-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

February 15, 2010

President's Day Reflections

Over the last year, we have seen an outrageous increase in the size, scope and intrusiveness of the federal government. Perhaps today, more than others, it is fitting that we pause and assess where we have been and where we are headed. Today, we also celebrate the founding principles that make us unique among nations and the presidents who upheld those principles.

As we seek to put our country back on track, we would do well to remember the principles that have guided us to success since the days of our Founding Fathers. Our nation's founding revolution began with the rumblings of discontent. While traveling through West Texas and the Big Country, I have heard it. Texans recognize government waste and abuse when they see it, and they recognize what bailing out every failing business in America means: we're burying generations under piles of debt.

My message is simple. To get America back on track we must restore our Founders principle of empowerment. I vigorously oppose the Obama Administration and the liberal Democratic majority's spending program, but I am also dedicated to offering positive alternatives. This year, I am looking at how we can reduce spending in programs that have unspent stimulus funds.  I’m also looking at programs that continue to receive funding even though the authorization for them has expired.  While none of these efforts alone will eliminate the deficit, we have to start somewhere. 

As President Lincoln wrote in his Annual Message to Congress on December 1, 1862 at a time of defeat, frustration and despair: "Still the question recurs ‘can we do better?'"

These times are piled high with difficulty, and we must rise to the occasion. We must embrace the principles of empowerment and recognize our own accountability. With determination and faith, we, like our Founding Fathers, will empower our citizens and lead our country back to greatness.

District Events in the Week Ahead

This promises to be a busy week in the 19^th Congressional District, full of opportunities to visit businesses and schools, as well as meet with several local government officials and military academy nominees. Throughout the week, I will be talking with employers and constituents about empowerment, strengthening the private sector and guarding against government overreach.

Tomorrow, I will be traveling around the 19^th District to tour the Garza County Health Clinic in Post, meeting with county officials in Kent County, visiting a senior citizen center in Jayton, and touring the Air Tractor, Inc facility in Olney. On Wednesday, I will be in Graham touring North Central Texas College, presenting a flag to the Graham Steers football team, and attending a YOU LEAD event with members of the Graham Chamber of Commerce.

On Thursday, I will present a flag to the Albany High School football team, speak with the Roby Lions Club and visit the Fisher County Hospital. On Friday, I will be in Lubbock to commemorate Black History Month and former councilman T.J. Patterson's service to Lubbock, view new equipment at University Medical Center, visit the La Paloma program and get a first hand look at the work taking place at American Turbine. On Saturday, you can find me at the Lubbock Lions Club Pancake Festival. 

On Sunday and Monday, I will be attending events in Abilene including presenting my resolution, H.Res. 845, which honors Dyess Air Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness Month. In celebration of Black History Month, I will also be touring the Black History Museum and celebrating the lives of influential black leaders in Abilene. Following this event, I will be discussing my empowerment agenda as I visit with PWP Industries.

As I travel through West Texas and the Big Country, I hope you will be able to join me to discuss important issues that are on your mind. Be sure to keep track of my events on my website and Facebook as I travel around the 19th Congressional District. As always, I look forward to seeing you around town.

National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans

National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week is an annual, nationwide program that promotes activities designed to pay tribute and express appreciation to America’s hospitalized veterans. First established as an official VA program in 1978, National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week serves as a valuable public awareness program to help people understand the important role of VA medical facilities and encouraging volunteer activities to help veterans.

I encourage everyone across the 19^th Congressional District to take time beyond this week to recognize the contributions of our service men and women. We owe our soldiers an eternal debt of gratitude. Giving our support to hospitalized veterans and recognizing their service, as we are doing this week, is one important step toward paying that debt.

Question of the Week

Do you think bigger government entitles people or empowers them?

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week's question.

Thanks to everyone who answered last weeks question. Here are the results:

Q: Do you think President Obama's planned Health Care Summit at the White House later this month with both Republican and Democrat Congressional leaders should be an opportunity to start over on health care reform or continue working on the bill already passed by the House?

A: Start Over: 90.51%

Continue with the same bill: 6.96%

I'm not sure: 2.53%

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As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.