Today’s Agenda

This morning, Senator Lee will meet with a group of policy leaders at an event hosted by Citizens Against Government Waste to talk about the nation’s fiscal crisis.  He has a meeting with the Judiciary Committee to discuss ways to make the immigration court system more efficient, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee will discuss pending legislation before the Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee.   The Senator has media interviews with the Salt Lake Tribune, as well as Mid Utah Radio.  Finally, he will be hosting a Green Jell-O Social event for Utah constituents in Washington, D.C.

From the Senator’s Desk

“It has been 749 days, more than two years, since the Senate passed a budget resolution. The majority is now six weeks late in producing a budget for this year, as required by law.  Our budget is the roadmap that tells us where we’re going in our fiscal future.  It is a critical first step toward fixing the nation’s most pressing economic problems.

“Republicans in Congress have made public a number of proposals that would balance the budget, lower spending, eliminate our annual deficit, reform entitlements, simplify the tax code, and reduce the size of government.  Our side has the bulk of ideas being debated around the country, while the Democrats in Congress largely remain silent, terrified of what they perceive as the political cost of action.

“We are ready for a robust debate on the future of our country, but, as the majority, Senate Democrats must show some leadership first.  If they are unwilling to take up the proposals put forth by Republicans, then we expect the Democrats to put forward a budget of their own.”  - Mike Lee

#2ndOpinion

Yesterday, a cloture motion failed on legislation that would have repealed tax incentives averaging for America's top 5 oil and gas producers.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “We have to do something about the exorbitant gas prices, and the best way to start with that is to do something about the five big oil companies getting subsidies they don't need.”

The truth is, according to the Joint Economic Committee in Congress, eliminating the incentives “will not affect the output or price of crude oil or natural gas.” 

@SenMikeLee: Tax hikes on America’s energy companies will not lower gas prices #2ndOpinion

Around the Water Cooler

DNews Ed: “Let the process to allow more drilling begin, and let it begin soon.”

SLTrib: Experts: Utah’s oil shale is about to start churning out fuel

Poll: “69 percent of Americans oppose raising the debt limit.”

A Look Ahead

On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Water and Power, for which Senator Lee is the Ranking Member, will review pending legislation.  Also, the Foreign Relations Committee will discuss the situation in Libya as the U.S. closes in on its 60^th day of involvement in the conflict.