-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

January 9, 2012

Protecting Religious Freedom in America

I would like to share some information with you regarding the work my Congressional Prayer Caucus colleagues and I have been doing to protect religious liberty in America and preserve our nation’s rich spiritual heritage. Our initiatives recognize the influence of faith in our nation’s history, protect public prayer, preserve religious freedom for our service members, and defend against attempts to remove religious symbols from the public square. I would like to draw your attention to a few of our achievements this past year.

We introduced legislation to reaffirm our national motto, “In God We Trust,” (H.Con.Res. 13), protect the symbols and traditions of Christmas (H.Res. 489), support the addition of the D-day prayer to the World War II Memorial (H.R. 2070), and acknowledge America’s rich spiritual heritage (H.Res. 211). We also vigorously fought back against attempts to remove “Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance and reversed a policy that prohibited the use of religious items during visits at Walter Reed Medical Center. I look forward to continuing this work in 2012.

Obama’s Recess Appointments

Last week, President Obama appointed Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and named three new members to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The U.S. Constitution allows a President to make recess appointments, but stipulates that both Houses of Congress must be in recess. The Senate is currently in a pro forma session, which means no votes or other formal business is expected, but they have not adjourned for a congressional recess. On Friday, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama questioning the constitutionality of these appointments.

Honoring Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords.  Gabby continues to make great strides in her recovery, and Dana and I look forward to her return to Congress. Our prayers go out to her and her husband, Mark, and to the victims' families. Her determination in overcoming this horrific event serves as an inspiration to all of us.

Agenda in Texas

Until Congress returns to session later this month, I will be traveling through the 19th district and meeting with constituent groups. Today, I attended the grand opening of the new veterans affairs clinic in Abilene. This clinic will be nearly double the size of the current clinic in Abilene and will be able to treat even more veterans who need assistance. I also toured Hendrick Medical Center’s new surgical wing, which will officially open on January 20, 2012, and met with hospital administrators. Later this week, I will be meeting with state legislators from the Lubbock area and, with a Farm Bill on Congress' agenda in 2012, I will meet with many agriculture producers to learn more about their concerns and priorities for this important legislation.  I will also be touring the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University.  Next week, I will be attending the banquet in Abilene honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.