Rep. Phil Roe

On September 11, 2001, our homeland was brutally attacked by al Qaeda terrorists. As we remember and honor those who died in the attacks, we also send our greatest sympathy to the families of the victims. Despite these horrific attacks, our country is stronger and we continue to cling to the American dream. (more)

The federal government has a very serious addiction to spending. It’s not a Republican problem or a Democrat problem -- it’s an American problem. This spending addiction is dangerous and has contributed to one of the worst recessions of our lifetime. House Republicans are breaking the addiction by proposing important spending cuts in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget proposal. (more)

February marks the two-year anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the failed stimulus package. Even its most ardent supporters have to admit that the stimulus bill failed to create net job growth and instead created more debt, placing a tremendous burden on our children and grandchildren. (more)

After two years, President Obama finally met with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is an active voice for businesses across the country, so one would think a president who claims he is looking to lower the unemployment rate would want to sit down and work with the Chamber to find solutions that promote job growth. While late is better than never, there is no doubt following this address that the president still needs to develop a clearer understanding of what businesses -- both small and large -- need and find out how we can strengthen our economy and get folks back to work. (more)

The devastating tragedy that occurred in Tucson, Arizona earlier this month left many concerned about their safety at Congressional events. While I have continued to meet with my constituents and feel safe in our dealings, I have heard from some Tennesseans who they are concerned about their own security at official events. In fact, a recent poll commissioned by The Hill showed 91% of voters believe it is important to have security at these events. No one should be afraid to exercise his or her First Amendment rights, particularly members of the public. (more)

This week, the president delivered his State of the Union address to Congress. The president talked at length about several investments that we must make in our country, and I agree that we should look for common ground where investments are needed. Unfortunately, we did not hear him talk about areas where we can afford to make due with less right now, and that’s where this Congress has its work cut out. We must push the president to create a more fiscally responsible budget. (more)

For too long, our government has been fiscally irresponsible and allowed reckless spending that has added three trillion dollars to the national debt in just the two years since Obama took office. In fact, since Democrats took control of Congress in 2007, we’ve seen our debt level increased by 91 percent. These actions have serious consequences. The health of the American economy is at risk, and we must work together to put America back on the path to prosperity. (more)

Today marks the day that Members, some returning and some new, will be sworn into the 112th Congress. In our oath of affirmation, all Members will vow to support the Constitution. Committed to protecting and abiding by the Constitution, I will work hard to restore the trust the American people have in their government. (more)

This week, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson in Virginia declared that a central provision of the law in Obamacare requiring that individuals obtain health insurance by 2014 is unconstitutional. The judge determined that the health care law went too far and Congress must push forward to repeal Obamacare and replace it with common-sense -- and constitutional -- legislation that aims at lowering health care costs. (more)

This week, President Obama and Republican negotiators announced a deal that will extend all of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for two years while also extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, preventing the estate tax from being fully reinstated and cutting payroll taxes for a year. As I’ve been saying all year, no American should face a tax increase in this economic environment. Our top priority must be preventing a tax hike on any American. (more)

No one seems to know the full schedule for the Democrats’ lame-duck Congress, but we know the Democratic majority has not scheduled a vote to prevent all tax rates from rising. If there is no vote on the tax cut extensions for all Americans before the end of the year, taxpayers at every income level will see their paychecks reduced as significant tax increases go into effect. The impact won’t stop with paychecks -- as the tax rates for savings and investment will rise and the death tax will return in full force. This is bad for American families, small businesses and the health of our economy as a whole. (more)

While there were many celebrations before, in 1789, George Washington signed an official proclamation entitled “General Thanksgiving” which called for a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” (more)

The 111th Congress has now entered into its final post-election stretch before the end of the year, which is often referred to as the “lame duck” session. Before this Congress comes to an end, three important issues need to be addressed: the budget, tax cut extensions and the Medicare physician payment correction. This Congress should not end without addressing this important unfinished business because it will directly affect the health and well-being of our economy. (more)

On November 11th, our nation will observe Veterans Day. On this day, let us recall its historical significance and focus our attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. (more)

On Tuesday, the America people sent a message to the leaders of our nation, through the power of their vote -- they reject the bailouts and wasteful spending that only hurt our economy over the long run. Too many have fallen on hard times and are still trying to rebuild after one of the worst recessions in our lifetimes. This new Congress has an obligation to restore the health of our economy and get America back to work. (more)

In a recent interview with the National Journal, President Obama was quoted saying he would be “happy to sit down” with Republican members of Congress and go through the budget “line by line” to address the enormous fiscal challenges this country is facing because of the unsustainable levels of spending. (more)

On Friday, the Social Security Administration announced that there will be no cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for 2011, which marks the second consecutive year that there will be no COLA. While the consumer price index (CPI) shows that average prices haven’t risen, that’s not the experience for a lot of East Tennesseans, particularly with our difficult economic environment. (more)

There’s no denying the fact our country is facing some of the toughest economic times many of us have ever seen.  Unfortunately, the leadership in our country has fallen short and has taken us down the wrong path. With increasing poverty levels and high unemployment rates, the Administration’s response has been, “it could have been worse.”  It’s time for the Administration and the Democratic leadership to start being honest with the American people and acknowledge that their policies have not worked so we can begin dealing with the challenges this country is facing and will face down the road because of the choices Democrats have made. (more)

Since the Senate will not pass the flawed cap-and-trade legislation, the administration is taking matters into its own hands, using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as its lead enforcement agency.  New regulations planned by the EPA would have detrimental effects on our economy -- destroying jobs, impeding economic recovery and harming livelihoods. (more)

Congress will adjourn this week, leaving behind a lot of important unfinished business -- basic things like passing a budget and extending tax cuts that will hit working families and small businesses across the nation. Without a budget, families can’t track their spending and maintain financial responsibility in their households. Government is the same way. If we don’t extend the tax cuts put in place nearly a decade ago, taxpayers at every income level will experience significant increases. Neglecting this legislation is only adding needless confusion to an already fragile economy. (more)