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Obama’s Allies on the Attack
May 28, 2009
We’re still over 500 days until the next election. Yet in a Louisiana paper this morning, one of Washington’s most liberal, aggressive and deep-pocketed left-wing special interest machines has decided to attack me.
When it comes to attempting to buy elections and strong arming conservatives to accept outrageous bailouts and anti-business legislation, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is one of the most effective weapons the liberals have at their disposal.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun earlier this month, the President of SEIU boasted, “We spent a fortune to elect Barack Obama — $60.7 million to be exact — and we’re proud of it.”
As of today, these Obama-led Washington special interests and their millions of dollars have turned their sights on Louisiana. Since they have the White House, next on their agenda is a super majority in the U.S. Senate that will allow them to put Card Check into law.
I will not stand for this outrageous disposal of Louisiana’s worker and employer rights, and I’m fighting against it with everything I’ve got. Card Check imposes undue Government restriction on employers and businesses — literally opening the door to government control of private business decisions. It’s the last thing family-owned small businesses need, especially right now.
I’m not backing down from this fight, and I appreciate your support along the way. Please keep checking back to www.davidvitter.com for updates and for more ways to stay involved.
Thank you,
David
General Motors
May 27, 2009
According to reports out today, General Motors is set for June 1 bankruptcy after receiving $19.4B in federal loans. What a blatant injustice to taxpayers. As I said on the Senate floor last November, “this auto bailout is yet another fundamental mistake. Not only will it not save the Big Three, it will actually doom them to failure.” With no real fundamental or substantive changes in these companies’ organizational structure, it was only a matter of time.
It’s insulting to taxpayers that we had to waste almost $20B to get to what we knew was needed last November. I will continue to fight for common sense policy and to protect the American taxpayers from additional bailouts.
Busy with Fiscal Accountability and Discipline
May 20, 2009
Today, was a busy day working on economic recovery and accountability for our tax dollars. This morning, President Obama’s Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, testified before the Senate Banking Committee about the Wall Street Bailout program. As you know, I have been opposed to all the tax payer funded bailouts both the Obama and Bush Administration have advocated. And while these have passed over my objections, I am currently concerned about the fact that Geithner is now taking taxpayer funds that have been returned to the Treasury, and sending more money out to ensure the taxpayers are always on the hook for $700 billion of bailout funds. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to push the Obama Administration to use funds returned to the Treasury to pay down the debt and end the Wall Street Bailout program, rather than recycling it to keep Uncle Sam involved in more and more aspects of our economy.
Later this afternoon, I met with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. It was a good opportunity to discuss the challenges we face as a country economically. I was eager to discuss the need for an exit strategy from these dramatic federal interventions in the marketplace, endless taxpayer bailouts, and about generally ending the philosophy of ‘too big to fail’ that has cost the taxpayer so much money. It was a frank and candid exchange that will prove useful in the coming months. I will continue to urge the Chairman be mindful of the long term ramifications of federal budget deficits and inflation and the disastrous impact the two could have on our economy and ensure that new federal regulations on the financial industry are beneficial rather than an extra layer of costly bureaucracy.
Comments OffMy New TEA Party Website
May 18, 2009
Friends,
Last month, we sent a message to Washington’s liberal leaders by putting on TEA Parties all across Louisiana. We told them loud and clear that we will not tolerate liberal politicians raising our taxes, and worse yet, wasting our money without producing results.
With your help, we can make the next round of TEA Parties, to take place this July 4th, an even greater success. I wanted to let you know that I’ve launched a new website – at teaparty.davidvitter.com – to help fed-up taxpaying Americans like you host or attend their own TEA Party this Independence Day.
I hope you will stand up and fight with me this July 4th and let President Obama and his Liberal Administration know that our Conservative voices will not be silenced.
At teaparty.davidvitter.com, you can sign up to host or attend a TEA Party in your area to let DC politicians know that you won’t support an agenda based on redistributing your hard-earned income.
Thanks for your support,
Comments OffVitter Chosen to Lead Key Military Committee for Barksdale Air Force Base
May 14, 2009
“This subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has a direct impact on the strategic command operations at Barksdale,” said Vitter. “I look forward to using my leadership position on this subcommittee to ensure that Barksdale continues to play a critical role in 21st century national defense.”
“Senator Vitter’s appointment as ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on Strategic Forces is one more example of the Senator’s commitment to the safety and security of our Nation. Senator Vitter’s selection as ranking member underscores the commitment he has exhibited and his ongoing support for all of the armed services and especially Barksdale Air Force Base and northwest Louisiana,” said Murray Viser.
The Strategic Forces Subcommittee has jurisdiction over missile defense, nuclear weapons and deterrence and space programs. As the ranking member of this subcommittee, Vitter will also continue his work to support missile defense after the administration recommended major cuts to the program.
“Because of its jurisdiction over nuclear weapons, I can now use my position on this committee to be an even stronger effective advocate for Global Strike Command, which will coordinate the Air Force’s nuclear operations, “ added Vitter. “I also intend to use my position to greater assist the thriving military community in Bossier and Shreveport in general as we build on the recent success of securing this major command for Barksdale.”
Outrageous
The Wall Street Journal reported recently that certain banks are giving credit cards to individuals without making sure they are in the United States legally. Yesterday, I put forth an amendment that would force credit card companies to deny credit cards to illegal immigrants and terrorists. This legislation would require banks to issue credit cards only to individuals who can prove that they are in the country legally or are in fact U.S. Citizens.
Friends, we are living in times when we need to protect honest, hardworking Americans. President Obama and the Liberal Establishment in Washington are out of touch. How do American citizens benefit from illegals and terrorists having credit cards? Can you imagine what these credit cards will be used to purchase? Guns, ammunition, bomb making materials?
Giving illegals and terrorists credit cards is just another bad idea – like giving taxpayer money to failed banks and CEO bonuses – that does nothing for the average American that works to provide for their family and plays by the rules. I will continue to fight on behalf of honest and hard working Americans in the U.S. Senate, and I thank you for your support.
Lifting FEMA Hold Today
May 12, 2009
Louisianans have gotten way too many verbal assurances from FEMA over the last four years that didn’t mean anything. Now that I’ve secured a written commitment from them on the flood zone issue, we can move forward.
I’m confident that the flood zone issue will be solved soon so that crucial infrastructure and facilities can be rebuilt. I look forward to working with the new FEMA administrator on that and much more.
Thanks,
Comments OffLouisiana First
May 7, 2009
Friends,
Yesterday, the Obama Administration attempted to strong arm me to allow a quick vote on his FEMA nominee. Almost four years after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, communities like Cameron Parish and Grand Isle are still waiting on an answer from FEMA so that fire stations and other key facilities can be rebuilt. The fact that Obama and FEMA are complaining about a short delay of this nomination vote seems to indicate they have their priorities mixed up.
I’m eager to end this delay, but not before I have answers that will get Louisiana citizens direction on critical rebuilding matters. As this Congress moves forward, I will continue to provide oversight against the Obama Administration when its necessary to get Louisiana the accountability and answers we deserve.
Thank you,
FEMA Hold
May 6, 2009
Today, the Obama Administration attempted to strong arm me to allow a quick vote on his FEMA nominee. Almost four years after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, communities like Cameron Parish and Grand Isle are still waiting on an answer from FEMA so that fire stations and other key facilities can be rebuilt. The fact that Obama and FEMA are complaining about a short delay of this nomination vote seems to indicate they have their priorities mixed up. I’m eager to end this delay, but not before I have answers that will get Louisiana citizens direction on critical rebuilding matters. As this Congress moves forward, I will continue to provide oversight against the Obama Administration when its necessary to get Louisiana the accountability and answers we deserve.
Comments OffFighting for You
May 5, 2009
Friends,
Last night, I was disappointed the Senate defeated my amendment that would have allowed banks to repay you, the taxpayer, for the U.S. Government funds banks were given under the Wall Street bailout program.
The last six months have seen the highest levels of government spending in the history of the United States, and rather then continuing to pass on debt to future generations, my amendment would have taken a positive step toward ending the disastrous bailout program and recapturing $100B taxpayer dollars.
I am fighting hard every day to protect the American taxpayer. To find out more or to get involved, please keep checking back to www.davidvitter.com.
Thank you for your support,