Press Office of Warren Harding

[warrenharding]

Syria

Foreign fighters crossing into Iraq from Syria cannot be allowed to continue. It undermines our goals in Iraq and threatens stability in the Middle East. This needs to stop immediately. If it does not, I support a declaration of war against Syria.

The decline in military recruitment

The decline in military recruiting is of serious concern. We need to work with the President and the Department of Defense to overcome this decline.

[warrenharding]

China and U.S. patent violations

We cannot allow China to violate our patents. I encourage the President to examine various solutions to the problem. I would hope that the WTO could use it's influence to resolve the problem. If they are unable to, we must examine punishment through economic means.

Guest Worker Treaty of 2008

This treaty appears to be a step in the right direction. We definitely need to discourage illegal immigration and encourage and control legal immigration. I look forward to hearing the opinions of other Senators on the treaty.

[warrenharding]

Air strikes against Syria

I applaud the President's actions. This is something that we could not allow to continue. Strong leadership is required when diplomacy fails. The President showed us strong leadership and our troops are safer because of it.

Decline in military recruitment

The situation is deteriorating in the Middle East. Now we need to address the declining numbers in our military recruitment. With tensions growing between the United States and Syria, as well as Iran, the need for additional troops will increase.

It is my hope that the President and the Secretary of Defense is looking into this problem and will advise the US Senate on possible solutions in the next day or two.

A rift in the GOP?

Contrary to the article in the WaPo, there is no rift in the Republican Party. To believe otherwise is absurd. I value Senator Owen William's opinion on all matters. We may disagree from time to time. That is good for the political process because it encourages spirited debate. In the end, we just want was is in the best interests of the United States.

Longshoremen threaten to strike

I agree with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. They need to remain on the job until both sides can reach an agreement. It is too important to the economy.

If a strike does occur, we need to be prepared to act quickly. A strike will have a negative impact on our economy.

Senator Williams, our new Majority Leader

I would like to congratulate Senator Williams on his election to lead our party in the US Senate.

His more moderate record will be an asset in resolving conflicts between the Democrats and Republicans in legislation and will unite the Senate as we face current and future challenges.

I look forward to working with him.

[warrenharding]

Resignation of Secretary of Defense John McCain

Today, the Department of Defense lost a giant. I wish Mr. McCain a speedy recovery and hope that we may turn to him for advice on defense matters.

Appointment of Avery Adams to be Secretary of Defense

I appaud the President's appointment of Avery Adams to be Secretary of Defense. Mr. Adams has an impeccable resume and will be an asset to the Administration and Department of Defense. I look forward to working with him during these challenging times for our military.

[warrenharding]

2009 Budget

At first reading, I find the budget acceptable. I understand that many of my colleagues may have issues with it. I look forward to working with my fellow Republicans and Democrats to resolve any issues and pass a budget, in as close to present form as it is, in a quick manner.

Fact-finding mission to Iraq

I look forward to the upcoming fact-finding mission in Iraq. It will be a great opportunity to see the successes of our operations in Iraq and to also see the areas where we need to make improvements.

While in Iraq, it will give me and the new Secretary of Defense, Avery Adams time to discuss ways that we can improve the security of our troops and the other areas of the operations.

I will also be taking along a couple of boxes of letters for the troops that were written by students from central Ohio schools.

[warrenharding]

Balanced Budget Amendment and the Line-item Veto Bill

Today, I introduced the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Line-item Veto bill to the US Senate.

Both are very important to the future of our economy. It requires the President to submit a balanced budget and gives the President the power to veto certain parts of an otherwise acceptable budget.

Both the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Line-item Veto bill are major steps forward in the future goal of fiscal responsibility.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass these two very important pieces of legislation very quickly.