Press Releases

Stutzman Stands with Israel

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) issued the following statement as the House passed H.R. 4133, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.

“Today, I voted to reaffirm this country’s commitment to our friend and ally Israel,” said Stutzman. “My colleagues and I have made a public stand with our strategic partner. We acknowledge her right to self-defense and are willing to support her if needed. Our aims are clear and our resolve is unwavering. We will continue to seek peace in the Middle East.”

Stutzman Leads Strong, Bipartisan Coalition to Defend Air National Guard

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) led a bipartisan coalition of 60 Members of Congress in advocating for an alternative to the President’s FY13 Air Force Budget that more fully employs the proven capabilities of the Air National Guard, including the 122^nd Fighter Wing. Republicans and Democrats from across the country joined Stutzman in sending a clear and unified voice to the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Howard McKeon (CA-25), as he begins work on the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act.

“The Air National Guard is a proven, effective, and lethal fighting force,” said Stutzman. “They provide 35 percent of the Air Force’s capabilities for only 6 percent of its budget. Unfortunately, the President’s budget calls for disproportionate cuts to what is a real cost-saver for the American taxpayer. This letter asks Chairman McKeon to look at the facts as the committee takes up the National Defense Authorization Act. I’m glad to be joined by such a committed and bipartisan coalition.”

Stutzman’s letter, which can be found here, is the latest in his ongoing defense of the 122^nd Fighter Wing.

On April 17, 2012, Stutzman submitted testimony on behalf of the 122^nd Fighter Wing, as the House Armed Services Committee began preliminary consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY13.
Stutzman, a member of the House Budget Committee, worked to build consensus on the Budget Committee that the National Guard plays a critical part in our national defense. The committee report which accompanied H.Con.Res. 112, the budget for FY2013 which the House passed on March 29, 2012, included language that expressed the committee’s belief that the National Guard supplies a cost-effective and integral part of the nation’s defense.
On March 23, 2012, Stutzman led a CODEL to the 122^nd Fighter Wing. Congressman Stutzman was joined by Congressman Joe Donnelly (IN-02) for meetings with General Martin Umbarger and Colonel David Augustine.
On February 29, 2012, Stutzman pressed Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on the unbalanced cuts to the Air National Guard. Secretary Panetta expressed a willingness to come to the table, saying he has “asked the Secretary of the Air Force… to do everything possible to try to mitigate the impact of those reductions with regard to some of those planes—to see what we can do.”
On February 3, 2012, Stutzman led the Hoosier Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to General Norton Schwartz. From the beginning, Stutzman demanded specific information on any proposed reductions and the timing of their execution.

“I will continue to do everything in my power to be a strong, vocal advocate for the Air National Guard,” said Stutzman. This is the right thing to do for taxpayers. It’s the right thing to do for our national defense. We owe it to the men and women who serve our nation, state, and community.”

Stutzman Celebrates National Day of Prayer

Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) issued the following statement in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

“Since our nation’s founding, Americans have sought God’s will for our country, His protection for our soldiers, and His wisdom for our elected officials. That heritage continues today, as American families from all walks of life come together in prayer. Although we face different challenges than our Founding Fathers, we have no less of a need for guidance, discernment, and grounding in the truth of God’s Word.”

Stutzman’s Legislation to Help Returning Vets Passes Committee

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, as the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs moved the TAP Modernization Act of 2012 to the full House, Congressman Stutzman (IN-03) issued the following statement.

“Returning veterans are rejoining the civilian workforce at a time of historic unemployment. These men and women put their lives on hold to defend our freedoms. As they come home, we must ensure that they have the right tools to get back into the job market. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) gives veterans an opportunity to gain job training, understand their benefits, and brush up on skills like resume writing and interviewing. Unfortunately, many veterans never had an opportunity to participate in TAP and others could use a refresher course. I introduced the TAP Modernization Act of 2012 to give our men and women in uniform another opportunity as they enter the workforce. This is an important step in the right direction. We’ve received great support from the veteran community and I’m glad that the bill has been included in Chairman Miller’s legislation and will be sent to the full House.”

Thanks to the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which was signed into law late last year, TAP is now mandatory for all servicemembers prior to their discharge. In an effort to reach those veterans who never had the opportunity to take the program or simply need a review, the TAP Modernization Act of 2012, H.R. 4051, would authorize TAP training for veterans and their spouses at more convenient locations. The bill would authorize a temporary extension of TAP benefits for three years through a pilot program in three to five states with the highest veteran unemployment.

The TAP Modernization Act of 2012 is supported by the American Legion, the Association of the United States Navy, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Today, during a markup hearing, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to include the TAP Modernization Act in H.R. 4072, the Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012, authored by Chairman Jeff Miller (FL-01). The package was sent to the Full House for consideration.

Stutzman Celebrates Victory Over Department of Labor’s Youth Ag Rule

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) released the following statement after the Department of Labor announced it was abandoning its proposed rule that would have unfairly targeted one of the most valuable American institutions, the family farm.

“As a parent, a farmer, and a small-government conservative, I’m glad to hear that the Administration has backed away from this foolish proposal,” said Stutzman. “Federal bureaucrats have no business meddling in these family businesses. I grew up farming and so will my sons. Safety comes first, but parents know that better than any Washington bureaucrat. I’m glad that common sense prevailed and the Department of Labor decided to back down from this needless exercise in over-regulation.”

On December 16, 2011, Congressman Stutzman joined 153 Members of Congress to express strong, unified, and bipartisan opposition to Department of Labor’s proposals. A fourth-generation farmer from Howe, Indiana, Stutzman is co-owner of Stutzman Farms. Together, with his father, two brothers, and brother-in-law, the Stutzmans farm 4,500 acres, growing soybeans, green beans, and seed corn.

Stutzman Votes to Defend Against Cyberattacks

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Stutzman issued the following release after the House passed H.R. 3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011:

“Each day, Internet hackers and hostile regimes work to steal or destroy sensitive information that our families and businesses rely on. Whether it’s the hardworking individuals who fall victim to anonymous hackers or businesses that lose sensitive records to foreign governments, Americans are under new attacks in our digital age. Unable to compete on a fair playing field, countries like China and Russia have turned to exploitation and theft. Today, we took an important step to thwart cyberattacks. This legislation will allow the federal government to share timely information about threats with the private sector, making it easier for businesses to defend themselves. By including key amendments, we passed a final bill with strong protections for privacy and civil liberties.”

Stutzman Votes for Small Business Tax Relief

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, as the House passed the Small Business Tax Cut Act of 2012, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) issued the following statement.

“The Small Business Tax Cut Act is based on the simple truth that the economy grows when Americans keep more of their hard earned dollars,” said Stutzman. “In the real economy, small businesses—not big bureaucracies—write the success stories. Small businesses employed 1.2 million Hoosiers in 2009. When innovators, entrepreneurs, and family businesses keep more of their money, they can create jobs and make key investments. Right now, small businesses are struggling under enormous tax burdens, rising gas prices, excessive regulations, and Washington’s uncertainty. This bill takes an important step to lift that tax burden. Earlier this week the Senate voted on the misguided “Buffett Tax.” Hoosiers deserve better. The Senate should pass this important tax relief without delay.”

According to the Small Business Administration, there were over 109,000 small businesses (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) in Indiana in 2009. Under the current tax code, small businesses can face up to a 35% federal tax rate. The Small Business Tax Cut Act of 2012 would allow small businesses, irrespective of whether they are structured as a corporation or as a pass-through, to deduct 20% of their income from their taxable income.

Stutzman Commends House Agriculture Committee for Adopting REFRESH Act Reforms

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) commended the House Committee on Agriculture for making credible reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). Following the reconciliation instructions laid out in the House-passed budget, The Path to Prosperity, the Agriculture Committee passed legislation to achieve over $33 billion in savings from SNAP.

Stutzman first raised a number of the policy reforms considered by the House Agriculture Committee in his Rural Economic Farm and Ranch Sustainability and Hunger (REFRESH) Act, H.R. 3111. Introduced on October 5, 2011, the bill provided an estimated $40 billion in savings over the next ten years.

“As a conservative, I firmly believe that we can meet our fiscal obligations and act on our convictions to help those who are truly in need,” said Stutzman. “When you take a look at SNAP’s exploding costs, there appears to be a disconnect between the expansion of these programs and the ultimate goal of self-sustainability. I believe that the Agriculture Committee has taken responsible and important steps to close loopholes. These are common sense solutions I’ve worked on in the past and I’m glad to help the Committee move forward.”

The nutrition title of the REFRESH Act is expected to save taxpayers nearly $14 billion over the next 10 years, accounting for roughly one-third of the REFRESH Act savings, but less than a 2 percent reduction in overall nutrition program spending. Over the past decade, SNAP has grown 300%. “By focusing on closing eligibility loopholes, eliminating overlap in programs, and improving the efficiency of SNAP, we can make a reasonable and important step toward cutting government costs,” said Stutzman.

Specifically, the REFRESH Act proposed eliminating broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits, terminating one of the 47 duplicative federal government job-training programs, and removing the funding for “bonus” payments made to the states that demonstrate “high or most improved performance” in implementing the SNAP.

“The REFRESH Act offered real solutions to this challenge – solutions that achieve actual budget savings while not demolishing the underlying programs – and I’m happy to see them included in the Committee’s package today,” said Stutzman.

Congressman Stutzman, a freshman member of the House Committees on Budget and Agriculture, has advocated agriculture policy reform long before serving in the House of Representatives. A fourth-generation farmer from Howe, Indiana, Stutzman is co-owner of Stutzman Farms. Together, with his father, two brothers, and brother-in-law, the Stutzmans farm 4,500 acres in northern Indiana, growing soybeans, green beans, and seed corn.

On Tax Day, Stutzman Calls for Real Reform

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, as millions of Americans race to file their taxes, Congressman Stutzman issued the following statement.

“As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how the current tax code creates uncertainty and hampers productivity,” said Stutzman. “In 2010, the code was changed 579 times, an average of more than once a day. It’s no wonder that Americans spent over 6 billion hours trying to navigate Washington’s maze. That’s 6 billion hours not spent on job creation or innovation. Our job creators need to be looking for new opportunities, not looking over their shoulder at the tax man. Yesterday, when millions of Americans trudged through forms, booklets, and receipts, the Senate had the audacity to vote on a misguided tax hike that would add another layer of complexity to the tax code. This week, my colleagues and I in the House will vote to lower taxes on small businesses. Hoosiers deserve a tax code that is fair, simple, and competitive. This Tax Day ought to be a wake-up call to Washington.”

Yesterday, the Senate voted on President Obama’s “Buffett Rule” tax which would only reduce our nation’s projected deficits by 0.4% and increase the burden on small businesses. In stark contrast, the House will vote this week on H.R. 9, the Small Business Tax Cut Act of 2012. This legislation would allow small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to deduct 20% of their income from their taxable income.

Stutzman and House Lead the Way as House Passes The Path to Prosperity

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), a freshman member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement on the passage of The Path to Prosperity.

“Again the House is offering credible solutions to tackle our debt problem,” said Stutzman. “While the White House and Senate choose to sit on the sidelines, we are offering the American people leadership. Taxpayers don’t want gimmicks, fine print, or excuses. They want credible options that meet our nation’s problems head-on. That’s exactly what this budget offers. This budget addresses the drivers of our debt, cuts government spending, ensures long-term security for Medicare, and promotes job creation with tax reform for our nation’s small businesses. These are bold ideas. We know that, in a city that fumbles from one election year to another, this will be a target. My colleagues and I firmly believe that, if we focus on getting the policies right, politics will take care of itself. Americans are looking for leaders.”

The Path to Prosperity wouldsave taxpayers more than $5 trillion over the next ten years, simplify an overly complicated tax code, strengthen Medicare for future generations, and keep America’s military strong.

· Controlling Spending and Lifting the Debt: The budget saves taxpayers over $5 trillion over the next ten years, relative to the President’s budget. The Path to Prosperity charts a sustainable path forward, ultimately erasing the budget deficit completely, and begins paying down the national debt.

· Reforming the Tax Code: Unlike the President’s budget proposal which includes roughly $2 trillion in tax increases on hardworking Americans, The Path to Prosperity does not raise taxes. Instead, it would enact pro-growth tax reform, consolidating an overly complicated tax code into just two individual income brackets of 10 and 25 percent, reducing the U.S. corporate rate to 25 percent, and shifting to a “territorial” tax system that encourages companies to bring back foreign earnings and invest in the United States.

· Saving and Strengthening Medicare: The President continues to ignore Medicare’s looming insolvency, compounding the danger with a health care law that empowers unaccountable bureaucrats to cut the program in ways that would deny seniors access to health care. Instead of overlooking the fiscal reality, The Path to Prosperity embraces bipartisan solutions to preserve the Medicare guarantee, ensuring no disruptions for those in and near retirement.

· Prioritizing Defense: Rather than gutting defense, The Path to Prosperity addresses the actual drivers of the debt. By responsibly reprioritizing savings called for by The Budget Control Act, it would make certain that our troops and military families don’t pay the price for Washington’s failure to take action.