In The Spotlight Blog

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc) told constituents today that the country needs to maintain a strong national defense, when asked about the bombing at the Boston marathon. The Senator's comments come as it remains unclear who carried out the attack and whether they were foreign or domestic. Speaking to constituents via a telephone town hall, Johnson was asked how he felt about the events in Boston. Johnson said it was important to understand that the number of good people in the United States and the world, “vastly outnumber the evildoers.” “But it's up to us good people to remain vigilant, and that's what we have to do. We need to make sure that from a standpoint of national security, that it remains a high priority.”

SIREN—U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, wanting to convey honest and complete information to his constituents, made a stop last week at the Siren Village Hall, one of 17 across northern Wisconsin. "Information is powerful," Johnson told the two dozen or so concerned residents in attendance. In addition to hearing issues from those present, the Senator shared concerns from Washington D.C. "We're looking at a national debt level of $52,000 per person right now and in another 10 years it is projected at $75,000 — we are mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren," Johnson remarked. "A business entity would be bankrupt in no time with this kind of budget — the only reason we're not is that we have a printing press and can print more money."

MINNEAPOLIS - The third of three federal budgets will be handed in on Wednesday when President Barack Obama releases his federal, fiscal plan. The Republican-controlled House has already passed a budget and the Democratically-controlled Senate did too. That's the good news. There is bad news as well. "We see two different philosophies," U.S. Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, told KARE 11 last week. "Neither side is going away. Maybe it's time to govern," U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, said late last week in Hudson. Johnson was in Hudson delivering his federal budget power point speech to a packed room of business owners and everyday citizens last week. Franken was in St. Paul talking with college students about the federal budget and the affordability of higher education. Both were quite comfortable in their surroundings; as they've given these presentations dozens of times.

"This is disappointing news. My office stands ready to provide any possible assistance to the employees affected by today's announcement and to the Oshkosh Corporation. "With four-plus years in the White House, President Obama has significantly reduced national security spending and committed to a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan. He did not conclude a status of forces agreement that would maintain a military presence in Iraq to protect U.S. interests.