“I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”

Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-02)

Rep. Michele Bachmann offered this week’s winning cut on the House Floor; an amendment to eliminate a pay raise for federal government employees – including right here in the Capitol – saving the taxpayers over $30 billion.

The Democrats gaveled it down from the Speaker’s chair, shutting down debate. The reason the Democrat Majority gave? It would prevent federal workers on Capitol Hill from getting a pay raise, so it could not be considered. That is literally the reason they gave. It is astounding, and an affront to every small businessperson and struggling family across this country.

The up-or-down vote was clear, the majority in the U.S. House voted to allow pay raises for non-military federal employees, while the rest of the country is facing pay cuts. Click here to see where each Representative stood on this vote.

By forcing YouCut votes, backed with your support, we are beginning to change the culture here in Washington. We will not stop until we have brought spending under control.

The next five cuts are already posted on the YouCut website. Many of the items were submitted – including this week’s winner – by people just like you, who want to see Washington halt its runaway spending.

You are making your voice heard loud and clear in your nation’s capital – together, we are making history.

Regards,

Eric Cantor
House Republican Whip

P.S. YouCut is relevant because you continue to participate. Click here to vote on this week’s five cuts and we will bring them to the floor for a vote.

The White House was backing incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) in the primary. Sestak acknowledged in an interview in February that he was offered a position by an unnamed White House official – a potential violation of federal law – but has not offered any specifics on conversation. Republicans are trying to use the issue against Sestak in the November Senate race.

“It’s interesting. I was asked a question about something that happened months earlier, and I felt that I should answer it honestly, and that’s all I had to say about it.” Sestak said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “Anybody else has to decide on what they will say upon their role. That’s their responsibility.”

Yet Sestak confirmed to NBC’s David Gregory that the incident did take place.

“I was offered a job, and I answered that,” Sestak said. “Anything that goes beyond that is for others to talk about.”