Thoughts from Capitol Hill

Over the past couple of years, nearly all of us have become increasingly frustrated with the direction our country is headed and with the leadership of our government. It is obvious that partisanship is rampant and there is strong division within our coun

This Wednesday marks the 236th Anniversary of our nation's sovereignty. As we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, concerts, parades, and more, let us all take great pride in our country's independence, and let us also remember the sacrifi

After voting today, I am pleased to report that my colleagues and I succeeded in passing the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done. As we continue to be confronted with high energy pri

Throughout the history of this great nation, our people have used prayer to seek guidance, to ask for forgiveness, to express gratitude, to build strength, and for so much more. The power of prayer is beyond measure, and each one of us is gifted with the

Uncle Sam is knocking at your door once again. This can only mean one thing – Tax Day is here.

Recently, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing on the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report on duplicative government programs. In total, GAO found 51 areas of inefficiency, with 32 consisting of overlappin

Recently, President Obama appointed Richard Cordray to head the new U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) without the "advice and consent" of the Senate. I find this troubling, and I value the opportunity to share my thoughts with you regarding

"Small Business Saturday" is a nation-wide initiative that will take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26). First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, and now Small Business Saturday is gaining prominence. This important event aims to d

It is often said that freedom is not free, and for the numerous soldiers currently serving, this statement could not resonate more.

As a nation, we have turned to God in times of challenge, tragedy and triumph as a source of strength, sustenance and wisdom. The motto "In God We Trust" is an indispensable symbol of our nation's foundation of faith. Because of the prevalence of fait

As our nation approaches a decade since the fateful day of September 11, 2001, we remember the horrific events that left an indelible mark on this country and pay tribute to those we lost to the tragic attacks on American soil.

As we approach Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the true reason we celebrate this day each year – those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Memorial Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to countless brave men and women who have given their lives for their country. It's a day to remember that every right we hold dear and every freedom we cherish was won and kept by the sacrifices of patriots.

As the levels of the Mississippi River and its tributaries continue to rise, I write to you today to share my deep concerns for the welfare of farmers and residents in the path of the diverted waters of the Morganza Spillway.

As you are aware, gas prices are on the rise and continue to deplete the pocket books of our citizens everywhere. The last thing we need during a time of economic crisis is an increase of energy costs.

Last night, I cast my vote in favor of repealing the health care overhaul, which was enacted despite the loud outcry from the American public.

Today, we salute and remember those who were called upon to defend our ideals and preserve our liberties. It is for their sacrifices that we stand as the land of the free and the home of the brave. Those who have selflessly served under the Stars and Stripes call themselves veterans. However, we gratefully refer to them as American heroes.

Over the past year, you have probably noticed the growing disconnect between what Washington actually does and what the American people really want.

On December 31, 2010, congressional leadership is poised to let the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire, triggering a $3.8 trillion tax increase – the largest in American history – that will affect every hard-working American who pays income taxes.

Prior to enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the State of Louisiana had an existing high risk pool in place. However, in order to implement the provisions of the PPACA, the state – along with 21 others - has opted to use the federal "default" high risk pool instead of the state high risk pool to implement the provisions of the PPACA, due to the additional cost it imposed on Louisianians. Specifications as to how exactly the high risk pools will be run neglect to include practical common sense, any clarity for premiums and providers – or even addressing overall solvency factor of the pools, as the Congressional Budget Office recently found that the current funding level was not enough to meet demand, and could result in up to 500,000 people with pre-existing conditions being denied access. And to think - this is only the beginning of implementation of this new law and we already have solvency issues.

Our Founding Fathers, 234 years ago, officially adopted our Declaration of Independence, announcing independence from Great Britain, and asserting freedom from tyranny and foreign rule. Our Independence has been celebrated ever since, even before the ink dried on the actual Declaration. On the first anniversary of our independence, in Philadelphia, a precedent was set as Congress adjourned and joined everyone in celebration with fireworks and bonfires.

During a time when so many Americans are still enduring the effects of a weakened economy, our country needs a financial plan that will help put us on the path to recovery. Instead, the majority decides to shirk the responsibility of passing a budget.

Northeast Louisiana has been dealt more than its fair share of economic blows. With the re-submittal of V-Vehicle's federal loan application, I am optimistic that our economic forecast will soon be brighter.

I hope you will pause with me this Memorial Day to pay tribute to the brave Americans who have given their lives in service to our country, from the Revolutionary War to the Wars on Terror today. For the sacrifices of the fallen, I remain eternally grateful.

Summer is almost here. But if the temperature is used as the true indicator, rather than the calendar, this season has already arrived in Louisiana. Families have begun flocking to the coast, parks and even our own backyards to enjoy the sunshine. Living in this wonderful state, we are blessed to have an abundance of rivers, lakes and bayous, and fortunate to have a beautiful backdrop in which to be active. However, it is important to remember to protect yourself from unsafe sun exposure – a serious skin cancer risk – while spending time outdoors.

Recently, first lady Michelle Obama announced the details of her action plan "Let's Move," and earlier this year, the president formed the Childhood Obesity Task Force. "Let's Move" is comprised of 70 recommendations to improve prenatal and child health care, increase access to healthy food in schools, provide access to healthy and affordable food choices for all Americans, and increase children's physical activity levels.

While the full impact from the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon rig will not be known for months, we must not let this tragedy undermine our confidence. Through the years, our state has been dealt more than our fair share of blows. During adversity, the people of Louisiana are resilient – we will overcome this, and we will protect our way of life.

I want to begin by thanking everyone from the 5th District, as well as the rest of the state of Louisiana, for taking the time to contact our office to discuss their thoughts on the current health reform issue. We received an overwhelming amount of phone calls, faxes, emails, and hard mail that clearly stated you were not in support of this overhaul of the health care system.

National security should not be an issue of politics. Congress and the administration need to take necessary action and pass a combined bill from both the House and Senate to further impose sanctions on Iran, as well as work to ensure the safety of our citizens both at home and abroad. The implications of inaction are something this country and our people cannot afford to risk.

Last week in his State of the Union address, President Obama vowed to tighten the belt of the federal government. Although I was pleased to hear this pledge to the American people, his budget proposal for fiscal year 2011 does not hold water. Instead, the nation will need to substantially expand its belt at a time when we can least afford it.

After watching our nation's 44th president deliver his first State of the Union address, I would describe my reaction as being mixed at best. President Obama was given the ideal opportunity to convey his agenda to the country. While I was pleased the president finally realigned some of his vision to be more in tune with what the American people have voiced – such as finally putting job creation at the top – I was very disappointed our national security did not receive the pressing attention it deserves.

Despite clear opposition from the American public, President Obama today announced his decision to transfer terrorists currently held at Guantanamo Bay to Thompson Correctional Center located in Illinois.

You may have recently read in the news about changes to breast cancer screenings recommended by a government task force. Specifically, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced that it no longer suggests routine screening for women between the ages of 40 and 49. Given that breast cancer is still the nation's second leading cause of cancer death among women, I have some concerns with these new recommendations.

Diabetes is a common, serious and costly disease that poses a major health problem to many in our communities. In recognition of American Diabetes Month®, I want to provide you with some information showing how diabetes affects both our nation and the state of Louisiana. Hopefully, these startling numbers will inspire you to learn more and take action.

As you may know, late Saturday night, the House voted on Speaker Pelosi's health care overhaul, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for American Act. Unfortunately, the 1,990-page health-care bill, which counts as the biggest expansion of the federal government since the New Deal, passed the House by a vote of 220-215. With this passage, the stage is set for a health care debate in the Senate. However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has stated that any movement in the Senate could possibly slip into 2010.

You may know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As this month draws to a close, I am very proud to report that a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Month passed this week in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury announced that the United States has racked up an alarming $1.42 trillion budget deficit for 2009 – the single largest in our nation's history.

As a member of Congress from a rural district, I am fully aware of the difficulties that our municipalities face in promoting and securing economic growth. For this reason, I have introduced and supported legislation over my tenure in Congress that encourages economic development in the most troubled areas throughout the country.

During the past two weeks, two announcements have been made that bring light to the concerns I have with the cap and trade legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26. At the time, proponents claimed that H.R. 2454 will "create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence and cut global warming pollution."

The August District Work Period granted me an invaluable opportunity to hear first-hand many of your concerns with issues facing the 5th District and our nation. With two weeks of votes behind us, I wanted to provide a brief wrap-up of the key legislative happenings on Capitol Hill. As always, please feel free to contact my office to pass on any comments or questions you may have.

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting with many Louisianians at a wide variety of events, including town hall meetings, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, the American Legion, as well as a number of additional local groups. Several of these conversations seemed all too familiar, and I share the frustrations countless voiced regarding the path the current health care reform debate has taken.

One question on the minds of our Social Security beneficiaries during these uncertain and difficult times is whether or not they will receive a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2010. Nearly 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. This year, the average retiree benefit was $1,153. Recently, the Congressional Budget Office announced that, depending on market conditions, Social Security recipients may not see a COLA for 2010.

The House adjourned for the August District Work Period on Friday, July 31, and will return after Labor Day for consideration of the House health care reform bill, H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act, and a possible vote. This bill sets the tone in Washington for a government takeover of the health care system, which includes more federal regulation, mandates and higher federal spending.

Like most in our country, I agree that our current health care delivery system has its flaws, and is in critical need of some degree of reform. However, the 1018-page health care bill, H.R. 3200, is not the solution our nation needs.

As the unemployment rate steadily climbs toward an unbelievable 10 percent, it is evident that we cannot tax, spend and bail our way back to a growing economy.

The Fourth of July is a day that proud Americans pause to remember the history of our great country and commemorate the many freedoms that we share. It was just 233 years ago when a simple document, the Declaration of Independence, spurred the start of the American Revolution. This freedom of expression has become a lasting American legacy, and as a representative, I value witnessing this liberty in action.

Like most Americans, I love the Fourth of July and the patriotism it sparks in men, women and children throughout the country. When we celebrate Independence Day, nothing gives me more pride than to think about how our forefathers' love of freedom and their commitment to securing it endures today through the men and women serving in our armed forces. I am looking forward to meeting with residents in our area during the Fourth of July district work period, as well as celebrating this important holiday with family and friends. But first I want to share with you some of the events that took place on Capitol Hill last week.

For many families in Louisiana and across the country, gas prices continue their steady rise and utility rates are mounting. During these difficult economic times, higher energy prices are the last thing struggling Americans need, yet that is precisely what our hard-working citizens might get.

Last week's events in the U.S. House of Representatives did nothing to curtail the pattern of irresponsible spending that has been prevalent throughout the 111th Congress.

This weekend, many in our country reflected on the 65th anniversary of D-Day. As our nation commemorated the largest single-day amphibious invasion of all time, with 160,000 troops landing on the beaches of Normandy, we must also remember our selfless troops of today. Just as the troops of World War II demonstrated heroic bravery and incredible sacrifice to liberate the men, women and children of Europe from Nazi reign, our troops fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world also embody these remarkable qualities. May each soldier of yesterday, today and tomorrow always be remembered for their tremendous strength and courage in defending our liberties.

Memorial Day recess granted me an invaluable opportunity to hear first-hand many of your views on the debate on health care reform.

With Congress poised to take up many key issues in the coming months, I am thankful to have a week for Memorial Day recess to travel the 5th District and learn more about the opinions of those whom I represent.

As we approach this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the true reason we have and celebrate Memorial Day each year – those who have died in service to our nation.

With tax day here again, there could not be a better time to discuss the impact taxation has on our daily lives. Marking a day millions of Americans will file their taxes, April 15 is a startling reminder of just how much of their hard-earned money is taken out of their paychecks by the government.

Some have criticized me for voting against a massive spending bill that included funding for projects that I worked to secure. However, member projects, also known as earmarks, account for less than 2 percent of the spending in the $410 billion omnibus bill. In this tough economy, the federal government must do everything it can to control government spending and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I do not believe this bill accomplished either of these.

Today's action by President Obama to eliminate restrictions on embryonic stem cell research is not about whether or not to permit embryonic stem cell research in America. Instead, it is about who foots the bill.

The recycled stimulus plan, passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives, is still yesterday's trash.

Congress Must Put Everyday Americans First, Put Politics Aside and Finally Get This Right

As Israel responds to the ongoing indiscriminate assault from Hamas terrorists in Gaza, I stand firmly with our democratic ally.

Desperate economic times may call for desperate measures, but an automatic pay increase for Members of Congress should not be on the table.