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State of the Union Address calls for strength, compassion
By: Phil Gingrey
Last week, President Bush delivered his annual State of the Union address. He spoke with strength and conviction, challenging Americans to have courage and compassion. With these qualities, the President said, “we see the spirit and character of America.”
In his 45-minute speech, President Bush detailed the foreign and domestic challenges facing our nation. I was extremely pleased the President framed his domestic policy initiatives in terms of innovation and choice, not expanded government bureaucracy. Our citizens don’t want socialized medicine or higher taxes for increased federal spending. We in Congress need to heed this message.
On foreign challenges, the President reminded us that our efforts in Iraq are directly linked to the larger global War on Terror. He is absolutely right, and it is a connection that is too often forgotten. Simply put, we are fighting terrorism abroad so we don’t have to fight it at home. Congress has a solemn responsibility to give our government and military the right tools to protect us from radical terrorists bent on destroying our nation. Success is far more important than kowtowing to political pressure to abandon our mission.
I was also encouraged to hear President Bush discuss some new ideas on healthcare access and affordability. As a physician, I agree we should give individuals greater control over their healthcare decisions, rather than relying on employers and bureaucratic federal programs. Concern over health coverage shouldn’t deter someone from switching jobs or starting a new business, but it often does. That’s because our current system links health insurance to a specific employer, meaning those who are self-employed or work for small businesses often can’t afford the coverage they need. By reforming the system to link health coverage to an individual instead of an employer, we can help Americans afford quality care, no matter where they work.
The most disappointing part of the President’s speech clearly came on immigration. I am very concerned that the President’s guest worker proposal is a plan for amnesty. The state of Georgia has felt the full impact of illegal immigration on our healthcare, education and social welfare systems, and amnesty would only exacerbate these problems.
In his State of the Union address, the President laid out a bold vision for our nation in these extraordinary and often difficult times. Now, it is up to the Congress to enact legislation that supports our troops, protects our homeland, expands access to quality healthcare, and reduces our dependency on foreign oil. President Bush made a strong case for bipartisan support on these initiatives. It is my hope and expectation that the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate will not let partisanship stand in the way of progress for the American people.
As we begin the 110th Congress, I remain committed to safeguarding our nation from harm, safeguarding your wallet from increased taxes, and safeguarding our citizens from the overreaching hand of the federal government.
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Gingrey supports Congressional Pardon for Border Patrol agents jailed for wounding Mexican drug smuggler
Earlier this month, Phil met with Jose Alonso Compean, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent sentenced to 12 years in jail for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler attempting to enter the U.S. with nearly 750 pound of marijuana. After hearing Compean’s story, Phil proudly co-sponsored H.R. 563, the Congressional Pardon for Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean Act. The legislation would pardon Compean and his partner, Ignacio Ramos. The two men reported to prison this month to being serving their decade-long sentences.
“This is an absolute perversion of justice,” said Phil. “These men do not belong in jail – they belong on the border preventing drug smugglers from entering the U.S. illegally. To date, the Attorney General hasn’t acted. The President hasn’t acted. Congress must intervene to pardon Agents Ramos and Compean. How do we expect to secure our border from criminal immigrants if we jail the men and women tasked with protecting us?”
Phil also signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales expressing serious concern over the handling of this case. The drug smuggler, Osvaldo Davila, was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against Compean and Ramos. Compean fired a shot that struck Davila in the rear while Davila was fleeing back to Mexico to escape capture. Compean and Ramos attest that Davila was armed; Border Patrol agents are trained and authorized to use their weapons in such situations.
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Gingrey opposes unethical stem cell legislation and introduces alternative that respects the sanctity of life
This month, Congress once again debated federal funding for stem cell research that destroys human embryos. As a pro-life physician, Phil voted against this legislation, and introduced an alternative bill, H.R. 322, that funds ethical stem cell research respecting the sanctity of life. Unfortunately, the Democrat leadership in the House would not allow debate on his alternative.
“I know we don’t have to sacrifice human life in order to research ways to save it,” said Phil. “In America, we do things the right way. We don’t take organs from death row prisoners because they are ‘going to die anyway.’ Neither should we steal the life of a fertilization clinic embryo just because there’s a chance it won’t be used to impregnate a woman.”
Phil continued, “Especially in light of the recent scientific announcement that amniotic stem cells have the ability to develop into human tissue, a more thorough debate on legislative alternatives to H.R. 3 was crucial. We can’t leave the promise of adult stem cells, cord blood stem cells, and amniotic stem cells in the dust just because the Democrat leadership refuses to consider alternative legislation. H.R. 3 uses taxpayer dollars for the destruction of human life, and the American people should know there are better alternatives.” |
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Gingrey appointed to House Armed Services Committee
As the 110th Congress convened this month, Phil was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, where he will be at the forefront of congressional policy affecting our military and the global War on Terror. Phil will serve as a vocal advocate for critical military interests in the 11th District including Dobbins Air Reserve Base, the Marietta Lockheed Martin plant and the Georgia National Guard.
“The war in Iraq and our global efforts to contain terrorism make Armed Services one of the most important committees in Congress,” said Phil. “I look forward to providing a powerful voice for military interests across the state of Georgia. I will insist we give our troops the tools they need to safeguard our country and ensure our military is unsurpassed in the world.”
Phil was also appointed to two prominent subcommittees: Oversight and Investigations, which examines a changing array of pressing military concerns, and Air and Land Forces, which oversees important aircraft programs like the F-22 and C-130J.
Gingrey Named Top Republican on Technology and Innovation Subcommittee
This month, Phil was named Ranking Member on the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee. As the highest ranking Republican on the subcommittee, Phil will play an integral role in policies affecting America’s technological competitiveness.
“Ever since my days as a Chemistry major at Georgia Tech, I’ve had a keen interest in science, technology, and how to make our nation a global leader in both,” said Phil. “Innovation is critical to keeping the U.S. competitive. Exciting technology advances are being made every day, and I look forward to examining how we can keep America at the forefront of these industries.”
The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation handles issues related to U.S. technological competitiveness. It also has jurisdiction over research and development programs at the Department of Homeland Security, transportation research at the Department of Transportation, and the transfer of select military technologies to the civilian sector.
Gingrey: Move Iraqi Battalions into Combat
This month, President Bush announced his new strategy for victory in Iraq.
In response, Phil commented, “A troop surge in Baghdad is an opportunity to stabilize this volatile region once and for all, and to accomplish this we need Iraqi troops. I have signed a letter to President Bush encouraging him to move well-trained Iraqi battalions stationed in relatively peaceful provinces to the Baghdad combat zone. We need to put these Iraqi troops into action so they can become battle-hardened and build rapport with the Iraqi people. This will allow our U.S. troops to redeploy to safer areas. We know Baghdad is struggling with sectarian violence and death squads. In the past, we have underestimated the intensity of these problems. Now, we must confront them by ensuring we have enough troops not only to clear the region, but to hold it.”
Gingrey introduces bill honoring Hunters for the Hungry charity
This month, Phil introduced H.Res. 79, a resolution commemorating the innovative and compassionate work of the Hunters for the Hungry program. The charity – a co-operative endeavor among hunters, sportsman’s associations, meat processors and hunger relief organizations – donates thousands of pounds of excess venison to homeless shelters and soup kitchens each year. This community service feeds homeless and hungry members of our community. The organization includes Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which serves Northwest Georgia.
“Hunters for the Hungry allows sportsmen to use their passion in support of the needy,” said Phil. “It is a compassionate program, and a unique and constructive way to address the problem of hunger in our nation. We need to encourage others to think like Hunters for the Hungry and call attention to ways Americans can use their talents to aid those in need.”
Gingrey honors Hiram solider Dustin Kirby in speech before Congress
Phil proudly shared the story of Petty Officer Dustin Kirby in a speech before Congress this month. Kirby, a native of Hiram, Georgia, was injured by sniper fire outside of Falluja on Christmas Day. Phil had the honor of visiting with Kirby and his family at the Bethesda Naval hospital.
“From my visit, it was clear Petty Officer Kirby has touched many lives,” said Phil. “In fact, while we visited, he got a phone call from his fellow troops overseas. His wife, Lauren, and parents, Jack and Gail, all shared with me their praise of his bravery and resolve. It is because of soldiers like Petty Officer Kirby that I know we will achieve victory in Iraq. The dedication and determination of our armed forces is what protects our nation every day, and what will ultimately help deliver security and freedom in the Middle East.”
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Gingrey pledges to fight attempts to raise taxes, threaten traditional values
As the 110th Congress convened this month, Phil promised to fight any attempts to raise taxes or abandon the traditional values important to Northwest Georgia residents.
“While it is certainly important to look for opportunities for bipartisanship in the 110th Congress, my primary goal is to oppose any attempt by the Democrat leadership to pass legislation that will raise taxes on Georgia families, threaten our national security, or put our traditional values at risk. Democrats paid lip service to a strong economy during the election, but as I look at the party’s leadership, I fear the House is being run by the same old tax-and-spend liberals. In fact, the new House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) has said he “cannot think of one” Republican tax cut he would renew. While I would never obstruct for the sake of obstruction, I can not in good conscience compromise the priorities of my constituents. I will continue working to promote legislation important to our Northwest Georgia community.”
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Gingrey: “We must protect seniors from government price controls”
In the first days of the 110th Congress, Phil proudly voted against Democrat legislation (H.R. 4) that requires government price controls in the Medicare prescription drug program.
“We are faced with a difference in ideology,” said Phil, a physician. “The Democrat leadership wants the government to control what’s in your medicine cabinet. I believe you should control it. Why would we want the government to negotiate seniors’ drug prices when the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has said it will save the program money? I believe marketplace competition keeps prices low for our seniors. Medicare Part D is hugely successful because the marketplace has kept prices low and choices vast. Seniors are saving an average of $1,200 a year on their medication costs. Premiums are 40 percent lower than predicted, the vast majority of plans have no deductible, and the program is covering more drugs each year. Compare that to the Democrat plan that would restrict access to the newest and most promising drugs, and the choice is clear. Our seniors deserve affordable choice, and Medicare Part D is delivering it.”
H.R. 4 passed the House by a vote of 255 to 170, with Phil voting against the measure.
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