Honoring Veterans, Help in Hiring

A difficult job market is challenging the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have protected America’s interests by serving in the Armed Forces. The unemployment rate for veterans is higher than for non-veterans nationwide. These men and women are extremely capable. They have valuable skills to offer the workplace. They need job opportunities. This week, the U.S. Senate took action to help by passing tax legislation to encourage employers to hire veterans. The proposal builds on previous legislation that... Read more

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A New Record in Housing Authority Salary Abuse

Unfortunately, public housing authorities are proving to be attractive for those who want to feather their nests at taxpayers’ expense. Meanwhile, the federal government writes checks and doesn’t pay much attention to what happens after that. There have been some high-profile examples lately of housing agency directors’ enjoying high salaries and perks, including those in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. This largesse abuses taxpayers and the people who depend on housing authorities for safe, affordable housing. But the now-former executive director of the tiny Chelsea Housing... Read more

 

Attorney General Dodges Questions on Fast and Furious

This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I’m the top Republican, convened a biannual oversight hearing with Attorney General Eric Holder. While any topic could come up, I focused my verbal questions to the Attorney General on Operation Fast and Furious, the disastrous program that allowed guns to fall into the hands of straw purchasers and often be found in the possession of Mexican drug cartels. I’ve been conducting an investigation into this strategy since January. I’ll be following up with... Read more

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Good Government 101: Public’s Right to Know

A bit of wisdom attributed to a 16th century philosopher has nearly become cliché in today’s 21st century information age: Knowledge is power. The Internet and widespread, user-friendly technology allow people from around the world to mobilize, communicate and share unfiltered information and ideas like never before. Going digital has revolutionized consumer behavior, the global economy and the public’s expectations for information. The public’s right to know dates back to America’s founders whose advocacy and altruism planted the seeds of our republic that would create a lasting government created of, by and for the people.  James Madison, hailed as the father of the U.S. Constitution, served as the primary architect of our system of checks and balances and embraced the rights of the individual, saying, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors... Read more