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    In today’s world, it is critical that citizens in the 19th District of Texas know what is going on in their federal government.

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Randy's Weekly Round-ups

 

  • NEUGEBAUER: IT IS TIME TO END TARP

    I am disappointed to hear Secretary Geithner's plan to extend the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The longer we extend this program, the bigger a slush fund it turns into and the greater the losses will be for the taxpayers.
    < Read more >
  • Using TARP funds to aid the U.S. automotive industry

    Last week, President Bush announced that he will use the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) funds to aid the U.S. automotive industry.
    < Read more >
  • Curbing Spending and Debt

    Last week, the House and Senate considered plans for the federal government to provide loans to the U.S. automotive industry.
    < Read more >
  • Automotive Bailout

    This week, the House and Senate may consider a plan for the federal government to provide loans to the U.S. automotive industry.
    < Read more >
  • Bombings in Mumbai

    I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of all those killed or injured in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. We mourn the tragic loss of life, including those Americans traveling abroad during the time of the attack.
    < Read more >
  • Putting Congress Back in the Driver's Seat

    During the lame duck session, I thought Congress had the opportunity to change our current direction and start acting in best interest of the American taxpayer.
    < Read more >
  • "All Bailed Out"

    This week, Congress may vote on legislation that would provide government assistance to the automotive industry and attempt to stimulate the economy by further increasing spending on government programs.
    < Read more >
  • Honoring America's Veterans

    Each November 11th, our nation comes together to observe Veterans Day, a time to honor the many soldiers who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom. We give thanks to the many men and women who have served with honor and valor in our nation's armed forces. Honoring and caring for our veterans is a sacred duty. When we remember their accomplishments for America and the world, we must always remember what each and every veteran sacrificed.
    < Read more >
  • Gas Prices Continue to Drop

    While traveling around the 19th District, one cannot help noticing the steady decline in the costs of fuel. Although I am glad people are finding relief at the pump, I am concerned we will all too quickly forget a summer of $4.00 gasoline. We must continue to keep the issue of energy security and independence on the forefront of American's minds.
    < Read more >
  • Creating Effective Regulation

    As noted in past roundups, I have been traveling around West Texas and the Big Country talking to you about our nation's financial markets and our economy. I have heard from many of you and understand your concern and frustration regarding the current state of our financial markets.
    < Read more >
  • Financial Regulation

    Over the last several weeks, I have heard and talked with many of you regarding our nation's financial markets and our economy. I understand the people in the 19th District are demanding answers to how these marketplace disruptions will affect them, what the federal government is doing to improve the situation, how those who contributed to the problem will be held responsible and what preventative measures can be taken in the future.
    < Read more >
  • America's Economic Security

    As the Treasury Department works to implement its authority to purchase troubled assets from financial institutions and Americans track the ups and downs of the financial markets, it is understandable that many have concerns about our economic security. As we work through this period in which markets are not functioning normally, we need to remember that a number of actions have been taken aimed at stabilizing the markets and restoring confidence in our economy.
    < Read more >
  • Finding the Right Solution to Support Financial Market Stability

    This past weekend, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. negotiated an updated financial relief package. I voted against this legislation earlier today, and the bill was defeated in the House of Representatives. This was a difficult decision that I did not take lightly. I understand that Americans face tough financial times ahead, but I want to ensure that we address the problem the right way.
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  • Securing the Economy and Financial Markets

    Late last week, the Treasury Department sent Congress draft legislation aimed at addressing serious problems in the U.S. financial markets. Congress is being asked to act on this legislation within a week.
    < Read more >
  • Energy Vote Expected Later This Week

    I expect the House will vote on energy legislation later this week, but we are still waiting for more details about the bill. One of the biggest questions is whether House leaders are willing to work across the aisle to pass legislation to increase our supply of energy that is supported by a majority of Americans or whether they will just go through the motions to say Congress had a vote.
    < Read more >
  • Congress Returns To Unfinished Business

    During August, many of my colleagues and I continued to discuss energy policy on the House floor even though the House was not in session. Now that the House is back in session, we will continue to demand that Speaker Pelosi bring up much-needed energy legislation.
    < Read more >
  • District 19 Energy and Economy Tour Wraps Up

    Last week, I wrapped up my August Energy and Economy Tour through District 19. Thank you to everyone who came by our stops to let me know what was on your mind. Your input is invaluable to me as I return to Washington this month.
    < Read more >
  • Report on District 19 Energy and Economy Tour

    As noted in recent Roundups, I have been and will continue to be traveling around West Texas and the Big Country to talk to you about America's energy situation and our economy. After the first week of my tour, I wanted to report back to you on some of the places I've visited and what I've learned so far.
    < Read more >
  • Continuing To Stand Up For Lower Energy Costs and America's Energy Security

    This past week, I was in Washington DC to speak directly to the taxpayers from the House floor. More than 100 of my Republican colleagues and I stand united in asking Speaker Pelosi to call Congress back in session and hold a vote on the American Energy Act.
    < Read more >
  • Standing Up For Lower Energy Costs and America's Energy Security

    I am pleased that in spite of the planned August District Work Period, many of my colleagues have stayed in Washington, D.C. to protest that Speaker Pelosi did not allow a vote on energy solutions before Congress adjourned. Members are asking for votes on legislation including, the No More Excuses Energy Act and the American Energy Act, which are commonsense measures that would start this country moving in the right direction toward energy independence.
    < Read more >
  • Standing Up For Our Troops And Veterans

    Last week, I was proud to vote in favor of H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.There is nothing more important than taking care of our men and women in uniform, as well as the veterans, who have answered the call of duty and sacrificed so much to ensure the continued safety and prosperity of this nation.
    < Read more >
  • Continuing To Work On Solutions Toward America's Energy Independence

    While this week's Roundup is longer than my typical weekly update, there are several items being debated in Congress that are critical to the American people. As Congress enters its last week of votes before the District Work Period, I want to make sure to update you on all the important issues.
    < Read more >
  • Working To Ensure Access to Health Care For Rural Veterans

    Ensuring access to affordable quality health care for our veterans has always been a priority of mine. Those who have answered the call of our nation to defend democracy and defeat tyranny deserve the very best our government can provide.
    < Read more >
  • President Bush Lifts Executive Ban On Offshore Drilling

    Today, President Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore drilling that has been in place for 18 years. This is a tremendous step forward in tapping into America's abundant natural resources, in an environmentally friendly way, to help ease prices at the pump, while also working toward securing America's energy independence.
    < Read more >
  • June 27 – July 7, 2008 – My Travels to the Middle East

    I have just returned from a 10 day trip to the Middle East and Africa with five other Members of Congress. We visited Egypt, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Israel and the West Bank. While in these countries, I had the opportunity to meet with the President or Prime Minister of each. Over the next few weeks, I will share my thoughts and insights from this journey.
    < Read more >
  • Celebrating 232 Years Of Democracy And Remembering Our Founding Fathers

    This Friday, July 4th will mark the 232nd birthday of America as a sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence was not authored spontaneously, but was the result of years of debate among delegates from the original colonies as to whether they should declare their independence from Great Britain and govern themselves.
    < Read more >
  • Funding Our Troops

    Last week, by a vote of 268-155, the House of Representatives passed an emergency supplemental spending bill to continue funding for the Department of Defense ongoing war efforts. I voted in favor of this bill because it will ensure that our military, as well as our diplomatic team, has the tools and resources they need to prosecute the Global War on Terror.
    < Read more >
  • Looking Toward the Future of the GI Bill

    Recent debate in Congress has focused on modernizing the Montgomery GI Bill and ensuring that it adequately provides those who serve our country with the opportunity to obtain higher education if they so choose. There are two competing measures under consideration, both of which have merits, and both deserve an honest and open debate in the House and Senate. I believe it is time to make some reforms to the Montgomery GI Bill.
    < Read more >
  • My Meeting with The Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    In light of ongoing concerns regarding the role that speculators have played in the rise in prices in the agriculture commodity and energy markets, last week I requested a meeting with Walt Lukken, the Acting Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to discuss conditions in the commodity markets and the CFTC's ongoing efforts to ensure proper oversight and transparency.
    < Read more >
  • Today's World Trade Organization Cotton Ruling

    Once again, I am disappointed by the decision made by the WTO. I firmly believe the United States was correct in its appeal of this decision. For the WTO to find that the United States had not complied with the original cotton case after we have made changes in our cotton program, specifically eliminating Step 2, just doesn't make sense.
    < Read more >
  • Memorial Day Special Edition

    Honoring and Remembering The Sacrifices Of The Fallen
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  • Farm Bill Veto and Override Vote Expected This Week

    I am pleased to report that the 2008 Farm Bill is on its way to President Bush's desk. Despite President Bush's statement that he plans to veto the bill, both the House and Senate passed the legislation last week with enough votes to override a veto. Depending on the timing of the veto, final actions on the Farm Bill could be completed this week.
    < Read more >
  • Conference Report for 2008 Farm Bill Completed

    The 2008 Farm Bill is scheduled to come to a vote on the House floor this week. I have spoken with Ed Schafer, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the White House to express my strong support of this legislation. Should the President decide to veto this bill, I will vote to override his veto and urge my colleagues to do the same.
    < Read more >
  • NEUGEBAUER HAILS COMPLETION OF THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE 2008 FARM BILL; CALLS FOR FARM BILL HARVEST

    "The seeds have been planted; now we must prepare to harvest. It is time to roll up our sleeves and take this to the finish line"
    < Read more >
  • Farm Bill Update

    I am pleased to report to you that there has been significant progress in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Conference Committee met until 1:30 am this past Thursday night and closed out many outstanding provisions, getting us closer to a final product.
    < Read more >
  • Farm Bill Update April 28, 2008

    Late last week, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, as well as the Chairmen of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, along with House and Senate leadership met for much of two days to negotiate outstanding Farm Bill issues. Top among the agreements they made is on the funding offset that will be used to cover the cost of this Farm Bill.
    < Read more >
  • South Korea Fully Opens Its Markets to U.S. Beef

    I am very pleased that South Korea has agreed to fully open its markets to U.S. beef. This is tremendous news for beef producers in the 19th District and across the country who have been waiting for this market to expand.
    < Read more >
  • Progress on the 2008 Farm Bill

    I am pleased to report there has been some movement towards completing the 2008 Farm Bill with appointment of House conferees last Wednesday. However, a number of important policy issues, as well as funding, continue to be unresolved and debated.
    < Read more >
  • Help Available to Those Facing Mortgage Difficulties

    While the economy in West Texas continues to be stronger than in many other parts of the country, I wanted to be sure any residents who are having difficulty with their mortgages were aware of assistance that is available.
    < Read more >
  • Farm Bill Update March 31, 2008

    As the April 18th expiration date for the current Farm Bill extension approaches, I continue to be actively engaged with my Agriculture Committee colleagues in this process. Completion of the Farm Bill in April is my top priority.
    < Read more >
  • My Commitment to Support our Men and Women in Uniform

    I will be joining the City of Abilene, the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, the Abilene Independent School District, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce later this week in signing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 5 Star Statement of Support. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful program and proudly display my support of the men and women who defend this great nation and protect our liberties.
    < Read more >
  • Farm Bill Update March 17, 2008

    Last week, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed an extension of the Farm Bill to April 17. Just like the first extension we passed in December, this one does not include any commodity provisions for 2008 crops. It simply extends authority for USDA to continue its other programs and activities.
    < Read more >
  • Increased Spending, Taxes and Zero Fiscal Accountability – A Reckless Budget Proposed

    Last week, the Democrats released their budget proposal for fiscal year 2009. This budget proposal can be summed up in two words – tax and spend. Their budget calls for the largest tax increase in history. It would raise taxes by $683 billion over five years, resulting in higher taxes on married couples, those with children and thousands of low-income families who currently do not pay income taxes. It also proposes to increase taxes on investments, small businesses and estates, while failing to address a permanent fix to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
    < Read more >
  • Working to Make Higher Education More Accessible

    Recently, I voted with a substantial majority of my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to pass the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This bill is a good step in making college more accessible to those who desire to go, but have limited resources. Education is a priority of mine, and by passing commonsense legislation such as this, we are investing in our children and our future.
    < Read more >
  • Farm Bill Update February 25, 2008

    Since my last update, the House and Senate have continued negotiations aimed at determining a total amount of spending for the Farm Bill. Until this important first step is accomplished, it will be difficult to work out the rest of the differences between the two bills.
    < Read more >
  • Explosion at the Big Spring Oil Refinery

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the five individuals who were injured this morning at the refinery explosion, as well as to their families and the entire the Big Spring community. I commend all the first responders in Big Spring and the surrounding areas for their bravery and quick action to bring this situation under control. Their professionalism and ability to respond at a moment's notice is inspiring. Due to their efforts, the fire is now contained and the there is no more black smoke in the sky.
    < Read more >
  • House Passes Stimulus Package Approved by Senate – President will Sign into Law

    Last Thursday, after the Senate approved its version of the bipartisan economic stimulus package, the House voted overwhelmingly to pass this legislation and send it to President Bush to be signed into law.
    < Read more >
  • Honoring our Fallen Heroes and Supporting their Families

    Last week, I introduced H.R. 5148, the Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act. This is a companion bill to S. 2550 introduced by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). This legislation would forgive the debt owed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from members of our armed forces who have lost their lives in combat. Additionally, it is retroactive to September 11, 2001. It ensures that America honors our fallen heroes by treating the families they left behind honorably and recognizes their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a nation that is indebted to them.
    < Read more >
  • President Bush's Final State of the Union Address

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  • Remembering The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Every year, Americans gather in churches, public halls and at parades to remember and honor the life and tremendous legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a man of conviction and belief who adamantly stood against injustice. Through his powerful and resonating speeches, he started a peaceful movement that led to a revolution, forever changing our country for the better.
    < Read more >
  • Studying Climate Change and Research with the Science Committee

    Recently, I traveled with a number of my Science Committee colleagues as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Antarctica. This trip was led by Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA), the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, a Subcommittee on which I serve.
    < Read more >
  • My Washington Office is a Resource for You

    As folks from the 19th District look forward to 2008 and plan family and business trips, I want to remind you that my office in Washington, DC can be a valuable resource to ensure your visit to our nation's capital is fulfilling and enjoyable.
    < Read more >