Hello and welcome to the Tuesday, June 2nd edition of the Inhofe Morning Minute, a twice weekly newsletter updating you on the latest news and information in Washington and here at home. Many of you are receiving the IMM for the first time today; if you would like to receive future Inhofe Morning Minute E-mails, please click here to opt in! If you do not opt in, you will not receive any more Inhofe Morning Minute E-mails.This week marks the most exciting time in the campaign to date! Just yesterday, Senator Inhofe filed for reelection, and today, we are on TV for the first time this election cycle! Not only that, but this week the Senate begins debate on the Lieberman-Warner global warming bill. Today's IMM includes an op-ed by Senator Inhofe that appears in this morning's Wall Street Journal, as well as a sneak peek of the campaign's first TV ad! If you have any questions about the Inhofe Morning Minute, or anything else for that matter, please e-mail me at http://tracking.technomania.com/cgi-bin/track.cgi?11-13140-2070-58322 or simply reply to this e-mail. This message is also available at http://www.inhofemorningminute.com./
Oklahoma News
Jim Inhofe on the Airwaves!
Shortly after filing for reelection, Senator Inhofe announced a brand new TV ad highlighting his record of accomplishment and positive leadership for Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate. A lot goes into putting an ad on TV, but it is because of our ever growing network of supporters that we are able to begin spreading our positive message so soon! We're on the ballot, we're on TV, and we're on the ground building the largest grassroots organization our state has ever seen. Thanks again to all of our supporters for their time and effort! Let's keep the momentum going -- onward to victory! Click Here to watch Jim Inhofe's latest TV advertisement
Click here to discuss this on the JimInhofe.com blog!
Video: Team Inhofe On the Road
Senator Inhofe isn't the only one getting face time -- the grassroots field staff here at Team Inhofe made a video, too! This video is about how you can make a difference and help us work toward victory in November! From knocking doors, to making phone calls, to stamping letters, to putting out yard signs: there are tons of ways you can get involved (and you can even help from home!) There are volunteer nights happening twice a week around the state in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Stillwater, not to mention all of the other volunteer events, parades, and rallies we go to every week. If you aren't already involved, now there is no excuse -- please go to www.jiminhofe.com/volunteer and sign up so you can join Team Inhofe the next time we're on the road!
Click here to discuss this on the JimInhofe.com blog!
Washington News
WSJ Op/Ed: We Don't Need a Climate Tax on the Poor
Yesterday was the beginning of the Senate's debate over the latest climate change legislation, the Lieberman-Warner bill. This bill would create a cap-and-trade system on carbon emissions that would create undue stress on an already wavering economy. Senator Inhofe serves as ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate and has been a key leader in exposing the true economic costs of proposed climate change legislation like Lieberman-Warner. While many still debate the science of climate change and the impact of man-made gases, the costs associated with addressing global warming cannot be debated. Many of these economic costs were laid out in an op-ed the Senator penned for today's Wall Street Journal.
Studies suggest Lieberman-Warner will cause considerable damage to the US economy. Analyses show that Lieberman-Warner would result in higher prices at the gas pump, between 41 cents and $1 per gallon by 2030. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says Lieberman-Warner would effectively raise taxes on Americans by more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The federal Energy Information Administration says the bill would result in a 9.5% drop in manufacturing output and higher energy costs.
The global warming debate is muddled with facts and figures on both sides. While climate change is occurring, the extent or causes of warming are debatable. It is important that we apply common sense and cost/benefit analysis to a subject brimming with emotion and unreasoning fear. Senator Inhofe has long been a leader in sifting through the facts and separating them from fiction.
Click here to discuss this on the JimInhofe.com blog!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
INHOFE STATEMENT ON EPA’S REVISED OZONE STANDARD
March 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment & Public Works Committee, today commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone to .075 ppm.
“Today’s announcement by EPA will have a severe economic impact on Oklahoma and the nation for too little environmental gain” Senator Inhofe said. “Despite the fact that air pollution levels across the United States are at an all time low and our nation’s air quality continues to improve, the EPA decided to further tighten the standard. The consequence of the Rule means that hundreds of counties across the country – which have worked long and hard to come into compliance with the current standard – will once again face potential stiff federal penalties, lose highway dollars, and become unattractive places to locate new businesses.
“I am proud of the tremendous progress Oklahoma has made in cleaning up its air. Currently, not a single county in Oklahoma is in violation of the ozone standards. But this new standard will put a number of counties in the State into non-attainment. How can EPA, which considers states like Oklahoma to have clean air, suddenly declare the air unhealthy – even as their pollution levels continue to plummet? The nine counties in Oklahoma that will potentially be in violation of the new ozone standard include Canadian, Cherokee, Comanche, Creek, Kay, Mayes, Oklahoma, Ottawa and Tulsa counties.
“EPA’s timing could not be worse as various economic stimulus packages are proposed to counter fears of a weakening national economy. While EPA is precluded from considering costs in setting a standard, the sheer economic magnitude of this rule demands that only the highest quality science be used. This rule will impose a significant economic burden across the country, with the disadvantaged among the hardest hit. Implementing this new standard may help trigger layoffs nationwide, further impair U.S. economic competiveness and add to inflationary pressures. It is ironic that as concerns over our economy grow, EPA would shackle our nation’s counties and states with burdensome regulations based on weak science.
“A more reasonable approach to improving our nation’s air quality is to enforce existing ozone standards. That is why I introduced the Clean Air Attainment Enforcement bill in 2007. My bill focuses on getting areas with truly dirty air into compliance with existing law. The current 8-hour ozone NAAQS remains sufficient to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.”
Background:
Senator Inhofe re-introduced his Clean Air Attainment Enforcement bill in July 2007. The bill would amend the Clean Air Act to strengthen penalties on major emission sources in the most polluted areas of the country that fail to meet clean air standards by the attainment deadlines under the current Clean Air Act. The bill is a narrow amendment that targets only those areas of the country that are out of compliance with multiple pollutants and will not come into compliance by their attainment deadlines. By specifically targeting the dirtiest areas, Senator Inhofe’s legislation ensures that the costs are reasonable in relation to the enormous health benefits.
Toxicologist Dr. Roger O. McClellan testified before the EPW Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety on July 11, 2007, stating: “In my professional judgment, the Administrator’s ‘proposed decision to revise the existing 8-hour O3 primary standard by lowering the level to within a range from 0.070 to 0.075 ppm’ is a policy judgment based on a flawed and inaccurate presentation of the science that should inform the policy decision.” (LINK)
In addition, Mayor George Grace of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, testified at the same EPW hearing, expressing concerns over the potential tightening of NAAQS ozone standards. “EPA’s own data show that between 1970 and 2006, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 54 percent,” Grace testified. “The National Conference of Black Mayors is committed to a clean environment and improved air quality for our communities. However, I’d like to stress that air quality is not the only thing that impacts the health of the people we represent. The health and welfare of our communities is also dependant on having good jobs, economic growth and the quality of life that goes with it,” Grace explained. (LINK)
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http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a50d9da4-802a-23ad-40bb-ad9e00736cfc&Region_id=&Issue_id=4afeb468-d083-8a0b-ce78-0731b2c4df61
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment & Public Works Committee, today commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone to .075 ppm.
“Today’s announcement by EPA will have a severe economic impact on Oklahoma and the nation for too little environmental gain” Senator Inhofe said. “Despite the fact that air pollution levels across the United States are at an all time low and our nation’s air quality continues to improve, the EPA decided to further tighten the standard. The consequence of the Rule means that hundreds of counties across the country – which have worked long and hard to come into compliance with the current standard – will once again face potential stiff federal penalties, lose highway dollars, and become unattractive places to locate new businesses.
“I am proud of the tremendous progress Oklahoma has made in cleaning up its air. Currently, not a single county in Oklahoma is in violation of the ozone standards. But this new standard will put a number of counties in the State into non-attainment. How can EPA, which considers states like Oklahoma to have clean air, suddenly declare the air unhealthy – even as their pollution levels continue to plummet? The nine counties in Oklahoma that will potentially be in violation of the new ozone standard include Canadian, Cherokee, Comanche, Creek, Kay, Mayes, Oklahoma, Ottawa and Tulsa counties.
“EPA’s timing could not be worse as various economic stimulus packages are proposed to counter fears of a weakening national economy. While EPA is precluded from considering costs in setting a standard, the sheer economic magnitude of this rule demands that only the highest quality science be used. This rule will impose a significant economic burden across the country, with the disadvantaged among the hardest hit. Implementing this new standard may help trigger layoffs nationwide, further impair U.S. economic competiveness and add to inflationary pressures. It is ironic that as concerns over our economy grow, EPA would shackle our nation’s counties and states with burdensome regulations based on weak science.
“A more reasonable approach to improving our nation’s air quality is to enforce existing ozone standards. That is why I introduced the Clean Air Attainment Enforcement bill in 2007. My bill focuses on getting areas with truly dirty air into compliance with existing law. The current 8-hour ozone NAAQS remains sufficient to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.”
Background:
Senator Inhofe re-introduced his Clean Air Attainment Enforcement bill in July 2007. The bill would amend the Clean Air Act to strengthen penalties on major emission sources in the most polluted areas of the country that fail to meet clean air standards by the attainment deadlines under the current Clean Air Act. The bill is a narrow amendment that targets only those areas of the country that are out of compliance with multiple pollutants and will not come into compliance by their attainment deadlines. By specifically targeting the dirtiest areas, Senator Inhofe’s legislation ensures that the costs are reasonable in relation to the enormous health benefits.
Toxicologist Dr. Roger O. McClellan testified before the EPW Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety on July 11, 2007, stating: “In my professional judgment, the Administrator’s ‘proposed decision to revise the existing 8-hour O3 primary standard by lowering the level to within a range from 0.070 to 0.075 ppm’ is a policy judgment based on a flawed and inaccurate presentation of the science that should inform the policy decision.” (LINK)
In addition, Mayor George Grace of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, testified at the same EPW hearing, expressing concerns over the potential tightening of NAAQS ozone standards. “EPA’s own data show that between 1970 and 2006, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 54 percent,” Grace testified. “The National Conference of Black Mayors is committed to a clean environment and improved air quality for our communities. However, I’d like to stress that air quality is not the only thing that impacts the health of the people we represent. The health and welfare of our communities is also dependant on having good jobs, economic growth and the quality of life that goes with it,” Grace explained. (LINK)
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http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a50d9da4-802a-23ad-40bb-ad9e00736cfc&Region_id=&Issue_id=4afeb468-d083-8a0b-ce78-0731b2c4df61
SENATE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE PACKAGE OF IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT BILLS
View Television Clip in external window
March 5, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of last year’s failed immigration reform efforts, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and eleven other Republican Senators today introduced 15 specific enforcement bills, each designed to make important improvements to America’s immigration system. Each bill in the package represents a specific step toward securing America’s borders, increasing enforcement at the workplace, or restoring law and order to our nation’s immigration system. The coalition will call for full Senate consideration on each of the individual bills as amendments to any appropriate legislative vehicle or as stand-alone pieces of legislation.
The package of legislation covers a range of issues, including completion of the border fence, establishing English as the national language, discouraging states from granting driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and establishing mandatory minimum sentences for illegal entry into the United States.
Following the introduction of the bills, the senators invoked a procedural rule to bring the bills directly to floor, giving Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) the opportunity to allow votes on the measures at any time. Introducing specific bills is necessary due to the failure of last year’s comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The lesson learned from that debate was that Congress must secure the nation’s borders in order to demonstrate credibility to the American people.
Congress found common ground prior to the 2006 elections when it passed the bipartisan Secure Fence Act. Members involved in today’s bill roll-out hope that Congress will again take advantage of an election cycle and enact specific, meaningful reforms.
Sens. Inhofe, Sessions, Specter, DeMint, Vitter, Domenici, Chambliss, Barrasso, Dole, Isakson, Coburn and Alexander each introduced a bill today:
Sen. Inhofe introduced the National Language Act of 2008 which makes English the national language and clarifies that there is no entitlement to receive federal documents and services in languages other than English unless explicitly required by statue. Senator Inhofe said, “Polling of Americans throughout the country consistently demonstrates that Americans overwhelmingly believe English should be recognized as the national language of the United States. Like my English amendments that have passed the Senate with wide bipartisan majorities for the past two years, the National Language Act of 2008 will reduce cost to our federal government and improve the assimilation of new legal immigrants in our nation. This debate is not just about preserving our culture and heritage, but also about bettering the odds of our nation’s newest potential citizens.”
Sen. Sessions (R-AL) introduced legislation to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of entering the United States illegally. Senator Sessions said, “It is important that we send the message to the world that America is enforcing the rule of law. This bill will establish mandatory minimum sentences for those that have entered our country illegally, sending the clear signal that the United States will not tolerate further illegality at the border. Doing so will discourage future attempts at illegal entry.” Sen. Sessions also introduced legislation to clarify that the Department of Homeland Security may use “no-match” letters – notices from the IRS that employee names and social security numbers don’t match records – when building a case against employers who are knowingly hiring illegal aliens. Sessions third bill modernizes the workplace enforcement system and creates accountability for employers who break the law.
Sen. Specter (R-PA) said: “Streamlining the deportation process and insisting that countries repatriate illegal aliens who have been convicted of crimes of violence will free substantial Immigration and Customs Enforcement resources, which can then be devoted to improving identification and reporting of deportable criminal aliens in federal, state or local custody. My proposal works to stop criminal aliens from being released onto our streets and helps to close the government’s credibility gap on immigration enforcement.” Senator Specter’s bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress every 90 days on the countries which refuse or inhibit repatriation. Receipt of the report automatically triggers denial of certain foreign aid as well as suspension of visa issuances to the listed countries.
Sen. DeMint (R-SC) introduced the Complete The Fence Act, which would require the completion of 700 miles of reinforced pedestrian fencing along the nation’s southern border by December 31, 2010. Senator DeMint said: “Americans demand a secure border and the first step is to complete the fence. Our nation’s borders are fundamental to our sovereignty and our national security. We can’t delay any longer or depend on failed virtual fencing and vehicle barriers that won't stop pedestrians. If we want to have a legal immigration system that works, we must secure the border so we know who is entering and leaving the United States."
Sen. Vitter (R-LA) said: “The American people clearly want us to focus on border security and enforcement, not a bloated, comprehensive amnesty bill. But, to date, that is all that has been offered. We need real, concrete solutions to combat this growing problem, and this 10-point plan offers those real solutions, including my bill that would prohibit COPS funding to those cities who choose ‘sanctuary policies’ over enforcing current federal immigration laws already on the books.”
Sen. Domenici (R-NM) introduced legislation to expand existing federal law to continue Operation Jump Start on the Southwest border and allow state governors to utilize the Guard for border control activities, including constructing roads, fences, and vehicle barriers, conducting search and rescue missions, gathering intelligence, repairing infrastructure, and otherwise supporting DHS Customs and Border Protection directorate. Current law allows the Guard to undertake similar drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. “The National Guard has proven to be a good partner in working with the Homeland Security Department to secure the border. This bill would build on that work in a manner that can benefit both the Guard and DHS,” said Domenici, who serves on the Defense and Homeland Security appropriations subcommittees.
Sen. Chambliss (R-GA), who introduced legislation with Sen. Isakson (R-GA) said: “State and local law enforcement officials are critical force multipliers in the fight against illegal immigration but they are currently underutilized by their federal partners. My legislation, which I introduced today with Sen. Isakson, will facilitate the development of voluntary enforcement partnerships between federal law enforcement officials and their state and local counterparts to better combat illegal immigration. During last year’s immigration bill debate, we listened and heard overwhelmingly from the American people that they do not trust the federal government to enforce our immigration laws. Taking immediate action to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration is the best way to restore credibility with the American people. I said last year that we are going to keep pounding this issue and that is what we are doing today in unveiling these proposals.”
Sen. Dole (R-NC) introduced the Safe Roads Enhancement Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify repeat drunk driving as an aggravated felony. The bill also would make aliens convicted of this offense ineligible for any visa or admission to the United States and eligible for deportation from this country. Dole said, “In North Carolina, we have had a number of fatal automobile accidents caused by an intoxicated person who was in the United States illegally. In several of these incidents, the illegal alien has a record of DWI, sometimes repeated offenses, but has been caught and released. My bill would help ensure that undocumented aliens who have self-identified themselves by drunk driving are removed. Likewise, individuals who abuse their legal status in the United States by repeatedly breaking our drunk driving laws should lose their privilege of living in our country.”
Dole also introduced a bill to repeal President Clinton’s executive order requiring the federal government to provide services in a person’s native language. Her bill also would restrict funding for providing government services in languages other than English. Dole said, “Hundreds of different languages are spoken by people in this country, and it is fiscally irresponsible and impractical for our government to provide services in all of these languages.”
Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) introduced legislation to discourage states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Under Barrasso’s bill, states must verify that each driver’s license applicant is in the U.S. legally. Noncompliant states would lose 10 percent of their federal transportation funds. The withheld funds would be redistributed to states that follow the law. Barrasso said, “Providing state issued licenses to illegal immigrants is not in the best interests of our national security. Eighteen of the 9/11 hijackers had acquired more than 30 driver’s licenses from five different states. It should be a wakeup call to all of us. More must be done to prevent this from ever happening again.”
The individual bills in the package have not yet been assigned bill numbers.
###
http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=80247da6-802a-23ad-422d-6aba9ec1292f
March 5, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of last year’s failed immigration reform efforts, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and eleven other Republican Senators today introduced 15 specific enforcement bills, each designed to make important improvements to America’s immigration system. Each bill in the package represents a specific step toward securing America’s borders, increasing enforcement at the workplace, or restoring law and order to our nation’s immigration system. The coalition will call for full Senate consideration on each of the individual bills as amendments to any appropriate legislative vehicle or as stand-alone pieces of legislation.
The package of legislation covers a range of issues, including completion of the border fence, establishing English as the national language, discouraging states from granting driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and establishing mandatory minimum sentences for illegal entry into the United States.
Following the introduction of the bills, the senators invoked a procedural rule to bring the bills directly to floor, giving Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) the opportunity to allow votes on the measures at any time. Introducing specific bills is necessary due to the failure of last year’s comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The lesson learned from that debate was that Congress must secure the nation’s borders in order to demonstrate credibility to the American people.
Congress found common ground prior to the 2006 elections when it passed the bipartisan Secure Fence Act. Members involved in today’s bill roll-out hope that Congress will again take advantage of an election cycle and enact specific, meaningful reforms.
Sens. Inhofe, Sessions, Specter, DeMint, Vitter, Domenici, Chambliss, Barrasso, Dole, Isakson, Coburn and Alexander each introduced a bill today:
Sen. Inhofe introduced the National Language Act of 2008 which makes English the national language and clarifies that there is no entitlement to receive federal documents and services in languages other than English unless explicitly required by statue. Senator Inhofe said, “Polling of Americans throughout the country consistently demonstrates that Americans overwhelmingly believe English should be recognized as the national language of the United States. Like my English amendments that have passed the Senate with wide bipartisan majorities for the past two years, the National Language Act of 2008 will reduce cost to our federal government and improve the assimilation of new legal immigrants in our nation. This debate is not just about preserving our culture and heritage, but also about bettering the odds of our nation’s newest potential citizens.”
Sen. Sessions (R-AL) introduced legislation to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of entering the United States illegally. Senator Sessions said, “It is important that we send the message to the world that America is enforcing the rule of law. This bill will establish mandatory minimum sentences for those that have entered our country illegally, sending the clear signal that the United States will not tolerate further illegality at the border. Doing so will discourage future attempts at illegal entry.” Sen. Sessions also introduced legislation to clarify that the Department of Homeland Security may use “no-match” letters – notices from the IRS that employee names and social security numbers don’t match records – when building a case against employers who are knowingly hiring illegal aliens. Sessions third bill modernizes the workplace enforcement system and creates accountability for employers who break the law.
Sen. Specter (R-PA) said: “Streamlining the deportation process and insisting that countries repatriate illegal aliens who have been convicted of crimes of violence will free substantial Immigration and Customs Enforcement resources, which can then be devoted to improving identification and reporting of deportable criminal aliens in federal, state or local custody. My proposal works to stop criminal aliens from being released onto our streets and helps to close the government’s credibility gap on immigration enforcement.” Senator Specter’s bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress every 90 days on the countries which refuse or inhibit repatriation. Receipt of the report automatically triggers denial of certain foreign aid as well as suspension of visa issuances to the listed countries.
Sen. DeMint (R-SC) introduced the Complete The Fence Act, which would require the completion of 700 miles of reinforced pedestrian fencing along the nation’s southern border by December 31, 2010. Senator DeMint said: “Americans demand a secure border and the first step is to complete the fence. Our nation’s borders are fundamental to our sovereignty and our national security. We can’t delay any longer or depend on failed virtual fencing and vehicle barriers that won't stop pedestrians. If we want to have a legal immigration system that works, we must secure the border so we know who is entering and leaving the United States."
Sen. Vitter (R-LA) said: “The American people clearly want us to focus on border security and enforcement, not a bloated, comprehensive amnesty bill. But, to date, that is all that has been offered. We need real, concrete solutions to combat this growing problem, and this 10-point plan offers those real solutions, including my bill that would prohibit COPS funding to those cities who choose ‘sanctuary policies’ over enforcing current federal immigration laws already on the books.”
Sen. Domenici (R-NM) introduced legislation to expand existing federal law to continue Operation Jump Start on the Southwest border and allow state governors to utilize the Guard for border control activities, including constructing roads, fences, and vehicle barriers, conducting search and rescue missions, gathering intelligence, repairing infrastructure, and otherwise supporting DHS Customs and Border Protection directorate. Current law allows the Guard to undertake similar drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. “The National Guard has proven to be a good partner in working with the Homeland Security Department to secure the border. This bill would build on that work in a manner that can benefit both the Guard and DHS,” said Domenici, who serves on the Defense and Homeland Security appropriations subcommittees.
Sen. Chambliss (R-GA), who introduced legislation with Sen. Isakson (R-GA) said: “State and local law enforcement officials are critical force multipliers in the fight against illegal immigration but they are currently underutilized by their federal partners. My legislation, which I introduced today with Sen. Isakson, will facilitate the development of voluntary enforcement partnerships between federal law enforcement officials and their state and local counterparts to better combat illegal immigration. During last year’s immigration bill debate, we listened and heard overwhelmingly from the American people that they do not trust the federal government to enforce our immigration laws. Taking immediate action to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration is the best way to restore credibility with the American people. I said last year that we are going to keep pounding this issue and that is what we are doing today in unveiling these proposals.”
Sen. Dole (R-NC) introduced the Safe Roads Enhancement Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify repeat drunk driving as an aggravated felony. The bill also would make aliens convicted of this offense ineligible for any visa or admission to the United States and eligible for deportation from this country. Dole said, “In North Carolina, we have had a number of fatal automobile accidents caused by an intoxicated person who was in the United States illegally. In several of these incidents, the illegal alien has a record of DWI, sometimes repeated offenses, but has been caught and released. My bill would help ensure that undocumented aliens who have self-identified themselves by drunk driving are removed. Likewise, individuals who abuse their legal status in the United States by repeatedly breaking our drunk driving laws should lose their privilege of living in our country.”
Dole also introduced a bill to repeal President Clinton’s executive order requiring the federal government to provide services in a person’s native language. Her bill also would restrict funding for providing government services in languages other than English. Dole said, “Hundreds of different languages are spoken by people in this country, and it is fiscally irresponsible and impractical for our government to provide services in all of these languages.”
Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) introduced legislation to discourage states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Under Barrasso’s bill, states must verify that each driver’s license applicant is in the U.S. legally. Noncompliant states would lose 10 percent of their federal transportation funds. The withheld funds would be redistributed to states that follow the law. Barrasso said, “Providing state issued licenses to illegal immigrants is not in the best interests of our national security. Eighteen of the 9/11 hijackers had acquired more than 30 driver’s licenses from five different states. It should be a wakeup call to all of us. More must be done to prevent this from ever happening again.”
The individual bills in the package have not yet been assigned bill numbers.
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http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=80247da6-802a-23ad-422d-6aba9ec1292f
CHINA'S THEFT OF NUCLEAR SECRETS
(Senate - March 15, 1999)
[Page: S2613]
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I want you to listen. I am going to tell you a story of espionage, conspiracy, deception, and coverup, a story with life and death implications for millions of Americans, a story about national security, and a President and an administration that deliberately chose to put national security at risk, while telling everyone that everything was fine.
If it was written in a book, Mr. President, it wouldn't sell, because no one would believe it. If it was fictionalized in a novel, few could conceive it. But it is true.
For the sake of my statement today, I am stating that the President withheld information and covered up the Chinese theft of our technology. But I am realistic enough to know that a person with the history of deception this President has will have provided himself with some cover in case he got caught. So I am sure there is a paper trail that he can allege. The way the President probably covered himself was to include tidbits about this theft buried in briefings of 40 or 50 other items so the significance of it would not be noticed. But a paper trail would be established.
Anticipating that, I, over the weekend, talked to the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Porter Goss, and the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee at the time of the discovery of this secret, this information, Senator Arlen Specter. Neither chairman was notified of the W-88 nuclear warhead technology theft. And these would have been the first to be notified, Mr. President.
There can be no doubt that President Clinton engaged in a coverup scheme.
Let me read three paragraphs from last week's op-ed article by Michael Kelly in the Washington Post, entitled `Lies About China.' I am quoting now, Mr. President:
In April 1996, Energy Department officials informed Samuel Berger, then Clinton's deputy national security advisor, that Notra Trulock, the department's chief of intelligence, had uncovered evidence that showed China had learned how to miniaturize nuclear bombs, allowing for smaller, more lethal warheads . . .
Further quoting:
The Times reports that the House Intelligence Committee asked Trulock for a briefing in July 1998. Trulock asked for permission from Elizabeth Moler, then acting energy secretary. According to Trulock, Moler told him not to brief the committee because the information might be used against Clinton's China policy. . .
Further quoting:
The White House's secret would have remained secrethad it not been for a select investigative committee headed by Republican [Representative] Christopher Cox. . .
But even using the President's fictitious paper trail, the earliest either chairman could have known about it would have been late in the spring of 1997, years after the Clinton administration learned of it and, of course, after the 1996 election.
I start, Mr. President, by listing a few things which we now know to be true, factual, incontrovertible, and nonclassified.
For years, the Clinton administration covered up China's interest of top secret U.S. nuclear weapons data. They never informed the Congress or the American people about what had happened or its significance to our national security.
Let me tell you what President Clinton did during this period of time.
During this period of time, the President misled the American people on numerous occasions about the threat posed by strategic nuclear missiles in the post-cold-war era.
During this period of time, President Clinton made statements on over 130 separate occasions, such as the following:--and I am quoting--
For the first time since the dawn of the nuclear age, there is not a single solitary nuclear missile pointed at an American child tonight. Not one. Not a single one.
During this period of time, he knew that China was targeting up to 18 intercontinental ballistic missiles at American children.
During this period of time, President Clinton signed export control waivers which allowed his top campaign fundraisers' aerospace company to transfer sensitive U.S. missile guidance technology to China.
During this period of time, he shifted the prime satellite export responsibility from the State Department, where it had always been to maintain security, to the Commerce Department so that it would be easier to share sensitive information with the Chinese and others.
During this period of time, President Clinton hosted over 100 White House fundraisers as a part of a larger aggressive scheme to raise campaign contributions, many from illegal foreign sources primarily, including sources in China. Among guests permitted to attend these White House fundraisers were a convicted felon and a Chinese arms dealer.
During this period of time, John Huang, Charlie Trie, Johnny Chung, James Riady, and others with strong ties to China, were deeply involved, with the President's knowledge, in raising Chinese-tainted campaign cash for the Clinton campaign.
During this period of time, John Huang, who had been given a security clearance without a background check, was permitted to receive numerous classified CIA briefings, both during and after his stay at the Commerce Department.
And during this period of time, President Clinton was successfully stopping the deployment of a national missile defense system--exposing every American life to a missile attack, leaving us with no defense whatsoever against an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Mr. President, China's theft of secret data on the so-called W-88 nuclear warhead may be one of the most serious breaches of national security in the history of our Nation, more serious than Aldrich Ames; perhaps more serious than the Rosenbergs.
The public needs to understand that this story is true. This is not about partisanship. It is not about some ancient history of some long gone cold war.
This is about the real world here and now. It is about national security in its most important aspects. It is about protecting our freedom and our existence as a Nation.
This is ultimately a matter which concerns the life and death of every American citizen.
[end excerpt]
Click Here for Complete Speech
IMHO, this is one of the greatest speeches made on the floor of the United States Senate and why Senator Inhofe needs to be reelected. Not often do we have the opportunity to be represented by a man who will stand up and be counted like this. Our military know they can count on him 100% and so can we. He doesn't shirk from doing the right thing.
[Page: S2613]
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I want you to listen. I am going to tell you a story of espionage, conspiracy, deception, and coverup, a story with life and death implications for millions of Americans, a story about national security, and a President and an administration that deliberately chose to put national security at risk, while telling everyone that everything was fine.
If it was written in a book, Mr. President, it wouldn't sell, because no one would believe it. If it was fictionalized in a novel, few could conceive it. But it is true.
For the sake of my statement today, I am stating that the President withheld information and covered up the Chinese theft of our technology. But I am realistic enough to know that a person with the history of deception this President has will have provided himself with some cover in case he got caught. So I am sure there is a paper trail that he can allege. The way the President probably covered himself was to include tidbits about this theft buried in briefings of 40 or 50 other items so the significance of it would not be noticed. But a paper trail would be established.
Anticipating that, I, over the weekend, talked to the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Porter Goss, and the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee at the time of the discovery of this secret, this information, Senator Arlen Specter. Neither chairman was notified of the W-88 nuclear warhead technology theft. And these would have been the first to be notified, Mr. President.
There can be no doubt that President Clinton engaged in a coverup scheme.
Let me read three paragraphs from last week's op-ed article by Michael Kelly in the Washington Post, entitled `Lies About China.' I am quoting now, Mr. President:
In April 1996, Energy Department officials informed Samuel Berger, then Clinton's deputy national security advisor, that Notra Trulock, the department's chief of intelligence, had uncovered evidence that showed China had learned how to miniaturize nuclear bombs, allowing for smaller, more lethal warheads . . .
Further quoting:
The Times reports that the House Intelligence Committee asked Trulock for a briefing in July 1998. Trulock asked for permission from Elizabeth Moler, then acting energy secretary. According to Trulock, Moler told him not to brief the committee because the information might be used against Clinton's China policy. . .
Further quoting:
The White House's secret would have remained secrethad it not been for a select investigative committee headed by Republican [Representative] Christopher Cox. . .
But even using the President's fictitious paper trail, the earliest either chairman could have known about it would have been late in the spring of 1997, years after the Clinton administration learned of it and, of course, after the 1996 election.
I start, Mr. President, by listing a few things which we now know to be true, factual, incontrovertible, and nonclassified.
For years, the Clinton administration covered up China's interest of top secret U.S. nuclear weapons data. They never informed the Congress or the American people about what had happened or its significance to our national security.
Let me tell you what President Clinton did during this period of time.
During this period of time, the President misled the American people on numerous occasions about the threat posed by strategic nuclear missiles in the post-cold-war era.
During this period of time, President Clinton made statements on over 130 separate occasions, such as the following:--and I am quoting--
For the first time since the dawn of the nuclear age, there is not a single solitary nuclear missile pointed at an American child tonight. Not one. Not a single one.
During this period of time, he knew that China was targeting up to 18 intercontinental ballistic missiles at American children.
During this period of time, President Clinton signed export control waivers which allowed his top campaign fundraisers' aerospace company to transfer sensitive U.S. missile guidance technology to China.
During this period of time, he shifted the prime satellite export responsibility from the State Department, where it had always been to maintain security, to the Commerce Department so that it would be easier to share sensitive information with the Chinese and others.
During this period of time, President Clinton hosted over 100 White House fundraisers as a part of a larger aggressive scheme to raise campaign contributions, many from illegal foreign sources primarily, including sources in China. Among guests permitted to attend these White House fundraisers were a convicted felon and a Chinese arms dealer.
During this period of time, John Huang, Charlie Trie, Johnny Chung, James Riady, and others with strong ties to China, were deeply involved, with the President's knowledge, in raising Chinese-tainted campaign cash for the Clinton campaign.
During this period of time, John Huang, who had been given a security clearance without a background check, was permitted to receive numerous classified CIA briefings, both during and after his stay at the Commerce Department.
And during this period of time, President Clinton was successfully stopping the deployment of a national missile defense system--exposing every American life to a missile attack, leaving us with no defense whatsoever against an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Mr. President, China's theft of secret data on the so-called W-88 nuclear warhead may be one of the most serious breaches of national security in the history of our Nation, more serious than Aldrich Ames; perhaps more serious than the Rosenbergs.
The public needs to understand that this story is true. This is not about partisanship. It is not about some ancient history of some long gone cold war.
This is about the real world here and now. It is about national security in its most important aspects. It is about protecting our freedom and our existence as a Nation.
This is ultimately a matter which concerns the life and death of every American citizen.
[end excerpt]
Click Here for Complete Speech
IMHO, this is one of the greatest speeches made on the floor of the United States Senate and why Senator Inhofe needs to be reelected. Not often do we have the opportunity to be represented by a man who will stand up and be counted like this. Our military know they can count on him 100% and so can we. He doesn't shirk from doing the right thing.
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