Healthcare Bill Upheld -- Day Lee Briefing 6/28/2012
Jun 28, 2012
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld virtually all of President Barack Obama’s historic health care overhaul, including the hotly debated core requirement that nearly every American have health insurance.
Lee Statement on Wild Fires in Utah
Jun 27, 2012
Our thoughts are with those Utahns who have experienced the devastating destruction and loss caused by the wild fires across the State.
The Historic Decision
Jun 27, 2012
In anticipation of the Supreme Court's decision on this historic case, Senator Lee provides his analysis of each of these issues to help Americans better understand the impact that this decision will have on the healthcare system, the limits of Congress' power, the boundaries between state and federal power, and the individual liberties of all Americans.
The Utah Prairie Dog Menace -- Day Lee Briefing 6/26/2012
Jun 26, 2012
Today’s Agenda
Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of Comcast, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and Micron Technology.
From the Senator’s Desk
On Twitter
The States and the American People have become less powerful with #SCOTUS decision on #Arizona #HB1070: youtu.be/JHAyawy4FYY @Jennafnc
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 25, 2012
Americans oppose #ACA mandate because they know it violates our basic sense of freedom which the Constitution protects
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) June 26, 2012
RT @aubreyvaughan: Love that @SenMikeLee was just interviewed in front of the Supreme Court instead of from the Senate. #constitutionalchamp
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) June 25, 2012
Public opposition to #Obamacare lopsidedly stronger than public support: bit.ly/8xo5kD #tcot #tlot #SCOTUS #Constitution
— Joe Tauke (@SenLeeResearch) June 26, 2012
Around the Water Cooler
High court limits state action on immigration
A divided Supreme Court threw out major parts of Arizona's tough crackdown on illegal immigrants Monday in a ruling sure to reverberate through the November elections. The justices unanimously approved the law's most-discussed provision - requiring police to check the immigration status of those they stop for other reasons - but limited the consequences.
Issa letter hammers Obama on Operation ‘Fast and Furious’
The chairman of the House oversight committee investigating White House involvement in the botched “gun-walking” program that led to the 2010 death of U.S. Border Patrol agent accused President Obama of downplaying his involvement in the program or intentionally obstructing the Congress' inquiry.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of Baxter Healthcare and Sidley Austin Summer Associates. He will also attend a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the Montford Point Marine Association, and be a guest on the Rusty Humphries Show.
Preparing for Supreme Court Decision -- Day Lee Brieifing 6/25/2012
Jun 25, 2012
The Supreme Court will issue its last opinions on Thursday, with its decision on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul expected to come down that day.
Weekly Wrap-up: No Higher Taxes -- Day Lee Briefing 6/22/12
Jun 22, 2012
This week, the number of voices calling for an extension of all of the Bush tax cuts grew, including the number of Democratic voices. Alice Rivlin, Budget Director for President Bill Clinton, announced her support for the extension of the cuts, along with retired Republican Senator Pete Domenici. Like many others, Rivlin and Domenici see the damage that would be done by higher taxes, especially in a time of economic stagnation. Both also stated their support for comprehensive reform of the complicated and burdensome federal tax code.
Here are some of the week’s articles about the economic pain that would come with higher taxes:
Senate Dems balk at ending Bush-era tax rates on wealthy without a deficit deal
A growing number of Senate Democrats are signaling they are not prepared to raise taxes on anyone in the weak economy unless Congress approves a grand bargain to reduce the deficit.
Study: Obama plan means higher taxes on business profits
President Barack Obama’s plan to raise tax rates for the top 2 percent of U.S. households would mean higher taxes on the people who report 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Study: Higher taxes will slow growth, create job losses
A new study released Friday shows that letting any of the Bush-era tax cuts expire will weigh heavily on economic growth and lead to millions of job losses, likely plunging the economy back into recession.
And here are some of the week’s best tweets on taxes:
At least 7 Senate Dems are not prepared to raise taxes on anyone, prefer tax code #reform #fiscalcliff #taxes #4jobs ow.ly/bGdrv
— SmallBizGOP (@SmallBizGOP) June 19, 2012
"Businesses are evil for going overseas. Also, raise taxes on investment & corporations!!!" --Liberals #p2 #tcot
— Justin G. (@theGrudgeRetort) June 22, 2012
If you live in #Connecticut, #Taxmageddon will raise taxes avg of $5,161 per tax return. bit.ly/LnGXJR
— John Fleming (@john_w_fleming) June 22, 2012
@cspanwj As trite as it sounds, WE HAVE A SPENDING PROBLEM, not a revenue problem-if we raise taxes, we will simply spend more money!
— gary (@drdunc1220) June 22, 2012
Our Two Paths -- Day Lee Briefing 6/21/2012
Jun 21, 2012
Today’s Agenda
Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the National Patient Advocate Foundation. He will also be a guest on KSL’s Grant and Amanda show at 7:45 AM EDT (5:45 MDT), and will speak to the 2012 recipients of the Congressional Award at 12:20 PM EDT (10:20 AM MDT).
From the Senator’s Desk
On Twitter
If #Obamacare is upheld by #SCOTUS then there is virtually nothing that is beyond Congress' reach: politi.co/LjpDpw
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 20, 2012
Every time the Ninth Circuit is reversed and angel gets its wings #seiu #scotus
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) June 21, 2012
Sen Lee's 2nd piece of legislation to pass both House and Senate heads to Pres. Obama for signature bit.ly/LGMlcx #utpol
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) June 21, 2012
The collapse in #Greece is so bad that the country may actually lose its "developed" status: on.mktw.net/LihuTU #deficit #debt #endgame
— Joe Tauke (@SenLeeResearch) June 21, 2012
Around the Water Cooler
GOP, Holder open to talks before contempt vote
House Republican officials and Attorney General Eric Holder said they're willing to negotiate an end to a potential constitutional confrontation in a dispute related to the botched "Fast and Furious" gun-tracking operation.
Court: Union must give fee increase notice
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that unions must give nonmembers an immediate chance to object to unexpected fee increases or special assessments that all workers are required to pay in closed-shop situations.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with constituents in his Washington office.
The Universal Music Group/EMI Merger and the Future of Online Music
Jun 21, 2012
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today highlighted the challenges facing the music industry and identified important issues relating the Universal Music Group’s proposed acquisition of EMI’s record label.
July 2012 - Mobile Office Schedule
Jun 20, 2012
1. Mobile Office Visit to Millard County
When: Tuesday 10 July 2012 @ 10 AM – 11:15 AM (followed by a Mobile Office visit to a local cattle ranch/business)
Where: Scipio, Utah @ Scipio Town Hall and Fire House, 160 North Main Street, Scipio, Utah 84656 (Community Room)
2. Mobile Office Visit to Millard County
When: Tuesday 10 July 2012 @ 1 PM - 3 PM
Where: Holden, Utah @ Holden Town Hall/Community Center, P.O. Box 360127, 158 South Main Street, Holden, Utah 84636 (Town Hall)
3. Mobile Office Visit to Beaver County
When: Wednesday 11 July 2012 @ 9 AM – 11 AM
Where: Minersville, Utah @ Minersville Town Hall, P.O. Box 159, 60 West Main Street, Minersville, Utah 84752 (Legion Room)
4. Mobile Office Visit to Piute County
When: Wednesday 11 July 2012 @ 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: Junction, Utah @ Piute County Courthouse, P.O. Box 99, 550 North Main Street, Junction, Utah 84740 (Commission Chambers)
5. Mobile Office Visit to Iron County
When: Thursday12 July 2012 @ 9 AM – 11 PM
Where: Enoch, Utah @ Enoch City Hall, 900 East Midvalley Road, Enoch, Utah 84721 (Council Chambers)
6. Mobile Office Visit to Iron County
When: Thursday 12 July 2012 @ 12 PM – 2 PM
Where: Paragonah, Utah @ Paragonah Town Office, P.O. Box 600247, 44 North 100 West, Paragonah, Utah 84760 (Town Hall)
7. Mobile Office Visit to Sevier County
When: Tuesday 17 July 2012 @ 10 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Monroe, Utah @ Monroe City Hall, 10 North Main Street, Monroe, Utah 84754
8. Mobile Office Visit to Sevier County
When: Tuesday 17 July 2012 @ 12 PM - 2 PM
Where: Annabella, Utah @ Annabella Town Office, P.O. Box 175, 295 East 300 North, Annabella, Utah 84711 (Town Council Room)
9. Mobile Office Visit to Carbon County
When: Wednesday 18 July 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Wellington, Utah @ Wellington City Hall, P.O. Box 559, 150 West Main Street, Wellington, Utah 84542 (Council Room)
10. Mobile Office Visit to Carbon County
When: Wednesday 18 July 2012 @ 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: East Carbon, Utah @ East Carbon City Hall, P.O. Box 70, 101 West Geneva Drive, East Carbon City, Utah 84520 (Conference Room)
11. Mobile Office Visit to Sanpete County
When: Thursday 19 July 2012 @ 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Ephraim, Utah @ Ephraim City Hall, 5 South Main Street, Ephraim, Utah 84627 (Council Room)
12. Mobile Office Visit to Sanpete County
When: Thursday 19 July 2012 @ 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: Spring City @ Spring City Hall, P.O. Box 189, 150 East Center Street, Spring City, Utah 84662 (Council Room)
13. Mobile Office Visit to Duchesne County
When: Tuesday 31 July 2012 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Tabiona, Utah @ Tabiona Town Hall, P.O. Box 449, 38048 West 3800 North, Tabiona, Utah 84072 (Conference Room)
14. Mobile Office Visit to Duchesne County
When: Tuesday 31 July 2012 @ 1 PM - 3 PM
Where: Roosevelt, Utah @ Roosevelt City Hall, 255 South State Street, Roosevelt, Utah 84066 (Council Chambers)
Eliminating the Forest Legacy Program
Jun 20, 2012
The farm bill that the Senate is currently considering contains a reauthorization of the Forest Legacy Program. The program uses taxpayer money to pay landowners to not develop their land, acquire land with the specific purpose of not developing it, and purchase “conservation easements” that limit development rights on land with certain “conservation values.”
