2009 Press Releases

My wife, Jeanie, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with our families, I pray for peace and joy in our homes and hearts.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009, by a vote of 412 to 12.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today rejected yet another Congressional attempt to undermine free markets. Lamborn voted against H.R. 4173, a sweeping overhaul of the financial industry.

On the eve of President Obama's trip to Copenhagen, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) has introduced H. Res. 945, a resolution that raises serious concerns about the harm that an international climate change treaty could do to our economy and national sovereignty.

Votes Against Omnibus Spending Bill

Calls for fiscal responsibility and tax relief

The Death Tax is scheduled to expire next year, allowing middle class families to transfer small businesses to the next generation. Unfortunately, House Democrats voted today to bring back the Death Tax permanently. This means that the government will take up to 45 percent of a family's assets – stifling economic growth and jobs creation.

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"As we gather around Thanksgiving tables this year, I ask you to join me in gratitude for all we have been blessed with, and for all our blessings yet to come.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement strongly opposing Speaker Nancy Pelosi's attempt to pass a "doc fix" bill that would add more than $200 billion to the deficit and force seniors to pay higher Medicare premiums.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today called on Governor Bill Ritter to create a "Blue Ribbon" committee to help bring a resolution to the Army's proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS). The proposal comes following the Army's decision to drop its recent court appeal regarding an environmental impact study that would have allowed additional training at PCMS.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) announced a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office will soon open in Colorado Springs.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, offering to facilitate meetings between the Army and ranchers in Southeastern Colorado who live near the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS). The offer came after the Army dropped its recent court appeal regarding an environmental impact study that would have allowed additional training at PCMS.

"November 11th is the day that our nation has set aside to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to defend our great nation. These Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Guardsmen represent the finest our nation has to offer and it is right and appropriate that we honor them.

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 3962, passing the bill 220 to 215. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) voted against the bill and released the following statement regarding his vote on the government takeover of health care.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) has been forced to cancel his town hall meeting in Woodland Park on Saturday, November 7 from 9:30-10:30 AM (MT).

Today the House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 139, sponsored by Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) to recognize the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class from the United States Air Force Academy and honoring those cadets.

Bipartisan bill directs Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region

I am holding a telephone town hall on Thursday, November 5th at 7:10 pm to update you on the newest health care bill in the House, the so-called Pelosi Plan, HR 3962.

"I am reviewing this nearly 2,000-page Pelosi health care bill. It is nothing but a combination of several earlier Democrat health care bills and is still a government takeover of one-sixth of our nation's economy. It contains mandates and higher taxes on small businesses, fees and mandates on individuals, and significant increases in government regulation and spending.

On October 9th, 2009, I gave an address at the National Ocean Industries Association's annual Fall meeting at the Broadmoor Hotel. Following as some highlights from my speech.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-O5) participated in a news conference today with a broad coalition of pro-life advocates and lawmakers to ask pro-abortion Democrats why they refuse to eliminate abortion funding from health care legislation despite the opposition of 67 percent of Americans.

From the Natural Resources Committee Republicans: Decreases Lease Acreage by 87 Percent, Leaves Royalty Rates Unknown, and Sets Practically Unattainable Production Requirements

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today honored Rep.Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) as a Taxpayer Hero for scoring 98 percent on its 2008 Congressional Ratings.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) presented the Silver Star Medal to Captain Mike McGrath, USN (ret). The Delta, Colorado native spent nearly six years in a North Vietnamese prison camp during the Vietnam War.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) voted on the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

It was busy week in Washington and I wanted to take a moment to update you on the latest news.

"Today marks the anniversary of Energy Freedom Day. Exactly one year ago today, a bipartisan Congress lifted the ban on offshore drilling, giving Americans access an estimated 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3123, the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act of 2009. The legislation will help bring a long-term solution to the problems associated with the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) in Lake County.

Mr. Steve L. Muro, Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, testified today in the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs that the department will send a site survey team to Colorado within the next few months to investigate potential sites for a new national VA cemetery.

Congressman Lamborn Issues Statement on House Vote to Defund ACORN

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), co-chair of the Missile Defense Caucus, and member of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement in reaction to the Obama Administration's plan to scrap a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today criticized a restrictive energy bill (H.R. 3534) sponsored by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), which Interior Secretary Ken Salazar testified on today.

The good news is that if we reject nationalized health care, there are many free-market reforms that can lower the cost of health care.

On the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. homeland, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement.

What the American people need is a new plan, not new rhetoric

There they go again. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Barack Obama, apparently not content to just take over the auto industry, the financial industry, and the energy industry, are now intent on nationalizing our health care system. It would be a disaster for both our economy and our health.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today offered an amendment (included in the Republican Motion to Recommit) to the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Act for 2010, HR 3293, to eliminate $541 million from the budget for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Democrats used a procedural motion to block the amendment from a vote.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the letter sent to both Colorado Senators urging them to oppose the confirmation of Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

Lamborn supports health care reform that empowers individuals and families, not government bureaucrats and stated on the House Floor "Mr. Speaker, I rise today troubled about the Democrats' proposed government takeover of our health care system..."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-5) has introduced a pair of mining bills to promote the responsible development of U.S. hardrock minerals, protect and create American jobs and improve our environment.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today was recognized for his outstanding pro-taxpayer voting record last year. The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan citizen group, has announced that Rep. Lamborn placed 6th out of 435 Members of the House of Representatives for his commitment to fiscal discipline.

"Israel is a longtime ally and beacon of democracy in the Middle East and I remain a strong supporter. It is essential that the United States continues to meet its commitment to Israel by providing this assistance. I believe the State of Israel has a sovereign right to protect itself from the threats of rogue nations and providing this assistance will help bolster the defenses of liberty in one of the few areas of freedom in a hostile region."

Today, Senator Mark Udall and Congressman Doug Lamborn announce they have introduced companion legislation in the House and Senate to help bring a long-term solution to the problems associated with the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) in Lake County.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), made the following statement today after voting against the Democrat cap-and-tax plan, H.R. 2454, while supporting the Republican American Energy Act, an "all of the above" energy plan that will help our country achieve energy independence: "It is clear we need a

"I voted in favor of this bill because it funds many of our vital national defense programs. However, it falls short on missile defense funding by $1.2 billion that I believe we need to protect our country. "My primary concern with a cut of this nature is that it sets the baseline lower every year

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) led a successful effort in the House Armed Services Committee to defeat an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act aimed at blocking the Army's efforts to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Congressman Silvestre Reyes (TX-16) offered

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) recently introduced the Protecting Investment in oil Shale the Next generation of Environment, Energy, and Resource Security (PIONEER) Act, H.R. 2540, aimed at dramatically increasing America's oil production. The bill takes a three-pronged approach to tapping one of

"I received official confirmation this morning directly from Army Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, assistant chief of staff for installation management and commanding general, that the Army is not going to stand up the 47th Brigade Combat Team that was slated to come to Fort Carson in fiscal year 2011

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today passed a bill through the U.S. House of Representatives that directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study for inclusion of Camp Hale into the National Park System. "Our nation is still inspired by the 10th Mountain Division's bravery and

"This is an unfortunate, but not unexpected development. It was only a matter of time before other states' congressional delegations started vying for the Army's attention. "The Army is looking to invest $140 million to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuvering Site (PCMS) and hire 100 new, full-time

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. "I congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her nomination and I look forward to a confirmation process

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is again taking action to protect school children from easy access to drugs that can induce chemical abortions. Congressman Lamborn has reintroduced H.R. 2458, the Schoolchildren's Protection Act. The bill has 40 original co-sponsors

Today, Governor Ritter's staff confirmed the Governor will sign into law HB 1317, a bill designed to thwart the Army's expansion at the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, PCMS, in Southeastern Colorado. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today issued the following statement in reaction to the decision.

Chris Chocola, President of The Club for Growth, the nation's leading free-market advocacy organization, announced that Representative Lamborn has earned the annual Defender of Economic Freedom award for 2008. The award honors members of Congress who have a strong voting record on economic growth

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) joined Mrs. Shirley Dobson, the National Day of Prayer team, and many other Members of Congress and constituents from all over the country gathered on Capitol Hill to observe the National Day of Prayer.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) announced today the formation of a task force to support the Army's proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuvering Site (PCMS) in Southern Colorado. The task force will seek to educate the public on the economic and defense benefits that would result to the state

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement today regarding passage of H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Lamborn voted ‘No' on H.R. 1913. "Our laws criminalize actions, not thoughts or beliefs.

Dear Friend, This morning I will be joining the Richard Randall Show to discuss President Obama's First 100 Days. Also, please take a moment to fill out my survey (Click here) and tell me what you think about the First 100 Days. Time: 9:30 A.M. MST Station: 740 KVOR Please tune in.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today spearheaded a Congressional letter urging President Obama to withdraw the nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is urging Colorado Senators Mark Udall (D) and Michael Bennet (D) to reject President Obama's nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Senate is expected to vote on Governor Kathleen Sebelius' nomination tomorrow, April 28.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today released the following statement regarding President Obama's nomination for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, in response to her latest pro-abortion action. Yesterday, she vetoed a common sense bill

WASHINGTON – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today was recognized for his outstanding pro-taxpayer voting record last year. The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU), a nonpartisan citizen group, has announced that Congressman Lamborn is among only a few dozen 2008 "Taxpayers' Friend Award"

"The Army has not made a final decision on the implementation of Grow the Army as it relates to these BCTs. If the Obama administration's plan is implemented, however, the Army will not proceed with the stand up of the 47th BCT, which is currently scheduled to be located at Fort Carson in Fiscal Year 2011.

"This launch further indicates that the rogue nation of North Korea poses a real threat to the security of the United States and her allies. Our best protection against a nuclear missile from this unstable and erratic regime remains our missile defense system.

Today Democrats in the House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 85, a bill that sets spending levels for appropriations bills which come later this year. The bill is more commonly called the Obama Administration's Budget for FY 2010.

he majority of the Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee, including Ranking Member John M. McHugh (R-NY), Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Michael Turner (R-OH) and every member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today sent a letter to President Barack Obama, out of concern that plans and preparatory measures may not be in place, encouraging him to authorize his military commanders to employ the nation's missile defense system if the U.S. or our allies are put at risk by an expected North Korean missile launch.

Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO-05) with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 110th Congress.

Here are a few of the issues I will consistently fight for in Congress: low taxes, minimum government regulations, fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, and the protection of human life at all stages.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) voted "No" on the Omnibus Land Bill (H.R. 146) today.

The Southern Delivery System (SDS) moved one step closer to completion Friday with the signing of the Record of Decision by the Bureau of Reclamation.

The Southern Delivery System (SDS) moved one step closer to completion Friday with the signing of the Record of Decision by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Congressman Doug Lamborn recently hired retired Air Force Colonel John Herd to assist him in outreach to members of the Colorado Springs defense community.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee held a hearing today on "Leasing and Development of Oil and Gas Resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)," examining the misconception that oil and gas companies are sitting idle on oil and gas leases. At the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Doug Lamborn (CO-05) raised serious concerns over the Administration's budget proposal that includes new taxes on "non-producing" oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today announced his support for the "Over the River" project slated for the summer of 2012 in Fremont County.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today urged President Barack Obama to designate 2009 as the Year of the Military Family.

In response to recent press reports on a possible land lease offer which would allow the Army to expand its training facilities near Pinon Canyon, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement.

The entire Colorado Congressional delegation is urging Air Force officials to consider locating a new numbered Air Force at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs.

"I voted against this bill because it rewards poor decisions made by individuals and lenders, while increasing mortgage costs and adding uncertainty to an already unstable market..."

The American Conservative Union has once again recognized Congressman DougLamborn for scoring a 100% conservative rating on their 2008 evaluation of the voting record of U.S. Representatives and Senators.

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Doc Hastings (WA-04) and other House Republicans issued the following statements after delivering the attached letter to Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar regarding their support for the upcoming Central Gulf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 208 to occur as scheduled on March 18, 2009.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) met yesterday with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to seek his support for a new VA cemetery in Southern Colorado. Below is his statement to Secretary Shinseki.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today issued a statement responding to President Barack Obama's reported offer to back off deployment of a new missile defense system in Eastern Europe.

Congressman Doug Lamborn will honor winners of the 2009 Fifth Congressional District Congressional Art Competition at a ceremony on Saturday, February 28.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today announced the launch of his new official Congressional Facebook page and released the following statement.

"All Americans, myself included, welcome President Obama's focus on the economy. Unfortunately, the proposals he laid out tonight for helping families and small businesses were very lacking in detail..."

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement after the introduction of the Secret Ballot Protection Act. This bill, which has over 100 original cosponsors including Congressman Lamborn, guarantees the right to a secret ballot to workers deciding whether to unionize.

House Energy and Minerals Subcommittee Ranking Member Doug Lamborn (CO-5) released the following statement today regarding plans by the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to cancel a proposed plan for expanded oil shale research development and demonstration leases.

"I welcome President Obama to Colorado and appreciate his focus on energy production in our state. However, I am troubled by the contradictory message the administration is sending on energy production and job creation..."

"This spending bill is a sorry substitute for a comprehensive economic stimulus plan to help American families and businesses. My constituents are looking to Congress for real solutions. Instead, the Democrats have delivered them a big government spending spree..."

"I am disappointed that the compromise stimulus package which is emerging from close-door sessions today is still primarily pork, and not a real job creations bill as originally intended..."

"These are some of the most dangerous people on the face of the planet," he said. "And to have them in our community when many of them are sworn to kill Americans whenever and wherever they can is just not a good idea from a security standpoint."

"I am disappointed the conversion to digital television has been delayed. No matter when you set the cutoff date, not everyone will be ready..."

Congressman Doug Lamborn named two senior aides as deputy directors in his Colorado Springs district office and made other staff changes as described below.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today announced the launch of http://republicanwhip.house.gov/jobs, a new website outlining the House Republican Economic Recovery Plan.

Congressmen Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to keep detainees from Guantanamo Bay out of Colorado.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement in regards to the passage of, H.R. 1, the Democrats' massive spending bill.

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) offered an amendment to the House Committee on Rules to H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Last Friday Lamborn authored a bi-partisan letter, signed by 78 Members of Congress, urging President Obama not to overturn the Mexico City Policy, which separates abortion and family planning in America's foreign aid programs.

"Dangerous terrorists captured on the battlefield should not be brought to Colorado from Guantanamo Bay..."

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today welcomed the Air Force's decision to place Peterson AFB on the short list for the headquarters of 24th Air Force (24th AF), a new numbered Air Force focused on protecting our military's cyber assets.

Today, Congressman Lamborn posted a blog on "The Hill's Congress Blog" concerning Mexico City Policy. The text of the post is below, as well as a link to the blog.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is the lead author of a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to keep in place a long-standing policy that prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortions in overseas clinics.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today announced he is co-sponsoring landmark legislation aimed at helping struggling families and businesses during this tough economy.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) has made staff changes at the start of his second term. Lamborn has named Military Legislative Assistant, Chris Phelen, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) has hired Rachel Lee as his new Legislative Correspondent. Lee assists the Congressman in responding to an average of over 1,000 constituent inquiries each month. Lee replaces Abby Gunderson who has been promoted to Legislative Assistant/Scheduler on Lamborn's staff.

On the opening day of the 111th Congress, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) called on Congress to act in a fiscally responsible way to address the nation's economic problems.

"Israel has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Hamas has blatantly ignored any ceasefire agreement by assailing Israel with over 6300 rockets and mortars during the last eight years, nearly half within the past year (including the 6 month so-called ceasefire)..."