Congresswomen Jenkins

Time to Go Back to the Drawing Board on Health Care
The American people have time and again rejected the Democrat’s big government agenda, including their health care reform plans. This week, the voters in Massachusetts sent a loud signal that they are tired of the status quo in Washington by electing Republican Scott Brown to the Senate. There are now 41 Republican senators, making it even more difficult to pass a government takeover of health care.

Despite rumors the House would simply pass the Senate bill, Speaker Pelosi yesterday said she doesn’t have the votes to do that. So as she and Majority Leader Reid struggle to strike a deal in the Democratic Caucus, I say it’s the perfect opportunity to return to the drawing board and work with Republicans on a responsible plan to bring down health care costs without a complete government takeover. I don’t think there is a House member or Senator who disagrees with the goals of bringing down costs and making health care more accessible. We should focus on fixing what’s wrong with the current system without destroying what works for millions of Americans.

Nearing the Debt Limit Again with No Signs of Real Commitment to Debt Reduction
Over the past year, the federal government has been on a reckless spending spree that will double the nation’s debt in five years and triple it in ten. Just a month after increasing the debt limit by $300 billion, the federal government is creeping up on the $12.071 debt limit. Earlier this week, Democratic Senators proposed to increase the debt limit by $1.9 trillion. The sheer magnitude of the amount of debt our nation is piling on is disturbing, but the fact that there have been no serious plans to reduce the debt is just irresponsible governing.

This week President Obama announced his intention to create a deficit reduction commission by executive order. The President’s commission would be charged with studying the federal tax code and entitlement programs and then making recommendations to Congress to be voted on after the 2010 Congressional elections. While it is encouraging that the President is talking about deficit reduction, this commission would exempt annual discretionary spending, which accounts for more than 33 percent of annual federal spending. Because it would be created by executive order, there is no statutory requirement that Congress would have to address its recommendations.

It’s time to get serious about fiscal responsibility in Washington. The size of our national debt is nothing more than generational theft that this Congress is passing on to our children and grandchildren and it is unacceptable. I do believe that a commission established by law, which would have the authority to force real action on deficit reduction is a worthy proposal. I will continue fighting for responsible plans to reduce the debt to ensure future generations aren’t burdened with massive levels of debt they shouldn’t have to pay back.

Nearly One Year Later: Where are the Jobs?
Nearly one year after the $787 billion so-called stimulus became law, millions of Americans still cannot find work. Just yesterday, the Department of Labor announced that initial jobless claims in the week ending January 16 reached 482,000, which is an increase of 36,000 over the previous week. With nearly 12 million Americans out of work, it’s time for the Democrats to admit their stimulus plan hasn’t worked and to bring new ideas to the table to spark economic growth.

I have worked on a “;no cost stimulus plan” and am hopeful that Speaker Pelosi will invite us to the table to share our ideas. Rather than spending billions of dollars on programs that aren’t working, Congress should help small businesses hire more employees. We should reform the unemployment system to help folks find jobs and reduce the federal payroll tax to encourage small businesses to hire more employees. We should finish pending trade agreements, and stop the reckless spending spree going on in Washington. I am confident the economy will turn around, but we could jumpstart economic growth by passing an economic stimulus plan that won’t cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

Spending Time in Kansas
I am thrilled to be home this weekend and am looking forward to spending time with Kansans before returning to Washington next week. Tomorrow, I will make the trip to Manhattan to cheer on K-State’s men’s basketball team as they play Oklahoma State. After the game, I am going to Ottawa to attend the Chamber’s annual dinner. Sunday I will spend time at the AIPAC Israel Action Forum to discuss the important relationship between the United States and Israel. Monday morning I look forward to attending and speaking at the Kansas Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting.

I make it a priority to return home every weekend. If there is ever a meeting or event you would like for me to attend, please do not hesitate to call my Topeka office at (785) 234-5966.
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Contact Info
Washington, DC Office
130 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6601
Fax: (202) 225-7986 Pittsburg Office
701 N. Broadway Street
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 231-LYNN (5966)
Fax: (620) 231-5972 Topeka Office
3550 SW 5th Street
Topeka, KS 66606
Phone: (785) 234-LYNN (5966)
Fax: (785) 234-5967