WASHINGTON D.C. – Rockwall Representative Ralph Hall (R-TX) was one of 66 Republicans who voted in the minority against the Budget Control Act which passed in the House of Representatives yesterday evening, 269-161.

It is expected to pass in the Senate today and be signed by Pres. Obama later today to avoid a U.S. default on its bill payments. The bill calls for raising the debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion and spending cuts of about $2.4 trillion over 10 years.

After the vote, the 16-term Congressman explained in a press release that he voted “No” against the compromise because he “could not, in good conscience, vote for a bill that a majority of my constituents did not support.”

He added that he has been in constant personal and telephone contact with constituents, receiving calls and emails and listening to the concerns of those I represent as the bill was being debated. He said many of his constituents called and wrote their opposition.

He explained that he voted last Friday for Speaker Boehner’s Budget Control Act to keep negotiations going and force the Senate to act.

But he said “this new bill weakens the possible passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment, and also presents serious risks to Defense funding, which could endanger our troops and our national security.”

Following is Rep. Hall’s complete statement:

“Last Friday I voted with a majority in the House for Speaker Boehner’s Budget Control Act. While the bill wasn’t perfect, I voted for it in order to keep negotiations going and force the Senate to act. The following day, I voted with a majority against Senate Leader Reid’s bill because its debt ceiling increase far outweighed spending cuts, and the Democratic bill was full of phony ‘savings.’

“Throughout these negotiations, I hoped for a bill that would make significant spending cuts exceeding the debt limit increase, but would not compromise on the demands of my District. I have been in constant personal and telephone contact with constituents, receiving calls and emails and listening to the concerns of those I represent as the bill was being debated. Many of my constituents called and wrote their opposition.”

“It was a tough vote, in that Speaker Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Cantor (R-VA) had outworked  Senate Leader Reid and Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and made the bill more palatable to our conservative nation.”

“While I respect the Leadership for their efforts in getting us the best deal they could in this debt negotiation process, a deal which is better than I thought possible, I could not, in good conscience, vote in favor of a bill that the majority of my constituents who contacted me did not support.”

“This new bill weakens the possible passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment, and also presents serious risks to Defense funding, which could endanger our troops and our national security. However, there are good provisions in the bill, including immediate spending cuts and no tax hikes. The bill does not affect Medicare, redirects our country slowly to a path of more fiscal responsibility, and also avoids the potential impact of a federal default.”

“We need to come together and work to cut spending to create jobs and grow our economy. I will continue to represent my District and the demands of the American people by focusing on these goals.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) yesterday joined 234 House Members to pass H.R. 2560, The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, the Republican proposal to resolve the ongoing federal debt ceiling debate.

One hundred ninety House members voted against it, including Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). Five Democrats sided with Republicans.

Hall submitted the following statement during debate on the House Floor:

“We all know that America faces financial crossroads. The national debt is $14.3 trillion, equaling more than 95% of our entire economy. The deficit crisis is a result of too much government spending, a weak economy, and high unemployment. One of the first steps we can take is simple: stop spending money we don’t have.”

“The President is asking for a $2.4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling to meet our nation’s obligations. The national debt has increased by $3.7 trillion since President Obama took office, and many of us would like to vote ‘No’ on any debt ceiling increase because we do not want to give this President any more spending authority.”

“At the same time, it is also important to consider what would happen down the road if Washington refuses to deal with the debt crisis. Without a real, long-term debt reduction, America’s credit rating could be jeopardized, resulting in increased borrowing costs for America, and increased consumer costs for Americans.”

“That said, I cannot, in good conscience, vote for any debt ceiling increase unless significant cuts are made. The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011 is a viable alternative which I support. This bill makes real spending cuts and reforms needed in order to get our debt under control.”

According to Hall, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act will:

-  Cut total spending by $111 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2012, and around $5.8 trillion over ten years. These cuts will NOT affect Medicare,  Social Security, or veterans spending, and will keep the Defense budget at the President’s levels;

- Scale federal spending back, bringing spending back to 19.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to its average level over the past thirty years; and

-  Require the passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) to the Constitution before any debt ceiling increase can take place. The BBA entails a super-majority to raise taxes, and puts a limit on spending as a percentage of GDP.

“I have been a longtime supporter and co-sponsor of a balanced budget and an amendment to the Constitution that would require the federal government to live within its means,” Hall continued. The BBA would permanently mandate Congress to pass a budget every year that would force the government to spend only what it takes in. American families and 49 states balance their budgets every year, and it is crucial to America’s economic security that the federal government should do the same.”

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to cut spending and balance the federal budget. My constituents have made clear their expectations of a more frugal Washington, and I will continue to represent their views as we work to achieve fiscal discipline in Washington.”

Upwards of 178 other groups support Cut, Cap, and Balance, including:

• National Taxpayers Union
• FreedomWorks
• Club for Growth
• Citizens United
• Americans for Prosperity
• Concerned Women for America
• The Christian Coalition of America
• 60 Plus
• Americans for Tax Reform
• Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
• Heritage Action for America
• Liberty Counsel Action
• National Taxpayers Union
• Traditional Values Coalition
• Mommy Lobby
• Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

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WASHINGTON D.C. – The Reverend Dr. Joe C. Pool, pastor at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, was the Guest Chaplain who delivered the opening prayer on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives June 22.

Dr. Pool (pictured above left) is the pastor of  the home church of Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), who arranged for him to offer the prayer.

Following the prayer, Rep. Hall gave the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize our Guest Chaplain, the Reverend Dr. Joe C. Pool, pastor of my home church, The First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, Texas. Rev. Pool’s ministry spans more than thirty years in North Texas and includes serving as Associate Pastor in Dallas and as Pastor in Irving and Gainesville prior to serving in Rockwall.”

“Rev. Pool earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and earned both a Master of Theology degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has been a longtime member of the Executive Board and the Mentor Pastor Program at Perkins.”

“Over the past quarter of a century, Rev. Pool has led mission trips to the Appalachia region, Mexico, and the Navajo Nation. He has been involved in hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout Texas and Louisiana following hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Rita. Active in community service, he was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America three times and also was selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in America.”

“Rev. Pool is bless by his wife, Becky (pictured above), and three children, Candace, Corey, and Amanda, and Rockwall in turn is blessed by this minister and his family. Rev. Pool is known as a wonderful preacher, teacher, and friend of many, and may God continue to bless his life and his ministry for many years to come.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted against H.R. 1954 yesterday, to implement Pres. Obama’s request to increase the statutory limit on the public debt. This bill would raise the debt ceiling without making any spending cuts to the federal budget.

The bill failed House passage, 319 to 94.

Hall said he voted against it because the bill was far out of step with the American people’s demands to cut spending.

“The Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats have repeatedly called on Republicans to pass a ‘clean’ debt ceiling increase without any spending cuts or reforms to the federal budget,” said Hall.

“House Republicans brought this bill to the floor today to demonstrate that a ‘clean’ bill will not pass. This stance is far out-of-step with the American people’s demands to cut spending and save our country from national bankruptcy. After this vote, I am hopeful that serious discussions can now take place between House Republicans and the Democrat-controlled Senate about how to tackle our national deficit.”

He added that his goal and that of House Republicans is a balanced budget.

“When our national debt is more than $14.2 trillion – almost more than our entire economy – and we are borrowing 42 cents of every dollar we spend,  raising the debt limit without significant spending cuts is not an option. I am reluctant to increase the debt limit under any circumstances, because I do not want to provide one dollar more for this President to throw away. It just doesn’t make sense.”

“House Republicans have brought Washington’s spending spree to a halt in order to achieve a balanced budget. I will continue to represent my district by voting for real spending cuts and budget reforms so that once again, our economy can thrive.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) thanked the military, CIA and Presidents Obama and Bush today in a statement released regarding the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“The news of Osama bin Laden’s death brings a sense of relief and justice to all Americans nearly ten years after the September 11th attack on American soil by al Qaeda terrorists,” he said.

“I would like to thank our servicemen and women for their commitment to fight the spread of terrorism, and for their role in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice.”

“In particular, I would like to share my gratitude to the Navy SEALS and CIA paramilitary forces who took down this murdering terrorist, and Presidents Obama and Bush  for their leadership.”

He added that he appreciated Pres. Obama’s Sunday late night announcement of the death of the terrorist leader, whom Pres. Bush had promised would one day be taken dead or alive.

“I appreciate President Obama’s announcement on Osama bin Laden’s death, and I well remember President George W. Bush as he promised those who lost their loved ones that bin Laden would be taken dead or alive, no matter how long it takes. This news marks the fulfillment of that promise.”

Rep. Hall warned that America must continue to be vigilant and never forget those whom our nation has lost in the fight against terrorism.

“Though Osama bin Laden has been brought to justice, we should remember the many followers he has all over the world, and we must continue to be vigilant. Bin Laden’s death indicates that we are being vigilant, and that we must strive to continue in this manner.”

“We must never forget the heartbreak and loss he brought to so many on September 11th, 2001. We honor the families who lost loved ones in 9/11, and the families who lost loved ones serving in the fight against terrorism.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Rockwall) today announced that he is now a member of the  bipartisan Balanced Budget Amendment Caucus, a group that formed to fight the culture of overspending in Washington and help restore fiscal responsibility to the federal government by working to achieve a balanced budget and a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.

“I have been a longtime supporter of a balanced budget and an amendment to the Constitution that would require the federal government to live within its means,” Hall said.  “We are currently more than $14 trillion in debt.

“This debt level is equal to $45,500 per American and $127,500 per taxpayer. Balancing the federal budget must be a top priority. American families and 49 states balance their budgets every year, and it is crucial to America’s economic security that the federal government should do the same.”

The Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) would prohibit the federal government from exceeding its budget (except for debt repayment) unless Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote from both the House and Senate, authorizes a specific increase.

The Balanced Budget Amendment would also:

• Require a three-fifths roll call vote from both the House and Senate to increase the public debt limit,
• Direct the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually, and
• Prohibit any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of both the House and Senate by roll call vote.

Hall said he will continue to fight on behalf of the American people and work toward balancing the federal budget and cutting spending.

“My constituents have made clear their expectations of a more frugal Washington, and I will continue to work hard to make sure their voices are heard.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Rockwall Rep. Ralph Hall was one of 54 Republican U.S. House members and 104 Democrats who voted yesterday against another stop-gap spending bill, while Congress and the White House continue to negotiate an agreement that will fund the rest of fiscal year (FY) 2011.

Despite their opposition, the bill passed 271-158.

If approved by the Senate, the latest short-term budget bill would fund the government for three weeks, until April 8, and cut $6 billion from 2010 levels.

“While I support the spending cuts in this CR, I cannot in good conscience vote for this bill,” said Hall. “Our economy is in serious jeopardy, and continuing a pattern of two- and three-week bills to fund our government is not acceptable. We need a long-term budget. These CRs are piecemeal and do not do enough to address spending cuts, the national deficit, or job creation.”

“On March 4th I voted for the CR because I felt it was a step toward a final budget, providing an additional two weeks for both the House and Senate to come to an agreement. Despite this additional two-week extension, negotiations with the White House were impossible because the President left town.”

“I made a pledge to change the direction we are taking our country. I take this seriously. My ultimate priorities are to create jobs, cut out-of-control spending, and balance our budget. Another short-term CR is not an effective solution to these issues. This CR also does not address the defunding of ObamaCare or Planned Parenthood, which is a major concern not only to myself, but also to many of my constituents. I am told the Tea Party leaders contend that the language of this CR, if enacted, leaves on the table $105.5 billion in automatically appropriated funds for the law’s implementation.

“If we don’t take action, the present state of our economy will bring additional hardships on American families and small businesses, and jeopardize our children’s futures. I am committed to promoting job creation through cutting federal spending, and I will continue to work for a final and lasting budget that meets the needs of the American people and continues attacks on Obama Healthcare. I will cast my vote in a manner that reflects this conviction.”

“For the past two years the Democrats have refused to pass a budget. This is unacceptable. We cannot shirk our duty to the American people. The President has said that we need to work together. I agree, and I would urge him, along with the Democratic-controlled Senate, to work with the House to pass a long-term budget. Last month the House passed H.R. 1, which funds the federal government for the rest of FY 2011 and would cut $100 billion in federal spending. The House still awaits an offer from the Senate.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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Washington D.C. – Rockwall Congressman Ralph Hall is well-acquainted with Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot and nearly killed Saturday in Tucson.

Both serve on the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, which Rep. Hall now chairs, and he has visited her in her district.

Following Rep. Giffords’ shooting, Rep. Hall expressed shock and sadness in a statement his office issued yesterday.

In it, Hall called Rep. Giffords “an outstanding Congresswoman” and “wonderful person.” He stated that his prayers are with her, her family and staff, plus all those who were injured, lost their lives and their families.

Following is his actual statement:

“I am shocked and saddened by this terrible news, and my prayers are with Gabrielle, her husband Astronaut Mark Kelly, her family, her staff, and all those who were injured and lost their lives and their families. Gabrielle has so many friends in Congress and is an outstanding Congresswoman for her district and for the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. I have been to her district with her to support solar energy and to the Cape with her to support the Shuttle flights. She is a wonderful person, and our prayers are with her, Captain Kelly, and the families of all the victims of this tragedy.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher.

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By J. J. Smith. Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Rockwall) was one of 138 Republicans and 139 Democrats who voted “Aye” yesterday to help pass the highly-publicized H.R. 4853 bill, commonly known as the “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act.”

The bill extends the “Bush Tax Cuts” for two more years and extends unemployment insurance for another 13 months for unemployed workers.

Despite heavy criticism from his own party and numerous compromises, Pres. Obama said he will sign the bill today.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill on Wednesday.

He was also one of 172 Republicans and 60 Democrats who voted yesterday to kill a $1.2 trillion “omnibus” spending bill that was loaded with 6,000 pet projects known as earmarks.

Rep. Hall will face two more high priority Democrat-sponsored bills this weekend:  the DREAM Act, which would grant permanent legal residency to illegal immigrants under a certain age, and a repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

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(Dallas Morning News/Amy Gutierrez photo) – WASHINGTON – Rep. Ralph Hall has waited 30 years for this chance.

The Rockwall Republican, the longest-serving Texan in Congress, will finally ascend next year to the plum position that most lawmakers never get to enjoy: committee chairman. The oldest member of Congress will chair the most future-looking panel of them all, the House Science and Technology Committee.

The committee’s agenda is highly technical but central to building a competitive economy and skilled workforce. Its jurisdiction includes scientific research and education, space exploration, clean energy innovation and climate change research.

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