Issues

It's an honor to serve the people of Georgia's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each year, Congress votes on hundreds of pieces of legislation that can impact us all.  When determining how to vote on these bills, I Issuesalways reflect upon my core beliefs in smaller government, lower taxes, less government spending, and protecting our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

Below are links to my opinions on key issues facing Congress today.  If you have any questions about these or other issues, please don't hesitate to contact my Washington DC office at 202-225-5901 or via email.

Federal Spending and the National Debt
Our national debt is becoming a national security issue and is threatening to ruin our lives as we know it.  We have seen the ramifications over-spending can have in countries like Greece and Portugal.  This is a problem we cannot put off anymore and I will continue to fight to get us back on a fiscally responsible path.

Jobs and the Economy
If we’re going to have long-term economic growth and job creation, we have to remove the uncertainty that U.S. employers face and give them incentives to hire new employees and expand their businesses.

Agriculture
Agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Georgia.  Without hard work and dedication of Georgia's farmers, the United States would not benefit from the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world.  I am a strong supporter of our agriculture industry and will continue to fight for them in Congress.

Defense and National Security
I am proud to serve on the House Intelligence Committee.  Defending our country and protecting our freedoms is one of the most essential tasks of our federal government, and I do not take that task lightly.

Education
It is my belief that education is the duty of each individual state. Only when the local and state government cannot handle issues, should the federal government step in to take control. By ensuring local control of our education system, we are placing our children’s progress in the hands of those who are best suited to make decisions.

Energy
I support an all-of-the-above approach to our energy.  If we are ever going to become energy independent, we need to look at all available options out there.  This starts with increasing production of our domestic oil, natural gas, and coal.

Financial Services
I am proud to serve on the Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all components of the nation’s housing and financial services sectors, including banking, insurance, real estate, public and assisted housing, and securities.

Health Care
During the 112th Congress, I have worked tirelessly to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with real health care reforms that will lower health care costs, while maintaining scientific innovation and without putting government bureaucrats between patients and their doctors.

Immigration
As I have always said, when it comes to immigration we have both a legal and an illegal problem.  And both must be addressed in order to truly combat the immigration issues facing our country today.

Lowering Your Tax Burden
Our federal tax system is broken.  The top 10 percent of income earners pay more than 70 percent of the income tax collected, while about half of Americans pay no income tax at all.  Over time, the number of credits, loopholes, and deductions has increased the size of the U.S. Tax Code to more than 70,000 pages.

Medicare/Medicaid
In order to save these programs from bankruptcy – Medicare is scheduled to go bankrupt in 2021 – we must reform them.  Under Congressman Ryan’s Path to Prosperity budget we can do just that, without making any program changes for those near retirement. 

Protecting Second Amendment Rights
I am a gun owner and avid hunter, and have consistently fought to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Reducing Regulations
Between Dodd-Frank, ObamaCare, and actions by federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Labor Relations Board, we have seen a huge onslaught of federal regulations and red tape that is burying American businesses in paperwork, driving up the cost to do business.

Saving Social Security
Starting in 2017, Social Security will pay out more than it collects and beginning in 2036 Social Security will only be able to pay out 75 percent of its benefits.  Clearly, we must make some adjustments to the way we handle Social Security if we want to save it.

Transportation
I am a firm supporter of investing in our nation's transportation infrastructure and support the development of a long-term reauthorization of federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs, as well as freight rail, hazardous material, and waterborne transportation programs.

Veterans Affairs
Having numerous veterans in Georgia’s Third Congressional District, I am always working to ensure veterans nationwide have the tools, resources, and care they need.