CHAMBLISS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT ON FARM BILL CONFERENCE REPORT

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced key negotiators have reached an agreement on the farm bill conference report. Leaders will seek signatures on the report language from members of the Senate-House Farm Bill Conference Committee this week. Sen. Chambliss championed several provisions in the bill including a measure to exempt IRS-approved education and retirement accounts from counting against the asset limit for food stamps.

“This is a tremendous victory for all Georgians from the producers who grow the food we eat, to those seeking assistance to feed their families,” said Sen. Chambliss. “Our goal was to take the most successful components of the 2002 farm bill and incorporate input from producers across the country to improve current law, and we did just that. This farm bill strengthens our nation’s food security, protects the livelihood of our producers and provides investments in nutrition, conservation and energy. Americans all over the country deserve a new farm bill and we have written a bipartisan and fiscally responsible plan that merits support of the entire Congress.”

Sen. Chambliss highlighted the following reforms and improvements to be included in the report:

Commodities: Eliminates the “three entity rule” and implements reformed payment caps for commodity program benefits; provides producers of eligible commodities an option to participate in a revenue-based counter-cyclical program; includes newly created disaster assistance program; maintains non-trade distorting direct payments; rebalances rates for the counter-cyclical program and non-recourse marketing loan program; reforms the cotton marketing loan program and provides an assistance program for the textile industry; maintains fruit and vegetable planting restriction; and creates a planting flexibility pilot program for processed fruits and vegetables in seven states.

Conservation: Provides $4 billion in new funding for conservation programs, including investments in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Farmland Protection Program, and the new Conservation Stewardship Program; reauthorizes the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); includes Sen. Chambliss’ provision to help producers improve habitat for bobwhite quail, wild turkeys and many other species on CRP acres; strengthens the focus on private and tribal agricultural and nonindustrial forest lands throughout the title; and directs the Secretary to establish the standards necessary to ensure producers and landowners can receive credit for proactively mitigating climate change.

Peanuts: Maintains separate subtitle for peanuts; preserves the target price, direct payment rate and marketing loan rate established in the 2002 farm bill; provides for a mechanism to ensure handling and associated costs are not deducted from a producer’s loan rate; maintains separate payment limits for peanuts; and includes CSP incentive for producers moving towards an optimal crop rotation.

Nutrition: Invests over $10 billion in new spending for critical nutrition assistance and food aid programs including $1 billion for Sen. Chambliss’ Food Stamp Savings and Investment Act to exempt IRS-approved retirement and education savings accounts as countable assets to encourage long-term self-sufficiency; provides $1.2 billion in new funding to support local food banks; and expands the Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program for school children.

Rural Development: Improves the Rural Utilities Service Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to deploy broadband internet service to rural America; provides $120 million in funding for the large backlog of water and waste water projects; provides $15 million for the Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program to help assist small businesses in rural America; and creates the SouthEast Crescent Authority, which encourages economic development in Georgia and throughout the Southeast.

Research: Creates a new National Institute of Food and Agriculture to increase the visibility of competitive agricultural research; provides $230 million in mandatory funding for the specialty crop research initiative; and $78 million in mandatory funding for organic research.

Energy: Invests $320 million for new loan guarantee program for the development and construction of commercial-scale biorefineries; provides $300 million in the Bioenergy Program to provide assistance to biofuel production plants for the purchase of feedstocks; provides $118 million for biomass research and development efforts; reauthorizes and provides $250 million for grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects; and authorizes a new program, the Biomass Crop Assistance Program to help producers transition to new energy crops for biofuel production.

Specialty Crops: Invests $466 million in mandatory funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants; provides $230 million in a new Specialty Crop Research Initiative; invests $377 million to address pest and disease management and disaster prevention; provides $20 million to establish a national network of diagnostic centers to ensure safe root stocks for nursery crops; invests $5 million for organic data collection; and provides $22 million in new money to help farmers transition into organic production.

Livestock: Establishes a catfish grading and inspection program in the Department of Agriculture; incorporates an industry compromise that provides for mandatory COOL for meat, chicken, produce, peanuts, pecans and macadamia nuts and addresses several of the implementation cost concerns; incorporates an industry compromise to encourage the interstate shipment of State inspected meat; and makes arbitration voluntary for livestock and poultry producers.

Miscellaneous Provisions: Improves the Outreach and Technical Assistance Program for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

The Senate-House Farm Bill Conference Committee is expected to approve the report this week, before going to the full Senate and House for consideration next week. Upon passage, the conference report will be sent to the President for his signature to become law.

Rep. Gingrey Honored with an “A in English” Award

Rep. Gingrey was recognized at the U.S. Capitol this morning (May 8, 2008) by U.S. English, Inc. for his dedication to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Rep. Gingrey was one of a select number of House members honored with an “A in English” award based on his votes and co-sponsorships of official English legislation in the 110th Congress.

“I am pleased to present this award to Rep. Gingrey for his efforts to unite our diverse nation under the common language of English,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “Rep. Gingrey has been a strong supporter of official English policies during his time in Congress. At a time when there is renewed interest toward preserving what unites us as a nation, we are grateful to Rep. Gingrey for his dedicated and enthusiastic support of this issue.”

“A in English” honors were awarded to members who received “A” grades on the U.S. English, Inc. legislative scorecard for the 110th Congress. Legislation that factored into the decision included co-sponsorship of H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, as well as a series of Congressional votes on reducing multilingualism in government and allowing employers the flexibility to enact English-in-the-Workplace policies. A full listing of the votes and grades can be found at http://www.usenglish.org.

According to several recent nationwide polls, an overwhelming majority of Americans support making English the official language of the United States. Polls conducted by Zogby International, the Winston Group and Rasmussen Reports have all found more than 80 percent of Americans in support of official English policies, with strong majorities among Republicans, Democrats and Independents.


Chris Jackson
Press Secretary
Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11)

Governor Perdue Signs Forest Land Conservation Legislation

Today Governor Sonny Perdue signed The Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008, HB 1211, at the Swainsboro Pine Tree Festival and Timber Expo.

“I am pleased to sign this legislation that promotes forest land conservation throughout the state and coincides with the Conserve Georgia campaign that we kicked off two weeks ago,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “These bills would not have made it to my desk without the hard of the many legislators joining us here today.”

HB 1211, sponsored by Rep. Richard Royal, creates a property valuation classification of forest land, which has no acreage cap and allows all property owners including businesses to put their property into covenant and receive the tax benefits. This legislation becomes effective upon the passage of a related constitutional amendment on the ballot in November 2008 (HR 1276).

“The Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008 will protect the state’s environment for years to come and will allow our forest land owners to continue their ownership of these valuable resources by reducing the terrible burden of unfair property taxes,” said Rep. Richard Royal. “In addition to maintaining the state’s forest land, it will also help ensure clean air and water.”
By entering into a covenant to utilize the forest land for conservation purposes for at least 15 years, Georgia’s private property owners will have the advantage of a lower tax burden on qualifying land for as long as the land is kept in its natural state.

Governor Perdue and Rep. Royal were joined at the bill signing event today by Rep. Jim Cole, Rep. Jay Shaw, Rep. Butch Parrish, Rep. Jimmy Pruett, Sen. Ross Tolleson, Sen. John Bulloch and Sen. Jack Hill.

Sen. Seabaugh nominated to Henry Toll Fellowship by Lt. Gov. CagleSen. Seabaugh nominated to Henry Toll Fellowship by Lt. Gov. Cagle

State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has been nominated by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle to join the national Henry Toll Fellowship program sponsored by the Council of State Governments. He is among 80 nationwide nominees appointed to participate in this prestigious leadership seminar in Lexington, Kentucky.

“Being nominated for the Henry Toll Fellowship is quite an accomplishment and Senator Seabaugh is very deserving of this nomination,” added Lt. Gov. Cagle. “He has worked diligently and I appreciate the leadership skills and value he brings to his job in the state Senate.”

The Henry Toll Fellowship program is the oldest and most widely recognized leadership development program for state government officials. It is the only leadership program that is open to all three branches of state government. The Fellowship is named in honor of Henry Wolcott Toll, founding father of the Council of State Governments and a Colorado state senator from 1922 to 1930. Toll has long been remembered as an innovative champion of state government, a courageous opponent of racism and a tireless visionary.

“Throughout my tenure in the General Assembly, I have worked hard to provide quality leadership,” said Sen. Seabaugh. “I feel this program will further enhance my leadership skills to become a more effective lawmaker. I am pleased to have been chosen to take part in this important national program.”

Sen. Seabaugh was first elected to the Georgia state Senate in 2000. In 2002, only his second term, his colleagues elected him Senate Majority Whip, a position he continues to serve. His leadership and input has shown to be invaluable regarding key initiatives to improve the lives of all Georgians.

The Toll Fellowship seminar in Lexington takes place September 27-October 2, 2008.

Gingrey legislation will prevent Medicaid, SCHIP abuse

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA) introduced H.R. 5691, legislation to eliminate the potential for individuals to fraud programs such as Medicaid and SCHIP, so that these programs can instead be used to benefit those truly in need. The Medicaid and SCHIP Abuse Prevention Act of 2008 will help ensure that these programs continue to be made available for the most vulnerable and needy in this country.

“SCHIP and Medicaid were originally designed to be safety-net programs for those most in need in our society,” said Gingrey. “However, these assistance programs for low-income Americans are now being hijacked, and their funds misused. By exploiting inadvertent loopholes in the statute, some states are allowing people to disregard significant portions of their income in order to appear poor on paper, even though their actual income is much higher.”

For example, there is a state whose statutory upper limit for SCHIP is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $42,400. However, by using income disregards, this state allows people to enroll in SCHIP with incomes up to $74,200 per year, which is 350% of the FPL. Yet, nearly 25% of this state’s children – whose families make under 200% of the FPL – are uninsured, leading many to argue that by focusing on higher income families, the state is ignoring the very people it should be helping the most.

Disregarding whole blocks of income – a practice already being employed by as many as thirteen states – for the sole purpose of making an individual eligible for a government entitlement program is an egregious practice that manipulates the very intent of these programs. In order to ensure these programs serve children and individuals who ACTUALLY qualify as “low-income,” the Medicaid and SCHIP Abuse Prevention Act of 2008 will institute a gross income cap of 250% for SCHIP and Medicaid eligibility. This legislation will limit any income disregards to a maximum of $250 per month or $3000 per year.

“Placing a firm eligibility cap on SCHIP and Medicaid is the best way to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are spent on those most in need, and will not be diverted to people who already have the ability to purchase their own health insurance plan without taxpayer-funded assistance,” continued Gingrey.

Introducing the Medicaid and SCHIP Abuse Prevention along with Congressman Gingrey are original co-sponsors, Rep. Feeney (R-FL), Rep. Walden (R-OR), Rep. Herger (R-CA), Rep. Bartlett (R-MD), Rep. Kingston (R-GA), Rep. Broun (R-GA), Rep. Miller (R-FL), Rep. Wilson (R-SC), Rep. Price of Georgia (R-GA), Rep. Westmoreland (R-GA), and Rep. Deal (R-GA).

McCain - Combating Judicial Activism

We have a lot at stake in this presidential election. As a nation, we face many challenges that will require real leadership from our next president. I have said before that this election will be about the big things, not the small things, and I write to you today about one big issue in particular - the future of the U.S. Supreme Court. If one of my Democratic opponents is elected in November, you can rest assured that given the opportunity to appoint judges, they will appoint those who make law with disregard for the will of the people.

There may be at least two vacancies on the United States Supreme Court during the next presidential term. As president, I will ensure that only those judges who strictly interpret the Constitution of the United States are appointed. I will nominate judges who understand that their role is to faithfully apply the law as written, not impose their will through judicial fiat.

If you want judges who will clearly and completely adhere to the Constitution of the United States and who do not legislate from the bench to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, then I ask that you join my campaign for president today by making a financial contribution.

I am proud to have played a role in the appointment and confirmation of two great Supreme Court justices - Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito I need your support now so that as your president I can nominate judges like Justices Roberts and Alito. Judges who have proven themselves worthy of our trust. Judges who take as their sole responsibility the enforcement of laws made by the people's elected representatives. Judges who can be relied upon to respect the values of the people whose rights, laws and property they are sworn to defend.

My friends, the future of our country and of the Supreme Court is at stake in this election. If either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is elected - both voted against confirming Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito - they will appoint activist judges. They will appoint judges who legislate from the bench.

I'm sure I don't have to remind you how important even one vote on the Supreme Court can be. Issues concerning states' rights, abortion, affirmative action, the Second Amendment and religious freedom have all been decided by a very slim 5-4 margin.

America needs a leader who recognizes that the people and the states should decide what's best, not the courts. In order to be that leader, I need your financial support immediately.

Please follow this link to make an immediate donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 - any amount up to the legal limit of $4,600.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,


John McCain

P.S. To date, my Democrat opponents have raised almost $450 million in their efforts to win the White House. Both Senators Clinton and Obama voted against confirming John Roberts and Samuel Alito. Both Senators Clinton and Obama will nominate liberal, activist judges. As your president, I will ensure that the Supreme Court protects our values. Please follow this link right away to make your donation of any amount, up to the legal limit of $4,600. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, is crucial to our efforts. Thank you.

Isakson, Chambliss Co-Sponsor Legislation to Address Challenges of Energy Supply

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today announced that they are co-sponsoring legislation that aims to lower the cost of energy and enhance U.S. energy security by increasing domestic supply. Their co-sponsorship today follows on the heels of a letter Isakson and Chambliss sent earlier this week urging the President to help stabilize gas prices by halting deposits of oil into the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“Given our dependence on foreign energy in this country, it is critical for us to consider the development of our untapped domestic energy supplies,” Isakson said. “With skyrocketing gas prices, we must seek every way possible to increase the domestic production of energy.”

“In light of the ever-increasing gas prices, it only makes sense that we would take advantage of domestic sources of fuel that we know exist today,” said Chambliss. “Increasing domestic production is a critical component of a comprehensive energy policy that eliminates our dependence on foreign sources of oil.”

Specifically, the Domestic Energy Production Act of 2008 would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to establish projected state lines by extending boundaries seaward to the outer margin of the Outer Continental Shelf for the purpose of pre-leasing and leasing activities in new producing areas. It also would allow the governors of Atlantic and Pacific coastal states to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a petition requesting that the area, within State boundaries, be made available for oil and gas leasing. The Secretary must approve or deny such petitions as soon as is practicable.

The legislation would establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain under the Mineral Leasing Act. It also would limit production and support facilities to no more than 2,000 acres on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain and provide for a 50/50 share of revenues between the federal government and the state of Alaska. The bill would direct that $35 million of state’s share be deposited annually into a “Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund” for Alaska communities.

The legislation also would:

· Repeal a section of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008”, which created a $4,000 fee for new applications for permits to drill;
· Grant the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency authority to accept consolidated applications for all permits required to construct and operate a refinery;
· Establish a 360-day deadline for the approval or disapproval of a consolidated permit application for new refineries and a 120 day deadline for consolidated permit applications to expand an existing refinery;
· Suspend the filling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for 180 days beginning from the date of enactment;
· Amend the “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007” to strike the definition of renewable biomass and replace it with Senate-passed definition. This is critically important to ensuring that the emerging cellulosic ethanol industry is able to take advantage of all sources of cellulosic biomass;
· Establish a research program to determine new material science needed for pipelines, pumps, tanks and other infrastructure for transport of renewable fuel blends, either though dedicated renewable fuel pipeline networks or as blends with petroleum products; and
· Repeal a section of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008,” which prohibits the use of Department of the Interior funds to complete final regulations for the commercial leasing of oil shale as statutorily required under the “Energy Policy Act of 2005.”

On April 29, Isakson and Chambliss, along with 15 other Republican senators, sent a letter to President Bush requesting that the U.S. Department of Energy immediately halt deposits of domestic crude oil into the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Isakson and Chambliss voiced disappointment that Bush so far is rejecting the idea.