Ensign Encourages Tax Relief, Not More Government Spending

 

Today (January 18, 2008) Senator John Ensign, a member of Senate GOP leadership and a member of the Finance Committee, released the following statement on the principles laid out today by the President for an economic stimulus package:

 

“Recently, I spoke to Treasury Secretary Paulson, and I’m encouraged by the bipartisan efforts to come together on this economic stimulus package.  A strategic boost would go a long way toward ensuring economic growth, but Congress must act swiftly.  The final plan should not include any new tax increases, and I’m hopeful that we can work together to achieve this goal.

 

“When putting the economic stimulus package together, we also need to consider our long-term priorities because a quick short-term fix is not a comprehensive solution.  I have heard proposals for more hand-outs to state bureaucracies in the name of creating economic growth.  Simply put, that’s an inefficient and ineffective answer that would move us in the wrong direction.

 

“We must not lose sight of the need for permanent tax relief, which includes lower corporate rates, lower capital gains and dividend rates, and lower marginal rates for individuals.  Tax uncertainty, whether in the budget of a small business owner or a middle income family, hinders growth, planning and security.

 

“Unless Congress acts, millions of Americans, including about 150,000 small businesses in Nevada, will face automatic tax increases in just a few years.  Permanent tax relief would provide the confidence our economy needs to grow and prosper into the future.”

 

ENSIGN: LAW CRITICAL TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM HARM

 

Senator John Ensign released the following statement regarding the need for the Senate to pass the FISA Amendments Act, legislation to update our foreign intelligence surveillance law:

 

“The fact is that terrorist plots have been disrupted because of the tools in our foreign intelligence surveillance law.  This bill balances national security concerns with protecting Americans’ civil liberties.  The Protect America Act is set to expire February 1, so if we do not act soon, our intelligence operators and law enforcement will not be fully equipped to protect our citizens.  Our national security is of critical importance, and I call on every member of the Senate to work together to pass this bill immediately.”

 

 

ENSIGN SELECTED TO SERVE ON RULES COMMITTEE

 

 

Senator John Ensign was selected today to serve on the Committee on Rules and Administration, a key panel with broad jurisdiction over matters including the rules and procedures relating to the Senate and federal elections.

 

“Serving on the Rules Committee will provide me with a great opportunity to continue advancing several legislative issues I’ve worked on since coming to the Senate,” said Ensign, who has been a leader in improving voting accuracy through the Help America Vote Act and, more recently, by introducing the Voting Integrity and Verification Act, which would require a voter-verified paper trail.  “I’m looking forward to beginning my work on this prestigious Committee.”

 

Ensign was appointed today by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and confirmed by his GOP colleagues.  Recently, the Rules and Administration Committee has held hearings on issues ranging from presidential primaries and caucuses to nominations for agencies throughout the Executive Branch, including the Federal Election Commission.

 

“Our Nevada Congressional delegation is probably as strong as it has ever been, and this appointment puts us in an even better position,” said Ensign, a member of GOP leadership in the Senate as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

 

Senator Trent Lott’s retirement created an opening on this committee.  The Rules Committee is comprised of several members of the Senate Democratic and Republican leadership, including Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.  For more information on the Rules Committee, go to www.rules.senate.gov.