Rep.

Charlie Dent (PA-15)

Notable Headlines
Protestors ask U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent to help in job creation [Lehigh Valley Live, 8/30/2011]

Editorials Budget Issues

Called on Super Committee to Cut $4 Trillion In November 2011, Dent joined 100 House members in a letter that called for the Super Committee to cut $4 trillion as opposed to the proposed $1.2 trillion. Dent said that he would agree to new revenues and called for reform of the tax code by broadening the tax base, lowering marginal rates, and closing some tax loopholes. He said, My preference is revenue neutrality, but if we do a comprehensive reform of the tax code that spurs economic growth, that will yield revenue. Dent stressed the opportunity to go big for the country and the economy, but when asked about specifics, he said, Nobody is willing to be committed to voting on something they haven't seen. [mcall.com, 11/04/11] Alerted Authorities About Misuse of Federal Funds in Bethlehem In October 2011, Dent asked the federal government to investigate misuse of federal grant money in Bethlehem. In 2010 and 2011, the city used money from an economic development loan fund for general operating expenses. Dent felt he was responsible as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban development to oversee the use of federal funds. He wrote in a letter to Secretary Donovan, In this fragile economy and with the serious budgetary constraints facing our nation, we must ensure every federal dollar is allocated wisely and spent effectively. This funding is not intended to serve as a slush fund for localities to backfill shortfalls in their general operating expenses as a result of budget gimmickry. [lehighvalleylive.com, 10/8/2011] Criticized GOP Brinkmanship on Government Shutdowns In September 2011, Dent discussed the danger of political brinkmanship played by Speaker Boehner and the Republicans.

For me, the [CR] debate should be a fairly simple matter, he said. It's a six-week CR. It's trying to keep the government functioning until then. We had an agreed-to number in the Budget Control Act, so we should be able to move appropriately, I think it's ill-advised to bring the government to the brink of closure every three months. ... We have a fundamental basic responsibility to affirmatively govern the country. And the public loses confidence ... in everyone working here in Washington when we fail to meet our most basic responsibilities. [Roll Call, 09/26/2011] Complimented by Rachel Maddow In September 2011, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow complimented Dent when he criticized GOP political brinkmanship over the debate on FEMA. Maddow asked, Is there a little ray of governing sunshine in his frustration there? [The Morning
Call, 09/27/2011]

Voted for Final Debt Ceiling Compromise Legislation In August 2011, Dent 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 Reids Debt Ceiling Plan In July 2011, Dentvoted against Sen. Harry Reids plan to raise the debt ceiling. Reids 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 Reids 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 Boehners Debt Ceiling Plan In July 2011, Dent voted in favor of Speaker John Boehners plan to raise the debt ceiling. Boehners 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 Boehners 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 Boehners 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] Dent: Nobody Thinks Default is an Option In July 2011, Dent commented on the debt ceiling and said, We have to remain flexible.Obviously nobody thinks default is an option. We also want to prevent a downgrade. [bloomberg.com, 7/21/11] Said Gang of 6 Debt Ceiling Proposal Was Worth Consideration In July 2011, Dent said, I think the Gang of 6 has presented a proposal that is worthy of very serious consideration. I like the general outlineI think at the end of the day though youre going to probably see something like an intermediate deal. What I mean is perhaps something close to that Biden framework.
[MSNBC, 7/21/11]

Dent: McConnell Plan is Last Ditch Effort, But May Be Only Option In July 2011, Dent said, I think everybody sees the McConnell plan as a last ditch effort. That is certainly nobodys preference. At the same time no one is prepared to dismiss the McConnell plan, because if its the only option on the table, and it avoids default and downgrade, I mean it may be the only plan available. [MSNBC, 7/21/11] Voted in Favor of Cut, Cap and Balance Plan In July 2011, Dent 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 for Cut, Cap and Balance After Saying He Didnt Need a Balanced Budget Amendment In July 2011, Dent voted for the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. In a previous interview, Dent said he didnt need the debt limit to be tied to a balanced budget amendment. Dent said after the vote, The concept of a balanced budget requirement is certainly not foreign to PennsylvaniansIt is imperative that a resolution on the debt ceiling be achieved before the August 2nd deadline. [mcall.com, 7/20/11] Voted Against Clean Debt Ceiling Raise In May 2011, Dent voted against HR 1954, a clean federal debt ceiling raise of $2.4 trillion. The bill was rejected by the full House, 97-318. [HR 1954, 5/31/11] Dent Said In Cutting Federal Budget There Really Are No Sacred Cows In May 2011, Dent said of federal budget cuts, Since the government is borrowing 42 cents of every dollar that it's spending, everyone has to understand there will be many programs cut government-wide. There really are no sacred cows. [Morning Call, 5/15/11] Dent Hesitated to Support Ryan Budget because of Medicaid Block Grants On April 6, 2011, Dent said that although he was still looking over Paul Ryans budget that it was a serious and sober document which he still needed to study. It's a serious, sober document and I'm glad we're about to engage in a fact-based discussion on the federal budget, said Dent, a long-time Democratic target who remains well-liked by his constituents. Asked if he'll support it, Dent hesitated. I'm going to study it first, he said. There are some things in there that I think are interesting. Dent cited block grants for Medicaid as one example which gave him reason to hesitate. I'm going to let some people back home comment on it, he said. I think everyone understands that Washington has a spending problem and [has to] be forced to go on a diet. [The Hill, 4/06/11] Voted Against Legislation that Would Prevent Congress and the President from Receiving Pay During A Shutdown In 2011, Dent opposed legislation that would prevent members of Congress and President Obama from receiving pay in the event of a government shutdown. The legislation also prevented those officials from retroactively receiving any lost pay. [goerie.com, 4/04/11]

Voted to Repeal the Home Affordable Modification Program In 2011, Dent voted to repeal a program that used federal subsidies to induce banks to ease the terms of mortgages before they reach foreclosure. Under the banks either reduce mortgage payments to 31 percent or less of monthly gross income or facilitate a property sale before foreclosure occurs. The program has produced about 600,000 loan modifications toward a goal of three million. [philly.com,
4/03/11]

Pleaded with GOP Colleagues to Accept Second Continuing Resolution In 2011, Dent pleaded with fellow Republicans to accept the second continuing resolution. Take yes for an answer, pleaded Dent, arguing that budget hawks had won a significant victory. [Miami Herald,
3/22/11]

Voted to Cut Funding for Mortgage Refinance Program In 2011, Dent supported legislation that would cut funding for a program designed to help seniors refinance their mortgages. [The State Column, 3/14/11]

Business and Consumer Issues

Dent: Democrats Blocked Efforts to Remove Regulations on Business In January 2012, Dent said that President Obama and Democrats blocked Republican efforts to lift regulatory burdens on businesses. Dent discounted Obamas emphasis on domestic manufacturing and energy production, citing environmental protection initiatives and Obamas recent decision not to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. I wish his actions would match his rhetoric, Dent said. [Morning Call, 1/25/12] Opposed SOPA In January 2012, Dent denounced the Stop Online Piracy Act. Steps must be taken to prevent the illegal distribution of intellectual property SOPA as introduced is not the proper approach to addressing the growing problem, Dent said. Dent hoped the bill would, help generate a necessary dialogue about the need to combat the illegal activity of online piracy. [lehighvalleylive.com, 1/18/12] Dent Introduced Legislation Banning Drug Compounds Found In Some Synthetic Bath Salts In May 2011, Dent introduced a bill that would ban chemical compounds used in synthetic drugs commonly sold as Bath Salts or Plant Food, which have been identified as cocaine substitutes. In a

press release, Dent stated, Americans are quickly becoming familiar with the dangers of synthetic drugs, like bath salts. Until recently, stories of individuals abusing these substances were very rare. Now, Pennsylvanians are frequently reading disturbing accounts involving the behavior of synthetic drug users. It is time for Congress to ban these destructive substances and put an end to their legal sale in our communities. [Office of Congressman Dent, 5/10/11]

Campaign Finance Issues

Top Recipient of Campaign Funds From Cement Groups In September 2011, Charlie Dent, co-chairman of the Congressional Cement Caucus, received nearly $30,000 in funds from cement trade-related groups and cement companies. Dent recently sponsored a House-passed amendment to have EPA regulations on cement plants analyzed for their economic impact. A spokesman for Dent said that his top priority is to protect jobs of four cement plants in his district. The spokesman said, We're not confident there's a single plant in the country that would be able to reach the requirements." [USA Today, 09/29/2011] Raised $158,000, Mostly from PACs In July 2011, Dent reported that he raised $158,290 from April through June, with $114,500 coming from political action committees. The PAC money came mostly from various industries, including many in health care, the NRA, Republican Majority for Choice, and Log Cabin Republicans. [mcall.com, 7/15/11]

Crime & Public Safety Issues

Sponsored Synthetic Drug Control Act In December 2011, the Dent-introduced Synthetic Drug Control Act passed the House in a 317-98 vote. The bill would ban synthetic drugs that had effects similar to marijuana. Dent said the Act would ban drugs sometimes sold as bath salts or plant food. [The Hill, 12/8/11]

Economic and Financial Issues Education Issues

Voted to Support School-Voucher System in Washington D.C. In 2011, Dent voted to revive the District of Columbia's school-voucher system at a cost of $100 million over five years in deficit spending. [philly.com, 4/03/11]

Energy Issues
Criticized Release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve In June 2011, Dent criticized Obamas decision to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and said it was an ill-advised maneuver designed to convince the American people his administration has a plant to address todays high energy costs, which are undoubtedly hindering our economic recovery. In 2008, Dent voted for a similar measure that instructed the Secretaries of the Interior and Energy to stop buying oil for the petroleum reserves for the express reason that energy prices were too high. [Keystone
Politics, 6/24/2011]

Environmental Issues
Voted to Delay Toxic Pollution Controls In October 2011, Dent voted for a bill that would make the EPA rewrite regulations created to reduce pollution at 150 cement plants worldwide. In addition, the bill also increases the number of years that companies have to comply with the new regulations. The bill is the first of two to delay rules to cut toxic air pollution and mercury from cement plants, solid-waste incinerators, and industrial boilers. [philly.com, 10/7/2011] Co-Sponsored Legislation Giving EPA Extension for Issuing Standards In August 2011, Dent co-sponsored legislation to provide additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue achievable standards for cement manufacturing facilities, and for other purposes. [THOMAS, H.R. 2681] Opposed Preventing Fish and Wildlife Service from Designating Critical Habitats In July 2011, Dent supported an amendment to the Interior Department spending bill that struck language preventing the Fish and Wildlife Service from listing new species and designating critical habitats. [The
Hill, 7/26/11]

Criticized by Sierra Club for Amendment Designed to Handcuff and Undercut NPS In July 2011, Dent offered an amendment to call on the National Park Service to finish its environmental impact statement on the Susquehanna-Roseland power line by 2012 rather than 2013. The Sierra Club called the amendment an attempt to handcuff the park service from dong their job in complete violation of public trust and undercut the National Park Service and push an environmentally destructive and unnecessary project. [lehighvalleylive.com, 7/21/11]

Sponsored Legislation to Conserve Delaware River In June 2011, Dent co-sponsored the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, legislation aimed to protect and restore the Delaware River watershed. [Mid-Hudson News, 6/24/2011] Urged EPA to Reconsider Stance on Pollution Controls for Local Generating Station In June 2011, Dent sent a letter to the EPA urging them to work with GenOns Portland Generating Station to achieve a proposal that controls pollutants without sacrificing the economic needs of the plant and the Lehigh Valley Region. The EPA has proposed new pollution controls on the plant due to recent concerns about its emissions, but The Portland Generating Station, which employs 70 people, has warned that it may be forced to shut down if the EPA sets unrealistic interim benchmarks. [Office of
Congressman Dent, 6/07/2011]

Voted to Ban the EPA from Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions In 2011, Dent voted for a bill that would bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. [philly.com, 4/08/11] Encouraged to Regulate the Replacement of Natural Gas Infrastructure In 2011, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski pressed Dent to introduce legislation regulating the replacement of natural gas infrastructure. Pawlowski spoke with the congressman during a tour of the North 13th Street block where five people died and eight homes were destroyed Feb. 9 in a suspected natural gas blast and fire. [LehighValleLive.com,
2/24/11]

Ethics Issues
Selected as Chairman for Rep. Richardson Ethics Investigation In November 2011, Dent was selected to chair the four person subcommittee to investigate ethics charges against Rep. Richardson. Richardson faced allegations that she made her congressional staff work on and make contributions to her re-election campaign. [Washington Post, 11/04/11] Collected Both State Pensions and Congressional Paychecks In October 2011, Dent was one of five Pennsylvania members of Congress to collect state pension while also earning the $174,000 salary as a member of Congress. A spokesman for Dent wrote that The congressmans pension was calculated in the same manner as all other state employees. Upon entering the existing system, the Congressman never voted to increase or

enhance his pay or benefits. The congressman encourages members of the state legislature to review the current pension structure and develop policies they feel will modernize the system in a sustainable manner. Dent did not directly address the question of whether or not he should be receiving state pensions while receiving a federal salary or whether state legislators should receive pension benefits that other state employees do not receive. [pottsmerc.com, 10/01/2011] Hired Former Lobbyist to Work on Official Staff In March 2011, the Center for Responsive Politics released a database showing that Dent had hired George McElwee to be their chief of staff. According to CRP, McElwee had previously lobbied for American Financial Services Association. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 3/08/11]

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

Voted For Authorization to Remain in Libya In June 2011, Dent voted for a resolution authorizing the US Mission in Libya. He previously voted to immediately pull US forces out of Libya. [The Washington Post, 6/24/2011] Hoped Decision to Remove Troops from Afghanistan Not Based on Politics In June 2011, Dent commented on Obamas plan to remove US troops from Afghanistan in 2012 and said that he hoped the decision was based on changing conditions on the ground and the recommendations of American commanders, rather than political advisers. [Berks County Reading Eagle, 6/23/2011] Dent Wrote Op-Ed: Pakistan Must Choose To Be U.S. Ally Or Enabler To Our Enemies In a May 2011 op-ed in Morning Call, Dent wrote that, bin Ladens ability to avoid detection raises questions about Pakistan's involvement in efforts to eliminate terrorist networks. []Like many Americans, I find it difficult to believe bin Laden would willingly locate to an Islamabad suburb, populated by active and retired military officers, without some reassurance his presence would go unreported. Additionally, bin Laden was living in a rather conspicuous compound that should have caught the attention of the famously ubiquitous ISI. Dent went on to say of Pakistans foreign aid that I will analyze whether this aid is a productive use of tax dollars that promotes our security. [Morning Call,
5/15/11]

Requested to Change Subjects while Hearing Testimony on the Affects of Cuts to USAID In March 2011, USAID administrator Rajiv Shah explained to Dent that that H.R. 1 would severely gut its ability to battle easily preventable deaths among children and even lead to the deaths of as many as 70,000 kids globally. Upon hearing the testimony, Dent requested to change subjects and discuss agriculture development in Afghanistan. [Climate Progress, 4/01/2011]

10

Recommended Local Resident as Contact on Libya In 2011, during a committee hearing on Libya, Dent recommended local resident Mohamed Bugaighis to Sec. Clinton as a contact and relative of Amal Bugaighis, who was actively involved in the resistance movement in Libya. [The Morning Call, 03/10/11] Supported No-Fly Zone in Libya Dent and Mohamed Bugaighis both said the United States should set up a no-fly zone over Libya. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said such a foreign policy decision should be made in coordination with other nations. [The Morning Call, 03/10/11]

Gay and Lesbian Issues Gun Issues Health Care Issues

Introduced Medical Liability Reform Bill In June 2011, Dent introduced legislation to help end the costly practice of defensive medicine by encouraging states to adopt effective alternative medical liability laws that reduce the number of health care lawsuits initiated, reduce the average amount of time taken to resolve lawsuits and reduce the cost of malpractice insurance. [Office of Congressman Dent, 6/17/2011]

Immigration and Border Issues

Constitution Project Warned Against Dent-Sponsored Bill Stripping Citizenship In October 2011, a bill offered by Senator Lieberman and Dent that would strip citizenship of those who engaged in or supported hostilities against the U.S. came under fire from The Constitution Project. The bill was a response to the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki. The Constitution Project said that the bill lacked due process protections because it would allow revoking of citizenship based on suspicion. The Constitution Project wrote in a letter to members of Congress, Most importantly, citizenship is a basic right that cannot be taken away unless a person obtained it illegally or voluntarily renounced it. [The Hill,
10/21/2011]

Introduced Bill to 'Name and Shame' Countries That Refuse Deported Aliens

11

In 2011, Dent introduced legislation that requires quarterly reports to Congress from the Secretary of Homeland Security listing the countries that refuse repatriation. It is simply unacceptable for a country to deny or delay its own citizens reentry after they have been scheduled for deportation, including those who have been convicted of a crime, Dent said. By applying pressure on foreign nations to act responsibly, H.R. 1156 is an appropriate first step to reversing this objectionable practice that drains federal resources. [Dent Press Release, 3/21/11]

Israel
Dent Called Obama Two-State Plan Deeply Troubling I share the Presidents goal of developing peace between Israel and all of its neighbors, applying significant pressure on our closest ally in the Middle East to ultimately make territorial concessions to the Palestinian authority, which has yet to recognize Israels right to exist and eliminate terrorist elements within its existing borders, is deeply troubling. [Office of Congressman Dent, 5/20/11]

Labor and Working Family Issues

Protestors Asked For Help in Job Creation In August 2011, demonstrators protested while Dent met with local manufacturers to look for job creating policies. Protest organizer Mike Baker called such meetings part of the problem because they were not directly with constituents. Allentown resident Jody Weinreich said she called Dent for help when she was laid off, but he was unable to help. Weinreich said, Charlie was friends with the boss so he had no time for us. Charlie has to help us do something to get jobs. [Lehigh Valley Live, 8/30/2011] Voted to Repeal the Neighborhood Stabilization Program In 2011, Dent voted to repeal the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program provides cities and nonprofits with funds for buying, repairing, and selling foreclosed, abandoned homes in order to keep neighborhoods intact. [philly.com, 3/20/11]

Other Social Issues Senior Issues

Voted Against Ensuring that No Funds Be Cut From Social Security or Medicare
12

In 2011, Dent voted against an amendment that would ensure that no funds in HJ Res 48 the House resolution to keep the government funded through April 8, could be used to cut Social Security or Medicare benefits, privatize Social Security, or switch Medicare to a voucher plan. [philly.com, 3/20/11]

Stem Cells
Co-sponsored Legislation Funding Stem Cell Research In June 2011, Dent co-sponsored a bill that would give legislation backing to President Obamas 2009 executive order allowing federal funding for medical research using discarded embryos from fertility clinics. The bill requires donors to sign consent forms and prohibits federal funding for human cloning. Dent said, This area of research is important to finding critical breakthroughs in a number of areas [the bill] does establish ethical criteria for stem cell research, and I think thats very, very important. [The Hill,
6/29/2011]

Tax Issues
Dent: Tax Fairness Achieved by Fixing the Tax Code In January 2012, Dent expressed his opinion that the most efficient way to achieve tax fairness is to simplify the tax code. Dent said this could be done by lowering or eliminating deductions and loopholes, and by lowering income tax rates for all taxpayers. The president, I've always thought, has a compensatory tax policy, Dent said. I think we have a difference of opinion on what is fairness his is equal outcome. My definition is giving everyone a chance and equal opportunity. [Morning Call, 1/25/12] Pushed for Payroll Tax Cut Extension In December 2011, Dent expressed urgency in extending the payroll tax cut, even if it was initially only for a few months. If we can't get the Senate sign-off on a one-year extension soonin the next few dayswe're going to have to move quickly to extend the payroll tax for a duration of time less than a year. That may end up being two months, Dent said. [Wall Street Journal, 12/22/11] Supported Payroll Tax Cut In Context of Tax Reform Package In November 2011, President Obama went to Pennsylvania to push for an extension of the payroll tax cut that would boost the biweekly paycheck by about $35.

13

Regarding the payroll tax cut, Dent said, I'm open to extending it, I'd just like to see it dealt with as part of a broader tax reform package. Many Republicans wanted to teach payroll tax cuts to a plan that would lower tax rates and would keep Bush-era tax cuts from expiring in 2013. [mcall.com, 11/28/11] Signed Letter Saying He Was Open to Tax Increases In November 2011, Dent was one of 40 Republicans to join 60 Democrats in a letter to the Congressional Super Committee that said all options should be included in a deficit reduction package, including increasing revenues. The letter stated, To succeed, all options for mandatory and discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table. In addition, we know from other bipartisan frameworks that a target of some $4 trillion in deficit reduction is necessary to stabilize our debt as a share of the economy and assure Americas fiscal well-being. [thinkprogress.org, 11/02/11] Implied that Tax Increases May Have to be Part of Debt Ceiling Deal In July 2011, when asked about the possibility of tax increases in a debt ceiling deal, Dent said, Lets also see what the spending reductions are too. Again, I would like to keep this thing revenue neutral if at all possible. But we are also going to balance that against any spending reductions that would be in the final agreement. [MSNBC, 7/21/11]

Tea Party
Targeted By Tea Party Group In November 2011, Americans for Prosperity spent $10,000 on radio ads to tell voters that Dent was too liberal. AFP said, Pennsylvanias taxpayers are tightening their belts and expect Congress to do the same. But now, Representative Charlie Dent is supporting an appropriations bill that could outspend the Nancy Pelosi-led Congress that was ousted for this very reason in 2010. [politicspa.com, 11/21/11] Received 48% Score From Heritage Action for America In August 2011, Heritage Action released a scorecard that encompassed 30 key votes and 5 cosponsorships. Dent received a 48 percent score from Heritage Action for America in 2011. [Heritage Action
for America, accessed 8/29/11]

Transportation Issues Veterans Issues

14

Voted Against Home Loan Modification Program for Active-Duty Military In 2011, Dent voted against continuing the Home Affordable Modification Program for active-duty military personnel and Gold Star families. [philly.com, 4/03/11]

Womens Issues
Voted to Bar Abortion Funding Despite Pro-Choice Past In October 2011, Dent voted for a bill that would have prevented the use of federal funds for health care plans that covered abortion services. Dent previously received a $1000 contribution from the Republican Majority for Choice PAC and a 55 percent score from Planned Parenthood. Dent said that his vote was consistent with his position that federal funds should not be used for abortions. Dent voted similarly in a bill introduced by Joe Pitts, which would have stopped the use of government subsidies to buy health plans covering abortions. Dent was one of the five Republicans to vote against defunding Planned Parenthood. [mcall.com, 10/17/11] Voted to Bar Abortion Funding Despite Pro-Choice Past In October 2011, Dent voted for a bill that would have prevented the use of federal funds for health care plans that covered abortion services. Dent previously received a $1000 contribution from the Republican Majority for Choice PAC and a 55 percent score from Planned Parenthood. Dent said that his vote was consistent with his position that federal funds should not be used for abortions. Dent voted similarly in a bill introduced by Joe Pitts, which would have stopped the use of government subsidies to buy health plans covering abortions. Dent was one of the five Republicans to vote against defunding Planned Parenthood. [mcall.com, 10/17/2011] Family Research Council Launched Campaign Ad in Dents District In 2011, the Family Research Council Action launched a radio ad campaign in Dents district calling on Dent to vote for the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. [Family Freedom Fund press release, 4/05/11]

Miscellaneous
Opposed Restrictions on Marketing Unhealthy Food to Kids In July 2011, Dent was among a group of lawmakers who wrote to federal agencies complaining that proposed guidelines restricting the marketing of unhealthy food to children represented an alarming regulatory overreach. [Sunlight Foundation, 12/22/11] Spent $308.97 on Bottled Water

15

From July-September 2011, Dent spent $308.97 on bottled water from Deer Park. [2011 3nd Quarter Statements
of Disbursement, 10/5/11]

Spent $15,142.57 on Printing From July-September 2011, Dent spent $15,142.57 on printing, including a one time cost of $10,955 from Strategic Consulting, Inc. [2011 3nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 10/5/11] Reimbursed Himself $1,426.93 in Travel Expenses From July-September 2011, Dent was reimbursed $1,426.93 in private auto mileage, taxis, parking, and tolls. [2011 3nd Quarter Statements of Disbursement, 10/5/11] Supported Chris Christies Entry into Presidential Race In September 2011, Dent came out in support of a Christie presidential run, stating that he encouraged him to run a year ago. Christie previously headlined a Dent fundraiser. Regarding Christies entry into the race, Dent said, The clock is ticking and there are some other good candidates in the field too, between Mitt Romney and John Huntsman. They are strong candidates who would be very sellable in this part of the country. So I'm really hoping Chris Christie gives it serious consideration. I know there are a lot of members of Congress in the Northeast who would like to see it and I am one of them." [mcall.com, 09/28/2011] Assisted in Securing $500,000 HUD Grant In August 2011, Dents office helped secure a $500,000 HUD grant to help municipalities and nonprofits cover construction expenses for capital projects. [Montgomery News, 08/19/2011]

2012 Campaign
Received $1,000 from Goldman Sachs On December 23, 2011, Dent received $1,000 from Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. PAC. [Charlie Dent for
Congress, 2011 Year-End FEC Report, Filed 1/29/12]

Received $5,000 from Koch Industries On December 23, 2011, Dent received $5,000 from Koch Industries PAC. This contribution brings Dents total from Koch PAC to $10,000 year-to-date. [Charlie Dent for Congress, 2011 Year-End FEC Report,
Filed 1/29/12]

Eaton Backed by DCCC

16

In January 2012, the DCCC announced that Jackson Eaton had been added to its Red to Blue program, qualifying him for additional DCCC support in his race against Dent. [Morning Call, 1/18/12] Eaton Raised $98,894 in December In December 2011, Jackson Eaton said he raised $98,984 on contributions from 225 individuals. [Morning
Call, 1/11/12]

Received Democrat Challenger In November 2011, Allentown resident Jackson Eaton IV announced his intentions to run against Dent in 2012. Eaton was a registered Republican but planned on switching his party affiliation to run against Dent. Eaton volunteered on Dents first congressional campaign, but has voted for Democrat presidents in the last three cycles. Eaton said, I think the thing that's been disappointing about Dent is his actual votes. He presents a very good image back in the Valley of being a moderate, but his votes in Washington aren't.
[mcall.com, 11/16/11]

Criticized Democratic Opponent Eaton For Switching Party Membership In November 2011, Dents campaign criticized Democratic challenger, Eaton, for switching party affiliation after asking for and receiving Dents recommendation in 2009 for a job as an investigator the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Eaton pointed out that he had applied for several positions, and he said that Dent had made it clear that Oversight and Government position was highly political. Eaton said he had felt uncomfortable by the nature of the position. [mcall.com, 11/17/11] Eaton Announced Run For Congress In November 2011, Allentown attorney and U.S. Army veteran Jackson Eaton announced his plan to run against Dent. Eaton went to law school, practiced with a private firm in DC, and then served on several Senate and House committee staffs. [wfmz.com, 11/17/11]

17