Recently both state and national candidates have found that it's easy to make campaign promises but much harder to keep them when elected.
For example, newly elected NC Governor Bev Perdue campaigned on a promise to give free tuition to students entering community college. On her campaign website it says, "Bev also believes that the state should go further and send out the powerful message that all students who graduate from high school and enter a community college full-time will be able to have their tuition waived. Thus our community colleges will become an option of unmatched educational opportunity for high school graduates."
Upon taking the oath of office, Governor Perdue backed away from that promise. Here's what one report said. "Perdue's education platform has already come under fire even before she took office after a News & Observer interview revealed that Perdue would rescind her campaign promise to work for free community college tuition for citizens."I don't believe that my first priority and first accomplishment will be free community college because of the budget [difficulties]," Perdue said. "It's much harder than it was this time last year.""
I am not writing this to be mean. But I do want to point out an important fact. We must hold candidates responsible for what they promise and what they actually deliver. We must look closely at their ability to deliver prior to casting our vote for them. We must vote for substance over style and reality over rhetoric.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Foxx Bailout Legislation Passes House
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx bailout legislation passes House
Legislation disapproves of second half of bailout
Washington, DC—H.J. Res 3, the legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) that would remove Congressional approval for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion TARP bailout, passed the House of Representatives today.
The bipartisan legislation (H.J. Res. 3) passed the House by a vote of 270-155. The legislation is designed to take advantage of a provision in the 2008 bailout law that allows Congress to “disapprove” of the second half of the bailout.
“Since October when Congress granted the previous Administration unfettered access to a taxpayer-funded blank check, we have seen a steady stream of reports outlining the mismanagement, waste, and lack of oversight that was all too predictable during initial consideration of the TARP Megabank bailout,” Foxx said during debate on the legislation (Watch Foxx’s speech today on the House floor here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn_q1CrDlxA).
If taken up and passed by the U.S. Senate, H.J. Res. 3 would bring the TARP bailout to an end. According to the 2008 bailout law, Congress has the power to withhold the second half of the bailout—$350 billion—when the President requests the money. Foxx’s legislation does just that.
“Deliberation, patience, and prudence yielded to panic and the product of those poor decisions has led us to where we are today,” Foxx said. “As a result, the saying ‘Act in haste, repent in leisure’ has assumed a new and expensive meaning. That is why we must reject the wasteful spending of another $350 billion in taxpayer money.”
Foxx bailout legislation passes House
Legislation disapproves of second half of bailout
Washington, DC—H.J. Res 3, the legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) that would remove Congressional approval for the second $350 billion of the $700 billion TARP bailout, passed the House of Representatives today.
The bipartisan legislation (H.J. Res. 3) passed the House by a vote of 270-155. The legislation is designed to take advantage of a provision in the 2008 bailout law that allows Congress to “disapprove” of the second half of the bailout.
“Since October when Congress granted the previous Administration unfettered access to a taxpayer-funded blank check, we have seen a steady stream of reports outlining the mismanagement, waste, and lack of oversight that was all too predictable during initial consideration of the TARP Megabank bailout,” Foxx said during debate on the legislation (Watch Foxx’s speech today on the House floor here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn_q1CrDlxA).
If taken up and passed by the U.S. Senate, H.J. Res. 3 would bring the TARP bailout to an end. According to the 2008 bailout law, Congress has the power to withhold the second half of the bailout—$350 billion—when the President requests the money. Foxx’s legislation does just that.
“Deliberation, patience, and prudence yielded to panic and the product of those poor decisions has led us to where we are today,” Foxx said. “As a result, the saying ‘Act in haste, repent in leisure’ has assumed a new and expensive meaning. That is why we must reject the wasteful spending of another $350 billion in taxpayer money.”
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Foxx's Common Sense Agenda For America
The following information is from an email from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
A big agenda doesn't have to mean Big Government
A common sense agenda for America
By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
The 111th Congress convenes in Washington this month. As new and returning members of Congress are sworn into office America faces a pressing set of challenges. Our economy is limping along, shedding jobs each month. Home prices are declining at record rates. The federal government is stuck in a mantra of bailout mania.
In the midst of this economic crisis there remains a silver lining with a uniquely American character. A new Congress’s swearing in denotes the success of a democratic America. November’s election, a peaceful affair, reminds each of us of the privileges and solemn duty we have as participants in the great American democratic experiment.
Few nations boast such a strong tradition of democratic, peaceful transfer of power. While many take this heritage of democracy for granted, this January I am grateful that at the outset of this new Congress our nation’s citizens can have confidence in the free and fair elections of those who represent them in Congress.
Of course, such confidence should never be mistaken for blanket acquiescence to whatever agenda Congress takes up in 2009. Few doubt that we are experiencing an economic crisis and this crisis may still call for a big and bold agenda. But in the scramble to nail down such an agenda, many lawmakers have forgotten that big agendas don’t have to result in Big Government.
Cool heads must prevail in times of crisis. Decisions must surely be made and action taken, but plans crafted in haste have already proven their weakness. We need only recall the $700 billion bailout from last fall. It was a bad egg hatched in a panic. That’s why I joined people from both sides of the aisle and opposed it from its conception.
With its serious flaws and almost unprecedented lack of oversight and accountability for the $700 billion slush-fund of taxpayer money, I knew a boondoggle when I saw one.
Was decisive action needed? Yes. But the bailout frenzy left no room for debate, dissent or legislative innovation. Instead Congress pushed it through in a blind panic over the objections of many people on both sides of the aisle.
Instead of panicking, one good approach would have left our free markets intact by spurring activity in the credit and housing markets with tax cuts or a capital gains tax holiday. Many other good market-driven suggestions were made during the bailout debate but were never given the time of day.
My hope for 2009 is that panicked policymaking does not prevail. Hopefully the $700 billion lesson from the fall of 2008 is still fresh in lawmakers’ minds. Creating massive new government programs in the midst of crisis may sometimes seem like a prudent approach. But time after time the American people look back with dismay at well-meaning government programs rife with waste, fraud, and abuse.
Doing the work of the American people means taking a balanced and reasonable approach in each situation that comes before Congress—crisis, or no crisis. I strongly believe that this means eschewing the long arm of the federal government as often as possible. We must think long and hard about any new plan for the massive expansion of the federal government. Such changes are not easily undone.
As I am sworn into a third term in office this month my promise to each constituent is that I will work tirelessly to uphold and protect the Constitution. The ideal of putting our country first guides me in my work in Congress each day.
This duty transcends party and politics—I am an American first, member of a party second. With that in mind I will champion common sense solutions that avoid the trap of big government and that keep our individual liberties intact.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents the Fifth Congressional District of North Carolina. She currently serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.
A big agenda doesn't have to mean Big Government
A common sense agenda for America
By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
The 111th Congress convenes in Washington this month. As new and returning members of Congress are sworn into office America faces a pressing set of challenges. Our economy is limping along, shedding jobs each month. Home prices are declining at record rates. The federal government is stuck in a mantra of bailout mania.
In the midst of this economic crisis there remains a silver lining with a uniquely American character. A new Congress’s swearing in denotes the success of a democratic America. November’s election, a peaceful affair, reminds each of us of the privileges and solemn duty we have as participants in the great American democratic experiment.
Few nations boast such a strong tradition of democratic, peaceful transfer of power. While many take this heritage of democracy for granted, this January I am grateful that at the outset of this new Congress our nation’s citizens can have confidence in the free and fair elections of those who represent them in Congress.
Of course, such confidence should never be mistaken for blanket acquiescence to whatever agenda Congress takes up in 2009. Few doubt that we are experiencing an economic crisis and this crisis may still call for a big and bold agenda. But in the scramble to nail down such an agenda, many lawmakers have forgotten that big agendas don’t have to result in Big Government.
Cool heads must prevail in times of crisis. Decisions must surely be made and action taken, but plans crafted in haste have already proven their weakness. We need only recall the $700 billion bailout from last fall. It was a bad egg hatched in a panic. That’s why I joined people from both sides of the aisle and opposed it from its conception.
With its serious flaws and almost unprecedented lack of oversight and accountability for the $700 billion slush-fund of taxpayer money, I knew a boondoggle when I saw one.
Was decisive action needed? Yes. But the bailout frenzy left no room for debate, dissent or legislative innovation. Instead Congress pushed it through in a blind panic over the objections of many people on both sides of the aisle.
Instead of panicking, one good approach would have left our free markets intact by spurring activity in the credit and housing markets with tax cuts or a capital gains tax holiday. Many other good market-driven suggestions were made during the bailout debate but were never given the time of day.
My hope for 2009 is that panicked policymaking does not prevail. Hopefully the $700 billion lesson from the fall of 2008 is still fresh in lawmakers’ minds. Creating massive new government programs in the midst of crisis may sometimes seem like a prudent approach. But time after time the American people look back with dismay at well-meaning government programs rife with waste, fraud, and abuse.
Doing the work of the American people means taking a balanced and reasonable approach in each situation that comes before Congress—crisis, or no crisis. I strongly believe that this means eschewing the long arm of the federal government as often as possible. We must think long and hard about any new plan for the massive expansion of the federal government. Such changes are not easily undone.
As I am sworn into a third term in office this month my promise to each constituent is that I will work tirelessly to uphold and protect the Constitution. The ideal of putting our country first guides me in my work in Congress each day.
This duty transcends party and politics—I am an American first, member of a party second. With that in mind I will champion common sense solutions that avoid the trap of big government and that keep our individual liberties intact.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents the Fifth Congressional District of North Carolina. She currently serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.
NC Congresswoman Foxx Appointed To Powerful Committee
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx appointed to House Rules Committee
Committee sets the legislative agenda for the House
Washington, DC—House Republican Leader John Boehner appointed Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to serve on the House Committee on Rules today. The Rules Committee is the powerful House committee that determines what legislation comes to the House floor for a vote and under what circumstances that legislation is considered.
“Joining the Rules Committee is a privilege and an honor and I am excited about the new opportunities this committee assignment gives me to stand up for hard-working Americans,” Foxx said. “I plan to play a productive role on the Committee that shapes the legislative agenda and debate in the House.”
In addition to controlling the legislative agenda for the House of Representatives, the Rules Committee also controls the amendment process for each bill, determining which amendments are in order for specific legislation.
“Congresswoman Foxx’s reputation as a hard-working and committed conservative makes her a great addition to the Rules Committee,” said Republican Leader Boehner. “She has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the Republican Minority and, more importantly, the rights of every American to be represented in the ongoing debates on Capitol Hill.
“The Democratic Majority has routinely sought to silence the voices of tens of millions of Americans represented by Republicans by changing or ignoring House rules that traditionally guarantee fair and open debate. The Rules Committee is on the frontlines of this fight, and at no time are House Republicans and the Americans we represent counting on Rep. Foxx’s leadership more than right now.”
Rules Committee Ranking Member David Dreier also praised Foxx as an ideal choice for the Rules Committee.
“Virginia has a common sense approach to solving the problems confronting the American people, and is committed to holding the government accountable while reducing federal spending,” said Ranking Member Dreier. “She is an excellent communicator, a hard worker, and will be a tremendous asset to our Republican team on the Rules Committee.”
Foxx appointed to House Rules Committee
Committee sets the legislative agenda for the House
Washington, DC—House Republican Leader John Boehner appointed Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to serve on the House Committee on Rules today. The Rules Committee is the powerful House committee that determines what legislation comes to the House floor for a vote and under what circumstances that legislation is considered.
“Joining the Rules Committee is a privilege and an honor and I am excited about the new opportunities this committee assignment gives me to stand up for hard-working Americans,” Foxx said. “I plan to play a productive role on the Committee that shapes the legislative agenda and debate in the House.”
In addition to controlling the legislative agenda for the House of Representatives, the Rules Committee also controls the amendment process for each bill, determining which amendments are in order for specific legislation.
“Congresswoman Foxx’s reputation as a hard-working and committed conservative makes her a great addition to the Rules Committee,” said Republican Leader Boehner. “She has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the Republican Minority and, more importantly, the rights of every American to be represented in the ongoing debates on Capitol Hill.
“The Democratic Majority has routinely sought to silence the voices of tens of millions of Americans represented by Republicans by changing or ignoring House rules that traditionally guarantee fair and open debate. The Rules Committee is on the frontlines of this fight, and at no time are House Republicans and the Americans we represent counting on Rep. Foxx’s leadership more than right now.”
Rules Committee Ranking Member David Dreier also praised Foxx as an ideal choice for the Rules Committee.
“Virginia has a common sense approach to solving the problems confronting the American people, and is committed to holding the government accountable while reducing federal spending,” said Ranking Member Dreier. “She is an excellent communicator, a hard worker, and will be a tremendous asset to our Republican team on the Rules Committee.”
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Foxx Re-introduces Bailout Funds Measure
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx re-introduces measure to cut bailout funds by half
Legislation will deny second half of $700 billion government bailout
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today re-introduced bipartisan legislation for the 111th Congress to deny authorization of the second half of the 2008 $700 billion federal government bailout. The legislation is designed to take advantage of a provision in the 2008 bailout law that allows Congress to “disapprove” of the second half of the bailout.
“In the days since I first voted against the bailout last year the $700 billion of taxpayer money has turned into a giant political slush fund,” Rep. Foxx said. “Not only did the administration completely change course in its use of bailout money, but there has been absolutely no oversight of the first half of the bailout. This is taxpayers’ money we’re talking about.”
According to the 2008 bailout law, Congress has the power to withhold the second half of the bailout—$350 billion—when the President requests the money. Foxx’s legislation does just that. Thanks to the way the bailout law was written, Foxx’s measure must be considered by Congress within five days of when the White House requests the second half of the bailout cash.
The federal government had already doled out most of the first half of the bailout money—including nearly $18 billion for bailing out Detroit automakers in December.
During the distribution of the first $350 billion of the bailout the independent oversight required by the bailout law was virtually non-existent and the progress reports to Congress detailing where the bailout money was flowing were chronically late.
“Today we’re hearing about bailouts for everyone ranging from life insurance and credit card companies to automakers and state governments,” Foxx said. “Where does it stop and what about the hardworking taxpayers? I believe that this legislation is one of our last best hopes to rein in the endless bailouts.”
Foxx re-introduces measure to cut bailout funds by half
Legislation will deny second half of $700 billion government bailout
Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today re-introduced bipartisan legislation for the 111th Congress to deny authorization of the second half of the 2008 $700 billion federal government bailout. The legislation is designed to take advantage of a provision in the 2008 bailout law that allows Congress to “disapprove” of the second half of the bailout.
“In the days since I first voted against the bailout last year the $700 billion of taxpayer money has turned into a giant political slush fund,” Rep. Foxx said. “Not only did the administration completely change course in its use of bailout money, but there has been absolutely no oversight of the first half of the bailout. This is taxpayers’ money we’re talking about.”
According to the 2008 bailout law, Congress has the power to withhold the second half of the bailout—$350 billion—when the President requests the money. Foxx’s legislation does just that. Thanks to the way the bailout law was written, Foxx’s measure must be considered by Congress within five days of when the White House requests the second half of the bailout cash.
The federal government had already doled out most of the first half of the bailout money—including nearly $18 billion for bailing out Detroit automakers in December.
During the distribution of the first $350 billion of the bailout the independent oversight required by the bailout law was virtually non-existent and the progress reports to Congress detailing where the bailout money was flowing were chronically late.
“Today we’re hearing about bailouts for everyone ranging from life insurance and credit card companies to automakers and state governments,” Foxx said. “Where does it stop and what about the hardworking taxpayers? I believe that this legislation is one of our last best hopes to rein in the endless bailouts.”
Foxx Sworn In For Third Term
The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Virginia Foxx sworn into office for third term
111th Congress swears in new and returning members today
Washington, DC—As the 111th Congress began today Congresswoman Virginia Foxx was sworn into her third term as Representative of North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. In taking the Oath of Office, Foxx swore to “support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“Today’s swearing in ceremony was both a solemn privilege and great honor,” Foxx said. “On this historic day I thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve and I thank the people of the Fifth District for sending me back to Washington to represent them in Congress.”
Foxx was joined by her daughter Theresa Ozdemir and her granddaughter Rana during the 111th Congress swearing in ceremonies.
The House also cast votes for the Speaker of the House today, with Foxx voting for Representative John Boehner. Representative Nancy Pelosi was ultimately selected as the Speaker of the House.
The text of the Congressional Oath of Office is as follows: “I, Virginia Foxx, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
Note: For downloadable, high-resolution photos of Foxx’s swearing in and of her signing the Oath of Office please click here.
Virginia Foxx sworn into office for third term
111th Congress swears in new and returning members today
Washington, DC—As the 111th Congress began today Congresswoman Virginia Foxx was sworn into her third term as Representative of North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. In taking the Oath of Office, Foxx swore to “support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“Today’s swearing in ceremony was both a solemn privilege and great honor,” Foxx said. “On this historic day I thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve and I thank the people of the Fifth District for sending me back to Washington to represent them in Congress.”
Foxx was joined by her daughter Theresa Ozdemir and her granddaughter Rana during the 111th Congress swearing in ceremonies.
The House also cast votes for the Speaker of the House today, with Foxx voting for Representative John Boehner. Representative Nancy Pelosi was ultimately selected as the Speaker of the House.
The text of the Congressional Oath of Office is as follows: “I, Virginia Foxx, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
Note: For downloadable, high-resolution photos of Foxx’s swearing in and of her signing the Oath of Office please click here.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Abortion Changes You
Abortion is not just a medical procedure. Abortion is not just a choice. Abortion is the taking of a life and it has long-lasting effects on those involved. I've heard of many women who live with regret years after having an abortion. It not only impacts the wife, it also impact the husband as well. You can read about how abortion changes you at the following website: Abortion Changes You.
If you are hurting from having an abortion, this site can help the healing process. Abortion is not a political issue, it is a matter of life and death. Choose life!
If you are hurting from having an abortion, this site can help the healing process. Abortion is not a political issue, it is a matter of life and death. Choose life!
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