Legislation Cuts Handouts for Big Oil Companies & Protects Jobs, Environment

Representative Heath Shuler supported landmark energy legislation today that makes significant investments in renewable energy technologies to create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security, while ending taxpayer-funded subsidies to big oil companies.

“As oil prices reach over $100 a barrel and gas prices soar over $3.00 a gallon, our country must invest in new technologies and renewable energy production. The economy of the 21st Century demands that we be energy independent, and this legislation takes another step toward that goal,” Rep. Shuler said. “America has led innovation around the world before, and we must now lead the world in the use, development, and production of renewable energy.”

Representative Heath Shuler released the following statement this morning regarding the passing of Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Sean Taylor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Redskins community at this extremely difficult time.”

By Jackie Kucinich, The Hill

Two ardent proponents of border security are teaming up to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at curtailing illegal immigration through employer sanctions.

Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), who were both elected after strongly criticizing President Bush’s approach to immigration reform, are unveiling a bill Tuesday that has already attracted the support of dozens of members.

“It’s the one [immigration] bill that will pass this Congress,” said Bilbray in an interview. “We have to make this about illegal employment and crack down on employers.”

The Secure America with Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act focuses on three areas: employment enforcement, interior enforcement and increased border security.

One of the more controversial provisions would make the so-called E-Verify program mandatory, a move that raises major concerns with industry officials.

Proponents of the E-Verify program say it allows employers an inexpensive way to ensure they are hiring legally documented workers. They maintain that the program has been successful, but is only being used by a small percentage of employers.

Republican Charles Taylor may be leaving politics behind, but his contempt for the law remains.

According to his latest campaign finance report, Taylor failed to account for at least $1.2 million.

The loans from Carolina First and BB & T banks were due in September. Did the banks forgive them? If so, that’s a corporate contribution, which is illegal in North Carolina.

Did Taylor repay them? If so, he failed to report it to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Taylor also failed to substantiate his claim to the FEC that he gave the remaining cash on hand to charity.

Charles Taylor created a legacy of corruption, scandal and incompetence. Why, in the twilight of his political career, can’t he just follow the law?

Representative Heath Shuler today announced that the Architect of the Capitol has revised the rule that prevented religious language or references from being used on the certificates that accompany flags flown over the Capitol. The policy change comes one day after Rep. Shuler sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asking that she examine the authority under which the Architect’s office had implemented the policy disallowing religious language.

The policy change was announced by Stephen T. Ayers, the Acting Architect of the Capitol.

“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to end this restriction on right of my constituents to openly practice their faith,” said Rep. Shuler. “I applaud Mr. Ayers for listening to the wishes of the American people and their elected representatives and revising the flag certificate policy so quickly.”

Congressman Heath Shuler has a secret admirer . . .

$200,000 Grant will Create or Retain 250 Jobs

Representative Heath Shuler today announced that the Marketing Association for Rehabilitation Centers (MARC) has secured a $200,000 federal grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

The federal grant will be used to support the formation of MARC’s Custom Medical Products manufacturing initiative. This program will create or retain 250 jobs, primarily for people with disabilities, in the 17 westernmost counties of North Carolina, while also creating a manufacturing platform for small town rural entrepreneurial development.

Representative Heath Shuler issued the following statement in response to the Congressional testimony of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker:

“Yesterday, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. I have tremendous respect for both men for their dedication and service to our Nation.”

“In January, the President laid out a plan to increase the number of American troops serving in Iraq. He claimed that the surge would give "breathing room" to the Iraqi government so political progress could be made. I spoke out against that surge then because I saw it as nothing more than a continuation of his failed policies. I felt that it did nothing to force the Iraqis to take ownership of their country, to put aside ethnic and religious differences, or to make real and sustainable political progress.”

“There is little evidence that the surge has resulted in political progress being made in Iraq. Our brave men and women in uniform continue to police a civil war, and after nine months, the situation in Iraq remains tragically unstable.”

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler said that U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, who has resigned his position, had lost the confidence of both parties.

Here is Shuler's statement: "It has become very clear that the American people and members of congress from both parties have lost confidence in the ability of Alberto Gonzalez to manage the Department of Justice. We need an Attorney General who will uphold the rule of law and our Nation's security above all else. I am hopeful that President Bush will take this opportunity to appoint a new Attorney General who will lead the Department of Justice effectively and without political prejudice."

House Energy Package Promotes Renewables, Efficiency, & Protects National Security

North Carolina Democrats in are making America energy independent, curbing global warming, and developing America's economy through renewable energy. North Carolina Democrats joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives Saturday evening to pass two landmark energy bills.

The bills making up the House Energy Independence Initiative - H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 - will make historic investments in biofuels and new energy technologies, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and strengthen research and diplomatic efforts on climate change to protect the planet.

"America must lead the world in the use, development, and production of renewable energies to reduce global warming and end our reliance on foreign oil. Our Nation's energy policy must be focused on securing our long-term energy future and being good stewards of God's creation, not protecting the profits of Big Oil companies," said Rep. Heath Shuler. "These energy bills will strengthen our national security, create jobs, and protect consumers."