Desjarlais - Clipbook

8/4/2019 Desjarlais - Clipbook

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SCOTT DESJARLAIS (TN-04)

Top Headlines

Editorials

Budget Issues

Would Support Legislation from Preventing Defense Cuts

In November 2011, DesJarlais said that he would support legislation to prevent defense cuts broughtabout by the supercommittee from taking place.

DesJarlais said, There is a constitutional responsibility to protect all Americans, and we are putting thatat risk by these cuts." [knoxnews.com,11/22/11]

Said He Was Working on a Proposal to Eliminate State Government Bonuses for SNAP

In January 2012, DesJarlais said he would be working on repealing the provision that allows stategovernments bonuses for signing up additional people for food stamp benefits.

One measure DesJarlais will be working on is repealing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,formerly known as the Food Stamp program, that pays state governments bonuses for recruitingadditional people to sign up for food stamp benefits. Repealing those bonuses won't affect those whoreceive benefits, DesJarlais said, adding the cost savings are estimated at $180 million over 10 years.[Crossville Chronicle,1/13/12]

Supported Food Stamp, Environmental Literacy, and Safety Training Cuts

In November 2011, DesJarlais participated in the YouCut program, Cantors program to allow publicparticipation in deciding what government programs to cut.

DesJarlais suggested cuts to state governments for food stamp recipients, environmental literacy programsfor students in schools, and the production of duplicate workplace safety training materials. [nooga.com,11/30/11]

Supported Cutting Smokey Bear

In December 2011, DesJarlais supported eliminating funding for the USFS conservation educationprogram, which included cuts to the Smokey Bear campaign to prevent wildfires.
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The proposed cuts would not reduce federal spending and would likely increase spending to fightwildfires. In 2010, 36,108 human caused wildfires burned in the southern United States, andfirefighting cost the government about $700 per acre. [forestfoundation.org, 12/2/11]

Criticized by DCCC for Support to Eliminate Smokey Bear Campaign

In December 2011, the DCCC hit DesJarlais for supporting elimination of the Smokey BearCampaign. Fires in Tennessee burned over 9,000 acres in 2011 and a 2010 fire burned almost1,000 acres in DesJarlais district.

"It takes a special kind of politician to attack Smokey Bear," said Adam Hodge of the DemocraticCongressional Campaign Committee. "Instead of asking billionaires to pay a little bit more or oilcompanies to give up their subsidies, Congressman DesJarlais wants to eliminate a program thathelps reduce the number of forest fires in Tennessee. There are better ways to reduce the deficitthan by following Congressman DesJarlais' extreme ideology and attacking Smokey Bear."[knoxnews.com, 12/7/11]

DesJarlais Voted For Resolution Disapproving the Debt Limit Increase

In January 2012, Scott DesJarlais voted in favor of a resolution disapproving of President Obamasrequest for a secondary debt limit increase of $1.2 trillion.

Raising the debt limit sends the message to job creators that we are still not serious about making thenecessary spending cuts and reforms to pay down this unsustainable debt. My constituents have given mea clear message: make the federal government live within its means. That will require us to prioritize ourspending and make tough spending decisions. But there is no other choice. It is simply impossible tocontinue to run yearly trillion dollar deficits yet that is exactly what some in Washington want tocontinue to do. There is absolutely no doubt that if we dont change course, this reckless spending bingewill ruin our economy and bankrupt our nation. That is not fair for future generations. We have anopportunity here today to say enough is enough. [Chattanoogan News,1/18/12]

DesJarlais Criticized Governments Unsustainable Spending Path

In November 2011, DesJarlais voted for the Balanced Budget Amendment. In a statement after his votehe said, No one can deny that our nation is on an unsustainable spending path that will lead this countryto bankruptcy. [desjarlais.house.gov,11/18/11]

DesJarlais Signed Letter to keep Revenue Increases On the Table despite ATR Pledge

In November 2011, DesJarlais signed a letter to the deficit supercommittee telling the panel members thatall options for mandatory and discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table. 60 Democratsand 40 Republicans signed the letter to the panel, but all but three of the 40 Republicans also signedNorquists ATR pledge never to raise new taxes. Every Republican member of Tennesseescongressional delegation signed Norquists pledge. [The Tennessean,11/7/11]

DesJarlais: This is the Sort of Bold Action that the American People Expect and Deserve

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In April 2011, DesJarlais told the Knoxville News Sentinel that Ryans plan was the sort of bold actionthat the American people expect and deserve. [Knoxville News Sentinel, 4/06/11]

DesJarlais: Ready to Trim Programs Very Personal to People

In March 2011, DesJarlais stated that he was ready to trim programs that are very personal to people forthe good of the whole. He said, Folks on any entitlement programs were going to have to take a lookat it. If it hurts me politically, then I guess it hurts me politically. [Chattanooga Times Free Press,3/27/11]

Claimed that Democrats Supported Shutdown for Political Gain

In March 2011, DesJarlais claimed that Democrats supported government shutdown for political gain. Hewrote, They would rather play the political game than demonstrate leadership and come up withsolutions to Washingtons spending problem. [DesJarlais Newsletter, 3/31/11]

DesJarlais: No Room for Compromise on Budget Cuts

In 2011, DesJarlais said that he would support nothing less than the $100 billion House proposal onbudget cuts, commenting that he did not see any room for compromise on that unless were willing to gobeyond that.

He added Were here about saving our country and our childrens futures. Why are we talking aboutcompromise when we havent even reached a viable number to get us on track to recovery? [The Hill,03/03/11]

Knoxville News Sentinel Headline: Congress should find funding for ET projects

In a February 2011 editorial, the Knoxville News Sentinel wrote, The current zeal for cutting the federal

budget could wind up hurting East Tennessee and the nations nuclear weapons and scientificinfrastructure. The paper urged DesJarlais and other members of the Tennessee Congressional delegationto find funding for these projects, which are good for Tennessee and important to the nation. [KnoxvilleNews Sentinel, 2/20/11]

DesJarlais A No Vote on Debt Ceiling

In May 2011, Scott DesJarlais voted against raising the debt ceiling saying that "This vote comes as aresponse to the demands from the Obama administration and 110+ House Democrats to quickly considera 'clean' debt limit bill. I voted to reject this blank check debt limit increase. As I travel throughoutTennessees Fourth Congressional District, the thing that I hear most frequently from my constituents is

that they want Washington to stop spending money that our nation doesnt have. [The Chattanoogan, 5/31/11]

Endorsed the Cup, Cap, and Balance Approach

In June 2011, DesJarlais wrote an op-ed in the Tennessean that endorsed the cut, cap, and balanceapproach.

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In the op-ed, he said that We endorse the concept of cut, cap and balance. First, the government shouldcut federal spending equal to or greater than the amount of new debt taken on by any limit increase.Second, we must adopt measures to ensure federal spending is capped not to exceed a certain percentageof GDP. Sen. Bob Corker pushed for a 20 percent cap in the Senate, and we are honored to co-sponsor theHouse companion bill.

Finally, this is the time to adopt a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Such an amendment,together with a spending cap, will ensure that the budget remains in balance without relying on ever-increasing revenues. [The Tennessean, 06/26/2011]

Introduced First Piece of Legislation To Stop Unfunded Road Sign Mandate

In June 2011, DesJarlais introduced his first piece of legislation before congress that would stopTennessee counties from having to replace road sings.

According to The Chattanoogan, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and Congressman Scott DesJarlaishave introduced a bill to roll back an unfunded mandate on local Tennessee counties. New standards putforth by the Federal Highway Administration would require Tennessee counties to update and replaceroad signs by 2015 and 2018. The Tennessee County Highway Officials Association estimates thisaccelerated schedule could cost local governments $50 million.

DesJarlais said that During these difficult economic times, I think its simply unreasonable for thefederal government to mandate a new standard to force the replacement of road signs that are still safe andusable. [The Chattanoogan, 06/21/2011]

Voted Against the Reid Budget Bill

In July 2011, DesJarlais released a statement explaining why he voted against Senator Reids Budget Bill.

DesJarlais explained that It appears that our Democratic colleagues in the Senate fail to grasp theseriousness of our nations job-crushing debt.

Phony accounting and budgeting gimmicks are not the type of bold leadership that our countrydesperately needs in this time of fiscal perilI find it shameful for anyone to suggest that we pay forWashingtons irresponsible fiscal policies by shortchanging our troops. [DesJarlais Press Release,7/30/2011]

Voted Against Boehner Budget Control Act

In July 2011, DesJarlais voted against Speaker Boehners proposal to raise the debt ceiling.

DesJarlais explained that After careful consideration, I ultimately decided that I could not vote in favorof the Budget Control Act.

I was elected to Congress to address the substantial fiscal challenges that face our nation. Our federalgovernment has buried us under a mountain of job-crushingdebt that is threatening our future.

For too long Washington has been kicking this problem down the road. We have now come to the pointwhere we are out of road. [DesJarlais Press Release, 7/29/2011]

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Business and Consumer Issues

DesJarlais: Received 70% from Heritage Action for America.

Based on 30 key votes from January-August 2011, Desjarlais received a 70% from the Heritage Actionfor America. [Heritage Action for America, accessed 9/6/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

DesJarlais Took in Tens of Thousands of Leadership Dollars

In the last quarter of 2011, DesJarlais took in tens of thousands of leadership dollars.

Republican Rep. Scott DesJarlais bucked his partys leadership on several key votes during his first year

in office, but that hasnt stopped him from raking in tens of thousands of dollars in campaigncontributions from top Republicans in the House and Senate [] DesJarlais received more than $20,000from political action committees associated with GOP leaders in the past three months of 2011, accordingto figures his campaign made available to The Tennessean []DesJarlais said campaign contributionsfrom House leaders signal their support for his independent voice []DesJarlais also receivedcontributions from the PACs of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, Republican StudyCommittee Chairman Jim Jordan and Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, the No. 3 Republican in theSenate last year. [The Tennessean, 1/9/11]

DesJarlais Received Contributions from the Controversial Koch Industries PAC.

Koch Industries PAC, which is associated with the controversial Republican conservative industrialistsDavid and Charles Koch, gave $2,500 to DesJarlais. Jimmy Haslam III, the brother of Republican Gov.Bill Haslam, gave $3,500 while Jimmy Haslams wife, Susan, gave $2,000 to DesJarlais. Colleen Welch,Vanderbilt Universitys director of nursing and wife of Republican developer and fundraiser Ted Welch,gave $850. [Times Free Press,1/9/11]

DesJarlais 2011 End of Quarter FEC Analysis

In January 2012, Friends of Scott DesJarlais filed its End of Year FEC Report. DesJarlais raised $154,127.00 in the final quarter of 2011, has $ 436,823.95 cash on hand and spent $34,463.29

DesJarlais received $80,500.00 from PACs. [Friends of Scott DesJarlais, filed1/6/12]Contributions of Note:Received $5,000 for Cantors Leadership PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $5,000 fromEvery Republican is Crucial (ERIC PAC) to bring his cumulative cycle total to $10,000 from ERIC PAC.

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Received $2,000 from Aaron Schocks Leadership PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received$2,000 from GOP Generation Y Fund.

Received $4,000 from the Federal Express PAC. In Decemeber 2011, Desjarlais received $4,000 fromthe Federal Express PAC.

Received $1,000 from Phillip Morris CEO. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $1,000 from LouisCamilleri, the Phillip Morris CEO. His cycle total is $2,000.

Received $2500 from KOCH Industries PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $2500 from theKOCH Industries PAC.

Received $2500 from the Majority Committee PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $2500from Kevin McCarthys Leadership PAC, the Majority Committee.

Received $5,000 from Paul Ryans Leadership PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $5,000

from Paul Ryans Leadership PAC, Prosperity PAC.

Received $5,000 from Boehners Leadership PAC. In December 2011, DesJarlais received $5,000 fromJohn Boehners Leadership PAC, the Freedom Project.

Received $2,000 from the UPS PAC. In November 2011, DesJarlais received $2,000 from the UPSPAC.

Expenditures of Note:Spent $1,142.25 on Credit Card Fees at Regions Bank. In December 2011, DesJarlais spent $1,142 oncredit card fees at Region Bank. In December 2011, Regions Financial PAC contributed $1,000DesJarlais campaign. Their cycle total is $2,000.

Spent at Least $17,950 on Fundraising with the Social Office. From October-December 2011,DesJarlais spent at least $17,950 on fundraising with the Social Office in Nashville, TN

Took $500 from Goldman Sachs

In February 2011, Politico Reported that DesJarlais had taken $500 from the Goldman Sachs PoliticalAction Committee. [Politico Huddle, 2/22/11]

Desjarlais First Fundraiser in DC Cost $80,000

In January 2011, Desjarlais was part of a group of freshman republicans who held a swanky fundraiser atthe W Hotel in Downtown Washington, DC. The fundraiser cost $80,000, which included $25,000 tohave LeAnn Rimes perform, $22,000 for catering and lighting and $10,000 for floral expense and eventdesign. [Politico, 1/31/11]

DesJarlais Filed October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report

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In October 2011, Friends of Scott Desjarlais filed its October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report. Desjarlaisraised $117,830.00 in the 3rd quarter of 2011, has $317,544.85 cash on hand and spent $26,432.46.

DesJarlais received $34,500.00 from PACs. [Friends of Scott Desjarlais, filed 10/14/11]

Expenditures of Note:

Spent $14,834 on Fundraising Expenses. From July-September 2011, DesJarlais spent $14,834 onfundraising expenses.

Congressional Issues

Said Boehner Respected DesJarlais Principle

In January 2011, DesJarlais was questioned on how John Boehner and others in Republican leadership

contributed to his campaign.

DesJarlais said: Those men all respect principle, and certainly we discussed some of those votes and theywould have liked to see me go a different direction. But as long as you have courage of your convictionand they know that the reason you're voting is because of your principles and your values, they're OKwith that. [Gannett, 1/14/12]

Supported Bill to Ban Congressional Insider Trading

In November 2011, DesJarlais supported legislation to ban insider trading by members of Congress andfederal workers.

DesJarlais said he would consider becoming a co-sponsor if he thought the bill was properly written. Hesaid, Just like police officers should not be above the law, members of Congress should be held to thesame standards as the general public." [Jackson Sun,11/20/11]

Singled Out For Not Being Main Author on Any Piece of Legislation

In July 2011, Roll Call reported that in his six month tenure in Congress, DesJarlais had not been the mainauthor of any legislation introduced on the House Floor.

According to Roll Call, Five GOP freshmen in the House and one House Democrat are not credited with

being the main author of any legislation, according to the legislative website Thomas. The members areReps. Rick Berg (R-N.D.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.),Martha Roby (R-Ala.) and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.). However, they have issued press releases notingthat they have co-authored bills and/or provided information to The Hill that indicates they offeredamendments in committee. Thomas credits one lawmaker per bill as the original sponsor. [Roll Call,7/11/2011]

DesJarlais Traveled to Mexico on House-Sponsored Trip

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From June 24 to June 25 2011, DesJarlais traveled to Mexico on a trip sponsored by the House. Thoughtransportation costs were undisclosed, DesJarlais spent $300 in per diem expenditures. [Clerk of the HouseTravel Disclosure, 8/16/11]

DesJarlais and his Wife took $8,400 to Israel Courtesy of AIEF

From August 13 to August 21 2011, DesJarlais traveled with Amy DesJarlais to Israel on a trip totaling$8,466 sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation. AIEF spent $6,104.56 on transportation,$1,380 on lodging, and $981.77 on meals. [Clerk of the House Travel Disclosure,9/2/11]

DesJarlais Included in List of Frequent Fliers in Congress

In August 2011, DesJarlais joined 80 House colleagues in accepting a trip to Israel paid for by theAmerican Israel Education Foundation, a charity affiliated with the influential pro-Israel lobbying groupAmerican Israel Political Affairs Committee. The average cost was $18,120.

In 2011, DesJarlais took on trip in total, paid for by the AIEF to Israel ($19,636). [The Tennesseean, 11/2/11]

Crime & Public Safety Issues

DesJarlais: Something Needs to be Done about Meth Lab Cleanups

In 2011, DesJarlais expressed concern about funding that ran out for local law enforcement officials toclean up meth labs. Tennessee ranks first in the country in meth labs. Historically, local officials haverelied on DEA funding to help in procuring contractors to clean up meth labs.

DesJarlais asked local officials about how the absence of DEA funding will affect their office and countybudgets. Additionally, he put a button on his website to ask concerned citizens about how to deal withTennessees meth problem. [DesJarlais Newsletter, 03/09/11]

Economic and Financial Issues

Said Jobs and Economy Primary Focus

In January 2012, the Crossville Chronicle reported that jobs and the economy were the primary focus asDesJarlais returned to DC.

Jobs and the economy will continue to be the primary focus as 4th District Congressman Scott DesJarlaisreturns to Washington, DC. That's not going away, DesJarlais told the Chronicle Monday following theannual Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. The deficit nowequals the economy at $15.3 trillion. Clearly, that's unsustainable. [Crossville Chronicle,1/13/12]

Received B Grade From Americans for Prosperity

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In January 2011, Americans for Prosperity scored the most important economic votes of the first sessionof the 112th Congress. Representative DesJarlais received a grade of B from Americans for Prosperity.[Americans for Prosperity 112th Congress Mid Term Scorecard,1/2012]

AFP Founded In 2003 By David H. Koch. The New York Times wrote about David H. Koch,noting that in 2003 he helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, whichsupports free-market policies and promotes government spending limits. It split off from an earlierKoch-backed enterprise, now called FreedomWorks, which promotes similar goals. [New YorkTimes, 7/10/08]

Americans for Prosperity Funded, Run by Koch Industries Executives. Americans forProsperity was founded by David H. Koch, one of the wealthiest men in America and theexecutive vice president and board member of Koch Industries, which was founded by his father.Recently, Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity. In 2009, AFP President Tim Phillipssaid Koch launched our organization. The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said,What we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which has been active invarious forms for nearly 30 years. [New York Times, 7/10/08; MSNBC, 3/31/10; Politico, 10/14/08,Washington Examiner, 7/18/10; Washington Independent,10/5/09]

Recognized Significance of Raising the Debt Ceiling

In July 2011, DesJarlais attempted to explain the repercussions of not raising the debt ceiling.

He explained that Boehner said if we pass Aug. 2, it would be like 'Star WarsI don't think the peoplewho are railing against raising the debt ceiling fully understand that." [LA Times, 7/16/2011]

Laid Out Republican Economic Plan

In July 2011, DesJarlais wrote an op-ed in the Oak Ridger laying out the Republican plan to create jobs.

DesJarlais explained that As part of this continued effort, we recently announced our blueprint foreconomic recovery, which is entitled the "Plan for America's Job Creators." This plan is built upon theprinciples of removing government-imposed barriers to private-sector job growth by reining inburdensome government regulations, expanding domestic energy production, lowering our nation's taxrate and paying down our massive debt. [Oak Ridger, 7/18/2011]

Voted Against Cut, Cap, and Balance Act

In July 2011, Scott Desjarlais voted in opposition of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, which mandated a cut

in spending in FY2012, a federal cap on spending as a percentage of GDP, and a balanced budgetamendment to the Constitution.

In a press release, DesJarlais said, I could not support the Cut, Cap and Balance Act in its entirety andtherefore voted against it. While I do agree that we need to cut current spending, cap future spending atunder 20% of our nations gross domestic product (GDP) and send a Constitutional Balanced BudgetAmendment to the states for ratification, I simply cannot vote in favor of giving this president another 2.4trillion dollars to continue his reckless government spending spree for the next year and a half.

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Furthermore, the Cut, Cap and Balance legislation does not provide a solid blueprint for where or howthis $2.4 trillion increase will be spent. This would allow President Obama to run up two more years oftrillion dollar deficits without making tough choices on where to cut spending.

To be clear, I fully support all three initiatives encompassed in the Cut, Cap and Balance Act and I lookforward to voting for these measures in the future as standalone bills not as a part of a deal that gives thepresident a $2.4 trillion dollar debt limit increase.

The debt limit debate provides us with a real opportunity to finally prioritize government spending. Weneed to sit down and open up the books to look at what government programs we can cut or eliminate []Every day, families across Tennessees Fourth Congressional District are looking at their budgets andprioritizing where they spend their money. It is about time that government does the same. [ScottDesJarlais Press Release, 7/19/2011]

DesJarlais: MoveOn.org Rallied Outside Office

In August 2011, members of MoveOn.org held a rally focused on job creation outside Rep. Desjarlaissoffice.

According to The Daily Herald, Members held signs with Debt is not the problem, poverty is theproblem in block letters in front of the Republicans South Garden Street office in Columbia, gainingattention from passing motorists and pedestrians. Its not our nature to have outlandish protests, saidMoveOn regional organizer Bud Fields. What we seek is dialogue.[] This is the second protest MoveOnmembers have staged at DesJarlais office. DesJarlais also was not present during a July 26 protest. [The DailyHerald, 8/11/11]

Said Millionaires and Billionaires Already Pay the Lions Share of Taxes

In September 2011, DesJarlais said that the millionaires and billionaires already pay enough taxes.

Shouldering the burden on the job creators the people he refers to as millionaires and billionaires theyre already paying the lions share oftaxes, and taxing them more is going to hurt jobs, not helpcreate them. [Tennessean,9/9/11]

DesJarlais Supported Temporary Spending Bill

In October 2011, a temporary spending bill was passed by an overwhelming bi-partisan majority tocontinue federal funding until November 18th, 2011. The only major opposition to the bill was that the

funding levels were higher than the budget resolution the house adopted earlier in the year. [Times Record,10/4/11]

DesJarlais Presented Check to Economic Development Commission

In August 2011, DesJarlais presented a check to the Economic Development Commission from the RuralBusiness Enterprise Grant funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural DevelopmentProgram. Previously, however, DesJarlais is reported to have been Proud to Support cutting rural

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development programs. [Pulaski Citizen,8/30/11; DesJarlais Press Release, 3/1/11; H.R. 1, Vote #147, 2/19/11; H.R. 1,2/19/11; National Journal, 2/9/11]

Education IssuesDesJarlais: No Child Left Behind Law was a Bad Law

In 2011, while discussing education reform, DesJarlais said that there is a growing belief that the nochild left behind law was a bad law, adding that the U.S. needs to consider longer school days and schoolyears to catch up to other countries. [Crossville Chronicle,02/28/11]

Cut Pell Grants

DesJarlais attended a field hearing that discussed federal student aid in April 2011. According to the

Columbia Herald Daily, the chairman of the House Education Committee, Rep. Kline, said funding forfederal grants that help poor students attend college needs to be reduced to rein in a program that hasgrown out of control.

The Columbia Daily Herald noted that the House voted this session for a budget proposal that wouldhave lowered the maximum Pell Grant of $5,550 by $845. That cut was removed in the compromisereached between Democrats and Republicans that averted a government shutdown. DesJarlais hassupported Republican budget proposals.

The Columbia Daily Herald noted that U.S. Rep. George Miller, the committees senior Democraticmember, said in a press release the latest GOP proposal for the 2012 fiscal year would lower maximum

Pell Grants by as much as $2,500 and affect about 18,000 students in the 4th Congressional District. Inaddition, 1.4 million students, including 29,456 in Tennessee, would no longer be eligible to receive PellGrants, according to Millers analysis. [Columbia Daily Herald, 4/22/11]

Election 2012 Issues

Attacked by Opponent Over Past Abuse Allegations

In November 2011, DesJarlais opponent Davis ran ads attacking DesJarlais over allegations of abuse,including claims that DesJarlais held a gun is his mouth for three hours and that he pulled the trigger of anunloaded gun outside his former wifes bedroom door. [AP, 11/25/11]

DesJarlais Launched First Radio Ad of Year.

In January 2012, DesJarlais launched his first radio ad.

With the beginning of an election year comes the proliferation of campaign advertisements, and Rep.Scott DesJarlais isnt wasting any time. Rep. Scott DesJarlais The Jasper Republicans campaign

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launched its first radio ad of the year on Friday, the same day Republican state legislators released a planto redraw the boundaries of the 4th District, which DesJarlais represents. [Tennessean, 1/9/12]

Transcript:Woman: Coffees Hot.

Man: Ouch.Woman: I told you.Man: I know.Woman: Just like I told you that Tennessee could trust Scott DesJarlais.Man: Scott DesJarlais the doctor?Woman: Scott DesJarlais the conservative Republican we elected to shake up WashingtonMan: Hows he doing?Woman: Says here Scott Desjarlais is putting our interest ahead of the Washington insiderMan: Thats refreshing.Woman: Scott DesJarlais voted to repeal Obamacare because it raises taxes, adds $700 billion to thedeficit and puts government bureaucrats between you and your doctor.

Man: What else?Woman: Well, Scott Desjarlais voted against increasing the federal debt ceiling because the governmentsjob crushing debt threatens our future. And Scotts fighting to stop Washington spending money it doesnthave.Man: Scott DesJarlais has kept his word.Woman: Thats why big government liberals are targeting DesJarlais for defeat. Where are you going?Man: Im going to see how I can help Scott DesJarlaisWoman: Wait for me! I want to keep Scott fighting for us!

Disclaimer: Im Scott DesJarlais and I approve this message. This message is paid for by Friends of ScottDesJarlais. [DesJarlais Radio Ad, accessed 1/10/12]

Ketron Mulling Primary Challenge

In January 2012, state Sen. Bill Ketron had not yet announced a primary challenge against DesJarlaisdespite much speculation and the 4th district being redrawn in his favor.

DesJarlais had a strong close to the year in fundraising and brought in $154,127 in the fourth quarter.[dnj.com,1/21/12]

Possible Primary On the Horizon for DesJarlais

In June 2011, Politico reported that a new redistricting plan in Tennessee might lure Bill Ketron, aRepublic State Senator, into a primary against DesJarlais.

Politico writes that Ketron, a former county commissioner elected to the Legislature in 2002 when the13th Senate District was redrawn into western Rutherford County, said it wouldn't make sense for him tostart raising money for a congressional race until the district lines are set in 2012. [Politico,06/23/2011]

DesJarlais Spoke With Constituents

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In August 2011, at a listening session, DesJarlais, spoke for 31 of the 42 minutes.

According to the Times Free Press, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais strode into the Sequatchie CountyCourthouse, shook hands and began a listening session with the Republican faithful. But there wasn't

much listening [] The congressman's office promoted the session as a chance to solicit ideas andopinions from ... constituents on important policy issues being debated in Washington, D.C. [] For amoment, DesJarlais, a physician-turned-politician, appeared to disagree with a consituent, saying hewasn't sure America should be the policeman of the world [] Most other questions centered on fiscalpolicy, as constituents took positions on Social Security (privatize it) and foreign aid (stop it). DesJarlaisagreed. [Times Free Press, 8/24/2011]

Energy Issues

DesJarlais Said the President Missed Opportunity with Keystone Pipeline

In January 2012, DesJarlais said the President missed an opportunity to put Americans back to work bynot supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline.

With unemployment at more than eight percent, we need to focus on efforts that put Americans back towork today. The President missed one such opportunity recently when he decided to shelve the KeystoneXL pipeline that would have created thousands of American jobs while making our country less reliant onoil from the Middle East. It seems that the president once again let campaign politics trump good,bipartisan policy. I look forward to the president explaining why the Keystone XL Pipeline was, in hisopinion, not in our national interest. [Chattanoogan, 1/24/12]

Opposed Subsidies for Ethanol and Solar

In 2011, DesJarlais said that he supported ethanol and solar power as alternative energy sources.However, he opposed government subsidies to promote research for these alternative energy sources. Itdoes not make financial sense for continued government subsidies, said DesJarlais. [Crossville Chronicle,02/28/11]

Nuclear Power is the Way to Go

In a discussion on energy policy, DesJarlais said that nuclear power is the way to go. [CrossvilleChronicle, 02/28/11]

DesJarlais Expresses Support for Nuclear Power

In April 2011, DesJarlais expressed support for expanding nuclear power in TN. The two U.S.congressmen who represent Roane County voiced support Tuesday for plans by TVA to build a modularnuclear power plant at the old Clinch River Breeder Reactor site. [knoxnews.com,4/19/11]

Environmental Issues

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Supported Federal Disaster Declaration

In May 2011, Scott DeJarlais sent a letter with the rest of the Tennessee delegation which requested afederal disaster declaration and federal funding to assist in the recovery of the areas affected by the severeApril storms. [The Chattanoogan, 04/30/2011]

In May 2011, Scott DeJarlais said that he was incredibly pleased that the federal government recognizesthe full extent of the damage that Bledsoe County sustained as a result of these severe storms and will behelping residents rebuild their lives by making sure they receive desperately needed assistance andemergency funding. [Rep. DeJarlais Press Release, 05/05/2011]

Sponsored Legislation to Provide Temporary Tax Relief To Assist in Rebuilding Efforts

In June 2011, DesJarlais sponsored legislation that would provide temporary tax relief to assist in therebuilding efforts of states damaged by extreme weather.

According to a Spencer Bachus press release, The Southeastern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2011 wouldprovide temporary tax relief to assist rebuilding efforts in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky,Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The bill is modeled on tax reliefoffered after previous natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and is a companion to legislation introducedby Senator Richard Shelby (AL) in the U.S. Senate.

Bachus also clarified that The provisions in the legislation would be fully paid for by rescinding federalfunds that are either unspent or uncommitted, and would not increase the national debt. [Bachus PressRelease,06/24/2011]

Ethics Issues

Desjarlais Used Republican Lobbyist to Raise DC Special Interest Money

In December 2010, Desjarlais used Republican lobbyist Tim Locke to raise money from DC lobbyists,PACs, and special interest groups looking to connect with the new representative. Locke, who lobbies forcorporations such as Anadarko Petroleum, Bank of America, CSX Corp, and General Electric, hosted ameet-and-greet in his lobbying office for Desjarlais.[Politico, 1/18/11; opensecrets.org, accessed 1/24/11]

Foreign Policy Issues Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Gun Issues

DesJarlais Voted for National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011

In November 2011, DesJarlais voted for the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, whichallows any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed firearm in any

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state that issues concealed firearm permits or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearmsjust as states reciprocally recognize drivers licenses.

DesJarlais said, Our constitution clearly states that in this country we have a fundamental right to keepand bear arms. Protecting our Second Amendment rights was a key promise that I made during my

campaign for Congress and Im pleased that the House has passed this legislation, which I havecosponsored. [The Chattanoogan, 11/16/11]

Health Care Issues

Suggested Higher Copay for Emergency Room Visits

In 2011, DesJarlais, a primary care physician, supported a program that would make ER visits more costlythan office visits by suggesting a higher copay for emergency room visits.

A simple solution to improving the problem of over-utilization would be implementing a nominal copay

system in which office visits cost something like $5 per visit and ER visits might cost $20, saidDesJarlais. [Desjarlais Floor Remarks, 3/1/11]

Desjarlais Thinks Voters Chose to be Uninsured

In January 2011, Desjarlais objected to the U.S. Census Bureaus claim that 17.4% of his constituentslacked health insurance in 2008. Do you happen to know what percentage of those are willfullyuninsured that just choose not to carry insurance? Desjarlais said. Thats something you need to knowwhen you throw a number like that out. Its how many people choose not to. [The Daily Herald, 1/31/11]

Accepted Check from Obamacare Law

In April 2011, one of the freshman congressman's staff members showed up for a check presentationceremony in Crossville, where local officials accepted $4.5 million in federal grant money that will comethrough the Affordable Care Act. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, The staffer, Gregg Ridley,even stood with local officials beside a giant ceremonial check and posed for a photo that ended up in thelocal newspaper.

According to the News Sentinel, when Asked if Ridley's appearance at the event might give theimpression the congressman helped secure the grant, Jameson [the Congressmans spokesperson] repeatedthat no one on the congressman's staff was trying to take credit for the check. [Knoxville News Sentinel,4/30/11]

Immigration and Border Issues

Israel

Labor and Working Family Issues

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Creating American Jobs Continues to Be Number One Issues for House Republicans

In January 2012, DesJarlais said creating American jobs continues to be the number one issues for HouseRepublicans.

Creating American jobs continues to be the number one issue for House Republicans. Last year, theHouse passed 28 separate pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at removing the barriers to job creation[] House Republicans are more than willing to reach across the aisle and find areas where we can worktogether to encourage private sector growth, but that cannot happen if the other side wont do its job.[Chattanoogan,1/24/12]

Claimed that Federal Bureaucracies Hurt Hiring

In March 2011, DesJarlais claimed that Federal Bureaucracies hurt hiring by charging employers $8,900per employee to keep up with regulations such as minimum wage increases, unemployment benefits andOccupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. [Chattanooga Times Free Press,3/24/11]

Opposed DOE Plan to Consolidate Oak Ridge with Other Weapons Plants

In March 2011, DesJarlais opposed the National Nuclear Security Administrations plan to consolidate themanagement contract at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge with the one at the Pantex warheadassembly plant in Texas - and possibly the tritium operations at Savannah River Site in South Carolina.[Knoxville News Sentinel,3/30/11]

DesJarlais Responded to Postal Rallies

In response to the wave of rallies staged by postal workers in support of HR 1351, which would release$6.9 billion in pension obligations to replenish USPS coffers, DesJarlais offered the following comment:"We have been addressing the issue of postal reform in the House Oversight and Government ReformCommittee and have already held a number of hearings. Without a doubt, our postal service is in need ofmodernization and we are currently in the process of trying to find a legislative solution that will maintainthe postal service's solvency and its ability to serve its customers." [WRCB, 9/28/11]

Other Social Issues

Said He Will Continue to Work to Curb the Use and Production of Methamphetamine

In January 2012, DesJarlais said he would continue to work to curb the use and production of

methamphetamine.

As a member of the Methamphetamine Caucus, DesJarlais will continue to work with the federalgovernment to curb the use and production of methamphetamine. Also, as use of synthetic substances thatmimic the effects of the drug grows, DesJarlais said legislation may come to fruition in the coming year toregulate those substances. [Crossville Chronicle, 1/13/12]

Helped Secure $500,000 HUD Block Grant for Infrastructure Improvements

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In December 2011, DesJarlais supported a Department of Housing and Urban Development grant for$500,000 to aid in infrastructure improvements in Crossville, included sewer system improvements.[Crossville Chronicle,11/28/11]

DesJarlais Touted Initiative to Combat Meth in Tennessee

In May 2011, on his website, DesJarlais noted that he is launching an initiative to combatmethamphetamine production in Tennessee. According to The Daily Herald, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlaissaid he is looking at establishing multi-county disposal sites through a $500,000 grant as an alternative topaying contractors for expensive site-by-site cleanups. [DesJarlais Congressional Website, accessed 5/20/11; TheDaily Herald,5/18/11]

DesJarlais Proposal Only a Band-Aid. Maury County Sheriff Enoch George said[DesJarlais Proposal] will help, but it's only places a band aid on the problem. He said thegovernment needs to reinstate funding to help pay for the clean ups. [News Channel 5, 5/19/11]

DesJarlais Voted to Cut Funding for Meth Clean-Up

In March 2011, DesJarlais said he was proud to have voted in favor of passing H.R. 1 which cutfunding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Methamphetamine Program by$25,385,000. [DesJarlais Press Release, 3/1/11; H.R. 1, Vote #147, 2/19/11]

Tennessee Will Be Hard Pressed to Find Additional Funding for Clean-Up. Tennessee,which this year overtook Missouri as the nation's top meth lab state, received about $4.5 millionfrom COPS last year for meth cleanup about 2 1/2-times more than any other state received andfunding Tennessee will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. [AP, 3/25/11]

Tennessee Homes Quarantined Due to Lack of Federal Funding. According to News Channel5, dozens of homes in the mid-state are under order of quarantine because there's no money toclean up what's left behind when police find the [methamphetamine] labs. The Daily Heraldreported that, drums of waste are being left inside of homes used for cooking methamphetaminebecause of a shortage of federal funds. [News Channel 5, 5/19/11], The DailyHerald, 5/18/11]Lack of Funding Will Jeopardize Public Safety. "I'm very concerned that some agencies, someofficers, may be placed in uncomfortable positions because of the lack of funding," said TomFarmer, the director of the meth lab task force in Tennessee, where nearly 2,100 meth labs werebusted in 2010. "It's going to jeopardize public safety and it's going to jeopardize the safety of ourlaw enforcement." [AP, 3/25/11]

Personal Finance

Filed 2011 Financial Disclosure

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http://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x229376337/Haslam-announces-500-000-infrastructure-grant-for-Crossvillehttp://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x229376337/Haslam-announces-500-000-infrastructure-grant-for-Crossvillehttp://desjarlais.house.gov/http://desjarlais.house.gov/http://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/05/18/top_stories/01methcleanup.txthttp://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/05/18/top_stories/01methcleanup.txthttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/14680985/dozens-of-mid-state-homes-under-order-of-quarantinehttp://desjarlais.house.gov/press-release/desjarlais-statement-short-term-continuing-resolutionhttp://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll147.xmlhttp://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll147.xmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_re_us/us_meth_cleanup_concerns_2http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14680985/dozens-of-mid-state-homes-under-order-of-quarantinehttp://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/05/18/top_stories/01methcleanup.txthttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_re_us/us_meth_cleanup_concerns_2http://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x229376337/Haslam-announces-500-000-infrastructure-grant-for-Crossvillehttp://desjarlais.house.gov/http://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/05/18/top_stories/01methcleanup.txthttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/14680985/dozens-of-mid-state-homes-under-order-of-quarantinehttp://desjarlais.house.gov/press-release/desjarlais-statement-short-term-continuing-resolutionhttp://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll147.xmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_re_us/us_meth_cleanup_concerns_2http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14680985/dozens-of-mid-state-homes-under-order-of-quarantinehttp://www.c-dh.net/articles/2011/05/18/top_stories/01methcleanup.txthttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_re_us/us_meth_cleanup_concerns_2


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In 2011, DesJarlais reported earnings of at least $148,905 for calendar year 2010. DesJarlais held assetsvalued at between $403,000 and $945,000. DesJarlais reported liabilities totaling between $95,000 and$250,000.

In 2010, DesJarlais received $148,905 from Scott E. DesJarlais, MD. His wife also reported an

undisclosed salary from Scott DesJarlais MD.

Under unearned income, DesJarlais reported that the majority of his assets come a number of differentfunds as well as his medical practice. Total, his assets were valued between $403,000 and $945,000. In2009, his assets were valued between $420,000 and $1,075,000.

DesJarlais reported a number of liabilities. He reported $15,000 - $50,000 in credit card debt fromMastercard as well as $15,000 -$50,000 as a personal line of credit from First Southern Bank.Additionally, he reported $15,000 - $50,000 as a business line of credit from First Southern and a $50,000- $100,000 mortgage from Citizen State Bank.

DesJarlais reported that he was the owner of Scott E. DesJarlais, MD. [Scott DesJarlais Financial Disclosure,Filed 06/13/2011]

Senior Issues

DesJarlais: Congress Should Consider Raising Retirement Age

In 2011, DesJarlais said that Congress should consider raising the Social Security retirement age tocorrespond with life expectancy. [Crossville Chronicle,02/28/11]

Stem Cells

Tax Issues

Reluctantly Agreed to Payroll Tax Extension Deal

In December 2011, DesJarlais reluctantly supported the final payroll tax extension deal.

In statements released shortly after the deal was announced, Tennessee Reps. Chuck Fleischmann andScott DesJarlais unenthusiastically reiterated their contempt for their political opponents, blaming themfor Washington's dysfunction []In his statement, DesJarlais said the Senate failed to do their job and

should have passed the bill sent to them from the House. Rather than use this bill as a template to workfrom, the Senate simply refused to take part in the normal legislative process, DesJarlais said. It isdisappointing that since the Senate failed to do their job, we will now have to have this debate again intwo months. [Nooga, 12/23/11]

Opposed Permanent Medicare Payment Fix

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http://clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2011/8202990.pdfhttp://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x1348435480/DesJarlais-holds-informal-chat-at-FFGhttp://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x1348435480/DesJarlais-holds-informal-chat-at-FFGhttp://www.nooga.com/149873/fleischmann-desjarlais-reluctantly-agree-to-payroll-tax-cut-deal/http://clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2011/8202990.pdfhttp://crossville-chronicle.com/local/x1348435480/DesJarlais-holds-informal-chat-at-FFGhttp://www.nooga.com/149873/fleischmann-desjarlais-reluctantly-agree-to-payroll-tax-cut-deal/


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In December 2011, DesJarlais opposed a permanent doc fix for Medicare payments that would be paidfor with savings from ending and winding down wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

DeJarlais said, I think we need a permanent [sustainable growth rate] fix. That being said, I doubt we'regoing to get that this week or next week. So I think the Doctors Caucus would settle for a two-year fix,

but we still would like to see a permanent repeal." He said the proposed pay-for was not real money andadded, That's like saying I was going to buy a new car next year but I'm not and therefore we've got40,000 extra dollars. That defies logic, really." [The Hill, 12/6/11]

Undecided on Sales Taxes on Online Purchases

In December 2011, DesJarlais was undecided on federal law that would allow states to collect states tocollect sales taxes on online purchases from out of state retailers.

Americans for Tax Reform denounced the legislation. DesJarlais said, I think the first thing we need todo is determine whether or not this bill is going to help businesses ability to grow and create

jobs. [knoxnews.com,12/5/11]

Opposed Payroll Tax Cut Extension Because it Cut into Social Security, But Voted for it

In December 2011, DesJarlais voted for the GOP version of the payroll tax cut extension that includedspeeding up construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

DesJarlais said that he would not support any extension of the payroll tax cut because it would cut intoSocial Security. On the bill he voted for, DesJarlais said, This bill will require the president to putpolitics aside and make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, DesJarlais said. Americans should notbe made to wait a minute longer than necessary for projects that will create badly needed jobs.[Times FreePress,12/14/11]

DesJarlais Spokesman: The Republican budget closed loopholes

In December 2011, DesJarlais spokesman said that the Republican budget closed loopholes.

DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson said DesJarlais voted for Republicans' budget proposal that"closed loopholes for giant corporations while lowering overall tax rates so everybody pays their fairshare." [Times Free Press, 12/1/11]

DesJarlais Spokesman Said That DesJarlais is opposed to raising taxes on anybody

In December 2011, DesJarlais spokesman said that DesJarlais is opposed to raising taxes on anybody.

As for charges that DesJarlais opposes Democratic efforts to raise taxes on the wealthiest, Jameson saidthe congressman doesn't believe we need to raise taxes on anybody right now. [Times Free Press,12/1/11]

Reluctantly Supported Payroll Tax Extension

In December 2011, DesJarlais voted to pass the a short term payroll extension.

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DesJarlais said: "I will continue to fight for long-term solutions that will provide economic certainty forboth American workers and American businesses." [Oak Ridger,12/27/11]

Tea Party

Said Tea Party Respected His Votes

In January 2011, DesJarlais said that hes never affiliated himself with any one group.

I can say that when I ran in the primary that I didn't have tea party backing. And the tea party, I think,has appreciated the way I vote. So I've never affiliated myself with one group. As a physician, I treatedpatients, not Democrats or Republicans. I approach my term in office the same way. [Gannett,1/14/12]

Transportation IssuesWomens Issues
http://www.oakridger.com/topstories/x28913168/Tennessee-lawmakers-weigh-in-on-tax-votehttp://www.oakridger.com/topstories/x28913168/Tennessee-lawmakers-weigh-in-on-tax-votehttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120115/NEWS05/201150324/DesJarlais-ready-share-principles-Rutherfordhttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120115/NEWS05/201150324/DesJarlais-ready-share-principles-Rutherfordhttp://www.oakridger.com/topstories/x28913168/Tennessee-lawmakers-weigh-in-on-tax-votehttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120115/NEWS05/201150324/DesJarlais-ready-share-principles-Rutherford

Documents

Desjarlais - Clipbook