Hometown Press: U.S. Congressman Zach Wamp : 3rd District Of Tennessee

The Tennessean
GOP will not be the party of 'no'
November 25 – First of all, we better avoid being the party of “no.” We must offer concrete and positive alternatives that may help accomplish objectives, such as initiate a bold nuclear-energy plan to reduce our carbon footprint, lead globally on climate change, and kick-start the U.S. manufacturing sector. And we can join clean-energy Democrats to push for high-speed rail investments and dramatic increases in renewable and energy-efficiency systems. Together, we can throw the ball deep on an ambitious agenda to become energy-independent.
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Claiborne Progress
The importance of veterans
November 12 – Freedom in the United States of America is only extended from one generation to the next by the men and women in the uniform of our Armed Forces. Through some periods, these brave Americans were drafted to serve, and in other periods like this modern era, brave Americans volunteer to serve our country in uniform.
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istockanalyst.com
Capitol ambitions held for fuel cell
November 5 – U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp said that a fuel cell to be tested in Chattanooga could be used to power a Capitol Hill building to showcase the capabilities of the unit. "I could see this demonstrated on Capitol Hill," he told the Chattanooga Enterprise Center's board. Such a unit could be used to take a major Capitol Hill building off the typical electricity grid and power it with the fuel cell.
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Trading Markets
TVA salary raise blasted
November 5 – U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp questioned the timing of TVA board's decision to grant the utility's top executive a half-million-dollar pay raise. “It defies common sense that following TVA's biggest rate increase in three decades, the TVA board of directors would approve such a significant bonus package for the TVA chairman. This isn't fair to the many hard-working TVA customers who will have to tighten their belts even further to pay ever-higher electric bills."
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WTVC TV
Family sends another soldier to war
November 1 – David Weir of Cleveland died in Iraq in September of 2006. Now, family and friends are gathering today to send off Weir's other brother Chris for his first tour of duty. "Families like this are precious to our country, families that will make this commitment and then continue this patriotic commitment," says Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Oak Ridge Observer
DOE transfers more land at K-25
October 30 – “This land transfer is a way that the federal government can reinvest in communities like Oak Ridge,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “By transferring unused land for private development, the Department of Energy will allow Oak Ridge partners to proactively engage companies in advanced manufacturing and other industries.” U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman approved the land transfer of the ED-5 West parcel requested by Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership and the city of Oak Ridge partnership

Oak Ridge Observer
Anderson County group gets federal, local assistance to combat drugs
October 30 – “Anderson County ranks highest in the state for methamphetamine lab seizures. The dangers to children and the community are overwhelming,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. The Knoxville Metropolitan Drug Commission has received a Drug-Free Communities Support Mentoring Grant to mentor the Anderson County Anti-Drug Coalition. “The Metropolitan Drug Commission and the Anderson County Health Council have a proven track record of providing exceptional service to their community and have established solid groundwork to begin the Anderson County Anti-Drug Coalition.”

WVLT TV
Historic groundbreaking for ethanol biorefinery
October 15 – Once complete, the cellulosic ethanol biorefinery will produce up to 250-thousand gallons of ethanol a year. “It is rare that a region or a state could play a more important role than,” said Rep. Zach Wamp. “This is for our nation and indeed the entire world." Lawmakers’ believe the biorefinery can become a big moneymaker that provides renewable energy and jobs.
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Trading Markets
Ramsey wins award for economic development
October 11 – The Tennessee Economic Development Council named Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey as its volunteer of the year. U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp said Mr. Ramsey deserved the honor. "Claude Ramsey goes about his job quietly and with determination," Rep. Wamp said. "When it comes to economic development, Claude gets things done."
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The Associated Press
It's wait and see after Bush signs rescue plan
October 10 – After two weeks of anguishing debate, Congress has passed and President Bush signed a massive plan to save the financial industry and the economy at large from an unthinkable free fall. "It's disgusting that we would ever be brought to this floor to cast this vote," said Rep. Zach Wamp. But "Congress has to act. We are out of options. Hold your hand over your heart and vote 'yes.'"
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WRCB TV
Zach Wamp explains position on bailout plan
October 9 – Congressman Zach Wamp is saying why he voted against the financial rescue plan the first time, but he voted in favor of it the second. "I don't think we had any choice. If we would have left Washington without acting, the cost on inaction exceeded the cost of action, bottom line." Wamp says the second bill was a much better plan than the first, with add-ons like increasing the insurance of bank deposits up to 250-thousand dollars.
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WDEF TV
Representative Zach Wamp explains vote for bailout bill
October 9 – The meltdown over the Credit Crisis convinced Representative Zach Wamp to switch his vote on the bailout plan. The Congressman spoke at the Rotary Club Luncheon today at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Rep. Wamp says, "The cost of not doing this was going to be higher than the cost of doing it, and that's a tough call, because you end up doing the politically unpopular thing, but the thing that you really believe in your heart based on everything you've learned.
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WTVC TV
Rhea Medical Center
October 9 – "By moving to an electronic medical records system, Rhea Medical Center will improve efficiency and increase the quality of service to its patients," said Congressman Zach Wamp. The electronic system will automate internal records management, facilitate better patient case management, and allow clinicians to access patient records.
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Roll Call
Privatization: a solution or a disaster?
October 9 – Lawmakers in the 111th Congress are likely to continue a debate that has intensified over the past year — whether the best way to ensure that veterans receive quality health care is to expand access to private medical services. “The VA should look at new solutions to health care, like using the private sector without privatizing the system,” said Rep. Zach Wamp (Tenn.), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies.
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Claiborne Progress
Claiborne County Hospital receives USDA distance learning grant
October 8 – Claiborne County Hospital and Nursing Home is the recipient of a $62,300 grant from the USDA Rural Development program. “Claiborne County Hospital serves not only Claiborne County residents, but Grainger, Hancock and Union counties, plus parts of Kentucky and Virginia. The hospital’s geographic reach makes continuing medical education especially important for hospital physicians, nurses and staff,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “This grant will help provide vital services in an area where increased access to health care is greatly needed, and is a result of the hospital’s efforts for new ways to enhance and improve healthcare in Claiborne County.”

Claiborne Independent
CCH receives grant
October 8 – Claiborne County Hospital and Nursing Home is the recipient of a $62,300 grant from the USDA Rural Development program. “Claiborne County Hospital serves not only Claiborne County residents, but Grainger, Hancock and Union counties, plus parts of Kentucky and Virginia. The hospital’s geographic reach makes continuing medical education especially important for hospital physicians, nurses and staff,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “This grant will help provide vital services in an area where increased access to health care is greatly needed, and is a result of the hospital’s efforts for new ways to enhance and improve healthcare in Claiborne County.”

The Tennessean
People in business
October 7 – National Federation of Independent Business named these Tennessee members of the U.S. House of Representatives as Guardians of Small Business: U.S. Rep. David Davis, U.S. Rep. John Duncan, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp and Rep. Marsha Blackburn.
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Wall Street Journal
Historic bailout passes as economy slips further
October 4 – Rep. Zach Wamp said the accounting rule changes will help business. He opposed the bill Monday but now supports it, arguing broad action is needed to stem the decline in credit markets. "Monday, I cast a blue-collar vote," he said. "Today, I'm going to cast a red, white and blue vote for my country."
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Washington Times
Lawmakers reverse bailout votes
October 4 – "Monday I cast a blue collar vote," said Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee, one of 25 Republicans to switch from "No" to "Yes." "Today I'm going to cast a red, white and blue collar vote with my hand over my heart."
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Congressional Quarterly
House clears revised bailout package with tax extenders attached
October 3 – Zach Wamp said “the scope of this serious crisis is reaching regular Tennesseans from those saving for retirement to families who need loans for automobiles, homes or college and small businesses that need loans to meet payroll or expand their operations.” Wamp was one of 11 members of the conservative Republican Study Committee caucus who switched their votes.

Fox News
More 'no' votes switch to 'yes' on bailout
October 3 – A wave of House converts jumped aboard the $700 billion financial industry bailout on the eve of a make-or-break second vote, as lawmakers responded to an awakening among voters to the pain ahead of them if stability isn't restored to the tottering economy. "I hate it," but "inaction to me is a greater danger to our country than this bill," said GOP Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee.
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Politico
Historic bailout bill clears House
October 3 – “On Monday I cast a blue collar vote for the American people, shook the foundations of Wall Street, demanding more accountability,” said Rep. Zach Wamp in opening debate. “But today I’m going to cast a red-white-and-blue collar vote, with my hand over my heart for this country because things are really bad and we don’t have any choice.”
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WDEF TV
Congressman Zach Wamp votes for $700 billion bailout
October 3 – Congressman Zach Wamp stands as the only member of Tennessee's congressional delegation to change his vote from Monday. "The cost of inaction are greater than the cost of this bill, the 700 billion is a loan. Warren buffet said the other night it's a good deal, he would take it, the governments going to get its money back. He would know more about this than anybody in this house to be honest with you," Wamp said from the floor of the House. Wamp says he hated voting for the bill, but believes the situation was critical.
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WBIR TV
Wamp switches to yes vote on bailout plan
October 3 – Chattanooga Republican Rep. Zach Wamp voted for a revised plan to bail out the nation's financial institutions. "I voted against a bad bailout bill on Monday, and will now vote for a better rescue plan, not because I like it or want to but because we fought as hard as we could for more reforms," Wamp said before his vote.
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ABC
House passes economic recovery bill
October 3 – Rep. Zach Wamp voted against the measure earlier this week, now implored the House to act. "We're out of options," he said. "We don't have a month to write a new bill. Things are critical. We don't even have gas at stations in Tennessee. "Hold your hand over your heart and vote yes," Wamp said. Others were seeking guidance from a higher authority.
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Fox News
House passes rescue plan second time around
October 3 – "I voted against a bad bailout bill on Monday, and will now vote for a better rescue plan, not because I like it or want to, but because we fought as hard as we could for more reforms," said Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp. "Now it's time to vote for the financial security of all Americans and small business people on Main Street," Wamp said.
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The Tennessean
GOP wants more safeguards for taxpayers
October 1 – Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, a Republican from Chattanooga, said they and others in their party proposed an alternative to the Republican Bush administration's $700 billion plan. The alternative called for insuring the bad mortgages for $35 billion, but legislative negotiators shot it down and said it should be studied, Wamp said. "It's not time for study," he said. "It's time for action." Wamp also said raising the FDIC limit on insured bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 — as both major presidential candidates proposed Tuesday — would help bring members like him around. Wamp and Blackburn said they'd also like to see a suspension of the "mark-to-market" accounting rule, which requires financial firms to value their assets at the current market value for which they could sell them immediately.
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Washington Post
Dems, some in GOP question McCain's intervention
September 25 – Sen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. "If McCain and Obama would stand together and take this off the table" as a sharply partisan issue, then wary House Republicans might get on board, said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Washington Times
Dems, some in GOP question McCain's intervention
September 25 – Sen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. "If McCain and Obama would stand together and take this off the table" as a sharply partisan issue, then wary House Republicans might get on board, said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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The Hill
Paulson faces GOP lawmakers skeptical of bailout
September 25 – Rep. Zach Wamp, who expressed skepticism about the bailout, said until Democrats and Republicans come together — perhaps through presidential nominees Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain — there will be no resolution. “The administration does not have the credibility to convince Main Street,” Wamp said. “Politically it’s like nitroglycerin to [the party] that takes ownership of it.”
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Roll Call
Wall Street Plan Finds Support
September 25 – A joint call from presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain for a financial rescue package isolated House rank-and-file Republicans who have yet to sign on and are critical to its passage. Before Obama and McCain acted, Rep. Zach Wamp said the pair would be critical to getting a bill done. “After eight years, this administration doesn’t have the credibility to convince Main Street that this isn’t just a Wall Street problem,” Wamp said.
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Roll Call
Energy dissipates for GOP messaging efforts
September 25 – Even as they acknowledged that the deepening financial crisis has pushed energy issues off the front burner, House and Senate Republicans said they will continue to make the issue a central piece of their messaging efforts in the runup to the November elections. Other GOP lawmakers and aides acknowledged with most Americans focusing on the Wall Street meltdown and energy companies now authorized to drill almost anywhere off the coasts, the issue has lost its political potency. “I do think it defuses the issue somewhat,” Rep. Zach Wamp said.
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Congressional Quarterly
Veterans and Military Construction boosted in year-end omnibus
September 25 – The House approved an end of year spending measure that would provide a total of $118.9 billion to fund the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction projects, and related agencies in fiscal 2009. The committee’s ranking Republican Zach Wamp applauded Obey for taking action on the three security-related spending measures, but lamented the fact that the other nine appropriations bills were funded at “flat funding levels.”

Congressional Quarterly
Bailout bill: an election season ‘stink bomb?’
September 24 – There isn’t much political incentive for candidates, particularly those in close races, to support any of the several versions of a Wall Street bailout that are circulating on Capitol Hill. Republican Rep. Zach Wamp who is rated safe for re-election in Tennessee’s 3rd District explained the politics of the bailout this way: “It’s a stink bomb.”

Roll Call
Bush push lacks traction
September 24 – The Bush administration’s forceful lobbying effort failed to win support from rank-and-file Republicans or Democrats for a $700 billion Wall Street bailout package. “Initially I think the whole thing stinks,” Rep. Zach Wamp said after the GOP meeting with Cheney. “Everyone in the room thinks that this really stinks.” But Wamp said Members also see the risk that inaction could prompt a fiscal crisis.
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Washington Post
Despite pressure, House GOP hesitant on financial rescue plan
September 23 – House Republicans remained reluctant to approve legislation that would provide a $700 billion bailout for the financial securities industry after a more than 80-minute sales pitch this morning from Vice President Cheney and President Bush's chief of staff, Joshua Bolten. "The jury's really out [on] how the Congress is going to act," said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Congressional Quarterly
White House pushes hard for bailout plan
September 23 – Vice President Dick Cheney and White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten rushed to the Capitol to cajole balky Republicans into supporting the plan to have the government buy up troubled, unmarketable assets now clogging the books of financial institutions across the country. Emerging from the meeting, Rep. Zach Wamp said, “It’s a heavy task to convince people six weeks before an election that this kind of plan is necessary. I don’t know where Congress stands right now. It’s going to be a close call at this point.”

The Tennessean
U.S. House approves expansion of Trail of Tears
September 22 – Lawmakers want to double what is now recognized as the historic Trail of Tears - the route the Cherokee Indians took when they were forced from their homes and marched westward to reservations in the 1820s and 1830s. A bill approved Monday by the U.S. House would add about 1,500 miles of "previously undocumented" routes to the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail followed by the Cherokee when they were taken from their ancestral homelands in the East and marched to reservations on the Great Plains. The bill, introduced by Rep. Zach Wamp now goes to the Senate.
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Congressional Quarterly
Strategy rattles GOP conservatives
September 21 – Conservative Republicans on Capitol Hill started feeling a range of sour emotions, from left out to downright betrayed, as federal officials from their own party started pumping cash — presumably taxpayer-provided cash — into the nation’s failing financial industry. Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee said he fears that the Bush administration, concerned with its legacy and fearing more Republican losses in November, will continue the bailouts. “With three months to go, this administration may be just trying to make things as good as they can be on the way out the door,” Wamp said.

The Oak Ridge Observer
Wamp wants better energy bill
September 18 – One issue is burning in the American public like no other issue, and that is the cost of energy. While the American people continue to suffer at the gas pump, House Democrats have decided to bring a so called “energy” bill to the floor that does not do enough to increase our domestic supply of energy now.

Business Tennessee
With a bullet
September – The idea for maglev service between Atlanta and Chattanooga has until been relegated to the sidelines in urban planning and transportation discussions, but now that the nation is beginning to feel the weight of more limited mobility. “There has been a change in attitude in the last six months regarding high-speed ground transportation, and we are fortunate to receive great support from Congressman Wamp and Senators Corker and Alexander," said Joe Ferguson, director of special projects for the Enterprise Center.
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Claiborne Independent
Medical office building open house
September 3 – Dozens of citizens and dignitaries attended an open house at the new Medical office Bldg. near the Claiborne Co. Hospital. County Mayor Joe Duncan, Congressman Zach Wamp, Rural Development’s Mary Ruth Tackett and State Sen. Mike Williams were in attendance. “This is an example of good government at its best. I applaud the public sector for working together to create this facility,” Wamp said.
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Claiborne Independent
Chamber hosts grant presentation
September 3 – Rep. Zach Wamp and Rural Development State Director Ruth Tackett joined Claiborne Co. Mayor Joe Duncan to announce a federal investment for water infrastructure improvements and an expansion of the Claiborne Utility District service area. “These things don’t happen fast. Progressive people with visions that lead the county are the ones who get the money,” Wamp said.
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Shopper News Now
More water flows to Chapel
September 1 – Representative Zach Wamp and Rural Development Area Director Jerry Amonett joined Hallsdale-Powell Utility District President Darren Cardwell and President Emeritus Marvin Hammond to announce a federal investment to extend water service to homes and community facilities north of Norris Lake in Union County. "Our East Tennessee rural communities deserve the same reliable access to drinking water as our larger communities,” said Wamp.

Standard Banner
Congressman Wamp visits local firefighters
August 28 – A new tanker made possible by a federal Homeland Security Grant will be a key tool in Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department’s coverage of rural homes and property. “I’m pleased that I could help this volunteer department obtain the equipment they need to keep our citizens well-protected,” said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Oak Ridge Observer
City celebrates ‘heroic effort’
August 21 – Approximately 1,000 residents, dignitaries and elected officials gathered for the dedication ceremony of the new Oak Ridge High School, which has been more than five years in the making. Congressman Zach Wamp also spoke at the event. Discussing how Oak Ridge High School manages to do so well academically, as well achieve so much athletically, he said, “It is amazing to me that Oak Ridge High School does everything so well. ... But, it’s not amazing when you get to know the moms and dads (behind the school).”
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WZTV TV
Tenn science community spends $55M on high school
August 19 –– With gleaming glass and vaulted ceilings, Oak Ridge High School opened for fall classes Monday with a flourish to mark the end of a remodeling project considered the most expensive in Tennessee public school history. The bricks and mortar cost was $55 million, but the total is closer to $61 million. U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp praised the overwhelming support from the Oak Ridge community for a tax increase and individual donations to transform a tired 1950s-era campus into a large, modern, energy efficient institution for 1,400 students.
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WRCB TV
Push button nuclear, bio-chemical safe houses to be built in Chattanooga
August 18 – The only bi-product that comes from these hydrogen fueled vehicles is water, which is why experts say this is the hybrid of tomorrow. Volkswagen is just one of nine automakers touring the country trying to convince drivers that these vehicles are easy to use. "We've got to get off oil; we've got to get off petroleum; we've got to look at the alternatives, and we've got to move all of our energy sources in a cleaner direction," said Rep. Zach Wamp.
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Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
New tech corridor to benefit Rutherford County
August 15 – Rutherford County is now part of the Tennessee Valley Corridor, a regional economic and technology development organization focused on bringing high-tech jobs to the area, U.S. Reps. Bart Gordon and Zach Wamp announced jointly from the Middle Tennessee State University campus. As evidence that a regional collaboration works, Wamp sited the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga and the BMW plant in Alabama. “Where regions work together economically, you achieve success,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”
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Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
TVC now includes 6th Congressional District
August 15 – Congressmen Bart Gordon and Zach Wamp joined with the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Corridor, Inc. (TVC) and with key leaders from Middle Tennessee's Mind2Marketplace (M2M) group at the MTSU campus to officially announce that the footprint of the TVC will be expanded to include Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Since 1995 when it was first formed by Congressman Zach Wamp, the TVC has built a strong alliance of community, business, education and government leaders through a series of regular regional and National economic summits led by the corridor's bipartisan and multi-state Congressional delegation and a blue-ribbon board of regional leaders.
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WDEF TV
Push button nuclear, bio-chemical safe houses to be built in Chattanooga
August 13 – The Tennessee Valley goes high-tech with a push button, nuclear and bio-chemical shelter. Manufacturing of those shelters will take place right here in Chattanooga and up to 300 people will make a lot of money to build them. Congressman Zach Wamp says it's a great way to use technologies to benefit the Tennessee Valley, "It's exactly what we've wanted economically. To have these manufacturing opportunities that solve the problems of the world."
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WDEF TV
High tech shelter manufacturing plant coming to Chattanooga
August 13 – Chattanooga will soon become a leader in emergency response and shelter technology. Members of the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge and private sector company Adaptive Methods signed a licensing agreement to begin manufacturing a Rapid Deployment Shelter System. It will initially employ 100 highly skilled engineers, but could add another one to 200. "Now we have the application of these kind of units being delivered after a Katrina or a Sunami or a war in Iraq or Afghanistan or whereever next. This is neat and it's what our country needs,” said Zach Wamp.
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The Tennessean
Bullet train from Nashville to Atlanta?
August 12 – Imagine a trip from Nashville to Atlanta in which your travel time is less than two hours. The transportation mode: a bullet train propelled by magnets and capable of speeds of 310 mph. Rep. Zach Wamp wants to get some of that money for the Nashville-to-Atlanta route. "We should pursue this with everything we have because high speed rail connecting from Atlanta to the north through our state would do great things for Tennessee."
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WDEF TV
Tennessee River Gorge Explorer attracts tourism
August 12 – The Tennessee River Gorge Explorer opened about a month and a half ago. It offers a 90-minute tour of the river gorge and a glimpse at protected wildlife. Zach Wamp says not doubt a slumping economy has somewhat hurt attractions like this, "But I would argue that with Volkswagon and a lot of other development we have here we're almost recession proof. The economy here is pretty strong. Tourism hurts but what people say is instead of a week in Florida, we'll do a weekend in Chattanooga," Wamp added.
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WDEF TV
Chickamauga Lock construction project to increase transportation efficiency nine fold
August 11 – Tennessee Congressman Zach Wamp and two local senators got a first hand look at the progress of the Chickamauga Lock building project. A coffer dam is under construction to clear and drain an area in the river so construction on the lock can begin. Wamp say the new lock will be nine times faster and more efficient, "It keeps the TN River open to commerce and navigation and let me tell you, if it ever closed we would have major problems with over 200 thousand more 18 wheel trucks on the roads in the East which we can't afford."
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WTVC TV
Chattanooga National Cemetery explores expansion plans
August 11 – The Director for the Chattanooga National Cemetery says they are running out of room. It's what many including Congressman Zach Wamp say is the least the country can do for those who served or who made the ultimate sacrifice, be buried and honored at a national cemetery. "But good plan says that you don't wait until you have to go and get this lands. So you begin the process," said Congressman Zach Wamp.
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WTVC TV
Healthy choices for students
August 7 – Schools are just about to begin in Hamilton County. Before they crack open those books some educators met to discuss the importance of healthy environments for their students. " We're looking forward to a better school year. A good school year. I think it's very important to get off to a good start. Just look at the holistic approach to education," said Wamp. In a time where online chats consume children's lives teachers and counselors say it's more important than ever to teach their students healthy behavioral skills.
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Baptist Press
Bush should use 'bully pulpit' in China
August 1 – For Congressman Zach Wamp, the only successful trip by President Bush to China for the Olympics will be one in which he uses the "bully pulpit of the White House." He urged the president to make sure the Chinese leaders don't think "we condone or accept or will allow things in China to continue as they are, because human rights, individual freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of the press frankly are still non-existent in a country that wants to convince the world that they have reformed," Wamp said.
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City Scope Magazine
Leadership Chattanooga
August – Shaping the future with all of its promise and peril, stepping forward to accept responsibilities, and building bridges of cooperation define the role of the leader in any community. “Leadership Chattanooga has contributed in a quiet way to the city’s renaissance during the same time frame and helped to make Chattanooga the dynamic and beautiful place that it is today,” remarks Tennessee’s Third District Congressman, Zach Wamp, himself a Leadership Chattanooga graduate.
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City Scope Magazine
Volkswagen Driven
August – For Chattanooga and Hamilton County, the July announcement that Volkswagen would build its $1 billion North American assembly plant at Enterprise South Industrial Park may well be the most significant economic-related event to occur in a generation. According to Rep. Zach Wamp, the Chamber deserves great credit for the success with Volkswagen. “Trevor Hamilton and the people at the Chamber briefed us regularly and kept us informed,” comments Wamp. “He deserves tremendous credit. It was ‘never give up’ and ‘leave no stone unturned.’”
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Christian Broadcasting Network
Bush to Promote Religious Freedom in China
July 31 – President Bush plans to promote human rights, including freedom of worship, while in China for the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games. However, those critical of the President's visit are urging him not to attend the opening ceremony. One of those critics is fellow Republican Congressman Zach Wamp from Tennessee. "Freedom and individual liberty are God's gift to each of us, and they're not being recognized in the host country of the Olympics," Wamp said Thursday at a press conference.
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The Hill
Wasserman Schultz wants to cut White House out of architect selection
July 30 – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) announced a bipartisan measure to eliminate the White House’s role in selecting the next Architect of the Capitol. The architect is only responsible to Congress, these members argue, and therefore it is Congress that should have sole oversight in selecting the person for the job. “This age-old appointment process is archaic,” said Rep. Zach Wamp, a member of the House Appropriations Committee
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Roll Call
Gasoline Prices Energize GOP
July 30 – High gas prices might be decimating the economy, but they are proving to be just the tonic for House Republicans. “We’re doing pretty well and we’re blocking and tackling on the issues we believe in,” Rep. Zach Wamp said.
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Politico
Lawmakers clash at energy debate
July 28 – In an event characterized by detailed policy discussion, eight members of Congress clashed at a debate on energy. In his closing, Rep. Zach Wamp repeated the charge that Democrats have been consistently opposed to new drilling. But Wamp also extended an olive branch to his sparring partners, admitting: “All of these people are actually my friends. I’m talking about where we’re going together as a nation.”
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WWL TV
Congressional members debate energy in New Orleans
July 28 – Republican and Democratic lawmakers debating energy policy agreed Monday that the United States is at a critical juncture and that more must be done to diversify the country's energy portfolio and ease its dependence on foreign oil. "If we don't diversify our supply ... we are hurting," Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said. "We're not talking about $5 gas; we're talking about no gas." Republicans repeated an "all of the above" theme, saying they supported a range of energy sources - coal, biomass, nuclear, among them plus expanded drilling that they say has gained support among Americans. They also support additional research into new technologies and conservation, which Democrats also have favored. U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., said he hoped Republicans would start voting in line with their rhetoric; Wamp called that a "bunch of bunk." Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., noted that Republicans controlled Congress and the presidency for years and asked the four Republicans on the stage if the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was working or was a "colossal failure." Wamp called it a success, saying the price of oil, and gas, it out of U.S. hands.
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Roll Call
GOP Overcomes Deficit, Wins 11-10
July 21 – It wasn’t as easy as in years past, but Republicans continued their baseball dominance in the 47th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park, coming from behind for an 11-10 walk-off win to sweep the best-of-five series and retire yet another coveted Roll Call trophy. The 47th edition of the summer classic was the second in a row to remain competitive throughout but the first in a long while to display such drama. “I think, frankly, the Democrats have gotten better,” Wamp said. “We’re going to have our hands full next year.”
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Washington Post
Game on
July 20 – Late in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, the Democrats took a 4-3 lead and appeared on the verge of their first victory over their Republican rivals since 2000. "The Democrats deserved to win the game," Rep. Zach Wamp, the Republican shortstop who had two hits, told the Roll Call newspaper, the sponsor of the game. "I've played for 12 years, and this was the best baseball game I've played in."
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WTVC TV
Volkswagen is Ramsey's dream come true
July 15 – Claude Ramsey played a key part in transferring the property at Enterprise South from the Army. And today Ramsey says landing Volkswagen is a dream come true. "And no elected leader deserves more credit today than Claude Ramsey, his heart and soul have been in this all along," Congressman Zach Wamp says.
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WDEF TV
What the Volkswagen plant will mean for Chattanooga
July 15 – With the new site at Enterprise South, Volkswagen is committing to at least 2,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion. On the surface this announcement adds 2,000 new jobs, but the true impact is much larger. Congressman Zach Wamp explains. "For every one manufacturing job there are seven support and service jobs. That's 14,000 jobs in the region based on supporting 2,000 manufacturing jobs."
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WLVT TV
Corker, Alexander, Wamp react to Volkswagen's planned plant in Chattanooga
July 15 – “It was just a matter of time before a major auto manufacturer decided to locate at Enterprise South – and our time has arrived,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. U.S. Representative Zach Wamp offered federal reaction to today’s announcement from Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. that it will build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., and invest $1 billion in the economy.
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Energy & Environment Daily
House could get a jolt of energy-saving programs
July 15 – H.R. 6474, from Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Zach Wamp, would charge the Chief Administrative Officer with taking on demonstration projects aimed at cutting energy use and slashing utility bills. The legislation would authorize $10 million over two years. "Alternative sources, like the solid-oxide fuel cell that is being successfully demonstrated in the Tennessee Valley Corridor, should play a key role in the energy efficiency of the Capitol complex," Wamp said.

Roll Call
Getting greener
July 14 – Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Zach Wamp introduced a bill to authorize project demonstrations aimed at cutting energy consumption and cost in the House. The bill would authorize $5 million for the Chief Administrative Office to launch a pilot program promoting the use of innovative technologies aimed at “greening” the House. “This legislation will allow the House of Representatives to be a model in using cutting-edge technology for clean energy,” Wamp, co-chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, said.
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Roll Call
Finally, a fixed date for the CVC
July 14 – To many, the Capitol Visitor Center has become a symbol of government bureaucracy and overspending. Zach Wamp said the CVC is the result of “meeting after meeting after meeting” of looking over the budget and detailing all the problems. “While it was a long painful struggle it is a quality end project,” he said.
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WTVC TV
Large turnout for reserve unit headed for Iraq
July 13 – Families of 23 soldiers spent the most of this afternoon saying the things that matter the most to them. That's because the Army Reserve 591st Transportation Detachment will be gone for one year in Iraq. Congressman Zach Wamp spoke at the departure ceremony, "The better persons are standing right here. They volunteered to serve our country at this high level. They are the patriots of our time."
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The Tennessean
Compromise bill will give law vital update
July 7 – FISA is the law that allows our intelligence community to conduct surveillance and is critical to keep our nation safe. Fortunately the U.S. House of Representatives came to a compromise that I supported to improve intelligence collection by updating FISA and closing the gaps created by evolving technology.
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Roll Call
Entitlement panel sponsors hopeful in defeat
June 30 – House backers of a bipartisan fiscal commission that would have authority to bring an overhaul of taxes and spending to the House and Senate floor with limited amendments say they are gaining momentum for their cause. “I think everyone knows in their heart that this has to be done,” said Rep. Zach Wamp who helped lead the charge in the Appropriations Committee. “I don’t think you’ve seen the last of it at all.”
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Clinton Courier
‘All of above’ needed for energy
June 29 – We can only help lower the price of gasoline by implementing an all-of-the-above approach that increases American-made energy, decreases our dependence on foreign oil and creates jobs here at home in the process. The world needs to see us proactively moving toward energy independence, and the best way we can do it is to deploy the technologies and capitalize on our free-enterprise system to solve these problems. We must continue to invest in next generation vehicles to decrease our petroleum consumption.

Marine Corp Times
Bill would help improve barracks, hospitals
June 23 – A $72.8 billion bill that would provide better barracks for some Marine and soldier trainees, fix antiquated military medical facilities, hire more veterans claims processors and increase access to care for veterans has cleared its first hurdle in the House of Representatives. “One of the biggest challenges is to make sure VA follows through,” said Rep. Zach Wamp. “If Congress doesn’t lead and direct and hold them accountable, all the money in the world is not going to lead to more efficiency. It’s easier to appropriate or allocate money than it is to hold these agencies accountable.”
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Obey funds war he votes against
June 18 – Anti-war Democrats are not the only ones unhappy about the way Iraq spending bills have taken shape. Republicans argue that emergency bills should not be used to fast-track unrelated domestic programs. "This is the serious business of freedom," said Zach Wamp, a Tennessee Republican. "It needs to be funded without all the extraneous stuff, and frankly, all the tricks associated with getting what they want in addition to what we need."
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Congressional Quarterly
Record VA funding would have strong health focus
June 16 – The Military Construction-VA Subcommittee approved a draft spending bill that would provide a record $118.7 billion for military construction and Veterans Affairs in fiscal 2009. “One of the biggest challenges is making sure the VA follows through, because the VA is a bureaucracy,” said Zach Wamp, the subcommittee’s ranking Republican. “It is easier to allocate the money than it is to exercise oversight.”

WDEF TV
A military salute at Hamilton Place for Flag Day
June 13 – The local American Red Cross and Hamilton Place Mall host "A Military Salute" in conjunction with Flag Day. It's an opportunity for the community to express its support of both our troops and veterans. A Military Salute" also celebrates the return of the local 181st Army Reserve group from Iraq. Rep. Zach Wamp said, "We've been talking about in Washington the lesson of Vietnam is even if you don't agree with the mission we know now that you better appreciate wholeheartedly the men and women in uniform who stand against any threat in our civilian population."
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WRCB TV
Politicians react to death of Russert
June 13 – "I don't think anyone, regardless of where they stand politically, did not have respect for Tim Russert," said Congressman Zach Wamp. For journalists and lawmakers, the tributes may seem a bit self-serving if Russert had not so completely transcended network and party affiliation. "He's the model of how you should do your research, your homework, your diligence and then be fair and reasonable about it all," said Wamp. Tim Russert was the longest running host of Meet the Press, having held court Sunday mornings on NBC since 1991.
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Roll Call
Appropriations encounters turbulent start
June 9 – With a budget passed, House appropriators will start marking up bills. Rep. Zach Wamp, the ranking member of the MilCon-VA Subcommittee, said that appropriators in both parties are frustrated that bills are unlikely to move. “We’re trying to reform the process, and they’re trying to protect it,” he said. “That definitely added to the angst.” Wamp, meanwhile, said there had not been enough cooperation even on issues such as military construction in the war supplemental. “If we’re not cooperating on military issues in a time of war, we’re not cooperating on anything,” he said.
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The Hill
Conservation for warriors, not wimps
June 7 – The nexus between national security, energy and the environment is one of the most important issues of our time. I’m for an “all of the above” approach to leading the world on energy solutions. Conservation is not for wimps, it’s for warriors. While not everyone will wear the uniform of our armed forces, everyone can help secure America’s future by lessening our dependence on foreign oil.
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Congressional Quarterly
Appropriations encounters turbulent start
June 2 – Legislation could remove barriers and inspire more people to get back in shape. One measure — sponsored by Zach Wamp — would allow businesses to deduct from their taxes the cost of health club memberships purchased for their employees.

Roll Call
GOP rank and file take opportunity to vent
May 21 – House Republicans emerged from a closed-door Conference meeting calling the hour-plus venting session constructive and productive. “What you’re seeing today is a real pulling together of the Conference, and it comes at a good time: six months before the election,” Rep. Zach Wamp said.
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Earth Times
President's Council launches new national adult fitness test
May 14 – The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) launched its new national Adult Fitness Test. "While many Americans know physical activity is important for leading a healthy life and reducing the risk for many serious diseases, many Americans don't know where to begin," says Rep. Zach Wamp, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Fitness Caucus. "Everyone has a point at which their new fitness regimen should start, and this test will help determine what level of activity is best for each individual."
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The Tennessean
Modernized GI Bill is long overdue
April 24 – After World War II, our country offered education assistance to returning veterans. Today, education benefits are administered under the Montgomery GI Bill, which was last updated in 1984. At that time, the average public college tuition cost about $1,250 per year. A lot has changed since 1984. Tuition averages $5,800 per school year today, and we are also asking more from our military now than any other time in history. Clearly, it is time to modernize the GI Bill.
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WATE TV Knoxville
Y-12 complex offers military radiation detection training
April 18 – Some National Guardsmen are getting hands-on training to deal with terrorist attacks and detecting radioactive material, such as in dirty bombs. It's training offered nowhere else in the world, but at Y-12. Congressman Zach Wamp took a tour of the facility. "You want to know with confidence that somebody has been trained to do this in the event of a radiation event in our country," Wamp adds.
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Politico
Legislators demonstrate fitness for office
March 25 – Zach Wamp and staffers say legislative activity doesn’t have to prevent physical activity. Rep. Zach Wamp is one to talk — or run, for that matter. An avid runner, he logs 20 to 30 miles a week. “But that doesn’t mean that everybody has to become a running machine. There are so many things that you can do to increase movement,” said Congressional Fitness Caucus co-chairman Wamp, who adheres to a “physical, mental and spiritual approach for a balanced life.”
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Waterways Council
Work slows on inland navigation projects
March 18 – With revenues in the inland waterways trust fund dwindling, the Corps of Engineers is already tamping down construction of inland navigation construction and rehabilitation projects. “We’ve got a problem, and ... we collectively have got to solve it. To me, it is a Katrina-kind of problem where our economy can be brought to its knees if we don’t address these issues.

RTT News
Club For Growth praises Obey for earmark survey
March 6 – “The level of reform presented and adopted by the Congress so far has not convinced the public that things have changed in Washington. There have still been abuses of the current system by some leaders,” Rep. Zach Wamp said. Reps. Frank Wolf of Virginia, Jack Kingston of Georgia and Zach Wamp of Tennessee have called for the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral panel to review the earmarking system. Announcing the legislation in January, Wamp said lawmakers have not done enough to shed light on the earmarking process. “We need sweeping reforms in a comprehensive way on how earmarks are decided in authorization, appropriations, tax and tariff bills and administration requests.”

Congressional Quarterly
Pelosi may trump GOP on earmarks: ‘It’s Showtime’
March 5 – Rep. Zach Wamp, a cosponsor of Kingston’s plan, said Republicans were unified behind the idea of a moratorium for both parties, but would probably take no unilateral action unless sought by their presidential nominee. “If John McCain asks us not to take earmarks, Republicans would get behind that. Otherwise, I don’t think we would do that,” Wamp said. Republicans were quick to attack the trial balloon floated by Pelosi and her supporters. Kingston has been asking Democrats to sign a discharge petition for his own plan (S Con Res 263) to temporarily ban earmarks and ask a joint select committee to develop permanent earmark restrictions.

WDEF TV Chattanooga
Representative Zach Wamp says protect Tennessee's water
February 29 – Congressman Zach Wamp says the border war could become a Federal issue but he doesn't see Washington, D.C., or the Supreme Court forcing the issue. He says Tennessee River water belongs to the people of the Volunteer State. Rep. Wamp says, "It's one of our greatest resources in Tennessee and what we have to do is protect Tennessee's resources and make sure there that...you know we have compassion for people everywhere, but until somebody forces us to give up water to another state, whatever that state, that's not gonna happen." Wamp said cooperation on matters of transportation and infrastructure works...but you don't move a state line just because one state has a drought problem and the other has an abundant water supply.
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Defense Daily
Administration may proceed with JDAM sale to Saudi Arabia
February 20 – The initial deadline for Congress to object to the sale of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) to Saudi Arabia has passed. "As consensus has not been built around this action within either the legislative or executive branch, responsible members from both parties should pursue all possible options to stop this sale from being fully consummated," Rep. Zach Wamp said.

WDEF TV Chattanooga
House let Foreign Surveillance Act lapse
February 17 – Congressman Zach Wamp scolds the House for not extending the foreign surveillance act. "It's very obvious in this country that we foil the attempts of the terrorists to bring harm on our country and this law is very much a part of the tools that our intelligence gathering services need."
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Tennessean
Government must live within its means
February 15 – The American people have to make difficult financial decisions to live within their means, and they expect their leaders in Washington to do the same. February is the month when Congress begins its budgeting process for next year. The president's budget request is merely a starting point.

World Tribune
Congress not phased by Saudi weapons deal
February 14 – 13 Republican Party members of the House objected to the Saudi procurement. "This [JDAM sale] is a bad idea," Rep. Zach Wamp, a Tennessee Republican, said. "We had hoped there would be more opposition and more scrutiny.”
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Associated Press
Lawmakers want to keep bombs from Saudis
February 12 – A handful of Republican lawmakers, saying Saudi Arabia is funding terrorism, sought to enlist more GOP opposition to the Bush administration's proposal to sell precision-guided bombs to the Arab kingdom." The problem with selling arms to Saudi Arabia is there is a clear pattern here of the royal family in Saudi Arabia basically aiding and abetting the enemy," Wamp said.

Defense News
3 House Republicans fight White House JDAM sale to Saudis
February 12 – Three House Republicans made a last-minute plea to their colleagues to support a resolution to block the sale of U.S. satellite-guided bombs to Saudi Arabia. “This is a bad idea,” Rep. Zach Wamp said of the JDAM sale. Wamp decried Saudi support of terrorist training schools and said Saudi oil revenues help sustain Islamic radicalism.

Memphis Commercial Appeal
Senators, congress members weigh in
February 6 – "The violent storms that tore through Tennessee overnight affect our entire state, and we continue to learn from reports the scope of the devastation. Our hearts to go out to all fellow Tennesseans who are suffering losses, those who are injured and those whose family members were killed in these fierce tornadoes.”
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The Politico
Lott successor Wicker has big britches to fill
January 22 – Roger Wicker earned a reputation in the House as a studious, savvy member of the subcommittees that oversee military spending. “He’s a real solid citizen,” said Rep. Zach Wamp, a fellow member of the class of 1994 who ran Wicker’s successful campaign to be president of the incoming class of lawmakers. “You’re talking about a guy who takes his business seriously.”
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