-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

November 9, 2009

People Deserve Choice

After weeks of secret negotiations and arm twisting, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Majority passed health care reform legislation that will raise taxes, raise health care costs and add to our national debt. 

On Saturday night, many of my colleagues and I stood with the millions of Americans who are opposed to this massive government takeover. For months, Americans have been telling Washington they want a common-sense approach to health care reform, not Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2,032-page government takeover that increases costs, adds to our skyrocketing debt, destroys jobs with tax hikes and new mandates, and takes money out of Medicare.

I want the people of the 19th Congressional District to know that I heard your voices.  Instead of voting for a $1.3 trillion dollar government takeover of health care, I supported a better solution.  The alternative I voted for would lower premiums by up to10 percent, reduce the deficit by $68 billion, fight fraud, and would lead to expanded access to affordable health care coverage for all Americans without raising taxes, cutting benefits to seniors or spending money we don’t have.

In addition to this common-sense solution, I also submitted five amendments to address such issues as: allowing groups and small businesses to join together in order to lower costs of insurance plans; verifying citizenship of those applying for health care benefits; preventing our tax dollars from funding abortions; and guaranteeing that health savings accounts will be maintained, and sensible medical liability reform like we already have in Texas. Unfortunately, these and other solutions that were proposed fell on closed doors and deaf ears.

The American people spoke loud and clear at town hall meetings all across the country throughout August.  While they want health care reform, they want their elected leaders to get it right. As this bill continues through Congress, I will fight to make their voices and your voices heard.

To view my remarks on the House floor during the health care debate please click here and here.

“House Call” on Washington

On Thursday and Saturday of last week, Americans rallied together on the steps of the Capitol to pay a “House Call” on Washington and ask Speaker Pelosi and Congress to “kill the bill.” It was a great honor to be a part of this gathering of Americans from across the nation, including some from the 19th Congressional District. Once again the American people showed true initiative and spirit by coming to Washington to make their voices heard, encouraging Congress to put their country before a political agenda.

Click here to look at pictures from the events, or visit my YouTube page to view my speech at the “House Call.”

Veterans Day

Our nation experienced a horrible tragedy last week at Fort Hood. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and those who were injured during this terrible attack and all of the Fort Hood community. The grief and shock are still evident, and the pain will endure as we honor the memory of those killed at Fort Hood.  They join their brothers and sisters in arms now serving eternal watch over our country, and our cause – Freedom.

As we mourn their loss, we mark a most solemn and hallowed occasion, we celebrate that which many have risked their lives for – FREEDOM. During this Veterans Day, we remember the immeasurable sacrifice of those wearing the uniform, both on the field of battle and here at home.  Every day the men and women of our Armed Forces stand in defense of our nation and our cherished way of life. They do so regardless of the costs, fully aware that they may be called to pay the ultimate price for their country. This week, communities across the country gather to express our undying gratitude for those who have worn our nation’s uniform. Let us remember those who have given their last full measure of devotion and for the families who mourn their loss.

To all of our veterans we say thank you and may God bless you.

The Week Ahead

Be sure to keep track of my events on my website, Facebook and blog as I travel around the 19th Congressional District. Tomorrow, I will be heading to Abilene to meet with Southwest Abilene Rotary Club, honor a local veteran and present a flag to Dr. Lanny Hall. On Wednesday and Thursday, I will be in Lubbock to attend the Silent Wings Annual Veterans Day Observation and the 14th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.

As I travel through West Texas and the Big Country, I hope you will be able to join me to discuss health care and other important issues that are on your mind. I look forward to seeing you around town.

“Question of the Week”

Do you believe we need another economic stimulus package from the federal government to combat the 10.2% and rising unemployment rate?

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week’s question.