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MONTHLY ARCHIVES

Financial Stability Package
by Randy
October 3rd, 2008

Today’s vote on the floor of the house is one that will undoubtedly be on the minds of Americans for years to come.  The bipartisan legislation that passed in the Senate and which was voted on today added significant new protections for taxpayers on Main Street, including increasing the amount of bank deposits insured by the government from $100,000 to $250,000 through 2009 and protecting 21 million middle-class families from getting hammered by the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for tax year 2008. It also guarantees that irresponsible corporate and Wall Street executives will not be rewarded with golden parachutes or severance pay.

As a result of the drastic improvements made in the Senate legislation compared to the Bush Administration’s plan, which I voted against, I voted in favor of the newest plan because it protects New York taxpayers from higher income taxes under the AMT and will save jobs in Western New York.  From the beginning my colleagues and I knew that our current economic turmoil was not something we could wish away and if this legislation had failed to pass American jobs would be in jeopardy and small businesses would have faced problems growing financially and creating and retaining jobs.

On Monday, I voted against a bad bill, which did not provide protections for taxpayers and did not address the fundamental problem that caused our economic crisis.  Today’s legislation was a significant improvement, one which I hope will restore confidence in our financial markets and allow for small business in Western New York to continue to grow and flourish.  This has been a very difficult decision, one in which the input from you my constituents was a key component.  I want to thank everyone who has called and emailed my office over the last two weeks and encourage everyone to continue to do so.

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Work Out, Not Bailout
by Randy
September 29th, 2008

Today, the Financial Rescue Plan or the $700 billion dollar taxpayer funded bailout, failed to get enough support from either side of the aisle to pass.  I, as many of you know, did not support the plan because of its failure to protect the taxpayers. This bailout failed to address the fundamental cause that created this problem and failed to lessen the credit and housing crunch. It creates the largest national debt in U.S. history, forcing generations of taxpayers to pick up the tab for Wall Street losses.

Since the beginning of this crisis, I have stated that I would not support a taxpayer funded bailout of irresponsible lenders and borrows. Although the plan was considerably better than the Bush Administration’s proposal of last week, including important provisions to eliminate CEO and Wall Street Executive’s golden parachute and increasing Wall Street accountability, mere improvements were not enough to gain my support.

There are alternatives to the Paulsen/Pelosi plan and today I cosponsored a plan that allows Wall Street to work this out and not bail them out. We must now come together solve this crisis in a way that the American people support.

To read my statement regarding the vote click here.

 To read my statement regarding the plan I cosponsored click here.

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No Taxpayer Funded Bailout!!
by Randy
September 26th, 2008

Over the last six months we have watched as our financial institutions began to unravel starting with the take over of Bear Sterns by JP Morgan which was brokered by the government. The unraveling continued to progress as we watched Fannie and Freddie placed under government control and Lehman Brothers, an investment bank which has been around for over 150 years and one that survived the Great Depression, suddenly collapse.  At that same time Merrill Lynch took shelter under the wings of Bank of America and AIG was taken over by the government.  Most recently announced was the take over of Washington Mutual (WaMu) by JP Morgan. All of these events have led and contributed to our current economic crisis and it is now in the hands of legislators to do what is best for the American people.

Today, I released a statement saying that I am OPPOSED to the Bush Administrations $700 billion proposal. I am opposed to any plan that allows Wall Street executives to walk away with millions of taxpayer dollars accumulating in their bank accounts. This plan cannot and should not be a taxpayer funded bailout. Private companies will have to carry the financial burden in any rescue plan that I will support.

Over the last three days I have received over 500 phone calls and emails from you, my constituents, regarding the Bush Administrations proposal. I believe that all congressional action must be centered on protecting those who have done the right thing, those who took responsible home loans and have worked so hard to keep up with their obligations as the faltering economy has made it harder to do so. The economic livelihood of this country is the most important issue that my colleagues and I will take up and as such I feel it is vital to hear from all of my constituents. I urge you all to comment on this blog posting, call any of my offices, or email me and let me know your thoughts on the proposed financial market rescue plan.

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Editorials React to “No Energy” Energy Bill
by Randy
September 23rd, 2008

Last week Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats pushed through partisan energy legislation which does not address the needs of the American people.  One week later the editorial pages of newspapers across our country are calling out the Democrats for their phony attempts and these quotes expose exactly what the Democrats have not done when it comes to our energy crisis.

  •  “Which is why it was doubly disappointing to survey the energy bill passed by the U.S. House last week. Swiftly engineered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic allies, it’s a limp-wristed approach to pressing energy problems.  In seeking to appease everyone, it satisfies no one, offshore drilling enthusiasts and environmentalists included.” (“Energy Package Stalls Out: Hastily Passed House Bill Appears Dead in Water,” Waco Tribune Editorial, September 22, 2008)

  • “This way, Democrats can claim to be opening the way to offshore drilling…under the restrictions included in the bill, no real drilling is likely to happen.” (“Drilling Bill Lacks Substance,” Buffalo News Editorial, September 22, 2008)

  • “This just in: Nothing.  That’s what this Congress came up with, after months of high fuel costs and concern over our dependence on foreign oil, and after a summer recess in which senators and representatives could have listened to the American people but did not. Congress came up with nothing — a fake energy exploration bill that would only weaken America. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is devoting her career to blocking new energy for America, allowed a bill that would permit drilling for oil 100 miles offshore, which is prohibitive.  Under the bill, coastal states could go 50 miles closer in — but have no incentive to, as the Democrats’ bill doesn’t share revenues with the states.” (“They’ve Blown a Ruse; Congress Fails Yet Again,” Augusta Chronicle Editorial, September 21, 2008)

  • “If House Democrats were looking to give Americans relief at the gas pump in the energy legislation passed on Sept. 16, they failed.  In a jarring twist, the legislation offers a solution and then negates it.  If Americans were hoping for at least half a loaf from this legislation, they were disappointed.” (“Energy Legislation Less Than Half a Loaf,” Reading Eagle Editorial, September 20, 2008)

  • “Don’t be fooled by House Democrats’ disingenuous bill to lift the federal government’s ban on offshore oil drilling.  Rather than address a shortage of supply in the face of growing demand, the bill seeks to appease angry voters without harming the Democrats’ mission to force America off fossil fuels… This isn’t a bill intended to tap vast untapped reserves.  It’s a bill intended to give voters the impression that Democrats favor offshore drilling — while maintaining their opposition to it.” (“Drilling for Political Advantage,” Northwest Florida Daily News Editorial, September 20, 2008)

  • “Coming next week from Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats: legislation that allows oil and gas drilling on the moon!  The bill would have the same result as energy legislation passed Tuesday - no increase in domestic oil production - and it certainly wouldn’t be any less cynical…The Democrats’ intent here is so transparent it’s embarrassing.  Americans know the country needs to use all its resources to power the future and speed economic recovery. That includes offshore oil drilling - where the oil is.” (“Let’s Drill for Oil — Where There Isn’t Any,” Las Vegas Review Journal Editorial, September 19, 2008)

  • “Pelosi, who opposes new drilling for American oil, allowed the vote only because this summer Democrats were on the wrong side of offshore exploration, which seven in 10 Americans favor.  Unfortunately, the House-passed bill is nothing more than a fig leaf for Democrats as they prepare to face frustrated voters in November.” (“Same Old Drill: ‘No-Energy’ Bill Risks Voter Wrath,” The Oklahoman Editorial, September 19, 2008)

  • “The sudden pro-drilling makeover of the Pelosi Democrats has always had an air – a gale, really –  of election-year convenience, and the House proved it Tuesday by passing an energy bill that would put any bunko man to shame. This confidence trick won’t expand domestic oil-and-gas supplies even a bit… As Congress runs down the clock for this term, the likelihood of reaching some grand pre-election energy bargain is vanishing fast.  The House bill shows that the Pelosi Democrats simply aren’t serious about expanding domestic energy supplies.” (“Pelosi’s Drilling Ruse,” Wall Street Journal Editorial, September 19, 2008)

  • “Congress may as well close the windows, lock the doors and take a vacation. I f the energy bill the House passed Tuesday night is any indication, the lower chamber is already out to lunch… The House this week finally responded, tweaking the drilling bans just enough to pass a bill that Republican leader John Boehner correctly calls ‘a hoax.’” (“Energy Bill is a Dry Well,” Bend Bulletin Editorial (OR), September 19, 2008)

  • “On Tuesday, House Democrats made an embarrassingly weak attempt to protect themselves… Therefore, House leaders produced a “compromise bill” and quickly moved it to a vote.  It passed along largely party lines, and Democratic incumbents in tight races can claim they voted for drilling.  Voters should not fall for that old trick.” (“Democrats Drill for Political Cover,” Roanoke Times Editorial, September 18, 2008) 

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Bipartisan Legislation
by Randy
September 18th, 2008

Almost two days have passed since the Democratic majority was able to pass their partisan energy legislation in the House.  And although, the House Democrats claim they want to stimulate the economy, their energy legislation does not address the call for more American oil by the American people.  The small detail about the vote two night’s ago which has escaped the public eye is the fact that a bipartisan energy bill, authored by Rep. John Peterson (R-PA) and Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), was also up for a vote, and all 24 Democrats who had cosponsored the legislation voted it down.

I have found that it is a sad day on the floor of the House when party politics interferes with addressing the concerns of the American people. All 24 of my Democratic colleagues who voiced their support of the Peterson-Abercrombie legislation through statements and co-sponsorship flip-flopped, proving that the Democrats are once again unwilling to create bipartisan legislation. This hoax by the House democrats is purely a political move to try and protect their own vulnerable seats going into the November election.  Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team have yet again denied Republicans the opportunity to bring the “American Energy Act” to the floor for a proper debate and vote. The Democrats know that the legislation passed last night will not move past the House, yet they continue to play games with the wallets of the American people.

My Republican colleagues and I have not given up the fight to bring economic relief to the pump and we will continue to push for a vote on the American Energy Act so that the people of our great nation no longer suffer.  I have pledged my support for this legislation and will not take a page out of the book of the Democrats and turn my back on something I believe in.

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“Fix Washington” Project
by Randy
September 15th, 2008

On May 16th, I announced the start of the “Fix Washington” Project in the district. Four months and 650 votes later, I am happy to announce the idea with the most votes was, ‘impose term limits on all members of Congress - U.S. House of Representative should be limited to six terms (12yrs) and U.S. Senators two terms (12yrs).’ That idea received 43% of the votes and surpassed the runner-up idea by 120 votes.

Later this week I will introduce this legislation as a Constitutional amendment on the floor of the house.  As many of you know, in order for the amendment to be added to the Constitution, it must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of both houses of Congress and by three quarters of the states.Although the “Fix Washington” Project has come to a close I want to encourage everyone in my district to continue getting involved in the legislative process.  I welcome all of my constituents to call or email our office to let me know your legislative ideas. As your elected representative it is my job to make sure that your thoughts and ideas are heard so that together we can make this country a better place to live.

The winning idea was suggested by Armand Marianetti, Farmington; John Gobe, Stanley; Peter Haidt, Pittsford; Mary Kelly, Ellicottville; Janis Becker, Caneadea; Martin Adduci, Machias; Dave Zacharias, Canandaigua; Robert Rutt, Rochester; Alexander Hoffarth, Fairport; Duane Granger, Pittsford.

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Taping for 20/20 on the Farm Bill
by Randy
September 10th, 2008

Today, I joined my colleague Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) to tape a segment about the Farm Bill for ABC’s 20/20 with John Stossel that will air in October.  As many of you know, I am a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and had the opportunity to be directly involved in creating this important piece of legislation. I strongly believe that the Farm Bill is essential to sustaining and growing the farming community in Upstate New York. By making historic investments in fruit and vegetable production, conservation, nutrition and renewable energy, the legislation creates a stronger safety net for America’s farmers and ranchers. This bill fairly and equitably represents the interests of all of our farmers and various agricultural industries across the country and was fashioned in a bipartisan manner.  Particularly, the dairy, specialty crops and conservation provisions will be extremely beneficial to New York farmers. In addition, the legislation makes great strides in reforming farm programs to reduce benefits going to the wealthiest of farmers and non-farmers alike, requires direct attribution of benefits, establishes a revenue-based counter cyclical program, and strengthens the integrity of the crop insurance program. To read my floor speech on the Farm Bill click here    

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Welcome Back Congress
by Randy
September 9th, 2008

As many of you may know, over the last five weeks 135 of my Republican colleagues returned to D.C., and some of us, including myself, came back multiple times to protest with the American people against Speaker Pelosi’s decision to adjourn Congress without a vote on a comprehensive bill to lower gas prices. With the Democrats now returning to the floor of the House, it comes as no surprise that the floor schedule for the week, which is set by the House Democratic leaders, does not contain a vote on any energy legislation.  As the House Democrats continue their failure to act on the concerns of many Americans, our energy crisis continues to worsen.

My Republican colleagues and I understand the economic difficulties that our country is facing at this time.  With the winter months slowly creeping upon us, gas prices are expected to rise, and for those of use in the Northeast, where home heating costs are also expected to soar, economic relief is an issue that must be addressed.  However, it is now
becoming clear to me and other members of the House that the Democratic Majority feels like other issues, such as the “Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2008″ which studies trout, is more important than our nations energy crisis.

It is time for Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Majority to stop blocking a vote on the American Energy Act. Their lack of focus on the concerns and needs of the American people will only allow for the energy crisis to worsen. One thing is for sure and that is until the time comes when the majority plans to act my Republican colleagues and I will continue to protest and fight for relief for our constituents.

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Fix Washington Project
by Randy
September 8th, 2008

With the Congressional recess finally at an end, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that there are only five days left to vote on the selected legislative ideas for the “Fix Washington” Project which will close at 5pm on September 12, 2008.  Over the last eight weeks, over 600 people have logged onto my website to cast their vote for their favorite legislative idea.  This is a great chance for individuals to voice their opinions and ideas on what the federal government needs to do in Washington.  I want to encourage all of my constituents to participate because the idea with the most votes will be  introduced on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Click here to vote

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Blogging from DC
by Randy
September 3rd, 2008

As many of you know, on Tuesday I came back to DC to rejoin my Republican colleagues on the House floor instead of going to the National Republican Convention. This is the fifth week that House Republicans have stood with the American people in a historic nationwide protest against Speaker Pelosi’s decision to adjourn Congress for a five-week vacation without a vote on a comprehensive bill to lower gas prices and increase American-made energy.

I have been asked why I came back to DC. Well, the answer is that our families, neighbors, and businesses are struggling. Over the last month, the cost of gasoline has decreased slightly but if we don’t take action now, energy prices are going to skyrocket higher than we can imagine. This is only going to get worse in the coming winter months, especially for us in the Northeast, where home heating costs are also expected to soar. I am here in DC today because the Democrats inaction is unacceptable and unforgivable.

To read the text from the press conference click here 

To read the speech I gave on the House floor click here

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