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Government News -
Government
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Wednesday, 08 April 2009 08:56 |
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Opposing $3.6 Trillion Budget Proposal On Thursday night, I voted against the $3.6 trillion Democratic Budget proposal. The budget creates a $1.8 trillion deficit this year, which would be added to our already crippling national debt. Spending trillions of dollars that we do not have will not help future generations who will have to pay our debts.
In a separate vote Thursday night, I voted in favor of an alternative budget proposal. I have long supported the need for fiscal discipline and accountability. Taxpayers’ dollars should not be used to bailout private businesses and banks and this budget alternative, H.Con.Res.85, would put an end to economic bailouts. The budget alternative would also place a temporary moratorium on earmarks.Opposing Government Involvement in Private BusinessThe move by the Obama Administration to fire the CEO of General Motors and the recent statements by Treasury Secretary Geithner that more government forced restructuring of private companies may be in the works is very troubling to me. This type of action sets a dangerous precedent of government meddling into private affairs and is one of the reasons that I opposed every bailout proposal that has been voted on in the House of Representatives. This week, I voted against two bills in the House which would give the Federal government more power by giving the Treasury Department and the Federal Courts the ability to set compensation limits and benefits on employees from companies that received bailout money.Sponsoring Legislation to Protect the Rights of ParentsI sponsored legislation this week to protect the rights of parents regarding the upbringing and education of their children. Parents should have the authority to make decisions best suited for their children and should have the power to make judgment calls about whether children should be home schooled or enrolled in public schools. The legislation, the Parental Rights Amendment, would protect parents’ rights from government infringement. I do not believe that the government should make decisions for the interest of children - this is the right of their parents.The legislation has been introduced as the United Nation’s prepares to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention established an 18-member panel in Geneva to review the rights of children in nations that are a part of the convention. The United Nations threatens to interfere with the ability of parents to raise their children as they see fit, so I support this legislation to rightfully retain this responsibility with parents.Meeting with Western Kansas DelegationOn Tuesday, I joined Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback in a meeting with city officials from Liberal, Dodge City and Garden City. The three cities are trying to join together with other communities in the area and form a central voice on issues that are facing Southwest Kansas. We discussed a variety of issues including the need for affordable and rental housing in the area. We also discussed the need for the state and federal government to focus more attention on transportation needs to connect these communities with others in the area. It was very encouraging for me to see these communities bond together and advocate for the needs of Southwest Kansas.Announcing the Launch of My YouTube Web SiteThis week, I announced the launch of my YouTube Web site that can be accessed by visiting www.youtube.com/CongressJerryMoran. This YouTube channel will feature all of my speeches over a range of issues that include: agriculture, the economy, veterans’ affairs, transportation, military and national security. My YouTube Web site will allow Kansans to watch speeches I make in Congress and will help keep them informed of my recent activities in Washington, D.C.Participating in Agriculture Committee HearingsSubcommittee Hearing on the Agricultural Economy: On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, on which I am the Ranking Member, held a hearing on the state of the agriculture economy in the United States. I had the opportunity to hear from a wide range of agricultural economists from across the country. Panels included witnesses from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Reserve, the Energy Information Association and academia. I was pleased to have Troy Dumler, Kansas State University Extension Economist from Garden City, explain to the subcommittee how Kansas agriculture was performing in the current economic environment.Following the economic collapse last fall, it was appropriate that members of the subcommittee hear about how the U.S. agriculture sector is fairing. Most of the economists testified that, as a whole, agriculture was faring better than the rest of the economy. The witnesses cautioned, however, that challenges exist and agriculture will see decreased profitability from levels seen in the previous two years.Agriculture Hearing About Food Safety: On Thursday, I attended a hearing to review food safety programs. This was a good opportunity for me and other members of the Agriculture Committee to learn about the current regulatory system that is in place and about the efforts of food processors to ensure the safety of our food supply. Witnesses included meat and food processors, producer groups, retailers, academics and consumer groups.Touring “Broadband Nation”On Wednesday, I toured a 20,000 square foot exhibit called “Broadband Nation,” which featured the new products and services supported by cable’s broadband networks. Broadband Nation showed how consumers in urban, suburban or rural parts of the country are benefiting from the wide-scale deployment of cable broadband. I was particularly impressed by the latest advancements in medical technology enabled by broadband and what this means for the future of health care.The showcase was put on by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and its member companies and partners. Thanks to Gary Shorman of Hays, President of Eagle Communications, and John Federico of Topeka, for showing me around. |
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