Mike Lee, United States Senator for Utah

Ending the Import-Export Bank -- Day Lee Briefing 05/15/12

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of Kenworth Sales Company and host a Utah tele-press conference at 6:15 PM EST (4:15 MST). He will also hold a blogger briefing to explain the Saving the American Dream budget at 12:00 PM EST (10:00 AM MST), and he will appear on Fox News Channel’s Your World with Neil Cavuto at 4:00 PM EST (2:00 MST).

From the Senator’s Desk

From the Whip

The Senate will convene at 10:00am and following the Leaders remarks will resume the motion to proceed HR 2072, the Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization.

At 11:15am the Senate will begin up to 2 hours of debate on the following amendments:

-Lee amendment #2100 (Ex-Im phase-out)
-Paul amendment #2101 (no financing with countries whom hold debt instruments)
-Corker amendment # 2102 (financing limits)
-Vitter amendment #2103 (fossil fuel projects)
-Toomey amendment #2104 (lending authority)
-Final passage of HR 2072

The Senate will recess from 12:30 – 2:15pm for the weekly party lunches.

As early as 2:15pm, the Senate will conduct up to 6 Roll Call Votes on the amendments listed above and final passage of the Ex-Im bill. 60 votes will be required for all amendments and passage of the bill.

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

The differing visions for future of the country will be on display this week when the Senate votes on budget proposals: http://ow.ly/i/CTpD

SenLeeComs

#LeePlan "puts forth a framework for strengthening the core principles that make this country exceptional" http://bit.ly/JddBbG @heritage

SenLeePressSec

VIDEO: Senate Dems Continue to Ignore Legal Requirement to Pass a Federal #Budget http://youtu.be/B4fdpfrRDG0 #3YearsNoBudget (via @Senate_GOPs)

SenLeeResearch

It's been 1111 days since the Senate passed a #budget. Read @SenMikeLee's budget plan here: http://bit.ly/JddBbH #balancedbudget #tcot #tlot

Around the Water Cooler

Boehner: Spending cuts must exceed debt limit hike

House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday that when Congress raises the nation's borrowing cap he will again insist on spending cuts and budget reforms to offset the increase.

Greece to hold fresh elections as unity talks fail

Against a backdrop of division, despondency and despair, debt-stricken Greeks head back to the polls next month amid fears the new election will do the very thing it is supposed to stop: hasten the country's economic collapse and exit from the eurozone.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of Newfield, the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants, Utah Valley University, and the Utah Association of Realtors. He will also attend a prayer breakfast and host a tele-town hall event at 7:45 PM EST (5:45 MST).

Lee offers Amendment to End Export-Import Bank

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

It's time that we wind down the Export-Import Bank, and my amendment, amendment number 2100, would do precisely that. The American people cannot be the world's financial backstop. The government shouldn't be picking winners and losers. Businesses in Utah and across the country are not receiving government help and are shutting their doors after decades serving their communities. We should not through this government be adding insult to injury by using tax money they contributed to prop up companies overseas.

Lee Expects Budget Vote This Week

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today, Senator Mike Lee announced that he expects his budget resolution to receive a vote on the Senate floor this week. The resolution is based on Senator Lee’s proposal to balance the federal budget in five years, simplify the tax code, reform entitlement programs, and significantly reduce federal spending.

Lee's Bold Budget -- Day Lee Briefing 5/14/2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

My budget plan reduces spending, reforms entitlement programs, and reforms the tax code

Weekly Wrap-up: The President's "To-Stop" List -- Day Lee Briefing 05/11/12

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

This week, President Obama said he had a “to-do” list for Congress. Well, Senate Republicans have a list for the president as well—a “to-stop” list. Stop creating complicated and unnecessary job-killing regulations. Stop trying to raise taxes on job creators and small businesses. Stop blocking the Keystone pipeline. Stop stirring up class warfare that divides Americans.

If the president would stop any of these things, it would bring welcome relief to the country at a time when relief is desperately needed. Instead, he has chosen to point fingers and try to blame Republicans for the failure of his “stimulus” plan, the disaster that is Obamacare, the unsustainability of trillion-dollar deficits, and the fact that he can’t even get a single vote from his own party in support of his budgets.

Those are just a few of the embarrassments that President Obama wants Americans to ignore, but they are increasingly doing the opposite. Young people, especially, have been hit hard by this administration’s policies, and are now paying attention to what the White House is doing wrong:

"Today's slow economic growth is a disaster for those unemployed and underemployed as they look for jobs when so few new jobs are being created. For younger Americans as a group, this is a particularly acute issue." ("One In Three Young U.S. Workers Are Underemployed," Gallup, 5/9/12)

UNIVERSITY STUDY: "In a study to be released Thursday, the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University found that recent graduates are taking awhile to find work. Only 49% of graduates from the classes of 2009 to 2011 had found a full-time job within a year of finishing school…" ("For Most Graduates, Grueling Job Hunt Awaits," The Wall Street Journal, 5/7/12)

ABC NEWS: "A survey released Thursday showed that only 34 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds are 'satisfied' with the Obama presidency. More than half - 51 percent – said they were either 'disappointed,' 'worried' or 'angry,' according to the survey from the Public Religion Research Institute and Georgetown University's Berkeley Center." ("Bad Economy Puts Obama In Tight Spot With Young Voters," ABC News, 4/20/12)

Below are some of this week’s best tweets about the to-stop list:

@Senate_GOPs
President Obama has a list of things he wants Congress to do. Americans just want Obama to stop. http://bit.ly/JhYQW3 #ObamaStopList

@SenJohnThune
I agree w/ Leader McConnell. POTUS' ‘to-do’ list for Congress is breathtaking in its cynicism. http://bit.ly/J85uAK #ObamaStopList

@RWrasse
Don't miss this video of @SenJohnThune reacting to President Obama's "to-do list" http://bit.ly/KLJtoh #ObamaStopList

@RachelKnust
Obama wants Congress to invest in clean energy technology; Americans want Obama to stop blocking solutions to #PainAtThePump. #ObamaStopList

@Katherine750
Instead of dictating a list of cosmetic fixes to Congress, I'd like to see #Obama stop opposing #KXL and its 20,000 jobs. #ObamaStopList

@ashlee_strong
A 'to-do' list from Obama? @SenJohnThune says we need a 'to-stop' list: http://bit.ly/IVQE3j #ObamaStopList

Big Government and Godzilla -- Day Lee Briefing 5/10/2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Big Government is like godzilla.

Lee Introduces Budget Proposal

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Senator Mike Lee introduced a budget resolution that puts the country on a sustainable economic path, fixes America’s deeply flawed entitlement programs, and creates a new simple and transparent tax system. Lee’s bold and innovative plan is built upon the principles of individual freedom and consumer choice, rather than government mandates and market distortion. His tax plan and entitlement reform frees Americans to make financial planning and health care decisions based on their own individual needs and personal choices, promotes personal savings and wealth creation for all income levels, and reduces the burden of government programs on future taxpayers.

Lee Defends Record on Judicial Nominations

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today, Senator Mike Lee blasted the White House for misleading the public on the issue of judicial vacancies and defended Republicans' record on moving forward with President Obama’s nominations.

Big Government is Like Godzilla -- Day Lee Briefing 05/09/12

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the American Hospital Association, the Utah Association of Community Services, the Utah Dental Association, the College of American Pathologists, the Utah Association of Financial Services, and Tesoro. He will also attend a prayer breakfast and host a Jell-O bar for visitors at 3:30 EST (1:30 MST).

From the Senator’s Desk

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

Unprecedented delay and filibuster of judicial nominations simply hasn't occurred: http://youtu.be/c9iCqIBTYx4

SenLeeComs

Peter Berkowitz: Why Colleges Don't Teach the Federalist Papers http://on.wsj.com/ICQ7wY | ...but they should!

SenLeePressSec

Students from Open High School of Utah came by for Jell-O! http://pic.twitter.com/t7A38X5E

SenLeeResearch

Growth and growth expectations both racing downward: http://bit.ly/ICICZE #tcot #tlot #economy #GDP #jobs

Around the Water Cooler

GOP hits Holder on 'Fast and Furious,' pushes ban on Justice lying to Congress

House Republicans on Wednesday presented an amendment to a Department of Justice spending bill that would prevent Justice from using taxpayer funds to lie to Congress.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Utah system of higher education, the Bureau of Land Management, the Open World delegation, the National Taxpayers Union, the American Association of Landscape Architects, and US Oil.

Limiting Executive Branch Bureaucracy -- Day Lee Briefing 05/07/12

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee flies back to Washington.

From the Senator’s Desk

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

Here is my May schedule for my Mobile Office: http://ow.ly/aHZo7 #utpol

SenLeeComs

Peter Berkowitz: Why Colleges Don't Teach the Federalist Papers http://on.wsj.com/ICQ7wY | ...but they should!

SenLeePressSec

The @utahvalleyuniv Chamber Choir came by for a tour of @SenMikeLee's office. What a great group! #Utah #utpol http://pic.twitter.com/agJxs7X

SenLeeResearch

Growth and growth expectations both racing downward: http://bit.ly/ICICZE #tcot #tlot #economy #GDP #jobs

Around the Water Cooler

US: CIA thwarts new al-Qaida underwear bomb plot

The CIA thwarted an ambitious plot by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner using a bomb with a sophisticated new design around the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden, The Associated Press has learned.

State’s junk food ban could take bite out of school fundraisers

Bake sales, the calorie-laden standby cash-strapped classrooms, PTAs and booster clubs rely on, will be outlawed from Massachusetts public schools as of Aug. 1 as part of new no-nonsense nutrition standards, forcing fundraisers back to the blackboard to cook up alternative ways to raise money for kids.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Utah Association of Charter School Advocates, the BYU Nursing Group, the Prudential Spirit of Community Honorees, and the Japanese delegation to the United States. He will also be a guest on KLO Radio at 9:20 AM EST (7:20 MST), answer questions from Springville Junior High School students via streaming video at 3:15 PM EST (1:15 MST), and host a Utah tele-press conference at 6:15 PM EST (4:15 MST).

Lee Introduces Act to Balance Land Designation Authority

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Senator Mike Lee introduced the Federal Land Designation Requirements Act of 2012, which would limit the federal government’s power to make a variety of land designations, including national parks, national monuments, and national recreation areas. The bill requires the approval of the state legislature before the federal government can make any federal land designation.

Logan Town Hall Highlights -- Day Lee Briefing 05/03/2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Senator Lee hosts a town hall meeting in Logan, UT.

Lee's Mobile Office Visits All 29 Counties

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Last week, Senator Mike Lee's Mobile Office completed the first round of its visits to towns and cities in each county in the state of Utah. The Mobile Office is run by Senator Lee's Community Outreach Director, D. Gary Beck, CAPT, USCG (Ret), and it allows the senator to provide Utahns who might not otherwise be able to interact with him or his staff in the Salt Lake City, St. George or Washington D.C. offices a way to do so in or near their local communities throughout Utah. Since its creation late last year, the Mobile Office has visited 54 cities and towns, and has provided service to 599 constituents.

Town Hall Meeting Recap -- Day Lee Briefing 05/02/2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today, Senator Lee will be meeting with local officials and constituents in Garden City and Logan.

Town Halls Tonight and Tomorrow -- Day Lee Briefing 05/01/12

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will be meeting with local officials and constituents in Morgan, Brigham City, and Layton. He will also be holding a town hall meeting at Bridgerland Applied Technology College in Brigham City, and the meeting will be streamed online via Senator Lee’s Ustream feed, which can be watched directly on the senator’s Facebook page here.

From the Senator’s Desk

The House Ways and Means Committee is out today with a report analyzing one of the many reasons why Obamacare’s costs could skyrocket. According to the study:

71 of the nation’s largest employers could save more than $28 billion in 2014 alone, and $422.4 billion over a decade, by deciding to drop health insurance coverage for their 10.2 million employees and dependents and paying the $2,000 per-employee penalty instead.

The average savings per firm from dropping coverage amounts to more than $400 million in 2014 alone, and $5.9 billion over a decade.

The average savings per employee from dropping coverage amounts to $4,821 in 2014, and just under $10,000 in 2023.

84% of responding firms indicated they expect their health costs will increase FASTER in the future than they did before Obamacare passed. The responding firms have faced annual increases of 5.9% over the past five years, but they expect costs to rise at a 7.6% rate in the future.

This morning’s report further reinforces the numerous prior studies, papers, briefs, reports, employer questionnaires, consultant presentations, surveys, op-eds, interviews, quotes, and comments from other prominent Democrats suggesting that employers will drop coverage in numbers far greater than the White House lets on. Even Jon Stewart, in an interview with Secretary Sebelius in January, would not believe the Administration’s line that employers would keep offering coverage: Stewart stated that there would likely be a “big dump” by employers into Exchanges, meaning Obamacare would become “sort of, a back door, of government, not a takeover necessarily, but of a government responsibility for the health care.”

Today’s developments again raise the obvious question: If the numbers suggest dropping coverage is a rational thing for employers to do, why will they keep offering insurance? And if even liberals like Jon Stewart are convinced employers will dump coverage, does anyone believe they will be permitted to keep their current coverage under Obamacare?

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

I will be streaming my Brigham City townhall tonight @ 7:00 p.m. Tweet me your questions using #leetownhall: http://ustre.am/ESPP #utpol

SenLeeComs

.@SenMikeLee holding town hall TONIGHT 7pm MT. Come in person or watch LIVE online #utpol http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/04/30/town-hall-meetings-with-sen-lee-to-broadcast-over-internet/

SenLeePressSec

.@SenMikeLee is spending the day in Morgan, Layton, and Brigham City. Don't miss tonight's town hall at 7pm MT! http://bit.ly/HMHvUC #utpol

SenLeeResearch

Growth and growth expectations both racing downward: http://bit.ly/ICICZE #tcot #tlot #economy #GDP #jobs

Around the Water Cooler

Critics slam Senate for failing to pass a budget — three years running

Democrats in the United States Senate are facing a rush of criticism as April 29 came and went, marking the third anniversary since the Senate passed a budget under the guidance of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

Solyndra Not Dealing With Toxic Waste At Milpitas Facility

Three months ago, CBS 5 caught Solyndra tossing millions of dollars worth of brand new glass tubes used to make solar panels. Now the bankrupt solar firm, once touted as a symbol of green technology, may be trying to abandon toxic waste.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will be meeting with local officials and constituents in Garden City and Logan. He will also be holding a 7:00 PM (MST) town hall meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Logan, and the meeting will be streamed online via Senator Lee’s Ustream feed, which can be watched directly on the senator’s Facebook page here.

May 2012 - Mobile Office Schedule

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

1. Mobile Office Visit to Garfield County
When: Tuesday 8 May 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Escalante, Utah @ Escalante City Offices, 56 North 100 West, Escalante, UT 84726 (Council Chambers)

2. Mobile Office Visit to Garfield County
When: Tuesday 8 May 2012 @ 1 PM - 3 PM
Where: Tropic, Utah @ Tropic Town Office, 20 North Main Street, Tropic, UT 84776 (Meeting Room)

3. Mobile Office Visit to Kane County
When: Wednesday 9 May 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Alton, Utah @ Alton Town Hall, 11 South 100 West, Alton, UT 84710 (Conference Room)

4. Mobile Office Visit to Kane County
When: Wednesday 9 May 2012 @ 1 PM - 3 PM
Where: Glendale, Utah @ Glendale Town Hall, P.O. Box 220, 90 East Center Street, Glendale, UT 84729 (Social Hall)

5. Mobile Office Visit to Washington County
When: Thursday 10 May 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Enterprise, Utah @ Enterprise City Offices, P.O. Box 340, 375 South 200 East. Enterprise, UT 84725 (Council Room)

6. Mobile Office Visit to Washington County
When: Thursday 10 May 2012 @ 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: Veyo, Utah @Veyo Water Company Building, 176 South Spanish Trail Drive, Veyo, UT 84782 (Community Meeting Room)

7. Mobile Office Visit to Wayne County
When: Monday 14 May 2012 @ 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: Loa, Utah @ Wayne County Courthouse, P.O. Box 189, 18 South Main Street, Loa, Utah 84747 (Commission Chambers)

8. Mobile Office Visit to Grand County
When: Tuesday 15 May 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Moab, Utah @ Grand County Courthouse, 125 East Center Street, Moab, Utah 84532 (Council Chambers)

9. Mobile Office Visit to San Juan County
When: Wednesday 16 May 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Monticello, Utah @ San Juan County Offices, 117 South Main Street, Monticello, Utah 84535 (Commission Room)

Streaming Town Hall Tomorrow -- Day Lee Briefing 04/30/12

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee is in Utah to meet with constituents.

From the Senator’s Desk

The Huffington Post reported late Friday that, effective today, the Administration is ending a program giving $100 fees to insurance agents and brokers that refer customers to Obamacare’s new high-risk pool for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Last May, the Administration instituted a $100 broker referral fee in an attempt to increase otherwise underwhelming enrollment in the high-risk pool program. One individual active among insurance brokers provided an interesting explanation as to why the Administration discontinued the referral fee program: “They [i.e., the Administration] said enrollment’s up to where we want it to be, basically, and we don’t need your [i.e., brokers’] services anymore.”

According to the most recent data released by the Administration, 56,257 individuals with pre-existing conditions are enrolled in the federal high-risk pool program established under Obamacare. Six states have enrollment of fewer than 100 individuals – the District of Columbia’s pool, for instance, has but 44 enrollees. The current enrollment data do not come anywhere close to earlier projections – the Medicare actuary originally projected enrollment at 375,000 individuals in 2010, and Congressional Budget Office estimated up to 700,000 individuals would attempt to enroll in the program by next year.

Two key points follow from the underwhelming enrollment in the pre-existing condition coverage, and the Administration’s claims enrollment is satisfactory:

1. It’s difficult for the Administration to argue that 129 million individuals have pre-existing conditions and “could be denied affordable coverage.” The 56,257 individuals enrolled in the new federal high-risk pool as of February 29 represent only .04% of the total number of Americans the Administration claimed suffer from pre-existing conditions.

2. Obamacare spends $2.6 trillion in its first decade of full implementation, largely to ensure that those with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage. At this rate and based on these metrics – $2.6 trillion in spending, and 56,257 participants – the federal government will spend $4,621,647.08 per year for every person with pre-existing conditions newly enrolled in coverage. That’s not just enough money to buy each person with pre-existing conditions a platinum-plated insurance policy – that’s enough to buy each one a small hospital.

That the Administration is content with high-risk pool enrollment of just over 50,000 persons with pre-existing conditions shows that the problem of individuals with pre-existing conditions is real, but not insurmountable. More to the point, it doesn’t take a 2700-page, $2.6 trillion law the American people didn’t need or want – taking away the health coverage of millions in the process – to provide access to about 56,000 individuals with chronic or pre-existing conditions.

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

Senator Mike Lee TV is my Ustream Channel. I will stream town hall events here May 1 and May 2 @ 7 p.m. MST: http://ustre.am/ESPP #utpol

SenLeeComs

Finally! A win for common sense: Obama DOL Withdraws Radical Farm Labor Rule http://1.usa.gov/JMfD60 @SenJohnThune

SenLeePressSec

Flat Stanley came to visit all the way from Sunrise Elementary in Smithfield, #Utah! #flatstanley http://pic.twitter.com/XU2IYvej

SenLeeResearch

Growth and growth expectations both racing downward: http://bit.ly/ICICZE #tcot #tlot #economy #GDP #jobs

Around the Water Cooler

With an asterisk, WTC is back as tallest skyscraper in New York City

One World Trade Center, the giant monolith being built to replace the twin towers destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks, will lay claim to the title of New York City’s tallest skyscraper on Monday. Workers will erect steel columns that will make its unfinished skeleton a little over 1,250 feet high, just enough to peak over the roof of the observation deck on the Empire State Building.

Wind farms are warming the earth, researchers say

New research finds that wind farms actually warm up the surface of the land underneath them during the night, a phenomena that could put a damper on efforts to expand wind energy as a green energy solution.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will be meeting with local officials and constituents in Morgan, Brigham City, and Layton. He will also be holding a town hall meeting at Bridgerland Applied Technology College in Brigham City, and the meeting will be streamed online via Senator Lee’s Ustream feed, which can be watched directly on the senator’s Facebook page here.

Weekly Wrap-up: No Budget for Three Years -- Day Lee Briefing 04/27/12

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

This Sunday will mark the three-year anniversary of the last time that the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a budget. Majority Leader Harry Reid has already stated that he will not allow a vote on a Democratic budget in 2012, which means that we will be approaching the last budget’s four-year anniversary before a new one will even be considered.

The Senate Democrats' failure to do their statutorily mandated job is shameful. When asked about a budget by Greta van Susteren on April 3^rd, the Democratic Chairwoman said that she expected the Senate to take up and pass a budget this year, even though Senator Reid had already dismissed that possibility. On April 25^th, the Chairwoman acknowledged to Bret Baier that she had not known what her own party’s plans were despite being one of its leaders.

Worse still, she also told Baier that the budgets proposed by President Obama and Congressman Paul Ryan offered “two blueprints that show the different directions that this country can go” without mentioning that she had voted against President Obama’s budget in the House’s unanimous 414-0 rejection of the plan. That vote reminded many of the last time Harry Reid allowed the Senate to vote on an Obama budget, when his FY2012 proposal was turned down 97-0.

This week serves as yet another reminder that the Democrats find their own budget ideas more embarrassing than the complete abdication of one of their most basic responsibilities. Below are a few articles delving further into the subject:

SESSIONS: Senate’s scofflaw Democrats

This Sunday marks exactly three years since the Democratic majority in the Senate last passed a budget, on April 29, 2009. During that time, the federal government has spent $10.4 trillion and added another $4.5 trillion to our total debt.

Democrats Have Nothing to Offer But Fear Itself

Asked why the Senate hasn't produced a budget in three years, the head of the Democratic Party instead stoked fear about the "Romney-Ryan budget that ends Medicare as we know it." FDR, call your office.

Senate Dems: We don't need no stinkin' budget

April 29 will mark three years since Senate Democrats passed a budget. This dereliction of duty flagrantly violates the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act.

And here are some of the week’s best tweets about the continued lack of a federal budget:

@SenLeeComs

Happy Anniversary Harry! Sunday marks the third full year the Democrat-controlled Senate has failed to produce a budget #3yearsnobudget

@RandyNeugebauer

Why haven't @Senatedems passed a #Budget in over 1000 days? #questionsthatdontgetanswers

@GOPrincess

BREAKING: The Senate Democrats have just released their federal #Budget plan. http://via.me/-uuuynw

@RWrasse

The federal government has added nearly $4.5 trillion to the #debt since Senate Dems last passed a #budget. #3YearsNoBudget

@TimmyHydeisLost

@NowWithAlex said #TeaParty hasn't done anything in #congress #PaulRyan & crew passed a #budget Senate gave #Obama 0 votes 2 years in a row

@washingtonstrat

#Democrats in the #Senate aren’t pressing ahead at all on the #budget, fearful of politically risky votes http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/health_care/gop-pulls-its-budget-punches-as-follow-up-legislation-advances-on-capitol-hill/2012/04/24/gIQAfbz5eT_story.html

@BudgetGOP

#3YearsNoBudget RT @philipaklein The last time the Senate passed a budget, Andrew Luck had yet to play a college game.

Lee: VAWA Oversteps Limits on Federal Power

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

My opposition to the current VAWA reauthorization is a vote against big government and inefficient spending, and a vote in favor of state autonomy and local control. We must not allow a desire by some to score political points and an appetite for federal spending to prevent states and localities from efficiently and effectively serving women and other victims of domestic violence.

VAWA Vote -- Day Lee Briefing 04/26/2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Utah Insurance Department, Emery County, Wheeler Machinery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Federal Bar Association, the Creative Coalition, and the Association of Governments.

From the Senator’s Desk

From the Whip

The Senate will convene at 9:30am and will resume consideration of S. 1925, the Violence Against Women Act. The time until 11:30am will be for debate only.

At 11:30am, the Senate will begin up to 30 minutes of debate on executive calendar #509, Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, and executive calendar #510, David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

Around 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to two Roll Call Votes on confirmation of the nominations.

Following the votes, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1925 and Majority Leader Reid will be recognized. The two Leaders are still discussing a path forward on VAWA.

Wednesday’s Session:

Roll Call Votes:

-Manchin #2079 (mandatory 2 year closure moratorium)(43-53) not agreed to

-Paul #2028 (local postal autonomy)(35-64) not agreed to

-Paul #2039 (collective bargaining)(23-76) not agreed to

-Casey #2042 (maintain delivery standards)(44-54) not agreed to

-DeMint #2046 (union dues)(46-53) not agreed to

-Passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended (62-37) passed

UC Items:

S.Res.437 (Boston College Men’s Hockey)

S.Res.438 (National Safe Digging Month)

On Twitter

MT @senleecoms: Happy Anniversary Harry! Sunday marks 3rd full year the Dem-controlled Senate has failed to produce a budget #3yearsnobudget
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) April 26, 2012

LEE:"Shldnt allow desire by some to score political points to prevent states from effectively serving women, victims of dom violence" #VAWA
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) April 26, 2012

RT: @TheJenReport: Salazar's political game with Utahn's jobs, education thejenaustinreport.com/?p=128 #utah #utpol
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) April 26, 2012

Featured Tweet

My next #FF goes out to @SenMikeLee - A wonderful staff member attended our Foreclosure Luncheon yesterday. We appreciate the support!
— NeighborWrksSaltLake (@NWSaltLake) April 27, 2012

Around the Water Cooler

Analysts say North Korea's new missiles are fakes

Analysts who have studied photos of a half-dozen ominous new North Korean missiles showcased recently at a lavish military parade say they were fakes, and not very convincing ones, casting further doubt on the country's claims of military prowess.

EPA Official's 'Philosophy' On Oil Companies: 'Crucify Them' - Just As Romans Crucified Conquered Citizens

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) took to the Senate floor today to draw attention to a video of a top EPA official saying the EPA’s “philosophy” is to “crucify” and “make examples” of oil and gas companies - just as the Romans crucified random citizens in areas they conquered to ensure obedience.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will be back in Utah to meet with constituents.