Burr Blog

Senator Burr Files Reelection Paperwork

2010-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Samantha Smith

Monday, February 22, 2010

WINSTON-SALEM - U.S. Senator Richard Burr officially filed his reelection paperwork to the North Carolina State Board of Elections this morning.

"The people of North Carolina have given me the wonderful privilege of serving our state and our country in the United States Senate," Burr said. "Six years ago, I made a commitment to serve North Carolinians. Only North Carolinians can determine if I have upheld that commitment and give me the opportunity to continue my service to this state."

Burr's candidate paperwork was hand delivered to the State Board of Elections in Raleigh by campaign staff, while Senator Burr held an open house at his Winston-Salem campaign headquarters.

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Senator Burr Statement about the Sudden Termination of MyCAA

2010-02-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) today issued the following statement about the Department of Defense sudden termination of the My Career Advancement Accounts, a program that provided educational benefits to military spouses:

"I was stunned to hear that the My Career Advancement Accounts program, which provided tuition assistance to the spouses of America's military servicemen and women, has been suddenly shut down without giving spouses any prior notice or any reason why. This program was providing valuable educational assistance to over 50,000 military spouses at the time of its termination. In already difficult times, these spouses deserve a direct answer from the Department of Defense on why this program has been ended indefinitely."

Senator cites jobs as biggest concern

2010-02-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

Source: Jefferson Post

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr said that the most important issues facing North Carlina and the nation are job creation and the need to instill confidence in the direction the economy is heading.

During a phone interview with The Jefferson Post Tuesday morning, Burr reiterated his position that a combination of traditional manufacturing and harnessing new positions through emerging technology fields will be the key to lowering the state's unemployment rate.

The senator was scheduled to speak at Ashe County Middle School Tuesday but was prevented because of poor weather.

Burr said that the Tar Heel state has one of the highest jobless rates in the nation but feels that that trend would reverse once the economy rebounded.

"Most of the jobs we've created in North Carolina are very sensitive to growth or the lack of growth," Burr said. "As the economy begins to grow, these companies will be the first to feel it, recognize it, and then re-hire."

Burr cited the Lenoir branch of the Internet search cooperation Google, a large LED light manufacturer, and triad-based vaccination research companies as examples of the types of companies that will be the leading edge in new job creation in North Carolina. He noted that North Carolina leads the nation in producers of vaccinations and predicted that the state would become the world leader within 10 years.

The return of manufacturing jobs is another strong indicator of a revitalized local economy. Burr explained that the return of Broyhill Furniture Company to Caldwell County over the past year as one example of a return in manufacturing in the state.

From a national standpoint, Burr explained that it will take a combination of a restored level of confidence within the average citizen and the nation's ability to attract private capital back into the economy for a reversal from the current downturn. Burr believes that the return of private capital is the key to plant expansions and ultimately job creation.

Rising unemployment rates typically mean an increase in the number of uninsured citizens. According to Families USA Project, by the end of 2010, almost two million North Carolinians will be without health insurance and current estimates by that same organization indicate that 1,480 citizens lose their health insurance every week. The growing number of uninsured residents peaked at the height of the recession – between 2007 and 2009 when that number increased by 22 ½ percent, the largest increase nationwide, the North Carolina Community Health Center Association said.

An unfolding health care crisis has manifested itself within the Senate since the fall out from the recession became more clearly visible and law makers are now at a standstill in terms of what direction the bill will go next. Republicans and Democrats alike are preparing for President Obama's health care summit next week. Burr said he has seen little evidence that may suggest that Democrats would be willing to make any concessions to reach a bipartisan bill. During the summit, Burr said, republicans intend to voice their grievances over the current bill and offer a list of reforms and would help bring the cost of health care down overall.

Burr said that in order to avoid what he characterizes as a "one-size-fits-all type of package" envisioned by President Obama, lawmakers should focus on a system that encourages both accessibility and affordability.

"The entire focus up to this point has been coverage expansion," Burr said. "I think that is the fundamental difference between republicans and democrats. Republicans believe that lowering the overall cost of health care enables more people to find it affordable. Democrats have said that the only way to achieve that is to subsidize and mandate, unfortunately that makes health care more expensive for everyone."

Burr said that he believes increasing competition amongst insurance companies by allowing people to purchase premiums across state lines may play a factor in driving the cost of coverage down. Allowing private insurers to offer additional and more specialized products are other keys to health care reform, Burr said.

Allowing people to choose a flexible and affordable coverage plan that fits their specific needs could play a pivotal role in reshaping health care. People should not have to solely rely on employer-provided packages to meet all their coverage needs, Burr said.

"Employer participation is important long term but the construction of the product needs to be more individually driven," Burr said.

The heart of health care reform, Burr said, may rest within each individual and how they approach their health and wellbeing. Burr believes that by allowing insurance companies to offer financial incentives, such as reduced premiums, to customers may encourage people to take second look at their health and take better care of their bodies.

"If an individual sees the financial incentive then they will do this," Burr said. "A lower premium could give people the incentive to live better."

Burr Statement on the 2011 Budget

2010-02-01T10:56:00.001-08:00

"The $3.8 trillion federal budget released by the White House today is historic in size and ignores our growing debt obligation that will burden the next generation. This budget contains billions of dollars in new spending and higher taxes for American families and businesses. The American people are fed up with the level of spending and growing debt coming out of Washington. It is time we stop passing on the responsibility to our children and grandchildren, and make the tough decisions necessary to get our spending habits under control."

Burr Campaign Reports $4.3 Million Cash on Hand

2010-02-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Samantha Smith - (336) 331 - 3219

WINSTON-SALEM - The Richard Burr for U.S. Senate Campaign today announced that strong support continues as the campaign raised $1.2 million in contributions this quarter, bringing the total cash on hand to $4.3 million.

The campaign has received consistent and strong support as Senator Burr's commitment to cutting spending, creating jobs, and finding sensible solutions for health care reform resonates with North Carolinians.

Click here to download the 4th Quarter FEC Summary.

Burr Responds to the President's State of the Union Address

2010-01-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

With Americans disgusted by our growing debt, out of control spending, and non-existent job creation, the President's main priority needs to be turning our economy around. While the President's call for a spending freeze is an important first step, the devil is in the details. This proposal falls extremely short of what the American people demand - a smaller, less expensive federal government. We need to move further and make actual cuts if we are truly serious about reversing Washington's spending habits.

In regards to health care reform, I applaud the President's willingness to listen to competing solutions. However, only his actions and leadership will allow those solutions to be part of the debate.

Stop the Increase in the National Debt

2010-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Last week, the Senate reconvened in Washington and debated a bill to increase our national debt limit by almost $2 trillion. Right now, our gross national debt is over $12 trillion. If this bill is passed, it would increase it to $14.3 trillion. I cannot support a bill that will drive our nation and our future generations further into debt.

In order to restore fiscal accountability to the federal government, I voted last Thursday to end the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program, known as TARP, which was designed to assist troubled banks, financial institutions and automakers, but now may be used to fund new spending initiatives. Unfortunately, the amendment, which I co-sponsored with Senator John Thune (R-SD), failed by a vote of 53-45. The amendment would have prohibited the Treasury Department from using TARP funds for spending purposes and require all returned TARP funds be used to lower our national debt.

The federal government is already borrowing more than 40 cents on every dollar we spend. We simply cannot keep spending like this. Extending the government's ability to borrow money will only encourage, not reign in, federal spending. I will continue to fight this kind of fiscal irresponsibility in Washington and offer alternative avenues to control spending.

A Victory for America

2010-01-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, the voters of Massachusetts elected Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, and in doing so sent a loud and clear message - the people of America are serious about turning around our country.

After a year of big spending, corporate takeovers by the federal government, a merciless push for a government-run health care system, higher taxes and saddling Americans with a massive deficit, the Obama honeymoon is over. The first round of the 2010 elections has resulted in a great victory for America with the election of Scott Brown.

Now, Harry Reid will not have 60 votes to ram through his agenda. Now, Democrats running for re-election this fall in swing districts and swing states will think twice before automatically casting their vote with the House and Senate leadership. Now, Americans have hope that we will put our country back on the right track.

I am excited about welcoming Scott Brown to the Senate as soon as he can be seated. This is truly a case of how much difference one single vote can make as the debate on health care reform continues.

Senator Burr's Statement on the Devastating Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

"My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and all those affected by this devastating earthquake. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the rescue workers searching through the destruction and risking their own safety to save others. For information on how to support the American Red Cross relief efforts, please click here. You can reach USAID's Disaster Assistance page here."

Join the fight to stop the closed door health care talks

2010-01-11T19:23:00.001-08:00

President Obama, along with the Democratic leaders in Congress, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have broken their promise to the American people of transparency throughout healthcare reform negotiations. Health care meetings have not taken place in committee rooms or other open forums aired on C-SPAN as promised. Instead, they have taken place behind closed doors, keeping Congress and the American people in the dark.

Americans deserve to be heard. This health care plan will impact every American family and is too important to be discussed behind closed doors. Please go to www.burrforsenate.com/healthcare and sign the petition to stop these secret talks.

Senator Burr on the Bill LuMaye Show

2010-01-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

Burr comments on Fox News about Healthcare Bill

2009-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Senator Burr Sounds Off On Government Spending

2009-12-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

"We're borrowing 43 cents of every dollar we spend from somebody, somewhere in the world and pretty soon the debt, the obligation, the interest on the debt is going to be bigger than we can financially withstand," said Senator Burr.

Senator Burr on Fox News 12/13/09

2009-12-14T11:06:00.001-08:00

More broken promises from Senate Dems

2009-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Senate Democrats and the President have repeatedly promised "if you like your current plan, you will be able to keep it." Yet, the health care reform bill being debated right now does not uphold this promise or numerous other promises made by this Administration. What happens to the 11 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage when the program, with its many benefits for our seniors, is cut to pay for a new government entitlement? Promises were made to "protect Medicare," but, the Senate voted Thursday to reject a proposal to protect seniors by stripping the package of nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts used to fund this health care bill. Cutting America's seniors' benefits is not reform. These cuts are only one of many fatal flaws with this health reform bill.

This health care reform bill is not what the American people want. From the moment the negotiations began, behind closed doors and not in front of the C-SPAN cameras as promised, Senate Democrats have ignored the voice of the American people and are not delivering on their promises. I will continue to oppose this bill until we can come together on real solutions that lower health care costs and help every American access quality and affordable health care. I support health reform, but the health bill currently before the Senate is not the solution.

Dem Healthcare bill suppresses job growth

2009-12-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

At a time when consumer confidence is at a record low, we ought to be doing everything we can to re-establish faith in our economy. We need to look no farther than the severe unemployment in North Carolina to understand just how hard the current times are. However, the health care reform bill being considered by the Senate will slow economic growth by increasing taxes and health care costs, making America's small businesses less competitive and stifling job creation.

The bill will impose $493 billion in new taxes, fees, and penalties, which will fall on the backs of small business owners. The bill will also impose $28 billion dollars in taxes on employers who do not offer employees health care. The Congressional Budget Office and economists agree that these mandates will increase labor costs, which would be passed along to their workers in the form of lower wages and eliminated jobs. We should be supporting efforts by small businesses to jump start our nation's economic engine, not giving them additional challenges to overcome.

Unemployment is the worst it has been in 26 years, and the proposals within this bill will only make the situation worse. I cannot support a bill that would sabotage job growth for Americans. Small businesses are essential to growing our economy and we owe it to them and every other American to support real solutions that lower health care costs and help every American access quality and affordable health care.

Cutting Medicare is not the Solution

2009-12-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Cutting Medicare is not the way to pay for health care reform, but that is exactly what the current health care reform bill does. Instead of putting a plan in place to put Medicare on better financial footing, this bill slashes almost a half of a trillion dollars from Medicare in order to pay for new government spending. Those cuts include nearly $135 billion from hospitals, almost $15 billion from nursing homes, more than $40 billion from home health agencies, nearly $8 billion from hospices, and $120 billion from Medicare Advantage.

I receive letters and calls from many North Carolinians each day who strongly oppose cuts to Medicare, which is why I support Senator McCain's amendment to remove these cuts from the bill. His amendment would require this bill to go back to the Senate Finance Committee with instructions for them to remove the cuts to Medicare. As I have stated before, I agree we need health reform, but cuts to Medicare that jeopardize patient access to care are not the solution.

Statement from Senator Burr on Obama Troop Decision

2009-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

I am encouraged that President Obama supports an increase in American troop levels in Afghanistan, in accordance with the requests of our highest-ranking military officials on the ground there. What is even more important than the overall number committed, however, is that they be the right blend of troops with the appropriate training and skills to accomplish our mission so that we can place the future of Afghanistan back into the hands of the Afghan people. On a trip to Afghanistan last month, I had the opportunity to meet with our military commanders, as well as the troops in the field, and heard firsthand their desire to win and come home quickly. The President's decision is a step in the right direction.

Dem HC Bill Puts Feds Between Dr's and Patients

2009-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer remains the second deadliest cancer among women, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that women should not receive regular mammograms until they are 50. It is highly concerning to me that this government Task Force inserted itself in decisions that should be made between doctors and their patients. I am even more concerned that the health reform bill currently being debated in the Senate links coverage decisions to the very same Task Force that issued such controversial recommendations just a few weeks ago.

The Reid bill empowers government officials, not doctors, to decide which preventive benefits Americans can or cannot have. The bill would mandate that all private health plans and Medicare must cover preventive benefits as specified by the Task Force's recommendations. Allowing coverage decisions to be put in the hands of unelected bureaucrats should be concerning to all Americans, especially women.

CBO Reports on Dems Healthcare Bill

2009-11-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a new analysis of the health care bill introduced by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). According to CBO, the bill will actually cause premiums to increase for individuals and families across America. CBO estimates that premiums for individuals without employer-sponsored insurance coverage would increase 10 to 13 percent, or $2,100 per family.

The bill currently being debated on the Senate floor will require Americans to buy insurance that is more expensive than what would be available under current law. The analysis also indicates that this bill does very little, if anything, to lower costs for small businesses and employers.

The CBO analysis confirms yet another fatal flaw with this bill - it fails to deliver on the promise to lower premium costs, and will instead actually increase costs for many Americans. I agree that our nation needs health reform, but this bill is not the right solution. I will continue to work to ensure this bill does not become law and encourage meaningful alternative solutions that lower health care costs.

Please follow Senator Burr on Facebook and Twitter.

Senator Burr Press Conference on the impact of the Democrats' Health Care Reform Bill

2009-11-23T12:54:00.001-08:00

Senator Burr discusses Democrats' health care bill on Fox News

2009-11-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

Video - Senator Burr on the Democrats Health Care Bill

2009-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Burr says 'no' to health care bill

2009-11-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

"Republican Sen. Richard Burr, long a critic of Democratic efforts to craft a health care overhaul, says he can not support the new Senate proposal.

Burr said the bill 'is yet another attempt by Washington Democrats to take over our nation's health care system,' Rob Christensen reports. He said it would cut Medicare benefits for seniors, increase taxes on small businesses, increase federal spending, and put 'government bureaucrats between patients and their doctors.'

He said the real cost of the bill over 10 years would be $2.5 trillion.

'This is not the kind of health reform I can support,' Burr said said in statement. 'It is certainly not the kind of health reform that the American people want. I oppose the bill, and I will work to see it does not become law. I agree we need health care reform, but this bill is not the answer.'"

Source: http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/burr_says_no_to_health_care_bill

Burr Statement on Democrats' health care reform bill

2009-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Last night, Majority Leader Reid unveiled the Democrats' health care reform bill. It is expected we will have an initial, procedural vote on the bill sometime this weekend. While I have not yet had time to review this 2074 page bill in its entirety, I will read -- and hope all Americans will read -- it carefully. As I have said before, there is too much at stake to get this wrong.

In May, I introduced my own piece of health care reform legislation titled the Patients Choice Act. To read more about my bill, please click here.