Friday, April 28, 2006
Pence joins 215 other House members in support of lobby reform legislation
Yesterday Rep. Pence joined 215 other House members and voted to begin consideration of the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, which is now expected to come to the floor next week.
The bill sets forth new rules on earmark spending and lobbying reform.
Here is an excerpt from an article in today's New York Times by Sheryl Gay Stolberg:
"Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, chairman of the conservative House Republican Study Committee, said, 'After months of scandal and years of deficit spending, we have come to a moment of truth.'
"Mr. Pence said Congress must change the way it spends taxpayers' money, and added, 'You can't complain about the sharks when you are holding a bucket of chum.'"
Here is another excerpt from an article by Jim Abrams of the AP:
"Conservatives again said lobbying reform without an earmark provision was unacceptable.
"'After months of scandal and years of deficit spending, we have come to a moment of truth,' said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., a leader of the conservatives. 'We will show today who in this body is committed to reform and who is not.'"
Here is a third excerpt from a Knight Ridder article by James Kuhnhenn:
"Still, many House conservatives are suspicious 'that the desire to expand earmark reform is actually a desire to kill earmark reform,' said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind."
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Washington Times: Pence supports sanctions against Iranian nuclear aims
Christina Bellantoni of The Washington Times writes yesterday the House passed a bipartisan bill that "toughens sanctions against Iran until the country dismantles its nuclear programs."
Congressman Pence was one of 397 representatives that supported the bill. Here are two excerpts from the article:
"'If the U.S. fails to act with clarity ... the potential consequences of inaction could be catastrophic,' said Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican. 'This is real.'
"Several supporters mentioned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent statement that Israel 'must be wiped off the map.'"
"Mr. Pence said the president is not opposed to the resolution, sponsored by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida Republican."
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Pence asks President to use veto power, stop unnecessary spending
John Schwartz and Edmund L. Andrews of the New York Times discuss the emergency spending bill in this article (Please note a free subscription is required).
According to the article, yesterday the White House "demanded that lawmakers eliminate $14 billion in domestic provisions and 'remain focused on urgent national priorities.'"
Here is another excerpt that mentions Rep. Pence:
"The veto threat is all but certain to provoke major fights between Mr. Bush and powerful lawmakers in his own party who are in charge of appropriations. But his tough message won praise from renegade House Republicans who have accused their own leaders of losing control over spending.
"'This legislation has become a fruit basket of spending unrelated to our war effort and Katrina,' said Representative Mike Pence, Republican of Indiana. 'I say plainly, 'Mr. President, veto this bill.'"
Amy Fagan of The Washington Times also wrote about the emergency spending bill in this article.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
The Hill: 527 reform, 2007 budget resolution key issues for GOP
Patrick O'Connor writes about 527 reform and the fiscal 2007 budget resolution in today's issue of The Hill.
Here is an excerpt from his article:
"The fight between conservatives and appropriators reached critical mass earlier this year when 29 GOP lawmakers, led by Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Mike Pence (Ind.), voted against the rule to bring the emergency spending bill to the floor because leaders would not grant their request to separate the cleanup costs for the hurricane-damaged Gulf Coast from spending on the wars."
Monday, April 24, 2006
Congress Daily: Pence continues to seek earmark reform
Peter Cohn of Congress Daily writes about lobbying restrictions that will be discussed in the House this week, a measure that curbs earmark spending.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
"A spokesman for Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., chairman of the Republican Study Committee, said Pence is open to broadening the scope as well but that 'he wants it to deal with the problem we're going to face next,' he said."
Roll Call: Pence expresses support for budget reform legislation
Jennifer Yachnin and Ben Pershing of Roll Call discuss the status of the fiscal 2007 budget and budget process reforms in this article. Here is an excerpt:
"Before the recess, members of the conservative RSC reached an agreement with House leadership on several process reforms, including the earmark measure that Lewis vehemently opposes.
"Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who chairs the group, suggested that any changes to those agreements could create additional hurdles in the House. 'If we don’t achieve meaningful budget process reform, it’s going to be a long, hot summer during the appropriations process,' Pence said through a spokesman."
Pence says freedom of the press "vital to limiting the power of government"
Friday night Rep. Pence delivered the keynote address at the 2006 Freedom of Information Summit. According to an article by Rick Yencer of The Muncie Star Press, the event had over "200 journalists, citizens, government officials and educators" in attendance. Here is an excerpt from Yencer's article:
"Republican Congressman Mike Pence was the keynote speaker, recognized for sponsoring the Free Flow of Information Act , which would create a national shield law to protect journalists from having to reveal confidential sources in court.
"'This is not about protecting reporters,' Pence said. 'It is about protecting the public's right to know.'
"While the bill has not received a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, Pence anticipated a hearing this summer, along with action on a similar measure sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., in the Senate.
"'If the public does not demand the free flow of information, there will be no more Deep Throats,' said Pence, referring to the Washington Post source that in its Watergate coverage, which led in part to the 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon."
Here is an excerpt from a Saturday article in The Republic which discusses Rep. Pence's Friday night address:
"An Indiana congressman pushing a bill that would protect reporters who refuse to identify their sources told public access advocates Friday night that freedom of the press is 'under siege.'
"Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., said he believed that freedom of the press was vital to limiting the power of government. Pence pointed to cases such as that of former New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who was jailed for 85 days last year when she refused to tell federal prosecutors her source who leaked the name of CIA agent Valerie Plame. "
Here is another excerpt from an article in The Fort Wayne News Sentinel that describes Rep. Pence's speech:
"Pence said he had often been asked why a conservative Republican was sponsoring a press shield law.
"'This isn't about protecting reporters,' said Pence, an attorney and former radio talk show host.
"'It is about protecting the public's right to know.'"
Muncie Star Press: Pence discusses global warming, environmental conservation
Seth Slabaugh of The Muncie Star Press penned two articles over the weekend that featured Congressman Pence.
In Saturday's article, Rep. Pence explained his position on the issue of global warming. Here is an excerpt:
"'Any fair reading of the science today, while global warming has taken place, it is not yet clear that it is being driven by human activity,' Pence said. 'But I'm trying to read as much as I can. And my mom used to say 'better safe than sorry,' so I am glad the energy bill authorized construction of a number of nuclear power plants in this country, which represent electric-generating facilities that don't produce so-called greenhouse gases.'"
Sunday's article focused on the topic of environmental conservation. Here is an excerpt:
"But I embrace Teddy Roosevelt's version of Republicanism and consider myself a naturalist or enthusiastic conservationist."
Friday, April 21, 2006
National Review: Pence praised by Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner
Heritage Foundation president Ed Feulner recently mentioned Congressman Pence in this interview with National Review.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Richmond Pal-Item: Rep. Pence discusses immigration, deficit in Richmond
Rebecca Helmes of the Richmond Pal-Item writes that Rep. Pence hosted a Town Hall meeting at the Richmond Municipal Building yesterday. Two topics drawing the most discussion during the meeting were immigration and the deficit. Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Larry Moore wanted to learn more about immigration and tax reform.
"Those issues brought him to the Richmond Municipal Building Wednesday for a town hall meeting with U.S. Congressman Mike Pence.
"'I'm always interested to hear what he has to say, especially about the hot-button issues of the day,' Moore said.
"The meeting -- which was opened and closed with a prayer in Jesus' name -- brought about 50 people to learn more about what's been going on in the 109th U.S. Congress."
Robert Novak: "Pence says the conservatives have compromised enough."
As Congress prepares to resume next week, syndicated columnist Robert Novak's latest column discusses budget reform, arguably the House's most pressing current debate.
Here are two excerpts from Novak's column:
"On April 6, before the House recessed, a budget containing spending reforms was agreed to by the new majority leader, John Boehner, and Rep. Mike Pence, head of the conservative Republican Study Committee.
"What's more, Rep. Mike Castle, leader of the House moderates, was on board."
"In keeping with normal congressional practice, the leadership's next step would be to seek compromises with Lewis that dilute the reforms.
"But maybe not this time. Pence says the conservatives have compromised enough.
"Boehner is determined to rid Congress of its earmark addiction. They will be supported in the administration by Portman. The test comes next week."
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Washington Times: House conservatives work to slow "the Washington spending machine"
Today's Washington Times editorial discusses the current state of budget process reform. Here is an excerpt:
"In exchange for tolerating spending levels higher than they preferred and an energy-policy decision they opposed, House conservatives negotiated several modest reforms that might have slowed the Washington spending machine. House Republican leaders promised floor votes on a line-item rescission bill and the establishment of a sunset commission to identify programs for termination."
Monday, April 17, 2006
National Journal: Pence continues push for budget reform legislation
David Baumann of National Journal writes about the current status of the fiscal 2007 budget resolution. Here is an excerpt:
"Whatever scenarios play out, conservatives and moderates will continue to battle over spending levels -- causing plenty of headaches for GOP leaders. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the chairman of the conservative House Republican Study Committee, is vowing that unless GOP leaders agree to hold floor votes on budget reform legislation, he is prepared to use parliamentary maneuvers to delay appropriations bills.
"'If we don't achieve meaningful budget process reform, it's going to be a long, hot summer during the appropriations process,' Pence warned."
The Republic: Pence continues to support House border security bill
Brenda Showalter of The Republic writes about the immigration debate in this article. Here is an excerpt:
"Pence was not available for comment, but spoke before the House on the 'Border protection, antiterrorism and illegal immigration control act' before the December vote.
"Pence told his fellow House members that 'a nation without borders is not a nation' and that Americans are concerned about the security of the border."
Please note a subscription is required to access this article.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
U.S. News and World Report profiles Pence
Rep. Pence is profiled in this week's issue of U.S. News and World Report. Danielle Knight writes that the Congressman has "emerged as a powerful force, moving Congress further to the right." Here is another excerpt from the article:
"Known as a 'conservative's conservative' on fiscal and social issues, Pence chairs an influential group of more than 110 Republican spending hawks who are winning major victories in their battle for smaller government. Under Pence, the group has broken ranks with party leadership and moderates, often clashing with President Bush.
"Conservative members love his steady leadership style and intelligent articulation of conservative values. 'He is clearly a rising star among conservatives and a man we believe will be a major influential player in the process of reforming our government in the years to come,' says Bill Lauderback, executive vice president of the American Conservative Union, which gave Pence its highest score of 100 percent for the past two years."
George Will on freedom of speech, 527 reform
Syndicated Columnist George Will's latest editorial is a must-read. Will writes about the April 5 vote on the 527 Reform Act and commends Rep. Pence and the 17 other House conservatives who voted not to "restrict freedom of speech." Here is an excerpt from Will's column:
"The 211 Republicans who voted for big-government regulation of speech will have no principled objection. How many principled Republicans remain? Only 18. The following, who voted against restricting 527s:
"Roscoe Bartlett (Maryland), Chris Chocola (Indiana), Jeff Flake (Arizona), Vito Fossella (New York), Trent Franks (Arizona), Scott Garrett (New Jersey), Louie Gohmert (Texas), Jeb Hensarling (Texas), Ernest Istook (Oklahoma), Walter Jones (North Carolina), Steve King (Iowa), Connie Mack (Florida), Cathy McMorris (Washington), Randy Neugebauer (Texas), Ron Paul (Texas), Mike Pence (Indiana), John Shadegg (Arizona) and Lynn Westmoreland (Georgia).
"On this remnant of libertarian, limited-government conservatism a future House majority can be built. The current majority forfeited its raison d'etre April 5."
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Indy Star: Pence calls for tighter border security
Maureen Groppe of The Indianapolis Star writes about the positions of Indiana lawmakers on the issue of immigration. Here is an excerpt:
"Spokesmen for Reps. Dan Burton, Mike Pence, Chris Chocola and Mike Sodrel said they continue to support the House approach.
"'I have tremendous compassion for those who wish to make a better life for themselves here in America,' Pence said. 'However, these protests do not change the fact that a nation without borders is not a nation.'"
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Indy Star-- Pence: "You can't complain about the sharks while you're holding a bucket of chum"
Maureen Groppe of The Indianapolis Star writes about earmarks, "a line item in a bill targeting money for a specific purpose." Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Jack Abramoff, the once-powerful lobbyist who has pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe public officials, referred to the committees that produce the spending bills as 'favor factories.'
"Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., is among the lawmakers who argue that any changes Congress makes in response to such scandals must involve the budget process.
"'You can't complain about the sharks while you're holding a bucket of chum,' Pence said."
Monday, April 10, 2006
Washington Times: Pence praised for leadership abilities
In today's Washington Times, Ralph Z. Hallow interviews outgoing Rep. Tom DeLay about the future of the GOP. Here is an excerpt:
"Departing Rep. Tom DeLay, Texas Republican, says any of three colleagues could some day assume his role as leader of conservatives in the House. Asked who might be the House's "next Tom DeLay," the former majority leader, once considered the most powerful Republican in Congress, named three Republicans: Rep. Adam H. Putnam of Florida, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana and Rep. Patrick T. McHenry of North Carolina."
Friday, April 07, 2006
Budget vote delayed until after Easter recess; Pence praises RSC members, leadership for efforts at achieving reform
The House of Representatives will not vote on the 2007 budget resolution until after the Easter recess, despite progress in negotiations between House conservatives and leadership.
"Even though a vote did not occur on the budget resolution, Amy Fagan of The Washington Times writes in this article that "Mr. Pence and conservatives said House leaders agreed yesterday to secure tough earmark reform, to rein in emergency spending and to set specific dates that the House will act on giving the president line-item veto authority and on a sunset commission to shut down wasteful federal programs.
"'They agreed to support the budget, praising leaders for meeting their requests.
"'I believe the leadership team is talented and effective,' Mr. Pence said. 'A budget worth doing is also a budget that changes the way we spend the people's money.'"
Carl Hulse of the New York Times states "conservatives said they had reached a general agreement with the leadership on budget rules and a pledge to vote on a line-item veto and were willing to allow the budget to move forward." Click here for the article.
William Neikirk of The Chicago Tribune writes in this article that "Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., a conservative leader, said he and his colleagues supported the budget measure, adding the leadership had held the line on spending and agreed to such reforms as a line-item veto."
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Fiscal 2007 budget vote expected either today or tomorrow
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the fiscal 2007 budget resolution either today or tomorrow.
Amy Fagan of The Washington Times writes about the budget in this article and states Rep. Pence "warned that if moderates succeed in pushing the budget beyond the $873 billion cap, 'we'd probably have a meltdown on our hands.' For most conservatives, 'the president's number is the ceiling,' Mr. Pence said."
Jennifer Yachnin of Roll Call reports Rep. Pence has met with GOP leaders and feels they are "'making steady progress,' though he could not confirm whether agreements on all of the group’s proposals would be reached before the vote."
Pence, 17 House conservatives oppose Shays-Meehan Bill
Yesterday Congressman Pence joined 17 other House conservatives and voted against the Shays-Meehan 527 Reform Act.
Sheryl Gay Stolberg of the New York Times writes in this article that "a Republican opponent of the bill, Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, has compared the exercise to whack-a-mole, a carnival game in which a player hits one mole with a hammer and another pops up."
Tory Newmyer writes "the 527 bill passed despite opposition from some leading House conservatives, including Republican Study Committee Chairman Mike Pence (Ind.), who argued that it curtailed free speech" in this Roll Call article.
According to Joel Havemann's LA Times article, Rep. Pence "has argued that limits on contributions to 527 committees would leave a political vacuum that would be filled by other, unregulated groups."
Robert B. Bluey of Human Events writes that House conservatives came up short of needed votes, by a 218-209 margin, in his online column.
Bluey also writes about Rep. Pence's 527 Fairness Act and pro-freedom amendment in this article.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
AP: Pence indicates he will vote against 527 legislation
Jim Abrams of AP writes this afternoon that "GOP leadership rejected inclusion of proposals by Rep. Mike Pence, a leading Republican conservative, to further deregulate spending limits. Pence indicated he would vote against the bill."
Click here to read the article.
Roll Call: "House 527 Bill Said to Lose Pence's Support on Eve of Tough Floor Battle"
Tory Newmyer of Roll Call says a "measure to regulate the nonprofit political groups known as 527s heads to the House floor Wednesday without the support of a leading Republican on the issue, casting into doubt the prospects of what was already expected to be a close vote." Here is another excerpt:
"But Tuesday evening, another senior GOP aide said that Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), author of a competing measure, will likely oppose the bill despite vigorous support from the Republican leadership.
"Pence’s decision came after the House Rules Committee voted to block any floor amendments when lawmakers take it up Wednesday. He had wanted to propose swapping the measure under consideration for one he coauthored with Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.). He also wanted to offer a provision that would carve out contributions to political parties from caps on total giving placed on donors.
"'He is profoundly disappointed at the fact that he wasn’t even given a chance to offer his amendment and allow the House to work its will,' an aide said. 'On this issue, leadership is being led around by moderates and outside groups who hate the Republican majority.'"
Click here to read the article.
Roll Call: Pence meets with House leadership
Jennifer Yachnin of Roll Call writes about the fiscal 2007 budget resolution. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Pence said Tuesday he is "encouraged" by Nussle’s testimony on both the line-item veto proposal as well as by the creation of a sunset committee to evaluate federal programs.
But he added that the RNC will continue to seek a "date certain" to vote on the proposals. Pence also noted that discussions with House leadership continued Tuesday.
"I’m satisfied that negotiations are moving along," Pence said. "We’re encouraged by the progress."
Click here to read the article.
WTHR TV: "Pence bill to protect children from simulated sex acts"
Tom Walker writes about Rep. Pence's efforts to protect children from simulated sex acts on the WTHR website. Here is an excerpt:
The U.S. House has acted to go further than current law barring use of children in pornography, requiring that Hollywood also insure kids are not involved in make-believe sex as well.
Indiana Congressman Mike Pence is leading the effort.
"It's absolutely imperative that the law say that both actual sex acts and simulated sex acts on film or TV guarantee that kids were not involved," said Pence.
Click here to read the article.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Roll Call: "527 Reform Not a Done Deal"
Tory Newmyer and John Bresnahan detail the upcoming House debate about 527 groups in Roll Call. Here is an excerpt:
"Several leading members of the RSC said they were still making up their minds Monday and won’t come to a decision until they see what form the final measure takes.
"Key to that decision will be the fate of two amendments Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), chairman of the RSC, plans to offer today in a Rules Committee markup.
"The first would substitute for the Shays-Meehan measure a competing bill authored by Pence and Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.) that would reverse many of the campaign finance limits enacted in the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. The Pence-Wynn bill would lift aggregate limits on individual donors, repeal limits on total spending by national parties, and allow unlimited money transfers from leadership political action committees to party committees.
"Pence’s second proposal would eliminate spending caps imposed on party committees when they coordinate their activities with individual candidates."
Click here to read the article.
Roll Call: Pence asks for "quartet" of budget reforms
John Stanton and Jennifer Yachnin of Roll Call write about the budget resolution that should be voted on this week in the House. Here is an excerpt from the article:
"While the conservative Republican Study Committee has criticized the $873 billion in domestic discretionary spending included in the budget, the group’s leader, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), said last week that lawmakers have nonetheless offered conditional support for the measure.
"That support, however, is largely contingent on agreement from leadership on a quartet of reform proposals, Pence said, including strong earmark reforms; a measure granting presidential line-item veto authority; restrictions on emergency spending; and the creation of a "sunset" commission to pinpoint outdated programs."
Click here to read the article.
Monday, April 03, 2006
New York Times: Pence speaks with new White House chief of staff
Edmund L. Andrews of the New York Times writes that new White House chief of staff Josh Bolten spoke with several members of Congress last week, including Rep. Pence. Here is an excerpt:
"It was not just a courtesy call," said Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, who had been pushing that same day for deeper spending cuts than Mr. Bush or House leaders had proposed. "He was calling to solicit input from back-bench conservatives on how the White House might do a better job of interacting with Congress."
Click here to read the article. Please note a free subscription is required.
Budget Resolution Expected To Hit House Floor This Week
This week the 2007 budget resolution should reach the House floor. Below are articles about the budget, the Republican Study Committee and Rep. Pence:
Jennifer Yachnin of Roll Call says that on the issue of budget reform, "RSC members are focused on four key areas: strong earmark reforms; legislation granting the president line-item veto authority; restrictions on emergency spending; and the creation of a “sunset” commission to pinpoint outdated programs."
Click here to read the article.
Carl Hulse of The New York Times writes that "House conservatives would like substantially less spending. But they have indicated they are willing to accept the $873 billion for programs under congressional control in return for promises on new budget rules."
In the article, Rep Pence states, "I think no budget is better than a budget that sends the wrong message to the American people about our commitment to fiscal discipline."
Click here to read the article.
Richard Wolf of USA TODAY details areas in which Congressional spending has risen over the past five years in this article.
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