-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

August 27, 2012

An American Hero Dies, but Not His Legacy

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, passed away this weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. A true American hero, he inspired a nation to achieve the unthinkable and represents what is great about our country. Even though he has passed from this earth, his footprints on the moon remain to inspire us to reach farther, to go beyond our limits and discover our potential as a nation. His passing truly is the end of an era.

EPA’s attempt to target Texas struck down by U.S. Court

Last week, a U.S. Court of Appeals struck down a flawed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have hurt electric plants throughout the United States, particularly those in Texas. According to the Clean Air Act, if pollution from one state is causing a neighboring state to fail federal air quality tests, then the EPA can order the upwind state to reduce its emissions that are causing the problem. This rule, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, was supposed to reduce air pollution. However, the EPA tried to take it one step further and impose massive requirements on some states. The Court found that the EPA stretched their authority by dictating how states would reduce emissions instead of allowing states to design their own plans.

EPA regulations continue to be too burdensome for energy producers in our country, and particularly in our state. More regulations from this misguided bureaucracy result in less energy production and fewer jobs. With unemployment above 8 percent, the Obama administration should be doing everything it can to expand the development of our domestic resources, not hinder it by imposing new regulations whenever it can. I am continuing to fight for increased energy production in our country to spur the economic growth we need.

Planned Parenthood Funding Cut in Texas

Last week, a decision by a federal appeals court ensures that taxpayers will not be forced to fund abortion providers in Texas. In March, Governor Perry announced that Texas would forgo federal funding and take over the Women’s Health Program in the state so it could exclude abortion providers and those who advocate for them.  Planned Parenthood, the largest beneficiary of the Women’s Health Program, sued Texas to continue to receive funding from the state. Texas will continue to fund the Women’s Health Program, which provides low-income women with health care options, family planning services and annual exams, but will cut off funding to Planned Parenthood and other organizations linked to abortion providers.

I support the Court’s decision, and do not believe taxpayer money should ever subsidize organizations that advocate for elective abortion. This decision is a victory for all of those who value the sanctity of life, and I am proud to be a strong voice for the unborn in Congress.

Action Item of the Week

As a new school year begins this week, I want to wish every student in the 19th District of Texas a successful and prosperous year of learning, growing, and achieving. I’m proud to represent the students, administrators and professors that choose to live in a district that is known for its extraordinary educational institutions. Beginning a new school year is an exciting time, and I wish you all the best.