The post Jim Matheson Votes To Cut Funding Intended For Combat Troops Fighting Terrorists appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

Today, Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Israel will be in Philadelphia for a fundraiser to benefit Nancy Pelosi’s handpicked candidate for Pennsylvania’s 8^th District – Kevin Strouse. Meanwhile, while they’re fundraising with liberal backers, residents of Bucks County are still wondering who exactly Kevin Strouse is. What are his positions? Why does he think he’s qualified to represent a district he’s never even lived in?

To help Strouse acclimate to his brand new home, and to help him figure out the answers to some of these pressing questions, the National Republican Congressional Committee will deliver a “Welcome to Bucks County” gift basket to his fundraiser. The basket contains items that will help Strouse transition from D.C. to Bucks County. Included are the following:

-Philadelphia Phillies hat

-Philadelphia Eagles eye stickers

-Bucks County street map

-Bucks County pen

-Bucks County tin for storing souvenirs

-Brochures highlighting the many tourist attractions in Bucks County

“While Kevin Strouse may choose to have his first campaign event outside of his district in Philadelphia, he has a lot of catching up to do in order to learn about Bucks County and the rest of the 8^th District,” said NRCC Spokesman Ian Prior. “It’s going to take more than support from Nancy Pelosi and the DCCC for Strouse to make a coherent argument as to what makes him uniquely qualified to represent a district he knows nothing about.”

The post Welcome Wagon! NRCC Welcomes Handpicked Pelosi Candidate Kevin Strouse to Bucks County appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

Life was so much easier for Democrats when they could make promise after promise on ObamaCare and never be held accountable. As more of the president’s healthcare law is implemented, we see that Democrats’ rhetoric is failing to match reality.

In July 2012, Nancy Pelosi promised all Americans would see their rates decrease due to ObamaCare. Yet just last month, Forbes reported that Californians will see their insurance premiums skyrocket between 64 and 146 percent. When questioned about it last week, Pelosi said she didn’t remember making that promise.

Despite the denials, one thing is clear: Scott Peters’ support of ObamaCare is hurting California families. As premiums continue to rise, they now know who to thank.

“Now that Democrats’ rhetoric is finally meeting reality, Californians see that the president’s healthcare law is made up of empty wallets and broken promises,” said NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “By supporting this disastrous law, Peters is putting Washington first and California families behind.”

Scott Peters Voted Against Repealing ObamaCare. (H.R. 45, Roll Call Vote #154, 229-195, 5/16/13)

In July 2012, Nancy Pelosi Said “Everybody Will Have Lower Rates” Thanks To ObamaCare. (NBC’s Meet The Press, 7/1/12)

Last Week, Pelosi Said She Didn’t Remember Saying Premiums Would Drop For Everyone. (Nancy Pelosi, Press Conference, Washington DC, 6/6/13)

Forbes: “ Rate Shock: In California, Obamacare To Increase Individual Health Insurance Premiums By 64-146%” (Avik Roy, “Rate Shock: In California, Obamacare To Increase Individual Health Insurance Premiums By 64-146%,” Forbes, 5/30/13)

The post Thanks Scott Peters: His Support Of President’s Healthcare Law Is Raising Californians’ Premiums Up To 146 Percent appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

WASHINGTON – There are some in the Democratic Party who would do anything to get the IRS scandal off the front pages, so the scandal-ridden government agency can continue to have a “dominant role” in ObamaCare. Last week, Democrat Congressman Jim McDermott blamed the victims and over the weekend, Congressman Elijah Cummings, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the IRS scandal is “solved” and it’s time to “wrap [the investigation] up.”

Some House Democrats may believe that we should push this scandal aside, but the American people deserve answers. It’s time for House Democrats to speak out and condemn their colleagues’ attempts to shut down this important investigation.

“Between claiming the case is closed and blaming the victims of this serious scandal, Democrats are trying to sweep this under the rug,” said NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “House Democrats should ensure that IRS officials are held accountable and condemn those in their party who’d prefer to look the other way.”

The IRS Will Have A “Dominant Role” In ObamaCare, Even Determining Who Will Get Included In Mandate. “Get ready for the Internal Revenue Service to play a dominant role in health care. When Obamacare takes full effect next year, the agency will enforce most of the laws involved in the reform—even deciding who gets included in the health-care mandate.” (Mark Koba, “When It Comes to Health-Care Reform, the IRS Rules,” CNBC, 5/6/13)

Last Week, Jim McDermott Scolded The Victims Of The IRS Scandal, Saying They Brought The IRS Scrutiny On Themselves. “If you didn’t come in and ask for this tax break, you would have never had a question asked of you.” (Rep. Jim McDermott, Ways and Means Committee Hearing, 6/4/13)

Yesterday, On CNN’s State Of The Union, Rep. Elijah Cummings Said The Investigation Into The IRS Scandal Is “Solved.” “‘I think this interview and these statements go a long way … showing that the White House was not involved in this,’ Cummings said on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ adding: ‘Based upon everything I’ve seen the case is solved. And if it were me, I would wrap this case up and move on, to be frank with you.’” (Aaron Blake, “Elijah Cummings: ‘Case Is Solved’ On IRS,” The Washington Post, 6/9/13)

The post Case Solved? Will More House Dems Look To Sweep IRS Scandal Under The Rug? appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

“Congratulations are in order for Jason Smith. The voters in Southeast Missouri spoke loud and clear today that they wanted a leader with a proven record of fighting for pro-growth, commonsense free market principles. Jason Smith is a strong and passionate member of his community who will represent the people of his district well in Washington. I look forward to working with Jason in Congress and continuing to grow our Republican majority in 2014.”

The post Chairman Greg Walden’s Statement on Jason Smith’s Victory in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

WASHINGTON – Just a few hours ago, leaders of the groups that were targeted by the IRS testified before Congress. They told how they were improperly investigated simply because of their political views. Yet, Democrat Congressman Jim McDermott scolded the groups—even telling them it was their fault they received such treatment.
“What Jim McDermott said today was inexcusable,” said NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “The victims of the IRS scandal shouldn’t be blamed for the actions of a scandal-ridden agency. It’s time that House Democrats condemn their colleague’s comments and demand an apology.”

Today, Jim McDermott Scolded The Victims Of The IRS Scandal, Saying They Brought The IRS Scrutiny On Themselves. “If you didn’t come in and ask for this tax break, you would have never had a question asked of you.” (Rep. Jim McDermott, Ways and Means Committee Hearing, 6/4/13)

FYI, a similar version of this release below went out to the following districts: Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09), John Garamendi (CA-03), Ami Bera (CA-07), Jim Costa (CA-16), Lois Capps (CA-24), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Raul Ruiz (CA-36), Scott Peters (CA-52), Jim Himes (CT-04), Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), Alan Grayson (FL-09), Patrick Murphy (FL-18), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Joe Garcia (FL-26), John Barrow (GA-12), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Bill Foster (IL-11), Bill Enyart (IL-12), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), John Tierney (MA-06), Bill Keating (MA-09), Tim Walz (MN-01), Collin Peterson (MN-07), Rick Nolan (MN-08), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Mike McIntyre (NC-07), Tim Bishop (NY-01), Steve Israel (NY-03), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Bill Owens (NY-21), Dan Maffei (NY-24), Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Pete Gallego (TX-23), Jim Matheson (UT-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Nick Rahall (WV-03).

The post Will House Democrats Condemn Their Colleague’s Despicable Comments? appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

It was reported this week that between 2010 and 2012, the IRS spent over $50 million on conferences, subsidized sporting event tickets, and lavish hotel stays for its employees. Over 2,500 of the IRS’s employees received these extravagant benefits, which included baseball tickets and stays in presidential suites that cost up to $3,000 a night.

“It’s clear that this Administration is riddled with wild amounts of irresponsible spending, and it’s time for Ami Bera to condemn this type of wasteful spending and demand action,” said NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “Bera owes it to his hard-working constituents to condemn these actions and send a message to Washington that wasteful and reckless spending by the Obama Administration and their agencies will not be tolerated.”

The IRS spent over $50 million between 2010-2012 on conferences and lavish hotel rooms and perks for their employees. (“House report: IRS spent $50M on conferences.” By AP Staff, USA Today, 6/2/2013)

The 2,600 attendees received benefits, including baseball tickets and stays in presidential suites that normally cost $1,500 to $3,500 per night. In addition, 15 outside speakers were paid a total of $135,000 in fees, with one paid $17,000 to talk about “leadership through art,” the House committee said. (“House report: IRS spent $50M on conferences.” By AP Staff, USA Today, 6/2/2013)

Since 2010, the IRS has been specifically targeting conservative individuals and organizations. (“Inspector general says ineffective management at IRS allowed agents to target tea party groups.” AP, 5/14/13)

The post It’s Electric! Line Dancing Videos and Lavish Conferences Among IRS Waste – Will Ami Bera Condemn It? appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

• IRS officials improperly targeting conservative groups and now spending $50 million on conferences in 2 years show a culture that recklessly disregards the trust taxpayers put in them.

• All the while, President Obama appears to have been asleep at the wheel as these scandals unfolded. Then, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney kept changing his tune when asked about it.

• Time and again, President Obama and his government bureaucrats have breached the public’s trust. It’s time they’re held accountable.

It Was Reported Yesterday That The IRS Spent $50 Million On Conferences Over Two Years. “A government watchdog has found that the Internal Revenue Service spent about $50 million to hold at least 220 conferences for employees between 2010 and 2012, a House committee said Sunday.” (“House Report: IRS Spent $50M On Conferences,” Associated Press, 6/2/13)

White House Senior Advisers Knew In Late April That The IRS Was Targeting Political Groups. “White House chief of staff Denis McDonough and other senior advisers knew in late April that an impending report was likely to say the IRS had inappropriately targeted conservative groups, President Barack Obama’s spokesman disclosed Monday, expanding the circle of top officials who knew of the audit beyond those named earlier.” (Charles Babington and Julie Pace, “More Obama Aides Knew Of IRS Audit; Obama Not Told,” Associated Press, 5/20/13)

• First, Jay Carney Said Only White House Counsel Kathleen Ruemmler Knew Of The Scandal. “When Carney first addressed the matter last week, he said only that Ruemmler had been told around April 22 that an inspector general audit was being concluded at a Cincinnati IRS office that screens applications for organizations’ tax-exempt status.” (Charles Babington and Julie Pace, “More Obama Aides Knew Of IRS Audit; Obama Not Told,” Associated Press, 5/20/13)

• Later, Carney Said Lower-Level Staffers Knew Of The IRS’s Actions. “But on Monday, Carney said lower-ranking staffers in the White House counsel’s office first learned of the report one week earlier, on April 16.” (Charles Babington and Julie Pace, “More Obama Aides Knew Of IRS Audit; Obama Not Told,” Associated Press, 5/20/13)

The post Who’s The Boss: $4 Million Conferences? Targeting Conservative Groups? Time For Real Leadership appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

• In April 2008, the DCCC sent a letter to Lois Lerner, the now-infamous head of the IRS’s tax-exempt organizations division asking them to look into Freedom’s Watch, a conservative organization.

• Then, according to a recent report, the very same month the IRS began targeting conservative groups, it started an audit into Freedom’s Watch. It later blossomed to investigating several of the organization’s donors.

• These “highly unusual” efforts raise serious questions as to what role the DCCC played in these investigations.

• It’s time that both DCCC and IRS officials detail their roles in this affair. The American people deserve to know that the IRS isn’t taking marching orders from national Democrats.

In April 2008, The DCCC Sent A Letter To Lois Lerner Asking The IRS To Investigate Freedom’s Watch, A Conservative Organization. “The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), after filing two formal complaints over ads attacking the Democratic candidate in a Louisiana House race, now wants the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the conservative advocacy group behind the spots.” (Walter Alarkon, “DCCC Wants IRS Probe Into Freedom’s Watch,” The Hill, 4/29/08)

The IRS Began Auditing Freedom’s Watch In February 2010—The Very Same Month It Started Targeting Conservative Groups. “In February 2010, the same month the tea-party targeting started, according to a recent inspector general’s report, Freedom’s Watch was subjected to an IRS audit that focused largely on its political activities, an uncommon but not unprecedented action, election lawyers say.” (John D. McKinnon and Dionne Searcy,” “Donors to GOP Group Drew IRS Scrutiny,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/31/13)

Later, The IRS Began Targeting Donors To The Group. “At the same time the Internal Revenue Service was targeting tea-party groups, the tax agency took the unusual step of trying to impose gift taxes on donors to a prominent conservative advocacy group formed in 2007 to build support for President George W. Bush’s Iraq troop surge.” (John D. McKinnon and Dionne Searcy,” “Donors to GOP Group Drew IRS Scrutiny,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/31/13)

• Election Lawyers Have Called The IRS’s Actions Both “Uncommon” And “Highly Unusual.” “Freedom’s Watch was subjected to an IRS audit that focused largely on its political activities, an uncommon but not unprecedented action, election lawyers say….About a year later, as many as five donors to Freedom’s Watch were subjected to IRS audits of their contributions that sought to impose gift taxes on their donations to the group, according to lawyers and former officials of Freedom’s Watch. Tax experts say that effort was highly unusual.” (John D. McKinnon and Dionne Searcy,” “Donors to GOP Group Drew IRS Scrutiny,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/31/13)

• The Head Of Election Law At Covington & Burling Compared The Actions To “A Nuclear Bomb Going Off.” “The IRS action ‘was kind of like a nuclear bomb going off,’ said Rob Kelner, who heads the election-law practice at Covington & Burling LLP.” (John D. McKinnon and Dionne Searcy,” “Donors to GOP Group Drew IRS Scrutiny,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/31/13)

The post Ask and You Shall Receive: Did DCCC Letter To Lois Lerner Spur Targeting Of Conservative Group? appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.

Kirkpatrick ordered to defend ObamaCare by Nancy Pelosi

Democrat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s 78-page memo orders House Democrats, like Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, to defend the fundamental flaws found in ObamaCare and its negative impact on families and small businesses. Pelosi’s ObamaCare “toolkit” even includes a section highlighting uninsured Americans by state – something ObamaCare will fail to fix.

Despite promises and assertions from President Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, 30 million Americans will continue to be uninsured after ObamaCare is fully implemented.

“Will Ann Kirkpatrick follow Nancy Pelosi’s orders and host press conferences to brag about ObamaCare when 30 million Americans will remain uninsured after it’s fully implemented?” asked NRCC Communications Director Andrea Bozek. “Uninsured Arizona families and small businesses will be disappointed with Ann Kirkpatrick’s broken promises and defense of ObamaCare’s failures.”

Ann Kirkpatrick Voted for ObamaCare and Against Repeal.
(H.R. 3590, Roll Call #165, 3/21/10) and (H.R. 45, Roll Call Vote # 154, 5/16/13)

30 Million Americans Will Remain Uninsured Under ObamaCare. (“Effects on Health Insurance and the Federal Budget for the Insurance Coverage Provisions in the Affordable Care Act – May 2013 Baseline,” Congressional Budget Office, 5/14/2013)

Many people who buy their own health insurance could get surprises in the mail this fall: cancellation notices. (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, “Like your health care policy? You may be losing it,” Associated Press, 5/29/13)

Nancy Pelosi demands Democrats hold events to sell ObamaCare. (“Exclusive: Here Is Nancy Pelosi’s Plan To Sell ObamaCare,” Ben Smith, Buzzfeed, 5/28/13)

The post Broken Promise: Despite ObamaCare Sales Pitch Memo, 30 Million Will Be Left Uninsured appeared first on National Republican Congressional Committee.