Replies

From Thad McCotter, along with my reply:
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Dear Friend:

Thank you for informing me of your opposition to cap-and-tax legislation. Your thoughts on this important matter are most welcome and appreciated.

I agree with you.

As you know, in this recession, we must defend our auto industry and manufacturing base from the so-called ‘cap-and-trade’ system. This massive tax and regulatory imposition upon our painfully restructuring auto industry and manufacturing base would compel the arbitrary limitation of carbon emissions through a system of carbon credits which can be sold and traded among companies emitting carbon gases. This cap-and-tax intends to reduce pollution but in reality would be a multi-billion dollar tax hike on Michigan families, small businesses and manufacturers. This new tax would not only decimate those companies who, by the very nature of what they produce, emit carbon; this new tax would unavoidably be passed on directly to working families and small businesses.

On March 31, 2009, Representative Henry Waxman (CA), introduced H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. If enacted, this legislation would aim to cut United States greenhouse-gas emissions by 83% compared to 2005 levels by 2050, but then sets more aggressive short-term targets, such as a 20% reduction by 2020 and a 42% cut by 2030. Importantly, this legislation amounts to a cap-and-tax bill which would cover about 85% of the United States economy, requiring businesses like power companies, steel mills, and our domestic auto manufacturers to get permits to cover their emissions. After 2020, the net could get wider allowing the President to make even smaller industrial operations subject to the cap. To cushion energy intensive industries from these requirements, this proposed legislation would provide wealth transfers to cushion the higher energy bills brought about by climate legislation. The rebates aren’t open-ended, when 70% of the global production in an energy intensive industry is covered by similar climate-change programs, the rebates go away. Despite my opposition, on June 26, 2009, the House passed H.R. 2454 by a vote of 219-212. At present, H.R. 2454 awaits action in the Senate.

Obviously, this new tax would hit Michigan particularly hard. With our automobile industry and manufacturing comprising the engine of America’s economic prosperity, it remains as we warned before: what happens to Michigan will happen to America.

As an alternative to this crippling cap-and-tax legislation, on June 12, 2009, Representative John Boehner (OH) introduced H.R. 2846, the American Energy Act, which I have co-sponsored. If enacted, through the extension of tax incentives and the elimination of wasteful bureaucratic regulations and frivolous litigation, H.R. 2846 would facilitate energy independence, affordability, conservation and job creation by maximizing all American-made energy. Importantly, this legislation would increase environmentally-safe energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Arctic Coastal Plain, and the oil shale; promote the use of alternative fuels which would reduce carbon emissions such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and encourage increased efficiencies and cutting edge technologies to make the most of America’s energy potential. At present, H.R. 2846 awaits action in the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Rest assured, your opposition to cap-and-tax legislation will be well remembered during the 111th Congress. Again, thank you for contacting me; and for all you do for our community and our country. Should you have any further comments or questions on this or any other issue, please contact me at the Livonia or Milford district, or Washington, D.C. office.

I work for you.

Sincerely,

Thaddeus G. McCotter
Member of Congress

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> I work for you.

Amen to that. Now how do we convince more of our public servants that this is the case? How do we remind Senators and Representatives, regardless of party, that they owe allegiance to the Constitution and representation to We the People?

Thank you for the courtesy of a response. It is very much appreciated.

The things going on in Washington are truly frightening, but I know you are one of the precious few there who really get it. I’m proud to say that you represent me.

If there is anything I can do for you from this end, now or at any time in the future, please do not hesitate to ask.