RSC Member Activity

2005

Following are RSC member driven initiatives, press releases, articles, and other conservative activity on issues of the day.

(12/21/05) Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) expressed disappointment with Democrats who obstructed the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act (the budget reconciliation bill, S. 1932) in the U.S. Senate.  Click here to read Rep. Hensarling's statement.
 
(12/19/05) Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) introduced the United Nations Accountability Act (H.R. 4558), which would prohibit U.S. financial assistance to UN member nations that vote in opposition to the U.S. on a consistent basis.  Click here for more information.
 
(12/19/05) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) praised the passage of two important pro-family bills in the final days of the year.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) wrote this op-ed about the need to remain in Iraq until victory is complete.

(12/19/05) Various RSC Members praised the successful exercise of democracy in Iraq last week.  To read the statement from:

• Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), click here.
• Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC), click here.
• Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), click here.
• Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), click here.
• Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), click here.
• Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK), click here.
• Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT), click here.
• Rep. John Linder (R-GA), click here.
• Rep. Mark Green (R-WI), click here.

(12/19/05) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) introduced the Congressional Pension Accountability Act (H.R. 4546), which would bar Members of Congress found guilty of bribery from receiving taxpayer-funded retirement benefits for their service in the federal government.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced the Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act (H.R. 4524), which would prevent any Member of Congress from receiving their federal pension if convicted of a felony connected with their official duties.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) introduced the Government Waste Reduction Act (H.R. 4526), which would slow the growth of government by five percent.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced the F.I.N.D. Accountability Act (H.R. 4453), which would ensure that FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program pay back the money they've borrowed from taxpayers and set clear reporting guidelines on the progress in doing so.  Click here for more information. 

(12/19/05) Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) is seeking original co-sponsors on a bill to establish standards for the impeachment of judges.  Click here to read the bill text.  Click here to read an op-ed by Rep. Akin on the need to rein in the courts.

(12/19/05) Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) wrote the following op-ed in National Review about the liberal activism of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

(12/19/05) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is seeking co-sponsors on the Healthcare Choices for Seniors Act (H.R. 4551), which would allow seniors to choose private insurance over Medicare without penalty.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN) is seeking additional support for Health Care Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 4325), which would provide 100% tax deductibility for individuals' medical expenses.  Click here for more information.

(12/19/05) Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) will soon introduce legislation prohibiting federal loans to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States.  Click here to read the bill text.

(12/15/05) Rep. Bartlett Seeks Signatures for Animal Fighting Prohibition Letter
Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett is collecting signatures for a letter to Speaker Hastert urging for the inclusion of the language in the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (HR 817/S 385) in the FY 06 Defense Appropriations conference report's avian influenza (bird flu) provisions.

(12/14/05) Rep. Pence Seeks Original Cosponsors for Speaker Hastert's Paul Harvey Congressional Gold Medal Act
Speaker Hastert is seeking original cosponsors to recognize the many contributions of Paul Harvey.  Paul Harvey's radio show reaches 18 million radio listeners each week.

(12/13/05) Rep. Chocola Seeks Cosponsors for Health Care Freedom of Choice Act
Reps. Chocola and Kennedy re-introduced the "Health Care Freedom of Choice Act," legislation to provide full tax deductibility of individual medical expenses.  Rep. Cox sponsored this legislation before his resignation, attracting 81 co-sponsors and the support of more than 40 tax and healthcare organizations.  In short, the bill would correct an inequity in current law.  Today, medical care purchased through an employer's insurance plan is tax free, but the same premiums and expenses are not fully deductible if paid by an individual.  In effect, the Tax Code's preferential treatment of employer-provided care has curtailed individual choice and increased costs for those who don't receive employer-based coverage, including low-income earners, the unemployed, seniors, and employees of small businesses. Dear Colleague letter, FAQ, and NFIB endorsement.

(12/12/05) Reps. King and King Seek Signatures for Multilingual Ballots Letter.
The Judiciary Committee has commenced hearings on the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Reps. King and King are concerned with the possibility that sections of the bill relating to bilingual ballots will be renewed as well. These provisions, which were not part of the original VRA, encourage the linguistic division of our nation and contradict the "Melting Pot" ideal that has made the U.S. the most successful multi-ethnic nation on earth. They are a serious affront to generations of immigrants past and present that have made great sacrifices to learn English in order to become naturalized citizens.

(12/12/05) Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) praised the renaming of the Capitol Christmas Tree upon its lighting last week. (Word doc)

(12/12/05) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) pointed out his "egregious earmark of the week," which could shatter the notion of fiscal discipline in Congress.(Word doc)

(12/10/05) Rep. Akin Seeking Original Co-Sponsors for Judicial Conduct Act
The Judicial Conduct Act provides certain specific definitions of the grounds for impeachment of federal judges and of the termination of their terms of office due to lack of "good behavior." Specifically, this Act would designate that the entering or enforcement of orders and decisions in contradiction of the original understanding of the United States Constitution or, based upon judgments, laws, agreements, or pronouncements or foreign institutions, governments, or multilateral organizations, are impeachable offenses.

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 (11/18/05) Press Release: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) called the Transportation-Treasury-Housing appropriations bill "pork-filled" and voted against it.  (word doc)

(11/18/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) is urging his colleagues to support the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement, that is likely to come to the House floor in December.  (word doc)

(11/17/05) Op-ed: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) wrote the following op-ed, in which he described the Deficit Reduction Act as "a stern test for the Blue Dog [Democrats]"   (pdf)

(11/16/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) led the chorus of RSC Members applauding the removal of the "Bridge to Nowhere" earmark in Alaska.  (word doc)

(11/16/05) Various RSC Members urged House Leadership last week to bring the Deficit Reduction Act (H.R. 4241, the budget reconciliation bill) to the House floor for a vote, instead of delaying it until after Thanksgiving. To read the statement from:

• Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), click here
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), click here:

(11/16/05) Press Release: Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 302) supporting the national motto of the United States: "In God We Trust."  (word doc)

(11/16/05) Resolution: Rep. Michael Conaway (R-TX) will soon introduce the following resolution, expressing a sense of Congress that all legislation that establishes a new federal program should also eliminate one or more existing federal programs of equal or greater value:   (pdf)

(11/9/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) referred to last week's planned consideration of the Deficit Reduction Act (H.R. 4241) as "a good first step."  (word doc)

(11/8/05) Press Release: Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) urged caution in preparing for a potential bird flu outbreak.  (word doc)

(11/2/05) Letter to President Bush: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) and 23 other House conservatives sent the following letter to President Bush, urging him to veto the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill if the final legislation does not include conscience protection language for health care providers who do not want to be associated with abortions.  (pdf)

(11/2/05) Amtrak Bill: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) is gathering original co-sponsors on a bill to cut federal funding for Amtrak.  (pdf)

(11/1/05) Press Release: Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) and 69 other Members of Congress sent a letter to President Bush, urging the him to protect by Executive Order the constitutional right of military chaplains to pray according to their faith.   (word doc)

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(10/28/05) Press Release:Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) co-authored a resolution (H.Res. 523) that condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel.   (word doc)

(10/28/05) Letter to President Bush: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) and 27 other House Republicans sent the following letter to President Bush, urging him to suspend Davis-Bacon for the areas of Florida affected by Hurricane Wilma.   (pdf)

(10/27/05) Press Release: Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) announced that, as Congress considers renewing the Voting Rights Act, he will encourage his colleagues to drop Section 5 of the Act, which mandates that states with a documented history of discrimination "pre-clear" any changes to their electoral practices.   (word doc)

(10/26/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Mike Sodrel (R-IN) will soon introduce the Innocent Supplier Fairness Act, which would alter bankruptcy law to protect the unfair treatment of small businesses.  (pdf)

(10/26/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) issued the following statement expressing disappointment at President Bush's reinstatement of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements in the hurricane disaster areas.   (word doc)

(10/26/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) is asking that his AMT Credit Fairness Act (H.R. 3385) be included in this year's Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) "hold harmless" extension.  (word doc)

(10/25/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) called for the quick passage of the 527 Fairness Act (H.R. 1316), in light of reports that 527s are gearing up for unprecedented engagement in congressional races.   (word doc)

(10/25/05) Press Release: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced the EXPENSE Act (H.R. 4129), which would expand incentives for American enterprise to reinvest in their businesses, new equipment, and people to run that equipment.  (word doc)

(10/21/05) Bill: Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) is seeking original co-sponsors on the following resolution recognizing the importance of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a democratic Iraq.  (pdf)

(10/20/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) touted the following national poll showing that three fifths of American believe that cutting spending is the best way to pay for hurricane relief.  (word doc)

(10/20/05) Press Release: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), in light of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' visit to Washington, DC, last week, issued the following statement urging Abbas to keep his word and dismantle the terrorist networks that operate in Israel:   (pdf)

(10/19/05) Dear Colleagues: Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) introduced two bills aimed at bringing capital investment back to the devastated Gulf Coast.

• Katrina Economic Opportunity Act
• Gulf Deregulation Act

(10/19/05) Press Release: Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) introduced the Secure our Nation's Interior Act (H.R. 4079), comprehensive immigration legislation aimed at reducing the number of illegal aliens who overstay their visas and ensuring that illegal aliens are "apprehended, detained, and removed as rapidly as possible."  (word doc)

(10/19/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 268) urging that administrative oversight of the Internet remain with the United States and not the United Nations.   (pdf)

(10/18/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released the following (and quite humorous!) statement to explain why he was one of only two congressmen who voted against a National Chemistry Week resolution:    (word doc)

(10/18/05) Press Release: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) raised concerns with European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso about the EU's apparent endorsement of the U.N.'s efforts to take control over the administration of the Internet.   (word doc)

(10/18/05) Press Release: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) called on Democrats to join the effort to cut federal spending.  (pdf)

(10/17/05) Dear Colleagues: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced two bills aimed at providing relief for hurricane victims.

• Economic Relief for Gulf Coast Families and Businesses Act
• Keep Gulf Coast Families Healthy Act of 2005

(10/17/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) introduced the Stealth Tax Relief Act (H.R. 4096), which would extend for one year the individual Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief enacted last October.   (word doc)

(10/17/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) decried a $2 million earmark in the House version of the Defense appropriations bill to study "no flush" urinal technology.  (word doc)

(10/17/05) One-Pager: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) will soon introduce the Fugitive Apprehension Assistance Act, which would grant administrative subpoena authority to the Department of Justice to aid in the apprehension of dangerous and violent fugitives.   (word doc)

(10/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) praised the recent Iraqi elections and declared that "freedom is winning" in the following statement.   (word doc)

(10/13/05) Press Release: Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement on fiscal discipline, saying that "tough times call for tough choices":  (word doc)

(10/13/05) Press Release: Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) called for the elimination of the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.  (word doc)

(10/13/05) Press Release: Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) called for the elimination of the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.  (word doc)

(10/12/05) Press Release: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued a sharp statement rebuking the notion that criticizing Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' qualifications is sexist and elitist.  (pdf)

(10/12/05) Press Release: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued a sharp statement rebuking the notion that criticizing Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' qualifications is sexist and elitist.  (pdf)

(10/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is gathering support for his legislation (H.R. 2112) to designate the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone as the "Ronald Wilson Reagan U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone."  (word doc)

(10/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) encouraged his RSC colleagues to support the STOPP Act (H.R. 3405), which would prohibit all federal economic development assistance to any state or locality that uses the power of eminent domain for private economic development purposes.   (word doc)

(10/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) encouraged his RSC colleagues to support the STOPP Act (H.R. 3405), which would prohibit all federal economic development assistance to any state or locality that uses the power of eminent domain for private economic development purposes.   (word doc)

(10/9/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) will soon introduce the Government Credit Card Sunshine Act, which would require every federal government credit card bill to be posted on the Internet within 15 business days. Any federal employee whose abuse totals more than $500 would face immediate dismissal, be forced to repay the bill, and if applicable, return the items purchased.  (word doc)

(10/7/05) Heritage Report: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) circulated the following Heritage Foundation report on the recent history of federal spending, featuring easy-to-read graphs and charts.  (pdf)

(10/7/05) Heritage Report: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) circulated the following Heritage Foundation report on the recent history of federal spending, featuring easy-to-read graphs and charts.  (pdf)

(10/5/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) introduced the Rescind the Congressional Pay Raise Act (H.R. 4047), which would return congressional salaries to 2004 pay levels. (pdf)

(10/5/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) introduced the Scott Gardner Act (H.R. 3776), which would make driving while intoxicated (DWI) grounds for the mandatory detention and deportation of illegal aliens.  (pdf)

(10/5/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) introduced the Rescind the Congressional Pay Raise Act (H.R. 4047), which would return congressional salaries to 2004 pay levels. (pdf)

(10/5/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) introduced the Scott Gardner Act (H.R. 3776), which would make driving while intoxicated (DWI) grounds for the mandatory detention and deportation of illegal aliens.  (pdf)

(10/3/05) Op-ed: Rep. Roger Wicker (R-MS) wrote the following op-ed, urging continued focus on North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs. (word doc)

• Letter to Chairman Lewis
• Letter to OMB Director Bolten

(9/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) introduced the Cleanup and Reconstruction Enhancement Act (CARE Act, H.R. 3684), which would automatically trigger a suspension of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage regulations in declared national disaster areas.  (word doc)

(9/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) introduced a bill (H.R. 3797) to prohibit the construction or lease of buildings or space for the federal government until January 1, 2007. (word doc)

(9/15/05) Press Release: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) introduced a bill (H.R. 3813) to temporarily create a Hurricane Katrina Recovery Chief Financial Officer to monitor federal spending on the disaster relief.  (word doc)

(9/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) will soon introduce the Peremptory Challenge Act, which would allow peremptory challenges to be exercised in both criminal and civil cases. (word doc)

(9/15/05) Hurricane Katrina: Various RSC Members issued statements about Congress' ongoing response to Hurricane Katrina.

(9/14/05) Various RSC Members criticized a federal district judge for ruling that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is unconstitutional. To read the statement from:

• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), click here:
• Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), click here:
• Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), click here:
• Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), click here:
• Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), click here:
• Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), click here:

(9/13/05) Op-ed: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) wrote the following op-ed about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: (word doc)

(9/13/05) Press Release: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) introduced the Child Pornography Prevention Act (H.R. 3726), most of which was added to the Children's Safety Act (H.R. 3132), which passed the House last week. (word doc)

(9/12/05) Letter to Secretary Spellings: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) sent the following letter to Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, urging her to use her flexibility under the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure that students and schools are not administratively punished because of the Hurricane Katrina disaster: (pdf)

(9/11/05) Conservative efforts to apply fiscal discipline to disaster relief spending were highlighted by:

• The New York Times
• The Chicago Tribune

(9/8/05) RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN), regarding the need to bring fiscal discipline to the Katrina relief effort.  (word doc)

(9/8/05) Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), regarding the need to offset spending for Katrina relief. (word doc)

(9/8/05) Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), regarding the need to cut spending elsewhere in the federal budget in order to pay for Katrina relief.  (word doc)

(9/8/05) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), regarding the need to keep "pork" off of the spending bills for Katrina relief.

(9/8/05) Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), regarding the need to keep "pork" off of the spending bills for Katrina relief.

(9/8/05) Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) wrote the following op-ed in The Wall Street Journal about how "red tape trumped common sense" in the recovery effort in his home state.

(9/7/05) Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) will introduce the Gas Tax Relief Act, which would suspend the federal gas tax (18.4 cents per gallon) for one month.  Click here to learn more.

(9/7/05) RSC Members praised President Bush's decision to temporarily waive the Davis-Bacon Act, allowing the hurricane recovery effort to move forward quickly and in a more cost-effective manner. One day before this waiver, 35 RSC Members, led by Reps. Tom Feeney (R-FL), Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), sent a letter to the President requesting that he temporarily waive Davis-Bacon.

• Text of Letter
• RSC press statement

(9/9/05) Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) and nine other House Members sent the following letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), urging him to include in any future hurricane relief package language that would grant construction entities limited immunity from liability when they provide volunteer services or equipment in response to a declared disaster.

(9/7/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA) is seeking co-sponsors on the OTC Medicine Tax Fairness Act (H.R. 3428), which would make over-the-counter medications tax deductible as a healthcare expense.

(9/7/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is seeking co-sponsors on the Criminal Alien Accountability Act (H.R. 3150), which would establish mandatory minimum sentences for aliens who violate deportation orders by re-entering the United States without prior approval.

(9/6/05) Iraq Report: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) returned from leading a Congressional Delegation to Iraq, where he kept a journal of his time with soldiers and meetings with General Abizaid and others. You can read "Two Days in Iraq" by clicking on Rep. Pence's blog here.  To read the Indianapolis Star's coverage of Rep. Pence's trip, click here.

(9/5/05) Press Release: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) announced that he will soon introduce legislation to address the nation's shortage in oil refinery capacity.

(8/31/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) is seeking original co-sponsors for the Home School Non-Discrimination Act. (word doc)

(8/29/05) Press Release:  Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), RSC Chairman, and Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Chairman of the Values Action Team, said that the Food and Drug Administration made "a sensible choice" in deciding that it needs more information and public input before allowing over-the-counter sale of the "Plan B" morning-after pill to minors.

(8/23/05) Press Release: Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 220) recognizing the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

(8/18/05) Gas Prices: Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), urging him to schedule congressional hearings to analyze the recent spike in U.S. gasoline prices.

(8/17/05) Letter to HHS Secretary: Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) sent the following letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, asking him why HHS is the primary sponsor of a "Harm Reduction" conference in Utah that is based on the premise that we should not be fighting a "war on drugs." The letter criticizes conference sessions such as "We Don't Need a 'War' on Methamphetamine" and "You Don't Have to Be Clean & Sober. Or Even Want to Be!" as well as some sexually explicit workshops:  (link)

(8/11/05) Op-ed: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) wrote the following op-ed about the ability of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) to fight tyranny and poverty.

(8/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) is seeking more co-sponsors for the Federal Tax Withholding Repeal Act (H.R. 3409), which would repeal the law allowing the federal government to withhold federal income and Social Security taxes and implement a quarterly-payment system.

(8/10/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) is seeking original co-sponsors for the Lifetime Prosperity Act, which would extend the retirement savings tax credit and expand both this credit and Roth IRAs.

(8/8/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) called for reform of the United Nations, in light of the recent report showing even more corruption in the UN's Oil-for-Food program.

(8/5/05) Press Release: Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced a bill (H.R. 3478) to allow military death gratuities to be contributed to certain tax-preferred accounts (such as medical savings accounts and Roth IRAs).

(8/4/05) Op-ed: Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) wrote the following op-ed about the pressing need to reform the United Nations.

(8/4/05) WP Article: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and several RSC alumni were featured in this Washington Post article about the continuing Republican appetite for increasing federal spending.

(8/2/05) RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and 69 other House Members signed the following two letters, condemning the anti-Semitic remarks of United Nations Special Rapporteur Jean Ziegler and urging that he be fired (8/2/05). To read the letter to:

• UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, click here:
• The Chairman of the UN Commission for Human Rights, click here.

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(7/30/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) introduced the Video Choice Act (H.R. 3146), which would streamline the franchising process for new entrants into the marketplace for providing video services.

(7/29/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) introduced the Private Property Protection Act (H.R. 3083), which, in response to the Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court ruling, would prohibit the federal government from exercising eminent domain for economic development and prohibit state and local exercises of such eminent domain using federal funds.

(7/29/05) Letter to House Leadership: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and 20 other House conservatives sent the following letter to House Leadership, urging them not to schedule any legislation that would authorize the creation of a race-based government for Native Hawaiians living throughout the United States.

(7/29/05) Various RSC Members responded publicly to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's (R-TN) reversal on embryonic stem-cell policy last week. To read the statement from:

• Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL), click here.
• RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN), click here.

(7/28/05) Press Release: Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) introduced H.R. 3622 to create the Border Protection Corps made up of citizen volunteers working as sworn law enforcement officers under the command of the Governors of the border states, using unspent homeland security funds.

(7/28/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in the following statement, urged President Bush to veto the Transportation Equity Act (H.R. 3), which Congress passed late last week, because the bill is billions of dollars more expensive than the President said is acceptable to him.

(7/28/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in the following letter, urged his colleagues to not let the issue of campaign finance reform fade out over the summer.

(7/27/05) Press Release:  Rep. Walter Jones (R- NC) introduced the Military Academy First Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 3430), which would secure the ability of the military service academies to include a voluntary, nondenominational prayer as an element of their activities.

(7/27/05) Press Release: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) joined Rep. Henry Bonilla (R-TX) in introducing the Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property (STOPP) Act (H.R 3405), which would prevent governments from taking property from one private party and giving it to another private party. When abuses occur, the STOPP Act would prevent localities and states from receiving federal economic assistance on all economic development projects, not just those upon which abuses occur.

(7/27/05) Children's Safety Act:  Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) also joined fellow child and crime victim advocates at a rally in support of the Children's Safety Act (H.R. 3132, inspired by Poe's Child Predator Act--H.R. 1355) to protect children from sex offenders and other criminals.

(7/27/05) Various RSC Members released statements on today's U.S. Supreme Court rulings on the display of the Ten Commandments in public places (McCreary County v. the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and Van Orden v. Perry). To read the statement from:

• Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK)
• Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
• Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
• Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL)

(7/25/05) Letter to FDA:  Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) and 45 other Members of Congress, including House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), sent the following letter to the FDA Commissioner, urging him to reject a petition to make the morning-after pill available over the counter and thus "as accessible to our nation's teenage daughters as candy bars and hairspray."

(7/25/05) WSJ Editorial:  Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) circulated the following editorial in The Wall Street Journal about his bill to allow Americans to buy health insurance in any state they choose, regardless of where they live.

(7/23/05) Dear Colleague:  Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) is seeking co-sponsors on his CARFA Act (H.R. 2470), which would establish a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of federal agencies and programs and make recommendations for the elimination or realignment of unnecessary programs.    (word doc)

(7/22/05) Press Release: Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) introduced the Short Sea Shipping Tax Exemption Act (H.R. 3319), which would provide an exemption from the harbor maintenance tax for certain shipping between United States mainland ports.

(7/22/05) Press Release: Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) offered and passed an amendment to the Higher Education Act that would promote greater competition and accountability in certain education grant programs.

(7/22/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) introduced legislation (H.R. 1678) to extend for two years the higher expensing limits for small businesses.

(7/21/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) introduced legislation (H.R. 1678) to extend for two years the higher expensing limits for small businesses.

(7/20/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA) is gathering co-sponsors on her legislation to make permanent the tax-free treatment of qualified withdrawals from Section 529 education plans.

(7/17/05) Op-ed: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote the following op-ed about the importance of applying free-mark principles to telecom reform.

 (7/15/05) Op-ed:  Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) wrote the following op-ed about the importance of teaching the criticisms of the Darwinian theory of evolution.

(7/15/05) Constitutional Amendment:  Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) introduced the following constitutional amendment limiting when a state or the federal government could take and transfer private property.

(7/15/05) Letter to USAID:  Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) and 28 other House conservatives sent the following letter to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), expressing concern about the way the Agency is conducting its faith-based outreach abroad.   (pdf)

(7/15/05) Letter to Chairman Lewis: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) led the effort to send the following letter with 40 signatures to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA), urging him to consider, during the continuing appropriations process, the program reductions and terminations proposed by President Bush.

(7/14/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) will soon introduce the Expecting Parents Relief Act, which would extend the child tax credit back one year to cover pregnancy.

(7/13/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced legislation (H.R. 3385) to provide relief to taxpayers whose stock options sharply decline in value yet who are still subject to an extremely high Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

(7/13/05) Op-ed: Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), John Carter (R-TX), and Ted Poe (R-TX), all former judges, wrote the following op-ed about property rights, in light of the recent Kelo decision by the Supreme Court.

(7/13/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL), and RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) issued the following statement about the Senate's efforts to repeal President Bush's stem cell policy.  Below are other Member statements on this subject:

• Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN)
• Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
• Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)
• Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
• Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
• Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
• Rep. Mark Green (R-WI)
• Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
• Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
• Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC)
• Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

(7/11/05) Letter to PBS:  28 House conservatives sent the following letter to Corporation for Public Broadcasting Chairman Kenneth Tomlinson, asking for detailed information regarding Playboy Foundation contributions for the PBS film, "The Education of Shelby Knox."

(7/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) and Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) praised efforts to reform the Endangered Species Act.

(7/11/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) is seeking co-sponsors on the Totalization Agreement Congressional Approval Act (H.R. 2339), which would require expedited congressional consideration for any proposed Social Security totalization agreement and affirmative congressional approval for the agreement to become law.

(7/11/05) Press Release:  Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) offered and passed an amendment to the Higher Education Act to prohibit the Department of Education from creating a federal database of information on "nearly every facet of college students' lives."

(7/11/05) Letter to FDA: Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) sent the following letter to the FDA to complain about and seek corrective action for its policy of discouraging women from having "keepsake" ultrasound procedures.

(7/8/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) circulated the following "Social Security Scare Tactic of the Week," which highlights falsehoods being spread about the new proposal to ensure that excess Social Security revenues be spent only on Social Security.

(7/7/05) Dear Colleague:  RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) circulated the following "Dear Colleague" letter, refuting claims that the 527 Fairness Act (H.R. 1316) would harm the current campaign system.

(7/6/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) condemned the incarceration of New York Times reporter Judith Miller in the following statement.

(7/5/05) Op-ed: Rep. Roger Wicker (R-MS) wrote the following op-ed about how the lessons of George Washington are applicable today.

(7/1/05) Various RSC Members continue to speak against the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Kelo v. City of New London, expanding local governments' abilities to seize private property. To read an op-ed from:

• Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
• Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
• Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)

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(6/30/05) Op-ed:  Rep. John Kline (R-MN) circulated the following op-ed he authored, published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, regarding "the honorable service of our men and women in uniform who serve at Guantanamo Bay":   (word doc)

(6/29/05) Dear Colleague:  Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) circulated the following "Dear Colleague" letter in support of RSC Chairman Mike Pence's (R-IN) 527 Fairness Act, which would allow political parties, citizens groups, trade associations, and PACs to play on a more level playing field with the 527 organizations:   (word doc)

(6/28/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) pointed to the hiring of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lobbyist as "more evidence that the congressional appropriations process is broken."  (word doc)

 (6/27/05) Press Release: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) released the following statement in response to today's Supreme Court's ruling on MGM Studios et al. v Grokster et al., regarding digital property rights.  (pdf)

(6/24/05) Kelo: Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 340) expressing the House's "grave disapproval" of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Kelo v. City of New London, expanding local governments' abilities to seize private property. (pdf)

(6/23/05) Press Release: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) issued a statement in protest of the ruling on Kelo v. City of New London.   (word doc)

 (6/24/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Kline (R-MN) circulated the following "Dear Colleague" letter about how the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is "a matter of national security": (word doc)

(6/23/05) Press Release: Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY) commended the U.S. and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for signing an agreement last week that will open international adoptions between the two countries. (word doc)

(6/22/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) urged Democrats to "put America first," in light of news that Democrats have created another committee to investigate the conduct of American soldiers.  (word doc)

 (6/21/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO) introduced a bill (H.R. 2991) that would prohibit U.S. foreign aid from going to countries that fail to extradite individuals suspected of killing law enforcement officers. (word doc)

(6/21/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) called on Congress to ban human cloning "before it's too late."  (pdf)

(6/21/05) Press Release: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) released the following list of examples of recent anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements made by Democrat leaders. (pdf)

(6/20/05) Several RSC Members issued statements in support of proposed funding reductions for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. To read the statement from:

• Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK)
• RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN)

(6/16/05) Press Release: Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC), John Kline (R-MN), Sam Johnson (R-TX), and other House Republicans called on Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to apologize for his remarks likening America's military men and women to Nazis.  (word doc)

(6/16/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) is promoting his Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Contract Act (H.R. 709), which would allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a private contract with a physician or health care practitioner for the provision of Medicare-covered professional services.  (pdf)

 (6/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) is seeking co-sponsors on H.Res. 316, a resolution that would call upon the President to ensure that U.S. foreign policy reflects "appropriate understanding and sensitivity" regarding the Armenian Genocide. (word doc)

(6/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) is seeking signatures on a letter to Treasury Secretary John Snow, requesting that the IRS cease collecting the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone services.  (pdf)

(6/15/05) Artist-in-Residence: Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN) offered a successful amendment (H.Amdt. 276) to the Science, Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Act to remove funds for NASA's performance artist-in-residence.  (word doc)

(6/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jim Ryun (R-KS) is seeking co-sponsors for his legislation (H.R. 2513) to amend and codify the Oath of Allegiance that immigrants take when becoming American citizens. (word doc)

(6/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted the following "egregious earmark of the week" regarding taxpayer money for a city swimming pool. (word doc)

(6/14/05) Press Release: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) is promoting his Freedom to Display the American Flag Act (H.R. 42), which would ensure the right of an individual to display the American flag on residential property.   (pdf)

 (6/14/05)Press Release:  Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) called on Congress to act soon to "fix the medical liability crisis that is leaving millions of Americans in the rural areas and inner cities without adequate access to health care."    (word doc)

(6/13/05) Letter to CBO: Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) asked the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to expeditiously conduct a cost estimate of Senator Arlen Specter's Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (S. 852), so that the House could begin to evaluate this controversial legislation.  (pdf)

(6/10/05) Op-ed: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) wrote the following op-ed in The Washington Times about the ongoing progress in Iraq.  (pdf)

(6/8/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) is seeking support for his Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act (H.R. 2726), which would prohibit municipal governments from "unfairly" competing with private telecom entities already serving that area. (pdf)

(6/8/05) Op-ed: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) wrote the following op-ed, "Don't Raise Taxes," in USA Today about the need to enact personal retirement accounts within Social Security without raising taxes in any way.  (pdf)

(6/8/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) highlighted the following "egregious earmark of the week" regarding taxpayer money for fashion.  (word doc)

(6/8/05) Online Freedom of Speech Act: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) declared "Let Freedom Click" upon the Committee on House Administration's attachment of his Online Freedom of Speech Act (H.R. 1606) to the 527 Fairness Act (H.R. 1316) during mark-up. Rep. Hensarling's legislation would help prevent blogs and other speech over the Internet from being subject to federal campaign finance restrictions.  (word doc)

(6/8/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) continues to seek more co-sponsors for his legislation (H.R. 809) to make permanent the individual income tax rates for capital gains and dividends.  (pdf)

(6/7/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-IL) introduced the UN Reform Act (H.R. 2745), which would withhold of 50% of U.S. assessed dues to the United Nations if certain budget and other reforms are not implemented, mandate cuts in specific programs, redirect funds to high-priority areas, and withhold U.S. support for expanded and new peacekeeping missions until reforms have been enacted.  (word doc)

 (5/26/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced the Right to Fly Act, which would immediately repeal the 26-year ban on flights between Dallas' Love Field and most destinations outside Texas.  (word doc)

(5/24/05) Op-ed: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) wrote the following op-ed in The Washington Times that calls for "more freedom, not more regulation" in the campaign finance system.  (pdf)

(5/24/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-WY) introduced the Totalization Agreement Congressional Approval Act (H.R. 2339), which would amend the Social Security Act to provide for expedited congressional consideration of any proposed retirement system totalization agreement with another country and require affirmative approval for such an agreement to become law.  (word doc)

(5/23/05) Dear Colleague:  Rep. Steve King (R-IA) introduced the Truth in Employment Act (H.R. 1816), which would end the labor practice known as "salting"--a union tactic designed to put economic pressure on non-union employers.  (word doc)

(5/23/05) Letter to Chairman Oxley: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and ten other House conservatives sent the following letter to House Financial Service Committee Chairman Michael Oxley (R-OH) and Subcommittee on Capital Markets Chairman Richard Baker (R-LA), supporting the creation of a "strong and independent regulator" for the housing government-sponsored enterprises: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac. and the Federal Home Loan Banks:  (pdf)

(5/23/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL), in the context of tomorrow's House floor debate on stem cell research, circulated the following letter asking his colleagues, "Would you experiment on a death row inmate?":  (word doc)

(5/20/05) Press Release: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) offered a successful amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, limiting to 50 the number of federal employees under this Act who could attend international conferences.  (pdf)

(5/18/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA) is organizing a caucus aimed at opposing the passage of a value-added tax.  (word doc)

(5/18/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) is seeking original co-sponsors on his Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  (pdf)

(5/18/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 279) to condemn the British Association of University Teachers (AUT) for the boycott of Haifa and Bar Ilan Universities in Israel.  (word doc)

(5/18/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 154) condemning the World Health Organization for excluding Taiwan.  (word doc)

(5/17/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) commended Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) on the House floor for offering a Democrat alternative proposal to reform Social Security but rejected Rep. Wexler's call for a substantial tax increase to achieve reform.  (word doc)

(5/16/05) Press Release: Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced the Parental Empowerment Act (H.R. 2295), which would prohibit a state from receiving federal education funds, unless the state requires each local (or state, as appropriate) education agency to maintain a parent review council regarding the purchase or acquisition of library and classroom-based reference, instructional, and other print materials for elementary schools.  (pdf)

(5/13/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) is gathering original co-sponsors on the United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, which would support joint ventures between U.S. and Israeli businesses and academic researchers for projects committed to developing alternative energy sources and those that make our use of traditional energy sources more efficient.  (word doc)

(5/11/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) spoke in support of the House taking the lead in creating personal retirement accounts within Social Security.  (word doc)

(5/11/05) Letter to Senator Specter: X Former judges Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), and Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) sent the following letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, encouraging him to consider a presidential nominee's allegiance to our national sovereignty and the U.S. Constitution when exercising the Senate's advice and consent role:  (pdf)

 (5/11/05) Resolution: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced the following resolution (H.Con.Res. 149), scheduled to be considered in the House International Relations Committee this week, that would honor Israel's 57th Independence Day  (pdf)

(5/10/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) said that the decision of whether President Bush should veto a surface transportation bill costing more than $284 billion over five years is "a no-brainer."  (word doc)

(5/4/05) Family Budget Protection Act: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN), and Rep. Chris Cox (R-CA) this week will re-introduce the Family Budget Protection Act, which would overhaul the federal budget process to make it easier to control spending and reduce the deficit:  (word doc)

(5/4/05) Health Coverage for the Uninsured Act: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) introduced the Health Coverage for the Uninsured Act (H.R. 1872), which is aimed at the problem of individuals who do not receive health care through their employer and small businesses that cannot afford to offer health care coverage.  (word doc)

(5/4/05) Patients' Health Care Reform Act: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) introduced the Patients' Health Care Reform Act (H.R. 2203), which would allow all Americans, including the uninsured, to claim a refundable tax credit for the purchase of an individual or family health insurance policy.  (word doc)

(5/3/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) circulated the following Washington Post article to highlight the importance of protecting marriage in the District of Columbia, in light of her Defense of Marriage Act for the District of Columbia (H.R. 72): (word doc)

(5/3/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) introduced the Farming Flexibility Act (H.R. 2045), which would give farmers greater flexibility in what they choose to grow in their fields.  (word doc)

(5/3/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) introduced the Defense of Marriage Amendment (H.J.Res. 39), which would amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as a legal union of one man and one woman, expressly prohibit the judicial power of the United States or of any state from being used to redefine marriage as anything other than a union between one man and one woman, and prohibit the courts from imposing the policy of one state on other states. (word doc) Text of Defense of Marriage Amendment

(4/29/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) circulated the following article in Oprah magazine that reports on the success of adult stem cell treatment for diabetes.  (word doc)

(4/28/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking co-sponsors on his legislation (H.R. 997) to make English the official language of the United States.  (pdf)

(4/28/05) Social Security Bill: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced the Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act (H.R. 1776), which would allow workers to choose a large personal account option for Social Security, with no benefit cuts or tax increases.  (word doc)

(4/27/05) Minuteman Project:  Several House conservatives have expressed strong support for the Minuteman Project, in which volunteers sit along the U.S.-Mexico border to help prevent illegal immigration. To read a statement from:

• Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), click here
• Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), click here

(4/21/05) Press Release: Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) introduced a bill (H.R. 1616) to double the maximum jail time, from 10 to 20 years, for those convicted of producing or trafficking methamphetamines or other illegal drugs in the presence of children.  (word doc)

(4/21/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking original co-sponsors on a resolution honoring the 53 American citizens who have been killed by Palestinian terrorism since 1993.  (pdf)

(4/20/05) Press Release: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) introduced legislation (H.R. 1678) to extend capital and equipment expensing relief provided by Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code.  (pdf)

(4/20/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Pence (R-IN) testified before the Committee on House Administration about the need to provide more freedoms to political parties, nonprofits, trade associations, and PACs, in order to equalize the playing field in campaigns.  (link)

(4/18/05) Op-ed: Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) wrote the following op-ed, published in The Washington Times, about the need to create time limits for the receipt of certain federal benefits.  (pdf)

(4/15/05) Op-ed: Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC), in honor of "Tax Day" last Friday, wrote the following op-ed about the burdens of the current tax system: (word doc)

(4/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released the following "Social Security Scare Tactic of the Week," which raises concerns with the web-based Social Security "calculator" that first appeared on Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's (D-NV) website:  (word doc)

(4/15/05) Letter to President Bush: RSC Chairman Pence (R-IN) and GOP Policy Committee Chairman John Shadegg (R-AZ) sent the following letter to the White House last week, opposing any Social Security reform plan that includes "add-on" personal savings accounts.  (pdf)

(4/15/05) Op-ed: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) wrote the following op-ed, published in The Washington Post, about the importance of protecting the freedom of the press:  (pdf)

(4/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) will soon introduce the Enumerated Powers Act, which would require that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted.  (word doc)

 (4/14/05) Resolution: Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) will soon introduce legislation to prohibit certain foreign assistance to countries that consistently oppose the position of the United States in the United Nations.  (pdf)

(4/14/05) Obligation of Funds Transparency Act: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) will soon introduce the Obligation of Funds Transparency Act (OFTA), which is aimed at reforming the earmark process in Congress.  (pdf)

 (4/14/05) Press Release: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) will introduce a resolution supporting the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims and recognizing the help that the group Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) offers to the loved ones of murder victims.  (word doc)

(4/13/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) introduced the Online Freedom of Speech Act (H.R. 1606), which would prevent federal regulation of political speech over the Internet.  (pdf)

(4/7/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) questioned statements made by National Institutes of Health (NIH) officials about the federal government's embryonic stem cell research policy, which contradict comments made by NIH Director Elias Zerhouni last month.  (pdf)

(4/7/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) will soon introduce a bill to repeal the 107-year-old federal excise tax on telecommunications services. (word doc)

(4/6/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) sent the following letter to President Bush, urging him to oppose the addition of earmarks into the homeland security spending bill: (word doc)

(4/6/05) Press Release: Rep. Flake also spotlighted his "egregious earmark of the week." (word doc)

(4/4/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) is seeking co-sponsors on his Individual Social Security Investment Program Act (H.R. 530).  (pdf)

(3/21/05) Op-ed: Rep. Roger Wicker (R-MS) wrote the following op-ed about spreading democracy in the Middle East.  (word doc)

(3/20/05) Terri Shiavo Statements: Various RSC Members released statements regarding the Terri Schiavo situation.  To read a Member's statement, click on the Member's name.

• RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN)
• Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL)
• Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA)
• Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
• Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
• Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL)
• Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE)
• Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN)
• Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)
• Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI)
• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)
• Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
• Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)
• Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL)
• Rep. Mark Green (R-WI)
• Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)
• Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
• Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC)
• Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

(3/18/05) Op-ed: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) wrote the following op-ed on the need to reform Social Security. (word doc)

(3/18/05) Social Security Resolution: Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 168) expressing a sense of the House that "Social Security is a vital program facing bankruptcy" and "must be reformed."  (pdf)

(3/18/05) Letter to Secretary Chao: Rep. Johnson also sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, urging her to investigate whether the concerted efforts of organized labor to pressure financial firms and brokerage institutions to withdraw their support of the President's Social Security reform proposal have in fact violated federal labor and pension laws.  (link)

(3/18/05) Press Release: Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) issued the following statement calling on Major League Baseball to implement tougher penalties for steroid use.  (pdf)

(3/17/05) Op-ed: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) wrote the following op-ed about curbing the costs of health care:  (word doc)

(3/17/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released his "Social Security Scare Tactic of the Week." Click here to read how one group is referring to Social Security reform as a "Las Vegas Retirement Plan."  (word doc)

(3/17/05) Letter to Speaker Hastert: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) and 30 other House conservatives sent the following letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), urging him to bring the Senate-passed bankruptcy reform bill to the House floor as soon as possible.  (pdf)

(3/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the Prescription Drug Benefit Oversight Act (H.R. 1382), which would delay the implementation of the new prescription drug benefit under Medicare for one year to give Congress more time to assess its cost and consider new cost-control mechanisms.  (pdf)

(3/11/05) Op-ed: Rep. Pitts also wrote the following op-ed on the problems with Social Security  (pdf)

(3/10/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Chris Cox (R-CA) will soon reintroduce the Internet Tax Non-Discrimination Act, which would permanently ban taxes that apply only to the Internet.  (pdf)

(3/10/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the No Net Loss of Private Lands Act (H.R. 1235), which would require that any federal acquisition of more than 100 acres of new land in the West be offset by a corresponding sale of existing holdings of equal or greater value. (word doc)

(3/10/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) announced that they will introduce the 527 Fairness Act, which, among other things, would remove the aggregate contribution limits that individuals can make to party committees and candidates, remove the cap on what parties can spend on behalf of their own candidates, index for inflation the limits on contributions to and by political action committees, and allow issue advocacy by nonprofits in certain circumstances before elections.  (pdf)

(3/10/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) reintroduced the SAFE Act (H.R. 1243), which would provide for state reciprocity for any citizen who is entitled to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to the laws of his home state.  (word doc)

(3/9/05) Letter to Chairman Thomas: Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) and 16 other House Members sent the following letter to House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas, encouraging him to consider, as part of Social Security reform, the option for workers to put a portion of their Social Security in the equivalent of a certificate of deposit (CD) offered by a community bank, savings association, or credit union.  (pdf)

(3/9/05) 527 Fairness Act: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) and Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) introduced the 527 Fairness Act (H.R. 1316), which is designed to inject more freedom, not more federal regulations, into the campaign system. (word doc)

(3/9/05) Op-ed: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) wrote the following op-ed about the surface transportation bill (H.R. 3) that the House passed recently.  (word doc)

(3/9/05) Law of the Sea Treaty Letter: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and 13 other House conservatives signed the following letter to House Ways & Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), asking that they hold hearings on the revenue implications of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (better known as the Law of the Sea Treaty, or "LOST"). (word doc)

(3/8/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) will soon introduce the Pledge and Prayer Amendment, which would give constitutional protection to the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance, voluntary prayer in school, and our national motto.  (word doc)

(3/8/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) called the defeat of Senator Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) amendment to the bankruptcy reform bill (S. 256) "a victory for free speech." The Schumer amendment would have made nondischargeable the debts incurred from civil suits related to peaceful pro-life protesting.  (pdf)

(3/8/05) Press Release: Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) was joined by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) to unveil a concurrent resolution on the "One Percent Plan," urging Americans to increase their charitable giving by one percentage point nationally.  (pdf)

(3/7/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced the Child Predator Act (H.R. 1355) to increase the sentences for repeat child offenders and otherwise expand the accountability of child offenders.  (word doc)

(3/3/05) Press Release: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced the Surface Transportation and Taxation Equity (STATE) Act (H.R. 1097), which would allow any state that increases its state gas tax to have its federal gas tax contributions offset by the same amount. (pdf)

(3/3/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) reintroduced the Marriage Protection Act (H.R. 1100), which would prevent federal judges from ruling on cases arising under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  (word doc)

 (3/2/05) Press Release: Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) released the following statement in reaction to the Supreme Court of the United States' recent ruling in Roper v. Simmons (regarding the death penalty for people under age 18) and how the ruling underscores the need to remove international influence from the U.S. court system.  (pdf)

(3/2/05) Press Release: Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) also criticized the Roper v. Simmons decision.  (word doc)
(3/2/05) Press Release: Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) called on Congress to enact legislation to help reduce the "surging" health care costs for small businesses.  (word doc)

(3/2/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) reintroduced a suite of bills (H.R. 1073, H.R. 1074, H.R. 1075) to increase union leader accountability to union members and secure the ability of the Secretary of Labor to act on behalf of union members when their leadership is not complying.  (pdf)

(3/2/05) Press Release: Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) reintroduced the Freedom Flat Tax Act (H.R. 1040), which would implement an optional flat-rate federal income tax system. (word doc)

(3/1/05) Press Release: Rep. Mark Green (R-WI) touted President Bush's support of his bill (H.R. 1054) to permanently establish an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in the White House.  (word doc)

• Text of Resolution

(2/16/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) will soon reintroduce legislation calling on the General Accountability Office to conduct a six-month review of the approval process that the FDA used to declare the abortion drug, RU-486, "safe and effective." (word doc)

(2/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) reintroduced legislation (H.R. 43) to restore separate recognition of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays--rather than a joint "President's Day."  (pdf)

(2/15/05) Charts: Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) circulated the following two graphs depicting the recent history of offsetting supplemental appropriations bills and the Republican record of exceeding budget resolutions.

• History of Offsetting Supplementals
• Exceeding Budget Resolutions

(2/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 69) calling on the U.S. to resume full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.  (pdf)

(2/15/05) Judicial Use of International Law: Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) is seeking co-sponsors on a resolution expressing a sense of the House that judicial interpretations of the U.S. Constitution should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions. (pdf)

(2/15/05) Press Release: Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) reintroduced the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (H.R. 800), which would protect firearm manufacturers and dealers from liability in suits involving the unlawful acts of third parties.  (word doc)

 (2/15/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced the Financial Customer Identification Verification Improvement Act (H.R. 815), which would prohibit the use of identification cards issued by foreign governments, including matricula consular cards, for purposes of verifying the identity of a person who wants to open an account at a U.S. financial institution.  (word doc)

(2/14/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) questioned why American taxpayers have again been forced to send $150,000 to the GRAMMY Foundation.  (word doc)

 (2/10/05) Bill Summary: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) reintroduced the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act (H.R. 744), which would federally criminalize the activities conducted using "spyware." (word doc)

 (2/10/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in light of new reports that the Medicare prescription drug benefit could cost considerably more than anticipated, announced that he would reintroduce legislation to cap the cost of the benefit at the initial $400 billion-over-ten-years estimate.  (word doc)

 (2/10/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in light of new reports that the Medicare prescription drug benefit could cost considerably more than anticipated, announced that he would reintroduce legislation to cap the cost of the benefit at the initial $400 billion-over-ten-years estimate.  (word doc)

 (2/9/05) Press Release: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) reintroduced legislation (H.R. 703) to adjust for inflation the exemption amounts for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and allow the deduction of state and local taxes under the AMT.  (pdf)

 (2/9/05) Dear Colleague: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) introduced the Small Business Healthcare Savings Act (H.R. 490), which would repeal the federal mandate that small employers buy guaranteed-issue health care insurance for their employees and would allow each state to conform its health care laws to meet the needs of its small business population.  (word doc)

(2/8/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) reintroduced a suite of four OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reform measures (H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, H.R. 742) designed to enhance fairness for small businesses by giving them new tools to defend themselves against OSHA citations they believe are unjustified.  (word doc)

(2/8/05) Resolution: Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 49) to recognize the importance of Western civilization. (pdf)

(2/8/05) Resolution: Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 49) to recognize the importance of Western civilization. (pdf)

(2/7/05) Press Release: Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) reintroduced the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (H.R. 682), which would require federal agencies to assess the impact of proposed regulations on small businesses before implementing them.  (word doc)

(2/7/05) Fact Sheet: Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-MN) released a sheet comparing the costs of leading pharmaceuticals in Frankfurt, Germany to those in Rochester, Minnesota. (pdf)

(2/3/05) Letter to IRS Commissioner: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and 23 other House conservatives sent the following letter to IRS Commissioner, Mark Everson, expressing "outrage" that the IRS allowed at least one tax deduction for a sex-change operation.  (pdf)

(2/3/05) Press Release: Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) reintroduced the Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act (H.R. 586), which would allow the continued recreational use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service lands. (pdf)

(2/3/05) Press Release: Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) reintroduced the Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act (H.R. 586), which would allow the continued recreational use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service lands. (pdf)

(2/3/05) Letter to IRS Commissioner: Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and 23 other House conservatives sent the following letter to IRS Commissioner, Mark Everson, expressing "outrage" that the IRS allowed at least one tax deduction for a sex-change operation.  (pdf)

(2/2/05) The RSC compiled the following reactions to President Bush's State of the Union Address last week: (pdf)

(2/2/05) Members of the RSC issued statements in reaction to President Bush's State of the Union address. (pdf)

 (2/3/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. John Kline (R-MN) will introduce the Ronald Reagan $50 Bill Act, which would replace the image of Ulysses S. Grant on the $50 bill with an image of President Ronald Reagan.  (word doc)

(2/2/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) will soon reintroduce the Right to Life Act, which would legally recognize the personhood of the unborn, thereby effectively overturning Roe v. Wade.  (pdf)  To read the text of Rep. Hunter's bill, click here.
(2/2/05) Social Security: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) will reintroduce their Individual Social Security Investment Program Act, which would give people ages 22-55 the option of diverting half of their payroll taxes (6.2%) to individually owned, personally invested retirement accounts. (word doc)

(2/2/05) Press Release: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) co-authored a resolution (H.Res. 56) commending the Palestinian people for holding elections and calling on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to take strong steps to halt and eradicate terrorism. The House passed the resolution 415-1. (word doc)

(2/1/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) is reintroducing the Small Business Health Fairness Act, which would allow small businesses to band together in bona-fide trade associations to form Association Health Plans (AHP's).  (pdf)

(2/1/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) are reintroducing the United Nations Oil-for-Food Accountability Act, which would require the withholding of a portion of United States assessed contributions to the United Nations until the President certifies that the UN is cooperating in the investigation of its Oil-for-Food Program.  (word doc)

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(1/31/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 20) to disapprove of the Bush Administration's Social Security totalization agreement with Mexico. (word doc)

(1/31/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) is seeking original co-sponsors on his Common Sense Spending Act, which would, among other things, limit the growth in all discretionary spending to the inflation rate, reduce by one percentage point the growth in mandatory spending, and strengthen the definition of what constitutes emergency spending.  (word doc)

(1/31/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) is seeking original co-sponsors on his Common Sense Spending Act, which would, among other things, limit the growth in all discretionary spending to the inflation rate, reduce by one percentage point the growth in mandatory spending, and strengthen the definition of what constitutes emergency spending.  (word doc)

(1/31/05) Press Release: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) expressed disappointment at how "liberal leaders in Washington attempt to downplay the Iraqi elections." (pdf)

(1/30/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) praised the courage of the Iraqi people for voting in their elections despite threats against the lives of voters.  (pdf)

 (1/28/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) thanked Education Secretary Margaret Spellings for criticizing PBS' use of taxpayer literacy funds on the creation of an episode of the show "Postcards from Buster" that featured lesbian couples.  (pdf)

(1/27/05) Article: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) was featured in the following CongressDaily article about conservative efforts to limit federal spending: (word doc)

(1/24/05) Press Release: Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), chairman of the Values Action Team, issued the following statement on the 32nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision:  (pdf)

(1/26/05) Press Release: Rep. Pitts also released the following statement decrying the refusal of the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the Terri Schiavo case: (pdf)

(1/21/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) wrote a "Dear Colleague" letter commending Vice President Dick Cheney's recent remarks on the state of the Social Security system:  (word doc)

(1/25/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Flake also criticized the AARP's position on Social Security reform. (word doc)

(1/26/05) Press Release: Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) announced that he will be introducing the Permanent Sales Tax Deduction Act, to make permanent the two-year state sales tax deduction in federal law.  (word doc)

(1/26/05) Dear Colleague: RSC Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) will soon introduce the Free Flow of Information Act which would set national standards that must be met before a federal entity could issue a subpoena to a member of the news media in any government criminal or civil case. (word doc)

(1/26/05) Press Release: Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-MN) and Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY) were joined by Senators Jim DeMint (R-SC), John Thune (R-SD), and David Vitter (R-LA) in introducing the Pharmaceutical Market Access Act (H.R. 328), which would allow American consumers, pharmacists, and wholesalers access to FDA-approved prescription drugs from FDA-approved facilities in 25 industrialized countries. (word doc)

(1/24/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) introduced the Disaster Prevention Protection Act (H.R. 387) to exclude disaster mitigation payments from federal taxation. (word doc)

(1/28/05) Op-ed: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote an op-ed about the need to pass a border security bill:  (word doc)

(1/24/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) will soon introduce the Natural Gas Production Act, which would extend the tax credit for producing fuel from non-conventional sources to gas produced onshore from a depth of more than 15,000 feet. (word doc)

(1/27/05) Dear Colleagues: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) and Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) circulated two "Dear Colleague" letters including articles about the advantages of specialty hospitals.  To read the letter with:

• The Washington Times piece, click here
• The Wall Street Journal piece, click here

 (1/21/05) Op-ed: Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote an op-ed about the need to take steps to control federal spending earlier rather than later this year: (word doc)

(1/20/05) The RSC prepared a one-pager sheet highlighting the recent history and current state of federal spending. (word doc)

(1/19/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) will soon reintroduce legislation to increase the military death gratuity.  (word doc)

(1/18/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) called on the United Nations to fully cooperate in the Oil-For-Food Scandal investigation.  (word doc)

 (1/14/05) Op-ed: Rep. C.L. "Butch" Otter (R-ID) wrote an op-ed about ways to reform the Endangered Species Act: (word doc)

 (1/13/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) released his "egregious earmark of the week" contained in the consolidated appropriations bill signed into law last month. (word doc)

(1/13/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is seeking co-sponsors on his Health Insurance Affordability Act (H.R. 37), which would give policy holders contributing to health savings accounts the ability to deduct the high-deductible insurance premium on their individual federal tax returns.  (word doc)

(1/11/05) Press Release: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) released the following statement regarding the United Nations establishing a registry for supposed damage claims related to the construction of the security fence in the West Bank: (pdf)

(1/7/05) Letter to Kofi Annan: Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, offering his "sincerest gratitude" for Annan's efforts to convene a Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly to mark the 60th anniversary of the Auschwitz concentration camp's liberation.  (word doc)

(1/6/05) Several RSC Members released statements in reaction to the Democrat challenge of Ohio's electoral votes for President recently (1/6/05). To read the statement from:

• Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), click here.
• Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), click here.

(1/6/05) Press Release: Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) touted her successful insertion into the House Rules package of a provision that seeks to cut government waste and duplication of government programs: (word doc)
(1/6/05) Dear Colleague:  Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter warning that, despite recent Supreme Court actions, the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is likely to face legal challenge again soon:  (word doc).
(1/6/05) Press Release: Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) described atheist activist Michael Newdow's new federal lawsuit seeking to outlaw the recitation of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance as "another effort to prevent freedom of speech by an activist judiciary." (word doc)

(1/5/05) Press Release: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) pointed to comments from defense analysts warning Congress that its pork-barrel spending was putting troops at risk: (word doc)

(1/5/05) Press Release: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) called on new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to "forcefully disarm...militants and end their reign of murder and terror." (word doc)

(1/4/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) is seeking co-sponsors for his re-introduction of the Citizen's Self-Defense Act (H.R. 47), which would reaffirm the right to use firearms in defense of oneself, one's home, or one's family. (word doc)

(1/4/05) Dear Colleague: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) is seeking original co-sponsors for his re-introduction of the First Amendment Restoration Act, which would repeal the political speech restrictions in the new campaign finance law: (word doc)

(1/3/05) Spending Fact Sheet: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) compiled a fact sheet about the sobering history of federal spending over the last ten years: (word doc)