Congressman Walter Jones is asking for an investigation into whether the Federal Reserve's money printing is driving up prices for commodities, including crude oil and gasoline.
The Farmville Republican has sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, the incoming chairman of the House Domestic Monetary Policy Subcommittee, asking him to look at the connection between the printing of money and rising prices.
"Working people in Eastern North Carolina are being squeezed at the gas pump and the grocery store as they struggle to make ends meet in a world in which their salaries have no chance of keeping up with Mr. Bernanke's printing presses," Jones said. "The Federal Reserve must be held accountable for the damage it is creating."
Ben Bernanke, who grew up in Dillon, S.C., is chairman of the Federal Reserve.
GOP hits ground running
The beginning of the legislative session is still more than a week off, but Republicans have bills ready to file.
House Majority Leader Paul Stam of Apex gave Dome two he has ready, one that would exempt state residents from provisions in the federal health care law that require enrollment in a health insurance plan, and another bill that would limit exclusion of evidence in trials.
Stam has tried in three previous legislative sessions to add a "good faith exception" to prevent judges from excluding evidence that is collected illegally for technical reasons.
The N.C. Advocates for Justice, the trial lawyers group, has opposed the bill in the past.
The health care bill, while symbolic, is a GOP campaign promise.
The question of whether the mandates are constitutional will likely be decided in federal court.
Democrat-style fundraiser
House Republican leaders plan to hold a high-dollar fundraiser on the day before the legislature convenes.
That will allow them to get under the rope before the ban on lobbyists' giving to legislators goes into effect during legislative sessions. In doing so, the Republicans are following a long-held Democratic tradition.
House Speaker-designate Thom Tillis of Cornelius and Majority Leader Paul Stam of Apex have issued an invitation for a "VIP Reception" at The Cardinal Club in downtown Raleigh on Jan. 25. The event is to benefit the Republican House Majority Fund.
Cost of admission to the event ranges from $150 in advance or $250 at the door for individuals to $1,000 for co-sponsors (two tickets), $2,500 for sponsors (three tickets) and $4,000 for co-hosts (four tickets).
