2010 Press Releases

I am excited to be given the opportunity to chair this important subcommittee. Our work will include tackling much-needed domestic energy development and mineral security.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) was one of 36 House Republicans to vote NO on H.R. 4853, the so-called Tax Cut Compromise. The bill passed the House by a vote of 277-148.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) spoke on the House Floor urging his colleagues to keep the current Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in place for our armed forces.

Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet joined with Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) in asking the Army to extend the deadline for the public comment period for the Combat Aviation Brigade's Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) at Fort Carson.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement after a federal judge in Virginia ruled that ObamaCare is unconstitutional. The ruling found that Congress lacks the authority to impose the law's "individual mandate" – which will force every American to purchase government approved health insurance.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), along with 23 other Members and Members-Elect, sent a letter this week to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) this week sent a letter to the Acting Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO)...so lawmakers can clearly identify NPR's use of federal dollars.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), a member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, along with 15 of his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter to the top Democrat and Republican in the U.S. Senate urging them to delay a vote to ratify the New START Treaty until important security issues are addressed and resolved.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement regarding the House's failure to permanently extend the Bush Tax Cuts to all Americans.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today issued the following statement about two new efforts by the Obama Administration to restrict domestic energy production.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement after the House Republican Conference voted to end earmarks, passing a resolution offered by incoming Freshman Member Sean Duffy (WI-7):

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement after House Democrats voted down his bill to end taxpayer funding of National Public Radio by a vote of 239 to 171. Only three Democrats joined a unanimous Republican Conference in voting in favor of his bill, H.R. 6417.

The American people have voted through the popular website, YouCut, to place Congressman Doug Lamborn's (CO-05) bill to pull the plug on taxpayer funding for National Public Radio (NPR) on the House floor for a vote. The vote could come later this week.

The presidential debt reduction commission has given preliminary support to Congressman Doug Lamborn's (CO-05) proposal to eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the parent organization for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) and Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis (WY) released the following statement on the Department of the Interior (DOI) Inspector General report regarding changes made to DOI's 30-Day Safety Report that recommended a drilling moratorium.

Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day.

October marks the 18th straight month that unemployment has been at or above 9.4 percent–the longest period of time of sustained high unemployment since the Great Depression.

Recent Firing of Juan Williams Highlights Call to End Taxpayer Subsidies

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement following the announcement today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar that he is lifting his ban on deepwater drilling that he imposed in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) and 50 other Members of Congress this week sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging them not to schedule a vote on any controversial "Cap and Trade"-style energy legislation that would amount to a massive new tax on American families and businesses.

Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement after Democrats passed H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. H.R. 2378 would allow the Commerce Department to impose countervailing duties, commonly called trade sanctions. The bill is opposed by numerous conservative and business groups.

The National Federation of Independent Business selected Lamborn for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America's small business owners in the 111th Congress.

"It is regrettable that Nancy Pelosi has chosen not to hold a vote on these critical tax cuts. Businesses, large and small, simply cannot plan and budget without some degree of certainty.

Calls on Congress to bring this agenda to the House floor and let the voice of the American people be heard

Congressmen Doug Lamborn (CO-05) and Mike Coffman (CO-06) are calling on the administration to abandon a proposal by the Department of Education to significantly change the accreditation process for colleges and universities.

On Friday, September 17th, to mark Constitution Day, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) will make pocket Constitutions available in his district office in Colorado Springs.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today welcomed the possibility of a new Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at Fort Carson.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today reiterated his call for across-the-board protection for all Americans from the largest tax increase in American history. The 2001and 2003 tax cuts are set to expire in January 2011 unless Congress acts to extend them.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement after the Department of Labor Statistics reported that the national unemployment rate rose to 9.6 percent in August.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is reminding students interested in seeking a nomination to one of the nation's service academies that the deadline for submitting a completed application to his office is October 1, 2010.

For the third year in a row, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) has honored Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) with their Taxpayer Hero award for his efforts to rein in government spending.

"I would rather be back in Colorado today meeting with constituents and hearing from them on ways to grow our economy and reduce our national debt. Instead, Speaker Pelosi called Congress back to Washington to vote for another misguided bailout bill.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) voted against the CLEAR Act, H.R. 3534. The bill was originally intended to address the Gulf oil spill tragedy. Instead, it was stuffed full of unrelated items. For example, the bill imposes a new $22 billion energy tax and has over $30 billion in new unrelated and onerous items, mandatory spending.

Congressmen Jared Polis (CO-2) and Doug Lamborn (CO-5) have introduced H.Res. 1573 to amend the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives to prohibit bills with more than one subject. The so-called "Single-Subject" rule is already a rule of both Chambers of the Colorado General Assembly.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) offered an amendment to the CLEAR Act (H.R. 3534) repealing a potentially new $22 billion tax on energy during a meeting of the House Committee on Rules. Lamborn's amendment would strike Section 802 of H.R. 3534 - a section which would create a $2 per barrel tax as well as a tax on natural gas production on all new and existing wells in the United States, both offshore and onshore.

A new report from an independent panel of defense experts charged by Congress with reviewing the Department of Defense's Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) warns of a "potential train wreck coming in the areas of personnel, acquisition and force structure."

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) held a telephone conference call with constituents concerned about the potential for taxpayer-funded abortions in the high-risk pool being created under the new ObamaCare.

Rejects Attempt to Exploit Spill for Political Agenda Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today voted against the CLEAR Act, H.R. 3534, in the House Natural Resources Committee. Instead of focusing on solving the immediate problem of the Deepwater Horizon Spill, the subject of many recent hearings, Democrats admitted to exploiting the bill to further their own political agenda.

The courts have ruled twice now that there is no good reason to keep this ban in place.

A special thank you to all the great patriots who call Colorado's 5th Congressional District home.

Earlier this year, I conducted a Town Hall by Mail Survey of the district to identify key issues and concerns. Thousands of people participated. Citizen input is critical to help me better represent you in Congress, so I appreciate each and every response. I had the results independently tabulated and compiled in order to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar admitted that he alone, and not a panel of scientists, recommended the job-killing moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico...

Today, the federal government dismissed its case to deport an anti-terror hero and former Hamas informer Mosab Hassan Yousef. An immigration judge ruled he will be granted asylum in the United States following a routine background check.

Tuesday, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) sent the following letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano regarding the case of Mosab Hassan Yousef. He is scheduled for a U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review hearing on June 30, 2010, which is expected to determine his request for asylum in the United States. Department of Homeland Security attorneys and officials are expected to oppose Mr. Yousef's application for asylum because of his past ties with Hamas.

"The Supreme Court today reaffirmed that the right to bear arms applies everywhere in the country, and cannot be stripped away by state or local governments. For the past 50 years, gun owners have faced the constant threat of politicians trying to undermine their rights. This ruling should put an end to those efforts once and for all. I am grateful for the majority on the court correctly applying the Constitution to this case and adhering to the intent of our Founding Fathers."

I am deeply honored to receive this award for my legislative work in support of Israel. The United States must continue to stand by our close friend and democratic ally

I welcome these long-overdue sanctions in hopes that they will effectively curb Iran's nuclear program. This bill will crack down on those who assist Iran with petroleum imports, sanction parent companies whose subsidiaries engage in sanctionable activities, and sanction those who commit human rights abuses against the people of Iran.

I am deeply troubled that House Democrats are supporting a bill that shreds our U.S. Constitution by limiting free speech. The Constitution is very clear in stating that ‘Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech.'

In a time when citizens feel like they're being ignored, the Youcut program has proven to be a valuable tool for concerned Americans to voice their opposition to reckless government spending. The program allows taxpayers to vote on spending cuts, the most popular of which are taken to the house floor for a vote.

This week a federal judge backed up what I, and many others, have been saying about the Obama Moratorium on deepwater drilling – it was a knee-jerk reaction not based on sound science. In his 22-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman said that the Obama administration failed to provide adequate reasoning for the deepwater drilling moratorium. Feldman said the administration seems to assume that because one rig failed, all companies and rigs doing deepwater drilling pose an imminent danger.

"Three months of broken promises have only made the American people even more frustrated with the Democrats' government-takeover of our healthcare system. It is clear that the time has come to repeal ObamaCare."

"We must not turn a disastrous environmental situation into an even greater economic disaster.Offshore drilling provides 30 percent of U.S. oil production, is the second largest source of revenue to the federal government at $6 billion annually, and has a direct employment of 150,000 individuals. This Administration must come clean with the American people as to the justification for this economically-crippling moratorium. "But it's also egregious that Interior or White House officials doctored the original report by the administration's own experts. Whoever secretly altered the report made it sound like the experts called for a moratorium when they did not. We should open an independent investigation immediately. The American people deserve to know who is misrepresenting facts for political purposes."

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today called for the federal government to make tough choices with spending and get serious about cutting our national debt. He introduced H.R. 5538, a bill that would cut all federal taxpayer funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) after 2012. CPB is the parent company of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Public Radio (NPR)

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today co-sponsored legislation to lift President Obama's ban on deepwater drilling in the wake of the Deepwater Gulf Oil Spill and instead require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to move forward with safe offshore oil and gas production. H.R. 5519, the Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act, has bipartisan support of more than 40 members. It would 1. Nullify the Minerals Management Service's Notice that establishes the six-month deepwater moratorium and requires lease owners to halt their deepwater operations; 2. Require the DOI to ensure that all drilling operations are conducted in compliance with federal law and to identify additional measures to ensure the safety of deepwater drilling.

"However, I am pleased that Army leadership is stepping up and taking responsibility for the situation by acknowledging the problem, launching an immediate investigation, and creating a solution to ensure a similar disaster never happens again. I urge the Army to move swiftly to implement a state-of-the art computer database to track grave sites, something the Department of Veterans Affairs already uses."

"This is yet another job-killer that will hit Colorado businesses with higher energy taxes. With one-in-ten workers unemployed, Washington should be doing everything to support the job-creating sector, not put a strangle-hold on it. America needs pro-growth policies that create jobs, not higher taxes and burdensome regulation."– Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

"The United States must continue to stand by our close friend and ally."

In its annual congressional scorecard, Club for Growth calls Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) the most pro-economic growth Member of Congress. Club for Growth awards Lamborn a score of 100 percent for his voting record on legislation to help grow the economy. Lamborn ties for the top ranking with eight other Members.

"I am opposed to repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Any changes to this policy should not even be considered until after the ongoing review is finished in December. The Secretary of Defense called for this formal review to determine what impact any change in the current policy would have on a wide range of issues, including military readiness, unit cohesion, and retention/recruiting. To act now before this review is completed is completely disrespectful of our armed forces."

"On this Memorial Day, we remember those military men and women killed in the line of duty. We thank them for the freedoms we enjoy. During the month of May, National Military Appreciation Month, we come together to thank our men and women in uniform for their tremendous sacrifices."

Congressman Lamborn has co-sponsored H.R. 2828, the American Energy Innovation Act. This "all-you-can-create" energy legislation represents a fiscally responsible approach to reducing our dependence on foreign energy, providing a cleaner environment, and putting Americans to work through increased innovation, conservation, and production of American energy

House Republicans plan to offer the nation a new set of policy solutions, but rather than handing an agenda down from Washington, they want to include the American people in building it. This exciting and unprecedented outreach to constituents, regardless of party affiliation, will continue throughout the summer. This project will feature innovative web tools and mobile applications that will bring town hall meetings directly to anywhere Americans are discussing our nation's challenges.

The House Armed Services Committee today approved an amendment offered by Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) that would limit the reduction of U.S. nuclear forces–whether deployed or "hedge" weapons–beyond the New START level until the Secretary of Defense and the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) makes certain certifications.

Nine lawmakers, all Republicans, received perfect scores from the organization: Georgia Reps. Paul Broun and John Linder, Arizona Reps. Jeff Flake and John Shadegg, Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx, Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, California Rep. Tom McClintock.

Today, a group of conservative House Republicans launched the10th Amendment Task Force. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is one of the 10 original co-founders of the Task Force. Task Force members will seek to develop and promote proposals to disperse power, decision-making, and money from Washington back to states, local governments, and individuals.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) joined Dr. and Mrs. James Dobson, the National Day of Prayer team, other Members of Congress, and millions of Americans in observing the National Day of Prayer.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today responded to the Administration's continued lack of transparency in dealing with a possible attempt to lock up as much as 13 million acres of land in Western states. Last night the Administration turned over only 383 out of 2399 pages of information pertaining to a leaked Department of Interior (DOI) memo. The remaining pages of the secret memo that instigated this investigation were not included in the documents turned over to Congress.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today called on the Army to provide the best possible care for soldiers dealing with physical wounds and psychological trauma. Lamborn participated in a formal briefing of the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) by Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, GEN Peter Chiarelli, BG Gary Cheeks, the assistant surgeon general of warrior care and transition, and MG David Perkins, 4th Infantry Division commanding general. The Congressional briefing was part of a two day evaluation of Fort Carson's WTB, which is part of an ongoing, service-wide review by the Army inspector general.

"What's important to realize is that Puerto Rico can have a vote on this any time they want. They do not need Congress to authorize a vote on their own self-determination. In fact, as recently as 1998, Puerto Ricans have rejected statehood. What's troubling about this bill, H.R. 2499, is that it is written in a way that only 34% of the population could determine the future status of Puerto Rico.

Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-5) was honored today on Capitol Hill by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his pro-business record during the first session of the 111th Congress.

Today Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) joined with 50 Members of both parties to introduce the Protect Life Act, H.R. 5111, legislation to apply the Hyde amendment to the recently passed healthcare law. If enacted, the bill would provide permanent, pro-life restrictions on federally funded healthcare plans.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement today in which he criticized U.S. District Court Judge Barbara B. Crabb's finding that the "National Day of Prayer" is unconstitutional.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs confirmed this morning that representatives from the National Cemetery Administration and VA's Office of Construction Management have screened several potential sites for a new national cemetery in southern Colorado, including the Kane Ranch property in El Paso County.

"I am discouraged by President Obama's energy announcement this morning. Lease sales in Alaska that have been included in previous plans are now completely off the table as well as the energy-rich coastline of California.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued this statement following the passage of both H.R. 3590, the Senate healthcare bill, and H.R. 4872, the Reconciliation Act. Lamborn voted against both these bills.

America's oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization, the American Conservative Union (ACU), has once again honored Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) with a 100 percent score for his adherence to conservative principles in Congress.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement in support of Republican leadership's denouncement of the Obama Administration's recent and harsh criticism of Israel.

Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement after it was announced the entire House GOP Conference will not request earmarks this appropriations cycle.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is introducing legislation, H.R. 4716 , with Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-06) that would safeguard Colorado from arbitrary presidential monument designations and ensure that all future national monument designations only occur through an open and transparent process that includes input from local officials, residents, and stakeholders.

"I am pleased to announce that my office is now accepting applications for our Summer 2010 Congressional Leadership Program. This paid Associate program is an experience unique to my office and is reserved for college students or graduates.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today sent a letter, along with other members of the Western Caucus, to Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar requesting all relative information pertaining to an internal document that revealed the Administration is considering designating as many as 14 new national monuments on 13 million acres of land in 11 different Western states.

"While I appreciate the President's attempt to work with Republicans on this important issue, I am concerned that his newly-released health care plan is still a large government intrusion into one-sixth of our economy. Americans would be mandated to buy government-approved health insurance. Apparently the President did not get the message that Americans still do not want a government takeover of health care.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) was ranked the number one most conservative member of the United States House of Representatives, according to scores compiled by the National Journal.

Scores highest in Colorado Delegation

Emphasizes across-the-board tax cuts, more domestic energy production, market stability

Last month, President Barack Obama spoke to Republicans at our annual retreat and asked for our ideas on how to strengthen our ailing economy. I appreciate that offer to work constructively together to help put Americans back to work. Mr. President, because you asked, the following is one Republican's sincere suggestions on a vital part of reviving our economy. I believe that our nation's vast energy reserves are key to our economic recovery.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement regarding the loss of Colorado resident David Hames in the disastrous earthquake that occurred in Haiti earlier last month.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) announced several changes to his Washington D.C. and Colorado Springs Offices.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today voted against yet another massive increase to the federal government's debt limit. Today the House of Representatives voted to increase the amount of money the federal government can borrow by $1.9 trillion. This action will bring the total national debt ceiling to $14.3 trillion.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement today about language in the President's FY2011 budget for a new Veterans Affairs National Cemetery in Southern Colorado.

"This budget spends, borrows, and taxes too much."

Urges President to focus on jobs, fiscal responsibility, homeland security, energy

"I commend individuals who lawfully expose fraudulent behavior of organizations receiving federal funding. However, if recent events regarding Senator Landrieu's district office result in finding that laws have been broken, that is not something I condone. It is unacceptable and wrong for anyone to break the law, no matter what their intentions may be." – Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) announced that he has pledged to repeal any federal takeover of health care that might pass this year. So far 26 lawmakers in Washington have taken the pledge. It is sponsored by the Club for Growth. The pledge reads:

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) recognizes the thousands of Americans gathered in Washington, D.C. at the March for Life, renewing a commitment to defend the sanctity of human life. January 22, 2010 marks the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States, leading to the loss of over 50 million children.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today issued the following statement calling for transparency and public access to health care negotiations:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado entered a proclamation into the U.S. Congressional Record Dec. 16 commending Biblica for its 200 years of "contributions ... made to our country." Biblica celebrated 200 years of Bible ministry Dec. 4, 2009.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today demanded that Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet protect Colorado's taxpayers from footing the bill for backroom deals cut by Nebraska and other states to reduce their share of federal health care costs.