Sandy Adams RSS Articles

Adams Discusses VAWA and “War on Women” on CNN’s “The Situation Room”

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) appeared on CNN’s “The Situation Room” today with congressional correspondent Kate Bolduan to discuss her personal connection to the House’s reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Democrats’ faux “War on Women.”

To watch, click here.

Transcript:

Bolduan: “Why is it more than politics, more than policy – why is it personal for you?”

Rep. Adams: “At an early age I quit high school at 17 and joined the Air Force, married by 18. During the marriage I had a little girl. And I realized really soon that my husband had a penchant for drinking and when he drank he turned very mean, very violent. So we set out on our own, just her and I, me with no high school diploma – no job, just our clothes – and we went out. I worked hard, and we made it.

Bolduan: “Is this a war on women?”

Rep. Adams: “No.”

Bolduan: “Then Congresswoman, why are Democrats calling this a war on women then?”

Rep. Adams: “Politics. I guess it makes for good talking points, but it’s not accurate. We are here trying to reauthorize a bill that would help all victims of domestic violence, and especially women.”

“I’ve said along: I want to reauthorize it, I do not want to politicize it. The victims deserve better than that. Americans deserve better than that.”

House Judiciary Committee Passes Adams’ Reauthorization of VAWA

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012. The House’s reauthorization is focused on the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, ensuring that they are the recipients of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) resources, not Washington bureaucrats.

“The Judiciary Committee’s passage of the reauthorization of VAWA is a positive step forward for the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As someone who has faced domestic violence and served in law enforcement for 17 years, the need for VAWA is clear to me. Since 1994, VAWA has been instrumental in bringing attention to an issue that was often underreported or not reported at all. The House’s reauthorization is a victim-centered bill that goes beyond the Senate’s version, S. 1925, to ensure that those in need are the recipients of VAWA resources, not Washington bureaucrats. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join the House in its efforts to reauthorize VAWA.”

House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21) had the following to say about Adams’ bill:

“I congratulate Rep. Adams on the Committee’s passage of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012 (H.R. 4970). I appreciate Rep. Adams’ leadership on this important legislation to help protect victims of domestic violence.

“Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has helped many women escape abuse and enabled them to seek help through its victim-services program. H.R. 4970 reauthorizes VAWA for five years and increases resources for sexual assault investigations, prosecutions, and victim services to bring those resources into line with the victimization rate. The bill also strengthens penalties for abusers and promotes educational awareness to prevent violence. By reauthorizing VAWA, we can help victims of violence get the care they need and justice they deserve.”

NOTE: Information about the Committee’s approval of the Violence Against Women Act can be found on the House Judiciary Committee website.

Reps. Adams, McMorris Rodgers and Noem Stand Up for VAWA

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Sandy Adams (FL-24), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Kristi Noem (SD-AL) released the following statements after House Republicans introduced their five-year reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), H.R. 4970. The House’s reauthorization, which Adams is the sponsor of, aims to improve VAWA, while still keeping important programs intact. Additionally, this legislation includes bipartisan elements of the Senate’s version, S. 1925, while excluding controversial provisions that veer from VAWA’s original intent.

“As someone who has faced domestic violence and who served in law enforcement for 17 years, I can assure you that the reauthorization of VAWA is needed,” said Rep. Sandy Adams. “Over thirty years ago, domestic violence was not openly discussed. Since 1994, VAWA has helped bring to light an issue that is often underreported or not reported at all. According to a recent study, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. With alarming statistics like these, the need for VAWA is clear. That is why I am proud to introduce the House’s reauthorization, which aims to make important changes to VAWA, while ensuring that taxpayer resources help victims – not Washington bureaucrats. It is my hope that my colleagues in both the House and Senate can put politics aside and support this lifesaving legislation. Too many lives are at stake for us to give anything less.”

“I’m so proud to stand beside my House Republican colleagues to reauthorize this very important piece of legislation,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. “As we look forward, I encourage the bill’s swift and immediate passage so as to preserve its original objective: the protection of true victims of domestic violence all across this country. And our bill will do exactly that.”

“Helping prevent violence and protect those who suffer from it is at the heart of the Violence Against Women Act,” said Rep. Kristi Noem. “For nearly two decades this legislation has provided education, training and assistance programs to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking without discrimination. This reauthorization carries on that tradition, while also making key improvements that ensure victims are the priority, not Washington bureaucrats. It's wrong to play politics with an issue this important, and I hope that we can all come together to ensure this legislation continues to protect victims as it was intended for years to come.”

The Judiciary Committee plans on marking up the legislation the week of May 7, and it will be considered on the House floor the following week.

Adams, House Republicans, Announce VAWA Reauthorization

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) was joined by her Republican colleagues today to announce the House’s five-year reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which she will introduce later this week.

To watch the video, click here.

Transcript: “Some key facts about victims. On average 24 people per minute are victims of rape, domestic violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. That’s just in the United States. Three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner each day in America. Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence.

“These statistics are far too real for me. Many of you know that at age 18 I married early in life. It was an abusive marriage. He was a violent alcoholic. Back then, you didn’t talk about what happened behind closed doors. You just accepted it. This law was passed to protect those women, those families, and it came at a time when law enforcement needed those tools. So you see, I have experienced it both on a personal level and a law enforcement officer level. I know too well when you respond to that home and you are talking to those victims. I know what they’re feeling because I was there, and I know how much this law has helped so many people in our country.

“I want to go over a few of the aspects of this piece of legislation. As Representative Noem says, it will protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It will streamline and improve services for young victims and college students – which we all know we have seen too many times what happens sometimes in our colleges and universities. It reauthorizes funding at the same levels as the Senate bill for the next five years. It goes beyond the Senate bill by ensuring tax payer resources will help victims, not Washington bureaucrats. It is a bipartisan act, and I hope that people will quit trying to make it a partisan issue. This is something that affects everyone, and we need to stand together and work on getting this reauthorization bill passed for the betterment of our victims and our country.”

NOTE: Click here to read a More profile piece on Congresswoman Adams' triumph over domestic violence.

Adams Statement on Shuttle Discovery’s Landing

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement today regarding Shuttle Discovery’s safe landing in Chantilly, Virginia.

“Shuttle Discovery’s landing at Dulles International Airport today is another reminder of just how important our investments are in the future of human space flight. It was a very special moment to see Discovery fly over the United States Capitol greeted by cheering and applause. Today is both a meaningful and sad day for NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program, which will always be ingrained in the history of our state. Families along the Space Coast can stand proud knowing that Florida has served as the heartbeat of a remarkable era for the country we love. I am honored to know some of the dedicated and hard working men and women who have helped define our shuttle program as an American flagship and a symbol of strength for America.

“It is my hope that we must not lose sight of America’s contributions to space, and we must continue fighting to keep our great nation the leader in space exploration.”

Adams Statement on Tax Day

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement on Tax Day.

“Tax Day is a stark reminder of our nation’s complicated and broken tax code that costs our economy $160 billion a year in compliance costs alone. It is also a reminder of a system that isn’t fair. It isn’t fair that Americans will work 107 days on average this year just to pay their taxes so the government can continue borrowing over a $1 trillion a year. When running for office, President Obama promised to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term, but instead, he has continued his runaway spending spree that has accumulated trillion dollar deficits. Even his most recent budget proposal doesn’t attempt to balance our nation’s budget, which indicates his desire to ignore our nation’s massive $15.6 trillion debt and continues spending at unsustainable rates.

“Instead of providing credible solutions to our nation’s spending-driven debt crisis, President Obama’s budget proposal requests a massive tax-hike on hard working Americans and small businesses. Asking taxpayers to foot the bill for his spending binge over the past three years is not only unfair, but raising taxes on small businesses and entrepreneurs will only lead to more uncertainty and would hinder their ability to hire and create jobs.

“In contrast, House Republicans have offered solutions to our nation’s debt and broken tax code. We have put forth pro-growth reforms to ensure that the tax code is fairer, simpler, and competitive.”

Adams Votes to Put Nation on Right Fiscal Path

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after voting for House Republicans’ fiscal year 2013 budget blueprint for our nation’s economy, “The Path to Prosperity.”

“Right now America is faced with two futures: We can either continue down the road we are on towards debt and decline, or we can take a different path towards economic prosperity. I choose the latter. For far too long politicians in Washington, D.C. have subscribed to the mentality of ‘spend now, pay later,’ but with our national debt topping $15 trillion those days are long gone. With that in mind, House Republicans have once again offered responsible solutions to address the drivers of our nation’s debt and deficit. ‘The Path to Prosperity,’ introduced by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, proposes a bipartisan patient-centered Medicare plan that would preserve the program for those 55 and older and protect it for future generations to come. Additionally, this blueprint for the nation’s economy offers pro-growth tax reform that eliminates loopholes, lowers rates, and promotes economic growth and job creation.

“Americans have seen the alternative to this plan. President Obama’s ‘wish list’ of a budget proposal was defeated on the House floor by a vote of 0-414. His proposal, which didn’t receive a single vote from any Member of Congress from either party, did not even attempt to balance our nation’s bloated budget. Rather than producing a budget plan of their own last year, Senate Democrats resorted to demagoguery, helping earn their party PolitiFact’s ‘Lie of the Year 2011’ award, and have publicly refused to offer up a plan again this year. If we continue down the road we are on our nation’s economic future is bleak, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Families in Central Florida and across the nation just want the opportunity to work, earn, and achieve the American dream. ‘The Path to Prosperity’ keeps that dream alive.”

Adams Takes VA Officials to Task for Orlando VA Medical Center Construction Delays

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) attended the House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ hearing “From the Ground Up: Assessing Ongoing Delays in VA Major Construction” to get answers on the Orlando VA Medical Center construction delays. Adams, whose district includes the new medical center, has been vigilant about getting to the bottom of the costly delays and recently sent a letter to Chairman Jeff Miller requesting a hearing on the issue. During the hearing, Adams had some tough questions for Dr. Robert Petzel, the Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To watch the video, click here.

Representative Adams: So Dr. Petzel, just to recap, we have two separate federal laws regarding VA construction projects that you are not complying with. Next, we have a GAO report that you are using under-qualified people to do analysis on these projects which were recommended; three major changes in the VA, which you say you have started to implement, but to my knowledge from listening today they have not been given to this committee. And then, finally, I have about 300,000 veterans in the Central Florida area that are paying every single day for the VA’s incompetence. So tell us why VA is choosing to ignore federal law and Congress, and who should I hold responsible for the gross mismanagement of the Orlando VA facility?

Dr. Petzel: Responsibility for the Orlando VA hospital rests with us and with the federal government. There is, from my perspective, no single individual that you could, as you wish, blame for what has happened.

Representative Adams: Well, I just want to leave you with one thing: Our veterans deserve the care and they need this facility to come online. They have served our country well, they deserve this care. And I look forward to hearing more about your agency getting this facility back on track and completed as quickly as possible for their benefit, our veterans.

NOTE: To watch the full video, click here.

Adams on Two Year Anniversary of the Unpopular Healthcare Law

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement on the second anniversary of the healthcare law.

“‘Two years ago, the infamous words ‘we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,’ were spoken by former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi about the Democrats’ healthcare law. Americans have found out what is in the 2,400-page healthcare bill, and they don’t like it. They have seen their healthcare costs rise, their religious freedom trampled on, and the negative impact it has had on small businesses. Through the HHS mandate, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and the individual mandate, Americans have also seen what happens when the government enforces a once-size-fits-all healthcare law.

“The House has taken 26 votes to fully repeal, defund, or dismantle parts of this law. It’s time to return healthcare decision making back to Americans so they, along with their doctors, can choose the care they need – not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.”

Adams’ Resolution Would Prevent President Obama's Executive Order Power Grab

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after introducing H. Con. Res. 110 in response to President Obama’s March 16, 2012 National Defense Resources Preparedness Executive Order.

“President Obama issued a National Defense Resources Preparedness Executive Order on March 16, 2012 that raises some serious concerns in its wording and intent. The order has historically been based on the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.). However, unlike previous presidents, President Obama’s executive order broadens the definition of ‘national defense.’ This leaves the door open for the president to give himself control over American resources during both times of peace, and national crisis. In response to the order, I have introduced a resolution to make it clear the president cannot use this as an excuse to abuse his executive power.

“Each of us in Congress began our service to our friends, neighbors, and communities with the knowledge it was our responsibility to uphold the Constitution. We were elected to protect the values that make our nation great and to be a line of defense against the growing interjection of government into the everyday lives of the American people. I will continue to defend the principles on which our nation was founded and I will continue to uphold our Constitution.”