War on Terrorism ended. Terrorists won.

Joe Biden solely and completely bears responsibility for the collapse of Afghanistan.

Fairfax, Va. – Americans for Limited Government President Richard Manning issued the following statement in response to unfolding events in Afghanistan and the ongoing fallout of  Joe Biden’s presidency:

“August 15, 2021 is the day that the war on terrorism ended. The terrorists won.  The horrific sight of Americans being evacuated by helicopter off of the roof of the US Embassy in Kabul as the Taliban, which were the genesis of the attack on the Twin Towers, took Afghanistan’s capitol city is eerily reminiscent of the fall of Saigon, 1975. The Afghans who allied themselves with America are being abandoned to be slaughtered by an enemy that has neither compassion nor mercy.  Another Islamic state is being created dedicated to the subjugation of all non-Muslims and Joe Biden is its author through his blithering incompetence.

“Biden solely and completely bears responsibility for the collapse of Afghanistan as every decision he made leading up to today accelerated its fall.  In a sane time, his abject failure would cause universal calls for him to resign or be impeached.  Today, his Vice President tweeted “Get Vaccinated” demonstrating that is not an option as she is either not even aware of what is going on in the world or worse, is aware and chooses to ignore it.

“There is never a good time for the nation that is the leader of the free world to be led by those who hate the very freedoms that others aspire to, but seven months of President Biden has set the world on fire.

“Beyond Kabul, Biden’s plea for Saudi Arabia to pump more oil while he shutters domestic pipelines and oil production demonstrates how disconnected this administration is from the impacts of its own policies.  The southern border is overwhelmed by illegal immigrants, a record 200,000+ in July alone after Biden rescinded Trump’s policies that were working and Democrats in Congress dangle amnesty to encourage the flood.  And he is crippling the U.S. economy through his ongoing spending fueling rampant inflation which is driving up the cost of virtually everything at a pace not seen since the Carter era.

“The world is a far more dangerous place today than it was on January 19, 2021.  Incredibly, it only took seven months for a geriatric, befuddled president and his far left handlers to screw it up.  Pray for America and the world because the transformation that is occurring is  a disaster.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at 703.478.4643 or cmortensen@getliberty.org.

Republicans who voted for $1.2 trillion ‘infrastructure’ bill got played

Voters must hold big spending Republican senators accountable for enabling the likely passage of the additional $3.5 spending bill

Fairfax, Va. – Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement in reaction to the Senate passage of the $1.2 trillion so-called infrastructure spending bill and how it affects the additional Democrat spending bill they plan to pass on a partisan vote through budget reconciliation:

“Yesterday’s announcement by Bernie Sanders, the Socialist senator from Vermont, laying out the framework for a $3.5 trillion far-left wish list spending bill should come as no surprise to Senate Republicans who just voted for the so-called infrastructure bill. Sanders’ framework puts in place much of the Green New Deal, attempts to phase out every car that runs on gas, would hire tens of thousands of environmental activists under the guise of a ‘Climate Conservation Corps’ to advocate against the free-enterprise system and would give amnesty with a glide path to citizenship for millions of illegal aliens. Normally, this kind of legislation could be dismissed, but we don’t live in normal times.

“Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has already said he plans to pass this latest assault on America on a strictly partisan basis. Expect to hear howls of opposition from the very same Senate Republicans who voted for the bi-partisan so-called infrastructure spending bill. The truth is, every single one of them knew that the $3.5 trillion partisan bill would not pass the House of Representatives without the bi-partisan bill also having passed. The 19 Republicans who voted for the bi-partisan bill effectively enabled the Green New Deal wish list to have a strong chance of passage. Their constituents should hold them accountable.”

The following 19 Republicans voted in favor of the $1.2 trillion so-called infrastructure spending bill:

Richard Burr, N.C. **

Roy Blunt, Mo.**

Shelley Moore Capito, W. Va.

Bill Cassidy, La.

Susan Collins, Maine

Kevin Cramer, N.D.

Mike Crapo, Idaho *

Deb Fischer, Neb. *

Lindsey Graham

Chuck Grassley *

John Hoeven, N.D. *

Mitch McConnell, Ky.

Lisa Murkowski, Alaska *

Rob Portman, Ohio **

James Risch, Idaho

Mitt Romney, Utah

Dan Sullivan, Alaska

Thom Tillis, N.C.

Roger Wicker, Miss.

* Face re-election in Nov. 2022

** Has announced his retirement in 2022

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org or 703.478.4643.

Unemployment rate drops as incentives to stay unemployed end

With employers begging for workers, the fact that 276,000 people were added to the number of recently unemployed is somewhat confounding. 

Fairfax, Va.- In reaction to the July 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report, Richard Manning, President of Americans for Limited Government, issued the following statement:

“It is evil to encourage people to choose unemployment over work.  July’s unemployment numbers is another stark indicator that the Biden policy of giving extra COVID payments to the unemployed continues to have this effect.

“Even as the number of unemployed in America dropped by 782,000 in July, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a whopping 560,000 of these coming from the roles of the long-term unemployed. This rapid decrease in unemployment coincides with many states ending the extra COVID related payment of benefits to the unemployed as those payments were blamed for the unemployed staying on the sidelines of the labor market.

“The number of unemployed unfortunately remains 2.3 million higher than in February 2020 demonstrating that even in a robust jobs market.  It can be expected that many of these people will get jobs as the extra payments end in the months ahead. The sad part is that this process has been artificially delayed due to the refusal of the Biden administration and Congress to end the unnecessary extra payments which were originally intended to get people over the hump caused by the economic shutdown due to the China virus.

“Conversely, and much more concerning in the report, is the increase by 276,000 people to 2.3 million of Americans who find themselves unemployed for less than five weeks.  With employers begging for workers, the fact that 276,000 people were added to this number of recently unemployed is somewhat confounding.  It is reasonable to ask how more than a quarter of a million more people became newly unemployed in July above the already inflated June number?

“We don’t know this answer, but if the short-term unemployment number continues to rise and these people remain unemployed in August, this could be the first tremor of a shifting workforce earthquake.

“Looking ahead on the broader labor policy front, it is reasonable to expect that when the massive extra federal subsidization of unemployment comes to an end, the summer of labor shortages will also end, bringing millions more back into the labor force in early fall.  But this will only occur if the politicians resist the urge to re-engage the failed health policies of economic shutdowns. The science shows that economic shutdowns had no effect on health outcomes from the virus while causing increases in preventable deaths across the board.  If states shut down again, the July unemployment numbers may be viewed as the high water mark of the COVID economic recovery.

“And as Congress faces the end of the extra COVID unemployment payments, it is essential that they end.  As they are both economically and personally destructive.  Any attempt to reinstate these payments must be vigorously opposed by people on both sides of the aisle who want to promote both a healthy workforce and healthy American ethos.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org , or 703.478.4643.

Americans for Limited Government Urges Congress to Pass pathway to end sugar subsidies resolution

This allows American farmers to compete on a level playing field and ends the pernicious impacts of market guarantees.

Fairfax, Va. – Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) have joined together to introduce a bi-partisan House resolution creating a pathway to ending U.S. sugar subsidies.  The Cammack-Kildee resolution recognizes the multi-billion-dollar sugar subsidies in India, Brazil, Thailand and others are tools those countries us to make their sugar temporarily cheaper than that grown by U.S. farmers.

“Free trade must also be fair trade, and we cannot abandon our own production capabilities in favor of cheap imports that destroy livelihoods and our markets—after all, food security is national security,” said Rep. Cammack. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution that will ensure a level playing field and preserve family operations.”

The Zero for Zero resolution instructs the President of the United States to, “seek elimination of all direct and indirect subsidies benefiting the production or export of sugar” by the above named governments as well as others. Upon certification that those governments have ceased their subsidies, the President is then instructed to produce legislation which would reform U.S. sugar subsidy policy.  In short, use the power of the United States as a trading partner around the world to end destructive sugar subsidies with the end goal of ending US subsidies, putting American producers on an equal footing with their foreign competitors.

“If our nation is ever going to get out from under agriculture subsidy after agriculture subsidy, it is imperative that we pursue a global solution,” said Richard Manning, President of Americans for Limited Government.  “This allows American farmers to compete on a level playing field and ends the pernicious impacts of market guarantees.  A true win-win solution that every Member of Congress should embrace.”

Americans for Limited Government is sending a letter to each member of Congress urging them to co-sponsor the Cammack-Kildee resolution.

Manning on Hannity: Declaration of Independence is America’s DNA

As American citizens, Jan. 6th  prisoners are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Fairfax, Va. –  Americans for Limited Government President Richard Manning attended two news conferences today with members of Congress to shine a light on alleged abuses against the Jan. 6th prisoners in the DC Jail. He shared his experiences with the Sean Hannity Radio Show listeners (link below).

Manning issued the following statement:

“I had the privilege of attending two news conferences today with four courageous members of Congress, Reps. Louie Gohmert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Bob Good and Matt Gaetz. They spoke to reporters at both the Washington, DC jail where the Jan. 6th defendants are being held and at the base of the U.S. Capitol.

“I have never been as proud of any members of Congress as I was today of these four. Rather than ducking controversy, they shined a light on allegations of abuse of the Jan. 6th prisoners. They are seeking to ensure humane conditions for all prisoners in the DC jail. Defense attorneys have told lawmakers that these prisoners have been subjected to solitary confinement under conditions that are antithetical to the core values of the American system of justice. As American citizens, Jan. 6th  prisoners are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The public employees who operate the DC Jail could have easily assuaged concerns of prisoner mistreatment by opening their doors to members of Congress who have oversight over their budget.  Instead, they demanded the members leave the public lobby and accused them of trespassing.  When the ‘supervisor’ came out to meet with the members, she met them outside and proceeded to turn heel and leave, locking the door behind her.

“If the DC Jail had nothing to hide, it is reasonable to ask, why they worked so hard to avoid any transparency whatsoever?  If prisoners who have not been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony are not being abused, those who run this DC jail gave credence to every concern about what is happening under their watch.  Enough is enough.

“Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has judicial oversight authority over the District of Columbia and it is time for him to demand answers.  There is no excuse for Justice Roberts to remain silent.  If those prisoners are being denied their due process rights, then no one else’s rights are safe, either.

“Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Reps Gohmert, Taylor Green, Good and Gaetz, along with Paul Gosar who has been the point of the spear on this issue. The only question is where were the other 430 Members of Congress?”

For media availability, contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org or 703.478.4643

Richard Manning on the Sean Hannity Radio Show talking about importance of the Bill of Rights

Listen here:

To regain House and Senate Majorities GOP must put the brakes on spending

 Republicans Must Embrace Fiscal Restraint, Just Say No to Both Infrastructure Bills

Fairfax, Va. – Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning issued the following statement today urging Senate Republicans to reject both so-called infrastructure spending bills under consideration:

“With recent polls showing that nearly 9 in 10 voters are worried about the rising cost of living, Republicans seeking to regain House and Senate majorities in 2022 are wise to embrace the principle of fiscal restraint. It would be a bad look for Senate Republicans to go along with legislation that promises almost $580 billion of deficit-spending over eight years, averaging $72 billion a year, and who knows what’s in years nine and ten. Moreover, by green lighting this spending on a 60-vote threshold, Senate Republicans who go along with it will be providing deficit offset wiggle room for the Democrats’ second spending bill they plan to push through on budget reconciliation. That bill could total as much as $3.5 trillion. If Congress doesn’t pass the first spending bill, it would mean the second bill would have to be significantly watered down. If Democrats wanted a deal with Republicans, they should take their second bill off the table. The fact they haven’t should make this Senate deal a non-starter.

“If the GOP wants to regain the mantel of fiscal responsibility, its members in Congress cannot pretend that adding an additional $72 billion a year to the annual deficit above and beyond the regularly authorized debt is okay. It is not and it is dangerous. It is time to just say no to the off-budget spending that has thrown our nation into a debt induced downward spiral.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at 703.478.4643 or cmortensen@getliberty.org.

Biden’s DOJ denies Jan. 6 prisoners constitutional right to speedy trial

They are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and should be treated accordingly

Fairfax, Va. – A group of six Republican lawmakers held a press conference outside the Department of Justice  (DOJ) on Tuesday to demand answers about the treatment of those arrested over the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Congress members Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Louis Gohmert (R-Texas), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Bob Good (R-Va.) and Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) gave remarks from a podium outside the office of the DOJ. Rep. Gohmert said he has received reports about mistreatment in the jails and has sought unsuccessfully to discuss his concerns with the U.S. Attorney General.

Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning issued the following statement in reaction to the news:

“Today America witnessed true courage as six GOP members of Congress stood in front of the Department of Justice demanding due process for hundreds of U.S. citizens imprisoned, often times kept in solitary confinement for months, for actions on Jan. 6th which don’t even rise to the level of being a felony.  Whether these people are guilty or innocent matters much less than the obvious fact that the federal government under Joe Biden’s leadership has chosen to deny them even the most basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

“Meanwhile down the street in a Committee hearing far away from reality, two other erstwhile GOP members of Congress gave aid and comfort to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s on-going witch hunt.  House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is right in calling out these ‘Pelosi Republicans’ for their efforts to help the Speaker in her five year quest to get Donald Trump.  By participating in the Democrat Show Trial,  Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger need to be removed from their committee assignments and replaced by other GOP House members.  If Pelosi wants to add them, she should be required to replace other Democrats to accommodate that wish.

“Let’s be clear.  Americans for Limited Government decried the decision by those who entered the Capitol complex on Jan. 6th in real time.  Let’s also be clear. Those who are alleged to have broken windows or doors, assaulted Capitol police, or even the hundreds who just wandered into the Capitol or onto the Capitol grounds taking selfies, should be afforded their day in court.  They are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and should be treated accordingly.  To do less is to fail the very constitutional framework which undergirds our entire legal system.  And that is what an honest Jan. 6th investigation would pursue: the obfuscation of the truth about events around Jan. 6 and the failure of our legal system to afford protections of even the most basic liberties our nation used to cherish and defend.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org or 703.478.4643.

Senate GOP Must Stand and Fight

Senate Democrats Seek to Pass a Blank Check Bill Crushing Individual Liberty & Freedom

 

Fairfax, Va. – Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning issued the following statement today in reaction to an attempt by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer  to pass a massive  spending bill without providing any details of what is in the bill:

“Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking Nancy Pelosi’s “Congress “[has] to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it” approach to lawmaking  to a new low today as he forces  a vote on an infrastructure bill before the details have been negotiated.

“Senate Republicans are promising to stop the blank bill by refusing to provide the votes to bring it to the floor.  The Schumer scheme itself is stunning in its own right. The term blank bill is accurate. It is a bill with no language detailing what the spending would be – a literal blank check with the numbers and details to be provided later.  Schumer is asking  Republicans to give up their ability to stop the bill using the filibuster, allowing him to then write the check, put anything he wants into the bill,  including the entire green new deal agenda. Schumer could them cram the bill  through with a straight partisan Democrat vote with the Vice President breaking  the tie.

“Any Republican Senator who votes for this bill would be waving a white flag in the battle for our nation.

“Can Republicans make any deal with the duplicitous Democrats?

“Schumer, Pelosi, and Biden have each already promised that they will disregard compromises made in the so-called bipartisan infrastructure bill by using the budget reconciliation process that by-passes the Senate filibuster to push through more than $3 trillion in additional spending for a left-wing wish list including green new deal spending and amnesty for illegal aliens. This all makes the bipartisan bill moot, and continued negotiations an exercise in vanity at best.

“It is time for Senate Republicans to open their eyes and see that this is not the 1990s or 2000s. Today’s Senate Democrats are not looking for collegial compromise but instead to achieve total victory for their  world view.  Senate Democrats know that in 2022, if they don’t rig the election laws, they will lose  control of the House of Representatives and perhaps even the Senate, losing a historic chance to put a knife through the heart of individual liberty in America.

“The GOP must understand  that while they view politics in DC through a rose-colored lens, the Democrats view them as their enemy.

“If Schumer proceeds with today’s ‘blank check’ vote, Senate Republicans should immediately and permanently end the meaningless negotiations they are undertaking, and finally realize that their good intentions are merely providing cover for the bad intentions of the left.”

For media inquiries contact Catherine Mortensen at 703.478.4643, or email cmortensen@getliberty.org.

ALG urges corporations to stop funding BLM after support for Cuban oppression

July 16, 2021, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning today issued the following statement urging American corporations to stop funding Black Lives Matter after its support of the communist regime in Cuba that is actively oppressing its people:

“Black Live Matters’ continued support for the oppressive Cuban regime, which is disappearing, massacring and jailing hundreds of peaceful protesters who had the audacity to march in the streets for freedom, is unacceptable. Last year, at least 22 corporations gave millions of dollars to Black Lives Matter, under the guise of supporting human rights. Each of these should discontinue all future payments to Black Lives Matter to send a message that they truly support basic human rights. Continuing to fund an organization live Black Lives Matter that not only condones but supports state sponsored violence of Cuba against peaceful protesters and political opponents is antithetical to American values. And if these corporations fail to stop funding Black Lives Matter, it will demonstrate that their donations were nothing more than political payoffs, rather than true concerns for social justice, or worse, a tacit endorsement of the Cuban regime and the oppression it continues wage upon the Cuban people.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org or 703.478.4643.

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Biden slams door on Cuban asylum seekers

New immigration priority is to allow only Democrat voters

Fairfax, Va. – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he will not allow Cuban political asylum seekers into the United States and will instead refer them to “third countries for resettlement.”

Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning issued the following statement in response:

“Refusing to give political asylum to those who are legitimately fleeing political violence and oppression in Cuba, after opening the borders to anyone who makes an asylum claim from Central America demonstrates that Biden’s border policy is not about human rights, it is about importing voters.  Those fleeing Cuba will never vote for the left’s Marxist nightmare, so they are denied even as they are living under one of the most repressive regimes in the world.”

For media availability contact Catherine Mortensen at cmortensen@getliberty.org or 703.478.4643.