Free Republic

President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to cut government spending by reasserting the presidential power of impoundment, a move certain to spark a court battle and one that could redefine presidential power for decades to come. Impoundment occurs when the president chooses not to disburse funds authorized by Congress; instead leaving them unspent in the U.S. Treasury.This power is not mentioned in the Constitution but has been employed by presidents since Thomas Jefferson. Congress enacted limits on the practice 50 years ago.Now, Trump intends to challenge the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA), which he believes is unconstitutional.“I will...

Florida Senator Marco Rubio admits that the Republican tax cut plan to aid corporations and the wealthy will require cuts to Social Security and Medicare to pay for it. Rubio told reporters this week that in order to address the federal deficit, which will grow by at least $1 trillion if the tax plan passes, Congress will need to cut entitlement programs such as Social Security. Advocates for the elderly and the poor have warned that entitlement programs would be on the chopping block, but this is the first time a prominent Republican has backed their claims. “We have to...

I read this article and thought this Jenkins fellow might be someone to take a good look at. ------------------------------------ Three seek District 3 seat By KRYSTAL DE LOS SANTOS McKinney Courier-Gazette Before casting their ballots, Collin County residents should know who they're voting for. Independent candidate Paul Jenkins and libertarian James Vessels are challenging incumbent Republican Sam Johnson for the chance to represent District 3, which includes Plano and McKinney. Paul Jenkins is from Beloit, Wisc. After graduating from Beloit Catholic High School, he attended Georgia Tech, paying his own way, and received a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering in 1991....

A lot happened in Iraq and in the 2004 Democratic Presidental Nomination battle this weekend, but it is all going to be politically overshadowed by the economic growth numbers due Thursday.When the Gross Domestic Product for the July September quarter is announced Thursday, it is expected to show that the economy barreled forward at a rate of 6 or perhaps even 7%--a performance unmatched since the glory days of the 1990's internet economic boom..Although growth is likely to slow somewhat between now and the end of this year, most analysts think it will be strong enough to ensure a second...