Ripon Forum


Vol. 45, No. 1

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In This Edition

When Fred Upton was named the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee last December, it was not just one of the biggest victories of his career, but also a victory over radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who waged an on-air crusade to deny the Michigan Republican the gavel.

Upton’s Call

The Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee writes about a plan he is pushing intended to protect jobs and preserve the integrity of the Clean Air Act.

Overreaching by the EPA

According to this West Virginia Congresswoman, the Environmental Protection Agency is not only exceeding its mandate, it’s also destroying jobs in her home state.

Foreign Oilfield Unrest

In the wake of further unrest in the Middle East, this Pennsylvania Congressman argues that the U.S. needs to move ahead with a plan that boosts fuel production here at home.

A Chain Reaction Throughout the Middle East

The Chairwoman of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee assesses the Egyptian uprising and its impact on U.S. security.

Lessons from ’95

One of the architects of the 1994 Republican revolution looks back on the budget battles of 16 years ago and what they mean today.

The War on Federal Redundancy

As Congress sets out to cut federal spending, this fiscal expert argues that duplicative programs are a logical place to start.

A Pro-America, Pro-Trade Agenda for 2011

This CATO Institute scholar and author argues that trade policy is an area ripe for bipartisan cooperation this year.

Learning from the States

by MAURICE McTIGUE & DANIEL ROTHSCHILD Two members of government efficiency commissions in Virginia and Louisiana offer eight steps toward better reform.

Before Morning in America

The author of a forthcoming book on Ronald Reagan looks at the events of 1983 and how they shaped the rest of Reagan’s presidency.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

The top legislative aides for nearly 100 House Republicans meet at Mount Vernon for the Ripon Society LD Symposium.

“Finish the Sentence”

Former RNC Chair says the party needs to do better job of connecting policy to people’s lives.

Get Me My Legislative Director!

Two former House Members offer practical advice on what they expected from their top legislative aides

“In the Footsteps of Washington”

The top legislative aides for nearly 100 House Republicans meet at Mount Vernon for Ripon Society symposium

The Ripon Profile of Susana Martinez

Susana Martinez on her agenda as Governor of New Mexico.

A Chain Reaction Throughout the Middle East

The actions of the Egyptian people have started a chain reaction throughout the Middle East.

People in the region feel empowered to stand up to their leaders and demand reform. While Mubarak was a friend to the United States, Egyptians spoke loud and clear. They want the same thing Americans want — a voice in their government.

Hopefully, what happened in Egypt will serve as an example to other regimes, showing that these shifts can happen peacefully and that the will of the people is a mighty force to be reckoned with.

The entire United States government is watching Egypt very closely. In the Continuing Resolution funding bill passed by the House of Representatives in mid-February, we reaffirmed our commitment to a peaceful transition through continued military and economic aid. This is not a blank check, however.

The United States was wise to avoid meddling in the Egyptians’ desire to map out their own destiny. Having a stable and democratic Egypt is as much about our own national security as it is about the security of the Egyptian people.

Future Egyptian leaders must demonstrate a commitment to democratic reforms, respect for human rights and a reaffirmation of their long-standing commitment to Israel and Middle East peace. As Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I will be a responsible steward of U.S. aid dollars going into Egypt.

The United States was wise to avoid meddling in the Egyptians’ desire to map out their own destiny. Having a stable and democratic Egypt is as much about our own national security as it is about the security of the Egyptian people.

Regardless of what public opinion polls and perceptions might indicate, there is no doubt the alliance between the U.S. and Egypt alliance has produced positive results. The Egyptian military, for example, was largely trained by the U.S. military. During the events of the last few weeks, those military forces protected the protestors as well as the leaders and the national institutions. In addition, Egypt was the first Arab nation to sign a peace accord with Israel. Helping secure Egypt’s future is helping secure Israel’s future.

Kay Granger represents the 12th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves as the Chairwoman of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee.