Washington Post Op-Ed: Republicans’ Road BackPosted by GOP Leader Press Office on November 7th, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110602568.html While Republicans are disappointed by Tuesday’s results, we respect the American people’s decision and pledge to work with President-elect Barack Obama when it is in the best interest of our nation. Some Democrats and pundits may want to read Tuesday’s results as a repudiation of conservatism — a sign that Republicans should give Democrats on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue a free ride. I don’t see it that way, and neither should Republicans across the country. The next four years are critical to the future of our families, our economy and our country, and we have a responsibility to rebuild our party by fighting for the principles of freedom, opportunity, security and individual liberty — the principles upon which the GOP was founded. Recommitting ourselves to these principles means two things: vigorously fighting a far-left agenda that is out of step with the wishes of the vast majority of Americans and, more important, promoting superior Republican alternatives that prove that we offer a better vision for our country’s future. America is still a center-right country. This election was neither a referendum in favor of the left’s approach to key issues nor a mandate for big government. Obama campaigned by masking liberal policies with moderate rhetoric to make his agenda more palatable to voters. Soon he will seek to advance these policies through a Congress that was purchased by liberal special interests such as unions, trial lawyers and radical environmentalists, and he’ll have a fight on his hands when he does so. In record numbers, Americans voted on Tuesday for a skillful presidential nominee promising change, but “change” should not be confused with a license to raise taxes, drive up wasteful government spending, weaken our security, or give more power to Washington, Big Labor bosses and the trial bar. Americans did not vote for higher taxes to fund a redistribution of wealth; drastic cuts in funding for our troops; the end of secret ballots for workers participating in union elections; more costly obstacles to American energy production; or the imposition of government-run health care on employers and working families. Republicans have a responsibility to offer a better way. We must reaffirm Americans’ faith in our party by reminding them why ours traditionally has been a party of reform rooted in freedom and security. This will not happen overnight. We must make the case one issue at a time, offering solutions to our country’s biggest challenges to earn back the American people’s trust and rebuild our majority. Our most immediate challenge is creating new jobs and getting our economy moving in the right direction again. While Republicans have put forward a plan for economic growth and job creation, congressional Democrats are proposing hundreds of billions of dollars in new government spending masquerading as “economic stimulus.” To rebuild 401(k) plans and keep jobs here at home, we’ll offer tax relief for families and small businesses. And to lower fuel costs and create as many as a million new jobs, we’ll offer a comprehensive plan for more American energy. We’ll also offer health-care reforms that empower patients and doctors, promote a strong military that keeps us on offense to protect the American people, and demand fiscal and ethical reforms to fix a broken Washington tarnished by scandals on both sides of the aisle. We have a responsibility to the American people to make sure our ideals are heard, and we expect these to be vigorous debates. I wasn’t born a Republican. I grew up outside Cincinnati as one of 12 children. Our dad ran a bar. I became a Republican because I believe that if you work hard and believe in yourself, there is nothing you can’t achieve. That’s the American dream. And I look forward to leading Republicans in fighting for it. If we return to our roots, to our belief in freedom, opportunity, security and individual liberty, our party will come back stronger than ever. In Congress, Republicans will work across party lines to find solutions to the immense challenges that confront our nation. But we’ll also stand firmly against policies that violate our principles — the same principles held by the vast majority of American families. We Republicans must renew our nation’s trust in us by offering better alternatives rooted in the reforms that define our party and by fighting for the American dream. House Republicans continue to call for “All of the Above”Posted by Nick on September 12th, 2008
Yesterday another week passed and with it another opportunity for Speaker Pelosi and the House Democratic leadership to offer any meaningful solutions to America’s continuing energy crisis. Although the House stands in recess, two dozen Republicans gathered on the House floor—as they did through the month of August—to demand a vote on H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act. Using an “all of the above” approach, the American Energy Act is a comprehensive bill to lower gas prices, encourage conservation, promote alternative fuels, and increase American energy production. House Republicans made the point loud and clear that when the House returns following Hurricane Ike, Speaker Pelosi owes the American people the vote she’s denied them on comprehensive energy reform. Heard on the House Floor today:
Rather than offering solutions supported by a wide majority of Americans, it now appears that House Democrats will offer a hastily-crafted “no-energy” energy bill written in secret by Democratic leaders and their special interest allies. A “greatest hits” of previously-failed policies and new bad ideas, this latest scheme manages to further lock away American energy, discourage the use of nuclear, clean coal, and alternative fuels, while raising taxes and increasing electricity costs. While Speaker Pelosi works to provide political cover for a divided Democratic caucus, House Republicans will continue working to provide relief to families struggling with high energy costs by promoting an “all of the above” strategy: Gov. Palin with House GOP on the American Energy Tour [3:30]Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 29th, 2008
In July, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and a delegation of 10 House Republicans completed their American Energy Tour, which made a stop at a renewable energy lab in Colorado as well as several energy-rich locations in Alaska to highlight meaningful solutions to help reduce gas prices and break America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. On the trip to Alaska, the GOP members had the pleasure of meeting and discussing the importance of an “all of the above” energy strategy with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) — a photo on the trip below:
8-14 GOP Uprising Live Blog [2:40]Posted by Nick on August 14th, 2008
Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) joined his colleagues again today and delivered closing remarks saying:
As families and small businesses continue to feel the pain at the pump, how much longer will Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats defy the will of the American people for more American-made energy? House Republicans will continue to fight for an “all of the above” energy plan to lower gas prices on the House floor and in local communities across the country. Please check back here tomorrow and follow Leader Boehner on Twitter for updates. 8-14 GOP Uprising Live Blog [11:56]Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 14th, 2008
House Republicans continue their historic revolt today on the House floor:
Energy in the news: Townhall.com
8-13 GOP Uprising Live Blog [3:33]Posted by Nick on August 13th, 2008
8-11 GOP Uprising Live Blog [1:40]Posted by Nick on August 11th, 2008
House Republican Uprising Live Blog Day Three [1:50]Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 6th, 2008
Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT)
Also today in The Hill:
House Republican Uprising Live Blog Day Three [1:35]Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 6th, 2008
Members participating in today’s efforts: House Republican Uprising Live Blog Day Two [12:47]Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 5th, 2008
Headlines from across the country: Los Angeles Times: GOP’ers protest over energy — best show in town More from the House floor: Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO)
Todd Russell Platts (R-PA)
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