The McCaul Minute
Texas Insider Report: Washington D.C. Congressman McCaul has been appointed to serve as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committees Subcommittee on Oversight Investigations and Management during the 112th Congress. The subcommittee will be responsible for oversight of all Department of Homeland Security operations including border security intelligence gathering and risk assessment air travel and cybersecurity...
FULL STORY
Earmarks Defeated
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tried to pass a proposed omnibus budget bill with 6714 earmarks worth $8.3 billion but pulled it after Americans became outraged that Washington is not listening to their cries to stop pork barrell deficit spending. I am proud that I stopped requesting earmarks in 2008 until the system becomes 100 percent transparent. It is unbelievable that members continue to charge the taxpayers for their pet projects and defy the will of the American people.
Five Day Budget
Since the Democrats have failed to pass a full-year budget on Friday they once again resorted to a short-term band-aid to avoid a government shutdown over the weekend. The latest Continuing Resolution extends current funding levels for only five days meaning we will have to reconvene to pass yet another budget provision this week.
$3.9 Trillion Tax Increase Averted
I voted on a long overdue bill to prevent a $3.9 trillion tax increase. While certain provisions of the tax package are not ideal I supported this critical measure in order to preserve current tax rates for families and small business owners that were set to expire December 31. Voting against the bill would have been an endorsement of a massive tax increase which I could not support especially in the midst of an economic recession. As Ronald Reagan once said If I can get 70 or 80 percent of what it is Im trying to get... Ill take that and then continue to try to get the rest in the future." As we assume the majority in the House my priority is to continue to push for lower tax rates identify wasteful government spending through strict oversight and diminish the red tape that burdens our economy.
Doc Fix
Last week I supported and the House passed H.R. 4994 better known as the Doc Fix". Without this legislation doctors would have seen a 25 percent reduction in federal reimbursement rates for care of Medicare patients beginning on January 1. The legislation would maintain current doctor payment rates until December 31 2011.
Dont Ask Dont Tell
Last week I voted against legislation that would repeal the militarys 16 year old Dont Ask Dont Tell" policy. Unfortunately it has now passed both houses and will be signed by the President. After thoroughly reviewing the results of a Defense Department survey issued to the military I was very troubled to learn that nearly 60 percent of those in the Marine Corps and in Army combat units said they thought repealing the law would hurt their units ability to fight on the battlefield. As an ardent supporter of our men and women who fight to protect our nation I could not in good conscious vote to repeal a policy that would be detrimental to troop cohesiveness.
DREAM Act
I was disappointed that the House approved the DREAM Act would have offered amnesty to undocumented immigrants who entered the country before the age of 15. Fortunately it did not pass the Senate. The DREAM Act does nothing to address the nations lack of border security and would provide an incentive for another wave of undocumented immigrants. As we learned in 1986 providing amnesty to illegal immigrants simply encourages more individuals to break the law and enter the United States illegally. Moreover The Congressional Budget Office says that the DREAM Act would have added at least $5 billion to the federal deficit.
Congressman McCaul with Ashley Damron who just completed one year of service in our Washington office as a Department of Defense Fellow. Ms. Damron served as Rep. McCauls military liaison and foreign affairs aide.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy healthy and prosperous New Year.
