Lee Satisfied With FTC Approval of EMI Merger
Sep 21, 2012
I am satisfied with the FTC’s decision to allow Universal Music Group’s acquisition of recording label EMI. In dynamic markets such as this one, in which innovation is constantly changing the means of production and distribution of music, government regulators must be careful not to intervene without evidence that a merger will harm consumers. The FTC’s decision appears to be fact-based, well-reasoned, and focused on consumer welfare. I trust that the acquisition of EMI will enable Universal’s labels and artists to continue recording, producing and distributing great music at a fair price.
Lee Holds Constitution Bowl for Local Students
Sep 18, 2012
Senator Mike Lee and the Utah League of Cities and Towns hosted the first annual "Constitution Bowl" on Friday, September 14, testing the knowledge of teams from four local high schools on topics related to the U.S. Constitution and government. The event was held in honor of the 225th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution and to get students talking about the country’s founding document.
Happy Constitution Day!
Sep 17, 2012
Today, Americans celebrate the 225th Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution – that enduring document that guarantees the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that our Founders envisioned at the birth of our nation.
Evaluating Our Presence in Libya
Sep 13, 2012
First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and colleagues of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the three other Americans killed in Libya. The events and tragedies over the last 48 hours in Egypt and Libya remind us that the values we hold dear in America are constant targets in the most dangerous parts of the world.
The Administration’s response has been a mixed message to the world. At a time when Americans are outraged at the killing of four American citizens, including our chief diplomat in Libya, as well as the destruction of our consulate there, the President appears more concerned with offending the protesters. His statements have scantly mentioned the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. And he has not yet given any indication that he is using what leverage he has to demand the full cooperation of Libyan officials to investigate the killings.
More broadly, we must also evaluate the value of our presence in Libya. After the fall of Qadafi, Americans were right to assume we would have a friend in the newly liberated country. But progress has been difficult. There is not yet a fully functional government in Libya. On July 7, 2012, Libyan voters chose 200 members of a General National Congress (GNC) in the country’s first nationwide election in 30 years. The GNC is now charged with overseeing national government affairs, appointing a new cabinet, and determining the method for drafting a new constitution. But as we are now painfully aware, whatever form this new government takes, it is not yet capable of protecting our embassy and consulates.
We should close the consulate in Benghazi and vacate the premises. America has a clear history on this front. The U.S.withdrew its last Ambassador to Libya in 1972; a few years later, all remaining U.S. government personnel were withdrawn and the consulate was shut down after a mob attacked and set fire to it on December 2, 1979. In that incident no one was killed, yet the American response was swift and firm. A diplomatic presence in Libya was not restored until 2004.Only after the Libyan government has demonstrated the ability to ensure the safety of American diplomats should we reopen a U.S. consulate.
We also have significant leverage through the funding Libya now receives from the U.S. As of August 2012, the United States government has provided more than $200 million in assistance to Libya since the beginning of the uprising in 2011. If Libya is unwilling to lend its full cooperation to finding the criminals who took American lives, we should cut some or all of the funding Libya receives.
Finally, it is important to remember that a consulate is a diplomatic and policy center, not a military base. Apart from protecting and removing American citizens, there is no reason to put Marines there. Absent a defined purpose, time period, and desired result, the United States should not engage in military operations in Libya.
Libya has the potential to be a great American ally and an advocate of democracy and freedom in the region. The United States will stand ready to support Libya if these are its aims, but not until it has shown this is the path it will pursue.
The Administration’s response has been a mixed message to the world. At a time when Americans are outraged at the killing of four American citizens, including our chief diplomat in Libya, as well as the destruction of our consulate there, the President appears more concerned with offending the protesters. His statements have scantly mentioned the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. And he has not yet given any indication that he is using what leverage he has to demand the full cooperation of Libyan officials to investigate the killings.
More broadly, we must also evaluate the value of our presence in Libya. After the fall of Qadafi, Americans were right to assume we would have a friend in the newly liberated country. But progress has been difficult. There is not yet a fully functional government in Libya. On July 7, 2012, Libyan voters chose 200 members of a General National Congress (GNC) in the country’s first nationwide election in 30 years. The GNC is now charged with overseeing national government affairs, appointing a new cabinet, and determining the method for drafting a new constitution. But as we are now painfully aware, whatever form this new government takes, it is not yet capable of protecting our embassy and consulates.
We should close the consulate in Benghazi and vacate the premises. America has a clear history on this front. The U.S.withdrew its last Ambassador to Libya in 1972; a few years later, all remaining U.S. government personnel were withdrawn and the consulate was shut down after a mob attacked and set fire to it on December 2, 1979. In that incident no one was killed, yet the American response was swift and firm. A diplomatic presence in Libya was not restored until 2004.Only after the Libyan government has demonstrated the ability to ensure the safety of American diplomats should we reopen a U.S. consulate.
We also have significant leverage through the funding Libya now receives from the U.S. As of August 2012, the United States government has provided more than $200 million in assistance to Libya since the beginning of the uprising in 2011. If Libya is unwilling to lend its full cooperation to finding the criminals who took American lives, we should cut some or all of the funding Libya receives.
Finally, it is important to remember that a consulate is a diplomatic and policy center, not a military base. Apart from protecting and removing American citizens, there is no reason to put Marines there. Absent a defined purpose, time period, and desired result, the United States should not engage in military operations in Libya.
Libya has the potential to be a great American ally and an advocate of democracy and freedom in the region. The United States will stand ready to support Libya if these are its aims, but not until it has shown this is the path it will pursue.
Lee To Testify at Hearing on Obama’s Abuse of Power
Sep 12, 2012
Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) will testify at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on the “Obama Administration’s Abuse of Power.”
Senator Lee will discuss the essential duty of the legislature to ensure that the executive branch does not exceed its rightful authority, a duty that has become even more important with President Obama in office.
“In recent decades we have witnessed the executive branch claim for itself more and more government power. But this trend has reached new, disturbing levels under the current administration. President Obama has treated the Constitution’s separation of powers as if it were a matter of convenience that may be ignored when it gets in his way. Rather than cooperating with Congress or respecting the Constitution’s separation of powers, he has in many instances chosen to go it alone and in the process has exceeded the proper bounds of executive power.”
Senator Lee will discuss President Obama’s unconstitutional recess appointments; his action to obstruct legislative oversight of his administration, including his abusive assertion of executive privilege with respect to Operation Fast & Furious documents; and his unilateral decision to issue an executive order contravening Congress’s immigration policy.
Senator Lee’s written testimony states, “As these examples demonstrate, when faced with opposition from Congress, President Obama has repeatedly sought to go it alone. It is thus all the more necessary and important that Congress continue to exercise its constitutional role and check this President’s abuse of power.”
The hearing will stream live from here at 10am ET, and full text of Senator Lee’s testimony is attached.
Senator Lee will discuss the essential duty of the legislature to ensure that the executive branch does not exceed its rightful authority, a duty that has become even more important with President Obama in office.
“In recent decades we have witnessed the executive branch claim for itself more and more government power. But this trend has reached new, disturbing levels under the current administration. President Obama has treated the Constitution’s separation of powers as if it were a matter of convenience that may be ignored when it gets in his way. Rather than cooperating with Congress or respecting the Constitution’s separation of powers, he has in many instances chosen to go it alone and in the process has exceeded the proper bounds of executive power.”
Senator Lee will discuss President Obama’s unconstitutional recess appointments; his action to obstruct legislative oversight of his administration, including his abusive assertion of executive privilege with respect to Operation Fast & Furious documents; and his unilateral decision to issue an executive order contravening Congress’s immigration policy.
Senator Lee’s written testimony states, “As these examples demonstrate, when faced with opposition from Congress, President Obama has repeatedly sought to go it alone. It is thus all the more necessary and important that Congress continue to exercise its constitutional role and check this President’s abuse of power.”
The hearing will stream live from here at 10am ET, and full text of Senator Lee’s testimony is attached.
Lee Statement on Attack in Libya
Sep 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the three other embassy staff members who were killed in the outrageous attacks on the U.S. facility in Libya. Ambassador Stevens served his country faithfully and bravely in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. I strongly condemn the violence that led to the unnecessary deaths of these American Foreign Service officers and pray that the remaining staff members will be safe.
Remembering September 11 -- Day Lee Briefing 9/11/2012
Sep 11, 2012
Today's Agenda
Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the American Psychological Association, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the American College of Cardiology, and the Dixie Regional Medical Center. He will also participate in the congressional ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of 9/11.
From the Senator's Desk
On Twitter
Today we remember the victims of 9/11, the heroic first responders, and those who continue to keep us safe and bring our enemies to justice.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 11, 2012
MT @freedomworks: . @max_pappas presenting Freedom Fighter Award to @senmikelee for defending economic freedom! twitter.com/Max_Pappas/sta…
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) September 11, 2012
Members of the House and Senate gathered on the steps of the US Capitol this morning for a #sept11 Remembran instagr.am/p/PcShp2y5dp/
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) September 11, 2012
9 reasons why the #economy isn't moving "#Forward": bit.ly/Qb1Ud5 #tcot #tlot #jobs #unemployment #gdp #growth
— Joe Tauke (@SenLeeResearch) September 11, 2012
Around the Water Cooler
How the nation and the world are commemorating 9/11
At Israel's Sept. 11 memorial - a 30-foot bronze sculpture of a waving American flag that morphs into a memorial flame - the father of one victim endorsed the crackdown on terrorism. Dov Shefi, the father of Hagay Shefi, who was attending a conference that day in the twin towers, said, "Let us hope that the free world will continue to fight against leaders of terrorist organizations and their supporters; let all the souls of the thousands of victims whose names are marked on this great living memorial in Jerusalem be remembered from here to eternity."
Germany says "great uncertainty" about US debt
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble questioned on Tuesday how the United States could deal with its high levels of government debt after November's presidential election.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Farmers Union, the New Car Dealers of Utah, and the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. He will also host a Jell-O bar for office visitors at 3:30 PM EDT (1:30 MDT).
Lee to Host Inaugural Constitution Bowl
Sep 11, 2012
On Friday, September 14, in celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, Senator Mike Lee will host the first annual “Constitution Bowl.”
Saying No to UN Small Arms Treaty -- Day Lee Briefing 9/10/2012
Sep 10, 2012
Today’s Agenda
Today, Senator Lee is flying to Washington.
From the Senator’s Desk
On Twitter
Another abysmal jobs report to add to the president's record. "Economists blame #fiscalcliff for slowdown" ow.ly/dxvbi
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 7, 2012
How Obama has gutted welfare reform washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-o… @heritage
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) September 7, 2012
Op-Ed from @senmikelee: To Obama, 'Investment' Is Another Word For Crony Capitalism bit.ly/QfGnSf #utpol
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) September 7, 2012
Is America more competitive than it was #4yearsago? Not so much: bit.ly/TXcOkL #tcot #tlot
— Joe Tauke (@SenLeeResearch) September 5, 2012
Around the Water Cooler
US watchdog questions spending for Afghan army
The watchdog for U.S. spending in Afghanistan says lax accountability in a $1.1 billion program supplying fuel to the Afghan National Army needs "immediate attention" before control of the program is turned over to the Kabul government in less than four months.
GM’s Volt: The ugly math of low sales, high costs
General Motors Co sold a record number of Chevrolet Volt sedans in August — but that probably isn't a good thing for the automaker's bottom line.
Nearly two years after the introduction of the path-breaking plug-in hybrid, GM is still losing as much as $49,000 on each Volt it builds, according to estimates provided to Reuters by industry analysts and manufacturing experts.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the American Psychological Association, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the American College of Cardiology, and the Dixie Regional Medical Center. He will also participate in the congressional ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of 9/11.
Global Competitiveness Dropping -- Day Lee Briefing 9/06/2012
Sep 6, 2012
From the Senator’s Desk
Courtesy of the Senate Republican Conference:
U.S. Global Competitiveness Ranking
Drops for Fourth Straight Year
- According to a report issued today by the World Economic Forum, the United States dropped from fifth to seventh place in global competitiveness.
- America ranked first in global competitiveness when President Obama took office in 2009.
- The report also ranked the United States at a staggering 136th place in terms of the federal government’s massive debt-to-GDP ratio.
- Over 100 countries have more competitive tax rates than the United States.
President Obama’s policies are making it more difficult to do business in the United States:
- Government red tape, high tax rates, and burdensome regulations are the highest hurdles for doing business in the United States, according to the report.
- While U.S. businesses remain competitive in terms of innovation and technology, the U.S. received some its worst rankings in the areas of high debt, deficits, and taxes.
The president should work with Congress to make it less expensive and easier to do business in the United States:
- By extending all tax rates for at least one year, reforming the tax code, reducing the deficit, and eliminating unnecessary red tape and regulations, we can give job creators the certainty they need to expand and hire more American workers.
- With over 23 million Americans unemployed or underemployed, the president should get serious about restoring America’s global economic competitiveness.
On Twitter
With $16 Trillion in debt it is no surprise that Utahns in town hall meetings showed strong support for #cutcapbalance: youtu.be/5hzyZOqi1wc
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 4, 2012
Dems: Americans "belong to" government ow.ly/duazy (h/t @freedomworks)
— Brian Phillips (@SenLeeComs) September 5, 2012
@nataliewardel Good luck speaking to the BYU students today! Tell them to follow @senleepresssec to see how we tweet from DC ;)
— Emily Bennion (@SenLeePressSec) September 4, 2012
Is America more competitive than it was #4yearsago? Not so much: bit.ly/TXcOkL #tcot #tlot
— Joe Tauke (@SenLeeResearch) September 5, 2012
Around the Water Cooler
Recession ‘taking hold’ in Eurozone, OECD says
Europe’s debt crisis is pushing the 17-country eurozone toward recession and dragging down the global economy, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday.
Greek unemployment surges to 24.4% in June
Greece's unemployment rate surged to 24.4 percent in June, according to official figures Thursday, as protests continued against a massive new austerity package, with police blocking their colleagues from starting work.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, Senator Lee will attend the dedication ceremony for the new Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons building at Dixie State College.
