Carolina Politics Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2010

Contact: Aaron Groen

202-225-2071

WASHINGTON—The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) today awarded Foxx an “A” grade for her record of consistently voting to reduce spending and keep taxes low.  In NTU’s detailed rating of more than 300 House votes in 2009 Foxx scored a 94 percent, giving her the highest score out of North Carolina’s congressional delegation.

“Working hard to keep federal government spending in check and to keep North Carolina families’ taxes low is one of my top priorities,” Foxx said.  “So I’m pleased that NTU recognized my commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited government in their 2009 vote ratings.”

NTU’s rating of members of Congress’ votes covers 333 House votes in 2009 that had a significant affect on taxes, spending or debt.  Foxx’s “A” grade reflects her voting record on these 333 votes and also earns her the NTU’s “Taxpayers’ Friend Award”.

For more information on NTU’s congressional ratings, how the ratings are calculated and what roll call votes are used please visit www.ntu.org.

The North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation has compiled a list of the top ten most competitive State Senate races in North Carolina this year.  It’s pretty much on par with what I have written about as well.  They list the most likely seat to flip being District 43 currently held by Senator David Hoyle (D).  This is a very heavily Republican district and Hoyle has hung on over the years due to his more conservative and pro-business voting record, but he has decided to retire from the Senate this year leaving it an open race.  Two other open seats, Districts 8 and 9 held by Democrats R.C Soles and Julia Boseman are also open seats this year.  Both have decided not to seek reelection and both are Republican leaning districts.

The Foundation also has the following on their radar:

I don’t agree with all of the above. In what is looking like to be a Republican wave year, I don’t see any of the first term Republicans they list as being in trouble unless one of them is a real jag off.

Personally, I would include Marc Basnight as being potentially vulnerable this year. He represents a district that is just barely Democratic and in a year in which voters may throw his party overboard on top of him orchestrating a huge tax increase on the people of this state. The state Republicans would be wasting a colossal opportunity to not recruit a decent candidate against him. They have plenty to beat him over the head with.

So as I’ve said before North Carolina Republicans have an opportunity to capture the State Senate this year for the first time in, well, ever, providing their organization is competent enough to do so. Redistricting will begin next year and the Republicans will want to take control so they can undo the gerrymandering done by the Democrats and turn around and gerrymander it all over again in their favor instead. We really need an independent commission drawing districts in this state.

You may recall that President Obama promised several times during his 2008 presidential campaign that if elected he would push for an overhaul of the health care system and that he would make the talks and negotiations publicly accessible by the media.  This of course has turned out to be another one of the many lies he fed the American people in the run up to the 2008 elections.  The health care legislation has been a rotting stew of secrecy, back room deals, and flat out bribery among our elected representatives on the left side of the aisle.

A few days ago C-SPAN finally got up the nerve to push House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to allow them access to cover the talks of the final legislation being reconciled by both Houses of Congress.  In what is more or less a mockery of their request, the Great O has bestowed upon them a one hour window to cover the talks.  The fact that they even have to ask permission in a “government for the people, by the people” is rather striking to begin with.

Understandably outraged by the behavior of the majority party, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC-05) has co-authored a letter with a few fellow Republican Congressmen to Pelosi demanding that they live up to the promise  of “a new era of openness in our country” made by the President early last year.  It will more than likely be ignored because this administration and Congressional leadership have demonstrated time and time again that they don’t give a damn about what the people of this country want, but hey, at least Foxx has tried.

You can read the text of her letter here.

NCDOT

It appears that a rock slide has closed Interstate 40 west of Asheville, NC. The interstate will be closed between exit 20 west of  in NC and exit 421(I-81 interchange), east of Knoxville, Tennessee. The detour displayed on the NCDOT web site would add 53 miles to your trip. Also the web site notes the Interstate will be closed for “several” months.

Are they kidding? are they suing President Obama’s decision making process? Three months to plan the operation and many more to execute it? Whoever designed the measures to prevent rock slides should be fired if they still work at the NCDOT.

You can guarantee that California will fight this tooth and nail.  They have about five more seats than they should due to the population of illegals in their state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

October 14, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx introduces bill requiring Census to determine number of illegal immigrants

Legislation will ensure fair congressional apportionment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5) today introduced the Fairness in Representation Act (H.R. 3797), legislation that requires the Census Bureau to determine the number of illegal immigrants present in the United States in its decennial census. The census count currently does not distinguish between illegal immigrants and citizens or those legally present in the U.S.

“Accurately counting the number of illegal immigrants in our country is a matter of equity and justice for American citizens and those legally present in the U.S.,” Foxx said. “This bill is a commonsense proposal to require the Census Bureau to ask about citizenship status on the same census form that already asks recipients’ race, age, and sex.”

Foxx’s legislation aims to prevent unfair distortions in the distribution of House of Representative seats among the 50 states caused by large populations of illegal immigrants in certain areas.

By counting illegal immigrants the Census Bureau will be able to provide accurate data for the reapportionment and redistricting process. Without this data some states will receive fewer Congressional representatives than they should due to other states’ high illegal immigrant population.

“The census is a lynchpin in the proper functioning of America’s democratic and legislative process,” Foxx said. “Ensuring that the final tally is accurate and fair will mean everyone’s vote counts equally after congressional districts are redrawn in the coming years.”

Note: For more information on the Fairness in Representation Act or to schedule an interview with Foxx please contact Aaron Groen at 202-225-2071. To read the legislation please click here.

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News and Observer

Lawyers for the state and the vendor traded arguments before the state Court of Appeals over the legality of a 2006 state law that made machines illegal except on the Cherokee reservation, west of Asheville. A trial court judge in Wake County overturned the law in February.

Governor Perdue says the current law allowing the Cherokees to have video poker in a casino but not allow others to have video poker machines is okay. To me it is all about greasing palms of the Democrats in this state.  Except for a brief period in this state’s history, the Democratic Party has held court over the citizens here. I hope the voters here come to their senses. I had better stop here I do not want to get on a Democratic enemies list.

From a press release from Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

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

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

I’m glad to see someone taking the lead on this.  These czar appointment have greatly disturbed me.  Obama is appointing all of these people into powerful positions in our government with absolutely no accountability to the Congress or the American people.  Essentially, he is instituting a shadow government and this is incredibly dangerous to our Republic.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

August 20, 2009
(202) 225-2071

Foxx to host Fifth District Telephone Town Hall

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

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

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

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

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

This telephone town hall is open to constituents in North Carolina’s Fifth District.

Individuals can visit Rep. Foxx’s website,  <http://www.foxx.house.gov/>  or click here
<http://www.foxx.house.gov/index.cfm?SectionID=116&ParentID=22&SectionTypeID=5&SectionTree=22,116> to determine if they are a Fifth District resident.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

July 28, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx cosponsors health care reform legislation

Bill expands access to health insurance with tax credits, aid to states

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

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

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

H.R. 3218 helps uninsured families get coverage through three different policy changes:

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

June 26, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx votes against national energy tax

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

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

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

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

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

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Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx said during debate in the House that the 1998 death of Matthew Shepard shouldn’t be used to justify a hate crimes bill because it wasn’t a hate crime. Foxx said Shepard was killed during a robbery.

The bill approved Wednesday by the House would expand a federal hate crimes law to include acts motivated by sexual orientation.

“We know that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn’t because he was gay,” Foxx said during debate. “The bill was named for him, the hate-crimes bill was named for him, but it’s really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.”

Foxx later said her comments didn’t convey what she meant to say.

“The term ‘hoax’ was a poor choice of words used in the discussion of the hate-crimes bill,” Foxx said in a statement. “Mr. Shepard’s death was nothing less than a tragedy, and those responsible for his death certainly deserved the punishment they received.”

Foxx said in her statement that she relied on two news reports for her comments about robbery being a motive for the slaying.

“Referencing these media accounts may have been a mistake, but if so, it was a mistake based on what I believed were reliable accounts,” she said.

The AP

The whole “outrage” over this is just more political football.  Foxx’s comments aren’t necessarily wrong.  This is not the first time I’ve heard this claim made.  The media just ran with the whole “he was killed because he’s gay” story ten years ago without really digging deeper.  I guess that’s what sells newspapers.  The authorities who were investigating this have speculated that the real motive of the killing was robbery and drug related and may not have had anything to do with Shepard being gay at all, but the media never really reported that part of it.

Foxx probably should have known better than to even bother going there and putting herself in that position knowing how hostile the media is towards the political right wing, but I don’t think she needed to apologize either.  By apologizing she basically is admitting she is guilty of doing something wrong and I really don’t see the problem with what she said.  Anyone with more than a third grade education can clearly see that she was referring to the hoax as exploitation of Shepard’s death for the purpose of passing hate crimes legislation, not his death itself.

This all underscores the larger issue, however, and that is that hate crimes legislation is discriminatory and creates a special class of victims.  It says that some lives are worth more than others.  To give an example, say you assault someone because you don’t like them for some reason, so you get two years in jail.  Now say you assault someone exactly in the same form because they are gay.  Now you get ten years in jail.  What’s changed?  Nothing, other than one victim was gay and another was not.  You assaulted both people because you didn’t like them for some reason, but apparently gay people are more valuable human beings than the rest of us since you’re getting punished more severely for assaulting the gay person.  This is what hate crimes legislation does.  It’s the same deal with murders, yet when is a murder committed by an act that does not result from hatred?  Aren’t all murders hate crimes by default?

Here’s another problem.  The idea behind hate crimes legislation is to punish people for committing crimes against minorities specifically because they are some kind of minority.  So say a white guy beats the crap out of a black guy for, I don’t know, say he stole his girlfriend.  It has nothing to do with the fact that he is black whatsoever, but the prosecutors say it was because he was black and want to charge you with a hate crime carrying a much stiffer sentence.  How do you prove that race was not a motivating factor?  Unless you were uttering racial epithets while you were kicking the crap out of the guy, and that still doesn’t prove you were attacking him for being black, nobody knows why you truly did what you did except for you.  So when you hear people discuss hate crimes legislation and claim it opens the door for the “Thought Police” this is what they are talking about.

Virginia Foxx is on the correct side of this issue.  This legislation needs to be stopped, but I doubt that’s going to be the case given the excessive majorities of the Democrat Party in Congress.

I love a spirited discussion, how about you?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

April 3, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx opposes massive, debt-financed budget

Votes in favor of alternative budget that keeps spending in check

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

March 10, 2009
202-225-2071

Permalink

Foxx voices opposition to union ‘card-check’ legislation

Co-sponsors Secret Ballot Protection Act to preserve workers’ rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

February 25, 2009
202-225-2071

Huge spending bill passes House, national debt increases

Foxx votes against $410 billion bill, votes for increased earmark transparency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

February 10, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx Calls for Openness, Bipartisan Negotiations on Stimulus

“Pass a bill that helps struggling workers get back on their feet”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aaron Groen

January 28, 2009
202-225-2071

Foxx statement on $825 billion “borrow and spend” plan

Washington, DC-Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) released the following statement today on the so-called “stimulus plan” being considered by the House of Representatives:

“The economic challenges facing our country today are great. Americans expect Congress to take seriously the need to get the unemployed back to work and to help small businesses, the engine of our economy, create most of those jobs. Doing the right thing means we must cut taxes for small businesses and all American families rather than spending billions on pet projects that do nothing to stimulate the economy.

“This $825 billion borrow and spend plan that shells out $7.7 billion for programs that already have a budget surplus, that spends more than $330 million for sexually transmitted disease programs and that fritters away another $400 million for NASA global warming research does not measure up.

“We are being told that action is urgent but only 15 percent of the spending in this bill will get into the economy in 2009 and only 35 percent in 2010. That’s why today I will vote for an alternative plan that focuses on tax relief which leaves more money in the hands of working families instead of giving more money to government which is little more than pork barrel spending.

“Borrowing and spending the equivalent of $10,500 for every household in America will do little to nothing to create new jobs and will put us further down the road to a national debt catastrophe. I urge my Democrat colleagues to consider the proposals put forth by Republicans to bring fast, efficient economic relief through targeted tax cuts for families and employers.”

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