Representative Allen West (R–FL) said in a speech today that funding America’s Armed Forces is the No. 1 responsibility of the federal government. Without the protection they provide, America would cease to exist. West spoke at The Heritage Foundation, delivering the closing address for “Protect America Month.” In keeping with the month’s theme, West spoke on national security issues and the need for increased defense spending . At a time when many Members of Congress are calling for a decrease in military funding, West is calling for more, urging the …
The House is expected to vote down a clean increase of the debt limit today. This vote is merely political theater and a way for Members of Congress to go on record as being against an increase in the debt limit without any cuts to spending or reforms to the budget process. Many worry that the eventual debt limit increase plan will dodge entitlement reform and may include an idea to increase taxes. The New York Times reports today that there is no will on the part of House members …
It’s not every day that a think tank wins an Emmy. But last week on John Stossel’s Fox Business program, The Heritage Foundation brought home the award for its “Saving the American Dream” plan to fix the debt, cut spending and reward prosperity. Heritage, along with five other public policy organizations, each provided long-term fiscal plans to solve America’s spending crisis as part of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s 2011 Fiscal Summit. Of all the plans, Heritage’s proposal reduces the national debt held by the public the most and keeps federal spending …
With considerable prodding from Congress—especially from the new Republican majority in the House—the Obama Administration and Department of State announced on May 24 that it is placing Venezuela’s national oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) on its list of companies sanctioned for their work in helping expand Iran’s petroleum and gasoline production. The action followed PDVSA’s sale of $50 million in petroleum products in late 2010. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, moreover, has not backed down on his promise to supply Iran with 20,000 barrels of gasoline per day.
In the 1939 movie You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man, W. C. Fields demands to know “What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?!” If asked today, the answer might well be Congress. Dozens of Members are backing legislation that would allow states to prohibit consumers from making interstate purchases of wine. Proponents of the bill claim that their motives are as pure as a fine pinot—i.e., to secure state sovereignty. But the proposed Community Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act is actually a cynical attempt to sidestep a 2005 ruling …
Newsflash from The New York Times: President Barack Obama’s stimulus did not work. No, the Times doesn’t say that in so many words, but in an op-ed this morning, the paper laments the sputtering economy and the fact that Washington just isn’t doing enough to help the economy grow. The problem, of course, is that Washington has done too much of the wrong things to get the economy moving again. The economic news that’s really sticking in the Old Gray Lady’s craw is revised data released last week that shows …
What does Memorial Day really mean? In a special Memorial Day podcast, The Heritage Foundation’s vice president of American Studies, Dr. Matthew Spalding, discusses the historical roots of this day. And below, we share with you a Q&A with Dr. Spalding in which he discusses that history, how Memorial Day came to be, and what it means for America When did Memorial Day become an official holiday? Spalding: There’s actually an interesting history to Memorial Day. On the one hand, there’s nothing unusual about countries historically having a day to …
In honor of those who lost their lives while serving our country, we would like to share with you President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery: Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be …
Today, Heritage is proud to honor the men and women who gave their lives defending our country. In the midst of barbecues, parades and the beginning of summer, we want to take a moment to remember what today is truly all about. Memorial Day, the most solemn American holiday, traces its history back to the Civil War era, when private citizens designated a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Today, the day is meant to honor all who gave their lives in military service in all of America’s …
Today we celebrate Memorial Day, and in a special Heritage in Focus podcast, The Heritage Foundation’s vice president of American Studies, Matt Spalding, fills us in on the history and importance of this day. “If you want to get a sense of what Memorial Day is, the great poet is Lincoln,” Spalding says. “Lincoln was able to connect the death of soldiers to what America means.” As we honor our soldiers, it’s important to recall the timeless principles that have enabled us to enjoy our freedoms and flourish as a …
