Day Lee Briefing — 6/03/2011
Blindly raising the debt ceiling yet again carries significant risk—indeed, a risk that easily rivals that associated with not raising it. In the last three years, gross federal debt has grown from 64% to 93% of GDP. Debt of this magnitude crowds out much-needed private investment and could lead to reduced private-sector growth, persistent unemployment, a devastating fiscal crisis, and skyrocketing interest rates.
Rising Unemployment and the President’s Failed Policies
Today’s jobs report underscores what has already been a tough week for our economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
The unemployment rate edged up to 9.1% in May, from a level of 9.0% in April and 8.8% in March.
Day Lee Briefing — 6/02/2011
“If politicians just increase the debt limit now without simultaneously correcting that rapid spending growth, then they will be expected to do so in the future. In contrast, if they tie any increase in the debt limit to a halt in the explosion of spending, then people will give them better odds that they will control spending in the future. Linking the debt limit vote to spending thus establishes a precedent and valuable credibility.” — John B. Taylor, “In Praise of Debt Limit ‘Chicken’”, Wall Street Journal Op-Ed
Lee Applauds Salazar’s Decision to Abandon ‘Wild Lands’ Policy
Today, Senator Mike Lee applauded the decision by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to not designate any lands as “Wild Lands” in accordance with the 2011 Continuing Resolution. Senator Lee also indicated he stands ready to work with the Utah state legislature and other state and local officials to evaluate current wilderness study areas.
Day Lee Briefing — 6/01/2011
Today’s Agenda Senator Lee is in Utah during the Senate Recess Work Period meeting with a number of constituents and groups. From the Senator’s Desk “Today, Senator Mike Lee […]
Day Lee Briefing — 5/31/2011
“Last week, I received more than 300 calls to my office from constituents. The overwhelming majority called to ask me to oppose the Patriot Act reauthorization, which I did. Other issues included entitlement reform, our national debt, and spending cuts. My staff pays close attention to the calls coming in from Utah and we discuss them throughout the week so I know exactly how you feel on the issues of the day. I look forward to hearing more from you, so keep the calls coming.” -Mike Lee
Patriot Act and the Fourth Amendment – Floor Speech
The concept that regardless of how passionately we might feel about the need for certain government intervention, we can’t ever allow government to be operating completely unfettered.
We have liberty in place whenever government is controlled by the people, and whenever there are certain things that are beyond the reach of the government.
Senator Lee, Republican Colleagues Call on Administration to Produce Budget
Senator Mike Lee (UT-R) and 22 of his Republican colleagues on Wednesday signed a letter to President Obama, calling attention to the failure of the democrats to produce a budget in 756 days. Lee and others are urging the Administration to work with budget experts to develop plans to allocate spending within a $2.6 trillion Debt Ceiling Budget.
Day Lee Briefing — 5/26/2011
Senator Lee will attend a briefing on our relationship with Pakistan, and nomination hearings in the ENR and Judiciary Committees. He has several media interviews, including ABC’s Topline.
Day Lee Briefing — 5/25/2011
Senator Lee will attend the Senate Prayer Breakfast this morning and meets with members from the dietary supplements industry in Utah. He’ll discuss job creation in the bio-tech industry at the Joint Economic Committee and have lunch with Governor Herbert and the Utah Delegation. Senator Lee will also stop by the weekly event for Utah constituents, with plenty of green Jell-O on hand.