Cash for Caulkers

Statement

Where are the jobs? Today, the Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate rose to 9.9 percent in April while 290,000 jobs were added.

A rising unemployment rate underscores the painful reality of millions of Americans who are struggling to find a job and make ends meet. While I am encouraged to hear that some Americans found work -- even short-term Census work, I am deeply concerned about the lasting impact of persistent high unemployment on families across our nation. Now 46 percent of jobless Americans are experiencing long-term unemployment (27 weeks or longer) -- a new record that this Democrat Congress can add to its record-breaking spending and deficits.

From the "stimulus" to bailouts and spending sprees, Congressional Democrats' big-government agenda has failed to produce promised job creation and economic growth. Yet this Congress continues to spend more and more money.

This week, the House approved $6.6 Billion for a "Cash for Caulkers" program. The bill would provide tax rebates to participating contractors and vendors who would perform qualifying energy savings measures that meet efficiency and installation targets and standards. In other words, the program is very expensive, unnecessary, and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Republicans strongly support legislation that promotes energy efficiency, but $6.6 Billion at a time of record deficits is flagrant fiscal irresponsibility.

Americans can look no further than Greece to see the dire consequences of a spend-thrift government. No amount of taxing, borrowing, and spending will save our nation from the same fate and produce the jobs Americans need.

It's past time for Congress to make job creation a top priority. My Republican colleagues and I stand ready to work with proven tax relief solutions and common-sense policies that empower the private sector to provide the building blocks for sustained economic recovery and employment opportunities. The American people need real job-creating solutions -- not unsustainable government deficit spending.

TX Opts Out of Fed High Risk Pool
As you may know, late last Friday the State of Texas opted out of an unsustainable federal high-risk pool program under the government-takeover of healthcare.

I believe that Texas has wisely rejected participating in the Obama healthcare plan of higher costs, fewer choices, and unfunded liabilities for states. With few details available, the Obama Administration wants states to sign up blindly for a high-risk pool program that the federal healthcare Actuary says will run dry by 2012 and result in higher premiums and reduced benefits for consumers.

Texans don't need to write Washington a blank check to bring more of its fiscal recklessness to our state, and I applaud Governor Rick Perry for his leadership on this issue. Texans deserve real healthcare solutions that actually lower costs and increase access to quality care. That is why I will continue fighting to repeal and replace this fatally-flawed healthcare reform law.

100% Conservative Award
On Thursday, I was honored once again to receive a 100% conservative score from the American Conservative Union, earning the "Defender of Liberty Award" for my voting record in the 1st Session of the 111th Congress (2009).

As the nation's oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization, the American Conservative Union (ACU) is widely regarded as the "gold standard" in conservative scoring. The 2009 ACU Ratings of Congress evaluated 25 key votes in the House, including votes against TARP funding, the failed "stimulus," and government-run healthcare, and votes for a balanced budget, spending caps, and tax relief.

Now more than ever, our nation needs conservative leaders who will fight against the reckless tax, borrow, and spend agenda of this Democrat Congress that is placing our nation on a path to bankruptcy. Individual liberty -- not the growth of government -- is the key to lasting American prosperity, and I remain committed to championing conservative priorities for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the free enterprise system.

IRS Open House: Tax Help for Texans
On Saturday, May 15th, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be hosting Open Houses nationwide -- including in North Texas -- to provide assistance to taxpayers in resolving their tax issues.

The goal of the IRS Open House is to help individuals and small businesses with any issues they have with the IRS. The Open House will be equipped with staff prepared to handle a number of issues, including notices and payments, return preparation, and audits.

Dallas-Area IRS Open House
Saturday, May 15, 2010
9:00am -- 2:00pm
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75242

The IRS has found Open House events to be very effective in resolving tax issues. For example, during the March 27th Open House, 88 percent of taxpayers who came for help were able to walk out with their tax issues resolved the same day. In addition to the upcoming May 15th Open House, the IRS plans to host two more next month: Saturday, June 5th and Saturday, June 26th. For more information about the Open House event and locations across the nation that will be participating, visit the IRS website.

Post Office Hearing on Service Reduction
On Monday, May 17th, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) will conduct a field hearing at Dallas City Hall to assess the impact of the Postal Service's proposal to change from six-day to five-day street mail delivery and related services. The hearing is one of many occurring nationwide, and an Advisory Opinion from the PRC is required by law before any proposed changes occur in the Postal Service's nationwide service.

Clearly, the termination of Saturday mail delivery service would be a very significant Postal Service change, and the PRC is expected to make key determinations at the Dallas field hearing -- including the estimated economic impact of the change, business productivity, and the viewpoints of the American people.

The Dallas field hearing is open to the public and will be held on Monday, May 17th at 1:00 pm in the L1 Auditorium of Dallas City Hall. For more information about the Postal Regulatory Commission and the upcoming hearings, visit http://www.prc.gov

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