Jack Kingston

Last week, the company that developed the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, brought one to Capitol Hill for the Members to see.  The MRAP vehicle will protect our troops from roadway bombs and IEDs.  Jack went over to take a look.  You can check out some other pictures HERE.

Yesterday, Jack addressed the House during debate on HR 2419, the 2007 Farm Bill.

While he praised the committee for working with our office and other members of Georgia’s congressional delegation to ensure that issues facing cotton, peanuts, and fruits and vegetables were addressed with sound legislation, Jack raised a number of concerns.

1. Tax Increase - The Democrats’ proposal would significantly increase taxes.  The benefits of the proposed tax increase would not go towards helping our Nation’s farmers but towards expanding entitlement programs.  In addition, it was not vetted through the House Ways and Means Committee which is charged with reviewing and reporting on any legislation that would change the tax code.
2. Food Stamp Privatization - As reported to the House, the bill blocks the privatization of USDA services, a major blow to states like Indiana which have sought to privatize their food stamp program as a means to reduce government bureaucracy and get more money to the people who benefit from the program.  As the Republican Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Jack has participated in a number of hearings on privatization and found that many in the agriculture community support the initiative.
3. Union Payoff - The bill would also require plants producing ethanol to use unionized employees, thereby increasing the cost of achieving energy independence for America.
4. FSA Office Closings Blocked - The bill blocks the closings of Farm Service Agency county offices, an initiative of the FSA to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy in order to get more funding and better services to its customers.  Currently, 58 offices have now employees but continue to cost the American taxpayers an estimated $3 million dollars annual which could go towards improving services provided to family farmers across the Nation.

HR 2419 passed the House today, by a vote of 231-191.  As his concerns were never addressed, Jack voted against the bill.

To view Jack’s remarks, click below.

Yesterday evening, Georgia’s newest Member of Congress, Dr. Paul Broun, was sworn in to represent Georgia’s 10th Congressional District.  The seat has been vacant since the death of Mr. Norwood.

Jack had the chance, along with Congressman Lewis, to introduce Dr. Broun to his new colleagues.  To view a clip of the video, click on the picture below.

Yesterday, the Dow Jones Industrial average crossed 14,000 for the first time ever yesterday.  A New York Post editorial hits the nail on the head when it comes to the Democrats:

“All of them want to repeal his tax cuts.  Which would be a big mistake.  The verdict is in on those cuts:  nothing but stupendous.”

Last week, three Congressional veterans spoke to a group of Republican interns at the Capitol.  The event was part of the Second Annual Summer Intern Series titled “Better Know A Republican” founded by Rep. Jack Kingston.  Representatives Wayne Gilchrest, Gresham Barrett and Steve Buyer were all present to speak on topics including their war experiences, integrity in the workplace and even the controversial immigration bill.

Rep. Gilchrest was the first speaker and he kicked off the event speaking about integrity and honesty on the Hill. He represents the First District of Maryland and saw action in the Dominican Republic and later served during during the Vietnam War.  Rep. Barrett of South Carolina stressed the importance of relationships on Capitol Hill.  He also stated that if he could pass any piece of legislation today, it would that every man and woman should do some form of public service.  He believes everyone should serve our country and work to better it.

Finally, Rep. Steve Buyer of Indiana spoke about his visit to Normandy and his walk among the graves there.  He concluded the event strongly with a question to all the interns - “Now I ask you, were the sacrifices of those soldiers so many years ago any different from the sacrifices of the men and women fighting today?”  He also encouraged the interns to search for an inspiration to lead.  Rep. Buyer stated that “critics will always be critics” and it doesn’t take much to be one, but a leader must surpass their disapproval to make a difference.

The event was a huge success with many interns remarking on how much they enjoyed the event as well as their newfound desire to make a difference.

There’s an excellent op-ed piece in today’s Boston Herald that highlights the comments by presidential candidate John Edwards that the War on Terror is a bumper sticker and a political slogan in contrast to this past weekend’s events in London and Scotland.  You should check it out.

From the article:

When you’re slogging through the security line at Logan this summer, the heady scent of strangers’ feet wafting about you, try to remember what those cheerful TSA professionals are really looking for.  Bumper stickers.  In Scotland, flames billowed from the Glasgow airport after two men plowed their ‘bumper sticker’ into the terminal.  In London, two more ‘bumper stickers’ were parked outside nightclubs but fortunately, failed to detonate.

   �