Congressman Bishop visits USU campus
Congressman Rob Bishop spoke to a full house in the Education Building on Friday, stressing the nation’s need for a return to federalism and lobbing candid cracks at the inefficiency of the federal government.
“Don’t come back to us because we will screw things up,” Bishop said to a question regarding funding for public eduction.
Bishop’s speech was part of Pizza and Politics, an event sponsored by the USU College Republicans and the Cache County Republican Party. Members of the audience were treated to pizza and soda and even the congressman took part in the refreshments, answering questions between swigs of Dr Pepper, which he said “keeps him going.”
First elected in 2002, Bishop is campaigning for a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently sits on the Armed Services, Education and Resources committees as well as chairing the task force on the 10th Amendment, which focuses on issues of balance between state and federal powers.
“The concept of federalism as the solution to the problems we already have is very important,” Bishop said.
After a brief statement regarding his service in Congress and his plans if elected in November, Bishop opened the floor to questions. The first questions dealt with the loss of funds at USU that many expect to see when current Senator Bob Bennett – traditionally known for appropriating substantial projects to the university – leaves office in January. Bishop said that he is committed to supporting USU and expects to see changes in the earmarking process that could potentially help worthwhile targets – such as USU – receive the funds they need without the abuses that have plagued the current system.
“I like dark blue a whole lot better than light blue,” Bishop said. “I did not want my constituents to be put at a disadvantage.”
Later, Bishop said, “I want to end the abuses of the system. There will still be money coming to Utah State.”
Many questions were presented to Bishop on the subject of government spending, with topics ranging from taxes and deficits to social security and medicaid. Bishop answered most in a similar vein: the answer lies in Utah, not in Washington.
“Don’t trust the federal government to try and solve the problem,” Bishop said.
Bishop suggested that Utah develop its resources, specifying the areas of mining and manufacturing, as a means to develop jobs and generate revenue for state programs, such as education. He criticized the current social security system, comparing it to a Ponzi scheme and suggesting that it was planned according to life expectancies that were not intended to be reached.
“If you really want to be patriotic – once you’re retired, die,” Bishop said.
Unlike some Republican candidates, Bishop said that deficit-stressing government programs like social security, medicare and medicaid need not be abandoned, but that rather a shift in emphasis from Washington to state governments would allow people to choose the levels of taxes and services they require. Bishop said that many Democratic-leaning sates, giving New Jersey as the example, take back 55 cents for ever dollar of tax revenue they send to federal social programs and suggested that these states would be better off keeping their money in-house.
“If New Jersey wants to tax themselves and run every program in the world, fine. Let them do it,” Bishop said.
Bishop contrasted one-size-fits-all government programs to the market products like Campbell’s Soup and Pringles potato chips with their varieties of flavors. The entrepreneurial world, he said, has learned that providing options is the most efficient and effective way of producing.
“The only place that hasn’t recognized that is Washington, D.C.,” Bishop said.
Bishop was also asked about his stance on term limits for politicians. The congressman said he is in favor in the context of all members of congress being limited by the same rules and suggested that members of the bureaucracy fall under similar limitations of power.
“We have judges for life. Some of whom are very good, and some that live in California,” Bishop said.
Before closing, Bishop urged the audience not to have too-high expectations for what the Republican Party will be able to accomplish if they regain control of either house of Congress after the November election. With the current administration secured until 2012, he said, congress will likely be stalled, doing neither good nor harm.
“The most you can expect is two years of good old-fashioned gridlock,” Bishop said.
In other issues, Bishop stressed the need to return power to the committee processes in the House of Representatives and on the subject of immigration said border security is the first step before reform can take place.
“There are specific federal laws that are prohibiting Border Patrol from securing the borders,” Bishop said.
State Representative Jack Draxler was also in attendance and offered a few words of introduction before Bishops remarks.
“(Bishop) has been fabulous about being here in Cache Valley and listening to constituents, including students,” Draxler said.
– b.c.wood@aggiemail.usu.edu