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September 17, 2012
Speeches
It seems that in the last few years, America's thoughts are returning to that remarkable man and searching him for answers to the questions that now perplex us in our own times.
Issues:Constitution
September 13, 2012
Speeches
This bill ends the Title 17 loan guarantees that produced Solyndra and so many other alternate energy scams that cost working Americans hundreds of millions of dollars, while the politically connected perpetrators of these scams walked away as wealthy men and women. But this measure would still put taxpayers on the hook to loan out billions of dollars more to at least 50 additional shady alternative energy schemes that were submitted before January 1st.
September 12, 2012
Speeches
FISA allows the government to target foreign nationals and to intercept their communications with American citizens without a warrant as required by the Fourth Amendment. We're told not to worry - the law requires that irrelevant information collected in this matter be disregarded. Here's the problem: the enforcement of this provision is itself shrouded in secrecy
August 13, 2012
Speeches
I appreciate the invitation to speak today among these distinguished public officials about the future of Lake Tahoe, and I especially want to thank Sen. Heller for bringing us all together today for a candid discussion about the future of Lake Tahoe. When I visit with community groups here - not the politicians or the professional environmentalists, but the shopkeepers and employees who actually live and work here - their singular struggle is with a stagnating economy and a staggering unemployment rate hovering around 16 percent.
Issues:Local Issues
August 7, 2012
Columns
In its editorial ("Why Does Anyone Need a 100-Round Rifle Clip," August 5), the Bee notes that I "failed to respond" to its inquiries. The editorial amply demonstrates the reason: the Bee is notorious for stating one-sided political manifestos, listing its heroes and villains, and offering no opportunity for a balanced debate. In the event I am mistaken and the Bee actually welcomes a differing viewpoint, here is mine.
July 10, 2012
Speeches
In the wake of the Supreme Court decision on the so-called "Affordable Care Act," the House will once again take up the imperative of repealing it. But the Supreme Court decision has much more dire implications for our nation and its cherished freedoms than merely affirming the government take-over of our health care. In reaching its conclusion, the Court obliterated a fundamental distinction between a penalty and a tax.
Issues:Healthcare
July 10, 2012
Speeches
M. Speaker: Obamacare was sold to the American people on three claims, all of which were false. First, they said it would bend the cost-curve down. But the Medicare actuary admitted to the House Budget Committee that it will add at least $300 billion more to our health care costs.
Issues:Healthcare
July 6, 2012
Speeches
Two days ago, we celebrated the 236th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and its proud proclamation that "all men are created equal."
June 27, 2012
Speeches
This amendment forbids further federal expenditures for the Central Subway project in San Francisco. The project is a 1.7 mile subway that is estimated to cost $1.6 billion -- and those cost estimates continue to rise. Its baseline budget has more than doubled in nine years and shows no signs of slowing. The current estimate brings the cost to nearly $1 billion per mile. That's five times the cost per lane mile of Boston's scandalous "Big Dig."
June 27, 2012
Speeches
This amendment saves $3.4 billion by eliminating funding for the Community Development Block Grant program. This program was created in 1974 with the stated objective of eliminating blight and providing affordable housing. In the nearly four decades since then, it has degenerated into a federal slush fund for pet projects of local politicians and politically connected businesses. It is plagued by profligate waste and outright fraud.
Issues:Fiscal and Economic