Via email:
House Republican Leaders today announced they will begin a series of weekly radio addresses to outline House Republican positions on the Democrats' agenda and the important issues facing our country. Each week, a GOP leader will address a key issue of concern to the American people and it will be distributed to hundreds of national and local radio stations across the country.
Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-FL) issued the following joint statement:
"A weekly radio address will give House Republicans yet another opportunity to communicate directly with the American people. This represents a broad-based effort to engage the millions of Americans who listen to the radio on their way to work, on their lunch hour, or on their way home to their families. From balancing the federal budget to keeping taxes low, from providing affordable health care to giving families a break at the gas pump, Republicans are dedicated to giving Americans common sense solutions that address the concerns of working families."
Boehner taped the first radio address; it will be distributed later this morning.
UPDATE: Transcript of the first broadcast (
audio):
Hello, I’m John Boehner, House Republican Leader and Congressman from Ohio ’s Eighth Congressional District. This is the first of a new series of radio addresses by House Republicans outlining where we stand on important issues facing our country.
I’d like to begin this week by discussing the President’s plan to balance the budget without raising taxes on working families. I grew up in a large Catholic family just outside of Cincinnati , Ohio . I have 12 brothers and sisters and my Dad owned a tavern. We didn’t have much, but we all worked, pitched in, and lived within our means. There is no reason Washington can’t do the same.
Republican pro-growth policies have strengthened our economy, and the federal deficit is declining rapidly. Congress now must make an important choice: We can use the increased revenue from economic growth to balance the budget, keep taxes low and begin to address the long-term challenge of runaway entitlement spending. Or we can blow it by squandering the money on pork, unnecessary new programs, and bigger government.
President Bush is right: tax hikes are not the answer. We should balance the budget by continuing to grow our economy and exercising fiscal restraint.
Republicans also strongly support our men and women in uniform, and we were pleased that President Bush submitted a budget that supports American troops in harm’s way.
Next week, the House will debate the issue of Iraq , and the President’s new strategy. All Americans are frustrated we haven’t seen more success in Iraq more quickly, but one thing is clear: we must oppose any effort to cut off funds our troops need to succeed in their mission.
Some Democrats have proposed cutting off funds for our troops, but Republicans believe our troops and their mission deserve our support. Democrats owe it to the American people to offer a plan of their own, because leaving Iraq in chaos would directly threaten America ’s safety and security.
On June 6, 1944, General Eisenhower called upon all freedom loving people to stand together to achieve victory in Europe . That call was answered and victory was achieved, but not before we endured immeasurable personal sacrifices. We must maintain a similar commitment today – victory in Iraq and victory over our terrorist enemies who want to destroy our American way of life.
Thank you for listening.
