-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

April 18, 2011

Fires in West Texas and the Big Country

This past weekend, I traveled throughout and above the 19th district to survey the damage caused by wildfires that have torn through West Texas and the Big Country. I saw acres burned and homes heartbreakingly left in smoke. These fires are a terrible tragedy, and I pray for all those who have lost loved ones, homes, property, or suffered any kind of damage because of these fires. I want to especially thank the men and women of fire departments all over the area, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Forest Service, and all those who have offered help and support the past few weeks to those in need. As usual, I am impressed by and honored to be among citizens of West Texas when faced with difficult situations.

Saturday, Governor Rick Perry requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Texas from President Barack Obama. I will continue to monitor this situation very closely as it develops. Please continue to pray for rain, that these fires will end quickly and that they will not spread for the sake of all Texans at risk.

2012 Spending Debates Have Just Begun

Last week, the House passed the 2012 budget proposed by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan. This budget will cut $6.2 trillion from President’s budget.  It has now been referred to the Democrat-controlled Senate, where it is not likely to pass. However, I hope it will send a clear message to the Senate and President Obama that House Republicans are serious about cutting this deficit, and doing so without raising taxes, as President Obama is proposing to do. Taxing Americans does nothing to address the spending problem in Washington, a concept the President has yet to grasp.   The debt problem this country faces is very serious.  If we do not take the appropriate actions to change our current fiscal path, our children and grandchildren will not enjoy the opportunities we currently have as Americans.

In regards to 2011 funding for the government, Congress finally voted last week on the final funding bill that would cut $39 billion from the President’s budget proposal and fund the government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. I voted against this bill. While I do not see a government shutdown as productive, this proposal does not go far enough, cutting a mere $39 billion against a $1.65 trillion spending deficit for the year.  Equally as important, it did not keep the promise we made to the American people to cut $100 billion from the budget overall, or $61 billion from 2010 levels.  I believe Congress must do better. 

Defunding Planned Parenthood and Repealing ObamaCare

The House also passed two resolutions last week that would eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood and repeal ObamaCare. The Senate voted on these two resolutions as well, but they did not pass. The American people have spoken loud and clear about these two issues, and Senate Democrats are not listening. It is time to remove funding for a health care plan that will cost trillions and not allow individuals and families to choose their own health care plans, and stop federal funding for an organization that advocates actions that many Americans do not support. As for my future actions regarding these two issues, I will continue to vote against federal funding for them at every opportunity presented to me.

Question of the Week

“Do you support Governor Perry’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from President Obama?”

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:

“Do you support the budget agreement to keep the government running for the remainder of 2011?”

Yes – 23.8%
No – 72.2%
Undecided – 3.8%

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As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. Please forward the Roundup to anyone who might enjoy hearing updates from DC. 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.