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Blackburn Amendment Handcuffs DOJ’s Ability to Defend Obamacare

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today secured an amendment to H.R. 5326, the Fiscal Year 2013 Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Blackburn amendment would prevent any funding for the Department of Justice from being used to defend against legal challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It was approved by the House with a bipartisan vote of 229-194.

“My amendment prohibits DOJ from spending funds we don’t have in defense of a program the American people do not want," Blackburn said. "The Supreme Court has heard arguments and is set to reveal their decision on the constitutionality of the President’s health care mandate next month. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and DOJ should not need additional resources for any future defense.”

Congressional Prayer Caucus Urges Vanderbilt University to Stop Discriminating Against Religious Student Groups

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Randy Forbes, Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, along with Congressman Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Diane Black led 36 Members of Congress in sending a second letter to Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos of Vanderbilt University, urging him to ensure that the school’s nondiscrimination policy is not being interpreted in a manner that discriminates against religious student groups.

Last year, several religious student organizations at Vanderbilt University, including the Christian Legal Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, were placed on “provisional status” for requiring their student leaders to share the groups’ religious beliefs. If Vanderbilt does not change its nondiscrimination policy to protect the rights of religious student groups, at least 11 groups will be forced to leave campus and drop their affiliation with the university.

“I fully respect a private institution’s right to set their own policies. However, I am deeply concerned that Vanderbilt’s nondiscrimination policy unfairly targets religious student groups in a hostile manner that is forcing them to seek refuge off campus and immediately drop any affiliation they once enjoyed with the university,” Blackburn said. “It’s my hope that Chancellor Zeppos and Vanderbilt’s Board will re-construct their nondiscrimination policy to reflect the freedom that religious student groups have been provided under federal law.”

"Freedom of religion is fundamental to our Republic. Vanderbilt's "all comers" policy infringes on that right. By exempting Greek organizations but refusing to exempt religious organizations it appears that religious discrimination is the aim of this policy,” said Black. "As a private institution Vanderbilt is not exempt from the Constitution and I encourage them to rethink this misguided policy."

Congressman Forbes added: “Vanderbilt’s policy defies common sense. Religious student groups form around specific beliefs, and their leaders obviously lead the groups’ activities. As such, religious groups must be allowed to select leaders that share their core religious beliefs in order to carry out their most basic functions. It is not discrimination; it is common sense.”

Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus sent the first letter to Vanderbilt University in October 2011 expressing their concerns with this troubling policy. The current form of the policy allows an exemption for Greek organizations, but does not allow one for religious student organizations. This policy not only discriminates against religious student groups whose rights are protected by the Constitution, but also leaves the appearance that it is the religious groups that are specifically targeted.

Blackburn, Bono Mack Want More Leadership From DOJ, HHS To Stop Illegal Diversion of Prescription Drugs

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) and Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking them to take a lead role in addressing the growing problem of prescription drug diversion. Representative Bono Mack serves as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. Blackburn is Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Bono Mack, Secretary Sebelius and Attorney General Holder on this issue," Blackburn said. "It has become evident through our hearings that more needs to be done to effectively curb prescription drug diversion. It’s my hope that Secretary Sebelius, Attorney General Holder and DEA Administrator Leonhart will work proactively with health care stakeholders and law enforcement to develop a comprehensive strategy in which everyone fully understands the rules of the road and are on the same page working as a team to end this national epidemic.”

Blackburn Congratulates Clarksville Native Pat Summitt

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today congratulated University of Tennessee Coach Emeritus Pat Summit on being named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“After 1,098 career wins over 38 seasons, Pat Head Summitt isn’t just the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history, she’s a living legend. Pushing excellence both on and off the court, Coach Summitt has prepared her players to be successful women when they hang up their jerseys. One of Clarksville’s own, Coach Summitt has dedicated her career and magnificent journey to the great game of women’s basketball and the 161 student-athletes she's championed. I congratulate her as she will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Blackburn: 'It's a Great Day to be Cutting Taxes'

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 9, the Small Business Tax Cut Act of 2012.

"It is a great day to be cutting taxes. Pro-growth policies like the Small Business Tax Cut Act are exactly what the American people want to see from their representatives in Washington. This 20 percent cut will allow small business owners to hang on to more of their money to invest and create jobs in their communities. My small business owners in Tennessee are always telling me they have too much month left at the end of their money. When you allow these 'Mom and Pop' shops to keep more of their money at the end of the month, it means they're going to have the opportunity to hire more workers.

"Small businesses have generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years and Washington should do all it can to reduce the barriers to job creation: higher taxes, more regulation, and unsustainable debt. One-third of small businesses in this country are owned by women, and the number one thing women say to me is that the uncertainty in Washington about regulation, litigation, and taxation is hindering their ability to innovate and create jobs. House Republicans have passed more than 30 jobs bills that are currently sitting on Senate Majority Leader Reid's desk waiting for consideration. It's time for the Senate to act so we can put more money back in the pockets of those that earn it and move our nation another step forward toward fiscal health."

Congressman Blackburn joined House Republicans at a Press Conference this morning to speak about the Small Business Tax Cut Act. Watch Here

The Small Business Tax Cut: Good News for Tennessee

Reps. Blackburn and Maloney Join Efforts to Address Online Promotion of Human Trafficking

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) and Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) yesterday sent a bipartisan letter to Google questioning how the company’s advertising practices address human trafficking.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn stated: “Illicit online advertising threatens more than just the freedom of the Internet -- it denies women and children their fundamental right to human dignity. I have no doubt that if Google was found to profit from online ads that promoted human trafficking, they would immediately stop the placement of those ads. Since Google has a unique ability to help thwart this modern-day form of human slavery, we are looking forward to learning how Google responds to various human rights critics on this issue and whether Google's advertising policies address the exploitation of vulnerable women and girls."

Rep. Carolyn Maloney said: “As a leader in technology, I encourage Google also to lead in the fight against online human trafficking. Too many people believe that human trafficking is a problem only in foreign countries but online advertising has opened new markets for the estimated 100,000 children in the United States—most of whom are American citizens—exploited through commercial sex every year, with the average age of first exploitation between 12-13 years old. These are our daughters, their schoolmates, and their friends; everyone-- every company-- must understand the reality: that sex trafficking is the slavery of the 21st century. I hope Google will look into its practices to make sure it does not contribute to web-based sex trafficking." Rep. Maloney is co-chair of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus, working to educate people about the reality of the trade in human lives and toward its elimination.

Text of the letter from Representatives Blackburn and Maloney, addressed to Google’s CEO, Larry Page, can be read here.

Last week, a group of anti-trafficking organizations called on the National Association of Attorneys General to investigate Google for profiting from the sale of online advertisements that contributes to human trafficking in a letter that can be seen here. Last month, 19 US Senatorssent a letter to the Village Voice, owner of the controversial website Backpage.com, calling for them to stop using online advertising to promote child prostitution on their website.

Blackburn Introduces Legislation to CHOP DOE & EPA

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today introduced H.R. 4295, the Consolidate Heavy-handed and Outdated Programs Act of 2012 (CHOP Act). Blackburn's legislation serves as an expanded House companion bill to S. 892, introduced last year by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

The CHOP Act will consolidate the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) into a new, single agency called the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE). The Government Accountability Office has made clear that significant savings can be achieved through the consolidation of duplicative or fractured programs in the federal government. The goal of Blackburn's legislation is to achieve cost savings by combining duplicative functions, and to improve the administration of America's energy and environmental policies by ensuring a coordinated approach.

“If we are going to put America back on the right path to prosperity, we should start by embracing any offer by the President to cut heavy-handed and outdated regulations and programs,” Blackburn said. “It’s time that Washington bureaucrats finally move past rhetoric and actually take an axe to duplicative government programs that unnecessarily cost American taxpayers billions each year in redundancies and provide no added benefit. The CHOP Act would immediately pull the cord on DOE and EPA’s duplicative programs and offices, finally taking them off of life support.”

By consolidating offices and reducing or eliminating unnecessary programs identified by the GAO, OMB, and the President’s fiscal year 2012 and 2013 budget requests, the CHOP Act could reduce wasteful spending by upwards of $5.3 billion.

CHOP Act Bill Summary

Blackburn Statement on House Passage of Republican Budget

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) today issued the following statement on the Republican Budget Resolution that was approved by the House.

“Budgets are about priorities, and House Republicans continue to lead when it comes to making the tough decisions necessary to get our nation's fiscal house back in order," Blackburn said. "Our budget takes bold steps to reform our nation's broken tax code, put the federal budget on a path to balance, prevent devastating cuts to defense, and protect and strengthen Medicare for current retirees and future generations. The President and Democrats continue to ignore the economic problems we are facing and it has been over 1,000 days since the Senate produced a budget. Republicans in the House continue to offer real solutions for America's future. It's time for the Senate Democrats and the President to follow suit.”

Blackburn Calls for Repeal of Job-Killing Obamacare

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Blackburn (TN-7) today issued the following statement highlighting the failures of President Obama's health care law.

“I’m glad to see the Supreme Court taking up the constitutionality of Obamacare. I’m especially thankful to join with so many folks to acknowledge not just the constitutional question of President Obama’s flawed plan, but the economic offenses that arise from a government-centric health care model. Under Obamacare, we’re losing our choices while the costs of health care are on the rise. As the cost of health care rises, we the taxpayers are going to be on the hook for even more money. The jobs-killing aspect of Obamacare is especially troubling as the law contains 20 new or increased taxes on American families and employers. We simply can’t afford a forced health care plan that doesn’t work, raises taxes, and many Americans believe to be unconstitutional.

“There is an answer to our health care challenges that doesn’t raise mounds of regulations on America’s job creators: small businesses. With HR 371, the Health Care Choice Act of 2011, we would repeal the government takeover of health care and replace it with a market-based system that will increase access and decrease costs as citizens purchase health insurance across state lines.”

MEDIA ALERT: Blackburn To Attend Supreme Court Hearings On Obamacare

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Monday, March 26, 2012, Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) will attend the morning session of the United States Supreme Court hearings on President Barack Obama’s Health Care Law.

“I am honored to be asked to attend these proceedings,” said Blackburn. “We are extremely concerned about the effects this flawed law will have on the healthcare choices of every Tennessean, as well as how it will impact the tens of thousands of Tennesseans who are employed in the vital healthcare industry in middle Tennessee.”

WHAT: Blackburn Attends Supreme Court Hearings on Obamacare

WHEN: Monday, March 26, 2012, Morning Session

WHERE: United States Supreme Court, Washington, DC