My family and I were shocked and saddened when we learned of the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and constituents. Gabrielle is a hard worker, a talented legislator and a genuinely dear person. She is universally liked in the House and every member who served with her feels deeply for her, her family and all those involved. We are praying for her recovery, the recovery of all those injured and comfort for the families of the fallen.

This attack was an unspeakable act of violence and those responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of state and federal law.

Yesterday, House officials informed Members that there was no evidence of a wider threat to Members or the public and ordered a full security review for members and staff going forward.

Planned legislative activity will be postponed in lieu of more appropriate resolutions on the floor.

Having made a longstanding practice of holding town hall meetings, we are determined to continue our public schedule without interruption and will follow the recommendation of US Capitol police and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the public and our staff at future events.

A word or two of admonition.

(more…)

The Democrat majority isn’t listening, but House Republicans will. That’s why we’re launching America Speaking Out; an unprecedented initiative of engagement with the American people that will lead to a governing policy agenda for America. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, town hall meetings, and old-fashioned conversation, America Speaking Out will surely become one of the largest online conversations ever about how to get back to a smaller, smarter, more accountable government. This initiative will lead to vital communication with the American people about the serious challenges that they’re waiting for Congress to address.

Washington Democrats have been ramming their own one-sided agenda through Congress. And, throughout the past year, they have repeatedly gone behind closed doors and choked off opportunities for honest and transparent debate. But, my Republican colleagues and I are ready for an exchange of ideas that will restore the bonds of trust between Americans and their elected leaders.

We have to show the American people that we know what’s at stake this year. In the face of failed leadership by Congressional Democrats, House Republicans must produce a vision for a better America that will return our national government to the common sense and common values of everyday Americans. And we’re looking to the American people to help us.

(more…)

All across this nation, families and businesses are struggling to make ends meet. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and many more worry that they will be next. But Americans are meeting these times with courage and by putting first things first, at least everywhere but the White House.

It is astonishing that in the midst of the worst recession in 26 years, this administration and Democrat leaders continue to advance job-killing proposals like the national energy tax and will carry that message to the global warming convention in Copenhagen.

Rather than making a priority of creating jobs, the president plans to attend negotiations at the United Nation’s convention on climate change in Denmark. This decision is wrong on several levels. The administration’s participation in the Copenhagen negotiations raises a number of concerns that the president should address before catching his flight.

(more…)