McCarthy Announces America Speaking Out

Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy gave the following remarks during the introduction of America Speaking Out, an official effort of House Republicans to involve the American people in creating a new policy agenda for the 111th Congress. Congressman McCarthy is heading up the project, which gives Americans a chance to have their voices heard in setting the nation's policy priorities and crafting a new governing agenda rooted in principles of smaller, more accountable government:

"There is nothing more powerful and inspirational than the common voice of the common man.

"The town meeting in the public square symbolized accountability at its finest – where ordinary people could question and challenge their leaders – and their leaders could learn what really mattered to those they served.

"But over time, something went wrong. Elected leaders drifted away from the people they represented, and the people themselves grew cynical about the democratic process. People stopped attending town hall meetings, and many even stopped voting, thinking their votes didn't matter anymore, and neither did their voices.

"Then something happened last summer. In every corner of this country, people started to gather – first in small groups, and then in larger and larger crowds. They acted individually and independently, but their message was the same: Listen.

"And now, finally, we want America to know – we're listening. That's why we're introducing America Speaking Out – a 21st century innovation that will revolutionize the relationship people have with Congress.

"This is our effort, a Republican effort, to change the course of history and the policies in Washington, to return to 300 million Americans their voice in the way they are governed. We recognize that Americans don't want an agenda imposed on them from Washington. They know that the best ideas don't come from Washington. They come from the people.

"America Speaking Out will return to them their voice – and we're ready to listen. What we do here matters. And it will matter even more if we commit ourselves to being ambitious in our goals and determined in our pursuit of them.

"The conversation will address the issues that matter most to the people: jobs, spending, national security, and whatever is on the minds of the people.

"But instead of debates behind closed doors, which has happened far too often in the last 18 months, we're throwing open the doors and letting a little sunshine in. We're giving Americans an opportunity to have their voices heard.

"The initial phase of engagement that we are launching today will take place through the web, mobile apps, Facebook and other social media, as well as traditional town hall meetings over the upcoming weeks. We will gather ideas from all corners of America and engage in a civil discussion about our nation's challenges. We want to empower every American to provide these ideas as easy as texting on their phone, going on Facebook, or in person.

"A central part of America Speaking Out is a new innovative web forum, where all citizens can submit their ideas for a new agenda, regardless of party affiliation and whether we agree with them or not. To create AmericaSpeakingOut.com, we went looking for the best online tools available. I traveled to Washington State and discovered a Microsoft program that was used to help NASA map the moon. This impressive technology is easy to use and secure. We will protect privacy of all our participants, and ensure that the conversation is civil.

"Our conference will be heavily involved in the nationwide debate, running discussions on a variety of issues that the American people want to engage in. And we will not just see America as it is today. We will imagine America as it could and should be tomorrow.

"Finally, after this conversation and debate, we will introduce these ideas. This will be our public commitment – a set of priorities and principles that will make up our governing agenda. The American people have committed themselves to playing an active role in their future. And in return, we will commit to creating a government based around the fundamental principle of accountability and whose primary mission will be to ensure that every American will have the opportunity to achieve financial security, and leave for their children a better life than their own.

"So, here it is - America speaks out at AmericaSpeakingOut.com."

Related:

Congressman McCarthy on CNN's Situation Room
Congressman McCarthy on MSNBC's Morning Joe

America Speaking Out website: www.americaspeakingout.com

As part of an effort to engage the American people in a conversation about the challenges they'd like Congress to address, Congressman Kevin McCarthy will host an America Speaking Out Town Hall on June 2, 2010 at the Kern County Board of Supervisors Chambers.

Time:
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (PST), doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Place:
Kern County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Background:

• America Speaking Out is an effort by the House Republican Conference to engage Americans across the country and give them a voice in creating a new agenda for Congress.
• Under Democratic control, there has been a growing disconnect between the priorities of the American public and the agenda that is debated in Washington.
• To give power back to the American people and restore these broken bonds of trust, House Republicans are asking all Americans to be a part of building a new governing agend
• America Speaking Out is an effort to open the back rooms and closed doors that have defined Congress and allow Americans to be a part of drafting a governing agenda from the start.
• Through America Speaking Out, House Republicans will:
  • Solicit ideas and priorities from all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.
  • Provide an innovative online forum for policy debate and idea generation.
  • Get outside of Washington to talk about policy solutions at town hall meetings across the nation.
  • Discuss how Republican principles of freedom and smaller government can be applied to the priorities of the American people.
  • In time, produce a new agenda for America guided by this open process and built on our conservative principles.
  • Demonstrate that we should pursue different policies and operate the House more responsibly than both Democrats and previous Republican Congresses.
• Earlier this year, Congressman Kevin McCarthy was selected by Republican Leader John Boehner to lead a new initiative by House Republicans to engage the American people and put forth a set of positive policy solutions that will lead to a new governing agenda.