Chet Edwards For Congress - Economy and Reducing the National Debt

U.S. Chamber Honors Edwards

econnor — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:11:31 -0700

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Waco Trib: U.S. Chamber honors Edwards

Waco Tribune
By Ken Sury

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Waco) received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award, according to this release from his office:

U.S. Representative Chet Edwards was honored by the United States Chamber of Commerce with its prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of pro-growth legislation during the 110th Congress. This is the fifth year in a row Edwards has been recognized by the U.S. Chamber with this award.

“In today’s economy, it is more important than ever that we promote policies that create jobs, spur economic growth, and support America’s small businesses,” said Edwards. “I am grateful to the U.S. Chamber for this honor.”

Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO, presented the award to Edwards and said, “Representative Edwards has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans. The Chamber is grateful for Chet’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes. The Chamber key-voted 11 Senate and 20 House votes in 2007, including a trade promotion agreement with Peru, an extension of the Andean Trade Preference Act, an extension of the federal backstop for terrorism risk insurance, revisions to the rules of governing direct foreign investment, and critical water resources legislation to facilitate commerce at the nation’s waterways and ports.

Edwards is a senior member of the House Budget Committee.

House Approves Economic Recovery Plan

econnor — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:11:31 -0700

January 29, 2008

House Approves Economic Recovery Plan

KWTX TV Waco

The House has overwhelmingly passed a $146 billion stimulus package that would speed rebates to most taxpayers. The plan was approved 385-35, after little debate.

It would send rebates of between $600 and $1,200 to anyone with at least $3,000 in income. Congressional leaders want to send the measure to President Bush by Feb. 15, but the bill faces a murky future in the Senate.

There, both Democrats and Republicans want a larger package that includes billions of dollars for senior citizens and the unemployed. The Senate plan would also send checks to the richest taxpayers, who wouldn't get rebates under the House version of the bill. The divergent plans could slow passage of the bill.

Some lawmakers from both parties are calling for the House version to be passed in the Senate and sent directly to President Bush, saying that delays could hinder the bipartisan agreement.

Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, praised the measure. “This stimulus package gives our economy the quick jolt it needs by putting money directly back into the hands of the American people and giving small businesses critical tax cuts that create incentives for new jobs,” Carter said.

Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, also voted for the package. “This stimulus package, if passed into law quickly, could provide a much-needed boost to hard-working families and to our struggling national economy. It is an example of bipartisanship at its best, and I hope the Senate will move forward in the same spirit of good faith compromise for the good of our country,” Edwards said.

Strengthening the Economy & Reducing the National Debt

Kat — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:26:13 -0700

Strengthening the Economy & Reducing the National Debt

Chet Edwards is a fiscal conservative who believes the federal government can best stimulate local economies with sound fiscal policies that lower the national debt and eliminate huge annual deficits.

As one of only a handful of Members to serve on both the Appropriations and Budget Committees, Chet has worked hard for local businesses and worked to bring more jobs and opportunity to Central Texans.

For his efforts to strengthen our economy and support small business, Chet was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” Award for the past five years.

Chet is a co-sponsor of a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment and supports a “pay as you go” rule for the federal budget that requires a dollar cut for every dollar of new spending.

Chet supported the 2009 Budget Resolution, which would return the federal budget to balance in 2012.

Chet supported new earmark transparency law in 2007 as part of a broader effort to enact lobby reforms. He also supported the legislative line-item veto which would allow the president to identify wasteful spending.

Chet believes that neither Democrats or Republicans are willing to unilaterally make the tough choices necessary to balance the federal budget, so he supports a bi-partisan budget summit similar to the one called by former President Bush in 1990.

Chet has worked to bring jobs to Central Texas by supporting funds for major district employers such as L-3 in Waco and Texas A&M University.

Chet has helped small businesses cut through bureaucratic red tape and federal regulations.

Chet knows that local economies are dependent upon strong infrastructures-that's why Chet has worked hard to improve water quality in Central Texas and fund vital transportation improvements.

Chet was the recipient of the “Deficit Hawk” Award from the non-partisan Concord Coalition.

Chet is working to reduce our growing $9 trillion national debt, which will lead to high interest rates and drive up the costs of building a business, buying a home or car and is morally wrong to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and NFIB Endorse Edwards

jessica — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:07:20 -0700

August 24, 2006
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business Endorse Edwards

WACO - Congressman Chet Edwards officially received the endorsement of both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today. Both groups are national grassroots business organizations with numerous local members who based their endorsements on Edwards’ proven pro-business record in Congress and the 17th District.

The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Arlene Wohlgemuth in 2004.

“Central Texas businesses have a true friend in Chet Edwards. A fiscal conservative with a background in business, Chet has supported businesses and job growth in America by voting to reduce unfair taxes and regulation on businesses while also strongly supporting private property rights,” said Peter Havel, regional executive director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, and has recognized Edwards with their “Spirit of Enterprise” award the past two years in a row for his leadership in Congress fighting for jobs and business.

“Few issues are more important to small business than reducing the costs of health care and we are very grateful to Chet Edwards for his support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005.
As a business school graduate and a former businessman in commercial real estate and the radio business, Chet understands business and has earned a reputation for helping small businesses cut through government red tape,” said Will Newton, Texas State Director for NFIB.

The NFIB is the country’s largest small and independent businesses advocacy organization. Their members range from high-tech manufacturers to farmers.

“As someone with extensive local business experience, I know Chet is fighting in Congress for us. Chet has always put the needs of this district above partisan politics, working to improve our roads and infrastructure, which in turn makes our area more attractive to new business and new jobs,” said William L. Clifton Jr., principal at The Clifton Group in Waco.

“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber and the NFIB for my pro-business voting record and hard work to attract jobs and businesses to our district. These endorsements are one more reason why we are going to win in November,” said Edwards. “Fighting for economic growth for our country and jobs for our district has always been a top priority of mine and I look forward to continuing the fight in Congress next year.”

In addition, the Texas Business Association’s political action committee, BACPAC, also announced its endorsement of Edwards.

“BACPAC enthusiastically endorses Representative Chet Edwards (TX-17) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives,” TAB BACPAC spokesperson Bill Hammond said. “With over 20 years experience on the state and federal levels, Edwards is a strong public policy leader committed to reducing government waste, creating more jobs and expanding the economic opportunities of all Texans. With a long legacy of championing the issues that matter the most, Edwards is a vital to the continued success of this state.”

Endorsements are being announced at four events throughout the 17th District – in Waco and Bryan/College Station on Thursday, August 24th, and in Cleburne and Granbury on Friday, August 25th.

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