Congressman Marsha Blackburn

The President's Rhetoric

Marsha Blackburn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST

All Americans want the economy to improve. We would all like to see our friends and neighbors return to work. President Obama says our economy is on the rebound which only further underscores how disconnected he is from the American people. It's as though he has forgotten that the unemployment rate has been above 8 percent for over thirty five months!

Blackburn: Defense cuts could gut military

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:30:00 EST

WAVE 3:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee said proposed cuts to the defense budget that were announced this week would gut the nation's military that is already spread too thin and leave thousands of troops unemployed.

The plan announced Thursday includes reducing ground forces by 100,000 and limiting military pay raises and has drawn quick criticism from Republican lawmakers.

Blackburn, who represents communities on the Tennessee side of Fort Campbell, Ky., said in a statement she has spoken with Maj. Gen. James McConville, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, to assure him that she will push to protect resources for their soldiers and families.

She also said that she will work to maintain the Tennessee National Guard.

From piracy to privacy, Blackburn takes on Google

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

The Tennessean:

Rep. Marsha Blackburn isn’t making any friends at Google lately.

After backing the Stop Online Piracy Act, the anti-piracy measure that rankled Google and other Internet companies, Blackburn issued a statement today blasting the company’s new privacy policy.

“After all the controversies Google has become entangled, the question people keep asking is – how can we ever begin to trust Google?” she said in the statement, saying the Internet giant is inviting government regulation.

Blackburn and seven House colleagues – five Democrats and two other Republicans – sent Google chief executive Larry Page a letter today demanding answers about the privacy-policy changes the company announced Tuesday.

Pentagon says Army and Marines to shrink as budget dwindles

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

The Leaf Chronicle:

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon outlined a plan Thursday for slowing the growth of military spending, including cutting the size of the Army and Marine Corps, retiring older planes and trimming war costs. It drew quick criticism from Republicans, signaling the difficulty of scaling back defense budgets in an election year.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee said the cuts would gut the nation's military that is already spread too thin and leave thousands of troops unemployed.

Blackburn, who represents the Tennessee side of Fort Campbell, said in a statement she has spoken with Maj. Gen. James McConville, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, to assure him that she will push to protect resources for their soldiers and families.

Blackburn Questions Google's Motives on Privacy

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 26 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today joined a bipartisan group of House lawmakers in a letter to Google demanding answers about the company's latest shift in the application of their privacy policy for American consumers. Blackburn issued the following statement:

“After all the controversies Google has become entangled, the question people keep asking is – how can we ever begin to trust Google? I’ve always said private industry needs to take the lead in providing consumer choice and transparency before big government rushes in to regulate. But Google’s move to eradicate consumer choice all together across their various platforms raises additional questions about how the company’s monopoly power might hurt competition and how their action might unilaterally and unnecessarily invite even broader government regulations on everyone else.”

Blackburn Statement on the Obama Administration's Plan to Cut America's Military

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 26 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's announcement today that the president plans to cut America's military with two rounds of Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) starting in 2013.

"The number one priority of our government is to protect the American people from threats to our nation. It is extremely dangerous for President Obama to gut our nation's defense when we all know it is already spread too thin. Despite what the President's plan calls for, we shouldn't be throwing 100,000 military personnel on the unemployment line.

"Unlike our President, I regularly speak with our commanders on the ground and take their concerns seriously. I have assured General McConville that my focus will remain to support our troops and military families stationed at Fort Campbell. I will fight to ensure that the brave men and women of the 101st Airborne, who played such a vital role fighting in the Global War on Terror over the last ten years, continue to have the resources they need to remain the best fighting force in the world. I will also continue to work with General Haston and do everything within my power to maintain the National Guard and Reserves that this President seems to want to destroy."

Blackburn Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 24 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address.

"Tonight’s speech contained no shortage of ideas, but it also raised one very important question: How will we pay for all these empty promises? After 1000 days without a budget, this president and his cohorts in the Senate seem to think that budgets aren’t necessary. Budgets ARE necessary; budgeting allows us to set priorities. If American families have to tighten their belts, Washington can do the same.

"It's not right that President Obama refuses to take responsibility for his failed policies: blocking energy projects that would lead to sustainable job growth, attempting to heap the national debt on to the backs of hard-working taxpayers, and reducing the fighting power of our nation's military. We all know that the Obama economy is stifling the ability of hard-working taxpayers and small business owners to achieve their hopes and dreams.

"The way forward to creating an environment for more innovation and job creation is through less regulation, less taxation, and less litigation. I’m willing to work with President Obama to undo the damage done in the last three years and get this great nation back on track. But I won’t do it at the cost of higher taxes, unnecessary government intervention, and job-killing legislation."

Blackburn Blasts Obama's Decision to Block Keystone Project

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 18 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's block of the Keystone Project.

“The Keystone Pipeline XL project would not only serve as a valuable energy resource for our nation, but would create thousands of truly shovel-ready jobs here at home. The Obama administration's decision to block this project from moving forward is further evidence that when it comes to job creation, the President just doesn't have a clue. It's extremely disappointing that after 40 months of review, he has chosen to cater to the liberal special interests in making this decision that will ship thousands of jobs overseas."

Blackburn on the public's frustration with Washington

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Blackburn discusses STRIP Act on CNN OutFront

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Blackburn discusses Payroll Tax Cut Extension

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Blackburn to President Obama: 'Welcome To The Party'

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 13 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's sudden revelation on the need to reduce the size of government.

"Republicans have been saying for years that we need to reduce the size of government and eliminate wasteful programs. Welcome to the party, Mr. President.

"Hopefully, since President Obama finally seems to agree with us that we need to downsize government to a more affordable and efficient size, he will get his party to focus on streamlining and not increasing the size of government. He can start with the repeal of Obamacare, reducing the IRS workforce, and eliminating the EPA."

Blackburn Statement on President Obama's Flawed Defense Strategy

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Jan 5 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement regarding the new defense strategy announced by President Obama today.

"In light of the current geopolitical environment, the plan announced by President Obama today for our nation's military is at best an ill-advised attempt to lower defense spending. The Obama defense strategy is a significant departure from past administrations that could cripple America’s fighting forces and render aid to those who seek to do us harm. I'll be the first to say that we must do everything we can to get our fiscal house in order and that includes taking a fine-toothed comb to all federal agencies; but it should not be done at the expense of our men and women in uniform.

"While we do need to cut excess waste and rein in run-away bureaucracies, we have a sacred obligation to support those who serve to protect this country from harm. I have serious concerns that the President’s plan will leave our Armed Forces unprepared to meet the future challenges we may face and that it may unfairly reduce the benefits of our veterans and their families who have served nobly over the last ten years in the Global War on Terror. There is a great difference between cutting what is expensive and unnecessary and boldly announcing strategic guidance that is just plain wrong. America's patriots deserve better from their Commander-in-Chief."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Marsha Blackburn — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST

My family and I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This holiday season is always a cherished time for me to spend with family and loved ones. It's also a time to look back at the events of the past year and to make plans for the coming year.

Blackburn Co-Sponsors Bill to Keep America's Military Strong

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Dec 15 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) participated today in a press conference unvieling H.R. 3662, the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act. Introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, H.R. 3662 is an effort to pay for the first year of sequestration cuts without causing great harm to America’s fighting force. Through attrition and extending by three years the pay freeze for federal employees, this legislation would deliver $234 billion in savings and would pay for the first year of sequestration; deferring the disastrous impacts on America’s military. Congressman Blackburn issued the following statement in support of the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act:

“Shortly after the Supercomittee failed to reach an agreement, I met with Ft. Campbell leaders, the boots who had been on the ground, and asked how the sequestration would affect their ability to lead and protect. They warned me about critical personnel shortages and cuts to family programs. Yes, our debt crisis is a national security problem, but we can’t address national security problems by hollowing out our armed forces. You solve the problem by shrinking the bureaucracy. This legislation is another in a long line of pro-defense, common sense legislation that works to protect our strength and position in the world while making substantive and commonsense cuts to the expanding bureaucracy. From the National Defense Authorization Act to the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act, we work hard to make sure the needs of the men and women of Ft. Campbell, the 101st Screaming Eagles, are met and protected.”

Blackburn Statement on the Passage of the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Dec 13 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement on the passage of the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act.

“The American people have said again and again that it’s time to take away the president’s credit card and the Job Creation Act does just that. It does not raise taxes, it reduces debt, it extends payroll tax cuts, and it protects the promises we’ve made to seniors by cutting spending not through job-destroying tax increases. Everything in the Job Creation Act is offset by spending cuts and that’s the way things need to be done around here. This isn’t our money, it belongs to the American people, and I’m thankful the Job Creation Act allows taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money. I’m proud this legislation accelerates a decision on the bipartisan Keystone XL energy pipeline. I hope President Obama reconsiders his veto threat of this 100,000 high-paying, domestic-job-creating project.”

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Marsha Blackburn — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST

Last week, President Obama announced that "when it comes to domestic energy production" his administration has "gone all in." If only that were true! Let's review what they've done. So far, the President has taken a do-nothing approach to encourage Senate Democrats to approve any of the House passed bills that would create new jobs by expanding American energy production. The truth is, his Administration has actively blocked job-creating energy production and imposed a moratorium that closes off some of our most promising energy resources.

Blackburn Statement on the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Dec 9 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) issued the following statement on the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act that was introduced by House Republicans today.

"We all know that the Obama economy is stifling the ability of American families and small businesses to achieve their goals and dreams. This bill includes provisions to spur job creation, reduces waste in programs that are important to those in need, and allows the hard-working taxpayers to keep more of their money. While it certainly does not include everything I had hoped for, and I have concerns that the doc fix is paid for at the expense of our hospitals, this bill takes us in the right direction. While the Democrats continue to talk about spending cuts, Republicans are taking action by including proposals like another cut in pay for Congressional staff and Federal workers. We need to do more to get the out-of-control spending under control, and I will continue my efforts to freeze and cut waste in Washington."

Blackburn Bill Would Strip TSA Badges and Uniforms

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Dec 8 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) has introduced legislation to rein in the Transportation Security Administration and provide more transparency for American travelers. H.R. 3608, the Stop TSA's Reach In Policy (STRIP) Act, would prohibit any TSA employee not trained as a federal law enforcement officer or eligible for federal law enforcement benefits from wearing law enforcement uniforms or wearing a police-like metal badge. In 2005 TSA made administrative changes reclassifying the title of airport security screeners to Transportation Security Officers (TSO's) and changed their uniforms to resemble those of a federal law enforcement officer. In 2008, TSA added metal badges to the uniforms, similar to those worn by federal law enforcement. However, TSO's are not required to receive any law enforcement training and they are not eligible for federal law enforcement benefits.

Despite the fact that TSO's are 'officers' in name only, some have chosen to abuse their limited authority against the unsuspecting public. Earlier this year in New Jersey, a TSO was arrested for impersonating an officer and days before Thanksgiving a Virginia woman was brutally raped after a TSO approached her in uniform, waving his badge.

“It is outrageous that in a post 9/11 world that the American people should have to live in fear of those whose job it is to keep us safe," Blackburn said. "Congress has sat idly by as the TSA strip searches 85 year old grandmothers in New York, pats down 3 year olds in Chattanooga, and checks colostomy bags for explosives in Orlando. Enough is enough! The least we can do is end this impersonation which is an insult to real cops."

Blackburn Votes To Rein In Excessive Federal Regulations

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:00:00 EST

Washington, Dec 7 -

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today voted in support of the Regulation from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives. This legislation would rein in out-of-control federal regulations by requiring Congressional approval for any federal regulation with an economic impact of $100 million or more.

The REINS Act will amend the Congressional Review Act of 1996. Since the CRA’s enactment, there have been close to 59,000 new rules. According to the Small Business Administration, federal regulations cost our economy $1.75 trillion per year. More importantly, the REINS Act will remove the unelected bureaucrats’ ability to impose overreaching rules and restore to elected representatives the authority to impose necessary regulations.

"The cities, towns and counties that make up my district in Tennessee are home to some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs America has to offer. I am always hearing from small business owners who are telling me that the excessive regulations being imposed on them by unelected bureaucrats in Washington are killing their ability to grow and create jobs. This legislation reins in the excessive federal regulations that are strangling our economy. Instead of placing more costly burdens on American small business owners, we need to create an environment that promotes more innovation and job creation. It's time to cut the red tape and get people back to work."

The passage of the REINS Act today is a part of an overall package of legislation intended to get America back to work. Through floor votes and her work on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Blackburn continues to lead the charge in removing the unnecessary burdens placed on American businesses. Voting to remove the EPA Boiler MACT and Cement MACT rules, Blackburn remains on watch for the administrative overreach found in Washington.