Paul Broun RSS Articles

Rep. Broun, Sen. Paul, & Heritage Foundation Hold Briefing on FOCUS Act

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) yesterday joined Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to give a briefing on their FOCUS (Freedom from Over-Criminalization and Unjust Seizures) Act of 2012 at The Heritage Foundation. In a discussion hosted by former Attorney General Edwin Meese, Rep. Broun and Sen. Paul detailed how their bill would remove massive government overreach and criminal liability from the Lacey Act.

Congressman Broun speaking during the briefing joined by Senator Paul and former Attorney General Meese

Broun said, “It is absolutely ridiculous that a simple conservation and anti-poaching bill has been warped to make American citizens liable for thousands of foreign laws – in clear violation of their Constitutional rights. Our importers shouldn’t have to be the policemen for other countries in order to avoid going to jail. Furthermore, our job creators should never have to fear having their factories raided and goods seized by armed agents, all without any criminal charge. No good citizen should be forced to endure what happened to Gibson Guitar.

“I thank The Heritage Foundation and Senator Rand Paul for their help in identifying and working to repeal these onerous provisions. I also call on my colleagues in Congress to pass the FOCUS Act and to take a no-brainer step toward stopping these outrageous actions by our federal government.”

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Broun Demands Immediate Resignation of TSA Administrator

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10), a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole demanding his immediate resignation. This comes after numerous attempts by Broun to provoke administrative and personnel changes within the agency in light of recent media reports detailing lax security standards and overly-aggressive screening procedures in airports nationwide.

Broun wrote, “Americans can no longer tolerate the flagrant violations of their civil rights which are occurring at airports nationwide in the name of ‘security.’ More importantly, the corruption and continued lack of security among TSA’s own personnel puts our country at extreme risk of another terrorist attack. The time has come for serious action to be taken. As such, I request your immediate resignation from the position of TSA Administrator. The safety of our country’s travelers requires drastic change, and the time for that change is now.”

A copy of Broun’s letter to Administrator Pistole can be found at this link.

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Broun Recieves Honor for Leadership in Healthcare Innovation

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nation’s premier health care companies and organizations, recently honored Congressman Paul Broun (GA-10) as a “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

From left to right: HLC President Mary Grealy & Rep. Paul Broun

The Council hosted the awards ceremony during its annual Healthcare Innovations Expo, a day-long event dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This year’s event featured, among other displays, new technologies in treating diabetes and kidney disease as well digital health coaching programs to help people improve their own well-being.

“Perfecting a 21^st century healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible for all Americans and that provides care of the highest quality hinges on support for healthcare innovation. We need to constantly develop new and better ways to deliver care and link patients and consumers to the healthcare system,” said HLC President Mary R. Grealy. “We’re grateful for Congressman Broun’s leadership, dedication and hard work in advancing the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of American healthcare.”

Congressman Broun is a family practice physician who recently introduced H.R. 4224, the Patient OPTION Act, a comprehensive bill to repeal Obamacare and reform the U.S. healthcare system.

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Broun Calls for Congress to Investigate TSA Scandal

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10), a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today sent a letter to Chairman Peter King requesting a formal hearing to investigate the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) failings in light of recent security breaches and personnel issues at airports across the country. The is the second time that Broun has requested Committee action to investigate reports of misconduct, unprofessionalism, and corruption by TSA officers.

Broun said, “The American people are fed up with the TSA, and it’s about time we show our nation’s passengers that their safety is of the utmost importance to Congress. In the past month alone, we’ve heard horror stories about the overzealous pat-down of a four-year old child, an officer making a mother prove her breast-pump was real, and agents at Los Angeles airport accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to illicit drugs passing through screening. At the same time, TSA has now told airport officials at Georgia’s own Hartsfield-Jackson International that they aren’t able to keep up with employee background checks. I refuse to just stand by idly and let this happen until it’s too late. We cannot play with fire when it comes to the safe keeping of our travelers – I respectfully urge Chairman King to hold a hearing on this matter as soon as possible.”

A copy of Broun’s letter to the Committee on Homeland Security can be found at this link.

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Broun Announces Service Academy Appointment for Columbia County Student

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today announced that Erin Payne received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Erin, the daughter of Phillip and Marvalisa Payne, is a senior at Lakeside High School.

“I am pleased to offer my congratulations to Erin for her outstanding accomplishment,” said Broun. “She has earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and with it, the opportunity to attend one of the nation’s premier officer training programs. I commend her for her hard work and wish her much success.”

Congressman Broun will hold a signing ceremony for Erin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 4^th at Lakeside High School. Each year, he is privileged to nominate eligible students for consideration for appointment to the United States Air Force, Naval, Military, and Merchant Marine Academies.

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GOP Doctors Caucus: Medicare Trustee Report reinforces urgent need for reform

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Members of the GOP Doctors Caucus today reacted to the release of the 2012 Medicare Trustee Report with calls for the program’s reform. For the second time, the report concludes that Medicare will go bankrupt by 2024, if not earlier. The annual study also warns, for the third year in a row, that President Obama’s health care law will adversely affect patients’ access to Medicare services.

Despite the administration’s claims, these findings underscore the need for changes to Medicare to ensure its survival. The GOP Doctors Caucus has repeatedly called for politicians and special interests groups to acknowledge the crisis and work together now to save the Medicare program.

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D., Co-Chair (GA-11): “Today’s report reinforces the danger that seniors face in the coming decade. Without reform, this program will cease to exist not only for future generations, but for millions of Americans who are paying into it, and relying on it, today. While the Medicare Trustees announced a 2024 bankruptcy date, my physician colleagues and I released a report last week that found Medicare Hospital Insurance could become insolvent as early as 2016. Neither of these projections are good news for America’s seniors, who deserve more from President Obama and Congress. We are running out of time; enacting reforms to save Medicare, rather than politicizing it, is critical.”

Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10): “Today’s report simply reinforced what we as physician Members of Congress already knew – Medicare will go completely broke in just twelve years,” said Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10). “However, the Obama Administration and Democrats in Congress have made it clear that their only plans for saving our seniors’ health care is to do nothing. The numbers released today are a clear sign that we cannot afford to keep the fate of Medicare in fiscal limbo any longer.”

Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08): “The Medicare Trustees report makes it clear that we need action now to preserve and protect this vital program for current beneficiaries and future retirees. The aging population and rising costs in healthcare are contributing to the approaching date of insolvency. Furthermore, the attempt to mask these issues by cutting $575 billion through Obamacare is more proof that this Administration has no plan to keep our promises to our nation’s seniors. As a physician that mostly treated the Medicare population, it is unimaginable to continue ignoring this issue. Those that choose to do so should get their heads out of the sand.”

Rep. John Fleming, M.D. (LA-04): “The idea that Obamacare will save Medicare would be laughable if the health care of millions of seniors was not at stake. The president used Medicare savings to foot some of the bill for Obamacare. The administration may spin today's report to justify its do-nothing approach to Medicare reform, but the fact is Medicare remains on an unsustainable path and Democrats need to stop the political games and join House Republicans in working to save Medicare.”

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA): “Washington must not continue to stand in the way of reforms to our vital Medicare program. Unfortunately, instead of coming to the table with solutions, President Obama and Democrats in Congress have chosen to demagogue the good-faith efforts of House Republicans to improve and strengthen this program. The Republican plan ensures that no changes are made for those in or near retirement and guarantees coverage choices for future seniors. So long as Democrats continue to make the political decision to avoid the tough decisions, seniors will face an uncertain future. We need to act sooner rather than later to ensure Medicare is fiscally sound and providing quality care for today’s seniors and future generations.”

Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01): “The demand for Medicare services is expanding at a very high rate, making future costs unaffordable, and putting our health care security at risk. In fact, according to the Medicare Trustees the program could go broke as soon as 2024. As a physician and a lawmaker, I believe our common goal should be to save, protect and preserve Medicare. President Obama’s solution is to cut Medicare costs through the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a board that will ultimately limit seniors’ access to care and compromise the quality of care they receive. However, I believe personalized Medicare helps solve a problem that affects everyone—the problem of relentlessly rising health care costs in America. Unless the government acts, the bankruptcy of our Medicare system remains a threat for current seniors and will not be there for younger families and future generations.”

The GOP Doctors Caucus is composed of 21 medical providers in Congress who utilize medical expertise to develop patient-centered health care reforms focused on quality, access, affordability, portability, and choice.

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Broun to Host Grants & Small Business Expo

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today announced that he will host a Grants and Small Business Expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2^nd at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The expo will give individuals who are seeking grant funding and business loans the opportunity to talk with government representatives about the application process and their programs.

“Whether you’re a small business owner or representative for a nonprofit or municipality, this free expo is designed to provide you with tips and tools to help you succeed,” said Broun. “It is a great way to network with state and federal representatives and learn valuable information for your business or project.”

The following agencies will be in attendance and provide presentations throughout the day:

· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

· Georgia Department of Community Affairs

· Georgia Department of Community Affairs Appalachian Regional Commission

· Georgia Department of Community Affairs Housing Finance Division

· Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security

· Georgia Student Finance Commission

· Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center

· Grants.gov

· UGA Small Business Development Center

· U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

· U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

· U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

· U.S. Small Business Administration

The Grants and Small Business Expo will be held in the Grand Rapids Room of the Savannah Rapids Pavilion at 3300 Evans to Locks Road in Martinez, Georgia. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Caitlin Posey at (706) 447-3857 or Caitlin.Posey@mail.house.gov.

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Broun to Unveil Winning Art Entry at Augusta Mall

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) will unveil the winning entry for the 2012 Congressional Art Competition at 11:30am Saturday, April 28^that the Augusta Mall. The winning artist will be invited to a national reception in Washington D.C. where his or her artwork will be on display for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the student will be eligible to receive Savannah College of Art and Design’s Artistic Honors Scholarship. Congressman Broun will also reveal the students to receive the 2^nd Place, 3^rd Place, Honorable Mention, and the People’s Choice awards. The district ceremony is free and open to the public.

What: 2012 Congressional Art Competition District Ceremony

When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 @ 11:30 a.m.

Where: Augusta Mall

(in front of JCPenney, lower level)

3450 Wrightsboro Road

Augusta, GA 30909

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Broun Meets with Georgia Farm Bureau

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today met with members of the Georgia Farm Bureau to discuss issues that impact farmers and the agricultural industry across the state of Georgia:

Congressman Broun joins representatives from the Georgia Farm Bureau for a picture outside of his Capitol Hill office.

Broun said, “Agriculture has played a vital role in Georgia’s economy for more than two and a half centuries, and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that our state’s farmers are leaders amongst the American agricultural industry. The federal government has failed to correct some of the most pressing problems affecting Georgia agriculture today – namely by turning a blind eye to our broken immigration system and by continuing to slap burdensome regulations and mandates on our producers. Additionally, the potential increase in the death tax, the ongoing water usage conflict, and an indecipherably complex tax code must be remedied so that our farmers are provided with the sound business environment they need to prosper.”

Agriculture and agribusiness make up the strongest industry in the state of Georgia. In 2010, agriculture had a $68.9 billion economic impact on Georgia and represented more than 380,000 jobs. Over 80 counties in Georgia grow peanuts, producing 45% of the Nation’s peanut crop.

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Broun to Citizens Against Government Waste: We Must End Earmarking

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today spoke at a Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) press conference where the group released the 2012 Congressional Pig Book, the 21st edition of CAGW’s exposé of pork-barrel spending.

(From left to right: Rep. Jeff Flake, Rep. Jim Jordan, Rep. Tom Price, Sen. John McCain, CAGW’s Tom Schatz, Rep. Paul Broun, Sen. Pat Toomey, Sen. Jim DeMint)

Dr. Broun said, “I congratulate Citizens Against Government Waste for their fight to end this earmarking process. It’s going to take the American citizens demanding constitutionally-limited government as our Founding Fathers meant it for us to shrink the size of government, and for us to go forward as a financially viable country. It’s also going to be absolutely critical for the American people to demand that we pass the Toomey-Flake bill to stop earmarking as well as to stop the outrageous spending that’s going on here in Washington.”

According to CAGW’s criteria, the number and cost of earmarks have decreased dramatically since fiscal year (FY) 2010, when the last Pig Book was published. The number has dropped by 98.3 percent, from 9,129 in FY 2010 to 152 in FY 2012, the fewest since CAGW published the first Congressional Pig Book in 1991. The cost has decreased by 80 percent, from $16.5 billion in FY 2010 to $3.3 billion in FY 2012, the lowest amount since 1992.

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