My top priority continues to be restoring our nation’s economy and expanding job opportunities.  To accomplish this goal it is important that government adopt policies that encourage private sector and business employment.  Providing tax incentives to create jobs expand and improve businesses are sound steps that government can take that will put people back to work.

As the Republican Leader of the House Transportation Committee, I have worked to enact long-term transportation legislation that has been stalled in Congress.  As Chairman, I inherited an FAA bill that expired four years previously and a highway and surface transportation bill more than a year overdue.  I am pleased to announce that after 23 extensions, a long-term FAA Bill was passed and signed into law at the beginning of this year.  This job-creating legislation will also make our skies safer and provide for a better flying experience for all Americans.

I am pleased to let you know that as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, landmark jobs legislation has been reported to reauthorize and reform federal surface transportation programs and rebuild the nation’s roads, bridges and infrastructure.  This is another vital piece of job-creating legislation that has limped along through numerous extensions. 

With millions out of work, particularly in the construction industry, the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act is legislation that can immediately and positively impact our economy.  This bill will be the be the most significant reform of transportation programs in decades and will cut red tape; reduce the federal bureaucracy; move major infrastructure projects forward; attract more private sector participation; and give states the flexibility they need to address their most critical transportation needs.  Under my proposal and in stark contrast to proposals from the Administration and the Senate, all of this can be achieved without adding to our federal deficit.  A long-term bill must be finalized to provide our job creators long-term certainty.  Just as families across the country must abide by a budget, the same must be required for the long-term planning of our nations infrastructure.
 
While the President continues to offer stimulus programs that will further burden the American taxpayer, I believe there is a better way.  In fact, less than seven percent of the stimulus bill funds were devoted to road and infrastructure projects.  It is my plan to pass responsible long-term transportation legislation that will get projects moving and people working.
 
To date, the Obama Administration is still having difficulty getting funding to those limited infrastructure projects because they are mired in Federal red tape and bureaucracy and were not "shovel ready".

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Tax Reform

      I support efforts to spur business activity and keep more jobs here at home by reducing manufacturing and corporate income taxes.  The United States has one of the highest corporate income tax rates, especially when compared to many of our primary economic competitors, such as Britain, France and Germany.  Higher taxes on the returns of capital inhibit the competitiveness of U.S.-based companies.  With high taxes, many companies unfortunately cut costs and relocate abroad, taking with them good-paying jobs.  Instead of punishing businesses for attempting to make a profit, I believe we need to reduce their incentive to sacrifice jobs by lowering taxes on those who employ Americans.

Lawsuit Reform

     The number of frivolous lawsuits has escalated dramatically in the last few years.  Unfortunately, trial lawyers have largely succeeded in driving up the costs of various goods and services and at the same time with huge awards have forced companies to defend themselves against any and sometimes bogus claims. 

     I voted to prevent the skyrocketing costs associated with health care and due to a mass of lawsuits aimed at doctors, nurses and medical providers.  I have supported legislation that would lower costs by limiting the availability of punitive non-economic damages and setting a statute of limitations of three years from the date of injury or one year after the claimant discovers or should have discovered the injury.  While I am pleased that a similar measure was passed by the Florida legislature, I will continue to press for national legislation to address this crisis.