2017 not only means the start of a new year but it also means the start of a new Congress. On January 3, the 115th Congress officially kicks off. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to start passing an agenda that Americans want to see implemented and the next few months are going to be extremely busy doing just that.
2017 not only means the start of a new year but it also means the start of a new Congress. On January 3, the 115th Congress officially kicks off. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to start passing an agenda that Americans want to see implemented and the next few months are going to be extremely busy doing just that.
House Republicans are already at work to repeal and replace Obamacare, which will help Americans across the country. Eight out of every 10 Americans want to change the law or repeal it altogether and the situation is only going to get more dire the longer that Obamacare is in place. The time to act is now.
In January, we will begin the transition to a patient-centered health system that puts American patients and doctors back in control of their health-care choices. What does this mean? It means giving patients tools, like Health Savings Accounts, and breaking down barriers that are in place that prevent Americans from picking the plans that are best for them and their families. We must also empower small businesses so they are able to provide their employees with health coverage that doesn’t bankrupt the company or limit job opportunities. These are just a few items of a long list and I am looking forward to starting the process of making health-care accessible for each and every American.
Another priority of the 115th Congress is to tackle our broken tax code and reform it once and for all. Our main goals are to have an IRS that is focused on customer service and works for its taxpayers, and we need a tax code that is simple, fair, and pro-growth for the American people. House Republicans have laid out a plan that would allow most Americans to be able to do their taxes on a form that is the same size as a postcard. To do this, all of the current brackets would be consolidated down to just three. To promote economic growth and job creation, we would cut taxes on small businesses, savings, and investments, and reform our corporate tax system so that American companies can be more competitive with the rest of the world..
Another issue that is on the forefront of our agenda is securing our nation’s borders. I’ve been a vocal proponent of securing our borders and an active member of the House Border Security Caucus. After all, securing our borders is part of our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to fulfill this obligation.
This list just scratches the surface of the priorities of the new Congress. The three issues I have discussed this week are big-ticket items and reform is necessary in each of these key areas. While we are hard at work on these priorities, we will also be passing smaller, targeted bills to help Americans and reduce the regulatory burden.
The new year provides Congress with a great opportunity to build on policies to make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Please know that I believe this is a cooperative effort between me and the 3rd District. I am your liaison to your government. My offices in Washington, D.C. and throughout the district are poised to listen to your concerns, suggestions, and are available to answer your questions. I will continue to keep you updated with what is happening in Washington through meetings in the district, social media, local television and radio appearances, and telephone townhalls. By working together we can achieve our common goal of making 2017 a year of progress, growth, and prosperity.
On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I wish you all a very Happy New Year!