-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

June 29, 2009

Cap and Tax is a Bad Deal

As many of you know, I voted against Speaker Pelosi’s “National Energy Tax” when the House passed the bill last Friday.  As I said on the House floor during the debate, this bill is not about science or sound policy, but it is really about driving up the cost of energy, sending millions of jobs overseas to countries like India and China, and placing an especially heavy burden on rural America.

The people of the 19th Congressional District want a comprehensive energy plan, not a plan that would cause fuel and electricity to become even more expensive. That is why I support an alternative bill to produce more energy from all sources called the American Energy Act. This ‘all of the above’ energy plan develops more of our domestic resources, invests in renewable and alternative energy sources, offers incentives for better efficiency and conservation, and makes a renewed commitment to clean and emissions-free nuclear energy. Unfortunately the majority did not allow a vote on this sensible American energy solution.

When Americans are already concerned about job security and their family budgets, legislation that would increase energy costs is the wrong approach.  I believe this bill is bad for the 19th Congressional District, bad for the U.S. economy, and doesn’t even begin to solve the serious energy challenges facing our nation. The American people deserve better.

The House-passed bill now moves over to the Senate, which I hope will take a more reasonable and bipartisan approach to energy policy than this “cap and tax” bill.

Celebrating Independence Day

On Saturday, we will gather together with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day. It was on July 4, 1776, that our Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia to declare America’s independence and stand up for their God-given rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Our Founding Fathers strongly believed that we have the religious freedom to worship our God according to our beliefs without fear of persecution.  They also believed in economic freedom and the principle of empowerment rather than entitlement.

Our freedoms were not easily obtained, and there have been forces throughout our history that have tried to take those freedoms away.  As we celebrate the founding of our nation, we should take time to reflect on the principles of its founders and think about what each of us can do to help ensure we maintain our cherished freedoms.

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.