- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

February 2, 2009

No More Pork Barrel Spending

I understand that families across America are facing extraordinary challenges and hardships. People are anxious about their jobs, the cost of their mortgage and putting food on the table. Now more than ever, families and small businesses need their leaders in Washington to work together to create a plan that will help support long-term job creation and strengthen our economy.

Unfortunately last week, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Majority passed a “stimulus” package that will neither create jobs nor grow the economy. In fact, the Democrat Stimulus is wasteful Washington spending at its absolute worst. Congress needs to be honest with the American taxpayers and inform them of some of the facts that were ignored when passing this legislation. This bill contains a wish list of pork barrel spending projects like cars for federal employees, digital TV coupons and money for the arts. I fail to see how $335 million of American tax dollars allocated to treat and prevent sexually transmitted diseases will create jobs or stimulate the economy.  In a time of large deficits and economic difficulties, this spending does not deliver any bang for the bucks. I attempted to curb this outrageous spending by introducing an amendment that would reduce the cost of this bill by more than $350 billion.  Unfortunately, my amendment did not pass the House of Representatives.

Rather than simply vote in support of more spending, I voted for the Republican alternative which economists predict would create 6.2 million jobs over the next two years through responsible tax policy that encourages families and employers to save, invest and be more productive.  I voted for an alternative that would empower the people of the 19th Congressional District rather than make them more dependent on the federal government.

I believe Congress must draw the line somewhere. We cannot keep using our credit card, expanding our national debt and leveraging our children and grandchildren’s future. I believe the people of the West Texas and the Big Country deserve a better plan from the federal government.

Remembering Buddy Holly

Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Although their lives were cut tragically short, we honor their profound influences on rock and roll music. We particularly remember the singer-songwriter Buddy Holly, one of West Texas’ finest.

Charles Hardin Holley, known professionally as Buddy Holly, was born into a musical family in Lubbock, Texas. At an early age, Holly learned to play instruments like the guitar, piano and fiddle. While growing up in Lubbock, Holly attended Hutchinson Junior High School and Lubbock High School where he expanded his interest in music.

Throughout his short life, Buddy Holly wrote and recorded prolifically. Unfortunately, many of his songs did not receive recognition until after his tragic and untimely death. On February 3, we remember the life and achievements of the late Buddy Holly, a true icon of rock and roll music.

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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.