Media

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 519, a bill that would prevent vital upgrades to security around the United Nations building and break America's promise to pay legally-mandated U.N. dues. This legislation does not - as my Republican colleagues claim - reduce the deficit. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined that "implementing H.R. 519 would have no effect on the federal budget." Unfortunately, H.R. 519 would undercut America's global leadership at a time when international cooperation is urgently needed to safeguard America's interests.

I firmly belief that we can fight terrorism and keep our communities safe without sacrificing the rights and liberties that generations of Americans have fought so hard to secure. H.R. 514 fails this critical test, and I will vote to oppose it.

State of the Union - Congresswoman McCollum Responds
This week, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union speech to the nation, where he laid out his vision for economy recovery and job creation. President Obama said in his remarks, "Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America's success. But if we want to win the future - if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas - then we also have to win the race to educate our kids."

Mr. Speaker, with the passage of H.R. 359, House Republicans voted today to give corporations and other special interests even more power to influence America's elections. I strongly oppose this legislation and will continue working to restore transparency and balance to our country's broken campaign finance system.

House Republican Study Committee Calls for Elimination of Funding for Central Corridor
The House Republican Study Committee, which includes Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) and Congressman John Kline (MN-02), called for $2.49 trillion in cuts to transportation infrastructure, education, public safety, and other non-defense discretionary funding over the next decade.