Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported passage (300-119) of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, H.R. 3979, a bicameral agreement to provide for our nation’s defense and the support, protection, and resources our military needs while remaining consistent with previous budget agreements. Rep. Hultgren previously supported the House-passed authorization, H.R. 4435, in May which passed by a vote of 325-98. For a full summary of H.R. 3979, please click here. “Supporting our nation’s military families and ensuring our national defense is essential to a strong and prosperous nation. This fiscally responsible bill works within previously-passed budget constraints while prioritizing resources toward making sure our country is secure—and reducing the cuts to housing benefits proposed by the administration,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am pleased Congress and the President have continued the now 53-year long tradition of providing for our military and national defense with timely defense reauthorization bills.” Highlights of the bill include: Rejecting the Administration’s 5 percent cut to basic allowance for housing (BAH) for a 1 percent reduction. The bill also includes a one-year $3 increase in co-pays for select pharmaceuticals. Building upon efforts to combat sexual assault and eliminating the “good soldier defense,” a consideration of general military character toward the probability of innocence in sexual assault prosecutions. It also provides for consultation of victims for their preference to prosecute offenders by court-martial or through civilian challenges. Helping to reverse the trend of military suicide by including $45.3 million towards behavioral and psychological health programs. Providing authorization for awarding the Purple Heart to members of the armed forces killed or wounded in a domestic attack inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, such as the 2009 attack at Fort Hood. Authorizing the Iraq Train and Equip program for two years to assist Iraqi security forces as they rebuild their capability and capacity to defeat ISIL. The President’s supplemental request for $5 billion to support Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. Builds on previous service member and chaplain religious liberty protections. Maintains prohibitions on transferring Guantanamo detainees to the United States and on building domestic terrorist detention facilities. ### Read More

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined 90 of his colleagues in sending a letter to the leadership at the House Committee on Appropriations requesting they stop any funding which can be used to change the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA). On March 25, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issued a draft rule to amend the (CWA) redefining “waters of the United States” to give EPA and USACE unprecedented regulatory authority over bodies of water. Their connectivity report, which claimed that all bodies of water, no matter the size, are connected “is in direct contradiction of the Supreme Court decision which clearly upholds the policy that isolated wetlands could not be considered ‘waters of the United States’ for purposes under the CWA,” the letter reads. This move opens up farms and other private property to EPA regulation and intrusion, such as farm ponds, storm drains, and other non-navigable water bodies. “These regulatory changes will have wide ranging effects on everything from construction to agriculture,” the letter says. Earlier this year the House passed H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2015, which included a section prohibiting any funds from being used to “develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce any change” to the definition of waters under the CWA. The letter urges that “the same language be included in any fiscal year 2015 spending measure or any Continuing Resolution the House may consider.” During a previous Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing, Rep. Hultgren took EPA’s Deputy Administrator to task hearing for his wavering and opaque explanation of the Clean Water Rule and how it will affect Illinois 14th District constituents. The rule is meant to clarify jurisdiction but lacks any scientific justification, and the Deputy Administrator’s answer only further confused the issue. ### Read More

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today called upon Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to hold a hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recent decision to suddenly alter its process for hiring air traffic controllers. These new hiring practices have caused the FAA to pass over the most qualified air traffic controller candidates, such as experienced veterans, and have raised concerns of air travel safety. In light of a lack of transparency at the FAA’s actions, and out of concern for airline passenger safety, Congressman Hultgren has introduced the SAFE TOWERS Act. Learn more about the FAA’s recent hiring changes and the SAFE TOWERS Act here. In his letter to Chairman Shuster, Congressman Hultgren wrote that he believes the American public should have answers and details relating to, among other concerns, the incorporation of a Biographical Questionnaire (BQ), used in the new application process, which: Disqualifies qualified candidates with specialized degrees and military air traffic control experience because of arbitrary multiple choice test questions and responses the FAA deemed ‘wrong.’ Does not require applicants to show IDs on-site, or sit in a secured testing site, raising questions of confidence in the fairness of the application process. Does not allow numerous applicants who have ‘failed’ the BQ to reapply for future air traffic controller positions. Applicants did not receive their score, were not informed what score was needed to pass, were not given the metrics used for scoring the BQ, and were thus left in the dark as to how to prepare themselves to reapply for future openings. Furthermore, an October 2014 report released by the FAA found that the use of BQ data did not adequately contribute to the prediction of air traffic controller success—so why were applicants disqualified under a flawed metric? Unfortunately, correspondence from the FAA has been thin on details about the FAA’s plans for revising the hiring process moving forward, and how the process purports to enhance aviation safety. “The agency’s lack of transparency continues to erode my confidence that it places the safety of our skies as a top priority,” said Congressman Hultgren. “The American people need assurance that conditions and processes in place at the FAA remain safe and security-focused.” ### Read More

[[{"fid":"378","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Kane County Chronicle","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Kane County Chronicle"},"type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Kane County Chronicle","title":"Kane County Chronicle","class":"media-element file-full"}}]] To the Editor: We just passed Nov. 15 – the start of the next open enrollment period for health insurance. But even with the advent of the Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – many Americans haven’t found health care more affordable or doctors more accessible. They feel insecure about where quality, affordability and access are headed. Many are confused when trying to navigate the present complex system of insurance. Hearing concerns from my constituents drove me to convene my third Community Leadership Forum on Aug. 28, this time at Elgin Community College. Our topic? Health care. Our focus? The consumer. I’ve found that the most valuable insights and ideas I’ve brought to Congress originated back home in Illinois. So I assembled three expert panels to discuss three distinct topics: how the ACA will affect consumers in 2015; how technology and innovation can improve health care outcomes; and how to increase access to quality care. The forum included CEOs of Illinois health care organizations and hospitals, including Advocate Health Care, Cadence Health and the Illinois Hospital Association. Executives from insurance companies joined, as well as small business representatives, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Most importantly, 14th District residents arrived eager to contribute. We saw that although the health care landscape is rocky, many want to tackle a multitude of challenges together. We shouldn’t wait for a system breakdown – we can work to fix it now. Three big ideas produced there include the need to: encourage a truly free market system to help lower costs, including reassessing the medical loss ratio and pursuing a Universal Exchange Plan alternative; improve the FDA approval process so life-saving drugs can reach patients faster; and encourage research and education to develop new ideas. I greatly appreciate everyone’s input. In the coming weeks, I will release a full report on my website, Hultgren.house.gov, on those ideas and recommendations. Americans have a right to feel frustrated with our current health system – it’s far from what was promised. Some feel better about their coverage under the ACA. Others – those cut off from their longtime physicians or losing access to specialists – are not. This frustration boosts us onward to address these challenges together to raise the quality of care and lower costs for all Americans. I trust these locally grown solutions will help get us there. Randy Hultgren  Representative for Illinois’ 14th U.S. Congressional District Read More

Washington, DC — Representatives Peter Roskam (R-IL-6), Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14) , John Shimkus (R-IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), and Aaron Schock (R-IL-18) today released the following statement reacting to President Obama’s announcement that he will be using an executive order to bypass Congress and grant amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants: “President Obama’s plan to ignore the Constitution and circumvent Congress is a lawless move that will ultimately do much more harm than good. We believe Congress should take the lead on immigration reform, securing our borders, improving the visa system and addressing the many layers of our broken system. This temporary measure will only spark chaos and create major problems both now and in the future. In fact, President Obama himself has said many times that an executive action of this magnitude would be unlawful. By blatantly bypassing Congress to execute this illegal executive order, the president is neglecting the interest of the American people, diminishing our national security, undermining the rule of law, and setting back efforts to permanently and meaningfully fix what's broken in the immigration system."  ### Read More

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported passage of H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act of 2014, a bill prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator from creating new regulations unless all scientific and technical information relied upon is made publicly available for analysis. EPA has failed to release the science behind numerous EPA regulations to both outside researches and Congress. Rep. Hultgren took to the House floor in support of H.R. 4012 which brings openness and transparency to EPA. “EPA has repeatedly bypassed the will of the legislature and has failed to be open and transparent about the science they use to place new regulations on Americans. Americans believe in clear laws and a fair judicial system where both sides can state their case and present evidence. That is why this closed door regulatory approach is so frightening—it deliberately withholds evidence from the public,” said Rep. Hultgren. “When someone accuses you of a crime in a court of law, you have the privilege of hearing the accusations in person with all of the facts made plain. In a one-two punch, EPA is circumventing Congress by writing its own laws so that Americans—the defendants—have no recourse through a normal legislative process, nor any chance to see what EPA is basing their claims on.” [[{"fid":"602","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Hultgren Supports Legislation Forcing EPA to Reveal the Science behind Regulations","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Hultgren Supports Legislation Forcing EPA to Reveal the Science behind Regulations"},"type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Hultgren Supports Legislation Forcing EPA to Reveal the Science behind Regulations","title":"Hultgren Supports Legislation Forcing EPA to Reveal the Science behind Regulations","class":"media-element file-teaser"}}]]  (Click picture to watch video) “This should be a strong bipartisan effort for anyone that believes their government has a duty to be accountable to the American public we serve,” said Rep. Hultgren on the House floor. “H.R. 4012 is a critical step in restoring the public trust necessary for EPA to accomplish its core mission.” ### Read More

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) praised the Senate’s passage last night of S. 1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) of 2014, which the House passed in September. The bipartisan program reauthorization provides child care assistance to low-income families so that parents are freed to work or participate in education or job training. The bill allows each state maximum flexibility in developing child care programs, and opens up more provider choices for parents. The bill heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature. “This legislation is a good example of how working together in a bipartisan way to reform programs can help families in need. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act relieves the stresses that parents have when both work outside the home and have to find care for their children,” said Rep. Hultgren. “Choosing between caring for your children and job training that can improve your earning power is a no-win decision. Parents should be able to do both, while also being able to choose the type of care, including faith-based and community-based providers. I urge the president to sign this legislation quickly to help families in Illinois regain economic security.” The Child Care and Development block Grant Act of 2014 will: Make child care safer. By requiring all providers to comply with state health, safety, and fire standards, as well as annual facility inspections, parents will be more comfortable, knowing their child’s care facility is safe. Enhance child development. This grant extends the program’s original goal of ensuring quality education through age-appropriate practices and education for all children – regardless of income, race, or location. Give parents more choice. By giving parents more information on child care options (including faith-based and community-based providers), they are able to choose a child care program that works best for their family. Ensure quality training and professional development. This agreement requires states to set the number of hours of training required for caregivers, so parents can be sure their children are receiving the highest quality education possible. Establish efficient funding. By giving funds directly to the states, good practices will be encouraged and funds will be better distributed based on the needs of the region. The grant also ensures funding for six years so as many families as possible are able to take advantage of this resource. ### Read More

Geneva, IL — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) announced he is now accepting applications for spring 2014 semester internships in both his Washington, DC and Geneva, IL offices. The position is unpaid and will run approximately from January to May. Academic credit may be available and schedules can be flexible for those with classes or other obligations. Applicants from the 14th Congressional District are preferred, and applications are due by December 1, 2014. “During my time in Congressman Hultgren’s office I have written letters to concerned constituents, conducted policy research for staff members, given tours of the Capitol to fantastic people from the 14th District and even drafted a short speech that the Congressman delivered on the House floor,” said Austin, a current intern from Plainfield. “Attending House and Senate hearings, learning about the history of the nation’s capital and even bumping into Steven Colbert have been just a few of the unforgettable moments I’ve enjoyed here. I’ve had the privilege to see the legislative process from the inside, and met fascinating people who I would not have otherwise been fortunate enough to meet; the entire experience has been invaluable.” Applicants should be college students or recent graduates, and will assist staff with constituent relations, policy and outreach efforts. Many duties will be administrative in nature, but interns may also be asked to staff Congressman Hultgren at meetings in the district or assist legislative staff in Washington. Applicants should email a resume, cover letter and writing sample to email.randy@mail.house.gov by December 1 and specify whether they seek a position for the Geneva or Washington office. ### Read More

Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) this week joined his colleagues in the House in honoring former Illinois Congressmen Phil Crane and Lane Evans, both of whom passed away this month. Rep. Hultgren gave remarks on the House floor honoring Rep. Crane, who served in the U.S. House from 1969 to 2005 and represented much of what is now the 14th Congressional District. [[{"fid":"598","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Hultgren Honors Illinois’ Own Principled Warrior the Honorable Phil Crane","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Hultgren Honors Illinois’ Own Principled Warrior the Honorable Phil Crane"},"type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Hultgren Honors Illinois’ Own Principled Warrior the Honorable Phil Crane","title":"Hultgren Honors Illinois’ Own Principled Warrior the Honorable Phil Crane","class":"media-element file-teaser"}}]] (Click picture to watch video) Following are excerpts from Rep. Hultgren’s prepared remarks: As a representative of the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago, I always had a special connection to Phil. For 35 years, he represented sizeable portions of what is now the 14th District …and I am proud to represent his former constituents who were stalwart supporters of his. Phil [was] a leader of the conservative movement both in and out of Congress… on the Ways and Means Committee…he championed many of the ideals I and many of our shared constituents subscribe to. These include lowering taxes on everyone, simplifying the tax code so that it is fair and transparent, defending free market economics, and promoting free trade with other nations. He also was very active in efforts to reduce or limit government spending. Every day he looked for opportunities to demonstrate his love for robust discussions on conservative ideals. But he didn’t let his firm positions on issues drive a wedge between him and other Members of Congress. He built relationships with those with whom he disagreed, and was well-liked on both sides of the aisle…Most importantly, he wrote letters to, and spent time with, his constituents whom he represented. To him, they were his most important relationship. Every day, I strive to represent my district with the same commitment and dedication as he did, and to stand up for the principles that make this country great. ### Read More

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5682, a bill to approve the application to build the Keystone XL pipeline: “An all-of-the-above approach to gaining energy independence is served well by the approval of the Keystone Pipeline. It is now time to take politics out of this and move forward with approval,” said Rep. Hultgren. “When your government asks you to jump through bureaucratic hoops, and you comply with all necessary regulations and scientific studies, you at the very least deserve a yes or no answer. Enough is enough. It is time for a government that works for its citizens and in our clear national interest. The House has acted again to represent the American people who support this project. Let’s get this done.” ### Read More