From Congressman Bob Goodlatte --- The Spending Spree Continues in Washington

Weekly Column: November 26, 2010

Next week the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to return to Washington. At that time we are expected to consider how the government will continue to operate into the new year. This is the direct result of the fact the Democrat controlled Congress failed to pass a budget or enact any of the twelve annual spending bills that fund all government operations. Recent reports indicate that the Democrats hope to consider a $1.11 trillion omnibus spending bill that would increase expenditures by hundreds of billions of dollars.

In the past two years, with our economy still struggling, the Majority in Congress has worked hard to raise taxes, increase federal spending, allow our national debt to spiral out of control, and pass legislation that gives the federal government more control of our daily lives. They have spent trillions on bailouts and stimulus packages to help grow our economy, but all it has done is increase our debt and the size of the federal bureaucracy while leaving our nation’s unemployment rate hovering around ten percent. As the Wall Street Journal correctly noted in a recent editorial, “the Pelosi Congress has used the recession as an excuse to send spending to record heights, and its economic policies have contributed to a lousy recovery. The solution is to stop the spending and change the policies.” Unfortunately the Democrats continue to ignore this message and their proposed continuing resolution seems to be more of the same excessive government spending.

In stark contrast to the Democrats’ out-of-control government spending, I am pleased to support a fiscally responsible continuing resolution which has been proposed by the Republican Study Committee (RSC). This alternative resolution reflects Washington’s need to make tough decisions about spending priorities, cut wasteful programs, and respect taxpayers’ wallets. It provides for a full-year continuing resolution for fiscal year 2011 that protects defense and veterans spending, while returning all other discretionary spending to fiscal year 2008 levels -- the amounts in effect prior to this Congress’s spending spree. Over a full year this resolution has the potential to save tens of billions of dollars.

Additionally, the plan will defund the Democrats new government takeover of healthcare, and prohibit any FY 2011 appropriations from being used for earmarks.

As elected officials and stewards of the taxpayer’s money, we have a responsibility to put together a sustainable budget and stick to it. I have consistently supported measures to rein in the federal budget and curb spending by voting for the tightest budgets and spending bills possible. I will continue working hard to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington by supporting the RSC continuing resolution which tightens the budget and reduces wasteful spending.

Firehouse Primary is Cancelled --- Special Election to be held on January 11, 2011

Republican House of Delegates Nominee

The Salem Republican Committee is thrilled to announce that Greg Habeeb is our official Republican nominee for the House of Delegates in the 8th District. Greg is well known throughout the Roanoke Valley for his success as Chairman of the Salem Republican Committee and his leadership in several local organizations such as Young Life and Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Southwest Virginia. Also, the Blue Ridge Business Journal recently named Greg one of the top 20 Roanoke Valley Business leaders under the age of 40. Not only has Governor Bob McDonnell endorsed Greg's candidacy but so has Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, AG Ken Cuccinelli, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Congressman-elect Morgan Griffith and former Governor George Allen. You can help Greg take his proven track record of leadership to Richmond by visiting his website ( www.greghabeeb.com ) to volunteer your time and/or to donate to his campaign.


Secondly, the November 23rd firehouse primary has been canceled due to no other candidates filing by yesterday's 5pm deadline. Please be sure to mark your calendar to vote for Greg in the January 11, 2011 special election to replace Congressman-elect Morgan Griffith in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Greg still needs financial support; and if you'd like to donate to Greg's campaign, please mail checks to Friends of Greg Habeeb at P.O. Box 882, Salem, VA. 24153.

Lastly, we will have a Salem Republican Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 6 p.m. located at the Salem City Courthouse. Please invite your friends and family. This meeting will be a great opportunity to hear from our Republican nominee, Greg Habeeb.


Thanks.

Kjersten Croke
Salem Republican Committee Chair

UPCOMING EVENTS

1) Salem Republican Committee Meeting - December 14, 2010. 6 p.m. City of Salem Courthouse. Salem Virginia.

2) Special Election - January 11, 2011. VOTE!

This message if From Greg Habeeb, Regarding his Candidacy for the 8th District

Hello Friends

As most of you have heard, after lots of prayerful consideration, Christy and I have decided that I will run to replace Morgan Griffith in the House of Delegates. I am humbled to have the support of Congressman Goodlatte, Congressman-elect Griffith and many other elected leaders across this district and Commonwealth. However, more important to me, is the support from you all, the heart of soul of the Republican Party in the Roanoke Valley.

While we are very excited about this race, we know it won't be easy. The liberals are already coming out to attack our common sense conservative message. They believe that a message of lower taxes, less government regulation, more private jobs, adherence to the Constitution and respect for life is "too extreme" for the 8th HOD district. I disagree and I know you disagree. But this is a very short election and, while we know our principles are right, we won't win unless we do everything we can to get our message out.

I NEED YOUR HELP. Below are some action items. Please look them over and see which of them you can help us with. Then, please forward this email to everyone you know and ask them to get on board as we carry our common sense conservative message to Richmond.

ACTION ITEMS

1) PRAY - If you do nothing else, please give us your prayers. We need prayer for wisdom, discernment and peace. Also, please keep my family in yours prayers as this will not be easy on any of us.

2) VOLUNTEER - We need everyone of you to volunteer if possible. We'll be making calls, ID'ing voters, working the polls, etc. Respond to this email if you'd like to volunteer.

3) DONATE - It is a reality of politics that we need money and the Democrats have said they'll pull out all the stops to win this race. If you can spare anything, even $10, please mail it to Friends of Greg Habeeb, P.O. Box 882, Salem, VA 24153. You can also donate online by going to www.greghabeeb.com.

4) SIGNS - Please let us know if you have a good location for either a yard sign or a large 4x8 sign.

5) FACEBOOK - Go to Facebook, search "Greg Habeeb for Delegate" and "like" our page. Then suggest it to all your friends.

6) PRAY SOME MORE

Thank you.

Greg

_________________

From Congressman Bob Goodlatte: Cybersecurity is Critical to Our National Security

Weekly Column: November 19, 2010

This week the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission issued their annual report to Congress. The report, which details all aspects of the relationship between the United States and China, contained disturbing but not unsuspected revelations that the Chinese government is behind the numerous computer hacking incidents involving many U.S. government and military sites.

Specifically, the report highlights an incident from April 2010, when for 18 minutes nearly 15 percent of the world’s Internet traffic was redirected through computer servers in China. Emails and Internet traffic to and from such vital government sites as the U.S. Senate, the Department of Commerce, NASA, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Departments of the Army, Navy, and the Air Force as well as commercial sites such as Dell, Yahoo, Microsoft and IBM were hijacked and manipulated by China Telecom, a state-controlled Internet carrier.

This report follows recent testimony by the General Accounting Office (GAO) that the U.S. information technology infrastructure is vulnerable to attack. It has been estimated that the Pentagon’s computer system gets 360 million unauthorized scans or attacks a day. Cyber security is without a doubt a homeland security threat and our government must take the appropriate steps to protect our vulnerable systems. This week Defense Secretary Gates announced that the Department of Defense and National Security Agency will be working together more closely to address the growing cybersecurity threats faced by the federal government.

In addition, folks must realize just how important it is for individual Americans to take cybersecurity seriously, not just as a matter of personal safety, but as a matter of our country's security as well. Those who take it upon themselves to implement relatively simple security measures are not only protecting themselves and their families, but are in effect contributing to our national efforts to secure critical infrastructures like telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, water, health care, transportation, and emergency and financial services. Weaknesses in your personal computer systems can affect the entire country. In fact, 90 percent of the nation’s critical information infrastructure is operated by the private sector.

While technology has brought tremendous improvement to our quality of life, these advances have also brought significant vulnerability. These recent attacks on government networks have served to increase awareness that cybersecurity is not just about protecting computers, but also has implications for our national security and economic well-being. Just as the federal government heavily relies upon computers to carry out their business, so do our local hospitals, firefighters and police, just to name a few. Computers are vital to the safety of the American people and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus and Chairman of the House Republican High Tech Working Group, I will continue working with the Administration and the leadership in Congress to see that our nation’s information networks are protected from future cyber attacks.

Fire House Republican Primary - November 23, 2010

The 8th Legislative District Committee met yesterday, November 12, 2010, to decide the nominating process and establish the rules for the upcoming Republican Canvass. The purpose of the canvass is to select the Republican nominee for the special election - which will most likely be held on Jan 11, 2010 - to fill the House seat vacated by Morgan Griffith.

The fire house primary (canvass) is set for Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 3:30 to 7:30 PM at three locations - one in Salem and two in Roanoke County. The polling place for the canvass will be held at the Salem Civic Center for City of Salem registered voters. Anyone interested in becoming a Republican candidate should please copy and paste the following link to your browser's address bar (http://www.rpv.org/publications/page/official-calls) to visit the Republican Party of Virginia's website where you will find the Official Call for the 8th House of Delegates Legislative District, and the Proposed Rules for the 8th House of Delegates LD Canvass.

Lastly, please mark your calendars for a Salem Republican Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, 6 PM at the Salem City Courthouse.

Thanks.

Kjersten Croke
Salem Republican Committee Chairman

UPCOMING EVENTS

1) 8th Legislative District Canvass - Tuesday, November 23, 2010. 3:30-7:30 p.m.. Salem Civic Center - 1001 Roanoke Boulevard. Salem, Virginia. 24153.

2) Salem Republican Committee Meeting - December 14, 2010. 6 p.m. City of Salem Courthouse. Salem Virginia.

From Congressman Bob Goodlatte --- Cleaning House

Weekly Column: November 12, 2010

In recent years, Congress has disappointed the American people. It has enacted policies without providing sufficient advance notice and transparency to the people. It has forgotten that the money Washington spends is not government money but rather the hard-earned money of the taxpayers. It has also expanded the finite authority the U.S. Constitution grants to the federal government into seemingly infinite authority and blurred the distinction between the public and private sectors and the federal and state governments. The federal government has simply grown too big and too powerful.

These are just some of the reasons why our citizens have lost confidence in many of our elected leaders in Washington. Last week House Republicans renewed our commitment to the people and the fundamental principles that make our country great by announcing the formation of the Republican Majority Transition Team. The goal of this Transition Team, on which I serve as a Team Leader, is to review all House procedures and work to implement the Congressional reforms included in the House Republicans’ Pledge to America. In order to rein in the unprecedented levels of government spending that have only exacerbated our current economic woes, we must begin by getting our own House in order, ensuring the Congress runs as openly and efficiently as possible.

We want the House of Representatives to be more accountable to the people and open to public scrutiny. Therefore, the Republican Majority Transition Team will work to implement a requirement that legislation be available online for 3 days before a vote so that members of Congress and the American people can read the bill. We will also require that all bills include a citation of constitutional authority so that Congress respects the limits imposed on it by our founding document. Changes to House rules will make it harder to increase spending and easier to cut it so that we begin a new era of fiscal responsibility in Washington and end the practice of passing "comprehensive" or "omnibus" bills that package unrelated legislation together in an effort to avoid public scrutiny. In fact, Republicans have already started making changes, such as moving to install public cameras in the powerful Rules Committee, which decides which bills and amendments come to the floor for a vote.

In addition to serving on the Republican Majority Transition Team, I have been named the Team Leader for the House Operations Working Group. We will have oversight over all House operations including many House support organizations such as the Library of Congress, the House Clerk’s office, Capitol Police and the Congressional Budget Office. We will work to put in place new guiding principles for these groups, with the overarching goals of transparency, accountability and cost savings.

The American people are demanding accountability and results and that is what House Republicans are offering. We have pledged to run the House differently than it has been run by both Democrats and Republicans in the past. House Republicans will work to ensure that the people’s House is transparent and open to help build the trust so vital in a democracy.

GOODLATTE TO SERVE ON GOP MAJORITY TRANSITION TEAM

WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congressman Bob Goodlatte was appointed to serve on the Republican Majority Transition Team. The team, which is chaired by Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR), is made up of twenty-two House Republicans who will work to ensure a seamless transition to the new Republican majority in the 112th Congress.

The goal of the Republican Majority Transition Team is to review all House procedures and work to implement the Congressional reforms included in the House Republicans’ Pledge to America.
These reforms include a requirement that legislation be available online for 3 days before a vote so that members of Congress and the American people can read the bill, a requirement that all bills include a citation of constitutional authority so that Congress respects the limits imposed on it by our founding document, changes to House rules to make it harder to increase spending and easier to cut it so that we begin a new era of fiscal responsibility in Washington and an end to the practice of passing "comprehensive" or "omnibus" bills that package unrelated legislation together in an effort to avoid public scrutiny.

“I am honored to have been selected to be a member of the Republican Majority Transition Team,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “The American people are demanding accountability and results and that is what House Republicans are offering. We have pledged to run the House differently than it has been run by both Democrats and Republicans in the past. We will work to ensure that the people’s House is transparent and open to help build the trust so vital in a democracy.”

“I appreciate Congressman Goodlatte’s commitment to improving how Congress operates, bringing the American people closer to their representatives, and giving them a larger voice in how their government operates,” said Chairman Walden. “I know Congressman Goodlatte will be a valuable member of this important and historic team, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months as we work to once again make the House of Representatives the best legislative body in the world.”

The website for the Republican Majority Transition Team is www.gopleader.gov/newmajority.

Big Wins on Tuesday! ... as Morgan gets ready to head to DC; Habeeb to announce bid for Morgans House of Delegate Seat!

Congrats, Thank You, and Exciting News!

We did it, folks! We painted the map red! The Republicans have taken control of the House of Representatives and gained 6 seats in the Senate. The days of liberal policies being rammed through Congress against the will of the people is now over. We did our part here in Southwest Virginia by helping elect 3 Republican Congressman. While I would like to congratulate Robert Hurt and Morgan Griffith on their Congressional victories and Congressman Goodlatte on his re-election, I really need to thank all of you. These elected officials could not have won without everyone pitching in by volunteering time and donating money to these campaigns. All of you deserve a big pat on the back and a huge THANK YOU for helping out!

With Morgan Griffith heading to Washington, we will have to elect a new member of the House of Delegates to replace him. That means things are going to be a little busy for us here in the 8th Legislative District over the next couple of months. More information about the election will be forthcoming once the 8th Legislative District Committee meets and determines a nominating process.

Now on to the new and exciting news! You and everyone you know are invited on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, at 10 AM to join Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Congressman-elect Morgan Griffith and many other elected officials and leadership to a press conference announcing Greg Habeeb's run for the 8th District House of Delegates seat. Exact location in Salem to be announced over the weekend. I truly hope to see many of you there!

Thanks.

Kjersten Croke
Salem Republican Committee Chair


UPCOMING EVENTS

1) Press Conference - Monday, November 8, 2010. 10 AM. Salem, Virginia.

From George Allen --- Keep Promises To 'We the People'

Election Day 2010 saw the culmination of years of aggravation and resentment toward a federal government that became disconnected and disdainful of the values and priorities of Americans. People are rightfully riled by bailouts of failed automobile manufacturers, health care dictates, energy restrictions, and the unprecedented expansion of government spending and dangerous debt -- nearly $6 trillion more than when President Obama was sworn into office.

America, the land and idea we love, has been built and has prospered based upon the foundational principles of freedom, opportunity for all, and personal responsibility in a free marketplace. However, during the past three years, the federal government has fostered initiative-sapping dependence on a fast-growing, power-hungry government that redistributes success and arrogantly imposes dictates and limits on free people.

The new Congress must keep the promises made to "We the People." It must turn our country toward an ascending trajectory, where all Americans have an opportunity to pursue their American Dream.

Consistent with what I've heard from caring, resolved men and women of all ages at hundreds of rallies, forums, and events, here are the most pressing priorities for immediate action for jobs and restraining the bloated, grabbing federal government:

First, prevent looming tax increases. Americans and Virginians want jobs, but government doesn't create jobs. Small, medium, and large private businesses that take risks do. In 2001 and 2003, we provided tax relief to job-creating businesses --as well as to American families and individuals -- by cutting income, capital gains, dividends, and other taxes. This tax policy is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010, which would result in a $3.8 billion tax increase.

Congress should extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts in the lame duck session this year. If not, the very first act of the new Congress must be extending all of the tax cuts without compromise. Tax increases are job killers and must be stopped. These pending tax increases -- along with record deficits and debt, burdensome regulations, and the ever-encroaching federal government -- have left employers uncertain about the future and hesitant to hire new employees.

The best social program is a job! But it is tough for many people to find work these days. Our oldest daughter recently graduated from James Madison University. As parents, Susan and I see that she and many of her friends, if they can find work, are taking jobs out of their chosen field just to earn an income. Many must move back home with their parents to shoulder the financial burden of student loans and costs of living.

Second, the new Congress must repeal the massive government takeover of our American health care system -- whether through outright repeal or by defunding it -- and replace it with affordable, personal health savings accounts.

When Obamacare was passed, the president and Congress promised Americans that it would reduce the costs of health care and we could keep our current health plans. Instead, we have seen companies across our nation -- from Boeing to Caterpillar to 3M -- announce increases in their health care costs and reductions in employee benefits. Recently, the administration granted waivers to 30 companies and organizations -- including McDonald's and the United Federation of Teachers -- representing 1 million employees who faced higher premiums or lost coverage without an exemption from Obamacare.

Third, the new Congress must repeal and cut off any additional money borrowed and set aside for Obama, Reid, and Pelosi's $1.2 trillion "stimulus" spending bill. On Tuesday, the American people showed they know that a decade's worth of pent-up, pet-project, reckless spending and record debt don't stimulate the economy or create jobs.

Fourth, unleash our own natural resources. America has more energy resources that any country in the world and we need not continue to be vulnerable to hostile dictators, oligarchs, and cartels. Our energy and climate policy should be made by the people's representatives rather than unelected bureaucrats and activist judges who are appointed for life. Congress must withdraw authority from EPA bureaucrats who are attempting to regulate odorless, colorless CO2.

To impose skyrocketing electricity, fuel, and food costs on American families and enterprises will diminish our quality of life, cause thousands of jobs to move overseas, and constitute economic unilateral disarmament because no other country in the world will impose these burdens on its citizens.

Positive action on these four priorities will demonstrate that our elected leaders have got the message from "We the People." There are many other steps we need to take over the next few years to start our American comeback. Accomplishing these first steps will immediately improve job opportunities, begin to rein in spending, and restore proper foundational principles to make America once again an ascending land of opportunity for all to achieve their dreams.

From Congressman Bob Goodlatte --- Honoring Those Who Have Served and Sacrificed

Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s Weekly Report: November 5, 2010

It is truly an honor to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans. America was founded on the principles of liberty, opportunity and justice for all, and on Veterans Day we recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have valiantly defended these values throughout our nation’s history. We ensure that their willingness to answer the call of their country on foreign battlefields will not quickly be forgotten.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, began as a day of remembrance for those who died during the First World War. The national holiday was made official by Congress in 1938. It was 16 years later that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation, “to honor veterans on the 11th day of November each year . . . A day dedicated to world peace,” and formally named the occasion Veterans Day.

Our fallen heroes gave their lives so that we may continue to enjoy the benefits of a free and great democracy. From the minute men drawn up on the grass at Lexington and Concord, to the bloody woods of Chancellorsville, to the sailors fighting the Japanese in the Pacific, to daring pilots flying missions over Germany and defeating Hitler, to courageous Marines landing at Inchon in Korea, to soldiers in the jungles of Vietnam, to crushing Saddam Hussein in the Gulf, to fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard have fought for the cause of freedom.

President Calvin Coolidge once said, “the nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten”. It often takes a day like Veterans Day to pause and remember the values and principles that this nation was founded upon. And when we remember, we think of those who have sacrificed in honor of those principles. These are the veterans of our wars, past, present and future -- they are the ones who have stood guard over the principles that have created this great nation. And it is in their memory and names that we must commit to ourselves that we will never forget their sacrifices, that we will not allow their blood to have been shed in vain and that we will, every day, act in accordance with those principles that they fought for. We must always pay tribute to those who have made our nation great, strong, and most importantly – free.

While it is virtually impossible for us to sufficiently convey our national gratitude, to adequately express our unyielding pride to those who have worn the uniform of this great nation, I humbly say thank you to these true patriots and to the countless brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for this country. It is through your sacrifice that our nation remains the land of the free, and the home of the brave.