E-Newsletter

Following President Obama’s address to Congress, I got the impression that his jobs plan was an all or nothing proposition. Read more »

Over the weekend, the United States marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Like many of you, I distinctly remember where I was when the first plane hit. I was in my office and my assistant, who was watching the television, called me into her office. We wondered how a plane could have been so far off course as to hit a building. When we saw the second plane approach, we knew the United States of America was under attack and that our country would never be the same. Read more »

As I have traveled around the 9th District this month, jobs continue to be the topic of conversation. Regardless of whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, job creation is one of the most important issues facing our nation. Unemployment is hovering at 9 percent. Even after the cuts Congress has made this year, our deficit is projected to reach nearly $1.3 trillion. And American businesses are being strangled by regulatory red tape. Read more »

As we approach Labor Day 2011, why can’t Washington understand how to create more jobs in the USA? It seems basic to me. Get out of the way and the American spirit will find ways to create jobs. Businesses could get the certainty they need to create jobs if Washington would assure businesses that if they invest in America today, the rules and regulations that apply to that business will not change for the worse tomorrow. Read more »

Recently, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the individual health insurance mandate at the center of Obama Care is unconstitutional. The individual mandate requires that most Americans purchase health insurance by 2014 or face penalties. The U.S. Constitution does not give the federal government the power to force the American people to buy health insurance. I have said from the beginning and firmly believe that requiring individuals to purchase health insurance is a direct violation of our nation’s constitutional principles. Read more »

One of my main responsibilities is to represent the interests of the hard-working men and women of the Ninth District in Washington. How can I do that if I don't hear directly from you? It's my job to be accessible and travel to my constituents, not require you to travel far to talk with me and share your ideas. In fact, we spend too much time in Washington with too little to show for it. We’re all better served by going home and listening to what’s on folk’s minds about the issues we are facing rather than listening to the talking points on the lobbyists’ agenda or a pundit’s teleprompter. Read more »

As you know, after several months of negotiations, the House and the Senate passed a deal last week to raise the debt limit. Just when you thought the debt limit debate was over, it turns out it is really just getting started. Over the weekend, the credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s downgraded the United States’ long-term credit rating from AAA to AA+. One reason cited by S&P for the downgrade is that the debt limit plan agreed to by Congress and the Administration “falls short.” I voted no for essentially the same reason. This downgrade is another consequence of our nation’s debt problem. Read more »

As the debt limit debate has unfolded, I have heard from many folks in the 9th District who are rightfully concerned with our nation’s debt and, like I am, are frustrated by Washington’s lack of spending discipline. Last week I made the difficult decision to compromise and voted for Speaker Boehner’s plan. While the Boehner plan was not perfect, it was a realistic approach and a step in the right direction. Among other things, it required passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution before a second increase in the debt ceiling. Read more »

The debt limit debate continues. As I write, let’s review.   House Republican plans: 1) Cut, Cap, and Balance; 2) Speaker Boehner’s plan of Monday, July 25 Senate plans: 1) Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan; 2) “Gang of Six” plan 3) Majority Leader Reid’s plan of Monday, July 25 President’s plan: PRICELESS (i.e. no plan) – Continue running up the government credit card… Read more »

Playing politics with Social Security is unacceptable. Last week President Obama stated that he cannot guarantee Social Security checks will go out after August 2 if a debt limit deal is not reached. I am disappointed by these comments from the President. According to the AARP, Social Security is the principle source of income for nearly two-thirds of older American households receiving benefits.Many folks in the 9th District have worked hard and paid into this system their entire lives. Along with Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security represents a commitment that the government made to current seniors. Read more »