WASHINGTON, DC . . . Today Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted with the House to pass H.R. 5016, The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. This bill, which passed 228-195, responsibly cuts federal government spending by $566 million and is $2.3 billion less than the President’s request.

“One of the biggest concerns I hear about from 4th District constituents is how this Administration’s big government, ‘big spender’ policies negatively affect America’s economy and job creation,” said Hall. “These concerns are well-founded. During the first three months of 2014 the U.S. economy contracted 2.9% – the worst in five years – and only 47.7% of adults are currently working full time.”

Hall continued, “Today’s bill addresses the concerns of my constituents – it cuts federal spending and bolsters small business job creation. Additionally, this bill reins in the authority of the IRS, prohibits the targeting of individuals based on political beliefs, and prevents further implementation of ‘ObamaCare’ and its individual mandate.”

“I will continue to responsibly rein in federal spending and government overreach, and I will continue to protect Americans’ First Amendment rights.”

Specifically, H.R. 5016 would:

• Cut total funding for the IRS by over $340 million;
• Prohibit funds for the IRS to target individuals based on their political beliefs;
• Prohibit funds for a proposed regulation to determine tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(4), which could infringe on Americans’ First Amendment Rights;
• Stop the IRS from further implementing “ObamaCare,” including a prohibition in funding for the enforcement of the individual insurance mandate;
• Prohibit funds for the IRS to unlawfully destroy records;
• Help American small businesses create jobs and prosper by including $862 million for the Small Business Association (SBA);
• Make the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) subject to appropriations and require a report to Congress on the cost and regulatory burdens of the Dodd-Frank Act;
• Prohibit federal and local funds from being used for abortion; and
• Require the Office of Management and Budget to submit the President’s budget on time or face a withholding of seven months of their budget until the request is sent.

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