Republican News Sweep

Isakson Praises Passage of Farm Bill

2008-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today (May 15, 2008) praised the Senate’s passage of a new five-year Farm Bill that continues to provide a safety net for farmers, increases conservation programs, provides incentives for renewable energy production and establishes a permanent disaster program.

“This Farm Bill is a win for rural America and for farmers in Georgia, where agriculture remains the number one industry in the state,” Isakson said. “I commend Senator Saxby Chambliss for his strong work in crafting this legislation and for making sure that we continue to meet the needs of farmers in Georgia and the Southeast.”

The conference report for the Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 81 to 15. The conference report passed the House on May 14 by a vote of 318 to 106. President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation. Isakson will vote to override the veto.

Chambliss Announces NBAF Provision Included In Farm Bill

2008-05-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan farm bill conference report, coauthored by U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The farm bill, titled the “Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008,” includes a provision that instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a permit to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the study of foot and mouth disease at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).

The proposed NBAF, operated by the Department of Homeland Security, will study high-consequence animal and zoonotic diseases to ensure our nation is prepared to detect and mitigate deadly agriculture diseases. It will replace an aging facility on Plum Island, New York, where foot and mouth disease research is now conducted.

“The study of foot and mouth disease, one of the most infectious livestock diseases known to man, is necessary to prepare our nation for any incident or outbreak of this economically devastating disease,” said Senator Chambliss. “I am pleased with the inclusion of this provision in the farm bill. I look forward to working with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security as we bring the vision of NBAF to reality.”

“This new national facility will be dedicated to research on disease detection and countermeasures, and it is extremely important that this includes research to deal with deadly agriculture diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease,” said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “With its world-class USDA research facilities, Georgia is the logical choice to conduct such important research and Senator Chambliss and I are working hard to promote our state’s bid to have NBAF located in Georgia.”

“The new and modern technology of the NBAF must be utilized to protect our food animals,” said David Lee, vice president for research at the University of Georgia. “Safe research and the development of effective counter-measures for this disease are critical to the health and welfare of the domestic herds of cattle, sheep, and swine, and to our agricultural industry, not just in Georgia, but across the country.”

UGA is leading the effort to attract the NBAF to Georgia, which has nationally and internationally recognized resources in infectious disease research, vaccine and diagnostic test development, and food safety. Georgia is one of six sites under consideration.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 passed the House and Senate this week and will now be sent to the President.

Chambliss Praises Strong Senate Vote In Support Of Farm Bill

2008-05-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan farm bill conference report, coauthored by U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. The farm bill, titled the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, includes the most significant reforms to payment limitations in the history of American farm policy, as well as increased funding for nutrition, energy, specialty crops and conservation programs.

“We are now one step closer to making the new farm bill a reality,” said Sen. Chambliss. “Our bill provides certainty to America’s farmers and ranchers and restates the strong commitment of Congress to the hungry and less fortunate. The farm bill includes provisions to help low-income Americans meet nutritional needs by providing school children with increased access to fresh fruit and vegetables and enhancing our investments to the Food Stamp Program and food banks. We have written a good bill not only for American agriculture, but for millions of needy Americans and I strongly urge the President to sign it into law.”

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. The nutrition title received the largest funding increase, totaling over $10 billion in new resources to enhance our country’s nutrition safety-net. Sen. Chambliss has noted that the increase was no small accomplishment and additional resources were made available by reductions in the commodity and crop insurance programs.

The following reforms and improvements are included in the nutrition title of the report:

• STRENGTHENS ASSISTANCE FOR FOOD BANKS: To help local organizations dedicated to fight hunger, the farm bill provides $1.256 billion over the next ten years to increase commodity purchases for food banks – an increase of nearly double the current level of funding.

• ENCOURAGES RETIREMENT AND EDUCATION SAVINGS: The nutrition title includes a provision which would exempt IRS-approved retirement and education savings accounts from the asset test when applying for benefits. This provision will help protect low-income Americans from having to deplete certain IRS-approved accounts, as well as pay the penalties and taxes for early withdrawal, if they are in need of short-term assistance.

• INCREASES THE STANDARD DEDUCTION FOR FOOD STAMP HOUSEHOLDS: The farm bill increases the standard deduction from $134 to $144 and indexes it to inflation, therefore providing a slightly higher benefit level for many participating households.

• INCREASES THE MINIMUM BENEFIT: The current minimum benefit is set at $10 and has not been raised in over 30 years. The bill raises the minimum benefit to $14 and indexes that level to future inflation.

• UPDATES THE NAME OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: To better reflect the mission of the program and the fact that “stamps” have been replaced by electronic benefit cards, the new name is the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”.

• PROVIDES MORE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO SCHOOL CHILDREN: The bill includes an expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income children in schools. Over the next ten years, $1 billion is invested in this initiative, which will allow it to serve as many as 3 million low-income children.

• CONTINUES THE SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM: The bill expands food assistance to low-income seniors by $50 million over the next ten years in order to help them purchase agricultural products at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and other community-supported agriculture programs.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 has already passed the House and will now be sent to the President.

Audio of Sen. Chambliss’ floor speech on Senate passage of the farm bill can be found at http://agriculture.senate.gov.

Gingrey votes to approve FY’09 Defense Authorization

2008-05-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted late last night to approve H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

“I am proud to join my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Like most legislation, this bill we passed out of committee is not perfect, but it represents months of hard work and bipartisan debate and compromise. Further, I am extremely pleased this bill will ensure America's continued air superiority by providing advance procurement funds for an additional lot of F-22A Raptors. The Committee also unanimously approved my amendment which reaffirms the Congress’s support of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. While this bill could be improved by fully funding America's missile defense priorities and the Army Future Combat Systems, it is essentially a good bill that provides for the immediate needs of the warfighter and addresses readiness concerns.”

H.R. 5658 authorizes $531.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. Additionally, the legislation authorizes an additional $70 billion in supplemental funding to support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terrorism. The bill is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks.

Included in the bill are several provisions that Rep. Gingrey fought hard for, including $523 million in advance procurement funds for an additional lot of F-22A Raptor fighter jets and language supporting the WHINSEC program at Ft. Benning.

“As the world’s only 5th Generation Fighter line currently in full-rate production, the F-22A Raptor is the key component of our nation’s air superiority platform,” said Gingrey. “With procurement of the Joint Strike Fighter in significant numbers being several years away, recent concerns over the safety of the F-15 fleet, and the development of 5th generation technology by countries like China and Russia, it is imperative that we provide funding to keep the production line open.”

“By including funding for the advance procurement of an additional lot of 20 F-22’s, Congress recognized the importance of the F-22 to maintaining our nation’s air superiority.” continued Gingrey.

Additional provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 include:

· Additional funding for force protection needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including $2.6 billion for state-of-the-art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles; $947 million for Up-Armored HMMWV’s; and $2.2 billion for Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicle, and Stryker vehicle upgrades.

· An additional $800 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment.

· Provides $8.6 billion for the Army and $1.8 billion for the Marine Corps to support reset.

· More than $246 million to for counter rocket, artillery, and mortar systems.

· Includes $744 million in advance procurement funding to allow the Navy to start building 2 Virginia Class submarines in 2011.

· Increases of 7,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our required missions.

· A 3.9% pay raise for all members of the armed forces in 2009 and guaranteed pay raises in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to reduce the military-civilian pay disparity.

· Extends the prohibition the committee enacted last year on retail pharmacy cost share increases.

Georgia Republicans vote to prevent Dems from playing political games with our troops

2008-05-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Members of the Georgia Republican Delegation today voted to prevent the Democratic Majority from using American servicemen and women serving in theater as a vehicle to promote their liberal agenda. This afternoon, the Democratic leadership attempted to use a procedural stunt to force Republicans into voting for a troop funding measure that was tied to troop withdrawal deadlines and tax increases for small business owners. The Members of the Georgia Republican Delegation strongly believe that we should support our troops with a clean funding measure that does not handcuff our commanders in the field or promote a radical domestic agenda.

Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10):
“Today, the Democratic leadership showed they cared less about supporting our troops than they did about increasing taxes and increasing spending. As a United States Marine, I will do everything I can to ensure that the needs of our troops and their families are met. I will not, however, allow the Democratic leadership to use our fighting men and women as pawns by which they can extort votes for an ever-increasing government funded by ever-increasing taxes. I encourage the Senate to adopt a bill that meets the urgent needs of our military personnel without heeding Speaker Pelosi’s call for increasing taxes and increasing wasteful spending.”

Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (GA-11):
“The Members of the Georgia Republican Delegation are not going to stand by and allow the Democratic leadership to use the strength of our votes to further their leftist agenda of withdrawal deadlines, tax increases, and wasteful domestic spending. The Democrats’ actions on the floor today couldn’t provide a clearer picture of where their priorities lie – and it’s certainly not with our troops. Our brave men and women deserve a clean troop funding measure that gives them every opportunity to succeed in the Global War on Terror — not a cut-and-run Iraq policy packaged with an enormous tax increase — and we will accept no less.”

Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-01):
“To amend a troop funding bill with war policy is disingenuous. We feel strongly that the badly needed funding for our troops shouldn’t become a vehicle to pass a bunch of unrelated spending. Increasing unemployment, spending more money on the census, New Orleans levees and the Bureau of Prisons may be necessary and worth debating but it shouldn’t be put on an emergency war bill. These provisions, as well as the base bill, should go through the transparency and scrutiny of the committee process and not be airdropped on the House floor.”

Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06):
“Today’s vote is a stunning demonstration of how Democrats in the House view our brave troops. They are willing to tell our commanders how to run a war, yet deprive them of the money to execute it. For too long, the majority has relied on Republicans to carry their water to support our troops. Today, the curtain has been pulled back, and all that is left is extraneous spending, job-killing tax hikes, and handcuffs on our military. This is the result of government by fiat. House Democrats have hung our troops out to dry. Rather than soaking every action in partisan politics, it is time for real leadership. I call on Congress to pass a clean funding bill for our troops.”

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03):
“Speaker Pelosi showed once again that there is no sacred ground she won’t soil in her efforts to pander to the most liberal elements of American society. Not even the Democratic caucus is liberal enough for her. She completely hijacked the troop-funding process and handed it over to Moveon.org. Our generals have repeatedly told us we must have this funding by Memorial Day. We’re a week away from that deadline and the Democratic leaders have nothing to offer our soldiers but political games. Give us a bill that funds the troops and funds the troops only -- no Washington spending and no tax increases.”

Isakson Votes to Address Challenges of Energy Supply, High Gas Prices

2008-05-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today voted in favor of two amendments aimed at combating the significant increases in gas and oil prices and their effects on the American economy and on the family budget.

Isakson praised the Senate’s passage of an amendment that would require the U.S. Department of Energy to halt deposits of domestic crude oil into the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as long as the price of crude oil remains above $75 per barrel. The amendment, which required 60 votes to pass, was approved by a vote of 97 to 1.

“There are no quick fixes in dealing with this issue, but there are things the federal government can and must do,” Isakson said. “Temporarily halting deposits to the reserve sends the signal to the global market that the United States will take measures to address excessive oil prices.”

Isakson expressed disappointment in the Senate’s failure to approve an amendment that aimed to lower the cost of energy and enhance U.S. energy security by increasing our nation’s domestic supply. The amendment, which required 60 votes to pass, failed by a vote of 42 to 56.

"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.”

Specifically, it would have amended 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.

The amendment would have established a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain under the Mineral Leasing Act. It would also have amended 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.

The amendments were offered as part of a flood insurance bill that passed by a vote of 92 to 6.

Chambliss Applauds Governor Perdue’s Efforts to Provide Relief to Georgia’s Farmers

2008-05-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today praised Governor Sonny Perdue for signing an executive order to suspend the state gas tax on off-road diesel. The suspension on the four percent state tax is effective immediately and will be in effect until the General Assembly meets again in January 2009.

“This is an important step in providing relief to many Georgians who have been hit hard by the rising prices of gas,” said Chambliss. “I know many farmers who are grateful for the tax suspension and I applaud Governor Perdue for his leadership. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to provide additional relief for Georgians.”

Chambliss is a co-sponsor of several legislative items aimed at reducing gas prices, including legislation proposed by Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, that would temporarily suspend the federal gas tax during the summer months. Chambliss, along with fellow Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson, are also co-sponsors of the “Domestic Energy Production Act of 2008,” legislation to increase domestic energy supply.

On April 29, Chambliss and Isakson, 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. Chambliss and Isakson voiced disappointment that Bush so far is rejecting the idea.

Bush Salutes Mothers' Sacrifices in War on Terror

2008-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

President Bush praised America's mothers, especially those who've lost sons or daughters during the war on terror and those who gave their lives in service to their country, during his weekly radio address Saturday. An excerpt from the president's remarks follows:

"On this Mother's Day weekend, we think of the many mothers who raised the brave men and women serving our country in uniform. And to those mothers, I offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

"Your sons and daughters are defending our freedom with dignity and honor, and America appreciates the sacrifices that your families make in the name of duty.

"On this Mother's Day weekend, we remember the mothers grieving a son or daughter lost in the service to their country, as well as the children who lost a mother in uniform.

"We share their pride in these wonderful Americans who have given everything to protect our people from harm. Nothing we say can ever make up for their loss.

"But, on this special day, we hold them in our hearts, and we lift them in our prayers.

"I wish every mother listening this morning a blessed Mother's Day, including my own. And I have a message for every son and daughter listening this morning: Remember to tell Mom the first thing tomorrow how much you love her."

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CHAMBLISS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT ON FARM BILL CONFERENCE REPORT

2008-05-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Democrats’ gas promises run on empty

2008-05-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

By Lynn Westmoreland

Filling up my truck back home this week, I felt the pain at the pump as the price ticked above $90 and kept on going to $93.

Every Georgia motorist experiences the exact same frustration – or perhaps rage – as they fuel their vehicles to go to work, take the kids to school or pick up groceries.

When Democrats were in the minority in Congress in 2006, they howled about $2-a-gallon gas prices and campaigned so diligently on the issue you half expected to see Democrat leader Nancy Pelosi pumping your gas for free at the local station.

I know politicians campaign in poetry and govern in prose. But the prose needs to at least resemble the poetry. And Democrats’ energy policies since they’ve been in power in no way reflect what they promised on the campaign trail.

In April 2006, Pelosi said: “Democrats have a common-sense plan to lower gas prices.” Other Democratic leaders echoed the same theme: We have a magic plan!

It’s unfortunate no one asked for details of the magic plan. Maybe then we’d have figured out the hocus-pocus was mere sleight of hand.

One fact that I’m sure the Democrats would like to make disappear is that gas prices have risen 55 percent since they took over Congress 16 months ago. In January 2007, average American gas price was $2.33 a gallon. Today, we pay $3.62 per gallon. The extra $1.29 a gallon, the “Pelosi Premium” if you will, is squeezing families, small businesses, school districts and law enforcement agencies.

Since the Democrats have apparently decided to keep their magic plan for lower gas prices under wraps, let’s look at what they have done on energy policy.

While giving lip service to “American energy independence,” they’ve blocked all avenues for increasing U.S. energy production. They’ve blocked drilling for the 10 billion barrels buried beneath Alaskan tundra, they’ve blocked drilling for the 20 billion barrels off the shore of our coasts, and they’ve blocked development of the 1.2 trillion barrels in oil-shale in the Mountain West.

They’ve tried to raise taxes on energy companies by $18 billion – costs that would pass on to consumers. And now two of the most powerful Democratic House committee chairman are calling for hiking the federal gas tax another 50 cents per gallon. I know liberals think higher taxes are the answer for everything, but is THAT their plan for lower gas prices?

The Democrats’ so-called energy bill tells the tale. In more than 300 pages, “crude oil” is mentioned five times, “gasoline” 12 times, “exploratory drilling” two times, and “domestic drilling” isn’t mentioned even once. By contrast, look what IS in the bill: “Greenhouse” 103 mentions, “geothermal” 94 mentions, “renewable” 333 references. Amazingly, the word “lamp” showed up 350 times and even “pool” was in there 47 times. Yes, that’s right: The word “pool” showed up in the energy bill four times more often than “gasoline.”

I’m sure Americans paying $4 a gallon this summer will take comfort in knowing that Congress has taken such a keen interest in pool safety.

The fact is, gas prices have risen because of a sharp increase in global demand and constricted supplies. There is no magic plan to lower gas prices and we do have to focus on conservation and alternative energy sources. But, for now, almost all of our energy comes from traditional energy sources. We have to explore and develop those resources right here in the United States.

It would be one heck of a magic trick if the Democrats strategy of higher taxes and less supply did anything other than make gas prices soar even higher.

Lynn Westmoreland represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District.

Chambliss Staffer Honored by the University of Georgia Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall

2008-04-24T14:35:00.001-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today announced that long-time staffer and former University of Georgia football player, Marisa Simpson, was presented with a post-graduate achievement award this week by the University of Georgia Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame. Post-Graduate Achievement Awards recognize former UGA athletes who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers. Simpson, who played collegiate football from 1992-1996, serves as Chambliss’ Regional Representative for the Atlanta-area.

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Marisa on being recognized for his outstanding collegiate and professional achievements,” said Chambliss. “The same drive and hard work that guided him on the football field has transcended into a strong work ethic and has made him a tremendous asset as a long-time member of my staff. Marisa has a genuine personality and sense of humor and he’s truly a great individual. This award is well-deserved.”

Six additional former UGA student-athletes also received awards during the spring banquet, including Buck Bradberry, Bob West, Ed Greenway, Rusty Epperson, Chris Hammond, and Jim Curington. Georgia head football coach Mark Richt recognized UGA scholar-athletes and Georgia high school scholar-athletes during this event.

Born in Norcross, Georgia, Simpson attended Norcross High School and played football and ran track for the Blue Devils. While in high school, Simpson was named to the Gwinnett County All County Track and Football teams his junior and senior year. He participated in the North/South All Star Game, and was included in the Macon Telegraph’s "Sweet 16." Simpson was listed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution as the 22nd best athlete in the State of Georgia for his senior class.

Simpson attended the University of Georgia from 1992-1996 and lettered in football from 1994-1996. He was honored with the Most Outstanding Award for the scout team in 1992. His greatest moment between the hedges occurred when he was on the receiving end of a five-yard touchdown pass from Eric Zeier that set the all time SEC Passing record. Off the field, Simpson was a model student, garnering multiple dean's list honors.

After Simpson left the university, he has worked with multiple charities and volunteer organizations throughout his life. Simpson has been a member of Chambliss’ staff since 1997. He and his wife, Aimee, live in Tucker, Georgia.

Chambliss Statement on the Announced Merger of Delta and Northwest

2008-04-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the following statement regarding the merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines:

“For more than 60 years, Delta Air Lines has been a leading employer of countless Georgians and has established itself as an economic engine for the Southeast. Delta has met its challenges head on and is in a strong position to continue its service to people all over the world. The bottom line is Georgia has always been home for Delta and that is the way it should remain for many more years. I look forward to further details on this merger and will continue working to ensure that the interests of all parties involved, the employees and the customers in particular, are met in the strongest way possible.”

Isakson Praises Passage of Legislation to Stimulate Housing Market

2008-04-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market. The legislation includes Isakson’s proposal to offer tax credits to individuals purchasing a foreclosed home or a home where foreclosure is pending. The legislation passed by a vote of 84 to 12.

“Our country and our economy face a serious challenge in the next 12 months. The number of unsold new homes and foreclosed resale homes will reach unprecedented numbers. Lenders will be forced to liquidate their real estate holdings, which will result in lower home values and less equity for homeowners,” Isakson said. “I am very pleased with this legislation. It targets the purchase of the very homes causing the economy its biggest problems. A $7,000 tax credit will inspire buyers to get back into the market to absorb this standing inventory of homes that are foreclosed or pending foreclosure.”

Specifically, the legislation includes Isakson’s proposal to provide a direct tax credit for the purchase of a single-family home in the amount of $7,000 over two years for purchases made within one year of the legislation’s enactment. Eligible properties include two categories of single family homes where a foreclosure filing has occurred pursuant to the laws of the state in which the residence is located:

Homes that were occupied as a principal residence by the mortgagor for at least one year prior to foreclosure being filed (i.e., no investment properties).

New construction properties that have never been occupied where permitting and construction began on or before September 1, 2007. (These also must be foreclosed or pending foreclosure.)

In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction. Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson believes the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

“This tax credit worked to restore the housing market in 1975 and it will work again today,” Isakson said.

Isakson spent more than three decades in the real estate business, beginning his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Isakson later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.

Secretary Handel closes qualifying for state House District 93

2008-04-11T07:13:00.002-07:00

Secretary of State Karen Handel closed qualifying for the special election to fill state House District 93 Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at noon. Five candidates qualified and paid the qualifying fee of $400 for the special election to be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a run-off election will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008.

The following candidates qualified and will be placed on the ballot in alphabetical order:

Dee Dawkins-Haigler
6050 Kingston Wood Way
Lithonia, GA 30038
Party Affiliation: Democrat

Malik Douglas
5945 Idlewood Place
Lithonia, GA 30038
Party Affiliation: Democrat

Colet Odenigbo
4548 Tulie Ct.
Lithonia, GA 30038
Party Affiliation: Democrat

Jim Sendelbach
2675 N. Lakeview Dr. SW
Conyers, GA 30094
Party Affiliation: Democrat

Traci Waites
1272 Rhodes Walk
Conyers, GA 30094
Party Affiliation: Democrat

The election is a non-partisan special election with no party primary. However, each candidate’s party affiliation will be listed on the ballot.

All citizens residing in State House District 93 who are not registered to vote can register through Thursday, April 10, 2008. Voter registration forms can be obtained at any county registrar’s office or from the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/voter_registration/voter_reg_app.htm.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Advance voting will be held Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, 2008. The election will be held in portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. To find your advanced voting location, contact your county registrar’s office.

Voters can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar’s office through the close of business on Friday, May 9, 2008. All absentee ballots must be received by the county registrar by close of business on Election Day, May 13, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail.

Voters will be required to show photo identification when voting in person. For more information on the requirements for photo ID, please call 1-877-725-9797 or visit www.GaPhotoID.com.

Chambliss Applauds Passage of Legislation to Stabilize Housing Market

2008-04-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the following statement following passage of the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, HR 3221, which passed the Senate by a vote of 88 to12. Chambliss was a co-sponsor of a provision included in the legislation authored by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to provide a $7,000 tax credit over two years for the purchase of a foreclosed home or a home that is pending foreclosure. A similar tax credit was invoked by Congress in the mid-1970s, when the housing market was in a similar crisis.

“This legislation is a step in the right direction toward addressing the current housing crisis and providing incentives for people to get in the market. I was in Dalton, Georgia, recently, and the effects the housing crisis has had on our businesses and families are very real. Purchasing a home is part of the American dream, and I’m pleased Senator Isakson’s tax credit provision was included in the legislation passed today. Georgians are looking to members of Congress to work together to address the challenges families are facing in a responsible way, and I believe this is a good example of results that can be achieved when we do just that.”

Isakson, Chambliss Praise Confirmation of James Randall Hall to Serve as Federal Judge for Southern District of Georgia

2008-04-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s confirmation of Augusta attorney James Randall Hall to serve as the next United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Georgia.

President Bush tapped Hall to fill the judicial vacancy created by the Honorable B. Avant Edenfield, who elected to take senior status effective Aug. 2, 2006. Both Isakson and Chambliss recommended Hall for the post.“Randy Hall is a attorney with a reputation for integrity and character,” Isakson said on the Senate floor. “I am pleased the Senate has confirmed this fine jurist.”“The Southern District of Georgia will be well-served with Randy Hall on the bench,” said Chambliss. “I’m pleased my Senate colleagues join me in supporting his confirmation.”

Hall currently serves as a partner with Warlick Tritt Stebbins & Hall, LLP. He previously served in the Georgia State Senate as a senator for the 22nd District. He graduated from Augusta College in 1979 and from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1982. He serves on the Augusta-Richmond County Community Partnership for Children and Families and attends the Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church.

Help Defend the American Dream In Georgia!

2008-04-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Defending the American Dream Summit, May 3rd

Today, the voices of average Americans are being drowned out by lobbyists and special interests. The result: policies that are threatening to destroy the American Dream – higher property taxes and out-of-control government spending, job-killing regulations, and endless red-tape. But you can do something about it. You can send a powerful message to the politicians, special interests, and the mainstream media by taking part in the Defending the American Dream Summit - Georgia.

On May 3rd in Atlanta, GA, you can join America’s foremost free-market voices, top experts on grassroots mobilization, and Georgia’s largest gathering of grassroots leaders from across the state in a massive show of force for our shared belief in lower taxes and more limited government.

Early registration is only $29 for general, $15 for students, and $60 for families.
Confirmed Speakers Include:
Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform
Tom Price, U.S. Congressman
Phil Gingrey, U.S. Congressman
Karen Handel, Secretary of State
Chip Rogers, State Senator
Jerry Shearin, Paulding County Commission
Jim Harrell, Forsyth County Commission

Location:
755 Club at Turner Field - Atlanta, Georgia

About AFP
Our MissionAmericans for Prosperity (AFP) and Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFP Foundation) are committed to educating citizens about economic policy and mobilizing those citizens as advocates in the public policy process. AFP is an organization of grassroots leaders who engage citizens in the name of limited government and free markets on the local, state and federal levels. The grassroots members of AFP advocate for public policies that champion the principles of entrepreneurship and fiscal and regulatory restraint.AFP Foundation is committed to educating citizens about economic policy and a return of the federal government to its Constitutional limits. AFP Foundation’s educational programs and analyses help policymakers, the media and individual citizens understand why policies that promote the American enterprise system are the best method to ensuring prosperity for all Americans. To that end, AFP and AFP Foundation supports:
A Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to protect the economic interests of citizens by making it harder to raise taxes and waste scarce tax dollars on frivolous programs.
Cutting taxes and government spending in order to halt the encroachment of government in the economic lives of citizens by fighting proposed tax increases and pointing out evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse.
Tax and Expenditure Limitations to promote fiscal responsibility.
Removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and opportunity by sparking citizen involvement in the regulatory process early on in order to reduce red tape.
Restoring fairness to our judicial system by stemming the tide toward "over-criminalization" of economic activity spurred by over-active attorneys general.
Working with well-known businessman and free-market advocate Herman Cain to expand all of these projects to even more states across the country in our recently-launched "State Prosperity Expansion Project."
Americans for Prosperity and Americans for Prosperity Foundation are two separate entities with their own governing boards. Each is a national organization based in Washington, DC, with staff on the ground in Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin. AFP and AFP Foundation plan to open other state chapters across the nation.
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AFP educates citizens about where their elected officials stand on our issues.
AFP and AFP Foundation combine "best-in-class" capabilities built once at the national level with local knowledge from our state staff and on-the-ground armies to create economies of scale that win.
AFP and AFP Foundation leverage our comparative advantages with those of other groups by building coalitions of local, state, and national organizations fighting for a common cause.
Through its Grassroots Training Schools, AFP Foundation has recruited and educated thousands of citizens on how to promote greater economic prosperity.
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Bob Barr Annouces Candidacy (Exploratory)

2008-04-07T18:51:00.001-07:00

Barr Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee

2008-04-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

4/5/08 Addressing Midwestern activists at the Heartland Libertarian Conference today, former Congressman Bob Barr announced the launch of the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee (BobBarr2008.com).

In his speech, Barr noted that, “America today faces a grave moral and leadership crisis, and those of us who care about our country’s future can no longer sit on the sidelines and remain neutral. As Rev. King told us more than four decades ago, ‘the true measure of a man is where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.’ And, as Dante Alighieri said many centuries before, ‘the hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.’”

Continuing, Barr stated that, “some say it is not now expedient or politically pragmatic to do the right thing, for the right reason.” But, he then asked his audience, “When has there been a better time? When has the risk of inaction carried more serious consequences? When will it be appropriate to take extraordinary steps? What must happen to our Constitution before we set aside our complacency and expediency in favor of principle?”

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA for nearly eight years.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and actively advocating American citizens’ right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. He serves also as a board member for the National Rifle Association, and works with the American Conservative Union and other groups.

Barr’s speech to the Heartland audience touched on the issues the candidates for the two major status quo parties have not addressed sufficiently, namely: the urgent need for truly cutting the size of the federal government, protecting our civil liberties, securing our borders, and fundamentally reforming our tax code.

“Removing ‘earmarks’ but not cutting the underlying spending is simply government as usual and is nothing more than a cynical shell game,” Barr stated; adding, “and that’s the high water mark in the debate thus far.“ Barr said this is not adequate, and that America’s voters deserve better than a choice between the lesser of two evils.”

The Libertarian Party, America’s oldest and largest third party, formed in 1971, is on track to achieve ballot access in at least 48 states. Its nominee will be chosen at the Libertarian National Convention which will be held in Denver, CO May 22 through 26.