STIMULUS UPDATE
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 28, 2009, 12:43 PM)
Even the liberal media admits the facts...
Less Than 6% of Stimulus Funds Have Been Paid Out:
NY TIMES: "Nearly three months after President Obama approved a $787 billion economic stimulus package… the federal government has paid out less than 6 percent of the money …The intent of the stimulus program was to pump money into the economy quickly, and many members of Congress said at the time of its passage that speed was of the essence. But the huge program has been a challenge to administer for both a new administration and for states and local governments grappling with their own fiscal problems.” (“Stimulus Aid Trickles Out, but States Seek Quicker Relief,” New York Times, 05/12/2009)
“Unemployment Will Likely Keep Rising Through 2010 to Peak Over 10 Percent”:
Reuters: “The U.S. economy will likely start growing again in the second half of this year but unemployment will likely keep rising through 2010 to peak over 10 percent, the Congressional Budget Office said on Thursday…It will likely take several years for the unemployment rate to fall back to levels seen before the recession hit, in the neighborhood of 5 percent, he said in the prepared remarks.” (“U.S. unemployment likely to peak above 10 percent: CBO,” Reuters, 05/21/2009)
“Counties Suffering Most” Will “Receive the Least Help” From The Stimulus:
AP: “Counties suffering the most from job losses stand to receive the least help from President Barack Obama's plan to spend billions of stimulus dollars on roads and bridges, an Associated Press analysis has found…Although the intent of the money is to put people back to work, AP's review of more than 5,500 planned transportation projects nationwide reveals that states are planning to spend the stimulus in communities where jobless rates are already lower.” (“STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest,” Associated Press, 05/11/2009)
Most Agencies Haven’t “Reported More Than 3% of Funds Allocated”
Wall Street Journal: “With the exception of two agencies, none have reported more than 3% of the funds allocated to them as having been used by recipients. The slow speed reflects the often complex procedures set out by the program for both government agencies dispensing money and the governors, municipal authorities, nonprofits and private companies getting it.” (“Economic-Stimulus Cash Is Moving Slowly,” Wall Street Journal, 05/13/2009)
There “May Be No Way to Spend So Much Money Quickly And Effectively”:
Washington Post: “They are being told that the stimulus package must be huge to work, but there may be no way to spend so much money quickly and effectively. Given the limitations, Congress and the administration would be well advised to trim the stimulus bill's more dubious spending, or reallocate it and focus on a definitive financial sector cleanup. Fiscal stimulus can be a part of the solution, but only if it is "targeted, timely and temporary." The efforts so far don't quite match that description.”
“Priming the Pump: The stimulus plan has something for everyone -- and a lot that's not stimulus.” (Editorial, “Priming the Pump,” Washington Post, 1/25/2009)
“Range Of Respected Economists” Believe Stimulus “Won’t Stimulate Economic Activity”:
McClatchy: “The compromise economic stimulus plan agreed to by negotiators from the House of Representatives and the Senate is short on incentives to get consumers spending again and long on social goals that won't stimulate economic activity, according to a range of respected economists. ‘I think (doing) nothing would have been better,’ said Ed Yardeni, an investment analyst who's usually an optimist, in an interview with McClatchy. He argued that the plan fails to provide the right incentives to spur spending.” (“Will the stimulus actually stimulate? Economists say no,” McClatchy, 2/12/2009)
While Biden Tries To “Paint A Glowing Picture” On The Economy, The “Picture Is Incomplete And The Colors Are Far More Muted”:
AP: “It is not disputed that Washington is spending historic amounts of money at a rate far faster than normal…But the effect of that spending is less clear. Many of the claims the White House is making are based on anecdotes selected to fit the Obama administration's message. For instance, the report cites a newspaper article about workers being rehired at a factory in Chicago. That account is true, but is no more an accurate snapshot of the nation's economy than a story, not cited in the report, about a Roanoke, Va., railcar factory closing.” (“FACT CHECK: Data belie Biden stimulus anecdotes,” Associated Press, 05/13/2009)
Posted in Economy | View Full Posting
Traffic congestion could increase 70 percent by 2030
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 20, 2009, 03:05 PM)
By 2030, Charleston roads could be clogged like Atlanta unless the system is improved.
- Congestion would have jumped by 70 percent by then.
- South Carolina has the fourth highest traffic fatality rate in the country.
- The death rate is five times higher on rural roads than other highways.
- Twenty-eight percent of the state's roads are in poor or mediocre condition
- 20 percent of its bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete
The House will be considering a transportation bill later this year that will continue efforts to make improvements in these areas.
Click here to read the full Post & Courier article.
Posted in Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester County, In Case You Missed It, Transportation | View Full Posting
Brown Supports Bill to Strengthen Role of Civil Air Patrol in Homeland Security
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 12, 2009, 04:49 PM)
I am proud to support H.R.1178, legislation that unanimously passed the House of Representatives today requiring an assessment of how the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) can support homeland security missions.
Consisting of 57,000 volunteers from all across the country, equipped with 500 planes, the Civil Air Patrol stands ready to support the United States Air Force and the Department of Homeland Security in the event of a natural disaster, a man-made emergency, border security issues or terrorist threats.
Overall, the studies approved by this legislation will find that using CAP resources to bolster our border security and assist in disaster response is a sensible and cost-effective measure that passed here today will ensure that the Civil Air Patrol is functioning properly and supporting both the United States Air Force and the Department of Homeland Security to the best of its ability.
For more information on H.R. 1178, click here and for more information on the Civil Air Patrol, click here.
Posted in Defense, Homeland Security | View Full Posting
SHOCK VIDEO: HOUSE DEM SAYS TERRORISTS SHOULD RECEIVE SAME “DUE PROCESS” RIGHTS AS U.S. TROOPS
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 07, 2009, 05:25 PM)
IS THIS THE DEMOCRATS’ PLAN FOR DEALING WITH THE TERRORIST THREAT?
In a House Appropriations Committee debate this afternoon, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) waded into a discussion about what to do with the cold-blooded terrorists housed at the Guantanamo Bay prison and offered this solution: give them the same “due process” rights as American troops. That’s right. Some of the most dangerous terrorists on the face of the Earth … enjoying the same rights as men and women defending our nation from attack.
Can’t believe it? See it for yourself:
REP. ADAM SCHIFF (D-CA): “I think we can use the Uniform Code of Military Justice in the military courts which are very much a home-court advantage and we can held up to the rest of the world that we’re giving these detainees the same due process we give our own troops when they’re brought up on court martial charges. Nothing more and nothing less.”
Giving terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks on America, and Abu Zubaydah, who personally trained some of the 9/11 hijackers, the same rights as the men and women protecting Americans from terrorists hell-bent on destroying America and our allies? As shocking as Rep. Schiff’s solution sounds, the question is: Do Democratic leaders in Congress and the Administration agree with him? Is this their plan for dealing with the terrorist threat?
Posted in Homeland Security, Terrorist Detainees | View Full Posting
Brown & First District Constituents: "Stamp Out Extinction"
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 06, 2009, 04:14 PM)
During this week’s Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife hearing, Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC), invited two of his constituents, Whit McMillan of the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston and Doc Antle, founder of TIGERS in Myrtle Beach, to testify in support of two pieces of legislation he drafted: the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009 and the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act, respectively.
Learn more about the hearing here.
Read articles from the Humane Society and Environment and Energy News commending the Congressman for his efforts.
Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting
Brown Named to Rural America Solutions Group
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 06, 2009, 12:43 PM)
Congressman Henry Brown will be part of a new task force focusing on issues facing rural America.
“As someone who was born and raised on a farm in Cordesville, South Carolina, I look forward to working on these vital issues and joining my Congressional colleagues, from across the country, in formulating needed policies for rural America,” said Brown.
Formation of the Rural America Solutions Group was announced by U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio.
“Families, small businesses, and farmers in rural areas are struggling, and this group will work to provide positive solutions to help farming and agricultural communities across the nation hit hard by this recession,” said Boehner
The 15-member task force will be chaired by the ranking members of the House committees on Natural Resources, Small Business and House Agriculture Committee, Washington.
Members of the Rural America Solutions Group include:
* Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Co-Chair
* Doc Hastings (R-WA) – Co-Chair
* Sam Graves (R-MO) – Co-Chair
* Rob Bishop (R-UT
* Henry Brown (R-SC
* Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
* Mike Conaway (R-TX)
* Steve King (R-IA)
* Tom Latham (R-IA)
* Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
* Cynthia Lummis (R-WY
* Tom McClintock (R-CA)
* Adam Putnam (R-FL)
* George Radonovich (R-CA)
* Phil Roe (R-TN)
* Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting
Dems Don't Fund Bid To Close Gitmo
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 05, 2009, 11:33 AM)
House Democrats dealt the White House a setback yesterday and dropped President Obama’s request for $81 million to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp bowing to strong Republican criticism that the administration lacks a plan to relocate terror suspects detained there.
Mr. Obama requested the money as part a spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but Democratic appropriators left it out of the bill circulated Monday among House Appropriations Committee staffers. Read more here.
Posted in Homeland Security, Terrorist Detainees | View Full Posting
IMPORTANT: GI Bill Announcment
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 01, 2009, 03:56 PM)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced MAY 1ST that Veterans can begin submitting applications on-line for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Click here for more information.
Posted in Veterans | View Full Posting
GITMO UPDATE
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 01, 2009, 12:15 PM)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said this month that he "fully" expects every member of Congress to draft legislation prohibiting the transfer of military detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to U.S. prisons. As I have drafted and submitted legislation stating just this, 15 of my House Republican colleagues and I also wrote a letter this month to Congressmen David Obey and Jerry Lewis, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Appropriations respectively, expressing our opposition to the proposed funding in the FY09 War Supplemental to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, and the relocation of those detainees to other facilities, including military installations in the United States.
Posted in Homeland Security, Terrorist Detainees | View Full Posting
Brown Offers Support for Horry County Fire Victims
Posted by: Brown Staff (May 01, 2009, 11:18 AM)
After learning of the catastrophic fire that would eventually damage or destroy over 1500 homes and 20,000 acres in Horry County, my only cause for relief was knowing that the people living in the path of the fire were safe.
Now, we must focus on the next steps that must be taken to rebuild the area and provide for the members of the community who have lost their homes and property.
I was in Washington when I heard the news, and immediately made contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, both in DC and in Atlanta, and with Mayor Hatley. She and I both shared the sentiment that we were grateful that no lives were lost as it is far easier to replace the material things in life.
The Monday following the devastating fire, I visited the affected area to speak with the residents, homeowners and emergency personnel involved in this disaster. I applaud the diligence of these dedicated men and women and echo the sentiments of so many residents who witnessed their diligence and resolve in the face of imminent personal danger. North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and all of the local and state officials, who acted in a cooperative spirit should be commended, as well.
Many of our friends and neighbors are facing a daunting task in putting back the pieces of their lives and re-establishing a sense of normalcy for their families. We should continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 843-445-6459 or toll free at 888-868-0737.
Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Horry County | View Full Posting
