Katie Britt votes to fund government and avert a government shutdown
The Senate voted 87 to 11 on Wednesday for legislation that would keep the government funded to the middle of January, avoiding a devastating government shutdown ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Senator Katie Britt voted for the package. The passage of the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) spearheaded by new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) keeps the government funded at current levels, putting off addressing out-of-control federal spending or the border situation until next year. Only 10 Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), opposed the legislation. “Today, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing a commonsense Continuing Resolution that will prevent a Christmas season omnibus and ensure our men and women in uniform continue to be paid,” said Sen. Britt on X. “This measure, which was drafted by House Republicans, will ensure that Americans don’t see an interruption in critical government services – and our troops, border patrol agents, ICE officers, and Capitol Police will continue to be paid,” Britt continued. “Growing up outside the gates of Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the sacrifice made by their families. Those who give so much in service to our nation should not have to spend Thanksgiving being worried about whether or not their next paycheck will be here or their Christmas season wondering how they’ll put presents under the tree. This Continuing Resolution gives Congress the time to keep working to move all 12 appropriations bills in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner. Let’s do our job and complete the critical work on behalf of the American people.” Senate and House conservatives pledged to do everything possible to avoid considering another omnibus spending package right before Christmas and New Year’s, which has become a Washington tradition. An amendment by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) that would have decreased government spending across the board by one percent was rejected in a 32 to 65 vote. Johnson’s CR passed the House with bipartisan support 336 to 95: 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voting yes. Ninety-three Republicans and two Democrats voted no. The legislation would fund military construction, the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and energy and water programs until January 19. It funds all other programs, including the Department of Defense and many non-defense social programs, until February 2. It also extends the current Farm Bill through September. It does not provide the President’s requested emergency funding for the war in Ukraine, support for Israel, or enhanced border funding. “I have good news for the American people. This Friday night, there will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). “I am pleased that Speaker Johnson realized he needed Democratic votes to avoid a shutdown. If the Speaker is willing to work with Democrats and resist the siren song of the hard right in the House, then we can avoid shutdowns in the future.” The President has indicated that he will sign the bipartisan measure. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Joseph Summers: More competition, not overregulation
With a history in Alabama politics, I feel compelled to address a pressing issue that plagues many American households: the rising cost of prescription drugs. From 2021 to 2022, an astounding 1,216 drugs experienced price increases that were higher than the inflation rate of 8.5 percent for that time period. Affordable access to vital medications should be a given, not a privilege. If we hope to safeguard accessible health care and affordable medications for all, our nation’s lawmakers must embrace the principles of free-market competition that the United States is built on. The pharmaceutical industry is complex, with many players, and the only actors encouraging greater competition and more affordable alternatives to enter the market are pharmacy benefit companies. Unfortunately, pharmacy benefit companies have been opportunistically targeted in Washington, D.C., and some politicians are wrongly pointing the finger at them for high drug prices. Legislation circulating the halls of Capitol Hill would drastically increase regulations on pharmacy benefit companies and prohibit performance-based compensation, all by further extending government intervention in our healthcare system. Casey B. Mulligan, an esteemed American economist and professor at the University of Chicago, recently pointed out that “this policy would significantly change drug pricing and utilization and shift billions of dollars annually from patients and taxpayers to drug manufacturers and retail pharmacy companies. Annual federal spending on Medicare Part D premiums would increase $3 billion to $10 billion-plus any concomitant increase in Medicare subsidies for out-of-pocket expenses.” The slew of myths and misconceptions about pharmacy benefit companies have obfuscated how valuable they truly are and ignore the critical, cost-lowering competition they bring to the pharmaceutical marketplace. Pharmacy benefit companies negotiate discounts on drug prices and then pass those savings on to plan sponsors such as employers, securing savings for millions of Americans. In fact, they help save payers and patients roughly $1,040 per person per year. Pharmacy benefit companies are also integral to the prescription drug market because they act as a check on the massive drug companies that drive up costs and foster competition. One of my fundamental beliefs revolves around the transformative power of competition. It spurs creativity and innovation while expanding the options available to the consumer. If we continue to neglect the central principle of fostering a competitive environment, consumers, and taxpayers – who are already struggling to afford essential goods for themselves and their families – suffer the most. Lawmakers must also be cautious that legislation undermining competition by targeting pharmacy benefit companies does not lead our nation toward a bloated, nationalized healthcare system. Government intervention should be limited and targeted, allowing market forces to work freely and efficiently. Expanding the size of government through heavy-handed regulations will not only stifle innovation, but it will also create unintended consequences such as expensive upfront costs or new taxes. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) recently sounded the alarm on such misguided proposals, saying, “Like so many misguided policies in Washington, this bill may actually raise drug prices. If that happens, just imagine the outcry for a single-payer healthcare system with government price controls. Maybe that’s exactly what the left is betting on—that if drug companies have free rein, the American people will get fed up fast and demand a socialist paradise.” Targeting pharmacy benefit companies does not address the drug pricing crisis, nor will it solve it. We must resist the urge to crack down on an industry that has proven effective in securing patient savings. By harnessing the power of market forces and prioritizing the well-being and interests of the everyday American, we can prevent rising drug prices and safeguard patient access. Our nation’s leaders should explore reforms that will lower prescription drug prices through competitive forces, without exorbitant upfront costs. Joseph Summers is a former staffer to former United States Senator Richard Shelby and more recently served as Vice-President of Corporate Capture for Radiance Technologies.
Mitch McConnell tries to reassure colleagues about his health, vows to serve out term as Senate GOP leader
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell declared again Wednesday that he plans to finish his term as leader despite freezing up at two news conferences over the summer, brushing off questions about his health as he sought to reassure colleagues he’s still up to the job. At a weekly, closed-door lunch with fellow GOP senators on Wednesday, McConnell pointed to the statement released a day earlier by attending physician Brian P. Monahan about his health. He said he was ready to move forward with the Senate’s busy fall agenda. Monahan’s statement, released by McConnell’s office, said there was no evidence that the 81-year-old McConnell had a stroke or was suffering from a seizure disorder after he froze up and appeared unable to speak for 20-30 seconds at two different news conferences. The episodes came after the GOP leader fell and suffered from a concussion earlier this year. “I’m going to finish my term as leader, and I’m going to finish my Senate term,” McConnell told reporters, dismissing questions and requests for more detail about his medical condition. “I have nothing to add” to Monahan’s statement, he said. McConnell’s words to the press and his colleagues were his latest efforts to assuage growing concerns about his health and silence questions about whether he can continue to lead his party in the Senate. The famously private Kentucky senator has faced some criticism from colleagues for remaining quiet about the incidents and his health, which has visibly declined since the concussion. Behind closed doors, McConnell told other Republicans that his health issues are linked to his concussion. He believes that is a “plausible answer” to the questions, Texas Sen. John Cornyn said. Cornyn said McConnell “hasn’t missed a step” in terms of his cognitive abilities or ability to lead. But “physically, it’s been tougher.” “He was more transparent, which I’m glad he did,” Cornyn said of McConnell’s comments at the private lunch. “This is not his style. But I don’t think keeping things close to the vest serves his interests, and it created a lot of speculation. So I think this is a positive development.” Other Republican senators also said they were satisfied with McConnell’s explanation for the two incidents, the first in Washington in July just before the August recess and the second in Kentucky last week. “I feel really good; I’m behind Mitch, and let’s move forward,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said McConnell has ”broad support, and I think that’s known by the majority of the conference.” North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer, who had called for more transparency from McConnell, said the leader’s remarks were “a strong message. It was confident on his part. It was very direct.” Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville said that as part of his remarks to the GOP conference, McConnell touted that he’d raised $49 million for Republican Senate candidates in August. “He convinced me” of his ability to lead, Tuberville said. Still, Tuberville said the circumstances could change. “I don’t think there will be anything else said about it unless there’s another incident,” Tuberville said. “And that’s what we’re hoping.” The letter from Monahan that McConnell released Tuesday said there is “no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.” TIA is an acronym for a transient ischemic attack, a brief stroke. But there was no elaboration as to what did cause McConnell’s episodes. The doctor said the assessments entailed several medical evaluations including a brain MRI scan and “consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment.” “There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall,” Monahan said. Even though the majority of GOP senators have supported McConnell, some have raised questions. Republican Sen. Rand Paul, a doctor, and McConnell’s Kentucky colleague, has questioned whether the episodes were really caused by dehydration, as McConnell’s aides and the Capitol doctor have implied. After attending the lunch, Paul said he had no comment. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said he’s concerned about the leader’s health, adding that his health issues could undermine Republican arguments that President Joe Biden, 80, is too old for another term in office. “I mean, if you’re concerned about the president’s ability to do his job, and I am, and a lot of Republicans say they are, then you’ve got to be concerned when it’s somebody from your own party,” Hawley said. The top potential successors to McConnell as leader — Cornyn, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso — have stood by him. “He was very strong, sharp in the lunch today,” said Thune, the No. 2 Republican leader. “He talked a lot about not just (his health) but the other issues we’re dealing with here in the Senate. I think everybody left feeling very good about where he’s at.” First elected to the Senate in 1984 and as leader in 2007, McConnell became the longest-serving Senate party leader in January. He would have to run again for leader after next year’s elections, and his next reelection to the Senate would be in 2026. McConnell will be a central figure as Congress returns from an extended summer break to a flurry of activity, most notably the need to approve funding to prevent any interruption in federal operations by Sept. 30, which is the end of the fiscal year. Some House Republicans are willing to shut down the government at the end of the month if they are unable to enact steep spending restrictions that go beyond the agreement Biden reached with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this summer. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Tommy Tuberville and colleagues concerned about government using corporations to censor Americans
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) in introducing the Free Speech Protection Act to prohibit federal employees and contractors from using their positions to censor and otherwise attack speech protected by the First Amendment. The bill will impose severe penalties for individuals violating this rule. “Our government should actively protect our First Amendment rights, not promote censorship,” Tuberville said on Twitter. “I am proud to join @SenRandPaul in the Free Speech Protection Act.” Sen. Paul is the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “Americans are free people and we do not take infringements upon our liberties lightly. The time has come for resistance and to reclaim our God-given right to free expression,” said Dr. Paul. “Under my Free Speech Protection Act the government will no longer be able to cloak itself in secrecy to undermine the First Amendment rights of Americans.” Rep. Jordan is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “Censorship is a major threat to freedom today,” said Chairman Jim Jordan. “It is clear that Big Government must be more transparent and that bureaucrats must be held accountable for censorship. The Free Speech Protection Act accomplishes that and gives individuals remedies for censorship to protect vital First Amendment freedoms.” The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), and Mike Braun (R-Indiana). In addition to protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights, the bill would mandate frequent publicly accessible reports from the heads of executive branch agencies detailing the communications between an executive branch agency and a content provider, as well as prevent agencies from employing any FOIA exemption to prevent disclosure of prohibited communications. The legislation also ensures that federal grant money is not received by any entity that seeks to label media organizations as sources of misinformation or disinformation. The legislation has been endorsed by the Heritage Foundation. “Recent revelations have exposed the lengths to which the Biden administration continues to take to censor the online speech of Americans who speak out against the Left’s agenda,” said Acting Director of Heritage Action Ryan Walker. “When federal employees make content moderation requests, the administration is effectively using the coercive power of the federal government to turn Big Tech companies into enforcement arms of their censorship policies. While the courts may eventually rule that this type of behavior is unconstitutional, Congress should codify these prohibitions into federal law by passing legislation like Senator Paul’s to ensure the long-term protection of Americans’ right to free speech online.” U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty ruled that the federal government was using its relationships with private corporations, including Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook, to censor Americans who hold views that the government does not like. Judge Doughty also issued a sweeping preliminary injunction barring numerous federal officials and agencies — including Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and all employees of the Justice Department and FBI — from having any contact with social media firms for the purpose of discouraging or removing First Amendment-protected speech. The Biden Administration is appealing the ruling. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. Tuberville was elected in 2020 after a successful forty-year career as an educator, coach, and sports broadcaster. A native of Arkansas, Tuberville was the head football coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Sec. of State Antony Blinken urges Congress to act on delayed ambassadorial nominations
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged the Senate to move forward with votes on more than 60 diplomatic nominations, including 38 ambassadors, that have been stalled due to objections by individual lawmakers. In a letter to all 100 senators and in public comments, Blinken said delays in confirmation votes for these nominees constitute a national security risk. Blinken said 35 of the 38 ambassadorial nominees are career foreign service officers who have served in both Republican and Democratic administrations. “Vacant posts have a long-term negative impact on U.S. national security, including our ability to reassure allies and partners, and counter diplomatic efforts by our adversaries,” Blinken wrote in the letter. In particular, he pointed to China and Russia as the main beneficiaries of Senate inaction. Blinken singled out Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky as the main impediment. Paul has put a blanket hold on all State Department nominees, citing the Biden administration’s refusal to provide him documents related to the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. “No one is questioning the qualifications of these career diplomats,” Blinken told reporters. “They’re being blocked from leverage on other unrelated issues. It’s irresponsible, and it’s doing harm to our national security.” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said later that Paul was holding qualified career nominees “hostage” for no good reason. “Senator Paul can make legitimate requests at the State Department or others in the administration; what we object to is him holding hostage nominees,” he said. The backlog of State Department nominees awaiting Senate confirmation is similar but less pronounced than that facing the Pentagon. One Republican Senator, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, has a blanket hold on all Defense Department nominations and promotions in an attempt to try to change Pentagon’s abortion policy. Tuberville has already stalled more than 260 nominations of senior military officers, and that number could balloon to 650 by the end of the year. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Barry Moore votes in support of REINS Act which would reclaim lawmaking authority from bureaucrats
Congressman Barry Moore voted Thursday in favor of H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This legislation would require every new “major rule” proposed by federal agencies to be approved by the House and Senate before going into effect. The REINS Act defines a “major rule” as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. “In the first year of his administration alone, Biden added more than $200 billion in regulatory costs to our economy through rulemaking,” said Moore. “Biden and his army of bureaucrats are on a mission to enact their radical agenda without the consent of taxpayers. The REINS act would hold Biden and his bureaucrats accountable by forcing them to answer to representatives elected by the American people, and it also holds those representatives accountable by requiring them take a vote on how tax dollars will be spent.” H.R. 277 is sponsored by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Florida). “The REINS Act is the single largest regulatory reform in decades and will save the American people trillions each year in compliance costs,” Cammack said. “It’s long past time we limit the rampant executive overreach that makes up the fourth branch of government and rein in the nameless, faceless bureaucrats in basements across Washington, D.C. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support of this effort in seeing this bill past the finish line.” This bill reasserts Congress’s legislative authority and prevents excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new “major rule” proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. The bill would also preserve Congress’s authority to disapprove of a “nonmajor rule” through a joint resolution. Michael W. Johnson is the President and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. “Constantly changing and far-reaching federal regulations make it extremely complicated for our members to source and supply needed construction materials,” said President Johnson. “Recent regulatory actions from a host of agencies have led to higher construction costs and more difficult permitting conditions for the aggregates industry. The REINS Act will bring needed scrutiny to bureaucratic actions, providing a more effective and reliant regulatory process.” The National Education Association however opposes the bill. “These provisions are unnecessary as well as unwise,” wrote NEA Director of Government Relations Marc Egan. “The Congressional Review Act already allows Congress to halt implementation of regulations; it can also decide not to fund a program. Moreover, the separation of powers is fundamental to our Constitution: the legislative branch creates the programs that the executive branch implements through federal agencies. The regulatory process is neither simple nor quick—and that is at it should be. The process of formulating regulations, guidance, and rules for implementing federal programs must be informed by the voices of experts, practitioners, and impacted parties, as well as scientific data and other relevant information. In contrast, the REINS Act would facilitate halting or preventing action for any reason—or no reason at all.” H.R. 277—the REINS Act—passed the United States House of Representatives on Thursday 221 to 210. “I’m thrilled to see the REINS Act pass the House,” said Rep. Cammack. The bill now goes to the Senate where Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) is the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is a Senate cosponsor. “Under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to write our laws,” said Sen. Tuberville. “But the Biden administration keeps trying to run the country out of the White House. I’m not going to stand for that. This legislation would ensure that any regulation with a major impact on our country would go through Congress like the Constitution says.” The White House released a statement opposing the legislation. “The Administration strongly opposes passage of H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023. Agency regulations execute legislation to grow the economy, raise wages, lower costs, reduce gun crime and make our communities safer, keep our air and water clean, promote safe and reliable transportation, and protect workers and families. The Nation faces serious challenges, and this Administration’s policy is to mobilize the power of the Federal Government to address those issues swiftly and effectively. Congress has explicitly charged Federal agencies with the responsibility and the authority to act, but the REINS Act of 2023 would undermine agencies’ efforts by inserting into the regulatory process an unwieldy, unnecessary, and time-consuming hurdle that would prevent implementation of critical safeguards that protect public safety, grow our economy, and advance the public interest. If Congress were to pass H.R. 277, the President would veto it.” Barry Moore is in his second term representing Alabama’s Second Congressional District.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville cosponsors bill to fight executive overreach
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday joined U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and more than two dozen Republican colleagues to reintroduce legislation to increase oversight of the federal rulemaking process. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would require federal agencies that propose major changes to rules and policies to obtain approval from Congress. “Under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to write our laws,” said Sen. Tuberville. “But the Biden administration keeps trying to run the country out of the White House. I’m not going to stand for that. This legislation would ensure that any regulation with a major impact on our country would go through Congress like the Constitution says.” “For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives,” said Sen. Paul. “By making Congress more accountable for the most costly and intrusive federal rules, the REINS Act would give Kentuckians and citizens throughout the country a greater voice in determining whether these major rules are in America’s best interests.” U.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-Florida) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives along with 182 cosponsors. “The regulatory regime has gone unchecked for decades, and it’s time we return power to the American people, not the nameless, faceless bureaucrats in Washington,” said Rep. Cammack. U.S. Senator Katie Britt is also a cosponsor of the REINS Act. The bill defines a “major” rule as one that the Office of Management and Budget determines may result in an economic impact of $100 million or greater each year. Specifically, the bill describes the applicable rules as those that cause “a major increase in costs or prices” for American consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries, or “significant adverse effects” on the economy. Under the REINS Act, once major rules are drafted, they must then be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the President, satisfying the bicameralism and presentment requirements of the Constitution. Currently, regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves. The REINS Act was included in the Republican debt ceiling bill in the House – the Save, Limit, Grow Act. That bill was rejected by the Whitehouse and Congressional Democrats. It was not included in the bipartisan debt ceiling bill that ultimately passed Congress and was signed by the President. The REINS Act will need Democratic support to clear the Senate, given Democratic control of the body. It also would likely need the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. The REINS Act has been introduced in previous Congresses. Under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress can pass laws and write legislation. Congress, however, has ceded much of its constitutional law-making authority to executive branch agencies over the last 100-plus years, isolating themselves from the minutia of government and the blame. At the same time, this delegation of responsibility to the executive branch has made the President more and more powerful. Democrats are unlikely to pass legislation that will limit the power of a Democratic President, and it is similarly unprecedented for a Republican-controlled Congress to pass legislation such as the REINS Act that would in any way curtail the power of a Republican President. Tuberville was elected to the Senate in the 2020 election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce legislation to require federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Ron Johnson and 14 of their colleagues reintroduced the Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act, which requires federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet in an easily accessible location. Sponsors claim that the GOOD Act will enhance the transparency of guidance documents issued by government agencies, helping all entities — including small businesses, workers, and households — to comply with regulations. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by voice vote twice and passed the House in 2018. “Sunlight is often the best disinfectant, and that’s exactly what the Biden Administration’s runaway red tape regime needs,” said Sen. Britt. “Unelected federal bureaucrats should not be taking actions that affect hardworking Americans’ lives without robust transparency and the opportunity to hold them publicly accountable. This is a commonsense measure that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should support.” “As an advocate for transparency and accountability in government, I am proud to reintroduce the Guidance Out of Darkness Act. This bill reduces the regulatory burden placed on small businesses, workers, and households by holding federal agencies accountable,” stated Sen. Johnson. “Increasing transparency and simplifying the regulatory process will further economic growth for all Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and provide the American people with the transparency they deserve.” Senators Britt and Johnson were joined on the legislation by Sens. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah). “Transparency in government is crucial. That is why I am proud to join Senator Ron Johnson in sponsoring the GOOD Act. People deserve to know just what government agencies are up to, especially when it comes to their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Sen. Scott. “This bill will bring commonsense reform and shed light on how the government operates—which is something we should all support.” “People in Wyoming deserve transparency from the federal government, which is why I’m joining my colleague Senator Ron Johnson in introducing the Guidance Out of Darkness Act,” said Sen. Lummis. “This bill would require federal agencies to post regulations and guidance to the agency website, making it easy for small businesses, workers, and the people of Wyoming to know about the federal regulations that impact their daily lives.” “Unlike other regulatory actions, agency guidance documents are not required to undergo the public notice and comment process. James Madison warned that our laws would be of little use if they can ‘be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes, that no man who knows what the law is today, can guess what it will be tomorrow,’” said Sen. Lee. “I’m proud to cosponsor Sen. Johnson’s legislation to reduce the regulatory burden placed on small businesses, workers, and American households and increase transparency for all the entities needed to comply.” Navigating through all of the regulations promulgated by federal agencies and keeping up to date with all of the periodic changes to guidance as well as administrative reinterpretations and changes of previous rules can be very difficult for businesses operating in those regulated agencies. Katie Britt is serving in her first term in the U.S. Senate after her election in November. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville welcomes Nikki Haley to 2024 presidential race
On Monday, former South Carolina Governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has already announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, welcomed Haley’s entrance into the 2024 presidential race. Tuberville told reporters that she would be a “great candidate.” Tuberville favors a large GOP primary field and said that he has recently spoken with Trump and told the former President that he hopes “they all get in.” “He needs the challenge as well as anybody,” Tuberville said. “They need to work for it. They need to fight for it.” In the 2020 election, President Trump endorsed Tuberville in his Republican primary battle for U.S. Senate with former Trump Attorney General Sen. Jeff Sessions. Tuberville had spent forty years as a teacher and coach – including stints as head football coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati – prior to that 2020 first run for public office. At this point, the only announced GOP candidates for the Republican nomination for 2024 are Haley and Trump, but that is expected to change quickly. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are widely believed to be seriously looking at entering the race. According to the Hill, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin are also possible presidential candidates. GOP Senators who oppose a third Trump presidential run fear that a crowded GOP primary field makes it easier for Trump to emerge as the eventual GOP nominee. “Look, we were all concerned with the fact that we had 15 or 16 or 17 individuals vying for attention in the last one,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (South Dakota) told the Hill referring to the 2016 election. “We really don’t want to see that happen again. We just don’t.” U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was endorsed by Trump in her 2022 GOP primary battle with then-Congressman Mo Brooks and war veteran and defense contractor Mike Durant. Britt, however, cannot make an endorsement in the Presidential primary because she is serving on the national Republican steering committee. Trump faced a crowded field in 2016 that included U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Rick Santorum, and Lindsey Graham, as well as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, businesswoman Carly Fiorina, former Virginia Gov. Mike Gilmore, former New York Gov. George Pataki, then Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, and Dr. Ben Carson. Trump won the 2016 Alabama Republican Primary despite the crowded field. Trump went on to win the Republican nomination and then beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the general election. Trump was unseated by former Vice President Joe Biden in 2020. Biden appears to be virtually unopposed at this point for the 2024 Democratic nomination for President. The 2024 Alabama Republican Primary is only 55 weeks away on March 5. DeSantis will speak to the Alabama Republican Party in Birmingham on March 9. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt believes Alabama taxpayers do not want taxes paying for elective abortions
United States Senators Katie Britt and Roger Wicker joined 45 other Senators in introducing the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. This legislation would establish a single, government-wide standard to permanently prohibit the flow of federal funding for abortion. “The vast majority of Alabamians do not want their hard-earned dollars funding elective abortions in California and New York,” Britt stated. “The Hyde Amendment has saved an estimated 2.5 million lives – approximately half the population of Alabama,” said Sen. Britt. “Sadly, radicals in the Democratic Party continue to trumpet their calls for abortion at any time, for any reason. They have now targeted the long-standing, bipartisan Hyde Amendment, annually passed by Congress since 1976, which ensures federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions. It is time to make the Hyde Amendment and its lifesaving protections permanent so the far-left does not attempt to hold the nation hostage every year. The vast majority of Alabamians do not want their hard-earned dollars funding elective abortions in California or New York. I will continue to fight to defend life, support parents, grow opportunities for hardworking families, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.” “Most Americans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars being used for abortion-on-demand, but our current patchwork of regulations has brought years of uncertainty,” stated Sen. Wicker. “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would simplify federal rules, ensuring that American tax dollars are never used for the destruction of innocent, unborn life.” This legislation would make permanent the restrictions on funding for elective abortion and elective abortion coverage, including the Hyde Amendment, which currently relies on yearly approval. It would also eliminate Obamacare’s taxpayer subsidies for elective abortion coverage on the Affordable Care Act exchanges through refundable tax credits. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) also co-sponsored the legislation. “Millions of hardworking Americans believe that life begins at conception and don’t want their taxpayer dollars inadvertently funding abortions,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a Christian and as a conservative, I share their belief that every life is sacred and every American has a right to life. That’s why I’m proud to sign on to this legislation that will solidify abortion funding restrictions that have been in place for decades and better protect the unborn.” Britt, Tuberville, and Wicker joined Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis, (R-North Carolina), John Thune (R-South Dakota), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Indiana). With Democrats in control of the Senate, it is unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will allow this bill to even be introduced on the Senate floor. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville supports bill to permanently ban taxpayer funding for abortions
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt joined 45 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act to establish a permanent prohibition on federal funding for abortion. Tuberville said in a statement, “Every life is sacred.” “Millions of hardworking Americans believe that life begins at conception and don’t want their taxpayer dollars inadvertently funding abortions,” said Sen. Tuberville stated. “As a Christian and as a conservative, I share their belief that every life is sacred and every American has a right to life. That’s why I’m proud to sign on to this legislation that will solidify abortion funding restrictions that have been in place for decades and better protect the unborn.” “Most Americans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars being used for abortion-on-demand, but our current patchwork of regulations has brought years of uncertainty,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would simplify federal rules, ensuring that American tax dollars are never used for the destruction of innocent, unborn life.” The bill seeks to change 40 years of inconsistent policies that have regulated federal funding for abortion. It would make funding restrictions permanent for abortion and elective abortion coverage, including the Hyde Amendment, which requires annual approval. The legislation would also eliminate taxpayer-funded subsidies for elective abortion coverage currently offered on Affordable Care Act exchanges through refundable tax credits. Tuberville, Wicker, and Britt joined Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis, (R-North Carolina), John Thune (R-South Dakota), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Indiana). Swing Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins did not sign off on the legislation, and neither did any of the 52 Senate Democrats who hold the majority in the body. U.S. Representative Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey) has introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Senate passes $1.7 trillion bill to fund government, aid Ukraine
The Senate passed a massive $1.7 trillion spending bill Thursday that finances federal agencies through September and provides another significant round of military and economic aid to Ukraine one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress. The bill, which runs for 4,155 pages, includes about $772.5 billion for domestic programs and $858 billion for defense and would finance federal agencies through the fiscal year at the end of September. The bill passed by a vote of 68-29 and now goes to the House for a final vote before it can be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. “This is one of the most significant appropriations packages we have done in a very long time,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “The range of people it helps is large and deep.” Lawmakers were racing to get the bill approved before a partial government shutdown would occur at midnight Friday, and many were anxious to complete the task before a deep freeze, and wintry conditions left them stranded in Washington for the holidays. Many also want to lock in government funding before a new GOP-controlled House next year could make it harder to find compromise on spending. Senators heard from Zelenskyy about the importance of U.S. aid to his country for its war with Russia on Wednesday night. The measure provides about $45 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance for the devastated nation and NATO allies, more than Joe Biden even requested, raising total assistance so far to more than $100 billion. “Your money is not charity,” Zelenskyy told lawmakers and Americans watching from home. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.” Lawmakers were in disagreement over which amendments were to be voted upon to lock in a final vote on an expedited basis. The impasses had the potential to prevent passage of the bill before the midnight Friday deadline. But negotiations overnight led to a breakthrough and senators gathered early Thursday morning to work through more than a dozen amendments before getting to a final vote. The House won’t be able to take up the bill until Friday morning, and while it is expected to pass, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the chamber will also approve a stopgap spending resolution to ensure government services continue without interruption before the bill is signed into law. The spending bill was supported by Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, though for different reasons. McConnell cited the bill’s nearly 10% boost in defense spending, which he says will give America’s Armed Forces the funding and certainty needed to ensure the country’s security. “The world’s greatest military will get the funding increase that it needs, outpacing inflation,” McConnell said. “Meanwhile, non-defense, non-veterans spending will come in below the rate of inflation, for a real-dollar cut.” McConnell faced pushback from many Republicans who don’t support the spending bill and resent being forced to vote on such a massive package with so little time before a potential shutdown and the Christmas holiday. “There has not been enough time for a single person to have read this entire bill. The bill and process ignores soaring inflation, rising interest rates and our ballooning debt of $31 trillion,” said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. “Enough is enough.” Eighteen Republican senators joined with Democrats in voting for the bill. For two senators, the bill puts the finishing touches on their work in Washington. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is retiring after serving some 48 years in the Senate and as the current chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He negotiated the bill for months with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the committee’s ranking Republican, who was elected to the Senate in 1986 and is also retiring. “What a capstone to a brilliant career,” Schumer said. The bill also contains roughly $40 billion in emergency spending in the U.S., mostly to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. And, of course, it includes scores of policy changes unrelated to spending that lawmakers sought to include in what is going to be the last major bill of the Congress, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House. One of the most notable examples was a historic revision to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election. The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on January 6, 2021. The bill also allowed Congress to follow through on some of the most consequential bills it had passed over the past two years, such as a measure aiming to boost computer chip production in the U.S. and another to expand health care services to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. Some $5 billion was provided help the VA implement some of the changes called for in the PACT Act, and the amount of money provided specifically for VA health care soared 22% to nearly $119 billion. “These benefits are deserved,” Leahy said. “They were earned, and they are owed.” Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
