Akin Alert, 16/7/2011

Dear Spike,

Another week in Washington has been dominated by the debate on raising the federal debt ceiling. I believe that continuing on our current fiscal path is unsustainable and irresponsible. We will not fix our debt crisis overnight, but we must change course now rather than simply kicking the can further down the road.

Let me put our current debt situation in perspective. It took our nation 216 years and 41 presidents to accumulate our first $3.7 trillion in debt. It took President Obama less than two and a half years to accumulate the same amount of debt. Our total federal debt is now at $14.3 trillion, which is equal to roughly $46,000 in debt for every man, woman and child in the United States. This year, the federal government is borrowing about 40 cents of every single dollar it spends. This is simply unsustainable.

Next week, the House of Representatives will take a step toward fixing the structural problems that have led to this run away debt by voting on the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. This bill cuts $111 billion in federal spending in fiscal year 2012. The bill caps federal spending at 19.9% of GDP, the historical average level of federal spending since World War II. Lastly, the bill requires that a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget be passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification before any increase in the debt ceiling goes into effect. This bill is not perfect, and does not accomplish everything that must be done to rein in federal spending, but I believe it is a reasonable first step that would be a significant change in course. I look forward to supporting the Cut, Cap and Balance Act next week in the House.

Also this week, I participated in a House Budget Committee hearing on the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) which was created by President Obama’s health care bill. The IPAB is comprised of fifteen un-elected bureaucrats who will be able to cut Medicare without the support or approval of Congress. IPAB is just another example of what is wrong with Obama’s healthcare bill–instead of empowering individuals to make choices about their own healthcare, it gives that power to un-elected bureaucrats. For this and many more reasons, we should repeal President Obama’s healthcare bill and replace it with something that is patient-centric and encourages the free market to work.

Lastly, this week I led a letter from most of the Missouri delegation calling for hearings on how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has managed or potentially mis-managed the Missouri River. The Missouri River is an important resource for our state and our country, and it should be managed with a focus on flood-control and transportation. You can read my letter here. I also spoke on the House floor in support of an amendment that would prohibit funds from going to the Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study (MRAPS). A 17 year, $35 million study on this same issue was just completed. It makes no sense to do the same study over again at the cost of another $25 million. This is simply unacceptable.

It is an honor to serve you in Washington. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email, Facebook or Twitter, and please consider sharing this email with others who may be interested.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

You can contact the congressman HERE;www.akin.house.gov

AKIN ALERT: Dollars & Sense

03/04/2011

http://akin.house.gov/

Dear Spike,

Suppose your employer paid you $2000 every month and every month, you spent $2800. Your excesses have gone on so long that you have accumulated over $140,000 in credit card debt.

Would you be in a fiscal crisis?

The United States is in a far worse fiscal situation than this and yet many in Washington appear willing to ignore this crisis. Supporting the status quo means continuing to borrow nearly 40 cents of every dollar we spend and refusing to make meaningful changes in our spending patterns.

Is that good sense?

Budget Update

Two weeks ago, the House passed a government funding resolution that reduced spending by $100 billion from what the President requested for this year. But the Senate has failed to even allow a vote on this measure. So this week began with the passage of short term resolution to fund the government. Approved by the Senate and signed by the President, this temporary measure – funding government until the 18th of March – cut $4 billion from last year’s funding levels.

Next week, we will press forward with an adult discussion on budget priorities in the House. It’s time to talk not only about reducing discretionary spending in 2011 but also about restructuring mandatory spending programs in the 2012 budget. That means it’s time to take constructive steps to reform entitlement spending programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. As we have this discussion, I want to know your thoughts: I’ve set up a poll on my website, so you can easily signal what principles would guide your vote if you were in Congress.

DOMA

As you may have heard, President Obama has instructed the Justice Department not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This bipartisan 1996 legislation, signed into law by President Clinton, defines marriage as between one man and one woman for purposes of federal law and provides that no state shall be forced to recognize same sex relationships that are recognized under the law of another state.

The executive branch is charged with enforcing the laws of the United States. It is unacceptable for the President to decide on his own that a law passed by majorities of the House and Senate and signed by a prior President is unconstitutional. That is the role of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Speaker of the House and members of the House Judiciary Committee have looked into the appropriate response to this announcement from the White House. Today, Speaker Boehner announced that he convened the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group to consider instructing the House’s Office of the General Counsel to defend DOMA in court. I support this action to defend the Defense of Marriage Act.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you about these or any other legislative matters.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

You Can Contact the Congressman here; http://akin.house.gov/

AKIN ALERT: What is the State of the Union?

Contact the Congressman Here;http://akin.house.gov/

Dear Spike,

In last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama recognized the need to spur job creation, strengthen the economy and reduce the size of government.

We agreed about some of the problems our country confronts.

Yet our solutions remain vastly different.

While the Republicans have called for immediately rolling back discretionary spending to pre-stimulus levels, the President called for freezing it at current levels – which means 84% more spending.

While Republicans have called for safely and responsibly exploring all domestic energy solutions, the President has shut down domestic energy exploration and called for new spending on “clean energy.”

While Republicans have introduced the REINS Act to require Congressional approval of any new regulation that would have a major impact on jobs, the President has called for a bureaucratic process where federal agencies review their own regulations and decide which ones, if any, should be changed or eliminated.

While Republicans are taking seriously our responsibility to address the unsustainable burden of entitlement programs, the President made it clear last night that any serious entitlement reform efforts were off the table.

Missouri is the “Show Me” state. We know real solutions are needed for 9% unemployment, red tape that strangles job creation, a $14 trillion national debt, and entitlement spending that eats up every penny of federal revenue (see chart).

There were many areas of agreement between Republicans and Democrats in the House chamber last night. With Republicans controlling the House and Democrats controlling the Senate and the Executive branch, the only way we are going to make progress on the urgent issues facing us is by working together to find real solutions for the serious challenges our country faces.
Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

Mandatory spending (Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid) comprises over 45 percent of federal spending. By 2052, without reform, these programs will consume all federal revenues. Even more alarming, as you read this, the national debt continues to grow at an exponential rate.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

January is Sanctity of Human Life month. Regardless of age, health, or condition of dependency, every human being is valuable – worth our care and protection. So, whether you are young or old, strong or weak, high performing or differently abled, I will not cease to work to see that every light in this country is able to shine. I pray that you will join me in cherishing the precious lives around you.

You Can Contact the Congressman Here;http://akin.house.gov/

Todd Akin~”Govt. is the Servant of the people not the Master”

Akin Alert: 112th Congress Gets to Work – 01/05/11

Dear Spike,

Today, the 112th Congress will be sworn in. While some might see this as a formality, I believe that it is an important reminder that we act under the authority of the Constitution and within the powers it delegates to us.

The Oath

Article VI of the Constitution, states that “The Senators and Representatives shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.”

I, along with my colleagues from across the country, will take this Oath today:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

Fidelity to this Oath is about much more than lip-service. It means knowing what the Constitution says and considering each vote in light of the Oath we take at the beginning of each legislative session.

The Job

After the 112th Congress is seated, we will get to work. Here’s a quick look at what I’ve been doing and what we expect to change this Congress.

For the first time ever, this session of Congress will begin with a public reading of the U.S. Constitution.
In the new Congress, floor time will not be spent on symbolic resolutions.
Every bill introduced in the 112th Congress will have to cite the section of the Constitution which gives Congress authority to enact it.
In January, we expect to vote on legislation to repeal the government takeover of the health care industry which was enacted last year.

I have cosponsored legislation to repeal the 1099 reporting requirement in the health care law, which burdens job creators with the requirement to report every business transaction that costs more than $600.
The House Rules Package, which lays out how the House will do business this Congress, includes my amendment requiring each committee to include proposals for eliminating wasteful spending in their oversight plan.
One of our first priorities on January 6th will be to vote on legislation reducing the amount of money the House of Representatives spends on day-to-day operations.

Let me know what you think. What else should be our list of top priorities?

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

You can contact the congressman here; http://akin.house.gov/

Akin Alert,12/18/2010

Dear Spike,

This week two major bills have been under consideration in the halls of Congress. The first is what many are calling the Omnibus Spending Bill. This bill, which was introduced by Senate Democrats earlier this week is 1,924 pages long and spends $1.1 trillion in taxpayer money (an average of about $575 million per page). This bill is wasteful and reckless and I strongly oppose it. Fortunately, Republicans in the Senate successfully stopped this bill. The Senate Democrats still need to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown, but it should be one that reins in reckless government spending, not one that continues the excessive spending we have seen over the last few years.

The second major bill under consideration extends the 2001/2003 tax cuts which were set to expire in January. These tax increases would hit every tax bracket, and without action by December 31st , an average middle-income family would face a $1,540 tax increase and many would have seen an average increase of $1,700 in dividends and and capital gains taxes.

Late Thursday night, the House of Representatives passed the bill to prevent this massive tax increase. I voted for the bill, but my vote is not a seal of approval that this bill will fix the economy. This bill will merely prevent the evil of a massive tax increase.

The Democrats have through a series of poor policy decisions created economic conditions that are destructive to small businesses and job creation. These include: excessive taxes, unnecessary red tape, market uncertainty, restricted access to liquidity and massive federal spending. Passage of this bill will not fix the problems but will only create additional uncertainty by postponing important decisions on tax policy.

Until we implement policy changes favorable to employers, our economy will continue to struggle and unemployment will remain high. Despite these concerns, I am convinced that Congress has an immediate and pressing obligation to prevent a multi-trillion dollar tax increase that would further kill jobs, threaten another grave economic downturn and place huge tax burdens on all Americans. The bill does not improve our current economic situation but does postpone the evil of a massive tax hike during a recession.

I hope that the Democrats’ lame duck session of Congress will end soon, and I look forward to the beginning of the new Congress in January. The House of Representatives must once again truly be the “People’s House.” As always, please continue to share your thoughts and comments with me via email or Facebook or watch my latest comments on YouTube. It remains an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

You can contact the Congressman here; http://akin.house.gov/

A Liar, A Cheat, and still a sitting Congressman.

“Guilty” of ethics Violations,
Congressman Charlie Rangel Laughs in your face.
It makes me feel like this man can’t speak the TRUTH.

Akin Alert: Lame Duck Agenda

Dear Spike,

The House of Representatives has been in session since Thanksgiving, but aside from a few post office naming resolutions, it hasn’t been doing much of the people’s business.

But over the last few days, Republican leaders have been in close negotiations with the White House over the 2001-2003 tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of this month. This morning, they announced a bipartisan agreement to extend the current tax cuts for all earners for two years and extend the middle class Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for some 21 million households. The compromise tax cut package also includes a 13 month extension of unemployment benefits and limits the estate tax to thirty-five percent for estates worth more than $5 million.

The main question that remains is whether Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat controlled House will allow this bipartisan compromise package to be voted on in the House. Despite President Obama’s willingness to sit down and work with Republican leadership on this plan, the Speaker has not yet signaled a similar bipartisan commitment.

I don’t like everything about this package. And I will not compromise in ways that ultimately hurts the people of Missouri. But, on balance, I think this is a package that is necessary for the economy. We cannot pile an enormous tax increase onto a weak economy and expect economic growth.

As we enter the Christmas holiday season, 9.8% of Americans and 9.4% of Missourians are unemployed. Getting Americans back to work should be our top priority as lawmakers – but we cannot do that without understanding some basic economic realities. The top 10% of income earners pay 70% of income taxes, while the bottom 40% of wage earners pay nothing. Many of the top earners in our country are also employers. We simply cannot expect job growth when we tax away the capital business owners need to expand their businesses and hire new employees.

While we don’t know exactly when or if the tax cut package will come up for consideration, I have been told that the current House leadership expects to consider a continuing resolution for funding the government. It is also possible that they will hold a vote on the controversial DREAM Act, legislation which would permit illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.

Right now, we have no word of when the 111th Congress will adjourn. I will keep you informed and, as always, continue to welcome your comments and thoughts on the issues of the day. You can always share your thoughts via email or Facebook and review my recent floor comments on YouTube.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

You can contact the congressman here; http://akin.house.gov/

Akin Alert 10/08/2010

As I write today, I have several items to alert you to.

Obamacare

On October 1st, the first phase of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act went into effect. The law passed early this year is scheduled to be implemented over the next four years. Already, the first steps of implementation are not going so well.

For many employers, the cost of paying for the expanded plans mandated by the law is so great that they are considering eliminating health care coverage altogether – before the rest of the law goes into effect.

As a result, the New York Times reports that the Obama administration is granting dozens of waivers to big businesses and their insurers. The waivers allow these employers and insurers to continue providing limited-benefit plans that provide far less coverage than is mandated by the new law. A number of states have also asked for power to exempt some insurers, concerned that the law will be disruptive if insurers leave their state or stop offering certain types of coverage.

Yet, these waivers are selective. Not everyone has applied for them and not everyone gets them. The majority passed an economically devastating law and then temporarily waives it for some companies but not others. In effect, the healthcare law that was supposed to improve people’s lives is doing the opposite and the Administration’s way of dealing with these consequences is to selectively and temporarily waive the law.

I do not believe that this is what most people were thinking of when they called for healthcare reform. That is why I have called for repealing the current law and replacing it with meaningful reforms that drive coverage costs down, keep decisions with patients and expand access to health insurance.

Department of State Blocks Import of WWI Rifles

During the Korean War, American-made M1 rifles were sent to Korea to help our allies. Now that they are not of any military use, the South Korean government is ready to send nearly one million of these classic rifles back to the U.S., where they would be sold to law-abiding Americans. Earlier this year, the sale was approved by the U.S. government, but now the Department of State is saying these weapons may not be brought into the country because they “could potentially be exploited… for illicit purposes.”

I joined several of my colleagues in writing to the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton–asking her to reverse her decision to block these antique firearms. These classic rifles should be able to be purchased from South Korea, imported to the U.S. and sold to anyone who can legally buy them.

Recovery Road Signs

House Republicans are trying to cut wasteful spending on road signs that announce stimulus projects. The savings on these signs could reach $192 million. If you think these signs waste taxpayer dollars, snap a picture of one and send the picture and location of the sign to Republicans on the House Government and Oversight Committee at stimulussigns@mail.house.gov.

As always, I hope you will take the time to contact me about these or any other issues of concern.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

Navy to save money by making a bulk purchase of FA18s.

Congressman Todd Akin: First Facebook Town Hall

AKIN ALERT: Remembering our Heroes

The men and women of our Nation’s Armed Forces serve with distinction every day. Some have paid the ultimate price. Their families have lost loved ones, parents, children and siblings. We have all gained – and lost – true heroes.

As the father of three sons in the military, my respect for the members of our nation’s armed forces has only grown. Ordinary men and women perform extraordinarily in times of crisis. They go where they are sent. They use the equipment they are given and they do what they are told. They use their skills and judgment to perfom some of the most difficult tasks ever set before human beings – and they usually succeed.

The first priority of our government must be the defense of its people. That means defending those who defend us is among our highest responsibilities. Last week, my committee worked hard on the annual defense authorization bill, expecting that it would be brought to the floor before Memorial Day. This week, it came to the floor, but with an amendment that forced me to vote against a bill I had supported in committee, just days before. Sadly, some Congressional leaders demonstrated that they would rather use our service members in a social experiment. When they added language forcing a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy – against the wishes of the generals and admirals who lead our military – I could not support the final legislation.

However, I am pleased to report that the legislation that passed contained many of the provisions I had fought for, including additional funding for F/A-18s.

As we remember the men and women of our armed forces this weekend, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may we be humbled and grateful. And may we renew our determination to preserve liberty for future generations.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

Congressman Todd Akin: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Don’t Debate

“I WILL NOT BETRAY MY CHILDREN OR OUR ARMED SERVICES, JUST FOR MERE POLITICS!”

Russ Carnahan is afraid of Adam Sharp

Adam Sharp ask’s Russ Carnahan several Excellent questions.
The Congressman doesn’t seem to have any answers.
Sharp Elbows.net

AKIN ALERT: Fiscal Pulse Update PLUS F-18 breaking news

 

Just Breaking – the Department of Defense has decided to pursue a multi-year agreement with suppliers to purchase more F-18 planes. This is good news for our troops and good news for the St. Louis area.

Fiscal Health Update
In the last week, three big pieces of national fiscal health news came out.

The Treasury Department announced that the United States posted the 19th straight month of budget deficits. April’s deficit was $82.69 billion – almost four times the shortfall this time last year. And that figure comes as the national debt approaches $13 trillion.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced that they had under-estimated the cost of the recently passed health care bill by $115 billion dollars. Revised figures bring the cost of the bill to about $1 trillion. That ‘s enough money to fund Missouri’s $25 billion budget for 40 years.

Finally, the unemployment rate jumped to 9.9%, as millions of Americans continue to struggle to find work, in spite of other encouraging economic indicators.

Taken together, these indicators show that Congressional leaders need to get serious about conquering our budget deficit. This means:

• Getting spending under control.
• Growing the economy through private sector job creation, expanding the tax base.

I believe we need to do both. that’s why I am one of only 18 Members of Congress who voted against every bailout under the Bush and Obama Administrations.

Yet, even now, it appears that the majority in Congress has no plans of doing the hard work necessary to set spending priorities and pass a budget. Instead they are proposing new spending without a way to pay for it. And, even while they have spent trillions to grow government domestically, they are refusing to give our armed forces the funding they need to keep our nation safe – which is the first duty of good government. 

We need a new direction to restore our fiscal integrity and protect our way of life.

I welcome your thoughts on these important issues. 

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

CONSTITUENT CORNER

How would you bring sanity to Congressional spending?

Congressman Akin and his Republican colleagues invite you to vote weekly for your favorite deficit reduction idea at

Take a moment and tell us what you think!