Week in Review



Week in Review: September 27-October 1
 
 
FairTax
 
This week, the FairTax picked up another co-sponsor in Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC).  The addition of Senator DeMint brings the total number of co-sponsors in the Senate to 5, while the total in the House of Representatives is 65.  Being that taxes are again a hot topic for the American people, this common-sense bill is gaining more momentum by the day.  I am confident that with a wave of new representatives expected to come to Washington this January, the measure can attain the number of backers needed to get full consideration in Congress.
 
To learn more about the FairTax, please click here.
 
ObamaCare
 
This week, the Republican staff for the Committee on Ways and Means released some daunting statistics about what government-run healthcare will do to America.  The Principal Financial Group has announced that they will stop selling health insurance because of the Democrats’ health care overhaul, and the New York Times predicts that other smaller health providers will follow their lead.  If these smaller providers cut health care services, the costs at the larger companies will skyrocket because they will no longer have to compete in an open and free market.  With so many people soon to be lacking health coverage, one can expect higher enrollment in taxpayer-subsidized, government-run health programs that will cost untold billions.
 
It seems as though President Obama again misled the American people when he assured us that,“If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.”
 
To read of more problems that ObamaCare will create, please click here.
 
Recognition of the Warner Robins Softball Team
 
Last week, I became a co-sponsor H.Res. 1703, introduced by Representative Jim Marshall, to congratulate the Warner Robbins Little League softball team for their victory in the championship game of the 2010 Little League Softball World Series.  The team was able to deliver a second consecutive softball championship to the city of Warner Robins after remaining undefeated through a series of state, regional, and championship games.  I offer my congratulations to the players, their coaches, and the parents who supported them throughout the tournament.  To view a copy of this bill, please click here.
 
Defense News:
 
H.Res. 1442
On September 30, I was proud to see H.Res. 1442, the “Designate November as U.S. Military History Month” resolution pass the House of Representatives.   Introduced by Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN-02), this resolution would recognize November as the United States Military History Month in order to better understand, appreciate, and celebrate the influence of the military on our nation’s narrative. 
 
While still a general in the Continental Army, George Washington said, “When we assumed the soldier, we did not set aside the citizen.”  Thus, even before there was a United States until today, Americans have never shied away from a fight to make life better, not only for themselves, but for many millions around the world.  Our country already celebrates and commemorates American soldiers who died in combat on Memorial Day, and we honor all those who served in the military on Veterans Day.  However, without celebrating our nation’s military history, these holidays might very well end up being seen merely as days when government buildings and banks are closed.  The history of the military in the United States is a priceless and unique aspect of our country.  Our military history has told the story of the countless freedoms Americans and individuals around the globe enjoy, and I am proud to have sponsored this legislation that would set aside a month to honor the United States Military.  To see a copy of this resolution, please click here.
 
H.Res. 1630
I was also pleased that H.Res. 1630, “Expressing Support for National POW/MIA Recognition Day,” passed the House on September 28, 2010.  This resolution, of which I was proud to be a co-sponsor, recognized September 17, 2010 as the national POW/MIA Recognition Day.   I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues of both parties as we supported this special day and honored our fallen heroes.  During the course of conflicts involving American soldiers in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and Vietnam, over 138,000 American servicemen and women were detained or interned as POWs.  Many were subjected to severe torture, starvation, and forced labor.  The bodies of 84,000 members of the Armed Services remain missing from those conflicts even today.  The bravery and sacrifice of these courageous Americans is reason enough to honor their memory, but the uncertainty, hardship and pain endured by the families, friends and loved ones of the POW and MIA soldiers must never be forgotten.  To view a copy of this resolution, please click here.
          
Blog of the Week:
 
As a reminder, I would like to share with you the news that the Department of Defense (DoD) has deemed September 27-October 4, 2010, “Absentee Voting Week.”  Senior DoD leaders will use a series of online tools and educational materials to raise awareness of the absentee voting process for DoD personnel stationed overseas.  
 
You should know that absentee voting extends beyond this week, and that the new website and educational materials are now live and readily available.  You may access these materials by clicking here.  I encourage all of my constituents who may be overseas to take advantage of this wonderful system our DoD has set in place.  One of the many blessings we enjoy as citizens of this great nation is the ability to actively participate in the voting process.  It is important that your vote be counted as you choose who you want to represent you in Congress. 
 
 
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