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• August 23, 2012

  The Burden of Regulation

  In yesterday’s edition of the Washington Post, a recent manufacturing industry report was cited which showed  “the economic burden of federal regulation in the United States has risen dramatically over the past 20 years, particularly affecting the nation’s manufacturers.”

  According to the report, “the average number of major federal regulations — those expected to have an economic impact in excess of $100 million — that have been finalized each year has risen with each recent administration…the regulatory burden on manufacturers has more than doubled over 10 years, growing from about $80 billion in 2001 to more than $164 billion in 2011.”

  In addition to the burden on business owners, the effects of regulation are felt by consumers, as well, as some costs of compliance are passed on to them.

  While they might not know the specifics of various reports and statistics, the people in my district are well aware of the burden unnecessary and excessive regulations have on our business owners, the job market and consumers. 

  Recently, a retired small business owner in my district expressed his frustration with excessive government regulation:

• May 10, 2012

  House GOP Competition Promotes Use of New Media

  Over the past three weeks, my office has been competing in the 2012 House GOP New Media Challenge.  After a qualifying round to place contestants into NCAA style brackets, I've faced off against a different member of Congress each week in Facebook, Twitter, and now, YouTube rounds.
  
  The competition, now it its third year, promotes the use of new media among members and their constituents. The House Republican Conference sponsors the competition and Vice Chairwoman Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers' office oversees it.  She says that in the past three years they have hosted the challenge, overall new media use by members of the GOP conference has increased from 30 percent of House Republicans on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to 85 percent.
  
  In addition to the competition promoting the use of social media (specifically Facebook, Twitter and YouTube), the competition encourages and highlights innovative and creative approaches using other forms of new media, such as websites, e-newsletters and blogs.
  
  I've made the use of new media a priority since the day I took office.  It not only allows me the opportunity to connect with constituents where they are, whether on laptop, tablet or mobile phone, but it allows constituents to share their thoughts and concerns with me.
  
  Thanks to constituents who engage regularly on my social media networks, and to some very generous and helpful friends in the right blogosphere, I have advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" round of the competition. The goal of this week's YouTube round is to add as many subscribers as possible to our official YouTube accounts.

  Join the fun and support your favorite member of Congress online - whether they are still in the competition or not.  But first, please subscribe to my YouTube channel today and be sure to visit me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, as well.

• April 10, 2012

  Hope and Change replaced by Hopelessness

  When President Obama ran for office in 2008, he promised to bring the country “hope” and “change.” 

  He certainly delivered change, but not for the better. The unemployment rate has gone from 7.8 percent in January of 2009 to a high of 10.1 percent in October of 2009. Jim Pethokoukis recently noted we have experienced “the longest streak of 8%-plus unemployment since the Great Depression” and “the U.S. economy hasn’t been below 8% unemployment since Obama took office in January 2009.”

  In the U.S. Department of Labor’s March 2012 Employment Situation report released Friday, unemployment figures show the rate dropping to 8.2%, but the number of people not in the labor force is at an all time high – 87,897,000. When Obama took office in 2009, there were approximately 81 million not in the labor force. 

  The Wall Street Journal reported this weekend that “the jobless rate, which is obtained from a separate survey of households, edged down to 8.2% from 8.3%, its lowest point in three years. However, that decline was due less to new hiring than people abandoning their job searches.”

  According to the report, 120,000 jobs were created, but an additional 164,000 people dropped out of the labor force.  The current unemployment rate, if calculated to account for the number of people who would like to work, but have given up looking, would be even higher. The “hope” so many had in 2008 has been replaced with hopelessness.

  House Republicans have passed legislation that promotes economic growth and removes barriers that hinder America’s job creators. The bipartisan JOBS Act was recently passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law.  Learn more about how the Republican jobs plan and budget cuts spending, fixes our tax code, removes excessive regulation and expands American energy production at jobs.GOP.gov.  Track the full list of House-passed jobs bills on this page at ellmers.house.gov.

• March 20, 2012

  The Path to Prosperity Budget

  It has been over 1000 days since Senate Democrats have produced a budget.  In that time, President Obama has added over 5 trillion dollars to the national debt.  The president’s budget calls for even more spending and more debt.

  The approach the president and Democrats in Congress have taken is grossly irresponsible.  Their refusal to seriously address the problems we face is inexcusable and has real consequences for American families, seniors and future generations. 

  House Republicans believe it is morally wrong to ignore the most predictable crisis in U.S. history. We have a choice between two paths and two futures.  One path leads to additional debt and continued decline.  The other path is to a stronger, more prosperous future with less debt, lower taxes and greater opportunity for generations to come.

  In this video, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan talks about the need for a plan of action to cut spending and put our country back on a path to prosperity:

   

  Click here to read the House Republican Budget, "The Path to Prosperity:  A Blueprint for American Renewal."

  The report on the House Republican Budget, "The Path to Prosperity," includes summary tables making comparisons to the president’s budget as re-estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).  Click here for links to that information.

  To learn more about the House Republican Budget, visit http://budget.house.gov/.

• March 19, 2012

  Listening - Housing Advisory Council Meeting

  Last week, I attended the inaugural meeting of my Housing Advisory Council.  Home builders, realtors, and lenders from across the Second District shared their experiences and observations with me in a round table discussion in Clayton. 

  I heard story after story about individuals and businesses with good credit ratings and established relationships with their local banks being unable to get loans or lines of credit due to the stringent requirements of Dodd-Frank.  Without accessible financing, builders are unable to build houses.  Some builders told me how the economy had ravaged their businesses – requiring them to lay off employees, drain their cash reserves and exhaust credit lines to stay in business. 

  Many of those in attendance told me they did not want the government to become more involved in their industry. Instead, they wanted the government to reduce the regulation and red tape that is hampering growth.  As one gentleman noted, he just wanted the government to “get out of the way.”

  If we want to get serious about the housing crisis, we must quickly reverse the credit problem. I’m proud to say I’m a cosponsor of legislation to fix this. H.R. 1755 - the “Home Construction Lending Regulatory Improvement Act of 2011” will remove these burdensome regulations and get banks lending again. 
  
  I’ve also opposed Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) – a provision of Dodd-Frank that would require homebuyers to put 20% down – which would put homeownership out of reach for most Americans.  This mandate places undue burdens on consumers and harms our fragile economic recovery. I will continue to work with businesses around our community on solutions that will help our job creators start hiring again.

• November 9, 2011

  Honoring Our Veterans

  The sacrifices our military veterans and their families have made to provide our security is something we honor officially on Veterans Day, but we enjoy the protection they provide every day. Each generation faces its own struggle for freedom throughout the world. On this Veterans Day, we offer our thanks and deep appreciation for those who have served to guarantee the freedoms we enjoy.

  Every veteran is a hero for their willingness to devote their life to service and it is important that we acknowledge and thank them.  Some of our heroes have waited many years to receive the recognition they deserve.  My office has helped veterans receive military service awards they earned many years ago and it was an honor for me to present W. Heath Hinson of Nashville with decorations he waited 64 years to receive. 

  In Fayetteville, Heroes Homecoming is a way of “showing all Vietnam Veterans we remember and appreciate their courage, their sacrifice and everything they’ve done to defend our freedom – now and forever.”  Details of the events, which started November 4 and continue through November 13, can be found at www.heroeshomecoming.com. 

  Earlier this week, I was honored to speak to a group of World War II veterans as they departed the Second District on a trip to Washington, DC to visit the National World War II Memorial and Arlington Cemetary.  There will be many events across the Second District commemorating Veterans Day, including ceremonies I will be attending this week at Fort Bragg and at Veteran’s Park in Lillington. 

  There are many ways you can thank veterans this week, as well as throughout the year. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many services and state and local resources for veterans, but there are also many private organizations doing good work on behalf of our troops and veterans.  Parade magazine put together a list of “11 Ways To Help Veterans on 11-11-11” which provides information and links to organizations like MilServ, Operation Gratitude and Homes for Our Troops.  Groups like Veterans Legacy Foundation do good work helping veterans receive service awards.

  We must continue to honor the selfless bravery and noble sacrifice of our American heroes.  As part of your Veterans Day observance, please be sure to thank those who have risked their lives in service to our country.

• October 25, 2011

  Breast Cancer Awareness -- Early Detection is Key

  The chance that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life is 1 in 8.  This year, over 6,500 North Carolina women will be diagnosed with the disease and breast cancer will claim the lives of approximately 1,340 women in the state.  Considering those statistics, it is not surprising that most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. 

  Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’d like to call attention to the effectiveness of early detection in saving lives and to point out a few of the many helpful resources available. 

  Most women are prone to risks for breast cancer, regardless of family history or other risk factors. That is why it is important for all women to learn how to perform monthly self-exams, have regular clinical exams, and receive mammograms as advised by their physicians.
  
  The American Cancer Society website  has information about early detection and even a mammogram reminder you can sign up to receive. 
  
  The U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs  has posted a few tips that may help reduce the risk of developing the disease and they point out that, although rare, men can develop breast cancer as well.

  The Pretty in Pink Foundation provides “financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients with quality, life-saving medical treatment regardless of their ability to pay… through sponsorships, fundraising, donations and pledge drives … throughout North Carolina.”

  There are also screenings available to those who qualify through some of the county health departments throughout the Second District, such as the Harnett County Depart­ment of Public Health which provides access to mobile mammogra­phy screenings each month. 

  When caught early, survival rates for breast cancer are quite high – over 90 percent.  This is why early detection is so important! Please talk to your doctor about the steps you need to take and take advantage of the information and resources available this month and throughout the year.

• October 4, 2011

  888 Days: A Pro-Jobs Message from House GOP Freshmen

  According to a CBS News poll, 73 percent of Americans think our country is on the wrong track.  Considering the nation’s historically high 9.1 percent unemployment rate and crushing $14.7 trillion debt, we believe they’re right.

   In January, 87 men and women representing a variety of geographic, economic and professional backgrounds came to Washington carrying a message from the American people that it was time to turn our economy around and preserve the American dream for generations to come. Since then, the Republican freshman class has worked with our colleagues in the House to pass more than a dozen pieces of legislation that work to spur job growth, eliminate regulatory barriers, reduce the nation’s debt, and enact a balanced budget amendment.

   While House Republicans have honored their commitment to get America’s fiscal house in order and get Americans back to work, the Senate leadership has failed to do the same.

   In order to turn our economy around, we need the Senate to join us in our efforts to get America back on the right track. That’s why today we are launching “Operation Turnaround,” which is a call to action, appealing to our colleagues in the Senate to pass a budget and bring the following House-passed, pro-growth bills to a vote:

   

  • H.R. 2560, The Cut, Cap and Balance Act
  • H.R. 872, Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act
  • H.R. 910, The Energy Tax Prevention Act            
  • H.J. Res. 37, Disapproval of FCC’s Net Neutrality Regulations
  • H.R. 2018, The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act
  • H.R. 1315, Consumer Financial Protection & Soundness Improvement Act
  • H.R. 2587, Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act
  • H.R. 1230, Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act
  • H.R. 1229, Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act
  • H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act
  • H.R. 2021, The Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011
  • H.R. 1938, North American-Made Energy Security Act         

   It has been888 days since the U.S. Senate has passed a budget. The time to act is now. With 14 million Americans out of work and millions more underemployed, we can’t afford to waste another day.

   Signed,

   

  Sandy Adams

  Dan Benishek

  Diane Black

  Mo Brooks

  Francisco Canseco

  Jeff Denham

  Renee Ellmers

  Blake Farenthold

  Stephen Fincher
   

  Bill Flores

  Bob Gibbs

  Tim Griffin

  Andy Harris

  Bill Huizenga

  Randy Hultgren

  Mike Kelly

  Jeff Landry

  Tom Marino

  Mick Mulvaney

  Kristi Noem

  Richard Nugent

  Steven Palazzo

  Steve Pearce

  Reid Ribble

  Scott Rigell

  Martha Roby

  Bobby Schilling

  Austin Scott

  Tim Scott

  Steve Southerland

  Steve Stivers

  Marlin Stutzman

  Scott Tipton

  Allen West

  Rob Woodall

  Link to pdf version.
   

• September 27, 2011

  Health Insurance Premiums Rise Sharply and More Consequences of Obamacare Are Yet to Come

  Although many provisions of Obamacare do not take effect until 2014, we have already seen the reluctance of small businesses to hire additional employees based on the uncertainty the law has created.  Results of recent studies show more consequences of the healthcare law including higher premiums and the likelihood that employers will stop offering health coverage altogether.

  Today the Kaiser Family Foundation released itsannual Health Benefits Survey showing health care premiums in the workplace have increased by 9 percent -- over $1,200 for an average American family!  (During his campaign, President Obama said he would reduce health care premiums by $2,500.) 

  If a 9 percent increase in premiums was not bad enough, according to a study published in McKinsey Quarterly this summer, when some provisions of Obamacare take effect in 2014, three of every 10 employers will “definitely or probably” stop offering health coverage at all.
  
  The study says that, “At least 30% of employers would gain economically from dropping coverage, even if they completely compensated employees for the change through other benefit offerings or higher salaries.”
  
  Not only did this law, which gives the government more control over healthcare, affect the way healthcare providers and their patients interact, but it has a huge impact on the way businesses function.  Instead of decisions regarding healthcare and business being made between doctors and patients and employers and employees, many of those decisions are heavily influenced (and in some cases mandated) by this ill-conceived law.
  
  Instead of providing market driven, patient-centered solutions, the President and the previous Congress gave us more government intervention and control.  As a result, many employers will likely find providing healthcare coverage to their employees under the new law too expensive and will likely stop offering health coverage.
  
  Unfortunately only those chosen by the administration to receive Obamacare waivers are exempt -- everyone else will have to suffer the consequences of the provisions of the health care law.  Especially in the current economy, we cannot afford these or any other additional obstacles to job creation and American families cannot afford these rising premium costs.
  
  Follow this link to read more blog posts.

• September 22, 2011

  Higher Taxes Is Not the Answer to the Jobs Crisis

  In a speech this week, the President called on Congress to pass his “American Jobs Act” right away.  He also released his plan to pay for it -- $1.5 trillion in jobs-killing tax hikes.  He said the plan is not class warfare, but simply “math.”  Any plan that chooses winners and losers by calling for massive tax increases aimed at America’s entrepreneurs and job creators will further hamper job growth and only exacerbate the already dire unemployment situation.

  The President is pursuing the same failed policies that have resulted in a double digit unemployment rate in North Carolina and many other parts of the country.   Those policies have not worked over the past 3 years and they will not work now. 

  Calls for higher taxes and more government regulation will continue to erode the confidence business owners need to grow the economy and hire more workers.  America’s job creators need to know they will not be burdened with excessive regulation and new taxes.

  The President attempted to justify his plan by saying the rich must pay their “fair” share.   The President cited a story Warren Buffett tells about his secretary paying a lower tax rate than he does.  Rather than relying on a flawed anecdote that compares different types of taxes, the President should be sharing some of the figures (simple math) that show just how much of their “fair share” the “rich” are paying.

  Fact Checking Simple Math

  Here are a few of those figures (via the Tax Foundation):

  • “Recently released IRS data for 2009, shows that taxpayers earning over $200,000 paid 50 percent of the $866 billion in total income taxes paid that year, or $434 billion. Skeptics will say, 'That's because they earn the majority of the income in America.' Not so. These taxpayers earned 25 percent of the $7.6 trillion in total adjusted gross income in the country that year.”

  • “The 2009 IRS data also shows that a record 58.6 million tax filers had no income tax liability that year. This means that 42 percent of the 140 million Americans who filed tax returns that year contributed nothing to the basic cost of government.”

  • “In 2008, the roughly 1,900 largest corporations paid $152 billion in income taxes. This amounted to 67 percent of the $227 billion in total corporate income taxes paid that year.”

  Earlier this year, Veronique de Rugy and Jason J. Fichtner charted the "fairness" of the biggest source of federal revenues – the federal income tax, with this bar graph using IRS information.  

  

  The chart above shows just how much of their “fair share” the business owners in America are paying. 

  Here are additional fact checks on the President's tax claims:

  Fact Check:  Are the rich taxed less than secretaries?

  Associated Press 

  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he wants to make sure millionaires are taxed at higher rates than their secretaries. The data say they already are.

  "Warren Buffett's secretary shouldn't pay a higher tax rate than Warren Buffett. There is no justification for it," Obama said as he announced his deficit-reduction plan this week. "It is wrong that in the United States of America, a teacher or a nurse or a construction worker who earns $50,000 should pay higher tax rates than somebody pulling in $50 million."

  On average, the wealthiest people in America pay a lot more taxes than the middle class or the poor, according to private and government data. They pay at a higher rate, and as a group, they contribute a much larger share of the overall taxes collected by the federal government.

  The 10 percent of households with the highest incomes pay more than half of all federal taxes. They pay more than 70 percent of federal income taxes, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 

  The Buffett AlternativeTax

  Wall Street Journal

  The President's complaint, echoing billionaire Warren Buffett, is that too many billionaires pay a lower rate than regular salary earners. So even as he endorsed tax reform in general yesterday, Mr. Obama insisted that one of his reform "principles" is that people who make more than $1 million must pay a higher tax rate than middle-class earners.

  There's one small problem: The entire Buffett Rule premise is false, as the nearby table shows. In 2008, the last year for which such data are available, the IRS reports that those who made more than $1 million in adjusted gross income paid an average income tax rate of 23.3%.

  That's slightly lower than the 24.1% rate paid by those making between $500,000 and $1 million, probably because the richest are like Mr. Buffett and earn more from capital gains and dividends. The rate for a relative handful of the rich—400 people—fell to 18%, the modern equivalent of Barr's Gang of 21. But nearly all millionaires still paid a rate that is more than twice the 8.9% average rate paid by those earning between $50,000 and $100,000, and more than three times the 7.2% average rate paid by those earning less than $50,000. The larger point is that the claim that CEOs are routinely paying lower tax rates than their secretaries is Omaha hokum.

  Squeezing America’s job creators is not the way to grow jobs

  President Obama is now calling on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, which is tasked with reducing the deficit by $1.5 trillion, to raise taxes by $1.5 trillion.  The plan would raise taxes on both small businesses and on private capital, both of which are essential for job creation.

  The President says we need a balanced approach to the jobs and debt crisis, but when the President talks about balance, he talks about taxing those already paying the majority of taxes even more. We don’t need more taxes to achieve balance -- we need a Balanced Budget Amendment to control spending.   

  House Republicans have had a jobs plan for months – a plan that removes excessive regulation standing in the way of growth, cuts government spending without punishing America’s job creators with new taxes, and provides for a vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment.  Rather than passing a plan that increases taxes by $1.5 trillion and does nothing to remove the burdensome regulations that are hampering job growth, the Senate and the President should take up some of the jobs legislation that House Republicans have passed this year. 

  A new round of taxing, spending and regulating will not improve America's economy and jobs situation.  House Republicans' plan for  fundamental tax reform, cutting spending and reducing excessive regulation will create an environment for economic growth, and it is my hope that the President will join us in these efforts.

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