Bush's Earmark Agenda
President Bush will address earmarks in his State of the Union address, and Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., shares his insight on the topic with CNBC's Larry Kudlow.

Congressman’s Mike Pence’s response to President Bush’s final State of the Union address was picked up in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.

Bush used his final State of the Union speech to wag his finger at congressional spending on pet projects. He said he would veto any spending bills for next year that don’t reduce the congressional add-ons by half.
Pence said calling for only a 50 percent reduction is “a missed opportunity.”

WISHTV out of Indianapolis also picked up the Congressman’s response after the speech quoting him as saying:

"The president made a compelling case for strong action on the economy, not only in the short term, but in the long term in renewing and making permanent the tax cuts he put on the books."

Mr. Pence said, “If Democrats should refuse to accept this challenge, House Republicans must continue to lead on earmark reform by embracing an immediate moratorium on all earmark spending…Nothing short of a full moratorium, followed by public hearings and reform, will restore public confidence in Congressional appropriations."

Representative Mike Pence, Republican of Indiana, said, “I still believe House Republicans should embrace an immediate one-year moratorium on earmark spending, even if the Democrats don’t join us.”

"Mr. Chairman, on occasion the debate in Congress can be a lagging indicator. Sometimes, I think our discussion here on Iraq misses the developments of 2007 altogether. It’s almost as if the Anbar Awakening didn’t occur; as if we hadn’t received preliminary reports of refugees returning home from neighboring countries; as if the last several months haven’t been the safest for US troops in years, or, specifically, that combat-related US casualties in Iraq were not 83 percent less in December 2007 than they were in December 2006; as if the Iraqi public doesn’t have the precious breathing space it lacked one year ago.

"In short, as if the surge didn’t work.

"But, Mr. Chairman, these things did occur. I am not certain this body has absorbed or appreciated the success story and the improved security situation in Iraq and how dramatically better conditions are than they were merely a year ago.

"As Ambassador Ryan Crocker, not one noted for overstatement, told The London Times January 19, ‘We are in an immeasurably better place in January 2008 than in January 2007.'

"Gen. Ray Odierno, the No. 2 commander of U.S. forces, said just this last Friday that Iraq's army and police will likely be ready to take over security in all 18 provinces by the end of this year. The day before, the U.S. military reported that 75 percent of Baghdad is secure, a dramatic increase from 8 percent a year ago, before the surge began. Despite many predictions to the contrary, the surge succeeded and is succeeding.

"This development has not gotten the attention that bad news from Iraq received over the previous four years. Columnist Victor Davis Hanson described it as: ‘When Good News is No News.’ He points out that the Abu Gharib prison scandal resulted in 32 consecutive page one features in The New York Times in 2004. Page one features on the surge since it has begun to bear fruit are few and far between.

"And, it is not merely US troops who have performed ably. Iraqi leaders have taken more responsibility—there has been progress on deBaathification, and there is hope in other challenges as well as a national coalition has just been formed to tackle the question of Kirkuk and the hydrocarbon law. Additionally, real economic growth exceeded seven percent last year as Iraqi consumers gained confidence and opportunity.

"Mr. Chairman, all this context is important when we consider our role in the future of Iraq.

"Contrary to some of the concerns raised about this President’s intentions, I do not view with alarm the fact that President Bush on November 26 signed a declaration with the Iraqi government pledging that both governments would form and endorse a long-term political and security pact sometime this year, seeking a successor to the United Nations Security Resolution which expires at the end of this year. This is no “blank check.”

"Frederick Kagan described it in The Wall Street Journal last month?: ‘The joint American-Iraqi communiqué marks the beginning of the normalization of relations between allies in a common fight against al Qaeda, and against Iranian efforts to dominate the Middle East. It doesn't commit the U.S. to specific force levels and it allows future governments in Washington and Baghdad to decide the role the U.S. will play in the coming years in Iraq. It is, however, an important statement of America's resolve. Even more important, it is a statement of Iraq's desire to align itself with us.’

"Mr. Chairman, in this light, I do not endorse putting the presence of our troops and, therefore, our national interest in the hands of Iraqi voters. We do not covet the territory of Iraq (or Afghanistan), anymore than we did that of Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Korea or Bosnia. Because of successful mission completion, our long-term presence in these countries has been mostly non-controversial. Our vital national interests are advanced by a successful conclusion to our efforts in Iraq. That, and not artificial timetables or any other legislative maneuver, should drive the conditions of our presence there.

"A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is the first order of business for our negotiators. Given our experience in any number of countries for this, there is ample precedent for this process. The disposition of battlefield detainees is not something we should deal lightly with or force the President’s hand on either.

"Mr. Chairman, I am concerned about our dictating the terms of a potential treaty that may or may not be in the works. On its face, such an effort strikes me as usurpation of our authority and not in keeping with Article I of the Constitution. Congress does not conduct bilateral relations with other countries. This isn’t fast track authority.

"Article II (Section 2, clause 2) grants the President the power to make treaties, subject to ratification by the Senate. Further, he has the constitutional authority to enter into an executive agreement.

"As Professor Matheson points out this morning, ‘The Constitution does not give clear guidance as to what form must be used for what type of obligations or commitments.’

"So, are we preemptively demanding or disapproving a treaty in this body when we have no role in treaties? The Administration has not indicated it would seek Senate approval for anything anyway.

"Are we attempting an unconstitutional legislative veto? HR 4959, the DeLauro Bill, “providing congressional consultation” and “ensuring” that the President produce a treaty, raises all these questions, even if it is a Sense of Congress. It also strikes me as a solution in search of a problem.

"Mr. Chairman, there may very well be a Democratic President in exactly one year. Do we want to take a course that constrains our next President’s choices or options for protecting our troops and for ensuring our national security? I don’t, regardless of who that President is. Aside from constitutional concerns, the good news in Iraq likely makes this approach unnecessary anyway.

"I hope we will proceed with caution. We have only one Commander in Chief at a time, the President heads the Executive Branch, conducts diplomacy and implements foreign policy. Despite being declared a failure many times, there have been some real successes in Iraq mission in the last year. I am not certain this committee or this Congress has taken full measure of that. The cure should not be worse than the disease.

"Rather than trying to tie the President’s hands or pre-empting a hypothetical treaty, we should be empowering the President, any President, to wage the War on Terror. For that matter, the United States should not be defending itself from frivolous lawsuits in civilian courts from unlawful combatants, as convicted terrorist José Padilla (sentenced just yesterday) is attempting as we speak.

"Telecommunications companies who cooperate with the lawful requests from the Terrorist Surveillance Program should not be tied up in years of litigation. But, unless the majority agrees to FISA reforms in the next month, this threat remains. These are but two of the kinds of reforms this Congress should be addressing rather than attempting to dictate or direct the terms of a treaty.

"With that, I look forward to hearing from all our witnesses on these matters."

Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th, said the commission report is “overstating the need for federal highway dollars” and agrees with Souder that a tax increase is out of the question.

“With gasoline at $3 a gallon on average in Indiana, I would view any proposal in Washington to raise gas taxes as a horrendously bad idea,” Pence said.

Tuesday began with a brief meeting with Andrew Stoner, author of "Legacy of a Governor: The Life of Indiana's Frank O'Bannon.” Andrew is an excellent author and had promised to pass along a copy of this important work of Indiana history at our next meeting. I told him not only would I read the book but, given my affection and admiration for our late governor, I would display the book proudly in Washington, D.C. Andrew replied, "That'll raise some Republican eyebrows!" So be it. Governor Frank O'Bannon was a friend and an example of a humble, servant leader. The book will be on the shelf in Washington, D.C., next week.

Much of the rest of the day was occupied with stops in Anderson. The Rotary Club was especially well-attended as they were meeting at the Flagship Enterprise Center where so much entrepreneurial energy is being released, creating 21st Century jobs. I have been a supporter of Flagship since its inception and am humbled by the progress Chuck Staley and his team are making every time I visit. I went on to speak to Southside Middle School where a gymnasium full of eighth graders peppered me with questions for an hour…really great fun. I try to get into a school in my district every two weeks. I really believe that government officials have an obligation to teach the rising generation about the institutions and traditions of our nation. I also love being with the kids. It makes me miss my 7th, 8th and 10th grader a little less when I'm on the road for a few days.

At the end of the convocation, a teacher approached to thank me for supporting the troops in my remarks to the kids. She said that her son, Spc. Austin Cooper, was an Army Ranger who had served two tours of duty in Iraq and believed strongly in the mission. She added, "He got home today."

Startled, I replied, "Today?"

She responded, "He called this morning when they landed at the base and said, 'Mom, I'm home.'" I threw my arms around her and by the time the hug ended we both had tears in our eyes.

I can't imagine more precious words for the parent of a soldier to hear. I thought of the 3,400 families of soldiers who just departed for Iraq with the 76th Infantry Combat Brigade last week. I pray each and every family gets to hear, "Mom, I'm home.”

Later that day we held our first of three town hall meetings. The gathering at Madison Park Church of God was intimate; the next two days drew crowds of 60 and 30 and they were all very helpful to this public servant. My only rule at town hall meetings is this: You don't have to put a question mark at the end of your remarks. I encourage citizens to simply speak up and, not surprisingly, many do.

The issues at all the town hall meetings centered on several topics. Concern over the crisis of illegal immigration remains very strong. I also heard concerns about the rise of China as a global economic and military power.

In New Castle, there was a real focus on jobs and in Muncie I heard concern about the treatment our soldiers receive when they return from battle with injuries. In each discussion, I and our staff tried to listen attentively, respond and internalize the tone and content of the remarks.

I find these forums very helpful in keeping me grounded in Hoosier conservative common sense. That's why I hold town halls throughout the year. I appreciate all who attended this week and in the past.

Mile after mile, we met with constituents, local officials and newspaper editors. We listened and we offered a candid assessment of the year ahead in Washington, D.C. I said that, unfortunately, during a presidential election year, politics is in the saddle in Congress.

While I pledged my commitment to work to create jobs, support our troops, push for fiscal discipline and advance traditional values, I assumed that much of the nation's capital will be dominated by the themes and issues that arise in the presidential campaign. It has probably always been so, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. We have serious challenges facing this nation, at home and abroad, and I would rather see Congress focus on confronting those challenges but I am not confident they will.

My thanks to the constituents who took time to attend our various forums, invite us to service clubs and schools and to the public officials and reporters who made time for a short chat. I now feel more prepared to face the return of the 110th Congress with renewed vigor to represent Indiana's great 6th Congressional District.

-Mike Pence

The following blog entry was written by Congressman Pence yesterday after he participated in the sendoff for the 76th Infantry Brigade of the Indiana National Guard. Click here for photos of the event from the Indy Star. WISH TV has video coverage of the entire ceremony here.

Along with Senator Lugar and most of my colleagues in Congress, I was privileged to share a few thoughts to the 3,400 members the 76th Infantry Brigade of the Indiana National Guard and their 15,000 family members gathered at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis today.

It was an emotional and humbling day. The sights of this day will live with me forever. Row upon row of uniformed men and women filled the floor of the RCA Dome. The stands were filled with moms and dads, wives and husbands, children and siblings all hoping for one last look, one last wave before the 400-day deployment would begin.

The so-called dignitaries on the grandstand all made remarks to the best of our ability but I observed:

“I couldn't help but be struck by how incongruous it is that I should be speaking to you. Our roles today are backwards. It is I and all of us on this stage who should be sitting in your seats, and you before the microphone. It is one thing to speak of courage; it is quite another to be courageous.

“Whatever ability to inspire may exist in us is but faint reflection of what already abounds in you.

“The fact is, it is YOU who inspire ME. It is you who bring me courage. It is you who teach me-and the entire nation-about bravery, sacrifice, commitment, and honor. What it means to be an American. And like all great teachers, you teach not through words, but by example. You go knowing what it means.

"With hearts aching to hug your own children, you bear your longing so that others may hug their children.

“In bearing loneliness for a time, you spare untold millions from permanent sorrow.

"In postponing your lives for a time, you give millions the freedom to pursue theirs.

“In bearing temporary hardship and fatigue, you prevent countless and unknowable horrors.

“And because you have seized your own fear by the throat and wrestled it into submission, you have wrested the heel of oppression off millions of innocent men, women and children and opened their hearts and minds to democracy."

I assured them that this was "a moment of great significance in the life of this state and in the outcome of Operation Iraqi Freedom." Despite the pessimism of many in the national debate, I also assured the soldiers and their families that they were entering a "widening American success in Iraq,” and that "now more than ever the professionalism of the Hoosier soldier is needed to turn the tide for freedom.

In the end, it was the sacrifices being made by the soldiers and their families that moved me the most. It was especially emotional when a video tribute played on the big screens, and those of us on the podium had to turn and face most of the crowd in the stands to see it.

As the families looked to the screens behind us, I looked at the families. I saw a young mother holding a boy in her arms who was just a bit too big to be held so he could wave his little flag just a little higher in the air.

I saw three teenage girls with tears rolling down their cheeks who all leaned into each other for support.

And I saw one family after another holding signs up with the name of a soldier straining through the crowd of thousands to catch one more glimpse of that precious face.

I felt very self-conscious about being there. I felt that I was intruding on a private family moment-for 3,400 families-but private nonetheless. But I know my constituents would have had me nowhere else in the world at that moment.

After the event, I was invited to mill around the floor where the soldiers were mustering before heading out to the buses. I spoke with commanding officers and rank and file soldiers.

In all their faces was the same look: seriousness, sadness and determination. A young specialist approached me to thank me for being there and I asked, "Where are you from son?" To which Michael Reno replied, "Muncie, sir.”

As I responded with enthusiasm in being greeted by a constituent, he told me of his new wife and baby boy, how he would miss his son's first birthday and his first anniversary.

He then said, "But I've got a picture of them on my dog tags, sir." I said, "Show me!" He pulled out his tags, the back of which bears a taped color photo of his beautiful young family. I gave him a word of encouragement and promised Michael Reno that he, his wife and his boy would be in my prayers until he came home. He nodded in a shy way and said, "Thank you, sir, I'd really appreciate that.”

As I finish this entry, I am filled with the emotions of the day. With pride, sadness and a renewed determination to see that their sacrifice and the sacrifice of all who have gone before shall not be in vain. God bless the 76th.

Mike Pence
RCA Dome, Indianapolis