Senator Allen's March Newsletter

I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and energized as winter comes to an end. I am certainly invigorated and ready for an action-packed Spring in Congress.

This February, Congress received the President’s budget for fiscal year 2007. While I believe most of this budget is well-reasoned and responsible, I am very concerned about the excessive deficit. Congress needs to remember: We have a deficit NOT because we have a revenue problem, but because the federal government has a spending problem. Government doesn’t tax too little; it spends too much! I believe we need to spend smarter and learn to do more with less. And that starts with reviving a pair of reforms that Ronald Reagan advocated when he was President.

On February 9, 2006, Senator Allen unveiled his three-point plan for fiscal discipline at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C.

In his Farewell Address to the American people, Ronald Reagan said there were two things he wished he had accomplished as President and wanted future Presidents – both Republican and Democrat - to have.

First is the line-item veto, which is a power that I had as Governor and I believe the President should also have to eliminate wasteful spending and undesirable programs. Second is a Constitutional amendment that requires the President and Congress to balance the budget each year on October 1st.

I’ve introduced both of these reforms in the Senate along with a bill that I call the Paycheck Penalty. This penalty withholds the salaries of members of Congress if they do not pass appropriations bills by the beginning of the fiscal year. I believe this will give members an incentive to get their job done on time so that we can avoid bills being passed in the dead of night two or three months late with un-scrutinized spending add-ons.

Friends, we need to get back to basics. Taken together, I believe that my three-point plan for a line-item veto, a balanced budget amendment and a paycheck penalty will restore fiscal accountability and common sense to Washington. And we will be better able to lower the tax burden on all Americans.

On February 16th, I sent a letter to Treasury Secretary John W. Snow expressing my concern about the potential sale of the Peninsular and Oriental Steamship Navigation Company to Dubai Ports World (DP World), an operation owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If this acquisition is finalized, DP World would operate terminals at some of the busiest seaports in the U.S.

My view on this potential sale is “trust but verify.” I trust the President on matters of national security, but I’m gathering information to determine if there is a convincing case that this deal is appropriate. I’m pleased that the Bush Administration and DP World worked out a compromise to allow for an additional 45-day security investigation by the federal government. Ultimately, there will need to be adequate scrutiny and transparency in the operation of a government-owned company as there is with privately-held companies.

Our ports are an essential part of our nation’s continued economic prosperity; they are the hubs of the global economy and are vital to moving American products to markets around the globe. However, they are also vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and while the UAE has been a valuable ally in the War on Terror since 9/11, I believe it’s important that we thoroughly review the effects of this sale and ensure that our security is not compromised. I believe with proper precautions and reporting our security goals can be achieved.

I’ve received a number of letters about President Bush’s authorization of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) terrorist surveillance program and wanted to let you know of my views on this important issue. Following the September 11th attacks, Congress passed a resolution that recognized the President’s Constitutional authority to “take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the U.S.” and, more specifically, authorized the President to use “all necessary and appropriate force” against al Qaeda. In my view, this authorization of military force clearly includes the utilization of electronic surveillance to intercept the communications of our terrorist enemy.

The NSA terrorist surveillance program is narrowly focused to target international calls between those suspected to be members of al Qaeda or affiliated with the terrorist organization. The surveillance operations are conducted by dedicated public servants at the NSA whose mission is to detect, prevent and deter another catastrophic terrorist attack from occurring against American citizens. The program must be re-authorized every 45 days and is reviewed by the NSA’s General Counsel and Inspector General to ensure its legality and proper use.

I’m fully aware of those who have questioned the President’s legal authority in this matter. It is important to note, however, that federal courts, including four Circuit courts, have ruled in favor of the President’s inherent Constitutional authority to conduct warrantless searches to obtain foreign intelligence.

We also must not forget that we are in the midst of a war against a vile enemy that hopes to exploit not only our freedoms but also our concerns about civil liberties to their own advantage. I firmly believe that we are a nation of laws and that our government must protect and respect the civil liberties of law-abiding American citizens.

The War on Terror is likely to last many years, so I think it is wise, prudent and appropriate that Congress better understands the security needs and ultimately confirms the authority of the President to authorize the surveillance of terrorists.

A few weeks ago, Senator John Warner, Congresswoman Drake and I had a good, productive meeting about the future of NAS Oceana with Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and the Inspector General for the Department of Defense Thomas Gimble. I appreciated the Inspector General's efforts to clearly explain the criteria they will use to examine the actions that are being taken by Virginia Beach and Virginia to be consistent with the BRAC requirements.

With a March 31st deadline approaching, it’s important that local and State officials solidify a program that clearly meets the specific BRAC requirements while providing Oceana’s current homeowners and landowners the appropriate flexibility to achieve BRAC goals without forcibly condemning their property. I want to ensure that our Congressional Delegation is supportive not only of efforts to keep Oceana open and fully operational but also that the individual residents are treated fairly as the Oceana safety program is fairly implemented.

On February 8th, I chaired a hearing examining the unauthorized and intrusive third party access of American consumers’ phone records by marketing companies that sell the information through several online ventures.

I wanted to take action as soon as I heard that unscrupulous marketers were obtaining and selling confidential, personal phone billing records. This fraudulent and criminal activity must be prosecuted and stopped to protect innocent people. Especially of concern to me are the rights of some women who have had their privacy violated by stalkers who use the information to get details of their personal lives. These unregulated searches can also harm law-enforcement investigations.

I believe that in protecting consumers we must ensure that our approach is sensible and effective. With legislation, we will send a clear message to the “bad actors” that this fraudulent and deceptive behavior will be stopped and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

We were saddened by the passing last month of civil rights and American hero Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King carried on the wonderful legacy of her beloved husband, Dr. King, with dignity and exemplary leadership. She will be remembered in American history as an inspirational leader for equality and justice.

In January, I was privileged to speak at a Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Petersburg, Virginia, which featured some moving performances of writings by Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. Although they are no longer with us in body, I believe their spirits will live on in this country and their remarkable lives will be remembered as a tribute to America’s unending quest for a more perfect union.

In the coming weeks, I encourage you to check my website http://www.allen.senate.gov/ for current information on my activities. Please feel free to contact me via email on the site.

Again, I hope you will share this newsletter with your friends and family who may be interested. If you have not already signed up for your own personal copy of this newsletter, you may do so at http://www.allen.senate.gov/?c=newsletter

It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. With warm regards, I remain

Since its pretty clear Mike Pence isn't going to run for POTUS in 2008.

Senator Allen might wind up being the most conservative person running in that primary.

His strong points are his charisma and personality, and his strong support for President Reagan.

Someone him, his brothers (and sister) and father knew personally.

His father and President Reagan were personal friends going back to Reagans early years as governor.

Glad to see they are actually going to introduce Leglisation on Fiscal issues! Been the most sickening thing. Listen to all the Freepers gush about this or that pol saying this or that feel good nonsense. About time they actually put up some legistation rather then just TALK about it. Now let see who actually WALKS the walk, not just talks the talk. Be intresting to see if Coburn and Pence sign on. If they were to co-sponser this, it shows it is a serious effort at reform

George Allen will be the GOP candidate in 2008. If he selects Ken Blackwell as VP, the rat will get a beating that he might not recover from. In 2004 Black voters in Ohio supported W at a rate of 16%. There is no reason why an Allen/Blackwell ticket could not bring the national average up to 15%. If 15% of Black America votes Republican it's the end of the rat. W did 11. A Jump to 15 will not be easy. but certainly doable. Right now the number of Blacks self identifying as rat has tumbled to 64%. The number of Blacks under 35 who identify as Republicans is about 30%.
The numbers are there. The rat is fully aware of these numbers. Watch the viciousness of his attacks on Blackwell Swann and Steele.

Allen voted last year to get the bill out of committee, but has been more reserved in comments since that time

February 2005: Human Events

Human Events: You know President Reagan opposed it in the early 1980s?

George Allen: That's a good indicator. I'd have to look at the circumstances and whether it's in the best interest of the United States or not. Now the Bush Administration is in favor of it. We really didn't have much of a hearing on it or a discussion of it. If it comes up, it's going to get added scrutiny from others and me. So I don't want to say which way I'm going to vote, other than to say it's going to get added scrutiny.

March 2005: The Washington Times

Allen: "I will be reviewing this treaty with much greater scrutiny than the scant attention it originally received in the Foreign Relations Committee," he said. "I am always skeptical about any treaty that might usurp our nation's sovereignty, and believe that serious concerns have arisen that must be addressed and analyzed."

That's all I could find in a quick search.

Received a very nicely done birthday card to be sent to Allen from his wife with a donation of course but well done. I have sent money to him but really like the touch. Saw her on C-Span and she will be very involved in whatever he does and I liked her very much. Any thoughts?

That's all I could find in a quick search.

I'm not sure if that exchange happened before or after I saw him on C-span.

He didn't give an opinion, he just cracked a couple of jokes about Reagan firing folks for just negotiating it.

To be honest, he didn't seem serious when I saw him asked about it.

Any thoughts?

I hope she is involved.

She is one smart cookie, and has good common sense.

She can be a real help to him.

One other thought? Seems like Allen will be out there trying to solve the illegal problem...whoever does that "seriously" will get the conservative vote. We're drowning in illegals in CA and Specter wants a "guest worker program" before we protect the borders which is more like the House bill. WE NEED A LEADER to speak out in this area...again, your thoughts? McLame's bill with Kennedy is rediculous...they're just trying to say they're doing something but no results.

Allen has said he wants to handle border security before any kind of guest worker program.

I'm thinking he may try and be a modified version of Tancredo light ( and since Tancredo is going to run as a single issue canidate, get his endorsement).

That said, did you hear about the exchange between Senator Sessions and Senator Specter?

During C-Span it went like this while they were bickering.

Specter: "Did they miss the Civil War?"

Sessions: "No, Lincoln killed one of them."

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