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Post by Press Release on Nov 10, 2011 17:54:36 GMT -5
Honoring Our Veterans Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday honoring America’s veterans: “Tomorrow is Veterans Day, the day we set aside to honor the service and sacrifice of the heroic men and women who have served in the United States armed forces. America remains a beacon of freedom throughout the world today because of the commitments and sacrifices they have made. Over the years, many brave Americans donned their country’s uniform to ensure that we would remain safe and free here at home.
“My own home State of Kentucky has a proud and honorable military history, and today is home to both Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, which together house thousands of soldiers. The Commonwealth is also home to scores of brave National Guard members and Reservists. The efforts of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from Kentucky and all 50 States continue today, as our fighting forces courageously defend freedom from dangerous enemies around the world. “I’ve been honored to meet the families of Bluegrass State servicemembers who have been lost in war. I’d like to share with my colleagues a little of what they have told me about how proud they are of their loved ones’ service. One soldier’s son said, ‘Nobody wants to see their father die…but to have it be while doing something of this significance, we’re proud of him.’ “Another soldier’s widow told me, ‘There are no great words in a time of deep tragedy. But surely there are great men in the midst of great tragedy.’ “And I’ll never forget what a preacher said of his lost congregant: ‘[He] didn’t want to die, he didn’t intend to die. But he was willing to lay down his life. That’s what a hero is.’ “On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to everyone who ever bore arms in service of this Nation. We can express our thanks and our gratitude to those who are still with us. And we must honor in our memories those who did not return home. We pay tribute to the families of our servicemembers too, because they have made a sacrifice as well by loaning America their sons, daughters, husbands and wives. “And we pay tribute to the indomitable American spirit that is essential to the survival of liberty. It is thanks to America’s veterans, and their exceptional service, that we have upheld this spirit. Lastly, I’d like to offer best wishes for a Happy Birthday to our Marines deployed across the globe; especially to our Kentucky Marines who have been such a source of pride to the Commonwealth. “On a related matter, Mr. President, I want to recognize Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in Richmond, Kentucky, for all that school has done on behalf of Kentucky’s veterans. EKU has been named one of the top two universities in the Nation for veterans for the second consecutive year. The recognition was given to EKU by the Military Times EDGE magazine for the university’s commitment to help military veterans advance their education. “EKU has made a concerted effort over the last several years to make the institution more hospitable to America’s brave veterans. These initiatives include dropping admission fees for undergraduate veterans, granting in-state tuition to all out-of-state veterans, giving priority registration to veterans, designating housing specifically for student-veterans, and creating a helpful withdrawal and readmission process for veterans. “EKU’s commitment to better educate our Nation’s heroes has by all accounts been a big success. In addition to receiving national recognition from the veterans’ community, the university has seen its veteran population grow by some 40 percent in the last year. “So today, on the eve of Veterans Day, I wish to honor Eastern Kentucky University for its dedication to better serving our country’s brave veterans, and to congratulate the university and President Doug Whitlock on this well-deserved recognition.”
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Post by Press Release on Nov 14, 2011 22:45:12 GMT -5
McConnell on Supreme Court Decision to Hear Challenge to Obama Health Care Law Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Supreme Court’s announcement today that it had agreed to hear a challenge to President Obama’s health care law: “Throughout the debate, Senate Republicans have argued that this misguided law represents an unprecedented and unconstitutional expansion of the federal government into the daily lives of every American. Most Americans agree. In both public surveys and at the ballot box, Americans have rejected the law’s mandate that they must buy government-approved health insurance, and I hope the Supreme Court will do the same.”
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Post by Press Release on Nov 16, 2011 17:57:25 GMT -5
House-Passed Bipartisan Jobs Bill would stop Obama's EPA from killing 230,000 U.S. jobs Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the need for the Senate to take up and pass the bipartisan-supported EPA Regulatory Relief Act: “Today, I would like to begin, once again, by focusing on a piece of jobs legislation that Republicans in the House have recently passed with significant bipartisan support; and by calling on the Democrat majority in the Senate to follow the lead of House Republicans by taking this legislation up, and passing it over here. “The legislation I’d like to highlight is H.R. 2250, The EPA Regulatory Relief Act. This legislation passed the House overwhelming last month. Forty-one Democrats supported it over there. Senator Collins has introduced a similar bill here in the Senate. It’s also got strong bipartisan support. “Most Americans are probably aware by now that the Obama Administration is crushing businesses across the country with a mountain of red tape and new regulations that it imposes outside the legislative process. When asked about the challenges they face, small business owners now rank these regulations at the top. “Well, one of the chief offenders is the EPA. And one of the most potentially damaging regulations this red-tape factory has proposed yet relates to the boilers that are used by just about every manufacturer or institution in this country that doesn’t get the power it needs from the standard utilities. Right now, the EPA wants to force anybody with an industrial sized boiler to change their facilities to comply with a burdensome new regulation that, according to one study, could put 230,000 U.S. jobs at risk. “So here’s what Senator Collins’ bill, The EPA Regulatory Relief Act, would do about all this. “Here’s what it will do to protect jobs here in America. “First, it provides more time for the EPA to issue new regulations for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters, and incinerators. This is time that the EPA itself has indicated that it needs in order to collect more data and analysis, and to finalize the rules. So it gives the EPA what it says it needs. “More specifically, it would provide the EPA 15 months from the date of the bill’s enactment to re-propose and finalize the new boiler rules — which, I want to emphasize, the EPA has already requested. “This bill would also extend the compliance deadlines from three to five years, which would allow companies adequate time to comply with the new standards and install the required equipment. “Crucially, this bill would also direct the EPA to ensure that the new rules are achievable and realistic. “We all recognize the vital role the EPA plays in keeping the air we breathe and water we drink clean and safe. But we also need to set some common sense limits on its actions. And that means putting in place laws that protect Americans against the kind of regulatory overreach that too many unelected bureaucrats in Washington seem to live for these days, especially in these challenging economic times. “As I said, this bill has a lot of support not only from Republicans, but from Democrats in the Senate. In fact, twelve of the bill’s cosponsors are Democrats. Like me, they understand and appreciate how these new rules would adversely affect jobs and manufacturing in this country. And they want to work with us to do something about it. So this is a perfect example of an issue on which the two parties agree. “Sen. Ron Wyden supports this bill because it ‘directs the EPA to go back to the drawing board and craft boiler rules that are more in line with what is realistic for mills and factories.’ He argues that the ‘EPA itself has admitted that its boiler rules need to be fixed.’ And here’s how Senator Landrieu put it over the summer: ‘With manufacturing being one of the bright spots in our economic recovery, we cannot afford to jeopardize the industry's health and the high-paying jobs it supplies to this country. This legislation will give the EPA the time extension it needs to craft a balanced approach that not only keeps our environment clean, but also our economy strong…’ “This legislation is supported by the American Forest and Paper Association, the National Association of Manufacturing, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Business Roundtable, the Biomass Power Association, and around 300 other business groups. “Too many jobs are at stake for the Senate not to act on this legislation that’s already passed the House. I’ve previously mentioned an Ohio paper mill where 200 jobs are at stake as a result of this rule. The American Forest and Paper Association says 70,000 jobs in the paper industry alone are also at risk. “The Republican-House has done its job. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. “Let’s take up The EPA Regulatory Relief Act, pass it, and send it on down to the President for a signature. “If Democrat leaders can’t agree to take up and pass legislation that the two parties agree on, then what will they agree to pass? Let’s follow the House’s lead and show the American people we can work together on this common sense, bipartisan bill to protect jobs in American manufacturing.”
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Post by Press Release on Nov 22, 2011 20:08:47 GMT -5
President finally gets defense cuts he insisted upon Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Monday regarding the conclusion of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, and the guaranteed $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction that will take place despite the lack of an agreement: “For those of us who hoped that this committee could make some of the tough decisions President Obama continues to avoid, the Democrats’ rejection of not one but two good-faith Republican proposals is deeply disappointing. The good news is that even without an agreement, $1.2 trillion will still be cut from the deficit. Now it falls on the President to ensure that the defense cuts he insisted upon do not undermine national security, as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has warned.
“With this administration's out-of-control federal spending over the past three years, unemployment stuck at 9 percent, and a $15 trillion debt which grows daily, we felt it was necessary to create this extraordinary mechanism to reduce spending and make needed changes. Republicans viewed this committee as a golden opportunity to change the direction of the nation's fiscal trajectory and create a better environment for job growth. This was reflected in the seriousness of our appointees, and it was reflected in two Republican proposals that were designed to attract Democratic support.
“While Democrats insisted on a trillion-dollar tax hike and hundreds of billions of dollars in new stimulus spending, Republicans focused on pro-growth tax reform, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and reducing Washington spending. Crucially, Republicans also proposed reducing government benefits to the wealthiest Americans. In our view, the best way to ensure that Washington doesn’t waste more taxpayer money is to give less of it away to those who don't need it--not to take more from taxpayers and hope for the best. If Democrats were more concerned about the deficit than in making government bigger, they would embrace proposals like this, too.
“In the end, an agreement proved impossible not because Republicans were unwilling to compromise, but because Democrats would not accept any proposal that did not expand the size and scope of government or punish job creators. This fact was underscored in the final hours of negotiations by their refusal to accept even a basic package of spending cuts and revenue that they had already agreed to during previous debt-limit negotiations—unless they were accompanied by a tax hike on the very people Americans are counting on to create the jobs we desperately need. Not even a proposal to get rid of a tax deduction for corporate jet owners, something Democrats had previously eyed as a major prize, was enough to move them off their puzzling insistence on taxing job creators in the middle of a jobs crisis.
“My main criteria for selecting members to this committee was to identify serious, constructive senators who are interested in achieving a result that helps to get our nation’s fiscal house in order. Sens. Kyl, Toomey and Portman lived up to that challenge. I would like to thank them, and the members and staff of the committee who devoted so much time and effort to finding a solution.
“While we'll still reduce the deficit by $1.2 trillion, much more needs to be done. And we’ll continue our efforts to reduce the size of Washington, reform and protect the entitlement system for future generations, and create a better environment for job growth.”
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Post by Press Release on Nov 29, 2011 17:09:46 GMT -5
House Republicans have passed 22 bipartisan Jobs Bills, It is time for the Senate Democrats to pass at least one..... Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the need for Senate Democrats and the President to work with Republicans on bipartisan legislation that can help create jobs: “First, I’d like to welcome everybody back. Hopefully everybody had a nice Thanksgiving.
“Last week, we got some disappointing news when the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction announced it was unable to reach the kind of bipartisan agreement many of us had been hoping for.
“As I said then, this was a major disappointment to those of us who’d hoped that the Joint Committee would ultimately agree to the kind of serious entitlement reforms and job-creating tax reforms that all of us know would’ve been a big help in getting our fiscal house in order and in jolting this economy back to life.
“Such an agreement would have also sent a clear message to the American people and to the world that, despite our many differences, lawmakers here in the U.S. are capable of coming together and making the kinds of tough decisions about our nation’s economic future that continue to elude lawmakers in Europe.
“I know for a fact that Republicans wanted this committee to deliver, and the good news is we’ll still see $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. But frankly, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that some in the White House and even some Democrats here in the Senate were rooting for failure, and doing what they could to ensure it.
“I mean, what else are we supposed to think when the Democrats’ top political strategist here in the Senate goes out on national television and predicts failure two weeks ahead of the deadline, and then comes right out and says yesterday that he thinks the outcome he predicted is good politically for the President?
“This stuff isn’t rocket science. But it’s a big mistake. It might seem like a good political strategy to some, but it’s bad for the country.
“And that’s why I’m continuing my call today for the Democrats who control the Senate to work with us on jobs legislation that can actually pass, that can get us beyond the permanent campaign by actually getting something done -- together.
“For the past several weeks, I’ve implored the Democrat Majority here in the Senate to work with us on a number of job-creating bills that have already attracted strong bipartisan support in the House. It seems to me that if the two parties share control of power in Washington, we should spend our time and our energies identifying job-creating measures the two political parties do agree on and make them law.
“It’s no secret that many people at the White House and a number of Democrats here in the Senate would rather spend their time designing legislation to fail, in the hopes of trying to frame up next year’s election.
“But with all due respect to the political strategists over at the White House, I think most Americans would rather we took a different approach. And that’s why I think we should put aside the massive Stimulus bills, along with the permanent tax hikes that Democrats are calling for in order to pay for them.
“In fact, I think it’s safe to say that any attempt to pass another temporary Stimulus funded by a permanent tax hike on the very people we’re counting on to create the private-sector jobs we need is purely political, and not intended to do a thing to help the economy, since we all know it’s likely to fail with bipartisan opposition.
“So let’s focus instead on the kind of targeted bipartisan bills that the President quietly agreed to last week: the 3 percent withholding bill championed by Senator Scott Brown and the Veterans hiring bill. As I’ve pointed out again and again, the House has been busy all year passing bipartisan jobs bills just like these that we could rally around in a sign of unity and common concern for the millions of Americans who are looking for jobs.
“There’s no reason we shouldn’t focus on passing these bills rather than using the Senate floor as a stage for symbolic show-votes that we know won’t lead to anything except more tension and political acrimony. We should do what we were sent here to do — and that means more bill signings and fewer bus tours.
“At the moment, the Senate business is the Defense Authorization bill.
“And there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. We’ve got a lot of amendments pending on this important legislation. Members on both sides would like to see these amendments taken up and voted on. So let’s stay on this legislation and focus on doing it right. Let’s show that we can actually legislate around here.
“Once we’re finished, I’m hoping that we’ll be able to find a bipartisan path to resolve the other issues before us before the end of the year. Americans are growing tired of the same old political shouting matches and the political brinksmanship that’s marked this Democratic-led Senate over the past few years.
“They’re tired of careening from one crisis to another, holding their breath in the hopes that the two parties will put their differences aside and work something out at the 11th hour — only to be disappointed when Democrats decide they’d prefer to have a political issue to run on than solutions to vote on.
“At last count, House Republicans had passed 22 jobs bills that were designed not only to incentivize the private sector to create jobs but which were also designed to attract strong bipartisan support. In other words, they’ve been designing legislation to pass. They have been legislating with an eye toward making a difference instead of making a point.
“What I’m saying is let’s follow their lead. Let’s come together and pass more bipartisan jobs bills — and show the American people that we’re not going to settle for the easy way out. The economic crises we face are too serious for more of the same.”
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Post by Press Release on Dec 1, 2011 21:40:15 GMT -5
Democrats demand permanent tax hikes on job-creators Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding a proposed paid-for extension of the payroll tax cut and the need for the President move forward on the shovel-ready Keystone XL Pipeline: “Yesterday, Republicans, led by Senator Heller, introduced what we believe is a much smarter approach to extending the temporary payroll tax cut than the one proposed by Democrats involving permanent tax hikes on job-creators.
“Like Democrats, we think struggling American workers should continue to get this temporary relief for another year. There’s no reason folks should suffer even more than they already are from the President’s failure to turn this jobs crisis around. But there’s also no reason we should pay for that relief by raising taxes on the very employers we’re counting on to help jolt this economy back to life.
“We wouldn’t be helping anybody by making it less likely that small businesses actually start hiring people again.
“So Senator Heller’s proposal would achieve the same result, the same relief, without the gratuitous hit on job-creators. Even better, our plan protects Social Security and reduces the federal deficit by more than $111 billion.
“How do we do it?
“Well, consistent with the recommendations of the bipartisan Simpson Bowles commission, our payroll tax plan would institute a three-year pay freeze on federal civilian employees — including members of Congress.
“It would also reduce the federal workforce gradually by 10 percent — not by firing anybody, but by only hiring one replacement for every three federal employees who leave federal service, until the 10 percent reduction that the Simpson-Bowles commission recommended is reached.
“Our bill would also save money by means-testing Medicare benefits for millionaires and billionaires.
“What’s that mean?
“Well, one of the things the economic downturn of the past few years has revealed is that a lot of people out there are getting a pretty good deal from government at every level, all on the taxpayer’s dime.
“Let me give you an example.
“Yesterday, a CBS affiliate in Philadelphia reported that a former Philadelphia schools superintendent who got a nearly $1 million buy-out in August is now putting in for unemployment benefits. This lady got shown the door, got $905,000 not to finish out her five-year contract with the school district, and on top of that, she now wants the taxpayers to subsidize her unemployment benefits, to the tune of about $30,000 a year.
“Our proposal helps minimize this kind of thing.
“What we’re saying is that anybody who makes more than a million dollars a year shouldn’t be getting an unemployment check on top of it, paid for with the tax dollars of folks struggling just to make ends meet.
“No more unemployment checks or food stamps for millionaires.
“And we don’t think these folks would mind having to pay full freight on their Medicare premiums either.
“Millions of seniors need help covering their monthly Medicare premiums; Warren Buffett isn’t one of them.
“And here’s another way we think folks like Warren Buffett can help offset the relief we’re giving working Americans through this temporary extension of the payroll tax cut: our proposal also incorporates legislation from Sen. Thune that would allow people who want to voluntarily help pay down the federal debt to do so on their tax return. There would actually be a new line right on Warren Buffett’s tax returns enabling him or anybody else to give as much as they want. That way those who want to go that route can feel like they’re contributing in a way they want, and small business owners who want to help our economic and fiscal situation by growing their businesses and creating jobs can do that too — without Washington dictating one way or the other.
“This is the kind of balanced plan Americans are looking for.
“It’s focused on helping middle-class Americans without asking them to fund benefits for the wealthiest among us — and it does so without hamstringing the economy, as the Democrats would, with a permanent tax on job creators.
“And it also helps rein in bureaucracy in Washington. Millions of Americans have had to go without or to live with less over the past few years, yet all they see here is that Washington just keeps getting bigger and richer.
“It’s about time Washington took the hit for a change.
“So we think this is a plan that those who are fed up with Washington and Wall Street can embrace.
“But, as I’ve said before, we’re never going to turn this economy around as long as we’re focused on these temporary measures. Yesterday, I outlined our vision of a tax reform plan that restores basic fairness, helps put businesses on a level playing field, and puts our tax rates in line with our competitors overseas. That’s the kind of thing that will get this economy charging again. And we’ll continue to press for it.
“Meanwhile, we’ll also continue to point out the things this administration is doing to prevent job creation now.
“Yesterday, Republicans drew attention to one of the greatest fumbles of this administration yet.
“I don’t know how many Americans are familiar with the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline. But this is an issue that every single American should know about.
“The Keystone XL Pipeline is the single-largest shovel-ready project in the entire country.
“It would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
“It’s privately funded, so it wouldn’t cost a dime in taxpayer dollars.
“And we’re told that its approval would lead to the creation of 20,000 jobs immediately.
“This project is enormous. It’s a huge job-creator. And it’s ready to go.
“Labor unions love this project. Folks in the heartland love this project. The Chamber of Commerce loves this project. But here’s the problem: President Obama’s getting heat from his base over this project — especially from the very young and very liberal voters he’ll need knocking on doors before November. So the State Department now says they’re going to delay its approval — even though previously they were seemingly ready to approve it after a three-year review, including two exhaustive environmental evaluations.
“Here’s the bottom line: the President has said time and again that his top priority is jobs.
“Yet here we’ve got the single largest shovel-ready project in the country, ready to go, and he’s delaying its approval until after the election. He’s saying he doesn’t care so much about jobs in states like Nebraska that he doesn’t think he’ll carry next year so he can keep the enthusiasm up in states he hopes to carry. So I think it’s pretty clear the President cares less about this particular boon for job creation than in his own job preservation. And it’s wrong.
“There is no reason whatsoever to delay this project and these jobs by another day.
“As the President recently put it: ‘We’ve got to decide what are our priorities. We’ve got to ask ourselves what’s not just best for me, but what’s best for us. What’s the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?’
“And that’s why Republicans are proposing legislation today that would require the President either to approve this massive job-creating project within 60 days or to explain clearly why he doesn’t think it’s in the national interest to do so. We think the people who want to start hiring deserve action, or a straightforward explanation from the President himself as to why he opposes it. Get this pipeline going now, Mr. President, or get out of the way.”
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Post by Press Release on Dec 13, 2011 20:13:59 GMT -5
McConnell Urges Passage of Balanced House Payroll Tax Cut, Jobs Bill Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate Floor Tuesday regarding the need for the Senate to pass the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, which would extend temporary tax relief to working Americans, prevent more job losses by blocking new regulations on U.S. manufacturers, and facilitate the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs through the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline: “Today, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that extends the temporary payroll tax cut as well as unemployment insurance, and which won’t add a dime to the federal deficit.
“In other words, the House bill would do both of the things the President and Senate Democrats have described as their top legislative priorities before the close of the year.
“So it was surprising to say the least to read this morning that President Obama and Majority Leader Reid are now plotting to block this very legislation — even to the point of forcing a government shutdown — over the inclusion of a job-creating measure that the President thinks will complicate his reelection chances next year.
“That’s what’s happening in Washington this week — and the American people need to know about it. So let me repeat what’s unfolding right now here in the Capitol.
“Yesterday, the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee — Democrats and Republicans alike — agreed to a spending bill that would fund that government through the end of the fiscal year. And today, Republicans in the House will pass a bill that contains the President’s top priorities: an extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance.
“But here’s the problem: the House bill also includes a provision to accelerate construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project that’s been described as the biggest shovel-ready project in America. And evidently the President doesn’t want this project approved before November of next year — because a small faction of very liberal voters he’s counting on to help him get reelected doesn’t like it.
“Here’s a project that would create tens of thousands of jobs right away, wouldn’t cost the taxpayers a dime to build, would reduce the share of energy that we import from unfriendly countries overseas, and which everybody from the labor unions to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says they support because it would create tens of thousands of jobs right away. Here’s the kind of project that Democrats themselves — including the President — say they want.
“But the presidential campaign is getting in the way, to the point that the Senate Majority Leader now says he’s willing to hold up a bipartisan bill to fund our troops, border security and other federal responsibilities, rather than let the President decide if this pipeline project should move forward.
“Let me say that again: the President and the Democratic Majority Leader of the Senate are now saying they’d rather shut down the government than allow this job-creating legislation to become law. That’s what would happen if they succeed in blocking this bipartisan funding bill from coming to the floor for a vote.
“House Republicans are giving the President everything he asked for today. They just think that instead of simply providing more relief to those who continue to struggle in this economy that we should also help prevent future job loss and incentivize the creation of new private-sector jobs.
“That’s what the House bill does: it goes beyond government benefits and takes a step toward addressing the jobs crisis at hand.
“Most people would view this proposal as evidence that the two parties are putting their best ideas on the table and addressing both sides of this jobs crisis — the relief side and the incentives side. Most people would call it a balanced approach.
“Unfortunately, the President just doesn’t seem to be happy these days unless he’s got an issue to divide us over. If the Republicans are proposing it, he’s against it, regardless of how many job losses it prevents or how many private-sector jobs it would help create. And he’s not even trying to hide it.
“The Majority Leader signaled yesterday that he and the President are so determined to turn even the most bipartisan job-creating legislation into a political issue that he’ll ask his members to hold off on signing the government-funding legislation they’ve already agreed to — just to hand the President what they view as a political victory this week.
“This isn’t just irresponsible, it’s reckless.
“The House is about to pass a bill that would help working Americans by extending the temporary payroll tax cut, help unemployed Americans by extending unemployment insurance, and which would help Americans looking for work by accelerating construction of the single-biggest shovel ready project in America. It deserves to pass, with strong bipartisan support.
“So I would suggest that our friends put the political games aside and give the American people the certainty and the jobs that they deserve. Take up the House bill, pass it here in the Senate, and send it to the President for a signature—without theatrics and without delay.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 12, 2012 18:29:15 GMT -5
McConnell to Visit, promote democracy in Burma Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday that he will be visiting Burma early next week. During the trip, Senator McConnell will be meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese government officials and U.S. Embassy personnel. The Senator plans to discuss political reform, bilateral relations and regional security issues with Suu Kyi and the Burmese leaders. Senator McConnell will arrive in Burma on Sunday, January 15, 2012 and return to the United States on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Sen. McConnell has and continues to be a strong advocate for political reform, reconciliation and democracy in Burma. Every year since 2003, Senator McConnell, along with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, has introduced and enacted legislation placing sanctions on the Burmese government. He also consistently called for the release of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. Since her release, Senator McConnell has spoken with Suu Kyi several times on the phone. This will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 19, 2012 17:49:50 GMT -5
President Claims Keystone XL Jobs, Energy Security, Not in the National Interest Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement today regarding the President’s rejection of the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline: “Since when is the creation of thousands of jobs not in the national interest as the President now claims? His decision to block the development of the Keystone XL pipeline, thousands of jobs, and increased energy security is stunning. His decision shows a fundamental disconnect with job creation in this country, and sadly, that his focus is on appealing to his liberal environmental base rather than taking steps that can lead to thousands of jobs and energy security for our nation.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 20, 2012 17:25:13 GMT -5
Resolving PIPA Concerns First is ‘Right Decision,’ McConnell Says Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement Friday after the Senate Majority Leader agreed to his request to set aside the PIPA legislation pending resolution of ‘the serious issues’ with the legislation: “We all agree that we must do more to combat the on-line theft of intellectual property, but I was encouraged to see the Democrat majority agree with our call to set aside the PIPA bill, a proposal that raised serious legal, policy and operational concerns. The Majority Leader’s decision to set aside the bill will give Congress the opportunity to study and resolve the serious issues with this legislation and prevent a counterproductive rush toward flawed legislation. The Senate Majority made the right decision to reconsider fast-tracking this bill next week.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 23, 2012 21:25:09 GMT -5
McConnell Statement on the 39th Annual March for Life Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Monday regarding the 39th Annual March for Life: “Each year since 1974, lawmakers in Washington have been reminded of the dignity of every human life by the peaceful crowds that gather here from across the country to join the March for Life. We welcome their important witness to this fundamental truth of any just society and look forward to the day when it is reflected in our laws. The defense of human life in all its stages is a cause that both major parties should embrace, but until they do, there will be an even greater urgency for leadership in Washington that does.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 25, 2012 17:27:44 GMT -5
McConnell Responds to President’s State of the Union Address Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following comments Tuesday night following the President’s State of the Union Address: “Tonight, the President delivered a campaign speech designed to please his liberal base. The President told the American people that he has a blueprint for the economy, but what he failed to mention is that we’ve been working off the President’s blueprint for three years. And what’s it gotten us: millions still looking for work, trillions in debt, and the first credit downgrade in U.S. history.
“The President also proposed some ideas tonight that could have bipartisan support. If he’s serious about those proposals — if he really wants to enact them — he’ll encourage the Democrats who run the Senate to keep them free from poison pills like tax hikes on job creators that we know from past experience turn bipartisan support into bipartisan opposition.
“The President can decide he’s not interested in working with Congress if his party only controls one half of it. That’s his prerogative. He can give up on bipartisanship. But we won’t. Our problems are too urgent. The economy is too weak. The future is too uncertain.
“Let the President turn his back on bipartisanship. But we intend to do our jobs. And we invite him to join us.”
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Post by Press Release on Jan 31, 2012 17:41:47 GMT -5
President wants eveyone to play by same rules, unless they work for him Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate Floor Tuesday regarding the STOCK ACT and the need to expand it to the executive branch: “Last night, the Senate voted to proceed to the Stock Act, a bill, incidentally, that was co-authored by two Republicans. And I’m glad the Majority Leader is allowing amendments for a change.
“Up until a few years ago, the Senate had been known as a forum for open-ended debate. The minority party may not have always gotten its way, but at least it knew it would be always heard. It’s something we haven’t done nearly enough of these past few years. I hope it doesn’t prove to be a false promise.
“I expect senators on both sides of the aisle will have a number of amendments to this legislation. But one thing that stands out is the fact that the President is calling on Congress to live up to a standard that he isn’t requiring of his own employees.
“So I think we can expect at least one amendment that calls on executive branch employees to live up to the same standards that they would set for others. If the goal here is for everybody to play by the same rules, that shouldn’t mean everybody — except those in the executive branch. After all, if anybody has access to privileged information at the moment it’s them.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 7, 2012 19:20:02 GMT -5
Democrats trying to kill the Payroll Holiday extension Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding the bipartisan effort to extend the payroll tax holiday through the end of the year: “I just wanted to make a couple of observations this morning about the payroll tax. I’ll start with the obvious: Republicans strongly support extending this tax cut for the rest of the year.
“Americans have suffered long enough as a result of this President’s economic policies. They don’t need to suffer more because of his failure to turn the economy around three years into his administration.
“But the fact of the matter is, any solution requires both sides to engage in good faith negotiations. And when the Majority Leader of the Senate comes to the floor and says that Republicans in Congress are only willing to extend this tax cut if they’re allowed to poison Americans’ drinking water, then I think it’s pretty safe to say that they’re the ones who’ve veered away from good faith negotiations.
“When a tax hike that’s been rejected repeatedly by members of both parties over the past year is the opening bid in a negotiation, I think it’s safe to say that Democrats are more interested in scoring political points than in scoring a tax cut that millions of middle-class Americans are counting on.
“When the Democratic Majority Leader of the Senate suddenly drops a proposal of his own to extend this tax cut even as a conference committee is in the midst of negotiating a bipartisan solution that everybody can support, I think it’s pretty obvious that the problem isn’t with Republicans.
“It’s with a Democratic majority and a President who were elected to lead.
“I think most Americans would expect that at a moment like this, when a solution to a pressing problem is sought, the Majority Party bears the responsibility to find it. Yet all we get from the Democratic Majority in the Senate are exaggerated claims and false accusations aimed at delaying a solution rather than achieving one.
“I would remind the Majority Leader that the particular piece of legislation he railed against yesterday has broad bipartisan support, and rightly so in the middle of a jobs crisis. We should seize every opportunity we have to help job creators at a time when more than 13 million Americans are looking for work and can’t find it.
“The only thing controversial about this proposal is the idea of opposing it.
“I would also remind the Majority Leader that the federal pay freeze received more than 300 votes in the House, and that he himself has already agreed in negotiations this past fall to spending cuts that would cover the cost of extending this payroll tax cut for the remainder of the year.
“So let’s allow the conferees to finish their work, and get this payroll tax cut extended for the rest of the year. That’s what Republicans want. That’s what the President says he wants. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to get this done.
“The Democratic Majority in the Senate should be encouraging that effort, not rooting for its failure.”
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Post by Press Release on Feb 9, 2012 21:16:50 GMT -5
Senate Democrats Block Debate on Religious Freedom Amendment Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the Democrats’ refusal to allow consideration of an amendment on the Obama administration’s mandate in the health care law that violates the First Amendment rights of religious institutions: “Our country is unique in the world because it was established on the basis of an idea: that we are all endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights — in other words, rights that are conferred not by a king or a president or a Congress, but by the Creator himself. The state protects these rights, but it doesn’t grant them. “And what the state doesn’t grant, the state can’t take away. That’s what this week’s debate on a particularly odious outcome from the President’s health care law has been about: Our founders believed so strongly that the government should neither establish a religion, nor prevent its free exercise that they listed it as the very first item in the Bill of Rights. “And Republicans are trying today to reaffirm that basic right. But Democrats won’t allow it. They won’t allow those of us who were sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution to even offer an amendment that says we believe in our First Amendment right to religious freedom. I never thought I’d see the day. I’ve spent a lot of time in my life defending the First Amendment. But I never thought I’d see the day when the elected representatives of the people of this country would be blocked by a majority party in Congress to even express their support for it.”
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Post by Press Release on Feb 16, 2012 21:43:13 GMT -5
McConnell supports legislation to stop the Obama EPA from destroying the American economy Mitch McConnell
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Thursday regarding Senator Inhofe’s legislation to prevent the Obama EPA from imposing a controversial new regulation on utility providers, known as Utility MACT, that would raise energy prices and threaten jobs: “Today, I join my colleagues to support Senator Inhofe’s legislation which reins in the EPA’s job-killing Utility MACT regulation. The coal industry is essential to Kentucky’s economy and many regions of our country—without it American jobs will be lost and energy prices will increase. This regulation threatens the availability of reliable electricity to the American public, costs the taxpayer over $10 billion dollars each year, significantly increases electricity prices, and will result in the loss of tens of thousands of American jobs. Don’t be mistaken, Kentucky is at the center of the Administration’s bulls eye and this rule takes direct aim at Kentucky’s thriving industries. It threatens the jobs of over 1,400 Kentuckians working in aluminum smelter plants as well as Kentucky’s approximately 18,000 coal miners, and not to mention the industries that support them. At a time when many Kentucky families are already making tough financial decisions, we must rein in the Obama EPA and their continued assault on Kentucky jobs and their families.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 5, 2012 14:07:06 GMT -5
McConnell and Paul send letter to President in Support of Request for Major Disaster Declaration Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Rand Paul sent a letter to President Obama on Monday morning supporting Governor Steve Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In the letter to the President, the Senators wrote: “Timely and serious consideration of the Governor’s disaster declaration request on your part would aid Kentucky communities and families so severely affected by this most recent disaster.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 7, 2012 20:49:37 GMT -5
Obama's war on oil and coal IS a factor in rising gas prices Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding rising gas prices and the administration’s failed energy policies: “Last week, I came to the Senate floor to speak out on an issue that’s on the minds of a lot of Americans these days — the rising cost of gas at the pump – and how the administration’s policies are making matters worse.
“The President may try to take credit for production gains that are entirely the work of others. But more to the point is the fact that production is up on private lands and down on federal lands, the property the President and Interior secretary actually manage.
“In fact, when it comes to the rising cost of gas at the pump, it’s my view that the administration’s policies are actually designed to bring about higher gas prices, a view that shouldn’t be the least bit controversial given the fact that the President’s own energy secretary has suggested on a couple of occasions now that his goal isn’t to drive gas prices down.
“For the President’s part, he often says that Americans should judge him not only by his words but on his deeds.
“So when it comes to gas prices, I’ve pointed out that the President continues to limit offshore areas to energy production and is granting fewer leases on public land for oil drilling; has encouraged countries like Brazil to move forward with their own offshore drilling projects; continues to impose burdensome regulations on the domestic energy sector that will further drive up the cost of gasoline for the consumer; has repeatedly proposed raising taxes on the energy sector, which we all know would only drive up gas prices even higher and, finally, has flatly rejected the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
“All these things help drive up the cost of gas and increase our dependence on foreign oil.
“So the President simply can’t claim to have a comprehensive approach to energy, because he doesn’t. And any time he says he does, the American people should remember one word: Keystone.
“Another thing they might want to do is play a clip of the press conference the President held yesterday. Asked about whether he actually wants gas prices to go up, the President’s facetious attempt to deflect the question only served to confirm the premise.
“But it was the President’s admission that rising gas prices hurt the economy that really betrayed the administration’s attempt to have it both ways on this issue.
“Because if higher gas prices hurt the economy, then why in the world is the administration calling for higher taxes on energy manufacturers?
“We know these taxes would drive up the price at the pump and send jobs overseas. If the President wants to drive prices down, he should stop calling for them.
“Look: if the President wants Americans to think he’s serious about lowering gas prices, he’s got to do more than simply say that no President would want higher prices ‘in an election year.’ He’s got to get serious about changing his policies. And he might want to consider an energy secretary that’s more committed to helping the American people than in helping the administration’s buddies in the solar panel business.
“And that brings me to a larger point.
“The President likes to talk about fairness. But when it comes to rising gas prices, the American people don’t think it’s particularly fair that at a time when they’re struggling to fill up the tank, their own tax dollars are being used to subsidize failing solar companies of the President’s choosing, not to mention the bonuses that executives at these companies keep getting.
“I think most Americans are tired of reading about all the goodies this administration’s allies are getting on their dime even as the President goes around lecturing them about fairness.
“I’ll tell you what’s not fair: what’s not fair is that it now costs about $40 more to fill up a 20-gallon tank of gasoline than it did when this President took office, and yet this administration continues to pursue policies that would make it even worse.
“Earlier this year, the White House launched a campaign in support of the payroll tax holiday asking Americans what $40 a month meant to them. Yet now, when it comes to gas prices, they’re doubling down on policies that are driving them up.
“Once again, they’re trying to have it both ways.
“And, frankly, the American people have had it.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 8, 2012 16:46:00 GMT -5
President Fighting Against Jobs and Energy Independence Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Thursday regarding efforts by the President to lobby Democrat Senators against Senator Hoeven’s amendment on the Keystone XL Pipeline: “Last night the two parties reached agreement on amendments to the Highway Bill. I’m happy to report that there are a number of strong job creating measures in the mix. One that stands out is Senator Hoeven’s amendment on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Most Americans strongly support building this pipeline and the jobs that would come with it. And it’s incomprehensible to me that the President of the United States is lobbying against it.
“There’s a report this morning that President Obama is personally making phone calls to Democrat Senators he thinks might vote for this amendment. He’s asking them not to. And, frankly, it’s hard to even comprehend how out of touch he is on this issue. I mean, think about it: at a moment when millions are out of work, gas prices are skyrocketing and the Middle East is in turmoil, we’ve got a president who’s up making phone calls trying to block a pipeline here at home. It’s unbelievable.
“What we’re seeing in Congress this week is a study in contrasts.
“On the one hand you’ve got a Republican-controlled House that’s about to pass a bipartisan jobs bill that would help entrepreneurs and innovators by getting Washington out of the way. And today we’ve got a Democratic-controlled Senate trying to line up votes against amendments that would create jobs—and a President lobbying against the biggest one.
“We’ve got an opportunity to work together to create jobs. We can do that with these amendments. And we can do that by taking up the bipartisan jobs bill the House will pass later today. Let me just say a word about that. The bipartisan jobs bill the House will pass later today is supported by the President. It is ready to go, and I hope that once it gets over to the Senate we'll simply take it up and pass it.
“It's an example of a measure that is supported by Republicans and Democrats and the President that we believe will clear the House with a very large majority. I think the sooner we pass that here in the Senate and send it down to the President for signature, the better.
“With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 15, 2012 15:58:52 GMT -5
Republicans want to create jobs, do nothing Democrats want to create campaign ads Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseMitch McConnell
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Thursday regarding efforts to slow the bipartisan JOBS Act: “I’d like to just start out this morning by saying I’m glad we’ll be turning to the bipartisan JOBS Act that passed the House last week by such a lopsided margin. Here’s a chance not only to help entrepreneurs build their businesses and create jobs, but to show that we can work together around here to get things done on a bipartisan basis.
“Unfortunately, some of our friends on the other side don’t seem to like that idea very much.
“Apparently, they’d rather spend their time manufacturing fights — and 30 second television ads — than helping to create jobs.
“First, they tried to keep us from even bringing up this JOBS Act for debate in the Senate.
“Now we read that they’re trying to figure out ways to make this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill controversial. They want to pick a fight, rather than get this bill to the President’s desk. And then they’re going to use the same strategy on a number of other bills.
"Their plan isn’t to work together to make it easier create jobs, but to look for ways to make it easier to keep their own. Then use it for campaign ads in the run-up to the November elections.
“I mean, if you’re looking for the reason Congress has a 9 percent approval rating, this is it.
“A day after we read a headline in the Congressional Quarterly about Democrats moving to slow a jobs bill that got 390 votes, we see a story today about how the Number Three Democrat in the Senate is ‘scheming’ to spend the rest of the year hitting the other side.
“It goes on to list all the ways he plans to do it, and then it says this:
‘None of these campaign-style attacks allow for the policy nuances or reasoning behind the GOP’s opposition, and some of the bills stand no chance of becoming law. But that’s not really the point.’
“At a moment of economic crisis, the Number 3 Democrat in Senate — the Democrat in charge of strategy over there —is sitting up at night trying to figure out a way to create an issue where there isn’t one, not to help solve our nation’s problems, but to help Democrats get reelected.
“So I’d like to enter into record the Politico story I just referred to entitled ‘Schumer schemes to hit GOP’ that lays out the Democrat strategy.
“The American people need to know what’s going on in the Democrat controlled Senate.
“And, frankly, so should posterity.
“Fifty years from now, I really would like an American doing a research project to look back at what is outlined in this Politico article today to understand what this Democrat-controlled Senate is like. To understand what their priorities are.
“What did this country’s leaders do to make America stronger for the next generation? Read this Politico piece.
“It provides a unique insight for future generations of Americans to understand what this Senate has done for the country.
“And they can decide for themselves what they think of it and what it’s legacy should be.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 21, 2012 16:32:52 GMT -5
President refuses to celebrate Health Care Anniversary Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the two-year anniversary of the President’s health care law: “This week marks the two-year anniversary of the President’s health care law, one that’s often described as his ‘signature legislative achievement.’
“But you wouldn’t know it based on the President’s schedule this week. For a President who isn’t particularly shy about taking credit even for things he didn’t have a whole lot to do with, he’s curiously silent this week about a bill he talked about for more than a year before it passed. According to news reports, the President doesn’t even plan to mark the occasion.
“Well, Republicans are happy to talk about it for him.
“We’re happy to point out the ways in which this law has failed to live up to the promises the President made about it.
“We’re happy to make the case for why this unconstitutional infringement on Americans’ liberties needs to be repealed and replaced with the kind of common sense reforms that Americans actually want.
“Two years ago, then-Speaker Pelosi said, ‘We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.’
“Well, two years later, here’s what we have found: the Democrats’ health care law has led and will continue to lead to higher costs and hundreds of thousands of fewer jobs over the next decade.
“We now know that it’s loaded with broken promises, like the one the President made over and over again during the health care debate: ‘If you like your current plan, you will be able to keep it.’
“According to the independent CBO, 3 to 5 million Americans will lose their current plan under the most likely scenario.
“The health care law will strip billions out of Medicare and increase the Medicaid rolls in states by nearly 25 million, costing already cash-strapped states an additional $118 billion dollars and almost certainly lowering the quality of care for millions of Americans who depend on this vital program.
“In my own state of Kentucky, an estimated 387,000 more people will be forced into Medicaid — at a time when Kentucky’s Medicaid program is already facing large deficits just trying to provide benefits to current Medicaid recipients.
“As a result of this law, more than 1 million Kentuckians, or 29 percent of the state’s population, will soon be on Medicaid. Kentucky’s governor — a Democrat — is on record saying he has no idea how Kentucky will meet its responsibilities if this law forces several hundred thousand more people into the state’s Medicaid program. The math just doesn’t add up.
“And this is just one example of how the law is unsustainable and hurts the most vulnerable the most.
“The bottom line is this: This health care law is a mess.
“And the American people don’t want it. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll out this week, more than a half of Americans don’t like it — a figure that hasn’t changed much at all since the Democrats forced it through Congress two years ago. And two-thirds believe the Supreme Court should throw out the individual mandate or the law altogether.
“When it comes to the cost of health care, this law makes matters worse.
“Two and a half years ago, the President said his health care plan would, ‘slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government.’
“Yet the Obama administration itself now admits total spending on health care will increase by $311 billion dollars under the President’s health care bill.
“According to the CBO, it increases net federal health spending and subsides on health care by $390 billion dollars. And drives up premiums on families by $2,100 per year.
“Americans wanted to lower costs and have more control of their health care decisions and they got the opposite instead. They wanted lower premiums. They got higher premiums. They wanted a government that lives within its means and they got a new entitlement instead. They wanted more options. They got fewer. They wanted better care. It’s going to be worse.
“And that’s why Americans want this bill repealed.
“Look: this bill would be unconstitutional even if it did the things the President said it would. But the fact that it did the opposite of what he promised means it should be repealed either way.
“It should say something when the President himself isn’t even talking about this bill except in closed campaign events.
“It’s time to repeal this bill and replace it with the kind of common sense reforms that people really want -- reforms that actually lower costs, protect jobs and state budgets, and return health care decisions back to individuals and their doctors. That’s a reform that both parties and all Americans could support.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 22, 2012 16:43:15 GMT -5
Senate tries to block Obama Department of Labor from stopping kids from working on their own family farm Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell joined several of his Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to prevent the Department of Labor from enacting its proposed regulations to restrict youth under 18 from working on family farms. Senator McConnell made the following comments Thursday regarding the DOL proposal: “Many farmers believe it’s insulting to suggest that they would put their kids at risk and that the government is needed to step in to regulate their family life. The informed, commonsense decisions of parents should take precedence over those of unelected bureaucrats thousands of miles away. Family farming is a tradition in Kentucky and these proposals set a dangerous precedent for the federal government’s intrusion into family matters.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 27, 2012 20:35:56 GMT -5
Democrats response to high gas prices: Raise Taxes on Energy
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release[/i] Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding rising gas prices and the proposal by Senate Democrats to raise taxes on American energy manufacturers instead of moving forward with the construction of the job-creating Keystone XL Pipeline: “As Americans filled up their cars with gas this weekend, I’m sure a lot of them wondered how much higher gas prices could get.
“Well, today, the Democrat-controlled Senate plans to send these folks a message: if they had their way, gas prices would be even higher.
“Today, Democrats will propose raising taxes on American energy manufacturers — something common sense and basic economics tell us will lead to even higher prices at the pump.
“This is the Democrat response to high gas prices.
“And frankly, I can’t think of a better way to illustrate how completely out of touch they are on this issue. And that’s why Republicans plan to support moving forward on a debate over this legislation, because it’s a debate the country deserves.
“We’re going to use this opportunity to explain how out of touch Democrats are on high gas prices, and put a spotlight on the common-sense ideas Republicans have been urging for years — ideas that reflect our genuine commitment to the kind of all-of-the-above approach the President claims to support but doesn’t.
“Look: this isn’t complicated. Americans from Maine to California are frustrated at high gas prices. And what do they see in Washington? They see Democrats pushing legislation that even they admit doesn’t have a thing to do with lowering gas prices. At least seven Democrats are on record saying this bill doesn’t do a thing to lower gas prices. Last year, its own sponsor said that nobody’s made the claim that this is about reducing gas prices. All of which raises a question: What are we doing it for? How does this help the American people now? It doesn’t.
“In response to record-high gas prices, Democrats in Congress want to raise taxes on the very people who produce it. Meanwhile, the President is blocking a pipeline that would decrease our dependence on Middle East oil and create thousands of American jobs.
“Americans see the Democrat response to high gas prices — to make them even worse. And they’re starting to wonder if this might as well be the Democrats’ official slogan: ‘Vote for us, we’ll make things worse.’ Because whether it’s jobs, or debt, or spending, or gas prices, that’s the Democrat record.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 28, 2012 17:20:19 GMT -5
Louisville vs. University of Kentucky in the 2012 Final Four Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, DC -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks Wednesday on the Senate floor regarding University of Louisville vs. University of Kentucky in the 2012 Final Four: “Something very special in the world of sports is happening in my home State of Kentucky.
“Kentucky is well known as the home to the Kentucky Derby, often called the greatest two minutes in sports.
“But this coming Saturday, March 31, we will witness one of the greatest moments in Kentucky’s sports history.
“Two of the most storied and winningest programs in all of college basketball, the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky, will meet this Saturday in the 2012 NCAA Tournament Final Four.
“The two teams will face off in a semifinals game in New Orleans. And the winner of that game will contest for the national championship the following Monday night.
“In my home State of Kentucky, the rivalry between fans of UofL and UK is a passionate one. From birth, it seems, Kentuckians are raised to root for one of two teams—you either wear red for the Louisville Cardinals, or blue for the Kentucky Wildcats.
“The two teams boast two legendary coaches, Rick Pitino and John Calipari. The teams have met every year since 1983. And they’ve met in the NCAA Tournament four times, most recently in the Mideast Regionals in 1984. Between them, they have 24 visits to the Final Four. But never have these two teams faced each other in the Final Four, with the stakes so high.
“If the excitement and frenzy and turbulence that’s been stirred up in Kentucky this week could be harnessed, Mr. President, we could solve our energy crisis. Basketball fans from Kentucky have been waiting their whole lives for this game.
“And on Saturday, we will prove that these two schools have the best rivalry in all of college basketball—and that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the best college basketball State in the Nation.
“Let me say that again, so my friends in North Carolina can hear it: UofL and UK have the best rivalry in all of college basketball, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the best college basketball State in the Nation.
“But only one team can win on Saturday night.
“I am actually an alumnus of both schools, Mr. President. I attended the University of Louisville as an undergraduate and went to law school at the University of Kentucky.
“So I don’t know who will win Saturday’s game. But I do know this: whoever the winner is, they will go on to defeat either Kansas or Ohio State and bring a national championship back home to Kentucky where it belongs.
“So count me in with my fellow Kentuckians and college basketball fans everywhere as we tune in this Saturday to see history in the making, Mr. President. It’s going to be very exciting to watch.”
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Post by Press Release on Mar 29, 2012 17:44:41 GMT -5
Senate Democrats Block Efforts to Lower High Gas Prices Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding rising gas prices and the effort by Senate Democrats to raise taxes on American energy manufacturers: “Senate Democrats have put on a clinic this week in how not to run a serious legislative body. And if they’ve achieved anything at all this week, it’s to make Americans even more frustrated with Congress, as if that were possible. Faced with skyrocketing gas prices, Senate Democrats turned to a bill that even they admit doesn’t lower them. And then to make matters worse, they blocked Republicans from offering anything that might.
“That was their brilliant plan on how to deal with gas prices: raise taxes on energy companies; when gas is already hovering around $4 a gallon, then block consideration of anything else — just to make sure gas prices don’t go anywhere but up.
“Somehow they thought that doing this would set up some kind of a political win for them, which I never really understood. I mean, I can’t imagine anybody giving them any high-fives for not lowering the price of gas. But anyway, that was the plan.
“And it appears to have fallen short. Because now they want to move off this issue and onto another political vote, to yet another debate where the goal isn’t to make a difference but to make a point; to increase taxes, not lower the price at the pump.
“Well, I don’t expect this next vote will have the political punch they expect either. But that’s the Democrat plan anyway.
“And it’s getting tedious. Day after day, Senate Democrats ask us all to come out here not so we can make an actual difference in the lives of working Americans and families struggling to fill up the gas tank, but so we can watch them stage votes for show.
“For some reason they thought they’d put some political points on the board this week if the American people saw them voting for a tax hike that we all knew ahead of time didn’t have the votes to pass. That didn’t work; if you have any doubt about that, just ask yourself why they’re moving to get off of it.
“And now they think they’ll score political points by staging another vote on a tax hike we know doesn’t have the votes to pass.
“None of this makes much sense to me, but that’s how the Democrats have chosen to run the place. And if they want to keep trying to distract the American people from the fact that they don’t have any solutions to the problems we face, that’s their prerogative. But that’s not going to keep Republicans from talking about ours. That’s not going to keep us from trying to actually make a difference around here.
“Surveys show that two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the way the President’s handling high gasoline prices. And we know that high gas prices are having a negative impact on Americans’ daily lives. So we think the American people are entitled to this debate. They sent us here to do something other than put on a show, and that’s why we’ll continue to insist on a serious debate.
“The Majority Leader frequently complains that there just isn’t any time to focus on priorities like cyber security, postal reform, and the Export-Import Bank, not to mention maybe passing a budget for the first time in three years. Yet he seems to find the time to hold not one, but two political show votes on tax hikes.
“Well, the way I see it, the American people didn’t send us here to score political points. As I said, they sent us here to make a difference. So I’ll be voting against this tax hike on American energy manufacturers. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
“And I hope that when the Senate returns in April, Democrats will have heard from their constituents and will focus on jobs and the price at the pump — rather than the latest political vote.”
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Post by Press Release on Apr 4, 2012 11:12:59 GMT -5
Senator McConnell Comments on Tornado Relief Efforts in Kentucky Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the tornado relief efforts in Kentucky following the series of severe storms that hit the state earlier this month. “Mr. President, I rise to once again share with my colleagues stories of the heart-breaking events in my home State of Kentucky in the aftermath of the horrific wave of storms and tornadoes that ravaged my State, along with several others in the Midwest, earlier this month. “As I’ve already stated on this floor, these were very severe tornadoes, with at least 11 funnel clouds confirmed by the National Weather Service to have touched down in the Bluegrass State, blowing at wind speeds up to 125 miles per hour. “We know that 24 Kentuckians lost their lives, and more than 300 were injured. Many homes, churches, schools, and places of business were destroyed. Scenes of destruction still exist across the State in places like Magoffin, Menifee, Kenton, Morgan, Laurel, Lawrence, Martin, Pulaski, Johnson, and Trimble counties, which are among the hardest hit. “Kentuckians are working hard to rebuild. And I’m pleased to say that despite the tragedy of lives lost, families grieving, and memories destroyed forever, there is some good news to report. And that is how inspiring it is to see so many good-hearted Kentuckians come together to provide for their neighbors in the wake of these tornadoes. “Take, for example, the congregation of Arthur Ridge Baptist Church in the town of East Bernstadt, located in Laurel County. Thanks to the leadership of Pastor Steve Smith, Arthur Ridge Baptist Church opened its doors within hours of the storm’s end to provide food and shelter for those who needed it. “Pastor Smith kept the church doors open for 24 hours a day and served up to 700 meals a day to local residents who had no food, no kitchen, and no home to call their own. According to Pastor Smith, people from all over the area pitched in: folks from different churches worked to prepare meals, and many residents donated items such as dishes, silverware, toiletries, pillows, and blankets for care packages to distribute to the victims of the storms. “Local businesses did their part. The nearby Little Caesar’s pizza restaurant in London, Kentucky, gave away 120 pizzas in one day soon after the tornadoes. Many other local restaurants donated food as well. “Thanks in part to the efforts of Pastor Smith and the congregation of Arthur Ridge Baptist Church, life is just a little bit better for many in East Bernstadt. At first, the church had to tend to people’s most immediate and “simple needs—water, a hot meal, an air mattress to sleep on,” says Pastor Smith, who is a Laurel County native and has been the pastor at Arthur Ridge for six years. But now, he says, “people are over the shock and awe.” “Weeks after the tornadoes passed, the church was still open 14 hours a day, distributing 125 to 150 meals a day and running a clothing distribution center. Pastor Smith’s latest focus was on finding a place to set up donated washing and drying machines so local storm victims without homes can clean their clothes. “Over 3,500 people have registered to volunteer in the region, and as of last week, over 25,000 meals had been served to displaced families. “This is just one story of how Kentuckians have joined together to help the least fortunate in my State. Hawk Creek Baptist Church in Laurel County, First Baptist Church of East Bernstadt, and Trinity Freewill Baptist Church of Martin County also all opened their doors to provide shelter and relief to displaced Kentuckians and the volunteers working to help them in the days after the disaster struck. “Jim Paul, director of the organization called Ken-Tenn Relief Team, was in East Bernstadt the morning after the storms with food supplies. He trucked in a tractor-trailer load of donated food and other items and personally volunteered dozens of hours in at least three counties to aid storm victims. “In Morgan County, the local Appalachian Regional Healthcare hospital suffered serious damage. Every second-floor window of the hospital was blown out, doors were torn off their hinges, and part of the roof was ripped off. Dozens of people were injured and the patients had to be evacuated to nearby hospitals. “Luckily, Martie and Teresa Johnson, owners of a nearby Wendy’s restaurant, stepped in to help. They served 450 hot meals to the cleanup crew that came to repair the Morgan County ARH hospital, and also traveled to Salyersville and gave away food there. “One television station in Hazard, Kentucky, WYMT, held a telethon to raise money for victims across the State. I was pleased to play a small part in that effort myself, Mr. President, as the television station asked me to record a greeting describing the devastating effects of the tornadoes. The people of the region raised over $180,000 in that telethon for disaster relief. “The local JCPenney of Corbin, Kentucky, donated clothing and shoes to area elementary-school students. And the employees of the store took up a collection to donate winter, spring, and summer clothing for the children. ‘Some of [the employees] don’t have a lot to give, but when this came up, they all wanted to know what else we needed,’ says Tiffany Flint, the Corbin JCPenney store manager. ‘We hope it will help the children to look good and feel good. We just wanted to do this to help them get back on their feet.’ “The men’s soccer team from Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands donated some of their time to help the less fortunate. Head soccer coach Brenton Benware, his staff, and nearly 30 student-athletes drove to East Bernstadt to help clean up debris in the area. ‘Going…was just another reminder of how blessed we really are,’ says Coach Benware. ‘I think we were all deeply affected by what we saw and reminded how important it is to serve and help out our neighbors in times of need.’ “While there, the University of the Cumberlands soccer team may have run into the soccer team from Union College, who also traveled to Laurel County to help. The team stacked wood from downed trees, cleared debris from backyards, and helped a man move a displaced steel roof that the tornado had deposited in his yard. “Union College Dean of Students Debbie D’Anna was responsible for sponsoring the trip, while the school’s campus food services donated snacks and bottled water, and James Jimerson of the school’s physical plant loaned out tools. Local businesses such as Knox Hardware and Pope’s Lumber donated work and cleaning supplies. And many faculty, staff, and students of Union College donated items such as food, clothing, and other essentials. “In Salyersville, a town in Magoffin County, the block known as “Restaurant Row” was hit by a tornado and nearly every restaurant on it destroyed. One of the few left was a Dairy Queen owned by Doug and Sue Mortimer. On the night of the storms, they opened their restaurant, running on generator power, and served free meals to the volunteers working to clean up the wreckage. “Several Home Depot stores in Kentucky and Indiana contributed to the relief efforts. In the West Liberty area, district manager Becky Young and store manager Jim Householder coordinated donations of approximately $2,600. And Jim’s store employees were out immediately after the storm handing out paper towels, trash bags, and gloves to relief volunteers. “Other Home Depot stores in Kentucky and Indiana, led by district manager Tim Choate and district human resource manager Lee Ann Bruce, donated thousands of dollars’ worth of products such as chainsaws, gloves, respirators, tarps, water, and trash bags to organizations such as the Henryville Fire Department and local United Way chapters. And store employees volunteered to assist those organizations in the recovery. “Lowe’s stores in Kentucky have also pitched in, providing gloves, tarps, shovels, bleach, and other supplies to communities across the State. In addition to over $300,000 donated by the company to relief efforts after the storms, the Lowe’s district manager for Kentucky, Stephen West, dispatched “Lowe’s Heroes,” store employees who are volunteering their time and construction know-how. “Local Walmart stores in Kentucky as well as the company’s foundation have provided tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of water, cleaning supplies, baby food, diapers, and more to help the community. Mr. Bob Gound, the market human resources manager for Walmart locations in eastern Kentucky, has taken the lead in coordinating these efforts. And local store employees are making bag lunches and handing them out in the hardest-hit Kentucky communities.
“Mr. President, I have seen firsthand in my recent visits to the Bluegrass State both how severe the destruction is, and how hard the people of Kentucky are working to rebuild and lift their neighbors out of the dire circumstances that the cruel forces of nature have put so many of them in. “It is thanks to altruistic and generous Kentuckians like Pastor Steve Smith, among many others, that I am confident that the Kentuckians hurt by these storms will recover. I and my staff throughout the State have heard so many heart-warming stories like the few I’ve just shared that it would not be possible for me to recite them all on this Senate floor. “But I hope that the few stories I have shared are more than enough to reassure my colleagues, the people of Kentucky, and the world that we Kentuckians are stout of heart and firm in our resolve. We will prevail over this tragedy. We will rebuild towns like East Bernstadt to be better than they were before. And the families of Kentucky will hopefully one day heal the wounds in their hearts and continue on.”
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Post by Press Release on Apr 4, 2012 17:17:25 GMT -5
McConnell Congratulates the University of Kentucky Wildcats, NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks Tuesday regarding the University of Kentucky Wildcats winning the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship: "Congratulations to Coach Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats on their championship season. They are an impressive bunch of players who were fun to watch this year. Kentucky is proud of its Wildcats for bringing the trophy back home to the Bluegrass State.”
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Post by Press Release on Apr 5, 2012 15:59:41 GMT -5
McConnell Condemns President's Attempt to Intimidate Court Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Tuesday regarding the President’s remarks on the Supreme Court and Obamacare: "Regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision on Obamacare’s unprecedented mandate on the American people, elected leaders have an obligation to protect our system of checks and balances. The President, more than anyone else, has an obligation to uphold the legitimacy of our judicial system. But his remarks on the Court reflect not only an attempt to influence the outcome, but a preview of Democrat attacks to come if they don’t get their way.
“Only someone who would browbeat the Court during the State of the Union, and whose administration stifled speech during the health care debate, would try to intimidate the Court while it's deliberating one of the most consequential cases of our time. This president's attempt to intimidate the Supreme Court falls well beyond distasteful politics; it demonstrates a fundamental lack of respect for our system of checks and balances.”
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Post by Press Release on Apr 11, 2012 11:58:12 GMT -5
Tax Increase, Not Jobs, is White House Focus Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement about yet another attempt by the administration to push for the Buffett tax rather than take action on bipartisan jobs and energy legislation stalled in the Democrat-led Senate: “Sadly, an administration that promised it would focus on jobs is wasting yet another day on a political event that won’t take a single person off the unemployment line. With millions out of work, gas at nearly $4.00 a gallon, and the election still seven months away, Republicans are calling on the President to join us in support of the dozens of jobs and energy bills that have passed the House but are stalled in the Democrat-led Senate. We should be focused on jobs and energy legislation that can pass—not tax-hike show-votes designed to fail.”
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Post by Press Release on Apr 16, 2012 21:19:19 GMT -5
President’s Tax Won’t Create a Single Job, Ease the Pain at the Pump Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Press ReleaseWashington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Monday regarding the President’s proposed Buffett tax, and lack of focus on bipartisan solutions to unemployment and pain at the pump: “If there’s one thing every American can agree on right now it’s that we’ve got serious challenges in this country, and that time isn’t on our side. Action need to be taken, soon. “Just to cite a few things: everybody’s holding their breath waiting for the federal debt to catch up with us. It’s not if, it’s when. Many young people are basically giving up on the American dream. Seniors and those approaching retirement are concerned about the safety and sustainability of entitlements. “Working Americans and those who employ them are frustrated by the growth and reach of government. And the nearly 14 million Americans who can’t find work are wondering how it got so hard to land a good-paying job in what’s supposed to be the most prosperous economy on earth. “All these people know we’re in rough shape. They live it every day. And, frankly, a lot of them have given up hope that lawmakers here in Washington are interested in doing anything that would help. But the truth is, there is some good news to report out of Washington. And that’s the growing bipartisan consensus not only about the existence of these problems but also about the proper solution. Just about everybody agrees that comprehensive tax reform would help turn this economy around, strengthen entitlements, spur innovation and economic growth, and create jobs. “The problem is, we’ve got a President who seems more interested in pitting people against each other than he is in actually doing what it takes to face these challenges head on and to solve them in a bipartisan manner. And if anybody had any doubt about that, the President’s relentless focus on this so-called Buffett tax over the past few weeks should have dispelled it. “This entire debate has been very illuminating for a lot of folks. It’s revealed a lot about this President. By wasting so much time on this political gimmick that even Democrats admit won’t solve our larger problems, it’s shown the President is more interested in misleading people than he is in leading. “Now, I know that may sound a little strong to some, but just step back and think about what’s going on here. We’ve got a $15 trillion debt. Some call it the most predictable crisis in history. We have the largest tax increase in the history of the country looming that will hit every single American who pays income taxes in less than 9 months. “Well, President Obama looked at the options in front of him, sat down with his political advisors, and he said, you know what, let’s go with the poll-tested tax increase on investment and job creation that won’t fix anything and won’t pass anyway, instead of actually doing something about the debt and the deficit. “Same thing on gas prices. The President looked at $4 dollar a gallon gasoline and he said, let’s go with the poll-tested tax on energy manufacturers, which would increase the price at the pump, instead of actually doing something to solve the problem. “Isn’t this precisely the kind of thing President Obama campaigned against in the first place, politics as usual? “But that’s all we get. The worse our problems get, the less serious he becomes. The more people coalesce around a bipartisan solution, the more he focuses on something that’s completely irrelevant or that has no chance of passing. “We’re in a crisis here, and, sadly, it’s all politics all the time. “Somewhere along the way, this President seems to have forgotten why he was elected. For him, it’s not about jobs or the economy. It’s about his idea of fairness, about imposing it on others. And if we lose more jobs in the process, so be it. “Just take the Buffett Tax. Any time the President proposed anything in the past, he told us how many jobs it would create, whether it was the FAA bill, the highway bill, the Stimulus, you name it. Apparently those days are over. Nobody’s even claiming this thing creates jobs. “It’s all about the President’s idea of fairness now. “Well, I think Americans are tired of the blame game. They want their President to solve problems not point fingers. They think their President should spend his time working out a solution between the two parties instead of running around the country trying to distract people from his own inability to get the job done, instead of running around lecturing everybody on fairness. “The President is using two arguments in favor of the Buffett tax: first, he says it’s a matter of fairness. And second, he thinks the government would do a better job of investing the money than the people he hopes to take it from. “On the first point, I think most people have heard enough about this President’s notion of fairness to know it doesn’t match up with theirs. To most people, what’s fair about America is that they can earn their success and expect to be rewarded for it. “Nobody ever crossed an ocean or a desert to come here for the government health care. People come here because they think that everybody here has a shot at something more than that. “It’s a point my colleague, the Junior Senator from Wyoming, hit home pretty well this morning in an op-ed he wrote for Investor’s Business Daily. It’s entitled ‘Buffett Tax Divides Americans, But Solves Nothing’. And I’d like to submit it for the record. “Here’s some of what he wrote: ‘President Obama thinks it’s fair that our children and grandchildren will be burdened with debt because of his unprecedented reckless spending. Washington borrows 42 cents of every dollar it spends. ‘He thinks it’s fair to pile another $40,000 of debt onto every household in the U.S. over the last three years. ‘He thinks it’s fair to use college students as props for his campaign-style rallies, without explaining how his bad policies will leave them in debt. He thinks it’s fair to force hardworking taxpayers to subsidize a wealthy person’s purchase of a hybrid luxury car — because it fits his idea for American energy. ‘He thinks it’s fair to hand out hundreds of millions of tax dollars to politically-connected solar energy companies that then go bankrupt. ‘He thinks it’s fair to tell thousands of workers they won’t have jobs because he blocked the Keystone XL pipeline — to solidify the support of a few far left environmentalists. ‘And apparently, President Obama thinks it’s fair that three years of his politics have left us with more people on food stamps, more people in poverty, lower home values, higher gas prices, and higher unemployment.’ “Senator Barrasso then explained what he thinks Americans actually think fairness consists of: equality of opportunity; freedom for everybody to pursue their dreams without government blocking the way. “For the President, fairness is about taking from some and giving to others; it’s about taking from taxpayers and giving it to solar companies; it’s about taking from the private economy and giving it out to government workers so they can blow it on an $823,000 awards dinner for themselves. It’s anything but fair. “As for the President’s second argument, well, you tell me: what about the way government spends the money it gets from taxpayers makes anybody think they’d do a better job with the money they hope to get from this tax? It’s completely ludicrous. I mean, until Washington can show that it’s a better steward of taxpayer dollars or that it knows how to invest in a winner, it shouldn’t expect people to hand over another penny. “Here’s my point. We’ve got serious problems to address and this president is not behaving seriously. There’s a need, and growing desire on both sides to do something. The President needs to step up and provide the serious leadership he promised, and that Americans have every right to expect.”
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