STEARNS DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FROM PLANNED PARENTHOOD

INVESTIGATES THEM FOR USE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS

The Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), is leading an investigation into the finances of Planned Parenthood and that group’s use of taxpayer dollars.  Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, receives over $1 million a day from the federal government.  Planned Parenthood has a long record of ignoring state reporting laws involving sexual abuse and underage girls.  In addition, there are allegations of questionable reimbursements regarding Medicare.

Recent stories

Nonprofit Allies in Rift Over Funding

By Anna Wilde Mathews – February 1, 2012

The move occurs as Planned Parenthood has become a major focus for anti-abortion groups, and faces an investigation by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, A Florida Republican.

Mr. Stearns sent a letter to Planned Parenthood Federation of America in September seeking information for a probe partly related to its “compliance with federal restrictions on the funding of abortion.”

Link to story

Komen Foundation ends partnership with Planned Parenthood

January 31, 2012

Komen spokeswoman Leslie Aun told The Associated Press that the cutoff results from the charity's newly adopted criteria barring grants to organizations that are under investigation by local, state or federal authorities. Aun said this applies to Planned Parenthood because it's the focus of an inquiry launched by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., seeking to determine whether public money was improperly spent on abortions.

Link to story

Susan G. Komen Foundation pulls Planned Parenthood funding

By Leigh Ann Caldwell – January 31, 2012

Planned Parenthood is the subject of investigations by Republican members of Congress for allegedly using federal dollars toward providing abortions. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), chair of the House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, opened an investigation into the matter in 2011 but nothing has yet come of it.

Link to story

STEARNS’ LEGISLATION ENHANCING OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS APPROVED BY THE HOUSE

GUN-RIGHTS GROUPS CELEBRATE THIS SUCCESS

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) recognizes one of the most fundamental rights is that of self-defense.  As the states enacted concealed carry laws, those states saw a reduction in violent crime.  However, the right to carry can be compromised by crossing a state line, denying law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves.  For more than a decade, Stearns has championed legislation to provide for right-to-carry reciprocity among the states that issue permits.  Last year, the House of Representatives approved Stearns’ legislation with a strong bi-partisan majority.        

National Right to Carry Passes U.S. House

By Chris Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director – February 2012

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the ongoing effort to fully vindicate the fundamental, individual right to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense took a major step forward with passage in the U.S. House of H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.”  The bill, sponsored by Reps. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., and Heath Shuler, D-N.C., has 245 cosponsors and was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 272-154.

Rep. Stearns added, “The right – the simple right – to defend yourself and your loved ones from a criminal is fundamental.  And it’s not extinguished when you simple cross a state border…”

Link to story

STEARNS FIRST CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE IN FLORIDA TO QUALIFY BY PETITION

OCALA, DEC. 1, 2011 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) has qualified by petition for the congressional ballot for the 2012 elections.  Candidates have until May 7, 2012 to submit petitions.  “I am so very grateful for this overwhelming demonstration of support from the people of north central Florida who signed on to my petition effort so quickly,” said Stearns.  “I’m honored to be the first congressional candidate in Florida to qualify by petition; gaining this much grassroots support so early in the process across eight counties is very encouraging given the ongoing redistricting process in Tallahassee.”  In a year of apportionment, petitions do not include a district number, allowing Stearns to run in any congressional district in Florida once a new congressional map is adopted.

STEARNS’ RIGHT TO CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT PASSES IN HOUSE WITH STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

MEASURE UPHOLDS SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE

Forty-nine states issue concealed carry permits and many have reciprocity agreements recognizing permits issued by other states.  In protecting our Second Amendment rights, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) successfully offered legislation establishing reciprocity among all the 49 states that issue carry permits.  H.R. 822, the National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act, also respects state sovereignty by requiring permit holders to obey the laws of the state they are in.

Here are recent stories

Cliff Stearns scores again -- with concealed weapons permit bill

November 16, 2011

The U.S. House this evening approved a bill that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry into other states.

Its chief co-sponsor is Rep. Cliff Stearns, the Ocala Republican who has a lead role in the GOP investigation into Solyndra.

The legislation would "make it easier for law-abiding permit holders to know that they are simply in compliance with the law when they carry a firearm as they travel," he said.

Link to story

Rep. Stearns Gives an Update on National Reciprocity

Aired 11/15/2011

Congressman Cliff Stearns of Florida, talks with Ginny Simone about H.R. 822, the National Right To Carry Reciprocity Act. Rep. Stearns is the primary sponsor of the bill, which would allow for an individual with a legally issued concealed carry permit to have their permit recognized nationally similar to a driver's license.

Link to audio

SHULER & STEARNS: Nation needs right-to-carry reciprocity

Responsible gun owners shouldn’t have to disarm at state line

11/11/2011

As elected officials in Congress, we take seriously our oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the liberties and rights afforded to American citizens. This includes the Second Amendment, and we believe the bureaucratic, piecemeal right-to-carry reciprocity system in our nation threatens the ability of law-abiding American citizens to exercise this vital constitutional right.

Link to op-ed

STEARNS’ INVESTIGATION LEADS TO SUBPOENA FOR WHITE HOUSE DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SOLYNDRA

INVESTIGATION NEEDS MORE INFORMATION ON TOP WHITE HOUSE STAFF PUSHING SOLYNDRA LOAN AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE IN THE PROGRAM

After finding top White House officials involved in pushing Solyndra loan and the ready access to the West Wing provided political contributors, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, is seeking additional documents outlining the White House’s role in the Solyndra loan guarantee.  However, the White House is stonewalling the investigation, resulting in serving the White House with a subpoena for the documents.

Stearns talks with the press after panel authorizes White House subpoena.

Here are recent stories:

Solyndra subpoena sent to the White House

By Andrew Restuccia - 11/04/2011

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent the White House a subpoena for internal communications about Solyndra on Thursday night.

““Unfortunately, we had to take this step after the White House has continued to slow walk the production of documents necessary for this investigation by only releasing selected documents and records,” Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and the GOP’s point-man on Solyndra, said in a statement.

Link to story

White House 'Slow Walking' on Solyndra?

Video of Rep. Stearns, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, explaining why members voted to subpoena White House documents on the failed solar company.

Link to video

STEARNS LEADING CHARGE TO REPEAL OBAMACARE

HOLDS HEARING ON CLOSING DOWN MAJOR PROVISION OF OBAMACARE

As chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) has jurisdiction over the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  One major part of Obama’s health care law is the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program run by HHS.

 
PART OF OBAMACARE STOPPED:  ADMINISTRATION ADMITS NOT ECONOMICALLY VIABLE

WASHINGTON, OCT. 26, 2011 – “Even before the passage of Obamacare, we recognized that the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act had a critical design flaw and would never be self-sustaining and would go bankrupt,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.  “After 19 months of trying, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sebelius announced that she does ‘not see a viable path forward for CLASS implementation at this time.’”

Link to press release

GOP to pressure Obama to support repealing CLASS Act

Julian Pecquet – 10/25/11

"What bothers many of us is that Sebelius has not definitively said this program is shut down," said Energy and Commerce oversight panel Chairman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.). "It's still on life support and it's still operating with its employees. ... Why is it still up and running? That's what our concern is."

"I think it should be shut down," Stearns added. "And I think we're going to show through this hearing that there's evidence ... that this should not go forward."

Link to story

STEARNS FINDS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTED
ILLEGALLY IN RESTRUCTURING SOLYNDRA LOAN
 
LOAN GUARANTEE WAS RUSHED THROUGH
WITHOUT ADEQUATE REVIEW TO PROVIDE PHOTO
OP FOR VP BIDEN AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS
 
As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight
and Investigations Subcommittee, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) is investigating
the Obama Administration’s loan guarantee for the now-bankrupt Solyndra,
Inc. that likely will result is the loss of $535 million in taxpayer dollars. In
addition to discovering that numerous red flags were raised about Solyndra,
the loan was rushed through without proper due diligence and that the
DOE violated the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in putting investors ahead of
taxpayers in recovering any funds in the case of Solyndra’s failure.
 
Here are recent stories:
 

 
Stearns interviewed on FOX News about Solyndra scandal, 9/13/2011
 
Link to video
 

  
 
Cliff Stearns Continues to Pound Obama Administration on Solyndra
 
Kevin Derby – 9/15/2011
 
Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns is increasingly becoming the
point man for critics of the Obama administration for sending federal money
to Solyndra, a green energy company that has gone bankrupt.
 
“Solyndra was the first loan guarantee issued by the Obama
administration using stimulus dollars and administration officials held
out the company as a glowing example of how stimulus dollars were
creating jobs. Now 1,100 Solyndra workers are out of work, the firm
is bankrupt and raided by the FBI, and taxpayers are likely out $535
million,” said Stearns, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce
Committee’s subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, in a
statement released on Wednesday.
 
“It is clear that in a rush to spend $8 billion in stimulus funds for this
loan guarantee program, this administration failed to review properly
Solyndra’s viability in the global market, which is very disconcerting
given that $10 billion remains to be spent by the administration before
the end of this month,” said Stearns. “I see no reason for the taxpayers
to have any confidence that these funds could be spent wisely and it
should be returned to the Treasury to reduce our debt. Finally, I look
forward to hearing from the Solyndra executives at our hearing next
week.”
 
Link to story
 

 
Solyndra: House committee grills officials over failed solar firm
 
Stuart Pfeifer – 9/14/2011
 
A congressional investigative committee on Wednesday grilled officials
from two agencies that backed a $535-million loan package to failed
Northern California solar panel manufacturer Solyndra.
 
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), the subcommittee's chairman, pressed
Energy Department loans director Jonathan Silver on Wednesday to explain
how the agency could approve more than half a billion dollars in loans
despite questions about the company's financial health.
 
He also cited internal emails that he said show White House officials
appeared to be pressuring Energy Department and the Office of
Management and Budget to speed up approval of the Solyndra loans.
 
"You should have protected the taxpayers and made some forceful
actions here," Stearns said.
 
Link to story

STEARNS FIGHTING FOR DISCLOSURE OF OBAMA ADMINISTRATION RECORDS

COURT RULING AGREES WITH OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Bill Thompson - August 20, 2011

A federal judge has declared that White House visitor logs are subject to federal public records laws – a decision applauded by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, who had led an effort to force the Obama administration to explain who is visiting the executive staff, or the president himself, and why.

“While candidate for president, [Barack] Obama repeatedly promised that his administration would be the most open and transparent in history,” Stearns said in a statement issued Thursday.  “In May, I held a hearing to examine the administration’s policies on transparency and to see what else can be done to ensure the White House follows through on these commitments.  Obviously, this court decision holds the president to his promise.”

Link to Story

STEARNS FIGHTS EPA ON ITS STANDARDS FOR FLORIDA’S WATER RESOURCES

STEARNS VOTES AGAINST LARGEST DEBT LIMIT INCREASE IN NATION’S HISTORY

DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH IN ADDRESSING DEFICIT SPENDING AND A NATIONAL DEBT APPROACHING $15 TRILLION

Growth in National Debt Since 1940

Source: New York Times

President Obama and Congress recently enacted S. 365, the Budget Control Act, which increases the debt limit by $2.4 trillion.  The debt limit increase comprises two steps:  a $900 billion increase in the limit with $917 billion in spending cuts over 10 years, and an additional debt increase of $1.5 trillion if Congress enacts further spending reductions of $1.5 trillion.  If Congress fails to enact those cuts, then mandatory automatic cuts across the federal budget would occur.

I did not support this measure because it failed to reduce spending enough and, with the debt projected to increase by $7 trillion over the next 10 years, it did not represent a long-term solution to our debt crisis.  The measure also ignored the growing costs of entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which are reaching unsustainable levels in spending.  In addition, S. 365 does not require the approval in the House and Senate of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution; it only requires a vote on an amendment.  The credit rating agencies projected that the federal government needed to reduce the debt by $4 trillion to avoid a reduction in the nation’s credit rating, and this measure is short by $1.6 trillion.

I am committed to reducing our spending and restoring our nation to a path toward fiscal responsibility.

STEARNS FINDS MAJOR FLAWS IN OBAMACARE AND ADMINISTRATION’S MEDICARE BUREAUCRACY

CONTINUES PROBES AS CHAIRMAN OF THE OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Recent Stories on What Stearns is Uncovering

By Matthew Boyle, June 21, 2011

CBO, Pelosi unclear on Obamacare’s Medicaid glitch costs 

As details about the new-found Obamacare glitch that allows more than 3 million middle-class Americans to qualify Medicaid surface, the Obama administration and key members of Congress are mum on several points.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, Florida Republican and chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, told TheDC that this new revelation is another example of why Obamacare is flawed.

“It appears that this provision could move up to 3 million more people into Medicaid, including those making up to four times the federal poverty level,” Stearns said. “It is clearly another example of a massive increase in government that we cannot afford.  Even though Obamacare was enacted over a year ago, we are still learning what was in the bill.”

Link to story

ARTHUR D. POSTAL, PROPERTYCASUALTY360.COM, June 22, 2011

Stearns Clashes With Administration on Medicare Second Payer System

Medicare officials clashed today with some members of Congress and industry, legal and consumer representatives over proposed changes to the current system for reimbursing the government for medical payments made by insurance companies.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized officials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, calling the system “badly broken.”

Scott Gilliam, a vice president of the Cincinnati Insurance Companies said the current MSP system “is making it extremely difficult to settle claims in the prompt and efficient manner we believe injured parties deserve and is having a significant negative impact on claimants who are Medicare beneficiaries.”

Link to story

Margaret Dick Tocknell, for HealthLeaders Media, June 23, 2011

Stearns Finds Failures to Collect Reimbursements Due to Medicare

With Medicare facing an uncertain financial future and seniors clamoring for steps to be taken to bolster the program's economic stability, Congress has held hearings to review how components of the program meet their statutory requirements and to hear suggestions on how the programs could be more effective.

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), the subcommittee chair, said the situation raised several questions, including "why can't CMS more quickly and accurately track medical costs for covered individuals?"

Link to story

STEARNS UNDERWHELMED BY ADMINISTRATION’S REGULATORY REFORM EFFORTS

WITH REGULATIONS COSTING AMERICANS $1.75 TRILLION A YEAR, WHITE HOUSE OUTLINES A PITIFUL FEW FOR REFORM

Last week, I held a hearing in my Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee to review the Administration’s progress in paring back or eliminating obsolete and/or overly burdensome regulations.  Here is an editorial in the Washington Times on the White House’s regulatory reform agenda.

EDITORIAL: Red tape is on a roll

Obama bureaucrats ignore president’s call for regulatory reform

By THE WASHINGTON TIMES - Thursday, June 9, 2011
 
Like so much of President Obama’s agenda, the promise of regulatory reform has proved entirely empty. After Democrats received a beat-down at the polls last November, an executive order was dashed off promising to pare back the job-killing regulations being pumped out by federal agencies that the president said “were just plain dumb.” On Friday, House Republicans called Mr. Obama’s bluff.

Executive Order 13563 set a deadline of May 18 for preliminary plans from departments and agencies to streamline operations and repeal those dumb rules. Mr. Obama basked in widespread praise for his bold initiative. On Friday, however, regulatory czar Cass Sunstein was forced to admit to the House Energy and Commerce Committee that a grand total of one agency had bothered to comply; the National Labor Relations Board had submitted a one-page document in response. “We learned today that the Obama administration’s much celebrated regulatory reform simply does not exist amongst the independent agencies,” said a disappointed Rep. Cliff Stearns, Florida Republican.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s William L. Kovacs testified in very concrete terms how the administration’s regulatory excess is killing jobs. Two coal-fired power plants - one in Oregon and one in New Jersey - shut down rather than install hundreds of million of dollars worth of equipment mandated by an Environmental Protection Agency pursuing an extreme anti-industrial policy. “This is a highly disturbing trend, and one that will only continue in 2011 with the issuance of even more major rules,” warned Mr. Kovacs.

A 2010 Small Business Administration study placed the total cost of federal regulations at about $1.75 trillion annually, costing businesses an average of $8,086 per worker and rendering employers extremely leery of adding staff.

For his part, Mr. Obama brushed off the bad economic news on Friday, telling autoworkers at a Chrysler plant in Ohio that the figures were “bumps on the road to recovery.” What Mr. Obama describes as bumps looks to Americans like massive mountains as far as the eye can see.

A survey released by the global business advisory firm Alix Partners reported Friday that 61 percent of Americans don’t expect to recapture their pre-recession lifestyles until the spring of 2014 or later. More alarmingly, 10 percent said they’ve given up hope of ever recovering financially.

That dark assessment of the future stands in sharp contrast to past belief in American exceptionalism when the United States was viewed as the land of opportunity. The Obama administration is filled with ideologues who don’t believe in free enterprise or the spirit of individualism. Instead, they believe they know what’s best for everyone else. They have no interest in dialing back the regulations regardless of the harm being done to the economy as a whole. In this fashion, the American dream is morphing into a collectivist nightmare. The only hope is that the American public wakes up by 2012.

STEARNS FIGHTS BURDENSOME REGULATIONS IN HIS OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

FINDS ADMINISTRATION MAKING LITTLE PROGRESS IN REFORMING REGULATIONS COSTING  $1.75 TRILLION A YEAR

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s  Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, held a hearing on June 3, 2011 on the Obama Administration’s efforts on regulatory reform.  Stearns found that little progress had been made in paring back or eliminating unnecessary regulations that limit economic growth and job creation.

House panel examines regulatory noose that’s strangling the economy
By: Mark Tapscott 06/03/11

Editorial Page Editor
 
Only minutes after federal officials announced this morning that unemployment crept back up to 9.1 percent, a Florida congressman convened a House oversight subcommittee investigating the role of government red tape in the nation’s economic doldrums.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-FL, chairman of the subcommittee on oversight and investigations, noted in his opening statement that President Obama recently ordered a government-wide review of regulations, and promised in a Wall Street Journal oped to eliminate those “that stifle job creation and make our economy less competitive.”

As head of the oversight panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Stearns is in a potentially powerful position to shine light on what’s been done in the weeks since Obama’s oped was published.
“This is incredibly important given that the Federal Register stands at an all-time high of over 81,000 pages,” Stearns said in an opening statement. "In 2010 alone, federal agencies added more than 3,500 final rules to the books.”

Stearns noted the 9.1 unemployment figure and pointed out that federal regulations add “$1.75 trillion in annual compliance costs, according to the Small Business Administration. That’s greater than the record federal budget deficit— projected at $1.48 trillion for FY 2011—and greater than annual corporate pretax profits, which totaled $1.46 trillion in 2008.”

The first witness appearing before the panel was Dr. Cass Sunstein, administrator of the Office of Management and Budget’s regulatory oversight shop and the official tasked by the president to oversee the regulatory review.

Sunstein told the panel that 30 agencies recently submitted plans for their reviews, and he predicted substantial savings would result.

“Some of the steps outlined in the plans have already eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in annual regulatory costs, and over $1 billion in savings can be expected in the near future. Over the coming years, the reforms have the potential to eliminate billions of dollars in regulatory burdens,” he said.
Among the examples Sunstein cited were the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to stop treating milk spills on dairy farms as if they are oil spills. Savings of up to $1.4 billion could be expected over the next decade as a result, he said.

After the hearing, Stearns expressed skepticism about the Obama regulatory review, telling The Washington Examiner it is merely “political exercise and rhetoric.”

Stearns said Obama’s executive order does not cover independent federal agencies like “the FCC, FTC, NRC, CPSC, and FERC. All of those agencies put out regulations with no supervision and are not under the Obama executive order. And when you realize that these independent agencies are left on their own, it’s quite alarming.”

He also said there are already several laws on the books requiring executive branch departments and agencies to review all of their regulations and eliminate those that are obsolete or impose unnecessary or excessive burdens.

“The other point is that federal agencies routinely ignore such requirements contained in such laws as the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Information Quality Act and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act,” Stearns said.

“All of those specify that all agencies in the government have to review retrospectively and eliminate them. So what the president is doing is already part of Congress and the agencies should have been doing it already but they’re not.”

Also testifying was James Gattuso, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. He commended Obama and Sunstein for recognizing the need to get rid of obsolete regulations, but questioned whether the substance of the review plans submitted by 30 agencies.
"For instance, the rules defining milk as a potentially dangerous oil had been in place since the 1970s, and a request to eliminate dairies from the regulations had been submitted to EPA as early as 2007," Gattuso said.

"The fact that it took four years to accomplish is less a notable achievement than a sign of our broken regulatory system," he said.

Many of the promised reviews are to be done at unspecified later dates and very few changes have been implemented as a result of the Obama executive order.

"Many more actions are merely suggestions for change at a later date. For instance, only two rule changes have actually been finalized by the EPA," Gattuso said.

"Of the 31 other reforms identified in the EPA’s plan, sixteen are 'early actions' that may lead to regulatory change in the near future, and 15 are 'longer-term actions' that officials have simply marked for a closer look."

David Goldstein, the Natural Resources Defense Council's director of government affairs, questioned the motives of regulatory critics, noting that concerns about cost and effectiveness are heard whenever new federal regulations are proposed.

"The same kind of fears that we hear expressed today – about job losses, about high costs, about cures that are worse than the disease – those same fears were raised about all the safeguards that we now take for granted," Goldstein said.

"And there is no more reason to excessively credit such fears now than there was then. Whenever industry is asked what safeguards pose the greatest threat to their interests, they seem to answer 'the next one,'” in an apparent swipe at Stearns and other congressional Republicans calling for comprehensive regulatory reforms.

STEARNS HONORED BY THE AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION

RECOGNIZED FOR VOTES ON LOWER TAXES, ELIMINATING WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT SPENDING, AND STRONG DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY

WASHINGTON, MAY 26, 2011 – Today the American Conservative Union honored Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) -- “In recognition of your commitment to America’s core principles and your steadfast commitment to our nation’s Constitution.”  Al Cardenas, Chairman of the American Conservative Union and former Chairman of the Republican Party in Florida, presented the award to Stearns.  Stearns scored a 96 percent rating with the American Conservative Union for his votes in 2010 on such issues as opposing taxpayer-funded abortions, supporting greater government transparency, and opposing increasing the government workforce.

 “I appreciate this recognition of my conservative record and my votes to promote economic growth, individual responsibility, a strong national defense, and greater freedom,” said Stearns.    The American Conservative Union is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public.

Last week, Rep. Stearns held a hearing on the White House visitor logs to determine the Administration’s transparency and on the hiring of lobbyists contrary to the President’s executive order barring the hiring of lobbyists.

Obama's 'open' government hides behind close doors

By: Timothy P. Carney 05/08/11 8:05 Pm

Barack Obama promised a more active, more open government. He's delivered on half of that.
 
Two House committee hearings last week focused on the Obama administration's lack of transparency. Cliff Stearns' Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and Darrell Issa's Government Reform Committee both assailed the administration for operating behind closed doors. The hearings only scratched the surface of the problem.
 
Stearns quoted President Obama's promise to have health care "negotiations televised on C-SPAN" so that "people can see who is making arguments on behalf of their constituents and who is -- who are making arguments on behalf of the drug companies or the insurance companies."
 
But the March 5, 2009, White House meeting on health care reform wasn't on C-Span, so we don't know what top drug industry lobbyist Billy Tauzin and Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler were asking for. Neither did we get to see what Amgen CEO Kevin Sharer asked for on April 20. Or what AstraZeneca Chairman David Brennan asked for on May 8. The White House, in fact, did not disclose the content of any of Tauzin's dozen meetings, nor the meetings with other drug industry CEOs.
 
We do know the White House did its best to accommodate the industry's requests: Tauzin's lobby, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, endorsed the bill, and -- as agreed in a meeting with top Senate Democrats (also not on C-Span) -- spent generously on campaign ads supporting embattled Democrats who voted for the subsidy-laden bill.
 
When Stearns asked the White House for information on the meetings with the drug industry and the other powerful lobbies who backed the bill (such as the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association), White House Counsel Bob Bauer threw up a stone wall.
 
Bauer wrote that such transparency would reveal "documents reflecting internal deliberations and communications" and "would implicate long-standing Executive Branch confidentiality interests."
 
These were the same excuses the Bush administration gave in rejecting transparency requests on its energy task force hearings -- the ones about which then-Sen. Obama complained, "The oil companies were allowed to craft energy policy with Dick Cheney in secret. ... The industry got everything it wanted."
 
The Obama administration has its own energy policy transparency problems, too. In April, Hillary Clinton's State Department concluded that TransCanada's Keystone XL oil pipeline from China posed no serious environmental impact and met a serious need. TransCanada's lobbyist on the issue, Paul Elliott, was deputy national director of Clinton's 2008 presidential run.
 
Elliott's lobbying disclosure forms show he lobbied State on the matter. But when environmentalist groups tried to use the Freedom of Information Act to get more specifics, State flatly said no, on flimsy grounds. FOIA expert Mark Caramanica at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press told Reuters the rejection was wrongheaded. In parts of State's rejection letter, he said, "The State Department is making assumptions that aren't there."
 
So much for Obama's much-trumpeted policy to "adopt a presumption in favor" of fulfilling FOIA requests.
Opacity is standard in this administration. For example, Obama's housing secretary, Shaun Donovan, required lobbyists participating in meetings to sign nondisclosure forms, as first reported by Politico's Chris Frates.
 
Back during the transition, the Obama team posted the names of its advisers on Change.gov, implying this was a complete list. But wireless company Clearwire told me that its vice president for policy, Gerard Salemme, was on leave of absence to help the transition team on telecom policy. Change.gov did not list Salemme's name, and maybe for good reason: The policy toward which Salemme steered the transition team -- delay in the transition to digital television -- benefitted Clearwire by making the competition wait longer to get into the 4G wireless network.
Obama also promised that the $800 billion stimulus bill, loaded with handouts to private business, would be a model of transparency. It got off on the wrong foot when Obama signed the bill before the text was publicly available.
 
Then there was the bloated $18 million contract to software company Smartronix for building the transparency database. Nonprofit reporting outfit ProPublica begged the General Services Administration to disclose the details of this contract and related documents. When the GSA finally released the documents, they were "so heavily blacked out they are virtually worthless," ProPublica reported.
 
In July 2010, the Government Accountability Office found Recovery.gov failed to meet its transparency mandate. On the website, only 25 percent of the funding projects examined by the GAO had descriptions that met the bill's transparency criteria.

Openness and transparency were central to Obama's campaign. But they are hard to find in his administration.
 

A $5 billion program aimed at providing temporary help to employers to maintain medical coverage for early retirees is being quickly depleted, as Republican lawmakers express outrage over the number of large, profitable corporations that have pocketed the taxpayer money.

The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was created by the federal health care law passed by Democrats and signed by President Obama last year. The purpose was to encourage employers not to drop health coverage of early retirees before some of the key provisions of the health care law take effect in 2014.

But much of the money has gone to some big-name companies and organizations, including more than $200 million for the United Auto Workers, $140 million for AT&T and $91.7 million for Verizon.

And General Electric, which made news this week for not owing federal taxes on $14.2 billion in profit, got $36.6 million through the retiree program.

"How can you justify giving out so much of taxpayers' money to these profitable corporations?" Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns said at a legislative committee hearing Friday in questioning Steve Larsen, a senior director at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which runs the program.

Larsen replied that the program enabled those companies to continue to offer retirement benefits.

The program was designed as a temporary relief for early retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare. The money was supposed to be available until the health care law is fully in place in 2014, when competitive insurance markets will open for business and eligible individuals can get government tax credits to help pay premiums.

So far, the program has provided $1.8 billion in financial assistance to more than 1,300 employers across the country since it began accepting applications last June. But it will stop accepting applications May 5 due to the popularity of the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said.

"We are thrilled with the success of the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program and excited that we are helping maintain coverage and moderate costs for millions of American workers and retirees," Larsen said in a statement. "Insurance for older Americans is over four times more expensive than coverage for young adults, and we are happy that this program is helping employers maintain coverage."

His agency is expected to publish a notice about the end of the program Tuesday. A preliminary version of the notice says that the decision to no longer accept applications is "based on the actual availability of remaining appropriated ERRP funds and the rate at which we have been disbursing reimbursement, as opposed to the projected amounts of ERRP reimbursements that applicants listed in their ERRP applications."

The agency didn't rule out resumption of the program.

"Should circumstances related to the availability of ERRP funding change, we may decide it is appropriate to resume accepting ERRP applications," the notice reads.

The government subsidy amounts to 80 percent of medical claims between $15,000 and $90,000. Companies can use the federal money to lower their own costs, or pass on the savings to their retirees though lower premiums and reduced cost sharing. Firms that receive federal help have to formally notify their retirees that they've gotten a subsidy.

The subsidy covers medical, surgical, hospital, behavioral health, prescription drug and other benefits covered by Medicare.

Medicare officials note that employers have dramatically scaled back retiree health coverage as medical costs have shot through the roof in the last 20 years. The share of large companies providing the benefit dropped from 66 percent in 1988 to 28 percent last year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

But Republican lawmakers said Friday that profitable corporations should be responsible for providing retiree health coverage without help from the government.

"You think this health care system that Democrats passed is so successful, why in the flip are you giving out so much money of taxpayers so freely and overwhelming to companies that are profitable?" Stearns asked Larsen.

Larsen noted that state and local governments also received money.

"We think the program is successful because it has allowed these companies and state and local governments and nonprofits and commercials to continue to be able to offer coverage for early retirement," he said

Breaking News...

Stearns’ Oversight and Investigations Hearing Leads to ABC News Stories on TV and in Print on Potential Favoritism to Obama Supporters in Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program

"I think what happens is they give some of this money out to people who are either contributors or strong supporters. I think in the long term we have to worry about the United States government guaranteeing loans for businesses based perhaps upon favoritism." – Rep. Cliff Stearns, Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, in ABC News Print Story, March 30, 2011

 STEARNS LOOKING AT INCONSISTENCIES AND POSSIBLE FAVORITISM IN DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM

ABC NEWS AND CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEGRITY REPORT ON LOANS TO COMPANIES LINKED TO OBAMA SUPPORTERS

WASHINGTON, MARCH 31, 2011 – “The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is looking into the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Loan Guarantee Program and found DOE has ‘treated applicants inconsistently,’” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.  ABC News* and The Center for Public Integrity** today reported that companies linked to fundraisers for President Obama benefited from the DOE Loan Guarantee Program.  ABC News interviewed Stearns for its story, which is scheduled to air on World News with Diane Sawyer this evening, March 30th at 6:30 PM.

As Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Stearns held a hearing earlier this month on DOE’s use of funding provided under the stimulus bill.  Explained Stearns, “Under the stimulus bill, the DOE received about $35 billion to promote job growth, with $2.5 billion for its Loan Guarantee Program. As of now the Department has only spent one third of this money, and only 5 percent of the funds in the Loan Guarantee Program.  With the potential push to spend these funds by the September deadline and the GAO’s finding of inconsistencies, there is significant potential for waste and abuse. I am also concerned with possible waste, fraud, and abuse in relation to these lucrative contracts.”

Stearns is also looking at the case of Solyndra, a California solar power company that received a loan guarantee of $535 million in 2009 to create jobs. In an audit of Solyndra, PricewaterhouseCoopers stated, “"The company has suffered recurring losses from operations, negative cash flows since inception and has a net stockholders' deficit that, among other factors, raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern."  The Center for Public Integrity reports that one investor in Solyndra, George Kaiser, was a significant financial supporter of President Obama.

Did Obama Play Favorites with Energy Loans?

Click here to read the story:

Obama fundraiser got clean energy aid, then perch to advise Energy Secretary.

Click here to read the report:

STEARNS HONORED AS “FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU” BY THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

STEARNS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS STRONG SUPPORT ON AGRICULTURAL ISSUES

WASHINGTON, MARCH 28, 20110 – The American Farm Bureau Federation presented Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) its “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award.  According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, this award is given to individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as shown by their voting record, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureau.

“I am honored that the Florida Farm Bureau nominated me for this award for my commitment to rural America and to the priorities of those in the agricultural sector,” said Stearns.  “America’s agriculture not only feeds our nation, but much of the world as well.  I am committed to working to improve the quality of life and economic future for our rural communities.”

U.S. Debt Jumped $72 Billion Same Day U.S. House Voted to Cut Spending $6 Billion

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

By Terence P. Jeffrey

(CNSNews.com) - The national debt jumped by $72 billion on Tuesday even as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to fund the government for just three weeks that will cut (a mere!) $6 billion from government spending...

*On March 15, the day the House passed the Continuing Resolution, the Treasury recorded an increase of $71.9 billion in the public debt. Because the debt fluctuates daily, the average increase has been $4 billion per day since the beginning of FY 2011, which began on Oct. 1, 2010, through March 15, 2011.

Source: Bureau of the Public Debt.

..Congress would need to cut spending by $6 billion every three weeks for approximately the next six and a half years (338 weeks) just to equal the $676.3 billion the debt has increased thus far this fiscal year.

From his perch as the chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee for the Energy and Commerce Committee, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns sent letters on Monday to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius and Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) demanding to know how much Medicaid and Medicare fraud costs taxpayers.

“Earlier this month, I held a hearing examining waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs,” said Stearns .  “Although some estimates for the cost of fraud in just Medicare ran from $60 billion to $90 billion a year, I wanted to hear the estimate from the witness from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Mr. John Spiegel, Director of Medicare Program Integrity for CMS, could offer no figure.  It is very unsettling that the administration is unable to estimate the amount of fraud in a $600-billion program.  How can we take effective steps in eliminating fraud when we don’t know the extent of the problem?”

Several Florida GOP reps pushing to end birthright citizenship

Rep. Stearns fights to lower immigration level

By Marcos Restrepo | 03.09.11 | 4:40 pm

Seven members of Florida’s U.S. congressional delegation have signed on as cosponsors of the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, an effort to limit the 14th Amendment’s provision that all those born in the U.S. automatically become American citizens.

According to a Tea Party Manatee newsletter, NumbersUSA, whose goal is “lower immigration levels,” is closely tracking “5 GREAT Immigration-Reduction Bills that would resolve the majority of our country’s immigration problems,” one of which is the Birthright Citizenship Act*, introduced by GOP Rep. Steve King of Iowa.

Republican Reps. …Cliff Stearns and Allen West have all cosponsored the bill filed by King.

Numbers USA ranks members of Congress based on their work to “Reduce Anchor Baby Citizenship”:

Anchor Baby Citizenship rewards women for becoming illegal aliens and adds more than 200,000 citizens to the United States each year by giving automatic U.S. citizenship to every baby of illegal aliens born within the borders.

 Anchor Baby Citizenship adds immensely to America’s record-breaking population boom. Not only do illegal aliens give birth to more than 200,000 each year, but the babies become anchors that prevent nearly all of their mothers from ever facing deportation.’

* H.R.140 -- Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011

To amend section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011'.

SEC. 2. CITIZENSHIP AT BIRTH FOR CERTAIN PERSONS BORN IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) In General- Section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401) is amended--

(1) by inserting `(a) IN GENERAL- ' before `The following';

(2) by redesignating subsections (a) through (h) as paragraphs (1) through (8), respectively; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

  (b) Definition- Acknowledging the right of birthright citizenship established by section 1 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution, a person born in the United States shall be considered `subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States for purposes of subsection (a)(1) if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is--

  (1) a citizen or national of the United States;

  (2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose residence is in the United States; or

  (3) an alien performing active service in the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code).'.

(b) Applicability- The amendment made by subsection (a)(3) shall not be construed to affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the date of the enactment of this Act.

Stearns gives gun bill another shot

The bill allows those with concealed-guns permits to carry across state lines

By Bill Thompson
Staff writer

Now he's trying again. And this time, a number of factors suggest Stearns' bill might get the push it needs to finally clear the House.

Last week, Stearns filed the National Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Act. The bill would force states that issue concealed-weapons permits to recognize valid permits held by visitors from other so-called concealed-carry states, such as Florida.

Holders of those permits, however, would be subject to the regulations of the host state, not those of their home state.

Forty-eight states issue permits to carry concealed firearms under certain conditions, or allow their residents to carry concealed firearms for lawful reasons without a permit.

Only Wisconsin and Illinois have no such laws.

Critics have assailed such legislation for feeding the nation's culture of gun violence. A study by the Violence Policy Center, a gun control group, found that since May 2007, concealed-carry permit holders have killed nine police officers and 279 private citizens.

Opponents also argue that Stearns' emphasis on Second Amendment rights in his bill — Congress, under the measure's language, would find that prohibiting the lawful carrying of firearms "interferes with the constitutional right of interstate travel, and harms interstate commerce" — also undercuts the Constitution's guarantee to allow states to establish their own laws to regulate gun owners.

But Stearns, in a recent statement, countered that the states would be mandated to recognize each others' concealed-carry permits as they do drivers' licenses and/or weapons permits issued to armored car guards.

He also maintained that concealed-carry permit-holders "are more law-abiding than the general public."

For example, he noted that in Florida just 0.01 percent of the 1.2 million permits issued have been revoked because of gun-related crimes by their holders.

Citing FBI data, Stearns further observed that states with right-to-carry laws have lower rates of violent crime compared to the rest of the country, including 30 percent fewer murders, 46 percent fewer robberies and 12 percent fewer aggravated assaults.

"The right to self-defense is unquestionable and the right to carry a firearm is recognized in our Constitution," Stearns said in a statement.

The right time?

After more than a decade of trying, Stearns might finally have found the right moment.

For example, as his legislation notes, the U.S. Supreme Court, through recent decisions, is squarely on the side of gun owners.

The new tea party-backed Republican majority in the House exhibits a strong and growing states' rights — or at least anti-Washington — sentiment.

And while Democrats typically favor tougher restrictions on guns, Stearns' bill already has a Democratic proponent despite — or perhaps because of — the recent shooting of one of his Democratic colleagues.

Rep. Heath Shuler, a North Carolina Democrat, immediately co-sponsored the bill. Shuler, who backed the bill each of the last two times Stearns has filed it, made headlines last month after Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot and six others were killed by announcing that he would carry a gun during visits in his home district.

Shuler himself obtained a concealed-weapons permit in 2009 after receiving a death threat and was endorsed by the National Rifle Association in his 2010 re-election campaign.

In fact, Giffords was a co-sponsor of Stearns' 2009 reciprocity bill.

Momentum growing

Meanwhile, the bill has gained momentum over time.

Stearns' first version, introduced in 1995, got 13 co-sponsors.

His 2007 reciprocity measure drew 100 co-sponsors. That number more than doubled when the bill resurfaced in 2009, as 209 House members signed on.

As for the Senate: The bill's chances there cannot be dismissed.

Two years ago, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., attached an amendment mirroring Stearns' bill to a military spending bill. The amendment received 58 votes, but that was two shy of the 60 required under Senate rules.

In the November elections, gun control advocates cheered the Senate victories of nearly a dozen proponents of tougher firearms restrictions, including a pair of Republicans.

But the GOP overall reduced the Democratic majority in the upper chamber.

Should Stearns' bill clear Congress, President Barack Obama has offered few public clues as to which way he might lean.

As Time magazine pointed out earlier this month, Obama has upset both the right and the left on gun issues: He has received failing grades from both the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the NRA.

As a lawmaker, Time noted, Obama backed stricter gun laws. Yet as president he has moved to the middle, enacting bills that allowed people to carry guns in national parks and on Amtrak trains.

Stearns said his proposal would clear at least one hurdle.

"I first offered legislation to establish right-to-carry reciprocity in 1995 and I've offered this legislation in each subsequent Congress, including the last Congress when it gained 209 co-sponsors with strong bipartisan support," he said.

"I expect enough support to get the bill approved on the House floor."

Click here for the article: http://www.ocala.com/article/20110302/ARTICLES/110309943/1001/NEWS01?Title=Stearns-gives-gun-bill-another-shot

Cliff Stearns Backs National Right-to-Carry Law

Kevin Derby's blog | Posted: February 24, 2011 7:50 AM

Along with Democratic U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns introduced the National Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Act on Wednesday which would mandate that states recognize concealed firearm permits from other states.

“The right to self-defense is unquestionable and the right to carry a firearm is recognized in our Constitution,” said Stearns. “Today, 48 states have laws permitting concealed carry of a firearm in some circumstances, and this legislation would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm carry permit or license to carry a concealed handgun in any other state.

“It is important to note this bill would not create a federal licensing system,” added Stearns. “It would merely require states to recognize each other’s carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.”

Already 40 states have right-to-carry laws -- which Stearns maintained poses no risk to public safety.

“Citizens with carry permits are more law-abiding than the general public,” said Stearns. “In my home state of Florida, only 0.01 percent of nearly 1.2 million permits issued have been revoked because of firearm crimes by permit holders. States with right-to-carry laws have lower violent crime rates. According to FBI figures, on average the rate is 22 percent lower for total violent crime, 30 percent lower for murder, 46 percent lower for robbery, and 12 percent lower for aggravated assault, compared to the rest of the country.”

HOUSE ADOPTS STEARNS’ AMENDMENT PROHIBITING FUNDING FOR RENOVATIONS OF THE UN HEADQUARTERS

  STEARNS NOTES SPIRALING COST OF RENOVATIONS AND UN’S HISTORY OF WASTE AND ABUSE 

Washington, Feb 18 -

“The cost for renovating the headquarters of the UN has doubled from the original estimate and my amendment prohibits taxpayer funds from being used for the design, renovation or construction of the headquarters,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).  “I am not opposing creating a   safe environment for UN workers and visitors, but I do want the UN to focus on fiscal reform and better procurement practices.  Congress held a hearing in 2005 to determine if the UN estimate reflected the lowest cost option, and Donald Trump testified that the true cost would far exceed the estimate and that he could complete the renovations for $700 million, nearly half the cost.”

The House tonight approved the amendment by Stearns 231 to 191 during consideration of the Continuing Resolution.  Added Stearns, “The architect originally selected to complete the renovations was later terminated, and given $44 million. The leadership at the UN must learn fiscal discipline, especially when using money from American taxpayers.”

###

Stearns Threatens Sebelius Probe Over Planned Parenthood Funding

By: Simmi Aujla

February 10, 2011

'If she [Sebelius] lies, then we're going to ask the Attorney General to investigate her,' Cliff Stearns said.

House Republicans are seizing on videos released this month by an anti-abortion group that appear to show Planned Parenthood workers talking to pimps about how to arrange abortions for underage girls.

On Thursday, Rep. Cliff Stearns demanded that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius explain the videos in which anti-abortion activists with the group Live Action pose as pimps and secretly record their conversations with workers at the large family planning organization.

In one of the videos, an activist posing as a pimp asked a Planned Parenthood worker in New Jersey about arranging abortions for underage sex workers. The staffer, who was fired last week, appeared to be encouraging the actor to lie about the girls’ ages.

Planned Parenthood alerted the FBI in January that several clinics were visited by men suggesting they were involved in sex trafficking.

The videos haven’t gained as much traction as under-cover footage filmed by conservative activists talking with ACORN workers in 2009. The liberal group was swiftly defunded by Congress in the wake of the scandal.

Stearns threatened to ask the Department of Justice to investigate Sebelius if she refuses to answer questions before the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which he chairs.

“We’re going to bring Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius, put her under oath in the spring and ask her to explain what is she doing about these videos,” Stearns said Thursday, flanked by anti-abortion activists at a press conference on Capitol Hill, including the president of the group that recorded and released the videos.

“We’re not going to wait for the Attorney General [Eric] Holder to do anything,” he added, as supporters started clapping and cheering. “And if she lies, then we’re going to ask the Attorney General to investigate her.”

Sebelius, whose agency oversees grants to Planned Parenthood, has appeared before the Senate Health and Education Committee, but hasn’t yet testified in the GOP-dominated House.

Stearns said the Justice Department should investigate Sebelius if she lies under oath about Planned Parenthood’s activities. Though Stearns doesn’t have any sway over Justice Department investigations, his fiery comments reflect Republicans’ devoted attention to abortion funding this week, and especially social conservatives’ aggressive pursuit of Planned Parenthood, which operates hundreds of clinics that provide abortions in addition to other family planning services.

Anti-abortion groups are swarming Capitol Hill to pressure lawmakers to support three different pieces of legislation that would ensure that no federal dollars fund abortions. The Appropriations panel has also promised to cut off funding for a federal family planning program that Planned Parenthood relies on for grants and contracts.

Source URL: The Florida Times Union

By Matt Dixon

More than 700 waivers given to organizations exempting them from baseline provisions of the federal health-care reform package are in the crosshairs of a subcommittee chaired by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla.

Last month Stearns co-signed a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius requesting information about the waivers, including a list of all organizations that have requested them, "all documents" related to granting them and communications from the departments discussing them.

"I think that the American people deserve to know why waivers were granted and for whom," Stearns wrote in a statement.

He is chairman of an investigative subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is heading the waiver investigation. He penned the letter to Sebelius with the committee's chairman, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich.

Last week Sebelius' department doled out an additional 500 waivers, upping the total number of employees affected from 1.5 million to 2.1 million. Some of the higher-profile companies now exempt include Universal Orlando, Waffle House and Jack in the Box.

Republicans, including Stearns, say the fact that so many companies requested waivers is an indication of the reform plan's flaws. It "means that this law is leading to significant increases in premiums and significant decreases in access to benefits," he wrote in a statement.

A request for comment from the Department of Health and Human Services was not returned Friday.

In a December blog post, the White House defended waivers. It said they will allow low-income workers to keep their insurance as cheaper policies that include annual coverage limits - known as mini-meds - are phased out.

"The phase-out of annual limits this year would cause mini-med premiums to rise by more than 200 percent, forcing employers to drop coverage and sending many low-wage workers to purchase insurance on the more expensive individual insurance market," the post read.

The coverage limits are going to be eliminated by 2014 and replaced with health-care exchanges. The phase-out begins this year.

The waivers are designed to help companies that would not be able to handle the removal of the coverage limits. The White House termed them "extreme cases."

Stearns said that for now his investigation is casting a wide net.

"We don't know if anyone is getting special treatment - the Democrats would never hold a hearing or do oversight of the health-care law," he wrote. "Our investigation isn't after a specific target, it's just doing the basic work Democrats refused to do for political purposes."

Cliff Stearns Planning Investigation Into Obama Regime Granting Over 700 Waivers to ObamaCare Rules…

Friday, February 04, 2011

By Fred Lucas

(CSN) - The Republican congressman leading the investigation into the Obama administration’s decision to grant more than 700 waivers to the new health care law is questioning whether the law could be effective if so many waivers are needed.

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) also noted the high percentage of Obama-supporting labor unions that received waivers – which exempt them from a provision in the new health care law that bans annual limits on what insurance plans will pay for medical coverage.

“The American people repeatedly have been told that the new health care law is an effective and responsible plan for overhauling the nation’s health care system,” Rep. Stearns told CNSNews.com in a statement. “Yet, if the law is so good, why are so many waivers to the law being granted?”

Stearns is chairman of the subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is investigating the waivers granted to various companies, unions, non-profit organizations and states and municipalities.

Published: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 3:20 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 3:20 p.m.

WASHINGTON - A Republican-run House hearing on eliminating federal regulations quickly erupted into partisanship Wednesday, as GOP lawmakers said many rules cost American jobs while Democrats insisted they protect public health, the environment and even national security.

The hearing witness, Obama administration chief regulatory official Cass Sunstein, insisted that rules are designed to protect the public and the economy, and are issued only after balancing benefits against the costs.

"Job creation is in the first sentence" of President Barack Obama's recent executive order to review all government regulations, Sunstein said.

The session by the Energy and Commerce investigative subcommittee underscored the differences between the two parties, even though President Barack Obama issued an executive order last week ordering agencies to use the "least burdensome tools" when issuing regulations and to eliminate existing ones that are counterproductive.

GOP lawmakers challenged Sunstein on a range of rules, making clear that they have broad concerns about steps the administration is taking.

Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who chairs the full Energy and Commerce Committee, was worried about an Environmental Protection Agency plan to regulate emissions from large boilers that by court order may be issued soon. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, objected to a new federal agency overseeing health insurers created in the wake of last year's health care overhaul.

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., asked about Obama's moratorium on offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico after last year's giant oil spill, and Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., complained about the EPA's revoking a permit allowing a mine in the state to operate.

"Sometimes regulations aren't worth the cost, which is just plain dumb," said Upton.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., who heads the investigations panel, also went on the offensive, accusing the Obama administration of a "rush to regulate" and basing job-killing decisions on political correctness.

At one point, Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., asked Sunstein to promise that "during this time of economic crisis, that you will use your power to make sure the administration doesn't put a stamp of approval on any regulation that costs American jobs?"

Gardner tried limiting Sunstein to a yes or no answer, but the administration official responded, " A yes answer would be preposterous. If there's a regulation that's saving 10,000 lives and costing one job, it's worth it."

Democrats argued that in many instances like the 2008 financial crisis and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, it was the lack of effective regulation that led to problems, not too much federal control.

"Regulations per se are not the problem. The mantra that regulations are inherently bad and kill jobs is wrong and dangerous," said Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, the investigations subcommittee's top Democrat.

Added Rep. Henry Waxman of California, leading Democrat on the entire Energy committee, "Let's prune unnecessary regulations where we find them. But let's also not hesitate to regulate where needed to protect our economy and children's future."

The two sides' differing views have led many to believe it will be hard for them to agree on rules that should be rolled back.

"A lot of what each party may want to go after is supported by some set of the public," said Peter Van Doren, editor of Regulation magazine, published by the Cato Institute, which favors limiting government's reach. He predicted numerous partisan clashes, "and in 2012 we'll have the election and see what happens."

Since Obama controls federal agencies and Democrats run the Senate, it will be tough for Republicans to force the administration to drop regulations the president likes. Either way, participants agree, the duel will have a distinct political flavor, with the GOP pushing for business interests' goals and Obama protecting Democratic constituencies like labor and environmental groups while also showing concern about stifling jobs.

"Clearly this White House is starting to think about 2012," when Obama faces re-election, said Gary Bass, executive director of OMB Watch, which monitors the regulatory process.

In one sign of the administration's changed sensibilities, it bowed to industry pressure Tuesday and delayed a proposal to require companies to keep separate records on workplace musculoskeletal injuries.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has asked about 150 companies and trade groups for suggestions on which regulations to eliminate. He has yet to release any responses, but letters obtained by The Associated Press give a taste for the rules that business dislikes and Republicans might battle:

- The Associated Builders and Contractors, representing the construction industry, has complained about Obama administration policies and rules pressuring contractors to use union workers, eliminate workplace hazards and limit lead exposure.

- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, representing a dozen carmakers, favors a single national fuel economy standard over conflicting state requirements. The group is also unhappy about forthcoming rules on ethanol, fuel economy labeling and visibility out the rear of vehicles.

- The National Association of Manufacturers cites a study claiming that regulations contribute to an 18 percent cost disadvantage U.S. companies face against other major countries. They say curbs on greenhouse gases, emissions from boilers and ozone pollution combined with other rules "could cost millions of jobs and weaken an economy in a still fragile recovery."

The government issues 3,000 or more regulations a year, though most are minor, according to data compiled by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress. Ever since President Bill Clinton issued an executive order similar to Obama's, agencies have been required to evaluate their rules, but few are killed.

In a speech in November, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donahue said regulations cost Americans $1.75 trillion a year. Though he said many are necessary, he complained about a "regulatory tsunami" that is the country's "single biggest threat to job creation."

Democrats and their supporters say such claims are extreme and unfounded, underscoring the gulf between the two sides.

"Implementation of environment and health laws don't actually impose a big burden on the economy," said David Doniger, climate policy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "It's an unproved big lie."

November 17th, 2010

by Bill Thompson

U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns has been chosen as the leader of Florida’s Republican delegation in the new, GOP-led House of Representatives, the congressman’s office announced Wednesday.
The Ocala Republican was unanimously selected for the job by his fellow Sunshine State GOP reps, his spokesman said.
It is the first time in Stearns’ 22-year tenure on Capitol Hill that he has held this post.
As chairman of the Florida panel, Stearns will head a group of 19 GOP lawmakers, which is tied with California’s Republican contingent as his party’s second-largest state delegation. Only Texas has more Republican lawmakers in the House. Florida’s seven new congressional Republicans also constitute the largest class of new House freshmen, according to Stearns’ office.

The Florida delegation is the nation’s fourth largest and with seven freshmen members, the delegation will have great influence,” Stearns observed in a prepared statement. We share a commitment to advancing the interests of Florida and the people we represent, and I look forward to working with the State’s delegation on our priorities.” It’s possible Stearns could be the leader for all congressional Floridians. Stearns’ Republican charges will sit down with the state’s six Democratic members during the first week of the new session in January to elect the chairman of the entire 25-member delegation. Stearns, the statement said, pledged to lead the House members of Florida in a bipartisan way on addressing issues important to the state, especially on the economy and creating jobs.

*Excerpts from Gainesville Sun 10/30/10. Article by Bill Thompson, Staff Writer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact, Matt McKinney, 352-236-2455

OCALA, OCT. 26, 2010 – The Board of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) in the Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. John J. Molloy, Chairman of the Coalition, stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, our appreciation for your willingness to serve our nation and to support those who have, like you, answered America’s call to duty. Accordingly, the Board of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition was polled and has unanimously approved the Coalition’s endorsement of your candidacy.”

Said Stearns, “I deeply appreciate this support from the Coalition and I thank the members for their service during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. I share their commitment to maintaining a strong defense and caring for our veterans.” The mission statement of the Coalition states that it “exists to coordinate and facilitate the diverse interests of numerous small and regional veterans' organizations for concerted effort and common cause on behalf of veterans affairs.”

OCALA, OCT. 19, 2010 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) talked about jobs and the economy when he addressed the Tri-County Tea Party (Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties) at an event held in The Villages on Monday, October 18th. His message of lower spending and limited government received an enthusiastic reception from some 400 Tea Party members in the standing-room-only meeting. In addition, the Gainesville Tea Party held a vote at their General meeting on Saturday, October 16th, and Stearns received nearly 90 percent of the votes for Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. Stearns is a member of the House Tea Party Caucus and is active in sharing his record with Tea Party members.

“I deeply appreciate these demonstrations of support from the Tri-County Tea Party and the Gainesville Tea Party,” said Stearns. “We share a common concern for the future of our nation and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, limited government, and adherence to the Constitution.”

OCALA, AUGUST 27, 2010 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) made remarks at the People’s Tea Party in Orange Park on Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Orange Park Town Hall, 2042 Park Avenue. He spoke for over 90 minutes including answering questions. Stearns, a member of the House Tea Party Caucus, is committed to controlling federal spending and reducing the national debt, curbing government involvement in the lives of the American people, and adhering to the principles of the Constitution.

“The Tea Party movement is mobilizing millions of patriotic Americans who are making their voices heard in demanding fiscal responsibility and limited government,” said Stearns. “I embrace these values as well and I look forward to sharing my views on restoring economic vigor and curtailing the expansion of government.”

Stearns was introduced by Mavis Caplinger and at the conclusion of his remarks and answering questions, he received a standing ovation.

By Bill Thompson Staff writer

In the 6th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns easily overcame a feisty challenge from Weirsdale resident Don Browning, the first Republican to take on Stearns since 1990.

Stearns, who seeks a 12th term in Washington, won with 71 percent of the vote, easily fending off Browning's attempt to capitalize on the country's anti-incumbent mood with arguments that the district suffered from Stearns fatigue.

"I am deeply honored to be the Republican nominee for Florida's 6th Congressional District and I thank everyone who supported my candidacy," Stearns said in an e-mailed statement.

"I stressed my record on promoting job creation, controlling federal spending, and reducing the federal debt, and my conservative leadership resonated with the primary voters. I look forward to carrying these values into the November election."

Stearns, an Ocala Republican who went to Capitol Hill the same year George H.W. Bush went to the White House, will face Steve Schonberg in November.

Stearns will hold major advantages in name recognition and funding, sitting atop a campaign war chest of $2.6 million.

In contrast, Schonberg, a Belleview resident making his first bid for political office, must go it alone, so to speak, since he is running without party affiliation. And his campaign finance reports indicate he had banked just $3,345 as of the end of June.

The 6th District sprawls across North Central Florida, spanning from Lake County through central and western Marion and over to Williston, then northeast through Gainesville on up to Jacksonville.

The Times-Union cites his strong record of fiscal responsibility as well as his leadership in working on behalf of consumers. The Times-Union states, “Cliff Stearns has been a fiscal conservative for a long time. He has walked the walk, voting against his own party at times, such as on farm subsidies. Now, more than ever, the nation needs thoughtful representatives like him to steer the nation out of its great debt.”

The Times-Union continues, “Stearns, by virtue of his seniority, also has a good chance to take some leadership positions if the Republicans win the House in November. He has built a background on consumer issues. Thus, he is our pick over another of many newcomers to politics in this election season…if voters are looking for effectiveness while being true to conservative principles, then Stearns is the choice.”

In its endorsement of Stearns, the Orlando Sentinel stated, ““An expert on veterans and telecommunications policy, Mr. Stearns continues to attack the running up of the federal debt and Congress’ profligate spending.” The Orlando Sentinel also noted that Stearns “appears much more capable of representing the interests of this heavily conservative district.”

”I deeply appreciate this recognition of my long-time efforts to control government spending and to reduce the national debt,” said Stearns. “I look forward to continuing to provide conservative leadership in Congress.”

Link to the Times-Union opinion editorial -- http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2010-08-20/story/primary-governor-congress-quality-clear

Link to the Orlando Sentinel Endorsement – http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-quickhits-080710-20100806,0,5425507.story

Contact, Matt McKinney, 352-236-2455

OCALA, JULY 2, 2010 – The Florida Right to Life Political Action Committee, affiliated with Florida Right to Life, has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) for the Florida primary election. “Human dignity is currently under attack from multiple directions, through embryonic stem cell research, cloning, euthanasia, Medicare ‘rationing’, and by other means,” said Carrie Eisnaugle, President of Florida Right to Life. The group stated that it made its endorsements “after careful review of candidates’ voting records and questionnaire responses.” The Florida Right to Life Political action Committee consistently supports Stearns.

“The unborn are the most vulnerable and they are unable to speak out for themselves – they rely on strong, pro-life advocates to champion their right to exist,” said Stearns. “I am proud of my strong pro-life record, and I deeply appreciate the support of the Florida Right to Life Political Action Committee.”

Not all of the luncheon’s 220 attendees voted, and 92 was the largest number of votes cast in any one category. The Republican Business Council’s June luncheon featured Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the Florida National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and Jeff Atwater, Florida Senate President and candidate for Florida Chief Financial Officer. State Representative Kurt Kelly and State Senator Carey Baker also spoke about the accomplishments of the Florida legislature during the past session. For more information on the Republican Business Council, please visit the website at www.republicanbusinesscouncil.com. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Matt McKinney, 352-236-2455

OCALA, FL, APRIL 22, 2010 It is an honor to see this outpouring of grassroots support for my re-election, and qualifying for the ballot by petition means that many constituents approve of my record in Congress and that they want me to continue to represent them, said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). Having lived and worked in Marion County as a community leader and a small business owner for 33 year, I appreciate this recognition of my service to the them.

Qualifying for the ballot by petition requires gaining signatures from 5,110 registered voters in the Sixth Congressional District and Stearns handily exceeded this number. In addition to the strong support from District voters, Stearns also has racked up extensive endorsements from elected leaders and party officials throughout the District (These endorsements are listed below).

Cliff Stearns listens to the people by holding 540 town meetings in the Sixth District. Tackling the Florida foreclosure and housing crisis Stearns set up free Homeowners Workshops featuring housing and lending experts for homeowners with mortgage problems and those interested in buying their first home. He also initiated regular outreach efforts that send staffers into communities throughout the District to help people dealing with federal agencies and in need of other assistance. With the economy in recession, Stearns was awarded an A rating by the National Taxpayers Union and was recognized as a "Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against Government Waste. Added Stearns, I understand the concerns of my fellow residents living in the Sixth District and I am grateful for the opportunity to help them and work to cut their taxes. I also appreciate the support of the many elected leaders and Party officials with whom I work.

We support Congressman Cliff Stearns and his conservative leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives:

Roy Abshier, Marion County

Lenny Curry, Duval County

David Dodge, Bradford County

Leslie Dougher, Clay County

Stafford Jones, Alachua County

Tommy Langford, Gilchrist County

Juanita Melchior, Levy County

Dan Semenza, Lake County

State Senator Carey Baker

State Senator Charlie Dean

State Senator Evelyn Lynn

State Senator Steve Oelrich

State Senator Steve Wise

State House Representative Jennifer Carroll

State House Speaker Larry Cretul

State House Representative Kurt Kelly

State House Representative Marlene OToole

Stearns was re-elected by a strong majority of 61 percent in a difficult climate for incumbents. "I appreciated the chance to meet with voters and to hear their concerns," added Stearns. "I have held some 540 town meetings, and I look forward to maintaining this accessibility and demonstrating my accountability to those I represent."

OCALA, NOV. 3, 2008 – The Florida Times-Union published a list of its endorsed candidates called "Our picks." The Florida Times-Union picked Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) for the Sixth Congressional District of Florida. The newspaper stated, "Republican Cliff Stearns more accurately represents his conservative district than his more liberal opponent… Especially on the Iraq war, [his opponent embraces] the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party."

OCALA, NOV. 3, 2008 – Noted athletes Jack Kemp, former quarterback with the Buffalo Bills, former Buffalo area congressman, former Secretary of the Department of Housing & Urban development, and Vice Presidential candidate with Robert Dole in 1996; and Pat Summerall, who played for the New York Giants and is now a well-regarded sports announcer; were in Ocala today promoting the McCain/Palin team. Kemp and Summerall joined Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) at the McCain Headquarters to thank the volunteers before going on to Tavares.

OCALA, OCT. 30, 2008 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) has been endorsed by the English First Political Victory Fund in his re-election effort. "By your deeds, you have earned the endorsement of the English First Political Victory Fund," wrote Jim Boulet, Jr., Executive Director of English First Political Victory Fund.

"The Salvation Army gave two employees one year to learn English so that they could function on the job, and when they didn't, they were let go," explained Stearns. "However, the EEOC ignored the ruling of federal courts upholding the right of businesses to require employees to speak English and sued the Salvation Army. I tried to help the Salvation Army because it is important for all those living in our nation to understand English so that they can fully participate in the American social, political, and economic system. We should look at English as something that brings us all together as Americans."

OCALA, OCT. 30, 2008 -- Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States of America, will attend a political rally in Ocala at West Port High School on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The gates for the rally will open at noon with the pre-program starting at 2:00 PM. For information on tickets, contact the McCain Campaign Headquarters in Ocala at 237-3703 or go to the John McCain web site www.johnmccain.com/calendar/). West Port High School is located at 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala.

"I look forward to welcoming Gov. Palin and the McCain campaign to Ocala, the Heart of Central Florida," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "She is a strong advocate for our military, with a son currently serving in the Army in Iraq; a proven reformer; and an expert on energy policy."

Added Stearns, "She is the first woman to be the Republican nominee for Vice President, making this visit historically significant. This rally is part of a drive to win Florida in the waning days of a hard-fought campaign. North Central Florida is a key battleground for the McCain campaign, and I am pleased that Gov. Palin is coming to the 'All American City' of Ocala."

OCALA, OCT, 28, 2008 – The Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC) is endorsing the candidacy of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) for his re-election effort. The group represents osteopathic physicians and medical students throughout the nation. “We are committed to electing candidates to Congress like yourself who share our commitment to improving the health care system for patients and physicians,” stated Marcelino Oliva, Chairman of OPAC. “Issues like Medicare physician payment, graduate medical education, scope of practice, and medical liability reform affect both the ability of physicians to care for patients and the looming crisis of patient access to care.” “It is imperative that Congress take steps to enhance the availability and the affordability of health care,” said Stearns. “In addition, we need to ensure that Medicare continues to meet the needs of its beneficiaries and that physicians receive appropriate reimbursements to keep them participating in the program. I appreciate the support of OPAC.”

OCALA, OCT. 23, 2008 – The Florida Times-Union, one of Florida's largest newspapers, has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns in Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. The endorsement states, "Stearns…favors renewable energy and even cosponsored legislation to promote it. But he also wants to expand domestic oil drilling. It isn't realistic to think renewable energy can supply the nation's needs quickly."

Regarding Iraq, the endorsement expresses agreement with Stearns, “An open-ended American military commitment is both unwise and dangerous. Withdrawal needs to be based on events, not politics. Progress in Iraq must be measurable, enforced and based on more than just military success." The endorsement also cites Stearns' record on tax relief.

Said Stearns, "I appreciate the support of the Florida Times-Union and their endorsement of my record on foreign affairs, taxes, and energy. I am proud to receive the endorsement of all the newspapers serving the Sixth Congressional District that are supporting a candidate."

OCALA, OCT. 17, 2008 – Americans for Legal Immigration has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) in the race for Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. “As one of the leading grassroots organizations in America opposing Amnesty and illegal immigration, we are endorsing your campaign because we feel you will aggressively oppose any form of Amnesty or path to citizenship for illegal aliens in America,” stated William Gheen of Americans for Legal Immigration PAC.

“If this nation cannot control its orders, then it cannot control its future,” said Stearns. “The American way is to wait your turn and to enter this nation legally, not sneaking across the border. I am a strong advocate for securing our borders and reforming our immigration laws, and I appreciate this endorsement.”

STEARNS RECEIVES THE NRA’S HIGHEST RATING IN THE NATION

OCALA, OCT. 6, 2008 - The National rifle Association-Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) and has given him an "A+" rating. According to the NRA-PVF, Stearns received this rating as "an incumbent with not only an excellent voting record on critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote the Second Amendment." The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates, irrespective of party affiliation, based on voting records, public statements and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire.

"I am committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution, including our Second Amendment Rights," said Stearns. "I appreciate the support of the NRA-PVF and the people of Florida who enjoy hunting and shooting sports, and I want to continue to preserve the right of honest citizens to have firearms."

OCALA, SEPT. 29, 2008 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) has received the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC). Larry Rivers, VFW-PAC Director, stated, “The Board of Directors has endorsed you for re-election to the United States House of Representatives. In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in your state, this endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues.” “I am proud to receive the support of my fellow veterans in the VFW and I look forward to building upon my record of support for veterans and current military personnel, and for enhancing our national security,” said Stearns.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political action Committee is the nation’s only major Veterans Service Organization PAC. Incorporated in 1979, VFW-PAC provides the 2.2 million VFW members and their families the opportunity to support candidates who reflect their priorities.

OCALA, SEPT. 5, 2008 – “It is a pleasure to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee (WDPAC) – the political arm of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) -- has voted to endorse your candidacy,” wrote Dirk Van Dongen, the President of NAW and Treasurer of WDPAC. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors represents 40,000 wholesale distributor companies throughout the nation.

“Reinvigorating our economy is one of the nation’s top priorities, and I am committed to pursuing the policies that promote growth and new opportunities,” said Stearns. “I deeply appreciate the WDPAC’s recognition of my efforts to establish a stronger business climate in our nation.”

OCALA, SEPT. 2, 2008 – The National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition is endorsing the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) to Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. John J. Molloy, the Coalition’s Chairman, stated, “The Coalition board was recently polled and your position on veterans issues and your position on issues pertaining to the security of the United States and the safety of its citizens were evaluated. The board was very impressed with the rating awarded you by the Center for Security Policy and by your efforts on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Consequently, the board unanimously agreed to endorse your re-election to the United States House of Representatives.” Stearns is the Vice Republican Leader on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and had served as the Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee.

“I am proud to be a veteran and I am proud of my record of work on behalf of my fellow veterans,” said Stearns. “In addition to serving our nation’s veterans, I believe that it is imperative to foster a strong national defense. I deeply appreciate the support of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition in meeting the needs of our veterans and in promoting our national security.”

Beginning Saturday August 30th read the blog at www.cliffstearns.net

Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) has launched a blog on his campaign website to keep his constituents informed about the activities occurring at the Republican Party Convention in Minnesota next week. The convention starts on Monday, September 1 and ends on Thursday night, September 4, with the acceptance speech by Senator John McCain.

“I look forward to letting everyone in central Florida know what is happening at the convention, giving them insights that they won’t find on TV. This year, both major parties are nominating candidates who will make history and I want my constituents to feel they are part of this process.”

OCALA, AUGUST 7, 2008 – The Florida Police Benevolent Association and the North Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association are endorsing the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns in Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. The Association leadership stated, "We will ask our members, their friends and families – and all citizens in the district who respect the strong and efficient enforcement of our laws, to cast their ballots in support of Cliff Stearns."

"Maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods, homes, and businesses is a demanding profession and I am proud of my strong record of support for our law enforcement officers," said Stearns. "It is an honor to receive their support and I will continue to advocate on their behalf."

OCALA, JULY 22, 2008 – The Florida Right to Life Political Action Committee has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). Joe Gruters, Chairman of the Florida Right to Life PAC, stated, “The stand you have taken on behalf of innocent human life is very much appreciated and we are gratified to lend our support to your campaign. Congressman Stearns, thank you for your commitment to the Pro-Life Cause.” “The weakest among us, the unborn, need a strong voice advocating for their lives,” said Stearns. “I deeply appreciate the tremendous work Florida Right to Life is doing on behalf of protecting the unborn and I look forward to continuing to advance the Pro-Life cause.”

OCALA, JULY 1, 2008 – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) in Florida’s Sixth Congressional District through its political action committee, Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE). Stated SAFE Vice President, Dan Danner, “Your re-election is not only critical to the small-business owners in your district, but also to protecting free enterprise across America. On behalf of all NFIB members, thank you for your service and congratulations on earning the endorsement of small business.”

“I owned a business and I understand the role of small businesses in creating new jobs,” said Stearns. “It is vital that Congress take steps to allow small businesses to grow and prosper, creating new economic opportunities throughout the nation. I am proud to receive the support of small businesses and I look forward to building upon my strong record of support for free enterprise.”

WASHINGTON, MAY 8, 2008 - Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) today was honored with the "A in English" Award by U.S. English for his efforts to promote English as the unifying language of the United States. "Today we are honoring those members of Congress who understand that the common bond of the English language allows us to get the most from our diverse nation," said Mauro Mujica, Chairman of U.S. English since 1993. Born in Chile, Mujica immigrated to the United States and learned firsthand the obstacles facing non-English speakers. A naturalized citizen, Mujica holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from Columbia University. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French, has a working knowledge of German and Italian, and is now studying Russian. Mujica is an international architect with a career spanning 28 years, his biography can be found in Who's Who of the World.

"The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are written in English, the language of our government," explained Stearns. "Reading, writing, and speaking English are essential to succeeding in our society. Those who fail to learn English isolate themselves educationally, economically, and culturally, separating themselves from fully enjoying the freedoms we have. By promoting English, we are promoting full participation in the American experience."

U.S. English rated members using their position on five issues critical to promoting the English language. Two of these key issues were amendments offered by Stearns in 2007, protecting employees who institute English-in-the workplace policies from lawsuits, and preventing the IRS from using Spanish on its website.

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc., (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.

“In these troubled economic times, it is essential to pursue pro-growth policies that will create new jobs and rekindle an expanding economy,” said Stearns. “My background as a business owner gives me helpful insight in addressing the needs of our business community, and I deeply appreciate the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as I seek re-election in the Sixth Congressional District.”

He reported that Clay County residents are not shy about interacting with their congressman on such issues as the proposed outer beltway, impacts of growth, federal support for Cecil Field development and potential job cuts at Jacksonville's Naval Aviation Depot. They also frequently seek assistance from his office on veterans' benefit claims and appeals.

My Clay Sun: How much can you help?

Stearns: "I am one of 435 [members of Congress], but I can help. I have been successful in each of those areas."

MCS: Do they ask about the Iraq war?

Stearns: "At all my town meetings. [In the University of Florida area], it's negative; in Clay and Duval, it's very positive. It's refreshing, the contrast ... [War opponents] want to pull out yesterday and take steps to make sure we can't do this again and [want to] reduce military appropriations. The other side, regardless of what's happened, wants to make sure we leave with honor ...That's the side I'm on."

MCS: Have opponents of a new poker room at the Orange Park Kennel Club sought help for their anti-gambling effort?

Stearns: "I have not gotten calls about that."

MCS: Have you been to the dog track?

Stearns: "I have been. ... I lost 50 or $60 bucks. I'm not much of a gambler, but there are [more than 600] horse farms in Ocala. They're all for parimutuel betting. I am empathetic."

MCS: You have been in office almost two decades.

Stearns: "It has been a challenge. ... We're elected every two years. I've missed a lot of family opportunities. It has it's high points and low points. But it is a wonderful job being on the board of directors of the most powerful country in the world."

MCS: What are your proudest accomplishments? You have done a lot of work for veterans.

Stearns: "Getting a new 95,000-square-foot medical facility for veterans in Marion County. Top notch care. ... Getting a national cemetery [in Duval County], I started that in 1996, it was finally enacted in 2003. (The veterans cemetery opens in 2008, the medical facility in 2009.)"

MCS: What's next?

Stearns: I'm running again [in 2008], working obviously on veterans issues. We [House Energy and Commerce Committee] just passed my bill, the Do-Not-Call bill. ... It was going to expire; this time it will be permanent. [The bill reauthorizes the list that protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls; next up is full House vote]."

MCS: Now for the most important question. What costume are you wearing for Halloween?

Stearns: "Hmmm ..."

MCS: OK, what costume would you wear if you had time to celebrate Halloween?

Stearns: "If I had the time, I would be the Lone Ranger. ... I've got a nice Stetson, a mask. I could get a nice cowboy shirt, I've got the boots."

WASHINGTON, OCT. 31, 2007 - "I joined the House in approving the largest increase in spending on veterans program in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala), a senior member of the House Veterans Affairs' Committee. "In meeting our obligations to veterans, we succeeded in approving an increase of $6.7 billion over last year's level. This bi-partisan effort on behalf of those who served our country deserves to be considered on its own merits." The President has threatened to veto the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations (LHHS) bill with its 1,305 earmarks costing taxpayers $277.9 million. The leadership is combining the LHHS bill with the funding bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs for partisan purposes. "Instead of advancing a bill that provides $4.1 billion to improve VA facilities, the House leadership is holding it hostage to obtain funding for such wasteful projects as the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas at $200,000, the Lincoln Center's Jazz Center in New York City at $150,000, and the Italian-American Cultural Center in Des Moines, IA, at $200,000.

WASHINGTON, OCT. 23, 2007 -- "For millions of Americans, the national Do-Not-Call list offers shelter from constant and annoying telephone calls," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "There is no question that this list is an effective measure protecting us from unwanted telephone solicitations." Stearns led efforts in 2003 to enact legislation establishing the national Do-Not-Call list. Under the law, the Federal Trade Commission maintains the list of home phone numbers of consumers who opted to register their number. Telemarketers then pay a fee to access the list to know which number they cannot call. However, the law's authorization expired in September. Stearns' bill, H.R. 2601, the Do Not Call Registry Fee Extension Act, would reauthorize permanently the law and the collection of fees to support it. The Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee today approved H.R. 2601. Added Stearns, "This is a straightforward program and has benefited both consumers and telemarketers: telemarketers do not waste their time calling households that are not interested in receiving unsolicited offers and consumers have a means to end call they do not want." The measure now goes to the Energy & Commerce Committee for consideration.

WASHINGTON, OCT. 1, 2007 - "I am pleased to announce that the Department of Veterans affairs has informed me that it has awarded a 20 year lease for the new Regional VA Health Care Facility to be built in Summerfield, FL," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The 75,000-square-foot facility will be built on over nine acres at 8900 SE 165th Mulberry Lane." Stearns, a long-time advocate for the facility, noted the services that will be available. "The clinic will provide primary care, specialty care, and mental health services," added Stearns. Specialty services will include minor surgery, audiology, cardiology, urology, GI, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, and imaging services such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound." The facility is to be delivered to the VA in February 2010 with it opening shortly after that.

OCALA, SEPT. 12, 2007 – “Not only is Florida a linchpin in our presidential elections, it is also a big prize in the primary process,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “Over the next week, three Republican candidates for President will be visiting our area to answer questions, meet the people, and build support. I look forward to meeting Gov. Huckabee and Sen. Thompson here in Florida, but votes in Washington, D.C. will prevent me from meeting with Gov. Romney. However, I appreciate the candidates coming to north central Florida to make their case to the people of Florida.”

Sen. Fred Thompson will visit Jacksonville on Thursday, September 13th at the Landing at 8:50 AM, and then The Villages at the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square at 1:00 PM. Both events are open to the public. Stearns will meet Thompson during the University of Florida/University of Tennessee football game in Gainesville on Saturday, September 15th. Stearns then will meet Gov. Huckabee on Sunday, September 16th in Ocala. Huckabee will be holding press availability at 5:00 PM at a private residence followed by a fundraiser at the same location. On Tuesday, September 18th, Gov. Romney is holding an open town hall event in Orange Park at 5:30 PM at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center and the next day there is a rally in The Villages starting at 3:30 PM at the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square.

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WASHINGTON, AUG. 23, 2007 - "In May, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on several products imported from China that contained lead in excess of American safety standards," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth), Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "Such products pose serious health risks to our nation's children and we need to be vigilant against the importation of dangerous. We will be holding a hearing on this matter in September, and this information is essential in ensuring that American consumers are protected from harmful imports." Stearns joined the Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), in requesting information from the companies affected by the recall. In the letter each company is asked to provide information on any other children's products imported with lead that exceed the safety standards, to detail the amount of lead found in the recalled products, to provide the name and location of the facility that manufactured the children's products, and to outline any language in the agreement with the Chinese manufacturers regarding a ban on lead or on safety standards for the product.

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 7, 2007 - "As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am committed to helping fulfill the dreams of a family willing to adopt and those of a child in need of a loving home," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). "I am grateful for the opportunity to have nominated Matthew Taylor for his outstanding advocacy of adoption. His work at Jewish Family & Community Services in Jacksonville as a adoption coordinator builds families and strengthens our community." Taylor is being honored as an Angel in Adoption through the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which raises public awareness of the millions of orphans and foster children that are in need of a safe, permanent home. Taylor and other Angels in adoption honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony and gala event in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 2007. Matthew Taylor has been an adoption coordinator at JFCS for two years and worked there for 5 pervious years as a foster care caseworker. Jewish Family & Community Services is one of 5 service centers working with lead agency, Family Support Services of Northeast Florida. Jewish Family & Community Services is the number one agency in the state for dependency adoptions completed in the last two years. Over the past two years JFCS has finalized 196 adoptions, which Matthew has helped facilitate.

WASHINGTON, AUG. 2, 2007 - " Since 1985, the number of engineering degrees earned in our nation has declined by 20 percent, and there is a similar trend in the sciences and math," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Maintaining our nation's technological edge in a global economy requires a greater commitment to the technical and scientific fields." Stearns today joined in approving H.R. H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, which authorizes an increase to $43.3 billion over three years in funding for several different agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST). Added Stearns, "Research is essential to keeping our nation competitive and this bill creates at least 40 new grant programs most of which are related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I am especially pleased that it increases funding for the National Science Foundation, which is a principle supporter of research conducted at the University of Florida, one of our nation's premier science and research institutions."

WASHINGTON, AUG. 1, 2007 - "I am pleased that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected the University of Florida as a site for the new Nursing Academy," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The VA Nursing Academy is designed to increase the number of highly-trained nurses and to bring more nurses into the VA healthcare system." The VA selected three other sites (San Diego, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; and Fairfield, CT) to join in the program. Added Stearns, "According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 42,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing schools last year. This partnership between the VA and these nursing schools will increase the faculty and clinical resources devoted to training nurses. The University of Florida was one of 42 applicants to participate in the program and this selection reflects the school's reputation for excellence in training nurses."

WASHINGTON, JUL 31, 2007 - "As public servants, members of Congress are accountable to the people we represent," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Congress needs to enhance transparency and increase disclosures so the public can evaluate our legislative actions. This measure is an important step toward reforming the way we operate in Washington." Stearns joined the House in approving S. 1, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. Explained Stearns, "S. 1 requires that funding requests, commonly called earmarks, include justifications for the spending and certification that the provisions will not benefit lawmakers or their family members. It also requires lobbyists to file quarterly disclosures of new clients, imposes a one-year lobbying ban on House members and two-year ban on Senators, and includes stricter disclosures of campaign contributions. In addition, the measure would end pensions for members convicted of crimes connected with their congressional office."

WASHINGTON, JULY 26, 2007 - "Although federal courts have upheld broadly the right of business owners to require employees to speak English on the job, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against the Salvation Army for requiring employees to speak English at work," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL). "In this instance, the Salvation Army gave two employees one year to learn English to function on the job. However, they failed to try to learn even some basic English and were let go. The EEOC is seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in monetary damage to compensate these two employees for the emotional pain, suffering, and inconvenience they suffered by being asked to speak English to the best of their ability while on the job." Stearns today offered an amendment to H.R. 3093, The Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act, to prevent the EEOC from using any funds to initiate civil action or file a motion in any court on the grounds that the entity requires an employee to speak English while engaged in work. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 212 to 202. Added Stearns, "In 2003, a federal judge in Boston upheld the Salvation Army's policy requiring workers to speak English while on the job. However, the EEOC continues to harass the Salvation Army. The EEOC estimates that it will have a backlog of 54,265 complaints in fiscal year 2007 and 67,108 complaints by fiscal year 2008. These are our tax dollars at work, yours and mine, paying the salaries of the EEOC lawyers who file endless lawsuits while the Salvation Army must use its own funds, funds that would be better used helping the poor, instead of hiring attorneys to fight these kinds of cases."

WASHINGTON, JULY 18, 2007 -- "Although our nation was segregated during World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans stepped forward to serve in a special Army Air Corps program to train as pilots," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The training took place in Tuskegee, Alabama, and they became the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who went on to establish an astounding record in combat. In March, some 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their families attended an event in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. However, not all of the Tuskegee Airmen attended this event and I would like to ensure that they receive the honors they earned." Stearns will hold an event on July 23, 2007, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen living in the Sixth Congressional District, and he will present them with the Congressional Gold Medal. The event will be held in the Marion County Commissioners' Chamber, McPherson Complex, 25th Avenue & Fort King, in Ocala. Although the event starts at 9:00 AM, Stearns and the Tuskegee Airmen will be available for photos and interviews at 8:45 AM. The event ends with a reception at approximately 9:30 AM.

WASHINGTON, JUNE 22, 2007 -- "Although our nation was segregated during World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans stepped forward to serve in a special Army Air Corps program to train as pilots," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The training took place in Tuskegee, Alabama, and they became the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who went on to establish an astounding record in combat. I look forward to presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Hal King, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, for his service to our nation." Stearns will be in Lady Lake on Monday, June 25th to present the medal to Mr. King. In March, some 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their families attended an event in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. However, not all of the Tuskegee Airmen attended this event and Stearns would like to ensure that they receive the honors they earned. Stearns is setting up an event on July 23rd to present the medal to Tuskegee Airmen living in the Sixth Congressional District, and is trying to identify all of the Airmen living in the District. Mr. King is attending a family reunion and would like to have the medal to share with loved ones, so Stearns will go to Mr. King's home to present the medal and a letter of thanks.

WASHINGTON, JUNE 15, 2007 - "The nation was horrified by the dismal conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, demanding better treatment for our wounded warriors and veterans," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "As a veteran myself, I am pleased to join in approving this funding bill that will greatly enhance the treatment of our veterans, especially in the area of their health care." Stearns is the Deputy Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The House today approved H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. Explained Stearns, "This bill provides an unprecedented increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget -- the total is $87.7 billion -- an increase of 12.8 percent over the previous year. Of that, $37.1 billion is for veterans health programs, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 13.6 percent over last year's level. It also provides $22.4 million for the new Veterans Cemetery opening in the Jacksonville area." Stearns' language establishing the new cemetery in Jacksonville was enacted in 2003. "Another area for major improvements at the VA is clearing the backlog of claims," said Stearns. "There are now 600,000 disability claims awaiting processing, and this measure will provide funding to hire and train 457 people to process claims." H.R. 2642 also includes $21.4 billion for military construction, an increase of $5.1 billion to meet the need for military and family housing, and to support the proposed increased in the size of the Army and the Marine Corps.

WASHINGTON, MAY 24, 2007 - "Our troops need to know that they have our support, especially as they are engaged in ongoing military operations," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "It is imperative that they receive the resources to complete their missions, and this measure provides them funding through the end of the current fiscal year (through September 30, 2007). The certainty of funding through the current fiscal year allows our commanders to plan and prepare for the future. In addition, it includes benchmarks for the Iraqi government to measure progress in achieving victory."??The House today approved the funding bill negotiated with the Senate and the White House that provides $120 billion in emergency spending, with $95.5 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure, H.R. 2206, also establishes benchmarks for the Iraqi government, including: Enacting and implementing legislation on de-Baathification; Forming a Constitutional Review Committee; Enacting and implementing legislation to ensure the equitable distribution of oil resources without regard to the sect or ethnicity of recipients; Providing three trained and ready Iraqi brigades to support Baghdad operations; and Increasing the number of Iraqi security forces units capable of operating independently.

WASHINGTON, MAY 23, 2007 - On June 2, 2007, a group of veterans from Clay County will take a chartered flight from Jacksonville to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. In addition, they will visit Arlington National Cemetery, where Stearns will join them for a special ceremony he arranged, a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. "I want to thank all of those who worked and contributed to make this trip possible," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). "I understand that $90,000 was raised through various efforts to pay for this trip."?? "The men and women who served during WWII literally saved the world," added Stearns. "However, it was only recently that a Memorial to those who served during WWII was established here in Washington, D.C. We can never properly thank these veterans, but this trip to Washington, D.C. is a fitting honor for these men."?

WASHINGTON, MAY 23, 2007 - "These measures represent small, but important, steps in meeting our obligations to those who defended our freedoms," said Rep. Cliff Stearns, a senior members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the signature wounds of the Global War on Terror, and it is imperative to enhance the treatments for these injuries."??The House today approved H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act. Explained Stearns, "This bill improves screening and tracking of patients with symptoms of traumatic brain injury and requires the VA Secretary to submit a report on the number of veterans screened, prevalence of TBI symptoms, and recommendations for improving care. Another provision is the establishment of TBI centers for research, education, and clinical activities, and authorizes appropriations to the VA for the centers in the amount of $10 million for FY 2008 and $20 million for each fiscal year 2009 through 2011."??The House also approved H.R. 612, the Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007. Said Stearns, "I have long advocated eliminating the dreadful loophole that has in essence denied healthcare insurance to many returning veterans. As a matter of fact, I introduced similar legislation years ago to address this very problem. This bill extends from two years to five years the eligibility period for veterans who served in combat during or after the Persian Gulf War to receive hospital care, medical services, or nursing home care provided by the VA."??In addition, H.R. 1470, the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, passed in the House. Many returning veterans experience varying degrees of injury to their backs and require chiropractic treatment," added Stearns. This measure would expand chiropractic services to all VA medical centers by 2011. Currently, this service is only available at about 30% of the VA medical centers in the country."

WASHINGTON, MAY 17, 2007 - "Spending someone else's money is easy, and that's the road this budget proposal takes," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Today, the economic situation calls for fiscal responsibility and budget reform, and this budget fails on both while raising taxes by at least $217 billion.??Stearns today voted against passage of S.Con.Res. 21, the House and Senate agreement on the federal budget. Explained Stearns, "This would increase marginal tax rates, capital gains rates, and dividend taxes. In addition, if Congress spends too much, it would trigger an end to marriage penalty tax relief and cut the child tax credit in half. While increasing taxes, this plan calls for higher spending for non-defense programs. Finally, it fails to reform federal spending habits; this budget finds savings of only $750 million out of $8.5 trillion in mandatory spending over 5 years."?

WASHINGTON, MAY 14, 2007 -- "Although our nation was segregated during World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans stepped forward to serve in a special Army Air Corps program to train as pilots," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The training took place in Tuskegee, Alabama, and they became the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who went on to establish an astounding record in combat. In March, some 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their families attended an event in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. However, not all of the Tuskegee Airmen attended this event and I would like to ensure that they receive the honors they earned."??Stearns will hold an event this summer honoring the Tuskegee Airmen living in the Sixth Congressional District, and he will present the Congressional Gold Medal to those who did not attend the event in Washington, D.C. Added Stearns, "I am working with veterans groups to identify these men living in the Sixth District, and I invite anyone who knows about a Tuskegee Airman to contact my office so that they can be invited to this event.”

WASHINGTON, MAY 10, 2007 - "We are in the midst of implementing a new strategy in Iraq - a strategy drawn up by the new commander in Iraq General Petraeus, who was approved in the Senate without opposition - yet this funding bill likely would cut off the funding needed to fully implement this new strategy," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This two-month funding bill would prevent our commanders from planning and conducting future operations to achieve success in Iraq. It is a political statement that undermines our troops and our ability to defend this nation."??The House today approved H.R. 2206, providing $42.7 billion for ongoing operations in Iraq, enough for 60 days. In July, Congress would have to approve additional funding to continue operations in Iraq past those 60 days. Added Stearns, "I support establishing benchmarks to measure progress in Iraq, but our military needs the certainly of funding in order to make the progress we demand. In addition, instead of focusing on the specific needs of our troops and veterans, this bill includes $6.8 billion for Hurricane Katrina recovery, $663 million for efforts against pandemic flu, and $400 million for non-emergency energy programs.”

WASHINGTON, APRIL 19, 2007 - Rep. Cliff Stearns scored an 85, the highest rating in the Florida delegation, with the Club for Growth. "The rating examines legislative actions that reflect the Club for Growth's immediate pro-economic growth policy goals, including making the Bush tax cuts permanent, cutting and limiting government spending, and regulatory reform and deregulation," said Pat Toomey, President, Club for Growth.??"I appreciate the Club's commitment to economic freedom and its advocacy for pro-growth policies," said Stearns. "I am proud of my record for tax relief, for regulatory reform, and limited government."

WASHINGTON, APRIL 18, 2007 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) today received the “True Blue” Award presented to Members of congress who voted 100 percent in defense of the family during the Second Session of the 109th Congress. “The Members of Congress who received this award have been consistent, stalwart allies of American families and are to be commended for supporting public policy that values human life, protects our religious liberties, and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family,” said Tim McClusky, Vice President, Family Research Council Action.??“The family is the central building block of our society and I am committed to protecting family values,” said Stearns. “I am honored to receive this award and I look forward to working with both groups in the future.” The award was based on seven votes: against the Repeal of Abortion Restrictions on Military Facilities Amendment; for the Marriage Protection Act; for the Pledge Protection Act; against the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Act; for the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act; for the Public Expression of Religious Act; and for sponsoring the Marriage Protection Amendment to the Constitution.

WASHINGTON, MARCH 29, 2007 -- “The economy continues to grow, producing jobs and creating new opportunities,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “Congress must maintain the pro-growth policies sustaining this expansion. Before we enacted tax relief in 2003, economic growth was a pitiful 1.1 percent. After tax relief, we have seen average economic growth of 3.5 percent each year. Before 2003, unemployment was 6.1 percent; it is now 4.5 percent. This budget plan of the House majority calls for massive new spending and will lead to a tax increase of $400 billion over 5 years.”??The House today approved H.Con.Res. 99, the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2008. This budget includes an increase of $24 billion in non-defense, non-security spending above the President’s request. This is on top of the $23 billion in non-emergency spending included in the emergency spending bill covering the ongoing Global War on Terror. “This plan will lead to higher taxes; over 6.7 million Floridians will see their taxes increase by an average of $3,000,” explained Stearns.?? House Budget Tax Increases 2010 2011 The Top Tax Rates Move Higher Ordinary Income… 35% 39.6% Capital Gains… 15% 20% Estates… 0% 55% Child Tax Credit… $1,000 $500 Lowest Tax Bracket… 10% 15%

Stearns, who was one of only 48 House members recognized by the National Taxpayers’ Union last week with an “A” rating on fiscal responsibility, supported a substitute proposal that would balance the budget by 2012 without increasing taxes. “This substitute is designed to produce a budget surplus by 2012 without using excess Social Security receipts,” added Stearns. “In addition, it contains entitlement reforms that would make Medicare and Medicaid more sustainable and more flexible.” This proposal, which was defeated, also would provide $8 billion more for veterans programs than the budget that the House adopted.

WASHINGTON, MARCH 28, 2007 - "Having served in the armed services, I understand the importance our military personnel place in knowing that they have the nation's support in combat, on the training ground, and in the hospital," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Our troops injured in service to our nation deserve the highest quality care that we can provide. This measure increases our commitment to the care of our wounded warriors."??Stearns voted to approve H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act. The measure makes comprehensive improvements to medical care, quality of life, and the administrative processes associated with American troops wounded or injured in combat and other military medical outpatients. It creates a toll-free hotline for military personnel and their families to report deficiencies, caps the number of cases a physical evaluation board liaison officer may handle at 20, and limits medical care case managers to 17 cases.??H.R. 1538 also specifies that service member advocates communicate with service members and families, assist in the oversight of the member's welfare and quality of life, and assist in resolving the members' problems until members separate or retire. In addition, the legislation facilitates an easier transition of care from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV. 27, 2006 – “I am grateful to the voters of Florida’s Sixth Congressional District for supporting my re-election, and I look forward to building on my strong record of accomplishments.” Stearns was re-elected on November 7th with 60 percent of the vote. Stearns will be thanking the people of the Sixth District for their support at locations throughout the district on Tuesday, November 28, 2006:

Ocala

7:30 – 8:00 AM at 17th Street and 441 8:15 – 8:45 AM at Silver Springs Blvd. and 441

Orange Park

10:45 – 11:15 AM at Blanding Blvd. and Kingsley Ave. 11:30 - Noon at Kingsley Ave. and Hwy 17

Gainesville

4:15 – 4:45 PM at NE Corner of Oaks Mall complex 5:00 – 5:30 PM at SW 34th Street and Archer Road

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL., NOV. 8, 2006 – “I deeply appreciate the strong support I received from the voters of the Sixth Congressional District,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “I ran a positive campaign that stressed my strong, independent leadership, as well as my many accomplishments throughout the district. In talking with the people throughout north central Florida, I learned that they appreciate my accessibility since I have held nearly 500 town meetings.”

Stearns was re-elected by a strong majority, receiving sixty percent of the vote. “I am very grateful for this strong showing, especially given the present political climate, which I see as the most difficult I have ever seen while in office. Although we lost the majority in the House, I served effectively in the minority previously, and I will reach across the aisle in building upon my record for the people of the Sixth District.”

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Stearns was re-elected by a strong majority of 61 percent in a difficult climate for incumbents. "I appreciated the chance to meet with voters and to hear their concerns," added Stearns. "I have held some 540 town meetings, and I look forward to maintaining this accessibility and demonstrating my accountability to those I represent."

SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV 2, 2006 – The Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC) has endorsed Congressman Cliff Stearns in the Sixth Congressional District. “We are committed to electing candidates to Congress like you who share our commitment to improving the healthcare system for patients and physicians,” wrote Marcelino Oliva, D.O., Chairman of OPAC. “We look forward to working with you on issues important to osteopathic physicians.”

“I want to work with physicians in improving their ability to care for their patients, and I am grateful for the support of America’s osteopathic physicians,” said Stearns. “I will continue to work on the important issues improving the delivery of quality healthcare.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV. 1, 2006 – The Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) has endorsed the re-election of Congressman Cliff Stearns in Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. They also endorsed Stearns in 2004. In a message then to Florida’s firefighters and paramedics, the FPF states that the endorsed candidates “have stated their strong support for your issues.” Endorsements by the FPF are based on the recommendations of FPF Councils, Locals, and District Vice Presidents.

“It takes dedication and courage to ignore the basic instinct to avoid danger and instead to rush in to help during an emergency,” said Stearns. “They are there when we need them in the most dangerous situations, and I am proud to gain their support – I will continue to be there for them.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV. 1, 2006 – The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) for Florida’s Sixth Congressional District. The NRA-PVF gives Stearns an A+ rating as “an incumbent with not only an excellent voting record on critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote the Second Amendment.” Stearns is one of only two Florida House candidates to receive the A+ rating.

“I took an oath to defend and preserve the Constitution, and that includes our Second Amendment rights,” said Stearns. “These rights are under constant assault, requiring vigilance in protecting them. I am grateful for the efforts of the NRA-PVF in helping me preserve these rights.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV. 1, 2006 - Veterans' Vision, a national veterans publication supporting homeless and American veterans, has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns. They also endorsed Stearns in 2004, "A former (Air Force) Captain, Congressman Clifford Stearns is an active, energetic member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the House's Air Force Caucus and the National Guard and Reserve Caucus. Rep Stearns is a fierce proponent of ensuring our troops have the best equipment and support to win the nation's wars," stated the Veterans' Vision Electoral Board.

“I am grateful to receive the support of the nonpartisan Veterans’ Vision,” said Stearns. “There is no room for politics when we are dealing with our men and women in the armed forces, or with our honored veterans.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, NOV. 1, 2006 – The Veterans Post Newspaper has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). Phillip Meskin with the Veterans Post Newspaper stated, we “have known about the work and efforts that Congressman Stearns has done for the citizens of Florida and our Veterans. Congressman Stearns is one of the very rare individuals who does not speak about what he is going to do, rather he goes ahead and shows what he can do for us. The Veterans and their families who read our publication are well aware of the things that our neighbor and friend Cliff Stearns does…[he is] our choice to once again represent all our Patriotic Citizens.”

“As a veteran, I am deeply grateful for the support of my fellow veterans, and I am proud of my record of support for those who served our nation,” said Stearns. “I remain committed to ensuring that they receive the care and benefits they earned in defense of our nation.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL., OCT. 31, 2006 – The Orlando Sentinel has endorsed Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) for the Sixth Congressional District. The endorsement states, “Mr. Stearns has put to good use his clout as a senior member of several congressional committees. He has helped advance legislation protecting consumers, improving health care for veterans and providing for the educational needs of children with disabilities. In his district, Stearns has held hundreds of town meetings to stay in touch with his constituents.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, OCT. 30, 2006 – Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) has received the endorsement of the Florida Right to Life Political Action Committee. Carrie Eisnaugle, Chairman of Florida Right to Life PAC, stated, “The stand you have taken on behalf of innocent human life is very much appreciated and we are gratified to lend our support to your campaign. Congressman Stearns, thank you for your commitment to the Pro-Life cause.”

“The most innocent and vulnerable among us, unborn children, need a voice to speak on their behalf,” said Stearns. “I am proud to work with Florida Right to Life to protect the unborn, giving them a chance to live.”

SILVER SPRINGS, FL., OCT. 30, 2006 – The Florida Times-Union has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). The Times-Union cites “Stearns’ political experience, insight and influence." The endorsement adds, Stearns has “invested a decade in securing a veterans' cemetery, has tackled consumer issues involving spyware on computers and supports creating best practices for measuring video game violence. Stearns is more than qualified for another congressional term.”

“I deeply appreciate this endorsement by the Florida Times-Union,” said Stearns, “and I am grateful for the recognition of my accomplishments for the people of northeast Florida. I look forward to building upon these successes in the Jacksonville area.”

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, OCT. 26, 2006 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) has been recognized with the “True Blue” Award presented by Family Research Council Action and Focus on the Family Action. Stearns was honored for his 100-percent record on pro-life, pro-family issues.

“The Members of the 109th Congress who received this award have been consistent, stalwart allies of American families,” said Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins. “These Members are to be commended for supporting public policy that values human life, protects our religious liberties, and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family. I applaud these Members for pursuing the mandate given by the values voters in the last election. Values voters should be encouraged by these Members who have shown a commitment to protecting and strengthening the family.”

“I am honored to receive this award in recognition of my strong record on behalf of families,” said Stearns. “The family is the central building block in any society, and strong families make strong communities. I am committed to protecting the family and look forward to building upon my record.” ###

SILVER SPRINGS, FL, OCT. 23, 2006 - The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) has added Congressman Cliff Stearns to its "Honor Role of Legislative Achievement in Economic Development." The SEDC stated that Stearns was recognized based on his "voting record of business-related issues."

The SEDC region has experienced tremendous growth in jobs and capital investment from new and expanding businesses in SEDC's territory we call the 'American South,'" said SEDC Chairman Garret Garret Hart. "These legislators have made economic development issues in our region a top priority. Through their continued support of such issues we know our region and the U.S. will remain attractive for new investments."

"I am deeply honored to be added to SEDC's Honor Role of Legislative Achievement," said Stearns. "I am committed to making Florida a good place to do businesses and in which to make investments This brings new jobs and economic growth that benefits all."

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SILVER SPRINGS, FL, OCT. 20, 2006 - The U. S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the reelection of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). Bill Miller, the Chamber Vice President and Political Director, stated, "Cliff Stearns has been a champion for the people of Florida and an invaluable leader on important business issues. The Chamber believes Representative Stearns will continue to be an effective legislator and supporter of businesses of every size if reelected."

"An expanding economy and a strong business sector benefit all Americans and I am committed to policies promoting economic growth," said Stearns. "I ran my own business, so I know the unique challenges businesses face. I look forward to working with the Chamber in strengthening the business community."

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