TCC LEADS THE FIGHT AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS 

            In connection with TCC’s leadership in the effort to defeat the George Bush-Vicente Fox scheme to make illegal aliens who have returned to Mexico eligible for U.S. Social Security benefits, I have been in contact with Louisiana Congressman Jim McCrery, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Ways and Means Committee.  Here follows Chairman McCrery’s response to my communications:

A FOND FAREWELL TO GOVERNOR KING

In 1978, I ran for the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts as a Democrat.

As you are probably aware, my candidacy did not prevail, but that of my ticket mate, Ed King, was successful, as King became the Governor of Massachusetts, ousting Michael Dukakis in the Democratic primary.

King was a pro-life, anti-tax, conservative Governor who backed President Reagan in 1980 and again in 1984.

King has died at the age of 81.

SEE YOURSELF ON C-SPAN?

            On this Saturday, September 16, The Conservative Caucus, in cooperation with the U. S. Taxpayers Alliance and The Conservative Caucus Foundation, is sponsoring its Sixth Annual Commemoration of Constitution Day, featuring speeches by Dr. John Eidsmoe, Constitutional expert Louis Ingram, and Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. 

            C-SPAN has been invited to broadcast the event.  If you plan to come, be sure to tell your relatives, friends, and coworkers so they can watch for you on C-SPAN.

            This is an event you won’t want to miss --- 1:00 to 5:00 P.M., Capitol Hilton Hotel at the corner of K and 16^th Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C. 

            Be sure to come.  It is something you will always remember.

September 6, 2006

Dear Majority Leader Frist:

On behalf of the millions of taxpaying citizens represented by the groups signed below, we strongly urge you to bring S. 2590, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, to the Senate floor for a vote. The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Barack Obama (D-IL), would direct the Office of Management and Budget to create a publicly-available website that would list every entity receiving federal financial assistance, such as grants or contracts, and the totals awarded for each fiscal year. Such a website would entail very little cost and would greatly increase transparency in the distribution of government funding. At last, those who most deserve to know about this process – the American people – would have a tool to examine and evaluate the federal government’s funding decisions and priorities.

And yet, after being "hotlined" for unanimous passage, the bill was suddenly derailed when a secret hold was placed, indicating a Senator would object to it on the floor. After weeks of investigation, ordinary citizens used phone calls and several websites to narrow the holds down to Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Robert Byrd (D-WV). Both Senators then admitted publicly to the holds. And yet, Stevens has renewed his hold and, along with an anonymous Democrat, stands in the way of this common-sense legislation.

This unprecedented flurry of "outside the Beltway" action from across the political spectrum suggests that support for this bill is strong among the general public. Advocates from all ideological points of view share the common notion that transparency of and public access to government information is vital to the health of our political system. Through letters such as this one, over 110 groups – of all ideological persuasions – have conveyed to the Senate their strong support for this measure.

Citizens should no longer be forced to navigate the confusing labyrinth of bureaucracy just to find out how their tax dollars are spent. Furthermore, internal conflicts and parliamentary maneuvers should not prevent the passage of a bill with such widespread support. Americans of all political stripes have spoken with a unified voice in favor of transparency and accountability. Now, they call upon you to bring S. 2590 to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.

We thank you for your public commitments to bring this bill to the floor and want to work with you to ensure this important legislation receives a straightforward vote when the Senate reconvenes.

Sincerely,

 JOIN ME AT CONSTITUTION DAY COMMEMORATION 

            I hope you will join me on Saturday, September 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the Capitol Hilton Hotel (1001 16^th Street, N.W.) in Washington, D.C. for our Sixth Annual Commemoration of Constitution Day.

             Admission is free and the program is excellent.  It will feature remarks by Louis Ingram, Esq. on his new book, “A Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution”, Dr. John Eidsmoe on the relevance of the Ten Commandments to every aspect of American law and jurisprudence, and TCC Administrative Vice Chairman Charles Orndorff concerning the unconstitutionality of Congressman Tom Davis’s proposal to give D.C. representation in Congress.

             The featured speaker, Phyllis Schlafly, will receive the 2006 Andrew Jackson “Champion of Liberty” Award.

             Space is limited.  So please confirm your participation with Helen Gombert at 703-281-6782 or by e-mail.  You can also fax a confirmation to TCC at 703-281-4108. 

             A gift of $2,500 will qualify you as a Patron of Constitution Day, $1,000 makes you a Sponsor, and you can be a Friend of the Constitution for a $100 contribution to The Conservative Caucus.