The Week Just Past: A Study in Contrasts

Congress’ Own Budget: Living Within Our Means

2013 Congressional Art Competition Deadline Nears

Academy Night – April 29

The Week Just Past: A Study in Contrasts

“After failing to do so for the past four years, Senate Democrats actually introduced a budget on Monday.  Unfortunately, the good news stopped there. The Senate plan raises taxes by $1 trillion, actually increases the federal debt and spending and never balances. Never - as in never ever.    

“In contrast, the House passed its budget Wednesday.  It’s a responsible, balanced plan that honors our commitments to this nation’s most important priorities while finally putting us on a path to resolving our nation’s looming debt crisis. For example, we preserve and strengthen Medicare, protect our national security, repair America’s 'safety net' and foster economic growth and job creation and opportunities.

“In an era where the American people have tired of the federal government lurching from one crisis to the next, the House budget is straightforward - no more budget gimmicks or accounting tricks.

“Despite the President’s declaration last week that there is no debt crisis, the reality is that we cannot go about spending money we do not have.  Borrowing $3.8 billion every day and mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren is unfair to them and does real harm to our economy.

“Of course, our House budget is not perfect.  However, it is a serious plan to restore economic opportunity for our fellow Americans by balancing the budget. We know that in doing so, we can get our economy moving again and Americans back to work.”

Rodney Frelinghuysen

Recommended Reading: John F. Cogan and John B. Taylor writing in the Monday Wall Street Journal, “How the House Budget Would Boost the Economy.”

Congress’ Own Budget: Living Within Our Means

The House this week passed H. Res. 115, which provides funding for the operations of the House’s legislative committees for the current 113th Congress. The resolution contains sequestration reductions of 11% from last year’s funding level.

“Like New Jersey families, the House recognizes that it must tighten its belt,” Rodney said.  “By passing this funding resolution, the House acknowledges the need to cut spending while prioritizing the resources that allow our committees to conduct vigorous oversight.”

Recommended Reading: J.D. Harrison, writing in the Thursday Washington Post, “Health-care uncertainty weighs down small firms.”

Recommended Reading: Robert Samuelson, writing in the Sunday Washington Post, “America the retirement home.”

2013 Congressional Art Competition Deadline Nears

Each spring, Members of the House conduct a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each Congressional district.  The 2013 Congressional Art Competition submissions deadline is approaching for students of our 11th Congressional District! 

Rodney is inviting all interested participants to visit the official website for a detailed description of the competition rules and policies:http://house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/.

How to Enter the 2013 Art Competition:

1.   Review the 2013 Art Competition Guidelines for Students and Teachers.  

2.   Complete the 2013 Student Information/Release Form

3.   Follow the Art Submission Checklist.

4.   Submit your entry by the deadline of April 1.

Please contact Rodney’s Morristown Office at 973-984-0711 with your questions regarding the 2013 Congressional Art Competition. 

The annual Congressional Art Competition has been promoting America’s young artists for over 30 years.

Academy Night

Rodney will be hosting the 13^th Annual Academy Night on Monday, April 29 at Parsippany High School.

In attendance will be representatives of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis), the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

For further information on the requirements and the process for consideration to attend one of the academies, click here or contact Rodney’s Morristown office at 973-984-0711.