What’s next for America?

On Nov 4th the American people sent a message to Washington D.C. in the form of a resounding Republican victory in the midterm elections.  Their message was simple and straightforward: Mr. President, we are tired of your one-sided policies and all of the dysfunction in our nation’s capital. 

Coming to the end of my first term in office, I can tell you that, from my perspective, the American people have graded the 113th Congress and our grade is not impressive. I understand their frustration. However, if we take a closer look at the main cause of this dysfunction, we will find it leads to the desk of one particular senator: Harry Reid (D-Nev.).  

Could the House of Representatives have done better? Sure. Yet when you look at what was accomplished—387 bills passed out of the House, all 12 appropriations bills active in committee, 7 of the 12 appropriations bills passed and sent to lie idly in the Senate – the House was very productive. If not for the obstructionism of (the now former) Senate Majority Leader Reid, the 113th Congress could have been very successful.  

When you realize the work that the House accomplished, and how it was swept off the table into the garbage can, one can understand the frustration the American taxpayers have with Congress.  In addition to the loss of time, money, and effort, the American people expect us not to play politics and instead focus on resolving the many challenges we face as a nation.  Challenges like our debt, improving our balance sheet, addressing threats to our national security (e.g. ISIS or Ebola), and repairing our broken immigration system. 

Finding long-lasting resolutions to these challenges have been seriously complicated due to the petty partisanship that has dominated this Congress. So what does this victory mean for the new Republican majority, the President, and the nation? First, it means that the American people are fed up with the gridlock and understand that Harry Reid has been the main source of dysfunction. Second, it shows that Americans rejected Obama’s progressive agenda, which they believe is leading America in the wrong direction. Third, Americans were reminded of how truly special and unique our country is, and how vulnerable our Constitutional Republic can be under poor leadership, as the President and his party have exhibited these past six years.  After talking with people all across my district on a daily basis and seeing the midterm election results, I feel there is a renewed appreciation—and even reverence—for our Constitution. 

People realize that their elected representatives need to work together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.  They want their representatives to do what is right for the country, not what is best for a political party. It will take all of us in Washington coming together and working to adhere to and protect our core values and constitutional principles. These founding principles enable all of us to enjoy our way of life and the opportunities of this great nation. 

Finally, with Tuesday's results, the American people have granted complete control of Congress to the GOP.  We have been given very short reigns for two years to lead one third of government. The people have allowed us to govern but only if we can earn their trust. We can show that we are worthy of that trust again by doing what is right for America and creating results, not excuses.   

It's time for us to lead and regain the trust of the American people. I look forward to the task at hand.

Yoho has represented Florida's Third Congressional District since 2013. He sits on the Agriculture and the Foreign Affairs committees.