-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

January 31, 2011

Obama’s State of the Union Address

On Tuesday, January 25, 2011, President Obama delivered his second State of the Union Address to members of Congress, and millions of Americans watching on television. The President spoke about his plans to rein in government spending, and place a freeze on non-security domestic spending for the next five years, which would save $400 billion over 10 years. I was glad to hear the President say what Republicans have been saying for years: we cannot continue to borrow money from foreign governments and pile debt onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the President claims to have gotten the message on spending. In his budget proposal last year, President Obama proposed a three-year freeze on many domestic programs that would save $250 billion over the next decade, but no such legislation was ever voted on by the democrat controlled House or Senate. While I am concerned that this year’s proposal will again fail to materialize, I am looking forward to the House continuing to lead the way on much needed spending cuts, like we did last week by voting to cut public financing of elections which will save $617 million over ten years.

After discussing these spending freezes, the President spoke about investing in government programs such as infrastructure, education, and innovation. These ‘investments’ strongly resemble the stimulus spending that continues to fall short of promises while at the same time pile on more debt on future generations. I fear that more of these government subsidies will only encourage entitlements and dependence on the government, rather than independence and individual hard work.

I am optimistic the 112^th Congress can effect radical change that our country needs. Our mission in Congress is clear: reject out-of-control spending and restore fiscal responsibility. We must protect taxpayers so they can create jobs to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Media Events of this Week

I will be on various news shows this week including Fox News Channel’s “Cavuto” with Neil Cavuto on Tuesday at 5:45pm EST as well as Fox Business Channel’s “The Gerri Willis Report” with Gerri Willis on Wednesday 4:45pm EST. I hope you will tune in.

Question of the Week

“I am thinking about obtaining the capability to send text messages to constituents. Do you have the ability to receive text messages?”

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:

“What do you most want to hear the President speak about at tomorrow’s State of the Union Address?”

Economy/Jobs: 13%
Government Spending: 46%
Health Care: 4%
Immigration: 14%
2012 Election: .67%
None of the above: 20%

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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.