Gulf1-E-Miller

Jeff Millers Newsletter on Second Stimulus Bill

Taxpayers have barely had a chance to put their now-empty wallets away after the last "stimulus" bill forced through by the Obama Administration, yet already plans are in the works to potentially send a second round of billions of dollars out the window.  A nearly $800 billion package, fraught with pet projects of nominal relevance to boosting our economy, was pushed through with the hopes of stemming unemployment and restoring economic viability in our country.

As expected, the stimulus bill had the opposite effect.  In June, unemployment numbers were reported at nine-and-a-half percent, with many conceding that a double-digit unemployment rate is now likely.  In addition, only approximately ten percent of the massive amount of stimulus money has been committed.  This money was supposed to get critical infrastructure projects underway more quickly throughout all 50 states, and in doing so create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Now, top-level officials in the Obama administration are already discussing the possibility of a second stimulus package.  The problem is that calling the first $800 billion a stimulus of any sorts is inaccurate and misleading since it hasn't accomplished any of its goals in stimulating the economy.  A second stimulus isn't really a second stimulus if there wasn't a first one to begin with.

Since the administration isn't going to use the stimulus money to help the economy as originally planned, there are at least a few areas where these billions upon billions of dollars could be put to good use.  To start, these hundreds of billions of dollars could go toward the annual appropriations process, something the House and Senate are both currently working on.  Much of the spending in these bills is duplicative of what the stimulus is supposed to target, and both of these send our national debt moving even higher.  Another simpler alternative is to simply rescind the unspent stimulus money since we have seen no indication of its contribution to our economy.

Viable alternatives have been put forth, yet the administration and the Democratic majority in Congress has ignored them.  One particular bill, the Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act, contains targeted economic relief that will actually help a majority of Americans.  Through across-the-board tax relief and providing incentives for small businesses to grow and prosper, the Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act recognizes that families are the backbone of our society and that small businesses comprise a majority of our workforce.

Americans across the nation from all walks of life and all political leanings have increasing showed their frustration with the path that reckless government spending has taken.  There have been zero displays of fiscal restraint from the current administration, and no indications of that changing.  Moreover, the promises of real results through spending hundreds of billions of your tax dollars have proven empty, and instead of holding onto hard-earned money for ourselves and our posterity we are going to be left holding nothing for generations to come.  To consider making this problem even worse through a second "stimulus" package is unconscionable and a disservice to taxpayers who are already working hard to make ends meet.

Jeff Miller's Weekly Newsletter for July 2nd

On June 15th, the streets of Tehran choked with marchers protesting the recent Iranian Presidential elections.  Estimates indicate that between one and two million people walked through the streets that day, and it was the largest protest in Iran since the 1979 revolution which overthrew the Shah.  Although the events in Iran signify a country in transition, the United States must be cautious in its engagement of Iran and remember the lessons of our recent history.

Since 1980, when the United States broke ties with Iran, banned American exports to the country and expelled Iranian diplomats following the hostage crisis, Iran has had a long history of reckless, irresponsible behavior.  The United States has often hoped for improvements, only to be disappointed.  In 1997, Mohammad Khatami, a moderate cleric, won Iran 's presidential election. Clinton called the election hopeful, but insisted that ties were not possible until Iran renounced terrorism, opposition to the Middle East peace effort and weapons of mass destruction.  Ultimately, all attempts to improve relations with Iran failed when they refused to abandon support for these activities.

Today, we know little about Mir-Hossein Moussavi, the man supported by the protesters, but our experience in the late 1990s should remind us that even with a moderate President, Iran has demonstrated no interest in either reducing support for terrorism or abandoning its dogged pursuit of nuclear capability.

Although the validity of the election is in question, Iran ’s violence directed at toward the protestors is appalling.  Over the past few years, I had the pleasure of participating in the House Democracy Assistance Commission.  The mission of the House Democracy Assistance Commission is to promote responsive, effective government and strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies. I traveled throughout the world to assist countries attempting to build stable, prosperous democracies.  I personally know the challenges in building a stable government through fair, impartial elections. Now, as I watch the Iranian regime pretending to hold such fair and impartial elections only to violently put down peaceful protests is outrageous.  I condemn them.

Protesters in Iran have courageously taken to the streets, risking and losing their lives to demand free and fair elections, rather than the political sham in which they have been living for decades. Although we must move cautiously, these uprising represent the most exciting development in the Middle East in decades. Even political leaders in Europe, specifically French President Nicolas Sarcozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have talked about the moral imperative of supporting the Iranian people.

I remain profoundly disappointed in the President’s lack of remarks after the initial protests.  As we prepare to celebrate our own nation’s independence, I worry that the President’s desire to reach out to Iranians and other nations with questionable intentions is causing him to turn a blind eye to the efforts of people working towards democracy. America must always support free and fair elections throughout the world and remember those who are responsible for our own democracy.

The Jeff Miller Weekly Newsletter for 6/26/09

On June 26th, Democrats in Congress passed one of the largest tax increases in history, and did it without even changing the tax code.  With the passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454), or the “cap and trade” bill, every American family will pay more for their energy costs.  Electric and heating bills will climb, we will pay more for gas at the pump, farmers will pay more to grow our food, and the price for consumer goods will unavoidably rise.  In an economic climate like the one we currently face, forcing Americans to spend more of their disposable income on energy costs is outrageous and dangerous.  That is why I strongly opposed this legislation and sincerely hope that it does not make it through the Senate.

While the estimates on the exact cost to American taxpayers vary, no one disputes the fact that consumers will pay more for their energy.  President Obama has admitted that a cap and tax system like the Waxman-Markey legislation would cause electricity rates to “necessarily skyrocket.”  The costs skyrocket because that is the very point of cap and trade.  When electricity prices are drastically increased, consumers are forced to make cuts in order to meet their budgets.  These cuts in electricity use cause a similar decrease in emissions. 

The goal of reducing pollution is one I strongly support, but a cap and trade system is not the way to reach this objective.  Not only will Americans pay more every year for energy, but the bill will result in a huge net loss of American jobs.  According to the independent Charles River Associates International, H.R. 2454 would result in a “net reduction in U.S. employment of 2.3 million to 2.7 million jobs each year of the policy through 2030,” even after the creation of the promised new green jobs.  National unemployment hovers near 10 percent, and any bill that results in millions of American job losses is completely unacceptable.

The residents in Northwest Florida will be hit particularly hard by this bill’s tremendous negative consequences because it unfairly targets farmers and rural America .  Rural residents spend 58 percent more on fuel and travel 25 percent further to work than those living in urbanized areas.  A Heritage Foundation study found that the cap and trade bill would cause a Gross Domestic Product loss in our district alone of $782 million each year for the next 20 years.  The people I represent refuse to accept such remarkable economic losses in our area in exchange for a misguided policy that reportedly will have little positive impact on the world’s environment.

There is a better solution to America ’s energy and emissions problems.  I support an “all of the above” approach as a comprehensive energy solution.  Let’s focus on developing clean and renewable energy, exploring new domestic sources for oil and natural gas, and building nuclear power plants.  These are the solutions that Americans deserve, and I will continue working to ensure that energy reform is not achieved on the backs of hardworking taxpayers and American small businesses.

Congressman Jeff Miller Endorses Marco Rubio For U.S. Senate

Miami, FL - U.S. Senate candidate and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio today announced that he has received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller (FL-01). Miller will play an important role in expanding grassroots support for Rubio in the Florida Panhandle.

Making today's announcement, Congressman Miller said, "This race has tremendous implications for the future of Florida and the very foundation of conservatism in America.  Marco Rubio possesses an impressive combination of idea-driven, principled leadership and the ability to communicate conservative values in ways that resonate at the kitchen table.  Americans deserve better than the current big government, borrow-and-spend road we are on, and I believe Marco Rubio will be a compelling voice to lead us to a stronger and more prosperous America."

Welcoming Miller's endorsement, Speaker Rubio said, "During his eight years in Congress, Congressman Miller has devoted his career to creating jobs, taking care of our veterans and supporting our courageous men and women in uniform.  I welcome his counsel on these important issues and look forward to campaigning with him in the Florida Panhandle."

About Congressman Jeff Miller: United States Representative Jeff Miller was sworn in as the Congressman of the First Congressional District of Florida in October of 2001. In 2008, the people of Northwest Florida sent Congressman Miller back to Washington for a fifth term. Congressman Miller serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.  Since coming to Congress, Miller has established himself as one of the staunchest conservatives in the House and a leader on the House Armed Services Committee. He has championed numerous tax relief and veterans' measures and fought for less government, less taxes, and more personal freedom.  Congressman Miller is married to the former Vicki Griswold. They are both active members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Chumuckla. They have two children and two grandchildren. 

Congressman Jeff Miller Questions Proposed Air Force Test And Evaluation Cuts

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL-01) today inserted language into the National Defense Authorization Act that reinforces Congress’ support for the Test and Evaluation mission in the Department of Defense.

“This language makes it crystal clear that Congress does not want the Air Force Test and Evaluation Mission to be compromised,” said Miller. “This is a Northwest Florida issue, but it is also a national security issue.”

Congressman Miller attached language to the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act that reinforces the Director of the Test Resource Management Center’s access to Air Force information before a move of or cut in the Test and Evaluation missions can take place.  Further report language in the bill notes that the 2010 funding for Test and Evaluation is $57.9 million below last year’s level and notes that such a lack of funding could “negatively impact numerous critical Department of Defense programs.”

“Eglin has assets that are not replicated anywhere else,” Miller added.  “It took forty years and hundreds of millions of dollars to create the most advance test facilities in the world.  It doesn’t make good sense, for the military or the taxpayer, to make a short-sighted, knee-jerk funding decision when we are funding billions in bailouts.”

The FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act must still be taken up by the full House Armed Services Committee.  The Committee is expected to take up the measure later this month.

Jeff Miller To TSA: ‘You Can't Keep The Change"

An amendment offered by Congressman Jeff Miller (R-Fl-01), which requires Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to donate change left at airport checkpoints to the United Services Organization, Inc. (USO) for its airport programs in support of the military, was defeated today on a party-line vote by the Rules Committee.

“The Democrats in Washington are spending so much of your money that they are willing to keep the money from your change purse to pay for their bloated bureaucracy,” said Miller. “If TSA representatives get to play ‘finders keepers’ with your hard earned cash, what’s the incentive to try to get the loose change to its rightful owners?”

Miller’s amendment to the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act is based on his legislation, HR 2216.  The legislation requires the TSA to donate the collected loose change to the USO, to help it support our troops at its airport locations.  Last year, the TSA collected $383,907.79 in unclaimed money at its checkpoints across the country.  According to the TSA, the money is used to support janitorial services at the airport.

“I would much rather see unclaimed change go to help the warfighter on their way to and from the battlefield than to help with emptying the garbage cans,” Miller added.  “Airports already have budgets for janitorial services and air travelers are already burdened enough with federal taxes added on to their tickets.”

Despite today’s partisan defeat, Miller plans to continue to push the issue on his stand-alone legislation.

Jeff Miller And USO Team Up To Support The Troops

In recognition of National Military Appreciation Month (May), Congressman Jeff Miller, along with members of the USO Congressional Caucus, USO World Strategic Partners, USO World Board of Governors and senior military officials partnered to stuff 3,000 Operation USO Care Packages. These packages will be distributed to service members overseas in an effort to provide them with a ‘piece of home.’ 

The event took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer where Congressman Jeff Miller and Silvestre Reyes kicked off the event by welcoming the guests and highlighting the importance of the USO’s 68 year-plus tradition in supporting the brave men and women of our military. During the event, Members of Congress and staff assembled 3000 care packages for deployed troops.

Since the program’s inception, the USO has distributed more than 1.6 million Care Packages to troops deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other overseas locations.  The Operation USO Care Package program enables the public to directly support our soldiers. These packages improve the lives of deployed troops around the world by providing recipients with, at a minimum, one prepaid international phone card, sunscreen, snacks, playing cards, toiletries and other items requested by service members.  For more information about Operation USO Care Package and other USO programs, please visit www.uso.org. 

About the USO 
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families.  The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. 

The Jeff Miller Weekly Newsletter for May 1, 2009

President Obama's decision to release memos outlining interrogation techniques and terrorists is shocking and disappointing to say the least. Even more disgraceful, is President Obama's decision to capitulate to the ACLU by releasing photos of alleged abuse by American service members, intelligence community personnel and contractors. These decisions will only serve to weaken our nation's defenses in the long run and will provide the terrorists with new propaganda and tools for recruitment.

President Obama claims that he relied on the advice of senior national security advisors when making this decision. Which advisors actually told him that this was a good idea? The current CIA Director, Leon Panetta advised against it. In addition, former CIA Director, retired Air Force General Michael Hayden and former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff advised the President against releasing these memos and photos.

Another troubling aspect of the memo release is how many Members of Congress were apparently briefed on the enhanced interrogation techniques and those same Members and Senators are now saying they don't remember being briefed or if they were, there was nothing they could have done about it.  Every Member of Congress has an obligation to do what he or she thinks is right in accordance with the Constitutional oath he or she took.  Doing nothing is not an option.

What is accomplished by releasing these interrogation memos? Terrorists around the globe will know our interrogation tactics. They will know what to expect if they are captured and can train to combat our techniques. I am sad to say that President Obama, at the wishes of the ACLU and other far-left organizations, gave the terrorists an important part of our national security playbook.

What is accomplished by releasing these photos? President Obama naively believes that would-be terrorists will somehow respect the United States for being "transparent" and will throw down their improvised explosive devices and suicide bomb belts. He believes that the United Nations will suddenly praise America for being open about the inappropriate behavior of very few American personnel.

Al Qaeda hated us before the release of the memos, and they will continue to hate us now that the memos have been released.  Their stated reasons for hating us are because of our presence in Saudi Arabia, the backing of the Saudi royal family, our support for the leadership in Egypt and our support for Israel .  They desire to establish and Islamic caliphate and repel non-believers from their land.  They want to destroy America, Israel and our allies and the release of the memos and photos will not change that.

The photos, perhaps even more than the memos, will only embolden the terrorists and serve as recruiting and propaganda tools that will be used against us. President Obama's decision provides ammunition to the terrorists that they will use against us to spread propaganda throughout the Middle East and Africa .

This decision will have drastic, negative effects over how our intelligence community does business. Instead of obtaining vital information that could save American lives, our military and intelligence professionals will have in the back of their mind that there is a good chance their Commander and Chief will make their tactics public for literally the whole world to see. This is not the way to protect America . 

Jeff Miller's Weekly Newsletter April 25th, 2009

When is it appropriate to use events in other countries as justification for limiting the constitutional rights of Americans?  Never.  Not even once.  Seems like a simple enough answer to a simple enough question, but our current administration doesn’t get it. 

The President has made clear his support for a reinstatement of the failed 1994 Clinton assault weapons ban as recently as last week during his trip to Mexico .  As the American people and Members of Congress came to realize, the assault weapons ban was in reality a ban on certain types of guns because of the way they looked.  The affected firearms weren’t able to shoot faster or farther, nor did their existence somehow cause objects to explode that otherwise wouldn’t have.  The ban was also billed as a move against machine guns, but the reality is that it targeted guns that required a new pull of the trigger for each individual shot.  Those are among many of the same guns used for lawful hunting, self-defense, and recreational purposes. 

Using Mexico ’s misfortunes as an opportunistic vehicle to infringe your 2nd Amendment rights is unconscionable.  There is no question that the violence to the South is tragic, and we all wish for a speedy end to it.  However, the American people aren’t getting the whole story when the President, the Secretary of State, and others in the administration loosely use statements and statistics such as that 90 percent of the weapons used by criminals in Mexico came from the United States .  That statement by itself is astounding, and supporters of reinstating the assault weapons ban like the statement left in that form.  What they don’t want you to know is that this 90 percent refers to only the weapons that Mexico handed over and, from that group, only the weapons that were able to be traced.  It turns out the weapons traced to the U.S are a small percentage of the weapons seized, and neither the officials nor many of the media outlets citing these numbers take into account weapons that come into Mexico from other countries or those weapons given to the Mexican government forces- used to directly combat the drug cartels- that fall into the wrong hands.  Furthermore, this nation has already had strict regulations on fully automatic weapons for over 70 years.  The same machine guns that supporters of the assault weapons ban cite as the main problem are more than difficult to obtain within our own borders.  Their “facts” just don’t line up. 

The “never waste a good crisis” mentality in the administration has to stop.  The numbers don’t lie: the Clinton assault weapons ban did nothing to affect crime rates, and only affected legal firearms used for hunting and self-defense.  In addition, data verifies that the vast majority of Americans who own guns do so legally.    Furthermore, their right to own firearms is guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, and recent rulings such as the Supreme Court’s Heller decision affirm that individual right while misguided municipalities attempt to take it away.  In addition, the notably liberal 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled just this week against local regulations that unreasonably infringe our 2nd Amendment rights.  It is time the administration also accepted that right and worked to protect it.

The right to bear arms is one that our Founding Fathers deemed very important, and for good reason.  Citing questionable figures as grounds for taking guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens only ensures that those same guns stay in the hands of criminals wishing to do harm.  That is not how our government was set up to serve its citizens.  I have always supported and defended the rights guaranteed under the 2nd Amendment, and look forward to continuing to do so.  

I’m Jeff Miller and that’s what I think, what do you think?  Email me and let me know what you think.  
 

Jeff Miller Appalled By Homeland Security Department Characterizations

Washington, D.C. – In a Homeland Security Report recently made public, President Obama’s Homeland Security Department identifies “disgruntled military veterans” as vulnerable to being recruited by “terrorist groups.”

“The President and his Homeland Security Secretary should issue an apology to all veterans for this insult” Miller, R-Chumuckla said today.

Miller went on to say “Likening all returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans to Oklahoma City bomber Tim McVeigh is an astonishing claim.”

“The military is made up of over 2 million active, reserve and guard service personnel and to paint them all with such a broad brush is unacceptable. The only generalization that applies to our returning veterans is that they are patriots. It’s too bad I didn’t see that in the report.”