8th Congressional District, Missouri - February is the birth month of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and each February, Presidents’ Day offers us a chance to reflect on lessons learned from our former presidents. As America faces challenges at home and abroad, some of George Washington’s lessons are especially relevant today.
“The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.”
George Washington’s commitment to the Constitution is one of the most important lessons we can take to heart. In Washington, D.C., some seem to have forgotten that Congress is the law-making body in our Constitutional government and the executive branch is tasked with enforcing the laws. We must protect the Constitution our Founding Fathers established and work through the legislative process to move America forward.
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
America’s military is one of our country’s most valuable resources. Maintaining a world-class military is critical for demonstrating national strength to those who wish to do us harm. We must properly equip our troops and maintain our nation’s military installations to ensure our continued security at home and abroad. In our area, Fort Leonard Wood has many well-established assets like the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence; the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School; the Engineer School; and the Military Police School that are critical in developing our military leaders. I have been vocal in my unwavering support of Fort Leonard Wood and we must stand together in opposition to operational and personnel cuts at the base.
“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.”
With the president’s $4 trillion budget in front of Congress, including $2.1 trillion in new taxes, Congress must be very thoughtful in how taxpayer dollars are spent. I’ve consistently said that the United States does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. George Washington was absolutely right when he said that we cannot keep driving up our debt to pay for programs we cannot afford. Instead, we must restrain spending and put America back on a path to sustainable economic prosperity.
State Rep. Tila Hubrecht Sponsors Unborn
Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act
Jefferson City, Missouri - State Representative Tila Hubrecht wants to protect Missouri’s unborn children from a brutal process referred to as dismemberment abortion. Hubrecht recently filed HB 920, which is known as the “Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act”.
Hubrecht, who is strongly pro-life, said the bill is meant to prevent what she says is an unconscionable and inhumane way to be rid of a child.
“I believe with all my heart that all life should be protected from the moment of conception. I understand we have women who are put in difficult situations with an unwanted pregnancy, but that is not a reason to abort a child through a procedure that literally tears the fetus apart,” said Hubrecht, R-Dexter. “We know that an unborn child can feel pain in the womb and it breaks my heart to think if an innocent, defenseless life being ended in such a horrific way. I hope my colleagues will stand with me to put an end to this barbaric procedure.”
Hubrecht’s bill would outlaw abortions in which doctors use forceps or other medical devices to dismember a living fetus in the womb. Individuals who violate the prohibition would face up to two years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Hubrecht noted that other states, including Oklahoma and Kansas, are considering similar legislation this year.
HB 920 currently awaits assignment to committee for further discussion.
Bernie, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon will join Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce and agriculture industry leaders at the Martin Rice Warehouse in Stoddard County on Friday (Feb. 13) for a roundtable discussion on increasing Missouri exports, and the economic benefits of increased trade to Cuba.
Last month, the Governor announced that he will be traveling to Havana from March 1-4 with members of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) to explore how to maximize the benefits of expanded trade to Cuba for Missouri producers.
Friday, Feb. 13
WHO: Gov. Jay Nixon
Richard Fordyce, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture
Agricultural leaders
WHAT: Discussing the economic benefits to Missouri and Missouri farmers of increased exports
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Martin Rice Warehouse
22326 County Road 780
Bernie, MO 63822
Despite six years of environmental studies showing no negative impact to move oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico through the pipeline, President Obama has threatened to veto the project claiming it requires additional analysis.
“After years of bipartisan work and support since its initial proposal in 2008, we are finally able to send the bill to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline to the president after passing it today. The fact that with its passage we have the opportunity to provide Americans with 40,000 shovel-ready jobs and lower energy costs is very exciting,” said Congressman Jason Smith. “This excellent opportunity to help put Americans back to work and reduce their burden of high energy costs is why I urge President Obama to sign the bill into law and begin digging.”
The U.S. State Department has thoroughly investigated this project with five reviews totaling more than 22,000 pages and had no major environmental objections. According to the impact study, the pipeline would not increase carbon emissions. Additionally, the project would voluntarily incorporate more than 50 new safety standards recommended by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Congressman Smith and a bipartisan group of more than 300 lawmakers continue to urge President Obama to sign the Keystone XL authorization and bring this infrastructure project that will provide thousands of jobs to fruition.
Hubrecht will serve as House Floor Whip for the 2015 Legislative Session
Jefferson City, Missouri - Rep. Hubrecht, R-Dexter, will play a key role in helping the House Majority Caucus achieve its legislative priorities for the 2015 session. Hubrecht was named this week to serve on the Whip Team by Majority Whip, Rep. Delus Johnson, R-St. Joseph.
“After just a couple of weeks in observing the work ethic, commitment and dedication, it seemed imperative to select Tila to serve on the whip team,” stated Rep. Johnson.
Rep. Hubrecht will serve as one among an elite few selected to serve in this capacity. As part of the Majority Whip team, Hubrecht will be responsible for assisting the majority whip in rounding up votes on critical issues, communicating policy positions to other members, and overseeing that parliamentary rules of the House are followed.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to play a much greater role in the legislative process,” said Rep. Hubrecht. “This position offers me a great opportunity to better represent the interests of the 151st district. I look forward to working to help ensure the passage of legislation that will be of great benefit to the people in our area as well as the entire state of Missouri.”
Rep. Hubreccht added that her new post allows her to become more involved in a wider variety of legislative matters.
