Washington, DC -€“ Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) spoke on the House Floor today in support of H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act, which passed the House by a vote count of 254-166. The following is the text of Congressman Hurt's speech, and video is available below:
"Thank you Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Chairman of this Committee and thanks to the sponsor for your leadership on this issue.
"€œMr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Retail Investor Protection Act. Fifth District Virginians and Americans across the country are working hard to save for their futures – whether it be for their retirements or for college tuition for their children. Unfortunately, these hardworking Americans are being faced with the prospect of increased costs and fewer choices for the financial products that they currently rely on for their investments.
"Currently, the Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission have indicated they will move forward with rulemakings to make changes to their fiduciary standards that would decrease the availability of financial advice for retail investors and increase the cost of financial advice for retail investors. We must protect the ability of these Americans to choose the financial professional who best meets their investment needs, and this bill is an important step in that direction.
"The Retail Investor Protection Act ensures that retail investors, including many American families, are not affected by unnecessary regulations put in place without sufficient economic analysis or regulatory coordination.
"€œI urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill so that Washington does not stand in the way of Americans'€™ ability to seek the best financial advice for their needs."€
For weeks the media ignored the victims of Obamacare while continuing to spotlight victims of the government shutdown. It took them a while, but now reporters have finally realized there is a huge story to cover here.
Yesterday, Lisa Myers of NBC News reported the following: "Buried in Obamacare regulations from July 2010 is an estimate that because of normal turnover in the individual insurance market, '40 to 67 percent' of customers will not be able to keep their policy."
Translation: The Obama Administration knew in July 2010 that millions of Americans would lose the insurance and doctors they currently have. Yet Obama repeatedly promised the exact opposite.
In June of 2009, Obama said, "We will keep this promise to the American people. If you like your doctor you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your healthcare plan, you will be able to keep your healthcare plan. Period." Watch him here.
Terri Flay of Manassas, Virginia, who is losing her current health insurance policy, said, "I keep playing that over and over in my head: that you can keep your health plan, period. But it isn't 'period.' They put a gun to my head saying that I have to pay more…"
Any moment now I expect White House Press Secretary Jay Carney to say that Obama had no idea the regulations were causing millions of people to lose healthcare plans they liked. If he tries that, it would only add insult to injury. No cabinet secretary would let a president misstate facts to the American people over and over again. Her job would be on the line, and rightly so.
The truth is clear. Despite Obama's repeated promises, millions of Americans are learning that they cannot keep their current insurance plans.
The Left's Real Goal
Many conservatives have argued that Obamacare is intended to hasten the slide into a full-fledged, government-run socialist healthcare system known as the single-payer system. I agree.
But here's something that many people still haven't grasped: The millions of Americans who are losing their current policies are offset by millions of previously uninsured Americans, who are essentially getting "free" insurance through the massive expansion of Medicaid or with help from generous taxpayer subsidies.
In other words, Obamacare is another massive redistribution of wealth scheme. You don't need to take my word for it. In March 2010, the New York Times described Obamacare as "the federal government's biggest attack on economic inequality" in decades.
It belongs in the list of programs you already know about: The explosion of food stamps; Obamaphones, which you are paying for in your current cell phone bills; the abuse of the disability program; gutting welfare reform's work requirement.
Obamacare was largely paid for by massive new taxes on working Americans such as the individual mandate. There is a new surtax on capital gains and dividends. There are new taxes on medical devices. There are taxes on tanning beds and even some health insurance policies. All of these taxes take money from hard-working Americans and redistribute it to those the left favors.
In 2008, long before CBS discovered Benghazi or NBC discovered Obamacare's flaws, Joe the Plumber asked a simple question about Obama's economic agenda and Obama answered, "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."
Miller: "I have seldom seen such a contrast in readiness and willingness to perform the duties of the Attorney General as we have in the race this year. I am lifelong Democrat and have supported every Democratic candidate for Attorney General since I served from 1970-1977. But Mark Obenshain is the clear choice to lead the Attorney General's office in a way that respects the oath of office and best serves the people of Virginia."
RICHMOND – Today, former Democratic Attorney General Andy Miller (1970-1977) announced his endorsement of Mark Obenshain for Attorney General. Andy Miller ran against and defeated Mark Obenshain's father Richard ("Dick") Obenshain in the 1969 race for Attorney General and was elected to a second term in 1973. Mark Obenshain is the first Republican that Miller has endorsed. Miller and Senator John Warner will both be attending an event in Vienna Wednesday evening in support of Mark Obenshain.
Speaking about his support for Mark Obenshain, Andy Miller said, "I have seldom seen such a contrast in readiness and willingness to perform the duties of the Attorney General as we have in the race this year. I am a lifelong Democrat and have supported every Democratic candidate for Attorney General since I served from 1970-1977. But Mark Obenshain is the clear choice to lead the Attorney General's office in a way that respects the oath of office and best serves the people of Virginia."
Miller continued, "Mark was very young when I first ran against his Dad in 1969. I have since worked with Mark professionally and I know that he is a lawyer of the highest legal and ethical standards. He set out eleven years ago to start his own law firm and he has successfully grown it to 50 employees. He recognizes the importance of building relationships across party lines and seeking out the advice of people who won't always agree with him."
"Obenshain's opponent apparently does not understand the role of the Attorney General in Virginia's government. I do not recall a nominee for Attorney General who refused to tell Virginians whether he will defend challenges to Virginia's laws. Having had the privilege to serve as Virginia's Attorney General for seven years, I know that the Commonwealth needs someone in that position who will uphold her laws and have the courage to keep that commitment, even when it may not be politically expedient," Miller added.
Miller concluded by saying, "In Mark Obenshain, we will have an Attorney General with experience and integrity. His focus will be on providing sound legal advice, defending Virginia's laws and bringing his well-known professional approach to the office."
Said Obenshain, "I'm honored to have the support of a statesman like Andy Miller, and I'm grateful for the backing of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents across Virginia who share my vision for the office and support my proposals to keep our communities safe and our economy strong. That vision is why the National Federation of Independent Business and Virginia's Fraternal Order of Police have endorsed my candidacy. As Attorney General, I'll continue to reach across the aisle to build bipartisan coalitions and get things done."
Mark Obenshain is the Republican nominee for Attorney General of Virginia. He currently represents the 26th District in the Senate of Virginia.
Washington, DC – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after a hearing held by the Financial Services Committee to focus on the $1.7 billion taxpayer-funded bailout of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA):
"Today's hearing marks the seventh this year on the topic of the FHA and its worsening financial stability.Over the course of the past year, we have heard witnesses testify that FHA has disregarded warnings that its fiscal stability was waning due to poor choices regarding insurance pricing. Today's hearing, which focused on its recently announced $1.7 billion bailout, was further proof of the FHA's failed housing policies.
"Hardworking American taxpayers should not be stuck with a $1.7 billion bill to bailout the FHA, nor should they be expected to foot the $200 billion bill to bailout Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We need a sustainable housing finance system that benefits both homeowners and taxpayers. That is why my colleagues in the House and I introduced the Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners (PATH) Act, which has been adopted by the Financial Services Committee. This bill would restore FHA's fiscal stability and focus its mission on helping first-time homebuyers and low-to-moderate income buyers, end the bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and get private capital invested in our housing finance system again.
"Today's hearing brought us one step closer to FHA reform. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move the PATH Act forward and put in place policies that will benefit American taxpayers and homeowners."
HARRISONBURG – Mark Obenshain's campaign for Attorney General today released a new TV ad: "Results." The ad features Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, one of the more than 50 leaders in the Hampton Roads business community who announced their endorsement for Mark Obenshain earlier this month.
Speaking about the ad, campaign manager Chris Leavitt said, "Mark Obenshain's record of bipartisan achievement means public safety officials have better tools to stop gang violence and families are now better protected from abusive spouses. This ad continues to highlight Obenshain's record of results as well as his strong support from the public safety community and Virginia's small businesses."
Mark Obenshain: Virginia police and 116 Sheriffs and prosecutors—Democrat, Republican and Independent—they endorse me because of my work protecting women and children from sex trafficking and predators. Virginia's small businesses endorse me because I support policies that create jobs.
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms: I'm voting for Mark Obenshain for Attorney General. Mark's a pragmatic leader who brings Democrats and Republicans together to get results. Mark Obenshain has the character and bipartisan experience to do what's right for Hampton Roads.
Obenshain's Record:
Endorsed
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, along with more than 50 leaders in the Hampton Roads business community, has endorsed Mark Obenshain in the race for Attorney General. In making his endorsement, Sessoms said, "I'm supporting Mark Obenshain for Attorney General because he understands the challenges and opportunities we face in Hampton Roads. Mark has made a career in the State Senate out of often quietly finding creative solutions to complex problems – without regards to who gets the credit. I am confident that as Attorney General, Mark will make sure that our transportation dollars are used to generate real traffic solutions. Mark will make a great Attorney General for the citizens of Virginia Beach and for the whole Commonwealth."
Mark Obenshain has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business. He is the only Senator over the past 10 years with a perfect 100 rating from the NFIB. His opponent Mark Herring has a lifetime rating of 64.
Mark Obenshain has been endorsed by 59 Sheriffs and 57 Commonwealth's Attorneys in the race for Attorney General. Before removing the endorsements from his website, his opponent Mark Herring listed public endorsements from 6 Sheriffs and 9 Commonwealth's Attorneys.
Virginia's Fraternal Order of Police, representing more than 7,500 men and women in law enforcement, endorsed Mark Obenshain for Attorney General.
Giving Law Enforcement Tools to Prosecute Gang Violence
Early in Obenshain's Senate career, he partnered with Commonwealth's Attorneys to expand multijurisdiction grand juries to cover gang violence.
In 2013, Mark Obenshain sponsored legislation that passed unanimously in both chambers to expand the scope of multijursidiction grand juries to cover a broad range of violent crimes.
Protecting Families from Abusive Spouses
In 2007, Mark Obenshain sponsored Senate Bill 1237, which instituted mandatory jail time for repeat violators of protective orders.
In 2008, he sponsored Senate Bill 540, which ensured swift entering and transfer of protective orders to the Virginia Criminal Information Network system.
In 2011, Mark Obenshain sponsored legislation to expand the Address Confidentiality Program for victims of domestic violence to all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth.
Mandatory Life Sentences for Child Predators
In 2012, he sponsored Senate Bill 436, which imposed a mandatory life sentence to those who would rape young children.
Pushing for Laws to Combat Human Trafficking and Abuse
Earlier this year, Obenshain partnered with Del. David Bulova (D-Fairfax) to introduce legislation requiring posters advertising the Human Trafficking Hotline number to be posted at truck stops.
In August, Mark Obenshain announced measures to combat human trafficking in Virginia, including making human trafficking a stand-alone felony offense, ensuring victim compensation and adding those engaging in commercial sex with a minor to the sex offender registry.
The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star wrote in a recent editorial, "Attorney General candidate Mark Obenshain (R) proposes making human trafficking a standalone felony. It should be. He also would like to see forfeiture laws extended to such exploitation, as well as a Human Trafficking Task Force established to work with prosecutors, publish educational materials, and so on. The General Assembly should take note of these ideas. Virginia has come far in fighting human trafficking, but the goose isn't cooked yet."
Mark Obenshain is the Republican nominee for Attorney General of Virginia. He currently represents the 26th District in the Senate of Virginia.
Washington, DC – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of numerous pieces of legislation aimed to aid our veterans, including H.R. 2189, to Establish a Commission or Task Force to Evaluate the Backlog of Disability Claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
"€œThis legislation is an important step in addressing the unreasonable backlog of claims we now have with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, the backlog of veterans disability claims stands at approximately 410,000 and the average waiting period at the regional VA office in Roanoke is 448 days. Not only is this unacceptable, it is shameful.
"Veterans in the Fifth District and across the country have made incredible sacrifices on behalf of our freedom and our country. It is crucial that we address this backlog of disability claims -€“ our veterans should never be forced to wait over 400 days for the medical benefits they deserve.
"I am encouraged by the passage of H.R. 2189last night, and it is my sincere hope that it will move us closer to providing a solution to this grave issue facing the brave men and women who have fought for our country."€
H.R. 2189 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to commission a task force to assess the backlog of disability claims with the VA. In addition to H.R. 2189, the House also passed last night:
· H.R. 1742, Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013, which will help reduce veteran homelessness by reforming how the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing assistance for disabled veterans.
·H.R. 2481, Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, which establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, which would be responsible for programs providing assistance related to economic opportunity to veterans.
·H.R. 2011, Veterans Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act, which provides for a two-year extension of the Veterans'€™ Advisory Committee on Education through December 31, 2015.
With Halloween just a few days away, the thought struck me over the weekend that it is a blessing in disguise that many people can't get into the Obamacare website. Those who do get in desperately want to get out once they realize how much Vampire Government is going to suck out of their wallets to pay for this monstrosity! Here are the latest horrifying headlines:
The Los Angeles Times reports that thousands of Californians are experiencing rate shock as they learn what Obamacare is going to cost them. There are winners and losers in Obamacare, and many middle class Americans are finding out that they are the "losers" stuck with unaffordable options.
CBS News continues the theme of rate shock with a report on Dianne Barrette of Florida. Barrette was recently notified that her $54/month policy was being cancelled. Her insurance company is offering her a new plan that costs $591 a month -- more than ten times what she is currently paying. Like many Americans, Barrette is demanding to know, "…why I can't keep what I have? Why do I have to be forced into something else?"
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, is raising the alarm about Healthcare.gov's lack of cyber-security, warning that the entire site might have to be redesigned to prevent fraudsters from stealing your personal information.
Okay, so the website doesn't work well and went down again over the weekend. What about that Obamacare hotline and the paid personal navigators? Without a working website, they don't work either.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt's (R-Virginia) office will hold Local Office Hours in Rappahannock County on Friday, November 1 to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. For more information, please visit our Local Office Hours Interactive Map.
This week marked a significant series of events that made it all the more clear that the President’s health care law is not ready for primetime.The House Energy and Commerce Committee held an oversight hearing seeking to understand why the rollout of the federal insurance exchange website has gone so poorly.The website has been rendered effectively unworkable since its unveiling due to significant flaws and glitches.
The Obama Administration has reportedly spent a total of $500 million to date on the Affordable Care Act website system – a system that almost a month since its release still is unworkable.This staggering amount of money exceeds the amount that Facebook spent to develop its website or Apple spent creating the iPhone.If the website is this expensive, how many taxpayer dollars will be squandered on the other facets of the law?Unfortunately, the American people attempting to utilize the website are the ones bearing the burdens of others’ failures as the Administration again tries to pass the buck.
Members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are dismayed by these findings and are increasingly calling for a delay in the enforcement of the individual mandate to avoid penalizing Americans for not participating in a broken system. This level of mismanagement is unacceptable, and we in the House will work to identify who is responsible for making these mistakes with taxpayer resources.
While the consequences of these technical difficulties are very troubling, of greater concern are the messages I receive each day from constituents explaining how the health care law is negatively impacting their lives.More and more Fifth District Virginians are receiving notice from their insurers that they will not be able to keep the insurance that they have and like, even though the President promised that they would when he advocated for the law’s passage.Others are facing much higher insurance premiums or having their work hours reduced due to the law’s mandates and penalties.Every day, the American people learn more about just how harmful this law will be.
The recent failed launch of the website is merely the latest in a series of missteps that have negative consequences for Americans.The President’s healthcare law is undoubtedly broken, and my goal is to minimize its effect on 5th District Virginians as much as possible.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt's (R-Virginia) office will hold Local Office Hours in Rappahannock County on Friday, November 1 to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. For more information, please visit our Local Office Hours Interactive Map.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council expressed serious concerns following a federal judge's decision to partially block a new Texas law that raises health standards for abortion clinics and restricts abortion in most cases to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Anna Higgins, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, released the following statement:
"Blocking this law only puts vulnerable women in greater danger. We are very disturbed that a judge would partially block a law that is grounded in the latest science and in common sense.
"While the judge did not block the provision restricting abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, he did block higher health and safety standards for abortion doctors. It's deeply troubling that the law requiring abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges was struck down. The judge also blocked the law's provision that safeguards health by ensuring that women taking RU-486, an abortion-causing drug which has harmed thousands of women and killed at least 10, do so according to FDA guidance and with a doctor's supervision. This part of the law would help protect women in case of complications.
"We applaud Texas lawmakers for raising health standards at abortion centers and restricting abortions after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy because of the recognition that unborn children can feel excruciating pain. We also commend the state's leaders, including Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott for standing up for women's health and in defense of human dignity," concluded Higgins.
Every third Tuesday, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at the Fellowship Baptist Church Annex, 725 Gate Road, Madison, VA 22727. For information, call (540) 932-4300. (Except as noted for Special Events)
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"Our Founders saw democracy as a variant of tyranny. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Edmund Randolph said, “…that in tracing these evils to their origin every man had found it in the turbulence and follies of democracy.” John Adams said, “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” Alexander Hamilton said, “We are now forming a Republican form of government. Real Liberty is not found in the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments. If we incline too much to democracy, we shall soon shoot into a monarchy, or some other form of dictatorship.”
"By the way, the word democracy appears in none of our founding documents.
"The Founders of our nation recognized that we need government, but because the essence of government is force, and force is evil, government should be as small as possible. The Founders intended for us to have a limited republican form of government where human rights precede government and there is rule of law. Citizens, as well as government officials, are accountable to the same laws. Government intervenes in civil society only to protect its citizens against force and fraud, but does not intervene in the cases of peaceable, voluntary exchange."
Walter Williams
___________________________
"The Republican party is a party of progress, and of liberty toward its opponents. It encourages the poor to strive to better their children, to enable them to compete successfully with their more fortunate associates, and, in fine, it secures an entire equality before the law of every citizen, no matter what his race, nationality, or previous condition. It tolerates no privileged class. Every one has the opportunity to make himself all he is capable of… The Republican party is a party of principles; the same principles prevailing wherever it has a foothold."
Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), September 28, 1880
Delivered by the retired president before a Republican gathering in Warren, Ohio
___________________________
"Republicans, and conservatives particularly, on the other hand, believe in the potential of human beings. They seek to create the conditions in society which promote self-empowerment and the ability of people to use their God-given talents and innate drive to succeed. For real conservatives, life is joyful. America truly represents the Shining City on a Hill. It is the pinnacle of meritocratic opportunity. "
William F. Marshall
VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN CREED
We Believe . . .
That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice
That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society
That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government
That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing constitutional limitations
That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense
That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation
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