Isakson Votes for One-Year Moratorium on Earmarks

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., voted last night for an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that would have imposed a year-long moratorium on congressional earmarks.

“One of the problems we have in Congress with spending is spending money on projects that shouldn’t be funded with tax dollars. We must take the time to establish transparency and disclosure in the appropriations process,” Isakson said.

The amendment failed by a 29 to 71 vote.

In January, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., appointed Isakson to a Fiscal Reform Working Group. The group is chaired by Senator Dick Lugar, R-Ind., and also includes Senators Thad Cochran, R-Miss., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Tom Coburn, R-Okla.

The working group has had several in-depth discussions on how to reform the earmark process for appropriations bills and may recommend additional means for the Senate to bring greater transparency and fiscal responsibility to government spending.

Chambliss Votes in Favor of One-Year Moratorium on Earmarks

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., made the following statement after voting in favor of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that would place a one-year moratorium on congressional earmarks:

“We need to find a way to improve and provide greater transparency in the earmark process. If we do not get a handle on federal spending, we will pass this burden on to our children and grandchildren. I believe we need to hold the line on fiscal responsibility, and this amendment was a step in the right direction towards meaningful earmark reform.”

The amendment, offered by Senator Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina, failed by a vote of 29 to 71.

News Update

The Man Without A Party
Ronald Reagan often said “I did not leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me.”
For floundering and foundering New York Governor Eliot Spitzer -- a twist on the Gipper’s words. Spitzer didn’t leave the Democratic Party: the Media just didn’t see the need to mention the fact that Spitzer was -- at least until noon Wednesday -- one of the most powerful Democrats in the nation.
On Monday afternoon, the Big Three Networks (NBC, ABC and CBS) and the Associated Press led the charge of the wall-to-wall coverage of the breaking news that Spitzer was involved with an interstate prostitution ring. And with near unanimity they failed to mention that Spitzer is a Democrat.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=25472

House to close its doors for spying bill
WASHINGTON - House doors were locked Thursday night as lawmakers prepared for their first closed session in 25 years to debate surveillance legislation.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080314/ap_on_go_co/terrorist_surveillance

Senate bulls kill proposed earmark moratorium
The old bulls of the Senate have prevailed over presidential politics and conservative reformers, killing an attempt to temporarily ban practice of earmarking federal funds for home state projects.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9034.html

Senate blocks moratorium on earmarks
WASHINGTON - Even with the backing of all three presidential candidates, Senate old-timers in both parties decisively killed a proposed one-year ban on lawmakers' home-state pet projects.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080314/ap_on_go_co/congress_budget

Ward embezzled from Hensarling PAC
Christopher J. Ward, the former National Republican Congressional Committee treasurer under investigation for allegedly diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the NRCC and other committees, paid himself $4,208 from the leadership PAC of Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) in December and then returned the money in February, according to a Federal Election Commission filing and a GOP insider.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9033.html

Whose Conduct Was More Reprehensible: Clinton’s or Spitzer’s?
First, limit the question to what is known beyond reasonable doubt: Eliot Spitzer’s serial assignations with call girls and Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky combined with his perjury about that affair.
Set aside Spitzer’s bullying prosecutions and his abuse of his office as governor. Try and forget the allegations against Bill Clinton from other women. Stick just to what is widely understood to be undeniable facts.
So, whose conduct is worse?
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/HughHewitt/2008/03/13/whose_conduct_was_more
_reprehensible_clinton%e2%80%99s_or_spitzer%e2%80%99s

Will Media Hold Obama To Repudiate His Pastor's Hateful Remarks?
Update: Don't expect Obama to repudiate these remarks. He still hasn't addressed his friendship with the terrorists of the Weather Underground.
Rev. Jeremiah Wright has been Obama's pastor for 20 years. Obama named his book, "Audacity of Hope" after a sermon of his, and he and his wife were married by the pastor. He is even a part of Obama's campaign.
Now video has surfaced of Rev. Wright preaching a very radical message where he accuses the government of creating drugs and giving them to the poor, creating AIDS to destroy blacks, and blaming America for 9/11.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/john-stephenson/2008/03/13/will-media-hold-obama-repudiate-his-pastors-hateful-remarks

Dem budget wins House, but Senate looms
Democrats won House approval of their five-year budget plan Thursday but faced tougher sledding in the Senate, where Republicans forced a series of close votes on tax cuts — designed with an eye toward November's elections.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9031.html

Congress endorses post-Bush tax hikes
WASHINGTON - Both houses of Congress endorsed the idea of tax increases for millions of Americans Thursday as Democrats pressed ahead with budget plans that would allow some or all of President Bush's reductions to die after he leaves office.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080313/ap_on_go_co/congress_budget

Dems say Congress must approve U.S. troop commitments
Reps. William Delahunt (D-Mass.) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) announced legislation Thursday to prohibit the use of federal funds to implement a long-term diplomatic and security agreement the Bush administration plans to strike with the government of Iraq.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9028.html

Legal cloud lingers over Spitzer
NEW YORK - As Gov. Eliot Spitzer prepares to leave office, the disgraced politician faces a tangled battle with prosecutors that will send lawyers into murky legal territory.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080313/ap_on_re_us/spitzer_prostitution

Preliminary Audit Shows House Republicans Extent of Substantial NRCC Shortfalls
House Republicans are working to rebuild confidence after an internal investigation found that their campaign committee ended 2006 with $990,000 less than its balance sheet showed and ended 2007 with $740,000 less.
The National Republican Congressional Committee is cooperating with an FBI investigation of former treasurer Christopher J. Ward, who was fired Jan. 28 amid allegations of false accounting and possible fraud. Officials described hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized wire transfers to committees and accounts that Ward controlled.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002687753

Bush: I'll Hand White House Keys to McCain
WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Wednesday that he intends to finish his presidency with his ''head held high'' and expects to hand the keys to the White House to John McCain, the GOP nominee-in-waiting.
''I'm optimistic about this year because I know John McCain. I've know him for many years. I've seen his character and leadership up close,'' Bush said at a fundraiser for the National Republican Congressional Committee. ''I've campaigned with him and I've campaigned against him and I can tell you this: He's a tough competitor.''
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/Bush_McCain_White_House/2008/03/12/79973.html

French Foreign Minister: 'Magic is Over' for U.S.
PARIS — Bernard Kouchner, the foreign minister of France, said Tuesday that whoever succeeds President Bush in the White House will have to restore the United States' battered image and standing overseas, the International Herald Tribune reported.
Speaking at the launch of a Forum for New Diplomacy in Paris, Kouchner said the United States will never be the country it was before the Bush presidency and will have to work to repair its reputation, especially since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337410,00.html

Chambliss Disappointed with Senate Failure to Reform Death Tax

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today expressed disappointment with the Senate’s failure to approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that would have reformed the Death Tax. Specifically, the amendment would have protected small businesses, family ranches and farms from the Death Tax by providing a $5 million exemption, a low rate for smaller estates and a maximum rate no higher than 35%.

“The death tax is a burdensome taxation on American families, small businesses, and family farmers, and I think it is simply wrong that the federal government seeks to tax individuals and their possessions at the time of their death,” said Chambliss. “People work hard in hopes of passing their family business or farm on to their children and grandchildren, and I’m disappointed that my colleagues in the Senate seek to continue this unnecessary tax.”

Chambliss has been a strong supporter of repealing the federal death tax during his 14 years in Congress.
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Governor Perdue Announces Executive Appointments

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the following executive appointments:

Board of Public Safety

Jack K. McElfish, 63, Sandy Springs, Firefighter Representative - McElfish has served as a fire chief since 1981 and is now the Fire Chief for the city of Sandy Springs. He serves on the International Association of Fire Chiefs as the treasurer and a member of the board of directors. He also serves on the board of directors of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation. McElfish has been designated as “Chief Fire Officer” of the Commission on Professional Credentialing from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He is a member of the Georgia Fire Chiefs, Georgia State Firefighters Association and the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association. McElfish earned an associate’s degree from Montgomery College and a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of New Haven. He and his wife, Joyce, have one grown daughter.

Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia

W. H. “Dink” NeSmith, Jr., 59, Athens, 10th Congressional District Representative-

NeSmith is co-owner and president of Athens-based Community Newspapers, Inc. He serves on the board of directors of Athens First Bank and Trust Company, Southern Mutual Insurance Company and Pattillo Construction Company. NeSmith also serves on the Commission for a New Georgia and is chairman of the Richard B. Russell Foundation. He is past president of the Georgia Press Association, the University of Georgia Alumni Association, and Leadership Georgia. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. NeSmith and his wife, Pam, have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Georgia Council for the Arts

Martha N. Bush, 64, Colquitt, Second Congressional District Representative-

Bush owns and operates Newberry Angus Farms, Inc. She serves as director of the board of trustees and on the executive board of the Bainbridge College Foundation. She is a member of the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council and the Flint River Arts Council and was a participant of the J.W. Fanning Institute’s “Leadership Baker” program. Bush earned an associate’s degree from Gulf Park College and dual bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University. She and her husband, Leron, have two grown children and one grandchild.

Sheryl L. Threlkeld, 57, Vidalia, Twelfth Congressional District Representative-

Threlkeld is a member of the board of directors and former president of Ohoopee Regional Council for the Arts. She is a City of Vidalia representative on the board of trustees of the Ohoopee Regional Library. Threlkeld served as an instructor and an assistant professor of theatre at Brewton Parker College. Threlkeld earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska. She and her husband, Reid, have two children.

Georgia Film, Video, & Music Commission

Richard T. Warner, 51, Dunwoody - Warner is the founder and chief executive officer of What’s Up Interactive, a web marketing and technology firm. He is the host and managing editor of the weekly series “Georgia’s Business” for GPTV and contributes a monthly column to “Business to Business” magazine. He is a board member of the Safe America Foundation and served as president of the American Marketing Association’s Atlanta chapter. Warner earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Malenka, have two children.

Georgia Music Hall of Fame Authority

Susan M. Green, 53, Macon - Green is a municipal marketing representative for Advanced Disposal Services. She served as a county commissioner for the Jones County Board of Commissioners from 1997-2000. She is a member of the executive board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Baldwin and Jones Counties, Inc., a member of the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, and vice chairman of the Jones County Republican Party. She was a member of the Coverdell Leadership Institute Class of 2007. Green earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She has three children.

William B. “Brad” Turner, Jr., 56, Columbus - Turner is president and vice chairman of the board for W.C. Bradley Co. He serves as a director for Synovus Financial Corporation and Columbus Bank and Trust Company. He serves on the advisory board for the University of Georgia‘s Terry College of Business. He is a trustee of both the Bradley Turner Foundation, Inc. and the Columbus State University Foundation, Inc. Turner is a member of the Community Foundation of Chattahoochee Valley. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Sally, have four children and one grandchild.

Professional Standards Commission

Albert “Al” A. George II, 36, Atlanta - George is the director of education for Georgia Aquarium Inc. and the co-founder and managing partner of Building Block Group & Associates, L.P. He served as director of the Packard Scholar Program at Morehouse College and as a research associate and marine educator for the Center for Marine, Environmental Science, & Biotechnology. He is a member of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. George earned a bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Leslie, have one child.

Penny L. Benton, 59, Woodstock - Benton is a sixth grade Earth Science teacher at Holly Springs Elementary School. She has 24 years of teaching experience and has received gifted endorsement. She was a presenter at the Cherokee County Schools of Excellence Conference. Benton earned a bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University and a master’s degree from Brenau University. She and her husband, Martin, have three children and three grandchildren.

State Construction Industry Licensing Board

Paul H. Maushardt, 61, Stockbridge, Plumbing Inspector - Maushardt is assistant chief plumbing inspector for DeKalb County. He is a member of Georgia State Inspectors, Inc., Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 72, and the Metro Atlanta Inspectors Association. He enjoys volunteering for Relay for Life in Henry County. He and his wife, Anna, have six grown children and 13 grandchildren

Isakson, Chambliss Vote to Protect English in the Workplace

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today voted for an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that would stop the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from suing organizations for requiring English in the workplace.

“While I respect the rich heritage that immigrants bring to our nation, the citizens of the United States value English as our common language,” Isakson said. “It is inconceivable to me that American businesses are being punished because they require the use of English in their place of business. Using English in the workplace is just common sense.”

“As Americans, the English language is part of our national identity,” said Chambliss. “Our businesses should not be penalized because employees have not learned the language of the land. People who come to this country ought to be able to speak English -- period.”

Specifically, the amendment would provide $670,000 to the Department of Education’s English Literacy and Civics Education Program to promote the teaching of English and civics to immigrants. The funds would come from allocations to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that are now being used to prosecute businesses who require their employees to speak English on the job.

The amendment passed by a vote of 54 to 44.

English-only charges filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have nearly quadrupled in the last 10 years. In Fiscal Year 1996, 32 English-only charges were filed compared to 125 such charges in Fiscal Year 2006.

In March 2007, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the Salvation Army for allegedly discriminating against two of the organization’s employees in a Boston-area thrift store by requiring them to speak English even though the English requirement was clearly posted and the employees were given a year to learn the language.
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Westmoreland: Budget a plan for bigger government

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today voted against the Democrats’ budget for next year, citing the plan’s $683 billion tax hike and massive increase in spending. The Democrats’ record-breaking budget passed on a tight party-line vote.

“You have to give the people who wrote this budget some credit for managing to pack in so many things that are offensive to Georgia taxpayers,” Westmoreland said. “No bill is perfect but this budget may be perfectly bad.

“Remember the Bill Clinton tax hikes of 1993 that outraged Americans and led to the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994? Well, this tax hike is three times bigger than that. It calls for tax rate increases for every American worker.”

The budget calls for a $683 billion tax hike over five years. Instead of using the money to close the budget deficit, but instead will fuel wasteful new spending – the plan will increase discretionary spending by 8.8 percent. Further, it raises marginal rates for all workers; eliminates 10-percent bracket for low-income earners; reduces the child tax credit; reimposes the marriage penalty and death tax; and eliminates incentives for investment in U.S. businesses.

“My colleagues on the other side love to talk about the economic slowdown in the country,” Westmoreland said, “but for the life of me, I can’t understand how they think that the biggest tax hike in American history is going to help kick-start the economy. With a shrinking job market and widespread foreclosures, we need to work to make sure that Americans keep as much of their own money as possible.”

Westmoreland voted for the Republican alternative budget. The GOP proposal would balance the budget within five years without raising taxes; it implements a moratorium on earmark spending, and dedicates the savings to tax cuts and deficit reduction. Lastly, it takes significant steps to rein in entitlement spending to preserve Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for future generations.
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