Congressman Robert Hurt Votes to Reform the Environmental Protection Agency

 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of three bills to reform the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): H.R. 1422, the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act, H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act, and H.R. 4795, the Promoting New Manufacturing Act:

“As I travel around Virginia’s Fifth District, I regularly hear how unnecessary bureaucratic red tape is hindering job growth and making life more difficult for hardworking Virginians.  I often hear from Fifth District Virginians about the senseless regulations imposed by the EPA, which often fail to meet the standards for transparency and accountability demanded by Americans.  I share my constituents’ frustrations and was pleased that this week, the House passed three bills to reform the EPA, reducing these unnecessary regulations.

 

“From reining in the EPA’s Science Advisory Board to prohibiting the EPA from proposing regulations that are not based on identifiable and available science to ensuring greater transparency and timeliness in obtaining necessary manufacturing permits, these bills will help reduce burdensome government regulations that harm job creation and decrease opportunities for Americans.  I was proud to support these commonsense bills and see them pass the House with bipartisan support.  I urge our colleagues in the Senate to consider these bills and work with us to implement these necessary reforms.”

 

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·         The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act establishes qualifications for members, reinforces independence of the Science Advisory Board,  facilitates public participation in the Board’s advisory activities, and limits the advice given by the Board to scientific determinations, rather than policy direction.

·         The Secret Science Reform Act prohibits the EPA from proposing regulations unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support the action is specifically identified and publicly available.

·         The Promoting New Manufacturing Act would ensure greater transparency and timeliness in obtaining the permits necessary for new manufacturing.

 

Family Research Council and Charlotte Lozier Institute Launch New Website Exposing Lack of Abortion

November 20, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The administration's persistent lack of transparency on Obamacare health plans has led national pro-life leaders to develop a website where consumers can find out which of their potential plans covers abortion and related services.

Today, Obamacareabortion.com was launched at a national news conference on the House Triangle. The lead researchers of the data presented in the site, experts at Family Research Council (FRC) and Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), spoke at the event revealing their findings. They were joined by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), lead sponsor of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act. The new site educates and informs site visitors on whether or not their own plans force them to pay for elective abortions.

The timing of this new site's launch follows the release of newly surfaced videos in which key Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber called the "lack of transparency" with which the law was passed a "huge political advantage."

Family Research Council and the Charlotte Lozier Institute previously have reported on the lack of transparency in the exchange plans. The non-partisan government watchdog agency, Government Accountability Office (GAO), released a report identifying 1,036 ObamaCare plans that cover abortion on demand and receive taxpayer subsidies.

Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, made the following comments at today's press conference:

"By launching ObamacareAbortion.com we are attempting to do what the Obama Administration has not been willing or able to do for the 2015 new enrollment. That is, to inform Americans about abortion coverage in Obamacare plans and expose the great difficulty in obtaining this information. As in 2014, the Obamacare exchange lacks transparency, often lacks abortion-free options for many Americans, and continues to fund coverage of elective abortion with taxpayer money.

"The Family Research Council and Charlotte Lozier Institute have done extensive research and are proud to launch our findings.

It's not right that Assurant Health and FirstCare Health Plans in Texas would not give out a link to their "internal" document where they were obtaining their information, citing that they were not allowed to give it to the public. It's not right that after multiple calls to United Healthcare in Rhode Island, we still don't know if they cover abortion on demand or not because they keep transferring us to their Medicaid/Medicare office. It's not right that Colorado HealthOP is misinforming people that their two Multi-State Plans are only for federal employees. There is no transparency. Jonathan Gruber's comments confirm what we knew about Obamacare all along.

"People living in Hawaii, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont will most likely not have access to one single plan that is abortion-free. In addition, people living in California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington will have to wade through plans where most likely 90% or more cover elective abortion. So much for choice.

"People who sign up for plans with abortion on demand are paying for other people's abortions under that plan through an abortion surcharge. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in all 50 states is being forced to subsidize others' abortions through their taxpayer funds to the beat of $855 billion in the next 10 years. So much for no taxpayer funding of abortion.

"Because Obamacare violates the principles of the Hyde amendment ban on subsidizing abortion, and because Obamacare lacks transparency for Americans, Congress must enact the Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R.3279) and the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R.7). The new Senate offers hope that these bills could become law. Now is the time. Let's do this!" concluded Grossu.

Senator Reeves Named Senate Majority Whip

Friday, November 21, 2014

 

Staunton, Va-  Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) has been named Senate Majority Whip for the Senate of Virginia.  Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City) announced the appointment of Senator Reeves at the annual Senate Finance Committee in Staunton.

 

"Senator Reeves is a strong and effective voice for the majority, and he will be an outstanding Whip," Senator Norment declared.  "Joining Senators McWaters, Stanley, and Vogel, the addition of Senator Reeves compliments a proven leadership team that is ready to hit the ground running when we convene for the 2015 General Assembly session."

 

"I am honored and excited to serve my Republican colleagues as a Whip," said Senator Reeves.  "We have an important session ahead and our members are ready to approve policies that will create jobs, enhanceVirginians' quality of life, and protect our hard-earned reputation as one of the best states in America for businesses to grow.

 

"Republican Senators are prepared to lead and committed to ending the gridlock that characterized the 136 days when the other party was in the majority."

 

Senator Bryce E. Reeves represents the 17th District in the Senate of Virginia.  The 17th District includes Orange County, portions of Albemarle, Culpeper, Louisa, and Spotsylvania Counties and the City of Fredericksburg.

Kick Off the Holidays in Culpeper!

Visit the new and exciting Museum during Culpeper Downtown Open House.  Bring the little ones so they can make their very own Christmas ornaments.  

The Museum will also have a booth at the Culpeper Center as part of the "Give to your local Non-Profit" displays.  There your children can enjoy the dinosaur displays and win fun dinosaur prizes.  Noon to 5:oo on Sunday, Nov. 23rd.

Please stop by if just to say "Hello"!!!!!!

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In Step with Cpep! Holidays 2014 Complete Programming Information  Films  &  Performances:   Christmas Cartoon Classics: FREE Sun., Nov 23rd 2:00 pm Freeway Revival Fri., Nov 28th 8:00 pm Beatlemania Now Sat., Nov 29th 8:00 pm Burning Bridges Fri., Dec 5th 8:00 pm Octavia Yates: Holiday Gospel Concert Sat., Dec 6th 8:00 pm Blue Ridge Chorale: GLORIA Sun., Dec 7th 3:00 pm The Nutcracker Suite Sat., Dec 13th 8:00pm, 3:00 pm Sun., Dec 14th  7:00 pm A Christmas Carol Tues., Dec 16th 7:30 pm The Whitehouse Band: Christmastime in Washington Fri., Dec 19th 8:00 pm Alex Caruso:  A Christmas to Remember Tues., Dec 23rd 8:00 pm FREE Movies! Library of Congress  Packard Campus     Stay Connected with Cpep!       Join Our Mailing List! So Much to LOVE!  NEW Culpeper Video Series  Culpeper Tourism is proud to introduce a new video series produced by the talented team of filmmakers at Vinegar Hill Creative and made possible through a marketing grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Share them with your family, friends, and colleagues. Then Come Visit! Downtown Culpeper Holiday Open House Saturday, November 23rd Click Pic for Event Info & Downtown Map Join Downtown Culpeper's kick off for the Holiday Season from 12-5pm!  If your gift list requires the ultimate in unique gifts, they are sure to be found in any of the specialty shops located in Historic Downtown Culpeper.  Be sure to stop by and enjoy - in-store specials, storefront decorating, trolley rides, live holiday music from EVHS and CCHS bands, children's story time by Culpeper County Library, Miniature Horses from Brandy Manor Miniatures,  Museum of Culpeper History open house,  Clore-English Funeral Home and USMC Toys for Tots Campaign at the depot, and of course a visit from Santa Claus himself!  Complete the day with carols from the Blue Ridge Chorale, cookies, hot apple cider and the Community Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m.!  'Tis the Season for Family Photo Opps! There is no better back drop for the family Christmas card than Culpeper's "Reel LOVE!"  The unique art installation can be found in downtown Culpeper directly across from both the Museum of Culpeper History and Visitor's Center which are located in  Cpep's historic train depot.  For an even more personalized touch and to give your far-away friends and family a virtual look into Culpeper, include one of five scannable QR codes linking to the NEW Culpeper Tourism Videos. QR codes and videos can be found on the Tourism website--- www.visitculpeperva.com. We would LOVE for you to share, post and tag us in your holiday photos with Reel LOVE!  #lovecpep @visitculpeperva Cpep Winter Getaway  Take time away and relieve some post holiday stress with a long weekend in Culpeper!  Enjoy understated luxury in several historic downtown lodging establishments that offer enticing winter stay packages.  And find sophisticated style at a great value just a few minutes outside the downtown area with several local hotels.  For details on getaway packages, visit LODGING on the Tourism website. Local Dining Spots Holiday Dining                  The holidays are approaching quickly so be sure to reserve a table at your favorite Culpeper restaurant!  Don't have a favorite? You'll find one from the list of restaurants found on the tourism website. There is something to tempt every palate especially during the holidays when local restaurants showcase their creative culinary dishes!  More HOLIDAY Events     Burgandine House Thanksgiving with George & Martha Washington  - November 22nd & 23rd   Black Friday Gift Sale at Prince Michel Vineyard -  November 28th Downtown Culpeper Small Business Saturday - November 29th Gray Ghost's Christmas Cork & Cheese Celebration -  December 6th & 7th Brandy Station Holiday Open House - December 13th