Rep. Jon Runyan (NJ-03)

Rep. Jon Runyan (NJ-03)

Notable Headlines

Editorials

Budget Issues

Business and Consumer Issues

Campaign Finance Issues

Crime & Public Safety Issues

Economic and Financial Issues

Education Issues

Energy Issues

Environmental Issues

Ethics Issues

Foreign Policy Issues – Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Gun Issues

Health Care Issues

Immigration and Border Issues

Israel

Labor and Working Family Issues

Other Social Issues

Stem Cells

Tax Issues

Tea Party

Transportation Issues

Women’s Issues

Miscellaneous

2012 Campaign

Notable Headlines

Runyan Backs Boehner [Courier-Post, 7/29/11]

LoBiondo, Runyan support drilling off Atlantic Coast [Courier-Post, 5/10/11]

Dems bash Runyan over special interest fundraiser [Courier-Post, 1/04/11]

Editorials

Inquirer: Calling Your Yard a Farm Doesn’t Make it One

In December 2011, an editorial from thePhiladelphia Inquirercriticized a New Jersey program that provided a 98 percent property tax-break for farmland, and cited abuses of the program.

Runyan’s property taxes on the three acres surrounding his Mount Laurel mansion should be $62,000 but because he chopped wood and raised donkeys on his other 20 acres, his property tax bill was $123.80.

The paper opined, “As a congressman, Runyan votes on tax policy. He knows he holds the public's trust, not a football, in his hands. Accordingly, he should take a pass on accepting a tax break that wasn't meant for homeowners playacting as farmers.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, Editorial12/06/11]

Press of Atlantic City: Farmland Assessments Ripe for Reform

In December 2011, an editorial from the Press of Atlantic City criticized a farmland assessment program in New Jersey that provided a 98 percent tax break on land used for agricultural programs due to loose definitions on the word “farmers”.

The editorial mentioned that “farmers” only needed to earn at least $500 a year for two years from agricultural uses to get the tax break on the portion of land that produced income. The editorial said that the program needed an overhaul and criticized it for making it easier for the wealthy to maintain their estates. The head of the New Jersey Sierra Club said, “If the primary use of a property isn't agriculture, then the farmland assessment shouldn't apply.”[Press of Atlantic City, Editorial, 12/06/11]

Courier-Post: Runyan Should Lead Charge For Veterans’ Issues

In October 2011, a Courier-Post editorial called on Runyan to make veterans’ issues a priority given his seat on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and called for improvements in medical care for wounded or disabled veterans that must come from the federal government.

The editorial pointed to the following statement from Runyan’s website: “The current backlog of claims in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is a disgrace. The backlog is forcing our veterans to deal with too much bureaucratic red-tape to obtain the benefits they earned with their service to our country.” The board said Runyan needed to do more on the issue than merely issuing statements. [Courier-Post, Editorial, 10/14/11]

Budget Issues

Signed Letter Requesting Special Earmarks, Despite GOP Ban

In April 2012, Runyan joined 65 freshman House Republicans in signing a letter requesting that party leadership consider a miscellaneous tariff bill “jampacked with special provisions to suspend duties on various foreign goods, even though it runs counter to the earmark ban Republicans campaigned on in 2010 and instituted when they took power.” [House Ways and Means Committee, Letter, 4/20/12; Politico, 4/24/12]

Supported Legislation Which Prevents Defense Cuts by Cutting Federal Workforce

In January 2012,Runyanasked Obama to “reverse damaging sequestration cuts on the horizon by joining [him] in supporting H.R. 3662, the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act.”

“The Down Payment to Protect National Security Act would prevent a further round of cuts, beyond the $465 billion already announced by the President, from hitting our military as a result of sequestration and is fully offset. H.R. 3662 achieves the first year of savings required in sequestration through attrition in the federal workforce by 10% over ten years.” [YouTube, uploaded1/24/12]

Runyan: Obama’s Defense Cuts Are ‘Scary’

In January 2012, Runyan said President’ Obama’s defense cuts of $487 billion over 10 years were “scary.”

“I can tell you it’s scary because I do sit on the (House) Readiness Subcommittee,” he said. “In dealing with the threats out there nationwide, there’s a lot of questions of, ‘Are we prepared to deal with Iran? And help our allies in Israel defend themselves against Iran? Are we prepared to deal with the Japanese and the threat that China poses to them?’ Those are a lot of questions and I don’t think a lot of people can give you a straight answer on them. Because I don’t think we are prepared for it.”

Despite the cuts, Runyan said that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was positioned to endure budget cuts and would continue to thrive.

“I think that base is going to continue to grow. I can tell you, the more we grow it, the further down that BRAC (Base Closure and Realignment Commission) list it comes,” Runyan said. [Asbury Park Press, 1/11/12]

Hosted Armed Services Discussion with Area Defense Contractors

In December 2011, Runyan hosted a meeting of Area defense contractors centered on Defense Department procurement policies and other regulations impacting contracting with the Pentagon.

Runyan said the meeting brought to light several issues small businesses faced when working with the Defense Department.

“It’s all about jobs,” he said.“Small businesses are the ones that create most of them, and our discussions centered on what Congress can do to make that easier. Sometimes it can take years. There are some frustrations about how the process continues to work…People don’t think about defense, but it’s really the last manufacturing base this country has.”[phillyburbs.com, 12/11/11]

Said Federal Cuts to the DOD Budget Would Be Devastating

In November 2011, Runyan criticized automatic defense cuts that would come with the failure of the Super Committee and said that they would cost over a million potential US jobs and would harm national defense.

Runyan said, “I don’t think that the world, as we sit here, is getting any safer, whether you’re talking Iran and their nuclear capabilities or you’re talk about the rest of the Middle East. Again, we look at our ability to defend this country and I think it’s in question.” [wobmam.com, 11/23/11]

Earmarked $3 Million for Airborne Reconnaissance Systems

In February 2011, Runyan earmarked $9.311 million in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act to improve airborne reconnaissance capabilities.

The funds provided for the development and integration and operational assessment of components for the EP-3E and P-3 Special Projects Aircraft, maintained and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, which has a facility in Moorestown in Runyan’s district. [mccaskill.senate.gov, H.R.1540, Amdt. 15]

Earmarked $20 Million for Maintenance and Production Facilities

In February 2011, Runyan earmarked $20 million in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act for maintenance and production facilities at Fort Dix, located in his district. [mccaskill.senate.gov, H.R.1540, Amdt. 120]

Earmarked $5 Million for Munitions Account

In February 2011, Runyan earmarked $5 million in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act to an Army munitions account for “enhanced survivability and lethality systems deployment”.

The project received $5,000 in funding in FY10 but was not on the budget for FY12. [mccaskill.senate.gov, H.R.1540, Amdt. 143]

Opposed Cantor’s Efforts to Tie Disaster Relief With Budget Cuts

In September 2011, Runyan spoke out against Rep. Eric Cantor’s efforts to tie disaster relief with budget cuts.

In a statement, Runyan said that “now is not the time for a budget debate when so many people and communities are still under water and many without power. While I respect Majority Leader Cantor and share his commitment to spending discipline, my focus right now is making sure hard-hit areas in New Jersey receive the necessary federal resources they need in order to recover.” [rollcall.com, 09/02/11]

Voted for Final Debt Ceiling Compromise Legislation

In August 2011, Runyan voted for the final debt ceiling compromise legislation, the Budget Control Act of 2011.

The framework would cut $917 billion in spending over a decade, raise the debt limit initially by $900 billion and assign a special congressional committee, with members from the House and the Senate and appointed by congressional leadership, to find another $1.5 trillion in deficit savings by late November.

If Congress met that deadline and deficit target, or voted to send a balanced budget amendment to the states, the debt ceiling would be raised an additional $1.5 trillion. The plan guaranteed a vote on the balanced budget amendment between October and the end of 2011.

If Congress failed to take either step, or debt savings of at least $1.2 trillion were not produced, the plan allows the president to obtain a $1.2 trillion debt ceiling increase. That would trigger automatic spending cuts across the government – including in defense and Medicare – to take effect starting in 2013. The Medicare cuts would only affect Provider reimbursements. The legislation included no revenue increases.

The bill was passed by the full House, 269-161. [Bloomberg, 8/01/11; S 356, 8/01/11]

Voted Against Reid’s Debt Ceiling Plan

In July 2011, Runyan voted against Sen. Harry Reid’s plan to raise the debt ceiling.

Reid’s plan called for raising the debt limit by $2.4 trillion, requiring no additional debt ceiling vote until after the 2012 election.

The plan included $1.2 trillion in discretionary spending cuts over 10 years, mandatory spending cuts of $100 billion, $1 trillion in savings from winding down combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and $400 billion in interest savings. The legislation included no revenue increases.

The CBO score of Reid’s plan said it would reduce the deficit by $2.2 trillion. The bill was rejected by the full House, 173-246. [New York Times, 7/25/11; HR 2693, 7/30/11]

Voted in Favor of Boehner’s Debt Ceiling Plan

In July 2011, Runyan voted in favor of Speaker John Boehner’s plan to raise the debt ceiling.

Boehner’s plan called for an immediate debt ceiling raise of $900 billion, spending cuts of $917 billion over 10 years, and an additional debt ceiling vote in six months. The legislation contained no revenue increases.

Under Boehner’s plan, the second debt ceiling raise was conditional on the passage of a balanced budget amendment by both Houses of Congress and the creation of a select joint committee on deficit reduction.

The CBO score of Boehner’s plan said it would reduce the deficit by $850 billion. The bill was approved by the full house, 218-210. [ABC News, 7/29/11; S 627, 7/29/11]

Supported Boehner in Debt Ceiling Debate

In July 2011, Runyan told Speaker Boehner “I’ve got your back,” referring to the debt ceiling debate, during a closed-door caucus meeting. [cnn.com, 7/26/11]

Urged President to Pay Military Salaries and Medicare and Social Security Recipients in the Case of a Debt Default

In July 2011, Runyan was one of 60 lawmakers that sent a letter to President Obama urging him to continue paying military salaries and Social Security and Medicare recipients in the event the nation’s debt ceiling is not raised.

Runyan said, “No one wants to see the U.S. default on its debt, but telling Americans that the government will be unable to make these payments is a scare tactic by this administration and shows a lack of leadership…regardless of whether a final agreement is reached by Aug. 2, CBO figures indicate that revenues will continue to come into federal coffers.” [phillyburbs.com, 7/17/11]

Voted to Restore Funding to ACE Flood Controls and Coastal Emergencies Program

In July 2011, Runyan voted for HR 2354, the FY 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which among other things, restores the funding level for the Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) account to $27 million for fiscal year 2012.

Runyan said, “I am thrilled that I was able to help pass a bill that cuts spending and reduces the deficit while also restoring funding for emergency coastal repair projects. This funding has been critical in helping coastal towns rebuild their beaches and infrastructure after they have been decimated by coastal storms, especially those on Long Beach Island.” [Toms River News, 7/19/11]

Voted in Favor of Cut, Cap and Balance Plan

In July 2011, Runyan voted in favor of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, legislation requiring deep spending cuts, a federal spending cap and a balanced budget amendment in order to raise the federal debt ceiling.

Under Cut, Cap and Balance, discretionary spending in fiscal year 2012 would be reduced below fiscal year 2008 levels except for Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans affairs. The plan provided a universal spending cap after 2012. The legislation contained no revenue increases.

The bill was approved by the full House, 234-190. [New York Times, 7/21/11; HR 2560, 7/19/11]

Voted Against Clean Debt Ceiling Raise

In May 2011, Runyan voted against HR 1954, a clean federal debt ceiling raise of $2.4 trillion. The bill was rejected by the full House, 97-318.

Runyan said, “Today I voted with a majority of my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle against unconditionally raising the nation's debt ceiling,” Runyan said. “To take on any more debt without a meaningful, long-term plan to substantially reduce federal spending, grow our economy and create jobs is simply irresponsible. We must stop saddling our children and grandchildren for generations to come with debt they will never be able to repay.” [HR 1954, 5/31/11; Runyan Press Release, 5/31/11]

Claimed that not Passing a Budget in 2011 Was a Political Move by Democrats

In March 2011, Runyan claimed that the failure of the House Democrats to pass, or even propose a budget for FY 2011 was a calculated move to ensure that incumbent Democrats running for re-election wouldn’t take any tough votes on spending. [The State Column, 3/28/11]

Supported the Continued Use of the V-22 Osprey

In 2011, Runyan supported the continued use of the V-22 Osprey by the military.

“The V-22 aircraft is a crucial program in our nation’s military arsenal,” said Runyan.

“In addition, the Boeing facility plays an important economic role in the surrounding communities of the Delaware Valley... The plant’s success remains intertwined with the future of our region and our nation.” [Runyan Press Release, 3/22/11]

Business and Consumer Issues

Runyan Named to Three Committees

In January 2011, Runyan was tapped to chair the subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in the Veterans Affairs committee. He also was named to the Health subcommittee. Runyan will also serve on two House Armed Services subcommittees: Tactical Air & Land and Readiness, and he will sit on the Natural Resources committee. [Asbury Park Press, 1/21/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

Raised $244,800 in 2011 Q3

In October 2011, Runyan reported raising $244,800 in Q3, making his fundraising total a little under $600,000.

Runyan still does not have a Democratic opponent and does not yet know the new boundaries of his district. He was recently selected for the NRCC Patriot Program, about which he said, “I am grateful for all of the donations made to my campaign, especially for the contributions from individual New Jerseyans. My main focus, however, remains doing the job voters sent me to Washington to do: reducing out-of-control spending, growing our economy, and fostering a climate that allows businesses to create the jobs New Jerseyans need.” [phillyburbs.com, 10/17/11]

Reported Campaign Contributions from Koch Industries, Boehner, and Local Industry

In July 2011, Runyan reported $2,500 in campaign contributions from Koch Industries, $5,000 from Boehner’s The Freedom Project, and $2,000 from Exelon PAC. Exelon owns and operated a local Nuclear General Station scheduled to close in 2019. Runyan has advocated for construction of a new plant. [Jon Runyan for Congress, 2011 July Quarterly FEC Report, Filed 7/14/11]

Took $500 from Goldman Sachs

In February 2011, Politico Reported that Runyan had taken $500 from the Goldman Sachs Political Action Committee. [Politico – Huddle, 2/22/11]

Runyan’s First D.C. Fundraiser Cost $80,000

In January 2011, Runyan was part of a group of freshman Republicans who held a swanky fundraiser at the W Hotel in Downtown Washington, DC. The fundraiser cost $80,000, which included $25,000 to have LeAnn Rimes perform, $22,000 for catering and lighting and $10,000 for “floral expense and event design.” [Politico, 1/31/11]

Runyan Hosted Lavish GOP Fundraiser Immediately Upon Arriving in Washington

Before being sworn in as a Congressman, Runyan hosted a GOP fundraiser at the posh W Hotel in Washington, DC, immediately undermining the Republican message of fiscal responsibility. The event was paid for the PAC America’s New Majority, of which Runyan was a member. The event cost $2,500 a plate, offered a $50,000 VIP package and featured music star LeAnn Rimes as the night’s entertainment. [Fox News, 1/04/11]

Crime& Public Safety Issues

Economic and Financial Issues

Supported Legislation Which Prevents Defense Cuts by Cutting Federal Workforce

In January 2012,Runyanasked Obama to “reverse damaging sequestration cuts on the horizon by joining [him] in supporting H.R. 3662, the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act.”

Said American Jobs Act Did Not Create Long Term Jobs

In November 2011, Runyan criticized the American Jobs Act and said it included too many unfunded programs and did not create long term jobs.

Runyan said, “Ultimately, it comes down to deficit spending and that’s why that jobs bill hasn’t went anywhere. There’s only been two people in the House of Representatives to sign on to the President’s Jobs Bill. It is that toxic because it does look like stimulus two.” [wobmam.com, 11/23/11]