Standing Against Gridlock

Standing Against Gridlock

Dear Friend,

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. My deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of the staff and students who were killed or injured and those who witnessed this horrific event.

Facing our Nation's Spending Problem
Leadership in the House did the right thing on Thursday night by pulling the “Permanent Tax Relief for Families and Small Business Act of 2012” also known as “Plan B”. I am disgusted by the disregard of the Constitution and the American people displayed by President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Democrats in Congress.

Representative Gosar is Disgusted by the Gridlock.

Numerous pieces of legislation including annual budgets, meaningful tax reform and initiatives which foster job creation, have lay idle for months. I hope that over the holidays Senator Reid and the President reconsider their one-sided approach and return to Washington to truly make a deal in the best interest of our nation.

Protecting Constitutional Rights

Last year, there was a national outcry against the indefinite detention language included in the NDAA bill. Imagine my dismay when I discovered that the final version of the annual defense bill failed to include language which would have protected American citizens against indefinite detention.

I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.

That is why I voted against the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report (H.R. 4310) today. The national defense funding bill is not a place to stuff language which would take away or call into question constitutional rights. Please read more here .

Standing Against Hezbollah
Our safety both here and abroad continues to be threatened by terrorist groups, who exist solely to instill fear and commit evil.  This week, I cosponsored my friend and colleague Rep. Kelly's resolution urging the  European Union to recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

Europeans and Americans living abroad have been the targets of deadly attacks carried out by Hezbollah.  This organization that commits horrific attacks and undermines peace should be defined and recognized for what it really is—a terrorist group. Please click here to read the resolution .  

Dealing with Iran in the Western Hemisphere
Just last year, Iran and Mexican drug cartels were involved in a foiled attempt to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States. This week, the House passed  the Countering Iran In The Western Hemisphere Act of 2012 (H.R. 3783), which I cosponsored to help combat Iran’s growing presence close to home.  Please read more here .

Fast and Furious Update

Another gun has been traced from a murder in Mexico to the Fast and Furious Operation.  Where is the respect from the Department of Justice and this administration for those across the border in Mexico? Where is the accountability? 

Rep. Gosar and the House voted to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress this past summer .

The American and Mexican people deserve justice and answers to ensure that such an ill-conceived operation, which tragically will continue to contribute to deaths on both sides of the border, never happens again.  I will continue to push for the truth. Please read more here .

Announcing the U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. I am extremely proud of these fine young men and women who are dedicated to serving our country and defending our liberty.

These nominees have demonstrated a high level of achievement both inside and outside of the classroom, and I am certain that they will learn to become true leaders at their respected academies.

The nominees went through a competitive interview process with Congressman Gosar’s Review Board consisting of Gen. Jim Hunt, Col. Robert Leech, 1st Lt. Jim Muhr and Mr. John R. Knotts.

To see the list of nominees please click here .

As always, you can follow everything I am working on in Arizona and Washington, D.C. through my website (http://gosar.house.gov ) on Twitter @repgosar , or through Facebook at Representative Paul Gosar.

 

 

Sincerely,    Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.    Member of Congress

Hauntingly Appropriate

My awesome Aunt Becky from northern California sent this in an email today. I responded to her that it's horribly terrifying, but true. What do YOU think?

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... An 80 year old woman can be stripped searched by the TSA but a Muslim woman in a burka is only subject to having her neck and head searched.

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... You can get arrested for expired tags on your car but not for being in the country illegally.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if... Your government believes that the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars of debt is to spend trillions more of our money.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... A seven year old boy can be thrown out of school for calling his teacher "cute" but hosting a sexual exploration or diversity class in grade school is perfectly acceptable.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if..... The Supreme Court of the United States can rule that lower courts cannot display the 10 Commandments in their courtroom, while sitting in front of a display of the 10 Commandments.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Children are forcibly removed from parents who appropriately discipline them while children of "underprivileged" drug addicts are left to rot in filth infested cesspools.

 

You know you live in Country run by idiots if.... Working class Americans pay for their own health care (and the health care of everyone else) while unmarried women are free to have child after child on the "State's" dime while never being held responsible for their own choices.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Hard work and success are rewarded with higher taxes and government intrusion, while slothful, lazy behavior is rewarded with EBT cards, WIC checks, Medicaid and subsidized housing, and free cell phones.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... The government's plan for getting people back to work is to provide 99 weeks of unemployment checks (to not work).

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Being self-sufficient is considered a threat to the government.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Politicians think that stripping away the amendments to the constitution is really protecting the rights of the people.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... The rights of the Government come before the rights of the individual.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Parents believe the State is responsible for providing for their children.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... You can write a post like this just by reading the news headlines.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... You pay your mortgage faithfully, denying yourself the newest big screen TV while your neighbor defaults on his mortgage (while buying iphones, TV's and new cars) and the government forgives his debt and reduces his mortgage (with your tax dollars).

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Your government can add anything they want to your kid's water (fluoride, chlorine, etc.) but you are not allowed to give them raw milk.

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... Being stripped of the ability to defend yourself makes you "safe".

 

You know you live in a Country run by idiots if.... You have to have your parents signature to go on a school field trip but not to get an abortion.

Honoring Brian Terry

Remember and Honor

Dear Friend,

Today marks the two year anniversary since the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Our nation lost one of our own who was protecting us by securing the Arizona/Mexico border.  Border Patrol Agents William Castano, Gabriel Fragoza and Timothy Keller were also on patrol with Agent Terry on the night he was killed—their bravery and loyalty should never be forgotten.

After the dust settled that horrific night, details were brought to light about our government’s role in supplying weapons found at the scene of the crime. I ask that you please join me in keeping Agent Terry and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Fast and Furious Update
This week, a federal judge sentenced Jaime Avila Jr. for buying arms for a Mexican drug cartel, two of which were found at the scene of Agent Terry's death. He was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. Please read more here .  

Late last week, the Professional Review Board of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reportedly recommended taking action against staff involved with Fast and Furious.

 

Congressman Gosar honored Agent Terry on the House floor. Please click above to watch.  

The American people still deserve answers and justice. Lives were lost on both sides of the border, yet the Attorney General continues to believe he is above the law, despite being held in contempt of Congress and facing a civil lawsuit. I will also continue to push for a vote on my Resolution of No Confidence in Attorney General Holder.  Please read more here .  

Proud to be a Vice Co-Chair
This week, the Congressional Western Caucus members unanimously named Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) Co-Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 113th Congress.

I am pleased to be a part of the Western Caucus leadership team. I have always said that a national understanding of the western states, our culture and our contributions to our nation’s economy is key to a national recovery. 

It is important that we give a voice to issues facing the West.

 

Our team will continue to lead the fight in Congress against the President’s regulatory “War on the West,” and for fundamental reforms to federal policies that have held back western economies for decades.

 

Whiskey is for Drinking and Water is for Fighting Over

 

This week, I spoke on the House floor about Tombstone's year-long standoff with the federal government over repairs that will restore the town’s water supply.

Please click above to watch Congressman Gosar speak about Tombstone's struggle.

The federal government should work with us, not against us, to preserve western water supplies.

 

Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy
The Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy held a free dental care clinic at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum this past weekend. Over 1,500 dentists, dental hygienists and lab technicians donated their time and expertise through the Mission of Mercy to send an important message: good health starts with oral health.

To view more photos from the Mission of Mercy event please click here .

I would like to thank my fellow dentists for providing a helping hand to our neighbors and local communities. As Mission of Mercy has demonstrated, through our collective talents we can strengthen our communities and our nation. Please click here to visit the the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy .

Happy Birthday National Guard
The National Guard has been "Always Ready - Always There" to defend our freedom for 376 years. Thank you to the men and women of the National Guard for protecting our nation and defending our way of life. Happy birthday!

 

"The National Guard came into existence with a direct declaration on December 13, 1636 ."

 

Obamacare Malady of the Week
When Rep. Pelosi said that we must pass Obamacare to find out what is in it, was she referring to the 63 dollar per-head fee and surprise built into a recent Obamacare regulation ?

As always, you can follow everything I am working on in Arizona and Washington, D.C. through my website (http://gosar.house.gov ) on Twitter @repgosar , or through Facebook at Representative Paul Gosar.

 

 

 

Sincerely,    Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.    Member of Congress

No Rest for the Victors

December 11, 2012

No Rest for the Victors

Last week we shared a tremendous victory. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which would remove the right of parents to make decisions for their children with disabilities, was defeated in the U.S. Senate.

Needing 66 votes (of 99, due to the absence of Senator Kirk), the treaty only garnered 61, with 38 opposed.

We won this victory through your persistent phone calls, emails, and social networking to spread the message of the dangers posed to our families and American sovereignty.

Unfortunately, we cannot relax and enjoy the win; proponents of the treaty have already announced that they will not give up.

Immediately following the vote, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced, “I plan to bring this treaty up for a vote again in the next Congress.”

The following day, Senator Harkin (D-IA) promised in an article in the Des Moines Register, “We’re going to come back in January, we’re going to come back in February, and we’re not giving up, and we’re going to bring this up again.”

It is true: treaties such as the CRPD and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) can be brought up again and again – until we adopt the Parental Rights Amendment. That proposal would add to the U.S. Constitution, in part, that “[n]o treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to [parental rights].”

With your help, we will continue to stand against these threats and champion the Parental Rights Amendment solution. We will continue to see victories like we saw last week.

But we cannot do it without you.

We used resources last week to halt this treaty – resources made available through your generous donations. We purchased ads and phone-in campaigns in key states, as well as paying for the extra emails we sent urging supporters to call. But we purchased them from funds we needed for the ongoing operations of the organization.

Now we need to replenish those funds so that we can continue our efforts when Senator Reid launches the treaty again in January.

Would you help us today with the largest gift you can manage? Only with your help can we keep up with these repeated attacks.

Thank you for standing with us last week to halt this treaty, and thank you for your continued support as we protect parental rights in the next Congress.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

P.S. – Whether or not you are able to give, please continue to spread the word about the dangers of this treaty. Our opponents and the media have taken up a concerted effort to paint our concerns as “unfounded fears,” rather than argue them on their merits. You are among the only ones interested in showing the facts. Please forward this email on, send your friends to ParentalRights.org/crpd to read more, or join the discussion on our Facebook page (and click “like”)!

A Little Holiday Cheer

12/09/2012

 

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over.

Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the quickie mart building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying 'I don't want my kids to see me crying,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.' I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee.. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan. 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'

This definitely made me cry. I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it,
when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen.'

An Update from Rep. Gosar

American Values

Dear Friend,

If you are both concerned and confused about the “fiscal cliff” and looming tax increases on hardworking families, I don’t blame you.

.
To read the full op-ed by Congressman Gosar please click above.
 .

Let me clarify a few things.  The President and Senate Democrats believe that hard work and success should be punished by additional taxes.   Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that ‘the power to tax is the power to destroy.’  About 46% of the people pay no federal income taxes. A staggering number of Americans have no skin in the game.  It cannot rationally be said that those who currently pay federal income taxes are not already paying “their fair share.”

 
Don’t be deceived—the issue before us is not taxes.   The real issue is spending.   

 

President Obama wants to raise taxes (today on one group, tomorrow on another group) because he believes in a federal government that controls every aspect of our lives from cradle to grave. He knows this requires money.  Your money.
 

Middle Class  Tax Cuts
This summer, I voted for the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012   (H.R. 8), legislation to protect America’s small businesses and families by extending the current Bush tax cuts for one year. Had the Senate not failed to act,  we could have effectively stopped the tax hike.

 

Congressman Gosar at one of his "Stop the Tax Hike" events from this summer.

I strongly believe that small businesses and families are best at managing their hard-earned money. With that said, it is the federal government's spending problem, and not its revenue problem, that has gotten us into a $16 trillion sinkhole. America can't spend its way to prosperity. I am not afraid to go over the overhyped fiscal cliff, and you should not be either. Let the spending reductions take place.

 

 

We Will Not Be Deterred  

 

Last week, the Social Security office in Casa Grande was bombed . I want to say how thankful I am that no one was injured and that law enforcement was able to 

identify and apprehend the suspect in a timely and safe manner.  

 

The recent bombing in Casa Grande reminds us that we all have a responsibility to be vigilant and to alert authorities of any threats in our communities.

 

No amount of violence will deter the American people from their unshakeable faith in God, our Constitution, and our true American values.
This week, my office wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers as to how the bombing suspect was allowed to continue  living in our great state after being flagged for "terrorism-related activity" a year ago. I will keep you updated with more information and answers as I receive them. 

Enough Rhetoric: Arizona Needs Results
Please join me in sending your thoughts and prayers to the 400 employees who were affected by the recent layoffs at the Resolution Copper Mines. I will continue fighting to ensure this bill becomes law.

 

My land exchange bill is geared towards revitalizing the economy of Southeast Arizona.

 

I urge members of both parties in the U.S. Senate to come together and work with Senators Kyl and McCain to find a path forward and finish the job we were sent to Congress to do.  Enough rhetoric, Arizonans need results.
To read more please click here .

 

Upholding the Constitution

 

The Obama Administration is again trying to undermine and challenge the United States Constitution. Just last week, Secretary Geithner suggested Congress give up its Constitutionally mandated power of the purse, and allow the President to unilaterally increase the nation's debt limit.

 

Each citizen's share of the debt is $52,052.53 . 

 

The President has proven that his desire to spend our way out of debt is not limited by how far in the red we go, but rather by Congress’ power to “borrow Money on the Credit of the United States”. This week, I joined my colleague from Louisiana, Rep. John Fleming, in introducing a resolution to uphold our Constitution and continue to allow Congress to have power of the purse. 

 

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy: Honoring Those Lost in Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, launching one of the deadliest attacks in American history. 

To commemorate the 71st anniversary of this “date which will live in infamy,” as President Franklin D. Roosevelt described it, I joined state officials, the public and our brave veterans to pay homage to those who lost their lives in service to our country.

 

Forever honor those who protect our freedom. 

 

I was honored to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new memorial in downtown Phoenix, and I was even more honored to speak with survivors from World War II. God bless those who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. God bless and thank you to our military members, and their families, for continuing to serve our country and protect our way of life.  

Speaking with the National Indian Gaming Association 
This week,  I met and spoke with tribal leaders on Capitol Hill. I have strongly maintained the federal government's treaty obligations to Native Americans, and I have been a proponent of true tribal sovereignty.

 

Congressman Gosar with local leaders at the National Indian Gaming Association Tribal Leaders meeting on December 4th.

I was honored to be asked to speak with tribal leaders. I invite you to take a look at more photos from the event in my Flickr photo album .

 

Happy Hanukkah

To everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights with family and friends I wish you a safe and happy Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah from Congressman Gosar and his staff.

As always, you can follow everything I am working on in Arizona and Washington, D.C. through my website (http://gosar.house.gov ) on Twitter @repgosar , or through Facebook at Representative Paul Gosar.

 

 

Sincerely,    Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.    Member of Congress

Victory!!

December 4, 2012

Victory!

Just a few minutes ago the United States Senate rejected ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The vote of 61 to 38 in favor of the treaty was short of the required two-thirds margin (66 in favor) necessary to ratify a treaty according to Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

Less than an hour before the vote, Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama testified that his office has received more than 1,000 letters and emails in opposition to the treaty – and only 40 in favor. This shows an amazing outpouring from defenders of parental rights!

While we recognize that our success in Alabama is not indicative of the support level in every state, we would not have achieved this victorious outcome without the overwhelming support of concerned Americans just like you. Thank you so much for your calls, letters, and emails to oppose this ratification!

We also appreciate your patience with us as we have filled your inbox over the last two weeks during the height of this struggle. Now that the immediate danger has passed, we will continue to keep you updated on this and other dangers to parental rights through our weekly emails. You can also follow ongoing conversation or timely updates on our Facebook page or our website.

Finally, we are grateful to these brave senators who stood firm to protect parental rights and American self-government even in the face of a loud and emotional plea from those who favored the treaty.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research

December 4, 2012

Victory! - Correction

Our email of a few minutes ago erroneously named the Convention on the Rights of the Child as the subject of today's vote. The Senate vote was on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ratification was defeated with 38 Senators opposed and only 60 in favor (66 were needed for ratification). I regret any confusion this may have caused.

When a roll call list is available online, we will link to it from our webpage later today. Click "View Online" at the top of this email to check back for that list.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research