-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

February 1, 2010

GOP Issues Conference

I was glad that President Obama was willing to reach across the aisle and attend our House Republican issues conference last Friday.  In a time where the difficulties we face as a nation continue to grow, this conference was a great opportunity to come together, share ideas, and develop solutions to get America back on track.

I believe it was beneficial for the American people to see House Republicans and President Obama engaged in an open, honest conversation on some of the important policies impacting our nation. After a year of being labeled as the “Party of No,” the President openly acknowledged that Republicans have offered positive solutions on every major issue, including the economy, fiscal discipline, energy and health care reform. As we move forward, I encourage the President to take all of the GOP’s solutions into account. Over the last year, House Republicans have been committed to being the party of better ideas. This year we will continue to work toward better solutions and a better America. 

Now that this dialogue with the President has begun, I hope it will continue into the future. We can no longer pretend that record spending, record deficits and record debt will lead to a healthy economy that can create jobs. Any productive discussion on policy must be built on a two-way street and result in meaningful action. Strictly partisan politics will get us nowhere. Cooperation from Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat leadership in Congress is necessary. We must listen to each other if we want to reach our ultimate goal of putting the American people back to work and getting our economy moving again.
 
President Obama’s Budget Proposal

Today, President Obama submitted his $3.8 trillion budget request for fiscal year 2011 to Congress. One might hope that, given the $1.4 trillion deficit we ended 2009 with and the $1.3 trillion deficit projected for 2010, this budget request might be for less money rather than for more.  Given the President’s proposed spending “freeze” in last week’s State of the Union, Americans hoped this budget might signal a change. Unfortunately for the American people, President Obama sent Congress another budget request that proposes that the government continue to spend too much, tax too much, and borrow too much.

Despite his recent calls for fiscal responsibility, if Congress follows through on the President’s budget request, we would hit a new federal spending record of $3.8 trillion, increase the deficit by $200 billion above last year’s record deficit, and raise taxes by $2 trillion by 2020. 

The President has contended that many of our nation’s problems – fiscal and otherwise – lie in trivial bickering and Washington partisanship. I agree that we should avoid the politics of personal attacks and criticism, but we have legitimate differences on policies.  I’m pleased the President has spoken out about the need to get our fiscal house in order, and his proposed freeze for some areas of spending is certainly a good first step.  However, serious fiscal responsibility requires that we take much stronger actions.  When deficits never fall below $700 billion during the 10 years President Obama lays out in his budget plan, we need more than a targeted freeze in some spending; we need real spending reductions.

We must push for bold reforms that will mark a departure from politics as usual in Washington. Instead of ignoring the fiscal crisis, we must confront government entitlements and dependence head on. Bringing down these unsustainable deficits will not be easy, but it must be done. Our children’s future will be shaped by the choices we make today. To get America back on track we need change that restores our Founders’ principle of empowerment.     

Celebrating Black History Month

February marks Black History Month in which we celebrate the rich culture and the numerous contributions of African Americans in shaping our country.  This month, I am proud to honor the African American community and pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity. African American culture has enriched American life and society by displaying a strong commitment to community and country. We have seen great successes by African Americans, including the election of the first black president just last year. In addition, I am honored to serve with 42 African American Members of Congress.

Throughout February several events will take place around the 19th Congressional District celebrating Black History Month. I hope all those who attend these celebrations come away with a better understanding of how the history and contributions African Americans are a part of our nation’s history.

“Question of the Week”

Last week, the President addressed House Republicans, where he acknowledged that we have offered the Democratic majority common-sense, alternative solutions. As the minority party, do you view House Republicans as presenting alternative proposals to Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid, or just simply voting no every time?

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

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.