Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Rushville Republican: "Pence Supports Local Control Over Local Schools"
Congressman Pence was the focus on an article in today's Rushville Republican. The full article can be found here.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
U.S. SECURING BORDER...MORE WORK STILL NEEDED
Along the U.S./Mexico Border:
Aboard a U.S. Border Patrol helicopter, 20 miles south of Yuma., Arizona
Flying south of Yuma to the U.S./Mexico border in broad daylight, the last thing I expected to see was a large group of illegal immigrants but there they were. As our four helicopters sped south to tour forward base operations in the Yuma sector, we came across a group of some twenty illegals huddled under a group of desert tree attempting to evade our notice.
Our aircrews immediately abandoned our flight plan and went to their primary mission. The helicopters wheeled around as the smaller tactical copter moved close to the ground near the huddled group.
As the chopper moved to land, the group made a dead sprint back in the direction of the border and were last seen scaling a small, craggy hill immediately adjacent to the border.
Today we learned that over 300 apprehensions had been made in this barren sector, apparent evidence of an upsurge in attempted incursions. Secretary Chertoff later told agents at the ground station that he expected such period increases in attempts to continue as US Border Patrol efforts grew more and more effective.
As we flew away from the scattering group of illegals, I couldn't help but feel a combination of pride and sadness: Pride for the men and women in the border patrol who are doing a hard job for the American people every day. We task them to protect our borders and they all take that task to heart. My sadness came from the tattered and impoverished group huddled beneath that tree. They were breaking our law and our agents were right to intervene. In a very real sense, that huddled mass is testament to a broken system and broken borders. After seeing the immense proportions and human dimension, I am more convinced than ever, we must enforce the law, enforce our borders but we must also create a new system without amnesty that gets those people out from under that tree.
Rep. Mike Pence (IN-6)
Somewhere over South Arizona Desert
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
PENCE SEES PROGRESS AT U.S./MEXICO BORDER
Yuma, Arizona
After a lengthy flight from Washington with Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff and the four-star chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, David Aguilar, we arrived at the Yuma Airport around noon local time. We were greeted by an eclectic delegation of Senators and Congressmen representing the full range of opinion on immigration reform.
Our small congressional group headed south to the U.S./Mexico border where dozens of miles of fencing have been constructed since the passage of the Border Fence Act last fall. In San Luis, an area that just last year was the site of frequent "banzai runs" where hundreds of illegals would simultaneously sprint across an antiquated fence of corrugated steel, now there stands miles of double fencing, 20 feet high, reinforced with ground sensors, cameras and patrols.
Two years ago, 138,000 illegals were arrested in this area. With the advent of the fencing and additional agents, that number was reduced to 118,000 arrests last year. Since October, only 15,000 illegals have been apprehended attempting border incursions. If current trends hold, the Yuma Sector will see a drop of 66 percent in the number of arrests this year. Overall, since the beginning of Operation Jump Start in June of 2006, the National Guard and Border Patrol have constructed 240 miles of fencing and physical barriers. That is progress.
Despite widespread public skepticism about this government's commitment to border control, the wall is going up and the number of illegals crossing the border is going down.
Special credit belongs to the Army National Guard deployed as part of Operation Jump Start. U.S. border patrol officials on our tour went to great pains to describe how essential the Guard had been to the rapid deployment of the border fence.
Mike Pence
San Francisco Chronicle on Media Shield
The San Francisco Chronicle details Congressman Pence's plans to reintroduce the Federal Media Shield law here.
L.A. Times on Iraq Resolution vote
Congressman Pence is quoted in the L.A. Times article regarding the Iraq resolution on the troop surge here.
Columbus Republic on Pence Town Hall
The Columbus Republic reported on a town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Pence here.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee hears testimony on Israel and Palestinian Peace Process
Congressman Pence, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia delivered an opening statement before hearing the testimony of Daniel Pipes. Pipes, Director of the Middle East Forum & distinguished visiting professor from Pepperdine University, testified before the committee on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Excerpts appear below along with links to the full text of their comments.
Congressman Pence: Full Text
Mr. Chairman, 59 years after the birth of the modern state of Israel, and 30 years after the beginning of the first Camp David accords, the very existence of Israel still goes unrecognized by the Palestinian leadership and most of the Islamic world.
The absurdity of Israel enduring years, approaching decades, of negotiations with an entity that does not recognize its right to exist is striking. And the fact that this is still a subject for negotiation is outrageous.
Mr. Chairman, contrary to some of the testimony we are about to hear, I believe that this problem is not shrouded in great mystery or complexity. As Ronald Reagan often said, “there is a simple answer— not an easy answer— but simple.” ...
...We will hear talk of being the “honest broker,” of the “road map” and the “Quartet,” of re-starting the peace process. We will hear a lot of discussion of confidence-building measures and processes and now of a “political horizon.” But, Mr. Chairman, I plead with the Palestinians and the Arab world—if they are serious about peace, take the simple — but not easy –step of recognizing Israel and renouncing violence against it.
Daniel Pipes: Full Text
What next in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, which some call the “peace process”?
I shall argue three points: that these negotiations have been so counterproductive, they could better be called the “war process”; that their failure results from an Israeli conceptual error fifteen years ago about the nature of warfare; and that the U.S. government should urge Jerusalem to forego negotiations and return instead to its earlier policy of deterrence...
...Like all outsiders to the conflict, Americans face a stark choice: endorse the Palestinian goal of eliminating Israel or endorse the Israeli goal of winning its neighbors’ acceptance.
To state the choice makes clear that there is no choice – the first is offensive in intent; the second defensive. No decent person can endorse the Palestinians’ goal of eliminating their neighbor; along with every president since Harry S Truman, and every congressional resolution and vote since then, the 110th Congress must continue to stand with Israel in its drive to win acceptance.
Not only is this an obvious moral choice, but Israel’s win is actually the Palestinians’ as well. Israel’s success in crushing the Palestinians’ will to fight would actually be the best thing that ever happened to them. Compelling Palestinians finally to give up on their foul irredentist dream would liberate them to focus on their own polity, economy, society, and culture. Palestinians need to experience the certitude of defeat to become a normal people – one where parents stop celebrating their children becoming suicide terrorists, where something matters beyond the evil obsession of anti-Zionist rejectionism. There is no shortcut.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
San Francisco Chronicle on Federal Media Shield
Today's San Francisco Chronicle contains an article about Congressman Pence's efforts on behalf of Chronicle reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams here.
Pence op-ed on Iraq troop increase in Washington Times: Give New Strategy a Chance
Congressman Pence authored an op-ed, titled "Give New Strategy a Chance", in today's Washington Times about his support for the troop increase to quell the sectarian violence in Iraq here.
Last month, President Bush delivered a speech to the nation outlining a new way forward in Iraq. It has since met with resistance from both parties on Capitol Hill. I support the president's call for reinforcements and a change of our strategy because we must do everything in our power to see freedom prevail in Iraq.
A few days before the president addressed the nation, I was invited to the White House to discuss his plan to increase troop levels in Iraq. What I found most persuasive was that the president didn't just lay out a plan for more troops for more troops sake. He laid out a new strategy, including new tactics, new rules of engagement on the ground, and a plan to work alongside Iraqi military forces to give priority to securing Baghdad. This was first recommended by the Iraq Study Group and I believe we owe it to our military and Iraq's people to give it a chance to work...
...Given that reinforcements will strengthen the hand of the U.S. military in Iraq and give us more leverage in the region, I find it curious that many in Congress in both parties are taking a wait-and-see approach or openly oppose the president's plan.
Ironically, most of my colleagues who oppose the president's plan say they still support the troops and want to see us succeed in Iraq. However, the alternative strategies they have put forward will do nothing but promote withdrawal and defeat. It is hard to understand how legislators can claim to support our troops while advocating abandonment of all they fought and died to accomplish...
...However, the roles of Congress and the president are clearly defined in the Constitution. Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare war, prescribe rules governing military discipline and regulate the capture of enemy property and appropriate funds for the military.
Under Article II of the Constitution, the president is the commander in chief of the Armed Forces and is responsible for tactical, operational and strategic decisions involved in war fighting. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed these functions and the president has had this role ever since George Washington was entrusted as our nation's first commander in chief. Our Founders expressly rejected vesting Congress with warmaking power, fearful as they were of ineffective "war-by-committee."
Each branch of national government has a clearly defined role in the declaration and conduct of war. As such, while Congress has a role in formulating military policy, it is constitutionally questionable for Congress to impose timetables, benchmarks or tactical decisions on our commander in chief or our troops in the field.
There is no question that even in the heartland of America, people are troubled with our lack of progress in Iraq. I understand the temptation of many in Congress to go backward but I disagree with it. The temptation to retreat must be ignored. Winston Churchill gave us this counsel: "One ought never to turn one's back on a threat in danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half."
It is time for an unflinching American response. I support our commander in chief. I support our new way forward. We must come together as a nation and choose to see freedom prevail in Iraq.
Human Events Online on Iraq troop increase resolution
Human Events' Amanda Carpenter's analysis of the politics of the Iraq troop increase resolution mentions Congressman Pence here.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on Pence support for troop increase
Today's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette includes a story about the Iraq troop increase resolution here.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Congressman Pence appears on The Situation Room
Congressman Pence appeared on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" today to discuss his opposition to the Democrat resolution opposing the troop surge and explain his support for our new way forward in Iraq.
The transcript of his appearance follows below:
WOLF BLITZER: We're joined by a key member of the House of Representatives, a Republican who supports the President's troop buildup plan in Iraq, that would be Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana. He introduced a GOP alternative resolution opposing any cutoff funding for the troops in Iraq. Congressman, thanks very much for coming in.
REP. MIKE PENCE: Thank you, Wolf.
WOLF: Let me read the exact two-sentence resolution the Democrats have put forward. “Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq. And Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush, announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.” There will be plenty of Republicans, as you know, your colleagues, who will support Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha and vote in favor of this resolution. What do you say to those Republicans who vote in favor of this resolution?
REP. PENCE: Well, I respect the franchise of every Member of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike. But I think this is a really extraordinarily important moment in the life of our nation. I believe it's imperative that we stand with our Commander in Chief. The President has looked --
WOLF: Are these members who vote for this resolution Democrats and Republicans undermining the Commander in Chief?
REP. PENCE: Well, in a very real sense. The President of the United States, as Commander of Chief under Article 2 of the Constitution, Wolf, has laid out his strategy for achieving the stability --
WOLF: Congress has oversight responsibilities, as you well know.
REP. PENCE: Congress has responsibilities under Article One of the Constitution. We have the power to declare war and the power of the purse strings to appropriate funding. But when it comes to the conduct of war and the decisions made of a tactical nature, history of the Constitution teach that belong to the Commander of Chief and --
WOLF: If this were Bill Clinton as President and he were engaged in this would the Republicans remain silent and simply let him do whatever he wanted?
REP. PENCE: Well, you know, that's a great hypothetical and I know there is some history there. There was some opposition to President Clinton’s actions also in the form of resolutions--
WOLF: Republicans weren't silent then.
REP. PENCE: But let me just say from my perspective as someone who cherishes the Constitution and as someone who truly believes each branch of government has its own role to play, I think it's very important that in this moment we recognize that the President isn't just sending more troops for more troops sake, but, rather Wolf, this is a new strategy, new tactic, new rules of engagement and I think imperative that as many Members of Congress as possible, Republicans and Democrats, stand with the Commander in Chief.
WOLF: It looks though, like the Republican leadership -- you tried to be the leader but you didn't make it -- but the Republican leadership, Boehner and Blunt, they’re effectively going to let Republican members vote their conscience on this -- conscience on this sensitive issue. Is that smart to effectively let members vote with the way they want it as opposed to whipping them together and making them, in effect, vote down strict party lines?
REP. PENCE: I think the Republican leaders of the house know this is an issue of conscience for many Americans. Whatever your heart dictates is what --
WOLF: You believe it will hurt the President --
REP. PENCE: What you ought to do, look, I believe as you will hear many members of Congress say over the next three days on our side of the aisle. We are locked in a struggle with Islamic extremism that is global in nature. This is really about being willing to support our Commander in Chief as he deploys additional forces in this central front in the broader War on Terror.
WOLF: John Murtha, a Democrat of Pennsylvania and former Marine combat veteran. He says if the U.S. pulls out its combat forces and let the Iraqis do what they want to, they could find Al Qaeda, they could wrap this up. I want to play a little bit -- a little clip of what he told in "The Situation Room" yesterday.
REP. JOHN MURTHA: The minute we're gone they will take care of al Qaeda by themselves. Al Qaeda will not be a factor once the United States is gone.
WOLF: Do you agree with that -- that Iraqis themselves, our allies could get the job done if we just left?
REP. PENCE: I don't. And I have great respect for John Murtha and consider him a friend. Look. I accept Prime Minister al Maliki at his word. He has outlined a strategy for quelling violence in Baghdad. He has requested six additional brigades, American forces to fill in the gaps of his three brigades that are moving back to Baghdad. No one believes that there is long-term military solution here, but Prime Minister al Maliki and our Commander in Chief have concluded if we can deploy the forces necessary, this temporary increase in forces in Baghdad as the Iraq Study Group recommended, to quell violence, establish stability, and then we can get to the long-term political solution
WOLF: They said a short-term surge in order to bring down the level in the long run.
REP. PENCE: That's lost on a lot of people. I said on the House floor today, the Iraq Study Group recommended a surge of forces to quell violence in Baghdad.
WOLF: They said that was one option that they certainly raised. Let me pick your brain for a second before I let you go, politically. Who do you like among the potential Republican presidential nominees? Would it be Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, someone else?
REP. PENCE: I would tell you I like them all. I think we have an abundance of riches on our side of the aisle while Democrat candidates are focusing; it seems to me, on a lot of externals, styles, on conversations. Every major candidate for the republican nomination is focused on the war on terror, focused on the issues we're going to key on the house floor this week in this debate.
WOLF: Giuliani favoring abortion rights for women, gay rights, gun control? Those are hot button issues for a lot of social conservatives.
REP. PENCE: Let me say I’m a pro life American, I’m a pro life legislator and proud of it. I think it's going to be very important both for Rudy Giuliani and every other republican candidate for president to clarify their view of the courts, their view of roe versus wade.
WOLF: But despite that, you could still vote for him?
REP. PENCE: In the case of Rudy Giuliani he has expressed -- for strict constructionists for court along with justices Roberts and Alito. I think you will hear these various candidates outline their philosophy about the courts and pro life Americans like me with evaluate who our best choice is, but every one of these choices is better on the War on Terror than the whole Democrat field.
WOLF: I'll take that as a tentative yes. Thanks very much, Congressman, for coming in.
REP. PENCE: Thank you, Wolf.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on Pence support for troop increase
Sylvia Smith's article in todays Fort Wayne Journal Gazette details Congressman Pence's support for President Bush's new strategy in Iraq here.
Richmond Pal-Item on Pence Iraq Resolution
Today's Richmond Pal-Item contains an article about Congressman Pence's support of the troop increase in Iraq here.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Congressman Pence appears on Fox and Friends
Congressman Pence appeared live on Fox and Friends this morning to discuss the 2008 Presidential field and President Bush's strategy in Iraq. The full transcript appears below:
CARLSON: Welcome back. The G.O.P.'S top three presidential contenders, they're all big-city boys. How will they rate with the party faithful in rural areas? DOOCY: Mike Pence is a Republican Congressman from the great state of Indiana and he joins us live from D.C. Thank you, sir.
REP. MIKE PENCE: You bet, good morning.
DOOCY: Great to have you. So these three guys, currently the three front runners according to the polls, are from big places. How does that affect people out in the middle?
REP. PENCE: Well, I can tell you as somebody that represents the heartland of America. I don't think it's going to be about geography. I think it's going to be about the values, the ideals, and the personal qualities that these various candidates represent. And we have an abundance of riches on our side of the aisle and at this point, they're all leaders that understand the importance of staying on offense in the War on Terror, the importance of continuing to advance the cause of freedom in the world and at home, and I think there's going to be broad appeal for all these candidates across the country on the basis of those security issues. CARLSON: I didn't hear a glimmer of support for any of those three. Do you want to go on the record and tell us who you like?
REP. PENCE: Well, I like all of them. This is a great field --
DOOCY: You're a good politician.
REP. PENCE: I’ve met with many of them individually. I will tell you that I was drawn to the Republican Party during the ascendancy of President Ronald Reagan and I do think it's imperative as we go through a nominating process that we understand that traditional moral values, particularly a commitment to the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage are essential elements of the modern Republican coalition. And I would hope that every one of these candidates would make clear their view of the role of the courts, their view of Roe vs. Wade and you're going to start to see those issues come into higher relief. And I do believe the war in Iraq staying on offense in the War on Terror, supporting our troops continues to be the lead issue in the minds of Americans.
DOOCY: Congressman, you mentioned Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan, a big tax cutter, when Rudy Giuliani was mayor of New York City. Mitt Romney, when he was governor of the commonwealth in Massachusetts, he cut taxes a bunch of times. How important is that on your agenda on one of those guys to support?
REP. PENCE: Again, I really do think it seems like on the other side of the aisle, there's a lot of talk about conversations, there’s a lot of talk about style and appearance. On the Republican's side of the aisle, I really do believe it's about ideas. I believe it's about values and less government, less taxes, a strong national defense at home and abroad and traditional moral values represents the underpinning of that modern Reagan coalition and I think it will be the key to success of any of these candidates seeking the heartland conservatives like me.
CARLSON: A quick question about Iraq, I know you've been to Iraq many times as many as four times. You support the president's new strategy. What's going to happen on the Hill this week?
REP. PENCE: We're going to have a very important debate but I don't think it's going to be nearly broad enough Gretchen. You're right; I have been to Iraq a number of different times. I applaud the Democrat majority for bringing a resolution to the floor that will challenge and offer their view of the President's surge. I'm supporting the President's call for reinforcements, the new way forward. I believe it's not more troop for troop's sake but it’s a new strategy and new tactics on the ground. What is disappointing is that we learned over the weekend that Democrat majority as they've done many times in the last five weeks is not even going to allow the Republican minority an alternative. They're not going to allow an up or down vote on whether or not we're all prepared to support the troops and reject funding cuts for the troops. And I think that’s regrettable, I think we ought to have the broadest possible debate and alternatives and I'm still hoping to see that
DOOCY: How's that five-day work week working out?
REP. PENCE: Well, if you ask my wife, I’m still working six days a week like most members of Congress at home and in Washington, D.C. But it's working just fine.
DOOCY: All right. Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, thank you very much for joining us live.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Russ Pulliam on the National Prayer Breakfast
Russ Pulliam has an interesting column in today's Indy Star about the National Prayer Breakfast and how Members of Congress make faith a part of their lives.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Richmond Pal-Item on Pence district stops
Today's Richmond Pal-Item reported on a town hall meeting hosted by Congressman Pence in Richmond here and here.
National Journal on the politics of immigration
Todays National Journal mentions Congressman Pence in an article regarding immigration here.
AP on "Air Pelosi"
The Associated Press mentions Congressman Pence in an article regarding the debate over a jumbo jetliner for Speaker Pelosi here.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
LA Times on Afghanistan
Todays LA Times mentioned Congressman Pence in an article on the War on Terror in Afghanistan here.
WISH-TV Blog on House Resolution Honoring Colts Super Bowl Win
Jim Shella's blog today details the House Resolution honoring the Colts Super Bowl victory here.
Friday, February 02, 2007
National Review Online on the Super Bowl
Today the National Review asked Congressman Pence for his take on the game and if he's irritated that so many people who never watch football will watch the game this weekend. His and other responses can be found here.
Baltimore Sun on White House and Congressional Compromise
Todays Baltimore Sun quoted Congressman Pence in an article regarding President Bush's ability to find common ground with Congress here.
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