
April 29, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 249-175.
"In the long history of the United States, there is much to admire and celebrate. B...
April 29, 2009
Points to local resources that will help families stay healthy and safe during flu outbreak
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Urging local residents to be careful and informed about the Swine Influenza (Flu), Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack today highlighted important local, state and national resources that offer...
April 29, 2009
Clay Says First Obama-era Budget Refocuses National Priorities on Working Families, Rebuilding Communities
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri praised passage of the Fiscal Year 2010 House-Senate Budget Conference Agreement. The bill, which will fund federal operations in FY 2...
April 29, 2009
(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) voted in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913). This legislation expands federal law to include protections for crimes directed at individuals because of their gender, gender identity, se...
April 29, 2009
"Shovel-ready" projects help Florida´s environment and creates jobs for Floridians
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) praised the Obama Administration announcement that $96 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will go toward Everglades restoration projects.
"T...
April 29, 2009
Florida law would match new, national safety standard
WASHINGTON- Swimming pool safety advocates scored a major victory Thursday when the state's House of Representatives passed groundbreaking legislation that is a crucial first step toward making their pools among the safest in the country.
B...
April 29, 2009
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released the following letter restating their support for statutory PAYGO, which was delivered to House and Senate members of the Budget conference committee.
The letter states that the House will not consider any...
April 28, 2009
U.S. Pork Still Safe, Senior Senator Asserts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) called for additional funding for pandemic preparedness as cases of the so-called "swine influenza" (A/H1N1) expanded to 20 confirmed cases in the U.S. The flu has caused 103 deaths and 1,600 illnesses in M...
April 28, 2009
WASHINGTON- Geng He, the wife of kidnapped Christian human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng released an open letter to the U.S. Congress, as Senator Bryon Dorgan, Chairman of the Congressional -Executive Commission on China (CECC), spoke on the case of Gao Zhisheng from the Senate floor. Gao was kidnap...
April 28, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 65-31 confirming Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Tiahrt is the Ranking Republican of the House Appropriations Subcommitt...
April 28, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the unveiling of the bust of Sojourner Truth:
"How fitting it is that we gathered today in Emancipation Hall to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the greatest heroines of American history – Sojourner Truth. ...
April 28, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar´s announcement that the two departments are revoking an eleventh-hour Bush administration rule that undermined Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections. Their ...
April 28, 2009
WASHINGTON- As debate in the U.S. Senate continues over the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services, 32 members of the House of Representatives issued a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to withdraw her nomination from consideration.
The r...
Bono Mack Honored with Prestigious Award for Effort to Fight Cancer, Improve Treatment for Survivors
April 28, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today received The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) National Capital Chapter´s prestigious annual award for her support of initiatives for cancer research and patient services. Bono Mack, along with Senator Edward Kennedy (MA), was named ...
April 28, 2009
Legislation will help U.S. evaluate, improve counternarcotics programs
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to better address demand and supply of illegal drugs in the United States, Congresswoman Mary Bono (CA-45) today joined Congressman Eliot L. Engel (NY-17), along with several of her colleagues, ...
April 28, 2009
Cites Importance of Monitoring Epidemic and Encouraging People to Take Precautions
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) today re-introduced the Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 822 in the 110th Congress). This bill would require health insurance plans to cover routine H...
April 28, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on Equal Pay Day, which marks how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year:
"On Equal Pay Day, we recognize the point in the year it takes a woman to make th...
April 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Schiff announced that the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a part of the Department of Justice, has awarded local cities funds that were provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants awarded through BJA´s Edward Byrne Memorial Justic...
April 28, 2009
Jim´s Journal
Saturday, April 25, 2009, Senator Inhofe spoke at an event hosted by the non-profit group, Invisible Children, in which hundreds of participants voluntarily "abducted" themselves in an effort to bring attention to the LRA´s abducted child soldiers. The global rally took place in 100...
April 28, 2009
"Simply put, I could not vote to support the nomination of an individual who holds opinions vastly conflicting with my own and those held by my constituents."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), today voted against the nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of He...
April 28, 2009
Legislation strengthening President Obama´s diplomatic hand will target Iran´s dependence on imported gasoline and refined petroleum
Washington—A bipartisan coalition of 25 U.S. Senators introduced legislation today to provide the president with expanded authority to stop Iran's...
April 28, 2009
Cites double payment in reintroducing fee repeal act
Washington, DC – Legislation to stop Americans from paying twice to access their public lands has been reintroduced in the United States Senate by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Montana). The Fee Repeal and Expanded Access A...
April 28, 2009
Specter Switch, Election of Scott Murphy in Republican Leaning Congressional District in New York, Shows Republican Party Has Lost Touch with the American People.
Washington, D.C. – Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on Senator Arlen Specter´s ...
April 23, 2009
Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human services estimated that over 790,000 children in the United States had been maltreated, that is, subject to neglect, physical or sexual abuse, psychological abuse and medical neglect. That i...
April 23, 2009
BY ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN
Sunday marked the conclusion of the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. This meeting could have offered a valuable opportunity to stand up to the region's despotic leaders who claim that their radical visions -- rather than the voice of the people -- should usher...
April 23, 2009
Urges President Obama to Establish Critical Habitat for the Endangered Florida Panther
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) has been awarded the Florida Panther Protection Award from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for his efforts to protect the Florida panther fro...
April 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC –Just in time for Earth Day, the Inslee-Sarbanes Clean Energy Service Corps was signed into law by President Barack Obama as part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The Clean Energy Service Corps will give training and skills in the clean energy industry to disadvanta...
April 23, 2009
By Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis
On April 22nd, people across the country and around the world will celebrate Earth Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of our natural resources and taking real action to make a difference. For decades,...
April 23, 2009
Department of Energy Will Lead Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles Pilot Program
LANDOVER, Md. – During a visit to the WMATA Carmen Turner Maintenance and Training Facility in Landover, MD, Vice President Joe Biden yesterday announced $300 million in funding from the American Recove...
April 23, 2009
Underscores Urgent Need to Pass Comprehensive Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Obama traveled to Newton, Iowa yesterday to visit Trinity Structural Towers, the former Maytag appliance factory that now houses a green manufacturing facility, which produces towers for wind energy production ...
April 23, 2009
Inhofe Delivers Senate Floor Speech Outlining Major Defense Cuts Proposed by the Obama Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke on the Senate Floor Monday delivering a detailed review of the Obama administ...
April 23, 2009
Wyoming workforce director testifies on work force services and job training
Washington, D.C. – Programs to develop training for "green jobs" should not hinder existing job training programs and should be part of a comprehensive effort to prepare America´s workforce with the knowl...
April 23, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar introduced a bill establishing "United States Science Envoys" to highlight our nation´s commitment to scientific research and education, as well as our willingness to collaborate with other countries to promote advancements in these fields throughout the world. Science En...
April 23, 2009
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) applauded news from the Bureau of Reclamation that the federal agency has increased the allocation of water for California´s drought-stricken Central Valley. The revised allocations are based on the April 1 runoff forecast from the Cali...
April 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, announced at a press conference with Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), David Vitter (R-Louisiana) and John Ensign (R-Nevada), his intention to introduce an amendment to S.3...
April 23, 2009
Health problems for Tribal members said to double national averages
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told Indian Health Service (IHS) Director designate Dr. Yvette Roubideaux that Tribal health concerns should be a top priority ...
April 22, 2009
The global credit crisis is having a significant and harmful impact on the availability of finance for micro and small businesses that provide a majority of the jobs in the Hemisphere. This is one of the factors jeopardizing recent hard won gains in reducing poverty. While the region has a wealt...
April 22, 2009
Meek will travel with President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One to attend Summit of the Americas along with five other Congressional chairmen, chairwoman and leadership
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) was selected by President Barack Obama to travel to the Fifth Summit...
April 22, 2009
Will Push Legislation to Complete Border Fence
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) announced that he will introduce legislation to complete the border fence with Mexico. His announcement comes on the heels of a recent trip he made to the Arizona-Mexico border where Coffm...
April 22, 2009
WICHITA-U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) and Vicki Tiahrt traveled across Kansas this week joining with thousands of other Kansans at tea party rallies to protest high taxes, new government programs and bailouts for failing corporations. Speaking in Wichita, Overland Park, Salina, Emporia...
April 22, 2009
WICHITA-U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge reaffirming his commitment to lower taxes and smaller government. American's for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist signed as a witness to the pledge and thanked Tiahrt for his commitment to taxpayers.
In a letter to...
April 22, 2009
WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States hailed a decision Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court granting the U.S. Solicitor General´s petition asking the high court to review of a controversial appellate court decision that struck down a key federal anti-cruelty law as unconstitu...
April 22, 2009
BROOKLYN, NY – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today, at an Oversight and Government Reform Committee field hearing in Brooklyn, New York, again questioned the divide between President Barack Obama´s promises on tracking stimulus dollars an...
April 17, 2009
Announces plans for nearly $4 billion in technology deployment, monitoring and viability
Washington, DC – Vice President Joe Biden, on a visit to Jefferson City, Missouri, today with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, detailed plans by the Department of Energy to develop a smart, strong and secure...
April 17, 2009
President Obama and President Calderon today announced plans to strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation by establishing the US-Mexico Bilateral Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change. During their first conversation in January 2009, then President-elect Obama and President Calderon discu...
April 16, 2009
Summit to address key issues such as the global economic crisis, energy security and environmental sustainability
WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to address such critical issues as global economic recovery, energy security and enhanced drug control policies, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) i...
April 16, 2009
Oakland – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) testified at University of California, San Francisco´s Mission Bay Conference on Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf. The daylong conference was hosted by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who is exploring new approaches...
April 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today regarding wiretapping activities conducted under President Bush´s Terrorist Surveillance Program, which was reported on today in the New York Times.
"These are disturbing allegations that deserve and are receiving th...
April 16, 2009
U.S. Representative, Barney Frank, announced Thursday that the House Judiciary Committee will be considering hate crimes legislation, H.R. 1913, this coming week of April 20. Frank is expecting the committee to pass the bill which would leave it in the House to vote on later this spring, according t...
April 16, 2009
Washington, D.C. - In a letter today to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp, Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed his disappointment regarding the events surrounding former Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo's visit this past Tuesday evening to the Universit...
April 16, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today, in letters being sent to 73 Federal Inspectors General, asked each Inspector General (IG) to detail:
- Each open recommendation;
- The estimated monetary benefit associated with each r...
April 15, 2009
Sends letter to Idahoans rallying today
Washington, DC – In a demonstration of support, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo told Idahoans who are protesting high federal deficits and tax increases through "tea parties" today that he supports their efforts and has the voting record to demonstrate that. He a...
April 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Many Americans spent the past weekend buried in forms, receipts and pencil dust as they prepared their taxes. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., was no exception as he too worked to meet the April 15 deadline. As the only accountant in the Senate, he uses his experience to inform his...
April 15, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following accomplishments for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in March:
· 10 Strategic nuclear warheads deactivated;
· 2 Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos eliminated;
· 4 nuclear we...
April 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed 233 to 196 a budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 that embraces President Obama´s goal of cutting the deficit – reducing it by nearly two-thirds by 2013 – and supporting critical initiatives in health care, energy, and education.
...
April 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement on Tax Day as Republicans continue to fight against Democrat tax hikes that will punish success and incentivize runaway government spending. Additionally, House Republicans recently offered, as part of our budget proposal, a...
April 15, 2009
Plan Protects U.S. Flagged Ships from Pirates
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) announced today that he believes the Obama Administration should immediately order the deployment of U.S. military personnel to provide security aboard U.S. flagged vessels sailing in the pirate...
April 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As millions of American taxpayers are completing their tax returns today, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) emphasized the need for tax relief measures for middle class families and small businesses, especially during these tough economic times. Saying that Washington needs to...
April 15, 2009
WICHITA-U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) released his fundraising numbers today showing nearly $400,000 raised from January through March this year. Tiahrt filed with the FEC for Senate in early February. Last week he filed with the Kansas Secretary of State to have his name placed on the 2...
April 15, 2009
Says Obama Initiatives Will Heal Families, Help Promote Human Rights
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, strongly praised President Barack Obama´s easing of restrictions for Cuban American families who wish to visit their relatives and send money home to help their lo...
April 14, 2009
Bipartisan Bill Would Limit Government´s Power of Eminent Domain, Restore Rights of Property Owners that Supreme Court Changed in Controversial Kelo Decision
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the Private Property Protec...
April 14, 2009
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) voted against the FY 2010 budget sponsored by Congressional Democrats. The budget spends slightly less than the original budget submitted by the Obama administration but still nearly doubles government spending over the next ten years.
...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) voted for a FY2010 budget plan that would spend less on government programs, lower taxes and reduce borrowing compared to the $3.6 trillion budget proposal by President Obama and the Democrat majority. A Republican budget plan Tiahrt voted fo...
April 14, 2009
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, supported and spoke in favor of the passage of legislation reforming the federal employees´ retirement system. The legislation, H.R. 1804 "The Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009" included three pieces of legislation the Congressma...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) went before the House Committee on Rules to offer an amendment to the FY2010 budget that would reduce waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating ineffective government programs. The House is considering the Democrat's $3.6 trillion budget proposal...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) successfully placed an amendment to protect severance packages, like those promised to former employees of local bank Washington Mutual, in a House bill that prohibited the payments of any compensation that´s not "performance-based" by recipient...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), chair of the House Armed Services´ Strategic Forces Subcommittee, and Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.), chair of the House Budget Committee and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, introduced the Weapons System Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 on Tuesd...
April 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, issued the following statement after introducing H.R.1864, bipartisan legislation to raise basic military pay by 3.4 percent. Under the President's budget, basic pay would...
April 14, 2009
"Our greatest ally in the pursuit of job creation, economic vitality, better schools, health care, and energy is the American people."
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement as the House of Representatives debated the budget for Fiscal Year 2010.
"The Dem...
April 14, 2009
In My Own Words: A Column from Congressman Wally Herger
Across Northern California, families, farmers and small business owners are making sacrifices to manage their budgets so that they can ride out this difficult economic climate. In particular, many residents have scaled back on unnecessary ...
April 14, 2009
Wexler Asks Governor Crist to Declare State of Emergency for Homes Affected by Chinese Drywall
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) took actions to address the growing concern of South Florida families regarding Chinese drywall by introducing legislation in Congress establishing an immediate study an...
April 14, 2009
"Death should not be a taxable event"
Washington–- Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) introduced the Permanent Repeal of the Death Tax Act of 2009, a bill that would permanently repeal the death tax, also known as the estate tax. Congressman Pitts´ statement follows:
"Death should not be a ta...
April 14, 2009
Los Angeles – Teachers and other school workers as well as parents of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) thanked Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) for her leadership in efforts to prevent job cuts proposed in the district´s budget for next year. Congresswoman Water...
April 14, 2009
Presses Energy secretary for update on $27 billion in loans, grants yet to be allocated to U.S. advanced vehicle manufacturers
Washington – Senator Evan Bayh today wrote the Secretary of Energy Steven Chu asking him to explain why the Department of Energy (DOE) has not released a single dollar of...
April 14, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Kathleen Sebelius´ (D-KS) decision to veto a bill that would allow two coal-fired electrical generating plants to be constructed in Western Kansas by a company from Hays.
"This ...
April 14, 2009
Recognized for Support of Key Business Issues
WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) has been awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce´s annual Spirit of Enterprise award for his support of pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 110th Congress.
"I am honored to...
April 14, 2009
Proposal Gives Tax Incentives for Conservation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) announced a new legislative proposal to increase water conservation recently introduced in the Congress. The legislation, House Resolution 1908, The Water Accountability Tax Efficiency Reinvestmen...
April 14, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) responded to the Treasury Department´s announcement of additional guidance for potential applicants interested in participating in the Legacy Securities part of the Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP), an effort to bolster the nation&acu...
April 14, 2009
New legislation conditions diplomatic relations, non-humanitarian aid on abandonment of illicit nuclear and missile programs, human rights progress
WASHINGTON, - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the pending introduction...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Every day, more and more Americans are using revolutionary communicating tools like Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. These platforms give Members of Congress the chance to connect with constituents of all ages in ways previously unimaginable. Since the advent of AIM (AOL Instant M...
April 13, 2009
Vice President Joe Biden announced that the Obama Administration will make $2.3 billion available for crucial health and human services programs that help to provide care for children and prevent disease. States will receive $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to support child care for working famili...
April 14, 2009
Send Letter Expressing Strong Support for U.S.-Turkish Relations Prior to President´s Turkey Visit
(Washington, DC) - Twenty-nine members of the Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish relations sent President Barack Obama a bipartisan letter urging him to enhance US-Turkish relations and to work more...
April 14, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives passed an amendment offered by Congressman Cardoza aimed at protecting community banks from burdensome federal regulations while also ensuring they have incentives to participate in federal loan programs.
Under Congressman Cardoza´s amendme...
April 12, 2009
Los Angeles – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35), who chairs the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee and has been a leader of foreclosure prevention efforts, joined Shaun Donovan, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during his visit to Los Angeles for a tour of several f...
April 12, 2009
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Celebrates World Health Day And Joins in Declaring Los Angeles a "ONE City" Committed to Fight Against Global Poverty and Disease
Los Angeles – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and local members of the grassroots, glob...
April 12, 2009
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) commemorated the 19 year anniversary of Ryan Wayne White, who died from complications of HIV/AIDS in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 8, 1990, at the age of 18. White had contracted HIV from a contaminated blood treatment that he used t...
April 12, 2009
Questions Treasury´s Decision to Limit Participation and Eligibility for the PPIP
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) characterized a report released by the Congressional Oversight Panel entitled, "Assessing Treasury´...
April 12, 2009
The spin doctors, talking heads and special interest groups have surrounded energy policy and prices with a rhetorical fog that obscures the real issue: Michigan and the nation need an "all of the above" balanced energy policy that is based upon common sense.
I hoped that we, as a nation, learned...
April 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza expressed his appreciation that the Obama Administration is planning to crackdown on foreclosure scams across the United States.
The congressman has been requesting such assistance since numerous reports surfaced last year that his constituents wer...
April 12, 2009
Group will craft solutions to lower energy prices for Americans
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) has been selected by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) to join the newly-formed American Energy Solution...
April 12, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers regarding the framework established by the Administration for the Public Private Inve...
Florida Members Urge President Obama to Establish a Critical Habitat Designation for Florida Panther
April 12, 2009
Washington, DC- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) sent the following letter to President Obama, urging the establishment of a critical habitat designation for the endangered Florida panther. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species in the world as only 80-100 of them surviv...
April 12, 2009
Coffman Urges Gates to Implement Proposed Defense Budget Changes Cautiously
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Mike Coffman (R- Colorado), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and its Defense Acquisition Reform Panel, used the briefing by Defense Secretary Robert Gates on proposed chang...
April 12, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statements in response to the Obama administration´s fiscal year 2010 budget proposal for the Department of Defense. The administration and Pentagon budget recommends funding th...
April 12, 2009
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) responded to the Treasury Department´s announcement of additional guidance for potential applicants interested in participating in the Legacy Securities part of the Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP), an effort to bolster the nation´s financi...
April 12, 2009
(Washington, DC)- Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) sent a letter to Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater and Speaker Larry Cretul regarding legislation needed in Florida that would make workers recently laid off by small businesses eligible for the 65 percent federal COBRA subsidy enacted by the Am...
April 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced that Alameda County and the City of Oakland would be receiving over $529,000 in funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), provided through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. Additionally, both the Bay Are...
April 12, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Counties in the 18th Congressional District will receive more than $780,000 in Emergency Food and Shelter Program grants, Congressman Cardoza announced.
The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted by Congress and part of President Obama´s eco...
April 12, 2009
April is National STD Awareness Month
Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) applauded the efforts of MTV´s STD testing campaign GYT: "Get Yourself Tested." This is a month-long initiative to encourage every sexually-active person under the age of 25 to get tested f...
April 12, 2009
WICHITA-U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) took the third and final step in making his candidacy for the United States Senate official by filing with the Kansas Secretary of State to have his name placed on the ballot in 2010. Tiahrt announced his candidacy in front of hundreds of Republic...
April 12, 2009
Meetings with Colombian President, Defense Minister, Attorney General, Foreign Relations Minister, Trade Minister, and Labor Officials focused on U.S./Colombian relations, trade, and continued cooperation.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) has wrapped up a two day visit to Colom...
April 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced that Alameda County and the City of Oakland would be receiving over $529,000 in funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), provided through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. Additionally, both the Bay Ar...
April 11, 2009
Growing Support for Inhofe Amendment on Advance Appropriations for Medical Care for the Department of Veterans Affairs
An Inhofe amendment (S.Amdt.742) to the budget resolution introduced on March 31st is gaining support – and fast. American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Vetera...
April 11, 2009
Jim's Journal
Obama's Policies Detrimental to Country
As demonstrated by President Obama's budget, the administration has launched an onslaught of unprecedented policies to restrict access to natural resources and increase taxes on America's homegrown natural gas and oil industry.
The ...
April 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced four amendments to the budget resolution.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public...
April 11, 2009
"Let me be absolutely clear, I will do everything I can in my role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to fight for the Army´s FCS program and the NLOS-Cannon."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, ann...
April 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) introduced the Teaching Geography Is Fundamental Act, which would authorize competitive grants through the Department of Education to improve K-12 geography curriculum, teacher training, and materials.
"Rec...
April 11, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar´s Global Food Security Act, S. 384, unanimously cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Cosponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), the bill seeks to improve the effectiveness and expand the reach of U.S. agriculture assistance to the developing world.
First, it ...
April 11, 2009
"Veterans groups are now one step closer to the Senate providing the VA with adequate, timely and predictable funding, resulting in better and smarter quality medical care for America's veterans."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Comm...
April 11, 2009
Wins concessions on alternative energy, nuclear research
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said attempts to pare back the Senate´s budget blueprint for the coming fiscal year fell short and he had to vote against the proposal. Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, saw s...
April 11, 2009
Enzi says budget robs from future, votes against it
Washington, D.C. – Following more than 12 straight hours of back-to-back votes in the Senate yesterday, taxpayers are still facing increased taxes on energy, small business and health care. With the passage of the Senate budget proposal nearly a...
April 11, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Air Force announced that the new Global Strike Command that will oversee all nuclear missions for the Air Force will be housed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, not Wyoming´s F.E. Warren Air Force Base.
Governor Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Se...
April 11, 2009
President Barack Obama announced a doubling of assistance for global agricultural productivity and rural development. He also called for a comprehensive food security strategy to alleviate chronic hunger that affects nearly one billion people worldwide.
The announcement tracks provisions of ...
April 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke in support of his amendment, 742, to provide an exception for advance appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Medical Services, Medical Administration, Medical Faci...
April 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oklahoma's Congressional delegation said they stand united against the Obama Administration´s proposed massive cuts to the defense budget and pledged to work together to ensure Congress does not allow them to take effect.
Senator Jim Inhofe: a Senior Member of the Senate ...
April 11, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a YouTube video from Afghanistan, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, blasted an announcement by the Obama administration that they propose to make deep, wide-spread cuts to the military budget. The announcement comes as ov...
April 11, 2009
National report ranks Enzi as an ally for American taxpayers
WASHINGTON. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., exercised fiscal responsibility in 2008 according to a report card issued by the National Taxpayers Union. The report gauged lawmakers´ commitment to reduce spending, taxes, debt and regulat...
April 11, 2009
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is now one of seven Senators to serve on the Senate Philanthropy Caucus. The Caucus, with a partner effort in the U.S. House of Representatives, was formed to inform fellow Senators and Representatives about the important role that foundations play across t...
April 11, 2009
Expresses importance of market to U.S. producers
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) led a bipartisan group of Senators, including Idaho Senator Jim Risch, in sending a letter to the President urging him to work toward a swift solution to bring about the rem...
April 11, 2009
"At a time when American families are forced to make tough choices and cut back in their own budgets, it´s simply irresponsible for Washington to add to their financial pain by increasing their taxes and spending more of their hard-earned money."
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Jim Inhof...
April 10, 2009
WICHITA - U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today took the third and final step in making his candidacy for the United States Senate official by filing with the Kansas Secretary of State to have his name placed on the ballot in 2010. Tiahrt announced his candidacy in front of hundreds of Repu...
April 04, 2009
Bill requires annual report on the health of freedom of the press worldwide and creates grants to strengthen press freedom around the globe
WASHINGTON, DC— Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Pence (R-IN), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press, introd...
April 04, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) this week called on Congress to pass comprehensive legislation that would remove barriers to a more prosperous economy and help all Americans renew their dreams. Tiahrt introduced a House resolution outlining actions both Congress and Feder...
April 04, 2009
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) will visit the U.S. – Mexico border early next week to see first-hand the problems of inadequate border security, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration. Coffman will meet with Border Patrol agents and is scheduled for a tour of new bo...
April 03, 2009
Washington, DC – The House passed a bill to make changes to the Higher Education Opportunity Act which included a provision spearheaded by Congressman Adam Schiff that will ensure that returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans´ G.I. Bill benefits do not count against them when applying for ...
April 03, 2009
Legislation aims to eliminate duplicative and inefficient spending on government programs
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) introduced legislation that would force Congress to vote on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse from federal agencies and programs. The Commission on ...
April 03, 2009
Clay Says Bill Will Inspire Americans to Serve Their Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, joined a huge bipartisan majority in support of H.R. 1388, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which passed the U.S. House by a vote of 275-149. "This remarkable bill cha...
April 03, 2009
Constitutional Amendment Would Explicitly Establish the Rights of Parents
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, has introduced a bill with 70 congressional co-sponsors that would amend the Constitution to explicitly state that parents, not government or any other organization,...
April 03, 2009
Bill is" big win for the Puget Sound region," says Executive Director of Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Waxman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a draft of sweeping energy and climate legislation that included many policy proposals from U.S. Rep. Jay Ins...
April 02, 2009
Los Angeles – Teachers and other school workers as well as parents of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) thanked Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) for her leadership in efforts to prevent job cuts proposed in the district´s budget for next year. Congresswoman Waters init...
April 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Anne Castle, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Department of the Interior; Mathy V. Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency...
April 01, 2009
Faison, NC – Today, Vice President Biden and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Faison, North Carolina to tour the Goshen Medical Center, which is a community health center receiving Recovery Act funds and serves Duplin, Eastern Sampson and Southern Wayne Counties. The Recovery ...
April 01, 2009
Crapo, Idahoans attend historic White House signing ceremony
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said he was glad to be in the company of fellow Idahoans at the White House as President Barack Obama signed the public lands bill containing Idaho´s Owyhee Initiative legislation. Crapo, me...
April 01, 2009
DOE allocates $468 million that will create new jobs
Washington, DC – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch helped to secure new federal funding that will create hundreds of new jobs and accelerate cleanup at Department of Energy (DOE) facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory. DOE announ...
March 31, 2009
WASHINGTON, - Jonathan Kozol, preeminent authority on educational equity and author of ground-breaking books on education reform including the award-winning Savage Equality, which details the differences between schools in affluent neighborhoods and those attended by the children of the poor, has jo...
March 31, 2009
The President is pleased to announce the launch of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate.
The Major Economies Forum will facilitate a candid dialogue among key developed and developing countries, help generate the political leadership necessary to achieve a successful outcome at the UN ...
March 31, 2009
Partnerships & Targeted Media to Focus On African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Other Hard to Count Populations
WASHINGTON, DC. – Chairman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, pressed the Acting Census Director and the media group in charge of national and local census advertising to detail how they pl...
March 31, 2009
Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Klobuchar introduce the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act - or "the EARLY Act"
Washington, DC – At a press conference in the Capitol building, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) was joined by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN), to announce legislation th...
March 31, 2009
Legislation will improve technology to track down nuclear traffickers and identify sources of nuclear material
Washington, DC – On March 24th the House passed Rep. Adam Schiff´s Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (H.R. 730). The legislation will strengthen efforts in the Department of H...
March 31, 2009
Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) says 'democracy in orbit' should govern NASA's new space nodule
WASHINGTON, - Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) says every vote counts, even if it's for an election that is out of this world.
"NASA decided to hold an election to name its new room at the internationa...
March 31, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today sent a letter to Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Carol Browner questioning the impact an impending greenhouse gas "endangerment finding" will have on thousands of A...
March 31, 2009
WASHINGTON - The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that President Obama's proposal to end the guaranteed student loan program and instead encourage students to take out identical loans through the Direct Loan Program would save the government $94 billion over ten years. ...
March 31, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Brad Sherman today introduced legislation to impose a 70% surtax on all excess compensation over $1,000,000 per year paid to executives of all the big bailed-out firms.
Sherman´s legislation applies to all financial institutions which receive over $500 million unde...
March 31, 2009
Washington, DC – Concerned that minority and women- owned business enterprises could be excluded from participating in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the Term Asset Backed Securities Lending Facility (TALF), and other federal programs designed to strengthen the nation´s financial ma...
March 29, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, Department of Defense; Donald Remy, General Counsel of the Army, Department of Defense; J. Randolph Babbitt, Administrator, Federal Aviati...
March 29, 2009
"As President, my greatest responsibility is to protect the American people…We are in Afghanistan to confront a common enemy that threatens the United States, our friends and allies, and the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan who have suffered the most at the hands of violent extremists. So I want...
March 29, 2009
Funding in Omnibus Appropriations Bill Will Aid Projects in the 13th District
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) released a list of appropriations requests for the 13th District that were included in the FY 2009 omnibus appropriations bill that was signed into law by President Obama last week.
...
March 29, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA), in a letter to President Barack Obama, requested that the Administration provide information about when senior administration and White House officials first became aware of imminent bonus payme...
March 29, 2009
Introduces Willing Seller Act to allow land owners to sell land to government, help trail systems
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) recently introduced legislation aimed at allowing willing land owners to sell their property to the government in order to aid the comple...
March 29, 2009
Admiral tells Senate that Iran steps up efforts in region
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on testimony by a senior military official that Iran is increasing activity with extremists in Latin America. S...
March 29, 2009
Bipartisan Commission Would Put ´Everything´ on Table for Examination; Enacting Legislation Requires Congress to Vote on Panel´s Recommendations
Washington, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation to create a national commission aimed at addressing entitlement spending an...
March 29, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – After nearly 20 years of costly litigation, Congressman Dennis Cardoza announced a close to the battles over flows in the San Joaquin River. Specifically, the House and Senate have enacted the settlement agreement between the Friant Water Users Authority, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamat...
March 29, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) is demanding that current AIG CEO Edward Liddy and an Administration official attend and answer critical questions at a hearing scheduled for April 2.
"More than a week ago, I asked the W...
March 29, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Congressman Dan Boren (OK-02) issued the following statement following a press conference to highlight their efforts to close the gap in early retirement eligibility for National Guard and Reserve soldiers. Congressman Wilson, with the support of Cong...
Schiff Amendment to Bolster Law Enforcement's Investigative Capabilities Passes House Judiciary Com.
March 29, 2009
Measure enables hiring of forensic analysts to help catch rapists, murderers, and violent felons.
WASHINGTON, DC – The House Judiciary Committee passed an amendment authored by Rep. Adam Schiff, which would increase the number of forensic analysts and laboratory personnel working to catch rapis...
March 29, 2009
Resolution urges Obama Administration to use all diplomatic tools including engaging Iran to return Levinson to the United States
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted unanimously to pass a resolution introduced by Congressman Robert Wexler (FL-19), Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23),...
March 29, 2009
Washington, FL - Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), along with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), asked President Obama to promptly grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals living in the United States in the wake of the destruct...
March 29, 2009
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced The Clean Environment and Stable Energy Market Act of 2009, which offers a practical and pragmatic solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and will reduce emissions by 80% by the middle of the century. The breakthrough proposed by the s...
March 29, 2009
Underfunding, understaffing has led to large backlog for disability claims, delayed delivery of benefits
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) pressed the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reduce a backlog of 1.3 million disability claims. The House Ways and Means Subcommittees on Social Sec...
March 29, 2009
The sworn duty of elected officials, the President and Members of Congress alike, is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. This budget fails that test. Fiscal restraint on defense in the midst of fiscal excess for other areas of the federal government reflects a fundamenta...
March 28, 2009
Washington, DC- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution to recognize the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans´ live more independent lives, and expresses gratitude and support to the Tower of Hope organization for its considerable contribution to this...
March 28, 2009
WASHINGTON – The House Budget Committee passed by 24 to 15 a budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 that embraces President Obama´s goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2013 and funding critical initiatives in health care, energy, and education.
Chairman John Spratt stated: "Presiden...
March 28, 2009
Bill will provide workers with 12 weeks of paid benefits
WASHINGTON- Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA), George Miller (D-CA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009, to provide 12 weeks of paid benefits to workers who need to take time off...
March 28, 2009
Washington, D. C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement following passage of H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009, by a vote of 285 to 140. The bill was passed by the Senate last week and now goes to President Obama for his signature into law:
"Today, the House pa...
March 28, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) announced the U.S. Department of Energy's release of $4,212,500 in funding in the 13th District for energy efficiency and conservation projects in the 13th District. Seven cities will receive grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant progr...
March 28, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) sent a letter along with Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and other members of the Kansas Congressional Delegation to President Barack Obama asking for his support of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBA...
March 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), announced the reintroduction of the DREAM Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will restore the States´ rights to determine residency requirements for higher education benefits – giving states the...
March 28, 2009
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued a statement in response to the House Budget Committee´s approval of the President´s budget. The budget, which passed out of committee without any Republican support, will be debated and voted on by the full House of Representativ...
March 28, 2009
Harman says "energy savings that will flow from these efficiency improvements are stunning"
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA), together with Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), both members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced legislation (H.R. 1732) that will result ...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urging the State Department to investigate and sanction international companies providing support to Iran.
"Iran's development of a nuclear weapon is a serious roadblock to future st...
March 27, 2009
Clay Cites Productivity, Quality of Local UAW Members
WASHINGTON, DC. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, joined by a bipartisan coalition of regional Members of Congress, is petitioning the Chief Advisor to President Obama´s Domestic Automobile Taskforce to save the Chrysler Fenton p...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, critically questioned President Barack Obama´s plan for Afghanistan in a closed door unclassified briefing to the House Armed Services Committee yesterday.
"It is irresponsible for ...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON- U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) co-sponsored the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill (H.R. 197). This legislation would protect the rights of licensed firearm permit holders by allowing them to carry firearms across the country without a confusing patchwork system.
"The ...
March 27, 2009
Washington, DC – Continuing their ongoing efforts to combat arson across the country, Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) re-introduced the Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2009 (H.R. 1727), which will create a comprehensive, nation-wide da...
March 27, 2009
Warns plan backtracks on commitment made in 2008 Farm Bill
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, is warning against unwarranted cuts in the safety net for Idaho and American agriculture as Congress considers proposals for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 bud...
March 27, 2009
Enzi applauds bill that rewards volunteer service
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., credited true bipartisanship for the passage of a bill that will make sure everyone who is called to national service has the opportunity to volunteer in programs that address the needs of their c...
March 27, 2009
OCA monies released in committee-passed FY 2010 Budget Resolution
Washington, DC - In a voice vote during the FY 2010 Budget Resolution mark-up, the Senate Budget Committee unanimously approved an amendment by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo that would prevent Congress from shifting money away from vict...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON – Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced the Department of Health and Human Services' release of $1,445,169 for six community health centers serving residents of the 13th District. The funding was made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1).
"Community ...
March 27, 2009
Funding to create local construction jobs
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Adam Schiff lauded the Department of Transportation's announcement that the Bob Hope Airport will receive $3.5 million for safety upgrades on three taxiways. The funding is part of the stimulus package approved by Cong...
March 27, 2009
Jim´s Journal
There´s a way to decide whether Guantanamo detainees should be released inside the United States, which U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said last week is being considered by the Obama administration. Vote on it.
That´s it. Put the idea to a vote in Congress and let the people´...
March 27, 2009
Legislation Would Save Taxpayers $30 Billion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) spoke on the Senate Floor to introduce legislation (S.630) that would freeze that the remaining $30 billion of the initial $150 billion of taxpayer dollar steered to AIG by Congress and the Adminis...
March 27, 2009
Encourages Participation in Earth Hour on March 28 at 8:30 PM
Washington, DC- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement recognizing the importance of the World Wildlife Fund´s (WFF) Earth Hour Movement, which will take place on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM.
"The rapi...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON — A key US lawmaker on Friday cautiously welcomed President Barack Obama's new Afghan war plan but urged the White House to "sell" the strategy to NATO in a bid to get more allied help.
"We welcome the president´s strategic direction for the fight in Afghanistan," Represent...
March 27, 2009
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) gave the keynote address on the Iraqi refugee crisis at a conference presented by the International Human Rights Law Clinic and the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law at American University´s Washington College of Law.
...
March 27, 2009
Co-Sponsored Legislation Demanding Practice Stop and Bonuses Recouped
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) co-sponsored legislation that would require the U.S. Treasury Department to implement a plan within the next two weeks to recoup the payment of AIG bonuses, and require t...
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, highlighted the importance of missile defense during an Armed Services Hearing on the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM). Senator Inhofe met with General J...
March 27, 2009
Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined with U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN), the ranking Republican on the Committee, to reauthorize a vital foreign policy and economic development tool – the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
Kerry and...
March 26, 2009
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate today joined with the U.S. House of Representatives in passing historic national service legislation (ServeAmerica Act S. 277) which, like the House GIVE Act, includes a key provision that would formally authorize federal support for establishing the anniversary of the ...
March 26, 2009
Wins support of protections for crime victims fund
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted no today as the Senate Budget Committee approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Budget Resolution on a 13-10 vote along party lines. The daylong markup in committee included yes votes on two key amendment...
March 26, 2009
Washington, DC – Idaho´s Congressional Delegation lauded a plan announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today to utilize approximately 200 million pounds of nonfat dry milk for nutrition programs and assist the dairy industry to withstand current challenges with decreased dairy ...
March 26, 2009
Vows to Fight Against Drastic Cuts In Defense Budget – Including FCS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke out on the need to modernize our military and voiced his opposition to major cuts to the defense budget. ...
March 26, 2009
Says local collaboration and bipartisanship key to success
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said local collaboration and a commitment to working in a bipartisan fashion are the reasons Idaho will soon have its first land management and wilderness legislation in nearly 30 years. The U.S....
March 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services; Phyllis C. Borzi, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employee Benefits Security, Depa...
March 26, 2009
Block Grants to Support Jobs, Cut Energy Bills, and Increase Energy Independence
WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced plans to invest $3.2 billion in energy efficiency and conservation projects in U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and...
Vice President Biden Announces $250 Recovery Payments to Go to Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries
March 26, 2009
Vice President Joe Biden and Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced today that the federal government will send out $250 economic recovery payments to people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits beginning in early May 2009 and continuing ...
March 26, 2009
Jim´s Journal
Well, if you, like me, thought that things couldn´t get much worse than the trillion dollar bailout messes we´ve gotten into over the past few months, you were probably outraged upon learning the news about the taxpayer funded bonuses being given to AIG execs. The House passed a bil...
March 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced the introduction of a resolution recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide. The resolution calls on the President and the U.S. Government to properly recognize the atrocities that occurred in Armenia beginning in 1915, and whi...
March 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Vice President Joe Biden announced the following key staff appointments: Edward DeSeve, Special Advisor to the President, Assistant to the Vice President and Special Advisor to the OMB Director for Implementation of the Recovery Act; Jon Wolfsthal, Special Advisor to the Vice Presi...
March 25, 2009
(Washington, DC) Congressman Robert Wexler, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2009. The legislation is a response to dozens of cases in which threats to public health from defective toys, automobile parts, pharmaceuticals, and other produ...
March 25, 2009
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Neal S. Wolin to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury and Lael Brainard to be Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. In addition, the President announced that Stuart A. Levey, the current Under Secretary for Te...
March 23, 2009
"I have told each of my Cabinet, as well as mayors and governors across the country, that they will be held accountable by me and the American people for every dollar they spend."
– President Barack Obama, 2/24/2009, Address to Joint Session of Congress
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Ov...
March 23, 2009
City Begins Cleanup of Destroyed Sylmar Mobile Home Park
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (Sherman Oaks) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) approved $1,633,700 in public assistance funding to the City of ...
March 23, 2009
Last Soldiers Discharged By the Bush Administration
Washington, D.C., Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, released information detailing the number of U.S. troops discharged from military service under the "Don´t ...
Bachus, Blunt Urge SEC to Protect Taxpayers, Family Savings by Adopting Common-Sense Accounting Rule
March 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To protect taxpayers and family savings, Financial Services Ranking Member Spencer Bachus (Ala.) and Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt (Mo.) sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Mary Schapiro urging the agency to adopt common-sense accounting changes so companies...
March 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) announced that Washington state will receive over $120 million to fund weatherization, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, as the federal government continues to fulfill its responsibilities in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ...
March 23, 2009
Today, President Obama will meet with clean energy entrepreneurs and leaders of the research community to discuss his strategy for building a clean energy economy and creating the industries and jobs of the future.
The American Reinvestment Recovery Act and his FY10 budget dramatically increase i...
March 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: David H. Stevens, Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Harold Hongju Koh, Legal Adviser, St...
March 23, 2009
Washington, D.C. – R-CALF USA President/Region VI Director Max Thornsberry has been invited to testify on animal identification systems before the House Agriculture Committee´s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. Thornsberry will voice the organization´s opposition to the U.S. ...
March 23, 2009
New to the pilgrimage will be a program examining the strong affinity between the Jewish and African-American communities during the civil rights movement
Montgomery, AL – Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) is joining other Members of Congress as a member of the 9th Congressional Pilgrimage to Alabam...
March 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC—The House of Representatives passed a bill by Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The bill passed on a 371-19 vote, with one Member voting present.
The Ronald Reagan Cente...
March 23, 2009
The hollow defense budgets, peace dividends and the procurement holiday that marked the Clinton administration's defense policy appear to be making a comeback.
The message hidden between the lines of the 2010 Defense Department budget released last week is that defense spending will decline in th...
March 23, 2009
Washington, D.C., Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, has organized a bipartisan Congressional effort calling for U.S. and international action to confront the grave humanitarian crisis in northern Sri Lanka. Over 200,000 civilians are trapped in the Vanni region of northern Sri Lanka amid f...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki asking him to clarify the Veterans Affairs Department´s position on reports the Obama Administration is considering billing veterans for the treatment of service-connected injuries instead ...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama announced that Jon Wellinghoff, currently serving as Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), will be designated as Chairman. President Obama also announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration po...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Dr. Steven E. Koonin, Under Secretary for Science, Department of Energy; David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, Department of Energy; Amb...
March 22, 2009
Medical Care: Nearly $2 billion of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding has been made available to California, helping provide medical care for the state´s poorer residents, and relieving some strain on the state budget. And $15.6 million has been made available to California f...
March 22, 2009
DOE Support for Advanced Battery Manufacturing and Electric Vehicle Deployment to Create Tens of Thousands of U.S. Jobs
POMONA, CA - President Barack Obama announced the availability of $2.4 billion in funding to put American ingenuity and America's manufacturers to work producing next generation...
March 22, 2009
Washington, DC- On the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) made a motion for the House to immediately consider H.R. 1577, legislation to recoup the unconscionable AIG bonuses recently made to that company´s executives with taxpayer-provided funds. The ...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement in an effort to encourage state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to apply for federal grants through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). The grant application period closes April 14th.
"Like many organizations...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), author of the recently enacted tuition tax credit which will help millions achieve their dream of a college education and the architect of the college awareness and access program GEAR UP, introduced legislation for an innovative plan to prime the pump...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), lauded the bipartisan passage of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, by a vote of 321-105. Below is the text of Rep. Stark´s floor statement.
"Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R....
March 22, 2009
St. Louis Blogger Tells AIG Exec "You Have Really Missed the Boat"
WASHINGTON, DC. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay took AIG Chairman and CEO Edward Liddy to task for $165 million in retention bonuses paid to over 400 executives in the company´s troubled Financial Products Unit. In questioning before ...
March 22, 2009
Documents Show Company Policies Tossed Aside to Accommodate Loans for Sen. Dodd, Sen. Conrad, Others
WASHINGTON. D.C. – An Oversight and Government Reform Committee Republican report Countrywide Financial Corporation´s infamous VIP and Friends of Angelo Program offers new insight into the inner w...
March 22, 2009
Washington, DC- Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution calling for long-term care to be made a part of our nation´s comprehensive health care reform agenda.
"We are tasked with solving one of the most serious financial and health care crises of our era, Co...
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – As the recession continues, the San Joaquin Valley will be able to receive assistance from national volunteers who are answering their nation´s call to serve in communities hit hardest by the economic crisis.
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1388, the GIVE Act,...
March 21, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) introduced the Veterans Healthcare Commitment Act of 2009. The bill would prohibit the Veterans Administration from billing a veteran´s personal insurance company for hospital care or medical services associated with a service-connected disab...
March 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – In order to make our communities safer and ensure our youth are on a path to success, Rep. Schiff introduced the "COPS and KIDS Act" (HR 1568). The measure will balance funding for crime fighting and enforcement efforts with funding for prevention and intervention efforts for troubl...
March 21, 2009
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) released the following statement on the AIG bonus bill.
"This vote is meant to absolve Washington Democrats of their responsibility for allowing the taxpayer-funded executive bonuses to pass. The GOP bill rejected by House Democrats t...
March 21, 2009
Meek: "Congress should not be required to legislate commonsense, but today, we did exactly that."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek voted to pass bipartisan legislation to tax bonuses given by companies such as AIG that received government rescue funds.
"Congress should not be...
March 21, 2009
Republican Bipartisan Solution Would Return 100% of Taxpayer Dollars
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the Democrat leadership passed a constitutionally-questionable tax increase in response to their own spending bill which cleared the way for bonu...
March 21, 2009
As White House efforts to manage the financial bailout seemingly spin out-of-control, another crisis of major proportions is brewing behind the scenes. In a surprise move announced last week, the Obama administration revealed that it is seriously considering releasing terrorists currently held at Gu...
March 21, 2009
Votes to recover 100 percent of AIG bonus pay
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement following votes in the House of Representatives responding to bonuses paid to AIG insurance company executives totaling $165 million. Tiahrt harshly criticized th...
March 20, 2009
Crapo-Baucus legislation could also increase wildlife funds
Washington, DC – Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) of the Senate Finance Committee introduced legislation to stop a discriminatory tax collection practice affecting the nation´s firearms manufacturer...
March 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), reintroduced the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA) this week with a bipartisan group of 44 original co-sponsors. Speaker Pelosi released the following statement:
"Effective drug treatme...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON— Members of the Kansas Congressional Delegation are asking the Air Force to support a new high-priority modernization project in its fiscal year 2010 budget that would support hundreds of aircraft jobs in the Wichita area. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) an...
March 20, 2009
Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) applauded the announcement of nearly $30 million in federal funding for homeless prevention, housing and services for Alameda County, including $7.5 million in new funds through the economic recovery package.
"With the California unemployment ...
March 20, 2009
Praises "surge" strategy that enables withdrawal from Iraq
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado) today announced his support for President Barack Obama´s new withdrawal plan from Iraq. The plan gives the President flexibility in withdrawing troops while ensuring security fo...
March 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the Income Equity Act which would limit the tax deductibility of executive compensation packages. The tax code already limits the deductibility of wage income at $1 million, which is exactly why complex compensation packages ...
March 20, 2009
In his opening statement, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) said it was "shameful" and "a disgrace" that a number of private corporations who received a portion of the billions in capital infusion through the controversial Troubled Asset Relief Pr...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), praised the bipartisan passage of H.R. 1586, a bill that would impose a 90 percent tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients, by a 328-93 vote. Below is the text of Rep. Stark´s floor statement.
"Madam Speaker, I rise today i...
March 20, 2009
Clay Calls Payments Offensive & Irresponsible
WASHINGTON, DC. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, joined a huge bi-partisan majority to enact H.R. 1586, The Bonus Recoupment Tax Act, which passed the U.S. House by a vote of 328 – 93. The special legislation imposes a 90 percent excise tax o...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The federal Housing Department removed a significant roadblock, paving the way for Merced County and several of its cities to receive nearly $9.2 million in direct funds through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
HUD had blocked those funds after it took issue with the Sta...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – As part of an effort Treasury Secretary Geithner first outlined in introducing the Financial Stability Plan (FSP) in February, President Obama and Secretary Geithner will announce plans to take immediate action to help ensure that credit gets flowing again to entrepreneurs and busin...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the White House, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Daniel Rooney as the Ambassador to Ireland.
President Obama said, "I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United Sta...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Judge David Hamilton to the United States 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Hamilton has served for 14 years as a federal district judge in Indiana. He was appointed United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana...
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Obama announced his intent to nominate Rose Gottemoeller for Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance.
President Obama said, "Turning the tide on the threat of nuclear weapons and strengthening the international non-proliferation regime is one of t...
March 18, 2009
Moves to reverse provision included in the stimulus package that allowed AIG executive bonuses
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack today called for action to strike a provision that allowed AIG executives to accept outrageous bonuses. A recent report revealed that the provision to pr...
March 18, 2009
Senator applauds awareness of need to reduce federal spending
Washington, DC – Idaho students are speaking out on the national debt and student dropout rates in a big way this week—taking their message all the way to the U.S. Capitol and carrying petitions with more than 400 names. Student...
March 18, 2009
Service program included in GIVE Act, the national service bill
WASHINGTON, DC – The Clean Energy Corps, a program introduced earlier in March by U.S. Reps. Inslee (D-Wash.) and John Sarbanes (D-Md.), was approved by the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating ...
March 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today re-introduced common sense bipartisan legislation with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) to address a problem faced by a number of farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma and around the country when they drive their goods acro...
March 19, 2009
Crapo says public lands bill has many Idaho projects
Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today again approved a public lands package, H.R. 146, containing Idaho Senator Mike Crapo´s Owyhee Initiative Legislation and several other projects to benefit Idahoans. With Crapo on the Senate floor to manag...
March 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, responded to remarks by Attorney General Eric Holder who said that detainees from Gitmo could be released into the United States. In February, Senator Inhofe introduced legislation (S...
March 19, 2009
Enzi prepared to amend budget, ensure protection
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., laid out how the Administration´s budget would hurt, not protect, Wyoming´s small businesses. Enzi called for his colleagues to make significant changes to the Senate budget to nurture,...
March 18, 2009
15 Democrats unite to pursue pragmatic solutions to nation´s problems
WASHINGTON – A diverse group of 15 Senate Democrats today announced the formation of a new moderate coalition that will meet regularly to shape public policy. The group´s goal is to work with the Senate leadership a...
March 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), responding to recent media reports, expressed his strong opposition to the Obama Administration´s consideration of a plan to make veterans pay for the treatment of service-related injuries with private insurance.
"Any consi...
March 18, 2009
State leaders make case for F.E. Warren to house nuclear warfare command
Washington, D.C. - The Air Force is shopping around for a home for the new Global Strike Command Center (GSCC) that will oversee all nuclear missions for the Air Force. In order to further make the case that Wyoming´s F.E....
March 18, 2009
Jim's Journal
When it comes to AIG, outrage doesn´t even come close.
But let´s be clear on where the outrage should be targeted – the 74 Senators, including now President Obama, who voted in favor of handing over an unprecedented amount of money and power to an unelected bur...
March 18, 2009
Enzi Urges Follow Through on Action for Main Street Retailers
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., took part in a forum today at the White House aimed at helping the millions of small business owners and employees in the U.S. get through the economic downturn.
"The o...
March 18, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar announced the following accomplishments for the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program in February:
· 8 Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) destroyed;
· 4 nuclear weapons transport train shipments secured; and
· ...
March 16, 2009
Washington, DC – Standing at Washington, DC´s Union Station, one of the most traveled railway stations in the nation, Vice President Joe Biden announced that Amtrak will receive $1.3 billion in grant funding from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to expand pass...
March 16, 2009
The President is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Jeffrey Davidow as White House Advisor for the Summit of the Americas.
As President Obama said on February 10 he will attend the Summit of the Americas to be held in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17-19. The President is looking for...
March 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Tom Perez, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; Linda A. Puchala, Member, National Mediation Board; James W. Miller, Under Secretary fo...
March 16, 2009
WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama announced the appointments of Dr. Margaret Hamburg as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Joshua Sharfstein as the Principal Deputy Commissioner, as well as the creation of a new Food Safety Working Group. This Food Sa...
March 16, 2009
On March 19th in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the Middle Class Task Force will hold a town hall meeting, titled "Road to Recovery: Building a Strong Middle Class through the Recovery Act." The focus of the town hall will be to discuss ways the Recovery Act implementation will help the middle class.
The ...
March 15, 2009
WASHINGTON D.C. – House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Darrell Issa (R-CA) today criticized AIG´s practice of taking billions of government dollars to bailout themselves out while handing out $100 million in bonuses.
"If this is how AIG is going to use bailout funds, I t...
March 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, reacted to the Department of Justice filing an unvetted new standard for the government´s authority to hold detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.
"Just as it did when it announced that it intended to close the Guantanamo ...
March 15, 2009
WASHINGTON—Two Congressmen who have led the House effort to push for an American-built aerial refueling tanker are asking Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to follow several key guidelines in the next source selection process for replacing the Air Force´s aging tanker fleet.
In a letter sen...
March 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – The San Joaquin Valley would receive a greater emphasis for future wastewater treatment projects, potentially creating much-needed new jobs, announced Congressman Dennis Cardoza.
The House of Representatives passed the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009, which authorizes n...
March 15, 2009
Schiff Introduces Legislation to Make Background Checks for Volunteers Working with Children Reliable and Accessible
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation to create a nationally-accessible background check system for youth-serving organizations. The Child Prot...
March 15, 2009
Group asks Americans for input, ideas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Republican Health Care Solutions Working Group launched a website in an effort to seek input from American families and small businesses as it works to craft solutions to increase Americans´ access to quality, affordable hea...
March 15, 2009
Reps. Harman, Tauscher, Royce and Connolly Introduce Bi-Partisan Bill Conditioning Military Aid to Pakistan on U.S. Access to A.Q. Khan and Assurances he is Being Monitored
Harman says, "Khan is … a loose nuke scientist with proven ability to sell the worst weapons to the worst people."
WASHI...
March 15, 2009
Tells Treasury Secretary not to discourage investment in the economy
Washington, DC – Arguing that investors need certainty and not tax increases, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has introduced legislation, S. 567, to make permanent the tax relief on capital gains and dividend payments originally approv...
March 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) voted against the nominations of David Ogden to be United States Deputy Attorney General and Thomas Perrelli to serve as Associate Attorney General. Senator Inhofe expressed deep concerns with these Justice Department nominees, noting their strong ...
March 15, 2009
Lugar urges completion of a U.S.-Brazil Tax Treaty in advance of meeting between U.S. and Brazil Presidents
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar introduced a United States Senate Resolution calling for the strengthening of U.S.-Brazil economic relations through the means of an International Tax Treaty.
"...
March 15, 2009
Lugar re-introduces Western Hemisphere Energy Compact in advance of meeting between U.S. and Brazil Presidents
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar today introduced a bill that would expand energy security cooperation between the United States, Brazil and other nations in the Western Hemisphere.
"A fundame...
March 15, 2009
Crapo questions Energy Secretary at Senate Budget Committee hearing
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo won a commitment from Energy Secretary Steven Chu that the Idaho National Laboratory will play an ongoing role in advancing nuclear research that could change the way the nation handles n...
March 15, 2009
Omnibus bill on path to steal money from rural, southern HIV/AIDS patients;
Senate fails to fix funding with Enzi amendment.
Washington, D.C. – Following a battle on the Senate floor, San Francisco may once again receive a disproportionate amount of HIV/AIDS funding if the omnibus appropriat...
March 13, 2009
Washington, DC – Vice President Biden announced that President Obama will nominate Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
"With escalating violence along our Southwest border and far too many suffering from the disease of addiction...
March 13, 2009
President Obama signed an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The mission of the Council will be to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls and to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider how their pol...
March 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry as Ambassador to Afghanistan and Christopher R. Hill as Ambassador to Iraq.
The President also announced his intent to nominate Ivo Daalder as United States Permanent Representative on the ...
March 13, 2009
Will support energy efficiency efforts nationwide that will create 87,000 jobs and cut energy bills for families
Washington DC -- Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Chu detailed an investment of nearly $8 billion in state and local weatherization and energy efficiency efforts as part o...
March 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts: Demetrios Marantis, Nominee for Deputy United States Trade Representative; Kristina M. Johnson, Nominee for Under Secretary of Energy; Gina McCarthy, Nominee for Assistant ...
March 13, 2009
President Obama met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in the Oval Office. Prior to the meeting, the Foreign Minister met with National Security Advisor Jones and also met at the State Department with Secretary of State Clinton.
During the meeting, President Obama and Foreign Minister Yang discuss...
March 12, 2009
ASHINGTON, DC -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) applauds the bill introduced today by Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Kennedy (D-MA). The "Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009" (S. 577) would make it a Federal crime to defraud individuals – citizens and non-citizens alike – i...
March 12, 2009
Today Rep. Van Hollen Reintroduced A Bill Extending Whistleblower Protection To All Federal Employees.
Washington D.C. - The National Whistleblowers Center thanks Representative Van Hollen (D-MD) for his continued support and strongly urges Congress to enact this critical legislation immediat...
March 10, 2009
Also notes duplicate spending in stimulus, omnibus bills
Washington, DC – Out-of-control spending by the U.S. Congress has taken on new significance, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. On a voice vote following a cloture vote of 62 to 35 to stop debate, the Senate tonight voted to pass an ...
March 10, 2009
Urge President to use his veto power
Washington, D.C. – The Senate passed the $410 billion omnibus spending bill today. U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., did not support the bill. Representative Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., voted against the bill last month in the House...
March 10, 2009
Democrats´ Billion-Dollar Spending Spree Continues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today voted against the $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations for FY09. The Senate voted 62 to 35 in favor of the bill, which will now go to the President for his signature.
"Once again, ...
March 10, 2009
Inhofe-Thune-DeMint Continue Push to End Liberals Attempt at Stifling Free Speech
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) speaking on the Senate Floor against liberal attempts to regulate speech, warned that a new stealth attempt by Democrats could result in radio licenses being revo...
March 10, 2009
Key Senate leaders and advocacy groups join effort to urge farm loan restructuring
SOMERVILLE, Mass., March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While the Obama Administration begins to implement the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Program, Farm Aid and farm, rural and housing advocates from acros...
March 10, 2009
"Today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation. It´s time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America´s place as the world leader in science and technology." - President Bar...
March 10, 2009
REMOVING BARRIERS TO RESPONSIBLE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
INVOLVING HUMAN STEM CELLS
Yesterday, in conjunction with the issuance of a new Presidential memo on scientific integrity, President Obama signed a Presidential Executive Order removing barriers to responsible scientific research involving hum...
March 10, 2009
"In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a pre-requisite. That is why it will be the goal of this Administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education ...
March 09, 2009
Congressman Tom Cole's Column
Coming on the heels of a $789 billion stimulus package, and a $410 billion Omnibus spending bill, President Obama has now presented the nation with the largest federal budget in our nation's history. The staggering $3.5 trillion budget proposal will raise taxes, gro...
March 09, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today issued the following statement on President Obama´s executive order Monday allowing taxpayer funds to be used for controversial embryonic stem cell research.
"Federal tax dollars should not be used for the highly controversial ...
March 09, 2009
Key House Committee Expected to Consider Next Week
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, today reintroduced his long-standing legislation to grant federal recognition of the Virginia Native American tribes. Last Congress, the legislation passed the House but action in the S...
March 09, 2009
"Vital Research Could Help Close Healthcare Disparities Gap"
WASHINGTON, DC. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay hailed President Barack Obama´s executive order lifting the previous administration´s ban on federal funding for research on new stem cell lines. "By lifting the ban on federal...
March 08, 2009
Jim´s Journal
By U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)
Last week I joined 86 of my colleagues and passed Senate Amendment 573, offered by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) to the District of Columbia Voting Rights Act, which prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstituting the fair...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement Friday following the release of February´s unemployment numbers by the U.S. Department of Labor. The national unemployment rate climbed to 8.1 percent, the highest level in 26 years. Tiahrt today also voted to f...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) issued the following statement regarding President Obama´s nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Tiahrt serves as the Ranking Republican on the House Appropriati...
March 08, 2009
Lack of proper oversight may have cost billions of taxpayer dollars
Washington, D.C. – Troubled by a report that federal regulators ignored problems at IndyMac Bank which may have cost taxpayers billions of dollars, Representative Adam Schiff has requested Congressional action. In a letter to ...
March 08, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John M. McHugh (R-NY) and Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Michael Turner (R-OH) today joined with more than forty of their Republican colleagues, including the top three Republicans in the House of Representatives, to send ...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON - Today Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Troops to Teachers Improvement Act of 2009. This proposal would allow more schools across the nation to benefit from the Troops to Teachers (T2T) program, which assists retiring military personnel to star...
March 08, 2009
Condemns Abuse of Legal System by Fringe Groups
Washington, DC– Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) released the following statement regarding the announcement that Sierra Pacific Industries´ has been forced to close its Quincy, CA small-log saw mill. The mill was built after the passage of th...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – While speaking about the need to reform the federal contracting and procurement process, President Obama talked about the fiscal disaster he "inherited" and spoke about the need to "turn the tide on an era of fiscal irresponsibility so that we can sustain our recovery."
"...
March 08, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation that will close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and make use of the military courts-martial to prosecute detainees who are unlawful enemy combatants. Rep. Schiff´s Terrorist Detainees Procedures Act would ensure...
March 08, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger, (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, released a statement in response to the testimony of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Peter Orszag. Congressman Herger, along with other...
March 08, 2009
Firm Pled Guilty to Criminal Act in Oil-for-Food Scandal
WASHINGTON -Congressman Brad Sherman and a group of colleagues sent a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, requesting that he have the Department review a January, 2009 contract awarded to the energy firm Vitol to provide oil for the St...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama named Vivek Kundra the Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the White House.
The Federal Chief Information Officer directs the policy and strategic planning of federal information technology investments and is responsible for oversight of federal tech...
March 08, 2009
Miami, Fla. – Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz today announced the availability of $8.4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to states and local transportation authorities to repair and build America´s publ...
March 08, 2009
President and Mrs. Obama will visit the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic March 31-April 5, 2009. In the United Kingdom, the President will continue discussions on important bilateral and global issues with British leaders and work with other G-20 Leaders to address the global...
March 08, 2009
The President declared a major disaster exists in the State of Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm during the period of January 26-28, 2009.
Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments ...
March 08, 2009
"Today (Friday) we learned that our economy lost another 651,000 jobs in February, bringing the unemployment rate to 8.1 percent. 4.4 million Americans have now lost their jobs since this recession began last year, and there are now nearly 3 million Americans who have been unemployed for six months...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Building on Thursday´s White House Forum on Health Care Reform, President Obama announced a series of Regional White House Forums on Health Reform that will bring the conversation about health care reform directly to communities across the country. In keeping with the Obama ad...
March 08, 2009
President Barack Obama announced that Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice are making available $2 billion Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement and criminal justice assistance, available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG...
March 08, 2009
Washington, DC – On Thursday, March 12th, President Obama and Vice President Biden will hold a White House Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementation Conference to ensure that dollars invested and spent as part of the Recovery act are effective, transparent and efficient. Each state´s Gover...
March 08, 2009
WASHINGTON – President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key State Department posts: Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary for International Organizations; Phil Gordon, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs; and Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large fo...
March 06, 2009
Today the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a report on the future of the Nunn-Lugar Program. U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar hailed the report as a "critically important set of recommendations that should guide the Obama Administration´s efforts to expand the Nunn-Lugar Program around the world."
...
March 06, 2009
Interior Dept. to keep wolf on endangered list in WY but not MT or ID
Washington, D.C. - Today Interior Secretary Salazar agreed to move forward with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) decision to remove the Rocky Mountain gray wolf from the Endangered Species list in Montana and Idaho, but not ...
March 05, 2009
Energy Secretary asked to uphold plans for waste removal agreement
Washington, DC – Idaho´s Congressional Delegation has written Energy Secretary Steven Chu to express concern over the Obama Administration´s plan to scale back funding for the Yucca Mountain nuclear storage facility in Nevada. Yu...
March 05, 2009
(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement on the passage of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (H.R. 1106), which passed by a vote of 234 to 191:
"This legislation not only addresses our current housing market crisis, it also precisely tar...
March 05, 2009
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara voted in favor of the Help Families Save Their Homes Act, a bill that takes a key step in implementing President Obama´s comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
This legislation seeks to help more families obtain affordable mor...
March 05, 2009
Keep Americans Out of Foreclosure and In Their Homes:
Rep. Wasserman Schultz co-sponsors key legislation, outlined by the President, that allows modification of the terms of home mortgages
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Wasserman Schultz, who is one of 19 original co-sponsors of key anti-foreclosure ...
March 05, 2009
Making Home Affordable Program Will Offer Help to Up to 9 Million Homeowners
Washington, DC – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, praised the Obama Administration´s announcement of detailed guidelines for the "Making Home Affordable" program. The President´s new initiative will help bring r...
March 05, 2009
The President declared major disasters exist in the States of Illinois, Oregon and Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe winter storms in Illinois during the period of January 26-28, 2009, in Oregon during the period of Dece...
March 05, 2009
WASHINGTON – President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
On the nomination of John Berry, President O...
March 05, 2009
The Vice President and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Note that $16 Billion for Weatherization Projects Will Save or Create Good-Paying Jobs in Illinois and Across the Country
(Washington, DC) The Vice President commended the new owners of Republic Windows and Doors, a Chicago window manufacturing pl...
March 05, 2009
Leading Health Care Expert Nancy-Ann DeParle to serve as Director of White House Office for Health Reform
President Barack Obama officially announced his intent to nominate Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services. In this role, Sebelius will oversee a departmen...
March 05, 2009
WASHINGTON – President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: Jon Leibowitz, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission; Charlie Rose, General Counsel at the Department of Education; and Roy Keinitz, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department o...
March 05, 2009
Washington, DC – The White House Task Force on Middle Class Families, led by Vice President Joe Biden, is holding its inaugural meeting today in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania. The Task Force has a simple mandate: to find, highlight and implement solutions to the economic challenges ...
March 05, 2009
Seeks to Prevent UN Global Tax, ESA Global Warming Provisions, Funding Prison Upgrades for GITMO Transfers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, spoke on several amendments he plans to offer to the omnibus appropria...
March 05, 2009
Washington, D.C. – While Americans are tightening their budgets and spending more wisely, the U.S. Senate is breaking the bank and spending more money than it has, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who voted for an alternative government agency funding bill to replace the House-passed omn...
March 02, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday, March 4.
Speaker Pelosi last met with Prime Minister Brown during a bipartisan congressional delegation to the United Kingdom in March 2008 to ...
Congressional Record Statement by Congressman Kendrick Meek Honoring Miami Banker Leonard Abess, Jr.
March 03, 2009
Below is a copy of the Congressional Record submitted by Congressman Kendrick Meek honoring Mr. Leonard Abess Jr. who was referenced tonight by President Obama.
Mr. MEEK of Florida.
"Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leonard Abess, Jr. a Miami, Florida banker who openhandedly and...
March 03, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, issued the following statement calling on President Barack Obama to support expanded health care and retirement benefits for National Guard and Reserve servicemembers. During ...
March 02, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Mike Sheehy, her National Security Advisor for the past six years, will depart the Speaker´s office this week for the private sector after more than 30 years of service in the House of Representatives.
"I want to thank Mike Sheehy ...
March 02, 2009
A new Washington Post/ABC News poll released highlights the broad support among Americans for the economic recovery package and Democrats in Congress.
Results from the poll:
· 64 percent support the economic recovery package; 35 percent oppose the plan. [Washington Post, 2/23/...
March 02, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John M. McHugh (R-NY) responded to a new Pentagon report, directed by President Obama, showing that the treatment of detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay naval base meets the requirements of the Geneva Conventions. The report, co...
March 02, 2009
Budget needs to set stage for savings, responsible spending: Cautions against misleading short term spending goals
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., made the following comments after reviewing President Obama´s nearly $3.6 trillion Fiscal Year 2009 budget request sent to Congres...
March 02, 2009
New Bill Will Lift Restrictions; Complement President's Expected Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) today will reintroduce the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, legislation to lift the Bush Administration's restrictions on stem cell research. The bipa...
March 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt today sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) requesting that she join him in protecting charities and the work they do from a damaging provision in President Barack Obama´s budget.
"Under President Obama´s proposal, mi...
March 01, 2009
Funding for local infrastructure project and job assistance centers passes House
Washington, D.C. –Today, Rep. Schiff announced the House passed the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105) which sets funding levels for the 2009 federal budget. The bill works in conjunction with t...
March 01, 2009
Delegation Will Protect 2nd Amendment
Washington, D.C. - The Wyoming delegation, Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., are firing back at a renewed push by Attorney General Holder to reinstate the assault weapons ban.
"This new administ...
March 01, 2009
Delegation blasts budget item that nixes future AML payments
Washington, D.C. - The Wyoming delegation, Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., are upset to see an item in President Obama´s budget request that would eliminate all future payments t...
March 01, 2009
Bipartisan bill boosts short line freight transportation through tax incentives
Washington, DC – Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) have introduced legislation to extend the tax credit to increase the necessary investment in rehabilitation and upgrades for short line r...
March 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement Thursday regarding President Obama´s proposed $3.9 trillion budget:
"The American people know what we should do when times get tough," Senator Inhofe said. "We should prudently examine every dollar we spend, spend ...
March 01, 2009
Says bipartisan efforts needed for better path forward.
Washington, DC – Noting that President Barack Obama´s new budget proposals seek an increase in both federal spending and taxes, at a time when Idahoans are having to cut back on their family budget, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo called for new bi...
March 02, 2009
Amendment aims to stop threat to talk radio
Washington, DC – Free speech on radio stations across Idaho and the nation must be protected, says Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. That´s why Crapo joined with 29 other Senators to introduce legislation to ensure broadcasters are protected against effo...
March 01, 2009
Jeffrey S. Crowley will join Domestic Policy Council as Top Advisor on HIV/AIDS issues
President Barack Obama today announced the appointment of one of the nation´s leading public health policy experts as the Director of Office of National AIDS Policy. Jeffrey S. Crowley, MPH, Senior Resear...
March 01, 2009
Sends Letter to Vice President Biden Calling for Aggressive Oversight of Stimulus Funds
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) who was named to the newly-formed House-Senate Fiscal Responsibility Working Group, today sent Vice Pres...
March 01, 2009
President Barack Obama officially nominated former Washington Governor Gary Locke for Secretary of Commerce. In this key role on the administration´s economic team, Locke will work to foster and promote the nation´s economic development at home, and serve as an influential ambassador for...
March 01, 2009
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman John M. McHugh (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement for President Obama´s Fiscal Year 2010 budget submission to Congress:
"Republicans welcome the President´s budget submission and look forward to worki...
March 01, 2009
President Obama held in-depth consultations with the Prime Minister of Japan on the global economic crisis and other areas for bilateral cooperation. The President underscored his firm commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and called for continued progress in modernizing the Alliance by implementin...
March 01, 2009
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act up for Consideration in House Today
(Washington, DC) Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, has expressed his support for the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which is up for consideration today in the House ...
March 01, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today voted to reject a bloated $410 billion omnibus bill that represents an 8.3 percent spending increase from last year. In stark contrast to President Obama´s call for fiscal constraint during his address to Congress Tuesday night...
March 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza convened a meeting with newly-appointed Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan Tuesday to share his concerns over the Central Valley´s housing crisis. Congressman Cardoza requested the meeting to express his concerns that the communities most in need of fed...
March 01, 2009
Lead Republican on financial, water, trade subcommittees
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will take a leadership role on key committees during the 111th Congress. In addition to retaining his role as Deputy Whip, leading policy discussion for western state Senators, Crapo will be R...
March 01, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following remarks today at the Global Agricultural Development Project´s release of the report: "Sustainable Foreign Assistance: Helping the World Feed Itself."
Thank you for inviting me to be part of the release of the Chicago Council´s report ...
March 01, 2009
Fears of a return to the Fairness Doctrine usually focus on conservative talk radio shows, like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck. But, often overlooked is the potential impact the Fairness Doctrine would have on Christian radio, specifically religious speech.
Since the beginning of ...
March 01, 2009
Americans spent a record $453.3 billion on imported petroleum in 2008, a figure representing two-thirds of the U.S. trade deficit of $677.1 billion, according to new statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The 2008 import average price per barrel of crude oil was also a record high of $95.23...
Kendrick B. Meek Introduces Legislation Providing Tax Relief for Individuals Harmed by Ponzi Schemes
February 26, 2009
Meek legislation allows investors to recoup taxes paid on ´phantom´ income reported in earlier years
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) introduced legislation amending the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief to individuals harmed by Ponzi schemes who have paid taxes on "...
February 26, 2009
Private charities helping during economic downturn will be hurt
Washington–- Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) released the following statement today in response to President Obama´s fiscal year 2010 budget. Among other problematic policies, the plan includes major tax increases during an econ...
February 26, 2009
Tiahrt Introduces No More Bailouts Resolution
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) is calling on Congress to put an end to taxpayer-funded bailouts. Tiahrt introduced a resolution in the House today that calls on Congress to stop passing massive billion dollar bailouts for pr...
February 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Schiff announced that the House approved funding for three important efforts to use technology to take murderers and rapists of the street: a local forensic DNA laboratory in the City of Glendale, a forensic science institute at California State Universi...
February 26, 2009
Says, "a system for tracking deadly agents … should be a staple component of our national defense"
Washington, DC – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), Member of the House Intelligence Committee...
February 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday evening, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) introduced a bill to help communities take back unused pharmaceuticals in a safe and environmentally responsible way. In response to constituent feedback, Inslee´s bill works in conjunction with Washington state efforts led by...
February 26, 2009
Secures Over $41 Million for District Projects
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee voted in favor of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009. The legislation passed the house by a 245 – 178 vote. She released this statement:
"When we originally began this process ov...
February 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – During today´s Congressional Black Caucus meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama, Congressman G. K. Butterfield sought assurances that working families would be protected as part of any greenhouse gas reduction policy.
"What the American people may not realize i...
February 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. – During today´s Congressional Black Caucus meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama, Congressman G. K. Butterfield sought assurances that working families would be protected as part of any greenhouse gas reduction policy.
"What the American people may not rea...
February 24, 2009
Jim´s Journal
By Mitch Meador, Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe toured the Regional Correctional Facility at Fort Sill on Wednesday as he builds a case to keep the Guantanamo Bay detention facility open and prevent possible relocation of detainees to U.S. soil.
A list that appeared in Ma...
February 25, 2009
President Obama today held in-depth consultations with the Prime Minister of Japan on the global economic crisis and other areas for bilateral cooperation. The President underscored his firm commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and called for continued progress in modernizing the Alliance by imple...
February 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after voting against the largest spending bill ever to be considered before the United States Congress.
"Democrats must be held accountable fo...
February 25, 2009
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, President Barack Obama announced the following White House Staff: Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean, White House Research Director; Daniella Gibbs Leger, Director of Message Events; Macon Phillips, Director of New Media; Christina Reynolds, Director of Media Affairs; Dag Vega, Director ...
Vice President Biden to Oversee the Administration's Implementation of the Recovery Act's Provisions
February 25, 2009
President Barack Obama announced Vice President Joe Biden will oversee the Administration´s implementation of the Recovery Act´s provisions and the appointment of Earl Devaney as Chair of the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board in a meeting with the Nation´s Governors yesterday mornin...
February 24, 2009
Jim´s Journal
When President Dwight Eisenhower first conceived the interstate system more than 50 years ago, he envisioned a system to connect the nation and enhance national defense. The enormous economic benefits provided by the system were not fully understood for some time.
Today, however,...
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement in response to President Obama´s Joint Address to Congress tonight [Tuesday, February 24]:
"There are three things that were in President Obama´s address that should not have come as a huge surprise to m...
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama´s address to the joint session of Congress.
"Families and unemployed workers are hurting, Washington spending is out of control, and Americans are waiting for relie...
February 24, 2009
Final verdict on Bush Administration's Pakistan Policy shows failure, according to new government report unveiled by Sens. Menendez and Harkin: Despite $12.3 billion spent since 9/11, U.S. "has not met its national security goals" and "lacked a comprehensive plan"
WASHINGTON – Today [Sunday, Feb...
February 24, 2009
Moving swiftly to bring real relief to Americans hit hard by the economic crisis, President Barack Obama announced yesterday that states will be able to access the first two quarters of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding (FMAP) starting this Wednesday, February 25. FMAP – the federal matc...
February 25, 2009
Stark Praises Policies That Will Increase Accountability of Medicare Advantage Plans
WASHINGTON – House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-CA) praised the Obama Administration´s draft call letter, which was issued today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The c...
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON – House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Pete Stark (D-CA) today commented on a new report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), America´s Uninsured Crisis: Consequences for Health and Health Care.
"With this well-timed report, the Institute of Medicine shines a spotlight ...
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza praised President Obama yesterday for his commitment to fiscal responsibility. Specifically, President Obama said that he intends to return to statutory "PAYGO," which has long been advocated for by Cardoza and other fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat...
February 24, 2009
WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) called for a newfound commitment to address waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the federal bureaucracy at yesterday´s White House "Fiscal Responsibility Summit." Issa participated in the "...
Chet Edwards Responds to Criticism of Veterans Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
February 22, 2009
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Chet Edwards released the following statement in response to criticism of veterans funding in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"It has been said that it is easier to kick down a barn than to build one. That appears to be the case regarding critici...
February 22, 2009
WASHINGTON – Friday, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and National Economic Council (NEC) Director Larry Summers convened official designees to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry to discuss recently submitted restructuring plans from Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation.
The T...
February 22, 2009
President Obama announced Friday the appointment of one of the nation´s top rural health care professionals as Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Mary Wakefield, Director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota, will oversee t...
February 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C– Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) announced today that they will co-chair the newly formed "Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC)," a bipartisan organization committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress. CAPC replaces the Friends of Ani...
February 20, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the Congressional Modeling & Simulation Caucus, announced that he has reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Congressman Patrick Kennedy (RI-01) to increase the use of medical modeling and simulation (M&S) across the United States...
February 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- Signed Tuesday by President Barack Obama, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act marks the start of a clean energy revolution in America -- thanks in part to hard work by the new Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (S.E.E.C.), a group of forty members of the U.S. Hou...
February 20, 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed the United States and Canada will pursue economic recovery measures and efforts to strengthen the international financial system to counter the global economic recession.
"I value our strategic partnership with Ca...
February 17, 2009
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar has called for the formal inclusion of China and India in the International Energy Agency (IEA). Yesterday, Lugar met with IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka, who is a proponent of Chinese and Indian membership.
"After the 1973-74 oil crisis, import dependent countries...
February 15, 2009
WICHITA—U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) this week announced Chuck Knapp has returned to his staff as his senior advisor. Knapp worked for Tiahrt from 2001 through 2007 as his communications director before leaving to pursue business opportunities in the private sector. Tiahrt asked...
February 15, 2009
Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Venezuelan Referendum; Urges responsible nations to stand for freedom, democracy, not for corruption and vote that clears way for Chavez to hold power indefinitely.
(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Commit...
February 15, 2009
Votes Against Final Passage of $787 Billion Economic Bill
Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said simple math may show why the overwhelming majority of Idahoans contacting his office oppose the economic stimulus plan that was passed by the United States Senate and sent to the President fo...
February 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt today issued the following statement after voting against the largest individual spending bill in the history of the United States, a bill economists warn could do more long-term harm than short-term gain to our economy:
"I know that our economy...
February 15, 2009
WASHINGTON - By a vote of 246 to 183 Friday, the House of Representatives approved the $789 billion economic stimulus package. Rep. Tom Petri voted against the bill, and made the following comments:
"I hope the emergency stimulus legislation works, and that it helps the economy move forward, bu...
February 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — "Americans are hurting, our economy is in crisis, and we need to do better than pass a spending bill that is unfocused, spends heavily on social programs and is light on economic stimulus," Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) said today after voti...
February 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed a massive spending agenda that will create half as many jobs as the Republican economic package and cost twice as much to the American taxpayers.
"There has not been one mom...
February 15, 2009
Pelosi: Today, We Have Passed Legislation That Takes ´Swift, Bold Action´ on Behalf of the American People
Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leaders and Committee Chairs held a press conference in the Capitol this afternoon following the House passage of ...
February 15, 2009
Clay Says American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Will Save & Create 3-4 Million Jobs, More than 69,000 in Missouri
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri applauded the final passage of H.R. 1, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, which was approved in the U.S. House today by...
February 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement after voting against the final Pelosi-Reid stimulus that passed today.
"This bill is a recipe for disaster," Congressman Cole said. "To paraphrase Winston Churchill, never have so few spent so much so quickly to do so litt...
February 15, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today sent a letter to Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) asking her to reconsider her opposition to the construction of two coal-powered electrical generating plants in Western Kansas in light of President Obama´s $2 billion earmark for a coa...
February 15, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), along with Congressman Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), today announced that they have reintroduced the Patients First Act, H.R. 877, in the 111th Congress. The bill would intensify research and human clinical trials using stem cells that are ethicall...
February 15, 2009
Introduces Resolution Condemning the Recent Acts of Violence Against Jewish Communities in Venezuela, Argentina, and Bolivia
(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced a resolution condemning the spread of anti-Semitism in South America and the recent acts of vio...
February 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on today´s announcement by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that the public comment period on the Bush Administration´s offshore drilling plan would be extended by 180 days, and that the Obama Administration will develo...
February 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza today wrote to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger requesting that he take immediate action to blunt the impact of the California water crisis.
Also signing the letter were fellow Central Valley Congressmen Jim Costa and George Radanovich.
"The drou...
February 06, 2009
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Senator Feinstein asks for a review of any last-minute conversions in the Office of Detainee Affairs.
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates to review allegations that political appointee...
January 28, 2009
Wyoming program can continue to expand, reach more.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, believes covering low-income, uninsured children is a priority. He supports legislation that wo...
January 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. – Senator Jim Risch cast his first floor vote in the U.S. Senate at an unusual time – Sunday afternoon. The cloture vote, which ended debate on S. 22, came at 2 p.m.
Senator Risch cast a "yes" vote to end debate on a public lands bill that contains several items important t...
January 08, 2009
Washington, DC - Following a meeting today of the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) will serve as the Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. She will continue to serve as the Cardinal (Chair) of the Appropria...
November 07, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), announced the theme for the 2009 presidential inaugural.
"A New Birth of Freedom" commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln´s birth. The words come ...
November 03, 2008
Journal: New Mexico´s Problems Won´t Be Solved with "Black-and-White, Ideological Thinking."
Albuquerque, N.M. – The Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico´s largest daily newspaper, endorsed Tom Udall for Senate. The Journal praised Udall´s tolerance for differing opinions, hi...
September 29, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said Monday the U.S. Army is asking a senior-level Army panel and the independent Defense Health Board to investigate the exposure of U.S. troops and contractors to sodium dichromate at the Qarmat Ali water facility in Iraq. Dorgan requested the re...