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RSC Member Activity
2007
Following are RSC member driven initiatives, press releases, articles, and other conservative activity on issues of the day.
(12/24/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) called on President Bush to assert his constitutional prerogative to not fund the earmarks in an accompanying report to the omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008, rather than in the bill text itself.
(12/17/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) introduced the Common Sense English Act (H.R. 4464), which would ensure that an employer could require employees to speak English while on the job.
(12/17/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) issued this statement highlighting a recent survey by the Financial Services Forum that revealed troubling news about American financial markets.
(12/17/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) made this statement commending SEC Chairman, and former RSC Member, Christopher Cox for extending the deadline for small businesses to file required reports under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley law.
(12/17/07) Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) released this letter seeking co-sponsors for a resolution (H.Con.Res. 32), which would honor the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996 terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
(12/17/07) Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter to thank “one of our great allies in southeastern Europe”—the Republic of Macedonia—for its recent commitment to double the number of Macedonian troops serving alongside American soldiers in Iraq.
(12/10/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote this op-ed in The Washington Times about the recent Israeli-Palestinian conference in Annapolis, MD, in which Rep. Pence asserts that, “There is no Palestine now and there should not be in the near future….”
(12/10/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent this letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI), encouraging him to follow through on a threat he made to eliminate earmarks in the remaining fiscal year 2008 appropriations bills.
(12/10/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) released this letter seeking cosponsors for the Social Security and Medicare Lock Box Act (H.R. 4338), which would prohibit Social Security and Medicare tax receipts from being spent on anything besides Social Security and Medicare.
(12/10/07) Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 843) to honor the late Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), widely regarded as one of the most influential conservative legislators in modern times.
(12/10/07) Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) made this statement blasting the decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Sierra Club v. Bosworth to reverse a previous judicial decision and stop wildfire prevention efforts on federal land.
(12/3/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) expressed “grave reservations” about the Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Annapolis, Maryland last week and urged caution on negotiating the creation of Palestine. Read more here and here.
(12/3/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) and 22 other House Republicans sent this letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), discouraging the FCC from implementing any new federal mandates on cable television. (The FCC did refrain from implementing most of the increased mandates under consideration.)
(12/3/07) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced that she will introduce the Consumer Freedom of Choice in Cable Act, which would repeal the so-called “70/70” provision in current law that allows the FCC to strengthen federal mandates on cable television when certain triggers are met.
(12/3/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent this press release to introduce the Securing Medicare and Retirement for Tomorrow Act (SMART Act, H.R. 4181), which aims to solve the looming Social Security and Medicare crises by transitioning, over a 42-year period, to a system where workers control personal retirement and health care accounts.
(12/3/07) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) issued this statement expressing frustration at China’s refusal to allow the USS Kitty Hawk its standard Thanksgiving visit to Hong Kong.
(12/3/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking co-sponsors for this resolution recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.
(12/3/07) Various RSC Members outpoured sadness and sympathy at the passing of conservative legend Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL). Read a sampling of their statements below:
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX);
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), who, as RSC Chairman last Congress, authored House-passed legislation renaming a room in the Capitol after Rep. Hyde;
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH);
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ);
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO);
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Chairman of the Values Action Team.
(11/26/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS) sent this "Dear Colleague" letter to introduce legislation (H.Res. 727) to place a moratorium on earmarks.
(11/26/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) issued this press release introducing the Saving American Lives and Investing in Protecting Land And Nature Act (SALI PLAN, H.R. 4245) which would speed up federal land projects designed to reduce hazardous fuels and wildfire, insect, and disease risks.
(11/19/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), former prisoner-of-war in Vietnam, wrote this op-ed about giving thanks for freedom at Thanksgiving:
(11/19/07) Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) sent his congratulations to Democrat Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) on giving birth to the two “twins” of “Tax Hikes” and “Tax Confusion.”
(11/19/07) Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) was featured in this profile in National Review
(11/19/07) Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) was the lead original co-sponsor of the Prevention of Unsafe Licensing Act (H.R. 4176), which would restrict access of illegal aliens to driver's licenses and state-issued identification documents. For more information, read this press release.
(11/19/07) RSC Members Jack Kingston (R-GA), Virgil Goode (R-VA), Zach Wamp (R-TN), John Culberson (R-TX), and Dennis Rehberg (R-MT) introduced legislation to place a moratorium on earmarks and create a joint select committee on earmarks to review the earmarking process in Congress.
(11/19/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) made this speech on the House floor asserting that, “the tide is turning in Iraq.”
(11/19/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) made this statement calling on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to do a better job protecting Americans from terrorists and, at the same time, respectfully treating Americans traveling for business or pleasure.
(11/19/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) issued this release expressing disappointment that the Democrat House Leadership gave House Members just one day to review the 534-page, unamendable Transportation-Housing Appropriations conference report (H.R. 3074), which included 141 pages of earmarks.
(11/12/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) issued this statement, criticizing the Democrats for giving Members less than a day to review an 853-page labor-health-education-veterans spending bill containing 150 pages of earmarks.
(11/12/07) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) circulated this release, describing how he spearheaded an effort to turn against the Democrats a resolution impeaching Vice-President Dick Cheney.
(11/12/07) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) criticized the Democrats’ AMT “patch” bill (H.R. 3996) which would prevent a tax increase for just one year yet increase taxes on other individuals and businesses permanently. The Democrats did not allow Rep. Ryan’s amendment to strike the tax-increase section in the bill to be debated on the House floor.
(11/12/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) expressed disappointment at the inclusion of 2,000 earmarks in the defense spending bill. And see Rep. Flake on the House floor talking about this issue, click here.
(11/12/07) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) issued this release in his effort to gather support for the Securing Knowledge, Innovation, and Leadership Act (SKIL Act), which would increase the cap for visas for high-skilled, legal immigrants from 65,000 to 115,000 per year.
(11/12/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 250) calling for the admittance of Taiwan to the United Nations.
(11/12/07) Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) released this "Dear Colleague" letter seeking co-sponsors for the Clean Up Government Act (H.R. 2438), which would, among other things, increase the penalties for corruption involving federally-funded programs.
(11/12/07) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) circulated this column in National Review, analyzing the “unfair” media coverage of the war in Iraq.
(11/5/07) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) sent this letter to the Armed Services Committees (House and Senate), urging the omission of unrelated, constitutionally questionable provisions, such as hate crimes language, from the Defense Authorization bill this year.
(11/5/07) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) also issued this release seeking original co-sponsors on a bill to require that defense spending never fall below 4% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
(11/5/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) will soon introduce the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, which would prohibit funding for health clinics from going to entities that perform abortions.
(11/5/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which may not be music to your ears.
(11/5/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced this resolution (H.Res. 786) that would require that the House of Representatives consider the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act as a stand-alone bill.
(11/5/07) Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) will soon introduce this resolution honoring the life of Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder of Coral Ridge Ministries.
(10/29/07) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Rep. John Campbell (R-CA), and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) continue to gather support for the RSC’s Taxpayer Choice Act (H.R. 3818), which, among other things, would repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and give taxpayers the option of paying using a highly simplified income tax system. This “Dear Colleague” letter critiquing Democrat calls to offset AMT repeal with tax increases on other people and businesses and this op-ed in the New York Post from the four lead sponsors of the Taxpayer Choice Act were both released this week.
(10/29/07) Numerous RSC Members released statements lambasting the Democrats for bringing a barely-changed State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill to the House floor with very little advance notice and no amendments allowed. Read the following Member’s statements here:
Rep. Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA)
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Chairman of the Values Action Team
(10/29/07) Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) introduced the REAL Supplemental Act (H.R. 3857), which would require that all supplemental appropriations bill provide for only a single emergency, contain only emergency spending, and have no earmarks.
(10/29/07) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) wrote this op-ed on the need to permanently ban taxes on Internet access.
(10/29/07) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced this resolution (H.Res. 769) to congratulate the government and people of Turkey as they celebrate their Republic Day.
(10/29/07) Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) will soon introduce this legislation providing that, for purposes of federal law, life begins at fertilization.
(10/22//07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) is urging all House Members to sign a discharge petition for legislation (H.R. 2905, the Broadcaster Freedom Act) to statutorily prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from restoring the “Fairness Doctrine” (regulations requiring political balance in radio and TV broadcasts). If a majority of the whole House signs on to this discharge petition, then the rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2905 would be able to come to the House floor without the permission of House leaders.
To access the discharge petition itself and see who has signed on, click here.
To view a video clip of Rep. Pence commencing the discharge petition, click here.
To read a press release announcing the discharge petition, click here.
(10/22/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) immediately made this statement calling on Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) to either apologize or resign after Rep. Stark referred to the “President’s amusement” in seeing American servicemen “get their heads blown off” while serving in Iraq.
(10/22/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) also released these comments, condemning Rep. Pete Stark’s (D-CA) comments about President Bush’s “amusement” at U.S. troops getting “their heads blown off.”
(10/22/07) Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) highlighted this editorial in the Northwest Florida Daily News that calls on President Bush and Congress to “quit quibbling about how much to federalize health care and take steps to de-federalize it….”
(10/22/07) Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) highlighted a nationwide poll showing more than half of all Americans believe that the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) should be focused on poor children. Read more in this press release.
(10/22/07) Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) wrote this op-ed on why we must resist expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
(10/22/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced the Earmark Reform Act (H.R. 3738), which would halve and then equally divide the amount of funds available for appropriations earmarks. Read this letter from Rep. Gingrey for more information.
(10/22/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) penned this op-ed in Human Events about the need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) without increasing taxes.
(10/22/07) Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) sent this letter to gather original co-sponsors for the Truth in Accounting Act, which would direct the Treasury Department to begin reporting, in the annual Financial Report of the U.S. Government, on the federal government’s long-term entitlement liabilities (Social Security, Medicare, etc.).
(10/22/07) Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) issued this press release to introduce the Loyalty to Our Legacy Act (H.R. 3908), which would direct the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto “In God We Trust" are each permanently displayed prominently in the new Capitol Visitor Center and prohibit the Architect from removing or refusing to include language or other content that includes a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content.
(10/22/07) Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN) is seeking co-sponsors for the United Nations Economic and Social Council Accountability Act (H.R. 3348), which would withhold a portion of the U.S. contribution to the United Nations until the Secretary of State determines that the UN Economic and Social Council has withdrawn consultative status for all entities with affiliations to terrorist organizations. To get more information about the bill, read this “Dear Colleague” letter.
(10/15/07) RSC Members Michael Turner (R-OH), Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), Randy Forbes (R-VA), Steve King (R-IA), and Stevan Pearce (R-NM) issued this release, introducing the Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act (H.R. 3779), which would legislatively reverse the Architect of the Capitol’s (now-former) policy prohibiting the inclusion of religious references on the flag certificates for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.
(10/15/07) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced the Supporting Prosecutions of International Espionage Schemes Act (SPIES Act), which would reform existing espionage laws to address outdated statutes and increase criminal penalties for espionage crimes.
(10/9/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) issued this press release, urging Democrats to prevent tax increases on Internet access.
(10/9/07) Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) wrote this op-ed, urging lawmakers to keep a lid on federal spending.
(10/9/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) circulated this Wall Street Journal editorial, pointing out the failings of the Democrat attempts to sharply expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
(10/9/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) released this statement regarding his role leading a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, asking the U.S. Department of Justice to provide an accounting of human trafficking in the Pacific Northwest.
(10/1/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Senate Steering Committee Chairman (and former RSC Member) Jim DeMint (R-SC) wrote this op-ed about Democrat spending goals possibly leading to a government shutdown on November 16th.
(10/1/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) issued this release mourning the untimely death of conservative warrior and president of the National Taxpayers Union, John Berthoud.
(10/1/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) made this statement at a rally outside the United Nations to protest Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s visit to the United States.
(10/1/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) published this press release about his effort to amend the continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 52) to extend the date from November 16, 2007 to September 30, 2008 through which the federal government would be funded at last year’s levels. The Democrats prevented Rep. Feeney from even being able to offer his amendment.
(10/1/07) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) released this statement to introduce the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (H.R. 2726), which would include Amtrak and executive branch police officers as qualified law enforcement officers eligible to carry concealed firearms and make it easier to certify retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms.
(10/1/07) Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) issued this statement to applaud President Bush’s reiterating of his threat to veto bills with excessive spending and renewed his promise to vote to uphold any such veto.
(10/1/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) wrote this op-ed in Human Events, sharply critiquing the expansion of, and tax increases in, the bill to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
(10/1/07) Rep. John Carter (R-TX) introduced this resolution (H.Res. 680) condemning the recent vandalizing of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial.
(9/24/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) gave this speech on the House floor to honor the life and efforts of Sheik Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al Rishawi, a 37-year-old Iraqi leader recently assassinated, who was known for his assertion, “An attack on an American is an attack on an Iraqi.”
(9/24/07) Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) issued this release, applauding the decision of the New York Police Department to deny Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s request to tour the Ground Zero site in Manhattan.
(9/24/07) Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) circulated this "Dear Colleague" letter seeking co-sponsors for his bill (H.R. 1390) to require Senate confirmation of an individual appointed to serve as the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan.
(9/24/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) commemorated the 220th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution with this statement.
(9/24/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which you may think is none of the government’s business.
(9/17/07) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent this letter, seeking more co-sponsors for the Photo Identification Security Act (H.R. 1314), which would require the federal government and financial institutions to accept only secure forms of identification when conducting official business.
(9/17/07) Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) denounced Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s public criticism of American immigration laws and border security efforts in this press release.
(9/10/07) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent this release, introducing the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act, which would, among other things, make it easier for state law enforcement authorities to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws.
(9/10/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) worte this op-ed, urging all Americans to carefully listen to the assessments of General David Petraeus this week before jumping to any conclusions about the state of the war in Iraq.
(9/10/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) also released this statement, urging caution in making premature conclusions about the war in Iraq before the update from General Petraeus.
(9/10/07) Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) sent this "Dear Colleague" lettter seeking co-sponsors for a resolution (H.Res. 641) marking the 220th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and emphasizing the importance of teaching history in American schools.
(9/3/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) issued this release, proclaiming that billions of dollars being used to finance “inefficient and duplicative” federal government programs could instead be used to improve transportation nationwide.
(9/3/07) Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) released this statement calling the national unity and political reconciliation accord reached by Iraqi Shi’ite, Sunni, and Kurdish political leaders as “an important step forward for the future of Iraq.”
(9/3/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) warned of the coming federal fiscal crisis in this op-ed.
(9/3/07) Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) sent this letter, seeking co-sponsors for his resolution (H.Res. 605) supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mother’s Day, which is the last Sunday in September, to honor mothers who have lost children in military service to the United States.
(8/21/07) Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) sent this “Dear Colleague” letter, seeking co-sponsors for the Child Pornography Elimination Act (H.R. 3148), which would prohibit accessing child pornography, impose mandatory penalties for possession of child pornography, increase civil penalties for Internet Service Providers who fail to report child pornography to law enforcement, and provide mandatory restitution for child pornography victims.
(8/21/07) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued this release to introduce the Medicare Quality Enhancement Act (H.R. 3370), which would provide certain qualified private-sector organizations access to Medicare data so they can analyze the information and issue reports on the quality, cost, efficiency, and effectiveness of our health care system.
(8/21/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which may not be music to your ears.
(8/21/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) wrote this op-ed, entitled “Where’s the Energy?” to question the Democrat strategy on energy in America.
(8/13/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) announced that he plans to introduce legislation that would prevent states with deficient bridges from receiving transportation earmarks that are not directly related to transportation, such as those for bike paths, museums, parking lots, and beautification projects. Click here to learn more.
(8/13/07) Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) is seeking co-sponsors for a bill (H.R. 3262) to repeal a recent tax increase on teenagers. For more details, click here.
(8/13/07) Various RSC Members lambasted the Democrat majority’s changing of a recorded vote after it was completed, in order to ensure that illegal immigrants could receive certain federal benefits funded by the Agriculture Appropriations bill.
To read the official RSC statement, click here.
To read the statement from:
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
(8/6/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) released this list of successes and failures on “values” issues thus far this Congress.
(8/6/07) Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) is seeking co-sponsors for his Meth Kingpin Elimination Act (H.R. 3143), which would increase the penalties for traffickers of methamphetamine.
(8/6/07) Rep. Ron Lewis (R-KY) sent this letter, seeking co-sponsors for the Dental Health Promotion Act (H.R. 3109), which would allow routine dental products to be covered by Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
(7/30/07) Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) introduced the Combating Terrorism Financing Act (H.R. 3146), which is aimed at closing “loopholes” in the current law to more effectively combat terrorist finance activities. To learn more, click here.
(7/30/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) issued this statement, applauded the passage of his amendment to prohibit the enforcement of criminal penalties against the most onerous political speech restrictions in the McCain-Feingold/ Shays-Meehan campaign finance regulation law.
(7/30/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) released this letter, touting the passage of his amendment to prohibit Transportation Department funding from being used to create regulations based on race, ethnicity or sex.
(7/30/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which shows that government funding decisions need better screening.
(7/23/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wrote this op-ed, highlighting the many tax increases that the Democrats are asking Americans to endure.
(7/23/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) delivered these remarks on the House floor, lamenting the continuing prominence of earmarks.
(7/23/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) released this letter, seeking co-sponsors for a bill to raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards by 2022.
(7/23/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) applauded the capture of a senior Al Qaeda intermediary, in this statement.
(7/16/07) Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) is seeking original co-sponsors for a resolution condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council. Learn more here.
(7/16/07) Rep. John Carter (R-TX) released this letter, seeking support for his bill (H.R. 2682) to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses.
(7/16/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed on the need to build more oil refineries.
(7/16/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his “egregious earmark of the week,” which, in this case, is of Biblical proportions.
(7/9/07) Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), in light of last month’s expiration of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), sent this letter seeking support for the Trade Promotion Authority Extension and Enhancement Act (H.R. 1042), which would extend the current TPA for five years and create an automatic TPA renewal process.
(7/9/07) Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) released this "Dear Colleague" letter, introducing legislation (H.R. 2916) to repeal the automatic annual pay increases for Members of Congress.
(7/9/07) Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) wrote this op-ed on the lack of freedom of the press in Venezuela.
(7/9/07) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) issued this letter, touting his participation in the Veterans History Project, which collects and archives individual veterans’ service experiences, and encouraged others to participate.
(7/2/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), along with Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act (H.R. 2905), which would prohibit the reviving of “The Fairness Doctrine” (content regulations for TV and radio broadcasters). A related appropriations amendment that the trio introduced passed 309-115.
(7/2/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) wrote the this op-ed against the reviving of “The Fairness Doctrine,” in light of Democrat comments calling for such a revival.
(7/2/07) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) wrote this op-ed, creatively outlining a scenario of illegal U.S. entry, residence, and employment if the proposed Senate immigration bill were to become law.
(7/2/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) released this letter, cheering the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Wisconsin Right to Life v. FEC, striking down a significant portion of the McCain-Feingold/ Shays-Meehan political speech restriction law (Public Law 107-155).
(7/2/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) wrote this letter, similarly applauding the Supreme Court’s ruling in Wisconsin Right to Life v. FEC.
(7/2/07) Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) issued this statement, applauding Senate Republicans for standing firm against the ironically-named Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800), which would have exposed workers’ private votes in workplace “card check” elections.
(7/2/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) and 31 other House Republicans sent this letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expressing “serious concern” with the spread of illness and disease brought into the U.S. by illegal immigrants.
(7/2/07) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) released this letter announcing the launch of a missile defense caucus.
(6/25/07) Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) released this letter, seeking co-sponsors for a bill to allow the televising of U.S. Supreme Court proceedings.
(6/18/07) Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) will soon introduce the Public Servant Retirement Protection Act, which would repeal the current Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) of Social Security and replace it with a new and more fair calculation.
(6/18/07) Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) is urging his colleagues to oppose legislation that may be re-introduced this year—the Motor Vehicle Owners’ “Right to Repair” Act (H.R. 2048 in the 109th Congress).
(6/18/07) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) issued this statement in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for the U.S. and Russia to jointly use radar in Azerbaijan to develop a missile defense rather than placing the U.S.-made radar and interceptors in Central Europe.
(6/18/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) circulated this "Dear Colleague" letter announcing that he will soon introduce legislation repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires that certain minimum wages be paid on federal construction contracts.
(6/18/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced the Small Business SOX Compliance Extension Act (H.R. 2727), which would extend the current small business exemption from Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for one year.
(6/18/07) Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) will soon introduce the Equitable Access for DC Hunters Act, which would give citizens of the District of Columbia the opportunity to purchase a resident hunting license in Maryland or Virginia.
(6/18/07) Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) will soon introduce the Disabled Veterans Commemorative Stamp Act, a resolution requesting the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp honoring America’s disabled veterans.
(6/18/07) Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) is seeking original co-sponsors for his legislation that would repeal tariffs on imported footwear.
(6/12/07) Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is encouraging his colleagues, in this letter, to publicly disclose their appropriations earmark requests.
(6/12/07) Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and seven of his House Republican colleagues sent this letter to Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), urging further investigation into a pattern of national security leaks to the media.
(6/12/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) released this letter, announcin his intention to offer a 1% across-the-board cut amendment on each appropriations bill this year.
(6/12/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) sent this Dear Colleague letter, seeking original co-sponsors on the Tax Increase Prevention Act, which would make the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts permanent.
(6/12/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent this letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Rob Portman, expressing concern with the Democrat plan to put earmarks only in appropriations conference reports, where they cannot be challenged or removed.
(6/12/07) Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) introduced the Government Neutrality in Contracting Act (H.R. 2558), which would prohibit union-only Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on federally-funded construction projects and increase competition for such contracts. Click here for more information:
(6/12/07) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) issued this statement in response to North Korea’s short-range missile tests last week.
(5/4/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) is seeking original co-sponsors for the reintroduction of the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act (H.R. 5 in the 109th Congress), which is aimed at reducing the burden the legal system places on health care.
(5/4/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) released this bulletin introducing a resolution (H.Res. 367) commemorating the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and honoring the more than 58,200 Americans listed on the monument.
(5/29/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), and Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) reintroduced the Family Budget Protection Act (H.R. 2084), the signature RSC effort to put a lid on federal spending and make the federal budget simpler and enforceable.
(5/29/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) put out this press release, applauding the inclusion of language closing the gift ban loophole in the lobbying reform bill (H.R. 2316).
(5/29/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) also sent this “Dear Colleague” seeking co-sponsors for a House Rules change (H.Res. 284) that would allow a point of order against false certifications that there are no earmarks in a bill.
(5/29/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) issued this bulletin, condemning the Democrat leadership’s decision not to make in order his amendment to the lobbying reform bill (H.R. 2316) to prohibit former Members of Congress, congressional aides, or anyone else convicted of a felony from becoming a registered lobbyist.
(5/29/07) Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) circulated this op-ed by former Rep. Bill Archer (R-TX) and former Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-TX) about the dangers of gas price controls.
(5/29/07) Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) released this “Dear Colleague” letter, announcing that he will soon introduce the Real Access to College Education Act, which would provide an above-the-line tax deduction to students for the actual cost of tuition, room, board, and other qualified educational expenses up to $13,150.
(5/21/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and dozens of his colleagues in the House sent this letter to House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY), urging the committee to consider H.R. 471, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act , during the 110th Congress.
(5/21/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) circulated this release as he criticized the Democrat Rules Committee for not making in order his amendments to s
trip certain earmarks from the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585).
(5/21/07) Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) issued this press release about an amendment he successfully attached to the upcoming lobbying reform bill (H.R. 2316) that would prohibit law firms or lawyers who are currently being paid for services by Congress from lobbying members, committees, or employees of Congress.
(5/21/07) Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), ranking Republican Member of the House Budget Committee, released this letter, chiding Democrats for passing the final version of their fiscal year 2008 budget that would increase spending, raise taxes, and fail to protect Social Security as it heads toward bankruptcy.
(5/14/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) circulated this slide presentation on the consequences to the economy of the cap-and-trade proposal to reverse global warming.
(5/14/07) Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) distributed this "Dear Colleague" as he continues to highlight the problem of America not having enough visas for highly-skilled legal immigrants.
(5/14/07) Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) circulated this "Dear Colleague" letter in an effort to prohibit mortgages for illegal immigrants (H.R. 480).
(5/14/07) Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA) is seeking co-sponsors for the Appropriations Transparency Act (H.R. 1733), which would create a parliamentary hurdle to earmarks “airdropped” into a conference report.
(5/14/07) Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) is seeking co-sponsors for the Clay Moore Kidnapping Prevention Act (H.R. 1735) , which would increase penalties against illegal aliens who harm children.
(5/7/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) reintroduced the Reaffirmation of American Independence Resolution (H.Res. 372), which would resolve that U.S. judicial decisions should not be based on any foreign laws, court decisions, or government pronouncements.
(5/7/07) Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) circulated this entertaining “Dear Colleague” letter about his Tax Me More Act.
(5/7/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking original co-sponsors for the Health Insurance Affordability Act, which would allow taxpayers to deduct the premiums of high-deductible health insurance plans associated with Health Savings Accounts.
(5/7/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) reintroduced the Free Flow of Information Act (H.R. 2102), which would provide protections for journalists against the compelled disclosure of confidential sources in certain circumstances.
(5/7/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 131) commemorating the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and the 59th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
(5/7/07) Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) issued this paper on the critical need for missile defense.
(4/30/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed about the need for more local control of education.
(4/30/07) Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) joined with House colleagues in letters to President George W. Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, asking them to preserve the rights of American citizens by enforcing immigration laws and preventing the automatic legalization of millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States.
(4/30/07) Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA) is seeking co-sponsors for the Withholding Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1023), which would repeal a new 3% tax withholding requirement on government payments to vendors.
(4/30/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced the Individual Social Security Investment Program Act (H.R. 2002) , which would give people born after 1950 the option of diverting their share of the payroll tax (6.2%) into a personal retirement account.
(4/30/07) Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) wrote this op-ed in Human Events, which assesses how Democrats have used their new majority on behalf of taxpayers:
(4/30/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) circulated the following “Dear Colleague” letter about new nonpartisan research showing that the “cap-and’-trade” proposal for carbon dioxide emissions would harm consumers and workers.
(4/30/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), in light of the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court will soon strike down a portion of the infamous McCain-Feingold/Shays-Meehan campaign finance regulation law, is seeking co-sponsors for the First Amendment Restoration Act (H.R. 71) which would legislatively do what the Court is considering doing.
(4/23/07) Numerous RSC Members cheered the U.S. Supreme Court’s upholding of the federal ban on partial-birth abortion. Read some of their statements here:
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD)
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT)
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC)
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)
Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN)
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL)
Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK)
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
(4/23/07) Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) wrote the this op-ed on the need to view the war on terrorism as a war against jihadist ideologues.
(4/23/07) Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 117) commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in
North America.
(4/23/07) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) wrote this op-ed on the 12-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and its lessons for today.
(4/16/07) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote this op-ed on the American Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
(4/16/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his "egregious earmark of the week," which could lead to a slippery slope of spending.
(4/9/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) blogged in USA Today about the progress he has personally witnessed in Iraq.
(4/9/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) is seeking original co-sponsors for the AMT Middle Class Fairness Act, which would index the parameters of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for inflation and allow those who would still be subject to the AMT to deduct their state and local taxes from the AMT.
(4/9/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced the Fairness in Firearms Testing Act (H.R. 1791), which would give U.S. gun manufactures access to video documentation of their products' testing at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
(4/9/07) Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) wrote this op-ed against the Democrat reliance on tax increases to balance the federal budget.
(4/2/07) Numerous RSC Members issued statements condemning the Democrat budget resolution that passed last week, which would provide for the largest tax increase in American history. See a sampling of the statements here:
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT)
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Mary Fallin (R-OK)
Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID)
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
(4/2/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced legislation to close a loophole in House rules regarding the definition of earmarks. Click here to read more.
(4/2/07) Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) reintroduced the Stop the Omnibus Pork (STOP) Resolution to end the practice of combining individual appropriations bills into one omnibus spending bill. Click here to learn more.
(4/2/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) introduced the Data Security Act (H.R. 1685), which would apply uniform standards for protection against, and disclosure of, potential data security breaches.
(4/2/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) prepared this entertaining visual to show how the Democrat tax-increase proposals this year are not all that different from their tax-increase proposals when they last controlled Congress.
(3/26/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) announced that he will try to force a vote in the House, requiring that Congress fully fund all troops in harm's way, with a discharge petition on his bill to support the armed forces, H.R. 511. Click here to learn more. To see who has signed on to the discharge petition thus far, click here.
(3/26/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) wrote this op-ed in Human Events on the unconstitutionality of the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433) that came to (but was pulled from) the House floor the week of March 19th.
(3/26/07) Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) is seeking co-sponsors on his bill (H.R. 1586) to fully repeal the death tax. Click here to read more.
(3/26/07) Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) is seeking original co-sponsors on the Parent's Right to Know Act, which would require Title 10 clinics to notify parents five days before providing contraceptives to minors. For more information, click here.
(3/26/07) Rep. Stevan Pearce (R-NM) introduced the Protecting Americans Fighting Terrorism Act (H.R. 1640), which would provide liability protection for Americans who responsibly report suspicious activity. Click here for more details.
(3/19/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) critiqued the Democrat strategy on the war in Iraq. Click here to read more.
(3/19/07) Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) introduced two bills aimed at restoring fiscal discipline in Washington, DC. The Government Waste Reduction Act (H.R. 1121) would reduce spending across the board and require in law that all increases in mandatory spending be offset with reductions in other spending. The Emergency Spending Control Act (H.R. 1122) would more narrowly define what constitutes "emergency" spending. Learn more at these two links.
(3/19/07) Rep. Michael Conaway (R-TX) introduced the Federal Programs Offset Resolution (H.Res. 14), which would amend House Rules to require that any bill or joint resolution that creates a new federal program would have to also eliminate one or more existing federal program of equal or greater cost. Click here to read more.
(3/19/07) Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) circulated this striking map visually demonstrating which countries have the most oil.
(3/19/07) Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act (H.R. 989), which would establish that sellers be liable in proportion to their actual wrongdoing in the event of an accident, injury, or other such incident. Click here for more details.
(3/19/07) Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) circulated two Wall Street Journal editorials, one regarding the hypocrisy of some critics of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' firing of U.S. attorneys, and one regarding the extremely high frequency with which the Supreme Court of the United States overturns or vacates decisions made by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
(3/19/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) spotlighted his "egregious earmark of the week," which is certainly all wet.
(3/12/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) applauded last week's ruling by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in Parker v. District of Columbia, overturning DC's gun ban. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) is seeking original co-sponsors on a House Rules change requiring House committees to post their roll-call votes on their websites within 48 hours. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) was denied the opportunity to offer an amendment to stop secret voting in the House Rules Committee. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) is continuing his effort to repeal the telephone tax. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced legislation (H.R. 1342) to suspend the visa waiver program until certain entry-exit control requirements are met. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) introduced the Trade Promotion Authority Extension and Enhancement Act (H.R. 1042), which would extend Trade Promotion Authority for five years and provide for its automatic renewal, unless Congress affirmatively stops it.
(3/12/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) successfully amended a Gulf Coast relief package (H.R. 1227) that the House Financial Services Committee passed last week to include provisions that fight fraud and prohibit illegal aliens from taking jobs away from American workers. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) introduced legislation (H.R. 1390) to require Senate confirmation of an individual appointed to serve as the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. Click here to read the bill text.
(3/12/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) successfully amended a water-projects bill (H.R. 569) on the House floor to reduce the authorizations by nearly $100 million. Click here for more information.
(3/12/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced the Parental Right to Decide Protection Act (H.R. 1153), which would prohibit federal funds from being used to implement mandatory state human-papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs.
(2/28/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) was a featured speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. on March 1, 2007. To read his speech, click here.
(2/28/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) re-introduced the Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act (H.R. 1261), which would index for inflation the cost basis used in calculating the capital gains tax (and thus end this tax on inflation).
(2/28/07) Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) argued against allowing the federal government to intervene in prescription drug pricing in this piece.
(2/22/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wrote this op-ed on the restoration of core Republican principles.
(2/22/07) Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) will soon reintroduce legislation to make the purchase of dietary supplements and meal replacement products eligible to be paid for out of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Click here for more information.
(2/22/07) Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) introduced the Federal Agency Data Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 516), which would require federal agencies to restrict access to sensitive material, such as Social Security numbers, medical records, and other personal information.
(2/22/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 158) to observe the end of the British slave trade and honor anti-slavery activist William Wilberforce.
(2/22/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced the Armed Forces Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1085) and the Strengthening America's Military Families Act (H.R. 1086). The Armed Forces Tax Relief Act would exempt pay earned by servicemembers in a combat zone from employment taxes, such as the payroll taxes on Social Security and Medicare. The Strengthening America's Military Families Act would allow the spouses of servicemembers currently fighting in a combat zone to claim the same federal income tax exemption as the servicemember. Click here for more information.
(2/20/07) On February 13, 2007, RSC Member and long-time conservative activist, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA), succumbed to cancer. RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) released this statement in honor of Rep. Norwood.
(2/20/07) Various RSC Members, as part of their membership in the Victory in Iraq Caucus, released these statements opposing the Democrat resolution on Iraq (H.Con.Res. 63) last week.
(2/20/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), Korean and Vietnam Wars veteran and former POW, led an RSC block of debate time during last week's consideration of the Democrat resolution on Iraq and also delivered this closing statement at the end of all debate on the resolution.
(2/20/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote this Washington Times op-ed on Iraq, in which he urges people to "give [the President's] new [Iraq] strategy a chance."
(2/20/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed on Iraq, in which he argues that victory in Iraq requires "resolve."
(2/20/07) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) and Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) wrote a series of "Dear Colleague" letters pointing out the intellectual inconsistency in the Democrat resolution on Iraq. To see one such letter, click here.
(2/20/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) asked the Democrats, "Where's the Love?" Click here for more information.
(2/20/07) Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) called the Education and Labor Committee's passage of legislation (H.R. 800) removing an employee's right to a secret ballot election for union representation an "unprecedented assault on democracy." Click here for more information.
(2/20/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) applauded the Bush Administration for instructing federal agencies to ignore earmarks that have not been included in statutory language. Click here for more information.
(2/20/07) Rep. Bill Sali (R-ID) wrote this op-ed, in which he argues that raising the federal minimum wage is "an action that simply can't be justified under the U.S. Constitution."
(2/20/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) reintroduced legislation (H.R. 75) to restore recognition of the federal holiday for George Washington's Birthday (rather than President's Day). February 22, 2007 is the 275th anniversary of George Washington's birth.
(2/20/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) is seeking co-sponsors for the Nuclear Family Priority Act (H.R. 938), which would close the "chain migration loophole" in immigration law, through which the extended families of legal immigrants are obtaining visas to come to America.
(2/20/07) R.C. Luis Fortuño (R-PR) is seeking co-sponsors for a resolution (H.Con.Res. 50), calling on the Government of Venezuela to uphold the human rights and civil liberties of the people of Venezuela.
(2/20/07) Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) will soon introduce legislation requiring that all proceedings of the Supreme Court of the United States be televised. Click here for more information.
(2/8/07) Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) is seeking original co-sponsors for the Stealth Tax Relief Act, which would extend for one year last year's increased exemption from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
(2/8/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) is urging President Bush to pardon two border patrol agents in jail who were "unjustly prosecuted for doing their jobs."
(2/8/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced this legislation (H.R. 937) to withhold U.S. funds from the United Nations Development Program.
(2/8/07) Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) sent this letter to Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), expressing concerns over last week's hearing on defense contractor Blackwater's responsibility for a recent ambush of American contractors in Fallujah, Iraq.
(2/8/07) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) wrote this op-ed on how failure in Iraq is not an option.
(2/8/07) Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) is seeking co-sponsors for the Seniors' Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 432), which would allow seniors to file their federal income taxes on a new, simplified form.
(2/5/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is seeking original co-sponsors for a resolution to close a loophole in House Rules allowing state and local governments to give unlimited gifts to Members of Congress and their staffs.
(2/5/07) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Savings for Seniors Act (H.R. 581), which would protect any surplus Social Security funds. Click here for more information.
(2/5/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act (H.R. 471), which would make permanent the $10,000 child adoption tax credit, which is set to expire in 2010. Click here for more information.
(2/5/07) Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) will soon introduce the Ready Employers Willing to Assist Reservists' Deployment (REWARD) Act, which would provide incentives for more employers to fully support our National Guard troops and Reservists who are called away from their jobs and families to active duty. Click here for more information.
(2/5/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is seeking original co-sponsors for legislation requiring the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) to use dynamic economic modeling to account for how macroeconomic forces affect revenue bills (i.e. to show how tax cuts don't lose-or lose as much-revenue as standard modeling predicts). Click here for more information.
(2/5/07) Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) is seeking co-sponsors for the Social Security Totalization Agreement Reform Act (H.R. 279), which would require explicit approval from Congress before any Social Security totalization agreement could take effect. Currently, an agreement automatically goes into effect unless Congress explicitly disapproves. For more details, click here:
(2/5/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking original co-sponsors on a resolution to support President Bush's new strategy in Iraq and express the commitment of the U.S. House to victory in Iraq and the Global War on Terror. Click here for more information:
(2/5/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) issued this reaction to the formal release of President Bush's fiscal year 2008 budget proposal today.
(1/29/07) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) is seeking co-sponsors for the Leadership PAC Reform Act (H.R. 486), which would prevent the use of political action committee (PAC) funds for personal purposes.
(1/12/07) Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) introduced the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 636), which would allow for 100% tax deductibility for individuals' medical expenses, including non-employer-provided expenses.
(1/12/07) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) wrote this op-ed, describing the proposed Democrat changes to Medicare as "Hillarycare."
(1/12/07) Rep. John Campbell (R-CA), the RSC Budget and Spending Taskforce Chairman, will soon introduce the Internet Consumer Protection Act, which would make permanent the current ban on taxing Internet access.
(1/12/07) Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) is seeking co-sponsors for the Tax Relief for Families Act (H.R. 411), which would make permanent some of the most popular Bush tax cuts, including marriage penalty relief and the college tuition deduction.
(1/12/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) are seeking original co-sponsors for the Reaffirmation of American Independence Resolution, which would advise the federal courts not to use foreign law when interpreting U.S. law.
(1/12/07) Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) will soon reintroduce the Zero Baseline Budget Act, which would eliminate any automatic increases in the budget baseline for inflation, or for any other reason, and exclude emergency and supplemental spending.
(1/12/07) Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) will soon reintroduce the Secret Ballot Protection Act, which would guarantee union workers the right to a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor elations Board, while prohibiting unions from being recognized based on a card check campaign.
(1/12/07) Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) will soon reintroduce the Peremptory Challenge Act, which would allow peremptory challenges to be exercised against federal judges in both criminal and civil cases.
(1/12/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) wrote this op-ed in Human Events against the proposed Social Security totalization agreement with Mexico.
(1/19/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) reintroduced legislation (H.R. 63) to suspend the FDA's approval of the abortion drug RU-486. Click here to read more.
(1/19/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) will soon introduce legislation that would prohibit federal agencies from funding earmarks, unless they are contained in the actual legislative text of the bill signed into law, regardless of whether they are listed in a committee report. Click here and here for more information.
(1/19/07) Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced legislation (H.R. 511) to reaffirm Congress' support for the troops deployed in a theater of war and Congress' commitment to providing them with the necessary resources to accomplish their mission. Click here to read more.
(1/19/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) sent this letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, urging that all funding requests for the Global War on Terrorism be submitted as part of President Bush's regular budget request and be as reflective as possible of the real costs of the war.
(1/19/07) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote this op-ed about the need to get serious about entitlement reform.
(1/19/07) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and 13 other House Members sent this letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, calling for broad administrative and political reforms at the UN.
(1/19/07) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) reintroduced a bill (H.R. 77) that would change the IRS tax filing day from April 15th to the first Monday in November. Click here for more information.
(1/16/07) Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote this Wall Street Journal op-ed on Social Security reform entitled, "No New Taxes."
(1/16/07) Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) will soon introduce two bills that had been championed by former Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN): the Marriage Protection Act and the Public Expression of Religion Act. To learn more, click here and here.
(1/16/07) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) released this analysis of the amendments allowed to be offered to the Contract with America legislation in 1995, in sharp contrast to the Democrats' 100-Hour Agenda, which is being considered under closed procedures.
(1/16/07) Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) highlighted an omission from last week's minimum wage increase legislation, which he points out may have been crafted to protect a major corporation in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's congressional district.
(1/16/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) pointed out Democrat hypocrisy on Iraq.
(1/16/07) Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking co-sponsors on the Sunlight Act (H.R. 170), which would require that various aspects of the legislative process be more transparent to the public.
(1/16/07) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) will soon introduce the Tax Code Termination Act, which would sunset the entire federal tax code in 2010 and require the implementation of an entire new code then.
(1/16/07) Rep. John Carter (R-TX) introduced legislation to prevent the Social Security Administration from paying benefits on unauthorized or illegal work.
(1/16/07) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act, which would make permanent the $10,000 child adoption tax credit, set to expire in 2010.
(1/11/07) Democrat In-fighting: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) denounced House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) House-passed earmark disclosure requirements after Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) tried to add it as an amendment to the Senate's legislative transparency bill. Click here to read a statement about this Democrat in-fighting from RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX).
(1/8/07) RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) praised President Bush's fiscal and budget objectives outlined last week. Click here to read Rep. Hensarling's full statement.
(1/8/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) similarly applauded President Bush's call for increased earmark reform. Click here for Rep. Flake's statement.
(1/8/07) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) referred to the Democrats' "pay-as-you-go" budget plans as a "spend-and-tax-as-you-go" plan. Click here to read more.
(1/8/07) Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), along with Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), offered a "Minority Bill of Rights" amendment to the House Rules package. The amendment failed. Click here and here learn more.
(1/8/07) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) will soon introduce this legislation preventing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from using its funds for recreation, crisis counseling, or self-esteem-building efforts.
(1/8/07) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) is seeking co-sponsors on the Robo Calls Off Phones (Robo COP) Act (H.R. 248), which would direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations of the Do-Not-Call registry to allow people to block calls with politically-oriented recorded messages. Click here to read more.
(1/8/07) Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) is seeking co-sponsors for the Public Trust and Accountability Act (H.R. 232), which would deny retirement benefits to any federal employee, including elected officials and judges at all levels, who is convicted of an abuse-of-power crime. Click here for more information.
(1/2/07) Various RSC Members released reactions to the execution of Saddam Hussein. Click on the member's name below to read their statement:
Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
(1/2/07) Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) announced that he will re-introduce the Right to Life Act in the 110th Congress, which would implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human being. To see the text of the legislation from the 109th Congress, click here.
(1/2/07) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) announced that he will re-introduce the Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment in the 110th Congress. For more information, click here (summary) and here (bill text).
(1/2/07) Rep. Roger Wicker (R-MS) wrote this op-ed on the high stakes of the ongoing multilateral talks with North Korea.
(1/2/07) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted his "egregious earmark of the week," which may give you the chill.
