2013 End of Year Newsletter
I hope this newsletter finds you well. It has been a busy year, and I hope you find this review of major legislative initiatives I worked on throughout the year helpful as we prepare to begin 2014.
YEAR IN REVIEW
DEFUNDING “OBAMACARE”
How “ObamaCare” is Hurting American Families
More Americans are beginning to feel the negative effects of “ObamaCare” and, consequently, disapproval of the President’s health care law is on the rise. According to a recent Rasmussen poll released November 12, 55% of Americans believe “ObamaCare” is bad for the country and support the law's repeal. Similarly, a Quinniapac poll released December 10finds 62% of Americans disapprove of the President’s handling of health care.
This should come as no surprise considering the disastrous launch of healthcare.gov – the official “ObamaCare exchange website – that took over two months to stabilize and still continues to experience problems. The website’s failed rollout contradicts claims from the Administration and the website’s contractors that the site was “on track” and would be ready October 1. One of the biggest concerns with the website has to do with serious privacy and security problems that could make users vulnerable to identity theft.
While the website is a problem that must be addressed, the larger issue lies with “Obamacare” itself. This bad law is a government overreach into citizens’ health care decisions, and with enrollment now open, Americans are beginning to learn that one of the President’s most frequently repeated promises – “If you like your plan, you can keep it. Period” – is untrue. In fact, over 2 million Americans have already learned their current health care plan will be dropped (according to CBS news). And at least 129 million Americans (68%) are estimated to lose their current health care plan by the end of 2014, according to Christopher Conover, a research scholar in the Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research at Duke University and an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
In addition to Americans losing their health care coverage, prices for the “ObamaCare” exchanges are proving to be an unaffordable redistribution of wealth from younger, healthier generations to older generations. The sticker shock of “ObamaCare” is a disincentive to these younger folks who may choose to opt out of health care and pay the fine instead. And without enough young people to foot the costs for older generations, costs under “ObamaCare” will continue to rise.
Actions Taken to Stop “ObamaCare”
I voted against “ObamaCare” when it passed the Energy and Commerce Committee, I voted against its passage in the House, and I have since voted over 45 times to repeal the law both in part and in whole.
In the 113th Congress alone, I support the following legislation to undermine and repeal the President’s bad health care law:
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H.R. 1005, Defund “ObamaCare’ Act
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H.R. 607, To delay until 2016 provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act scheduled to take effect in 2014 or 2015 and to delay the application of sequestration until 2014.
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H.R. 582, Healthcare Tax Relief and Mandate Repeal Act
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H.R. 45, To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health-care related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
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H.R. 2667, Authority Mandate Delay Act
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H.R. 2668, Fairness for American Families Act
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H.R. 2009, Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013
Just this past month, I became an original cosponsor of H.R. 2300, the Empowering Patients First Act, and the NUMBER Act. Empowering Patients First Act would permanently repeal “ObamaCare” and replace it with pro-patient solutions. Similarly, the NUMBER Act would repeal “ObamaCare” if 7 million people - the necessary number of Americans in order for the law to be financially viable – are not enrolled in one the exchanges by the end of open enrollment
Additional steps I have taken this year to undermine and repeal this bad law:
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On August 21, I signed onto Rep. Meadows letter urging Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor to defund the implementation and enforcement of “ObamaCare” in any appropriations bill or Continuing Resolution (CR) brought to the House Floor. To view the letter, CLICK HERE.
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On October 16, I stayed true to my commitment to my constituents and the American people and voted against the Senate’s budget deal because it did not defund “ObamaCare.”
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On December 11, I joined other Republican Members of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and sent a letter to President Obama addressing personal and financial security problems with the "ObamaCare" website. In the letter, we ask the President to outline specific steps his Administration has taken or plans to take to improve security. To view the letter, CLICK HERE.
House Republicans are also actively working to provide transparency, accountability, and fairness to the American people by conducting oversight of “ObamaCare” implementation. Below is a list of hearings conducted this year by the Committees I am a part of – click on the links to learn more:
Energy and Commerce:
Science Space, and Technology:
Share Your Story
Your personal stories about how “ObamaCare” is affecting you goes a long way in combating the Administration’s false narrative that people are saving money. I invite you to share your stories with me by emailing me at TX04.healthcare@mail.house.gov. Your privacy will be protected.
Rest assured I will continue to do everything I can to defund this bad law and replace it with responsible health care reform in order to provide Americans personal, job, financial, and health security.
PROMOTING JOB CREATION & BOOSTING THE ECONOMY
Promoting job creation and economic growth remains my top priority. It is important to remember that the government doesn’t create jobs – it makes policy decisions that impact the conditions for private market job creators. That is why Republicans worked this year to pass legislation on a variety of issues that would bolster America’s economy and create a positive environment for job creation.
Increasing Production of Our Nation’s Natural Resources
Over the last decade, the United States’ energy profile has undergone a shift from declining oil and gas production and dependence on imports to surging production and abundant domestic resources. This is due to increased domestic energy production on private land, more efficient energy use, and technological advances in oil and natural gas production methods that have made recovery of previously inaccessible resources, such as those in shale formations, economically recoverable.
This success, however, is in spite of the current Administration’s efforts. In fact, according to a recent report by the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, all new oil production since 2007 has occurred on private land. The report also cites a similar case with natural gas. Unfortunately, the current Administration, partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is doing all it can to stifle the production of petroleum, natural gas, and clean coal.
The EPA has also used a biased, non-transparent, non-peer reviewed process to regulate hyrdraulic fracturing (also known as “fracking”). Advances in “fracking” – a 60-year old technology – combined with horizontal drilling, have transformed the production of natural gas along with the natural gas industry. Access to shale gas that was until recently uneconomical and technically unrecoverable is now driving State and local economic growth all around the country while providing new sources of domestic energy to meet growing demand. In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts the U.S. will overtake Russia to become the largest natural gas producer by 2015.
I will continue to stand on the front lines fighting for “fracking” and exposing a number of uninformed allegations and misleading attacks by opponents, including the EPA. “Fracking” provides America with valuable energy and much-needed jobs.
In the coming year, it is my hope the President will finally join House Republicans in pursuing a true “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. Increasing domestic energy production is one of the easiest ways America can create jobs and boost the economy. That is why House Republicans have passed numerous “energy jobs” bills this year, including:
Click on each of these “jobs bills” to learn more:
Eliminating Unnecessary Regulations that Block Economic Growth
One of the most obvious steps Congress can take to encourage job creation is to cut down the heavy burden of complex federal regulations. Although certain regulations are necessary to maintain safety and accountability, it’s important to ensure regulations are fair and that the cost doesn’t outweigh the benefit. Excessive and overbearing regulations – particularly those imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency – hamper job opportunities for individuals and small businesses. That is why, in addition to my work on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am pleased the House passed legislation that would work to provide economic certainty, job security, and financial freedom for individuals and small businesses through responsible deregulation.
Click on each of these “jobs bills” to learn more:
Reforming Job Training Programs and Welfare Work Requirements
With nearly 11 million Americans out of work and millions more who have given up looking for a job, Washington must do all it can to help people get back to work. Two important steps Congress can take to help those struggling to find jobs are: 1) put work requirements in place for welfare recipients so they do not become trapped in a state of government dependency, and 2) ensure job creators have a tax and regulatory environment that encourages job creation.
To learn more about the SKILLS Act, a pro-jobs bill that would reform federal workforce development programs by streamlining and making them more responsive to employers’ needs, click on the link below:
To learn more about House efforts to preserve welfare work requirements that have successfully lifted families out of poverty, click on the link below:
Helping Students through Better Education
Quality education for our nation’s students is directly tied to their future opportunities, as well as America’s innovation and competitiveness. That is why, as a longtime supporter of our school systems, I want to ensure students across the nation and in our great State of Texas receive the best education possible. This year, House Republicans passed two bills that focus on improving education and easing the student loan burden so more students can pursue affordable higher education.
To learn more about the Student Success Act, a bill that removes burdensome federal intervention and allows states and local school districts the freedom to direct federal resources in a manner catered toward the students’ specific needs, click on the link below:
To learn more about the House’s affordable student loan bill that returns loans to a system under which interest rates are tied to market rates – but with fixed rates for the period of the loan, click on the link below:
Delaying and Fully Repealing “ObamaCare”
“Obamacare” is a bad law that limits freedom of choice, increases health care costs, decreases quality of care, and hurts jobs. On March 6, the Federal Reserve reported, “Employers in several Districts cited the unknown effects of the Affordable Care Act as reasons for planned layoffs and reluctance to hire more staff.” Many small businesses are reducing staff to under 50 employees, as well as reducing workers’ hours so they can be considered ‘part-time,’ in order to be exempt from providing health care. The Washington Examiner published an article citing 74% of small business owners’ intentions to cut hours and hire fewer workers in response to the employer mandate. Delaying and fully repealing “ObamaCare” is an important step to providing more certainty for job creators to expand their businesses and hire new workers.
Click on each of these “pro-jobs” bills to learn more:
REINING IN SPENDING & BALANCING THE BUDGET
Washington continues to spend and borrow money it doesn't have, and America's national debt now exceeds $17 trillion. The effects of the federal government’s out-of-control spending and high debt are felt in our country's weak economy: 7% unemployment rate, 63% labor force participation rate, and higher tax rates.
But there is good news – a solution lies in responsible, meaningful spending cuts and a balanced budget. That is why this year I continued to work to pass responsible bills that would help get America’s budget – and our economy – back on track.
Supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) and the Fair Tax Act
In order to build up America's economy and get people back to work, we must begin to rein in government spending and address the national debt, and balancing the budget is a vital step in that process. I am a longtime supporter of a Balanced Budget Amendment and a Fair Tax.
Click on each of the bills to learn more:
Steps to Achieving a Balanced Budget
The House also took a number of steps aimed towards producing a balanced budget.
Click on each of these bills to learn more:
Replacing the “Sequester” with Responsible Spending Cuts
On March 1 this year, the automatic “sequester” that was signed into law by the President under the Budget Control Act took effect. This law cut $85 billion from the federal government’s overall budget (a 2.3% cut) for 2013.
The federal government’s out-of-control spending must be reined in, but spending cuts must be made responsibly. I voted against the President’s Budget Control Act and his "sequester" proposal for a number of reasons. I did not agree with an automatic "sequester" that Congress and the American people would not have a vote on. I also opposed the Budget Control Act because of the serious risks and disproportionate cuts to Defense funding, which could endanger our troops and our national security. The 4th District’s Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, TX stands to be directly affected by these cuts, putting many jobs in danger. This is yet another reason why I opposed this bill and why I have since voted twice to replace the “sequester” with responsible spending cuts (H.R. 5652, Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act; H.R. 6684, Spending Reduction Act of 2012).
On December 12, the House passed a budget agreement to fund the federal government through fiscal year (FY) 2014. The bill partially offset a second round of “sequester” cuts that would harm the military. While I appreciated the effort to make the “sequester” cuts less painful to our Defense budget, I voted against this budget deal because it had inadequate spending cuts, it reduced the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for military retirees who are already underpaid, and it did not address the repeal of “ObamaCare.” To learn more about this bill, CLICK HERE.
SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS
Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the greatest responsibility, and safety is provided through a strong national defense and by the brave efforts of our servicemen and women. In order for our troops to do their duties effectively and efficiently, they must have adequate funding.
As a longtime supporter of our servicemen and women, both past and present, I believe it is imperative that we also provide these brave individuals and their families with the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned through their sacrifices on behalf of our great Nation.
With Texas representing one of the largest veteran populations in the country – over 1.6 million – supporting our troops and veterans is also of great personal concern for the 4th District and our State.
To learn more about efforts on behalf of veterans this year, including VA disability backlog, rebuilding BRAC-affected military communities, and Wall of Remembrance at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, CLICK HERE.
HOLDING THE ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTABLE
The current Administration has a bad track record for transparency and accountability, and it has dealt with a number of scandals this year including: the IRS targeting conservative political groups; the Justice Department targeting the Associated Press; the NSA collecting phone records; and the mismanagement of Syria. These scandals are part of a growing list that also includes the Benghazi attack in 2012 and the Fast and Furious gun running. I believe the Administration owes the American people answers to all of these very serious issues, and I will work with fellow House Republicans as we continue to hold oversight hearings throughout the various Committees.
PROTECTING THE 2nd AMENDMENT
I have always been a strong advocate of our Second Amendment rights, and many constituents in the 4th District are responsible gun owners. Unfortunately, the current Administration has spent much of this last year focusing its energy not on jobs and the economy, but on a misplaced interest in fighting gun violence by imposing more stringent gun regulations.
While I abhor acts of violence, we must remember that it is the people intent on taking violent measures against others who are the problem, and we must address the root of that violent behavior. Gun violence is not created by a lack of gun regulations. Rather than create additional regulations for law-abiding, peaceful citizens, we should focus our energy on strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations, stiff penalties for criminals, and address the need for mental health reform so future tragedies may be prevented.
Violence must be addressed, but not at the expense of fundamental rights under the Constitution. I believe in fully upholding the Constitution and am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. It is every American's right to possess firearms, and I will continue to oppose any legislation that infringes on this right.
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Energy and Commerce Committee
As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee – one of the top three Committees in the House – I have worked this year to repeal “ObamaCare”; promote “all-of-the-above” domestic energy production; fight this Administration’s war on energy through its use of overbearing EPA regulations; and support responsible telecommunication policies.
To learn more about the committee’s initiatives this year, check out our “Issues In Focus” page that includes information on “ObamaCare” oversight, efforts to meet energy challenges, reports, letters, and more.
To learn more about the committee’s hearings and legislative votes, CLICK HERE.
Science, Space, and Technology Committee
As Chairman Emeritus of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and as Chairman in the prior Congress, I have worked to combat the EPA’s overbearing, job-killing regulations; expand America’s “all-of-the-above” energy production; promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; and maintain our country’s preeminence in space. To learn more about the Committee’s initiatives, CLICK HERE. To read the Committee’s letter to the EPA calling for transparency and balance regarding the agency’s “campaign tour” for upcoming greenhouse gas regulations, CLICK HERE.
Constituents of the 4th District will be pleased to know that on December 5, the Committee approved a bipartisan bill I introduced earlier this year – H.R. 2431, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) Reauthorization Act of 2013. This bill extends authorization of the critical NIDIS program through 2018. Drought is a continuing challenge that affects most regions of our country, and the reauthorization of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) program is critical. NIDIS is a valuable resource that helps farmers, businesses, individuals, and decision makers at the federal, state, and local levels combat drought.
To learn more about the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, CLICK HERE.
CONSTITUENT OUTREACH
In an effort to better to communicate with constituents in the 4th District, this year I have taken several steps to increase accountability and transparency through social media. In addition to my Facebook page, constituents can now follow me on Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube channel. My official website was also updated this year to provide more helpful and comprehensive information, including:
LOOKING AHEAD
As we prepare to begin a new year, rest assured that I will continue to work hard representing your priorities in Washington. 4th District constituents remain concerned about “ObamaCare” and want its full repeal. Constituents also continue to express the serious need for economic growth, job creation, reining in spending, and balancing the budget. I agree that these priorities are all critical to the prosperity of all Americans and a positive future for our country, and I will use my seniority and Committee positions to further the views of those I am privileged to represent.
As we slow down to appreciate the holiday season, I wish you and yours a safe Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.
Sincerely,
Ralph M. Hall
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