Oppose the Debt Limit Until We Pass the Hatch-Lee BBA
May 10, 2011
As the debate over the nation’s debt ceiling heats up, many are wondering not only whether Congress will support an increase, but also what measures will the opponents of an increase demand in return for lifting the limit. I stand firmly behind a proposal that, in return for allowing a vote on the debt ceiling, will begin to fundamentally change the way Washington spends money.
Justice Prevails: Osama bin Laden Killed by American Special Forces
May 2, 2011
Today, we can turn the page in a very important chapter of the country’s history. The news of the death of Osama bin Laden, the mass murderer at the head of the world’s most infamous terrorist organization, brings relief to the United States and her allies in the war on terror. The brave men and women of our armed forces who successfully achieved their mission have sent a strong message to al-Qaeda, its affiliates, and the many others who carry out such cowardly attacks, that justice, no matter how long and difficult the pursuit, will prevail.
Photo Contest for Senator Lee's Website
Apr 29, 2011
I would like to invite everyone to submit their pictures of our beautiful state to my website photo contest. We will display the winners on the featured header area of our permanent website.
Breaking the Debt-Ceiling Cycle
Apr 27, 2011
The pattern of pretending to debate the factors contributing to Washington’s debt addiction is a rehearsal of rhetoric that, while increasingly circular, produces one-directional results. As the arguments for and against raising the debt ceiling make their way back and forth between the White House and Congress, continuing this exercise without a balanced-budget amendment in place means that the debt ceiling will perpetually move in only one direction: up.
Reforms, Not Just Cuts, Needed Before Debt-Ceiling Increase
Apr 25, 2011
In response to the Obama Administration’s efforts to force a debt-ceiling increase, a number of Republicans and even a few Democrats have demanded spending cuts. Reducing short-term spending is important and enjoys widespread support among the American people, but raising the debt ceiling without fundamental, structural spending reforms would be a mistake.
Weekly Update 4/11/2011 - 4/15/2011
Apr 15, 2011
In this week's update I discuss the President's deficit speech, the budget vote, social security reform, and more.
Lee Statement on President's Deficit Reduction Speech
Apr 13, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee responded to the President’s speech on deficit reduction:
“While it is encouraging the President has finally decided to participate in the deficit debate, it is disappointing that he has offered a so-called framework that ignores the destructive, burdensome long-term costs of entitlements and reversed his position on increasing taxes on the American people.
“What the President calls ‘savings’ won’t scratch the surface of our annual deficit and, without a plan to balance the budget, the President continues to increase the national debt to unfathomable and irresponsible levels, which threatens our future prosperity.
“His calls to reduce our most bloated entitlement programs by roughly $30 to $40 billion per year are woefully inadequate to address an annual deficit approaching $1.7 trillion. The President completely ignores Social Security’s contribution to the deficit in the coming years.
“Most disappointing is that the President no longer believes tax relief is important to protect our economic recovery. In December of last year, the President said extending the Bush-era tax cuts ‘will spur our private sector to create millions of new jobs, and add momentum that our economy badly needs.’
“Less than five months later, the President’s framework proposes historic tax increases on the very segment of our economy on which we are depending to create those new jobs.
“This is not just a political flip-flop. It’s a reversal that will create greater instability in our economy and threaten to turn around the small gains we’ve made in employment.
“Republicans in Congress have submitted dozens of ideas to reduce our deficit, balance our budget, restrain spending, and create jobs. Many of us stand willing to work with the President and together make the difficult choices to put the country on a fiscally responsible path.
“The President has proposed only symbolic spending ‘cuts’ and higher taxes for Americans. His speech today shows he is simply not serious about real deficit reduction.”
Debt Ceiling Vote Will Make Other Votes Look Like a Sunday Picnic
Apr 13, 2011
Senator Lee talks with Judge Napolitano about the shortcomings of the budget deal that was reached to avert a government shutdown. They also talk about the debt ceiling vote, a balanced budget amendment, and the idea of letting states veto spending bills.
The King's (Upcoming) Speech
Apr 11, 2011
Over the weekend, the Administration announced the President would be giving a speech on deficit reduction on Wednesday. While I would like to believe the President is sincere in taking concrete steps toward spending reforms and reducing our deficit, I remain highly skeptical that he is willing to make the tough decisions.
Lee Expresses Comments on DoJ Decision Regarding Google-ITA
Apr 8, 2011
Washington, DC – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Ranking Member of the Antitrust Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, commented on the Department of Justice’s decision to impose stringent conditions on Google’s acquisition of ITA Software and reiterated his call for antitrust oversight of Google’s search-related businesses.
“Today’s announcement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) outlining rigorous conditions for Google’s proposed acquisition of ITA Software is an important step in applying antitrust laws to the company’s predominant position in the realm of Internet search,” said Senator Lee. “As the DOJ recognized, Google’s unique presence as an Internet gatekeeper raises serious concerns about activities that may limit competition, reduce consumer choice, and thwart innovation. Continued scrutiny is essential as Google extends its reach into a variety of vertical search markets and online services. As a member of the Antitrust Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure vibrant competition in this and other areas of our economy.”
On March 10, 2011, Senator Lee sent a letter to the Subcommittee Chairman Senator Herb Kohl calling for oversight hearings into Google’s practices that could harm competition, and specifically pointed to the acquisition of ITA Software, which powers sites like Kayak, Travelocity, and Orbitz.
“As you know, the DOJ is in the process of determining whether to approve Google’s proposed acquisition of ITA Software – a deal that could potentially provide Google with the ability to control the travel search vertical market,” Senator Lee wrote.
“Oversight by our Subcommittee is essential in helping free markets flourish in this important area of our economy. Ensuring robust competition will benefit consumers, spur innovation, and lead to job creation in our nation’s high-tech Internet economy,” Senator Lee added. “Vigorous antitrust enforcement is almost always preferable to a system of government regulations, which will inevitably be more costly and less efficient than a free market unencumbered by anticompetitive restrictions.”
