-- Randy’s Round Up --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

January 17, 2011

Back in Session

As Congress returns to work this week, we remain hopeful Representative Giffords and the other shooting victims continue to heal. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  I quote these words spoken by a man whose life we honor today across the United States – Dr. Martin Luther King. I think they are very important words to consider as we continue to pray for all of the victims and their families.

One of the first orders of business this week in Congress will be a vote to repeal the new health care law. This law is perhaps one of the most economically destabilizing pieces of legislation ever signed into law. The law’s implementation will severely impact our Nation’s economic growth, as it places several complex layers of regulations over the most important job creators – America’s small businesses. While political pundits ask what sense it makes for the House to send a repeal bill to the Senate – a Senate with a Democratic majority – my answer is that the American voter sent a clear message on November 2 that they are not happy with lawmakers who craft bills behind closed doors with special interests that compound problems instead of fix them. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has published a very compelling report listing the negative impacts of the health care act on our economy.

The health care system in our country does need reform, but there can be no government health care without funding in the form of taxes or fees, which will hurt small businesses and families. Furthermore, I do not believe the federal government should be able to require individuals to purchase health insurance or any type of product produced by private industry. We need to replace this flawed health care law with real reform that provides more affordable solutions to improve health care access and lower costs. I also believe doctors and hospitals should continue to practice without the burden of the government on their shoulders. My desire is to fix what is broken and leave the pieces that work, like the doctor/patient relationship, alone.

A Great Texas Senator Announces Her Retirement in 2012

My friend and colleague, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson announced last Thursday that she will not run for re-election in 2012. Texas has been blessed with many great Senators, and I consider Senator Hutchinson to be one of the best. She and her staff have worked long hours to help the Lone Star State, and I always value her advice and counsel while performing my duties representing the people of the 19th District. I know all Texans join me in wishing her well with her future endeavors.

Question of the week

"Would you willingly accept cuts to Government programs that you currently benefit from in order to balance the federal budget?"

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

Thank you for your continuing responses to our “Question of the Week”. Here are the results from last week’s question:

Q. Currently, only Congressional Leadership utilizes a security detail. Do you think taxpayer money should be used to pay for security for all Members of Congress?

Yes 8.86%  No 87.34%  Unsure  3.80%

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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.