Recks

1 minute ago, Marmot_Of_The_Marsh said:

We need a financial/budget committee separate from HELP and ASFAJ, as shown from the budget issues last congress.

 

Here's an idea:

 

Domestic and Social Affairs (formerly HELP)

National and International Affairs (formerly ASFAJ)

Budget (budget special committee - maybe 3 members in total, 2 majority and 1 minority)

I recognize most discussion up to this point has been about what time period/year we should reset to. That question is definitely interesting, but I'd like to challenge a bit of the mechanism proposed for the reset in the initial AB announcement.

 

Fundamentally, I believe the reset has been necessary for some time now (notably, the playerbase in the GOP is quite small and unable to sustain a full party) and am glad we'll be resetting post-election. But the idea of directly carrying over election results doesn't make a ton of sense to me. Of course, I believe either Montero or Jenkins should be allowed to serve as POTUS following the reset, but having the Senate/House/gubernatorial results mirror 2016's IG election isn't the best idea, in my view.

 

One reason we are resetting must certainly be because there is an imbalance between the parties - for instance, the GOP is having a hard time recruiting candidates to run 2016's elections. To carry these election results over to 2000 or 2008 or whenever we reset to would place artificial constraints on that round - especially in light of the fact people might be changing parties post-election.

 

On that last note, I believe that - if we are offering CVC bonuses to carry over (which I'd tend to disagree with in principle, but understand the need to reward elections) - that restricting this bonus to the players who stay in the same party makes no real sense, either. Resets should provide an opportunity for players to move parties if they so desire.

 

So, that all being said, I propose two changes to Anthony's announcement about the reset:

1. 2016 Senate election victories' CVC bonuses carry over to the new reset, regardless of party; and
2. 2016 Senate/House/gubernatorial elections do not carry over to the new reset, with the exception of the CVC bonus in section 1.

Thanks!

89% Libertarian,

77% Constitution,

72% Republican,

43% Democratic.

A little early Pink Floyd, from their debut studio album.

 

 

Minority Whip Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3):

 

"When Republicans controlled the House, we allowed the Democratic minority the right to a motion to dispatch. We recognized that good ideas can come from both sides of the aisle, and that one man - the House Majority Leader - should not have complete control over the bills the House debates. Unfortunately, the House Democrats led by Majority Leader Castillo refused to grant the new minority the same rules as those from the last Congress. This may appear to be an arcane partisan debate, but it really amounts to Democratic politicians silencing the votes and voices of almost half of America."

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

Mr. Hooper (for himself, with Mr. Slade) introduced the following bill;

A BILL

 

To allow a State to combine certain funds to improve the academic achievement of all its students.
 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Academic Achievement for All Act of 2001” or “Straight A's Act of 2001”.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Act is to create options for States and communities--

(1) to improve the academic achievement of all students, and to focus the resources of the Federal Government upon such achievement;

(2) to give States and communities maximum freedom in determining how to boost academic achievement and implement education reforms;

(3) to hold States and communities accountable for boosting the academic achievement of all students, especially disadvantaged children; and

(4) to narrow achievement gaps between the lowest and highest performing groups of students so that no child is left behind.

SECTION 3. PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT.

(a) Program Authorized.--A State may, at its option, execute a performance agreement with the Secretary under which the provisions of law described in section 4(a) shall not apply to such State except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(b) Approval of Performance Agreement.--A performance agreement submitted to the Secretary under this section shall be approved by the Secretary unless the Secretary makes a written determination, within 60 days after receiving the performance agreement, that the performance agreement is in violation of the provisions of this Act.

(c) Terms of Performance Agreement.--Each performance agreement executed pursuant to this Act shall include the following provisions:

(1) Term.--A statement that the term of the performance agreement shall be 5 years.

(2) Application of program requirements.--A statement that no program requirements of any program included by the State in the performance agreement shall apply, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(3) List.--A list provided by the State of the programs that it wishes to include in the performance agreement.

(4) Use of funds to improve student achievement.--Include a 5-year plan describing how the State intends to combine and use the funds from programs included in the performance agreement to advance the education priorities of the State, improve student achievement, and narrow achievement gaps between students.

(5) Accountability system requirements.--If a State includes part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in its performance agreement, the State shall include a certification that the State has the following:

(A)(i) developed and implemented the challenging State content standards, challenging State student performance standards, and aligned assessments described in section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and for which local educational agencies in the State are producing the individual school performance profiles required by section 1116(a)(3) of such Act; or

(ii) developed and implemented a system to measure the degree of change from 1 school year to the next in student performance on such assessments;

(B) established a system under which assessment information is disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex, English proficiency status, and socioeconomic status for the State, each local educational agency, and each school, except that such disaggregation shall not be required in cases in which the number of students in any such group is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or would reveal the identity of an individual student;

(C) established specific, measurable, numerical performance objectives for student achievement, including--

(i) a definition of performance considered to be satisfactory by the State on the assessment instruments described under subparagraphs (A) and (B) with performance objectives established for all students and for specific student groups, including groups for which data is disaggregated under subparagraph (B); and

(ii) the objective of improving the performance of all groups and narrowing gaps in performance between those groups; and

(D) developed and implemented a statewide system for holding its local educational agencies and schools accountable for student performance that includes--

(i) a procedure for identifying local educational agencies and schools in need of improvement;

(ii) assisting and building capacity in local educational agencies and schools identified as in need of improvement to improve teaching and learning; and

(iii) implementing corrective actions if the assistance and capacity building under clause (ii) is not effective.

(6) Performance goals.--

(A) Student achievement data.--Each State shall establish student performance goals for the 5-year term of the performance agreement that, at a minimum--

(i) establish a single high standard of performance for all students;

(ii) take into account the progress of students from every local educational agency and school in the State;

(iii) measure changes in the percentages of students at selected grade levels meeting specified proficiency levels of achievement (established by the State) in the final year of the performance agreement, compared to such percentages in the baseline year (as described in subparagraph (C));

(iv) set numerical goals to attain by the end of the term of the performance agreement to--

(I) improve the performance of the groups specified in paragraph (5)(B); and

(II) reduce achievement gaps between the highest and lowest performing groups of students by raising the achievement levels of the lowest performing students in mathematics and reading, at a minimum; and

(v) require all students in the State to make substantial gains in achievement.

(B) Additional indicators of performance.--A State may identify in the performance agreement any additional indicators of performance such as graduation, dropout, or attendance rates.

(C) Baseline performance data.--To determine student achievement levels for the baseline year, the State shall use its most recent achievement data when executing the performance agreement.

(D) Consistency of performance measures.--A State shall maintain, at a minimum, the same challenging State student performance standards and assessments throughout the term of the performance agreement.

(7) Fiscal responsibilities.-- An assurance that the State will use fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that will ensure proper disbursement of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid to the State under this Act.

(8) Civil rights.--An assurance that the State will meet the requirements of applicable Federal civil rights laws.

(9) Private school participation.--An assurance that the State will provide for the equitable participation of students and professional staff in private schools in accordance with section 14503 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8893).

(10) State financial participation.--An assurance that the State will not reduce the level of spending of State funds for education during the term of the performance agreement.

(11) Annual report.--An assurance that not later than 1 year after the execution of the performance agreement, and annually thereafter, each State shall disseminate widely to the general public, submit to the Secretary, distribute to print and broadcast media, and post on the Internet, a report that includes--

(A) student performance data, disaggregated as provided in paragraph (5)(A)(ii); and

(B) a detailed description of how the State has used Federal funds to improve student performance and reduce achievement gaps to meet the terms of the performance agreement.

(d) Special Rule.--If a State does not include part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in its performance agreement, the State shall--

(1) certify that it has developed a system to measure the academic performance of all students; and

(2) establish performance goals in accordance with subsection (c)(6) for such other programs.

(e) Amendment to Performance Agreement.--A State may submit an amendment to the performance agreement to the Secretary under the following circumstances:

(1) Reduce scope of performance agreement.--Not later than 1 year after the execution of the performance agreement, a State may amend the performance agreement through a request to withdraw a program from such agreement. If the Secretary approves the amendment, the requirements of existing law shall apply for any program withdrawn from the performance agreement.

(2) Expand scope of performance agreement.--Not later than 1 year after the execution of the performance agreement, a State may amend its performance agreement to include additional programs and performance indicators for which it will be held accountable.

SECTION 4. ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS.

(a) Eligible Programs.--The provisions of law referred to in section 3(a) except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), are as follows:

(1) Part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(2) Part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(3) Part C of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(4) Part D of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(5) Section 1502, part E of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(6) Part B of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(7) Section 3132 of title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(8) Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(9) Title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(10) Subtitle B of title VII of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.

(11) Comprehensive school reform.

(12) Advanced Placement programs.

(13) Vocational and technical education.

(b) Allocation Amounts.--A State may choose to combine funds from any or all of the programs described in subsection (a) without regard to the program requirements of such provisions, except as otherwise provided in this Act and except that allocation ratios provided under the provisions referred to in subsection (a) shall remain in effect unless otherwise provided.

(c) Uses of Funds.--Funds made available under this Act to a State shall be used for any educational purpose permitted by State law of the participating State.

SECTION 5. WITHIN-STATE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.

(a) In General.--The distribution of funds from programs included in the performance agreement from a State to a local educational agency within the State shall be determined by the State legislature and the Governor of the State. In a State in which the constitution or State law designates another individual, entity, or agency to be responsible for education, such other individual, entity, or agency shall work in consultation with the Governor and State legislature to determine the local distribution of funds.

(b) Local Hold Harmless of Part A Title 1 Funds.--

(1) In general.--In the case of a State that includes part A of title I in the performance agreement, the agreement shall provide an assurance that each local educational agency shall receive an amount equal to or greater than the amount such agency received under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the performance agreement is executed.

(2) Proportionate reduction.--If the amount made available to the State from the Secretary for a fiscal year is insufficient to pay to each local educational agency the amount made available to such agency for the preceding fiscal year, the State shall reduce the amount each local educational agency receives by a uniform percentage.

SECTION 6. LOCAL PARTICIPATION.

(a) Nonparticipating State.--

(1) In general.--If a State chooses not to submit a performance agreement under this Act, any local educational agency in such State is eligible, at its option, to submit to the Secretary a performance agreement in accordance with this section.

(2) Agreement.--The terms of a performance agreement between an eligible local educational agency and the Secretary shall specify the programs to be included in the performance agreement, as agreed upon by the State and the agency, from the list under section 4(a).

(b) State Approval.--When submitting a performance agreement to the Secretary, an eligible local educational agency described in subsection (a) shall provide written documentation from the State in which such agency is located that it has no objection to the agency's proposal for a performance agreement.

(c) Application.--

(1) In general.--Except as provided in this section, and to the extent applicable, the requirements of this Act shall apply to an eligible local educational agency that submits a performance agreement in the same manner as the requirements apply to a State.

(2) Exceptions.--The following provisions shall not apply to an eligible local educational agency:

(A) Within state distribution formula not applicable.--The formula for the allocation of funds under section 5 shall not apply.

(B) State set aside shall not apply.--The State set aside for administrative funds in section 7 shall not apply.

SECTION 7. SET-ASIDE FOR STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURES.

(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided under subsection (b), a State that includes part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in the performance agreement may use not more than 1 percent of such total amount of funds allocated to such State under the programs included in the performance agreement for administrative purposes.

(b) Exception.--A State that does not include part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education of 1965 its performance agreement may use not more than 3 percent of the total amount of funds allocated to such State under the programs included in the performance agreement for administrative purposes.

SECTION 8. PERFORMANCE REVIEW.

(a) Failure To Meet Terms.--If at the end of the 5-year term of the performance agreement a State has failed to meet at least 80 percent of the performance goals submitted in the performance agreement, the Secretary shall terminate the performance agreement and the State shall be required to comply with the program requirement, in effect at the time of termination, of each program included in the performance Agreement.

(b) Penalty for Failure To Improve Student Performance.--If a State has made little or no progress toward achieving its performance goals by the end of the term of the agreement, the Secretary shall reduce funds for State administrative costs for each program included in the performance agreement by 50 percent for the 2-year period following the end of the term of the performance agreement.

SECTION 9. RENEWAL OF PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT.

(a) Notification.--A State that wishes to renew its performance agreement shall notify the Secretary of its renewal request not less than 6 months prior to the end of the term of the performance agreement.

(b) Renewal Requirements.--A State that has met at least 80 percent of its performance goals submitted in the performance agreement at the end of the 5-year term may reapply to the Secretary to renew its performance agreement for an additional 5-year period. Upon the completion of the 5-year term of the performance agreement or as soon thereafter as the State submits data required under the agreement, the Secretary shall renew, for an additional 5-year term, the performance agreement of any State that has met at least 80 percent of its performance goals.
 

SECTION 10. ACHIEVEMENT GAP REDUCTION REWARDS.

(a) Closing the Gap Reward Fund.--

(1) In general.--To reward States that make significant progress in eliminating achievement gaps by raising the achievement levels of the lowest performing students, the Secretary shall annually set aside sufficient funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Education under part A of title X of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to grant a reward to States that meet the conditions set forth in subsection (b) by the end of their 5-year performance agreement.

(2) Reward amount.--The amount of the reward referred to in paragraph (1) shall be not less than 5 percent of funds allocated to the State during the first year of the performance agreement for programs included in the agreement.

(b) Conditions of Performance Reward.--A State is eligible to receive a reward under this section if the State reduces by not less than 25 percent, over the 5-year term of the performance agreement, the difference between the percentage of highest and lowest performing groups of students that meet the State's definition of ``proficient'' as referenced in section 1111(b)(1)(D)(i)(II) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, for the following:

(A) Content areas.--The reduction in the achievement gap shall include not less than 2 content areas, one of which shall be mathematics or reading.

(B) Grades tested.--The reduction shall occur in at least 1 grade level.

SECTION 11. STRAIGHT A'S PERFORMANCE REPORT.

The Secretary shall make the annual State reports described in section 3 available to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions not later than 60 days after the Secretary receives the report.
 

SECTION. 12. CONSTRUCTION.

To the extent that provisions of title XIV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 are inconsistent with this Act, this Act shall be construed as superseding such provisions.
 

SECTION 13. DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this Act:

(1) Local educational agency.--The term “local educational agency” has the same meaning given such term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801).

(2) Secretary.--The term ”Secretary” means the Secretary of Education.

(3) State.--The term “State” means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
 

SECTION 14. EFFECT ON STATE LAW.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to supersede or modify any provision of a State constitution or State law that prohibits the expenditure of public funds in or by sectarian institutions.

PES (original)

Allows States flexibility in combining and using use specified Federal elementary and secondary education formula program funds for State education priorities and programs, in exchange for being held accountable for meeting, in a five- year period, certain performance goals which they propose.

 

Hooper Helps Introduce The Path Forward

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- At the Republican Party’s unveiling of a broadly bipartisan agenda for the forthcoming 107th Congress, House Minority Whip Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) spoke passionately about The Path Forward and his vision for the American spirit in the new millennium. “It is a pleasure to be here today helping introduce the The Path Forward to the American people. This is a series of bold proposals that will help the everyday American - the men and women who work hard to provide a living for their family and strive for a better future for their children and grandchildren,” Hooper began his speech at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial.

 

Hooper then turned to the need to focus not only on bread-and-butter economics, but also one that fosters “the American spirit - a spirit that recognizes a greater purpose, looks to the future, and respects those who have sacrificed for the sake of our country.” The Minority Whip then spoke about both education and veterans’ issues, two subject areas that he has been an avid proponent of reforming. On the topic of education, Hooper said, “the Republican alternative is to give power back to the states to establish challenging, local standards instead of heavy top-down federal diktats.” This refers to his Straight A’s Act, which will be introduced to the House hopper shortly.

 

Hooper then spoke about issues dear to veterans and servicemembers across the nation, before issuing a clarion call to action for Americans across the political spectrum in advocacy of The Path Forward. Finally, in his characteristically vibrant language, Hooper echoed America the Beautiful when he said, “My deep abiding faith in the American people to do what is right in this century - in this millennium - just as they did in the last is echoed under the spacious skies above us. From sea to shining sea, from the amber waves of grain to the purple mountain majesties - this is the spirit of America following The Path Forward.”

Hooper Introduces Legislation to Fight for Ranchers

 

 

DEL NORTE, CO -- At a visit to the small, primarily ranching, community of Del Norte in the San Luis Valley, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) announced the introduction of the Livestock Reinvestment Extension Act of 2001. The proposed legislation is what Hooper, the House Minority Whip, calls "a huge victory for ranchers across the United States, and especially those impacted by adverse weather and stringent government regulations." Colorado is among the nation's largest cattle-producing states, and this is an issue that is close to Hooper's heart, having been raised on a southern Colorado ranch.

 

The proposed Livestock Reinvestment Extension Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow for losses due to federal policies alongside drought and other inclement weather to be accounted for in ranchers' tax preparation. It would also extend the periods where provisions such as income exclusion and forcible conversion can be claimed by ranchers. Finally, the bill would allow certain heirs to claim involuntary conversion under some conditions. "We mustn't tax ranchers unfairly, and this will simply ensure that all American businesses and individuals have a fair, level-playing field to work off of," said Hooper.

 

"In a number of states like Colorado, ranchers help form the backbone of our economy; without fresh domestic livestock, our collective standard of living would greatly diminish. That is why I am busy fighting for their interests each and every day I am on Capitol Hill - just as I fight for the interests of all of my constituents here in Colorado's 3rd District,"  Hooper added. Hooper further sounded optimistic about the bill's prospects despite the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and White House. "We've seen that commonsense, bipartisan legislation led by an upbeat legislator can gain traction," Hooper said. "This bill will help out almost a million ranching operations nationwide, producing billions of dollars of exports to help our economy. It's much-needed, and I'm proud to champion it!"

Hooper Elected House Minority Whip

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- In a unanimous vote of support for the recently re-elected Congressman for Colorado's 3rd District, Jerome Hooper (R) was elected as the House Minority Whip. In the internal Republican Party election period, Hooper was nominated by Representative Beth Lincoln (R-FL-8) and seconded by 2000 Vice Presidential nominee and incoming Minority Leader B. Byron Baudin (R-NY-3). Hooper, who despite only entering his second term already has passed an important piece of legislation in the Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act, left the Republican Party's internal meeting and spoke to the press about his unanimous election. "It is a great honor to be able to continue to serve my fellow Coloradans in the 3rd district, " Hooper began, "and now I have the esteemed privilege of helping represent 213 Republican districts across these United States."

 

Congressman Hooper's elevation to Minority Whip comes in the wake of the 2000 elections, which saw House Republicans lose their majority which they held since the 1994 elections. When asked about this outcome, the Congressman was frank with the press, saying, "While many of my Republican colleagues have joined me in pushing for a bold agenda that would spur on American growth, we didn't do a good enough job selling our successes to the people. After all, the people we serve are the ones in Pueblo, in Grand Junction. We don't serve Washington, we serve middle America."

 

Addressing his plans going forward in the 107th Congress, Jerome Hooper said, "House Republicans will continue to promote legislation that is commonsense and benefits each and every American. In the 2000 election, the American people delivered a divided Congress, and I hope to see productive good-faith negotiations that result in positive legislation." For his specific priorities, the Congressman indicated that he hopes to sponsor education reform and an alternative to traditional unemployment insurance. "These are two vital areas where government can become smarter and more adaptive, and I hope to lead bipartisan efforts in getting these objective accomplished," Hooper concluded.

Hooper Votes for Fong as Armed Services Voting Bill becomes Law

 

 

SOUTH FORK, CO -- Near his ranch home in Rio Grande County, Colorado, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) recently took to his local polling place to cast his ballot. After leaving the polling place and arriving at his campaign headquarters, he spoke to the assorted media about not only the election but also about the passage of his Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act, which was recently signed into law by President Clinton after passing the House and Senate. "It is a great feeling to know that the members of our armed forces will be protected in their right to vote, and I am proud to have been a key part of that picture," said Congressman Hooper at the beginning of his statement to the press.

 

"It is also a great feeling to be able to cast a ballot for a man that will reinvigorate our great nation with bold and principled leadership. Of course, I am talking about Charles Fong, a man who I deeply respect and admire. To all of those sitting on the fence today, I urge you to go forth and cast a bold and principled ballot for Charles and Byron. From the economy and tax cuts to national security and Panama, it is clear that the best team to lead our nation forward will be lead by Charles Fong!" Hooper has been a vocal supporter of the Fong/Baudin ticket and headlined this year's RNC.

 

Returning to a more bipartisan tone, Congressman Hooper said, "And we cannot minimize the impact that the recently passed Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act will have on our men and women in uniform. Their votes won't be discarded as illegitimate, they will be able to vote in state and local elections, and the will eventually be able to vote on military installations. I was proud to lead this bipartisan effort for our servicemembers across the USA." Congressman Hooper was also up for re-election as Congressman of Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, a post he has held for a single term. When asked about that election, he said, "I am optimistic about the outcome of this election, and the outcome of House elections across the United States." He further pointed to the leadership of Speaker John White, who he said, "has my support 100%."

Hooper Slams Hypocritical Grayson

 

 

GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- In an interview with Grand Junction's local KFQX, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) recently addressed the ongoing Presidential election, particularly the hypocrisy of Democratic nominee Tyler Grayson. "Either Congressman Grayson doesn't understand basic economics, or he is being disingenuous with his plans for the Presidency," Hooper said on the local nightly news.

 

Hooper then turned to the Grayson platform which somehow promises nearly a trillion dollars in new tax revenue while cutting taxes. "On the campaign trail, Congressman Grayson has been touting his tax plan as if it's some miracle cure-all. Raising taxes is not a panacea - it is a curse on the economy!" Hooper said in a statement about the upcoming Presidential election. Back on KFQX, Hooper said, "He's clearly talking out of both sides of his mouth, saying he's for tax cuts but then promising to raise your payroll taxes and generate $800 billion in new tax revenues. That simply doesn't add up."

 

Hooper then turned to a topic that has been raised  by Colorado Senator Laura Corbyn (R): voting records. After all, with an elected official like a Congressman running for higher office, one should look to how they have voted in the past. "If we look at Representative Grayson's voting record, we can even see that his talk about preserving a balanced budget is just talk, no action. In fact, Tyler Grayson voted to table the Balanced Budget Amendment and his running mate, April Robinson, voted against the Line-Item Veto Amendment," Congressman Hooper said.  Concluding his interview with KFQX, Hooper said, "It's plain to see, the Democratic Grayson-Robinson agenda is one of deception and half-truths."

Rebecca Morris transfer $714,119 from her Warchest (link) to the Republican Party, pursuant to Rule (4)(a)(3).

 

Transfer 7:03 PM 12/16/2017

$714,119

Lloth

 

Hooper Delivers RNC Keynote

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- At the evening of the first day of the 2000 Republican National Convention, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) addressed the audience and prime-time nationwide audience in the convention's keynote address. Congressman Hooper's speech centered around two visions for the future of the United States in the 21st century and the new millennium. This contrast was expressed towards the beginning of Hooper's address, when Hooper said, "Will we move boldly forward into the future, or sink quietly into the annals of history? Will we advance the frontiers of mankind, or hide in the deadly comfort of complacency? This election, the American people will have the chance to answer these essential questions. We must choose correctly."

 

Hooper then introduced himself, comparing his all-American childhood growing up in rural Colorado to that of Majority Whip and Presidential candidate Charles Fong (R-CA-41). Hooper highlighted their real-world experience as small business-owners. The Congressman then contrasted the Republican Party platform, which calls for running government efficiently and lowering taxes, with the Democrat's convoluted plans that call for both raising and lowering taxes and competing with the private sector. After quoting President Reagan on the Democrats agenda for the economy, Congressman Hooper said, their "plans are plans for economic ruin, plans that have been tried and failed, been weighed and found wanting."

 

Other speakers on day one of the Republican National Convention, held in Philadelphia, include RNC Chairman and Senator Jim Smith (R-KS), Speaker of the House John White (R-IA-4), and Senate Majority Leader Miriam Schultz (R-OR). Congressman Hooper, as an up-and-coming member of the Republican House delegation, was selected to deliver the keynote address due to his dynamic use of imagery and clear contrast painted between the clear Republican plans for economic success and the distorted Democratic plans that will not allow America to excel in the 21st century. Concluding his address and wrapping up day one of the RNC, Congressman Hooper said, "Will we elect a proven businessman and bold leader in Charles Fong, or will we saddle ourselves with an out-of-touch tax-and-spend liberal in Tyler Grayson? The choice is yours, but fortunately, the choice couldn’t be any clearer: let’s get out there and elect Charles Fong as the 43rd President of the United States of America!"

Fundraisers of

JEROME HOOPER

Republican for Colorado's US Senate Seat

 

Hooper Introduces Bill to Protect Rural Airstrips

 

 

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO -- In his latest introduced bill, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) seeks to protect small runways on federal lands from being shuttered by the government. Congressman Hooper's Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act is, in its sponsor's words, "a bold piece of legislation that will make a real impact on local economies in the form of tourism, but will also promote firefighting efforts among other essential services." The proposal would establish clear criteria for the closure of aircraft landing strips on federal property, including the assent of both the head of the Federal Aviation Administration and the corresponding statewide body.

 

Congresman Hooper's bill, already having received bipartisan support, would be especially important for states like Colorado which have a large amount of federal lands and a correspondingly high number of federal airstrips. "As my bill recognizes," Hooper said in a statement, "aviation allows accessibility to our nation's parks, forests, and other lands not only for tourists but also for scientific endeavors such as research and ecological management and for emergency responsiveness such as search-and-rescue and firefighting." Congressman Hooper's visit to Glenwood Springs included a trip to the memorial dedicated to the 14 brave firefighters who lost their lives fighting the blazes on Storm King Mountain six years ago.

 

"This is clearly not a political issue," Congressman Hooper said when meeting with the survivors of the fire. "Just six years ago, this very region was filled with smoke, the hills ablaze with fire. The South Canyon fire cost too many brave lives. I shudder to think of the human cost if important landing strips had been shut down by the federal government." Congressman Hooper stated that he would do everything in his protection to ensure that vital landing strips are not closed down, and that he would fight for his proposed legislation once it got to committee and the House floor.

Hooper Named to Economic & Domestic Affairs Committee

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Having been hailed as "a rising star" in the Republican Party, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) was recently named as a member of the prestigious and powerful Economic & Domestic Affairs Committee. The Committee, which has purview over a number of critical issues facing Colorado and the United States as a whole, is chaired by Speaker of the House John White (R-IA-4). "It is truly an honor," Congressman Hooper said in a statement to the press, "to have been selected to serve as a member of the Economic & Domestic Affairs Committee. I enter into this position with the obligation I hold to my constituents in the forefront of my mind, and I will use my seat at the table to advance issues that matter to the people of Colorado's 3rd District."

 

The Committee is currently debating two of Congressman Hooper's pieces of legislation - the Line-Item Veto Amendment and the Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act. Jerome Hooper was quick to engage in debate in the committee room, first defending and explaining his Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act. "I remain wholeheartedly committed to the members of our Armed Forces, who risk life and limb for our great nation. I was there, among them, just 25 years ago. They all know the importance of voting, but without federal protections of their rights they may feel discouraged or have their valid votes discounted," Hooper said after his committee speech.

 

Speaking then in support of his Line-Item Veto Amendment, Jerome Hooper said, "As we are all well-aware, the appropriations period is one where pork barrel spending has a tendency of getting out of control. Left unchecked, it has the potential to derail our surplus. That is why this amendment is so important: it will allow the President of the United States to strip spending from any line-item that he deems to be unnecessary or redundant. As recently as 1996, this Congress authorized the President to use the power of the line-item veto, something he requested. The Supreme Court decided that it would take an amendment for us to grant him this power, and so I have pursued this course of action in an effort to protect the surplus." Congressman Hooper also delineated the differences between the Balanced Budget Amendment and his Line-Item Veto Amendment in committee. Congressman Jerome Hooper is looking forward to a productive time on the committee, and has promised to ensure that the people of Colorado's 3rd District remain represented in Washington, DC.

2 hours ago, Lloth said:

The Natural Resource lobbyists are rather curious about the prospects for this bill, and would appreciate feedback.

 

I am optimistic about this bill's chances. I had considered co-sponsoring it prior to your communique, and since then I have read it and believe it will be an important step forward for rural communities and the natural resource industry (for which I previously worked). I co-sponsored the bill, and wrote a press release outlining my support for the measures contained within the proposal.

 

As for its prospects, I have written to the Speaker of the House (who doubles as Chairman of the Economic/Domestic Committee) in support of the bill. Once it is assigned to that committee (of which I am the newest member), I will work to champion its passage.

Hooper Supports Natural Resources Devolution

 

 

CORTEZ, CO -- At a meeting with constituents in Colorado's 3rd District, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R) announced that he had co-sponsored the Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act, introduced by Representative H.E. Pennypacker (D-NV-1). This important bill would not only improve the long-term sustainability of forests, but also begin to explore a long-term source of income for rural communities. "I strongly believe that, as good stewards of the gifts God has given us, we must conserve our natural resources without excluding innovation or development. After all, National Forests are a public resource that all Americans should be able to enjoy. Here in western Colorado," Congressman Hooper said, "we have a wide abundance of natural resources that have yet to be tapped into in a responsible manner."

 

"The Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act would change that state of affairs. Just about 10 miles north of where we're standing lies the San Juan National Forest. Imagine the jobs that would be made available here in Cortez if we opened up a small portion of our National Forests - no more than 2% nationwide - to locally-controlled and operated development, such as sustainable logging!" Hooper spoke further about some of the nuances of the bill to his constituents, describing that the federal government would retain ownership, some of the revenues, and firefighting responsibilities, while state-based Advisory Committees would determine important regulations that are in-line with local desires.

 

"This proposed bill, which I am proud to sign on to as a cosponsor, will make a positive impact on the lives of everyday Coloradans by creating community forest demonstration areas of a minimum of 200,000 acres," Hooper said. "Bipartisan ideas like this one are what we need more of in Washington, DC. I will continue to fight for this bill as it progresses through committee and through the House, ultimately on its way to the President's desk for his approval." Asked about the implication for rural economies, Hooper responded by saying, "To help rural economies, we aren't giving them a handout; instead, we're giving them a hand-up to help them survive and even thrive."

On 11/30/2017 at 6:00 AM, Lloth said:

There is some concern in the pro-life movement that the Democratic introduction in the House of a partial-birth abortion ban is being opposed by Republicans.

 

The Democrats also seem to be insistent on a rape and incest exemption. We are not thrilled by this, but we can live with it to get the rest of the bill.

 

We understand the GOP can make the Democrats look bad as more and more people learn of the horror of partial-birth abortion. However, the ultimate goal is outlawing this heinous act.

 

Are we agreed?

 

I wholeheartedly agree that our priority must be to pass into law a thorough ban against partial-birth abortions. This means working with Democrats, and to that extent I am willing to reach out to colleagues to get it accomplished. In the House version, I will also work with the House Leadership (of which I was formerly a part) to make sure that the bill passes through the House as well as the Senate.

The Backroom of

JEROME HOOPER

Republican of Colorado's 3rd District

Jerome Hooper Moves to Protect Military Voting Rights

 

 

GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- At a stop at an historic American Legion post in Grand Junction, Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) announced that he had introduced the Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act in the House of Representatives. After meeting with distinguished veterans at Post 37, Congressman Hooper spoke about his newest legislative initiative which is protecting the important American right to vote for armed service members. "To deny servicemen and -women this fundamental civil right would be to do our nation a great disservice," Hooper said. "These true patriots who are willing to put their lives on the line deserve to have their voices heard in Washington - and it is with their voices in mind that I have introduced this proposal!"

 

"As a veteran myself," Hooper said, "this issue is personal. The fact that armed service members don't have a comprehensive voting rights act yet is something that Congress must change - and it's a key promise I made to the people of Colorado's 3rd District during the 1998 elections." The Comprehensive Armed Services Voting Rights Act has four primary sections that will make it easier for active-duty and reservist military members to cast a ballot. First, it establishes standards to protect military absentee ballots from being dismissed as fraudulent unless there is "clear and convincing evidence."

 

Second, the bill ensures that a military serviceman or -woman isn't deemed to have lost residence in his or her home state. It further extends absentee balloting rights to state and local elections. Finally, the Act would allow federal Armed Forces installations to be used as polling places in elections. "These provisions are all common-sense, and they will protect the rights of the military to engage in the political process without infringing upon the overall neutrality of the institutions," Hooper said. "I am looking forward to seeing this bill come before the House floor, and to eventually pass into law - hopefully in time to be in place before the 2000 elections."

Hooper Stands Up For Life

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- When it comes to the issue of life, Congressman Jerome Hooper stands firm: a person's a person no matter how small. While abortion is currently legal by diktat of the Supreme Court, Congressman Hooper (R-CO-3) believes that it should be as rare as possible. To that end, he recently sponsored two critical pieces of legislation to protect the rights of the unborn and born children. "I firmly believe life begins at conception," Hooper stated to the press, "and that we must cherish this precious gift that we are blessed with - the gift of children. Recent media coverage has highlighted just how gruesome abortion can be, and we must fight against this devilish practice."

 

First, Hooper cosponsored the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban of 2000, which would prohibit the practice of partial-birth abortions. The practice involves the mutilation of an unborn child, typically close to term, in the process of murdering it. "The moral conscience of our nation cannot abide such a despicable practice. I will be fighting tooth-and-nail for this bill's passage," Hooper told the press. The proposal was introduced by Democratic Whip Andrew Sutherland of Illinois. "I also call upon Whip Sutherland to urge his Senatorial colleagues to support a similar version of the same bill being processed through the Senate - which looks like it will be a close vote."

 

In addition to an act to ban partial-birth abortions, Jerome Hooper, a devout Roman Catholic, cosponsored the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2000. It would ensure that the definition of personhood extends to every infant human born living at any stage of fetal development. "This is a bold step forward towards protecting life in all of its forms." Hooper also commented on the potential for bipartisan cooperation on these acts, saying "Life is not a partisan issue. It's a human issue - one that must be preserved regardless of what lobbyists you like to listen to or who writes checks to your campaign. I look forward to seeing some principled Democrats join us on this issue."

Hooper Supports Fiscal Responsibility

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- As the debate over the Balanced Budget Amendment continues, Congressman Jermone Hooper (R-CO-3) took further steps to advance fiscal restraint and spending responsibility in the nation's capital. Specifically, Hooper introduced the Line-Item Veto Amendment to the US Constitution, which would allow the President to disapprove any funding line-items in an appropriations bill. Jerome Hooper also co-sponsored a bill to extend Congressional PAYGO requirements through to 2005, instead of their current expiration date of 2002. "I am a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility," Hooper said, "and I believe firmly that these measures will protect our surplus for years to come."

 

Speaking directly on the line-item veto amendment, Hooper commented that, "Almost every single state, including Colorado, allows its governor line-item veto power. This keeps wasteful pork barrel spending in check at the local level. President Clinton requested that Congress give him the authority to have a line-item veto, and Congress agreed only for the Supreme Court to decide that it would require a Constitutional amendment. Well, now I am here introducing this amendment - which already has bipartisan support." The amendment as written would allow Congress to overturn a line-item veto by a simple majority vote.

 

Turning to speak about the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) extension, Congressman Hooper said, "I am happy to join colleagues from across the aisle with respect to making PAYGO last for longer. It has been a critical instrument in protecting our surplus - and to see it expire would be a shame. That being said, I don't want to see this distract from the primary goal of a balanced budget amendment." Hooper also recently spoke to KOAA, the Pueblo NBC affiliate, outlining his three-pronged approach to fiscal responsibility. "As a US Congressman, it is extremely important to me that I protect your hard-earned tax dollars," Hooper stated.

Warchest of

Congressman Jerome Hooper

 

Income:

• $300,000 - Starting Funds
• $81,250 - Early 2000 Contributions (Link)
• $923 - Agribusiness (Link)
• $321 - National Right-to-Life (Link)
• $189,922 - Q3 2000 Contributions (Link)
• $288 - Conservative Groups (Link)
• $197,681 - Q4 Contributions (Link)

 

Expenditure:

•  

 

Balance:

$770,385

Hooper Defends Balanced Budget Amendment

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- In a contentious debate over the Balanced Budget Amendment, freshman Congressman Jerome Hooper (R-CO-3) weighed in firmly on the side of supporting the measure, which is designed to ensure a continued federal surplus. "I have experience balancing a state budget," Hooper said to the press, "and the federal budget is currently balanced. But I fear for the long-term stability of our surplus unless we have a balanced budget amendment that requires us to keep the budget in line." Hooper cast a firm vote for the amendment in an attempt to prevent it from being tabled. He also delivered a floor speech on the bill, where he requested to be added as a co-sponsor of the amendment by unanimous consent.

 

"Just as any family, and the vast majority of states, require, we cannot spend more than we take in. That is simply irresponsible, and to push the burden of debt onto our children and grandchildren, frankly, is immoral," Hooper said on the House floor. The proposed amendment, which would allow for exceptions in times of war or when three-fifths of Congress authorizes an exception, would place constitutional requirements on the President to submit a balanced budget proposal and on the Congress to pass a balanced budget.

 

When asked to speculate about why the Democratic Party was so hostile to this amendment, Hooper said, "It is clear to me that the Democrats are dragging their feet in order to leave the door open for further spending programs that will eventually balloon our deficit. They are playing coy, but the American people can see through their charade." It remains to be seen whether the amendment will garner the needed two-thirds super-majority to pass the House, but Hooper remains confident: "We've seen some aisle crossing by moderate Democrats, and I am cautiously optimistic about this amendment."