--Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

October 26, 2009

Broken Promises

This week, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Majority, self-described as the “most open” Congress in history, continue to write a trillion dollar government takeover of your health care behind close doors. As your Representative, I would like to be able to provide you a legislative update on the details of this health care bill, but unfortunately the Majority continues its work in secret.

Frustrated with the situation, I have supported several resolutions that demand these negotiations be conducted in the open. Speaker Pelosi should allow these proposals to be brought to the House floor for an up-or-down vote.

• READ THE BILL. Put all bills online for at least 72 hours before they come to a vote. (H. Res. 554)
• BAN “PHANTOM AMENDMENTS.”  Require committees to post bill text online within 24 hours of adoption so other changes made to the bill can be tracked. (H. Res. 835)
• OPEN HEALTH CARE NEGOTIATIONS TO THE PUBLIC. Prevent secret deals behind closed doors and ensure a full and open debate.  (H. Res. 847)

You deserve an open, transparent and accountable government. Previous Congresses, including Republican-led Majorities, have failed to live up to this standard, but it is time to end closed door practices for good.  Your health care is important, and I am committed to bringing sunlight and transparency to the entire legislative process.

Honoring Dyess Air Force Base

October is Energy Awareness Month throughout the federal government.  As the single largest consumer of energy, the U.S. Air Force is frequently challenged with identifying ways to improve its efficiency and energy use while continuing to provide America and her allies the most reliable Air Force in the world. I have introduced H.Res. 845 to recognize the U.S. Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base for their success in achieving energy savings and developing energy-saving innovations during Energy Awareness Month.
 
The Air Force operates 84 major and 82 minor installations worldwide and is supported by more than 700,000 employees.  Their mission requires a global presence that provides a rapid response capability and strategic positioning of its assets.  As the largest user of energy in the federal government consuming significant quantities of energy in executing their mission and keeping the United States and her allies safe, the Air Force has a comprehensive energy policy and strategy that eliminates waste, conserves resources, and seeks new, alternative sources of energy.

Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, has developed several energy saving initiatives, including a system that employs a pond and an ice plant through which water is circulated and then used to cool the installation during the hot summer months, reducing the energy used by the B–1 simulator by over 30 percent, saving more than $239,000.  They developed a way to use previously unusable water to the base through an abandoned pipeline for use on the installation’s golf course, thereby saving more than 160 million gallons of water a year.  All told, in 2008, Dyess Air Force Base reduced its total energy consumption by 16.5 percent and saved the American taxpayer more than $1 million.  Because of these and other initiatives, Dyess leaders will receive the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy and Water Management Award.  Dyess AFB is the only recipient out of 32 award winners that is representing Texas.  

Administration Reverts To Name Calling

President Obama, don't we have bigger issues affecting Americans that should take precedent over your feud with Fox News? While your Administration is focusing on Fox News, Speaker Pelosi is writing a health care bill in secret, the national unemployment rate is approaching 10 percent and the federal deficit is ballooning at over $1.42 trillion dollars. You need to turn your attention to these pressing issues and not worry about those who don’t fall immediately in line such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, doctors and Fox News.

Fox News is a legitimate media source. As citizens of the United States, they have the inherent right to practice free speech.  Blocking them from press events is directly impeding their Constitutional rights. It’s not just Republicans who watch Fox News. Many people around the nation tune in daily to this network.

I encourage the White House to start making good on its campaign promises of “a new era in Washington”. This war of words must stop. It’s time to get back to work on the issues that are directly impacting our nation.

H1N1 Update

Every year a wide range of Americans get the flu. This year, the number of people who are infected with the flu is expected to rise due to the development of the H1N1 virus. As we continue to receive updates, I want to provide you with information about vaccines and also with a few everyday tips to keep you and your family healthy.

According to the CDC, prevention is the first step. In preventing H1N1, the experts recommend you take the same steps as you would with any other flu virus: wash your hands with soap and warm water, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with those who exhibit symptoms, and stay home from work or school if you are sick to prevent the spread of the flu to others. The CDC encourages those who are considered to be a high-risk for H1N1, such as pregnant women and small children, to be especially mindful of personal hygiene and flu-like symptoms.

While vaccine production and distribution have been taking longer than anticipated, availability of the vaccine is expected to increase.  If you are interested in receiving a vaccine for either the seasonal flu or H1N1, click here to find a location near you, and as always, check with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

For more information on H1N1 and prevention tips, I encourage you to visit www.flu.gov. You might also consider checking in with the State of Texas website as well as your local community and school district for further information on local measures being taken against H1N1.

“Question of the Week”

Thanks to your enthusiastic response to the government spending survey, I have decided to post a “Question of the Week” addressing various issues that affect you and our entire nation. You can access this question by visiting my website, and looking in the upper right hand corner of the homepage.

Question of the Week: Do you believe our current health care system is better than the new health care system proposed by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats?

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