WASHINGTON, DC . . .  Following the completion of several 'jobs bills' passed in the House this week, Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04), who supported these bills, released the following statement:   

"The Republican-controlled House has spent the year focused on growing our economy and promoting job creation through cutting spending, reducing the deficit, and creating regulatory and tax certainty. This week, the House continued this focus by passing multiple bills that would help put Americans back to work.

"On Wednesday, I voted with the House to pass H.R. 2250, EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011. Over-reaching regulatory policies are crippling our economy and costing American jobs. I have consistently voted for legislation that would get rid of unnecessary government regulations. This bill would give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) time to construct accurate, achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters and incinerators. The legislation also addresses many concerns with the Boiler MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) rules. In the 4th district alone, the Boiler MACT rules threaten more than 800 good-paying, manufacturing jobs. These are not jobs that can be recreated; once eliminated, they are gone.  This is one more example of how EPA’s rules are costing jobs at a time when we need to be creating jobs.

"Also passed on Wednesday were H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, and H.R. 3080 - bills I voted for that would promote trade agreements between the United States and Columbia, Panama, and South Korea. Enacting these agreements would create American jobs and lower prices for consumers. According to the International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency, the agreements have the ability to add 250,000 U.S. jobs and $13 billion to our economy, while leveling the playing field for American workers, farmers, and businesses. For three years now, House Republicans have been ready to pass these free trade agreements, in conjunction with separate consideration of trade adjustment assistance legislation. I am pleased the President and Congressional Democrats have finally shown interest in passing these bipartisan trade agreements.

"In many cases, our imports from Columbia, Panama, and South Korea enter the US duty-free, while our products face stiff tariffs when they are exported to those same countries. That severe handicap makes it more difficult for our domestic industries to stay competitive in foreign markets. Specifically, in the 4th district, beef exports to South Korea are positioned to increase dramatically along with dairy and other agricultural products due to the elimination of tariffs. In today’s global economy, America can’t afford to watch other countries take advantage of trade agreements that provide export opportunities while we sit on the sidelines.

"Today, I supported and the House passed H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. This bill would protect public health and the environment without further burdening state budgets, the coal combustion residuals reuse industry, or killing jobs. Coal combustion residuals disposal facilities would still be subject to enforceable permits, but would allow states the freedom to regulate the EPA's rules.  The bill would also keep coal ash from being deemed a "toxic waste," allowing ash to continue to be reused in industries such as cement, avoiding the loss of 184,000 to 316,000 jobs.

"Though the House passed several much-needed 'jobs bills' this week alone, much work is still required to promote an environment where job creators and businesses have the confidence needed to provide real, long-term jobs and economic growth. I will continue to work towards this end, so Americans can get back to work and families are more secure."   

 

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