GOP Pledge-O-Meter: Tracking the promises of the GOP Leadership in Congress

Will "develop and articulate clear standards for the type of legislation that will be brought to the floor."

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"Eliminate expressions of appreciation and recognition for individuals, groups, events, and institutions."

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"Consider designations and namings of post offices and other federal buildings only one day each month."

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As Speaker of the House, John Boehner vowed that he will continue to fly commercial rather than military planes. "Well, I have talked to our security folks about the security that's involved in my new role," he said in an interview. "But over the last 20 years, I have flown back and forth to my district on commercial aircraft, and I'm going to continue to do that."

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Will codify "the Hyde Amendment so that it applies to all federal funding, whether those funds are appropriated by Congress or authorized by Congress."

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Freeze "both government pay and government hiring."

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Immediately approve pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

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Do away with the concept of ''comprehensive'' spending bills. "Let’s break them up, to encourage scrutiny, and make spending cuts easier. Rather than pairing agencies and departments together, let them come to the House floor individually, to be judged on their own merit. Members shouldn’t have to vote for big spending increases at the Labor Department in order to fund Health and Human Services. Members shouldn’t have to vote for big increases at the Commerce Department just because they support NASA. Each department and agency should justify itself each year to the full House and Senate, and be judged on its own."

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"Consider developing a 'cut as you go' rule that would apply to any member proposing the creation of new government programs or benefits...Under this 'CutGO' rule, if it is your intention to create a new government program, you must also terminate or reduce spending on an existing government program of equal or greater size – in the very same bill."

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"Consider taking all these commemorative moments and special honors, and handle them during special orders and one-minute speeches... With all the challenges facing our nation, it is absurd that Congress spends so much time on naming post offices, congratulating sports teams, and celebrating the birthdays of historical figures. Now, I know the drill: members get good press opportunities back home and leaders get cover while stalling on the people’s priorities. But often these resolutions are poorly drafted, or duplicative of previously considered bills. And under both parties they’ve received little or no oversight. It’s my view that we should consider taking all these commemorative moments and special honors, and handle them during special orders and one-minute speeches"

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"Require that all committees — especially the Rules Committee — webcast their proceedings and post complete transcripts online — with obvious exceptions for those panels dealing with state secrets and classified information."

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"We will once again fund weapons’ research and development not just to meet the threats of today, but those of tomorrow."

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"And we will update our nuclear warheads."

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