E-Newsletters

I have long supported increasing the renewable fuels standard to at least 15 percent ethanol. Just last week, we learned that E-15 (15 percent ethanol mixed with 85 percent gasoline) will now be available for use in 2007 model year or newer cars. An ongoing study will determine later this year if it can be used in cars from 2001 to the present.

It seems like almost every week since Obamacare was signed into law we've learned of a new way that the law will cost more than we were told, eliminate private coverage for those we were assured could keep it and hurt small businesses in ways we were promised it wouldn't.

When it comes to trade, China doesn't always fight fairly. For years now, the Chinese government has continuously undervalued their currency, the yuan, against the U.S. dollar. They do this so they can flood the American market with cheap Chinese goods at prices far lower than their American equivalents. Congress has been slow to react to this growing challenge from one of our largest competitors.

Late last evening, the House passed a Continuing Resolution (more on that below) and closed up shop more than a week earlier than scheduled. By leaving Washington early, the Congressional Leadership has missed an opportunity to stop the largest tax increase in American history from taking effect on January 1 when the tax relief packages of 2001 and 2003 are set to expire.

For too long, the voices of the American people have been ignored in Washington. While Americans have been speaking out, the current leadership in Washington has carried out a job-killing, big-spending agenda that doesn't reflect the priorities of the people.

This week my conservative colleagues and I put forth a new governing agenda. It's called "A Pledge to America," and it was developed by listening to the American people – something that hasn't been happening in Washington recently. The agenda emphasizes job creation, ending the federal spending spree and reforming Congress.

It's no secret illegal immigration is an ongoing problem in the United States and that the federal government has thus far failed to stem the tide of illegal aliens entering our country. Thousands of immigrants continue to cross our southern border and remain here unlawfully, proving the so-called "virtual fence" has not worked.