Heritage Action’s CEO Michael Needham made clear “America cannot afford yet another foreign policy mistake, which is why Heritage Action opposes the dangerously-flawed treaty and will work vigorously with our allies to ensure its defeat.”  To that end, Heritage Action supports (key vote) the Duncan Amendment.

In a sign that opposition to LOST is growing, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – a vocal supporter of the treaty – is warning lawmakers in a letter that they “strongly” oppose the Duncan Amendment and “may consider votes on, or in relation to, this amendment in our annual How They Voted scorecard.”

While the Senate is constitutionally charged with ratifying treaties (something they have wisely avoided on LOST for three decades), implementation of the treaty is a bicameral effort.  And more immediately, the vote will set the narrative for Senator John Kerry’s (D-MA) committee hearing next week.

The treaty is not simply something “that we’ve always honored it in practice,” as a State Department spokeswoman misleadingly claimed.  Before lawmakers vote, they should know:

• LOST creates the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a new, UN-style organization based in Kingston, Jamaica that would be dominated by anti-US interests;
• Article 82 of the treaty requires the US to transfer significant offshore energy royalties to the ISA, which is then empowered to redistribute those funds to developing countries, even if they are undemocratic or state sponsors of terrorism;
• Part XV of the treaty requires the US to engage in mandatory dispute resolution, paving the way for reckless and politically motivated allegations from hostile interests;
• Contrary to popular belief, the treaty was not fixed in 1994; and,
• For more than 200 years, America has successfully preserved and protected its navigational rights and freedoms by relying on naval operations, diplomatic protests, and customary international law.

By adopting the Duncan Amendment, House lawmakers can stand firmly on the side of more freedom and less international governance.  As an added benefit, leadership on good policy makes for good politics.

Bizzy Blog – Tom Blumer – Unemployment Claims: 370K SA, Same Upwardly Revised Previous Week;  323K NSA is Down 11% Year-Over-Year

Brutally Honest – Mr. Brutally Honest – First They Came for Military Chaplains

Colorado Peak Politics – Staff – Bipartisanship: Obama’s Budget Loses 99-0 In Democrat-Controlled US Senate

Doug Ross @ Journal – Director Blue – The Three Charts That Bode Ill for the Democrat-Media Complex

The Lonely Conservative – Staff – Great News – Federal Reserve Ready to Dub Even More Institutions ‘Too Big to Fail’

Marathon Pundit – John Ruberry – Two In a Row: Obama’s 2013 Budget Gets Zero Votes; McConnell, Walsh Statements

Michigan Capitol Confidential – Jarrett Skorup – Commentary: Productivity Leads to Prosperity

Red Dog Report – Brian O’Connor – Unemployment is Trending Up Again; 370,000 New Claims

Say Anything Blog – Rob Port – Too Much Federal Government: It Took a Year to Begin Fixing Local Traffic Lights

Write On Nevada – Victor Joecks – Thank a Union Boss: Using Seniority, CCSD to Lay Off 1,015 Teachers

“But before you get terminally depressed, none of this means the New Great Deal Society Party has replaced the Tea Party. In fact, there are reasons to be optimistic that conservative voices around the country – and a strong core of conservative lawmakers in Washington – are laying the groundwork for conservative policy victories.

“Just look at the facts.

“Last time Congress reauthorized Roosevelt’s Export-Import Bank it was by unanimous consent. In just six short years, it has become a defining issue for the conservative movement. We now have people in Congress willing to make the case against Johnson’s Economic Development Administration. And, the results from Indiana demonstrate the American people are not itching for a return to FDR and LBJ-style governance.

“Even in the midst of bipartisan reaffirmation of New Deal and Great Society programs, House Republicans managed to jumpstart a serious conversation on spending, welfare reform and defense. While the reconciliation measure, designed to replace the arbitrary defense cuts contained in last year’s absurd debt deal, fell short in some aspects, Republicans deserve credit for beginning the conversation.”

You can read the entire article here.

The Heritage Foundation analyzed the budget dynamics:

“Compare the President’s proposal — and Reid’s total lack of a proposal — with the four plans offered by conservatives in Congress, chief among them being Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) budget, which mirrors the bold and thorough reforms The Heritage Foundation first proposed in its Saving the American Dream plan. That includes limiting the size of the federal government, reforming entitlement programs, and simplifying the federal tax code in an effort to restore our nation’s economic prosperity and ensure that future generations are not saddled with today’s debt.”

Although we cannot reverse decades of mismanagement overnight, yesterday’s vote creates a solid foundation. It is now clear that there are good ideas out there on how to fix our country; unfortunately, none of them come from our President Obama and his partisan allies in the Senate. The vote results are below, along with a list of the Republicans who voted correctly.

The Lee Budget: Rejected by a vote of 17-82
Heritage Action: YES

Republicans Voting Correctly:
Sen. John Barrasso (WY)
Sen. Dan Coats (IN)
Sen. Tom Coburn (OK)
Sen. Mike Crapo (ID)
Sen. Jim DeMint (SC)
Sen. Mike Enzi (WY)
Sen. Charles Grassley (IA)
Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT)
Sen. James Inhofe (OK)
Sen. Ron Johnson (WI)
Sen. Mike Lee (UT)
Sen. Jerry Moran (KS)
Sen. Rand Paul (KY)
Sen. James Risch (ID)
Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL)
Sen. John Thune (SD)
Sen. David Vitter (LA)

Take Action

Did your Senator make a courageous vote? Thank them. If not, use your action dashboard to hold them accountable.

Last month, Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, claimed that he would produce a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. And, just like the previous year, he turned around and refused to actually do so. As a result, Senate Democrats offered no budget of their own, and instead voted against every proposal offered by Republicans that would actually put our nation on a path to fiscal sanity.

The most interesting – and telling – vote was for a proposal offered by Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) on behalf of President Obama. Senate Democrats – for the second year in a row – voted unanimously against a Democrat President’s own budget.  Senate Democrats claimed they did so because it was not actually the President’s budget, which was the same excused used by House Democrats when the proposal was unanimously rejected in the House. The reality is that if Democrats felt that way, and agreed with President Obama’s budget plan, then they could have introduced the budget themselves, but surprise, surprise they didn’t.

So to recap: five budgets were proposed, and Senate Democrats voted for none of them, and another year will go by without the Senate passing a budget. Who needs the law?

Senate Democrat FY2013 Budget Votes:

1. S.Con.Res.41, the President’s Budget: 0 Democrat votes
2. H.Con.Res.112, the House-Passed Ryan Budget: 0 Democrat votes
3. S.Con.Res.37, Senator Pat Toomey’s (R-PA) Budget: 0 Democrat votes
4. S.Con.Res.42, Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) Budget: 0 Democrat votes
5. S.Con.Res.44, Senate Mike Lee’s (R-UT) Budget (Heritage’s Saving the American Dream): 0 Democrat votes

Heck, even House Democrats, who are relegated to minority status in the lower chamber, offered up four different budgets. Congressmen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mike Honda (D-CA), Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) offered varying budget proposals. The budgets received 163, 78, 38 and 107 votes, respectively.

Heritage Action: What aspect of government (i.e., program, department, agency) do you want to reform the most? What legislation are you currently pushing or working on to achieve that reform?

Rep. Franks: In terms of the financial survivability of the nation, it has become more critical than ever to enact a balanced budget amendment. I am cosponsor of a number of different balanced budget amendment versions because I believe the most critical economic issue is a requirement to actually balance the budget regardless of some of the details or the taxation architecture that may accompany it. The taxation policies to fund government will be an ongoing struggle. However, if the budget is required to balance, the incentive on Congress and other policymakers will be to enact a tax policy that is pro-growth and therefore ultimately maximizes America’s economy and the attending government revenues. 

Thomas Jefferson said it this way: “I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our constitution; I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government to the genuine principles of its constitution, I mean an additional article taking from the federal government the power of borrowing.”

With that said, it is important for all of us to remember the old maxim that we get more of what we subsidize and less of what we tax. Therefore, I believe it is important to minimize or abolish taxes on income. Income is the primary indicator of productivity which is the quintessential substance of any economy. If we wish to maximize income, it accordingly makes no sense to me to tax income anymore than is absolutely necessary. For that reason, I support the Fair Tax or some version thereof.

HA: What’s a piece of smaller legislation, or nominee, that is currently on the agenda but flying under the radar that you feel conservatives should be concerned about?

Rep. Franks: I believe everyone, conservatives and democrats included, should be concerned about the vulnerability of our electric grid to electromagnetic pulse, or EMP. In our technological advancement, we have now captured the electron and transported its utility into nearly every business, home and industrial endeavor throughout the civilized world. But we have also grown profoundly dependent upon electricity and its many accoutrements.

The effects of geomagnetic storms and EMP on our electric infrastructure are well-documented, with nearly every space weather and EMP expert recognizing the dramatic disruptions and cataclysmic collapses these pulses can potentially bring to electric grids. Heritage also has several articles and resources addressing the EMP threat that faces not only our nation but the entire world.

Consequences of an EMP event could be unspeakably devastating. For instance, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) relies overwhelmingly on the commercial grid for its operations. Loss of the commercial grid due to an EMP event would leave DOD without its major source of electricity. Furthermore, Dr. William Graham, the chairman of the Congressional EMP Commission, testified before Congress that “EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences.”

Dr. Graham has said that a major catastrophic EMP attack on the United States could cause an estimated 70-90 percent of our nation’s population to become unsustainable. It is impossible for me to even wrap my mind around such an astonishingly high figure.

Our first national security priority in this instance is to protect our major transformers from cascading destruction. To that end, I have introduced H.R. 668, the SHIELD Act, which is currently before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The SHIELD Act addresses, among other things, vulnerabilities of our electric grid to EMP by requiring automated hardware-based solutions. This hardware will take the guesswork out of current procedural processes that are in place to mitigate the EMP threat.

The first purpose of any government or its leaders is to protect the lives and security of its innocent citizens. Failure to fulfill this responsibility renders all others meaningless. Thankfully, there is a moment in the life of nearly every problem when it is big enough to be seen by reasonable people, but still small enough to be solved. Action taken today to address the EMP threat can result in an EMP event so big having an effect so small that no one but a few will recognize the disaster that was averted.

HA: What do you enjoy the most and the least about being a Member of Congress?

Rep. Franks: I think as Members of Congress we enjoy this sense of calling to try to make sure the torch of liberty continues to burn for this and future generations― just to have the privilege of being part of making sure that the great principles and ideals that made America the most magnificent nation in the history of the human family is one of those things we all aspire to.

The time I spend away from my loved ones is what I like least about being a Member of Congress. I have three year old twins at home who are my first children, and who came to me late in life. They are truly unspeakable gifts from God and the joy of my very soul.  Being away from them any more time than I have to be is a profound sacrifice. One is inclined to also add: the sleep deprivation and the insane schedule, long airplane rides replete with high altitude turbulence, and the almost complete absence of any hobbies in life.

HA: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in Washington?

Rep. Franks: There is nothing I like to do more than being with my family and beloved friends.

HA: What do you miss most about being a kid?

Rep. Franks: I suppose all of us as adults miss that child-like astonishment at the grandeur, complexity, and beauty of the transcendent miracle of life itself. Still, I am fortunate and thankful that many of those feelings remain with me today.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a budget resolution in the Senate modeled after The Heritage Foundation’s “Saving the American Dream” plan. Naturally, Heritage Action is key voting in favor of this budget. On the Senate floor, Senators are speaking about this budget, and we will be collecting their speeches here for reference.

First on the floor was the sponsor himself, Sen. Mike Lee:

Following him, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) spoke:

Key Vote Alert: “YES” on the Rehberg Amendment

On Friday, the House will vote on the Rehberg Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.4310). The amendment would ban any reductions to the strategic nuclear triad unless Russia proves that it is complying with the New START Treaty.

Specifically, the amendment would ban the reductions unless the President  certifies to Congress that: 1) the Russia Federation must make a commensurate reduction, conversion, or decommissioning pursuant to the levels set forth under such treaty; and 2) Russia is not developing or deploying nuclear delivery systems not covered by New START limits. The amendment also protects all three legs of the nuclear triad from elimination.

During the 2010 lame duck session, the Senate ratified the New START Treaty, which significantly reduced America’s ability to develop and use our missile defense capabilities. This amounts to unilateral disarmament, putting ourselves at a disadvantage in an increasingly dangerous world when the U.S. and our allies are threatened by unfriendly nations developing their own nuclear capability – like Iran and North Korea. The treaty also did nothing to reduce the disparity between Russia’s tactical nuclear weapon advantage and ours.

An overlooked aspect of  New START was its limitation on  the development and deployment of America’s conventional weapons, which further diminishes our ability to defend ourselves and our allies.

The Rehberg Amendment at least ensures America does not act unilaterally on a treaty that already favors Russia, which will do anything it can to put America a disadvantage.

Heritage Action supports the Rehberg Amendment and will include it as a key vote on our scorecard.

Related Links:
Heritage Action’s Scorecard
New START’s “quid pro quo” Stops
New START: Undermining America’s Missile Defense

Key Vote Alert: “YES” on the Granger Amendment

On Friday, the House will vote on the Granger Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.4310). The amendment would instruct the President to carry out the sale of no fewer than sixty-six F-16C/D multirole fighter aircrafts to Taiwan, as required by law.

America made a commitment to Taiwan, which is a steadfast ally, and America must honor that commitment. The U.S. should enable Taiwan to defend itself from threats to its sovereignty and ensure they are properly prepared to assist the U.S. in military conflicts should the need arise.

Heritage Action supports the Granger Amendment and will include it as a key vote on our scorecard.

Related Links:
Heritage Action’s Scorecard

Key Vote Alert: “Yes” on the Duncan Amendment

On Friday, the House will vote on the Duncan Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R.4310). The amendment would ensure that no funds from the NDAA go towards paying for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

UNCLOS, more commonly referred to as the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST), is a fundamentally flawed treaty that threatens U.S. sovereignty, and our national security and economic interests. It creates a new, unaccountable international board based in Jamaica, known as the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The ISA would subject U.S. companies to mandatory dispute settlements facilitated by an arbitrator selected by potentially hostile nations, and set a precedent for becoming a part of the International Criminal Court.

LOST also threatens U.S. military priorities by subjecting the U.S. Navy to the same international dispute resolution for its military activities. Worse yet, revenue from royalties made by offshore drilling companies would be used to fund the ISA, which could then redistribute that revenue to state sponsors of terrorism and undemocratic regimes with human rights abuses, so long as that nation is a member of the U.N.

The Duncan Amendment would protect the U.S., its Navy and job creators by halting dollars generated in America from being used to fund any institution or organization established under LOST.

Heritage Action supports the Duncan Amendment and will include it as a key vote on our scorecard.

Related Links:
Heritage Action’s Scorecard
Heritage Action Statement on Law of the Sea Treaty
U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea: It’s Still a Bad Idea
Law of the Sea Treaty Offers Few Benefits, Harms U.S. Interests

*** Last year, Heritage Action key voted three amendments on the NDAA: 1) YES on the Flake Amendment to close an infamously duplicative drug enforcement agency, the National Drug Intelligence Center; 2) NO on the Amash Amendment to strike the authorization for use of military force against Al-Qaida, the Taliban and others; and, 3) NO on the Sanchez Amendment to cut funding for ground-based midcourse missile defense systems by $100 million.  Because Heritage Action’s scorecard covers both the first and second session of the 112^th Congress, we are not reissuing key votes for similar amendments on this year’s NDAA.  However, Heritage Action will be watching votes on similar amendments.  You can see how your lawmaker voted here: Flake Amendment; Amash Amendment; and Sanchez Amendment. ***

The Export-Import Bank Reauthorization (Senate): Passed by a vote of 78-20
Heritage Action: NO

Republicans Voting Incorrectly:
Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN)
Sen. Kelly Ayotte (NH)
Sen. Roy Blunt (MO)
Sen. John Boozman (AR)
Sen. Scott Brown (MA)
Sen. Richard Burr (NC)
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA)
Sen. Dan Coats (IN)
Sen. Tom Coburn (OK)
Sen. Thad Cochran (MS)
Sen. Susan Collins (ME)
Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC)
Sen. Dean Heller (NV)
Sen. John Hoeven (ND)
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)
Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA)
Sen. Mike Johanns (NE)
Sen. Dick Lugar (IN)
Sen. Jerry Moran (KS)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Sen. Rob Portman (OH)
Sen. Pat Roberts (KS)
Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL)
Sen. Richard Shelby (AL)
Sen. Olympia Snowe (ME)
Sen. John Thune (SD)
Sen. Roger Wicker (MS)

Democrats (Including Independents) Who Voted Correctly:
Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)

Bizzy Blog – Tom Blumer – ‘Union Pension Bomb’ Has Been Doomed to Explode From the Start

Brutally Honest – Mr. Brutally Honest – Franciscan University – First Institutional Catholic Casualty of Obamacare

Illinois Review – Staff – No Kidding: Gov’t Issues Study of Study of Studies

Jill Stanek – Jill Stanek – Planned Parenthood Targets College Students: 79% Within 5 Miles of a University

The Lonely Conservative – Staff – The Coming Union Pension Crisis

Marathon Pundit – John Rubbery – Union Vampires Feasting On American Airlines

Say Anything – Rob Port – Obama Adds Himself to Official White House Biographies of Former Presidents

Write On Nevada – Victor Joecks – Seven Outstanding Rookie CCSD Teachers Honored With Pink Slips