Weekly Address: The President’s Budget Ensures Opportunity for All Hardworking Americans

In this week’s address, the President highlighted the important differences between the budget he’s put forward — built on opportunity for all — and the budget House Republicans are advocating for, which stacks the deck against the middle class.

While the President is focused on building lasting economic security and ensuring that hardworking Americans have the opportunity to get ahead, Republicans are advancing the same old top-down approach of cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans and slashing important investments in education, infrastructure, and research and development.

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Weekly Address: The President’s Budget Ensures Opportunity for All Hardworking Americans

Weekly Unemployment Claims "Unexpectedly" Rise; Claims in Recession Pattern?

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Weekly Unemployment Claims "Unexpectedly" Rise; Claims in Recession Pattern?

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap
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Missed any of our best stories this week?

Check out our weekly top ten stories below. Just click on the headline to open the story.

What is one state lawmaker hiding? He failed to disclose ties to a company despite supporting greater disclosure requirements.

Watchdog Wire Montana editor Michael Mattson has an update on his exclusive investigation.

Three times a year, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation publishes a newspaper for distribution in public schools.

Watchdog Wire New Jersey editor Lynne Tierney has the proof of its liberal bias.

Evidence of the viewpoint that union members coerce others to get what they want is showing up on the job site, and in court.

Watchdog Wire Pennsylvania editor Jana Benscoter has the FBI evidence of union thuggery.

California’s record drought is causing pain across the state. Democrats, including Pres. Obama, are blaming climate change .

California Citizen Watchdog Stephen Frank explains why politics, not global warming, is to blame.

The state of Texas has shut down a Houston abortion provider for non-compliance with a new law requiring doctors have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles.

Watchdog Wire Texas editor Lou Ann Anderson has the details of the new law’s implementation.

A local Chamber of Commerce in Michigan recently held an event on the “State of the Community” and ignored school choice in its “State of Education” section.

Watchdog Wire Michigan editor Izzy Lyman has an exclusive report.

Proposed anti-gun ordinances were received with significant opposition from local gun rights advocates and Grass Roots North Carolina (GRNC).

North Carolina Citizen Watchdog Don Budlong reports on this victory for gun rights.

At a school board meeting, a superintendent announced her early departure from the district before a room stacked with teacher union protesters.

Michigan Citizen Watchdog Jen Raiffie has the exclusive video of the dramatic meeting.

It’s not so grassroots after all: a Kansas teachers union has a “Media Response Team” to create the appearance of grassroots support.

Kansas Citizen Watchdog Bob Week has a rundown of the union’s “grassroots” efforts.

A conservative think tank has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Nevada’s Catalyst Fund.

Watchdog Wire Nevada editor Michael Chamberlain has details of the legal action.

For updates from Watchdog Wire, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Josh Kaib

Josh Kaib is a Citizen Watchdog Intern at The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

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The Daily Show with Jon stewart Weekly Edition January 20th to 24th

The Daily Show with Jon stewart Weekly Edition January 20th to 24th
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Read more about The Daily Show with Jon stewart Weekly Edition January 20th to 24th and other interesting subjects concerning Top News Videos at TheDailyNewsReport.com

#AmplifyChoice: Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap

#AmplifyChoice: Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap
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Happy School Choice Week!

Though National School Choice Week is ending, there is still plenty to be said about charters, vouchers, homeschooling, and other education options.

Below you’ll find all of our school choice stories for the past week. Just click on the headline to open the story.

For more on school choice, check out our sister site AmplifyChoice.com.

If you prefer taking classes at home instead of sitting in a crowded classroom, Florida is the place to be.

Mary Ellen Beatty, the Director of the Citizen Watchdog program, has the details from Orlando.

Major winter storms hit the south, cancelling at least one school choice rally.

Georgia Citizen Watchdog Doreen Curry documented her experience with the cancellation, showing that citizens still support school choice, despite the bad weather conditions.

On Monday, the National School Choice Week Whistle-Stop Tour rolled into the Capitol to highlight the ongoing battle to increase educational options for families here in Texas.

Watchdog Wire Texas editor Lou Ann Anderson has the details about how Texas can improve.

The auditorium at Friendship Chamberlain Elementary School was packed Wednesday morning. The crowd of students, parents, and educators was a sea of yellow scarves, the symbol of National School Choice Week.

Watchdog Wire’s Josh Kaib was there and has video of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s speech.

America’s Future Foundation South East Michigan Chapter, hosted 35 millennials and young professionals for a policy forum on School Choice.

Watchdog Wire’s Christine McCoy was there and gives us the scoop.

One Montana school of 59 students stands alone as the only school in the state taking part in National School Choice Week.

Watchdog Wire Managing Editor Jackie Moreau has the story.

What’s the state of school choice in Nevada?

Watchdog Wire Nevada editor Michael Chamberlain attended an event in his state to get the facts about school choice.

Michigan’s Free Market think tank The Mackinac Center for Public Policy screened “The Ticket: The Many Faces of School Choice,” in the Detroit Suburb of Birmingham Thursday evening.

Watchdog Wire’s Christine McCoy was there and filed a report about the event.

According to the most recent data from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, over 220 of California’s charter schools switched over from being traditional public schools.

Watchdog Wire’s Katherine Rodriguez took a look at what’s happening in the Golden State.

State Senators from New Jersey got together for a panel discussion, agreeing that school choice can solve problems in education.

New Jersey Citizen Watchdog Richard Miner has a breakdown of what was said at the events he attended for National School Choice Week.

With National School Choice Week coming to Michigan, one homeschool mom and education watchdog explains why school choice is important.

Michigan Citizen WAtchdog Karen Braun explains why it matters with a great parable.

California was the second state to adopt public charter schools, but in the two decades since, the Golden State’s record on school choice is not quite golden.

Watchdog Wire’s Josh Kaib took a look at the state of school choice in California.

For updates from Watchdog Wire, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Josh Kaib

Josh Kaib is a Citizen Watchdog Intern at The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

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Read more about #AmplifyChoice: Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!
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Check out our top ten stories from the past week! Just click on the headline to bring up the story.

Our first stories are about education in preparation for School Choice Week!

The Chicago City Council’s Progressive Caucus effort to delay a vote on the approval of 21 charter schools failed this week after  the bill was sent to the Rules Committee to die a quiet death.

The mainstream media is failing to adequately report that the left wants to trap students in failing public schools.

New York City’s new progressive Mayor Bill de Blasio has chosen an anti-charter school chancellor for the city’s school system.

If you value freedom in education, de Blasio’s policy proposals will alarm you.

A new college semester kicks off this week for students across Texas. Many students may not realize it, but some of their tuition isn’t going to their education because of something called “tuition set asides.”

The law allows universities to “set aside” a portion of tuition payments for needs-based financial assistance programs.

At the Wake County Taxpayers Association meeting on January 9 in Raleigh, a discussion about awarding building contracts for new schools centered in on the delivery method of construction management at risk (CMAR).

Though this can be a dense issue, we’ve got a breakdown of what this means for school construction.

When talking about school choice, its easy to focus on charter schools and forget about homeschooling. We forget that in many countries, homeschooling is illegal.

Some see homeschooling as the solution to government-run school indoctrination.

Our Kansas Citizen Watchdog Bob Weeks put together a nice rundown of the resources available to citizens in his state to monitor the legislature.

Consider finding resources like this for your state and publishing the information on Watchdog Wire! Sign up here.

Cover Oregon is the failing Obamacare exchange in the Beaver State. When it launched, the website was completely inoperable.

Now the exchange may completely dump the website. But wasn’t a big selling point of Obamacare that you could shop for insurance online?

Oregon is far from the only state having problems with its exchange. In Nevada, the exchange has been plagued by low enrollment and customer dissatisfaction.

One Nevadan told Watchdog Wire he spent “40 frustrating hours” trying to enroll! Warning: Reading about his problems might enrage you.

The annual Turning the Tides conference was held in Maryland last weekend, and Watchdog Wire was there to spread the word about citizen journalism.

Maryland editor Mark Newgent moderated the panel, “The Walking Dead – Zombie Apocalypse, or Election Day in Maryland?” Check out the details of the panel for the real story on voter fraud.

The Wichita City Council will consider adding a 2.75 percent tax to hotel bills, calling it a “City Tourism Fee.” Welcome to Wichita!

The story doesn’t stop there, because the money goes to an agency that can operate in relative secrecy.

For updates from Watchdog Wire, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Josh Kaib

Josh Kaib is a Citizen Watchdog Intern at The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

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2. From pitchforks to peace: Virginia’s zoning conflict resolution


3. Chicago city council attempt to delay vote on approval of charter schools fails


4. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio: School Choice, Charter School Opponent


5. Kansas legislative documents: resources to use for the 2014 legislative session

COMMENTS

Watchdog Wire

Read more about Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap! and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!
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Check out our top ten stories from the past week! Just click on the headline to bring up the story.

Our first stories are about education in preparation for School Choice Week!

The Chicago City Council’s Progressive Caucus effort to delay a vote on the approval of 21 charter schools failed this week after  the bill was sent to the Rules Committee to die a quiet death.

The mainstream media is failing to adequately report that the left wants to trap students in failing public schools.

New York City’s new progressive Mayor Bill de Blasio has chosen an anti-charter school chancellor for the city’s school system.

If you value freedom in education, de Blasio’s policy proposals will alarm you.

A new college semester kicks off this week for students across Texas. Many students may not realize it, but some of their tuition isn’t going to their education because of something called “tuition set asides.”

The law allows universities to “set aside” a portion of tuition payments for needs-based financial assistance programs.

At the Wake County Taxpayers Association meeting on January 9 in Raleigh, a discussion about awarding building contracts for new schools centered in on the delivery method of construction management at risk (CMAR).

Though this can be a dense issue, we’ve got a breakdown of what this means for school construction.

When talking about school choice, its easy to focus on charter schools and forget about homeschooling. We forget that in many countries, homeschooling is illegal.

Some see homeschooling as the solution to government-run school indoctrination.

Our Kansas Citizen Watchdog Bob Weeks put together a nice rundown of the resources available to citizens in his state to monitor the legislature.

Consider finding resources like this for your state and publishing the information on Watchdog Wire! Sign up here.

Cover Oregon is the failing Obamacare exchange in the Beaver State. When it launched, the website was completely inoperable.

Now the exchange may completely dump the website. But wasn’t a big selling point of Obamacare that you could shop for insurance online?

Oregon is far from the only state having problems with its exchange. In Nevada, the exchange has been plagued by low enrollment and customer dissatisfaction.

One Nevadan told Watchdog Wire he spent “40 frustrating hours” trying to enroll! Warning: Reading about his problems might enrage you.

The annual Turning the Tides conference was held in Maryland last weekend, and Watchdog Wire was there to spread the word about citizen journalism.

Maryland editor Mark Newgent moderated the panel, “The Walking Dead – Zombie Apocalypse, or Election Day in Maryland?” Check out the details of the panel for the real story on voter fraud.

The Wichita City Council will consider adding a 2.75 percent tax to hotel bills, calling it a “City Tourism Fee.” Welcome to Wichita!

The story doesn’t stop there, because the money goes to an agency that can operate in relative secrecy.

For updates from Watchdog Wire, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Josh Kaib

Josh Kaib is a Citizen Watchdog Intern at The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

More Posts

RELATED ARTICLES

1. Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!


2. From pitchforks to peace: Virginia’s zoning conflict resolution


3. Chicago city council attempt to delay vote on approval of charter schools fails


4. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio: School Choice, Charter School Opponent


5. Kansas legislative documents: resources to use for the 2014 legislative session

COMMENTS

Watchdog Wire

Read more about Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap! and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!

Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!
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Happy New Year from Watchdog Wire! Have you taken our pledge to get involved with citizen journalism in 2014?

In this edition of the Weekly Wrap, we have our best stories from the last two weeks. Below you will find some of the stories you may have missed while opening presents and spending time with family.

Ayn Rand’s classic novel has grown in popularity in recent years, in part because its fiction has become true.

Watchdog Wire New Jersey editor Lynn Tierney explains how the book’s predictions are coming true in her state and across the nation.

Are you feeling happy about Obamacare? Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, thinks you should.

Watchdog Wire North Carolina editor Ann Kane picks apart Sebelius’ New Year’s op-ed and gets to the truth about Obamacare.

Veteran groups have criticized the bipartisan budget deal because of cuts to our veterans.

Watchdog Wire Northwest editor Ben Nanke has a letter from one veteran taking Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) to task for cosponsoring the bill.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed 805 new bills into law last year, with many taking effect January 1. Some of them were highly controversial and gained national attention, including new gun control laws.

Watchdog Wire’s Josh Kaib has the details about some of the most controversial laws about guns, abortion, transgender rights, and illegal immigration.

The Conservative Intelligence Briefing has ranked the top states for job growth.

Florida Citizen Watchdog Richard Swier has the ranking with added commentary. His state is #3, where is yours?

They have been a source of controversy due to their rise in popularity here in America, and now one Oregon city has decided to take action.

Watchdog Wire Northwest editor Ben Nanke explains what Corvallis, OR is doing about E-cigarettes.

It all started with a traffic ticket, received in the mail, featuring a series of photographs showing a blue Chevy Traverse running a red light in Springfield, NJ, along with a link to a video.

That car was Michael Ehrenreich’s, but he explains that he was seeing patients at the time! You’ll be amazed at this Citizen Watchdog’s fight against a traffic ticket for an infraction he didn’t commit.

Probate abuse is the involuntary redistribution of assets perpetrated through the use of wills, trusts, guardianships or powers of attorney and used to divert assets from intended heirs or beneficiaries.

Watchdog Wire Texas editor Lou Ann Anderson is an expert in this area and has the stunning details of how this abuse takes place all over America.

Voter fraud is easier than some would have you think. In one local North Carolina election, the results ended with a tie and major concerns about fraud.

Watchdog Wire North Carolina editor Ann Kane takes a look at how voter ID laws can ensure the integrity of local elections.

The coalition that pushed for higher taxes in Colorado through an amendment is fracturing. They failed to get the increase, and now they may fail to stay united.

Watchdog Wire Colorado editor Ben DeGrow has the story.

For updates from Watchdog Wire, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Josh Kaib

Josh Kaib is a Citizen Watchdog Intern at The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity.

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5. Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap!

COMMENTS

Watchdog Wire

Read more about Watchdog Wire Weekly Wrap! and other interesting subjects concerning NSA at TheDailyNewsReport.com

Weekly News Wrap-Up 11.22.13

22 November 2013 91 Comments

By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com

The big story is coming out of the Middle East, and it’s all about negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Talks in Geneva with world powers to halt Iran’s nuclear program are not going well. In a nutshell, the West wants Iran to stop its program because it fears it will build a bomb. Iran contends it has the right to have nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Neither side is backing down. Meanwhile, Israel and Saudi Arabia, two countries most fearful of Iran, announced they will team up to attack Iran if a bad deal is reached. This USA Today headline sums it up by saying “Israel says ‘bad’ Iran deal will bring War.” Iran calls Israel a “rabid dog” in the Middle East. An attack on Iran would lead to a quick escalation that would have calamitous consequences for the entire world. Saudi oil fields would no doubt be attacked. The Saudis have just bought nuclear weapons from Pakistan, and the Kingdom would probably use them in a counterattack. The Strait of Hormuz would be shut down. About 1/5th of the world’s oil moves through that narrow sea passageway. The U.S. 5th fleet may also come under attack in Bahrain, and the whole thing might spiral out of control and spark a world war. This is the most underreported story out there.

The Senate just changed the rules on the filibuster, and it has stopped this tactic for judicial nominations. It simply means the minority party will have to succumb to majority rule on nearly all nominations and laws being voted on in the Senate. There will be no way to stop or slow it down. This has been called the “nuclear option” in the Senate. This will backfire on the Democrats if the Republicans take back the Senate in 2014 because of dissatisfaction over Obama Care. Neither party should have this much power. It is a sad day for democracy.

JP Morgan agreed to pay a $ 13 billion fine over its selling of mortgage-backed securities. Listen to the way USA Today described the case. The paper said “The nation’s largest bank admitted that it knew that residential mortgage-backed securities that it marketed did not comply with underwriting guidelines and weren’t fit for sale.” The paper went to great lengths not to use the words “fraud” or “crime” when it said, “. . . did not comply with underwriting guidelines and weren’t fit for sale.” Of course, I am sure JP Morgan, being an investor in Gannett which owns USA Today, had no bearing on the soft coverage. The paper did say the settlement did not absolve the bank from “potential criminal charges.” Does anyone think top bankers at JP Morgan will see any jail time? Please.

The Obama Care debacle is continuing to unfold higher premiums and deductibles for most people. Millions have already lost their coverage, and millions more will follow. But for some, Obama Care is a great deal. A friend of mine’s daughter is getting a policy for $ 12 a month! That’s right, $ 12 a month because her income level is close to the poverty line. You wonder why most people are getting socked with much higher premiums and getting much less coverage? Somebody has to pay for the more than 40 million who either cannot or will not buy insurance. Obama Care is working as planned, but this is not the way it was sold to the public. If only the poor sign up for Obama Care, can this be a viable plan?

Finally, today is the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination. I can remember Lee Harvey Oswald yelling out, “I’m a patsy.” I asked my Dad what that meant, and he told me “He’s saying he didn’t do it.” I don’t think he shot JFK and never will because the government story has more holes than Swiss cheese. Film director Oliver Stone wrote a great Op-Ed piece in the USA Today newspaper, and he listed several facts that blow up the official government story. Why is this still important? We had a change in the highest office of government without an election. What did we get? We got deep into the Vietnam War which resulted in 58,000 U.S. casualties. You want me to believe Kennedy was killed by a lone gunman? Release all the autopsy photos and negatives.

Join Greg Hunter as he gives his analysis on these stories and more in the Weekly News Wrap-Up.

Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog

Weekly News Wrap-Up 11.22.13

Business - Financial - Stock Exchange - Real Estate - Syria - News 2013 - 2014 -- Weekly Wrap

Business - Financial - Stock Exchange - Real Estate - Syria - News 2013 - 2014 -- Weekly Wrap
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GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Buck McKeon On Tackling Debt & Reopening The Government

GOP: This week, both parties came together to make sure that the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country were given the benefits they deserve. This bipartisanship should continue, both as we look towards ways at reopening our entire government, and as we tackle our nation’s enormous debt. After all, sitting down and resolving our differences is exactly what Americans expect their leaders to do.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Buck McKeon On Tackling Debt & Reopening The Government

GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Buck McKeon On Tackling Debt & Reopening The Government

GOP: This week, both parties came together to make sure that the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country were given the benefits they deserve. This bipartisanship should continue, both as we look towards ways at reopening our entire government, and as we tackle our nation’s enormous debt. After all, sitting down and resolving our differences is exactly what Americans expect their leaders to do.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Buck McKeon On Tackling Debt & Reopening The Government

Obama Weekly Address: "Indications Of Progress" On Syria

WHITE HOUSE: In his weekly address, President Obama followed up on his speech to the nation on Tuesday and said there is the possibility for a diplomatic solution in Syria, partially because of the credible threat of U.S. military force.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: This week, when I addressed the nation on Syria, I said that – in part because of the credible threat of U.S. military force – there is the possibility of a diplomatic solution. Russia has indicated a new willingness to join with the international community in pushing Syria to give up its chemical weapons, which the Assad regime used in an attack that killed more than 1,000 people on August 21. I also asked Congress to postpone a vote on the use of military force while we pursue this diplomatic path. And that’s what we’re doing.

At my direction, Secretary of State Kerry is in discussions with his Russian counterpart. But we’re making it clear that this can’t be a stalling tactic. Any agreement needs to verify that the Assad regime and Russia are keeping their commitments: that means working to turn Syria’s chemical weapons over to international control and ultimately destroying them. This would allow us to achieve our goal – deterring the Syrian regime from using chemical weapons, degrading their ability to use them, and making it clear to the world that we won’t tolerate their use.

We’ve seen indications of progress. As recently as a week ago, the Assad regime would not admit that it possessed chemical weapons. Today, it does. Syria has signaled a willingness to join with 189 other nations, representing 98 percent of humanity, in abiding by an international agreement that prohibits the use of chemical weapons. And Russia has staked its own credibility on supporting this outcome.

These are all positive developments. We’ll keep working with the international community to see that Assad gives up his chemical weapons so that they can be destroyed. We will continue rallying support from allies around the world who agree on the need for action to deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria. And if current discussions produce a serious plan, I’m prepared to move forward with it.

But we are not just going to take Russia and Assad’s word for it. We need to see concrete actions to demonstrate that Assad is serious about giving up his chemical weapons. And since this plan emerged only with a credible threat of U.S. military action, we will maintain our military posture in the region to keep the pressure on the Assad regime. And if diplomacy fails, the United States and the international community must remain prepared to act.

The use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world is an affront to human dignity and a threat to the security of people everywhere. As I have said for weeks, the international community must respond to this outrage. A dictator must not be allowed to gas children in their beds with impunity. And we cannot risk poison gas becoming the new weapon of choice for tyrants and terrorists the world over.

We have a duty to preserve a world free from the fear of chemical weapons for our children. But if there is any chance of achieving that goal without resorting to force, then I believe we have a responsibility to pursue that path. Thank you.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

Obama Weekly Address: "Indications Of Progress" On Syria

Obama Weekly Address: "Indications Of Progress" On Syria

WHITE HOUSE: In his weekly address, President Obama followed up on his speech to the nation on Tuesday and said there is the possibility for a diplomatic solution in Syria, partially because of the credible threat of U.S. military force.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: This week, when I addressed the nation on Syria, I said that – in part because of the credible threat of U.S. military force – there is the possibility of a diplomatic solution. Russia has indicated a new willingness to join with the international community in pushing Syria to give up its chemical weapons, which the Assad regime used in an attack that killed more than 1,000 people on August 21. I also asked Congress to postpone a vote on the use of military force while we pursue this diplomatic path. And that’s what we’re doing.

At my direction, Secretary of State Kerry is in discussions with his Russian counterpart. But we’re making it clear that this can’t be a stalling tactic. Any agreement needs to verify that the Assad regime and Russia are keeping their commitments: that means working to turn Syria’s chemical weapons over to international control and ultimately destroying them. This would allow us to achieve our goal – deterring the Syrian regime from using chemical weapons, degrading their ability to use them, and making it clear to the world that we won’t tolerate their use.

We’ve seen indications of progress. As recently as a week ago, the Assad regime would not admit that it possessed chemical weapons. Today, it does. Syria has signaled a willingness to join with 189 other nations, representing 98 percent of humanity, in abiding by an international agreement that prohibits the use of chemical weapons. And Russia has staked its own credibility on supporting this outcome.

These are all positive developments. We’ll keep working with the international community to see that Assad gives up his chemical weapons so that they can be destroyed. We will continue rallying support from allies around the world who agree on the need for action to deter the use of chemical weapons in Syria. And if current discussions produce a serious plan, I’m prepared to move forward with it.

But we are not just going to take Russia and Assad’s word for it. We need to see concrete actions to demonstrate that Assad is serious about giving up his chemical weapons. And since this plan emerged only with a credible threat of U.S. military action, we will maintain our military posture in the region to keep the pressure on the Assad regime. And if diplomacy fails, the United States and the international community must remain prepared to act.

The use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world is an affront to human dignity and a threat to the security of people everywhere. As I have said for weeks, the international community must respond to this outrage. A dictator must not be allowed to gas children in their beds with impunity. And we cannot risk poison gas becoming the new weapon of choice for tyrants and terrorists the world over.

We have a duty to preserve a world free from the fear of chemical weapons for our children. But if there is any chance of achieving that goal without resorting to force, then I believe we have a responsibility to pursue that path. Thank you.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

Obama Weekly Address: "Indications Of Progress" On Syria

GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Black On Preventing Fraud & Abuse In Obamacare

GOP: In this week’s address, Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) discusses legislation passed by the House in a bipartisan vote to protect taxpayers by preventing fraud and abuse in ObamaCare.

REP. DIANE BLACK: “Hi, I’m Diane Black, and I represent Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. What an honor it is to be speaking with you.

“Protecting taxpayer dollars is one of Washington’s most important responsibilities. Your money should be spent wisely or not at all. And everything we do to stop waste and fix broken government removes obstacles to creating jobs and building a stronger economy.

“This week, the House took on a hot spot for fraud and abuse in the president’s health care law by passing a bill I authored called the No Subsidies Without Verification Act. This legislation stops the government from issuing health care subsidies until it has a system in place to prevent fraud. It’s that simple.

“Now, you’d be right to ask, why isn’t this the case already? Well, in an attempt to prop up its struggling health care law, the Obama administration decided they’d hand out subsidies without verifying who’s eligible. They just want to rely on the honor system. You heard that right: instead of exercising common sense and accountability, the Administration is willing to just give away your tax dollars – no questions asked.

“Not only is that unfair to hardworking taxpayers like you, it opens the door a mile wide to fraud and abuse. According to one independent estimate, some 250 billion dollars in bad payments could be doled out over the next decade.

“This is nonsense. And members of both parties agree. Democrats on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee have also come out for requiring verification. Now we need the full Democratic-led Senate to act.

“This is just the latest in a string of bipartisan efforts to repeal and protect Americans from the president’s health care law. The House has also acted in bipartisan fashion to give individuals and families the same delay from the law’s mandates that big businesses have received. The president himself has signed seven bills that dismantle parts of the law.

“It’s important work, and like many of you, this issue affects me personally. I’ve been a registered nurse for more than 40 years now, and I can tell you the things patients and their families count on – their doctors, their plans, the cost of their care – all of this comes under siege in the president’s health care law. It won’t just fail to keep its promises; it will make things much worse. You don’t have to take my word for it: every day we’re seeing new reports of higher costs, less access, and fewer jobs.

“Together, we can stop this ‘train wreck’ and put the focus back on patient-centered solutions. Together, we can build a stronger economy that rewards hard work and people who do the right thing.

“Again, it has been my honor to address you on behalf of my colleagues. Thank you for listening.”

RealClearPolitics Video Log

GOP Weekly Address: Rep. Black On Preventing Fraud & Abuse In Obamacare

Weekly Address: Calling for Limited Military Action in Syria

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Weekly Address: Calling for Limited Military Action in Syria

Sen. Barrasso Delivers Weekly GOP Address On How Obamacare Hurts Families

GOP: Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming says that many families are going to have “sticker shock” when they see what they’ll have to pay for health insurance under government insurance exchanges that go into effect in less than a month as part of Obamacare. In the Weekly Republican Address, Sen. Barrasso, a practicing physician for 25 years before coming to Congress, notes that the President refuses to acknowledge that Obamacare “fails to solve the number one concern of Americans when it comes to health care — which is cost.”

The American people have a choice, says Senator Barrasso — embrace Obamacare for four more years, or repeal the law and move quickly to help people get the care they need, from a doctor they choose, at lower cost. “That’s what Republicans are fighting for,” he says. “It’s time for Democrats to join us.”

RealClearPolitics Video Log

Sen. Barrasso Delivers Weekly GOP Address On How Obamacare Hurts Families

Obama Weekly Address: Syria "A Serious Threat To Our National Security"

White House: In his weekly address, President Obama makes the case for limited and targeted military action to hold the Assad regime accountable for its violation of international norms prohibiting the use of chemical weapons.

Almost three weeks ago in Syria, more than 1,000 innocent people – including hundreds of children – were murdered in the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century. And the United States has presented a powerful case to the world that the Syrian government was responsible for this horrific attack on its own people.

This was not only a direct attack on human dignity; it is a serious threat to our national security. There’s a reason governments representing 98 percent of the world’s people have agreed to ban the use of chemical weapons. Not only because they cause death and destruction in the most indiscriminate and inhumane way possible – but because they can also fall into the hands of terrorist groups who wish to do us harm.

That’s why, last weekend, I announced that, as Commander in Chief, I decided that the United States should take military action against the Syrian regime. This is not a decision I made lightly. Deciding to use military force is the most solemn decision we can make as a nation.

As the leader of the world’s oldest Constitutional democracy, I also know that our country will be stronger if we act together, and our actions will be more effective. That’s why I asked Members of Congress to debate this issue and vote on authorizing the use of force.

What we’re talking about is not an open-ended intervention. This would not be another Iraq or Afghanistan. There would be no American boots on the ground. Any action we take would be limited, both in time and scope – designed to deter the Syrian government from gassing its own people again and degrade its ability to do so.

I know that the American people are weary after a decade of war, even as the war in Iraq has ended, and the war in Afghanistan is winding down. That’s why we’re not putting our troops in the middle of somebody else’s war.

But we are the United States of America. We cannot turn a blind eye to images like the ones we’ve seen out of Syria. Failing to respond to this outrageous attack would increase the risk that chemical weapons could be used again; that they would fall into the hands of terrorists who might use them against us, and it would send a horrible signal to other nations that there would be no consequences for their use of these weapons. All of which would pose a serious threat to our national security.

That’s why we can’t ignore chemical weapons attacks like this one – even if they happen halfway around the world. And that’s why I call on Members of Congress, from both parties, to come together and stand up for the kind of world we want to live in; the kind of world we want to leave our children and future generations.

Thank you.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

Obama Weekly Address: Syria "A Serious Threat To Our National Security"

Weekly Address: Commemorating Labor Day

August 31, 2013 | 2:46 | Public Domain

President Obama discusses Labor Day and reflects on the contributions of the working men and women in our country.

Download mp4 (100MB) | mp3 (6MB)

President Obama’s Weekly Address

Weekly Address: Commemorating Labor Day

Rep. Fitzpatrick Gives GOP Weekly Address On Government And Business Roadblocks

GOP: In this week’s address, Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) discusses the struggles of American small business owners and the roadblocks they face from Washington. From President Obama’s unaffordable health care law to delaying construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, the policies stifling job creation must stop. House Republicans offer a plan to break down the roadblocks hurting our economy and put Americans back to work.

RealClearPolitics Video Log

Rep. Fitzpatrick Gives GOP Weekly Address On Government And Business Roadblocks