Tag Archives: United States Senate

Rep Allen West released this statement after his sponsored bill, the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, passed

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West Sequestration Bill Passes House of Representatives 

(WASHINGTON) — Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement tonight after his sponsored bill, the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, passed the House of Representatives Thursday with a 223- 196 vote.

“The National Security and Jobs Protection Act requires the President of the United States to submit an alternative plan to replace the sequester, and encourages the United States Senate to follow suit with its own alternative. Today, the House of Representatives worked together to pass this bill, proving we are prepared to work with the President on alternatives to achieve the same goal of replacing the sequester with cuts to lower priority spending programs, while protecting members of the armed services, our national security, important domestic programs and our fragile economy.

The President said last week that he wants the ‘strongest military the world has ever known.’  If the sequestration goes through and automatic across-the-board cuts take effect, national defense and essential domestic programs will be reduced as must as 10 percent. These cuts will undercut key responsibilities of the Federal Government and will take our military to the smallest size since World War II.

We don’t have much time left before the automatic cuts in sequestration take effect, and we need to work together to find a solution. The January 2nd deadline is quickly approaching.

The National Security and Jobs Protection Act will not only ensure we continue to have a strong Armed Forces, it will show the American people their elected leaders are fully capable of working together to solve the problems facing their nation. I strongly encourage my colleagues in the United States Senate to also pass this bill.”
To review the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, click here.
To review the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. click here.

Rep. Allen West Introduces National Security and Jobs Protection Act

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With sequestration looming, bill encourages bipartisan cooperation

(WASHINGTON) — Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement after introducing the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, to be debated in the House of Representatives Thursday:

“In just over 100 days, automatic across-the-board cuts will take effect, substantially reducing funding for national defense and essential domestic programs by as much as 10 percent. These cuts will undercut key responsibilities of the Federal Government and will take our military to the smallest size since World War II.

President Barack Obama’s own Secretary of Defense has referred to the pending sequestration as ‘not good policy’ and says ‘cuts of this magnitude done in an across-the-board fashion would be devastating to defense and nondefense programs.’

On May 10, 2012, United States House of Representatives Republicans passed a proposal to responsibly deal with this looming threat, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. 5652.  However, if the President opposes, and the United States Senate continues not to act, Republicans are prepared to work with the President on alternatives to achieve the same goal of replacing the sequester with cuts to lower priority spending programs, while protecting members of the armed services, our national security, important domestic programs and our fragile economy.

The National Security and Jobs Protection Act that I have introduced, to be acted on this week, requires the President of the United States to submit an alternative plan to replace the sequester, and encourages the United States Senate to follow suit with its own alternative.

The President said last week that he wants the ‘strongest military the world has ever known.’  House Republicans are willing to work across the party aisle and with the President to create a solution that will support our men and women in uniform.

We don’t have much time left before the automatic cuts in sequestration take effect, and we need to work together to find a solution. The January 2nd deadline is quickly approaching. The National Security and Jobs Protection Act will not only ensure we continue to have a strong Armed Forces, it will show the American people their elected leaders are fully capable of working together to solve the problems facing their nation.”
To review the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, click here.
To review the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. click here.

Rep Allen West: Weekly Wrap, Legislative Update, The Coming Week and More

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Dear Patriot,

Greetings to our constituents, fellow Floridians, and all Americans.  It is time again for my weekly update report, as I reflect upon another week.

Sadly, the United States Senate voted this week on the selective use of the federal tax code as a weapon for political posturing, instead of doing authorization and appropriation legislation. By a vote of 51-48, with Vice President Joe Biden in attendance in case of a tie vote, the Senate voted to raise taxes on the top two out of six existing income tax brackets.

I find it quite perplexing that politicians can artificially determine what is “rich” in America for the intended purpose of targeting and demonizing a group. Many small business owners pay their company taxes on their individual returns with a total income of $200,000 for an individual or $250,000 for a family.

The additional revenue resulting from this tax increase on these two brackets is barely enough to fund our  Federal Government at its current spending rate for 10 days.  Similar to the misguided logic of the “Buffet Rule” (which would only yield $40 billion over 10 years), this policy is politically driven, not driven by sound economic principle.

The recently released Ernst and Young report clearly articulates the danger of these targeted tax increases on American small businesses, which are no doubt the economic engine of this country.

As I sit here, I am seeing more liberal progressive legislative actions and presidential Executive Orders resembling what Frederic Bastiat termed in his essay, “The Law” as legal plunder. The problem is, when the American people are told the truth, like with the 20 taxes in the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which I prefer to call the Patient Protection Unaffordable Tax Act, the left uses guilt tactics claiming anyone against it doesn’t have a heart.  Instead, the liberals and the current Obama Administration want you to believe theCongressional Budget Office (CBO) rescoring of the PPACA this week is all rosy, which it clearly is not.

Highlights of CBO report on PPACA:

- The gross cost of the bill for 2012-2022 is $1.683 trillion instead of the $1.762 trillion assessment from a March review. The original estimate was $940 billion, so it is still not anywhere near good news for Americans. Also, the primary reason for the $289 billion decrease is because the CBO expects fewer states to participate in the legislation’s MEDICAID expansion– ruled optional by the United States Supreme Court June 28th decision.

- 3 million more Americans will be uninsured compared to the March analysis.

- The new “individual mandate tax” will impose a tax increase of $55 billion over the next 10 years  on Americans.

- The PPACA’s employer mandate penalties will impose a tax increase of  $117 billion on job creators.

All of these taxes on the horizon and then we also learn this week the United States is at a 46-year-high for the number of Americans in poverty.  The Obama Administration has managed to drive more than nine million Americans into poverty in less than four years.

In closing, I find it unconscionable that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to recognize the 40th Anniversary of the massacre of the 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics by Islamic terrorists, something I remember as an 11–year-old child.

40 years later and we are still contending with this scourge, but at an even greater scope. Just two weeks ago, five Jewish tourists were killed in a bus bombing in Bulgaria. We have recently had Israelis attacked by Islamic terrorists from the Sinai. Almost daily rockets and missiles are fired into southern Israel from the Gaza strip, courtesy of Hamas. Hezbollah has grown into an even greater threat to Israel, and we all are aware of the intentions of the radical Islamic theocracy of Iran towards Israel.
Right here in America we still await the trial of Army Major Nidal Hassan, accused of gunning down his own fellow American soldiers at Fort Hood Army Installation two years ago.  News reports this week reveal Al Qaeda in Iraq is seeking to unleash new attacks against America.  If we do not call this radical terrorism out for what it is when we see it and realize when tolerance becomes a one way street, it leads to cultural suicide, we will continue down the path of surrender in the face of the most determined, resolute enemy the free world has ever known.

I would hope the IOC reevaluates its position and allows a moment of silence at the opening ceremony.  If it fails to do the right thing, I fear the Olympic flame will not burn as bright.

Steadfast and Loyal,

Congressman Allen West’s Website: west.house.gov

Legislative Update:

-  Offshore Energy — On Wednesday, the United States House of Representatives approved H.R. 6082, the Congressional Replacement of President Obama’s Energy-Restricting and Job-Limiting Offshore Drilling Plan, by a vote of 253-170, I VOTED YES.  H.R. 6082 would officially replace, within the 60-day Congressional review period under the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, President Barack Obama’s Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program (2012-2017) with a congressional plan that will conduct additional oil and natural gas lease sales to promote offshore energy development, job creation, and increased domestic energy production to ensure a more secure energy future in the United States.  H.R. 6082 would require the Secretary of the Interior, in order to conduct lease sales in accordance with the lease sale schedule established under the bill, to prepare a multi-sale environmental impact statement for all lease sales required under this Act that are not included in the Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program (2012-2017).  According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), implementing H.R. 6082 would increase offsetting receipts collected from lease sales over the 2013-2022 period, thus reducing net direct spending by about $600 million over that period.  In addition, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $35 million over the 2013-2017 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts.

- Regulations — On Thursday, the United States House of Representatives approved H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act, by a vote of 245-172, I VOTED YES.  H.R. 4078 is a package of seven bills aimed at providing additional regulatory relief from the red tape that continues to burden our small businesses.  The bill would impose a freeze on economically significant regulations that harm the economy until unemployment reaches six percent or below; permanently prevent “lame duck” administrations from issuing economically significant regulations (“midnight regs”); ensure that impacted parties have a right to intervene before federal agencies agree to binding legal settlements (“sue and settle”); require independent federal agencies to comply with the same regulatory review requirements as other agencies and requires increased transparency with respect to unfunded mandates; create a streamlined process for consideration of federal permits for construction
Next Week
- Preventing Tax Increases — Next week, the United States House of Representatives is expected to consider legislation not only to stop the tax hike set for next year but also establish a pathway to comprehensive tax reform next year – sending a clear signal to families, employers, and the financial markets that taxes will not go up on January 1, 2013.  According to a study by Ernst and Young, the President’s small business tax increase will destroy more than 700,000 jobs and reduce wages for average American workers by two percent.  In 2010, a two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax policies won broad bipartisan support including “yes” votes from 40 sitting Democrat Senators, 85 sitting Democrat House Members and President Obama.  Prior to that vote, President Obama said “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.”  House Republicans agree and will vote to provide some certainty in our struggling economy by ensuring no families or small businesses are hit with a job destroying tax increase.

- Pro-Growth Tax Reform — In addition to stopping the tax hike, the United States House of Representatives will vote on legislation that provides a pathway to pro-growth tax reform.  H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012, would require the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to consider legislation containing the following principles for tax reform, included in the last two House-passed budgets: (1) consolidation of the current individual income tax brackets into not more than two brackets and a top rate of not more than 25 percent; (2) reduction in the corporate tax rate to not more than 25 percent; (3) repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax; (4) broadening of the tax base to maintain revenue between 18 and 19 percent of the economy; and (5) change from a ‘‘worldwide’’ to a ‘‘territorial’’ system of taxation.

Highlights of the Week:

-  Monday, 23 July; flew back to Capitol Hill; attended a policy briefing with former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton on the Syrian Civil War; met with Steve Cernak, Port Director, Port Everglades to discuss Port priorities to include deepening and widening United States Army Corps of Engineers study and Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

- Tuesday, 24 July; attended a breakfast with Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn and Dr. Richard Vedder, Professor of Economics, Ohio University on Federal Student Aid and the Law of Unintended Consequences; met with House Ways and Means Committee Senior Staff on the issue of Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) legislation; addressed the Junior Statesmen Foundation summer seminar students on the idea of a Constitutional Republic and its roles and responsibilities; met with young constituent, Alexis Stannis, of Pompano Beach who was honored by the Wireless Foundation as a Wireless Samaritan for Heroic Action; met with Todd Homan, Senior Vice President, Aurora Diagnostics on pathology lab cuts and elimination of MEDICARE IOAS exemption; dinner with Army buddy Colonel (Retired) Valerie Jircitano, with whom I served multiple tours of duty (Ft. Riley, Korea, and Ft. Bragg).

-Wednesday, 25 July; attended the quarterly Army Aviation Caucus breakfast briefing which focused on the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) mission and capabilities and had the honor of sitting  next to one of the Bin Laden raid pilots; participated in the first ever joint Committee hearing with House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee to discuss key transition issues for troops transiting from Active Duty to Veteran; met with government affairs team for Florida Power & Light and NextEra Energy, Inc. to discuss full spectrum development programs and plan for a visit to nuclear power plant in St. Lucie County; presented a one-minute House floor speech on the dangers of sequestration– you can see my speech here; attended a Small Business Committee hearing on “Small Business Survival in the Recession.

- Thursday, 26 July; participated in a panel discussion with colleague Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) sponsored by the YG Network Policy Forum on the topic of Department of Defense sequestration; met with constituents Jason Lovelady and former United States Army Special Forces Soldier Rafael Rivera on the launch of their new small business; had lunch with my cousin, United States Air Force Major General Ed Bolton.

- Friday, 27 July; met with Consul General Chaim Shacham of Israel- picture here; addressed the United States Department of Commerce Export Free Trade Agreement event at Northwood University; met with dear friend Dr. Mary Drabik, Provost, South Florida Bible College; conducted our monthly town hall meetings in Pompano Beach and Jupiter focusing on “Stop the Tax Hike”- more details here. 

Congressman Allen West Needs To Know Where You Stand

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Fellow Conservative,

Our country is now in a very dangerous and precarious place. Our very Constitution is being slowly unraveled before our eyes and Barack Obama and the liberals in Congress have plans to fundamentally transform America into something you and I won’t recognize.

Barack Obama’s already brought us nationalized health care and started paving the way toward open borders. His tax policies have discouraged job creators from hiring and if we do nothing – January 1st will bring $494 billion in tax increases.

This election will truly be the most consequential in our lifetime and that’s why I need to know where you stand. Will you take my Summer Conservative Issues Survey?


The only solution to preserve America is to change the balance of power in Washington DC with principled, conservative leaders. We must reinforce our hold on the House of Representatives, we must take back the Senate, and above all, we must take back the White House on November 6th.  


Thank you for taking the time to tell me where you stand and for your support in this fight.

Steadfast and Loyal,


LTC(R) Allen B. West
Member of Congress

P.S. This election is the most consequential in our lifetime and I need to know where you stand. Take my issues survey here.

Rep Allen West Recognized for Supporting America’s Job Creators from US Chamber of Commerce

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—At their office on Capitol Hill today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Rep. West along with 248 members of the House and 50 members of the Senate with the annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for their support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the first session of the 112th Congress.

“Faced with difficult choices and high-stakes politics, these men and women provided America’s business community with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.  “We honor these members today for having consistently demonstrated their support for America’s job creators.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 24th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the Chamber publication How They Voted.  Members who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes qualify to receive the award.

The Chamber scored Congress on 11 Senate and 16 House votes in 2011, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3% withholding from contractors, and the health care law.  Also scored were votes for a surface transportation extension and the free trade agreements, including South Korea and Columbia.

“I am honored to receive this award,” West said.  ”Creating jobs and putting Americans back to work is the single most important mission for Congress right now.”

To view a complete list of the 2011 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe

SUPPORT THE ELECTION OF CONGRESSMAN ALLEN WEST TO FLORIDA DISTRICT 18 – DONATE/VOLUNTEER

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Palms West Republican Club Invites you to come meet Adam Hasner running in Florida District 22 – 3/21/12

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Palms West Republican Club Invites you and your friends:

WHERE: Binks Forest Golf Club: 400 Binks Forest Dr., Wellington, FL

WHEN:   March 21, 2012

TIME:     6:00pm – 8:00pm

Please join us on Wednesday, March 21 as we welcome Adam Hasner, US Congressional Candidate for D-22.

We also ask that current 2012 Members please try to attend as we have 2 Amendments to our Bylaws which we need to pass at this meeting.

We will also have a 50/50 drawing and several door prizes!

Doors open at 6pm
Buffet Dinner 6:15pm
Meeting begins 6:45pm

$15 Members, $20 for Guests
Firm RSVPs to palmswestrc@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you! Please bring a friend!

PLEASE HELP ELECT ADAM HASNER TO FLORIDA’S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 22 VISIT: AdamHasner.Com

FIND HIM ON FACEBOOK: Adam Hasner

FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER: @AdamHasner

SUBSCRIBE TO HIS YOU TUBE CHANNEL: Adam Hasner

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Rep Allen West Weekly Wrap and Legislative Lowdown 12/19/11

Posted by allenwestrepublic on

Dear Patriot,

Greetings to our constituents, fellow Floridians, and all Americans, it is time again for our weekly wrap-up. I want to start by giving you a glimpse of what happened this weekend. We in the House of Representatives had just returned to our respective Congressional Districts Friday evening, only to learn there was still much more work to do before we can adjourn.
Unfortunately, the United States Senate passed a short-term extension of the payroll tax cut, Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), and unemployment insurance for just two months. This is abysmal and again evidences the abject lack of leadership emanating from President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who praised this failure. President Obama and Senator Reid are playing political games while the American people are suffering under their failed economic policies. Please see the Press Release I issued here after the vote on Saturday in the United States Senate here.

Over in the House of Representatives, we have returned to our Nation’s Capital today and are reaffirming the legislation we sent to the U.S. Senate, which provided the American people certainty.

This is my first year in politics and the biggest lesson I learned? There are too many lies, deception, and manipulation going on in Washington, DC. We need to have Statesmen, not Politicians in America. However, politicians find comfort in deceiving the American people for selfish political promotion by hiding the truth. When you combine that with a complicit media, you have a recipe for disaster especially over the past three years.

I shall continue to stand for and promote the truth. There is a simple maxim in the military, “you don’t get flak unless you are over the target.” I guess I’ve been right over the target during this past year more than once. I find it curious and discomfiting that a strong voice about maintaining the fundamental values of our Constitutional Republic, America, makes one a target, but these are the times in which we live.

The upcoming election year will be a true test for our Country.

I just want to say, “Job Well Done” as our last troops exited Iraq this weekend. I must admit, I was not pleased about our final convoy departing in the middle of the night. Regardless of the means by which the retrograde operation was conducted, our men and women in uniform have so much for which they should be proud. As I have stated before, the onus is now upon the Iraqi people to not squander that for which our men and women sacrificed.

This is the final weekly update for 2011. It has been an honor to provide you all my personal insights and perspectives into my service as your Congressional Representative. I pray that you have found this weekly missive useful and informative.

I pray you all enjoy a wonderful and Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. I hope your favorite football teams find success in the coming college bowl season and NFL playoffs. I look forward to resuming our updates in the New Year.

And know that I shall forever remain…

Steadfast and Loyal,

Legislative Update:

- Expiring Extensions — On Tuesday, the House approved H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act, by a bipartisan vote of 234-193, I VOTED YES. Ten Democrats voted to support this legislation. The bill would provide a fully-offset extension of the current payroll tax rates, a delay in the implementation of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGI – the so-called “Doc Fix”), and an extension of the Unemployment Insurance program. The legislation would provide assistance to Americans suffering in the stagnant economy over the last three years, while ensuring that these policies will not increase the federal deficit or require more borrowing from the Social Security trust fund by freezing pay for Members of Congress and federal workers, reforming the Unemployment Insurance program, reducing subsidies, and getting rid of waste, fraud and abuse in some Washington, D.C. programs. Lastly, the bill would provide new incentives for job creation by extending 100 percent business expensing, removing burdensome EPA regulations and taking action on the bipartisan Keystone XL energy pipeline project.

- Defense Authorization — On Wednesday, the House approved the Conference Report on H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, by a bipartisan vote of 283-136, I VOTED YES. There were 93 Democrats who supporter this conference report. The comprehensive bill would authorize the appropriations for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. This budget authority is intended to enhance national security through the procurement of materiel, the modernization of the Armed Forces, and continued funding for overseas contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also contains a number of provisions concerning military personnel policy, education and training, military pay and allowances, acquisition policy and management, DoD organization and management, civilian personnel, and matters relating to foreign nations. Importantly, the legislation would strengthen policies and procedures used to detain, interrogate, and prosecute al Qaeda, the Taliban, affiliated groups, and those who substantially support them but would not extend any new authorities to detain U.S. citizens and explicitly exempts U.S. citizens from provisions related to military custody of terrorists. The bill would authorize $554 billion for the Department of Defense’s base budget, $115.5 billion for overseas contingency operations, and $11.1 billion for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. To comply with the first tier of the Budget Control Act’s requirement to cut defense spending, authorized funding was reduced by $19 billion from the Fiscal Year 2011 NDAA, $21.8 billion from the House-approved version of the Fiscal Year 2012 NDAA, and $24.1 billion from President Obama’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2012.

- Fiscal Year 2012 Consolidated and Continuing Appropriations — On Friday, the House approved the Conference Report on H.R. 2055, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Appropriations Act of 2012, by a bipartisan vote of 296-121, I VOTED YES. There were 149 Democrats who supported this legislation. The legislation would provide a total of $914.9 billion in non-emergency discretionary budget authority for the nine appropriations bills, including $518.1 billion for Defense, $32 billion for Energy & Water, $21.5 billion for Financial Services, $39.6 billion for Homeland Security, $29.2 billion for Interior & Environment, $156.3 billion for Labor/HHS/Education, $4.3 billion for Legislative Branch, $71.7 billion for Military/Veterans, and $42.1 for State/Foreign Operations. The bill, when combined with the three appropriations bills already enacted (H.R. 2112), would provide a total of $1.043 trillion in non-emergency, discretionary appropriations. Total non-emergency funding for Fiscal Year 2012 is within the discretionary spending caps established in the Budget Control Act (S. 365). Total Fiscal Year 2012 funding represents a $6 billion decrease from Fiscal Year 2011 non-emergency funding for these agencies. In addition to regular appropriations for the Department of Defense, the Conference Report would provide $115.1 billion in funds for overseas contingency operations (OCO) and other ongoing operations related to the global war on terrorism. The bill would also maintain a number of pro-life provisions such as the Hyde amendment, conscience protections, a reduction of $2 million to Title X, and would cut UNFPA funding by $5 million. The final Conference Report is the same as the consolidated funding bill filed earlier this week (H.R. 3671) with two exceptions: 1) The Conference Report would remove language that would have changed travel and remittances restrictions related to Cuba (section 634) and language clarifying the Department of Treasury’s “cash in advance” rule regarding certain U.S. exports to Cuba (section 632); and 2) The Conference Report would allow the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to transfer $10 million in funding between the agency’s Information Technology account and its Salaries and Expenses account.

- Disaster Relief Appropriations — Also on Friday, the House approved H.R. 3672, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012, by a vote of 351-67, I VOTED YES. This bill received bipartisan support with 182 Democrats supporting the bill. The bill would provide emergency disaster relief funding for Fiscal Year 2012 which would be offset with a 1.83 percent across-the-board reduction in regular discretionary appropriations, provided for in accompanying legislation (H. Con. Res. 94). According to CBO, the bill would provide $8.6 billion in emergency disaster relief for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and the Social Security Administration for their efforts to combat waste, fraud and abuse. The bill would provide $6.4 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). This includes funding for fire assistance, emergency declarations, major disasters, surge operations, and disaster readiness support. The bill would also include $1.7 billion in funding for disaster recovery assistance through the Army Corps of Engineers. Finally, the bill would provide no more than $483 million to the Social Security Administration for continuing disability reviews to reduce waste, fraud and abuse. Funding under the bill is in keeping with emergency disaster funding limits established by the Budget Control Act (BCA)(S. 365). Under the BCA, adjustments to discretionary spending limits are allowed for “emergency” appropriations, disaster funding, appropriations to reduce waste and abuse in Social Security disability and health care funding, and appropriations for the global war on terrorism. The bill limits the definition of the term “emergency” spending as unanticipated funding provided for “the prevention or mitigation of, or response to, loss of life or property, or a threat to national security.” In addition, the BCA allows Members the opportunity during the legislative process to offset the spending with other cuts.

Highlights of the Week:

- Monday, 12 December, Met with Fuad Hussein (Chief of Staff to President Masoud Barzani), Falah Bakir (Head of Kurdistan Regional Government Depaprtment of Foreign Relations), Ashti Hawrami (Minister of Natural Resources, Kurdistan Regional Governmentt), and Qubad Talabani (Kurdistan Regional Government representative to United States) to discuss Iraq after the United States troops withdrawal and concerns with current Iraqi government under Prime Minister al-Maliki. Please see the Press Release I issued after my meeting here.

- Tuesday, 13 December, Attended Congressional Black Caucus meeting with top African-American CEOs to discuss private sector initiatives.

- Wednesday, 14 December, Happy Birthday to my wife of 22 years, Angela! Attended a breakfast with guest speaker David Keene, President of the National Rifle Association.

- Thursday, 15 December, met with former 2-20th FA, 4th Infantry Division Officer, Captain Adam Ropelewski, who is completing his Congressional fellowship with United States Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), participated in a Small Business Committee subcommittee hearing on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations on the President’s Healthcare Medical Loss Ratio Rule –we are seeing the unintended consequences of this regulation — met with Wounded Warrior SSG Bill Costello and his wife Jennifer, our Congressional office gave them a personal U.S. Capitol tour, participated in a House Armed Services Committee press conference on alternative solutions to defense sequestration.

- Friday, 16 December, taped a video for Military Day in Tallahassee on 10 January 2012.

- Saturday, 17 December, flew back to the Congressional District, addressed the Palm Beach Roundtable.

- Sunday, 18 December, Rode my motorcycle in a funeral procession and attended the farewell ceremony for Veteran and friend, Frank “Pipes” Cook.

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL CONGRESSMAN ALLEN WEST’S E-NEWSLETTERS by clicking here: West.House.Gov

Statement by Congressman Allen West on the Temporary Extension of the Payroll Tax

Posted by allenwestrepublic on

(WASHINGTON)-–  Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement today on the Temporary Extension of the Payroll Tax:

“Americans once again have reason to be ashamed with their elected officials as President Barack Obama and United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are playing a game of chicken for political gain at the expense of the American people suffering under failed economic policies. This two month amendment proposed today is nothing more than a short-term band aid.  Americans are looking for certainty and confidence in the American economy and today’s substitute amendment passed by the Senate delivers neither to the American people.

The United States Senate continues to let down the American people, more than 950 days without accomplishing even the most basic of responsibilities to pass a budget and ignoring more than 25 job creating bills passed on a bipartisan basis by the House of Representatives.  The Senate’s Substitute Amendment to Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 H.R. 3630 is nothing but typical liberal Democrat incrementalism and political gimmickry to continue to debate these issues into the election year.

I will not be voting for this short term fix when it comes to the floor of the House of Representatives. I will only vote to reaffirm the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act as passed by the House of Representatives.

The Senate’s Substitute Amendment is yet another disappointment to the American people. Our nation is desperately seeking leadership in our Nation’s Capital not crises management. I stand ready to return to Capitol Hill and stay there until will get the mission done.”

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL CONGRESSMAN ALLEN WEST’S E-NEWSLETTER: WEST.HOUSE.GOV

 

Senator Chambliss’ answer’s email on the detainee amendment

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In response to an email;

Here are Senator Chambliss’ comments on the detainee question.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the fiscal year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by the Senate on December 1, 2011, that included several provisions relating to the authority of the United States to detain certain individuals associated with al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

It is well-founded in our history that the United States has the authority to hold enemy combatants until the end of hostilities in order to prevent their return to the battlefield.  The detainee provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act codify this long-recognized authority, and make clear that any al Qaeda terrorist, whether foreign or American, who takes up arms against the United States can be held under the laws of war.  Because we are at war, detention within a military framework is often the most fitting solution for handling certain terrorist detainees.  At the same time, the provisions ensure that the rights of United States citizens continue to be protected by the Constitution.  Thus, any American detained under this authority would still be able to challenge his detention in a federal habeas proceeding.

 During the vigorous debate of the National Defense Authorization Act, several Senators offered amendments intended to address perceived problems with the provisions.  Rather than improve the legislation, however, these amendments would have severely undermined our intelligence collection efforts from suspected terrorists.  As we continue to fight al Qaeda and other terrorists, our primary concern must be to ensure  that our military and intelligence professionals have the authority and flexibility they need to collect valuable intelligence.  Because of the negative impact these amendments would likely have had on such critical collection efforts, I am thankful the amendments were defeated.  Following vigorous debate and an agreement to re-emphasize current law concerning the detention of persons captured inside the United States, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Contact Senator Saxby Chambliss‘ by clicking his name