Subject: GOP VP DAILY UPDATE – 5/19/16
From: "Kasnetz, Joel" <[email-masked]>
To: "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>, "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>, Veepstakes <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 19 May 2016 10:46:47 -0700

GOP VP DAILY UPDATE – 5/19/16

MARSHA BLACKBURN

CHRIS CHRISTIE

BOB CORKER

TOM COTTON

JONI ERNST

MARY FALLIN

NEWT GINGRICH

JIM JORDAN

JEFF SESSIONS

TIM SCOTT

MARSHA BLACKBURN

NDAA

Office Of Rep. Blackburn: Marsha Blackburn Praised The 2017 NDAA For “Halting And Reversing The Drawdown Of Military End Strength, Preserving The Active Duty Army At 480,000 And Adding 4,000 Airmen And 3,000 Marines In FY2017.” “In addition to providing the funding needed for equipment, maintenance and facilities, this bill will provide for service members and their families by: Giving our troops a much-deserved pay raise while blocking the President’s ability to reduce troop pay…Simplifying TRICARE, expanding access to urgent care and Military Treatment Facilities, and ensuring retirees can purchase durable medical equipment at the DOD cost….Halting and reversing the drawdown of military end strength, preserving the active duty Army at 480,000 and adding 4,000 Airmen and 3,000 Marines in FY2017.” [Press Release, Office of Rep. Blackburn, 5/19/16<http://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397945>]

Marsha Blackburn Voted Against An Amendment To Strip A Right To Discriminate Law From The 2017 NDAA. [H.R. 4974, Vote 226, 114th Congress, 5/19/16<http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2016/roll226.xml>]

Marsha Blackburn Voted Against An Amendment To Ban The Confederate Flag At Department Of Veterans Affairs Facilities. [H.R. 4974, Vote 223, 114th Congress, 5/19/16<http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2016/roll223.xml>]

Fetal Tissue

Marsha Blackburn: “Since December, Five Women Have Been Sent To The Hospital While Seeking An Abortion At A Germantown, MD Clinic. I Joined TheBlaze To Discuss The Select Panel’s Efforts To Investigate And Protect Women And Babies From Further Harm.” [Marsha Blackburn, Facebook, 5/19/16<https://www.facebook.com/marshablackburn/videos/10154134772603396/>]

Ben Rhodes

Marsha Blackburn: “Good Work From Trey Gowdy Gowdy, Defending Sen. Cotton, Questions Ben Rhodes’ Qualifications.” [@VoteMarsha, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/VoteMarsha/status/733068376696819712>]

Overtime

Marsha Blackburn: “Mandating Overtime Pay Is A Sure Way To Reduce Take Home Pay For Millions Of Americans.” [@MarshaBlackburn, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/732988504163123200>]

ACA

Marsha Blackburn: “Obamacare’s Mandated, One-Size-Fits-All Approach Has Only Led To Higher Costs And Fewer Options For Consumers.” [@MarshaBlackburn, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/733299811257077761>]

TSA

Marsha Blackburn On The TSA: “It Is Time To Have The Private Sector Handle The Task. #Ihatethewait” [@MarshaBlackburn, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/733024514318172160>]

Misc. Social Media

Marsha Blackburn: “The Challenges We Face & Solutions We Must Provide To Bring Economic, Retirement & Nat'l Security To All Americans.” [@MarshaBlackburn, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/733005820607234050>]

Clinton Foundation

Washington Examiner: Marsha Blackburn Said The Federal Trade Commission’s Refusal To Investigate The Clinton Foundation Was “‘Inconsistent’ With Its ‘Mission And Precedent.’” “The federal agency responsible for consumer protection is refusing a request from members of Congress to investigate the nonprofit Clinton Foundation…Ramirez suggested the FTC had insufficient evidence to take action. Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who led a group of 21 House members in requesting that the FTC take action, said in response that the FTC's assertion was ‘inconsistent’ with its ‘mission and precedent.’” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ftc-rejects-congressional-request-to-investigate-clinton-foundation/article/2591767>]

Marsha Blackburn: “In Our Letter, We Lay Out A Number Of Reports That Have Put The Clinton Foundation On A ‘Watch List’, Questioned Its Transparency And Accountability, And Found It To Be An ‘Atypical Business Model.’” “In response, Blackburn states, ‘The lack of transparency by the Clinton Foundation raises issues of deception and false claims. In our letter, we lay out a number of reports that have put the Clinton Foundation on a “Watch List”, questioned its transparency and accountability, and found it to be an “atypical business model.”’” [Press Release, Office of Rep. Blackburn, 5/19/16<http://blackburn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397948>]

Marsha Blackburn On The FTC’s Refusal To Investigate The Clinton Foundation: “It Appears They Took The Easy Route Of Sending Back A Form Letter Rather Than Truly Investigating An Issue That Is Of Compelling Public Interest.” “‘It appears they took the easy route of sending back a form letter rather than truly investigating an issue that is of compelling public interest,’ Blackburn wrote in a statement. ‘The allegations swirling around the Foundation are very serious and should be thoroughly vetted. This is an issue of fairness and accountability that needs to be addressed.’ ‘The lack of transparency by the Clinton Foundation raises issues of deception and false claims,’ she added.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ftc-rejects-congressional-request-to-investigate-clinton-foundation/article/2591767>]

Marsha Blackburn On The FTC’s Refusal To Investigate The Clinton Foundation: “The Allegations Swirling Around The Foundation Are Very Serious And Should Be Thoroughly Vetted. This Is An Issue Of Fairness And Accountability That Needs To Be Addressed.” “‘It appears they took the easy route of sending back a form letter rather than truly investigating an issue that is of compelling public interest,’ Blackburn wrote in a statement. ‘The allegations swirling around the Foundation are very serious and should be thoroughly vetted. This is an issue of fairness and accountability that needs to be addressed.’ ‘The lack of transparency by the Clinton Foundation raises issues of deception and false claims,’ she added.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ftc-rejects-congressional-request-to-investigate-clinton-foundation/article/2591767>]

Marsha Blackburn On The FTC’s Refusal To Investigate The Clinton Foundation: “The Lack Of Transparency By The Clinton Foundation Raises Issues Of Deception And False Claims.” “‘It appears they took the easy route of sending back a form letter rather than truly investigating an issue that is of compelling public interest,’ Blackburn wrote in a statement. ‘The allegations swirling around the Foundation are very serious and should be thoroughly vetted. This is an issue of fairness and accountability that needs to be addressed.’ ‘The lack of transparency by the Clinton Foundation raises issues of deception and false claims,’ she added.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/ftc-rejects-congressional-request-to-investigate-clinton-foundation/article/2591767>]

School Lunches

Marsha Blackburn’s Spokeswoman Said That She Had Not Yet Reviewed House Legislation Aimed At Reducing The Number Of Students Who Received Free And Subsidized School Lunches. “Fewer students would receive free and reduced-price meals at school under legislation that Republicans have pushed through a House committee. On a vote of 20-14 Wednesday, the Education and Workforce Committee backed the bill, which would scale back the number of schools in which all students receive free or reduced-price meals. The measure would allow a trial period of so-called block grants for school meals in three states — meaning those states would no longer receive unlimited federal dollars for students who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunches, and states wouldn't have to follow most federal nutrition standards…NewsChannel 5 reached out to Tennessee's Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. Her press secretary responded by saying, ‘The bill isn’t under the jurisdiction of the committee Congressman Blackburn serves on and isn’t a bill she has co-sponsored so we haven’t had the opportunity to fully review it yet.’” [Associated Press, 5/18/16<http://www.newschannel5.com/news/fewer-kids-could-receive-free-school-meals-under-house-bill>]

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Christie/Trump Fundraiser

5/19/16: Donald Trump And Chris Christie Attended A “$25,000-Per-Person Fundraiser For The State GOP To Help It Pay Off About $500,000 Incurred In Legal Fees Responding To Legislative Subpoenas In The Bridge Scandal.” “Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump is helping dig former rival Chris Christie and the New Jersey Republican Party out of big debt they incurred from the George Washington Bridge scandal and the governor's presidential campaign. Trump on Thursday will attend a $25,000-per-person fundraiser for the state GOP to help it pay off about $500,000 incurred in legal fees responding to legislative subpoenas in the bridge scandal. Trump and Christie will headline the event as well as a separate, $200 per-person fundraiser to pay down Christie's roughly $250,000 presidential campaign debt.” [Associated Press, 5/18/16<http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-05-18/trump-comes-to-financial-rescue-for-christie-state-gop>]

5/19/16: Donald Trump And Chris Christie Attended A “$200 per-person fundraiser to pay down Christie's roughly $250,000 presidential campaign debt.” “Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump is helping dig former rival Chris Christie and the New Jersey Republican Party out of big debt they incurred from the George Washington Bridge scandal and the governor's presidential campaign. Trump on Thursday will attend a $25,000-per-person fundraiser for the state GOP to help it pay off about $500,000 incurred in legal fees responding to legislative subpoenas in the bridge scandal. Trump and Christie will headline the event as well as a separate, $200 per-person fundraiser to pay down Christie's roughly $250,000 presidential campaign debt.” [Associated Press, 5/18/16<http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-05-18/trump-comes-to-financial-rescue-for-christie-state-gop>]

NJ Republican National Committeeman On Donald Trump Fundraising For The NJ GOP And Chris Christie: “We Certainly Take It As A Demonstration Of Their Long And Deep Friendship. Whether It's A Thank-You Or Not, We Appreciate It Nonetheless.” “Christie has since folded his presidential campaign and taken the big political risk of endorsing Trump, and the billionaire has tapped the governor to head his White House transition team. Now Trump, eager to show support for the Republican Party, is making what some members of the GOP see as a helpful gesture. ‘We certainly take it as a demonstration of their long and deep friendship,’ said Bill Palatucci, a long-time Christie adviser and New Jersey Republican National Committeeman. ‘Whether it's a thank-you or not, we appreciate it nonetheless.’” [Associated Press, 5/18/16<http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-05-18/trump-comes-to-financial-rescue-for-christie-state-gop>]

BOB CORKER

Music

Bob Corker: “Senator Corker Enjoyed Meeting With The American Society Of Composers, Authors And Publishers (ASCAP) Today To Discuss The #Songwriterequityact And Other Issues Important To The Music Industry.” [Senator Bob Corker, Facebook, 5/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/bobcorker/photos/a.112749448773063.6289.109251415789533/1046121415435857/?type=3&theater>]

National Debt

Office Of Senator Corker: Bob Corker “Was Named A ‘Fiscal Hero’ By The Campaign To Fix The Debt For His Work During The 114th Congress To Improve Our Nation’s Fiscal Future And Address The Core Drivers Of The National Debt.” “U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) this week was named a ‘Fiscal Hero’ by the Campaign to Fix the Debt for his work during the 114th Congress to improve our nation’s fiscal future and address the core drivers of the national debt.” [Press Release, Office of Senator Corker, 5/19/16<http://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ID=2C49E316-D9A8-4889-9034-A2D9366080F3>]

Bob Corker: “The Greatest Threat To Our National Security Today Is Our Inability To Deal With Our Fiscal Issues.” “U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) this week was named a ‘Fiscal Hero’ by the Campaign to Fix the Debt for his work during the 114th Congress to improve our nation’s fiscal future and address the core drivers of the national debt. ‘The greatest threat to our national security today is our inability to deal with our fiscal issues,’ said Corker. ‘We are $19 trillion in debt, and yet we continue to spend more money than we bring in. I will continue to fight for policies that will put our nation on a path to fiscal solvency so we can ensure our country’s greatness for generations to come.’ ‘Fiscal Heroes’ have distinguished themselves by taking fiscally responsible votes, participating in fiscally focused events, pushing their party leaders to make debt a priority, leading bipartisan efforts to work through policy options to fix the debt, delivering floor speeches to raise awareness about the issue, advocating to keep tough choices on the table, and introducing legislation to improve the nation's fiscal position.” [Press Release, Office of Senator Corker, 5/19/16<http://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ID=2C49E316-D9A8-4889-9034-A2D9366080F3>]

Bob Corker: “We Are $19 Trillion In Debt, And Yet We Continue To Spend More Money Than We Bring In. I Will Continue To Fight For Policies That Will Put Our Nation On A Path To Fiscal Solvency So We Can Ensure Our Country’s Greatness For Generations To Come.” “U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) this week was named a ‘Fiscal Hero’ by the Campaign to Fix the Debt for his work during the 114th Congress to improve our nation’s fiscal future and address the core drivers of the national debt. ‘The greatest threat to our national security today is our inability to deal with our fiscal issues,’ said Corker. ‘We are $19 trillion in debt, and yet we continue to spend more money than we bring in. I will continue to fight for policies that will put our nation on a path to fiscal solvency so we can ensure our country’s greatness for generations to come.’ ‘Fiscal Heroes’ have distinguished themselves by taking fiscally responsible votes, participating in fiscally focused events, pushing their party leaders to make debt a priority, leading bipartisan efforts to work through policy options to fix the debt, delivering floor speeches to raise awareness about the issue, advocating to keep tough choices on the table, and introducing legislation to improve the nation's fiscal position.” [Press Release, Office of Senator Corker, 5/19/16<http://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ID=2C49E316-D9A8-4889-9034-A2D9366080F3>]

Foreign Policy

CNN: Bob Corker Did Not Defend Donald Trump’s “Willingness To Negotiate With North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un.” “Donald Trump's willingness to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is receiving scant backing from Republicans on Capitol Hill, with a former rival taking a shot at the presumptive GOP nominee's lack of foreign policy knowledge…Others didn't even want to touch it. ‘Like I said, I'm not going to get into the habit to respond to the daily dissertations of the presidential race,’ said Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tennessee, adding that he'd only do so from time-to-time.” [CNN, 5/18/16<http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/18/politics/marco-rubio-donald-trump-north-korea/>]

CNN: When Asked To Comment On Donald Trump’s “Willingness To Negotiate With North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un,” Bob Corker Said “I'm Not Going To Get Into The Habit To Respond To The Daily Dissertations Of The Presidential Race.” “Donald Trump's willingness to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is receiving scant backing from Republicans on Capitol Hill, with a former rival taking a shot at the presumptive GOP nominee's lack of foreign policy knowledge…Others didn't even want to touch it. ‘Like I said, I'm not going to get into the habit to respond to the daily dissertations of the presidential race,’ said Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tennessee, adding that he'd only do so from time-to-time.” [CNN, 5/18/16<http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/18/politics/marco-rubio-donald-trump-north-korea/>]

Washington Post: After Peace Talks Between Afghanistan And The Taliban Failed In Part Due To Pakistan’s Haqqani Network, Bob Corker “Led A Bipartisan Effort To Block U.S. Subsidies For A $699 Million Deal To Sell Pakistan Eight F-16 Fighter Jets.” “Around the same time, army chief Raheel Sharif appeared to be invested in trying to work with the United States and China to broker a peace agreement between Afghanistan’s government and Taliban leaders who have historically found refuge in Pakistan. But peace talks have failed to materialize, and both Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan are losing patience. A particular frustration is that Pakistan has not done more to disrupt the Haqqani network, a Taliban offshoot. In response, after returning from a trip to Afghanistan, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) led a bipartisan effort to block U.S. subsidies for a $699 million deal to sell Pakistan eight F-16 fighter jets.” [Washington Post, 5/18/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistans-welcome-if-brief-moment-of-stability-may-be-at-an-end/2016/05/18/c5d21f22-1b73-11e6-82c2-a7dcb313287d_story.html>]

Bob Corker Aide On A Bill In Front Of The Senate Foreign Relations Committee: “The Legislation Will Allow For The Establishment Of A Diplomatic Office In Washington For The Gulf Cooperation Council That Will Facilitate Continued Security Cooperation Between The US And Regional Allies In The Fight Against [The Islamic State].” “Congress is rolling out the red carpet for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as the six-nation coalition prepares to open shop in Washington. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will vote May 19 on a bipartisan bill extending diplomatic courtesies to the officials and staff of a potential GCC office. The legislation was requested by the Barack Obama administration, which endorsed the idea during the president's fence-mending visit to Riyadh last month. ‘The legislation will allow for the establishment of a diplomatic office in Washington for the Gulf Cooperation Council that will facilitate continued security cooperation between the US and regional allies in the fight against [the Islamic State],’ an aide to panel chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., told Al-Monitor. The GCC is composed of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The bill would extend the ‘privileges and immunities’ granted under the International Organizations Immunities Act to the GCC ‘under such terms and conditions as the president shall determine.’ The 1945 law treats international organizations much like traditional diplomatic posts but doesn't grant its employees full diplomatic immunity.” [Al Monitor, 5/18/16<http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/05/gcc-washington-diplomatic-office-uae-saudi-arabia.html>]

VP

Rasumussen Reports: Trump May Look To Bob Corker As A Running Mate If He Wants Someone “Who Can Strengthen His Weak Portfolio On Foreign Policy.” “Trump may also want a running mate who can strengthen his weak portfolio on foreign policy. Recent polls show Americans view Hillary Clinton, Trump’s likely general election opponent, as more trustworthy and capable in handling international relations. For example, a late April survey from George Washington University found ‘foreign affairs’ to be the issue area where Trump had his biggest deficit versus Clinton. Eight years ago, Barack Obama found himself in a somewhat similar situation, leading him to tap Joe Biden, then-chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. For Trump, perhaps this would push him in the direction of someone like Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), who now chairs Biden’s old committee. On that panel with Corker is Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), whose outsider background and business credentials might mesh with Trump as well.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Rasumussen Reports: Bob Corker’s Disadvantages As A Potential Trump Running Mate Include That He “Might Not Be Flashy Enough For Trump” And That Tennessee “Is Not A Swing State.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Global Ministries Foundation

FOX 13: Marco Rubio Called For “A Federal Investigation Into How Global Ministries Foundation Handled Low-Income Apartments In Memphis,” As GMF Also Operated Apartments In Florida. “Former presidential candidate Marco Rubio is calling for a federal investigation into how Global Ministries Foundation handled low-income apartments in Memphis. GMF lost federal funding for Tulane and Warren Apartments after a FOX13 investigation exposed unlivable conditions. Senator Rubio is getting involved because GMF, which is based out of Memphis, owns apartments in Florida where residents are facing similar problems… Rubio is asking a congressional oversight committee to hold hearing, which will force GMF owner Richard Hamlet to answer questions under oath on Capitol Hill. ‘Virtually every property they seem to own around the country, they don't maintain it,’ Rubio said. ‘It's become a slum, and they use government dollars to enrich themselves.’” [FOX 13, 5/18/16<http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/marco-rubio-gmf-is-preying-on-residents-at-problematic-apartments/292112673>]

FOX 13: Marco Rubio Said Low-Income Apartments Operated By GMF “Become A Slum, And They Use Government Dollars To Enrich Themselves.” “Former presidential candidate Marco Rubio is calling for a federal investigation into how Global Ministries Foundation handled low-income apartments in Memphis. GMF lost federal funding for Tulane and Warren Apartments after a FOX13 investigation exposed unlivable conditions. Senator Rubio is getting involved because GMF, which is based out of Memphis, owns apartments in Florida where residents are facing similar problems… Rubio is asking a congressional oversight committee to hold hearing, which will force GMF owner Richard Hamlet to answer questions under oath on Capitol Hill. ‘Virtually every property they seem to own around the country, they don't maintain it,’ Rubio said. ‘It's become a slum, and they use government dollars to enrich themselves.’” [FOX 13, 5/18/16<http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/marco-rubio-gmf-is-preying-on-residents-at-problematic-apartments/292112673>]

FOX 13: Bob Corker Said “His Office Has Been In Contact With Memphis And HUD,” Surrounding GMF, “And They Are Monitoring The Situation.” “Former presidential candidate Marco Rubio is calling for a federal investigation into how Global Ministries Foundation handled low-income apartments in Memphis. GMF lost federal funding for Tulane and Warren Apartments after a FOX13 investigation exposed unlivable conditions. Senator Rubio is getting involved because GMF, which is based out of Memphis, owns apartments in Florida where residents are facing similar problems… Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee sent FOX13 a statement saying his office has been in contact with Memphis and HUD, and they are monitoring the situation.” [FOX 13, 5/18/16<http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/marco-rubio-gmf-is-preying-on-residents-at-problematic-apartments/292112673>]

TOM COTTON

On Iran Heavy Water Purchase

The Obama Administration Is Finalizing A Purchase Of Heavy Water From Iran; Tom Cotton’s Amendment Would Only Apply To Future Purchases. “The Obama administration is moving to finalize an $8.6 million deal with Iran to buy a supply of heavy water used in the country's nuclear program. ‘We are still in the process of executing that first transaction,’ Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Wednesday at a policy forum hosted by Politico in Washington. Moniz strived to make clear that the heavy water purchase would be a one-time deal and not something that will become part of normalized trade with Iran…Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., introduced an amendment to a $37.5 billion energy spending bill that would have banned any future purchases of Iran's heavy water. The amendment was voted down last week in an effort to move the spending bill, which funds many of the Energy Department's programs.” [Washington Examiner, 5/18/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obamas-8.6-million-purchase-from-iran-almost-done/article/2591665?custom_click=rss>]

On Sanctuary Cities Amendment

Tom Cotton Cosponsored An Amendment With Pat Toomey To Withhold Federal Funding From Cities With “Sanctuary City” Policies. “Sen. Toomey introduced an amendment that would withhold certain federal funds from ‘sanctuary cities’-jurisdictions that forbid their local law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials. Too often, local law enforcement officers want to work with the Obama administration to take dangerous criminals off of the streets, but are forbidden from doing so by ‘sanctuary city’ policies imposed by local politicians…Sen. Toomey's amendment preserves individuals' right to sue if their civil rights are violated, while ensuring any such lawsuits are brought against the correct entity…Sens. Jeff Sessions, David Vitter, and Tom Cotton are cosponsors of the Toomey measure.” [States News Service, 5/18/16]

On ACLI Capital Challenge

Tom Cotton Won The American Council Of Life Insurers Capital Challenge. “Sen. Tom Cotton was the first lawmaker to fly through the finish line again at this year’s ACLI Capital Challenge.   The American Council of Life Insurers hosted staffers from all three branches of government and the media for the 35th annual three mile race in Anacostia Park to raise money for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.   Not only was this year the fourth in a row Cotton was the fastest overall from Congress — he also won both years that he was in the House — his office team took first place in the team challenge.” [Roll Call, 5/18/16<http://www.rollcall.com/news/hoh/cotton-runs-away-colleagues-3-mile-race>]

JONI ERNST

RFS

Des Moines Register: Joni Ernst Objected To The EPA’s “Modest Increase In The Amount Of Ethanol That Must Be Blended Into America's Gasoline Supply Next Year.” “The Obama administration on Wednesday proposed a modest increase in the amount of ethanol that must be blended into America's gasoline supply next year, angering producers of the renewable fuel who wanted the White House to adopt the much more aggressive targets set by Congress…Sen. Joni Ernst warned that the blending requirements will discourage investment in next generation biofuels and ‘hurt an already struggling agricultural economy in Iowa and across the nation.’” [Des Moines Register, 5/18/16<http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2016/05/18/epas-call-small-ethanol-increase-angers-producers/84549658/>]

Joni Ernst Criticized The EPA For Reducing Volume Requirements For Conventional Fuels Under The Renewable Fuel Standard. “Senator Joni Ernst released the following statement today, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for conventional biofuels in 2017 and biomass-based diesel in 2018: ‘I am once again disappointed with the EPA’s decision to reduce volume requirements for conventional biofuels, despite having clear direction from Congress. Unfortunately, this was not a surprise, as this agency under the Obama administration has repeatedly ignored congressional intent when administering the RFS. The RFS is about encouraging investment and research in renewable fuels, providing consumers with choices at the pump, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Yet these volume levels will only discourage investment in next generation biofuels, and hurt an already struggling agricultural economy in Iowa and across the nation.’” [Press Release, Office of Senator Ernst, 5/18/16<http://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C43B8EA3-0403-4368-905B-D3B2C5D94728>]

Joni Ernst On The EPA For Reducing Volume Requirements For Conventional Fuels Under The Renewable Fuel Standard: “Unfortunately, This Was Not A Surprise, As This Agency Under The Obama Administration Has Repeatedly Ignored Congressional Intent When Administering The RFS.” “Senator Joni Ernst released the following statement today, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for conventional biofuels in 2017 and biomass-based diesel in 2018: ‘I am once again disappointed with the EPA’s decision to reduce volume requirements for conventional biofuels, despite having clear direction from Congress. Unfortunately, this was not a surprise, as this agency under the Obama administration has repeatedly ignored congressional intent when administering the RFS. The RFS is about encouraging investment and research in renewable fuels, providing consumers with choices at the pump, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Yet these volume levels will only discourage investment in next generation biofuels, and hurt an already struggling agricultural economy in Iowa and across the nation.’” [Press Release, Office of Senator Ernst, 5/18/16<http://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C43B8EA3-0403-4368-905B-D3B2C5D94728>]

Joni Ernst On The EPA For Reducing Volume Requirements For Conventional Fuels Under The Renewable Fuel Standard: “These Volume Levels Will Only Discourage Investment In Next Generation Biofuels, And Hurt An Already Struggling Agricultural Economy In Iowa And Across The Nation.” “Senator Joni Ernst released the following statement today, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for conventional biofuels in 2017 and biomass-based diesel in 2018: ‘I am once again disappointed with the EPA’s decision to reduce volume requirements for conventional biofuels, despite having clear direction from Congress. Unfortunately, this was not a surprise, as this agency under the Obama administration has repeatedly ignored congressional intent when administering the RFS. The RFS is about encouraging investment and research in renewable fuels, providing consumers with choices at the pump, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Yet these volume levels will only discourage investment in next generation biofuels, and hurt an already struggling agricultural economy in Iowa and across the nation.’” [Press Release, Office of Senator Ernst, 5/18/16<http://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C43B8EA3-0403-4368-905B-D3B2C5D94728>]

Joni Ernst On Changes To The RFS: “By Reducing The Congressionally Mandated Levels For Conventional Biofuels, The EPA Has Sent A Clear Message That They Are Willing To Break The Promises Made By Congress To Farmers And Renewable Energy Producers Years Ago.” “Senator Joni Ernst released the following statement today, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for conventional biofuels in 2017 and biomass-based diesel in 2018:…’I was encouraged to see the levels for biomass-based diesel set as high as they were, but by reducing the congressionally mandated levels for conventional biofuels, the EPA has sent a clear message that they are willing to break the promises made by Congress to farmers and renewable energy producers years ago.’” [Press Release, Office of Senator Ernst, 5/18/16<http://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C43B8EA3-0403-4368-905B-D3B2C5D94728>]

VP

Rasmussen Reports: Joni Ernst Was “Perhaps The Buzziest” Female Senator Donald Trump Was Considering For His Running Mate. “In the Senate, there are three other women that Trump could very well be considering. Perhaps the buzziest is Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a popular conservative from the swing state of Iowa who caught national attention during her successful run for Senate in 2014 with this now-famous ad. She could demonstrate that Trump welcomes a ‘strong woman’ and no doubt, Ernst would be a stump star in her own right on the campaign trail. But if Trump is looking for an experienced No. 2, Ernst isn’t it — she’s been in the Senate for just a year and a half.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Rasmussen Reports: Joni Ernst Was “A Popular Conservative From The Swing State Of Iowa Who Caught National Attention During Her Successful Run For Senate In 2014 With [A] Now-Famous Ad.”  “In the Senate, there are three other women that Trump could very well be considering. Perhaps the buzziest is Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) , a popular conservative from the swing state of Iowa who caught national attention during her successful run for Senate in 2014 with this now-famous ad. She could demonstrate that Trump welcomes a ‘strong woman’ and no doubt, Ernst would be a stump star in her own right on the campaign trail. But if Trump is looking for an experienced No. 2, Ernst isn’t it — she’s been in the Senate for just a year and a half.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Rasmussen Reports: Joni Ernst “Could Demonstrate That Trump Welcomes A ‘Strong Woman’ And No Doubt, Ernst Would Be A Stump Star In Her Own Right On The Campaign Trail.”  “In the Senate, there are three other women that Trump could very well be considering. Perhaps the buzziest is Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a popular conservative from the swing state of Iowa who caught national attention during her successful run for Senate in 2014 with this now-famous ad. She could demonstrate that Trump welcomes a ‘strong woman’ and no doubt, Ernst would be a stump star in her own right on the campaign trail. But if Trump is looking for an experienced No. 2, Ernst isn’t it — she’s been in the Senate for just a year and a half.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Rasmussen Reports: “If Trump Is Looking For An Experienced No. 2, Ernst Isn’t It — She’s Been In The Senate For Just A Year And A Half.”  “In the Senate, there are three other women that Trump could very well be considering. Perhaps the buzziest is Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a popular conservative from the swing state of Iowa who caught national attention during her successful run for Senate in 2014 with this now-famous ad. She could demonstrate that Trump welcomes a ‘strong woman’ and no doubt, Ernst would be a stump star in her own right on the campaign trail. But if Trump is looking for an experienced No. 2, Ernst isn’t it — she’s been in the Senate for just a year and a half. A better choice might be Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), a political veteran of the House and now Senate who is widely respected, well vetted, and unlikely to commit gaffes. Capito would double down on Trump’s appeal to voters in Greater Appalachia — not really a priority for Trump — but she could also possibly assist in nearby Ohio and Pennsylvania, where he needs a breakthrough. However, some Republicans would view Capito as too moderate on social issues, particularly abortion rights, which might complicate efforts to corral Republicans who supported Ted Cruz and others in the primary. Lastly, Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) would be another Republican woman in the Senate with whom Trump could make common cause, though she, like Ernst, is relatively inexperienced.” [Rasmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

NDAA

Joni Ernst: “My NDAA Provision Would Reduce Drunk Driving/Provide Opportunities For Military Communities Thru Providing Post Access To Transportation & Ridesharing Companies Like Uber.” [Senator Joni Ernst, Facebook, 5/18/16<https://www.facebook.com/senjoniernst/posts/536689796492459>]

Appointments

Joni Ernst: “Congrats To Fellow Iowan & Friend Swati Dandekar On Her New Role As Executive Director W/ The Asian Development Bank” [@SenJoniErnst, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenJoniErnst/status/732975913336504320>]

Misc. Social Media

Joni Ernst: “I Was Honored To Greet The Heroes From The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight To DC Today. Thank You For Your Service!” [@SenJoniErnst, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/SenJoniErnst/status/733022586431504384>]

Brian Mast

Joni Ernst Endorsed Florida House Candidate Brian Mast, Who Drew Scrutiny For Accusations That He Was Showing Off His Prosthetic Legs To Draw Attention To His Military Service. “Brian Mast is used to being asked why he always wears shorts. He pairs them with T-shirts, polo shirts, even with a coat and tie. But the questions — which have more to do with his prosthetic legs, the most noticeable mark of his military service in Afghanistan, than with his sense of style — did not start until he decided to run for Congress. Mr. Mast, who is running for the Republican nomination in this House district in southeastern Florida, embraces his identity as a veteran. The images are splashed across his campaign website: him flashing a thumbs-up, draped in his Army gear; reading the names engraved on the National September 11 Memorial; a clip of him running down a suburban street in the Florida sun, the camera zooming in on his prosthetic legs and panning up slowly past his camouflage shorts. But when Mr. Mast, 35, announced the endorsement of Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa and also a combat veteran, one commenter on his campaign’s Facebook page expressed skepticism: Does Mr. Mast have to wear shorts to accommodate his prosthetics?” [New York Times, 5/18/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/19/us/politics/a-combat-veteran-runs-for-congress-and-the-scrutiny-intensifies.html?_r=0>]

MARY FALLIN

On Internet Sales Tax

Mary Fallin Signed A Bill Requiring Online Purchessors That They May Be Charged Sales Tax But Because Of Federal Law, Collection Is Voluntary. “Governor Mary Fallin has signed a law that increases this state's odds of collecting Internet sales taxes. It calls for online companies to notify customers and the state about the taxes owed on Internet transactions. But due to current federal laws, complying is only voluntary…Tulsa's City Manager Jim Twombly said a voluntary tax is at least a first step that has paid off for some states. Twombly said, ‘Some states have experience up to 30- to 40-percent increase in the number of online retailers that are remitting.’ All national companies with a presence here are required to pay sales taxes, but that's only a small percentage of the marketplace…Right now, a change to mandatory online taxation would require action by the U.S. Congress, and so far there's not enough support on Capitol Hill.” [KTUL, 5/18/16<http://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-and-the-state-of-oklahoma-could-benefit-from-online-tax-revenue>]

On Cigarette Tax And Medicaid Expansion

Mary Fallin’s Plan To Expand Medicaid Was Opposed By Oklahoma Senate Republicans And Oklahoma House Democrats, Who Blocked A Bill To Increase Cigarette Taxes, A Major Part Of Mary Fallin’s Medicaid Expansion Plan. “A political squabble between Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature derailed a plan Wednesday to impose a $1.50-per-pack cigarette tax to stabilize an ailing Medicaid system…Tax increase legislation must start in the 101-member House and is required to have a three-fourths majority, or 76 votes, meaning the 30 Democratic representatives had a chance to act as a spoiler, and that's just what they did. Democrats voted as a bloc against House Bill 3210, which would raise $180 million annually at a time when the state is facing a $1.3 billion budget deficit…They refused to vote for the tax hike because Senate Republicans declined to back a plan to restructure Medicaid and bring health coverage to thousands of uninsured Oklahomans…Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said this Medicaid plan would represent state participation in the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which Republicans have long opposed.” [The Oklahoman, 5/18/16<http://newsok.com/cigarette-tax-faces-opposition-in-house/article/5498937>]

The Oklahoman: Mary Fallin Said She Was “Frustrated” By The Development In The Closing Days Of The Legislature. “Fallin said she is frustrated that this issue is only being voted on in the final days of the four-month legislative session, which must conclude by May 27. She also said the Senate bears some responsibility for the impasse for not supporting the Medicaid restructuring proposal. ‘Absolutely,’ she said. ‘It takes all of us working together. It's three separate bodies working together, a three-legged stool, with the House, the Senate and the governor's office that negotiates the budget.’” [The Oklahoman, 5/18/16<http://newsok.com/cigarette-tax-faces-opposition-in-house/article/5498937>]

On Planned Turnpike

Mary Fallin’s Plans For A New Turnpike In The Oklahoma City Metro Area Was Met With Protests. “Protesters gathered Wednesday on the steps of the state Capitol to call on lawmakers to do something about 21 miles of new toll roads that will soon be built in northeast Oklahoma County. Featuring elected officials and residents set to lose their homes and land, Wednesday's rally was a direct challenge to Gov. Mary Fallin's administration and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, or OTA. Speakers repeatedly called upon Fallin and the authority to reexamine the $300 million project in the Harrah and Choctaw areas…Fallin has expressed support of the projects in the past, calling them ‘a comprehensive blueprint for the state to modernize our turnpike system.’” [The Oklahoman, 5/18/16<http://newsok.com/proposed-turnpike-draws-protesters-at-capitol/article/5498915>]

On Oklahoma Tax Commission Chairman Resignation

Mary Fallin Did Not Accept The Resignation Of The Chairman Of The Oklahoma Tax Comission. “The chairman of the Oklahoma Tax Commission is withdrawing his resignation and says he intends to continue to lead the three-member panel. Gov. Mary Fallin said Wednesday that Steve Burrage asked her to withdraw his resignation. Burrage had notified Fallin last month that he intended to resign due to personal reasons. Fallin said in a news release that she never accepted the resignation and is pleased Burrage will remain as chairman of the commission. Burrage didn't immediately return a telephone message seeking comment…Fallin appointed Burrage in 2015 to the Tax Commission, which oversees the collection of fees and taxes and the distribution and apportionment of various state revenues.” [Associated Press, 5/18/16]

NEWT GINGRICH

On Donald Trump, The Supreme Court, And Hillary Clinton

Newt Gingrich: “One Is That Hillary Is Losing On Basic Honesty, The Scandals Involving The Clinton Foundation And Her Email Scandal.” “This election season has been fiercer than ever before. A new Fox News poll released Wednesday evening shows Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, holding a slight lead over his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich weighed in on the latest poll data, explaining why he thinks the GOP candidate is slightly ahead of Clinton. ‘A couple of things are going on,’ Gingrich told the FOX Business Network’s Lou Dobbs. ‘One is that Hillary is losing on basic honesty, the scandals involving the Clinton foundation and her email scandal.’” [Lou Dobbs Tonight, Fox Business, 5/18/16<http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/05/18/newt-gingrich-trump-will-keep-getting-better-and-better.html>]

Newt Gingrich: “I Don’t Think Any Reasonable Conservative Can Do Anything Except Try To Help Elect Trump In Order To Block Hillary From Appointing A Radical Supreme Court,” “On Wednesday afternoon, Trump revealed his potential picks for the next Supreme Court justice. That candidate would fill the vacancy of the late Antonin Scalia, who died unexpectedly in February. Gingrich believes Trump’s decision to release the list of names was a step in the right direction. ‘I don’t think any reasonable conservative can do anything except try to help elect Trump in order to block Hillary from appointing a radical Supreme Court,’ he said.” [Lou Dobbs Tonight, Fox Business, 5/18/16<http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/05/18/newt-gingrich-trump-will-keep-getting-better-and-better.html>]

Newt Gingrich: “She [Hillary Clinton] Has Just Never Been A Good Candidate…I Think That It’s All Beginning To Crumble Around Them [The Clinton Campaign]. I Think They Will Get More Desperate As They Watch Trump Get Better And Better." “The former house speaker said the ongoing controversies plaguing Clinton will lead to her downfall. ‘She has just never been a good candidate,’ he said. ‘I think that it’s all beginning to crumble around them [the Clinton campaign]. I think they will get more desperate as they watch Trump get better and better.’” [Lou Dobbs Tonight, Fox Business, 5/18/16<http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/05/18/newt-gingrich-trump-will-keep-getting-better-and-better.html>]

Newt Gingrich: “Now That Trump Has Listed 11 Possible Supreme Court Justices Where Is Hillary's List?How Radical Will Her Potential Justices Be?” [@newtgingirch, Twitter, 5/19/16<https://twitter.com/newtgingrich/status/733309397020094464>]

On New York Times Investigation Of Donald Trump And Women

Newt Gingrich: New York Times Story On Trump And Women “Bizarre” VAN SUSTEREN: “All right, Mr. Speaker, moments ago, Donald Trump using the word rape when talking about President Bill Clinton. That was in an interview with Sean Hannity that will air tonight at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. Mr. Speaker, your thoughts? This was obviously -- the reference as I understand it and I haven't seen the whole interview, is that he was accusing the "New York Times" not doing much of an investigation when they spent six weeks and two reporters on him.” [19:10:14] GINGRICH: “Since I haven't seen the interview, I have no idea what Trump was referring to, I mean, there have been all sorts of allegations. There have been people who have come out of the woodwork. I always thought it was bizarre that the ‘New York Times’ decides they are going to take on Donald Trump when his relationship with women, then do such a bad job that the centerpiece of their story goes on TV to say that the ‘New York Times’ whole story was a lie, exactly the opposite of what she said. Meanwhile, you have, for example, Clinton took a whole series of trips with a convicted pedophile, including five trips where he left behind the secret service. And, if I were the ‘New York Times,’ I wouldn't want to get involved in relating with women -- Bill is such a target-rich environment. Why would you even look at Trump?” [On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/18/16]

On Georgia GOP Convention

Newt Gingrich Will Moderate A Roundtable Discussion At the Georgia Republican Convention Next Month In Augusta, GA. “Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose name has been floated as a contender for Donald Trump’s running mate, will headline a roundtable discussion on Friday, June 3.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/19/16<http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2016/05/19/two-no-three-veep-possibilities-to-appear-at-georgia-gop-convention/>]

On Being Donald Trump’s Vice President

Newt Gingrich Would Be An Aggressive Vice Presidential Candidate, He Comes With Baggage. “One other traditional role Trump might envisage for his running mate is ‘attack dog,’ and there are few better than Newt Gingrich , the former Speaker of the House and 2012 presidential candidate. Gingrich has a long history as a Clinton antagonist, and he might make Trump look temperate by comparison. Gingrich has substantial baggage of his own, though, and he probably wouldn’t make the ticket any more attractive to fence-sitting voters.” [Rassmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

Newt Gingrich Says He Has Not Been Vetted For Vice President. VAN SUSTEREN: “All right. Let me ask you a quick question. Are you being vetted in any sort of way for this vice president job? I mean, the FBI called you? Has Trump called you?” GINGRICH: “No.” VAN SUSTEREN: “Nobody has called you?” GINGRICH: “No one has called me.” VAN SUSTEREN: “Has anyone who works for Trump called you?” GINGRICH: “Not about that.” VAN SUSTEREN: “No, but I mean -- there's nothing whatsoever.” (CROSSTALK) GINGRICH: “I talk to the Trump campaign all the time. We have not, not a single person has talked to me about being vetted in any way.” VAN SUSTEREN: “All right. Mr. Speaker, nice -- no one has talked to me, either. (INAUDIBLE). Anyway, thank you.” [On The Record With Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/18/16]

On TSA Wait Lines

Newt Gingrich: “I Have A Day Trip To Atlanta Tomorrow And Just Received Delta Warning Tsa Could Take 2-3 Hours.Sanders Socialist Bureaucracy Fails Again.”  [@newtgingrich, 5/17/16<https://twitter.com/newtgingrich/status/732759771154120706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>]

On “Rediscovering God In America” Oped

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “And In The United States, Our Secular Academic Elite Has Taught Two Generations Of Americans To Know A Lot Of Things For Sure That Fall Into That Latter Category -- They Just Aren't So. Perhaps None Is More Damaging, However, Than The Idea That The Founding Fathers Somehow Intended To Expel God From The Public Square When They Wrote The First Amendment To The Constitution.” “America's most iconic author, Mark Twain, once observed that "it ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." And in the United States, our secular academic elite has taught two generations of Americans to know a lot of things for sure that fall into that latter category -- they just aren't so. Perhaps none is more damaging, however, than the idea that the Founding Fathers somehow intended to expel God from the public square when they wrote the First Amendment to the Constitution. The idea is particularly harmful because it undermines the heart of what makes America such an exceptional nation.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “We Believed A Rebuttal Was In Order, And In 2006 We Published Rediscovering God In America: Reflections On The Role Of Faith In Our Nation's History And Future To Refute The Idea That God Should Be Shut Out Of The Public Square.” “After decades of watching the left escalate its crusade against the role of faith in our society, a turning point occurred when atheist activists convinced the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to rule in 2002 that the phrase ‘Under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. Although the Supreme Court overruled the decision, it did so only on procedural grounds, and it appeared that a majority of the Court was unwilling to affirm the constitutionality of God in the Pledge of Allegiance -- something that 91 percent of the American people supported.

We believed a rebuttal was in order, and in 2006 we published Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History and Future to refute the idea that God should be shut out of the public square. The book was organized as a walking tour of the great monuments and memorials in America's capital city, Washington, D.C.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “We Were Gratified When The Book Struck A Chord. It Became A New York Times Bestseller, And The First Two Editions Sold More Than 100,000 Copies.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “It Is Startling To Reflect That In The Decade Since The Initial Publication Of Rediscovering God In America, The Challenge The Book Was Intended To Address Has Become Even More Stark.” “This week, we are excited to release a beautiful new third edition, now much expanded and updated. The completely redesigned book includes a new preface, an updated introduction, additional chapters on the role of faith in our nation's history, and new historical photographs. It is startling to reflect that in the decade since the initial publication of Rediscovering God in America, the challenge the book was intended to address has become even more stark. The secular left has been more aggressive than ever under the Obama administration, as we have seen attacks on religious liberty in many states, as well as an effort to force Catholic nuns to violate the teachings of their Church or be put out of business (that business, of course, being serving the elderly poor). Now more than ever, we need to rebut the effort to drive faith out of the public square, and to offer a strong defense of the role of God in our nation's history. That effort starts with making sure Americans learn American history, and particularly the central role the Founders saw for faith in maintaining our republican institutions.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “For Instance, The Secular Left Is Fond Of Citing A Line From Thomas Jefferson's Letter To The Danbury Baptists, In Which He Mentions A ‘Wall Of Separation Between Church And State.’ But How Many Americans Are Aware That As President, Jefferson Attended Church Services At The U.S. Capitol?” “For instance, the secular left is fond of citing a line from Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists, in which he mentions a ‘wall of separation between Church and State.’ But how many Americans are aware that as president, Jefferson attended church services at the U.S. Capitol? In fact, far from believing that faith in God should be expelled from politics, Jefferson argued that God must be central to the American experiment. ‘God who gave us life gave us liberty," he wrote. "Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?’ George Washington, our first president, was similarly convinced of the importance of faith in America. ‘Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity,’ he said in his Farewell Address, ‘Religion and morality are indispensable supports.’ Just as it is impossible to remove God from any true version of American history, to drive faith from the public square would require defacing virtually every public building, monument and memorial in our nation's capitol.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

Newt And Calista Gingrich: “These Are Just A Few Of The Dozens Of Examples Of Public Expressions Of Faith We Describe In Our New Edition Of ‘Rediscovering God In America.’ We Hope That Those Who Read This Book Will Quickly Find Themselves On A Profound Path Of Discovery And Renewal.” [Newt And Claista Gingrich, Washington Times, 5/18/16]

JIM JORDAN

Misc. Social Media

Jim Jordan: “Rep. Jim Jordan Compares Ben Rhodes With Jonathan Gruber Https://Pjmedia.Com/Trending/2016/05/17/Rep-Jim-Jordan-Compares-Ben-Rhodes-To-Jonathan-Gruber/ … #Trending Via @Pjmedia_Com” [@Jim_Jordan, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/Jim_Jordan/status/733026724858990593>]

INJO’s Meagan Vazquez: Jim Jordan Played INJO’s “Question Jenga.” “Slo-Mo Of @Jim_Jordan's Final Moments Playing @INJO's Question Jenga.” [@maeganvaz, Twitter, 5/18/16<https://twitter.com/maeganvaz/status/732936254367617025>]

IRS

HEADLINE: “Jordan Fears Hillary Clinton Probe Will End Like IRS Investigation.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Jim Jordan: “I'm Very Nervous About A Justice Department That I Think Is Way Too Focused On Politics And Not Singularly Focused On The Administration Of Justice.” “Rep. Jim Jordan, head of the House Freedom Caucus, said Wednesday the similarities between the Justice Department's investigation of IRS targeting and its investigation of Hillary Clinton's emails is similar enough to make him ‘nervous’ about how the Clinton investigation will end. ‘I'm very nervous about a Justice Department that I think is way too focused on politics and not singularly focused on the administration of justice,’ Jordan told the Washington Examiner.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Jim Jordan On The FBI Investigation Into The IRS: “We Know It's Political Because The Chief — The Highest Person In The Executive Branch, The President Of The United States — Said On National Television, “There's No Corruption Here. Not Even A Smidgen.’” “The Ohio Republican, who sits on the House committee that hopes to grill the IRS commissioner next week, said President Obama publicly dismissed the possibility of wrongdoing while each investigation was underway, politicizing both the IRS and the Clinton email probe. ‘We know it's political because the chief — the highest person in the executive branch, the president of the United States — said on national television, “There's no corruption here. Not even a smidgen,”‘ Jordan said of the Justice Department's investigation into whether the IRS singled out conservative groups for extra scrutiny at the height of the 2012 election.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Jim Jordan On President Obama Saying The IRS Did Nothing Wrong: “If That's Not Sending A Message To The Very People Who Work For Him And His Administration And His Justice Department That, ‘Hey, Everything's Ok, You Don't Have To Prosecute Anyone,’ I Don't Know What Is.” “The Ohio Republican, who sits on the House committee that hopes to grill the IRS commissioner next week, said President Obama publicly dismissed the possibility of wrongdoing while each investigation was underway, politicizing both the IRS and the Clinton email probe. ‘We know it's political because the chief — the highest person in the executive branch, the president of the United States — said on national television, “There's no corruption here. Not even a smidgen,”‘ Jordan said of the Justice Department's investigation into whether the IRS singled out conservative groups for extra scrutiny at the height of the 2012 election. ‘If that's not sending a message to the very people who work for him and his administration and his Justice Department that, “Hey, everything's ok, you don't have to prosecute anyone,” I don't know what is.’” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Washington Examiner: Jim Jordan Implied That President Obama Interfered With An Independent FBI Investigation Into Hillay Clinton’s Private Email Server When “He Proclaimed During An October Interview That Clinton's Private Server Arrangement Did Not Put National Security At Risk.” “President Obama said in a February 2014 interview with Fox News that there was no evidence to suggest the tax agency's targeting of Tea Party groups was the result of corruption. The Justice Department did not wrap up its investigation of the IRS scandal until October 2015, at which time no officials were charged with a crime. Jordan noted the president made the same overture in the Clinton email controversy when he proclaimed during an October interview that Clinton's private server arrangement did not put national security at risk. FBI agents are presently investigating the former secretary of state's decision to host all government communications on her personal email network.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Jim Jordan Compared The Actions Of The IRS And The State Department Under Investigation, Noting That Both Lois Lerner And Bryan Pagliano Pled The Fifth Before The Respective Agencies Lost Their Emails. “Jordan highlighted an additional similarity between the IRS and Clinton email investigations that arose when implicated officials chose to exercise their Fifth Amendment rights and refuse to answer questions, then their respective agencies claimed to have lost their emails. ‘In the targeting scandal, Lois Lerner takes the 5th, and then, “Shazam!” They lose her emails,’ Jordan said of the former head of the IRS's tax exempt unit, who resigned amid allegations that her office singled out conservative groups' applications for extra scrutiny. The IRS told congressional investigators it was unable to locate Lerner's emails because the records had been lost in a computer crash. ‘One of the key figures in Secretary Clinton's email controversy, Bryan Pagliano, comes in front of the Benghazi committee, takes the 5th, and suddenly we find out [from the State Department], “Wow, we can't find his emails either,”’ Jordan said.” [Washington Examiner, 5/19/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jordan-fears-hillary-clinton-probe-will-end-like-irs-investigation/article/2591728>]

Jim Jordan On New Overtime Rules: “It's Going To Cost Jobs, Hurt The Economy, And Once Again, The Wrong Kind Of Move… Let The Market Work, Not Some Command From On High.” “Some Congressional Republicans argue it'll hurt businesses and hurt the economy overall. ‘It's going to cost jobs, hurt the economy, and once again, the wrong kind of move,’ said Rep. Jim Jordan, R - Lima. ‘Let the market work, not some command from on high.’” [ABC 6, 5/18/16<http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/vp-biden-to-outline-new-overtime-rules-in-columbus>]

NDAA

Jim Jordan Voted Against An Amendment To Strip A Right To Discriminate Law From The 2017 NDAA. [H.R. 4974, Vote 226, 114th Congress, 5/19/16<http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2016/roll226.xml>]

Jim Jordan Voted Against An Amendment To Ban The Confederate Flag At Department Of Veterans Affairs Facilities. [H.R. 4974, Vote 223, 114th Congress, 5/19/16<http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2016/roll223.xml>]

JEFF SESSIONS

Jeff Sessions on Your World With Neil Cavuto

Jeff Sessions, On Donald Trump’s Pivot Towards Conservative Economics: “I Would Think This Is Exactly Where I Have Expected Him To Go And Where He’s Now Going.” CAVUTO: “What is it -- what is this about, Senator? I mean, obviously, Donald Trump has come under some criticism that, you know, he`s been on his own in this campaign and very effective at it, but he`s assembling, I guess, his -- would you call it his foreign policy, economic bona fides? How would you describe it?” SESSIONS: “I would think this is exactly where I have expected him to go and where he`s now going.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s List Of Possible Supreme Court Nominees: “This List Of Judges Is Fabulous. I Think All Of Those Who, Like Myself, Believe That The Judges Should Interpret The Constitution And Follow The Constitution And Serve Under The Constitution Are Going To Like This List Of Highly Competent Scholars And Judges.” CAVUTO: “What is it -- what is this about, Senator? I mean, obviously, Donald Trump has come under some criticism that, you know, he`s been on his own in this campaign and very effective at it, but he`s assembling, I guess, his -- would you call it his foreign policy, economic bona fides? How would you describe it?” SESSIONS: “I would think this is exactly where I have expected him to go and where he`s now going. This list of judges is fabulous. I think all of those who, like myself, believe that the judges should interpret the Constitution and follow the Constitution and serve under the Constitution are going to like this list of highly competent scholars and judges.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions: “Henry Kissinger Is, Of Course, Just A Fabulous Thinker. Anybody Dealing With Foreign Policy Needs To Enjoy The Insights Of Henry Kissinger.” SESSIONS: “And Henry Kissinger is, of course, just a fabulous thinker. Anybody dealing with foreign policy needs to enjoy the insights of Henry Kissinger. His book "World Order" recently is just a fabulous sweep of history of the United States and the world.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s New Economic Team: “People Like Kudlow And Stephen Moore, Those Are Terrific Economists, Well-Known Within Conservative Pro-Growth Circles.” CAVUTO: “What is it -- what is this about, Senator? I mean, obviously, Donald Trump has come under some criticism that, you know, he`s been on his own in this campaign and very effective at it, but he`s assembling, I guess, his -- would you call it his foreign policy, economic bona fides? How would you describe it?”

SESSIONS: “I would think this is exactly where I have expected him to go and where he`s now going…And you hear the people like Kudlow and Stephen Moore, those are terrific economists, well-known within conservative pro-growth circles, and I think that will be well-received, just knowing that they`re part of the team also.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Polls Showing Hillary Clinton Leading Among Trade Association Members: “Look, Most Businesses Have Adjusted To The Current Status Quo, The Way Things Are Going, Business As Usual. And Change Makes Them Nervous.” CAVUTO: “Do you need bigger names, though, Senator? I don`t know the degree of your involvement in any of these picks or showcase events. But I`m only ask you that because I see this Financial Times story in which they`re showing a survey done of business leaders, many of whom represent trade associations that petition for their needs or requests or wishes to Congress. So it`s with a grain of salt, I look at a survey like that.

But, having said that, by a 2-1 margin, those guys prefer Hillary Clinton, most saying not because they love her, but because they have real doubts about him. What do you make of that?” SESSIONS: “Well, look, most businesses have adjusted to the current status quo, the way things are going, business as usual. And change makes them nervous. But when you have top-flight people like Larry Kudlow and others participating in -- with Mr. Trump in developing a new pro-growth strategy, I think they will be very comfortable as time goes by, just as legal scholars are going to be very much impressed with the list that he has listed for the Supreme Court.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On The Business World’s Unease With Donald Trump’s Tax Plan: “When You Have Top-Flight People Like Larry Kudlow And Others Participating In -- With Mr. Trump In Developing A New Pro-Growth Strategy, I Think They Will Be Very Comfortable As Time Goes By.” CAVUTO: “Do you need bigger names, though, Senator? I don`t know the degree of your involvement in any of these picks or showcase events. But I`m only ask you that because I see this Financial Times story in which they`re showing a survey done of business leaders, many of whom represent trade associations that petition for their needs or requests or wishes to Congress. So it`s with a grain of salt, I look at a survey like that. But, having said that, by a 2-1 margin, those guys prefer Hillary Clinton, most saying not because they love her, but because they have real doubts about him. What do you make of that?” SESSIONS: “Well, look, most businesses have adjusted to the current status quo, the way things are going, business as usual. And change makes them nervous. But when you have top-flight people like Larry Kudlow and others participating in -- with Mr. Trump in developing a new pro-growth strategy, I think they will be very comfortable as time goes by, just as legal scholars are going to be very much impressed with the list that he has listed for the Supreme Court.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions: “Legal Scholars Are Going To Be Very Much Impressed With The List [Of Possible Nominees] That [Donald Trump] Has Listed For The Supreme Court.” SESSIONS: Well, look, most businesses have adjusted to the current status quo, the way things are going, business as usual. And change makes them nervous. But when you have top-flight people like Larry Kudlow and others participating in -- with Mr. Trump in developing a new pro-growth strategy, I think they will be very comfortable as time goes by, just as legal scholars are going to be very much impressed with the list that he has listed for the Supreme Court.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions: “We Want Judges Who Follow The Constitution, Because, When You Have These Activist Judges That Redefine The Meaning Of Words To Execute A Political Agenda That The American People Don`T Favor And Want Passed, Then You Have A Threat To The Legal Heritage That We Have Been So Blessed To Have.” CAVUTO: “All right. You mentioned this list of the Supreme Court. If you don`t mind me going back to that, as someone who sits on the Judiciary Committee, this Don Willett, this Texas Supreme Court pick, potential pick, he`s apparently tweeted some zingers at Donald Trump. Many have. But did you know about that? Do you think the campaign knew about that? Do you think Donald Trump really cares?” SESSIONS: “I doubt he cares. Most legal scholars, the people that would like this list, they`re looking for people not to advance a conservative agenda, Neil. That`s not what we want. We want judges who follow the Constitution, because, when you have these activist judges that redefine the meaning of words to execute a political agenda that the American people don`t favor and want passed, then you have a threat to the legal heritage that we have been so blessed to have.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Judicial Philosophy: “He Likes A Scalia, Thomas Type Judge, And That He Believes Judges Should, As Justice Roberts Said, I Would Say, Calls Balls And Strikes, Doesn`T Take Sides In The Ball Game.” CAVUTO: “Senator, do you know, or has Donald Trump echoed what would be his litmus test, whether key issues, whether pro-life, anything like that, that would be his dividing line on Supreme Court picks?” SESSIONS: “What he shared with me, when I first met with him -- and he`s repeated it publicly many times -- he likes a Scalia, Thomas type judge, and that he believes judges should, as Justice Roberts said, I would say, calls balls and strikes, doesn`t take sides in the ball game. That`s what we want, a neutral umpire who has got the ability to penetrate complex issue and follow the principles and words of the Constitution. That`s what he`s pretty much continued...” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Judicial Philosophy: “That’s What We Want, A Neutral Umpire Who Has Got The Ability To Penetrate Complex Issue And Follow The Principles And Words Of The Constitution. That’s What He’s Pretty Much Continued.” CAVUTO: “Senator, do you know, or has Donald Trump echoed what would be his litmus test, whether key issues, whether pro-life, anything like that, that would be his dividing line on Supreme Court picks?” SESSIONS: “What he shared with me, when I first met with him -- and he`s repeated it publicly many times -- he likes a Scalia, Thomas type judge, and that he believes judges should, as Justice Roberts said, I would say, calls balls and strikes, doesn`t take sides in the ball game. That`s what we want, a neutral umpire who has got the ability to penetrate complex issue and follow the principles and words of the Constitution. That`s what he`s pretty much continued...” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions, On His Favorite Choice From Donald Trump’s List Of Possible Supreme Court Nominees: “Well, I Got To Say, Bill Pryor, I Hired Him As Attorney General In Alabama. He Was A Great Attorney General. He’s Been A Brilliant Member Of The 11th Circuit, Editor In Chief Of The Tulane Law Review. So, He’s A Wonderful Person.”  CAVUTO: “Any of those on that list -- any of those on that list favorites of yours, Senator?” SESSIONS: “Well, I got to say, Bill Pryor, I hired him as attorney general in Alabama. He was a great attorney general. He`s been a brilliant member of the 11th Circuit, editor in chief of The Tulane Law Review. So, he`s a wonderful person. But there are a lot of good ones on that list. And that`s one I know well.” CAVUTO: “You won`t tip your hand.” [Your World With Neil Cavuto, Fox News, 5/18/16]

Jeff Sessions On Rep. Chris Collins: “I’ve Been Very Pleased And Impressed With His Articulateness, His Clarity In The Way He Assesses The Importance Of A Trump Victory, And His Full Support. I Think It’s Been Very Impressive. … I’ve Really Gained A Real Appreciation For Him In The Time We’ve Been Together.” “As other Trump supporters on the Hill see it, Collins has been effective in his new role. Rep. Tom Reed, another New York Republican who has endorsed the presumptive nominee, called Collins a ‘strong voice’ for the campaign. Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, who was among the earliest Trump endorsers, called Collins a ‘strong leader.’ And Sen. Jeff Sessions, who gave Trump his first endorsement from Congress, said he didn’t know Collins before the campaign but is impressed by the work he’s done. ‘I’ve been very pleased and impressed with his articulateness, his clarity in the way he assesses the importance of a Trump victory, and his full support,’ Sessions told RCP. ‘I think it’s been very impressive. … I’ve really gained a real appreciation for him in the time we’ve been together.’” [Real Clear Politics, 5/19/16<http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2016/05/19/chris_collins_trumps_man_on_the_hill_130609.html>]

Immigration

Jeff Sessions: Mark Zuckerberg Was “The Top Spokesman For Expanding The Admission Of Foreign Workers.” “Conservative thought-leader Jeff Sessions has described Zuckerberg as ‘the top spokesman for expanding the admission of foreign workers.’ In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg went to Mexico to criticize America’s immigration policy and called for expanded immigration alongside Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. In his famous ‘Masters of the Universe’ speech on the Senate floor, Sessions delivered a swift rebuke of Zuckerberg.” [Breitbart, 5/18/16<http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/05/18/flashback-young-guns-paul-ryan-eric-cantor-meet-zuckerberg-praise-facebooks-unlimited-inclusion/>]

Trump

5/19/16: Jeff Sessions And Other Donald Trump Campaign Advisors Met “With Stephen Moore And Lawrence Kudlow, Two Of The Conservative Movement’s Leading Economic Thought Leaders.” “Donald Trump’s up again, down again relationship with conservative economists appears to be up again. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee’s advisers are set to meet with Stephen Moore and Lawrence Kudlow, two of the conservative movement’s leading economic thought leaders, on Thursday in Washington, the FOX Business Network has learned. The meeting will be led by senior Trump adviser, Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, and will cover a number of topics but focus on Trump’s tax plan, according to people with direct knowledge of the meeting.” [Fox Business, 5/18/16<http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/05/18/trump-adviser-sessions-meets-with-top-conservative-economists.html>]

TIM SCOTT

On Investing In Opportunity Act Oped

The State’s Tim Scott: “Over The Past Seven Years, Poverty In Our Nation Has Only Become More Concentrated.” “Over the past seven years, poverty in our nation has only become more concentrated. A recent study by the Economic Innovation Group shows that more than 50 million Americans are living in “distressed communities,” including 1.4 million South Carolinians. Between 2010 and 2013, these distressed communities lost 6.7 percent of their jobs, and 8.3 percent of their businesses closed, while prospering ZIP codes saw job growth of 17.4 percent and business growth of 8.8 percent.” [Tim Scott, The State, 5/18/16<http://www.thestate.com/opinion/op-ed/article78418097.html>]

The State’s Tim Scott: The Rate Of Those Living In “Distressed Areas” Is Climbing In South Carolina Communities. “In Columbia, 39.1 percent of the population lives in a distressed ZIP code. So while the poverty rate is 24 percent, or a quarter of the population, the percentage of Columbia residents who live in communities either already in poverty or in danger of slipping into poverty is much higher. In other areas of the state, this problem is even more pronounced; Williamsburg and Barnwell counties, for example, the entire population lives in a distressed ZIP code.” [Tim Scott, The State, 5/18/16<http://www.thestate.com/opinion/op-ed/article78418097.html>]

The State’s Tim Scott: “As Someone Who Comes From One Of These Distressed Communities, I Have Built My Agenda In The Senate Around Helping Those In Poverty… Now, I Have Introduced The Investing In Opportunity Act, Bipartisan Legislation To Stimulate Job Growth And Entrepreneurship In Low-Income Communities.” “As someone who comes from one of these distressed communities, I have built my agenda in the Senate around helping those in poverty. My first bills focused on education and workforce development, with the goal of ensuring that every child has access to a quality education and that we encourage the growth of apprenticeships and other technical skills as our state’s manufacturing sector booms. Now, I have introduced the Investing in Opportunity Act, bipartisan legislation to stimulate job growth and entrepreneurship in low-income communities. My Senate colleague Cory Booker, D-N.J., and friends in the House of Representatives Pat Tiberi, R-Ohio, and Ron Kind, D-Wisc., joined me to introduce this important bill that will encourage long-term investment in areas that have been left behind after the great recession.” [Tim Scott, The State, 5/18/16<http://www.thestate.com/opinion/op-ed/article78418097.html>]

The State’s Tim Scott: The Act Will Encourage Investment In Distressed Areas By Deferring Capital Gains Taxes And Other Means. “This innovative approach will streamline our tax code in order to encourage dollars to be reinvested in areas that need it most, while creating a framework for bringing in new capital. It does not create a new government program or expand the federal bureaucracy, and it focuses on encouraging investment of private dollars. The Investing in Opportunity Act opens the door to private capital in the following ways: ▪ Removes barriers to investment through a temporary capital gains deferral in exchange for reinvesting in distressed communities. ▪ Encourages investors to pool resources through newly created ‘opportunity funds’ —  established specifically for making investments in distressed communities. ▪ Concentrates capital by establishing ‘opportunity zones’ —  geographically targeted low-income areas that will be designated by governors. ▪ Provides incentives for investors to make long-term commitments to these communities.” [Tim Scott, The State, 5/18/16<http://www.thestate.com/opinion/op-ed/article78418097.html>]

The State’s Tim Scott: “The Investing In Opportunity Act Is An Important Step Toward Bringing Success Back To All Of America, And With Bipartisan Support On Both Sides Of The Capitol, We Have A Real Opportunity To Move Forward.” “We know that most families living in these communities are just looking for the chance to succeed, the opportunity to reach the American Dream. Unfortunately, the possibility of doing so has diminished over the past decade, and that is a trend we must stop. The Investing in Opportunity Act is an important step toward bringing success back to all of America, and with bipartisan support on both sides of the Capitol, we have a real opportunity to move forward.” [Tim Scott, The State, 5/18/16<http://www.thestate.com/opinion/op-ed/article78418097.html>]

On School Choice

Washington Examiner’s Jason Russell: Tim Scott Talked About His Support For School Choice In The Context Of His Own Experience Growing Up. “Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., went to four schools before reaching fourth grade. ‘From seven until 14 years old, I kind of drifted,’ Scott said Tuesday at the American Federation for Children's National Policy Summit. ‘I was lost. I was disillusioned.’ So it's not surprising that he flunked out of high school in his freshman year. He failed world geography, English and Spanish. He even failed civics — ironic, given his current position…Scott also met a mentor, John Moniz, who operated a Chick-fil-A. Scott says Moniz taught him the power of education. ‘John started teaching me that I could think my way out of poverty. His suggestion was not that kids and families stuck in poverty are not thinking. His suggestion was [that Scott] needed to focus his attention not on the football field, not on entertainment, but on education. And that if I allowed education to percolate in my soil, and in my soul, all things could be different...’ That explains the importance of education to Scott, but what about school choice? ‘The power of education is truly the power of freedom,’ Scott said. ‘That's why I'm committed to [school choice] as a member of the United States Senate. It's because I have lived the American Dream. … The work that we're doing around school choice is indeed perhaps the most powerful work I think I can do that will leave an imprint on this nation for generations and generations to come.’” [Jason Russell, Washington Examiner, 5/18/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tim-scotts-school-choice-inspiration/article/2591708?custom_click=rss>]

Washington Examiner’s Jason Russell: Tim Scott Pushed For School Choice Amendments In The 2015 Education Bill And Was A Cosponsor On A Bill To Reauthorize Washington, DC’s Voucher Program. “Today, Scott is one of the biggest school choice advocates in the Senate. In 2015, while the Senate worked to pass the first major K-12 education bill since No Child Left Behind in 2001, Scott was busy pushing for school choice amendments. With Washington, D.C.'s school voucher program set to expire on Sept. 30, Scott is one of a few cosponsors of a Senate bill that would extend the program and has testified in its favor. It's clear to Scott that the education status quo isn't working, especially for families in poverty, and needs dramatic change. ‘For us to provide as much access to opportunity as possible, it requires us to take a step back from what we think is the right way to provide education and look at it very differently.’ ‘When parents have more choices,’ Scott said, ‘the kid has a better chance.’” [Jason Russell, Washington Examiner, 5/18/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tim-scotts-school-choice-inspiration/article/2591708?custom_click=rss>]

On Being Donald Trump’s Vice President

Tim Scott Has Criticized Donald Trump For Not Disavowing White Supremacists. “Trump has a serious demographic challenge owing to his awful ratings among nonwhite voters, who could make up 30% or so of the electorate in 2016. With Cruz and Rubio off the table, there aren’t many options to counter this problem for Trump, even to the limited extent that a running mate could address that issue. One of the few plausible picks would be Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) , the first elected African-American U.S. senator from the South since Reconstruction. However, like many names on our list, Scott’s interest is difficult to assess. While he has stated his intent to support Trump, Scott (who backed Rubio in the primary) criticized Trump over his failure to disavow support from white supremacists.” [Rassmussen Reports, 5/19/16<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_larry_j_sabato/the_veepstakes_part_two_trump_s_temptation>]

On New Obama Administration Overtime Rules

Tim Scott: “Getting Ready To Join @Varneyco On FOX Business To Discuss The New Overtime Rule, As Well As Egypt Air.” [@SenatorTimScott, Twitter, 5/19/16<https://twitter.com/SenatorTimScott/status/733300870671138818>]

Varney & Co. (Retweeted By Tim Scott): .@SenatorTimScott<mailto:.@SenatorTimScott>: ‘This Administration Doesn't Understand The Impact Of More Red Tape.’ [@Varneyco, Twitter, 5/19/16<https://twitter.com/Varneyco/status/733303321973297153>]