“The more we learn about the government's conduct, the more troubling the story becomes. I can appreciate that the Treasury Department felt that this transaction was important because of the perceived risk Merrill’s collapse would pose to the financial system. However, that does not justify the tactics that were employed, which can only be described as bullying. As a result, shareholders were kept in the dark about the losses Bank of America was taking ownership of. A high-ranking government official threatening the employment of bank officials is not an appropriate means to closing a deal of such magnitude.” Read more »

"Although these cuts are too miniscule to be considered anything more than symbolic, at least it’s a step in the right direction...As the national debt continues to spiral out of control, I hope President Obama will work in a bipartisan way to reform the careless way in which Washington spends tax dollars." Read more »

One of the speakers at the event was U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C. 10th District, who told the crowd, "This is not about one man or one woman. This is about the forgotten man." He said the forgotten man is the neighbor trying to make ends meet, working more than one job and driving a 10-year-old truck. McHenry said it's time to let lawmakers in Washington, D.C., know who is in charge and that they need to cut spending and balance the budget. McHenry told the crowd, some of whom wore tea bags, that he looks forward to getting all of the tea bags mailed to his Washington office from protesters across the 10th District. He will let other lawmakers know his constituents are fed up, he said. Read more »

There is an alternative approach to reviving the economy that does not fall squarely on the backs of middle class America. We must allow taxpayers to keep more of their money to provide for their families and save for retirement. We must provide incentives for small businesses to create jobs. Sustained economic growth, not higher taxes and limitless spending, will rebuild the economy of Western North Carolina, and all of America. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C. 10th District, will speak at the Tax Day Tea Party on the Old Courthouse Square in Morganton. The event starts at noon Wednesday. The rally will give local taxpayers an opportunity to exercise their freedom of speech in an event inspired by the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The Burke County Property Owners & Taxpayers Association and other groups are organizing the Ta... Read more »

Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement regarding his vote against H.Con.Res. 85, the House Democrat Budget. “I disagree with the basic premise of the Democrats’ budget plan – which is to tax more, spend more, and borrow more. Their budget raises taxes on all Americans by $1.4 trillion dollars, the largest increase in history. Raising taxes on small businesses and work... Read more »

Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) today offered two amendments to the federal budget proposed by President Barack Obama. Congressman McHenry is a member of the House Budget Committee, which held a markup hearing today where amendments to the budget were considered. Congressman McHenry’s first amendment would create an official website where the American people would be able to review the federal... Read more »

Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement regarding his vote against H.R. 1586. “This is shameless Washington hypocrisy at its worst. President Obama and the Democrats were for AIG bonuses before they were against them. The Administration and their Democrat allies stripped an amendment from the stimulus bill that would have prevented these bonuses. “With Republicans and ... Read more »

Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives sent the letter below to President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Commerce. In anticipation of former Washington Governor Gary Locke’s confirmation hearing, Congressman McHenry asks, “Do you intend to comply with the partisan ambitions of the President or to fulfill y... Read more »

Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement regarding H.R. 1105, the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill. “Last evening, we heard President Obama talk about the need to “make the hard choices to bring down the debt.” The President seemingly understands that a $2 trillion federal deficit will prolong and deepen the economic crisis. “On the heels of the so-called $7... Read more »