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What is the logical extension of a decision that it is constitutional to utilize a drone by our military to strike at the life of an American citizen here in the United States? And I would say, if the Senator would agree with me, most Americans would find it repulsive, unconstitutional, a terrible violation of public duty if a military officer on the streets of Wichita, KS, pulled a gun and shot an American citizen.
Really, is that not the logical extension of the idea that a drone strike from above results in the death of a U.S. citizen without due process? Is that any different than the ability to kill somebody in any other manner that I think most Americans would recognize today as prohibited without due process of law by our Constitution?
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We are here at this point in time in the juncture of the Senate with the issue of whether to confirm a particular individual to a particular office, an administrative appointment. I would ask the Senator if he doesn't believe the issue of the due process rights of American citizens is of such a magnitude that the real issue that ought to be before the Senate is not the confirmation of an individual, but we ought to resolve the issue of whether the Senate believes it is constitutional for the due process rights of an American citizen to be taken by a drone strike here in the United States, and the opportunity now presents itself that it would be a reason not to grant cloture. Let me ask it as a question. Would it not be a reason to grant cloture on this nomination until we resolve this issue?
Sen. Moran Reaction to Keystone XL Pipeline Environmental Assessment
"With the release of this draft analysis, the Administration has an opportunity to do something good for the energy security of our country and for job creation."
Mar 01 2013
Sen. Moran Meets with the Federal Aviation Administration's UAS Integration Office Manager
Feb 28 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement in regard to hosting Jim Williams, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integration Office Manager with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
“Today, it was good to speak with UAS Integration Office Manager Jim Williams. The FAA is responsible for integrating UAS platforms into our national airspace, and I wanted to become better acquainted with their process and the people who oversee the undertaking.
“Mr. Williams and I discussed the incredible progress Kansas is making in UAS’ emerging aviation enterprise. Kansas already boasts the necessary attributes to manage UAS activities: airspace for UAS operations; multiple airport support facilities; university research and development on sensors, airframes, and engines; university flight and operations training; and avionics development and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the economic growth and impact the UAS industry could have for Kansas is immeasurable. The FAA still has much to do to make certain UAS is properly incorporated and accounted for in our skies, and I look forward to future updates.”
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As we all know, our country faces tremendous fiscal challenges. We’d expect our President, our leaders, and those of us in Congress to engage in a meaningful and honest discussion about debt, deficits, and the direction of our nation. Unfortunately, I think what Americans—certainly Kansans—are hearing from the White House and from some prominent Democrats is a relentless focus on political gimmicks to solve our problems.
An example of one of those is the so-called corporate jet loophole. We are focused on that instead of a serious plan to address the looming sequestration cuts that threaten to harm our economy. The President's fixation on corporate jets stands in direct contrast with his supposed desire to help the aviation industry and create jobs. Ending accelerated depreciation schedule for general aviation aircraft will send hundreds if not thousands of hard-working Kansans straight to the unemployment line. My State is blessed with a significant number of people who work in the aviation industry.
Even the rhetoric is dangerous. It is certainly hypocritical. The five year depreciation schedule has been law for nearly a quarter of a century, and it was not created for the benefit of the “rich” or “wealthy” but was created for the benefit of the 1.2 million Americans who make a living building and servicing these airplanes. Accelerated depreciation helps spur manufacturing and creates jobs.
I am disappointed that the President continues his endless campaign to score political points rather than to work toward a real solution to solve our nation's fiscal challenges. When 23 million Americans are looking for work, our government's first priority should be to create an environment where business can grow and hire additional workers. Increasing taxes on corporate jets and other general aviation aircraft sales will only further stifle economic recovery and result in additional job losses.
According to our Joint Committee on Taxation, closing the “loophole,” would only generate $3 billion in revenue over the next ten years, less than the government borrows on a single day. Kansans in particular, along with the rest of rural America, would be negatively impacted by any change in the depreciation schedules for noncommercial aircraft. Farmers use general aviation aircraft to dust their crops, and rural small business owners rely on these planes to connect their businesses with the rest of the world. It makes no sense for a commercial jumbo jet liner to be depreciated on the same schedule as a farmer's air tractor.
This distinction between general and commercial aircraft is neither a loophole nor unique, as the five year depreciation schedule is applicable to many other depreciable transportation assets, such as cars and trucks. If the President wants Congress to review the depreciation periods associated with certain assets, then why single out one specific industry instead of taking a comprehensive approach? Because attacking corporate jets is apparently a nice political sound bite. But political sound bites don't solve our problems.
Because of the expiration of the Bush tax cuts on January 1 of this year, President Obama received $600 billion in tax hikes to help fund his vision for government expansion, and less than two months later he is back on the campaign stump asking American taxpayers for more. While the amount of revenue our government currently brings in is near historical averages, spending remains well above those historical norms and is projected to escalate dramatically in the years ahead. It is long past time to address the real problem with meaningful spending reductions, and every moment spent talking about corporate jet loopholes is a wasted moment.
Americans expect leadership from their elected officials here in Washington, D.C. If we fail to take action now and leave it for a future President and a future Congress to solve, we will reduce the opportunities of the next generation to experience the country we know and love, and we will diminish the chance that every American has the chance to pursue the American Dream.
