U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant

Washington, Jun 18 -

U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant
Proudly Representing the 24^th District of Texas
E-Newsletter: Week of June 14, 2010

I. Arizona Immigration Bill Survey Results
II. This Week’s Cosponsored Bills
III. GAO Report: $1 Billion Tax Dollars Funding Abortion Groups
IV. Letter Opposing Abortion at DoD Medical Facilities
V. Declaration by William Hogeland
VI. Healthcare Reform Survey

I. Arizona Immigration Bill Survey Results

In this week’s web survey, I sought your input on the Arizona immigration debate. At the close of the poll I had received 962 votes, with 89.3 percent in favor of Texas passing a similar immigration law to that of Arizona’s, and 10.7 percent opposing.

Thank you for your response and for sending the web link to your friends and family in our district. Taken from my Facebook page, the following is feedback on the survey:

• “I think that Texas should absolutely adopt new Immigration Laws. I think the first step would be to make it easier and cheaper to be documented.”
• “If we encourage law enforcement to enforce the laws already on the books, we probably don't need to go as far as AZ.”
• “Immigration reform should be done on the national level, not the state level.”
• “Yes we need to enforce the border, but just throwing more money at the problem won't solve it. Balance the budget.”

II. Newly Cosponsored Bills

Below is a list of legislation I cosponsored this week while in D.C.:

1. H.R. 4995: End the Mandate Act – Proposed by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), this bill repeals the sections in the recently-passed healthcare reform bill that mandate Americans to obtain government-approved health insurance.
2. H.R. 5525: To Terminate the Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Issued by the Secretary of the Interior – In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Obama Administration responded with a six month offshore drilling moratorium. Unfortunately, the President’s decision is placing tens of thousands of jobs at risk, and further increasing our dependence on foreign oil. Proposed by Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX), H.R. 5525 lifts this damaging moratorium on all U.S. offshore oil rigs.
3. H.R. 5501: America Stands with Israel Act – In response to the Israeli interception of a Gaza-bound ship this past May, H.R. 5501 (authored by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) would, among a number of things, declare the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend herself.
4. H.RES 1384: Resolution Affirming State and Local Governments’ Right to Carry Out Immigration Laws – Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that State and local governments, and State and local law enforcement personnel in the course of carrying out routine duties, have the inherent authority of a sovereign entity to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to Federal custody aliens in the United States, for the purpose of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States. Authored by Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA), H.RES 1384 also states that legislation to enhance border security and enforcement of immigration laws should be passed to ease state and local government burdens.

Why pass another law rather than enforce the ones we already have.Why pass another law rather than enforce the ones we already have.Why pass another law rather than enforce the ones we already have. Why pass another law rather than enforce the ones we already have. Why pass another law rather than enforce the ones we already have.

III. GAO Report: $1 Billion Tax Dollars Funding Abortion Groups

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released this week an audit report that examined funding levels for six organizations that promote abortion as a form of family planning. The report found that from 2002 – 2009, these organizations received more than $1 billion federal dollars (not including state or local funding). Planned Parenthood – the top abortion provider in the U.S. – received more than 65% of the funds. I commend my friend Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) for requesting the GAO study. The public has the right to know how their money is being spent by Congress. To voice your opinion on the issue of taxpayer support of organizations that promote and provide abortion, I encourage you to visit AmericaSpeakingOut.com. We need you to speak out!

IV. Letter Opposing Abortion at DoD Medical Facilities

This week, I signed Rep. Todd Akin’s (R-MO) letter opposing a recently-passed amendment by the Senate Armed Services Committee that will permit the performance of abortions in domestic and overseas military facilities. The amendment, proposed by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), strikes Section 1093(b) of Title 10 in the FY’11 National Defense Authorization Act. Our letter urges for Senate and House leaders to reject any language in the DoD Authorization bill, such as the Burris Amendment, which would weaken or undermine current policy.

V. Declaration by William Hogeland

This week I finished reading Declaration by William Hogeland, an enlightening account about the nine weeks leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Hogeland provides excellent, historical insight for those who desire to see our country return to the guiding principles of our founders. Hogeland makes it clear that achieving independence and change was not accomplished over tea and crumpets in 1776. It was the audacious effort of a small group of activists agitating the King of England to give up his rights. Declaration recounts the debates and highlights the differences among the Whigs and American democrats, a mirror narrative of our political atmosphere today. Even more enjoyable, the author gives life to each person – from Samuel Adams to John Dickenson – who played a role in the birth of America’s independence.

VI. Health Care Reform Survey

This week I’m seeking your opinion on the health care form law put into place by President Obama this year. Please take a moment to answer my short online survey: http://marchant.house.gov/Forms/Form/?ID=842

To offer further input and engage in discussion with others in the 24th district, I encourage you to visit my Facebook Page by clicking here.

I am honored to represent the 24^th District of Texas, and appreciate your interest in my e-newsletter.  Please contact my District or DC office with any further questions you may have or visit my website at www.marchant.house.gov. You can also become my Facebook friend here or follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RepKenMarchant. 

Sincerely,


Member of Congress