Congressman Robert's Round-Up: House Republicans Set Pro-Growth Agenda

January 26, 2016

Earlier this month, Republicans in the House of Representatives met to establish our priorities for the coming year. We realize that we have a tremendous opportunity to change the path our nation is on, and we will use this year to advance a pro-growth agenda that represents the American people's priorities. This year we will focus on five major issues: national security, jobs and economic growth, opportunity, healthcare, and constitutional authority.

As our national security remains one of our top priorities, it goes without saying that we must recommit ourselves to exerting our constitutional power to ensure those who seek to perpetuate evil against our nation and our allies are eliminated before they further advance their hatred. In the coming weeks, the House will vote on a bill to prevent terrorist cells in Iran from obtaining financial assistance, but this is just one of many actions the House will take to protect our national security.

Since being elected to Congress, jobs and economic growth in Virginia's Fifth District and our nation has consistently been one of my top priorities. Earlier this month, I introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at spurring the development of I-73, which has the potential to boost economic growth in a region of Virginia that has suffered the highest unemployment rates in Virginia. We must continue to relentlessly pursue policies that encourage job creation to leave our country a better place for our future generations. I understand this and the House understands this. We have been and will remain committed to this goal.

For the past six years, the President's healthcare law has continued to wreak havoc on businesses, healthcare providers, doctors, and patients. A couple of weeks ago, the House and Senate sent a repeal of the President's healthcare law to his desk. He vetoed it, but soon, the House will vote to override his veto. We are listening to the American people and showing a clear path for the next President to fully repeal this harmful legislation. House Republicans remain committed to repealing this damaging legislation and replacing it with market oriented solutions.

Finally, time and again we have seen President Obama push his agenda via executive action rather than engaging the Congress. His lack of engaging leadership has done immeasurable damage to our system of government and has compromised the constitutional bounds our Founders envisioned. We must reinstate the principles of our Constitution to ensure and enable the voice of the American people. Under the leadership of Speaker Ryan, I am confident that we will continue to fight for the American people's priorities and present a robust and dynamic alternative to the President; one that is built on constitutional principles, not executive fiat.

I am looking forward to this new year and getting to work on the agenda we have outlined. Of course, House Republicans cannot accomplish these goals alone; we will do everything we can to work across the aisle and with the Senate and the President to make our agenda a reality. I believe we will make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and I am looking forward to the work we will do in this coming year.

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.

Staff Members from Congressman Robert Hurt's Office to Hold Local Office Hours in Franklin County

Monday, January 25, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt's (R-Virginia) office will hold Local Office Hours in Franklin County on Friday, January 29 to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. For more information, please visit our Local Office Hours Interactive Map.  In the event of inclement weather, please contact our Danville office at (434) 791-2596 to confirm Local Office Hours will be held as scheduled.

Friday, January 29, 2016

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Local Office Hours in Franklin County

Franklin Government Center – B-75 Training Room

1255 Franklin Street

Rocky Mount, VA

DELEGATE NICK FREITAS: Second Week of the 2016 General Assembly Session Wraps-Up

January 22, 2016

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia House of Delegates has just completed its second week of the 2016 session. Over the past week, Delegate Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper) has filed three additional bills: HB1341, HB1349, HB1350, and HB1375.  Delegate Freitas was elected to his first term in November 2015, and currently represents the 30th District in the House, comprising the counties of Madison, Orange, and parts of Culpeper. 

News from Richmond

Delegate Freitas' bills currently active in committees:

HB459 - Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Gives greater control to localities in selecting CTE teachers.

HB760 - Transparency in Government

Requires the Auditor of Public accounts to update the transparency website to provide more information on government spending and to make information easier to find. 

HB762 - Electric Transmission Line Planning Association
Allows localities to form associations so that they can more closely monitor transmission line planning and protect property rights

HB763 - 10th Amendment

 Prohibits the use of state and local law enforcement from assisting the federal government in the enforcement of regulations that haven't been properly voted on by congress, when there are active investigations of violent crimes within their jurisdictions 

HB1183 - Revocation of the "Incumbent Protection Act"

Removes the portion of election law which provides incumbents special privileges to select their method of nomination. 

District-Side News

Congratulations to Catherine Reames 
Eastern View High School  
 Virginia CTE Teacher of the Year!


As always, flee feel free to reach out to our office with any concerns, questions or comments you may have. We are here to serve.

Delegate Nick J. Freitas

30th House District

DelNFreitas@house.virginia.gov

Office: (808) 698-1030

Cell: (540) 222-7706

Congressman Robert Hurt's Round-Up: The House Continues To Fight For Our National Security

January 19, 2016

We live in a dangerous world, and the threats to the United States only continue to grow when we fail to lead on the world's stage. Time and time again, the Obama Administration has been far too trusting in those who seek power through aggression. In recent months, we have turned our attention to fighting the Islamic State and radical Islamic terrorists, but we must also be acutely aware of the nations who have recently become emboldened by this Administration's failure to address serious national security threats.

Two weeks ago, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. While there is reason to believe North Korea lacks the technology to actually carry out this test, there is no doubt it was intended to provoke the West. North Korea has watched while this Administration struck a dangerous nuclear agreement with Iran and continued to set dangerous precedents in international relations.

On Sunday, the Obama Administration began lifting economic sanctions on Iran, granting them access to billions of dollars, and participated in a prisoner swap, despite its recent acts of aggression. In December, Iran fired rockets into the Strait of Hormuz only 1,500 yards from United States Navy ships, giving them hardly any warning. Just last week, ten United States Navy sailors were forcefully taken into Iranian custody, while the President made no statement or mention of the incident during his State of the Union Address.

There is no doubt that this Administration's failure to stand up to, and its willingness to negotiate with, Iran – the world's largest state sponsor of terror – has emboldened those who seek to assert their violent agendas on the world's stage. Issues of national security are too important to leave to idealism and wishful thinking. With that at the forefront of our minds, the House will continue to do everything within our power to protect our national security.

This past week, the House passed the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 418-2. This legislation will prevent North Korea's access to hard currency and seize assets related to its nuclear proliferation, illicit activities, and human rights violations, and it is my hope the Senate considers it expeditiously. And soon, the House will consider the Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act to prevent the Administration from offering sanctions relief to any bank or individual unless we can prove with absolute certainty they do not support Iran terrorist cells, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Iran's ballistic missile program, or even its conventional weapons program.

I was pleased that this weekend the Administration announced sanctions against 11 Iranian-linked companies for their roles in the ballistic missile program, but this comes too late after the Administration publicly wavered on whether to institute these sanctions. The House will continue to fight to enhance sanctions against North Korea, Iran, and any other nation who poses a threat to our national security.

Under Article One of the Constitution, Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide for the defense of our great country. In the House, national security remains a top priority, and I urge our colleagues in the Senate and the President to join us in this vital effort.

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.

Staff Members from Congressman Robert Hurt's Office to Hold Local Office Hours in Brunswick, Campbell, Buckingham, and Charlotte Counties

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt's (R-Virginia) office will hold Local Office Hours in Brunswick, Campbell, Buckingham, and Charlotte Counties on Friday, January 22 to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. For more information, please visit our Local Office Hours Interactive Map.  In the event of inclement weather, please contact our Danville office at (434) 791-2596 or our Charlottesville office at (434) 973-9631 to confirm Local Office Hours will be held as scheduled.

Friday, January 22, 2016

9:00 to 11:00 am

Local Office Hours in Brunswick County

Brunswick County Administration Building, 3^rd Floor

228 North Main Street

Lawrenceville, VA

 

9:00 to 11:00 am

Local Office Hours in Campbell County

Campbell County Public Library- Rustburg Branch, Program Room

684 Village Highway

Rustburg, VA

 

1:00 to 3:00 pm

Local Office Hours in Buckingham County

Buckingham Administrative Building, Conference Room

13360 W James Anderson Hwy

Buckingham, VA

 

1:00 to 3:00 pm

Local Office Hours in Charlotte County

Charlotte County Administration Building, Conference Room

240 LeGrande Avenue, Suite A

Charlotte Court House, VA

 

Congressman Robert Hurt Votes To Strengthen Sanctions Against North Korea

 

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act, which would strengthen sanctions against North Korea:

"Last Wednesday, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.  While there is reason to believe North Korea lacks the technology to actually carry out this test, there is no doubt it was intended to provoke the West.  North Korea has watched while this Administration struck a dangerous nuclear agreement with Iran and indefinitely delayed sanctions for illegally testing ballistic missiles.  The President's foreign policy has undoubtedly emboldened the North Korean regime.  As we know, when America fails to lead, there are grave consequences.

"Under Article One of the Constitution, Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide for the defense of our great country.  Today, the House acted to send a clear message that the United States will not stand idly by as North Korea improves its nuclear program.  The North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act will prevent North Korea's access to hard currency and seize assets related to its nuclear proliferation, illicit activities, and human rights violations.  I was pleased to see this legislation pass the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I urge our colleagues in the Senate to consider this legislation expeditiously to send it to the President's desk.  I remain committed to working with my colleagues to enhance the necessary sanctions against North Korea and to do everything within our power to protect our national security."

Jan. 19TH - MCRW's 16th Annual Chili Festival

Former Delegate Mark J. Berg, M.D.   will be the Guest Speaker at the   January 19th   Madison County Republican Women's Meeting, 6:30-8:30 PM.     Beat the cold at MCRW's 16th Annual Chili Festival. Dinner: $8.     Everyone is invited to attend this informative meeting about Medicare and Medicaid.     Location: Madison Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1236 Fishback Road, Rt. 722 at the north traffic light.   For more information, please call (540) 923-4300.        

Congressman Robert Hurt's Statement on Congressman Scott Rigell’s Retirement

 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement in response to Congressman Scott Rigell's announcement that he will not seek re-election:

 

"Throughout his five years in Congress, Scott Rigell has demonstrated his commitment to public service by working diligently on behalf of the people of Virginia's Second District.  He came to Washington in 2010 to advance a commonsense, conservative agenda and to put our nation on a fiscally sustainable path, and he has been integral to the progress we have made.  It has been a pleasure working with Scott, and I wish him and his wife Teri the best as he returns to private life."

Quote of the Day

"By the way, a lot of questions are being asked about how our sailors were treated, why they didn't resist and whether they were ordered to comply with the Iranians. We notified the Iranians that a search and rescue operation was underway, yet they seized our sailors anyway.

"An Iranian official said that they had targeted the USS Harry Truman with radar systems and were prepared to fire. If true, that would be an extraordinarily hostile act that would ordinarily justify taking out those radar instillations.

"Some pundits are suggesting that we stepped back from the brink of war. I disagree completely. Based on the Iranian reaction and their interpretation of events, I think war is more likely. Read more in my opinion piece at the Washington Examiner."

Gary L. Bauer

Congressman Robert Hurt Responds to the President’s State of the Union Address

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama's annual State of the Union Address:

"I appreciate President Obama's coming to the Capitol tonight to deliver his final State of the Union Address to the Congress and to the American people.  While the President and the Congress are focused on the same objective – building a stronger America for our children and grandchildren – we have drastically different visions of how to achieve this goal.

"Today, the United States faces serious challenges: a sluggish economy defined by stagnant wages, an unsustainable fiscal path, and grave national security threats at home and abroad.  In the House, we have and will continue to pursue a bold, pro-growth jobs agenda that makes it easier for our small businesses to create the jobs we so desperately need.  We will continue to look for opportunities to reduce our nation's spending and to implement the necessary fiscal reforms to keep current programs solvent rather than allowing them to proceed on an unsustainable path.  We will continue to pass legislation to ensure our national security – like the legislation we passed earlier today with bipartisan support to strengthen sanctions against North Korea.  In the House of Representatives, we are working across the aisle to address these critical issues, and it is time for the President to join us.  He could have used his final State of the Union Address to present bipartisan legislative ideas or detail his strategy to defeat the Islamic State, but rather the American people heard more empty rhetoric from a President who has consistently failed to lead.

"For the last seven years, the President's legacy has been marked by executive overreach and refusal to heed the will of the American people.  It is my hope that in his final year as President, he will work with the Congress, rather than around us, to promote policies that will allow our farmers, our Main Street businesses, and our working families to succeed.  We have a tremendous opportunity to work in a bipartisan, bicameral way to advance real solutions to these challenges, and the President should join us in these efforts.  I look forward to finding the common ground the President spoke of tonight to build a stronger and safer America for future generations."

 

Senator Obenshain's Statement on Senate Committee Assignments

Jan. 13, 2016

Will Serve on Finance Committee and is Chairman of Courts of Justice Committee

RICHMOND - Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement today in response to Senate Committee assignments unanimously approved during the opening day of the 2016 General Assembly Session. Senator Obenshain was selected to serve on the following Senate Committees: Courts of Justice, Finance, Commerce and Labor, Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and Rules.

"I am delighted to continue my service on the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, Rules Committee, and Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees during Session.  The 26^th District is home to the largest agricultural producing area in the Commonwealth and I look forward to having a voice on issues impacting that industry.  My district is also seeing tremendous growth with economic development, and I want to continue to ensure Virginia is a business friendly Commonwealth," Obenshain said.

In addition to the Commerce and Labor, Rules, and Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees, Obenshain will also be Chairman of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and will have a seat on the Senate Finance Committee.  "I am pleased to be Chairman of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee this year, where we consider all legislation impacting our civil and criminal justice systems.  Serving on the Senate Finance Committee is an honor and a privilege. It is an opportunity to shape and define our priorities and to change the way government works here in Virginia. It is a tremendous opportunity to effectuate positive change as we fund the core services of our state government – education, public safety and transportation," added Obenshain.

Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Virginia Senate.  The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock and Rockingham (part).

Congressman Robert Hurt Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage I-73 Development

Thursday, January 14, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) recently introduced H. Res. 585, along with Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-Virginia), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia), Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia), and Congressman Tom Rice (R-South Carolina).  This resolution promotes a cooperative effort among states along the Interstate 73 corridor that would be beneficial to its development.  Speaking about the legislation, Congressman Hurt said:

"Southside Virginia has a proud history as our economic engine for the Commonwealth.  Unfortunately, too many of those jobs have disappeared, and persistent unemployment has negatively impacted the area.  I-73 could be a game-changing infrastructure initiative that has the potential to spur economic growth in a region of Virginia that has suffered the highest unemployment rates in Virginia.  By adopting this resolution, Congress will encourage the states along the corridor to engage in an interstate compact to facilitate the development of this project and allow these states to work together in their mutual interest.  This resolution will permit South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan to negotiate with each other to facilitate and coordinate the design, construction, financing, and operation of the I-73 corridor.  I thank Congressmen Adams, Comstock, Goodlatte, Griffith, and Rice for their support, and I am hopeful that we can encourage the states involved to continue advancing this job-creating infrastructure."

"The expansion of I-73 is a much needed investment in Guilford County and North Carolina," Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-North Carolina) added.  "I join many of my colleagues in neighboring states to support the development of the I-73 corridor.  This resolution demonstrates our bipartisan push to see this project come to fruition."

 

"I-73 will be an important avenue for commerce and economic development in Virginia and the Sixth District," Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia) stated.  "It has been my honor to work on behalf of my constituents to see I-73 become a reality, but until action is taken by the states to move forward with this project, the economic benefits of developing I-73 will continue to go unrealized.  This resolution helps to encourage the states to move forward with the development of this project."

 

"The I-73 project would allow for our area to improve our transportation hub, which would not only help us get goods into the southeast by improving the 220 corridor but would also take our natural distribution advantages and add the capacity to transport goods by road to the heart of the Great Lakes," Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia) said.  "In short, it would increase our significant position in the eastern United States for the distribution of goods.  I thank Congressman Hurt for his leadership on this issue, and will continue working with him, our colleagues, and local officials in Virginia on advancing the I-73 project."

 

"The last several months have been very productive for the I-73 project," Congressman Tom Rice (R-South Carolina) added.  "With passage of the highway bill, South Carolina's pathway on mitigation, and Congressional advocates in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina moving forward with efforts of coordination, I-73 is becoming a reality."

 

 

 

Forbes, Daines Highlight Resolution to Celebrate Religious Freedom Day

January 15, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) today highlighted their resolution to celebrate and reaffirm the role of religious freedom as a fundamental human and Constitutional right.
 
The resolution recognizes the 230th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and commemorates January 16, 2016 as Religious Freedom Day by an act of Congress. The Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom was authored by Thomas Jefferson and served as the model for the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. 
 
"America sets the standard across the globe for upholding the fundamental human right to hold and practice our beliefs," Daines stated. "Religious Freedom Day serves to remind every American that we are all free to live and work in accordance with our religious beliefs, without fear of government restrictions. With all the international and domestic unrest our society faces, this resolution reminds our country that for 230 years, we have stood strong for religious freedom and will continue doing so. Our founding documents will continue to endure and stand the test of time."
 
"As a Virginian and a former member of the Virginia General Assembly, I am proud of the legacy that Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom has given to our nation," Forbes stated. "For over 200 years, the American people have sought to protect the fundamental human right of religious freedom both at home and around the world. Today, it is critical that we continue to unite to protect this right for people of all faiths and no faith.  This Resolution reminds us of the many times throughout our history when Congress or the President have acted to reinforce the idea that religious freedom is central to a free society."

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Family Research Council Celebrates Release of Pastor Saeed Abedini and Americans Imprisoned by Iran

January 16, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins
released the following statement following the release of Pastor Saeed
Abedini and three other Americans imprisoned in Iran:

"Thank God! We celebrate with Naghmeh Abedini on the release of her
husband Pastor Saeed Abedini.

"For over three years, millions of Americans and people around the world
have made Pastor Abedini a focal point of their prayers and petitions.
The news of his release is made even more special because today is
January 16th which is commemorated as Religious Freedom Day in the
United States.

"We are grateful to the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle
who tirelessly advocated for the release of Pastor Abedini. Congress and
the American people clearly made the difference in engaging the Obama
administration to step up pressure on the Iranian government.

"Iran and the nations of the world must understand that we will not
leave behind any American who is in a foreign prison for simply standing
up for a God given human right. Pastor Abedini's imprisonment and
torture is a reminder of the vigilance required to preserve and promote
not just our First Freedom as Americans, but the basic human right of
the freedom of religion.

"Today is a day for rejoicing and we pray it will prompt the
administration to make the promotion of religious freedom a greater
priority, and do so by designating ISIS's attempts to exterminate
minority religious groups -- including Christians -- as genocide.

"The reality is that there are Christians and religious minorities
throughout the Middle East and around the world who look toward America,
hoping they are not forgotten and that someone will speak out on their
behalf," concluded Perkins.

Picture of the day: 15 January 2016

Mechaele Loraffe of Buchanan, Michigan, said she was on her way to work when she saw a breathtaking sunrise and pulled over to take a photograph. Her picture, which appears to show a cross on the horizon, is going viral since she shared it with WSBT meteorologists Matt Rudkin. Loraffe said that she only saw the cross after she took the photo.Picture: Mechaele Loraff via Facebook

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/12101018/Pictures-of-the-day-15-January-2016.html?frame=3550052

Congressman Robert Hurt Votes To Send Healthcare Law Repeal To The President’s Desk

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate Amendment to the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act:

"Over the last five years to this day, there is no issue about which I hear more from concerned Fifth District Virginians than the impact of the President's healthcare law.  Through these years, the House has repeatedly sought to repeal this misguided law and protect the American people from its harmful effects only to be stymied by the filibusters of Senate Democrats.  But now, we are sending a bill that will repeal this law to the President's desk.  A veto of this bill would mean that the President remains willfully blind to law's negative effects.  Whether it be the reduced working hours, the unsustainable increases in insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, or the inability for hardworking Americans to keep the plans they like, this law is fundamentally flawed.

"I am pleased that this is our first legislative vote of 2016 and that we are keeping faith with the American people as we prepare to continue the fight for their priorities.  It is my hope that the President will reconsider his announced veto-threat and listen to the American people.  In the House, we are listening.  Repealing this misguided law is a critical and long-overdue step in growing our economy and building a stronger America for our children and grandchildren."

Family Research Council Thanks Congress for Sending President Obama Bill Removing Taxpayer Funding

Family Research Council Thanks Congress for Sending President Obama Bill Removing Taxpayer Funding for Planned Parenthood, Repealing Parts of Obamacare

January 6, 2016

"If the President vetoes this bill, he alone will bear the moral responsibility," says FRC's Tony Perkins

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for sending to the President's desk a budget reconciliation bill dealing with funding for Planned Parenthood and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

The Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act would remove, for one year, most funding under several mandatory programs such as Medicaid for abortion entities, including Planned Parenthood. The bill would also repeal key provisions of Obamacare, which encourages subsidies for abortion coverage and threatens conscience protections.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following statement about this vote:

"Congress sent a clear message today to the President on behalf of unborn children, their mothers, and for taxpayers. Never before has Congress been able to send a bill to President Obama's desk ending the forced partnership between taxpayers and Planned Parenthood. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the many Members of Congress who made the protection of the unborn, and the repeal of pro-abortion, punitive mandates within Obamacare such a high priority.

"In their role as representatives of the people, Congress has spoken. It is now up to the President to decide whether to continue funding Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider which ended the lives of 323,999 innocent babies during their last reported fiscal year alone, or whether he will listen to the American people. If the President vetoes this bill, he alone will bear the moral responsibility for sending our tax dollars to a group that has allegedly engaged in the selling of baby body parts for profit.

"A critical precedent has now been set for moving a similar measure forward when America finally has a President who understands the value of every person, born and unborn. What has formerly been viewed as impossible has now been made much more possible, and we look forward to the day when a pro-life Congress sends a similar bill to a pro-life President to sign into law.

"We thank all of House Leadership, especially Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.), as well as the co-chairs of the House Values Action Team, Representatives Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), John Fleming (R-La.), and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), for their hard work and partnership with the Senate in making today's vote possible. Indeed, without the unified efforts of House and Senate Republicans, this historic precedent and victory would have been impossible," concluded Perkins.

Family Research Council's score letter can be found here: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF16A04.pdf

Snarling Obama Issues Gun Fatwa

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2016/01/05/snarling_obama_issues_gun_fatwa

Ben Franklin WARNED America About GUN-GRABBERS Like BHO 200 Years Ago

Pic of the Day

Scalia's Warning

By Gary L. Bauer

Justice Antonin Scalia, speaking to a Catholic high school over the weekend, reminded conservatives about the high stakes in America's culture war. He said God has blessed America because we have honored Him.

"God has been very good to us," Scalia said. "That we won the revolution was extraordinary. . . I think one of the reasons God has been good to us is that we have done him honor." The justice added that nothing in the Constitution requires the government to be indifferent or hostile to religious expression.

He said if the country wants an agnostic government, then the people should vote on it. But, Scalia warned, the left is now trying to "cram" aggressive secularism "down the throats of the American people" through the courts.

"To tell you the truth there is no place for that in our constitutional tradition," he said.

My friends, Justice Scalia is exactly right!

He also happens to be the longest-serving current justice on the Supreme Court, appointed 30 years ago this year by President Ronald Reagan. He turns 80 in March, and while I wish Justice Scalia many, many more happy birthdays, I know that someday he will no longer be on the Supreme Court.

These two issues alone -- the fate of religious liberty in America and the composition of the Supreme Court -- should cause every man and woman of faith to get off the sidelines and redouble their efforts to make sure our values prevail in America's culture war.

Staff Members from Robert Hurt's Office to Hold Local Office Hours in Fauquier and Greene Counties

Monday, January 4, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Staff members from Congressman Robert Hurt's (R-Virginia) office will hold Local Office Hours in Fauquier and Greene Counties on Friday, January 8 to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. For more information, please visit our Local Office Hours Interactive Map. 

Friday, January 8, 2016

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Local Office Hours in Fauquier County

Warren Green Building - 1st Floor Meeting Room

10 Hotel Street

Warrenton, VA

 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Local Office Hours in Greene County

Greene County Administration Building - Board Conference Room

40 Celt Road

Stanardsville, VA

 

Obama Has Absolutely NO Right To Talk Gun Control

http://conservativepost.com/why-obama-has-absolutely-no-right-to-talk-gun-control-meme/

Congressman Robert Hurt's December Monthly Video Report

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) today released his December Video Report.  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, once again, for tuning into our Monthly Video Report for the month of December.

 

"I hope that you and your family have enjoyed this season of peace and good will.  I also hope that you were able to take time during this holiday season to reflect upon the true blessings of American peace and prosperity and to reflect upon the heroic efforts of the members of our military, law enforcement, and intelligence communities that allow us to pursue the American dream in peace every day.  

 

"With that in mind, it was with great horror that we as a nation watched that very peace shattered in San Bernardino, California on the second day of December.  Our hearts pour out with sympathy and our prayers seek peace and strength for the victims and the families of this act of terror – this act of unimaginable evil.  Our admiration and thanks go to the fearless law enforcement officers and first responders who rushed to the scene to minister to the victims and who stopped the terrorists dead in their tracks.

 

"Coming on the heels of the Paris terror attack, the attack in San Bernardino must be a wake-up call to those in Washington who have refused to take the threat of Islamic terrorism and U.S. immigration security seriously.  In the aftermath of Paris, the House of Representatives passed legislation to stop the immigration of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States based upon the fact that our Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and our FBI Director Jim Comey cannot assure the American people that the Islamic State and other terrorists cannot gain access to our homeland through the refugee program.  The clock is ticking and now is the time for the Senate and the President to take up this legislation and pass it.  The American people deserve nothing less.

 

"In addition, this month, the House continued its effort to enhance our national security by passing the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act.  While the Islamic State has been successful in using refugee programs in other parts of the world to carry out its blood-thirsty agenda, there can be no question that they have sought and will continue to seek every means possible to carry out attacks here in the United States – including exploiting the Visa Waiver Program.  Adopted with bipartisan support, this legislation demands that any country participating in our program must meet enhanced U.S. background check standards and immediately suspend a country's ability to participate in the Visa Waiver Program for failure to meet those standards.  I was pleased to see this positive step forward securing our country's borders be signed into law, but there is much more that needs to be done, and I look forward to working with my colleagues continue to strengthen our borders and defeat the threat of Islamic terror here and abroad.

 

"On the domestic front, I was pleased to see the SHORE Act pass the House of Representatives with bipartisan support as part of a larger effort to promote energy independence in the United States.  Legislation that came to us from constituents concerned about the government's encroachment upon fundamental property rights, the SHORE Act would require that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission explicitly consider the private property rights of property owners when issuing licenses or enforcement actions on hydro-power projects at Smith Mountain Lake and other similar projects across the United States.  I thank my colleagues in the House for their support, and I hope the Senate will expeditiously consider this legislation and send it to the President's desk for signature.

 

"Perhaps the greatest honor for me during this month was the opportunity to host five ceremonies across the Fifth District recognizing the unique service of our Vietnam veterans.  Unfortunately, many of our Vietnam veterans were not welcomed home during the Vietnam era in the manner they deserved, and our individual thanks to these patriots is long overdue. And in the end, we know that it is because of their service -- along with the service of all of our veterans -- that we continue to live in the most free and prosperous nation the world has ever known, and we should seek every opportunity to show our gratitude for the sacrifices each has made in the name of freedom.

 

"As we approach the end of 2015 and the beginning of a new year, allow me to say how much we have appreciated your regular contact over the past year with our offices in Danville, Charlottesville, Farmville, and here in Washington.  Likewise, we are grateful for our opportunities to engage with you during our tele-town halls and our regular local office hours throughout the district.  Perhaps as much as anything, I appreciate the many personal visits that I have had with our constituents during our district work weeks.  I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of the Fifth District as we have visited with you in your neighborhoods, in your workplaces, and your places of worship.  Thank you for your hospitality over the past year, and I wish each and every one a happy and prosperous 2016.

 

"In closing, please remember that if we may ever be of service to you in any way be sure to contact one of our district offices or 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 Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

"Once again, thank you for tuning in to our December Monthly Video Report."