Whose Iraq Predictions Have Come True?

On Sept. 10, 2002, I asked 35 questions regarding war with Iraq. The war resolution passed on Oct. 16, 2002. Now today, as some of my colleagues try to reestablish credentials regarding spending restraint, I want to call attention to my 18th question from six years ago: “Are we willing to bear the economic burden … Continue reading “Whose Iraq Predictions Have Come True?”

How Foreign Policy Affects Gas Prices

We’ve heard how the value of the dollar affects gas prices – and indeed the price of everything. I was pleased that my request for a hearing on such was granted by the Financial Services committee and we were able to hear some very informative testimony. Certainly domestic policies, regarding off-shore oil drilling bans, ethanol … Continue reading “How Foreign Policy Affects Gas Prices”

Using One Tragedy to
Create Another

As one who is most consistently opposed to war and violence, I join my colleagues in condemning the brutal and unjustified attack on a Jewish community center in Argentina 14 years ago. I do not support this resolution, however, as it misuses a tragedy 14 years ago in a foreign country to push for U.S. … Continue reading “Using One Tragedy to
Create Another”

Congress’s ‘Virtual Iran War Resolution’

Statement on House Congressional Resolution 362 before the US House of Representatives, June 28, 2008 Today the Dow Jones Average was down 350-some points, gold was up $32, and oil was up another $5. There is a lot of chaos out there and everyone is worried about $4 gasoline. But I don’t think there is … Continue reading “Congress’s ‘Virtual Iran War Resolution’”

War, Economy Can’t Be Decoupled

What is the importance of the war in Iraq relative to other current issues? This is a question I am often asked, especially as Americans continue to become increasingly aware that something is very wrong with the economy. The difficulty with the way the question is often asked relates to the perception that we are … Continue reading “War, Economy Can’t Be Decoupled”

March to War in Lebanon?

Statement on H Res 1194, "Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora." I rise in opposition to H. Res. 1194 because it is dangerously interventionist and will likely lead to more rather than less violence in the Middle East. I have noticed … Continue reading “March to War in Lebanon?”

The Economy: Another Casualty of War

This week, as the American economy continued to suffer the effects of big government, the House attempted to pass two multi-billion dollar "emergency" spending bills, one for continued spending on the war in Iraq , and one increasing spending on domestic and international welfare programs. The plan was to pass these two bills and then … Continue reading “The Economy: Another Casualty of War”

The Emerging Surveillance State

Last month, the House amended the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to expand the government’s ability to monitor our private communications. This measure, if it becomes law, will result in more warrantless government surveillance of innocent American citizens. Though some opponents claimed that the only controversial part of this legislation was its grant of … Continue reading “The Emerging Surveillance State”