Blog: Amnesty is Not the Answer

Statement

Happy Fourth of July

As we gather with family an friends on this Fourth of July to enjoy parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays, let us remember why we celebrate Independence Day. More than 200 years ago, a brave group of men acted in defiance of a tyrant king and produced one of the most cherished symbols of freedom in history. It is important to reflect upon these ideals and give thanks for those who have died to protect them.

In the words of President Ronald Reagan, "freedom is never more that one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Amnesty is not the solution

Last week, the Senate passed an immigration bill that dramatically alters current immigration law. I strongly oppose this legislation, which provides amnesty for 11 million illegal aliens, weakens current enforcement laws, and is full of special interest provisions.

I don't want to see another Obamacare. We are already experiencing what happens when Congress passes a massive bill without knowing what's in it, and last week the Senate repeated that mistake. Illegal immigration is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, but amnesty is not the solution. Securing the border is one of my top priorities, and I recently introduced the "Support More Assets, Resouces and Technology on the Border Act" (the SMART Border Act.)

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Opposing Obama's climate change agenda

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Offshore Energy and jobs Act, and the Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreements Authorization Act, to increase American energy production, create jobs, and revitalize our economy. The Obama Administration has blocked access to 85 percent of our resource-rich offshore areas. Last week's legislation is a major step toward lifting these harmful bans to put us on the path toward energy independence.

In addition, I introduced legislation to repeal a job-killing energy policy that increases U.S. dependence on foreign oil. This bipartisan measure repeals a provision of the Energy independence and Security Act that prohibits the U.S. government, including our military, from purchasing certain types of fuel. It is a common sense provision to lessen our reliance on unstable and unfriendly regimes while putting Americans back to work. It's time to put an end to partisan games that hinder American energy independence and delay true "shovel-ready" projects.

Excellence in education

Last week, I met with school administrators of the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, which has been recognized as one of the top 120 "Schools to Watch" by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform (NFAMGR). Each year, the NFAMGR selects "academically excellent" schools who best prepare students to be ready for college, career, and citizenship with this esteemed award.

I began my career in public service on the Marietta City School Board, and I will continue working to ensure that our students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and compete for tomorrow's jobs.

Veteran's workshop coming to Canton

To assist local veterans and help them navigate the VA's claims processing system, my office is in the process of working with community groups to organize veteran's outreach workshops. As we must continue to provide the highest quality of care available to our veterans, these outings will be directed at helping them understand how to navigate the VA's claims processing system and receive their benefits in a more timely fashion.

The first workshop will be taking place in Canton on July 24 at the Cherokee County court house from 9-12 p.m. Please contact one of my district offices for more information.

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