e-News 2/6/15

Statement

The President's Proposal: A Budget That Never Balances

The president is required by law to develop and submit a budget proposal each and every year. President Obama did just that this week but the document he sent to Congress reads more like a political "wish list" than a thoughtful blueprint for America's future.

That's why it was so disturbing that the Administration submitted yet another budget request that is focused on the same tired agenda that has failed to deliver for American families - more spending, more taxes and more debt. The proposal contains no solutions to address the drivers of our ongoing deficits, and no plan to modernize and simplify our entire tax code to help foster economic growth and create jobs.

As we have seen over the past several years, that approach will yield less opportunity for the working families of New Jersey and additional debt that threatens both our future prosperity and our national security.

A budget that never balances is not a serious plan for our country. Especially when we have to borrow money from our children and grandchildren just to afford the programs we already have.

In the weeks ahead, Congress will be working on its own budget proposal which will address our government's spending problem and protect our national security.

ACA: We need a system that puts the patient first

I have long supported genuine health care reform -- changes that make health care more affordable and accessible. I have not supported the President's version of reform which is driving up costs and putting the government between patients and their doctors.

This week, the House of Representatives took a stand against the job killing, costly regulations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by voting to repeal the law. Since ACA was enacted, it has failed American families and small business by raising taxes, discouraging hiring, and lowering hours and wages for employees. In addition, millions of Americans have been forced to leave their preferred healthcare plans, pay higher premiums, and are unable to keep their doctors despite repeated promises from President Obama.

We need a new system. We need a system that puts the patient first - one that controls costs through competition and expands coverage by choice, not coercion.

Getting the Government "Off the backs" of Small Businesses

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 7 out of every 10 new jobs come from a small business. That means by now half of America's work force goes to work every day in a small business every day. But they worry about their jobs, because small businesses have to pay about $11,000 per employee to comply with federal regulations, according to the SBA, and that number is only going up.

This week, the House passed H.R. 527, the Small Business Regulatory Improvements Act. The legislation strengthens and modernizes the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), which requires agencies to assess the impact of rules and regulations on small business and consider possible alternatives. In the 35 years since the RFA was enacted, agencies have exploited loopholes to get around the good-government intentions of the original legislation. The Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act closes those loopholes by requiring more detailed analysis of proposed regulations, providing greater opportunity for small business input, and ensuring agencies regularly review regulations already on the books for their economic impact on small businesses.

In 2011, President Obama proclaimed, "My Administration is firmly committed to eliminating excessive and unjustified burdens on small businesses, and the ensuring that regulations are designed with careful consideration of their effects, including their cumulative effects, on small businesses." Agencies should "give serious consideration to whether and how...to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses, through increased flexibility."

Small businesses help millions of families put a roof over their heads, food on the table, and plan for the future. President Obama should sign this bill into law.

Ukraine -- About to Be Lost -- Needs American Help Now!

Battling rebels, perhaps fighting side by side with Russian soldiers, Ukraine's military, is in desperate need of better weapons. With heavy weapons and plenty of ammunition, the Russian-backed separatists have momentum.

The President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, has repeatedly asked the Obama Administration to go beyond MREs, bandages, tents and night vision goggles and provide "lethal' aid in their escalating battle with Russia.

It has been said that Vladimir Putin's goal is "to keep Ukraine out of NATO and Keep NATO out of Ukraine." In this context, I wrote again this week to President Obama, and three times in the last year, urging him to grant "Major Non-NATO Ally" status to Ukraine. This is the third time in less than one year that I have urged the Administration for a declaration that would allow the U.S. to deliver excess defense articles to the Ukrainian military and enter into bilateral training agreements. MREs, tents and blankets will not turn the tide against Russia's military might. As the Russian military trains and equips separatists, Ukraine needs lethal assistance to protect its people and its independence.

But so far, calls for arms and munitions to Ukraine have gone unheeded.

Foreign Fighters Dominate Raqqa Islamic State Stronghold. It is worth the read from the Thursday Wall Street Journal.

Visiting New Jersey's Vital Military Installations

I spent the day today participating in a statewide tour of New Jersey's military installations. At my request, the United States Army hosted nine members of the Congressional delegation to Picatinny Arsenal, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Naval Weapons Station Earle, and the 177th Fighter Wing near Atlantic City. We were also briefed by the leadership of the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.

The purpose of the trip was purely educational. For many of our colleagues, this was the first visit to many of these bases and they had the opportunity to learn what makes each one unique and valuable. It was a strong showing by the delegation and I appreciate their participation.

I was joined on the daylong tour by Reps. Chris Smith, Frank LoBiondo, Leonard Lance, Bill Pascrell, Albio Sires, Don Payne, Jr., Donald Norcross, and Tom McArthur. Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno also joined the delegation.

The President's proposed 2016 Budget includes the establishment of another Base Realignment and Closing Commission (BRAC). While I do not expect a BRAC round to be approved by Congress this year, the Department of Defense can do a great deal of downsizing and realigning outside of the formal BRAC process and New Jersey must be unified and prepared for any eventuality.

A recent study by Rutgers University indicated that the state's military installations generate employment for 73,168 people (direct and indirect) with a total output of $9.6 billion and a boost to the state's economy of $6.5 billion.

Salute: Congratulations to each of the young students from my Congressional District who earned nominations this year to the nation's military academies - the Naval Academy in Annapolis, West Point, the Merchant Marine Academy and the Air Force Academy. High school juniors interested in attending one of our nation's service academies should plan to attend our "Academy Career Night" in the spring!

Salute: To my colleague, Congressman Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi, who passed away this morning at the age of 56. He was a valued member of the Appropriations Committee and will be missed.

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