We just returned last night from continuing orientation. Highlights included national security updates, budget and tax updates, and a provocative and thoughtful presentation by Rep. Paul Ryan (R‐Wisconsin) on the state of America’s monetary system, entitlements, and debt.
The Republican Conference enforced term limits on committee chairmanships. Committee Chairmen were announced including Rep. Lamar Smith (R‐TX) as Chairman of Judiciary, Rep. Darrell Issa (R‐CA) as Chairman of Oversight and Reform, Rep. Paul Ryan (R‐WI) as Chairman of Budget and Dave Camp (R‐MI) as Chairman of Ways and Means. You can expect robust and productive committee work and appropriate oversight from the incoming 112th Congress and the chairmen of the various committees.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney addressed the incoming freshman Wednesday morning and gave us his perspective on national security.
Committee assignments for the 112th Congress will be coming soon. The incoming freshmen from South Carolina – Jeff Duncan, Mick Mulvaney and Tim Scott – have cooperated, coordinated and worked hard to request committee assignments that benefit South Carolina and fit our respective backgrounds. Not only are these three incoming freshmen wonderful people committed to the conservative cause they are a joy to be around, and I am proud they are representing South Carolina. They ask tough, fair questions of leadership and each other.
In addition to preparing to hit the ground running January 5, 2011, some of the highlights of the trip for me were the moving prayers offered by incoming freshman Rep. Allen West (R‐FL) and outgoing Rep. Gresham Barrett (R‐SC) and a chance to sit down with Rep. Paul Ryan yesterday in his office and listen to him talk about the need for courage and sacrifice to right the fiscal ship in our country.
Very cold in Washington. Wonderful to be home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you for giving me the chance to work for you in 2011.
I met your new Chief of Staff yesterday. He is a fine man who will benefit you works. My wife taught him in high school and she says he is fantastic. Be careful in DC and watch out for the old Washington Two-Step. Seems everyone in that town is dancing to the same old tune.