Weekly Columns

As the situation in Egypt remains volatile, debate continues regarding the appropriate role of the United States in bringing about a peaceful resolution to unrest in this vital Middle Eastern nation. Although it remains unclear which faction will ultimately assume control of Egypt's government -- or even what form of government the protests may achieve -- some are already calling for the U.S.

After experiencing a self-described "shellacking" in the midterm elections, many believed President Obama finally got the message that the American people are fed up with wasteful spending. Unfortunately, his State of the Union address last week demonstrated that he still doesn't get it.

Each week the 112th Congress has been in session, House Republicans have passed legislation to bring spending levels down and begin restoring balance to the budget. First, we passed new rules reducing congressional operating budgets by 5 percent and instituting a requirement that any new spending in one part of the budget be balanced by cuts elsewhere.

After an appropriate pause to honor the victims of the tragic Arizona shooting, Congress resumes legislative activity with a vote to repeal the controversial, unpopular health care law.

The 112th Congress was sworn in last week, and the new Republican majority immediately went to work implementing the priorities the American people voted for in November's historic election. Citizens demanded spending cuts, more accountability and transparency, and a return to the principles of limited government set forth in the Constitution.

The recently released annual status review of the mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan reveals our armed forces have achieved significant gains during the past 12 months. Although Americans can always depend on the skill and courage of our troops, whether they would receive the political support necessary for success in Afghanistan remained an open question this time last year.

One of the last pieces of legislation passed by the 111th Congress before adjourning last week was a hastily crafted funding bill to keep the government functioning until March 2011. In keeping with most of the legislation produced under Pelosi's majority, it is fiscally irresponsible, haphazardly constructed, and out of touch with the priorities of mainstream Americans.

Last week in a rare display of bipartisanship, Congress voted to extend the so-called Bush tax cuts for another two years. In so doing, they effectively stopped a massive tax increase that would have hit every single American taxpayer. I supported this legislation but with some reservations.