Poll: Congressional Bills Deliberately Confusing

More than 80 percent of Americans believe that Congress drafts long, complex bills to hide spending on special interests and to prevent constituents from understanding the legislation, according to a new Zogby poll.

Zogby asked this question:

“Some contend that the reason federal legislation is often thousands of pages long is because provisions to benefit special interests can be more easily buried in long bills, and so citizens cannot decipher the legislative language quickly enough to be able to communicate support or opposition to their Senators or Members of Congress before a vote is taken. Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with this opinion?”

A resounding 83.5 percent of likely voters surveyed agreed at least “somewhat,” and 61.2 percent agreed “strongly.”

Among conservatives, 96.9 percent at least somewhat agreed, compared to 66.1 percent of liberals and 82.2 percent of moderates.

Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring, Inc. — a public policy organization that commissioned the poll — said the economic stimulus package and the healthcare reform bill likely influenced respondents’ opinions.

The final version of the economic stimulus package — the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — was more than 400 pages long. The healthcare bill passed by the Senate surpassed 2,000 pages.

Hanna told CNSNews,

“Americans are realizing that members of Congress routinely do not read these bills.”

Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said earlier that he would not read the full text of the healthcare bill

“because reading the legislative language is among the more confusing things I’ve ever read in my life.”

Rep. King: ACORN ‘Bigger Than Watergate’

Rep. Steve King says the ACORN saga is “the largest corruption crisis in the history of America” — yet he predicts Congress and the Obama administration won’t take action against the scandal-plagued community organizing group.

"It's thousands of times bigger than Watergate because Watergate was only a little break-in by a couple of guys," the Iowa Republican said in an interview with The American Spectator.

"By the time we pull ACORN out by its roots, America's going to understand just how big this is."

Hidden camera videos emerged in September showing ACORN (Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now) employees advising a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute how to establish a brothel and finance it with government grants. 

But it also is accused of political corruption, election fraud, racketeering, money laundering, and countless other violations of the law, according to the American Spectator article written by Matthew Vadum, senior editor at Capital Research Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Rep. King, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said Committee Chairman John Conyers will not investigate ACORN and a probe of the group is “not going to come out of” Chairman Charles Rangel’s Ways and Means Committee or Chairman Barney Frank’s House Financial Services Committee “or from anybody in the Senate. They're going to protect ACORN.

“Congress is deliberately dragging its heels on ACORN,” and Democrats in Congress are “using everything to protect ACORN because that's the machine that keeps them in office,” said King.

The congressman is especially angry over U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon's ruling in favor of ACORN on Dec. 11.

Gershon issued a temporary injunction prohibiting Congress from cutting off funding for ACORN, ruling that the funding ban ordered by Congress was unconstitutional in that it singled out ACORN for punishment without trial. The Department of Justice has reluctantly filed an appeal.

Gershon's ruling is "sweeping and far-reaching, and she even opined that ACORN has some kind of an implicit right to future contracts because they've succeeded in bidding on contracts that were similarly competitive," King said in the interview.

King was particularly incensed by U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon's ruling in favor of ACORN on Dec. 11. The Department of Justice has reluctantly filed an appeal of the judge's ruling.
"Now the Democrats have the district court decision that Jerry Nadler solicited and now they will hide behind it if pressed. They will ignore it if they're not pressed. They're never going to move legislatively. They never wanted to unfund ACORN."

He added that he doesn't hold out much hope that the Obama administration or Congress will decide to investigate ACORN, saying: "This is one-party gangster government and they know what they're doing.”

Additional Info

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), who heads a congressional subcommittee that may be investigating ACORN in the not-too-distant future, has been providing advice to ACORN's lawyer, according to a new report.

Nadler, a longtime ACORN ally, is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on the Constitution, civil rights, and civil liberties.  >>>

Incidentally, Nadler's newfound interest in the finer points of constitutional law earned him a leftist fist bump from the Village Voice, a sure sign that the congressman is up to no good.
 
As Anita MonCrief has documented, Nadler's ties with ACORN go way back. Under New York's "fusion" system, Nadler has run on the tickets of both the Democratic Party and New York's Working Families Party (WFP).

Share Christmas — Help Our Troops Call Their Loved Ones This Holiday

Share Christmas — Help Our Troops Call Their Loved Ones This Holiday Total Cards Donated for Troops: 11,971 Dear Newsmax Reader: Send a Calling Card to Our Heroes! More than 190,000 American troops are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. These brave men and women continue to risk their lives to protect us and our country. We are proud of our soldiers. We also know that this year our troops will celebrate Christmas at their dangerous posts — far from home, but close to our hearts. Newsmax is pleased to launch this year its "Operation Christmas Calls for the Troops." AT&T Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Card We plan to send AT&T telephone calling cards to troops serving on the front lines of freedom so they can call their families and loved ones for free during this holiday season. AT&T has set up special phone stations near all major deployments in the Mid-East. Phone access for our troops is easy, but calls home remain expensive. AT&T offers special AT&T Global Prepaid Cards which can be sent to military personnel. Our troops can use these gift cards to call their friends, family and loved ones. It will be a special moment for them — and one you can give to show your support for these heroic troops. Please send our troops a Calling Card today! Go Here Now. Newsmax is asking its readers to join with us to buy as many soldiers as we can AT&T's Prepaid Global 150 cards. Each calling card costs $10 and gives each recipient 30 minutes in call time from Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to the U.S. These calling cards will be distributed by the U.S. Army's MWR Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation office which will ensure the cards are delivered to military personnel. Newsmax makes no profit from the sale of these cards. We will buy as many cards as we can with your donation. Please send our troops a Calling Card today! Go Here Now. Newsmax.com

Sedition Act of 1798

Sedition Act of 1798

SEDITION ACT.

An act in addition to the act intituled, "An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States."

[Approved July 14, 1798.]

---

ABSTRACT.

SECTION I. Punishes combinations against United States government.

1. Definition of offence:

Unlawfully to combine or conspire together to oppose any measure of the government of the United States, &c. This section was not complained of.

2. Grade of offence:

A high misdemeanour.

3. Punishment:

Fine not exceeding $5000, and imprisonment six months to five years.

SECTION II. Punishes seditious writings.

1. Definition of offence:

To write, print, utter or publish, or cause it to be done, or assist in it, any false, scandalous, and malicious writing against the government of the United States, or either House of Congress, or the President, with intent to defame, or bring either into contempt or disrepute, or to excite against either the hatred of the people of the United States, or to stir up sedition, or to excite unlawful combinations against the government, or to resist it, or to aid or encourage hostile designs of foreign nations.

2. Grade of offence:

A misdemeanour.

3. Punishment:

Fine not exceeding $2000, and imprisonment not exceeding two years.

SECTION III. Allows accused to give in evidence the truth of the matter charged as libellous.

SECTION IV. Continues the Act to 3d March, 1801.

This is what we know today as libel and defamation ..
I strongly allege and contend the Democratic members of both Houses of Congress specifically those who have voted for the Cap and Trade, the Health Care "Reform" legislation with the language as it is stated in the publicly issued versions, have Violated the basic premises of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights particularly in the realm of preference of on State over another, subversion of a citizen's reliance on Right to Privacy" which hidden in the Health Care bill is provisions for the Federal Gov't to collect personal information WITHOUT our knowledge and permission which essentially sets aside the HIPAA legislation,.. THE ABORTION LANGUAGE is in direct violation of the Arkansas Constitution of 1874 Amendment 68

Amend. 68

Abortion

1. Public funding.

No public funds will be used to pay for any abortion, except to save the mother's life.

2. Public policy.

The policy of Arkansas is to protect the life of every unborn child from conception until birth,
the extent permitted by the Federal Constitution.

3. Effect of amendment.

This amendment will not affect contraceptives or require an appropriation of public funds.

these are just a few of the MANY sections which with study of the wordage will be forthcoming from many states.

Many Citizens today are not aware of the process of RECALL.. it is a way by which citizen voters can express there dissatisfaction of an elected official who has committed flagrant, "thumbing their nose at  the electorate"  violations of statutory and common law..  
This is achieved by the following process...

1. Determine the grounds for recall. You'll need this information to make your case to the population but in 7 of the 18 states specific grounds are actually required. In these states, if your reasons don't measure up, you won't be allowed to proceed with the recall.
   
   
2. Get signatures. You'll need a petition to get a recall election. The number of signatures is usually a percentage of the voters at the last election but this differs by state.
   
   
3. Prepare for a response. At some point during the process, the senator will be notified that a petition for recall is being circulated. She will then have a chance to respond to the allegations.
   
   
4. Get voters to the recall election. Once the recall election is granted, alert the community and get them out to vote. The ballot will ask whether or not the senator should be recalled and the state may hold an election at the same time to elect the next person for that office.
   
   

   • The 18 states allowing for recall are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.
   • A website or a phone campaign are good ways to get your petition going. Going door-to-door is also an option although it is more time consuming than the other two. This is important since you only have a set number of days to obtain the correct number of signatures—anywhere from 30 to 180 days.
   • You will be fighting an uphill battle to recall a U.S. Senator. No member of Congress has ever been recalled in the history of the United States.

   
   

DOD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment

                The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced the deployment of approximately 6,000 additional forces to Afghanistan, part of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Barack Obama on Nov. 30. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., will deploy approximately 3,400 soldiers during early summer 2010.

 

                The deployment of this brigade will increase the capabilities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Secretary of Defense Robert Gates also approved the deployment of approximately 2,600 support forces, which will deploy at various times through spring 2010.

 

                The DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as they are approved. For additional information on the Brigade Combat Team, contact Army Public Affairs at 703-614-2487.

Veterans Report: The Military's Largest Benefit Update

Veterans Report is the most comprehensive newsletter available to help Veterans stay current on benefits changes, learn about important legislation, get great discounts, and use the benefits earned in service. Make sure that you and your colleagues subscribe for this free update publication.

----------------------------- 21 DECEMBER 2009---------------------------------
# Fighting the Battle Within
# Deal of the Week: Free Trial of RUNNER's WORLD
# Last Minute Military Gifts for the Holidays
# VA Releases Report Card
# Vet Employment Council to Publish Plan
# Pay Statements Available
# Featured Job: Security Clearances Wanted
# Cross Goes Back to Court
# Twitter in Nebraska, Iowa
# Get the Top Gift Card Tips
# CLEP Your Way to a Degree
# Learn to Avoid Voc-Rehab Denials
# Albuquerque Receives VA Award
# Print and Post This Week's Veterans Report
# Headline Military News

Beware -- Latest Drug in Middle School - 'Dusting'

A story about the latest thrill craze with a product easily obtained in local stores.. for those of us old enough to remember, this is the newest version of "huffing"..

First, I'm going to tell you a little about me and my family. My name is Jeff. I am a Police Officer for a city which is known nationwide for it's crime rate. We have a lot of gangs and drugs. At one point we were # 2 in the nation in homicides per capita. I also have a police K-9 named Thor. He was certified in drugs and general duty.. He retired at 3 years old because he was shot in the line of duty. He lives with us now and I still train with him because he likes it. I always liked the fact that there was no way to bring drugs into my house. Thor wouldn't allow it. He would tell on you. The reason I say this is so you understand that I know about drugs.

I have taught in schools about drugs. My wife asks all our kids at least once a week if they used any drugs.

I like building computers occasionally and started building a new one in February 2005. I also was working on some of my older computers. They were full of dust so on one of my trips to the computer store I bought a 3 pack of DUST OFF. Dust Off is a can of compressed air to blow dust off a computer. A few weeks later when I went to use one of them they were all used. I talked to my kids and my two sons both said they had used them on their computer and messing around with them. I yelled at them for wasting the 10 dollars I paid for them.

On February 28 I went back to the computer store. They didn't have the 3 pack which I had bought on sale so I bought a single jumbo can of Dust Off. I went home and set it down beside my computer.

On March 1st, I left for work at 10 PM. Just before midnight my wife went down and kissed Kyle good-night. At 5:30 am the next morning Kathy went downstairs to wake Kyle up for school, before she left for work. He was propped up in bed with his legs crossed and his head leaning over. She called to him a few times to get up. He didn't move. He would sometimes tease her like this and pretend he fell back asleep. He was never easy to get up. She went in and shook his arm. He fell over. He was pale white and had the straw from the Dust Off can coming out of his mouth. He had the new can of Dust Off in his hands. Kyle was dead.

I am a police officer and I had never heard of this. My wife is a nurse and she had never heard of this.. We later found out from the coroner, after the autopsy, that only the propellant from the can of Dust off was in his system. No other drugs.. Kyle had died between midnight and 1 AM.

I found out that using Dust Off is being done mostly by kids ages 9 through 15. They even have a name for it. It's called dusting. A take off from the Dust Off name.. It gives them a slight high for about 10 seconds. It makes them dizzy. A boy who lives down the street from us showed Kyle how to do this about a month before. Kyle showed his best friend... Told him it was cool and it couldn't hurt you. It's just compressed air. It can't hurt you. His best friend said so.

Kyle was wrong.. It's not just compressed air ... It also contains a propellant called R2. It's a refrigerant like what is used in your refrigerator. It is a heavy gas.. Heavier than air. When you inhale it, it fills your lungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out. That's why you feel dizzy, buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart. IT KILLS YOU.

The horrible part about this is there is no warning. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE . You don't die later. Or not feel good and say I've had too much... You usually die as you're breathing it in. If not you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' That 's why the straw was still in Kyle's mouth when he died. Why his eyes were still open. The experts want to call this huffing. The kids don't believe its huffing. And that's why its more accepted. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor.. It doesn't follow the huffing signals. Kyle complained a few days before he died of his tongue hurting. It probably did. The propellant causes frostbite. If I had only known.

It's easy to say hey, it's my life and I'll do what I want .. But it isn't... Others are always affected. This has forever changed our family's life. I have a hole in my heart and soul that can never be fixed. The pain is so immense I can't describe it.. There's nowhere to run from it. I cry all the time and I don't ever cry. I do what I'm supposed to do but I don't really care. My kids are messed up.. One won't talk about it. The other will only sleep in our room at night. And my wife, I can't even describe how bad she is taking this. I thought we were safe because of Thor. I thought we were safe because we knew about t drugs and talked to our kids about them..

After Kyle died another story came out. A probation Officer went to the school system next to ours to speak with a student. While there he found a student using Dust Off in the bathroom. This student told him about another student who also had some in his locker.. This is a rather affluent school system. They will tell you they don't have a drug problem there. They don't even have a dare or plus program there. So rather than tell everyone about this 'new' way of getting high they found, they hid it. The probation officer told the media after Kyle's death and they, the school, then admitted to it. I know that if they would have told the media and I had heard, it wouldn't have been in my house.

We need to get this out of our homes and school computer labs.. Using Dust Off isn't new and some 'professionals' do know about. It just isn't talked about much, except by the kids.. They all seem to know about it. April 2 nd was 1 month since Kyle died.. April 5th would have been his 15th birthday. And every weekday I catch myself sitting on the living room couch at 2:30 in the afternoon and waiting to see him get off the bus.

DOD Evaluates Sexual Harassment & Violence Programs At Military Service Academies

The Department of Defense (DoD) today released key findings from "The DoD Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies for Academic Program Year (APY) 2008-2009." The report integrates findings from evaluations of the academies' sexual assault prevention and response programs, prevention of sexual harassment programs, and cadet and midshipman focus groups.

The academies saw an overall decrease in the number of sexual assault reports made to authorities in APY 2008-2009. During the evaluation period, there were a total of 25 reports of sexual assault at the academies. All cadets and midshipmen who reported a sexual assault were able to access support services through their sexual assault response coordinators.

"One sexual assault is too many," said Gail H. McGinn, performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "Our assessment shows the academies understand and have institutionalized some remarkable programs to prevent and respond to this crime."

As part of the comprehensive review, DoD officials met with personnel from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy, reviewed academy policies and procedures, conducted an extensive data call for reports and investigative files, and held focus groups with cadets and midshipmen. Based on information obtained during these site visits, DoD officials found that the academies' programs fulfilled, and in some cases, surpassed the requirements of existing DoD policies and directives.

The assessment found that the military service academies have:

- Processes underway to continue refinement of their prevention and response programs for sexual assault and sexual harassment;

- Response structures that provide comprehensive and consistent support for victims of sexual assault;

- Education and training that ensure every cadet and midshipman receives sexual assault and harassment prevention and response information;

- Programs for sexual assault and harassment prevention and response that are a permanent part of their curricula; and

- Initiatives underway to develop measures of program effectiveness.

Cadet and midshipmen focus group members provided frank observations, including the following:

- The majority of participants understood both restricted and unrestricted reporting for sexual assault and indicated there is value in having both options.

- All participants strongly agreed that academy senior leadership is serious about preventing sexual assault.

The DoD Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Academies was mandated in the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act. The act directed DoD to evaluate the effectiveness of the sexual harassment and sexual violence related policies, trainings and programs at the military service academies on an annual basis.

The complete report is available at http://www.sapr.mil. For specific information, contact the individual military services at 703-697-2564 for Army, 703-695-0640 for Air Force, and 703-697-5342 for Navy.

ARRA News Service: Sen. Lincoln: Congress Can Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance Because Constitution ‘Charges Congress With the Health’ of the People

ARRA News Service: Sen. Lincoln: Congress Can Force Americans to Buy Health Insurance Because Constitution ‘Charges Congress With the Health’ of the People

You must read this especially if you live in Arkansas. With this I question which school did she learn this in .. it sure was not in an Arkansas School.. as a matter of fact I don't know of any school in this nation that teaches this fact.. and then anyone who is able to access and read the Constitution will never find these words in this historic document...
I also believe that a person who makes statements of this nature needs to go back to school.. I have always been told to make sure of your facts before opening your mouth to insert your foot.. or to put is another way "show just how ignorant you are"

Statements of this nature should make any and every Arkansas voting Citizen strongly question who this person is the purports to represent Arkansas.. and if she deserves to continue in her position..
Combine this with other positions she has taken, votes she has rendered in direct opposition to the majority wishes of the citizens of Arkansas
I believe that anyone with common sense, would support my assertion that this is not what the people of Arkansas need as a representative in Washington, DC

Arkansawyers need to send Blanche Lincoln a message next Nov 2 of "Your Fired" be electing a replacement representative that better reflects our principals and ethics shared by the majority of Arkansas voting citizens ..

Army Announces Force Structure Actions

The Department of the Army announced today a series of planned unit activations at three installations. These force structure actions will result in an increase of 70 soldiers and 164 civilians at Fort Gordon, Ga., and an increase of 90 soldiers and 92 civilians at two different locations: Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Fort Eustis, Va. Implementation of these changes is scheduled to be completed in January 2010.

The 7th Signal Command (Theater) will activate at Fort Gordon, Ga. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 106th Signal Brigade will activate at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 93rd Signal Brigade will activate at Fort Eustis, Va.

The 7th Signal Command will extend LandWarNet capabilities to operating and generating forces in support of U.S.-based information-enabled expeditionary operations in support of the Grow the Army Initiative. LandWarNet is the Army's part of the DoD information technology infrastructure.

Army Announces Force Structure Actions at Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Army announced today the planned activation of the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group. This force structure action represents a net increase of 432 military authorizations and four civilian authorizations at Fort Lewis, Wash., and two civilian authorizations at Yakima Training Center, Wash. Implementation of these changes is expected to be completed in August 2011.


For more information, contact Lt. Col. Lee Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.

The Clarity of False Choices

The
Clarity of False Choices

How Obama’s rhetorical tricks mislead the public

Jacob Sullum | December 16, 2009

Listen to Audio Version (MP3)

“There are those who claim we have to choose between paying down our deficits…and investing in job creation and economic growth,” President Obama said last week. “This is a false choice.” During the same speech, he asked his audience to “let me just be clear” that his administration, having racked up the biggest budget deficits ever, is embracing fiscal responsibility, as eflected in his vow that “health insurance reform” will not increase the deficit “by one dime.”

For connoisseurs of Obama-speak, the address featured a trifecta, combining three of his favorite rhetorical tropes. There was the vague reference to “those who” question his agenda, the “false choice” they use to deceive the public, and the determination to “be clear” and forthright, in contrast with those dishonest naysayers. These devices are useful as signals that the president is about to mislead us.

Obama says his opponents wrongly insist that we choose between “paying down our deficits” and "investing in job creation and economic growth.” But that is not the way his real critics, as opposed to the imaginary, nameless ones who appear in his speeches, would frame the issue.

The real critics question the premise that the spending Obama supports, which he says ultimately will boost tax revenues and curtail outlays for public assistance programs, should be considered an investment at all—and, if so, whether it is a better use of this money than the market would have found. Copying his predecessor by throwing more money at education, for example, is a dubious strategy for spurring economic growth, since there is no clear relationship between spending and student achievement.

Likewise, Obama’s promise that health insurance subsidies will not expand the deficit may be “clear,” but it’s not realistic, since it’s based on accounting tricks and wishful thinking. Congressional Democrats avoided counting a $240 billion Medicare “fix” by putting it in a separate bill and assumed reimbursement cuts that probably will never materialize.

Here are some other things Obama has asked us to let him be clear about: “Earmarks have given legislators the opportunity to direct federal money to worthy projects”; the U.S. government “has no interest in running GM”; Medicare cuts will be made “in a way that protects our senior citizens” from changes in benefits or costs; and a “public option” for health care, which would invite businesses to offload their medical costs onto taxpayers and could drive private insurers from the market, “would not impact those of you who already have insurance.” From now on, when you hear Obama speak, try replacing “let me be clear” with “let me lie to you,” and see if it makes more sense.

Speaking of making sense, some of the “false choices” Obama has identified in the last year are more puzzling than misleading. “I reject the false choice between securing this nation and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars,” he declared in March. So according to Obama, we can secure the nation and waste billions of taxpayer dollars. Actually, that sounds about right.

Obama’s depiction of his critics is a bit further removed from reality. In the health care debate, he says, “there are those who simply don't believe Washington can bring about this change”; “there are those who will say that we do not go far enough”; “ there are those who would have us try what has already failed, who would defend the status quo”; “there
are those who will oppose reform no matter what”; and “there are those who want to seek political advantage.”

What about those who do not like the status quo but have a different vision of reform, not because they want to go farther than Obama does but because they want to go in a different direction, toward more choice, more competition, and less government involvement? In Obama’s world, they do not exist; instead we have his bold yet achievable plan, pitted against socialist utopianism and blind partisan intransigence. Let me be clear: This is a false choice.

Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason and a nationally syndicated columnist.

© Copyright 2009 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

DOD Releases 2010 Housing Rates

The Department of Defense today released the 2010 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates. Military members will receive an average housing allowance increase of 2.5 percent when the new rates take effect, Jan. 1, 2010.

For members with dependents, average increases in the BAH are approximately $37 per month. A typical junior enlisted member with dependents, for example, will find his/her BAH about $25 per month higher than last year, while a senior non-commissioned officer with dependents will receive about $42 more than last year.

Three components are included in the BAH computation: median current market rent; average utilities (including electricity, heat, and water/sewer); and average renter's insurance.

Total housing costs are calculated for six housing profiles (based on dwelling type and number of bedrooms) in each military housing area. BAH rates are then calculated for each pay grade, both with and without dependents. An estimated $19 billion will be paid to nearly 1 million service members in 2010.

An integral part of the BAH program is the provision of individual rate protection to all members. No matter what happens to measured housing costs, an individual member in a given location will not see his/her BAH rate decrease. This assures that members who have made long-term commitments in the form of a lease or contract are not penalized if the area's housing costs decrease.

The continued improvement in housing allowances represents the Department's commitment to the preservation of a compensation and benefit structure that provides members with a suitable and secure standard of living to sustain a trained, experienced, and ready force in the future.

For more information on BAH, visit http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html.

13 term Democratic Rep. Bart Gordon not seeking re-election

Considering the number of Dem Representative & Senate "retirements" this is encouraging since it signals the strong chance of change in our House of Representatives and probably the Senate..
as citizens of this country, we need to keep up the pressure that has been exerted so far and step up our concerted effort to be heard,.. we can take back our representative voice..

by Christian Grantham - 9:33 am -
December 14th, 2009



repgordon The shocking news straight from the inbox:







    MURFREESBORO - After more than a quarter-century of
public service to his home state of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon
announced his plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends
in 2010.



    “I feel honored that the people of Middle Tennessee
have allowed me to serve them for the past 25 years,” said Gordon.
“Every decision I have made in Congress has been with their best
interests in mind. I hope the people here at home feel that I have
served them as well as their good advice and views have served me.



    “When I was elected, I was the youngest member of
the Tennessee congressional delegation; now, I’m one of the oldest. In
fact, I have members of my staff who weren’t even born when I took
office. That tells me it’s time for a new chapter.”



    Gordon, the dean of the state’s congressional
delegation, said he made his decision after consulting with his wife,
Leslie.



    “Turning 60 has led me to re-evaluate what’s next. I
have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very
demanding job. I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother, Margaret.
They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving in
Congress, and now it’s my turn,” said Gordon.



    Strengthening families has been a common thread
throughout Gordon’s time in Congress. During his service, he has
consistently worked to improve the quality of life for working families
by providing greater access to higher education; allowing workers to
keep their jobs while managing a family emergency such as a sick child,
spouse or parent; and working to preserve the American dream by
ensuring today’s students have the strong math and science skills they
will need for the jobs of the future.



    His constituents have repeatedly recognized Gordon’s
efforts by sending him back to the U.S. Capitol to represent them - in
13 elections, Gordon has never lost any of the 15 counties in his
district. In recent years, he has won re-election handily, earning 64
percent of the vote in 2004, 67 percent in 2006, and 74 percent in 2008.



    The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Gordon was
named chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee in 2007,
becoming Tennessee’s first full committee chairman in 30 years. The
congressman said he is grateful for the opportunity it presented to
author landmark legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, but his
goals in Congress have always remained the same.



    “My dream for kids growing up in Middle Tennessee is
the same that I have for my daughter, Peyton – for them to grow up in a
safe neighborhood, get a quality education, and be able to find a good
job close to home,” said Gordon. “I hope I’ve been able to make that
dream more of a reality for the next generation.”



    While Gordon’s congressional efforts may be coming
to an end in a year, his legislative efforts and first-rate constituent
service will continue in the meantime.



    “I will be focusing on the work to be done in the
year ahead. Our country is facing extraordinary challenges, and I will
continue to work to be the best congressman I can be. My doors are open
in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Cookeville, and my staff and I will
continue to listen to people’s concerns and help them cut through
government red tape. Staying in touch with the people I represent has
been my number one priority. That will remain true throughout my last
year in Congress,” said Gordon, who has held more than 2,000 open
meetings, call-ins and listening sessions during his service.



    The congressman said his achievements wouldn’t have
been possible without the support of many people very close to him,
including his parents.



    “I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and
inspiring parents. My mother and my late father always stood by my side
throughout the years,” said Gordon. “I’ve also been blessed with a
talented, hard-working staff that has helped me do a better job. And I
will be forever grateful to the friends and volunteers who have given
their counsel and support over the years.”



    Educated in Rutherford County public schools, Gordon
graduated with honors from Middle Tennessee State University in 1971
and later received his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He
served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1972. Gordon is married to Leslie
Peyton Gordon, who is a partner with Korn/Ferry International, and they
have one daughter.



UPDATE 12-14-09 9:53am: I spoke with some 6th District Democrats who
tell me they learned of Rep. Gordon’s retirement plans the same way we
did, through a press release.

Mombasa Imam who confirmed Obama’s birth place arrives in the UK

The question that I have consistently resonating in my mind from the beginning when the question was raised about the natal birth of our now President, was why has he done everything possible to repress the truth of his birth?? Even the State of Hawaii has been brought in to the mix with sealing what is a public record .. and by doing so puts it out of reach of a FOIA filing. I question why this was done, to maybe conceal the fact that his record of birth was filed months after the true origin of his birth, which can be done with the proper documentation,.. the document that was presented is a Notice of Live Birth which has not been "notarized" which makes it JUST a filed document which is not official..
Why are persons surrounding him doing everything they can to conceal the truth of his birth when the court case dealing with this topic which is a challenge to his right to be President has reached the Supreme Court without any fanfare or even being reported to the public by the media.. HHUUMMM?? read this article, make your own conclusions, there is a lot of smoke being raised about this issue, I don't know about you but where there is smoke, there is fire!!!

Mombasa Imam who confirmed Obama’s birth place arrives in the UK
Posted by africanpress on November 9, 2008

The Imam who came forward to assist in the search of Barack Obama’s identity left Kenya secretly last night, and will arrive in the UK this morning. He will meet with a US contact person who will assist him in recording an asylum statement in the UK after handing over the documents that caused the blessing of Obama when he was born and to confirm the origin of the name Hussein.

The man will join relatives in the UK because his life will be in danger if he were to return to Kenya after removing the documents from the Mosque’s archives and taking them out of the country. The man has been informed about the on-going case filed in the US Supreme Court by attorney Philip Berg challenging Barack Obama’s citizenship.

When the man heard that Jerome Corsi was in Kenya a few months ago, he took a decision to try and meet him, but had to travel back to Mombasa from Nairobi on hearing that Corsi had been bundled and taken to the airport on deportation orders.

The Imam is the grandson of the late Imam who blessed Barack Obama when he was born in Mombasa on the 4th of august 1961.

While in the UK, the Imam and the American contact person will visit Amnesty International before handing himself over to the authorities where he will formally deliver his application for asylum. The contact man has arranged so that they get an official from Amnesty international to accompany them to the home office desk where he will inform them on he dangers that will face him if he were to return to Kenya after delivering the documents on Obama.

This may now bring to close the speculations on Obama’s citizenship and the secrecy on where he was born.

API will dispatch a detailed letter in support of the Imam’s - application for asylum and protection - to the UK Home Office Secretary later today. The letter will be made available on the site here, but minus the names of the Imam.

African Press International

OBAMA'S CZARS - The Sphere of influence at the White House

OBAMA'S CZARS - The Sphere of influence at the White House

This list was provided by an anti Obama website, the opinions expressed are those of the composer, check validity of entries.. Obama's Czars Influence at the White House. Richard Holbrooke Afghanistan Czar Ultra liberal anti gun former Gov. of New Mexico. Pro Abortion and legal drug use. Dissolve the 2nd Amendment Ed Montgomery Auto recovery Czar Black radical anti business activist. Affirmative Action and Job Preference for blacks. Univ of Maryland Business School Dean teaches US business has caused world poverty. ACORN board member. Communist DuBois Club member. Jeffrey Crowley AIDS Czar Radical Homosexual.. A Gay Rights activist. Believes in Gay Marriage and especially, a Special Status for homosexuals only, including complete free health care for gays. Alan Bersin Border Czar The former failed superintendent of San Diego . Ultra Liberal friend of Hilary Clinton. Served as Border Czar under Janet Reno – to keep borders open to illegal’s without interference from US David J. Hayes California Water Czar Sr. Fellow of radical environmentalist group, “Progress Policy”. No training or experience in water management whatsoever. Ron Bloom Car Czar Auto Union worker. Anti business & anti nuclear. Has worked hard to force US auto makers out of business. Sits on the Board of Chrysler which is now Auto Union owned. How did this happen? Dennis Ross Central Region Czar Believes US policy has caused Mid East wars. Obama apologist to the world. Anti gun and completely pro abortion. Lynn Rosenthal Domestic Violence Czar Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Vicious anti male feminist. Supported male castration. Imagine? Gil Kerlikowske Drug Czar devoted lobbyist for every restrictive gun law proposal, Former Chief of Police in Liberal Seattle. Believes no American should own a firearm. Supports legalization of all drugs Paul Volcker E conomic Czar Head of Fed Reserve under Jimmy Carter when US economy nearly failed. Obama appointed head of the Economic Recovery Advisory Board which engineered the Obama economic disaster to US economy. Member of anti business “Progressive Policy” organization Carol Brower Energy and Environment Czar Political Radical Former head of EPA - known for anti-business activism. Strong anti-gun ownership. Joshua DuBois Faith Based Czar Political Black activist-Degree in Black Nationalism. Anti gun ownership lobbyist. Cameron Davis Great Lakes Czar Chicago radical anti business environmentalist. Blames George Bush for “Poisoning the water that minorities have to drink.” No experience or training in water management. Former ACORN Board member (what does that tell us?) Van Jones Green Jobs Czar (since resigned).. Black activist Member of American communist Party and San Francisco Communist Party who said Geo Bush caused the 911 attack and wanted Bush investigated by the World Court for war crimes. Black activist with strong anti-white views. Daniel Fried Guantanamo Closure Czar Human Rights activist for Foreign Terrorists. Believes America has caused the war on terrorism. Believes terrorists have rights above and beyond Americans. Nancy-Ann DeParle. Health Czar Former head of Medicare / Medicaid. Strong Health Care Rationing proponent. She is married to a reporter for The New York Times. Vivek Kundra Information Czar Born in New Delhi, India. Controls all public information, including labels and news releases. Monitors all private Internet emails. (hello?) Todd Stern International Climate Czar Anti business former White House chief of Staff- Strong supportrer of the Kyoto Accord. Pushing hard for Cap and Trade. Blames US business for Global warming. Anti- US business prosperity. Dennis Blair Intelligence Czar Ret Navy. Stopped US guided missile program as “provocative”. Chair of ultra liberal “Council on Foreign Relations” which blames American organizations for regional wars. George Mitchell Mideast Peace Czar Fmr. Sen from Maine Left wing radical. Has said Israel should be split up into “2 or 3 “ smaller more manageable plots”. (God forbid) A true Anti-nuclear anti-gun & pro homosexual "special rights" advocate Kenneth Feinberg Pay Czar Chief of Staff to TED KENNEDY. Lawyer who got rich off the 911 victims payoffs. (horribly true) Cass Sunstein Regulatory Czar Liberal activist judge believes free speech needs to be limited for the “common good”. Essentially against 1st amendment. Rules against personal freedoms many times –like private gun ownership and right to free speech. John Holdren Science Czar Fierce ideological environmentalist, Sierra Club, Anti business activist. Claims US business has caused world poverty. No Science training. Earl Devaney Stimulus Accountability Czar Spent career trying to take guns away from American citizens. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico . Author of statement blaming US gun stores for drug war in Mexico . J. Scott Gration Sudan Czar Native of Democratic Republic of Congo. Believes US does little to help Third World countries. Council of foreign relations, asking for higher US taxes to support United Nations Herb Allison TARP Czar Fannie May CEO responsible for the US recession by using real estate mortgages to back up the US stock market. Caused millions of people to lose their life savings. John Brennan Terrorism Czar Anti CIA activist. No training in diplomatic or gov. affairs. Believes Open Borders to Mexico and a dialog with terrorists and has suggested Obama disband US military Aneesh Chopra Technology Czar No Technology training. Worked for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank for hospitals. Anti doctor activist. Supports Obama Health care Rationing and salaried doctors working exclusively for the Gov. health care plan Adolfo Carrion Jr. Urban Affairs Czar Puerto Rican born Anti American activist and leftist group member in Latin America . Millionaire “slum lord” of the Bronx , NY. Owns many lavish homes and condos which he got from “sweetheart” deals with labor unions. Wants higher taxes on middle class to pay for minority housing and health care Ashton Carter Weapons Czar Leftist. Wants all private weapons in US destroyed. Supports UN ban on firearms ownership in America .. No Other “policy” Gary Samore WMD Policy Czar Former US Communist. Wants US to destroy all WMD unilaterally as a show of good faith. Has no other “policy”.

H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

H.R.
2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

111th Congress

This is a bill in the U.S. Congress originating in the House of
Representatives ("H.R."). A bill must be passed by both the House and
Senate and then be signed by the President before it becomes law.

Bill numbers restart from 1 every two years. Each two-year cycle is
called a session of Congress. This bill was created in the 111th
Congress, in 2009-2010.

The titles of bills are written by the bill's sponsor and are a part of
the legislation itself.

Arkansas
No	AR-1	Berry, Robert [D]
Aye	AR-2	Snyder, Victor [D]
No	AR-3	Boozman, John [R]
No	AR-4	Ross, Mike [D]
Totals Democrats Republicans Independents All Votes Needed To Win Aye: 219 (50%) 210 8 0 No: 212 (49%) 44 168 0 Present: 0 (0%) 0 0 0 Not Voting: 3 (1%) 1 2 0 Required: Simple Majority of 431 votes (=216 votes) (Vacancies in Congress will affect vote totals.)
H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 111th Congress  2009-2010 To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Overview Sponsor: Rep. Henry Waxman [D-CA30]show cosponsors (1) Cosponsors: Edward Markey [D-MA7] Text: Summary | Full Text Status: Introduced May 15, 2009 Referred to Committee View Committee Assignments Reported by Committee May 21, 2009 Amendments (2 proposed) View Amendments Passed House Jun 26, 2009 Senate Vote ... Signed by President ... This bill has been passed in the House. The bill now goes on to be voted on in the Senate. Keep in mind that debate may be taking place on a companion bill in the Senate, rather than on this particular bill. [Last Updated: Nov 13, 2009 8:52PM] > Overview - Summary (CRS) - Votes - Full Text - Committee Assignments - Amendments - Floor Speeches - Reports - Related Legislation Last Action: Jul 7, 2009: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 97. Other Titles: -- Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2009 -- GREEN Act of 2009 -- Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2009 -- National Climate Service Act of 2009 -- Safe Climate Act Related: See the Related Legislation page for other bills related to this one and a list of subject terms that have been applied to this bill. Sometimes the text of one bill or resolution is incorporated into another, and in those cases the original bill or resolution, as it would appear here, would seem to be abandoned. Primary Source See H.R. 2454 on THOMAS for the official source of information on this bill or resolution. Votes: Jun 26, 2009: This bill passed in the House of Representatives by roll call vote. The totals were 219 Ayes, 212 Nays, 3 Present/Not Voting. Vote Details.      look up a Member of Congress

H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

H.R. 2454:

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
111th Congress

This is a bill in the U.S. Congress originating in the House of Representatives ("H.R."). A bill must be passed by both the House and Senate and then be signed by the President before it becomes law.

Bill numbers restart from 1 every two years. Each two-year cycle is called a session of Congress. This bill was created in the 111th Congress, in 2009-2010.

The titles of bills are written by the bill's sponsor and are a part of the legislation itself. GovTrack does not editorialize bill summaries.
2009-2010
(About Ads | Advertise Here)
Navigation
> Overview
- Summary (CRS)
- Votes
- Full Text
- Committee Assignments
- Amendments
- Floor Speeches
- Reports
- Related Legislation
Tweet This
Use #usbill #hr2454
our recommended hashtags.
Track H.R. 2454
This feed includes all major activity on this bill and its amendments, references in the Congressional Record, and relevant upcoming committee meetings.

Preview Feed >
You are tracking this bill.
Events related to this bill will appear on your customized Tracked Events page
You are not logged in to an account. Why sign up?
When you sign up, your trackers are stored permanently and you can access them from any computer. Otherwise they are stored in a "cookie" on your computer and could get erased. When you are signed in, your personal tracked events RSS feed will update with your tracker settings, and you can get email updates on tracked events sent to you automatically.
Log In | Sign Up (for free)
Make a widget for this tracker to display on your web page.

Make a widget that shows the status of this bill for your webpage.
Primary Source

See H.R. 2454 on THOMAS for the official source of information on this bill or resolution.

To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy.
Overview
Sponsor:

Rep. Henry Waxman [D-CA30]hide cosponsors
Cosponsors:
Edward Markey [D-MA7]
Text:
Summary | Full Text
Status:

Occurred: Introduced May 15, 2009
Occurred: Referred to Committee View Committee Assignments
Occurred: Reported by Committee May 21, 2009
Occurred: Amendments (2 proposed) View Amendments
Occurred: Passed House Jun 26, 2009
Not Yet Occurred: Senate Vote ...
Not Yet Occurred: Signed by President ...
This bill has been passed in the House. The bill now goes on to be voted on in the Senate. Keep in mind that debate may be taking place on a companion bill in the Senate, rather than on this particular bill. [Last Updated: Nov 13, 2009 8:52PM]
Last Action:
Jul 7, 2009: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 97.
Other Titles:

-- Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2009
-- GREEN Act of 2009
-- Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2009
-- National Climate Service Act of 2009
-- Safe Climate Act
Related:

See the Related Legislation page for other bills related to this one and a list of subject terms that have been applied to this bill. Sometimes the text of one bill or resolution is incorporated into another, and in those cases the original bill or resolution, as it would appear here, would seem to be abandoned.
Votes:

Jun 26, 2009: This bill passed in the House of Representatives by roll call vote. The totals were 219 Ayes, 212 Nays, 3 Present/Not Voting. Vote Details.
You are not tracking any senators or representatives. To see their votes here, look up a Member of Congress.
View all 2 votes on this bill.

The 2009 Club for Growth RePORK Card:

The 2009 Club for Growth RePORK Card:
Executive Summary

Executive Summary
//Full Report- http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/?subSec=14&id=118
// House Votes - http://www.clubforgrowth.org/projects/?subSec=14&id=119

Washington - At a time when our national priority ought to be economic growth, House members have been busy stuffing the 2010 appropriations bills with wasteful pork projects. While Representatives John Campbell, Jeff Flake, and Jeb Hensarling offered 68 amendments to strip outrageous pork projects from the 12 annual spending bills, none of the amendments passed.

The Club for Growth has compiled a RePORK Card of all members' votes on all 68 anti-pork amendments (View House Votes). "When given an opportunity to save taxpayer dollars and to limit spending to true national priorities, most members of Congress took a pass," said Club Executive Director David Keating. "The RePORK Card will help taxpayers measure the dedication of their representatives to changing the culture of corruption that surrounds pork-barrel spending."

Though Congress skipped the regular appropriations process last year, the Club issued a similar RePORK Card in 2007. Some interesting numbers to consider from the new RePORK Card:

* 22 House members received a 100% score - 1 Democrat and 21 Republicans (In 2007, there were only 16 perfect scores, all Republicans)
* 211 House members received a 0% score - 202 Democrats and 9 Republicans (In 2007, there were only 105 zero scores - 81 Democrats and 24 Republicans)
* The Dem member average score was 3%, with a median of 0%
* The GOP member average score was 57%, with a median of 69%
* The Dem leadership team had an average of 0% (majority leader, whip, chair)
* The GOP leadership team had an average of 91% (minority leader, whip, chair)
* Appropriators had an average of 6%, compared to 28% for non-appropriators
* Blue Dog Democrats had an average score of 7%, and a median of 0% (52 members)
* Republican Study Committee members had an average score of 69%, and a median of 82% (113 members)
* Freshmen Democrats had an average score of 10%, and a median of 1% (32 members)
* Freshmen Republicans had an average score of 64%, and a median of 71% (22 members)


Some of the targeted pork barrel legislation this year includes:

* $325,000 for the Institute for Seafood Studies in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
* $250,000 for the Monroe County Farmer's Market in Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
* $150,000 for the restoration of Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York.
* $100,000 for the Myrtle Beach Conference Center in South Carolina.
* $90,000 for the Commercial Kitchen Business Incubator project in Watsonville, California.
* $1 million for potato research in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.



check out the links for additional information

Vote Pryor down and remove him from office!

From Club For Growth Site

Sen. Pryor is giving the same form letter answer that is being forwarded by the Democratic Majority.. I have rec'd 3 just like this from other Senators in other states.. such as Sen. Tom Udall.. no imagination following the Pied Piper of Hamlin to be voted our of office..

Vote Pryor down and remove him from office!
Posted at 11/24/09 05:49PM by Melinda Odom Topic: Health Care Reform
I will be blogging the question and responses on each of Arkansas's Representatives if/when they answer my questions to them. This is another form letter Mark Pryor sends out in hopes you won't notice.
==============================================

09/16/2009

*Question to Mark Pryor (D) Senator

And now you want to "make" people get health care or pay a fine?



*Answer from Mark Pryor (D) Senator

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you.

Congress will have the opportunity to debate many important proposals such as the one you mentioned
during the debate on health care reform. I am committed to ensuring Arkansans have access to quality,
affordable health care services. Please know that I will continue to work hard to represent the interest of
Arkansans, and I will keep your suggestion in mind as Congress addresses related legislation.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I value your input. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my
office regarding this or any other matter of concern to you.

Sincerely,
Mark Pryor
United States Senate
==============================================

Video: Sen. Hatch Says Congress Is Boldly Going Where It Has Never Gone Before

• Posted December 10th, 2009 at 3.37pm in Health Care, Ongoing Priorities, Rule of Law.

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) addressed The Heritage Foundation yesterday on the unconstitutionality of congressional action that forces Americans to buy health insurance under Obamacare.
In Sen. Hatch’s opinion, that mandate would not pass muster under the Constitution, and it would be an entirely unprecedented action that is beyond the scope of Congress’ powers:

Make no mistake, requiring individuals to purchase a particular good or service, as these bills would do, would be boldly going where Congress has never gone before. Congress has regulated interstate commerce, but has not required that people engage in it. The Supreme Court has expanded Congress’ power to regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce, but not the requirement that people engage in those activities.

When Sen. Hatch speaks of Congress’ powers to regulate interstate commerce, he is referring to powers with their roots in the Commerce Clause, an enumerated power found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, of the Constitution, which says the U.S. Congress shall have the power “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.”
As Sen. Hatch noted, the Supreme Court has expanded the meaning of the Commerce Clause to allow Congress to regulate not only commerce itself (such as the sale of goods across state lines), but “activities that substantially affect commerce.”
For example, in the 1942 case of Wickard v. Filburn, the Court ruled that Congress has the power to set national quotas on how much wheat one grows on their own land for their own consumption. In the Court’s view, even that personal, local activity of producing and consuming wheat could affect prices and the market, therefore subjecting it to congressional regulation under the Commerce Clause.
However, Sen. Hatch pointed out that the Court’s interpretation limited Congress to regulating activities. If Congress were to mandate that Americans must buy health insurance, it would be entering into an entirely new realm of power and regulation:

Congress has regulated interstate commerce, but has not required that people engage in it. The Supreme Court has expanded Congress’ power to regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce, but not the requirement that people engage in those activities.

The effects of such a broad expansion of congressional power, Sen. Hatch said, would be far-reaching.

If Congress can require purchase of particular goods or services to help the economy, there was no need for the Cash for Clunkers program. There was no need for the Troubled Asset Relief Program or the other bailouts. Congress could tell people to purchase a certain car, invest their money in certain companies, or deposit what is left of their paychecks in certain banks. If there is no difference between incentives and mandates, between regulating what people choose to do and requiring that they do it, between activity and non-activity, then the Constitution provides no limits on the power of the federal government. And without the necessary condition of such limits, liberty itself is at risk.

Sen. Hatch said that there are constitutional means which Congress can use to increase health insurance coverage, but those methods aren’t being considered. And as for the unconstitutional tactics, Sen. Hatch pointed out that the American people stand firmly against them:

A national poll conducted last month found that 75 percent of Americans believe that requiring them to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional because Congress’ power to regulate commerce does not include telling Americans what they must buy.

To read more about the constitutionality of congressional mandates, check out The Heritage Foundation Legal Memorandum, “Why the Personal Mandate to Buy Health Insurance Is Unprecedented and Unconstitutional,” by Randy Barnett, Nathaniel Stewart and Todd F. Gaziano.