National Day Of Prayer Receives Support From Lawmakers Amid Controversy

By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service

Over a dozen lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday to condemn a ruling from a federal judge in Wisconsin that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.

“We’re here today to encourage the White House to make sure that they appeal this decision and that they fight as vigorously as possible to make sure that this decision does not become the law of the land and the United States,” said Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Founder and Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

The National Day of Prayer, held annually since 1952, marks a formal request from Congress to the American people urging them to pray or meditate.

Virginian Republican Rep. Frank Wolf said that hoped the executive branch would utilize all resources to combat the ruling.

“I urge the Obama administration to appeal this decision, to dedicate the best and the brightest minds at the Justice Department to this case and to ensure that the rulings by the U.S District Court ... of Wisconsin does not stand,” said Wolf.

President Obama is still set to acknowledge May 6, 2010 as the National Day of Prayer.

“The Most Dangerous Credit Card in the History of the World”

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

>
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio)
Photo by Michael Ruhl

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) called congressional voting cards “the most dangerous credit card in the history of the world”, because then enable Congress and the president to engage in reckless spending. This was not Boehner's first criticism of Obama, but his statement came on the 101st day of the Obama Administration, a time which Boehner has criticized as being pock marked with excessive borrowing, reckless spending and a massive growth in government.

Boehner said that Democrat’s “record on spending and debt is staggering, but our economy is growing weaker, and it’s not going to get any better by growing the size of the government here in Washington.”

Boehner believes that the Democratically controlled Congress has enabled and contributed to the recklessness, and thinks it is up to the Republicans to put a stop to it. Republicans must be “the party of better solutions” if they are going to stand up to the Democrats in Congress, Boehner said, adding that he hopes Democrats will be committed to a bipartisan policy approach..

Citing the elections of 2008, Boehner said “out brand has been tarnished”, but to help the party serve the American people, Republicans must stand up to the Obama Administration when disagreements arise, and to offer alternative solutions.

Leader Boehner applauded President Obama on his strategy towards Afghanistan and Iraq, but showed concern at Obama’s greater national security policy.

“The big question continues to be: what is the Administration’s overarching plan to fight terrorism? Judging from their recent decision to release 30 terrorist detainees with no plan on where to put them, it continues to beg the question,” referring to Obama’s closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center without knowing where the detainees will be sent.

Senate Budget Committee Hearing on Economic Stimulus Package Before Floor Debate

 The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing this morning to once again discuss the economic stimulus package that will be debated and voted on the Senate floor this afternoon. Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and ranking member Judd Gregg (R-NH) heard testimony from Dr. Alan Blinder of Princeton University, Dr. Mark Zandi of Moody’s Economy.com, and Dr. Daniel Mitchell, Senior Fellow of the Cato Institute.

The three T’s (timely, targeted, and temporary) once again led the conversation. The current Senate plan is costlier and broader than the bill the House has passed, including rebates for all taxpayers, regardless of income.

Dr. Blinder identifies himself with former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s “school” in proposing transfer payments, as food stamps and unemployment insurance, and aid to states, tools left out of the House version.

Dr. Zandi pointed out that several states including California, Nevada, and Florida are already in recession, though the nation as a whole is maintaining slow growth. He recommends replacing the House’s business incentives with a version of the programs endorsed by Dr. Blinder.

Dr. Mitchell cited Monty Python, announcing “And Now for Something Completely Different!” Denouncing Keynesian economics flat out as “bad theory.” Reminding the committee that there are no “magic wands,” denies the efficacy of fiscal policy to stimulate the economy. Instead, he recommends that the Congress focus on long term practices to provide an environment conducive to business investment.

In closing, Senator Gregg described the whole stimulus process as a “feel good event” while acknowledging its potential benefits nonetheless. Speaking with me afterward, he stated that if the Senate is to do this, it must do it quickly.