LTE from Representative Nunes (CA-22)

To the people of California’s 22nd district and America,

A lot has occurred in the past weeks here in Congress and I wanted to update you on where I stand and show you how I am working hard on your behalf.

First of all, I am proud to announce that H.R. 87, the Central Valley Drought Relief Act of 2015, passed through the Domestic Policy Committee unanimously last week. This is a major piece of legislation that will not only help the struggling farmers and dairymen in the Central Valley, but it will benefit people across America. California’s Central Valley is the largest agricultural economy in America and the fifth largest agricultural economy in the world. But sadly, because of environmentalists, this flourishing agricultural area is no longer able to produce the crops needed to sustain our great country. By reaching across the aisle, and pointing out the serious mistakes representatives have made before us in not supporting this area, we were able to make a bipartisan decision to pass H.R. 87 unanimously. I now urge the Speaker, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, a fellow representative from California’s Central Valley, to bring this bill to the Floor in order to support his own constituents as well as the entirety of America.

The second point I would like to address is the President’s recent veto of H.R. 45, the Restore Second Amendment Rights Act of 2015. I strongly supported this bill, written by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, because I know and understand that my constituents want their second amendment rights protected. Our founding fathers wrote this amendment into the Bill of Rights because they saw it as an important freedom to provide the American people. I understand that the second amendment may have been established a number of years ago, but I strongly believe that it is just as applicable today as it was when it was first written. I would like to point out to my constituents that I fought for your second amendment rights and helped to pass this bill in Congress, but it was the President of the United States that stopped it as he is on a mission to take your right to own a gun away from you.

My third and final point is the series of events that occurred on the House Floor today. The Speaker encouraged us to bring H.R. 53 to the Floor through a discharge petition, because it was not able to get through committee. This bill is not the strongest one to address the rapidly growing issue of immigration. We currently have a handful of other bills that actually do something to help the immigration issue in this country. But instead of discussing a bill that initiated action, we were only given the opportunity to discuss a bill that simply reprimanded the President for his executive orders on the subject. I understand that the President is making some pretty big decisions on this issue that I do not agree with, but I believe that telling him he is wrong, through a piece of legislation, is not the best way to go about this. The American people and the media are doing that enough already. It is our responsibility, as your representatives, to protect you, the American people, and, therefore, it would have been best to bring up legislation that did just this. For this reason, I abstained from voting on the movement to bring the petition to the Floor.

Thank you for supporting me as I represent you in Washington D.C. during this Congressional term. It is my privilege to speak on your behalf and fight for your rights and freedoms. God Bless America!

Congressman Devin Nunes

Procedural Stunt Cuts Floor Session Short, Thwarting Discharge Petition

Today's congressional floor session was cut short after a procedural stunt. The Republicans, at the opening of the floor session, moved to have a discharge petition to bring up H.R. 53, titled "The Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act," from committee and to the floor for consideration. The petition held the signatures of 13 representatives, enough for the motion to be up for debate.

However, after Representative Don Young made his opening remarks on the motion, Representative Capps criticized the motion and moved to adjourn the floor session. After the vote, a rollcall was motioned for. The final vote was tallied as follows:

For: 11
Abstain: 5
Against: 7

The floor session was adjourned, thwarting the Republican's motion for a discharge of H.R. 53.

LTE From Congresswoman Blackburn (TN-07)

Today, I write to you, my constituents, with a heavy heart.  The bill that I, and many of my colleagues worked on tirelessly to pass through Congress was vetoed by our President at a signing statement. Not only was it vetoed, but it was also grossly misrepresented, as it was referred to as the “Child Gun Ownership Bill.”  I’m offended, and you should be too.

To have our second amendment right continually trampled on is a crime, and an affront to
many law-abiding, gun-toting citizens—many of whom reside in our district.  I’m personally outraged at the audacity of this administration, which believes that it’s in the best interest of the American people to limit freedoms and tell us exactly how we should live our lives as proud and responsible gun owners.

Do not lose hope, for I will continue to fight for you and make sure that this administration understands that they cannot tread on us.  Thank you for your support as I undergo these trials.

God Bless America.

Keep on shooting straight,

Congressman Marsha Blackburn  (TN-07)

Overheard in Domestic Committee 4/20

Marsha:

"Two people have died from smoking weed."

"Point of personal privilege, Congresswoman Capps is laughing at me...."

Foreign Committee Addressing Terrorism and Attacks

Today in the SIMGOV Foreign Relations committee, our representatives were very productive and bipartisan. The committee unanimously passed two bills, H.R. 104, introduced by Representative Slaughter (D-NY), and H.R. 115, introduced by Representative Johnson (D-TX), both addressing U.S. responses to recent acts of terrorism.

The committee also failed H.R. 111, introduced by Representative Huelskamp (R-KS), a bill that would have automatically withdrawn foreign aid from countries in which there is an attack against a U.S. Embassy. The bill also outlines steps than can be taken by the host country to earn back the foreign aid. The bill failed 5-1. In opening statements on the bill, Representative Granger (R-TX) said "I agree with the heart of this bill, but it would not send a good message to the people and would damage fragile relations."

Representative Huelskamp (R-KS) responded to the loss with a message for her constituents back home. "Though I understand the opposition to my bill, I will still loyally serve my constituency in Kansas, no matter the opposition, no matter the vote."

Overheard in Domestic Committee 04/10/15

"As a staunch self-proclaimed 'pro-lifer' (with finger quotes), I would like to treat criminals the same way that I view criminals..."

"God sees us all as equals, whether we are fetuses or murderers."

"On the cross, the guy next to Jesus was a criminal, and he was granted salvation"

"Yes, and I am Presbyterian...everyone."

"The Founding Fathers are not a deity, they're not Jesus Christ. We don't know what they were thinking when they wrote it....we can speculate..."

Overheard in Domestic Committee 03/16/15

On the topic of marriage:

"If we were to change the definition of marriage in this bill, we would first need to call up Merriam Webster and have them change the definition" -Marsha

"Are you saying Merriam Webster is an authority on legal definitions?" -Steny Hoyer

"When it comes to the definition of the word, yes." -Marsha

"Did you see that there are two other definitions which don't specify marriage between a man and a woman?" -Steny Hoyer

"Those are the short definitions" -Marsha


Potpourri (all Marsha):

"I don't want to go into the biological issue right now...but I think we can all imagine it in our heads. This seems a little childish."

"Thank you congresswoman Slaughter, my ACTUAL friend from across the aisle."


On the topic of sex change surgery:

"Is the congresswoman saying we should make people get the costly and dangerous surgeries to be able to qualify for the gender categories of marriage?" -Louise Slaughter

"Well, you guys covered it under the bill you voted in, Obamacare, so yes, if it's covered." -Marsha

LTE From Congressman King: Democrats Attempt to Disarm Americans

On March 13, 2014, while SimGov congress was in session and discussing H.R. 45, the “Restore Second Amendment rights” act, a Democratic Congress-member offered up an amendment that would “Ban Semi-Automatic Guns in the United States”. This amendment would have immediately outlawed well over sixty million firearms in the United States.

This attempt to disarm millions of Americans was a direct attack on the American people’s fundamental rights and liberty, in particular their second and fourth amendment rights. Semi automatic firearms were introduced more than a century ago, and in 2012 over fifty percent of new firearms bought by the American people were semi-automatic firearms. Semi-automatics are used for the same purposes as others firearms, including self-defense, hunting, recreational and competitive target shooting. They also, along with other firearms in the U.S, act as a protective measure to shield us from any tyrannical government. With that said, it is absolutely vital that we protect the Americans people to right to keep and bear arms, and we must fight against politicians who attempt to disarm the citizens of America.

To my constituency in Iowa, as long as I am in Congress I will never, to the best of my abilities, let your Constitutional Rights be abused or taken by an overreaching or overbearing government.

Congressman King

LTE from Congressman Hoyer: Reflections on the Floor Session on March 13

Dear Constituents and People of the United States of America,

I just wanted to inform you on the recent bill debated on the floor seeking to remove restrictions on gun rights that was considered today. After the debate I presented on the bill, I was verbally harassed by several of my colleagues from across the aisle for the information that I had presented. They belittled my character and the quality of my points. I just wanted to remind members of Congress from across the aisle that verbal comments specifically directed at members of Congress are out of line and contrary to the parliamentary procedures. I hope that fellow members of Congress across the aisle should reread the proper protocol necessary for floor sessions. Belittling members of Congress is frankly, unacceptable.

Congressman Hoyer

That's What Marsha Said 3/13/15

1. If guns are illegal, a quick Google search will provide many other ways to kill people
2. Since Congressman Hoyer seems to be adverse, oh wait, I'm not supposed to call people out.....
3. Yes, because I'm not afraid of answering questions

Star Spangled Kevin

LTE From Congressman Devin Nunes

To the people of California’s 22nd Congressional District and residents of the Central Valley,

I am pleased to announce that H.R. 87 has been submitted to the Hopper and handed over to the Domestic Policy Committee. This bill was written with you in mind. I understand the significant struggles that our area is facing, and this is in large part due to an insensitive government. Over the last few decades, our federal government has continued to take away our water in order to save a small fish. To this I encourage people to think about if they want to put a fish’s life before that of thousands of people.

When I ran for this position, I promised you that I would do my very best to save our area by bringing the water back, and that is what I am hoping to do with this bill. I will not give up the fight for the Central Valley. Our water is essential to our livelihoods and I am working hard to make sure people from other parts of the country see and understand this.

Thank you for your support during these first few months. You are the reason I am where I am today and because of that I am working hard to do my best to represent you.

Congressman Devin Nunes

Overheard in Domestic Committee 3/11/15

Marsha:

"All I can think about is Kazakhstan..."

"Lois, you are not the nicest lady in Congress."

"Study after study says yelling is the new spanking."


Tune in next week to see what Marsha said in Domestic Committee.

LTE from Congressman Steny Hoyer

Dear Constituents from Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District,

I wanted to inform you on some great news during the 114th session of Congress. On February 25th, my bill, “The Special Olympics Funding Act”, which increases funding for Special Olympics Programs across this nation, passed with unanimous bipartisan support in the House and was signed into law by our President this past Wednesday, March 4th. The Special Olympics Funding Act recognizes the great contributions of people with disabilities across the United States and is a necessary step in working to create opportunities for all people to be able to show off their abilities in their communities through sports competitions. Through this bill, I want to let the great people from my district and across the nation to know that I value all people, regardless of disabilities, and work tirelessly to make sure that they have the opportunities they deserve.

Along this same line, I am submitting a bill to address the important issue of special education funding. This bill, the “Special Education Empowerment Act of 2015,” seeks to increase federal funding to special education programs across the United States to equal forty percent of excess cost of education children with disabilities. This bill is critical to ensure that all children with disabilities have an opportunity to receive the quality education that they deserve. In addition, this bill is critical to help relieve local school districts across the nation from the financial burdens of special education. Through the ratification of this bill, not only will students with disabilities be able to have a greater opportunity to succeed in school, but local school districts will not have to make unnecessary cuts to other programs.

The Special Education Empowerment Act of 2015 is much needed in order to ensure equality of education for all people in this great nation. Therefore, those who do not support this bill are voting against allowing people with disabilities to receive the quality education that they need, something that is contrary to what the United States of America stands for. I will strive to encourage all members of Congress to support this bill in order to ensure that all people, regardless of disabilities, have the opportunity to receive the education that they deserve in this great nation.

Yours Truly,
Congressman Steny Hoyer

LTE from Congresswoman Lummis

This Monday I will be submitting an extremely important bill to address the salient issue of “Net Neutrality.” Just last month, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved new regulation to reclassify the Internet as a telecommunication service or public utility, under Title II of the Communications Act. The FCC has granted themselves the authority to govern and control any “unjust” and “unreasonable” network management practices of Internet Service Providers (ISP), however, the FCC fails to be required to work under any resections of its own. Furthermore the vague language of “unjust” and “unreasonable” greatly worries me and I believe the FCC will use this clause to justify future illegal acts, overstepping their initial purpose to hold power.

The FCC is a part of the executive branch, consisting of 3 appointed Democrats and 2 appointed Republicans. It remains unsurprising that the casts were strictly across party lines, and won with the support of President Obama. I am astounded at the FCC’s impudent decision to slap on even more costly government regulations to a formerly free and accessible tool. I do not expect the American people to tolerate such action. The National Security Agency (NSA) has already been caught wiring tapping your phones (phones that are unsurprisingly classified as a telecommunication service). Don’t let them have access to your Internet as well!

Congresswoman Lummis

Op/Ed from Congresswoman Foxx

Today, Congress made a decision concerning H.R. 52, also known as “Joint Resolution.” In this bill, the president laid out a plan for America to combat the brutal terrorist group ISIS. It stated that America would send “armed troops” to the Middle East for a maximum three year period. Congress unanimously voted against this bill.

This is not to say that the issue with ISIS is not at the forefront of our minds. In fact, we found that this bill was a step forward to bringing justice for those people that ISIS has harmed. Both parties are mainly concerned with the vagueness of the plan, specifically concerning “armed troops,” and the length of time our “troops” would spend in the Middle East.

America has recently been involved in two wars in the Middle East. Too many men and women have sacrificed their lives for the sake of this country’s safety. Too many families have been torn apart. To combat against such an enemy as ISIS, it is important that the president has a well thought out strategy with our troops and their families in mind. This includes defining “armed troops,” providing details on how they will be combating against ISIS and having a realistic time frame for the time American troops will be in the Middle East. Hopefully, the president will be able to present to Congress a revised bill with a better strategy for the brave troops of America and to bring justice for the victims of ISIS.

Congresswoman Foxx

Op/Ed from House Speaker McCarthy

Today, the American People witnessed the monumental signing of two very important bills. The first of these bills, "The Special Olympics Funding Act", works to increase funding for one of our nation's great programs, the Special Olympics, which has stood to improve the lives of those with mental disabilities for over 45 years. This was a bipartisan bill, written by my great friend across the aisle, Steny Hoyer, and passed with unanimous support on the floor of the house.


Our second bill, written by myself with support from other House Republicans, is the "Helping our American Heroes Act". This bill strengthens our support for veteran's mental health. We care about our nation's Veterans, and they deserve our full support both when they are serving abroad and at home. Again, this bill was bipartisan, with unanimous agreement, and demonstrates our congress' ability to work together.


Unfortunately, today also demonstrated our President's obstructionist desire to prevent the work of our Congress. Today President Knecht vetoed the "State Education Administering Act", citing the legislation as, "redundant". We as a congress do not appreciate such mockery of the bills we pass on behalf of the American people, and we hope our President does not continue to destructively limit our ability to work together as a nation.

House Speaker McCarthy

Overheard in Domestic Committee 03/04/15

This might as well be called "Things Marsha Blackburn says in Domestic Committee." Here are my favorites quotes from Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) in today's committee meeting:

"My apologies for messing that up..."  

"Fine.....I'll give testimony...."

"This bill is about the second amendment, so if we're talking numbers here, it is the second most important thing that we need to uphold. Right? Right."

"Pulls out his gun, kind of illegally, but that's besides the point."

"Excuse me, Congressman Hoyer, can you please refrain from mocking me during my opening statements?"

"You all have to listen to me for 15 minutes."  

"If, in a hypothetical situation, someone bursted into this room right now, we would all die."



Here is another quote, but from the President himself. Obama joined us today in an online chat room. He was speaking about Congressman McCarthy's Repeal Obamacare bill:

LTE From Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn

Constituents of Tennessee’s District 7,

Greetings from Capitol Hill (and my office down the street)!  I just wanted to keep you updated about two bills that were unanimously passed through the House of Representatives.  H.R.  24, the “Helping American Heroes Act” stipulates greater mental health benefits for our veterans.  We in District 7 all know a local hero, so make sure to thank one of our Fort Campbell soldiers this week for the sacrifices they make for our freedom.  We are thankful for their service to this country, and through the passage of H.R. 24, I hope to make my gratitude known.

The House also passed H.R. 35, the “Special Olympics Funding Act.”  This bill gives funding to members of our community who are athletes in the Special Olympics.  I believe that this bill de-stigmatizes the special needs community and provides a support system for their families.

Lastly, I’d like to address some rumors floating around that I called Tennesseans fat in domestic committee.  Friends, while this may be true, it’s also true that we have the fourth highest obesity rate in the country.  Let’s commit to bettering ourselves while we better this nation.

God Bless District 7.  God Bless Tennessee.  God Bless America.

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn
anuxoll@westmont.edu

LTE From Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-25)

This past Congressional floor session, my colleagues and I passed H.R. 24, the “Helping American Heroes Act.” I was incredibly pleased that such measures are being taken to ensure the best possible health care and mental health services for our returning veterans. These heros deserve to be adequately taken care of as they transition from their time in active duty service to life at home with their families and local communities. H.R. 24 will provide for greater accountability of the Office of Veterans Affairs and the American people and lead to better research and treatment of the issues that our veterans face upon homecoming. I would like to ask my fellow members of Congress if there may be another way that we can prevent widespread mental health issues among our armed forces. Clearly, the experiences of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in significant and sometimes fatal damage to their psychological health. We must continue to factor in the information about the current state of mental health as related to armed combat and post-traumatic stress disorder when making foreign policy decisions, especially decisions that require military action. President Obama has recently requested that Congress review and consider a Joint Resolution “to authorize the limited use of the United States Armed Forces against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.” I have hopes that my fellow members of Congress will thoroughly and wisely consider this resolution, but also the actions of the Islamic State, the history of the region as a whole as well as the history of U.S. involvement in the region.

Overheard in Domestic Committee 2/23/15

The 2015 SimCong Domestic Committee never has a dull moment. That is why I have decided to start posting a series of quotes from the members. Keep in mind these quotes are not placed in their full context, but isn't it better that way? 

Here are my two favorite quotes from today's committee, both from Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07):

"There are many MANY morbidly obese people in Tennessee. They come in to get medication and are harassed by the skinny pharmacy workers."

"This bill isn’t just about women’s rights anymore. Its about a lot of people, who have been suffering at the hands of merciless pharmacy employees."

OP/ED on the Unfortunate Passage of HR 10

Dear Concerned Citizens of America,

The recent vote in the House last Friday highlighted that the party divide in the 114th Congress runs deep. Despite impassioned appeals for national education standards as a human right and widespread concern over the particularities of HR 10, the bill passed with a vote along party lines. It appears as if members entered the building that morning with their minds already made up, ready to register a party-line vote instead of reaching a well-informed decision after hearing both sides of the debate. Will this trend continue throughout this session? I hope it does not.

The passage of HR 10, a bill to remove federal funding for Common Core, indicated that the fate of this nation’s children matters less to many members of Congress than a chance to make budget cuts. As the proud mother of three boys, I am ashamed to look them in the eyes and say that this Congress didn’t care enough to fund their pursuit of knowledge. States who have already sought to implement Common Core are now abandoned, left without the resources to finish what they started. These states must now bear the burden.

America, let me state now unequivocally that when it came to valuing education, the Democratic Party stood united to give the students, teachers, and schools of this great nation the voice they deserve in Congress. We appealed to Congress to refrain from passing a bill that hurt far more than it helped. I am sad to announce that not a single Republican even abstained from voting for the bill. More concerned to stand with their party leadership than with the nuanced opinions of the American people, they hurriedly passed a flawed bill without question. Americans who care about education, take this chance to express your disapproval of a majority party that remains out of touch with the American people!

Sincerely,
Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson

LTE From Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi

Dear fellow Californians and Americans: I understand how you feel about love. And marriage. I understand that you feel it should not be restricted because of one's sexual orientation. Love is limitless, and I understand that. Coming from a district with a large LGBTQ population, the matter of marriage equality is of great importance to me. That is why I addressed this issue in my Recognition of Marriage Act of 2015. There has been great progress in many states across the country, and now 37 states allow same sex marriage. But there are still parts of the country that don’t recognize love the same way. In those states where it is not legal, same sex marriages performed in states where it is legal are not always recognized. This can cause burdens and setbacks for spouses and families in these states, and undermines the meaning of marriage itself. The Recognition of Marriage Act of 2015 seeks to remove this ability of states to refuse recognition by requiring them to recognize same-sex marriage completed in one state, by another state. In this way the distinction of freedom and equality America so prides itself on shall be preserved. Though HR 42 is currently in a holding pattern in the Domestic Committee, I am doing all I can to ensure it makes it to the Committee agenda, and, hopefully with bipartisan support, to the House Floor. I implore all of my fellow supporters of unrestricted love and acceptance, to write to their representatives and request support for this bill. Your representatives need to know how you feel, they need to know what you, the people, want. I also request any and all responses to my own position so I can answer questions and continue the conversation with you all as well. Please respond at the email lamccoy@westmont.edu. Thank you, and God Bless, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, CA-12th

A Message Back Home to the Great People of Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District

By Tanner Hendershot

Hello fellow Marylanders! I just wanted to share some great news that I was recently able to get the Keep Our Water Clean Act passed through the domestic committee, which will bring additional funding to the Chesapeake Bay for one year in order to help improve the quality of water found in the Bay as well as in surrounding rivers.

This Bill was not easy to get through committee, but with some helpful support from Congresswoman Slaughter and some excellent bipartisan negotiations, this Bill was passed through committee with overwhelming support. Previous bills helping to improve the water of the Chesapeake Bay area have passed through Congress with nearly-zero opposition, so I am hoping that this Bill will be on the agenda in our upcoming floor session, as determined by Speaker McCarthy, and will be passed with minimal opposition.

This Bill is not just great for our district, but this Bill will serve as a test run in order to be implemented all throughout the United States. My hope is that just as my fellow Democrats and Republicans can see the great value of this bill in America in order to help preserve the environment and provide additional jobs and cleaner sources of water to the great people of Maryland and eventually, all of the wonderful people of the United States of America.

Thank you so much for your support in re-electing me into office and I look forward to continually serving your requests in Washington.

Warmly,
Steny Hoyer

The Money Committee Is Not Wasting Any Time

The Money Committee wasted no time in passing legislation in their first week in session. The committee, chaired by Rep. Steve King passed two bills: HR 25 Penny Abolishment Act and HR 15 Management of the Farm.

Rep. Tom Cole's Penny Abolishment Act calls for the stopping of penny production immediately. The bill features a 5-year faze out period or the penny ending in fiscal year 2020. While Cole's bill does make an effort to cut costs, the savings are minuscule. In addition, the penny faze out defaces one of our great American heroes, President Lincoln. Will the money committee find another way to honor Lincoln?

The Management of the Farm, written by Rep. Virginia Foxx proposes a much larger cut in government spending that if passed, will likely have a material effect on federal budget savings. HR 15 consists of dramatic subsidy cuts given to agricultural firms around the United States. Amazingly, HR 15 passed in one session with few amendments. Members from the money committee, many of which have robust agriculture industries in their home districts, are beginning to face criticism from their constituents.

Domestic Committee Passing Bills with Record Speed

Our congress has had a reputation for gridlock and inefficiency for years. However, the 2015 SimCong Domestic Committee is proving the pundits wrong. After only two days of committee, members have passed three bills. HR 10, a bill about common core education was passed with only a few amendments, and HR 24, Speaker McCarthy's Veteran's Mental Health bill, was passed unanimously on the first day of committee. 

One measure of efficiency in congress is certainly the amount of bills that get passed. However, the American public has been raising concerns that the substance of the bills is a bit lacking.

"It's good to see things moving in congress again, but I just feel like none of these bills really do anything to help Joe the plumber" said Joe the plumber. "I wish I saw more impactful changes coming out of our leaders."

We will have to wait and see what happens in the coming weeks. All eyes are on the GOP to see if they can make some important changes to our legislative system. 

Open Letter to Members of Congress from the President of the United States

Open Letter to Members of Congress from the President of the United States

To My Esteemed Colleagues in Congress:

I write today to lay out my vision for the future.  Americans, as they always have done, have emerged from serious difficulties with resolve and determination.  Unemployment is half of what it was four years ago; gas prices are low; the stock market has reached record highs; and we are ending our long war in Afghanistan.  Our great nation is back on track and I am bullish about the future of America.  Nevertheless, serious work remains.  The economic rebound of the last few years has not been felt by all Americans; the middle-class is shrinking; and serious foreign policy challenges exist in the Middle East and Ukraine.  Now is not the time for politics-as-usual.  We need to work together to ensure that all Americans share in the fruits of this great nation.   

Therefore, I am laying out an ambitious agenda to secure the promise of the American Dream for every one of our citizens.  I ask that you join with me to find common ground on the pressing issues of the day, many of which are squeezing our middle-class.  Therefore, I will ask that Congress:

• ·         Ensure that every 4 year old child has access to preschool. 
• ·         Raise the federal minimum wage to $9.
• ·         Protect our children’s future by passing cap-and-trade legislation limiting carbon emissions.
• ·         Invest in our nations’ infrastructure, but upgrading our roads, bridges, and technology.
• ·         Ensure fairness in our tax system so that each person pays their fair share.
• ·         Avoid budgetary brinksmanship and manage the deficit without hurting those most vulnerable to draconian cuts. 
• ·         Protect our communities by taking guns out of the hands of criminals.
• ·         Recognize that our country is a great melting pot and provide immigrants a path to citizenship.
• ·         Provide the executive branch with the resources necessary to defeat ISIL.   
• ·         Close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. 

I recognize that my Republican control Congress.  I realize, too, that they expect to govern.  However, I warn my good friends against sending me legislation that I will veto.  This includes:

• ·         Any new sanctions on Iran.
• ·         Draconian budget cuts to essential services.
• ·         Any attempt to defund or eliminate the Affordable Care Act.

This is not the time for gridlock and inaction.  This is the golden moment in our great nation’s future and it takes responsible action from Washington to ensure that all Americans wake up to a bright and promising future. 

God bless you and God bless The United States of America.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama 

Outrage Over GOP Floundering

As the hard-working American spends their day forwarding the interests of our great country, the members of Congress are wasting time and holding hands as they pass useless pieces of legislation. The lethargic nature of Congress is not surprising to the American people, but what is surprising is the handholding that's occurring across the isle. The members that we have elected are considering legislature that reduces key funding to our closest allies such as Israel. After hearing about recent events occurring in Washington Thomas Dine, a head lobbyist for AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), stated, "The very fact that committed members of the GOP are considering reducing funds toward Israel is a crime. The great nation of Israel has always prioritized the needs of the United States and passing a legislation that leaves Israel defenseless would effectively end the friendly terms that currently exist." Going forward, the GOP needs to tread carefully and prioritize the needs of those who voted for them over their desire to reach across the isle.

Letter to the Editor: Our Representatives Don't Really Represent Us

Dear Editor,

With this new election and the change in power, I was hopeful that our representatives at the Capitol would stand up for the interests their constituents, but as of now, I am sorely disappointed. There has been all this talk in Congress on how important our veterans are and how measures must be taken to care for them, yet very little is being done.

As someone who has a brother recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan, I was glad to learn of the pilot program for expanded veterans services that was being reviewed by the money committee. Yet, this bill was passed committee with the program only approved for Fort Campbell, TN. It is unfair that my brother, who could benefit from the expansion of mental health services encompassed in this program, is ineligible simply because he is not from Tennessee.

If our representatives truly cared about serving their constituents, they would have fought harder to bring this pilot program back to their districts. I call upon my fellow voters to remember this when the next election roles around. Let us keep in mind who will actually represent us the next time around.

Sincerely,
An Angry Voter

Recently Elected Minority Leader Has Big Goals for Congress

“The American people have entrusted us to safeguard and advocate for their hopes and dreams, and to address the challenges they face daily” stated Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson following her recent Minority Leader election. Lee’s election is a historical turning point for our Congress as she is the first African American women to hold the powerful position. The congresswoman stated that she is excited to see what the Democrats can accomplish in the 114th Congress and that she is specifically interested in passing legislation in areas discussed in President Obama’s recent State of the Union Address. These areas include “…immigration reform, making college more affordable on the national level, strengthening support for the new healthcare system, and taking another look at the tax system.”
Congresswoman Lee hopes that 114th Congress is able to overcome increasing polarization felt on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Lee recently stated that “the [Democrats] are very interested in working with their Republican counterparts.” Lee has been forefront with the issue and acknowledges that in order to avoid automatic presidential veto, crossing the aisle must occur on both sides.

With the first committee sessions coming up quickly on the congressional schedule, it will be interesting to see if Congresswoman Lee’s goals for our congress will come to light. Will the 114th Congress pass meaningful legislation, or will they stoop back to their bipartisan shenanigans? 

Democrats Elect New Leadership Efficiently and Unanimously

By: Katie Landis

On Wednesday, the Democrats of the House elected their leadership with efficiency and unanimity. This quick election is a good sign for the minority party that must remain unified to push through their priorities for this congressional session.

With no opposition, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson from Texas was elected by her colleagues to stand as the Minority Leader. This is a historical election as Congresswoman Johnson is the first African American woman to be elected to this position.

The Democrats also elected Congresswoman Lois Capps of California as the Minority Party Whip. Congresswoman Capps was a nurse for many years before being elected to the House of Representatives and has placed healthcare as a priority in the past.

As this congressional session gets into gear and starts discussing bills, it will be interesting to see how this two women powerhouse leads their party, particularly in light of the change in power in the Senate.

Inside the Mind of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

By: Chris Costenbader

After the recent election of Kevin McCarthy to Speaker of the House I got the opportunity to sit down with Congressman McCarthy. He is excited about what this next term has in store for the American people stating "I look forward to the achievements that await our legislative body and eagerly hope to fulfill the obligations of this esteemed speakership." The Speaker went on to congratulate Congresswomen Nunes and Johnson on their respective Majority and Minority leadership elections. 

Speaker McCarthy hopes to "secure the future prosperity of our great nation" by "establishing our energy independence, continuing to strengthen our middle class to fulfill our economic potential, and securing our interests abroad". While McCarthy is passionate about seeing these goals come to pass, he is eager to work across the isle and engage with the Democratic party. 

McCarthy claims to be even more American than a bald eagle and is ready and able to take the House into this next term. 

Overview of Republican Leadership for SIMGOV 2015

By: Joshua Miller

 The GOP has new leadership led by Rep. Kevin McCarthy. The 2015 SimGov GOP looked disoriented and disorganized the night before the election, but elections proved all the critics wrong. The drama began when Rep. Tom Cole refused to throw his name in the ring for speaker of the house despite loud and desperate attempts to gain political momentum the night before. Cole remained silent when self-nominations were called for. Perhaps his strong stances on gun rights and gay rights were too much for moderate members of the GOP to accept.

That left the vote to a duel between political powerhouses Kevin McCarthy and Devin Nunes, both from California. The vote was close, but McCarthy's heartfelt speech about party unity and American values won him the nod to be SimGov's speaker of the house. However, the drama did not end there. McCarthy then proceeded to endorse Devin Nunes for the position of Majority leader. He showed public support for Nunes, and then called for a vote of unanimous consent. I can confidently say that this was the first time a representative has been unanimously accepted as a Westmont Liberal Arts College SimGov Grand Old Party majority leader in the spring of 2015.

The GOP whips were also elected on Wednesday. It was a close vote between four contenders, but only two were elected due to strict rules enforced by Kevin McCarthy. Four members sought the whip position, but McCarthy limited the role to two representatives. Some critics are contending that McCarthy is already consolidated power within the party. Will this new congress be led by a unified GOP as McCarthy eloquently promised, or will this 2015 SimGov be strong-armed by a Californian tag team? Only time will tell.