The Conservative Voice

U.S. Rep Foxx Introduces Spending Accountability Bill

2011-05-05T08:01:00.002-04:00

The following is from a May 4 press release from NC Rep Virginia Foxx.

Foxx introduces spending accountability bill
Bill requires reporting of all spending on non-English gov’t services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) introduced legislation today to bring more openness and accountability to federal government spending. Her legislation, the Multilingual Services Accounting Act, requires all federal government bureaucracies to annually report how much taxpayer money is spent to provide government services in languages other than English.

“Our government spends large, but undefined amounts of taxpayer money to provide government services in amultitude of languages—with little or no accountability for how this money is spent and with no information on the value of this spending,” Rep. Foxx said. “American taxpayers deserve better. They deserve a complete accounting of how their government spends their tax dollars.”

Federal government agencies currently do not have to report how much money they spend to provide government services and publications in languages other than English. Foxx’s legislation fixes this problem by requiring that federal bureaucracies report multilingual expenditures in their annual reports to the Office of Management and Budget.

Without this basic accounting information, the federal government has no way of knowing how much it spends to provide multilingual services.

“Responsible government must be transparent and accountable,” Foxx said. “By shining the light on how much money is spent on non-English services we can ensure tax dollars are not squandered on wasteful projects.”

The advocacy group ProEnglish also endorsed Foxx’s bill as a responsible government accounting practice.

From Gov Huckabee's Blog "Another Day - Another Dollar"

2011-04-27T21:04:00.000-04:00

Gov Huckabee writes, "By just reading the title of this blog, you might think I'm talking about what you do to earn a living – but sadly, I’m talking about another rise in the price of gasoline. It seems like it goes up at least that much every time we fill up, doesn't it?"

You can read the rest of Gov Huckabee's blog here:
Huck PAC - Blogs - Another Day - Another Dollar

Huck PAC - Blogs - Standard & Poor's: A Warning

2011-04-24T01:57:00.000-04:00

In a recent blog post, Gov. Mike Huckabee writes: "The American people have been raising their voices for many months telling Washington politicians to get our fiscal house in order. To no one's surprise, Washington has simply gone on doing what it seems to do best - spending money we don't have."

You can read the entire blog post here:
Huck PAC - Blogs - Standard & Poor's: A Warning

Huck PAC - Blogs - Poll: Huckabee most liked...

2011-01-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

From CNN: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee appears to have the clear advantage out of the gate when it comes to the 2012 battle for the GOP presidential nomination, enjoying a significantly higher net-favorability rating and name identification among national Republicans than any other potential candidate. According to the new survey by Gallup, Huckabee has a net-favorability rating (the difference between those who hold a favorable view and those who hold an unfavorable view) of 30 percent.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking on the link below:
Huck PAC - Blogs - Poll: Huckabee most liked...

I Am Second Mike Huckabee - Governor, Presidential Candidate

2010-12-31T18:41:00.000-05:00

Huck PAC - Blogs - Mike Huckabee Comments On The Passing Of Elizabeth Edwards

2010-12-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

Huck PAC - Blogs - Mike Huckabee Comments On The Passing Of Elizabeth Edwards

Foxx: Overhaul The US Tax System

2010-12-09T22:20:00.003-05:00

The following is from an e-newsletter from Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Why we need to overhaulthe U.S. tax systemStep one: burn the current tax code
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

About half of American workers didn’t pay any federal income taxes last year.
Huge agribusinesses got billions in tax subsidies to turn food into fuel—pushing up the price of food for American families. In fact, last year’s tax subsidies for turning corn into ethanol reached $6 billion. The Congressional Budget Office even estimates that government subsidies for ethanol amount to about $1.78 per gallon.

What do these two rather divergent facts have to do with each other? Answer: they each point to the need for fundamental federal tax reform.

Let’s face it. Our tax system is a complete disaster. It is so byzantine that only the sharpest tax lawyer or Washington lobbyist can tell you what lies beneath the surface.

In true Washington fashion, it gets more complex, more unfair and more indecipherable with each passing year. Congress can’t resist tinkering at the margins, throwing in new provisions or special carve outs and generally adding to the economic dead weight that is our tax code.

The year-end debate over tax rates just serves to illustrate the point. There are currently six separate tax brackets that will all increase in 2011 if Congress doesn’t do something to stop it. Some people want to increase taxes on some brackets, others would like to increase taxes on all brackets and still others would like to increase taxes on no brackets. (You can put me in the not increasing taxes on anyone column.)

This tax debate is rowdy and the disagreements are sharp. Left unsaid is the fact that no matter what Congress does about these upcoming tax increases, we’ll still have an opaque system that is constantly gamed by special interests.

You may wonder what special interests have a stake in the current tax code. The honest answer is almost all of them. This is why real tax reform is such a herculean task. Thanks to hundreds of exemptions, deductions and carve outs inserted into the tax code over the past several decades, almost every interest group with a mailing address in Washington, DC will be crowing for another carve out if Congress sets about retooling taxes.

The tax code is so bad that Americans waste at least 6.6 billion hours each year working to comply with the IRS requirements. Add to that the more than $200 billion spent to stay in compliance and keep the auditors at bay and you have a massive drag on the economy and economic growth.

So Congress must be bold. Tax reform can’t be a piecemeal sort of operation. Step one must be burning the current tax code. Step two must involve creating a tax system that is fair and efficient and that doesn’t pick favorites. There are plenty of tax reform options out there—many of them far, far better than what we have now.

The core problem is that our tax system is stuffed with needlessly complex provisions. These carve outs mean tax rates are artificially high. The carve outs also end up arbitrarily punishing some taxpayers and rewarding others. As a matter of fairness, any tax reform proposal should strip away the layers of tax carve outs and lower the tax rates everyone pays. After all, if you get rid of the special deductions, you could lower rates without seeing tax collections fall.
This kind of reform could look like a Fair Tax or a flat tax or some sort of hybrid proposal. Ultimately the exact type of tax reform should be up for negotiation. The most important thing is to kill off the current tax code and replace it with something straightforward and fair for everyone.

The result of fundamental tax reform would be immediate and dramatic. America would experience a profound—and real—economic stimulus. The uncertainty and ambiguity currently plaguing hundreds of thousands of businesses would virtually evaporate. The wasted time and money of tax compliance would be slashed to a pittance. Most importantly, tax rates would fall—empowering entrepreneurs to focus on big ideas rather than long tax forms and families to focus on their budgets and not their tax returns.

If we get tax reform right we will spur investment in the people and businesses of tomorrow on a level not possible under the current tax system. In today’s tough economic times, we can’t afford NOT to scrap our tax code and start over.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents the Fifth Congressional District of North Carolina. She currently serves on the House Rules Committee. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968.

Huck PAC - Blogs - Governor Mike Huckabee takes Presidential Campaign for Test Drive at OC museum

2010-11-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a good article on Governor Mike Huckabee. I really hope he runs for President in 2012. I think we need to do all we can to encourage him to run and then support his campaign!

Huck PAC - Blogs - Governor Mike Huckabee takes Presidential Campaign for Test Drive at OC museum

Foxx Renews "No Earmark" Pledge

2010-11-22T10:44:00.001-05:00

The following is from a 11/18 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx renews “no earmark” pledge
Foxx first made pledge to stop earmarks in 2007

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx today renewed her pledge not to request special federal budget carve-outs, better known as earmarks. Foxx first made her no earmark pledge in 2007 and will maintain her no earmark pledge in the 112th Congress.

“Washington’s earmark system is a symptom of out-of-control spending and backroom deal-making,” Foxx said. “It’s time to focus on balancing our federal budget and cutting out earmarks is an important first step.

“Earmarks, while a small part of federal spending, are emblematic of how the federal budget is prone to being loaded up with non-priorities and pet projects. Congress must tackle the record federal budget deficits and take bold action to reduce federal spending. As American families make tough decisions to trim their own budgets, Congress needs to learn to do the same.”

The House and Senate GOP both adopted party-wide earmark moratoriums for the upcoming session of Congress. The Senate GOP earmark ban passed earlier this week and the House GOP ban passed today. The House GOP also banned earmarks in 2010. Foxx supported both the 2010 and current earmark ban.

America's Best Days

2010-10-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

According to a new Rasmussen poll, "Most voters (65%) say they prefer a government with fewer services and lower taxes rather than one with more services and higher taxes. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that only 25% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a government with more services and higher taxes instead."

You can read the entire report by clicking on the link below.
America's Best Days

70% Say Government Does Not Spend Taxpayer Money Wisely

2010-10-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

According to a new report from Rasmussen, we don't believe our tax money is spent wisely. "Most Americans feel the federal government has too much money and doesn't spend it well. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of Adults think the federal government has too much power and money." Please see the link below for the full article!

70% Say Government Does Not Spend Taxpayer Money Wisely

Founders Wanted Big Government?

2010-10-17T21:46:00.002-04:00

How did our founding fathers view government? Consider these quotes.

"How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism." James Monroe

"It has been said that all Government is an evil. It would be more proper to say that the necessity of any Government is a misfortune. This necessity however exists; and the problem to be solved is, not what form of Government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect." James Madison

"[A] wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson

"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread." Thomas Jefferson

Our government was never intended to care for our every need, provide us with healthcare or own businesses. Somewhere along the way we've lost sight of that.

Huckabee: America's Self-Cleaning Oven Is Heating Up

2010-10-15T19:28:00.000-04:00

Governor Mike Huckabee writes, "The genius of our nation’s founders is that they created America to be a self-cleaning oven so that when things get really nasty and the politicians gunk it up, the citizens can turn up the heat, and then come Election Day, open the oven door, sweep out the ashes and give it a new start. The people ultimately win, and that's the good news for America. "

You can read the rest of Huck's article using the link below!

Huck PAC - Blogs - America's Self-Cleaning Oven Is Heating Up

Foxx Wins Debate

2010-10-15T19:23:00.001-04:00

The following is from an email update on NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx's campaign.

Foxx Wins Congressional Debate

Ashe County, NC — Today Congresswoman Virginia Foxx debated her opponent at a public forum in Ashe County. In the debate, Foxx highlighted her fiscal conservatism and her vision to get North Carolina back to work. She also exposed her opponent's extremely liberal views on taxes, government spending, and health care.

Voters know that there is just one proven conservative in this race—and that’s Virginia Foxx. Today’s debate illustrated that Virginia embraces common sense conservative ideas like reducing government spending, keeping taxes low and slashing job-killing federal red tape.

But the debate also exposed how out of step her opponent, Billy Kennedy, is with North Carolina voters. He supports big government programs like the trillion dollar health care bill, a job-killing energy tax and the failed stimulus program.

The choice this election is between strong conservative values or Washington’s failed liberal policies. Unfortunately Virginia’s liberal opponent would be a rubber stamp for big-government policies that mean more government, more debt and less freedom. In fact, Kennedy can't stop talking about all the new spending he supports. North Carolina simply cannot afford to send big spenders like Kennedy to Washington.

Virginia is working to keep America the land of the free and a country of opportunity for everyone. And she isn’t afraid to take on the liberals who run Washington. As today’s debate made clear, Virginia Foxx is a conservative voice that North Carolina families and small businesses can depend on.

Foxx: Non-profits Need To Meet IRS Deadline

2010-10-15T19:21:00.002-04:00

The following is from a Oct. 14 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx urges 100’s of local non-profits to update their tax-exempt status by tomorrow’s deadline

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today urged local, community-based non-profits across North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District to make sure their tax-exempt status is up-to-date with the IRS. The deadline to file with the IRS for small non-profits who may be at risk of losing their status is tomorrow, October 15.

“As many as 700 small non-profits in Northwest North Carolina could be at risk of losing their federal tax-exempt status if they don’t file a simple form with the IRS,” Foxx said. “By taking a half hour or so to electronically file the form by tomorrow, hundreds of small non-profits can maintain their tax-exempt status and avoid the hassle of trying to get their status back.”

The IRS’s October 15 filing deadline is for small tax-exempt organizations (those who typically have $25,000 or less in annual receipts) that have not filed to retain their tax-exempt status with the IRS for three consecutive years. Small non-profits are required to file a short postcard form with the IRS each year, called Form 990-N. It can be filed online at http://epostcard.form990.org/. Small non-profits that fail to file three years in a row can lose their tax-exempt status.

Many types of organizations that have not filed a Form 990-N are at risk of losing their tax-exempt status. These include local sports associations and community support groups, volunteer fire and ambulance associations, social clubs, educational societies, veterans groups, church-affiliated groups, as well as groups that assist those with special needs.

Local non-profits who want to learn more about this issue can visit the IRS web page at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225705,00.html for more information on what organizations need to file, how to file and much more.

IRS Note: A list of North Carolina non-profits that may be at risk of losing their non-profit status is available at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225889,00.html. This list may be incomplete, as certain organizations may be at risk even though their names do not appear. In addition, the list may include organizations that were required to file Form 990 or Form 990-PF and are not eligible for the relief program, and organizations whose filing dates have not yet occurred.

Huck PAC - Blogs - Do The Right Thing - Today

2010-09-22T00:17:00.000-04:00

Here's an article by Governor Mike Huckabee urging us all to do the right thing!

Huck PAC - Blogs - Do The Right Thing - Today

Chuck For Huck! Norris Standing With Mike Huckabee!

2010-09-21T23:32:00.000-04:00

Huck PAC - Blogs - Chuck Norris: Standing With Mike Huckabee

Here's a letter Chuck Norris sent to Huck PAC on why he's standing with Mike Huckabee! Please take a few moments to read it - thank you!

Foxx Votes To Require Collection Of Unpaid Taxes

2010-09-16T22:02:00.001-04:00

The following is a 9/16 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx votes to require collection of unpaid taxes from federal employees
Measure gives gov’t power to fire federal employees who refuse to pay taxes

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted to give the federal government the ability to fire federal employees who refuse to pay their income taxes. The vote is the latest in House Republicans’ YouCut program, which aims to cut spending and reduce the national deficit. Nearly 100,000 active federal employees owe $962 million in unpaid taxes, according to the IRS.

“This proposal could save up to a billion dollars,” Foxx said. “While most federal workers are paying their taxes and abiding by the law, there are some who enjoy taxpayer funded jobs and refuse to pay their fair share. This must stop.”

Under current law, the IRS is the only federal agency that can fire employees who do not pay their taxes. Under this proposal, which is cosponsored by Foxx, other federal agencies would be able do the same.

The proposal, H.R. 4735, allows federal agencies to fire employees who are seriously delinquent tax-dodgers. It applies to those federal workers who are serial offenders and refuse to pay their taxes. Federal employees who may be slightly behind on their taxes or are working with the IRS to pay their tax bills will not be affected.

“Prevention is the best medicine,” Foxx said. “This proposal prevents future tax cheating by halting the practice of allowing tax-dodging federal employees to duck and cover. During these times of record deficits we must ensure that unscrupulous federal workers aren’t cheating the very taxpayers who pay their salaries.”

NC Senator Burr - Tax Payer Hero!

2010-09-14T22:32:00.002-04:00

The following is from an email article from NC Senator Richard Burr. I appreciate Senator Burr's stand on fiscal policies and the leadership he provides in the Senate.

Yesterday, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) was recognized as a Taxpayer Hero by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) for his “willingness to stand up for American taxpayers” during the 111th Congress.

Senator Burr received a 92 out of 100 percent in CCAGW’s 2009 Congressional Ratings system. CCAGW determines who should receive recognition by evaluating actions taken to protect American taxpayers and includes votes on amendments to eliminate earmarks and pork-barrel spending. Senator Burr received this recognition for his efforts towards increasing government transparency, minimizing waste, eliminating earmarks and reducing the national debt.

“In these tough economic times, North Carolina families have had to make tough choices with their budgets, and the federal government should do the same,” said Senator Burr. “North Carolinians deserve their money to be spent responsibly and to have transparency and accountability from the federal government. I am honored to receive this award and will continue to fight wasteful spending and work to get our country back on the right fiscal path.”

Foxx Launches New Website

2010-09-14T22:23:00.002-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

Foxx launches new congressional website
New website features social media integration, streamlined navigation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today announced the launch of her new congressional web site at www.foxx.house.gov. The new site integrates social networking, up-to-date information about constituent services and background on legislation and votes in Congress.

“As more and more constituents interact with me through the web, it became clear that my website needed an update,” Foxx said. “The Internet is one of the best tools available for communicating with constituents and my new website uses a variety of technologies to keep constituents informed about the issues before Congress, including Twitter feeds, congressional videos and online legislative search tools.”

Web-design and communications experts at the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation recently named Rep. Foxx’s web site one of the top ten in the House of Representatives. Foxx’s redesigned site builds on the success of her old website and introduces new user-friendly features like social media sharing and smoother site navigation.

“This new website is a one-stop-shop for constituents who need information about the federal government, or who want to know what is happening in Congress or who simply want to get in touch with me about the important issues facing North Carolinians,” Foxx said.

The new web site also includes tools to assist constituents in applying for federal grants, resolving issues with federal government agencies or securing a nomination to one of the five Service Academies. In addition, the site outlines the application process for students who wish to serve as congressional interns or pages.

Congresswoman Foxx today also reminded constituents to check out her congressional Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VirginiaFoxx. Her Twitter feed is frequently updated with pictures from her daily activities, videos, links to the latest congressional news and other information. Nearly 3,500 other people have already discovered that it is one of the best ways to keep up-to-date with Congresswoman Foxx.

I Don't Understand

2010-09-14T22:08:00.003-04:00

I don't understand. President Bush is blamed for our current economic mess. That is a key part of President Obama's economic plan. Back during the Bush administration, Democrats didn't want to support Bush's tax cuts. Now, the Dems are pushing for an extension of the Bush tax cuts that they opposed years ago (maybe they were for them before they were against them!). I don't understand!

And now, President Bush's tax cuts want to be "re-branded" as Obama's tax cuts. What? Again, I just don't understand.

If President Bush's tax cuts are extended, and they should be for all tax payers, it will be an extension of President Bush's tax cuts. If President Obama wants credit for cutting taxes, maybe he should stop wasting time blaming Bush for the economy and come up with a real plan to cut taxes and fix our economy. Now that I would understand!

Huck PAC - Blogs - A Day Of Remembrance

2010-09-11T11:26:00.000-04:00

Huck PAC - Blogs - A Day Of Remembrance

Governor Mike Huckabee has posted this article on 9/11 - A Day Of Remembrance. Please take a moment to read it.

God bless America!

The Laffer Curve - No Laughing Matter!

2010-09-07T22:52:00.002-04:00

John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan share something in common. They both cut taxes and saw government revenues increase. So what does this have to do with the Laffer Curve? The Laffer Curve - in the simplest of terms - shows that when tax rates get higher, tax revenues get lower.

In 1963, President Kennedy stated, "In short, this tax program will increase our wealth far more than it increases our public debt. The actual burden of that debt--as measured in relation to our total output--will decline. To continue to increase our debt as a result of inadequate earnings is a sign of weakness. But to borrow prudently in order to invest in a tax revision that will greatly increase our earning power can be a source of strength." Kennedy cut taxes and it had a tremendous impact on our nation's economy.

Walter Heller, Kennedy's Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, testified before Congress in 1977 and stated: What happened to the tax cut in 1965...did seem to have a tremendously stimulative effect, a multiplied effect on the economy. It was the major factor that led to our running a $3 billion surplus by the middle of 1965 before escalation in Vietnam struck us. It was a $12 billion tax cut...and within one year the revenues into the Federal Treasury were already above what they had been before the tax cut."

When President Reagan cut taxes, it had a similar impact on the economy. Consider the following information from the Heritage Foundation: "Prior to the tax cut, the economy was choking on high inflation, high Interest rates, and high unemployment. All three of these economic bellwethers dropped sharply after the tax cuts. The unemployment rate, which peaked at 9.7 percent in 1982, began a steady decline, reaching 7.0 percent by 1986 and 5.3 percent when Reagan left office in January 1989."

The current administration and Congress has forgotten the lessons learned from past administrations. I think they may have also forgotten that taxes come from us - they come from our earnings. We need a responsible government that shows fiscal restraint when spending our money.

The US Economy - It's Greek To Me!

2010-08-27T22:53:00.002-04:00

Our nation's economy is struggling. This spring, it grew only 1.6% and is expected to keep a snail's pace in growth. With such low growth, there will not be many jobs created and unemployment could actually get worse. I am not trying to paint a picture of gloom and doom, but I think we need to be realistic about our current reality. We need to know our situation and demand action from our elected officials to take the appropriate steps to resolve our economic woes. Taxing and spending is not a good economic strategy.

Consider the major economics Greece is facing. What caused their economy to meltdown? One of the primary contributors was decades of governmental overspending. According to a May 7 WSJ article, "Greece shows that the welfare state model of development, dominated by public unions, onerous regulations, high taxes and the political allocation of capital, has hit the wall. Down that road lies more Greek tragedy."

The US economy - it's Greek to me!

Observations On Our American Government

2010-08-23T21:53:00.002-04:00

This is an article I wrote and posted about a year ago but felt strongly about putting it on my blog once again. I hope you enjoy this brief article!

Allow me to share with you a few important observations about our American government. This is not meant to be in-depth and all-inclusive. It is shared with the hope that it will enlighten the reader and encourage more participation in our American government!

1. All men are endowed by God with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I must stress that these rights are God-given and are not distributed or granted to us by the government.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... " Declaration of Independence
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Amendment IX
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Amendment X

2. Men cede to government some of their natural rights in order to give government its powers. Government only has the powers given it by the people.

"...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... " Declaration of Independence
"Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers." The Federalist #2

3. Our government's role is to secure our unalienable rights.

"...all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men..." Declaration of Independence
"Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint." The Federalist #15
"A wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement...This is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson (1st Inaugural Address)

4. Our government is accountable to the people and the people are to hold the government in check.

"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government..." The Federalist #51

Based on these and other writings from our founding fathers, I am of the firm conviction that our government was designed to be a small and limited government. Our founders did not see a government that dispensed our every need. They saw our government as securing our rights as individuals to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

What's On Our Mind? Foxx Finds Out!

2010-08-23T21:38:00.002-04:00

Kudos to NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx! As our elected official, she asked our input on what is important to us, what is on our mind through a Townhall by mail. We responded and Congresswoman Foxx recently shared the results.

Some key highlights of the results are:

92% do not want another stimulus bill
86% support repealing the health care legislation
90% disapproved of the bank/automaker bailouts

There are some other key insights on taxing and healthcare. The voters have spoken!

Senator Burr On Responsible Energy Solutions

2010-08-23T21:29:00.002-04:00

The following is from an email issue alert from Senator Burr:

ISSUE ALERT: Senator Burr Working for a Responsible Energy Solution for America’s Future

It should come as no surprise that the liberal special interest groups have endorsed our opponent as she continues to stand with them and actively support job-killing, Cap and Trade energy tax legislation. These groups are the very same groups funded a $2 million smear campaign intended to distort Senator Burr’s record and sway North Carolina voters.

The energy tax legislation our opponent has endorsed would cause increased energy prices, job loss, and decreased revenue for North Carolina.

While our opponent supports this job killing legislation that would cost North Carolina families approximately $1,400 a year in new taxes by 2020, Senator Burr is working to ensure our energy costs are predictable.

Senator Burr has introduced a comprehensive, workable energy policy for our country that encourages economic growth and keeps Americans safe. His bill, the American Energy Act of 2010, would drastically reduce our dependence on foreign oil without adding job-killing taxes that would further damage our economy like the Democrats plan.

Senator Burr is the only candidate in this race that has a plan to secure a clean energy future without levying heavy taxes and imposing burdensome regulations on small businesses.

Stand with Senator Burr today and join a coalition at www.workingfornc.com.

NC Senator Burr Opines On The Budget

2010-08-23T21:12:00.003-04:00

The following is from an 8/20 email update from NC Senator Richard Burr.

Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its mid-year budget outlook, which contained more disappointing news about our country’s fiscal situation. According to the CBO, the federal budget deficit – the annual difference between what the federal government collects in tax revenue and what it spends -- will be $1,300,000,000,000 (or $1.3 trillion) for this fiscal year alone. For Fiscal Year 2011, the deficit will be nearly $1.1 trillion -- $71 billion more than CBO projected in March. Even more disturbing, CBO estimates that the cost of legislation that Congress has enacted since March – in just five short months – will increase federal spending by $400 billion over the next decade. This report just proves what we already knew – that Congress is spending our country into unsustainable debt that will burden our children, grandchildren, and future Americans for generations to come. I will continue to promote and vote for sound, fiscally responsible legislation to stop out-of-control spending and get our economy back on track.

Senator Burr is exactly right and I appreciate his candor with us. While there have been many things to keep our elected officials busy, what is preventing them from doing something about our economy? Raising taxes and raising government spending is not the answer! As Senator Burr states, we need to reign in spending and get our economy back on track.

Foxx, Burr Earn High Scores As Fiscal Conservatives

2010-06-07T21:39:00.002-04:00

NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and NC Senator Richard Burr recently earned high scores for being fiscal conservatives and supporters of small government.

The Club for Growth published it's 2009 scorecards based on the votes by members of Congress on economic issues. Some of the issues they consider in the scorecard are lowering marginal income tax rates, cutting and limiting government spending, Social Security reform, and school choice.

Congratulations to Congresswoman Foxx and Senator Burr. I also thank you both for your votes that help promote growth for our nation's economy.

Our Economy - We've Got To Keep It In Mind

2010-05-31T21:39:00.002-04:00

The following excerpt is from an email newsletter from NC Senator Richard Burr. Senator Burr wrote, "On a more somber note, this week, our national debt reached $13 trillion dollar mark. It is abundantly clear that business as usual in our government must stop. I have co-sponsored several bills that would cut government spending, but many of these failed to garner enough support to be approved. Our budget deficits are a tremendous threat to our nation’s future. We must work together to prevent our children from having to pay off more debt simply because we are afraid to make tough choices about our priorities. The current debt crisis in Europe should be a wake-up call to all of us that we must start making hard choices now.

In this regard, last night, the Senate voted to approve the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. Originally intended as a bill to fund our military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, by the time this bill got to the floor of the Senate, it was full of spending that is completely unrelated to our troops. I have always been proud to support funding for our troops and our national defense. However, I am disappointed that this year, the supplemental funding bill is – once again – filled with unrelated spending that is not paid for with cuts elsewhere in the budget. I am especially disappointed that money is being taken away from our U.S. veterans to send money overseas. I supported amendments that would have improved the bill and covered its $60 billion cost, but unfortunately, these amendments were once again rejected by the majority in the Senate. I voted against this bill as it takes our country even closer to the edge of financial collapse."

I know there are many things facing our country right now, but one thing we can't take our eye off is our economy. What is being done to lower our debt and get people employed? There is far too much at stake to hope our economy will fix itself.

Bloggers - Are We In Danger Of Being Regulated Or Shut Up?

2010-05-28T13:15:00.002-04:00

Bloggers play a role in politics and life in general! Blogging is just one of many ways we stay connected with our world and have the freedom of speech to say what's on our mind. An article posted on redstate.com indicates that this freedom may be regulated or worse. Take a look at the article and take action - contact your congressman and share your concerns.

I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means. However, the actions of the current administration and majority party have me very concerned with the direction our nation is headed.

Foxx Casts Vote To Reduce Wasteful Spending!

2010-05-28T13:12:00.002-04:00

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx votes for first ‘YouCut’ proposal
Proposal to cut wasteful $2.5b welfare program got 81k online votes

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted to cut federal spending by $2.5 billion annually by reducing spending on a new, wasteful welfare program. This proposal was nominated by 81,000 voters from across the country who participated in YouCut, a new online tool created by House Republicans.

“Americans spoke and we heard them,” Foxx said. “They want us to bring back spending restraint and guard their tax dollars from waste and abuse. It comes as no surprise then that a welfare program that was used to buy flat screen TVs and iPods caught the attention of the most YouCut voters.”

Out of 280,000 votes cast in the first YouCut round, 81,000 were in favor of cutting $2.5 billion from a 2009 program that undermines successful bipartisan welfare reform enacted in 1996 under President Clinton and a Republican Congress. The 1996 reform resulted in welfare caseloads dropping a record 60 percent.

But a $5 billion provision in the 2009 stimulus law undercut these reforms and promoted welfare dependency by handing out money to states that managed to increase their welfare caseloads. In fact, CBS News reported that in some cases funds from the new welfare program were used to buy “flat screen TVs, iPods and video gaming systems.”

“Taxpayers clearly don’t like their tax dollars disappearing into a failed welfare experiment,” Foxx said. “This is just the beginning of a difficult process to clean up the federal budget. Thankfully, fed-up citizens are engaging with Congress to help us trim the deficit and are offering up new ideas for keeping spending in check and creating a culture in Washington of saving, not spending.”

This week’s YouCut vote, which would have forced consideration of H.R. 1277, failed 240-177 with seven Democrats voting in favor. H.R. 1277, the Welfare Reform Restoration Act of 2009, is cosponsored by Foxx.

What is YouCut? YouCut is a new online tool, at http://republicanwhip.house.gov/youcut, that gives the public a chance to vote online or via cell phone for various proposals to reduce federal spending. The site offers five proposals a week for a vote to reduce wasteful or unnecessary spending. The following week House Republicans will offer the top vote-getter for a vote in the House of Representatives.

All North Carolinians can go to http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut to vote for one of the five weekly spending cut proposals, which this week include proposals to chop mohair subsidies and suspend $266 million in new federal land purchases.

Foxx To Host Tele-Town Hall

2010-05-28T13:10:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx to host America Speaking Out Telephone Town Hall

Tele-Townhall will focus on constituent ideas for national agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, June 8 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will host an America Speaking Out telephone town hall for Fifth District constituents. Constituents can call into the town hall meeting by dialing 1-877-850-4133 at 5:30 pm and entering the password FOXX (3699).

"America Speaking Out is a part of an effort to give concerned constituents a seat at the table so they can be a part of drafting a governing agenda from the start,” Foxx said. “I've always believed that the best ideas come from the people, not from Washington. Therefore, constructing a governing agenda should begin with the people.”

Constituents will be connected to a live conference call with Rep. Foxx and other constituents in the Fifth District when they call 1-877-850-4133 on June 8 at 5:30 pm. All participants will need to enter a password for the call: the password is F-O-X-X (3699).

“After joining the call, constituents will be able to tell me about their ideas and priorities, Foxx said. “This will also be an opportunity to learn about new online tools for engaging with fellow citizens and Congress on the issues facing America. And I’ll post a list of the ideas submitted on my website, www.foxx.house.gov, for participants to review after the call.”

This telephone town hall is open to constituents in North Carolina’s Fifth District. It is part of an effort called America Speaking Out, which aims to engage the nation in a discussion about the country’s policy agenda. More details on this effort can be found at AmericaSpeakingOut.com.

Tax Cuts Or Tax Hike - Which One Is It?

2010-04-21T21:59:00.002-04:00

Last week, an "amused" President Obama opined on the Tea Party gatherings. He said, because of his tax cuts, "You would think they'd be saying 'thank you.'"

Now, President Obama is considering a Value Added Tax (VAT) - effectively raising taxes on all of us!

I am very concerned with our economy - as everyone is. We are facing tremendous debt, minimal job growth, and now more taxes (not to mention the taxes hidden in the health care bill). Raising taxes during an economic downturn is not the right thing to do. History proves this time and again.

President Obama cannot claim to be a tax cutter and then turn around and raise taxes. We are not amused!

Foxx Cosponsors Bill To Allow Firing Tax Dodging Federal Employees

2010-04-18T21:43:00.001-04:00

The following is from an April 15th press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

TAX DAY NEWS: Foxx cosponsors bill to allow firing of tax dodging federal employees
Bill allows for firing of federal workers who refuse to pay taxes

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) has cosponsored a bill that gives the federal government the ability to fire federal employees who refuse to pay their income taxes. Nearly 100,000 active federal employees owe $962 million in unpaid taxes, according to the IRS.

“The vast majority of federal workers are paying their taxes and abiding by the law,” Foxx said. “But this tax season there are some federal employees who enjoy taxpayer funded jobs and refuse to pay their fair share. This must stop.”

Under current law, only the federal agency that can fire employees who do not pay their taxes is the IRS. This legislation, H.R. 4735, allows other federal agencies to do the same.

H.R. 4735 allows federal agencies to fire employees who are seriously delinquent tax dodgers. The bill only applies to those federal workers who are serial offenders and refuse to pay their taxes. Federal employees who may be slightly behind on their taxes or are working with the IRS to pay their tax bills will not be affected.

“Prevention is the best medicine,” Foxx said. “This bill prevents future tax cheating by halting the practice of allowing tax-dodging federal employers to duck and cover. In the future, potential tax dodgers will know that federal employers will be held to high standards and expected to pay their fair share.”

Foxx Introduces Bill To Protect Land

2010-04-18T21:41:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx introduces bill to protect American lands from federal power grabs
Legislation preserves private property rights, citizen input

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) introduced a bill this week that protects American lands from unnecessary or harmful seizure by the federal government. Her bill, the Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act, requires congressional approval before any American land is designated as a national monument.

“Local citizens and governments should have a voice in the process of designating new national monuments in their backyards,” Foxx said. “My bill gives Congress the ability to sign off on new national monuments, instead of leaving the federal government to make unilateral land grabs.”

Currently, the President has the power to designate new national monuments without congressional approval under the 100-year-old Antiquities Act. This often takes place without the full input of states and localities, which can jeopardize private property rights, economic development and job creation.

“Our national monuments and parks are American treasures, rightly protected by the federal government,” Foxx said. “This legislation simply creates safeguards to protect local citizens and land owners and keep the federal government from overstepping its bounds.”

Foxx’s bill gives Congress the ability to weigh on the creation of new national monuments. This would allow Representatives from areas under consideration to voice the concerns of citizens in affected areas and ensure that the federal government does not unnecessarily harm local citizens.

The bill also contains provisions to ensure prospective locations for national monuments are studied for potential use, including energy development, prior to receiving a designation. Additionally, it creates a review period for citizen input and congressional approval before restrictions are placed on the land.

The bill, H.R. 4996, currently has 16 cosponsors.

On Government

2010-04-11T21:44:00.001-04:00

"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." Thomas Jefferson (November 29, 1802)

A Thought On Congress And Healthcare

2010-03-13T10:01:00.002-05:00

"It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please. Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. It [the Constitution] was intended to lace them up straightly within the enumerated powers and those without which, as means, these powers could not be carried into effect."

This was Thomas Jefferson's opinion on Congress in 1791. It applies just as much today - and even more so! Our elected officials seem intent on giving us what they want to give us without listening to the voice of the people. We elected them to represent us and listen to us. You don't represent someone when you ignore their wants and wishes. The current healthcare debate reminds me of what my drill sergeant used to tell us in basic training: "When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."

Foxx Calls For Health Care Reform

2010-03-13T08:41:00.001-05:00

The following is from a March 11, 2010 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx calls for health care reform that cuts costs, empowers patients
Says current bill is too expensive and government-focused, won’t cut costs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx in a speech before the House of Representatives called for “common sense” health care reform that empowers patients rather than government or insurance companies. In her remarks she focused on the need to cut costs and not create expensive new federal government programs.

Foxx’s full statement follows. A video of Foxx’s remarks can be found here: www.youtube.com/user/RepVirginiaFoxx#p/a/u/0/kARdzdPNZKY

Madam Speaker, the American people have spoken loud and clear: they do not want a government takeover of health care. They want sensible, step by step health care reform that works. But the White House is not listening. Instead they’re proposing expensive new entitlements that will only worsen the federal government’s finances and North Carolina family budgets.

At least there is one thing we agree on: we need to have a bill that will lower the cost of health care in American. But you don’t lower the cost of health care in America by creating expensive, new government-run programs.

The best way to lower the cost of health care is by empowering patients. Putting patients in charge of their health care—not insurance companies and not the government—is the solution.

While I agree with the President Obama that we need to lower the cost of health care, the problem is that his proposals—which are simply retreads of the House and Senate bills—won’t really lower costs—they are simply a trillion dollar expansion of government control.

Lower costs will stem from patients who are empowered and making health care decisions, through innovations like expanded Health Savings Accounts, and by making sure that the trial lawyers who are driving up the cost of health care with a blizzard of frivolous lawsuits are reined in.

So we should start over. Starting over is the single best way to produce bipartisan legislation that the public can support.

We should focus on working step-by-step to enact common sense health care reform that will lower costs for families and small businesses and expand access to affordable, high-quality care.

Republicans have been talking about a step-by-step approach for months. This approach would allow individuals to buy health care across state lines, cover people with pre-existing conditions, improve access to Health Savings Accounts, as well as enact medical liability reform.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that such a common-sense plan would reduce deficits by $68 billion and reduce private insurance premiums by up to 10 percent.

This is a plan that doesn’t grow the government. And it’s a plan that reduces costs without a government-takeover and without breaking the budget or soaking taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, it’s a plan that will work for the American people.

Poll Results

2010-03-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

I had 2 polls on my blog and here are the results.

The first poll was who would you vote for President in 2012. Mike Huckabee won against Sarah Palin 2 to 1.

The second poll was on what is the most important issue facing our country. You voted the economy was the number 1 issue.

Thanks for those that participated!

New Polls - Please Opine!

2010-02-04T19:32:00.001-05:00

I've put 2 new polls on my blog. I'd appreciate your input - please take a moment and opine! Thanks!!!

Foxx Votes Against Raising Debt Limit

2010-02-04T19:20:00.002-05:00

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Congress increases debt limit by $1.9 trillion, Foxx votes no

WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to increase the national debt limit by $1.9 trillion. North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx voted against increasing the national debt limit, citing the federal government’s runaway spending.

“Reckless spending requires reckless borrowing, so this vote is no surprise,” Foxx said. “Federal spending on so-called discretionary programs increased 84 percent over the past two years—and these increases have been financed entirely by new debt. The time has come to stop these out-of-touch spending increases so we don’t have to keep jacking up the national debt.”

Today’s vote increases the federal government’s debt limit by $1.9 trillion to $14.294 trillion, an increase of more than $6,000 for every person in America. This is the second increase in the national debt in less than two months and is the largest one-time increase in the debt limit ever.

“Speaker Pelosi may talk about reducing debt and deficits, but the facts speak for themselves: we are looking at a record-breaking amount of federal spending and the largest budget deficit in history,” Foxx said. “We must rein in federal spending and get serious about balancing the budget.”

Under the President’s budget, unveiled earlier this week, the national debt will rise from $9.961 trillion at the beginning of 2009 when President Obama took office to more than $25.77 trillion in 2020—an increase of 147 percent. As a result, over the next ten years, the federal budget deficit will average $917 billion every year under the President’s budget.

Chris Widener Running for Senat in 2010

2010-01-21T20:16:00.002-05:00

Chris Widener is a fantastic motivational speaker, I enjoy listening to him and have learned a lot from him. I was pleasantly surprised to hear he is running for the Senate. In an email from today, here's part of what Chris had to say:

"The future I envision doesn't include handouts and corporate bailouts that merely tighten the government's stranglehold on our everyday lives and does nothing to improve our nation's economic well-being. Government should focus its attention only on the essentials and do those things well, leaving to the private sector – innovative, creative people like you and me – to do what we do best: lead America to greatness."

There are a few more issues I would like to hear where he stands, but what I've seen so far, I can really appreciate his positions on the economy and business. You can find more information about Chris here: www.chriswidener.org

I will post more when I hear more about Chris' position on more issues.

Foxx Co-sponsors And Votes For Haitian Charitable Bill

2010-01-21T20:04:00.002-05:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx co-sponsors, votes for Haitian charitable giving bill

WASHINGTON—United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) voted this week to pass a bill (H.R. 4462) to allow American taxpayers to deduct charitable donations for Haiti relief from their 2009 taxes.

“Americans always respond in generosity in times of great need,” Foxx said. “The outpouring of donations and humanitarian relief in the aftermath of Haiti’s terrible earthquake last week put this generous spirit on display.”

“H.R. 4462 is a common sense response to the tragedy in Haiti. This legislation will serve to spur even greater American generosity and ensure that the compassionate Americans who donate their hard-earned money to relief in Haiti get a timely tax deduction.”

Foxx is also an original co-sponsor of H.R. 4462, which will accelerate the tax benefit for certain charitable cash contributions made for the benefit of the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. The bill passed by a unanimous bipartisan vote. It is similar to legislation enacted in the immediate aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami in early 2005.

This legislation would give taxpayers who make earthquake-related contributions of cash through the end of February the opportunity to claim the charitable deduction on their 2009 returns (which most taxpayers will file in April of this year).

For additional information on H.R. 4462, please visit the Joint Committee on Taxation’s Web site at www.jct.gov.

Health Care Bill Constitutional???

2009-12-22T19:16:00.004-05:00

One of my biggest problems with Congress' health care bills is their constitutionality. And now, thankfully, Senator Jim DeMint and Senator John Ensign have raised the very same issue.

Senator DeMint said, “As an American, I felt the obligation to stand up for the individual freedom of every citizen to make their own decision on this issue. I don’t believe Congress has the legal authority to force this mandate on its citizens.” “Forcing every American to purchase a product is absolutely inconsistent with our Constitution and the freedoms our Founding Fathers hoped to protect."

You can read Senator's DeMint and Ensign's press release here.
You can read my post on the Constitution and American government here.
You can read the Heritage Foundation's article on why the health care bill is unconstitutional here.

As I've said before, I am not opposed to health care reform because I'm afraid the Democrats will get the credit. I am opposed to it because I believe it puts our American government in a position that is contrary to our Constitution. I am for health care reform, but I am for it in the right way!

Foxx Statement On Senate Health Care Bill

2009-12-22T19:13:00.001-05:00

The following is a 12/21 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx statement on Senate health care bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today issued the following statement on the Senate Democrats’ health care legislation after the Senate voted to move forward with the bill:

“If the Senate thinks this is the sort of Christmas present America wants, they are badly mistaken. This is just the latest version of a creeping government takeover of health care that is also loaded up with new taxes and more bureaucratic nonsense.

“With $518 billion is new taxes, there’s hardly an American who won’t feel the effects of this wide-ranging thievery. There’s $149 billion in taxes on Americans who have ‘too much’ healthcare and then there’s also $43 billion in new taxes on Americans who don’t have enough healthcare. This is no way to solve our health care problems.

“If you’re lucky enough to be a senior the Senate bill has some coal for your stocking. Even the Congressional Budget office recently said the bill’s $470 billion in cuts to Medicare may ‘reduce access to care or diminish the quality of care’. Worse, many of these cuts will impact the 40,000 seniors in the 5th district who enjoy the expanded care and benefits of Medicare Advantage.

“And what’s a big government health care bill without more bureaucrats? Under the Senate plan, unelected bureaucrats will have the power to negotiate the plans that Americans will be forced to buy. Bureaucrats will also be given power to make cuts to Medicare providers, thereby limiting seniors’ access to care.”

“Of course the Senate bill also fails to maintain a strict separation between taxpayer dollars and payments for abortions. As national pro-life groups have already indicated, this is completely unacceptable. The bottom line is that this bill deserves a place on the scrap heap.”

The Mayflower Compact - Thanksgiving 1620 Style!

2009-11-26T13:52:00.002-05:00

In 1620 our forefathers covenanted with each other and with God to establish a new colony in America. According to one website, "When creating the Mayflower Compact, the signers believed that covenants were not only to be honored between God and man, but also between each other. They had always honored covenants as part of their righteous integrity and agreed to be bound by this same principle with the Compact. John Adams and many historians have referred to the Mayflower Compact as the foundation of the U.S. Constitution written more than 150 later. " (allabouthistory.org)

On this Thanksgiving Day, 2009, let's keep in mind how the pilgrims kept their focus on God and his providence in helping them establish a new colony. Let it lead us to give thanks for His on-going hand of blessing on our nation.

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.

President Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

2009-11-26T13:44:00.001-05:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

Reid Health Care Bill Has Total 10-Year Pricetag Of $2.5 Trillion

2009-11-25T19:52:00.002-05:00

Please go to this site for a good article from the Weekly Standard on the 10 year cost of Reid's health care bill: http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/11/chart_total_10year_cost_of_rei.asp

Unfortunately the cost of this bill is being hidden from the public. I encourage you to read the article and contact your senator to work towards keeping this bill from being passed.

Trouble Tracking Stimulus Money

2009-11-18T17:45:00.001-05:00

The following article is from an email from NCGOP.org

If you are trying to track your tax dollars being handed out as stimulus money, you may have a tough time at the Obama administrations' official website.

Recovery.gov was set up as part of the President's commitment to transparency, but he may need to consider a commitment to accuracy. The site lists nonexistent Congressional districts receiving money around the nation. Here's a link to a statewide TV news story about the problems with the North Carolina portion of the website, including some comments from Chairman Tom Fetzer: www.news14.com/charlotte-news-104-content/politics/617703/federal-stimulus-tracking-site-loaded-with-errors.

Foxx Opposes Transfer Of Gitmo Detainees

2009-11-18T17:40:00.001-05:00

The following is from a Nov 17, 2009 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx opposes transferring Guantanamo detainees to U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voiced opposition to the Obama administration’s plans to transfer Khalid Sheik Mohammed—the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks—along with his co-conspirators, from Guantanamo to the U.S. The Obama administration announced that it will move the accused terrorists to New York City for trial in a civilian court.

“Moving these terrorists to the U.S. provides these war criminals all the constitutional rights of American citizens,” Foxx said. “This is a bad precedent that risks allowing self-proclaimed terrorists to make a mockery of the constitutional rights they will be given.”

On January 22, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year. The decision to try some terrorist detainees from Guantanamo in civilian courts has raised questions about the ramifications of such a move.

“The FBI Director has warned that importing these terrorists will give them opportunities to radicalize others and operate cells inside American prisons,” Foxx said. “The secure and well-tested military tribunal process is a better alternative to sending these terrorists to a U.S. courtroom.

“Plus, a civilian court trial may result in sensitive intelligence information falling into the wrong hands or may even lead to a terrorist detainee being released inside the U.S. because of some obscure legal technicality.”

Foxx is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2294, a bill that gives governors and state legislatures the right to refuse the transfer of dangerous terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay prison to facilities in the U.S. Under this legislation, New York governor David Paterson (D), who has criticized the Obama administration’s decision, would be able to halt the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to New York City.

Foxx continues transparency push, calls for open healthcare debate

2009-10-31T23:06:00.001-04:00

The following is from a Oct 27 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx continues transparency push, calls for open healthcare debate

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx today cosponsored a measure (H.Res. 847) to ensure that the process of finalizing healthcare legislation is open to public scrutiny. H.Res. 847 seeks to change the current practice of negotiating the final details of major legislation behind closed doors.

“This is serious business,” Foxx said. “A major overhaul of health care will impact one sixth of our economy and if things don’t change these decisions that affect every America will be made behind closed doors. If there’s nothing to hide, why not throw open the doors and let the public watch?”

Health care legislation is expected to be brought up for a vote in the coming weeks. House and Senate leaders are currently combining disparate pieces of legislation into a final bill in closed meetings. H.Res. 847 will make the House of Representatives more open and responsive to citizens by opening up these closed meetings.

“The lawmaking process is more than just the final votes on legislation,” Foxx said. “It involves committee amendments and votes, Rules Committee hearings, and conference committees. Taxpayers deserve to see the whole legislative sausage machine, not just the shiny, shrink-wrapped package that gets sent to the president for his signature.”

Foxx is also a supporter of additional rule changes in the House to make lawmaking more open to public input and scrutiny:

Cosponsor of a broad, bipartisan bill authored by Democrat Rep. Brian Baird that requires that any legislation be posted online in its final form for 72 hours before it is voted on.
Original cosponsor of H.Res. 835, a measure to ban “phantom amendments” by requiring all committees to post bills online within 24 hours of committee approval.
Original cosponsor of H.Res. 869, to require cameras in the Rules Committee hearing room. The Rules Committee is the body that decides what legislation comes before the House and how it is debated.

NC Bloggers - Join HuckPAC!

2009-10-11T21:17:00.002-04:00

I created a group on www.huckpac.com for bloggers in North Carolina to join together and support Mike Huckabee and HuckPAC. If you would like to join this group, please log in to HuckPAC and look for the "NC Bloggers for HuckPAC" when you click on the map of North Carolina.

NC Bloggers for HuckPAC is dedicated to support Republican candidates who are passionate advocates for tax reform, a strong national defense, real border security, life, the family, less government, and individual liberty. We will support HuckPAC and candidates by posting articles and information on our blogs. We will spread the word virtually!

Please join this group and let's work together to support family, life and liberty. Thank you!

Huck PAC - Blogs - President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T19:48:00.003-04:00

Here is Governor Mike Huckabee's blog on the President's Nobel Prize.

Huck PAC - Blogs - President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Shared via AddThis

Updates And Clean-up

2009-10-09T19:39:00.001-04:00

I noticed that there is some items on my blog that needed to be updated, etc. I'm going to take some time this weekend to do that!

Vertical Politics And Health Care

2009-10-06T20:09:00.002-04:00

Mike Huckabee's vertical politics would really benefit the on-going health care debate. Briefly, vertical politics is not about red states and blue states, it's not about left or right, it's about what is best for our country.

With that in mind, I would like to challenge all of us to look carefully and closely at the health care debate. What does it mean to you? How will it impact you and your family? Read, research and understand the issue and it's importance and impact to you - and then take a stand on the issue.

I must say I am opposed to the current proposals on health care. No, it's not because I'm a Republican, a conservative, a "values voter" or any other label you would want to put on me. I am opposed to it for several reasons, primarily because I do not believe our government was established to provide us with health care. I believe this is government intruding where it doesn't belong. I'm opposed to it because it will raise taxes, and that is never good to do during tough economic times. These are just some of the reasons I cannot support the proposed health care legislation.

Our country has a tradition of strong debate - that's the American way! However, my fear is we are getting caught up in party politics and mid-term election hype and are losing sight of the bigger picture. The health care debate should not be about stopping President Obama. The health care debate shouldn't be about not wanting Democrats getting the credit for fixing health care. Vertical politics injected in the health care debate would mean we focus on why or why not it is right for our country.

The current health care legislation puts government where it doesn't belong. It is creating a burden of debt that we cannot pay. Those are my reasons for opposing health care legislation - what are yours?

Foxx - Post Legislation 72 Hours Before A Vote

2009-10-06T20:08:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx joins bipartisan push for 72 hours to review legislation before votes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5) today joined a bipartisan group of Representatives to call on Congress to post all major legislation and conference reports on the Internet for 72 hours before a vote is taken by the House.

“Congress has a duty to give Americans a chance to review and comment on legislation,” Foxx said. “But when important and controversial legislation is passed only hours after the final bill text is available, average citizens are shut out of the deliberative process.”

“Today the House is scheduled to vote on legislation that spends $33.5 billion—and the final legislation was only made available after 6pm last night. We can and should do better. Posting legislation online for 72 hours is a common sense step Congress can take to make our proceedings more open and transparent.”

Note: Foxx is a cosponsor of a bipartisan measure (H.Res. 554) that changes the rules of the House so that major legislation is publically available in its final form for 72 hours before a vote. Foxx has also signed a “discharge petition” for H.Res. 554. A discharge petition is a procedural tool to bring legislation up for a vote. Once a majority of the House signs the discharge petition H.Res. 554 must be voted on. The discharge petition currently has 181 signatures.

Foxx Comments On Our Constitution

2009-09-18T07:14:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx: Constitution “is a resilient and timeless charter”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today is the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, also known as Constitution Day. U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx made the following statement on the occasion of Constitution Day:

“More than two centuries ago 39 patriots put their names to a document that changed the course of history. This document chartered a lasting experiment in democracy and put our nation on the path to becoming the world’s strongest and freest democracy.

“Our Constitution remains the foundation of our unique system of government and individual liberty. It is a resilient and timeless charter. It is a towering achievement in the cause of freedom. It is, above all, a monument to America’s founding ideals.

“As a member of Congress it is an honor and sacred duty to protect and uphold the Constitution. I hope that many Americans will find the time this week to read our Constitution and be reminded of our many freedoms, of the genius of checks and balances and of the privilege it is to be an American.”

Note: The Constitution can be read online at the National Archives’ web site. Any 5th District constituent who would like a hard copy of the U.S. Constitution can contact Foxx’s office at (866) 677-8968.

Foxx Cosponsors "Czar" Legislation

2009-09-14T23:21:00.001-04:00

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx cosponsors legislation to rein in unelected “czars”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today announced that she is cosponsoring legislation (H.R. 3226) to re-establish Congress’s constitutional role in the presidential appointment of government ‘czars’. Since taking office, President Obama has appointed dozens of powerful administration officials, popularly known as ‘czars’, outside the Senate confirmation process established by the Constitution.

“In the past eight months the Obama administration has appointed more than 30 czars with power over every conceivable area of government and very few have gone through the constitutionally mandated Senate confirmation process,” Foxx said. “Congress must reclaim its oversight role in the confirmation process of high-ranking administration officials.”

“As the recent dust-up over President Obama’s green jobs czar shows, transparency and accountability matter,” Foxx said. “I believe that every President should be advised by the best and brightest our country has to offer. But I am concerned that the proliferation of unaccountable czars threatens to undermine our system of checks and balances.”

H.R. 3226, the Czar Accountability and Reform Act cuts off funding for czar positions which have not been subject to Senate confirmation. To date the Obama administration has appointed ‘czars’ with authority in areas from bank and auto bailouts to technology and energy policy.

Note: Foxx penned an op-ed several weeks ago about the proliferation of so-called ‘czars’ in American government over the past several decades and what this development signals about the growth of government.

Foxx On Healthcare

2009-09-08T23:07:00.001-04:00

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx on healthcare: Americans “fed up with Washington’s tin ear”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC05) made the following statement before the House of Representatives today, calling on Congress to pursue healthcare reform that puts patients, not big government, first:

“Mr. Speaker, it was a long, hot August for many members of Congress who returned home to face the displeasure of constituents fed up with Washington’s tin ear syndrome.

“Over the past month I have heard from more people than I can count who have had enough of the explosion of Washington-style big government. And of course it was no comfort that in the middle of August the White House announced that they expect $9.1 trillion in new government debt over the next ten years.

“So how is it that the American people are expected to stomach a new government-run healthcare proposal that is estimated to cost up to $1.6 trillion?

“Let’s scrap the current government-run healthcare proposal and return to the drawing board for a plan like ones Republicans have offered that put patients, not government, first.”

Click here for video/audio of Foxx remarks.

Observations On Our American Government

2009-09-08T22:07:00.003-04:00

Allow me to share with you a few important observations about our American government. This is not meant to be in-depth and all-inclusive. It is shared with the hope that it will enlighten the reader and encourage more participation in our American government!

1. All men are endowed by God with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I must stress that these rights are God-given and are not distributed or granted to us by the government.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... " Declaration of Independence
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Amendment IX
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Amendment X

2. Men cede to government some of their natural rights in order to give government its powers. Government only has the powers given it by the people.

"...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... " Declaration of Independence
"Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers." The Federalist #2

3. Our government's role is to secure our unalienable rights.

"...all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men..." Declaration of Independence
"Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint." The Federalist #15
"A wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement...This is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson (1st Inaugural Address)

4. Our government is accountable to the people and the people are to hold the government in check.

"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government..." The Federalist #51

Based on these and other writings from our founding fathers, I am of the firm conviction that our government was designed to be a small and limited government. Our founders did not see a government that dispensed our every need. They saw our government as securing our rights as individuals to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

Cross-posted at www.backtotheconstitution.org

Christian Persecution Continues In Burma (Myanmar)

2009-08-16T21:47:00.002-04:00

An article published on-line at Mission Network News shows that persecution of Christians in Burma continues. Villages are attacked with mortars and machine guns, water supplies are poisoned, people are burned alive. These atrocities and more are committed against Christians and others.

Please pray for the Christians in Burma. Contact your Congressman and raise the awareness.

Look For New Posts On My Blog!

2009-08-16T21:45:00.001-04:00

Sorry my blog posts have been few and far between this summer. I've had a lot of business travel since May and it has prevented me from writing for my blog. I'm catching up now and hope you enjoy my new posts!

Foxx To Host Telephone Town Hall

2009-08-16T15:44:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Thursday, August 20 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx will host a district-wide telephone town hall on the topic of healthcare reform for Fifth District constituents. Constituents can call into the town hall meeting by dialing 1-877-850-4133 at 6:30 pm and entering the password FOXX (3699).

"We need sensible healthcare reform that is patient centered, not government-centered or insurance company-centered,” Foxx said. “In the midst of the national debate over healthcare reform many constituents want to know what their government is up to with healthcare.

“North Carolina taxpayers are rightly demanding that Washington slow down the process and listen to their concerns,” Foxx said. “So I am looking forward to hearing constituents’ thoughts about the healthcare reform bills moving through Congress.”

Constituents will be connected to a live conference call with Rep. Foxx and other constituents in the Fifth District when they call 1-877-850-4133 on August 20 at 6:30 pm. All participants will need to enter a password for the call: the password is F-O-X-X (3699). After joining the call, participants will be able to ask Rep. Foxx questions about the healthcare reform or any other issues on their mind.

“Please join me on this telephone town hall,” Foxx said. “This will be a great opportunity for constituents to let their voice be heard in the important healthcare debate in Congress no matter where they live in the Fifth District."

This telephone town hall is open to constituents in North Carolina’s Fifth District.
Individuals can visit Rep. Foxx’s website, www.foxx.house.gov or click here to determine if they are a Fifth District resident.

Foxx Comment On DNC's Misleading NC Voters

2009-08-16T15:40:00.001-04:00

The following is from an Aug 14 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC05) issued the following statement today after North Carolina constituents were misled by the DNC this week into fake “meetings” in Foxx’s District offices:

“The Democratic National Committee is shooting itself in the foot,” Foxx said. “We’re in the middle of an historic economic downturn, we’re working to reform our healthcare system and the best the DNC can do is deceive well-meaning citizens into thinking they’ve set up meetings in my office.

“Everyone should have an opportunity to voice their opinion on healthcare reform. But purposefully confusing constituents into thinking they’ve scheduled a meeting with me when no such arrangements are made with my office is disrespectful of these people’s time and resources.

“The vast majority of people who have stopped by my district offices to express their support for President Obama’s plan have been polite and civil. But some have also been very confused by the DNC’s deceptive tactics. This is very disappointing and I hope the DNC and Organizing for American can find a more constructive way to join in the debate.”

Note: The DNC, through it’s Organizing for America arm, has been allowing people to “schedule” meetings with their Members of Congress at a DNC web site. Individuals who “schedule” a meeting with their representative are given a time and date for the meeting. But their representatives are not given any information regarding these scheduled meetings. During a busy month when Representatives attend dozens of meetings and events around their districts, many constituents who are misled by the DNC web site are finding that their representative is hours away when they arrive for their “scheduled meeting”. Read news coverage of this tactic here.

Foxx Cosponsors Healthcare Reform Legislation

2009-07-31T19:36:00.001-04:00

The following is a July 28 press release from NC Congresswomen Virginia Foxx. I am proud to have her represent me in Washington!!

Foxx cosponsors healthcare reform legislation
Bill expands access to health insurance with tax credits, aid to states

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC05) today cosponsored the Improving Health Care for All Americans Act (H.R. 3218) a bill that will dramatically expand Americans’ access to health insurance.

“Our healthcare system is in need of reform,” Foxx said. “This legislation addresses the serious gaps in health insurance coverage that exist for many families. By creating tax credits for uninsured families and new Individual Membership Associations Congress will help make healthcare more affordable and portable.

“Congress can reform healthcare and make health insurance more affordable—and we can do it without a government takeover of healthcare. This bill makes that much clear. It focuses on preserving the patient-doctor relationship while removing barriers to affordable health insurance and keeping Washington bureaucrats out of the equation.”

H.R. 3218 helps uninsured families get coverage through three different policy changes:
First, it creates a health insurance tax credit of up to $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families.
It also expands insurance options and access to health insurance by creating Individual Membership Associations (IMAs). IMAs would expand insurance coverage by allowing groups like trade associations, churches and other civic groups to offer affordable insurance to their members.
Finally, H.R. 3218 provides federal incentives for states to create high risk insurance pools for Americans who have difficulty securing health insurance.

Note: Foxx is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2607 which expands access to coverage for uninsured families by creating Associated Health Plans; H.R. 1118 which gives seniors more choices and control over Medicare enrollment; H.R. 1039 which promotes health information technology; H.R. 1086 which seeks to reduce healthcare costs through tort reform; and H.R. 2516 which lowers costs through a bevy of healthcare reforms.

Congresswoman Foxx Press Release On Healthcare Bill

2009-07-16T22:36:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx pledges not to vote for healthcare bill she hasn’t read
Repeats promise to oppose bill that subsidizes or mandates abortion

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) promised today that she would not vote for any healthcare reform bill that she had not read and that had not been publicly available for at least 72 hours.

“Americans’ healthcare is much too important for Congress to pass legislation in a blind rush or under the cloak of secrecy. I promise that I will not support any legislation that the American people have not had an opportunity to review and weigh in on.

“I also promise that under no circumstances will I vote for a bill that does not specifically forbid taxpayer funded abortion or that mandates insurance coverage of abortion. Taxpayer funded abortion is a profound offense to the conscience of millions and millions of Americans and such policies have no place in a healthcare reform bill.”

Yesterday, House Democrats unveiled a healthcare overhaul bill that will cost more than $1 trillion. The bill imposes a 2.5 percent tax on everyone who does not obtain health coverage through their employer or does not purchase government-approved insurance policies.

The bill also levies a tax on small businesses that cannot afford to offer health insurance to their employees. Additionally, more than half of the bill’s $1 trillion price tag will be paid by so-called “high income tax filers.” As a result of this tax hike hundreds of thousands of small businesses will see a significantly higher tax burden.

“This legislation is going to harm the single largest source of job creation in America—small businesses,” Foxx said. “Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and it makes no sense to penalize the sector of our economy that offers the best hope for a swift economic recovery.”

Note: According to a Wall Street Journal story today, “businesses with between five and nine workers, representing about one million employers, had an average payroll of around $375,000 a year. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that only about half of firms with three to nine workers offered health benefits in 2008.” Under the House Democrats’ healthcare bill about half of these small businesses would pay a new tax on their total payrolls if they did not start to offer health insurance.

Word For The Day: Socialism

2009-06-28T12:12:00.004-04:00

Socialism is basically defined as a political and economic system in which the government owns the means of production and distribution of goods among the citizens. Socialism advocates government not only owning the industry of the state, but also being responsible for distributing the profits equally among its citizens.

According to our Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." In other words, our Founding Fathers viewed a limited government that allowed the citizens to work and enjoy the profit from their labor. They did not view government as the owner and distributor of our nation's industry and wealth.

My question now is this, what form of government is currently being advocated?

Cross-posted at www.backtotheconstitution.org

Foxx Votes "No" On Energy Tax

2009-06-26T20:33:00.002-04:00

The following is from a July 26 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. I am thankful for her vote on this. I appreciate her work for us in NC!

Foxx votes against national energy tax

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted against H.R. 2454, a bill that would essentially create a national energy tax through a “cap and trade” scheme. Some estimates found that the total tax impact of this legislation will amount to $2,979 per year for a family of four.

“As we struggle to make our way out of a recession, I could not vote for the creation of a new national energy tax,” Foxx said. “North Carolina families and businesses can’t afford the financial strain of high energy costs in this bill. We should be working to ensure taxpayers are less burdened by taxes and red tape—not more.”

Under H.R. 2454, electricity costs are estimated to rise by 90 percent. According to the Heritage Foundation, employment will be lower by 1,105,000 jobs per year as a result of this national energy tax. The bill will have an especially negative effect on energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing—which employs one out of six people in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. H.R. 2454 will also reduce the United States’ economic output by $9.6 trillion.

“Tens of thousands of people in North Carolina who work in manufacturing are at risk of losing their jobs due to the burdens placed on employers by this bill,” Foxx said. “Many employers will be forced out of business or out of the country because of high energy prices and the new regulations in this legislation.”

The legislation will be particularly damaging to rural areas and farming communities. Because rural households spend 58 percent more on fuel than urban residents as a percentage of their income, high energy prices cause disproportionate harm to rural families. The Heritage Foundation also estimates that farm income will drop by $50 billion by 2035 if H.R. 2454 becomes law.

Foxx Cosponsors Energy Legislation

2009-06-13T13:43:00.001-04:00

The following is from a June 11 press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx cosponsors sweeping energy legislation
Bill invests in nuclear power, renewable energy and offshore energy sources

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today cosponsored The American Energy Act, an energy bill that promotes energy independence, job creation and environmental protections for new energy projects. The bill, in contrast to the energy policy currently being pursued by House Democrats, establishes a national goal of constructing 100 clean, modern nuclear energy plants over the next 20 years.

“Gas prices and utility bills are creeping up again, dealing another economic blow to North Carolina families,” Foxx said. “If we are going to emerge from this recession with a sustainable recovery, we must confront the coming crisis in energy. That’s why I’m pleased that we have a bill that paves the way for economic recovery through commonsense energy policies. Without a clean and abundant supply of energy, America cannot retain its place as the world’s economic powerhouse.”

The American Energy Act is an alternative to the “cap and trade” energy bill offered by Washington Democrats. Studies have shown that cap and trade policies (essentially a tax on energy) will dramatically increase the cost of energy for North Carolina families. Instead of taxing energy, the American Energy Act increases domestic energy supply by investing in renewable energy, tapping offshore sources of gas and oil, as well as increasing the availability and affordability of nuclear power.

“We haven’t built a new nuclear power plant in decades, despite the fact that nuclear power could provide a safe and clean source of energy for millions of households in America,” Foxx said. “Nuclear power already produces 73 percent of the zero emissions energy in America. The American Energy Act leverages the benefits of nuclear power by jumpstarting new investment in nuclear energy.”

About the American Energy Act: This comprehensive energy legislation directs revenue generated by the sale of energy production leases into a Renewable Energy Trust Fund that funds alternative and renewable energy sources. It also bolsters conservation and energy efficiency efforts through the use of proven tax incentives. Learn more about the American Energy Act by reading the backgrounder posted here.

We Need 2 R's

2009-06-05T09:28:00.002-04:00

I was listening to a radio show yesterday on the way home and heard a comment that sparked this post. The radio host stated Christians today need to do several things, and two of those are read and reason. Let me take these two R's a bit farther and say that not only do Christians need to read and reason, but all Americans need to do more of these as well. Let me explain!

As citizens, we need to read. We need to read newspapers, blogs (especially this one!), news sites, and books. Knowledge is not neutral - you have to be actively involved. Too many people today allow themselves to be told what's important, what's fact, what's true, what's historically accurate, etc. They allow themselves to be told what their opinion is on the issues of our day instead of forming their own opinion. We must get our brains out of neutral and start reading so we can make informed decisions on the issues of our day. Here's an example. Have you formed your own opinion on abortion based on what you've read about it or is your opinion on abortion based on your political affiliation?

Next, as citizens we need to reason. Why should we be against abortion? Why is it important that we elect honorable people? Why is it important that we have a moral government? We need to reason why these and other issues matter. We need to reason - determine - that we will stand for what is right. (Remember, truth is truth no matter how many are against it!)

I challenge all of us to pick an issue and read about it and make your own opinion about it. Then do something about it - get involved!

(Cross-posted at http://www.backtotheconstitution.org/)

Christians Persecuted in Burma and China

2009-06-05T08:59:00.002-04:00

I've written several posts on the persecution of Christians in Burma (Myanmar) and want to give some updates. Unfortunately, they are not encouraging updates. I also wanted to call to your attention to the persecution of a Christian in China.

This year the government of Burma has continued in its path of persecution for Christians. The persecution of Christians has come in the form of closing churches, stopping Christians from meeting in homes/apartments, and refusing permits to build new churches.

You can read more on Burma's Christian persecution at the following:
Burma tightens restrictions on Christian Worship
Christians in Rangoon avoid churches

Now I would like to call your attention to China's persecution of one of it's Christian citizens, Gao Zhisheng. Gao Zhisheng is a Christian and has been imprisoned and tortured by the Chinese government for his faith. I ask that you visit www.freegao.com to find out more information on his compelling story and get involved by signing an on-line petition.

The persecution of Christians didn't end with the fall of the Roman Empire. There are several nations in the world where it is a crime to have faith in Christ. I encourage you to find a good organization that works to help persecuted Christians and become involved. Let's raise the awareness of our brothers and sisters in Christ - pray for them and do something for them!

Foxx Calls For More Government Transparency on Finances

2009-06-05T07:21:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

Foxx praises decision to post House expenditures online
Calls for more transparency for $1 trillion in other federal spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx released the following statement today after it was reported that the House of Representatives will begin posting individual representatives expense reports online. The Wall Street Journal reported today that, starting August 31, American taxpayers will be able to view the quarterly reports of Representatives’ expenditures.

“America’s taxpayers deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent,” Foxx said. “I applaud this decision to post each Representatives’ spending on the Internet.

“My hope is that other federal agencies follow suit. After all, if Congress, not known for its 21st century ways, can account online for every cent it spends, why not the rest of the sprawling federal government?

“The rest of the federal government agencies will spend more than $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars this year. These agencies should follow the example being set by the House and begin to publicly divulge the details of how taxpayer money is spent. This would do much to remedy the Washington mindset that the money belongs to Washington and not the people.”

Note: Members of the House of Representative are currently required to file quarterly reports detailing every dollar of spending made by their Congressional offices.

The House of Representatives will spend $794.3 million to fund all House Committees and the office budgets of each of the 435 Representatives in 2009. This amounts to less than 1/10 of 1% of the more than $1 trillion in federal government agency expenditures for 2009—spending that is not available online for taxpayer scrutiny.

Foxx Named "Defender of Liberty"

2009-06-05T07:11:00.002-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx named “Defender of Liberty” by conservative group
American Conservative Union recognizes Foxx for conservative voting record

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Conservative Union, the nation’s largest grassroots conservative organization, today named Foxx a “Defender of Liberty” for her strong conservative voting record in the 110th Congress. Foxx received the award thanks to her record of protecting liberty and fighting against Washington’s big-government agenda.

“The American Conservative Union has given its 2008 Defender of Liberty award to Congresswoman Virginia Foxx for her support for conservative principles on a wide variety of issues,” said ACU Chairman David A. Keene. “Congresswoman Foxx’s lifetime rating of 99.0 over 4 years of service reflects someone who grassroots conservatives can look to for leadership.”

The ACU gives the award to members of Congress who have a consistent record of voting for personal freedom and limited government. The 2008 ACU ratings were based on a collection of votes on 25 different pieces of legislation including the Wall Street bailout, federal budget and tax bills and the automaker bailout. Foxx was among a select group who received the “Defender of Liberty” award for scoring a 100% ACU rating with her 2008 record.

“Defending our tradition of liberty and individual responsibility means refusing to jump on the big-government bailout bandwagon or join in the Washington spending spree,” Foxx said. “I’m honored that the ACU recognized me as one of the conservatives in Congress who want to see American liberty restored to its rightful place in our nation’s capital.”

Foxx Honors Women Veterans

2009-05-24T19:58:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx honors women veterans at Arlington Cemetery
Participates in Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx today honored the women of America’s military at the 12th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony which took place at the Arlington Cemetery Women’s Memorial. The wreath laying ceremony in advance of the Memorial Day holiday honored servicewomen who have died while serving the U.S.
“Women have served our nation from its birth to the present and have willingly laid down their lives for the cause of liberty,” Foxx said. “Today we give honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

In addition to memorializing those women who died in the line of duty, the ceremony also highlighted the service of women currently enlisted in the armed forces. Senior enlisted women from each service branch, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, represented their fellow women service members.

During the Arlington Cemetery wreath laying Foxx acknowledged the sacrifices of enlisted women in each branch of the armed forces. Foxx specifically honored Army Master Sergeant Flora McKnight, Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Min Sook Ellis, Navy Senior Chief Yeoman Dee Allen, Air Force Master Sergeant Dianna Kent and Coast Guard Master Chief Storekeeper Beth Dunn, each of whom were present at the ceremony.

“Enlisted women play a critical role in the professionalism and readiness of our military,” Foxx said. “The presence of the women here today testifies to the achievements of women in our armed forces.”

Conservatives - Please Read This!

2009-04-21T14:26:00.002-04:00

This was written by Governor Mike Huckabee and it really struck home with me. (I edited out some of it for space.) As a conservative voter, I need to be active and not sit on the sidelines hoping things go my way. Please read this and then get involved!

Enough already of the hand-wringing and night sweats about the demise of the conservative movement!

Conservatives aren't challenged because of the basic principles that define us, but by the failure of the principles being translated into policy and practice. Gandhi once said, "If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today."

I would be so brazen to say that if conservatives would really live according to the principles of classic conservatism, all of America would be conservative today. The crisis is not one over the precepts, but the practice. It's not that we've failed in our doctrine, but our "doing."

Conservatives believe that the best government is the most local government possible and that the 10th Amendment means something and should be followed. Yet, the supposedly conservative Republican Party has been a drum major for the expanded role of the federal government.

Our founders feared a highly centralized and endowed federal government, instead preferring a system of strong and virtually independent states so that no one person, party, or power broker would exercise a great deal of control. The inherent danger of allowing too much power in the hands of the few was the heart of the major dispute between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson won, believing that the dispersing of power among the states would by design keep the federal government from becoming too consuming and powerful in its approach to governing.

The genius of the 10th Amendment, as is true of all of the Bill of Rights, was that it deliberately limited what the government could do - not what the individual could do. The 10th Amendment defines the limits of the federal government in 28 words: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Over the past few years, Republicans have been either acquiescing in or encouraging the acquisition of more power and control by the federal government - in policy shifts in education, health care, and even how a driver's license looks.

Perhaps no other example is more glaring than having painfully watched so-called Washington conservatives abandon the most fundamental principle of conservatism - fiscal restraint. A Republican administration pushed for and got the authority to spend $700 billion that we had to borrow from our grandchildren's future so we could do what government has no business doing - picking out winners and losers in the private sector marketplace. It was especially disgusting to me to watch some of the very leaders who had smugly dismissed my candidacy for president because I had the audacity to speak out against the excesses of Wall Street and Washington as early as February 2007 now stand up and flop-sweat as they explained why they were about to support the government taking off the striped shirts of the referee and put on the jersey of a team to play the game for one team against another all in the name of "saving the markets." By abandoning our bedrock conservative principles, and those of our founding fathers, they risked ruining our country to save the markets.

What gives me hope is my belief that the party of Reagan will reunite behind the consistent conservative policies that have made our country great - policies that empower individuals, families, and entrepreneurs, not government, to shape our own destinies. If we do that, we will not fail.

We don't need so much to redefine conservatism. Just practice the real thing.

NC State Budget - An Accident Waiting To Happen?

2009-04-04T08:27:00.002-04:00

NC State Senator Peter Brunstetter (31st District) had the following to say about the upcoming NC state budget in a 4/2/09 newsletter: "The other ingredient for next week’s storm is most likely to be the Senate budget. We are hearing that the budget will be released to the public and the Senate early next week, although that information is second hand at best. One of the biggest sources of frustration to me, as a Senator, is my inability to participate meaningfully in the budget process. There has been a lot of work going on in the Senate, behind closed doors, but the activity has been restricted to only a handful of Senators.

The primary participants are what are called the “Big Chairs”. In other words the four co-chairs of the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee, the President Pro Tempore and the Majority Leader. There may be a few others who drift in and out of the process. Other than that, most of the Senate waits for the budget to be delivered to it...We will then have a very short time (often less than 24 hours) to review the massive document before the first vote is taken in Committee, with a floor vote shortly thereafter. The group that I mentioned above has been working on the budget for months, and yet the rest of us need to turn it over night. Something isn’t right about that picture.

I suppose that some centralization is necessary. With 50 people expected to vote, there does need to be reliance upon a core group of leaders at some point. The majority party has the privilege of leading that charge. In our Senate though, the centralization and secrecy almost borders on paranoia, shielding the budget from Republicans, the Press and the public until the last possible moment. In the ten years that I chaired the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, I bent over backwards to make sure that Republicans and Democrats alike had a full voice in the budget process. I knew where the majority votes would come from, but the input from our Democrats was often very helpful and constructive and shaped a budget that was fairer and more reflective of the entire community’s priorities. Eight of the ten budget votes taken while I was Chairman were unanimous. I think that there would be many more Republicans who would vote affirmatively on state budget issues if there was a meaningful opportunity for participation and input. It’s hard to vote for, and place your stamp of approval on, a budget you have had less than 24 hours to review." (I put in bold print information I thought was important, they were not in bold print in the newsletter.)

I appreciate Senator Brunstetter's concerns with our state's budget. Didn't anyone in Raleigh pay attention to the budget fiasco in Washington, DC not long ago? Did they not see Senators tell us they voted on a budget they didn't read that authorized bonuses to AIG? With the economic issues we face in our state, it would be in our best interests to allow our elected officials the appropriate amount of time to review and vote on our state's budget.

Foxx Opposes Debt-Financed Budget

2009-04-04T08:23:00.001-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

Foxx opposes massive, debt-financed budget
Votes in favor of alternative budget that keeps spending in check

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-05) voted last night against the Democrat budget that produces more than $9 trillion in new debt over the next ten years, in addition to raising taxes by more than $1.4 trillion. She also voted in favor of the Republican alternative budget that puts a lid on runaway government spending and keeps taxes low for North Carolina families.

“The choice was clear,” Foxx said. “It was a choice between a budget that borrows and spends unprecedented amounts of money and a Republican alternative that recognizes that we cannot borrow and spend our way to prosperity—that’s what got us into this mess in the first place.”

The Democrat budget plan remakes the federal government, creating the largest federal government since World War II. In the process of growing the size of the federal government the Democrat budget creates a record-setting deficit—$1.75 trillion. In contrast, the Republican alternative budget would save the nation $3.6 trillion over the next ten years.

But the differences don’t stop with debt and spending. The Republican alternative also refrains from raising taxes—unlike the Democrats’ budget, which raises taxes by $1.4 trillion over ten years.

Another key difference is the approach to energy policy. The Democrats’ budget contains so-called “cap and trade” provisions that will put a cap on carbon emissions and by extension, economic growth. This plan will raise the cost of energy for every sector of the economy and, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, will ship 3-4 million jobs oversees where energy costs will be much lower.

Instead of punishing Americans with a new energy taxes, the Republican budget pursues energy independence with an innovative plan that aggressively focuses on alternative energy without creating new taxes and government mandates.

“Two budgets with two sets of priorities: one budget means more government, more debt and more taxes,” Foxx said. “The GOP alternative, on the other hand, means a return to a common-sense approach to government that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility instead of a big-government, nanny state.”

American Leadership - An Example From History

2009-03-29T00:35:00.004-04:00

William Travis was the leader of the Alamo when it fell. On March 3, 1836 Travis addressed the men within the walls of the Alamo. As their leader he had to deliver the tough message and admit his mistakes. He had been requesting assistance from others to come and help defend the Alamo, and on March 3 he was informed that no one was coming. He called a meeting and said, "I have deceived you by the promise of help…" and then went on to explain that his calls for help will go unanswered. He went on to say, "Our fate is sealed. Within a very few days - perhaps a very few hours - we must all be in eternity. This is our destiny and we cannot avoid it…"

After his speech, he drew a line in the sand with his sword and asked, "I now want every man who is determined to stay here and die with me to come across this line." All but one soldier crossed that line in the sand.

This is an example from history of great American leadership in action. Travis did not willingly or knowingly deceive his men about help - he did let them know that he had requested it. But some may have felt he had deceived them to keep them from running away, so he accepted the blame for that. He told his followers the real deal, he didn't hide the truth from them.

That is what a good leader does - if it's perceived that you made a mistake or actually made a mistake, own up to it and let your people know. Always share the true picture with your people so they can make informed decisions. Travis' speech was true, for within 3 days he and his men gave their lives at the Alamo.

Cross-posted at Back to the Constitution

March 31 - Participate in Red Envelope Day

2009-03-23T22:28:00.003-04:00

On March 31st I'm asking everyone who reads this to participate in Red Envelope Day. By participating you are taking a stand for life and taking a stand for what is right. Please participate and encourage everyone you know to participate as well. Thank you!

Cross-posted at Back To The Constitution

Foxx: A Dictionary of Spending

2009-03-13T12:10:00.003-04:00

The following article by NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx is from an email newsletter.

$5,700,000,000,000 tab rung up in six months
By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

The approach of springtime is notable for two things in Washington: cherry blossoms and budget season. Washington’s famous cherry trees haven’t yet emerged from their winter hiatus, but the budget juggernaut is already in full swing. As you can probably imagine, it’s not a pretty picture.

Before we take a closer look at the budget it is important that we lay some groundwork. The past six months have witnessed an historic and unprecedented spending spree in Washington.
In the rush to bailout anything that moves, almost any fiscal context has been lost. Stimulus package, bailout, trillion dollar budget deficits. Each of these terms has steadily lost meaning over the course of our economic meltdown. For the sake of clarity here are a few definitions and please bear with me if you are one of those who have this all down pat.

TARP bailout: passed by Congress last fall and signed by President Bush. This program set aside $700 billion to buy the so-called toxic assets (mostly bad mortgage debt) held by America’s banks. Of this amount, $350 billion was made available immediately and the second half required Congressional sign-off. The second $350 billion was recently approved by the Senate for President Obama to use as he see’s fit. I joined a bipartisan group in voting against the TARP bailout in 2008 and 2009.

Stimulus package: passed by Congress in February. This package had a price tag of about $800 billion. Despite the promise of no earmarks, it was plagued from the start with pet projects and carve-outs for special interests. President Obama pushed for its passage as a job creation measure. Because it contained little in the way of job-creating tax cuts and instead was stuffed full of expensive big government programs that will do almost nothing to revive our economy, I voted against it.

Omnibus appropriations: nine separate budget bills totaling $410 billion that passed the House in late February. As a holdover from last year’s spending legislation this bill finishes the job of appropriating money to many federal agencies. It contains about 9,000 earmarks and represents an 8.3 percent increase over the previous year’s spending. This massive bill included spending gems such as money for tattoo removal programs in California and huge funding increases for UN programs that promote and provide abortions around the world.

Housing bailout: a plan proposed by President Obama in mid-February that will spend $275 billion in an effort to stabilize the housing market. The problem with this housing bailout plan lies in the simple fact that it rewards bad behavior—something called “moral hazard” by economists. This plan will use taxpayer money to lower the payments of homeowners who bought houses they can’t afford.

Of course more than 90 percent of American homeowners are current on their mortgages and are not in danger of losing their homes. This plan does not give those who played by the rules a fair shake. Instead it rewards bad behavior and risky lending practices. In turn it punishes hardworking families who are paying their mortgages on time and are trying to make ends meet in a troubled economy.

President Obama’s Budget Request: last but certainly not least, President Obama presented his proposed budget to Congress in the last week of February. It will serve as a guideline for next year’s federal spending. This year, federal spending will approach $4 trillion–a one-third increase in the size of government in a single year. His budget blueprint for next year totals $3.5 trillion and provides $750 billion for yet another bank bailout (see TARP bailout), $646 billion in taxes on energy and an overall increase in non-defense spending of 9.3 percent.

All told these proposals and programs total about $5,700,000,000,000 in federal spending—a number thought inconceivable until now.

I am sure that many of the loudest voices in favor of government bailouts in the banking sector, the housing market, and anywhere else that “needs” an infusion of your tax dollars sincerely believe runaway spending is the cure for what ails this economy.

The proponents of massive government spending claim that this money will stimulate the economy. That remains to be seen and with very little of the money going to actual job-creating projects, I’m convinced that it may simply inflate our debt and do more harm than good.
But even if these programs, from bank bailouts to bloated budgets, fail to achieve their purpose, America has an ace up its sleeve. America is a strong and resilient nation and I am confident that once again American ingenuity and hard-working Americans will bring us back—even if today’s policies are flawed and misguided.

Foxx Opposes "Card-Check" Union Legislation

2009-03-13T12:05:00.002-04:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx voices opposition to union ‘card-check’ legislation
Co-sponsors Secret Ballot Protection Act to preserve workers’ rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voiced strong opposition to union “card check” legislation that was introduced today. The legislation, the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, halts workers’ rights to vote by secret ballot in union organizing elections.

“Because I support workers’ rights to unionize without harassment, I must oppose this anti-worker legislation, Foxx said. “The secret ballot is a foundational element of a free and open society. Its demise would signal a serious decline in freedom in America, not to mention a harsh blow to struggling workers in today’s tough economy.”

Card check legislation strips workers of truly free choice in union organizing elections, opening the elections to coercion and intimidation. Instead of mandating a secret ballot vote, this legislation changes the rules to allow for unionization by a public signing of cards by workers.

In theory, those signing cards would support joining a union: hence the term, “card check.” However, rather than allowing workers to make their choice in secrecy, the act would end workers’ right to privacy in one of the most important decisions they make about the future of their workplace.

“This whole card check idea has a whiff of big-brotherism,” Foxx said. “With card check, someone’s always looking over your shoulder. This simply blows the unionization process wide open to fraud and intimidation.”

Rep. Foxx is also an original cosponsor of the Secret Ballot Protection Act—legislation that preserves workers’ right to a secret ballot in unionization elections.

Foxx voted against the Employee Free Choice Act in 2007 when it was brought up for a vote in the 110th Congress. Even Obama supporter and advisor, businessman Warren Buffet opposes card check legislation.

Speak Up For Those Who Can't

2009-03-08T20:36:00.003-04:00

The Obama administration makes it very clear where they stand on abortion. This is what it says on the White House’s site: “President Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Administration. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.” President Obama is clear on his position, and some of his recent actions back-up his support of aborting life.

God has also made His position clear on the subject of abortion. He is the Author of life and He is the One that gave us the right to life. Even a cursory view of Scripture makes it irrefutable that God is the Author of life. Take a few moments to look at Genesis 20:18; 29:31 and 30:2. In Deuteronomy 30:19 He says, “…Therefore choose life…” (ESV) (While I understand the context of this verse is not dealing with abortion, however, it does make the Lord’s position clear.)

There is no middle ground between these two positions.

I still cannot reconcile our nation’s founding documents with our government’s policy of taking life. Their can be no misunderstanding what our founding fathers meant when they wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence rightly declares we have the unalienable right to life and this right comes from our Creator (God), not from our government. This also is clear in the very next sentence from the Declaration, “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Putting these truths together you can say God has given man the unalienable right to life, and government has been instituted to secure this right.

Proverbs 31:8-9 says we need to speak for those that cannot speak and to defend the rights of the needy. Who is more silent than a baby in the womb? Who is more defenseless than a precious baby in the womb? Will you speak for them and defend them?

(This article is cross-posted at Back To The Constitution)

Separation Of Church And State

2009-03-01T10:54:00.002-05:00

Open your Bible to Hezekiah 7:14 and you will read the well-known and oft quoted verse, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” Ok, the fact of the matter is that verse, although often quoted, is not in the Bible. The book of Hezekiah is not in the Bible either, in case you were wondering! My point is, no matter how hard you look in the Bible you will not find that quote despite the popular belief that it is a biblical quote.

There is a similar belief about the well-known and oft quoted phrase, “the separation of church and state.” Popular belief is that this phrase is in the Constitution. The fact of the matter is the phrase is not in the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. (Maybe it’s in Hezekiah 7:15!)

While he was President, Thomas Jefferson received a letter from the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut. They wrote their letter on October 7, 1801 (ten years after the First Amendment had been ratified) because of their concern with Connecticut’s history of a state church. Historically, Connecticut’s official state church had taken action against Connecticut Baptists such as taxation and imprisonment. As an example of the persecution the Connecticut Baptists had suffered, the following happened in 1744: “…fourteen persons were arrested for holding a Baptist meeting, . . . tried, fined, and driven on foot through a deep mud (in February) to New London, a distance of twenty-five miles, and thrust into prison, without fire, food, or beds, where they remained, enduring dreadful sufferings, for several weeks." (The Baptists Encyclopedia, 1881)

It was this historical background that prompted the Danbury Baptist Association to write to President Jefferson concerning their fears of a state or even a federal church. They wrote in part, “Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty: that Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals, that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions, [and] that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor. But sir, our constitution of government is not specific. Our ancient charter, together with the laws made coincident therewith, were adapted as the basis of our government at the time of our revolution. And such has been our laws and usages, and such still are, [so] that Religion is considered as the first object of Legislation, and therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights. And these favors we receive at the expense of such degrading acknowledgments, as are inconsistent with the rights of freemen. It is not to be wondered at therefore, if those who seek after power and gain, under the pretense of government and Religion, should reproach their fellow men, [or] should reproach their Chief Magistrate, as an enemy of religion, law, and good order, because he will not, dares not, assume the prerogative of Jehovah and make laws to govern the Kingdom of Christ.”

Jefferson responded on January 1, 1802 and his letter stated, “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature would "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.” And there you have it, the phrase “separation of church and state.”

Even more interesting is Jefferson’s original draft of his letter. The original draft, which was not sent, showed Jefferson clearly stating that as President he would not preside as leader over a state church. Jefferson wrote, “I have refrained from prescribing even those occasional performances of devotion, practiced indeed by the Executive of another nation as the legal head of its church, but subject here [in America], as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect…” In other words, the President of the United States is not a religious leader or head of a state church.

I hope this has put the “separation of church and state” phrase in its proper perspective. It is not in the Constitution or Declaration of Independence. It was merely one phrase in a letter from President Jefferson trying to assure a group of Connecticut Baptists that the US would not have a state church.

Cross-posted at Back To The Constitution

North Carolina Republicans File Marriage Definition Bill

2009-02-27T13:31:00.003-05:00

The following is from a press release from the NCGOP.

TIME FOR PEOPLE TO DECIDE ON MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

NCGOP Press ReleaseFebruary 24, 2009RALEIGH— North Carolina House Republicans will file another bill this week to place on the ballot an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution to affirm the definition of marriage as constituting a union between one man and one woman. Previous versions of the bill have failed to move forward in the legislature due to the obstruction of Speaker Joe Hackney and other powerful Democrats in the General Assembly.

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:"There has been much debate about the proper definition of marriage within the confines of North Carolina law. Both sides have had their opinions heard and the debate has engaged the broader public. There comes a time in a democracy when the time for debate ends and the time for voting commences. Now is that time. The people of North Carolina should be the ones to decide how our state will define marriage. I call on Democrat leaders of the General Assembly to allow the people to make that choice."

Foxx Votes Against Spending Bill

2009-02-27T07:10:00.001-05:00

The following is a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Huge spending bill passes House, national debt increases
Foxx votes against $410 billion bill, votes for increased earmark transparency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today voted in opposition to a massive spending bill (H.R. 1105) that once again increases federal government spending at a time of record budget deficits. H.R. 1105, which completes the funding process for the federal government for fiscal year 2009, spends $410 billion, 8.3 percent more than 2008.

“The federal budget is growing by 8.3 percent, while family budgets are shrinking,” Foxx said. “At a time when Americans are tightening their belts, Washington is on a reckless spending spree. This is irresponsible.”

When the spending legislation passed before the end of 2008 is factoring in, federal discretionary spending will reach $1.01 trillion for 2009. This is the first time in U.S. history that the federal discretionary budget has passed the $1 trillion mark. Additionally, federal agencies lucky enough to get money from both this spending legislation and the recently-enacted stimulus bill are about to see their funding jump by 80 percent—nearly doubling some agencies’ budgets in a single year.

“Congress has jacked up the federal debt limit four times in the past 17 months in order to accommodate Washington’s profligate spending,” Foxx said. “Thanks to this new massive bill it is just a matter of time until we take out yet another mortgage on our children’s future earnings.”

H.R. 1105 also undermines the United States’ long-standing opposition to China’s one child policy and coercive abortion practices by increasing funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) by 25 percent. The UNFPA supports China’s destructive one child policy. The bill also gives organizations that promote and provide abortions around the world access to $545 million in federal funding.

In a related vote today Foxx voted in favor of legislation that would help to clean up the Congressional earmark system. The legislation would be a first step towards requiring members of Congress to list campaign contributions that serve as a financial interest in lawmakers’ earmark requests.

Is It Really A Stimulus?

2009-02-22T21:22:00.003-05:00

The economic stimulus package will only put an extra $13 in your wallet. Now the question has to be asked, is that really a stimulus or has the TARP (along with the wool!) been pulled over our eyes?

I disagreed with the package, and I'm glad a good number of lawmakers did too. The Republican Caucus House Committee on the Budget stated the stimulus was, "little more than an expensive, disjointed Democratic wish-list of government spending – and a missed opportunity to pass the kind of efficient, effective fiscal response Americans deserve." Another key concern is the plan was still heavy laden with "pork" that had nothing to do with our current economic situation.

Here are some articles you can review on the stimulus:
Will Obama tax cut stimulate consumer spending
H&R Block news release on 2009 stimulus
H&R Block chart on stimulus breakdown for taxpayers
Obama's Democrats now own 99.4% of American economy

Please don't get me wrong - I am not trying to be all "gloom and doom" about our nation's economy. I strongly believe in our nation's ability to get out of our current economic mess. We Americans have faced similar struggles in the past, and through God's help we came through them. We need to continue to seek Him and His guidance and wisdom for our nation's leaders and the decisions they are making for us and future generations.

Christians In Politics?

2009-02-13T22:55:00.002-05:00

Here's a video of Dr. Ron Baity, Pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC discussing the Christian's role in politics. He is president of Return America, a group dedicated to returning our country to our Judeo-Christian values.

Foxx On Stimulus Bill - "We Can Do Better"

2009-02-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

Foxx statement on final stimulus vote
“We can do better.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) released the following statement today after the passage of the ‘stimulus’ package:

“America faces great economic challenges and Congress must take decisive action to stem this economic tide,” Foxx said. “And yet in the face of these challenges Congress has passed a bill that will not effectively help our economy. We can do better.”

“This stimulus bill is generational theft—passing on a record-breaking pile of debt to the next generation. Instead of targeting the real sources of job creation, America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, this legislation is honeycombed with pet projects to satisfy liberal special interests.”

“We can do better. Americans are hurting and runaway government spending is not the only thing that can fix this recession. A fast-acting and job-creating tax cut-based alternative that I voted for would have created twice the jobs at half the cost.”

“Attempting to borrow and spend our way to prosperity is failed policy. We can do better.”

“Today it saddens me that I cannot support this highly flawed stimulus package. Thanks to an opaque legislative process, we have had fewer than 12 hours to review the final legislation that runs to more than 1,000 pages. Very strong and viable compromises have been ignored. We could have done better.”

Foxx Calls Stimulus Bill "Generational Theft"

2009-02-13T22:27:00.000-05:00

Foxx presents 11,000 NC signatures opposing stimulus to Congress
Petition calls for reining in stimulus spending & big government

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today joined Members of Congress and Americans for Prosperity to present more than 425,000 petition signatures to Congress, including 11,086 from North Carolina, in opposition to runaway government spending in the current stimulus package (you can download hi-res photos here).

“This stimulus bill is generational theft,” Foxx said at a Washington, DC press conference this afternoon. “Americans are hurting and Washington Democrats decide that government spending is the only answer despite calls to enact fast, job-creating tax cuts. Republicans have proposed an alternative that creates twice the jobs at half the cost.”

More than 425,000 Americans have signed a petition started by grassroots group Americans for Prosperity that urges Congress halt wasteful stimulus spending and the rampant growth of long-term national debt. Foxx joined Tim Phillips, president of AFP, and Congresswoman Tom Price (R-Ga.), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, in presenting the signatures to Congress.

“Hundreds of thousands of Americans are making their voices heard,” Foxx said. “Instead of borrowing and spending our way to prosperity, they want us to take a responsible and balanced approach that gives meaningful tax cuts to small businesses and hard-working families.”

Congress is expected to begin debate on the final version of the stimulus package today. Final passage could come as early as Friday.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Congresswoman Foxx on the stimulus package please contact Aaron Groen at (202) 225-2071.

Foxx Calls For Bipartisan Negotiations On Stimulus

2009-02-13T22:24:00.000-05:00

Foxx Calls for Openness, Bipartisan Negotiations on Stimulus
“Pass a bill that helps struggling workers get back on their feet”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today made the following statement on the House floor after the Senate passed its version of the stimulus. Foxx called on the Democratic majority (watch video) to allow House Republicans to bring their ideas to the negotiating table as the House and Senate hammer out the differences between the two competing stimulus bills:

“America faces an unambiguously dramatic economic downturn,” Foxx told the House of Representatives. “And Americans are hurting in this very difficult economic time.”

“But Republicans in the House are still waiting for an opportunity to bring our ideas for economic recovery to the table. So far we’ve have been shut out of negotiations.”

“For instance, Republicans have proposed real assistance for the unemployed by slashing federal taxes on unemployment benefits. But our suggestions for effective economic recovery have been ignored.

“The result? A bill that does little to stimulate the economy and lots to stimulate the federal government and our national debt.

“We must pass a bill that helps struggling workers get back on their feet and that encourages entrepreneurs—the real engines for job creation—to take risks again.

“Mr. Speaker, we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity.

Note: The House Republicans’ alternative Economic Recovery Plan contains targeted tax cuts for every family and small business. It includes the following provisions:

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families: Rather than a refundable credit based on payroll taxes, House Republicans propose reducing the lowest individual tax rates from 15% to 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income with an average benefit of $500 in tax relief from the drop in the 10% bracket and $1,200 for the drop in the 15% bracket. A married couple filing jointly could save up to $3,200 a year in taxes.

Real Help for America’s Small Businesses: Small businesses (those employing less than 500 individuals) employ about half of all Americans, yet they can be subject to tax rates that siphon away one-third or more of their income. House Republicans propose to allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.

No Tax Increases to Pay for Spending: The stimulus proposal pending in Congress includes record levels of government spending that will substantially increase the current deficit. House Republicans are concerned that this level of spending will result in new tax increases on American working families. House Republicans are insisting that any stimulus package include a provision precluding any tax increases now or in the future to pay for this new spending. House Republicans believe that any stimulus spending should be paid for by reducing other government spending, not raising taxes.

Assistance for the Unemployed: Incredibly, the Federal Government actually imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. House Republicans propose to make unemployment benefits tax free so that those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families. The plan would also extend unemployment benefits for a full year.

Stabilizing Home Values: The real-estate market is paralyzed as potential buyers wait on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall even further. This is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, House Republicans propose a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.

Foxx Bill For The Unemployed

2009-02-13T22:21:00.001-05:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx Co-sponsors Bill to Cut Taxes on Unemployment Benefits
Bill stops IRS from kicking jobless workers while they’re down

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) has co-sponsored legislation that will suspend income taxes on unemployment benefits paid to jobless workers. The IRS currently considers unemployment benefits to be “income” and levies normal income taxes on jobless workers that receive benefits.

“Many North Carolina families are struggling to make ends meet as they face the loss of jobs and income at this especially difficult time and, believe it or not, the federal government taxes their unemployment benefits,” Foxx said. “By stopping the unfair taxation of unemployment benefits we can help jobless workers stay afloat and eventually get back to work.”

The Suspension of Federal Income Tax on Unemployment Benefits Act (H.R. 155) suspends taxes on unemployment benefits for two years in an effort to help laid off workers make it through the current recession. Stopping the taxation of unemployment benefits will help millions of American families weather the economic storm by providing about $117 in additional monthly income to the average beneficiary.

“Taxing the unemployed does nothing to spur economic recovery,” Foxx said. “Instead of allowing the IRS to kick jobless workers while they are down, this legislation offers a common sense solution to put more money in the pockets of struggling families.”

Foxx is also pushing to include the suspension of unemployment benefits in the stimulus package making its way through Congress.

Just What Happened on January 20?

2009-02-07T08:15:00.003-05:00

I know we are a few weeks away from January 20, 2009, but I keep getting more confused about what actually happened on that day! Did we see an inauguration, a coronation or an advent? The answer depends on who you ask.

For many, January 20 was the coronation of King Obama. With much fanfare, pomp and circumstance, installed upon the throne was the man the media would have as king. To many of the media, Obama's coronation started the golden age of America where the king can do no wrong and our nation's capital was overflowing with his loyal subjects.

For others, January 20 was the advent of The One who would save us from all we need saving from. I saw a magazine cover the other day that showed President Obama taking the oath of office and the magazine's cover stated that he was the only one we need for the perilous times we face.

In reality, January 20 saw the inauguration of our 44th President. It was the peaceful and Constitutional transfer of power from one administration to another. As our President, Barack Obama deserves our prayers and our respect as is fitting for those in public office.

My concern is that the media has created a celebrity President who might not be able to live up to all its own hype. The media is really setting President Obama up for failure as they fawn over his every move and statement. The past few days have been rocky ones at best for the new administration.

My prayers are with President Obama, and I do wish him success as he guides our nation through our current issues. I pray he will surround himself with wise and godly counsel and that he will seek guidance from the Lord and do what is right in His sight. As a Christian citizen I can do no less than that.

Foxx Launches New Website

2009-02-05T20:57:00.001-05:00

The following is from a press release from NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

Foxx Launches Website Detailing Economic Recovery Plan
http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today announced the launch of http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs, a new website that outlines the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan. The website details the smarter, simpler stimulus plan proposed by House Republicans that will create twice the jobs at half the price of the economic package that Democrats forced through the House despite bipartisan opposition.

"North Carolina’s families and job-creating small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges,” Foxx said. “My Republican colleagues and I have proposed an Economic Recovery Plan that will actually create jobs for the North Carolinians. We believe that the focus of any stimulus package must be on helping working families and small businesses. I hope that you will visit this website and learn more about the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan.”

Republicans are committed to an open and transparent exchange of ideas to find the best solutions to get the U.S. economy back on track. The Republican Economic Recovery Plan contains the constructive, common-sense ideas that should be included in any stimulus legislation.

"This is a smart, simple, and stimulative plan—at half the price of the Democratic Majority’s $825 billion proposal,” Foxx said. “The Republican plan has no waste, just jobs.”

“Our goal is to get America back on track without saddling future generations with trillions in debt or higher taxes,” said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, leader of the House Republican Stimulus Working Group that crafted the recovery plan.

Note: The House Republican Economic Recovery Plan contains targeted tax cuts for every American family and small business. It includes the following provisions:

Immediate Tax Relief for Working Families: Rather than a refundable credit based on payroll taxes, House Republicans propose reducing the lowest individual tax rates from 15% to 10% and from 10% to 5%. As a result every taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income with an average benefit of $500 in tax relief from the drop in the 10% bracket and $1,200 for the drop in the 15% bracket. A married couple filing jointly could save up to $3,200 a year in taxes.

Real Help for America’s Small Businesses: Small businesses (those employing less than 500 individuals) employ about half of all Americans, yet they can be subject to tax rates that siphon away one-third or more of their income. House Republicans propose to allow small business to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. This will immediately free up funds for small businesses to retain and hire new employees.

No Tax Increases to Pay for Spending: The stimulus proposal pending in Congress includes record levels of government spending that will substantially increase the current deficit. House Republicans are concerned that this level of spending will result in new tax increases on American working families. House Republicans are insisting that any stimulus package include a provision precluding any tax increases now or in the future to pay for this new spending. House Republicans believe that any stimulus spending should be paid for by reducing other government spending, not raising taxes.

Assistance for the Unemployed: Incredibly, the Federal Government actually imposes income taxes on an individual receiving unemployment benefits. House Republicans propose to make unemployment benefits tax free so that those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families. The plan would also extend unemployment benefits for a full year.

Stabilizing Home Values: The real-estate market is paralyzed as potential buyers wait on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall even further. This is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In order to encourage responsible buyers to enter the market and stabilize prices, House Republicans propose a home-buyers credit of $7,500 for those buyers who can make a minimum down-payment of 5%.

Reality Strikes Campaign Promises

2009-01-22T22:00:00.003-05:00

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.

Foxx Bailout Legislation Passes House

2009-01-22T21:58:00.001-05:00

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's Common Sense Agenda For America

2009-01-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

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.

NC Congresswoman Foxx Appointed To Powerful Committee

2009-01-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

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 Re-introduces Bailout Funds Measure

2009-01-08T22:00:00.001-05:00

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 Sworn In For Third Term

2009-01-08T21:57:00.001-05:00

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.