RSC Update

The major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that began after the tragic accident on the Deepwater Horizon rig threatens to devastate both the environment and the livelihood of millions in the Gulf region. The future of the Gulf depends on cleaning up this spill as quickly as possible. It is also vitally important that we learn what exactly went wrong so similar disasters can be prevented and responded to more effectively in the future.

While the scale of this disaster has understandably given some folks second thoughts about greater utilization of American oil and gas resources, even the President and members of his administration have acknowledged that the need for production of domestic oil and gas remains very real. As unemployed and underemployed Americans continue to struggle through what has been called a “jobless recovery,” the beneficial economic impact of a comprehensive energy plan based on innovation, conservation, and production cannot be denied.

The lack of robust, private-sector job creation in this “jobless recovery” is not merely a failure of the Democrats’ $862 billion Porkulus. It is also a reflection of the uncertainty employers face with the prospect of a National Energy Tax, new health care taxes and mandates, decreased access to credit with a permanent bailout bill, a value-added tax, and income tax hikes scheduled to take effect beginning in 2011. Implementing common sense, pro-growth policies like those in the RSC’s Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act would go a long way toward giving employers the confidence they need to begin hiring and expanding in earnest.
Sincerely,
Congressman Tom Price

Chairman, Republican Study Committee

RSC Legislative Activity – RSC members have made it a priority to introduce productive, conservative alternatives to the Democrats’ reckless agenda.

· Rep. John Fleming (LA-04) introduced H.R. 5126, the Helping Save Americans’ Health Care Choices Act, which would repeal the additional taxes on HSA’s, repeal the prohibitions on tax-free reimbursements for over-the-counter medications, remove the cap on FSA’s and ensure that these more affordable plan choices will remain available to Americans as “qualifying plans” under ObamaCare.

· This week, the RSC will launch the 10th Amendment Task Force. By working to disperse power from Washington back to regions, states, local governments, and individuals, the Task Force aims to ensure that the principles within the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution serve as a framework for Republicans to fundamentally alter the way government interacts with and touches people on a daily basis.

Outlook – Here is a preview of upcoming Democrat proposals to advance their big-government, anti-taxpayer agenda.

· This week, the House is scheduled to consider H.R. 5019, also known as “Cash for Caulkers.” This legislation would spend $6.6 billion through the EPA and the Department of Energy to provide homeowners rebates for insulating attics, installing new windows, and other similar activities.

· The Senate will continue to focus on the Democrats’ financial regulatory reform bill, which includes numerous provisions allowing Washington to bailout and prop up failing firms.
Republican Study Committee