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Rep. Wolf Retires From The House 

Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA), a true "warrior" in defense of religious liberty, has announced he will not run for re-election in 2014. That's the bad news. The good news is that the congressman made it clear that he was not leaving the battle but only leaving the House. 

The statement released by Rep. Wolf makes it clear where his heart is. He said: 
 

• "As a follower of Jesus, I am called to work for justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom -- both domestic and international -- as well as matters of the culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Ronald Reagan, former Congressmen Jack Kemp and Tony Hall, Chuck Colson, and the life of 18th century Member of Parliament William Wilberforce."

Frank Wolf has been tireless in fighting Christian persecution here and abroad. He has regularly confronted the threat of radical Islam. He took on the violation of human rights in Russia, China and everywhere else where the "boot of oppression" robs human beings of their rights and dignity. He will be missed in Congress, and he will be missed wherever political prisoners suffer in the jails of tyrants. 

While it meant alienating some business leaders, Rep. Wolf stood firmly against giving the communist Chinese "most favored trade" status. More recently, he has led the fight for a thorough investigation of the Benghazi scandal. 

Even the liberal Washington Post praised him this morning, reminding readers that Rep. Wolf regularly put his own safety at risk by visiting hot spots to champion "decency and democracy." The Post noted, "He led the first congressional delegation to Darfur and returned repeatedly to Sudan to call attention to the mass killing there." 

Our oldest daughter Elyse has worked for the congressman for years on religious liberty issues. I can't think of a better man for her to serve. And while he will be irreplaceable in Congress, I know Frank Wolf will continue the battle outside the confines of government. 

Deal Disses Disabled Vets 

As you know, I have felt that the rhetoric from Speaker John Boehner and others suggesting that the Ryan/Murray budget deal was some big improvement on the deficit was exaggerated. I also feel that some of the rhetoric from my fellow conservatives that the deal is a betrayal was overheated. It was likely the best deal that could be cut with Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid and President Obama. 

I can't help but notice that Democrats who do not like the cuts -- as minor as they are -- and Democrats who wanted major tax increases are being much more careful in their rhetoric than our side. This constant airing of our differences, the near-reflexive instinct for Republicans to form a circular firing squad and the overblown rhetoric is a big problem that we must overcome. 

That said, the "deal" is more flawed than anyone knew. 

It turns out that in spite of assurances from Paul Ryan and others, the deal not only cuts veterans' benefits, it also cuts the benefits of our disabled heroes. 

What is wrong with this bill is not the miniscule "savings." The real offense is that it was negotiated and agreed upon behind closed doors and outside of the normal process, something Speaker Boehner and others said they weren't going to do anymore. 

The American people had virtually no opportunity for input. The vote was rushed, no doubt resulting in many House members without their knowledge voting against disabled veterans. I guarantee the left will use it against them in next year's campaign. 

Last week polling suggested that the public was happy there was a deal because the public is so fed up with Washington's infighting. I guarantee the public won't be happy when Americans coast-to-coast learn that disabled vets have been hurt by this deal. 

By the way, how is it that there were assurances they wouldn't be hurt? Paul Ryan is a good man. I don't believe he would knowingly lie. Did someone lie to him? Events like this contribute to the growing sense that no one in Washington can be trusted. 

Reps Save Vets; Dems Choose Illegals 

After learning about the danger to disabled veterans, Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) offered an amendment to restore that funding and get the savings by closing welfare loopholes that have allowed illegal immigrants to fraudulently collect billions of your tax dollars in child tax credits. The Sessions amendment was tabled on a largely party line vote. Only one Senate Democrat voted in favor of the Sessions amendment. 

As frustrated as we get about the Republican Party not fighting hard enough sometimes, this vote proves why it is just not true that there is no difference between the two parties. When given the choice of siding with disabled vets or illegal immigrants, 54 Senate Democrats sided with illegal immigrants, while every Senate Republican sided with our heroes.