RSC Update

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid recently made a vow to a large gathering of liberal activists that should have you concerned.

“Frustration with the Democratic Party was a major theme during the four-day event, where progressives voiced their loss of patience with those in power for not doing enough to make major policy changes. … ‘We’re going to have to have a lame-duck session,’ Reid promised. ‘So we’re not giving up.’”

The liberals Senator Reid was talking to do not think ObamaCare’s unconstitutional mandate to buy insurance went far enough. They do not think the failed $862 billion stimulus created a large enough deficit. They do not think Democrats have done enough to “change” America into an economically and militarily weak cradle-to-grave welfare state. They want more – and Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi are planning to give it to them in a lame duck session of Congress.

But here’s the catch – most Americans have had more than enough. These Americans are tired of being ignored and are ready to register their dissatisfaction at the voting booth in November. That’s why Pelosi and Reid have delayed dealing with a number of far-reaching and controversial issues until a post-election lame duck session. They know Americans don’t support the tax hikes, spending deficits, and other job-killing policy prescriptions Democrats want to enact. By holding off until a lame duck session, they hope to avoid an even greater backlash.

This is not how the Founders intended the federal government to function. Our republic is based on those who govern having the consent of the governed. That is why I went down to the House floor last Thursday and offered a privileged resolution calling on Democrats to stop ignoring the will of the people and pledge not to hold a lame duck session this year except in the case of an unforeseen, sudden emergency requiring immediate action from Congress.

Instead of taking a clear position on this important question, Speaker Pelosi’s Democrats delayed the vote and then left town for a six-week summer recess. When Congress returns in September, I will once again offer this resolution and give my colleagues another chance to show if they support the use of a lame duck session to override the will of the American people. Americans should know where their Representatives stand on the issues before going into the voting booth.

House Republicans know we must restore Americans’ faith in their elected Representatives by listening when you speak. There is no better way to make your voice heard than via AmericaSpeakingOut.com. I encourage you to read through the solutions, draft your own, and show your support.

Sincerely,

Congressman Tom Price
Chairman, Republican Study Committee