JOHN FLEMING (LA-04) Top Headlines

Politico: Left blogs stew over Fleming's $400K [Politico, 9/20/11] Yahoo News: Rep. John Fleming fields criticism over 600K income [Yahoo, 9/20/11] KTBS: Fleming says he can't afford a tax increase [KTBS, 9/20/11] National Journal: GOP Congressman Scraping By on Only $400,000 After Taxes [National Journal, 9/20/11] Huffington Post: John Fleming, GOP Congressman, Blasts Obama Over Buffett Rule: I Can't Afford A Tax Hike [Huffington Post, 9/19/11] The Hill: Rep. Fleming: 'Class warfare's never created a job' [The Hill, 9/19/11] ABC News - Rep. Fleming Says He Has Only $200K to Feed His Family [ABC News, 9/21/11] Times-Picayune - Rep. John Fleming of Louisiana catches flak for income remarks [TimesPicayune, 9/20/11]

Editorials Notable Quotes

By the time I feed my family, I have, you know, maybe $400,000 left over. [MSNBC, 9/19/11] Note: The DCCC has this video on file.

Top Video
By the time I feed my family, I have, you know, maybe $400,000 left over. [MSNBC, 9/19/11] Note: The DCCC has this video on file.

Budget Issues
Concerned Over Automatic Defense Cuts In November 2011, Fleming expressed concerns about automatic defense spending cuts from the supercommittee failure and the impact on military bases in Louisiana. Fleming said, We should not be looking to our Defense Department to shoulder more massive cuts just because a committee meeting behind closed doors in Washington couldn't strike a deal." Fleming voted against the final debt deal. [Shreveport Times, 11/22/11] Fleming Said Its Not As Simple As You Might Think to Balancing the Budget

In August 2011, Rep. Fleming discussed the complications of balancing the federal budget. According to KPLCtv.com, Fleming said, "It's very challenging. It's not as simple as you might think to balance a budget under the current circumstances that we have," Fleming said on the national budget.
[KPLCtv.com, 8/19/11]

Fleming Compared Nay-Vote Congressmen on Balanced Budget to Drug Addicts In November 2011, Fleming voted for the Balanced Budget Amendment. In his statement after the vote he compared the government in general and the Congressmen who voted nay on the Balanced Budget Amendment to drug addicts. This body is hopelessly addicted to excessive spending and budget deficits; hopelessly. On the other side, those who argue that we should not have a Balanced Budget Amendment are hopelessly in denial, just like a drug addict is in denial about their addiction. We have 535 members, if you include the Senate, that compete with one another to see how much money we can spend. And we have an executive branch that does the same; Republican or Democrat, it doesnt matter. We all do the same thing. Theres absolutely no control or governor, if you will, on our excessive spending. [] Were addicted to spending. Were in denial about this and its time that we do something. I stand in support of H.J. Res 2, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Frankly, I would like to see a more restrictive form; a more severe form that controls the possibility of added taxes. But, I will vote for this. Later, Fleming continued: When I talk about we being addicted to spending Im talking about everyone in Congress and the executive branch. Im not pointing fingers at any one group of people. But I will say that those who are unwilling to do something about it, by supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment, are in a clear state of denial. [Fleming.house.gov, 11/18/11]

Business and Consumer Issues

Fleming Operated Subway and UPS stores In August 2011, the National Journal reported Rep. Flemings jobs before being in Congress. The National Journal reported, Fleming once operated 30 Subway restaurants and had a stake in 130 UPS stores, from Mississippi to Texas. [National Journal, 8/26/11] Fleming: Received 87% from Heritage Action for America Based on 30 key votes from January-August 2011, Fleming received a 87% score from the Heritage Action for America. [Heritage Action for America, accessed 9/6/11]

Campaign 2012 Issues

Fleming Considered Climate in Washington one of the Most Divided Yet
2

In September 2011, Fleming called the political climate in Washington a bipolar political community. The Republicans are more conservative than they have ever been, whereas the Democrats are more liberal than ever before. [Shreveport Times, 9/27/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

Fleming Received $6.3 Million from Companies

In 2010, Rep. Fleming accrued $6.3 million in profits from his Subway restaurants and other business investments. The Wall Street Journal reported, Rep. John reported that he received more than $6.3 million last year from dozens of Subway restaurants, UPS Store franchises and real-estate partnerships. In lieu of a salary, he takes profits from his companies at the end of the year. One Subway franchise company produced more than $5 million in income last year, according to his financial-disclosure form.Mr. Fleming said in an interview he spends very little time on day-to-day management, though he weighs in on broad strategy decisions. I monitor the reports. I'm certainly in communication with the managers, he said. [Wall Street
Journal, 9/19/11]

Fleming Filed October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report In October 2011, Fleming for Congress filed its October 2011 Quarterly FEC Report. Fleming raised $100,824.37 in the 3rd quarter of 2011, has $405,221.19 cash on hand and spent $94,230.83. Fleming received $47,000.00 from PACs and has $495,600.00 in personal loans. [Fleming for Congress, filed 10/13/11]. Contributions of Note: Received $2000 from the UPS PAC. IN September 2011, Fleming received $2000 from the UPS PAC. Expenditures of Note: Repaid $30,000 in Personal Loans. In July and August 2011, Fleming repaid $30,000 in personal loan from his 2008 election. He still has $495,600 in loans owed to his campaign. Refunded $4400 Contribution to ERIC PAC. In September 2011, Fleming for Congress refunded $4400 to ERIC PAC.

Congressional Issues
Fleming spent $2,057.02 on Private Transportation

From April-June 2011, Rep. John Fleming was reimbursed $2057.02 for private mileage. [2011 2nd Quarter
Statements of Disbursement, 7/5/11]

Fleming Spent $1,639.31 on Travel Subsistence From April- June 2011, Rep. John Fleming was reimbursed $1,639.31 for travel subsistence. [2011 2nd
Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 7/5/11]

Fleming Spent $32,159.76 on Mass Mailings From July-September 2011, Fleming spent $32,159.76 on mass mailings and distributed 80,549 pieces at $.10 per household. [2011 3nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 10/5/11]

Fleming took $970 trip to Fort Worth, TX Courtesy of AEPC From August 15 to August 17 2011, Fleming traveled to Fort Worth, Texas paid for by the American Exploration and Production Council. AEPC spent a total of $974.05 on the trip, $708.87 on transportation, $218 on lodging, and $47.18 on meals. [Clerk of the House Travel Disclosure, 8/24/11]

Crime & Public Safety Issues Economic and Financial Issues

Received A+ Grade From Americans for Prosperity In January 2011, Americans for Prosperity scored the most important economic votes of the first session of the 112th Congress. Representative Fleming received a grade of A+ from Americans for Prosperity.
[Americans for Prosperity 112th Congress Mid Term Scorecard,1/2012]

AFP Founded In 2003 By David H. Koch. The New York Times wrote about David H. Koch, noting that in 2003 he helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which supports free-market policies and promotes government spending limits. It split off from an earlier Koch-backed enterprise, now called FreedomWorks, which promotes similar goals. [New York
Times, 7/10/08]

Americans for Prosperity Funded, Run by Koch Industries Executives. Americans for Prosperity was founded by David H. Koch, one of the wealthiest men in America and the executive vice president and board member of Koch Industries, which was founded by his father. Recently, Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity. In 2009, AFP President Tim Phillips said Koch launched our organization. The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said, What we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which has been active in various forms for nearly 30 years. [New York Times, 7/10/08; MSNBC, 3/31/10; Politico, 10/14/08,
Washington Examiner, 7/18/10; Washington Independent, 10/5/09]

Fleming: Held Debt Forum

In August 2011, Rep. Fleming held a debt forum in Shreverport for his constituents. Flemings office released the following, (Rep. Fleming) will be hosting a forum on our nation's spending and debt tomorrow (Tuesday - August 16) with Senator David Vitter at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Auditorium in Shreveport. This will be a great opportunity to hear from our constituents on these very important issues and how to get our countrys finances under control. [Congressman Fleming, 8/15/11]

Education Issues
Derided Spending Bill Aimed at Improving Schools in His District
In September 2011, Fleming said he does not think the American Jobs Act will create jobs in Louisiana. The Shreveport Times that Caddo Parish Public Schools could get a much-needed $40.1 million in federal funds to repair and rejuvenate its aging school buildings as part of President Barack Obama's American Jobs Act [] For Louisiana, the projected allocation is $516.8 million with an additional $40.7 million for community colleges. After reading the bill, Rep. John Fleming, R-La., said he thinks it does not truly create jobs as the president contends. This 'jobs' bill does nothing about creating jobs, he said. It is just another stimulus bill under the veil of a 'jobs' bill plagued with more tax increases. We need serious solutions to job creation that will not bankrupt future generations. [Shreveport Times, 9/25/11]

Energy Issues Environmental Issues Ethics Issues Foreign Policy Issues Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea Gay and Lesbian Issues Gun Issues Health Care Issues
Sent Mailing to Constituents Against Affordable Care Act In January 2012, Fleming sent out a four page glossy newsletter titled What does the Presidents health care law mean for your family?

The mailer included a return postcard to get voter input on cutting taxes, balancing the budget, and health care reform. The mailer appeared to meet guidelines of franking privileges, as it avoided references to party affiliation. [Shreveport Times, 1/12/12] Touted Availability of Emergency Room Care In 2011, Fleming touted the ability of Americans to go to emergency rooms and not pay their bills once they leave. Fleming, who has been a doctor for 35 years, went on to say that the ability to be treated at any emergency room shows that there is a difference between coverage and access to care. Anyone who wishes can report to any emergency room in this country and receive care. Now, they may receive a bill, but if they pay that bill or not, they can still return for care, said Fleming. Canada and UK Find Death Rate from Lack of Treatment Acceptable Now lets move to Canada and the U.K. where they have supposedly 100 percent of coverage [] its perfectly acceptable in these countries to have a death rate from lack of treatment, said Fleming. [Fleming Floor Remarks on King Amendment 267 to HR1, 2/18/11] Fleming Would Reluctantly Support Raising Premiums on TRICARE In September 2011, Fleming said he would be reluctant to support any increase in the premiums military personnel pay for their health care under TRICARE, despite the fact that the premiums have not increased since the programs inception in 1997. He did admit later that some nominal increase in premiums may be required. [Shreveport Times, 9/27/11]

Immigration and Border Issues

Fleming Cautiously Defends Illegal Immigration In September 2011, in response to a question about illegal immigration, Fleming deviated from the party line by offering an example when illegal immigrants have helped communities in Louisiana: unskilled and semi-skilled workers usually fill jobs that employers have been unable to find U.S. workers for. He referenced the tree-cutting and planting industries in Shreveport, saying many of those employers have been unable to find others willing to do that work. [Shreveport Times, 9/27/11]

Israel
Fleming: Obama Administration should be ashamed of its treatment of Israel In September 2011, Fleming said, Israel is a beacon of democracy in the Middle- East and one of our oldest allies. [] And our president requires their prime minister to come in the back door." He

supports peace between the Palestinians and Israel, but maintained that the 1967 borders Obama supports are indefensible. [Shreveport Times, 9/27/11]

Labor and Working Family Issues Other Social Issues Stem Cells Tax Issues
Fleming Defended Tax Rate of Millionaires In September 2011, Fleming supported the view that as the government looks into a possible tax hike for the wealthy, that won't leave millionaires enough to feed [their] families, even as their businesses pay taxes too. Fleming also argued that the income of business owners is the money that is used to reinvest in the company. [KTAL, 9/28/11]

Tea Party
Fleming Was Member of Bachmanns Tea Party Caucus In September 2011, Rep. Fleming was a member of Rep. Michele Bachmanns tea party caucus. According to Politico, Only 15 of the 80 freshman House Republicans have signed up for Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmanns Tea Party Caucus, accounting for a quarter of the 60 official tea party Republicans in the House. That also means freshmen, who account for one-third of the House Republican Conference, are under-represented in the Tea Party Caucus []While the 15 tea party House freshmen voted against the partys position more often than all other lawmakers about 13.5 percent to about 12.25 percent the full set of Tea Party Caucus members voted with the party position more often than folks who dont identify with the group. [Politico, 9/14/11; Politico House Vote Analysis, accessed 9/16/11]

Transportation Issues Womens Issues

Fleming: Life Begins at Conception In February 2011, on the House floor, Fleming said in support of the Pence Amendment, I can tell you as a scientist and as a physician that life begins at conception, and that is often forgotten in this Chamber right here.I have seen people get more upset about a dying pet than they have in giving up their pregnancy through abortion. [Fleming Floor Remarks on Pence Amendment to HR1, 2/17/11]
7

Fleming was a co-sponsor of H.R. 374, the Life at Conception Act On January 20, 2011, Fleming became a co-sponsor of the Life at Conception Act. According to the Library of Congress, the Life at Conception Act declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. [Library of Congress, accessed 11/10/11]