FRC and Charlotte Lozier Institute Expose Abortion Coverage in Obamacare Plans

November 17, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the Family Research Council and Charlotte Lozier Institute released information about abortion coverage in Obamacare plans for the 2016 enrollment period at ObamacareAbortion.com. The website informs site visitors about which plans in their state cover abortion on demand. Findings for this current enrollment period include:

• Nationally, of all plans being offered on the exchange, an estimated 59% (around 1,106 plans) cover abortion on demand.
• 2 states have abortion-only plan options (Hawaii, Vermont).
• 8 states including the District of Columbia have 85% or more of the exchange plans covering abortion on demand.
• 8 additional states have about 50% to 85% of the exchange plans covering abortion on demand.

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

"By updating ObamacareAbortion.com for this current enrollment period, we are doing our best to inform Americans about abortion coverage in Obamacare plans -- which is something the Obama administration has failed to do.

"A‎lthough this information should be readily available state-by-state to consumers before they purchase plans, our organizations had to research each issuer in each state individually because many insurers have not provided this basic information. Oftentimes, the information was not evident on plan documents and representatives gave us conflicting information or even refused to reveal abortion coverage altogether.

"Imagine being told you must first buy a flat-screen TV before you find out its specifications. No buyer would stand for that. Why then, are insurers getting away with concealing from consumers vital information about abortion coverage and whether or not they will be forced to pay into life-destructive plans?

"As in previous years, the Obamacare exchanges lack transparency, often lack abortion-free options for many Americans, and continue to force taxpayers to pay for coverage of abortion on demand. This violates the moral objections of tens of millions of Americans, and must change,"concluded Grossu.

Caring for Our Veterans

Congressman Robert Hurt's Weekly Column

11/16/2015

 

This past week, as our nation came together on Veterans Day to honor those who have served our country, I traveled across the Fifth District and talked with many of Virginia's brave veterans.  In addition to attending several Veterans Day events, I visited McGuire VA Medical Center, the Salem VA Medical Center, and three Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, more commonly known as CBOCs, in Danville, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville.

 

As in the past, I was impressed with the healthcare providers with whom we met.  They genuinely care about the veterans they see, and they want to provide the highest level of care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.  I am grateful for their commitment to that goal.

 

Some providers expressed the concern that bureaucratic paperwork required by the VA often prevents them from efficiently and effectively delivering the care their patients require.  Because the culture of paper-pushing exists at the macro and micro levels, this bureaucracy stands in the way at every step of the process, right down to the doctor-patient relationship.  Over the years, most of the veterans I have spoken with value the high level of care they receive, but they also often express frustration with all of the red tape that goes along with accessing healthcare.

 

In some respects, I believe we have made strides in reforming the way our veterans receive the healthcare they have earned, but we still have a long way to go.  VA healthcare providers and the veterans with whom I spoke this week explained that while the Veterans Choice Program is a well-intentioned program aimed at speeding up access to care, there are problems with efficiency in this new model that must be addressed.

 

While the "40-Mile" Rule was created to allow veterans residing over 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility to receive care outside the VA system, the system in place for identifying these providers and for setting up appointments often results in having veterans having to drive even further than the VA facility for care and in having appointments set beyond the time that would have been set by a VA facility. 

 

We must continue to work to serve our veterans more efficiently, and it is our responsibility to make sure they receive the highest level of care.  That is why Representative Tim Walz (D-Minnesota) and I introduced the Veterans Administration Legislative and Objective Review (VALOR) Act in July.  If adopted, this legislation would require that the Department of Veterans Affairs undergo a biannual, independent audit by a non-governmental entity.  This bill would provide an outside perspective in identifying the problems at the VA and would offer solutions to solve these problems on an ongoing basis.

 

As we continue to work to implement effective long-term solutions, I encourage our veterans and our active-duty members of the armed services to contact our office if we may ever be of assistance in dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal agency.

 

I am grateful to all of the veterans who took the time to meet with me this week.  I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Virginia's Fifth District, and I remain fully committed to ensuring that our veterans who have given the most receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.

 

Finally, last week we witnessed horrific acts of terror committed in Paris.  America stands firmly with France and resolute in our fight against terrorism.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families and with the entire nation. 

 

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.

FRC Urges Supreme Court to Protect Women by Upholding Texas Abortion Facilities Law

November 13, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Whole Woman's Health v. Cole, a case in which the constitutionality of a Texas law (H.B. 2) upholding health and safety standards at abortion facilities in that state has been challenged. The Texas law requires that abortion facilities be held to the same standard as surgical centers and that abortionists must have admitting privileges at a local hospital not further than thirty miles from the abortion facility.

Arina Grossu, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, released the following statement:

"I urge the Supreme Court justices to decide in favor of women's health and uphold the current regulations in Texas for the state's abortion facilities. We commend the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for upholding a law that puts the health and safety of vulnerable women first and urge the nation's highest court to recognize the validity of H.B. 2.

"The health and safety of women must remain at the forefront of the Supreme Court's decision. Abortionist Kermit Gosnell's facility was not inspected for seventeen years, and as a result one woman died there and others were injured, in addition to the countless babies who suffered cruel deaths at his hands. Abortion facilities must not get a free pass. The Texas law protects women by requiring that abortion facilities and abortionists be held to the same standards and regulations as other health facilities. The state has a vested interest in protecting the health and safety of women and their children," concluded Grossu.

E.W. JACKSON SAYS INNER CITY PROBLEMS ARE SPIRITUAL AND HOLDS CHRISTIAN AWAKENING SUMMITS FOR PASTORS THROUGHOUT VIRGINIA TO FIND SOLUTIONS

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Richmond, Virginia-Former Lt. Governor candidate in Virginia, Bishop E.W. Jackson, is hosting Pastor meetings throughout the state under the banner of MINISTERS TAKING A STAND, a subsidiary of his nonprofit foundation, STAND - Staying True to America's National Destiny. The group has a major focus on helping black Pastors address the problems confronting the inner city, such as the spike in murders and gang violence. The third summit will be held in Richmond on November 18. The first two were in Virginia Beach and Newport News in October.

 

Says Bishop Jackson, "The government has failed to solve the problems of poverty, crime and violence in urban America. The real solutions, with God's help, will come from within the community, not from outside."

 

The Pastors are being given tools to train and activate their members to get involved in the public policy arena. They are urging them to register to vote and to vote their Christian values rather than race and party. "We are not trying to get black Christians to be Republicans," says Jackson. "We are urging them to think biblically rather than seeing life through the lens of race or political party. The bottom line is that we need an awakening to the responsibility of Pastors and Christians to engage the culture, not withdraw from it. Thank God, it's happening."

 

Jackson has spoken to hundreds of Pastors across Virginia and thousands across the country. They are joining MINISTERS TAKING A STAND. Its mission is "To unite Pastors and Christian leaders of all races and backgrounds to fight for the biblical heritage and values of our country, our Constitution and the American vision of one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 

STAND has a plan for addressing the problems of the inner city and is urging Presidential candidates to embrace private sector solutions of entrepreneurship and small business development, and to partner with churches and educational institutions. Some of the topics discussed at the Summits are Rebuilding the Family, Reestablishing Manhood, the Relevance of the Church to Inner City Crime, and Drugs and Violence. After the Richmond Summit, Bishop Jackson will host several more in Virginia in the coming weeks, with the next in Northern Virginia on December 10.

 

The Richmond Christian Awakening Summit will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at Victory Life Fellowship Church, 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. in Richmond from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Pastors and Christian leaders throughout the Richmond area are invited. Breakfast and lunch will be served free of charge, but attendees must register in advance on our website.You can also R.S.V.P. for the Richmond summit below:

Congressman Forbes Applauds Supreme Court Decision to Hear Obamacare Challenges from Faith-Based Organizations

November 9, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision on Friday to hear challenges from faith-based nonprofits to the Affordable Care Act's Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate, which requires religious ministries and nonprofits to provide insurance coverage for potentially abortion-inducing drugs:

"Essential to human dignity is the ability to live by one's moral convictions and not be coerced by the government to compromise those convictions. As Americans, we don't check our faith at the door when we enter the public square. Forcing faith-based organizations to provide coverage that they deem morally objectionable – or pay punitive fines – contradicts this core, constitutional right. I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to hear these challenges to Obamacare's HHS mandate and urge a decisive reinforcement of every American's freedom to live and work according to their beliefs without fear of punishment by the government."

The challenges the Supreme Court agreed to hear include parts of seven different cases from religious non-profit institutions, including the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order of Catholic nuns who have dedicated their lives to serving the elderly poor, and five Christian colleges in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania that are seeking to live by the same faith that drives the mission and teaching of their educational institutions.

Congressman Forbes is the Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group of members who engage the legislative process to protect free exercise for Americans of any faith or no faith.

Clinton's Contract

By Gary L. Bauer

The day after Hillary Rodham Clinton became secretary of state in 2009, she signed a contract with the American people, not figuratively, but literally.

She signed a Sensitive Compartmented Information Nondisclosure Agreement -- a contract acknowledging that she held a very special position that would put her in possession of extremely important information. Information that had to be handled with the utmost care.

The contract is very clear. It states in part, "I have been advised that the unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized retention, or negligent handling of [sensitive compartmented information] by me could cause irreparable injury to the United States or be used to advantage by a foreign nation."

Mrs. Clinton has defended herself by saying that none of the information she received on her private, unsecured server was ever marked classified. That defense may not hold up. The burden was on her to know whether it was classified or not.

Again, from the contract she signed: "I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with appropriate management authorities in the Department . . . in order to ensure that I know whether information or material within my knowledge or control that I have reason to believe might be SCI."

As one former counterterrorism official put, "[Top secret, sensitive compartmented information] is very serious and specific information that jumps out at you and screams 'classified.' It's hard to imagine that in her position she would fail to recognize the obvious."

Now that this contract is public, will the FBI, the Justice Department and the media will hold the former secretary of state to the same standard as General David Petraeus, former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger, former CIA Director John Deutch and former State Department official Peter Van Buren?

Delegate Rob Bell: Convicted Murderer Seeks Early Release from McAuliffe

This week the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Governor McAuliffe is reviewing a request by murderer Jens Soering for early release.
 
Soering and his girlfriend Elizabeth Haysom were U.Va. students who in 1985 decided to murder her parents, Derek and Nancy Haysom.  To create an alibi, they bought two tickets to a movie and kept the stubs.  Soering then drove a rental car down to Bedford.  He ate dinner with the Haysoms, then stabbed Mr. Haysom 36 times and Mrs. Haysom 8 times, killing them both.
 
It was only extraordinary police work by Bedford Deputy Ricky Gardner that broke the case.  Gardner checked the rental car odometer, which showed the distance from Washington D.C. to Bedford.  When Gardner asked Soering for a blood sample, Soering stalled, and then fled the country with Elizabeth.  They obtained false papers and went on an international crime spree, traveling to Yugoslavia, Bangkok, and Moscow, before finally being arrested in England for check fraud. 
 
Soering initially confessed, but then fought extradition, and was only released to Virginia authorities after the prosecutor agreed not to seek the death penalty.  Soering was ultimately sentenced by a Bedford County jury to two life sentences.  During the investigation, it was revealed that Soering had plotted to kill Deputy Gardner to stop the investigation.
 
Soering's father was a powerful German diplomat and Soering has always had access money.  Since his convictions, he has used his connections and resources to file appeal after appeal in state and federal courts.  With these finally exhausted, he has turned his efforts to repatriation to Germany, where he would be assured of a prompt release.  In 2009, Governor Kaine agreed to repatriation, but this was revoked by Governor McDonnell.  At the time, 75 delegates – Republicans and Democrats – signed a letter to Eric Holder opposing the transfer.
 
Soering now seeks repatriation from Governor McAuliffe and has demanded an in-person meeting.
 
For 30 years the Haysom family has been without their loved ones, and Soering's request also raises issues of fundamental fairness.  Soering carefully planned his crime with Elizabeth, arranged for an alibi, brutally murdered two Virginians, discussed murdering the investigator, and then fled the country.  He was convicted of premeditated murder.  As of 2013, there were 3,251 inmates serving time in Virginia for 1^st degree or capital murder.  Many were foreign nationals, and no one is suggesting they should be released early.  The only reason we are even discussing Soering is because he has such powerful and wealthy friends.  Given the vile and heinous nature of his crime, he should spend the rest of his life behind bars.
 
I hope you will contact Governor McAuliffe here and oppose Soering's release. 
 
When President Clinton pardoned billionaire financier Marc Rich (whose wife had made huge donations to the Clinton  library), McAuliffe said ''If I were president I wouldn't have done it."  The premeditated murders committed by Soering are much more serious than Rich's crimes.  McAuliffe now has a chance to prove he meant what he said.  Please write him to do the right thing.
  
Sincerely,

Rob Bell
Delegate, 58th District

Congressman Robert Hurt's October Monthly Video Report

Friday, November 6, 2015

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

 

"The month of October proved to be very busy here in Washington.  Perhaps the most significant piece of business surrounded the leadership changes which resulted in the election of Paul Ryan from Wisconsin as the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Under our Constitution, the Speaker is third in line to the presidency and has the most important responsibility of leading the House as it works to make the laws of this great nation.  I believe Speaker Ryan is uniquely qualified to unite our majority conference and to open up the legislative process so that it encourages more transparency, more collaboration, and more accountability to the people of the United States.  I believe the years that Speaker Ryan has spent working on the existential challenges facing our nation – especially as it relates to U.S. debt and deficits – give him tremendous credibility in using this office to actually solve these problems.  I also believe that this new post will offer him the opportunity to set out and clearly articulate a results-oriented agenda that will limit the size and scope of government, protect our freedoms, and promote jobs and opportunity across America.  I am glad that we are now able to get back to the business of the people who sent us here to do their work.

 

"Among the substantive legislation we dealt with this month was revisiting the issue the President's healthcare law and the effect it is having on Fifth District families, our small businesses, and our family farms.  As I travel across our district, we continue to hear about the negative impacts this law is having in the form of higher health insurance premiums, higher co-pays and deductibles, lost work hours, and fewer choices among providers and among health insurance policies. In fact, just last week we learned that Virginians with Benchmark Plans under the President's healthcare law will once again see their monthly premiums rise next year.  This is why the House took up and passed with bipartisan support the Restore Americans Freedom Reconciliation Act which would repeal several of the most harmful policies within the President's healthcare law -- including both the individual and employer mandates and the medical device tax. Because this legislation is part of the budget reconciliation process and is not subject to the Senate filibuster rule, it is my hope that the Senate will take up this bill as soon as possible and send it to the President for his consideration.

 

"Also this month, I was pleased to be able to continue to work with Congressman Forbes and Wittman and Senators Warner and Kaine in continuing to advocate for expediting the construction of the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center at Fort Pickett, the Army National Guard training facility in Nottoway, Dinwiddie, and Brunswick Counties.  The importance of this facility was highlighted this month with the testimony of former Secretary of State Clinton before the House Select Committee on Benghazi, as the committee seeks find out once and for all exactly what happened on September 11, 2012 that resulted in the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.  The House of Representatives has a profound constitutional responsibility in conducting oversight in this matter, and it is disappointing that the Administration and the former Secretary of State have spent the last three years stonewalling the oversight efforts by the Congress.  I commend Chairman Trey Gowdy for his relentless pursuit of the truth and hope and pray that the results of this investigation will ultimately lead to policies that will ensure the safety of our foreign diplomatic corps in the future.  Certainly, expediting the construction of the training center at Fort Pickett is an important step towards achieving that goal.

 

"Along the same lines, this month the people of Altavista and Campbell County gave thanks for the life of a young veteran named Kevin Mason.  An Altavista native and 10-year Air Force veteran, Mr. Mason was tragically killed military transport plane crash in Afghanistan.  I was proud to be able to be able to attend his funeral service and pay respects to his memory.  Our prayers continue to be with the Mason family.

 

"Finally, we are looking forward to observing Veteran's Day back in the district as it provides an excellent opportunity to thank those who have served this nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.  In addition, in early December, we look forward to hosting a series of five commemorative ceremonies across the Fifth District specifically recognizing our Vietnam veterans as we observe the 50th Anniversary of the commencement of combat operations in the Vietnam War.  If you, or a Vietnam Veteran you know, is interested in participating in one of these commemorative events, please visit our website hurt.house.gov, and look for our Vietnam War Commemoration page under Fifth District Services.

 

"In conclusion, 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 October Monthly Video Report."

Fwd: FRC's Perkins Welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Visit to U.S.

November 7, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Returning from a two-week trip to Israel, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins today said he is looking forward to next week's visit by Israeli P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu. While in Israel, Perkins led a FRC sponsored tour that not only visited sites important to Jews and Christians, but heard from a number of political and religious leaders on geopolitical issues impacting Israel and the Middle East. Perkins also delivered a keynote speech at the Jerusalem Leadership Summit on Wednesday night.

Perkins made the following statement as America prepares to welcome the Israeli Prime Minister:

"I greatly look forward to Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. and to hear what he has to share with the American people. Our relationship with Israel has been rocky throughout the Obama presidency, but never more than in recent months given the dangerous deal struck by President Obama with Iran over that country's attempted development of nuclear weapons.

"Those feeling ambivalent about supporting the Jewish state need to understand Israel's strategic importance to the United States. Israel is a vital ally and the only democracy in the Middle East.

"Given Israel's loyalty to the United States, her geographic centrality in a vast region in which America clearly has security concerns, her military alliance with America, and her now almost seven-decade history of representative self-government, respect for religious liberty, the U.S. has both a moral and a strategic obligation to stand with the Jewish state. Israel is an island of liberty in a sea of repression and authoritarianism.

"If we want peace in the Middle East, it starts with Israel's enemies finally acknowledging two basic things: Israel's right to exist and to exist as a Jewish state. Until those hurdles are cleared, I fear that supposedly incremental progress will lead only to ongoing conflict.

"Our relationship with Israel must always remain unshakable and Bible-believing Christians must do their part to insure we select a President in 2016 that is committed to that vital relationship with Israel," Perkins concluded.

The text of Perkins' speech in Jerusalem can be viewed here: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF15K25.pdf

Fwd: Family Research Council Urges Supreme Court to Respect Religious Liberty in Upcoming HHS Mandate Cas

November 6, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review in a group of cases involving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' regulatory mandate and accounting gimmick in which religious non-profits are forced to violate their beliefs by providing employees with drugs and devices that can destroy a human life.

Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, made the following statement in response:

"The willingness of the Obama Administration to disregard moral objections on the critical issues of life and death is deeply troubling. It is encouraging to see the Supreme Court take these cases, and imperative that the Justices get this issue right."

Family Research Council's Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, added:

"I urge the Justices to respect the rights of these religious organizations to practice their religion, which includes not being forced to offer drugs and devices that they find morally objectionable.

"These religious non-profits do a lot of great humanitarian work, yet have been threatened with crippling fines because they object to operating against their moral principles. The HHS mandate accounting gimmick threatens freedom of religion, a principle upon which America was founded.

"Our religious freedom laws provide protections for people of all faiths, in a variety of contexts. The Little Sisters of the Poor, Priests for Life, Christian colleges and universities, and other religious non-profits which morally object to providing drugs and devices that can cause abortions clearly fall within the realm of these protections," Weber concluded.

Congressman Forbes Recognized as a Champion of Healthcare Innovation By National Healthcare Leaders

November 5, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) was recognized as a "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" by The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nation's premier healthcare companies and organizations, at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on November 3, 2015.

"As we strive to conquer illness, elevate population health and make our healthcare system more affordable and sustainable, the answer lies in dynamic and continual innovation," said Healthcare Leadership Council President Mary R. Grealy. "For this to happen, we need federal policies that encourage progress and new breakthroughs in care. We applaud Representative Randy Forbes for the leadership, vision, and commitment that patients and healthcare consumers need."

"Healthcare should center not only on treating diseases, but also on curing and preventing them," said Congressman Forbes. "To accomplish this, it is critical that government serves as a catalyst for discovery, unleashing innovation and investing in medical research. Receiving the 'Champion of Healthcare Innovation' Award is an honor, and I will continue to work to push our country to a patient-centric system, where people come before politics, and innovation— not bureaucracy – drives America's healthcare policies."

The award presentation took place at the Council's annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in healthcare technologies, treatments, and practices. 

Congressman Robert Hurt Questions Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen at Financial Services Committee Hearing

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after a Financial Services Committee hearing with Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on the Federal Reserve's supervision and regulation of the financial system:

"The Dodd-Frank Act required the President to nominate – subject to Senate confirmation – a Vice-Chair of Supervision to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.  Over the past five years, banks of all sizes – and particularly our community banks -- have struggled to deal with the extraordinary costs of increased bank supervision by the Federal Reserve.  In light of the importance of implementing a balanced and tailored supervision regime that recognizes that one size does not fit all, it is remarkable that the President continues to fail to follow the law he championed and that the President continues to deprive the Congress of participating in the appointment of this important position."

 

 

Click on the image above or click here for video of Congressman Hurt questioning Chair Yellen on the Federal Reserve's Vice Chair of Supervision vacancy.

 

Congressman Robert Hurt Announces Ceremonies To Recognize Vietnam Veterans For Their Sacrifice

Thursday, November 5, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) today announced a series of five recognition ceremonies across Virginia's Fifth District to honor veterans who served our country during the Vietnam war era:

 

"In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, I am honored to host recognition ceremonies in South Hill, Danville, Bedford, Charlottesville, and Warrenton to recognize the brave men and women who served our country during this critical period in our history.  Upon leaving their small towns and loving families to defend their nation, they took on the responsibility of protecting our freedoms and served courageously with the sole purpose of preserving peace.  It is my hope these ceremonies will provide an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of our veterans, who are indeed our peacemakers. We remain forever grateful for their service and selflessness in the name of liberty.

 

"If you, or a veteran you know, would like to be recognized, please register on our website or call our Danville office.  I look forward to honoring the brave men and women who so selflessly served our country."

 

NOTE: These ceremonies are free public events for Vietnam Era Veterans and their families and will feature a congressional recognition and a commemorative pinning.  Veterans, who served at any point between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975 and currently live in Virginia's Fifth District, can register online here.  Please note registration must be received by November 30, 2015.  For questions or to register by phone, please call Congressman Hurt's Danville office at (434) 791-2596.  

 

Commemoration Ceremonies for Vietnam Veterans

South Hill

December 4, 2015 at 10 a.m.

American Legion Post 79

213 Brook Avenue

South Hill, VA 23970

 

Danville

December 4, 2015 at 1 p.m.

American Legion Post 325

135 American Legion Blvd.

Danville, VA 24540

 

Bedford

December 4, 2015 at 4 p.m.

American Legion Post 54

231 W. Depot Street

Bedford, VA 24523

 

Charlottesville

December 7, 2015 at 10 a.m.

American Legion Post 74

3025 Louisa Road

Keswick, VA 22947

 

Warrenton

December 7, 2015 at 2 p.m.

American Legion Post 72

345 Legion Drive

Warrenton, VA 20186

 

Congressman Robert Hurt Votes To Preserve Retirement Security

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Retail Investor Protection Act, which would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to defer to the expertise of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rather than apply its own proposed fiduciary rule:

 

"The Department of Labor's 1,000 page proposed rule will harm investors by diminishing their access to financial advice, reducing consumer choice, and increasing costs for folks looking to save for their retirement. This proposal will undoubtedly make it more difficult for hardworking Americans, especially folks who are starting to save or who have lower account balances to save for retirement, yet the DOL seems to be ignoring that urgent message expressed by both savers and financial advisors.

 

"In fact, the SEC, not the DOL, is designated by Congress to oversee and regulate the conduct of those who provide investment advice.  We should allow for the SEC to propose a course of action and debate it on its merits. This bill will require that the DOL defer to the SEC.  I am proud to support this bill and pleased to see it pass the House with bipartisan support today.  It is my hope that the Senate and the President will work with us to ensure that hardworking Americans will have the ability and freedom to properly plan for their futures."

 

Forbes, Lankford Send Letter in Support of High School Coach’s Freedom to Pray with Students

October 28, 2015                              

Washington, DC- Rep. J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) and Senator James Lankford (OK), Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, sent a letter to the Superintendent of Bremerton School District and Principal of Bremerton High School. Since 2008, the assistant High School football coach has a tradition of praying at the fifty yard line after the conclusion of school football games. At times, students have chosen to pray with him.  After seven years, however, the Bremerton School District ordered him to stop these prayers. 

Following the team's homecoming game on October 16, Coach Kennedy knelt by himself to pray after the game. He was voluntarily joined by a crowd of others, including coaches and members of the opposing team. On October 23, the District told him if he repeated his tradition of praying, his actions would be "grounds for discipline, up to and including discharge from District employment." 

Today, Congressman Forbes and Senator Lankford led 47 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the District, arguing that the District's high school football coach's non-coercive tradition of personally praying after the conclusion of games is not a violation of the Establishment Clause.  

The Member letter contends that Coach Kennedy's prayers do not pose an Establishment Clause concern because the prayers occur after the conclusion of the game and are optional: "[T]he mere act of a single individual kneeling alone after the conclusion of a game to quietly pray coerces no one, even when that individual is a school employee. That others may choose to join him of their own free will is irrelevant, and an exercise of their own constitutional freedoms."

A PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:

October 27, 2015

Aaron Leavell                                                                                John Polm
Superintendent, Bremerton School District                                        Principal, Bremerton High School
134 Marion Avenue N.                                                                    1500 13th St.
Bremerton, WA 98312                                                                    Bremerton, WA 98337

Dear Superintendent Leavell and Principal Polm,

We write to express our concern over reports that the Bremerton School District views Coach Joseph Kennedy's tradition of quietly praying at the fifty yard line after the conclusion of school football games as unlawful under the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution.

Among the most basic rights that Americans enjoy are the free exercise of religion, free speech, and the freedom of association.  The Establishment Clause exists to ensure that the government cannot affirmatively impose or elevate one religion over another.  However, it does not prohibit the government from referencing religion altogether, nor does it require that government officials proactively scrub all references of religion from the public square.  Rather, the Establishment Clause ensures both that the government does not show preference to a certain religion, and that the government does not take away an individual's ability to exercise religion.

The Supreme Court recently stated, "It is an elemental First Amendment principle that government may not coerce its citizens to support or participate in any religion or its exercise."  Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S. Ct. 1811 (2014). The Court went on to state that "an Establishment Clause violation is not made out any time a person experiences a sense of affront from the expression of contrary views . . . ."  Id. 

These guiding principles from the Court were written in the context of a challenge to a small town's practice of opening legislative sessions with prayer. The challengers did not like that most of the prayers offered were Christian in nature, even though participation was voluntary and anyone was welcome to offer a prayer.  However, the Court rejected the feeble argument that a reasonable observer would believe that the government was favoring Christianity over other religions.  The content of what was volunteered was irrelevant, so long as all were welcome. 

These crucial principles are no less applicable here.  The Supreme Court has made clear that the voluntary observance of a brief prayer at the beginning of a legislative session—a tradition that is also embraced by both the United States Senate and House of Representatives—does not in and of itself present an Establishment Clause problem.  Likewise, the mere act of a single individual kneeling alone after the conclusion of a game to quietly pray coerces no one, even when that individual is a school employee.  That others may choose to join him of their own free will is irrelevant, and an exercise of their own constitutional freedoms.

The District acknowledged in its letter to Coach Kennedy's legal counsel that he "is free to engage in religious activity, including prayer, even while on duty, so long as doing so does not interfere with performance of his job duties, and does not constitute District endorsement of religion."  We would urge you to also consider the fact that Coach Kennedy's personal actions are not only non-coercive, but also admirable and respectable as they represent his commitment to the welfare of the young men on his team.

The Establishment Clause does not require quarantining private, non-coercive religious expression to private quarters or off-duty hours.  Thank you for your service to the students and families of Bremerton.

Sincerely,

J. Randy Forbes
Member of Congress

James Lankford
United States Senator