JATP Announces Speaker for May Meeting

JATP May Meeting -- Thursday, May 28, 6:30pm New Location: Kegler's Lanes, 29 North Diana Reimer to Speak Evolution of the Tea Party and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone Diana is the national Tea Party Patriots' Grassroots Field Team and Local Group Logistics Manager Don't miss this opportunity!  Thursday, May 28, 6:30pm New Location Instructions: Kegler's Lanes 335 Rivanna Plaza Drive (29 North just North of Lowes) Ample parking to the left of the building. Use the left entrance. Proceed left to the meeting room. Kegler's is offering FREE BOWLING after the meeting. Copyright © 2015 Jefferson Area Tea Party, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our site or requested it at a meeting. Our mailing address is: Jefferson Area Tea Party 1213 Hazel Street Charlottesville, VA 22902

Regarding Ireland Vote

Saturday, May 23, 2015

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The following statement was given by Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage in Washington, DC:

"We want to thank David Quinn and The Iona Institute for fighting the good fight running the No campaign against tremendous odds in Ireland.

We are disappointed but not surprised with the apparent passage of a referendum in Ireland providing for the redefinition of marriage in that country. This is a reflection on the increasingly secularized nature of Ireland, together with the utter abandonment of principle by every political party in the nation, all of whom endorsed the referendum. This, combined with intense harassment of any group or individual who spoke out in opposition to the referendum, made it difficult for opponents. Despite this, millions of Irish citizens stood to vote to uphold the truth of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Even with this decision in Ireland, the idea of same-sex marriage has been widely rejected by the community of nations around the world, where only 18 nations recognize same-sex 'marriage', almost all of them in the west, which represents less than 10% of the nations in the world.

If there is any relevance to the Irish vote for people here in the United States, it is that the US Supreme Court should take note that the people of Ireland at least had the opportunity to vote. This is what we demand of our justices — respect the right of people to define marriage in the law for themselves. If that occurs, we are confident that the American people will continue to support marriage in the law as it exists in reality — the union of one man and one woman in order to provide the ideal environment for any children born of their union."

New Survey Finds Two-Thirds of Louisianans Support Marriage and Conscience Act

May 18, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) and the Louisiana Family Forum Action today released the results of a commissioned survey conducted by WPA Opinion Research showing that more than two-thirds (67%) of likely Louisiana voters support the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act. The Act will be considered tomorrow morning in the House Civil Law Committee.

Sixty percent (60%) of participants agreed they were more likely to re-elect a legislator who supported the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act authored by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Benton).

FRC President Tony Perkins made the following comments in response to the survey:

"Louisianans strongly agree that a person or nonprofit shouldn't lose tax exempt status, face disqualification, or be punished by the government simply for believing what President Obama believed just three years ago, that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. No Louisianan should face government threats for believing in natural marriage and living their lives according to that belief.

"We join with Governor Jindal and the Louisiana Family Forum Action in urging the legislature to approve the Marriage and Conscience Act. The freedom to believe and live according to those beliefs is the foundation for a civil society where people of differing beliefs can live and work together with mutual respect," concluded Perkins.

Gene Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum Action, also commented:

"The Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act is not a sword but a shield to protect businesses, non-profits and individuals in Louisiana who embrace the natural definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. Nearly five hundred businesses and individuals in Louisiana have already signed a pledge of support for HB 707 at la4liberty.com," concluded Mills.

The Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research survey was commissioned by the Louisiana Family Forum Action and the Family Research Council. To review the results of the WPA Opinion Research survey, click here: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF15E109.pdf

FRC's Tony Perkins Slams Louisiana Legislators for Failing to Pass Marriage and Conscience Act, Urge

May 19, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act failed to pass through the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee. This evening at 5:05 p.m. ET, Governor Bobby Jindal will appear on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to react to the committee vote. Listen online at www.tonyperkins.com.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments in response:

"These ten legislators voted today against freedom and against two-thirds of Louisianans who support the Marriage and Conscience Act.

"These elected leaders effectively endorsed government discrimination against individuals and nonprofits simply for believing in marriage between a man and a woman. No person or nonprofit should lose tax exempt status, face disqualification, lose a professional license or be punished by the government simply for believing what President Obama believed just three years ago, that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.

"Astonishingly, Chairman Neil Abramson admitted that he wasn't looking for the truth of what the bill accomplishes. He deliberately called for the vote based on the Left's intentional misrepresentations and distortions and his willingness to accept that those distortions should determine the outcome of the debate. This is a failure of leadership and goes to the heart of what's wrong with American politics today. Lawmakers have a duty to vote for legislation based on what's in the best interest of society -- not based upon public perception shaped by known falsehoods.

"We thank Governor Jindal for his leadership on this bill and call on him to use the power of his office to ensure that Louisianans remain free to follow their beliefs about marriage without fear of retaliation by the government," concluded Perkins.

Yesterday, Family Research Council (FRC) and the Louisiana Family Forum Action released the results of a commissioned survey conducted by WPA Opinion Research showing that more than two-thirds (67%) of likely Louisiana voters support the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act. Sixty percent (60%) of participants agreed they were more likely to re-elect a legislator who supported the bill authored by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Benton).

To review the results of the WPA Opinion Research survey, click here: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF15E109.pdf

Congressman Robert Hurt's Round-Up: Honoring Our Law Enforcement Officers

May 19, 2015

Last week, we recognized National Police Week, an annual commemoration leading up to May 15th, which was coined Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. We owe much gratitude to our law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels, who put themselves in danger on a daily basis.

There are over 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers across our great nation who make tremendous sacrifices each day to selflessly protect us. While working in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office in Pittsylvania County, I had the opportunity to work closely with a number of these brave men and women and saw firsthand their dedication to keeping our communities safe. Their heroic service to our local communities across Virginia's Fifth District and this country is profoundly important, and we are forever grateful for their commitment to protect us each and every day.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the National Blue Alert Act of 2015, which would require the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network to disseminate information about suspects among law enforcement agencies when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or in danger. Similar to Amber Alerts, these Blue Alerts will help distribute time-sensitive information to help quickly identify and apprehend violent criminals. This is a major step forward in expanding the alert system, and reaffirming our commitment to ensure the safety of those who risk their lives protecting us. It has already passed the Senate, and will now go to the President's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

We also passed bills to ensure flags flown over the Capitol are sent to the immediate family of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty and to amend the IRS code to exclude certain compensation received by public safety officers and their dependents from gross income. Each of these bipartisan pieces of legislation had my full support, and I was pleased to see them pass the House of Representatives. It is my hope that the Senate and the President join us in our support of this legislation. I remain committed to doing all we can to honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our communities.

We remain deeply indebted to our law enforcement officers for the protection they provide us. I hope you will join me in thanking them for their selfless service and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.

Congressman Robert Hurt's Statement on House Passage of Bill Requiring Congressional Review of Nuclear Agreement with Iran

Thursday, May 14, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, H.R. 1191, which would require congressional review of any final nuclear agreement with Iran before the President can waive or suspend sanctions previously imposed by Congress:

"The prospect of Iran attaining the capability to produce a nuclear weapon is one of the most grave threats we face as a nation, and it must be our policy to do everything within our power to prevent this from happening. Last month, the Obama Administration, and the nations of China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, reached a preliminary agreement with Iran relating to its nuclear program.  Given its nuclear ambitions and history, I am skeptical that Iran will act in good faith and adhere to any of the terms of a deal.

"We must ensure that negotiations of such great magnitude are as transparent as possible and remain focused on our ultimate goal of eliminating the threat of a nuclear Iran. The legislation we passed today will ensure that the American people and their representatives in Congress are afforded the opportunity to meaningfully participate in this debate.  I was proud to support this measure today and see it pass the House with strong bipartisan support, and it is my hope the President keeps his word and signs into law this critical piece of legislation.  I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see that Iran is kept from gaining ground on their nuclear ambitions and that we continue to support our allies in the region, particularly Israel."   

Congressman Robert Hurt Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Require SEC to Review Regulations

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) recently introduced the Streamlining Excessive and Costly Regulations Review Act, H.R. 2354, along with Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona).  This legislation would require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review its significant regulations to determine if they are necessary in the public interest or should be amended or rescinded.  Congressman Hurt said:

"Overregulation of small businesses undoubtedly stands in the way of job creation across Virginia's Fifth District and across our great nation.  Given the SEC's role in our marketplace, its regulations directly affect the efficiency and success of our Main Street businesses.  The SEC's mission - facilitating capital formation, protecting investors, and maintaining fair and efficient markets - puts it at the forefront of ensuring that our small businesses have access to the capital they need to start, hire, and expand their businesses.  The SEC is not presently required to conduct comprehensive, retrospective review of its regulations, meaning that outdated and duplicative rules may be left on the books without being modernized.  We must ensure that the SEC operates efficiently, fulfills its mission, and looks for ways to reduce burdens and costs at a time when our economy is struggling.  

"This bill will require the SEC to comprehensively review its regulations every ten years – a process that other financial regulatory bodies already perform – to streamline their rules and ensure they are all up-to-date.  It's a commonsense, good-government measure that will hold the Commission accountable and promote fair, efficient, and effective regulation. I look forward to working with Representative Sinema and my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee to ensure the SEC's regulations are in the best interests of the American people."

Congresswoman Sinema said, "Business owners in Arizona regularly tell me that our inefficient and often confusing regulatory environment hurts their ability to grow and hire.  This commonsense legislation requires the SEC to improve and repeal outdated regulations, holding them accountable and providing certainty for businesses and consumers.  I am committed to working with Congressman Hurt and my colleagues on the House Financial Services to streamline regulations, reduce the costs of compliance, and spur economic growth and job creation in Arizona and across the country."

The bill requires that within the first five years after enactment, and every ten years thereafter, the SEC must engage in a retrospective review of all significant SEC rules and regulations. This legislation is modeled on the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, which requires prudential financial regulatory agencies to retrospectively review their regulations every ten years.

 

 

Congressman Robert Hurt's Round-Up: Strengthening Virginia’s Agriculture Industry

May 12, 2015

This past week on our Agriculture and Small Business Tour, I traveled across the Fifth District making over 30 stops in Franklin, Bedford, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Campbell, Fauquier, Madison, Nelson, Pittsylvania, Charlottesville, and Danville. I visited a variety of farming operations including beef, dairy, grain, berry, apple, and other crop producers. I also met with small businesses that are end users of crops produced by Fifth District farmers including a juice company, a saw mill, and small breweries. Additionally, I met with the next generation of farmers by visiting Ag classes and school greenhouses at Randolph-Henry and Fauquier High Schools.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy in Virginia. Combined with forestry, agriculture represents the largest segment of Virginia'€™s economy, generating more than $70 billion annually and accounting for nearly 415,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Our nation owes much of its prosperity to its deeply rooted history of agriculture, and we continue to rely heavily on its significant contributions to our economy and our country. Preserving and fostering our great legacy of family farming in Virginia is one of my top priorities. After meeting with farmers from Rocky Mount to Warrenton this past week, it remains clear that the federal government is often out of touch with the needs of our family farmers and agribusinesses.

A prime example of this disconnect is overzealous environmental regulation. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a rule that would unilaterally expand the Clean Water Act'€™s scope to essentially any body of water -€" including ditches, culverts, and farmland ponds. This unilateral decision by EPA bureaucrats has significantly increased both uncertainty and costs on our family farmers while ignoring the fact that Congress is the only institution with the authority to change the law. Our nation'€™s farmers, and all those involved in agriculture, invest significantly in clean water to ensure the sustainability of the environment, as it is essential to their livelihood. This week, the House is scheduled to consider the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which would force EPA and the Corps to withdraw this harmful rule and to develop a new proposed rule.

Many farmers, including the Bennett family in Campbell County, expressed concern over how devastating the estate tax can be to family farmers who want to have their children and grandchildren continue their life'€™s work. Last month, the House voted to repeal the death tax - a significant step toward implementing a simpler, fairer tax code and ensuring that our small businesses can continue to create the jobs Virginia'€™s Fifth District needs, and it is my hope that the Senate takes up this vote soon.

I also heard time and again this week how the President's healthcare law is continuing to impose high healthcare costs on small agribusinesses, preventing them from expanding as much as they could be. These businesses are unable to hire more employees because they are forced to pay outrageous premiums. I have supported, and will continue to support, a full repeal of the President'€™s job-killing healthcare law, efforts to reduce its harmful effects on the American people, and policies that actually reduce the cost of health care.

I cannot help make the government more responsive to the needs of agriculture without hearing from our local growers and producers, so I greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with so many hardworking Fifth District Virginians this past week. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to put forth policies that support our robust agriculture industry.

If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.

MARRI's Dr. Fagan Addresses Conference at the United Nations

May 14, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This afternoon, Dr. Patrick Fagan, Director of family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI), addressed the United Nations conference on "The Family and Sustainable Development." Fagan's speech was sponsored by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Bernardito Auza. The conference is co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council on the Family and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

Fagan spoke on "The Family as an Agent of Economic Development and a Fundamental Safety Net," drawing on his own work and that of his colleagues Drs. Henry Potrykus and Paul Sullins of MARRI. Their combined work illustrates that the intact married family that worships weekly is the core economic strength of society and that the further one moves away from that combination the less human and social capital is present to produce the economic benefits for which all nations strive.

Commenting on the speech, Fagan said:

"Though governments are critical agents in economic development, they do not have the institutional competence to increase marriage. At the same time, they can easily weaken marriage with ineffective or harmful laws and programs. Governments don't have the competence to increase worship, though again, through legislation and policies they can weaken its practice. To strengthen marriage and the family, society must stop looking to government for solutions and instead affirm the three people-forming institutions: Family, church and school. Working intimately together, these three institutions have the greatest capacities for developing human and social capital. That is what the data of the social sciences repeatedly illustrate."

Fagan's address will be available after the conference at www.marri.us/UN-HolySee

The conference will be held at the UN building in New York City TODAY, Thursday, May 14^th.

MARRI is the research institute of Family Research Council. MARRI's mission is to investigate the impact on society of the presence or absence of marriage and the practice of religious prayer and worship.

Liberals Need A Clinton Cash INFOGRAPHIC

http://allenwestrepublic.com/2015/05/09/it-doesnt-take-a-village-but-breitbart-thinks-liberals-need-a-clinton-cash-infographic/
PICTURE IS PROPERTY OF BREITBART!

Our Veterans Deserve Better From The VA

May 05, 2015
CONGRESSMAN ROBERT HURT

Last month marked one year since we learned of the gross mismanagement at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that resulted in tragic outcomes for those who have made countless sacrifices to protect our nation's freedoms. The problems within the VA are the result of a broken system, and though our work is far from over, the House has worked to implement meaningful, structural reforms to ensure our veterans have the care they deserve.

Last year, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act created the Veterans Choice Program to allow veterans unable to obtain appointments at VA medical facilities within 30 days, or residing over 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility, to receive care outside the VA system. While this program did help many veterans, it calculated the 40 mile distance using "as the crow flies" parameters, excluding many veterans who live far more than 40 driving miles from a VA care center. After pressure from Congress, the VA appropriately revised the rule to designate driving distance as the form of measurement, allowing more veterans to be included in this boundary.

While this is a step in the right direction, Fifth District veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA hospital are still being forced to drive excessive distances to receive the care they need because Community Based Outreach Clinics are included in this criteria even though they often do not provide the type of care a veteran may need. My constituents have also expressed frustration about the outrageous amount of time they must spend on hold to talk with someone at the VA, and in some cases, they are unable to speak with anyone. And to make matters even worse, it typically takes several months to process their reimbursement for travel costs.

In the 114th Congress we have passed several pieces of legislation to further improve the treatment our veterans receive. The Clay Hunt SAV Act, which the President has signed into law, improves veterans' access to mental health care resources. Another bill passed by the House allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to rescind all or part of the amount of any award or bonus paid to an employee of the VA. The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act authorizes the VA to enter into contracts with certified medical foster homes to expand the options available for the long-term care needs of our veterans.

While these bills are vital steps to meaningfully and structurally reform the delivery of care to our veterans, they are not enough. Congressional oversight is essential to effectively implement these necessary reforms. Next week, the House Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing to evaluate the progress of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.

We will not be successful in this mission unless we also continue to demand accountability and change from the VA so it returns to a culture of duty and service rather than one of bureaucracy and paper-pushing. If we remain dedicated to the solemn obligations we owe to the men and women that have given life and limb for our nation, we can provide a level of care and service worthy of the tremendous sacrifice our veterans made for the cause of freedom.

We take our responsibility to serve all Fifth District Virginians very seriously, and we encourage all veterans having issues with the VA to contact our office if we may be of help in any way. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Virginia's Fifth District veterans, I remain fully committed to ensuring that our citizens who have given the most receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.

If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.

Congressman Robert Hurt's April Monthly Video Address

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released his Monthly Video Address.  Text of the address is available below, as well as video.  You may view the video by clicking the image below, or by clicking here.

 

 

"Hi, I'm Robert Hurt. Thank you for tuning into our Monthly Video Address for the month of April.

 

"Today, I am at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington. On April 13th, we recognized what would have been the 272nd anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only our third president, but was also the author of our Declaration of Independence and Virginia's Statute for Religious Freedom, and he was the founder of the University of Virginia. Jefferson was an indispensable leader in the founding of this great nation and left his mark on nearly every foundational element of our republic. He promoted religious freedom and public education, believing both were fundamental to the success of our newly minted democracy. I would encourage all of my constituents -- especially our students -- to visit the Jefferson Memorial in the near future. You will not be disappointed.

 

"As for Fifth District news, during the month of April, I was pleased to travel across the district and meet with nearly 300 local elected officials. It was good to touch base with those who share the responsibility in representing the two cities, 21 counties, and 39 towns that make up Virginia's Fifth District. Thomas Jefferson believed government works best when it is closest to the people, and we are fortunate to be represented by dedicated public servants at the state and local level. It is an honor to work alongside these local leaders to serve the fine people we represent, and I thank them for their service.

 

"Additionally this month, Fifth District Virginians filed their tax returns and were again reminded just how complex and outdated our current tax code is. Indeed, a perfect example of how Washington is making life unnecessarily difficult and standing in the way of economic growth. On April 15, the House of Representatives passed several bipartisan bills to make the IRS more transparent and accountable. I was proud to support each of these measures and pleased to see them pass the House with wide bipartisan support.

 

"Also, in April the Obama administration, and the nations of China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, reached a preliminary agreement with Iran relating to its nuclear program. The prospect of Iran attaining the capability to produce a nuclear weapon is one of the most grave threats we face as a nation, and it must be our policy to do everything within our power to prevent this from happening. Given its nuclear ambitions and history, I am skeptical that Iran will act in good faith and adhere to any of the terms of a deal. I will continue to monitor this situation as we approach the June 30 deadline, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that Congress is a meaningful participant in any final agreement that is reached.

 

"Finally, in April, I introduced the Small Company Disclosure Simplification Act, which would streamline regulations for small public companies and thereby remove dis-incentives for companies to access capital in the public markets. Over-regulation of small businesses undoubtedly stands in the way of job creation across Virginia. The costs associated with our current regulatory climate have a negative effect on small companies -- our most dynamic job creators. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to pass this bill so that we may remove unnecessary, bureaucratic red tape and allow small businesses to strengthen our economy.

 

"As we close, let us remember Thomas Jefferson for his great contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia and our great nation, and please let us know if we may ever be of assistance to you in planning a visit to our nation's capital.

 

"If we may ever be of service to you in any other way, I encourage you to contact us at one of our district offices or at our Washington office. We can always be reached at our website at hurt.house.gov -- where you can also sign up for regular legislative updates. And don't forget to join the conversation on our social media pages.

 

"Once again, thank you for tuning in to our monthly video address."

 

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