July '07 Nevada Government—John Ensign Column

Ensign Opposes Government Regulated Media
SENATOR JOHN ENSIGN today [July 12, 2007] announced his commitment to stop Democrats from forcing broadcasters to balance liberal and conservative content. The Fairness Doctrine, repealed by the Federal Communication Commission in 1987, required that content over public airwaves be regulated by government instead of broadcasters, audiences and the free market. The Democrats are trying to revive this doctrine as a way to regulate and censor conservative talk radio.

"Limiting freedom of speech by putting layers of bureaucracy between the news and the public is the wrong direction for America," said Ensign. "No matter how much liberals dislike conservative talk radio, freedom of the press is a constitutional right."

Since the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine, there has been extensive growth in political views heard throughout the media. The Democrats' plan would threaten this progress. During the federal government's regulation of "fairness," broadcasters and media outlets limited reporting on controversial topics because they feared that they would lose their broadcasting licenses if the government did not agree their reporting was fair.

"Free markets and freedom of speech are essential elements of our nation's foundation and for its future," said Ensign. "Limiting the rights of journalists and commentators for political gain is shortsighted and fundamentally wrong. Americans should determine what they want to hear, not politicians in Washington."

Ensign is a cosponsor of the Broadcaster Freedom Act. The act protects media outlets and journalists' right to free speech from the Democrats' plan to regulate their content.

Listen to Ensign's remarks on the Fairness Doctrine.

Ensign: Tax Cuts Helping to Reduce Deficit,
Restore Fiscal Responsibility
SENATOR JOHN ENSIGN released the following statement today [July 11, 2007] after the Office of Management and Budget announced that the federal deficit has decreased by $43 billion since last year:

"As a result of the tax cuts put in place over the last several years, we've encouraged investment and economic growth that is helping to decrease the federal deficit. We need to do more, but we're on pace to balance the budget in five years—this is a lofty goal but a necessary one that will help bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington.

Despite this progress, Senate Democrats want to impose the largest tax increase in American history on hard-working families, small businesses and people saving for retirement. We need fiscal discipline, not more taxes and more spending. Instead of the Democrats' tax-and-spend budget, I hope Congress extends key tax relief, such as the Child Tax Credit, capital gains and dividends, that has kept our economy strong."

Ensign Secures Seat On Finance Committee
TODAY [JULY 10, 2007] SENATOR JOHN Ensign was named to the Finance Committee, a key panel that has broad jurisdiction over tax policy, entitlement programs and trade-related matters.

"I'm looking forward to serving on the Finance Committee," said Ensign. "This seat provides me with a better opportunity to advance several of my top legislative priorities, such as reducing taxes, encouraging investment, making government more efficient and reforming our entitlement programs for future generations."

The Finance Committee touches almost every aspect of the federal government ranging from Social Security and Medicare to taxes and trade agreements. These issues are not new to Ensign. As a member of the House of Representatives, Ensign was appointed as a freshman to the Finance panel's counterpart, the Ways and Means Committee.

"Sen. Ensign has been a leader on key issues before the Finance Committee: health care, tax relief and entitlement reform. He will be a huge asset to the committee," said Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I told John when I made this decision, we appreciate his efforts on behalf of the Conference. And it's important to recognize the efforts of people who do the heavy lifting around here on behalf of the whole team."

"The Nevada Congressional delegation is probably as strong as it has ever been with two seats on Ways and Means in the House and two members of leadership in the Senate," said Ensign, who is Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "My appointment to the Finance Committee makes our delegation even stronger and better positioned to represent Nevada's interests, including gaming, mining and tourism to name a few."

Ensign was selected by McConnell, whose decision was confirmed by GOP senators early this afternoon. The last Nevadan to serve on the Finance Committee was former Senator Richard Bryan who held the post until 2000. The passing of Senator Craig Thomas created an opening on the panel.