I will fight any effort to further infringe on the Second Amendment rights of American citizens, whether it is legislation or executive action by the President. I am open to having a conversation about ways in which our nation can address mental health issues and reduce violence, but I will not stand by while the President and others try to restrict the rights of law-abiding American citizens.
[read more]Yesterday, I voted against a treaty that would have jeopardized U.S. sovereignty and the ability of American families to make decisions on their own regarding what is best for them and their family members. The stated goal of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Treaty was to protect the rights of the disabled, but in reality it would have done nothing to strengthen existing laws and protections and would have had the adverse effect of opening up our laws to international inspection and review from countries such as Cuba, China, and Syria among others. America is already a beacon to the rest of the world when it comes to caring for citizens with disabilities, why would we allow nations with such abysmal human rights records to have a say in how we care for our own disabled citizens?
I strongly support the rights and protections of disabled American citizens, and I am proud that our nation has concrete and robust laws in place to advance the cause of the disabled. During my time in Congress, I have supported – and participated in authoring – laws and programs that make a real difference in the everyday lives of the disabled, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. The United States is a world leader when it comes to care for our disabled citizens, and we do not need to ratify a treaty that jeopardizes our sovereignty to prove that. The best thing we can do is continue to be the gold standard for protecting the rights of those with disabilities and let our example serve to influence other nations to do the right thing as well.
[read more]Every four years, Americans travel to Washington from all corners of the country to witness the swearing-in of our nation’s newly elected President. My office has received numerous requests for information about the upcoming inaugural ceremonies on January 21, 2013, and for those of you interested in attending, there will be plenty to do that day. I encourage you to visit the website for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) for information on the ceremonies and events. That website is: http://inaugural.senate.gov/
Tickets are required to attend the swearing-in ceremony, and we are maintaining a list of everyone who asks for tickets. You are welcome to contact my office at 202-224-3154 to be added to this list, but we have already received more requests than the number of tickets we expect to be allotted. However, the JCCIC plans to expand the public viewing areas of the swearing-in for visitors who do not have tickets and immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, the Inaugural Parade will take place along Pennsylvania Avenue. Tickets are not required to view the parade.
I wish you safe and warm travels to Washington D.C.
Senator Richard Burr
[read more]Today’s monthly jobs report is further proof of what many Americans already know: the Administration’s policies are hurting our economy and stifling job creation.
Only 96,000 jobs were added last month, far below economists’ expectations, and far below 2011’s monthly average of 153,000. 23.1 million Americans remain unemployed or underemployed, and 5 million Americans have been out of work for more than a year now.
The only remotely good news is that the unemployment rate dropped from the 8.3% to 8.1%, but even that number isn’t encouraging because it doesn’t include the people who gave up looking for work entirely. Since the federal government only counts people as unemployed if they are actually looking for a job, this drop in the unemployment rate isn’t indicative of the actual situation as it does not count the 368,000 Americans who dropped out of the workforce entirely and gave up looking for work.
Following several days on the heels of our national debt topping $16 trillion dollars, this jobs report is a clear indication of the lack of will and leadership from the President and Senate Democrats when it comes to our economic recovery.
[read more]Today, for the first time in our history, the national debt reached $16 trillion. This monumental amount is just further proof that, unlike American families across the country who are forced to make tough decisions in order to make ends meet, Washington continues to spend money we do not have and saddles future generations of Americans with greater debt and fewer opportunities. $16 trillion is more than our entire economy, yet we still see no leadership from the President on this issue, and the Senate has failed to produce a federal budget in 3 years to help rein in spending and put our country on a sound fiscal path.
Enough is enough. Washington must curb its out of control spending, and it must do so before we are in an even worse situation than we are today. We are limiting the opportunities of our children and grandchildren because we refuse to make the tough choices necessary to cut spending and start paying down our debt. It is time for Washington to learn from American families and stop spending money it doesn’t have.
[read more]Today, I joined other members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in cosponsoring a resolution that would designate July 26 as United States Intelligence Professionals Day to honor intelligence officers, past and present, for their service and professionalism. These men and women risk their lives in their service to our country, and because of the confidential nature of many of their assignments, they rarely receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. This resolution represents a small way we can acknowledge their vital service to our nation and thank them for their service.
[read more]Today marks the 237th anniversary of the United States Army, and it is with great honor and reverence that I wish them a happy birthday and thank the men and women who serve for all they have done for our country.
From the American Revolution to the current conflicts in the Middle East, America’s Army has fought to ensure our freedom, protect our country, and promote justice and democracy in countries across the world. For centuries, American men and women have selflessly taken up arms to fight for their nation, sacrificing much in service to their fellow Americans. Despite the difficulties and the sacrifices they must make, our military community continues to answer the call with a stoic sense of duty, honor, and patriotism.
On this day, and every day, we give thanks to those who serve in the Army – your service and sacrifice have kept our nation safe, and your courage and dedication inspire us all. Happy birthday, and God bless all who serve.
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