On a visit to the University of Georgia, Congressman Broun
talks with head football coach Mark Richt and discusses
legislative issues facing the university.

May 15, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, M.D., today condemned the California Supreme Court’s 4-3 decision recognizing the validity of homosexual “marriage.” In today’s action, the Supreme Court of California overturned a voter initiative known as Proposition 22 which, following its passage in March, 2000, prevented California from recognizing homosexual unions as “marriages”. Proposition 22 was enacted with a winning margin of 1.7 million votes.

May 14, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, M.D., announced today that he has cosponsored two proposed amendments to the United States Constitution that would require the federal government to maintain a balanced budget.  Broun has added his support to H.J. Res 1, offered by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), and to H.J. Res. 7, offered by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO). Both proposed amendments would require the federal government to live within its means by preventing the government from spending more in a fiscal year than it receives in revenue. In addition, both proposals contain provisions making it more difficult for proposed tax increases to become law, and which limit the government’s ability to take on debt. Finally, both amendments contain an important exemption which would allow the spending controls included in the amendment to be waived in the event of war or severe threats to national security.

May 12, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Today, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun announced his introduction of H.R. 6008, the “IMPROVES E-Verify Act of 2008.” “IMPROVES” is an acronym that stands for “Improving Methods to Promote Regular Occurrences of the Verification of Employability Status.” E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration.  The system allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

May 8, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Today, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, announced an official visit to Sasabe, Arizona on May 8th and 9th,  to examine the state of Project 28, the so-called “virtual fence” on the U.S.-Mexico Border.  

May 7, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. will be recognized at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday morning by U.S. English, Inc. for his dedication to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Rep. Broun will be honored with an “A in English” award based on his votes and co-sponsorships of official English legislation in the 110th Congress. In addition to receiving a perfect score on the U.S. English scorecard, Congressman Broun will also be recognized for introducing H.R. 5759, the “English as the Official Language Act of 2008.”

May 2, 2008
Toccoa, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. is pleased to announce that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs has approved a grant in the amount of $25,000 to the City of Cornelia. The City applied for funds under the Community Development Block Grant, Immediate Threat and Danger Program. The award will reimburse the City for equipment rental and repairs made to the Camp Creek Road water plant and the Hazel Creek Road water plant and reservoir. 

April 22, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. announced today that he will be introducing legislation this week to restrict travel within the United States by official representatives of countries, such as Iran, that are designated by the U.S. State Department as State Sponsors of Terrorism.  Congressman Broun’s legislation was inspired by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s offensive request to visit the ruins of the World Trade Center, a request he made during a visit to the United Nations (U.N.) as Iran’s representative. Congressman Broun’s legislation would prevent foreign personnel from terrorist sponsoring countries who are assigned to the U.N. from traveling beyond a half-mile radius of the U.N. complex.

April 22, 2008
AUGUSTA, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. today announced that high school students in the 10th Congressional District are invited to participate in the 2008 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The art competition will culminate at a reception in Washington D.C. where the winning artwork will be showcased for one year in the Cannon tunnel that leads into the U.S. Capitol.

April 18, 2008
With Lieutenant General Eric Schoomaker, U.S. Army Surgeon General, by his side, U.S. Congressman Paul Broun today toured the Uptown Division of the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. Broun and LTG Schoomaker were provided the opportunity to meet with wounded soldiers, sailors, and marines and participate in collaborative discussion with VA leadership. Broun is working with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to explore avenues to expand the services given to active duty troops at both Eisenhower Medical Center and the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. Recognizing that a large number of wounded warriors are from the Southeast, Broun believes it is better for the service men and women and their families to be cared for in Augusta instead of in other parts of the country.

April 17, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. announced today the introduction of legislation designed to stem the sale of pornography on military installations. Broun’s legislation, the “Military Honor and Decency Act,” closes a loophole in current law that is allowing the sale of sexually explicit material on American military installations located both within the United States and around the world.  Although the “National Defense Authorization Act of 1997” expressly prevents the Secretary of Defense from permitting the sale or rental of sexually explicit material on property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DoD), subsequent regulations adopted by the Department of Defense have continued to allow the sale of sexually explicit material to occur.  Congressman Broun’s legislation closes these existing loopholes in DoD regulations to bring the Department into compliance with the intent of the 1997 law so that taxpayers will not be footing the costs of distributing pornography.

April 15, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced that he will be hosting a “Grants Fair” at Augusta State University on Friday, April 25th. The “Grants Fair,” which will be held in the Jaguar Student Activity Center Ballroom, will begin at 1:00 PM and will conclude at 3:30 PM. The event is designed to give constituents and organizations an opportunity to directly communicate with federal, state, local and nonprofit agencies that provide funding and service opportunities.

April 11, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Yesterday, Congressman Paul Broun introduced legislation declaring English to be the official language of the United States government. Broun’s legislation, the “English as the Official Language Act of 2008,” codifies the principle that no one is entitled to receive federal documents or federal services in languages other than English. The legislation, officially designated H.R. 5759, specifically states that no person has a right, entitlement or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services or materials in any language other than English.

April 10, 2008
Augusta, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D., a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, today released the following statement regarding the plans to build new nuclear generating units in Burke County:

April 9, 2008
Augusta, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a grant in the amount of $150,000 to the City of Augusta.  The funding provides for the rehabilitation design of the terminal building at Daniel Field, which the city owns and operates on Highland Avenue. 

April 9, 2008
Augusta, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. is pleased to announce that the original City of Washington is the recipient of two federal grants.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the city a $95,000 grant for the construction design of a taxiway at the Washington-Wilkes County Airport.  Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has chosen Washington as one of six Georgia communities to receive a grant through its Brownsfield Program.  The EPA is awarding the city an assessment grant in the amount of $200,000 to assist in turning problem properties into productive community use.

April 7, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun will introduce legislation this week that declares English to be the official language of the United States government. Broun’s legislation, the “National Language Act of 2008,” codifies the principle that no one is entitled to receive federal documents or federal services in languages other than English. The “National Language Act of 2008” specifically states that no person has a right, entitlement or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services or materials in any language other than English.

April 4, 2008
U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. today hosted a congressional forum on border security for the United States House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee at Augusta State University. The discussion included a panel of government, industry, and academic experts. The panel discussed the range of security threats at our nation’s borders and how science and technology can be a part of a strong border security strategy.

April 2, 2008
Congressman Paul Broun today met in his Washington office with student representatives of Georgia’s 4-H programs. The students, who were accompanied by Mrs. Brandi Shiflet, County Extension Agent for Hart County, were in Washington to discuss agricultural and related issues with their Members of Congress.

April 1, 2008
Augusta, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. today offered his congratulations to the Augusta State University’s men’s basketball team for its run through the NCAA Division II Championship. The 10th ranked Jaguars advanced to the Elite Eight this year for the first time in school history, putting ASU in the national spotlight. The team got the chance to compete after winning 56-50 over Alaska-Anchorage in the semifinals on Thursday and went on to play Winona State.

April 1, 2008
Washington D.C.-  As a doctor, I am used to hearing patients describe their symptoms in a variety of ways. Recently, my patients have begun to describe a condition which seems to defy traditional medical diagnostic procedures. Some describe feeling a “lighter sensation in their wallets.” Others complain about having to “dig much deeper into their purses.” Still more complain that the sight of a dashboard fuel gauge approaching “empty” brings them great physical and mental discomfort.

March 28, 2008
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – Next Friday, April 4, Congressman Paul Broun (GA-10) will host Members of Congress at Augusta State University for a Committee on Science and Technology event to discuss border security issues.  The discussion will include a panel of government, industry, and academic experts. 

March 24, 2008
Toccoa, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun congratulated Matthew Wilson Jones, of Rabun Gap, Georgia, on his prestigious appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Jones, age 18, is one of eight high school or college students who Congressman Broun recommended for appointment to America’s military academies. Broun made his selections after consulting with members of his Service Academy Board.

March 24, 2008
Augusta, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun congratulated Paul Gregory Maile of Martinez, Georgia on his impressive accomplishment of receiving multiple military appointments. Maile has been offered appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Naval Academy. Maile, age 20, is one of eight high school or college students who Congressman Broun recommended for appointment to America’s military academies. Broun made his selections after consulting with members of his Service Academy Board. The Service Academy Board’s decision was based on academic excellence, leadership capabilities and career goals.

March 20, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today rejected Democratic plans to increase taxes on gasoline by 50 cents a gallon.  Rep. John Dingell (D) of Michigan, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is currently drafting a proposal to increases taxes on motorists. Chairman Dingell intends to introduce this legislation after the November elections.

March 19, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today wrote Governor Sonny Purdue requesting that counties in the 10th Congressional District that were impacted by recent severe storms be included in Georgia’s appeal for expedited federal disaster assistance. Under the law, the Governor must make a formal request to the President for federal disaster relief assistance. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has already declared the 10th District counties of Banks, Jackson, Franklin, Lincoln, Columbia, Hart, Madison, Elbert, Putnam and McDuffie as having reported damage. Governor Perdue has asked for expedited relief for the City of Atlanta and Fulton County.

March 18, 2008
Athens, GA-U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. held a press conference today in Athens to discuss the federal budget and the importance of reigning in wasteful government spending. Last week, Congressman Broun voted against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s budget proposal, a plan that contains the largest tax increase in American history. The budget contains measures that increase taxes by a record $683 billion over the next 5 years. It includes tens of billions in new Washington spending, while failing to include even one provision to reform and rescue Social Security and Medicare from the looming financial crisis facing the nation.

March 17, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, member of the University of Georgia Class of 1967, today offered his congratulations to the University of Georgia’s men’s basketball team for winning the Southeastern Conference Tournament Championship Game.  The Bulldogs defeated the University of Arkansas Razorbacks 66-57 to win the SEC Tournament, and gained an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament as a result.

March 14, 2008
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paul Broun today voted against the House Democratic Leadership’s legislation seeking to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Despite the existence of majority support in the House for the Senate bill that reauthorizes the intelligence program, Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuses to allow the House to debate or vote on the Senate language. Key to the Democratic leadership’s objections to the Senate bill is language objected to by special interest groups representing trial lawyers. The Senate language would prevent lawyers from suing patriotic telephone companies that cooperated with the federal government in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

March 14, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun announced today that he voted against the Democrat’s budget proposal, a plan that contains the largest tax increase in American history. The Democrat’s budget contains measures that increase taxes by a record $683 billion dollars, spends over $16 billion on 11,000 earmarks, and takes no steps to reform the entitlement spending that is driving the nation further into debt.  In fact, it is estimated that under the Democrat’s proposal, the average taxpayers in Georgia will face an additional $2,743 in Federal taxes.

March 13, 2008
Washington D.C.-  On Friday, March 14, Congressman Paul Broun will attend a press conference in which he formally announces his endorsement of Arizona Senator John McCain for President of the United States.  The featured speaker at the press conference will be former Vietnam Prisoner of War, Congressman Sam Johnson. Also in attendance, and offering their endorsements of Senator McCain, will be dozens of House Members who, like Congressman Broun, are linked by their common bond of military service to our country.

March 12, 2008
Washington D.C.-  When will Washington get it? The American public has spoken loudly and clearly. Americans want their borders secured, and they want the problem of illegal immigration handled with swiftness and certainty. Above all, Americans do not support legislative proposals that provide a “pathway to citizenship” for people who have broken the law to enter this country. The public recognizes that a “pathway to citizenship” is just politically correct Washington-speak for “amnesty.” And that is a dog that simply will not hunt.

March 11, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today joined with reform-minded members of the House and the Senate to urge passage of legislation designed to place a one-year moratorium on wasteful, “pork barrel” spending.  At a press conference held this morning, Broun was joined by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and members of spending watchdog groups such as Americans for Prosperity, Citizens Against Government Waste and the National Taxpayers Union, to present petitions signed by over 107,000 Americans to the Senate. The petitions call upon the Senate to enact an immediate moratorium on wasteful earmarked spending.

March 7, 2008
Athens, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today denounced Thursday’s vicious shooting in Jerusalem that left eight seminary students dead and at least nine others critically wounded.  Broun expressed the harshest criticism for the gunman who entered Mercaz Harav and ruthlessly fired an automatic weapon and handgun into the library of unarmed students. 

March 6, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Today, at a Committee markup on legislation regarding the security of our nation’s chemical plants, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) offered a motion to postpone proceedings until the House takes action on S. 2248, the Senate-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorization.

March 5, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced that he has received a perfect score on the “RePork Card” compiled by the influential Club for Growth, an organization dedicated to advancing Americans’ economic freedom by advocating lower taxes and tighter controls on government spending.  As part of their efforts, the Club for Growth compiles an annual list of outrageous spending requests placed in appropriations bills, and grades Members of Congress on their votes to eliminate these examples of wasteful spending. On the 12 occasions he has had to cast votes against wasteful pork projects, Congressman Broun has voted to safeguard taxpayer money by eliminating these unnecessary spending proposals all 12 times.

March 4, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced that he has been designated a “True Blue Member of Congress” by Family Research Council Action and Focus on the Family Action for his support of issues that strengthen traditional family values. Congressman Broun’s selection as an award recipient is based on his voting record on pro-family issues.  The “True Blue” award is given to Members of Congress who show commitment to the defense of family, faith and freedom as evidenced by the score they generate on the FRC Action scorecard.

March 4, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. today announced his introduction of House Resolution 994, which expresses support for the designation of a “National Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.” Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia is a genetic blood disorder that presents a variety of symptoms that often causes it to be misdiagnosed. People suffering from this incurable disorder often suffer from life-threatening problems with uncontrollable bleeding and severe, painful bruising. In addition to raising awareness about this disorder, Broun’s resolution also commemorates the work being undertaken by Augusta’s Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Research Foundation, which was founded by Helen P. Smith in 2001.

March 3, 2008
Washington D.C.-  U.S. Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. achieved a perfect score on the Immigration Reduction Report Card issued by Americans for Better Immigration. Americans for Better Immigration (ABI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization which lobbies Congress for reductions in immigration numbers. Broun’s 100% score is the highest in the entire United States Congress, and he is the only member of Congress to have achieved a perfect score for his legislative career. The “subjects” Broun was graded on include Chain Immigration, Visa Lottery, Anchor Baby Citizenship, Border Control, and Interior Enforcement.

February 27, 2008
Washington D.C.-  The Committee on Science and Technology, of which Congressman Paul Broun is a member, today unanimously passed out of committee the “Hall Border Security Bill”or H.R. 3916. This legislation, which was introduced by Ralph Hall (R-TX) and co-sponsored by Broun, supports the development of technologies to assist our border patrol agents. H.R. 3916 focuses on four key long-term technologies that could substantially improve the security of our nation’s borders: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tunnel detection, anti-counterfeit technology, and biometric technologies.

February 22, 2008
Toccoa, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun congratulated Richard Jayson McConnell, of Rabun County, Georgia, on his impressive accomplishment of receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.  In a phone conversation on Wednesday, February 13 Broun told McConnell he was proud of McConnell’s achievement.  McConnell, age 18, is one of eight high school and college students who Congressman Broun recommended for appointment to America’s military academies.  Broun made his selections after consulting with members of his Service Academy Board.  The Service Academy Board’s decision was based on academic excellence, leadership capabilities and career goals.

February 22, 2008
Washington D.C.-  In the midst of all the talk about measures Congress could pass to stimulate the economy, there is one proposal that stands head and shoulders above them all: H.R. 25, the “FairTax Act of 2007.” If passed, this bill would reform the way the federal government collects tax revenue and would unleash the power of the American economy. I am proud of my friend and colleague, Rep. John Linder, for introducing this important legislation, and am pleased to be a co-sponsor, along with all the Republican members of Georgia’s House delegation.

February 7, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 25, the “FairTax Act of 2007.” This bi-partisan legislation, which was introduced by Rep. John Linder (R-GA) and Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK), repeals all corporate and individual income taxes, payroll taxes, self-employment taxes, capital gains taxes, and gift taxes in favor of the simpler, consumption-based FairTax. The FairTax would be collected at the point of sale, and its adoption would allow for the elimination of the excessively bureaucratic and needlessly intrusive Internal Revenue Service.

February 5, 2008
AUGUSTA, GA – U.S. Congressman Paul Broun is eager to meet with the physicians of Athens and its surrounding communities.  Broun will hold his first physicians’ forum on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm to discuss the critical issues facing the healthcare industry.  He will provide medical doctors with an update on healthcare legislation before Congress and will share his feelings on the government’s role in healthcare.

February 1, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today announced that he will not request earmarked spending for projects to be included in this year’s budget or appropriations bills.  In addition, Congressman Broun supports the House Republican Leadership’s call for an immediate moratorium to be placed on earmarked spending until significant reforms to the process are put in place.  Today’s announcement reaffirms Congressman Broun’s strong belief that the Congress should act as careful stewards of taxpayer money. 

January 28, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Georgia's House Republicans today joined together to oppose spending $150 billion of borrowed money, preferring Congress to instead focus on long term economic growth measures. The measure passed 385-35, with one “present,” and now goes to the Senate, where senators have vowed to tack on even more spending.

January 28, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today offered his thoughts regarding the “State of the Union” address delivered by President George W. Bush.  This is the first “State of the Union” delivered since Congressman Broun’s election to the House of Representatives.

January 24, 2008
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today  cosponsored the “Economic Growth Act of 2008.” This legislation is offered in response to concerns that current economic policies are not sufficiently tailored to meet the needs of America’s economy.  The bill introduced today is specifically designed to stimulate the economy by freeing up resources small business can use for job creation. 

January 22, 2008
Congressman Paul Broun today joined President George W. Bush and other members of Congress at the National Mall to address thousands of pro-life Americans assembled for the 35th Annual March for Life.  January 22nd marks the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Ever since that United States Supreme Court decision, supporters of a right to life have chosen to gather on the anniversary date at the nation’s capitol petitioning Congress for redress. Congressman Broun’s remarks encouraged those in attendance to continue their work on behalf of the unborn.

January 19, 2008
Augusta, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun will join President George W. Bush and other members of Congress at the National Mall on Tuesday, January 22, as they address thousands of pro-life Americans who are expected to assemble for the 35th Annual March for Life.  The rally will begin at noon with a prayer and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

January 17, 2008
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun announced that a Sharia/Islamic Finance briefing is set for Thursday, January 17 for Congressional members and their staff.  Broun said addressing the issue of Sharia or Islamic finance is important, and he is glad to see the meeting is gaining media attention because it raises public awareness about Sharia finance and its significant legal implications for the industry. 

January 14, 2008
Augusta, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun runs up thousands of miles on his personal car travelling Georgia’s Tenth Congressional District to show he is concerned about representing all his constituents. From the day he took the oath of office in July 2007, Broun made it his goal to meet with as many governmental bodies, businesses, organizations, and families as possible.

January 9, 2008
Augusta,GA—U.S. Congressman Paul Broun today applauded the team of professionals at Augusta’s Doctors Hospital for the state-of-the-art health care treatment they provide to their patients.  Broun’s praise came after spending Wednesday afternoon touring the medical facility and meeting with physicians and staff.  He was particularly impressed with the Joseph M. Still Burn Center, a nationally recognized center, which according to President and CEO Shayne George, is the largest in the country.

January 7, 2008
Athens,GA—Capt. Leonard Sapera, on behalf of the Navy League of the United States, presented U.S. Congressman Paul Broun Monday, January 7, 2008 with a copy of the Navy League of the United States: Civilians Supporting the Sea Services…for more than a Century. As a U.S. Marine and a former naval medical officer, Broun was honored by the gift, saying he holds all servicemen and women in high esteem.

December 28, 2007
Augusta, GA- U.S. Congressman Paul Broun will meet with local veterans to learn firsthand which issues concern them most.  In three separate town hall meetings, Broun will dialogue with veterans, their advocates, and their families.

December 20, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today announced that the US Army Signal Command located at Fort Gordon would be growing with the addition of 192 new soldiers in fiscal year 2008.  These troops are being assigned to Fort Gordon as part of the US Army’s “Grow the Army” initiative.  The “Grow the Army” initiative was developed following President Bush’s 2007 request for a 74,200 soldier increase in Army end strength. The initiative provides a long-term plan to improve the military’s readiness needs and its ability to meet future challenges.

December 19, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun has introduced a Congressional Resolution which would prohibit honor guards from participating in the funeral of any veteran interred in a national cemetery unless the family of the veteran is proactively offered the option of having the honor guard perform the traditional “13 Fold” flag recitation. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs, in response to a single complaint, temporarily banned the 13 fold flag recitation based on objections to the traditional reference to the “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” that accompanies the 11th Fold in the ceremony, and the reference to “God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost” in the 12th Fold.  In response to public outrage, the Department of Veterans Affairs later modified their ban, allowing the “13 Fold” recitation to proceed, but only if a grieving family specifically requested it be incorporated into the service.  Because Congressman Broun believes that families wishing to honor their departed should not be burdened with wading through bureaucratic regulations to receive the comfort offered by the traditional service, his legislation requires that the option to have this ceremony performed be proactively offered to families by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

December 13, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today criticized the House Democratic Leadership for blocking his amendment to provide needed funding to war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan by eliminating wasteful spending on pork-barrel projects.  Broun’s amendment would give the Secretary of Defense the authority to transfer earmarked spending away from lower priority and often frivolous projects requested by Members of Congress to activities that support American troops fighting the War on Terror.  Broun had intended to offer his amendment during House consideration of the “continuing resolution.” To protect their pet projects and to block funding for the troops, House Democrats passed a “closed rule” preventing any amendments to the “continuing resolution” from being considered.

December 12, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today voted to defeat Rep. Charles Rangel’s (D-NY) attempt to increase taxes on American workers and businesses by over $55 billion. Rangel’s legislation, the Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act, represents an attempt by the House Democratic Leadership to use next year’s impending application of the Alternative Minimum Tax  (A.M.T.) to over 21,000,000 unsuspecting taxpayers as a justification for advancing their tax raising agenda. 

December 11, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, a Marine and a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, today announced the names of the high-school and college students he has recommended for appointment to America’s military academies.  Broun made his selections after consultation with members of Broun’s “Service Academy Board.” The “Service Academy Board” consists of prominent active duty and retired military personnel who represent various branches of the Armed Forces and who live throughout the Tenth District. 

December 7, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun, a Marine and a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, issued the following statement thanking the men and women of our nation’s military, both past and present, in remembrance of the sneak attack on American forces at Pearl Harbor that occurred 66 years ago today.  The surprise attack by Japanese forces propelled America’s entry into World War II.  Once engaged, American forces in the European and Pacific theaters were instrumental in defeating the extreme fascist ideologies promoted by Nazi Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, and Imperial Japan.  Today, six years after a similar surprise attack launched against the United States, America’s fighting men and women find themselves engaged in a struggle against an extremist ideology promoted by Islamic radicals.

December 5, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Today, Congressman Paul Broun announced he voted in favor of passing the “Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act.”  The legislation, which changes existing law to allow patients seeking kidney transplants to make paired donations, is viewed as a vital reform to current organ donation laws.  As a medical doctor, Congressman Broun understands the difficulties that many patients face as they wait for critical and often life-saving transplants.  The “Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act” seeks to improve the process by facilitating the transfer of organs between those who are willing to donate and those who are in need of a transplant.

November 28, 2007
Washington D.C.- Today, Congressman Paul Broun announced that he has joined the new Bipartisan Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus. The caucus exists to educate Members of Congress, and the general public, about the terrorist threats our country faces from extremism and Islamic jihadism.

November 21, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s announcement that they will hear arguments concerning the Constitutionality of Washington D.C.’s strict anti-gun laws.  For the past 31 years, the District of Columbia has banned the ownership of handguns by its residents.  This ban was recently overturned when the D.C. Circuit Court of appeals ruled that Washington D.C.’s handgun ban was an unconstitutional restriction on the Second Amendment grant of an individual right to keep and bear arms.

November 20, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun is inviting the public to attend the grand opening of his Athens District Office on Wednesday, November 28, 2007.  Following the ribbon cutting, Broun will be holding an “open house” to introduce himself and his staff to the public, to discuss issues before the Congress, and to discuss what he can do to improve your interaction with the federal government.  The grand opening will be held on November 28, 2007 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the recently opened Athens District Office.

November 15, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun is inviting the public to attend the grand opening of the Augusta/Evans District Office on Monday, November 26, 2007.  Broun will be joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Ron Cross, Chairman of the Columbia County Commission, and representatives of the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce.  Following the ribbon cutting, Broun will be holding an “open house” to introduce himself and his staff to the public, to discuss issues before the Congress, and to discuss casework.  The grand opening will be held on November 26, 2007 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the recently opened Augusta/Evans District Office.

November 14, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today announced the introduction of the “Sanctity of Human Life Act”, legislation which declares that human life begins at fertilization and is vested at that time with a Constitutionally protected right to life.  Congressman Broun had promised Tenth District residents that the first piece of legislation he introduced in Congress would provide Constitutional protections to unborn children.  Today’s legislation marks the fulfillment of that promise.

November 9, 2007
Washington D.C.-  Congressman Paul Broun today extended his thanks and appreciation for the sacrifices made by Georgia’s veterans and active duty personnel in service to our country.  Broun, a Marine, also announced that he would be commemorating Veterans Day by attending a number of ceremonies dedicated to veterans and by proudly participating in Augusta’s Veterans Day Parade.

November 7, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun today voted against legislation designed to grant special workplace protections to members of the gay, lesbian and bi-sexual community.  Under the language of the so-called “Employment Non-Discrimination Act” (ENDA), small business owners and certain religious organizations could be sued if they refused to hire employees practicing a homosexual lifestyle that conflicted with the morals of the small business owner or the religious beliefs of the hiring organization.  Additionally, the legislation’s vague language allows individuals to bring frivolous lawsuits against employers based solely on an employees “perceived” sexual orientation, regardless of that employees actual sexual orientation.

November 6, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun  met today with Dean Lucy Marion of Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia and Mrs. Laurie Ott, the Executive Director of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project to discuss promoting the “Augusta Model” of Wounded Warrior Care within the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  The “Augusta Model” of Wounded Warrior Care is based on the successful partnership that has been pioneered in Augusta between the Uptown V.A. Medical Center, the Medical College of Georgia, the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, and private sector providers and institutions.  A key element of the proposed “Augusta Model” increases the role that the Medical College of Georgia would play in educating and training nurses specifically for the unique needs of wounded warriors and their families. Congressman Broun, a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, is a strong advocate of the proposal and is drafting a letter in support of the initiative to be sent to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

November 5, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun today attended the formal signing ceremony for the “Army Family Covenant” held at Augusta’s Fort Gordon.  The event marked the signing of the “Army Family Covenant” by both Brig. Gen. Foley and Fort Gordon’s garrison commander, Colonel John Holwick.  The “Army Family Covenant” represents the Army’s $1.4 billion nationwide commitment to enhancing the quality of life for servicemen, servicewomen and their families. For Fort Gordon, this has meant the construction of new family homes, the upgrading of barracks, and the creation of the new “Soldier and Family Assistance Center” to help the families of wounded veterans.

November 5, 2007

November 2, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun appeared yesterday at a press conference in support of legislation that recognizes the activities of the Ten Commandments Commission. The Ten Commandments Commission is a grass-roots movement which has united thousands of churches and synagogues to promote recognition of the Ten Commandments as the foundation of the Judeo-Christian faith and as the cornerstone of Western law.  The press conference was held to encourage House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to bring the legislation, H. Res. 598, to a vote on the House floor.

November 1, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun met today with representatives of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to request that the Corps take quick action to ensure the water needs of Georgia’s residents were met during the current drought.  During the meeting, Broun asked Colonel Edward Kertis, District Commander for the Corps Savannah District, to tighten the Corps' current outflow levels. 

October 30, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun today announced his support of legislation that extends the current ban on internet access taxes. Many States and localities have lobbied Congress for the ability to impose taxes on internet access as a way to raise revenue. The House passed legislation extends the existing moratorium on the taxation of internet access for another seven years.

October 26, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun today announced that his office is accepting applications for students who wish to participate in the Congressional Page Program. Broun’s office was one of 24 offices selected by Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) to participate in the upcoming year’s program. The Congressional Page Program is open to high school students and provides an opportunity for these young people to play a role in the House of Representative’s legislative process.

October 25, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun today announced the public launch of his official House of Representatives website. The website enhances Broun’s constituent service efforts by establishing a “virtual office” that conveniently places important information at the fingertips of constituents.  Key features of the website include: the ability to sign up for Congressman Broun’s newsletter; the ability to e-mail letters to Congressman Broun; the ability to look up location and contact information for Washington and District offices; the ability to request assistance with academy nominations, flag requests, or casework; the ability to look up Congressman Broun’s position on the key issues; the ability to access multimedia and press releases; and the ability to monitor legislation that has been introduced or cosponsored by Congressman Broun.

October 19, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun met with President George W. Bush at the White House yesterday afternoon. During their meeting, Broun presented the President with an overview of the negative effects the drought is having on water supplies throughout the state of Georgia. Broun also requested that the President instruct the Corp of Engineers to take immediate steps to improve reservoir management in the state.

October 15, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun today announced the opening of his District Offices in Toccoa, Athens and Evans/Augusta. Today’s announcements highlight Congressman Broun’s belief that convenient office locations allow him to better provide effective constituent services.

October 10, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun today announced that he will be holding a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 AM in Greene County, Georgia. The event will be held at the Greene County High School Theater. It is open to the public, and any interested area residents are invited to attend.

October 9, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun joined with his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a resolution congratulating Warner Robins, Georgia’s Little League Baseball team. The Warner Robins team defeated the Tokyo Kitasuna Little League Team by a score of 3-2 to win the 2007 Little League World Series Championship. This is the second consecutive year a team from Georgia has won the Little League World Series title.

October 4, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun extended his congratulations to Augusta resident Carlos Page for his selection as Georgia’s “2007 Outstanding Older Worker.” The 74 year old Page was chosen to represent Georgia’s older workers by Experience Works, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides job training and employment opportunities for older Americans.

September 27, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun announced today his co-sponsorship of the “Local Law Enforcement Restoration Act of 2007.” This legislation strengthens the ability of state and local communities to enact and enforce local laws and ordinances that combat illegal immigration. Under current law, state and local efforts to impose civil or criminal penalties upon those who employ or recruit illegal aliens for employment may be preempted by federal law. The “Local Law Enforcement Restoration Act of 2007” ensures that federal immigration law shall not preempt, or override, state or local employment eligibility laws.

September 18, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun joined today with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families at a rally sponsored by the organization “Vets for Freedom.” The rally, which was held outside the United States Senate, was organized to show support for our nation’s troops and for their ongoing mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

September 14, 2007
Congressman Paul Broun toured the campuses of Augusta Technical College and Augusta State University today. While at Augusta Technical College, Congressman Broun participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Augusta Tech’s new “Columbia County Center,” a 22,000 square foot facility which will serve approximately 500 students. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Congressman Broun traveled to the campus of Augusta State University to meet with University President William Bloodworth, Jr.

September 11, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun offered his thoughts regarding the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania that occurred six years ago.

September 6, 2007
Washington D.C.- Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA) has joined with Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to introduce the “Charlie Norwood Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal (CLEAR) Act of 2007.” The “Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007” enhances local, state, and federal efforts to enforce immigration law, and is modeled on legislation introduced by former Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) in the 108th, 109th and 110th Congresses.

August 28, 2007
Augusta, G.A.- Congressman Paul Broun was invited to testify before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Field Hearing held today in Augusta. The field hearing examined the collaborative work being done between the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center and Augusta’s Uptown VA Medical Center. Congressman Broun, a Marine, medical doctor and graduate of Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia, used the opportunity to encourage the Senate to expand Augusta’s role in treating our nation’s injured soldiers.