Talk Radio News Service’s Geoff Holtzman speaks with Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) during the “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row in Washington, D.C. Hoekstra says that due to healthcare reform and energy legislation, Congress probably won’t address immigration reform until 2010 at the earliest. On issues such as the economy and healthcare, the Congressman says that his constituents are urging him to oppose any legislation that would allow for the expansion of government. (6:09)
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Congressman Pete Hoekstra Talks Illegal Immigration, Economy
Congress Needs To Take Illegal Immigration Seriously Says Iowa Rep
Talk Radio News Service’s Geoff Holtzman speaks with Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) at the 2009 “Hold Their Feet to the Fire” radio row in Washington, D.C. King comments on efforts he has made to try and pressure the federal government to get serious about enforcing existing illegal immigration laws. The Congressman also gives his assessment of the current situation on the U.S.-Mexico border where he visited earlier this summer. (7:18)
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Boehner: House Vote Against ACORN Big Victory For Taxpayers
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) Thursday afternoon described the decision by the House to decline federal funding for the scandal ridden community organizing group ACORN as a significant victory for taxpayers. “Today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote to stop taxpayer funding to Acorn was a big victory… [...]
Pelosi Gets Emotional In Response To Heated Rhetoric
Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) became uncharacteristically emotional Thursday when asked how she felt about the increasingly hostile political climate. Pelosi said she is concerned over the heated rhetoric because she has seen it turn violent in the past.
“I have concerns about some of the language that is being used because I saw this myself in the late ’70s in San Francisco,” Pelosi said during her weekly press conference, suddenly becoming teary eyed. “This kind of rhetoric was very frightening.”
Although Pelosi did not specify, this seemed to refer to the murders of gay activist and member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Harvey Milk and city mayor George Moscone in 1978. Pelosi was a California based Democratic activist during the 1970‘s and knew both MIlk and Moscone at the time of their murder. She went on to say that government officials should be cautious with statements made to the public.
“I wish that we could all curb our enthusiasm in the statements that we make and understand that some of the ears that it’s falling on are not as balanced as the person making the statement might think,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi added she is grateful that the U.S. allows so much freedom, but noted that with that freedom comes responsibility.
“Our country is great because people can say what they think and believe,” she said. “But I also think they have a responsibility for any incitement that they may cause.”
When asked about the Senate Finance Committee’s healthcare reform proposal Pelosi said she expected to see many changes before the legislation passes through the House.
“We’re just seeing the first blush of the Senate bill,” she said. “We hope that we can persuade them to our point of view.”
Pelosi said that she expected to see a public option, although the Finance Committee bill does not contain one.
“I fully support the public option,” Pelosi said. “A public option will be in the bill that passes the House of Representatives.”
When answering questions over her position on the allegations facing the community organizing group ACORN, she said any group that receives funds from the government need to be under tough scrutiny. Pelosi said the behavior of some at ACORN was inexcusable.
“A few of the individuals at ACORN did what I think is…despicable, and in any event, totally unacceptable,” she said.
She said it will be up to the Appropriations Committee to evaluate whether or not ACORN will continue to receive government funding.
A Civilian Surge May Be The Key To Success In Afghanistan, Says Foreign Analyst
By Meagan Wiseley – University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service
Dr. Clare Lockhart, Co-Founder and Director of the Institute of State Effectiveness, spoke out in favor of a civilian surge, which would indicate massive support from the Afghan people, in Afghanistan Thursday during an appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
According to Lockhart, a civilian surge can be achieved in Afghanistan by enabling Afghans to exercise self rule through the creation of civil institutions.
“[These institutions will provide the] framework needed to stabilize Afghanistan,” said Lockhart.
Lockhart added that this move would be an essential step to achieving an eventual exit.
Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) emphasized the importance of a winning civilian strategy in Afghanistan.
“I have said repeatedly that we will not force the surrender of the Taliban by military force alone. Therefore, any strategy that lacks a strong civilian component is doomed,” said Kerry.
Boehner Urges President To Reconsider Scrapping Missile Shield
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service House Minority Leader John Boehner asked President Barack Obama to reconsider scrapping plans to construct an Eastern European missile defense shield. “He should stand with our allies and do what’s right for the safety and security of the American people,” said Boehner during his weekly [...]
Reid: Health Care Reform Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water
By Justin Duckham-Talk Radio News Service
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) took Paul Simon’s Capitol Hill appearance Wednesday as an opportunity to reference some selections from the prolific songwriter’s catalogue, comparing the health care reform debate to a 1970′s Simon and Garfunkel tune.
“If there were ever a time we have troubled waters, it’s now,” Reid said, referring to the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” “If there were ever a bridge that we need over these troubled waters, it’s passing comprehensive health care reform.”
“If we could do that, we could really say we had diamonds on the soles of our shoes,” Reid added. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” appeared on Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland.”
Simon, who penned hits “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” attended Tuesday’s press conference to promote the Children’s Health Fund, an organization co-founded by Simon to provide health care for underprivileged children.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) joined Simon as well, but shied away from any puns.
House Republicans Introduce Bill To Block Bailouts
By Meagan Wiseley – University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service
Republican members of the House Financial Services Committee Tuesday outlined the Republican Regulatory Reform Bill, a piece of legislation that calls for no more government bailouts and an end to government intervention when it comes to failing financial institutions.
“We do need to end bailouts and the government practices of picking winners and losers and restore market discipline. We need reform [and] we need smart clear and strong regulations to get our financial system back on track,” said Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) during a press conference.
Republican members of the Financial Services committee have introduced legislation this week to create an independent trust in order to divest the governments ownership in companies like AIG, General Motors, Citigroup and Chrysler.
Kerry Calls For China And U.S. To Speed Up Climate Change Conversation
Travis Martinez. University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service
Sen John Kerry (D-Mass.), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called upon the U.S. and China to escalate their efforts to prevent climate change Tuesday.
“These conversations [about climate change] between the U.S. and China are at a critical stage… they need to speed up. They need to focus,” Kerry said during a conference call.
“The U.S. needs to lead, we [the U.S.] have an obligation to lead”, Kerry added. However, Kerry stressed that this did not release China from responsibility.
“China needs to understand along with the developing world that we [the U.S.] cannot enter into a global treaty without meaningful commitments”, Kerry said.
China and the U.S. lead the world in CO2 emissions.
Efforts are currently being made to secure new climate change agreements among the international community before 192 countries converge in Copenhagen this December.
Republicans Call For Alternative To Public Option
John DuBois, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
A number of Republican Congressmen called upon President to support the a number of other plans as an alternative to a publicly funded health insurance option.
“Mr. President, there are alternatives to a government takeover of healthcare. The American people are rejecting the liberal, big government approach. They don’t want an approach that put’s the government first, they want an approach that put patients first,” said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.).
Among the plans put forward by Republicans are the Empowering Patients First Act, the Patients’ Choice Act and the Improving Health Care For All Americans Act.
“No less than three dozen health bills have been introduced by Republicans this year,” Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.) said.
“We hope the President will recognize that and work with us to find common ground,” Price added.