Geoff Davis RSS Articles

New Budget Piles More Unsustainable Debt on Future Generations

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On February 1st, President Barack Obama released a budget plan that will put Americans on the hook for another year of higher federal spending, more dangerous borrowing, and new piles of unsustainable debt. His budget for fiscal year 2011 proposes to spend a record $3.83 trillion – and yes, that’s trillion with a “T.”

To put this astronomical number into perspective, it helps to consider the numbers in terms of the passage of time. One million seconds is equal to roughly eleven days and twelve hours, and one billion seconds is thirty-two years. One trillion seconds equals thirty-two thousand years, and 3.8 trillion seconds equals one hundred and twenty-one thousand years.

Less than one week before releasing his budget, President Obama stated, “Families across the country are tightening their belts and making tough decisions. The federal government should do the same.” Ironically, just days later, the President submitted a budget proposal to Congress that would spend $1.6 trillion more than he expects the government to collect in revenue. Mr. President, how does your budget reflect the federal government making the same decisions families across the country have had to make?

Rather than stimulating opportunity and entrepreneurship in America, President Obama’s budget includes $2.8 trillion in tax hikes over the next ten years. These tax hikes will further slow job creation and growth and create new hurdles for everyone from small business owners and investors to families earning less than $250,000 per year.

Three days after President Obama submitted his unsustainable budget to Congress, House Democrats cheered upon passage of a $1.9 trillion increase to the federal debt limit. When President Obama signs this bill into law, it will increase our debt limit to $14,294,000,000,000 (more than $14 trillion). This is the largest one-time debt increase in the history of Congress, and it came less than two months after the last debt ceiling increase of $290 billion.

The American people are tired of tightening their budgets and counting pennies while the federal government continues along a path of irresponsible spending, risky borrowing and staggering debt. In an effort to curb Congress’ insatiable appetite for borrowing and spending, my Republican colleagues and I introduced H.R. 4262, the CAP the DEBT Act. The legislation would mandate a two-thirds roll call vote in the House and Senate in order to raise the debt ceiling and prohibit Congress from hiding debt limit increases in the annual joint budget resolution. Additionally, I have co-sponsored a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance the budget on an annual basis.

In January, the American economy lost an additional 20,000 jobs. Over the course of 2009, more than three million jobs were lost. We cannot put our economy back on the path to prosperity and encourage job growth if the federal government continues to feed its addiction to unsustainable and out-of-control spending and debt.

The federal budget is much more than a list of numbers on a page – it is a reflection of our ability as elected representatives to come together and make the same tough choices that American families must make every month. Families across the nation are cutting their own budgets down to the necessities while working as hard as they can to pay off their debts. It is past time for the President and Congress to follow suit.

Let’s Try Common Sense

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On January 27th, President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address. As he discussed critical issues like job creation, the economy, health care and energy, the President said, “Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it’s time to try something new… Let’s try common sense.” I could not agree more.

Reviving our economy and fostering job creation is the most important challenge we must overcome this year. Kentuckians have struggled with double-digit unemployment rates since May 2009. Across the country, 3.5 million net jobs have been lost since the so-called stimulus legislation was signed into law last February. These facts alone illustrate that the Democrat Majority’s strategy of bigger government, unsustainable spending and higher debt has failed to address the central problems in our economy.

It is time to try something new. We must enact fiscally responsible policies that will increase our competitiveness and reward entrepreneurship and ingenuity. That is why I support targeted tax relief and streamlined regulations to help grow Kentucky’s small businesses, improve their ability to create local jobs, and put money back into the hands of those who can use it directly to support their families and stimulate our economy.

Enacting a comprehensive energy policy that takes advantage of our domestic energy resources is one of the best things we can do to foster economic growth and create jobs. For years, Republicans have advocated for safe, clean nuclear power plants, encouraged offshore drilling and fought for the expansion of clean coal technologies. I was pleased that President Obama discussed employing American innovation to develop a variety of our nation’s energy resources. However, I am vehemently opposed to the “cap and trade” climate change legislation passed by the House last summer.

We must take steps to preserve our environment for future generations, but we must do so without creating new hurdles for families, small businesses and communities across America. Imposing a “cap and trade” program amounts to a national energy tax, and that is dangerous economic policy that we cannot afford. Instead, we must work together to create a common sense plan that will allow us to responsibly develop our energy resources, reduce consumption, end our overreliance on foreign oil and bring new energy jobs to our economy.

In this time of economic instability, Congress must reexamine all legislative priorities to ensure they will not restrict growth, raise the cost of doing business with the U.S. or pile more debt onto future generations. It is with this in mind that we must start over on health care reform and craft new legislation that will fix what is broken in our health care system, reduce cost and increase access to health insurance.

House Republicans introduced the Common Sense Health Reform and Affordability Act (H.R. 4038), a responsible approach to health care reform that would reduce costs for all Americans, increase access to health care coverage and save the taxpayers’ money. Unfortunately, our bill was rejected along party lines in November. I remain convinced that we can use the framework in H.R. 4038 to craft important and meaningful health care reform that satisfies the demands of the people.

During his address, President Obama urged Democrats and Republicans to come together for the American people. He said, “We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let’s show the American people that we can do it together.” Republicans remain ready to heed the President’s call and reach across the aisle to craft responsible, common sense legislation that will address our nation’s greatest challenges.

Congressman Davis Statement on President Obama’s FY2011 Budget

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Geoff Davis issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s $3.8 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2011:

“During the State of the Union Address, President Obama said, ‘Families across the country are tightening their belts and making tough decisions. The federal government should do the same.’ Less than one week after issuing this call for fiscal restraint in Washington, the President has released a budget that proposes to spend $3.834 trillion for fiscal year 2011. His proposal represents an increase of $113 billion over fiscal year 2010.

“This budget is packed with increased taxes, increased spending, and increased debt for the American people. The President’s budget predicts a $1.556 trillion deficit this year; a new record that surpasses last year’s deficit of $1.4 trillion.

“Families across the nation are cutting their own budgets down to the necessities. It is past time for the President and Congress to follow suit. We cannot continue down this road of unsustainable spending and debt.”

The House Committee on Ways and Means will begin its oversight hearings on the President’s proposed budget on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Congressman Davis Announces Firefighters’ Grants for Edgewood, Fort Wright, and New Liberty Fire Departments

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Geoff Davis is pleased to announce that three Fourth District fire departments have been awarded funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Edgewood Fire/ EMS Department has been awarded $57,600, the Fort Wright Fire/ EMS Department has been awarded $22,335, and the New Liberty Fire Department has been awarded $44,750.

The AFG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

The Edgewood and Fort Wright fire departments have been awarded funds under the AFG’s Operations and Safety Program. This program provides assistance to eligible fire departments and EMS organizations for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. The New Liberty Fire Department has been awarded funds under the AFG’s Vehicle Acquisition Program. This program provides assistance to eligible fire departments and EMS organizations for the purchase of a new, used or refurbished vehicle.

Congressman Davis stated, “These important funds will help keep our communities safe by ensuring our fire and rescue departments have access to critical resources. I applaud these fire departments for their proactive efforts to gain funding and improve their services through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. Fire departments and emergency response organizations across the Fourth District could benefit from similar grants, and I urge them to contact my office so we can work to assist their efforts.”

Every year, the AFG regional staff conducts hundreds of workshops nationwide to provide up-to-date AFG program information to applicants. In 2010, it is anticipated that AFG regional staff will once again host workshops throughout Kentucky. More information will be available at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/content/html/afg/. The workshops will be conducted by AFG regional representatives and offer program information for any fire and/or EMS organization that wished to submit a 2009 AFG application. Congressman Davis encourages any fire or EMS organization that could benefit from an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to contact his office at (859) 426-0080 or to visit www.firegrantsupport.com for additional information.

To learn more about grant related services, to request a letter of support, or to sign-up for Congressman Davis’ email distribution list, please contact his Ft. Mitchell office at (859) 426-0080 or visit http://geoffdavis.house.gov/ConstituentServices/Grants.htm. Congressman Davis and his staff are committed to providing the best services possible to assist residents of the Fourth District and maximize grant funding for worthy projects in Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District.

Congressman Davis Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Geoff Davis issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“For more than a year, American families and businesses have called upon the President and Congress to produce real solutions that will reduce our soaring unemployment rate and foster widespread job creation. Instead of listening to the voice of the people, President Obama and the Democrat Majority have chosen to follow a dangerous path of unsustainable spending, record debt, and bigger government.

“It will take much more than rhetoric to undo the damage that has been done by the Administration and the Speaker’s record of fiscal irresponsibility. A spending freeze after an unprecedented 66% increase in spending last year is not enough. A spending freeze after allowing the national debt to balloon to $12.3 trillion dollars is not enough. A spending freeze while trying to push a wildly unpopular government takeover of health care that could cost taxpayers upwards of a trillion dollars is unacceptable.

“We need a new direction in Washington. Instead of more broken promises to cut wasteful spending and reduce the deficit, it is past time for President Obama and Democrat Leaders to respond to the demands of the American people.

“Actions speak louder than words. My Republican colleagues and I remain ready to work across the aisle on crafting responsible policies that will encourage job creation, reduce spending, increase our competitiveness, and return our economy to stable footing.”

Read the Republican Address to the Nation as delivered by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell here.

Empower the People to Spur Job Creation

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Despite President Barack Obama’s inaugural promise to create jobs and contain unemployment through passage of a stimulus package that would “provide an immediate jolt” to our economy, Kentuckians have been struggling with an unemployment rate above ten percent since May 2009. Since the Democrat Majority’s stimulus legislation was signed into law almost one year ago, 3.5 million Americans have lost their jobs. More than six million jobs have been lost since Democrats took control of Congress in January of 2007.

In order to create jobs, we must empower the people. Individuals, entrepreneurs and small business owners will drive our economic recovery, create jobs and ultimately reduce the unemployment rate. But first, the government has to get out of the way. Unfortunately, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have relentlessly pursued a policy focused on bigger government, higher spending and more debt.

Today, a small business owner who considers adding employees must face threats of higher State and federal taxes; a national energy tax; restricted access to credit; and increased mandates, costs, penalties and taxes related to proposed health care legislation. Washington has created an environment of uncertainty that has chilled job creation.

On January 25th, I met with a variety of business leaders, job seekers, and career development specialists at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Jobs Forum to listen to their ideas on how Washington can encourage job creation in 2010.

Employers who attended the Jobs Forum gave their perspective on a number of issues that impact their ability to do business in this difficult economy. A principle concern expressed by many in attendance was the failure of both the federal and State governments to streamline regulation and taxation. For some, the costs of complying with various taxes have become a greater financial burden than the taxes themselves. I agreed with the attendees who suggested we need a simplified tax structure to grow Kentucky’s small businesses, ensure their ability to create local jobs, and return our economy to stable footing.

Cost and access to credit was discussed by several employers as a significant impediment to job growth in 2010. The financial and housing crises of 2008 clearly indicated the need for regulatory reform, but as we have seen in the health care debate, the devil is in the details. While commonsense, responsible regulation is important, we must ensure that we do not craft an excessively complicated system that unnecessarily limits credit and stalls our economic recovery.

Many Forum participants also expressed concerns about the proposed “cap and trade” national energy tax and its impact on Kentucky’s economy. Businesses rely on the low energy costs available in the Commonwealth thanks to our abundant coal resources. Implementing a “cap and trade” program is dangerous economic policy that we cannot afford. Congress must instead work together to implement a comprehensive energy policy that will take advantage of the abundant energy resources that exist on our soil and allow us to stop sending billions of dollars to unstable foreign regimes.

Businesses cannot thrive in an economy falsely buoyed by temporary stimulus jobs and taxpayer-funded bailouts. In order to create jobs, we must empower the people. We must craft legislation in Congress that will not cause additional harm to our economy, but will instead give Americans the flexibility they need to grow their businesses. Our economic recovery in Kentucky will depend on the success of local businesses like the ones that were represented at the Jobs Forum.

Congressman Davis Joins Business Leaders to Discuss Economy and Job Growth in Kentucky

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

This morning, Congressman Geoff Davis was the featured speaker at the Northern Kentucky Jobs Forum, hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The Jobs Forum was designed by the Chamber to provide an outlet for Northern Kentucky’s employers to discuss the steps that must be taken to encourage job creation and growth in our national and regional economies. Approximately forty business owners, job seekers, and career development specialists were in attendance.

Congressman Davis stated, “I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to talk face-to-face with Kentucky business leaders. These men and women have firsthand knowledge of the challenges that businesses are facing in this difficult economy.

“In order to create jobs, we must empower the people. As the unemployment rate in Kentucky remains above ten percent, it is past time to put the money back in the hands of those who can use it to support their families and stimulate the economy. By sharing their experiences and observations in today’s Jobs Forum, Kentucky business leaders have given me new insight on the types of policies that must be enacted Washington, D.C. to foster job creation, encourage economic growth, and empower the people in America’s heartland.”

During the Jobs Forum, Congressman Davis discussed the need for Congress to enact policies that will increase our competitiveness and reward entrepreneurship and ingenuity. He discussed the critical role that targeted tax relief and streamlined regulations would play in allowing Kentucky’s small businesses to grow, create local jobs, and return our economy to stable footing. Congressman Davis also emphasized the importance of abandoning Speaker Pelosi’s detrimental "Cap and Trade" national energy tax in favor of a comprehensive energy policy that takes advantage of the abundant energy resources that exist in America.

Dan Catalano, President of Zotefoams, Steven Harper, President of Harper Oil Products, and Congressman Davis led a panel discussion among the participants. The panelists listened to local business owners as they explained the types of challenges they have encountered in the current economic climate, including issues with the lack of available credit, the short-term impact of temporary stimulus jobs, and concerns about energy prices and the future of the Kentucky coal industry.

WLW TV: NKY Chamber Sees Economic Recovery On Horizon

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The mood was optimistic Monday morning at a jobs forum sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

After a down year in 2009, business leaders expect this year to be better for the economy and workers seeking jobs.

"Well, it has to be," said Steve Stevens, president of the chamber. "2009 was so lousy that it wouldn't take a lot to be better, but absolutely it's going to be better."

However, business leaders also said some obstacles stand in the way, including health care costs, high taxes and problems getting loans.

They said they'd like to hear President Barack Obama address those issues during his State of the Union address Tuesday evening, but an area congressman said he doesn't want to hear anything about tax hikes, increased government spending or federal interference.

"The way you create jobs is to empower people," said Rep. Geoff Davis, a Boone County Republican. "Instead of the government taking money in to give to government construction programs or social programs, what we need to do is leave that money in the communities and let people invest it where the need is to create jobs."

The chamber's most recent survey showed more than half its members expect 2010 to be a stronger year for their own businesses, after suffering through last year.

Click here to view a video report of the Jobs Forum, as well as read the original WLW report.

Congressman Davis Fights Provision that Punishes Married Couples

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Geoff Davis sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today urging her to drop provisions in the health care legislation that would penalize married couples. Over one hundred members have joined Congressman Davis in support of this effort.

As currently structured, the health insurance subsidies in both the House- and Senate-passed health care bills impose significant penalties on married couples. For example, in the House-passed bill, an unmarried couple with income of $25,000 each would have their combined premiums capped at $3,076 per year. If the couple gets married, and thus has a combined annual income of $50,000, their annual premium cap would jump to $5,160 for the same insurance, which amounts to a $2,084 penalty for simply being married.

Congressman Davis stated, “In the past, Members of Congress have worked together on a bipartisan basis to reduce the penalty that exists in the tax code for all married couples and eliminate it entirely for those making $68,000 or less. The federal government should not construct policy that discourages individuals from marrying or provides an incentive for couples to divorce.

“As Americans struggle to make ends meet in these difficult economic times, now is not the time for Congress to increase taxes and punish families. I am pleased that so many of my colleagues have joined me in protesting this provision that frankly has no place in health care reform.”

The full text of Congressman Davis’ letter to Speaker Pelosi is available by clicking here.

Help Needed in Wake of Haitian Earthquake

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On January 12th, the island nation of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. According to reports, this was the country's most severe earthquake in two hundred years. The epicenter of the earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, leaving the city in shambles.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, an estimated 200,000 people may be dead and thousands more are wounded. Survivors now face an uphill battle as they struggle with rescue efforts, dwindling supplies of food and clean water, and intense structural damage to their entire national infrastructure. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the many ways you and your family can offer the people of Haiti some help as they fight to recover from this disaster.

The American Red Cross has implemented a cell phone texting campaign that makes donating to Haiti simple. By texting “Haiti” to 90999, you can donate $10 to the American Red Cross’ Haitian relief efforts. The $10 will be added to your next cell phone bill. You can learn more about this mobile campaign by visiting the American Red Cross’ website at http://american.redcross.org/. You can also make a donation directly through the website or by calling (800) RED-CROSS.

Hospitals in Haiti are overwhelmed by demand and badly in need of supplies. Doctors Without Borders is an international organization dedicated to bringing quality medical care to more than sixty underserved countries around the world. All three Doctors Without Borders facilities near Port-au-Prince were damaged in the earthquake. Officials with the organization are rushing to set up new stations to help the wounded. If you would like to help Doctors Without Borders obtain additional supplies and expand their capacity in Haiti, visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/.

To learn more ways you can contribute to relief efforts in Haiti, I encourage you to visit a new section of my website called “Help Haiti.” The new webpage includes a growing list of resources and information on ways you can get involved. Visit http://www.GeoffDavis.house.gov/haiti or go to the homepage at http://www.GeoffDavis.house.gov and click the “Help Haiti” button.

When making a charitable donation of your limited time or hard earned money, please be wary of scams and fraudulent organizations. Here are a few rules of thumb: (1) Avoid charities you have never heard of before; (2) Ignore unsolicited e-mails; and (3) Do not send money directly overseas. To find out more ways to ensure your charitable donation is put to good use, visit my “Help Haiti” webpage.

If you have a friend or loved one in Haiti, the U.S. State Department advises you to call (888) 407-4747 to check on their safety. Due to heavy call volume, please be aware that you may receive a recorded message. My staff and I will do our best to assist you if you are directly affected by this tragedy. Please do not hesitate to contact my Fort Mitchell office at (859) 426-0080 with your questions.