Kevin Bryant

By Shane D’Aprile – The Hill Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) sent another warning over the looming debt ceiling vote Friday, writing in an e-mail to supporters that “Republicans must do everything they can to block an increase in the debt limit.”

In the e-mail, sent to backers of DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund, the senator highlighted a Wall Street Journal op-ed penned by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), one of the candidates his PAC helped fund in 2010.

In the op-ed, Toomey writes that Congress can freeze the debt ceiling without defaulting on its obligations and that he’s poised to introduce a legislative fix.

“I intend to introduce legislation that would require the Treasury to make interest payments on our debt its first priority in the event that the debt ceiling is not raised,” Toomey writes in the op-ed. “This would not only ensure the continued confidence of investors at home and abroad, but would enable us to have an honest debate about the consequences of our eventual decision about the debt ceiling.”

In his e-mail, DeMint called it “a game changer” in the debate over the debt limit, which is leading up to a vote with potential 2012 implications for members in contested seats as soon as next month.

In the House, the new crop of GOP freshmen, many of whom were able to boast significant Tea Party backing in 2010, are eager to deliver on campaign promises of slashing spending. And in both the House and Senate, centrist Democrats will face serious pressure to reject any increase.

“Americans should reject the sky-is-falling-hysteria coming from President Obama and demand that Congress stop the debt and balance the budget,” DeMint said. “When the Senate considers the debt limit next month, Republicans must do everything they can to block an increase in the debt limit.”

It’s the latest salvo from DeMint in the debt ceiling debate, which is rapidly picking up steam. On Thursday, DeMint and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the Republican Study Committee, rolled out a plan that would cap federal spending at 2006 levels through the year 2021.

In the House, Republicans are also mulling tying any increase in the debt ceiling to a vote on a balanced budget amendment.

New Life Program: A man when he comes into the mission basically has 30 days to make a decision whether or not he is going to enter the Men’s Training Center. During this time he starts a bible study series by the Navigators. Daily Devotions are held each morning. They are conducted by a volunteer or staff person. The resident is also required to: Attend a chapel service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights, attend a local church on Wednesday night, Sunday morning and evening, and Work at one of the ministry locations during the day. Freedom in Christ Program: After 30 days if a person elects to begin the discipleship program, he is moved into a different dorm where his studies increase and the preparation for his going to the Men’s Training Center begins. His schedule is comprised of work detail, study, class time and church attendance. After being interviewed for the training center and a bed is offered, he must accept it or leave. During one’s stay at the mission they are given individual counseling and aid in legal matters. Meals For the Homeless: We provide bag lunches for the homeless who elect not to stay here. We offer words of encouragement and give them a gospel tract when they choose to leave. Emergency Shelter: Based on availability, we offer shelter to those that need it on a daily and nightly basis. Financial Requirements: There are no charges for our services; however, we do encourage donations to help offset the cost of food, utilities, gas, staff, etc.

After talking to many law enforcement officials, I introduced S. 268 which allows for a search warrant to be granted by a judge to an officer by telephone or other electronic device. Currently in South Carolina, a search warrant must be signed by a judge in person to the police officer. S. 268 says the judge MAY authorize a search warrant alternatively. I realize that we need to be very careful when dealing with these kinds of issues, so S. 268 is a bill to open the discussion to see if we can come up with a practical solution that will not lead to abuse. Often times I get frustrated with the slow legislative process but with this kind of proposal I trust the sub committee, full committee, floor debate in both houses of the legislature.