Leonard Lance Clipbook

8/4/2019 Leonard Lance Clipbook

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Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07)


2/14

Notable Headlines

Lance Helps Launch SPF Tea Party [patch.com,3/24/11]

Editorials

Observer: Lance No Different from the Yahoos on Guns

In November 2011, an Observer editorial criticized Lance for his support of a bill that would allowconcealed carry permits of firearms across state lines.

The editorial said, What a shame that two of their Republican colleagues from New Jersey, LeonardLance and Rodney Frelinghuysen, couldnt summon the nerve to defy the GOPs gun-lovers. OtherRepublicans from the metropolitan area also voted with their caucus, but Mr. Lance and Mr.

Frelinghuysen have sought to distance themselves from their partys extremists. Both see themselves asprototypical moderate Republicans in the model of former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean. This votemakes them no different from the yahoos who think they have a right to carry and conceal their handgunsin places like Midtown Manhattan. [Observer, Editorial, 11/30/11]

Herald News Criticized Lance Over Gun Vote

In November 2011, Herald News criticized Lance for voting for a bill that would grant recognition ofconcealed carry permits of firearms across state lines despite his previously moderate views on socialissues. [Herald News, Editorial,11/26/11]

Budget Issues

Supported Balanced Budget Amendment in Floor Speech

In November 2011, Lance supported the balanced budget amendment in a floor speech.

Lance said, As of November 14, 2011, the United States national debt is $14.973 trillion, according tothe Department of the Treasury. With pending security auctions this month, it is inevitable that thenational debt will reach the unprecedented level of $15 trillion in the coming weeks. When the national

debt reaches $15 trillion, it means that U.S. debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio will reach 99.7percent of our debt and this is $47,900 for every living American. [Star Ledger Politifact,11/21/11]

Disagreed With Cantor Over Hurricane Spending

In August 2011, Lance disagreed with Cantors statements that any federal spending toward HurricaneIrenes aftermath should be met with equal reductions in other parts of the budget.

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Regarding aid, Lance said, I think we should spend whatever is necessary for the emergency. Lancewas scheduled to be on conference calls with other House Republicans to discuss Irenes aftermath, andwhile he said he may not be able to discuss disaster relief on the call, he would be communicating theneed for relief to congressional leadership and other Obama administration officials. [patch.com,08/27/2011]

Voted for Final Debt Ceiling Compromise Legislation

In August 2011, Lance voted for the final debt ceiling compromise legislation, the Budget Control Act of2011.

The framework would cut $917 billion in spending over a decade, raise the debt limit initially by $900billion and assign a special congressional committee, with members from the House and the Senate andappointed by congressional leadership, to find another $1.5 trillion in deficit savings by late November.

If Congress met that deadline and deficit target, or voted to send a balanced budget amendment to thestates, the debt ceiling would be raised an additional $1.5 trillion. The plan guaranteed a vote on the

balanced budget amendment between October and the end of 2011.

If Congress failed to take either step, or debt savings of at least $1.2 trillion were not produced, the planallows the president to obtain a $1.2 trillion debt ceiling increase. That would trigger automatic spendingcuts across the government including in defense and Medicare to take effect starting in 2013. TheMedicare cuts would only affect Provider reimbursements. The legislation included no revenue increases.

The bill was passed by the full House, 269-161. [Bloomberg,8/01/11; S 356,8/01/11]

Voted Against Reids Debt Ceiling Plan

In July 2011, Lance voted against Sen. Harry Reids plan to raise the debt ceiling.

Reids plan called for raising the debt limit by $2.4 trillion, requiring no additional debt ceiling vote untilafter the 2012 election.

The plan included $1.2 trillion in discretionary spending cuts over 10 years, mandatory spending cuts of$100 billion, $1 trillion in savings from winding down combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and$400 billion in interest savings. The legislation included no revenue increases.

The CBO score of Reids plan said it would reduce the deficit by $2.2 trillion. The bill was rejected by thefull House, 173-246. [New York Times, 7/25/11; HR 2693,7/30/11]

Voted in Favor of Boehners Debt Ceiling Plan

In July 2011, Lance voted in favor of Speaker John Boehners plan to raise the debt ceiling.

Boehners plan called for an immediate debt ceiling raise of $900 billion, spending cuts of $917 billionover 10 years, and an additional debt ceiling vote in six months. The legislation contained no revenueincreases.

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Under Boehners plan, the second debt ceiling raise was conditional on the passage of a balanced budgetamendment by both Houses of Congress and the creation of a select joint committee on deficit reduction.

The CBO score of Boehners plan said it would reduce the deficit by $850 billion. The bill was approved

by the full house, 218-210. [ABC News, 7/29/11; S 627, 7/29/11]

Voted in Favor of Cut, Cap and Balance Plan

In July 2011, XXXX voted in favor of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, legislation requiring deep spendingcuts, a federal spending cap and a balanced budget amendment in order to raise the federal debt ceiling.

Under Cut, Cap and Balance, discretionary spending in fiscal year 2012 would be reduced below fiscalyear 2008 levels except for Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans affairs. The plan provided auniversal spending cap after 2012. The legislation contained no revenue increases.

The bill was approved by the full House, 234-190. [New York Times, 7/21/11; HR 2560, 7/19/11]

Said Balanced Budget Amendment Important, and Cut, Cap and Balance Bill Provides

Opportunity

In July 2011, Lance voiced his support for a balanced budget amendment and said that 49 states arerequired by their constitutions to balance their budgets, and the federal government must be similarlyforced to live within its means.

Lance said, Its important that we have a balanced budget amendmentThere has to be a realization bythe White House that (House Republicans) are serious about reining in federal spendingRank-and-fileRepublicans wont get to vote next week on a House bill whose only provision is a constitutionalamendment to balance the budget, as GOP leaders had planned. Instead, House leaders will bring up acut, cap and balance bill that would make drastic spending cuts, cap future expenditures and requireCongress to pass a balanced-budget amendment.

Lance said that the bill provides Congress and the White House with an opportunity to begin to get ourfiscal house in order. [Asbury Park Press, 7/15/11]

Said Unemployment Rise was as Sobering Reminder To Get Fiscal House in Order

In July 2011, Lance said that the announcement that unemployment rose to 9.2 percent was a soberingreminder that we must get our fiscal house in order.

Lance said, We must reject calls for higher taxes, greater spending and more regulations and insteadfocus on fiscally responsible pro-growth policies that will lead us toward a balanced budget, job creationand a stronger economy. [njtoday.com, 7/07/11]

Lances District one of the 10 Hardest Hit by Ryan Plan

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In June 2011, a Bloomberg analysis listed Lances congressional district as one of the top 10 districtsmost affected by the Ryan plan. Nine of the 10 districts throughout the US with the most people age 45-54 are represented by Republicans. [Office of Congressman Courtney, 6/15/2011]

Voted Against Clean Debt Ceiling Raise

In May 2011, Lance voted against HR 1954, a clean federal debt ceiling raise of $2.4 trillion.

The bill was rejected by the full House, 97-318. [HR 1954, 5/31/11]

Lance Advocated Cut, Cap, Balance Approach to Debt Limit

In May 2011, Lance rejected efforts to raise the federal debt limit without meaningful spending cuts andfiscal reforms, according to a press release from his office.

Congress and the President can work together in a bipartisan capacity to tackle the debt ceiling issue by

including meaningful spending reforms, substantial reductions in current spending and safeguards thatwill restrict future spending, such as the balanced budget amendment and spending caps, Lance said.[Lance Press Release,5/31/11]

Business and Consumer Issues

Lance Called to End Ethanol Subsidies

In June 2011, Lance called on NJ Senators to support an amendment eliminating ethanol subsidies. Theethanol subsidy is expensive, redundant and unnecessary. In light of our nations current fiscal challenges

Congress should do everything in its power to eliminate wasteful and duplicative programs thatunnecessarily cost US taxpayers billions each year. [Office of Congressman Lance, 6/13/2011]

Sponsored Legislation to Repeal Ethanol Subsidies

In 2011, Lance sponsored legislation to repeal ethanol subsidies for farmers. His legislation was called dthe Repeal Ethanol Subsidies Today Act. [dairyherd.com, 3/18/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

Crime & Public Safety Issues

Economic and Financial Issues

Lancman Criticized Turner on Debt Ceiling Vote

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In a January 2012 interview, Assemblyman Rory Lancman criticized Turner and his symbolic vote inopposition to raising the debt ceiling.

The public demands a government that works, and Congress should be focused on getting things done,

not on ideological posturing, Lancman said. While Congress has been mired in dysfunction for the pastyear, the state of New York balanced its budget on time without gimmicks or theatrics. When willWashington learn the lessons that Albany has been teaching? [cityandstateny.com, 1/20/12]

Voted for Payroll Tax Cut Extension

In December 2011, Lance voted for the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act that would extendthe payroll tax cut.

Lance said, The House-passed bill is a balanced measure that will strengthen our economy and help getAmericans back to work. It renews the payroll tax credit in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving

the Social Security trust fund, extends and reforms unemployment benefits for jobless Americans andprotects New Jerseys senior citizens from massive Medicare cuts in physician payments. But mostimportant of all the bill stops a $1,000 tax increase scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2012 ifCongress does not act. [The State Column,12/14/11]

Education Issues

Energy Issues

Sponsored Legislation to Repeal Ethanol Subsidies

In 2011, Lance sponsored legislation to repeal ethanol subsidies for farmers. His legislation was called dthe Repeal Ethanol Subsidies Today Act. [dairyherd.com, 3/18/11]

Environmental Issues

Blasted in Ad Campaign for Votes on Clean Air

In October 2011, Environment New Jersey targeted Lance for his votes on bills related to air quality.

The American Lung Association said that one of the bills Lance voted for, H.R. 2250, could roll backclean air protections that limit emissions from industrial boilers, process heaters and incinerators. Aspokesman for the organization said, This decision ignores the severe health consequences for allAmericans, demonstrating once again, that many in Congress side with big polluters instead of standingup for public health. [dailyrecord.com, 10/20/2011]

Decreased Score on Environmental Protection from Republican Group

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http://www.cityandstateny.com/blasting-turner-lancman-touts-albanys-relative-functionality/http://www.thestatecolumn.com/new-jersey/rep-lance-votes-to-extend-payroll-tax-cut-for-new-jerseys-middle-class/http://www.thestatecolumn.com/new-jersey/rep-lance-votes-to-extend-payroll-tax-cut-for-new-jerseys-middle-class/http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-news/latest/AMI-supports-repeal-act-proposed-to-end-ethanol-subsidies-118254629.htmlhttp://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20111019/NJNEWS/310190042/Lance-Frelinghuysen-blasted-ads-votes-clean-air?odyssey=nav%7Cheadhttp://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20111019/NJNEWS/310190042/Lance-Frelinghuysen-blasted-ads-votes-clean-air?odyssey=nav%7Cheadhttp://www.cityandstateny.com/blasting-turner-lancman-touts-albanys-relative-functionality/http://www.thestatecolumn.com/new-jersey/rep-lance-votes-to-extend-payroll-tax-cut-for-new-jerseys-middle-class/http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-news/latest/AMI-supports-repeal-act-proposed-to-end-ethanol-subsidies-118254629.htmlhttp://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20111019/NJNEWS/310190042/Lance-Frelinghuysen-blasted-ads-votes-clean-air?odyssey=nav%7Chead


7/14

In July 2011, Lance received a score of 54 from the Republicans for Environmental Protection. In 2009,Lance was honored as one of the three Greenest Republicans in Congress, with a perfect record on the18 floor votes scored by the group.

The House Republican average decreased from 33 percent in 2009 to 28 percent in 2010. [Asbury Park Press,7/15/11]

Ethics Issues

Reversed Position on Pay-to-Play Legislation

In 2011, Lance provided support for legislation that would bar government agencies from requiringcontractors to disclose political spending, a reverse of his earlier stance on the issue.

During his time as minority leader in the NJ state Senate, Lance fought to get stronger pay-to-play laws,even saying in 2005 that, The state of New Jersey is crying out for comprehensive pay-to-playlegislation. [northjersey.com,09/08/2011]

Foreign Policy Issues Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

Turner: Obama Should be More Aggressive with Iran

In January 2012, Turner wrote an op-ed calling on Obama to be stricter in his policies towards Iran.

The Administrations response to this ever-growing threat has been lackluster to the point of negligence.There are four steps which the President can immediately take in order to respond to this threat, Turnersaid. First, the President must use all of the tools at his disposal to enforce sanctions on Iran Second,the President can take another look at his recently announced cuts to the Department of Defense Wecannot afford across the board defense cuts at a time when the Iranian threat is clearly growing and whenthe risk to American strategic interests in the Middle East is increasing.

Third, the United States must continue to push our international partners to increase pressure on theayatollahs. Finally, the President should get fully behind anti-regime movements and activists in Iran. Hefailed to quickly support the democratic Green Movement following the rigged 2009 Iranian Parliamentelections, and the regime has increased its crackdown on any and all who dream of a free and democratic

Iran. [foresthill.patch.com, 1/24/12]

Co-Sponsored Legislation Supporting Democracy in Syria

In June 2011, Lance co-sponsored a resolution expressing solidarity and support for the people of Syriaas they seek to exercise universal rights and pursue peaceful democratic change. [Office of CongressmanLamborn, 6/03/2011]

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8/14

Voted for Resolution Against US Intervention in Libya

In June 2011, Lance voted for a resolution to prohibit US ground troops in Libya. Lance stated thatPresident Obama has yet to provide a clear and thorough explanation about the current mission and whyit is vital to the national security interests of our country. [Office of Congressman Lance, 6/03/2011]

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Took Part in It Gets Better Video Despite Anti-LGBT Record

In October 2011, Lance, along with nine other members New Jerseys congressional delegation, took partin a video for the It Gets Better anti-bullying campaign despite his previous anti-LGBT record.

Lances office released a statement saying, Congressman Lance chose to participate in the 'It Gets Better'campaign because the bipartisan effort puts forth an important, positive message that mirrors New Jersey's

landmark anti-bullying initiative signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Christie and is consistent withhis voting record and long-standing views. [Washington Post, 10/27/2011]

Lance opposed repealing DOMA, voted against the repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell, and has not expressedsupport for the Student Non-Discrimination Act or the Safe Schools Improvement Act. [thinkprogress.org,10/25/2011]

Gun Issues

Voted for Loose Gun Laws

In December 2011, Lance voted in favor of H.R. 822, also known as the National Right-to-CarryReciprocity Act of 2011. This legislation would force states to allow out-of-state visitors to carry loaded,hidden guns, even if those persons are not trained to the standards of the state they are visiting.[njtoday.net,12/22/11]

Supported Bill To Grant Recognition of Concealed Carry of Firearms Across State Lines

In November 2011, Lance supported a bill that would grant recognition of concealed carry permits offirearms across state lines. New Jersey had very strict laws about who could carry concealed weapons.[northjersey.com,11/17/11]

Supported Bill To Grant Recognition of Concealed Weapons

In November 2011, Lance supported an NRA backed bill that would allow the right to carryconcealed weapons in any state.

The bill would supersede state laws on gun control. [Star-Ledger, 11/20/11]

Herald News Criticized Lance Over Gun Vote

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9/14

In November 2011, Herald News criticized Lance for voting for a bill that would grant recognitionof concealed carry permits of firearms across state lines despite his previously moderate views onsocial issues. [Herald News, Editorial,11/26/11]

Observer Criticized Lance Over Gun Vote

In November 2011, an Observer editorial criticized Lance for his support of a bill that would allowconcealed carry permits of firearms across state lines.

The editorial said, What a shame that two of their Republican colleagues from New Jersey,Leonard Lance and Rodney Frelinghuysen, couldnt summon the nerve to defy the GOPs gun-lovers. Other Republicans from the metropolitan area also voted with their caucus, but Mr. Lanceand Mr. Frelinghuysen have sought to distance themselves from their partys extremists. Both seethemselves as prototypical moderate Republicans in the model of former New Jersey GovernorTom Kean. This vote makes them no different from the yahoos who think they have a right tocarry and conceal their handguns in places like Midtown Manhattan. [Observer, Editorial,11/30/11]

Health Care Issues

Lance Op-Ed: America Needs a Health Care Ruling

In December 2011, Lance wrote an op-ed for The Hill in support of the Americans Need a Health CareRuling Act legislation he introduced.

The legislation would waive the 1867 Anti-Injunction Act, which barred judges from deciding on taxcases until the tax had been paid. Lance said that the Supreme Court justices could use this provision to

put off a decision on repealing the Affordable Care Act until 2015. He said, Waiting for a decision on theconstitutionality of the health care law until 2015 could be disastrous for U.S. businesses and oureconomy by continuing to deny regulatory certainty in this area. The constitutionality of the 2010health care reform law is among the most important issues to come before the High Court in many yearsand the Court's decision will have significant consequences for the American people. The Nation shouldnot have to wait until 2015 for its ruling. [The Hill,12/5/11]

Asked for $56 Million to Help Premature Babies

In August 2011, Lance sought to renew the PREEMIE Act of 2006 that authorized $56 million inspending for premature babies.

Regarding the bill, Lance said, Too many premature births today have no known cause. It is my hopethat this bill will ultimately decrease the number of premature births in the near future. [Lehigh Valley Live,08/28/2011]

Voted Against Ensuring that No Funds Be Cut From Social Security or Medicare

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10/14

In 2011, Lance voted against an amendment that would ensure that no funds in HJ Res 48, the Houseresolution to keep the government funded through April 8, could be used to cut Social Security orMedicare benefits, privatize Social Security, or switch Medicare to a voucher plan. [philly.com,3/20/11]

Lance Received Taxpayer-Funded Health Insurance

In 2011, Lances office challenged an ad that said the congressman accepted the congressional health careplan. The congressman did not accept the congressional health care plan because he receives family healthcoverage that is free except for co-pays, the state Department of Treasury confirmed. The former statesenator, assemblyman and Kean administration official qualified for retirement in 2006, his 25th year ofservice. He retired in January 2009, when he moved on to Washington, and enrolled in the state's freehealth plan for retirees. The family plan Lance is enrolled in is the most expensive of the 10 optionsavailable. His coverage costs $1,906.42 per month, or $22,877.04 per year. I should've kept my mouthshut, Chief of Staff Todd Mitchell told the Courier-Post. [Courier-Post, 2/13/11]

Enrolled in the Most Expensive NJ State Health Insurance Plan

In 2011, Lance supported both the repeal and effort to defund the Affordable Care Act. Lance was at thesame time enrolled in the New Jersey retired employees state health program.

The Lance family plan was the most expensive of the 10 options available. His coverage costed $1,906.42per month, or $22,877.04 per year. [CourierPostOnline.com,2/13/11]

Immigration and Border Issues

Israel

Labor and Working Family Issues

Voted to Repeal the Neighborhood Stabilization Program

In 2011, Lance voted to repeal the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program provides cities andnonprofits with funds for buying, repairing, and selling foreclosed, abandoned homes in order to keepneighborhoods intact. [philly.com, 3/20/11]

Other Social Issues

Supported Raising the Social Security Retirement Age

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In 2011, Lance supported the possibility of raising the retirement age for those who are not currentlyreceiving Social Security.

I dont think it is unimaginable to ask someone who is 23 to work a year longer, [Inside Business, vol. 14,3/2011]

Stem Cells

Tax Issues

Voted for Payroll Tax Cut Extension

In December 2011, Lance voted for the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act that would extendthe payroll tax cut.

Lance said, The House-passed bill is a balanced measure that will strengthen our economy and help getAmericans back to work. It renews the payroll tax credit in a fiscally responsible manner while preservingthe Social Security trust fund, extends and reforms unemployment benefits for jobless Americans andprotects New Jerseys senior citizens from massive Medicare cuts in physician payments. But mostimportant of all the bill stops a $1,000 tax increase scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2012 ifCongress does not act. [The State Column,12/14/11]

Proposed Tax Cuts to Balance out Legislation Eliminating Ethanol Tax Breaks

In July 2011, The Star-Ledger said that the only faint sign of life from an intimidated crew ofcongressman fearful of upsetting their base came from Lance, who sponsored legislation that would endtax breaks for ethanol production.

To appease tea partiers that call that a tax increase, Lance has said that he wants tax cuts elsewhere tobalance the higher taxes on ethanol, even though that means his bill would no longer help reduce the debt.

Lance said, Our base does not want to raise taxes, and I dont want to raise taxes. [The Star-Ledger,7/24/11]

Voted for an Extension of Bush Tax Cuts

In 2011, Lance supported an extension to the Bush tax cuts.

It was not perfect but it was far preferred to raising taxes in this economic environment. [Inside Business,vol. 14,03/2011]

Tea Party

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Helped Launch Scotch Plains- Fanwood Tea Party

In 2011, Lance was the guest speaker at the founding meeting of the Scotch Plains Tea Party.

"The Tea Party movement is in the best tradition of the American nation: protest groups that have arisen

over time as great issues arise," he said. [patch.com,3/24/11]

Compared Tea Party Stance on U.S. Debt to that of Overcoming Slavery

Just as the Republican Party coalesced around Abraham Lincoln to combat "the greatest issue inAmerican historythe crucible of slavery," he continued, the Tea Party and similar groups haveemerged to fight "one the greatest challenge facing the American nation today, that isdebt." [patch.com, 3/24/11]

Transportation Issues

Womens Issues

Miscellaneous

Spent $266.55 on Bottled Water

From July-September 2011, Lance spent $266.55 on bottled water from Deer Park. [2011 3nd Quarter

Statements of Disbursement,10/5/11]

Endorsed Mitt Romney For President

In October 2011, Lance endorsed Mitt Romney for president.

Lance said, I am proud to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States. Mitt is asolid fiscal conservative who is committed to lower taxes, less spending and lower debt and deficits. He isthe one candidate with the leadership experience and a record of achievement to help fix our countrysstruggling economy. Governor Romney is by far the best candidate to restore fiscal sanity to Washingtonand get our economy going again. I am proud to lend him my support. [njtoday.net, 10/27/2011]

Held Town Hall Meeting

In August 2011, Lance held a town hall meeting before a crowd made up largely of skeptical Tea Partyactivists.

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14/14

America has come to a precipice, economically and socially, Larsen said. I am again reminded of thephrase, Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their Country.That is why I amcompelled to campaign for the U.S. Congress. I will no longer stand idly by; allowing entrenched careerpoliticians to rob Americas future generations of their financial freedoms and liberties by makingimmoral decisions for self-aggrandizement and special interests. Time is of the essence forrealchange in

Washington and Restoring the American Dream. [politickernj.com, 1/03/12]

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Documents

Leonard Lance Clipbook