RUSH TRANSCRIPT (pdf 92k)
Providing for the Common Defense:
The First Duty of the ‘Super Committee’
Representative Randy Forbes (VA-4)
Representative Trent Franks (AZ-2)
Representative Paul Broun, MD (GA-10), Homeland Security Committee
Joel Arends, Chairman and Founder, Veterans for a Strong America
Cord Sterling, Vice President, Aerospace Industries Association
Jim Martin, Chairman, 60 Plus Association
Scott Cooper, VA Tea Party Federation
The congressional ‘super committee’ that emerged from the extraordinary debt ceiling legislation adopted by Congress last August faces the daunting mandate of reigning in federal spending that many argue is a symptom of a government that has far exceeded the bounds established for it by the Constitution. While this charge to enforce the Framer’s intent should be commended, its methods may in fact bring about an equally unconstitutional result; that is, the failure to “Provide for the Common Defense.” On October 5th, the “Coalition for the Common Defense,” announced its “Statement of Principles,” which, at its core, rejects the false choice between military strength and economic health.
About the Coalition for the Common Defense
The Coalition for the Common Defense is an alliance of like-minded individuals and organizations who believe that without provision for the “common defense,” as articulated by the Founders, the freedom that has allowed unprecedented opportunity and prosperity to flourish in this country would soon be imperiled. In this new age of budgetary cuts, the Coalition rejects the false choice between military strength and economic health contending that economic prosperity depends on a strong national defense. Through a series of events and strategic partnerships, the coalition is calling on elected officials, candidates for office and others who share our commitment to the common defense to uphold these principles. We must return the United States to sensible fiscal principles without sacrificing our national security. A full statement of principles can be located here. The Coalition of the Common Defense can be found online at www.forthecommondefense.org.
