GUEST COLUMN: "Obama’s Defense Cuts Will Leave Lima Struggling"

BY: REP. BOB LATTA

During the vice presidential debate, Joe Biden said that more M1 Abrams tanks were no longer necessary. For people who live in Lima and work to make the tanks, Biden is saying the jobs they love and care about are no longer necessary.

President Obama’s looming defense cuts are threatening to devastate our national security and destroy jobs across the nation. In Lima alone, the President’s 2013 defense budget plan puts at jeopardy nearly 800 jobs, including thousands of jobs at small businesses. Under the President’s plan, General Dynamics, the company that manufacturers the tanks, would be forced to temporarily shut down and hand out hundreds of pink slips. To add insult to injury, the plant has already cut a number of well-paying jobs.

At a time when 23 million Americans across the country are struggling to find work, it’s unconscionable to kick more Lima workers to the unemployment line. Unfortunately, this course of action is unwise when we are trying to preserve our national security and jump start our economy.

The Lima plant tank is not only vital to the local economy but our country’s national security and military readiness. However, Joe Biden and Barack Obama don’t seem to understand this. If the tank plant isn’t saved, we risk losing a unique manufacturing skill set and perhaps most concerning is the way the world views us. When we make cuts to our defense we project weakness abroad.

Perhaps most concerning about the President’s reckless pursuit of disarmament is his commitment to pursue it at a time when disorder is on the rise abroad, particularly in the Middle East. Every day, Iran marches closer to a nuclear weapon, and in Syria, tens of thousands of innocents have been slaughtered by an oppressive regime.

Indeed, the world is a dangerous place. It’s quite clear that closing the doors to a plant here in Lima and cutting our defense at this critical moment is not the solution. They don’t seem to understand that when we make cuts to our defense that the President’s own Secretary of Defense characterized as “devastating,” we project weakness abroad.

I know the President hopes for a safer, freer, and a more prosperous Middle East allied with the United States. I share this hope. But hope is not a strategy. We cannot protect the United States and support our friends when our words are not backed up by deeds when our defense spending is being arbitrarily and deeply cut, when we have no trade agenda to speak of, and the perception of our strategy is not one of partnership, but of passivity.

And that’s why the contrast before the American people in this election could not be more important.

Mitt Romney will not weaken our nation’s defenses. He will reverse the President’s misguided cuts to our military. Instead of leading from behind, he’ll restore American leadership across the globe. And he’ll put America on a new course at time when we cannot afford four more years of the same failed policies.

ORP Chairman Announces Key Staff Hires

Release:

COLUMBUS - Ohio Republican Party (ORP) Chairman Bob Bennett announced the hiring of two key senior staff additions today naming Matt Borges as Executive Director and Izzy Santa as Communications Director. "I'm excited to bring such a dynamic duo to the ORP. Both will help lead the Party's statewide efforts for the 2012 election cycle and beyond," said Chairman Bennett. "One of my top priorities as Chairman has been to bring the best political talent from across the state and country, so we can elect more Republicans into office." Borges, a 20-year veteran of Ohio politics, most recently directed the Kasich-Taylor Inaugural Committee. Previously, he headed the campaign of State Auditor Dave Yost and was part of the advance teams for Vice President Dick Cheney and Presidential Candidate John McCain. Santa most recently served as Communications Director for Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) and will soon be receiving her masters from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. "I appreciate Congressman Latta for sacrificing his Communications Director even during his own campaign, a commendable act of selflessness for the needs of our party," added Chairman Bennett.

Izzy is a great hire. I am looking forward to seeing how that works out.

Rep. Latta Endorses Mitt Romney

Email:

The last time President Obama came to Ohio as a candidate, he spoke of hope and change. More than any specific policy proposal, it was the promise of hope and change that won over the American people. Hope that the economic downturn would be short-lived and that under his leadership we would see the creation of millions of new, good jobs. Change was what he promised to bring to Washington, where he assured us he would discard the partisan politics that have bedeviled the capital for too long and reform a government that many Americans no longer feel works for them. President Obama made these promises to a nation that was hungry to hear them. They responded, and he won the election in overwhelming fashion. Today he returns to Ohio, once again seeking our votes. But now President Obama has something he lacked before—a record, and it is one of broken promises and failed policies. President Obama promised Americans that his stimulus plan would revitalize the economy and that unemployment would never go above 8 percent. He even said it would be 6 percent by now. However, that isn’t the case; we've had 39 consecutive months of 8 percent-plus unemployment, the worst record since the Great Depression. Adding insult to injury, President Obama’s reckless spending continues to add to the national debt, further placing America on an even greater path of financial instability. Worst of all, if President Obama is reelected and his out of control spending continues, the national debt will hit $20 trillion in the final year of his second term. Yet somehow despite all these failures, President Obama believes he has succeeded. Based on his words, one might expect that President Obama would want to run on his record. Clearly, however, not even he believes his own proclamations. That is why his campaign is one of distraction and distortion. But we in Ohio aren’t looking for a politician, we are looking for a leader. We want someone with a plan to succeed where Barack Obama has failed. In Mitt Romney, we have that candidate. Mitt Romney’s successes are as well-known as Barack Obama’s failures. Whether working to save businesses, to salvage the Olympic Games, or to put Massachusetts’s fiscal house in order, Mitt Romney has proven he is a master at turning things around. But Romney brings something even more important than his record to the table. Unlike President Obama, Mitt Romney knows that the foundation of our nation’s prosperity is the American people, not the federal government. President Obama wants more government in your lives. Mitt Romney will get government out of your way. President Obama wants higher taxes. Mitt Romney will cut tax rates across the board and reform our byzantine tax code. President Obama wants to continue spending more money than we can take in, borrowing from China to do so. Mitt Romney will finally balance our budget. President Obama wants to tell you how to live your lives, down to whether your children can help out on a family farm. Mitt Romney knows that free people, not government bureaucrats, built our nation’s prosperity. The choice in this election could not be clearer. The case for America’s greatness begins today, here in Ohio and that’s why I fully support and endorse Mitt Romney for President of the United States.

Congressman Latta Statement on SOPA and PIPA

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement regarding Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA):

“SOPA and Protect IP Act are well-intentioned proposals that attempt to address online piracy concerns; however, in their current form the legislation goes too far. The proposals can present damaging ramifications to free speech, global cybersecurity and Internet functionality. At this time, I do not support SOPA and Protect IP Act in their current form, and I hope further committee hearing will be held to resolve these concerns.

Congressman Latta Announces New Law that Allows Schools to Donate Leftover Food to Charities and Pantries

Release:

BOWLING GREEN – Congressman Latta (R-Bowling Green) announces that a new provision in the Department of Agriculture’s annual spending bill will allow public schools to donate excess food to charities and pantries. The new provision by Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) now ensures schools are covered under the Good Samaritan Act, which protects donors who give to food banks in good faith from all liability. Previously, many school districts didn’t donate food out of concern that they weren’t covered under the Good Samaritan Act.

“As a result of this clarification, each school and local educational agency participating in the school lunch program may donate any food not consumed under the school lunch program to eligible local food banks or charitable organizations,” said Rep. Latta. “This long overdue, common-sense change will allow schools to boost the inventory of food pantries at a time when donations are greatly needed,” added Latta.

Congressman Latta has sent school principals and food bank directors across the Fifth Congressional District a letter informing them of the new change. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Jean Schmidt Earns Spirit of Enterprise Award

Don't know why we didn't hear about this til now, but here goes. Jean Schmidt was among those honored by the US Chamber of Commerce, earning their Spirit of Enterprise Award. From the article here:

This annual award goes to lawmakers who support pro-business policies at least 70% of the time during most recent congressional session. The Chamber's prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes outlined in its yearly publication, How They Voted. This is the twenty-second year that the U.S. Chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress.

The Chamber's designated "key votes" are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber, on which the Chamber informs Congress of its position on prior to the vote. Senators and House members who support the Chamber's position on at least 70% of these key votes receive the "Spirit of Enterprise" award.

During the second session of the 111th Congress, the Chamber key-voted 11 Senate and 9 House votes, including passage of an a tax cut extension, health care reform, financial services legislation, campaign finance reform, and legislation to improve science and math. This is the 23rd year of the Chamber giving the award.

Congratulations to my Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt of the 2nd Congressional District!

Others from Ohio honored of note include: Rep. Michael R. Turner (OH-3)
Rep. James D. Jordan (OH-4)
Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-5)
Rep. Steve Austria (OH-7)
Rep. John A. Boehner (OH-8)
Rep. Patrick J. Tiberi (OH-12)

EPA Rules Lead to Shutdowns in Ohio

Release:

BOWLING GREEN – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement after Columbus-based American Electric Power (AEP) announced Thursday it would close and downsize three plants in Ohio at a loss of 157 jobs, to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new coal-fire plant regulations:

“This is a perfect example of the EPA’s assault on American business and the economy. The cost of complying with burdensome regulations will cause higher electricity bills and fewer jobs in America. Time and time again, I, along with other members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, have said that overreaching regulations and stringent timetables for compliance are a deterrent to job growth and energy stability.

“The EPA must come to terms with the fact that their overly broad one-size-fits-all regulations hurt companies. The EPA should set up amechanism by which states can apply for regulatory waivers, giving states the flexibility to determine their business and environmental priorities.”

AEP expects EPA regulations to cause a net loss of approximately 600 power plant jobs with annual wages totaling approximately $40 million.

Rep. Latta Seeks Input from Business Owners

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to identify burdensome regulations, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) is requesting Ohio’s 5^th Congressional District job creators to visit www.AmericanJobCreators.com, where they can complete a survey and identify federal government regulations that impede their growth and success of their business.

“My number one priority in Congress is to get Americans back to work. Government is not the answer for private sector job growth, but by removing government barriers, we can provide America’s job creators the certainty they need to grow their businesses and begin hiring again,” said Congressman Latta.

The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy recently issued a report estimating that as of 2008 the cost of federal regulations was at $1.75 trillion annually, this equates to $8,086 per employee; and that same year income tax revenue amounted to roughly $1.45 trillion ($1.05 trillion for 2009).

Rep. Michele Bachmann to Headline 5th Congressional District Lincoln Day Dinner

Release:

BOWLING GREEN - Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) welcomes potential presidential contender Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the featured speaker at his 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Sauder Village, Founder's Hall located at 22611 State Route 2 Archbold, Ohio 43502.

Congresswoman Bachmann is a 3^rd term Republican from Minnesota's 6th District. She is the first Republican woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota.  She currently sits on the House Financial Services Committee and chairs the Tea Party Caucus. 

Tickets are $25 per person and are now available on a first-come, first-served basis.  To purchase tickets, contact a county Republican Party chairperson. 

County		Chairperson
Ashland		Bill Harris
Crawford		Matt Crall
Defiance		Ted Penner
Fulton		Sandy Barber
Henry		Ron Behm
Huron		Rob Duncan
Lucas		Jon Stainbrook
Mercer		Matt Gilmore
Paulding		Fred Pieper
Putnam		Lyle McKanna
Sandusky		Justin Smith
Seneca		David Koehl
Van Wert		Martin Burchfield
Williams		Brian Davis
Wood		John Miller
Wyandot		Sherman Stansbery

For more information, please visit www.lattaforcongress.com. To view a welcome message from Congresswoman Bachmann and Congressman Latta, please watch this video.

Rep. Latta Votes to End EPA Oversight Over Greenhouse Gases

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling) voted to pass out of committee H.R. 910, the "Energy Tax Prevention Act, which amends the Clear Air Act to state that greenhouse gases are not "air pollutants," and, therefore, cannot be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The committee also approved H.J.Res. 37, disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices. Upon the vote, Congressman Latta issued the following remarks:

“Not only are the EPA’s green house gas regulations and the FCC’s net neutrality rules bad policy, I do not believe that either agency possesses the authority under current law to put these rules into effect. Limiting these agencies powers will help prevent government intervention of the Internet, keep energy prices affordable and stop job killing regulations.

“While Democrats scream in opposition of the energy act, we should note that even the author of the 1990 revision of the Clean Air Act, a Michigan Democrat, says the act was never intended to address the climate.

“House Republicans are doing the right thing for our country and Democrats should join us.”

Congressman Latta Presides for the First Time over the U.S. House of Representatives

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) will be presiding over the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time on Monday, February 28 at both 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  To view these sessions live, tune into C-SPAN or view them live-streamed at http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/.

Latta: No Birthday Party for the Stimulus

Rep. Bob Latta (R, OH-05)

Release:

Washington, D. C. – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement regarding the second anniversary of the failed stimulus:

“It is with great regret that today Americans have to be reminded about the failed stimulus policy under President Obama.  It has been two years and the so-called stimulus fails to reduce unemployment and continues to contribute to our skyrocketing debt.  Right now we are borrowing 42 cents on the dollar, much of it from the Chinese, to pay for this historically high spending.

“President Obama and Congressional Democrats declared that a massive spending package would save jobs but the high unemployment number reflects otherwise. All predictions of the stimulus spurring job creation have failed miserably; most prominently in the Administration’s 2009 prediction that government spending would prevent the unemployment rate from topping eight percent.

“The best policy for economic growth and job creation is not more government spending but lower taxes. Washington must focus on addressing this spending-driven debt crisis by ending burdensome regulations and downsizing government. The path to economic recovery is through the private sector, not the federal government.”

Congressman Latta Statement on Continuing Resolution

Rep. Bob Latta (R, OH-05)

Release:

Washington, D. C. – At 1:25 a.m. on Wednesday, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) offered his remaining amendment totaling $70 million to cut additional spending from the Continuing Resolution, H.R. 1. House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) unprecedented open process comes after four years of closed debate under past Democrat leadership.  House Republicans have been faced with having to pass a Continuing Resolution after Democrats failed to pass a fiscal year 2011 budget.

 

Cutting spending is a priority in helping create jobs and grow the economy.  The more government borrows, spends and regulates, the harder it is for Americans to access capital needed to grow the economy and create jobs. 

“With a forecasted deficit of over $1.6 trillion this year, equaling 10.9 percent of GDP, and the national debt scheduled to triple in 10 years, I have serious concerns about increasing spending on programs that have already seen a surge in funding in recent years.

"The President's budget proposal released this week reflects a continued pattern of reckless spending and higher taxes.  The spending binge must stop. The federal government is already borrowing $4 trillion from other countries, and the President’s projected budget-deficit is $1.1 trillion for fiscal year 2012.  The federal government must live within a budget, just as Americans have done.

"I am committed to working late nights in order to keep the Republican Pledge to America, where we proposed rolling back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels, cutting spending $100 billion this year alone. This is the only way America can move forward,” said Congressman Bob Latta.

Rep. Latta Votes to Stop Government-Funded Abortions Under Obamacare

Rep. Bob Latta (R, OH-05)

Release:

Washington, D. C. – On Friday, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) cast his first pro-life vote of the 112th Congress; he voted in support of the Protect Life Act during a meeting of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

 

The bill would prevent federal funding of abortion or abortion coverage in the Democrat passed health care law – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Additionally, the bill also provides conscience protections for health care professionals who do not participate in providing abortions.

 

“One of the reasons I opposed the health care law last year was because the bill did not protect the sanctity of life,” said Congressman Bob Latta. 

In order to ensure funding restrictions on abortions, Congress must pass permanent statutory language defending the rights of the unborn.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to have a full committee vote on the Protect Life Act next Tuesday, February 15, 2010.

Rep. Latta Introduces Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) recently introduced H.R. 497, the Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act, which would instruct the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in honor of the life of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Wilson Reagan.

Under this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury would mint $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins to commemorate President Reagan. The coins would be minted at no cost to the federal government, and proceeds would support Army Emergency Relief (AER), which provides assistance to active and retired soldiers.
Through his service in the Army Air Force during World War II, Ronald Reagan acted and assisted in the production of more than 400 training films. Proceeds from one of his films titled “In the Army” went to AER. Over its years in existence, AER has aided over 3 million soldiers and their families in states of financial emergency, and the Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act will further support the cause of this organization. Congressman Latta made the following statement after introducing H.R. 497:
“As we reflect on the life of the 40th President of the United States upon what would be his 100th birthday, the Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act is a fitting way to honor this great individual. If passed, this Act would also help retired and active members of our Armed Forces, through a cause that Ronald Reagan himself believed in and supported.”
H.R. 497 has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. Introduction of the Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act runs simultaneously with national events observing the 100th birthday of former President Ronald Reagan.

Rep. Bob Latta on Vinson's Obamacare Decision

Statement:

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R- Bowling Green) issued the following statement after a United States District Court in Florida ruled yesterday that the recently passed Democrat health care law is unconstitutional.

“I applaud yesterday’s decision by the District Court. As Republicans in Congress repeated over the past two years, and Judge Vinson ruled, the individual mandate portion of the health care law is unconstitutional because it forces Americans to purchase health care coverage, which violates the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Additionally, Judge Vinson ruled that because the individual mandate is non-severable, the entire health care law is unconstitutional.
Congressional Democrats and the President not only ignored a majority of Americans by passing a heath care bill they did not want, but they violated the Constitution in the process. Republicans in Congress remain committed to passing meaningful health care reform that Americans want and I look forward to being a part of this process by serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee and Health Subcommittee which will have direct jurisdiction over this process.
I was proud to sign onto the Amicus Brief for this lawsuit. Additionally, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine should be commended for signing the State of Ohio onto this lawsuit with twenty five other states.”

Rep. Latta Introduces Legislation to Repeal Automatic Pay Increase for Members of Congress

Release:

WASHINGTON - This week, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced H.R. 431, a bill that if passed, would repeal the provision of law that provides for the automatic pay increase that Members of Congress receive. Congressman Latta also introduced this legislation during the 111th Congress.

“As our nation continues to struggle through this economic downturn, Members of Congress should not receive an automatic pay increase. I look forward to swift action on this piece of legislation,” Latta stated after introducing the legislation.
H.R. 431 has been referred to the Committee on House Administration in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Ohio Republican Congressional Delegation on Obamacare Repeal Vote

Speaker, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:



Transcript:

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank all the Members of this body for a spirited, respectful debate on this critical issue. “Both sides of the aisle have very different viewpoints on what government’s role in health care should be. 
“If there is one thing we do agree on, it’s that this health care law needs improvement.  The president himself said as much yesterday. 
“Why does it need improvement?  Just look at the facts.
“Yesterday, 200 economists and experts put out a letter calling ObamaCare ‘a barrier to job growth.’ 
“The letter talks about how employers are struggling to keep up with all the mandates and tax hikes in this law, flooding the job market with additional uncertainty. 
“The one thing the American people wanted out of health care reform was lower costs, which the authors of this law promised, but did not deliver.
“According to these economists – this law will increase spending by $1 trillion dollars – that’s ‘at a minimum’ – and add nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit.
“So if we agree this law needs improving, why would we keep it on the books?
“Why would we keep one hand tied behind our backs when we’re dealing with near 10 percent unemployment and a $14 trillion debt? 
“If we can do better, then let’s do better. 
“Let me be clear about what repealing this health care law means for families, small businesses, and taxpayers:
“Repeal means preventing more than $770 billion in tax hikes and eliminating all the mandates and penalties so that small businesses can grow and hire new workers.
“Repeal means reducing spending by $540 billion, another step in tackling the massive debt that faces our kids and grandkids.
“Repeal means protecting more than 7 million seniors from losing or being denied the Medicare Advantage coverage they like.
“Repeal means paving the way for better solutions that will lower costs without destroying jobs or bankrupting our government.
“And repeal means keeping a promise.
“This is what we said we would do.  We listened to the people – we made a commitment to them – a pledge to make their priorities our priorities. 
“When you look at the facts…  When you listen to the people…  This is a promise worth keeping.
“Let’s stop payment on this check before it can destroy more jobs and put us in an even deeper hole. 
“Then let’s work together to put in place reforms that lower costs without destroying jobs or bankrupting this government. 
“Let’s challenge ourselves to do better.”

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06):






Transcript:

Mr. Speaker,

 

Today, we’re debating the repeal of economically damaging legislation that punishes job creators and does nothing to control rising healthcare costs. We can’t afford the $1.2 trillion price tag on the government-takeover of health care while our national debt stands at $14 trillion.

 

Today we can right a serious wrong and still achieve the goals we share, like ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans, real healthcare reforms that control costs, and ensuring that Americans with pre-existing conditions get the care they need at a price they can afford.

 

In my district in eastern and southeastern Ohio, more than 26,000 senior citizens currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage are at risk of losing this program because of the $200 billion in cuts to Medicare required by the job-destroying healthcare law.

 

Later today, we will vote to repeal government takeover, giving us the opportunity to start over and enact real patient-focused healthcare reforms.

 

I yield back the remainder of my time.

Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-18):



Statement:

“Today, I voted to repeal the Democrats’ flawed healthcare plan because it does nothing to fix the problem of high cost healthcare in America. Instead, ObamaCare actually raises the cost to consumers by driving up premiums, adding over $700 billion to the deficit, and destroying 1.6 million American jobs. Today we voted to stop this.

“We must reform the healthcare process, but the public has told us time and time again, ‘We don’t like this bill.’ We must replace it with a common-sense plan that will actually lower costs and increase access to more options for quality insurance for every American.

“I believe we should adopt initiatives that would encourage providers to offer higher-quality care at lower costs; reduce the cost pressures that threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, states and families; provide meaningful tort reform; allow patients to be in control of their healthcare; include greater flexibility for Health Savings Accounts; and grant consumers portability to carry insurance across state lines.

“ObamaCare’s new taxes, mandates, regulations and government programs are fiscally dangerous at a moment when the United States is already facing a sea of red ink. Today’s repeal cuts $540 billion in government spending and stops $770 billion in job-destroying tax hikes, allowing us to promote job growth and help to restore the federal government to fiscal balance.”

Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):

“Over the past two years, a majority of Americans have made it clear that they opposed the Democrats’ plan for the government takeover of our nation’s health care system. They opposed the non-transparent process under which it was passed and the policies it produced after being signed into law.

During those same two years, House Republicans promised the American people that one of the first actions we would take with a Republican majority would be to repeal this legislation. Today’s vote did just that, and I was proud to cast my ‘yes’ vote for full repeal.

Now the real work begins as the House makes good on another promise to replace the Democrats’ takeover of our nation’s health care system with meaningful health care reform that Americans actually want. We will obtain public input to accomplish this, which was absent over the past two years. These improved policies will bring health care costs down, remove government intrusion and bureaucracy, and expand access to coverage.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Health Subcommittee, we have direct jurisdiction over these reforms and I look forward to being a part of this effort.”

Rep. Latta Announces OH-05 U.S. Military Service AcademyNominations

Release:

BOWLING GREEN – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has announced his nominations from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District for consideration for acceptance into the United States Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies in the Class 2015:

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Kyle Cline, Custar, Bowling Green High School
Ivi DuShane, Gibsonburg, Gibsonburg High School
Austin Fleming, Van Wert, Van Wert High School
Daniel Gibson, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne High School
Jennifer Guzowski, Tiffin, Tiffin Columbian High School
Andrew Huntsman, Ft. Jennings, Ft. Jennings High School
James Kegyes, Greenwich, Northwestern Prep School, CA
Nathan Kruse, Ottawa , Ottawa Glandorf High School
Mackenzie Kuieck, Fremont, Northwestern Prep School, CA
Andrea Wyant, Fostoria, Fostoria High School
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York

Ryan Branco, Bellevue, Bellevue High School
Leighton Chambers, Delta, Liberty Center High School
Jordan Duncan, Norwalk, Norwalk High School
Matthew Johnson, Norwalk, EHOVE Career Center
Benjamin Kleman, Ft. Jennings, Ft. Jennings High School
Mackenzie Kuieck, Fremont, Northwestern Prep School, CA
Ashley Mohr, Van Wert, Van Wert High School
Ryan Pierson, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
Matthew Slocum, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York

Ethan Brown, Clyde, Clyde High School
Leighton Chambers, Delta, Liberty Center High School
Michael Davisson, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
Jordan Duncan, Norwalk, Norwalk High School
Rebecca Hayes, Perrysburg, Maumee High School
Matthew Johnson, Norwalk, EHOVE Career Center
Ashley Mohr,Van Wert, Van Wert High School
Stephen Pavelko, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
Justin Stoll, North Fairfield, St. Paul, Norwalk
David Wasson, Fremont, St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

Ryan Branco, Bellevue, Bellevue High School
Joshua Carr, Pemberville, Eastwood High School
Ashton Genzman, Perrysburg, Notre Dame Academy
Taylor Kolanko, Perrysburg, St. Francis deSales High School
Nicholas Morris, Bowling Green, Bowling Green High School
Ryan Pierson, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
Matthew Slocum, Perrysburg, Perrysburg High School
Isaac Taylor, Deshler, Patrick Henry High School
David Wasson, Fremont, St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
A nomination does not guarantee acceptance to an Academy; that responsibility rests with their admissions office.

Boehner and Ohio Republicans on Giffords Shooting in Arizona

Speaker Boehner:

   “I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff.  An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.  Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society.  Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families.  This is a sad day for our country."

Rep. Latta:

“I am deeply troubled by this horrific act of violence against Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and the other innocent bystanders.  Marcia and I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Giffords family and the families of all of the victims.  Senseless acts such as this have no place in our society.” 

Rep. Johnson:

  “This is a sad for our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family, staff and friends as well as other victims of this senseless tragedy.”