Congressman McHenry Weekly Update - The 115th Congress Begins

January 8, 2017

Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Standing With A Sacred Ally

This week marked the beginning of the 115th Congress as all House members and newly elected Senators took the oath of office. As one of our first actions, the Republican-led House stood firmly behind one of our nation's most sacred allies: Israel. On Thursday, the House passed House Resolution 11 condemning the United Nations latest attack on Israel. This measure--which passed with wide bipartisan support--stands in stark contrast to the Obama Administration which chose to abstain from the vote at the UN instead of vetoing this anti-Israeli resolution. Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East and should be commended for the stability they bring to the region instead of being subjected to these objectionable attacks. You can read more about Thursday's vote here and see my full statement on it below.

Remembering a Dedicated Public Servant

This past week, I had the honor of speaking on the House floor in remembrance of my good friend and a longtime Tenth District public servant: Cleveland County Commissioner Ronnie Hawkins who passed away in December. A Kings Mountain native, Ronnie dedicated his life to service first in the Army followed by twelve years on the Kings Mountain School Board and another sixteen years on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners. Over the years, I had the pleasure of getting to know Ronnie and was proud to call him a friend. My prayers continue to be with his beloved wife Libby and the entire Hawkins family as they mourn their loss. Video of my speech honoring Ronnie Hawkins can be seen by clicking here or on the image below.

Reining in Federal Regulations

Over the past eight years, the Obama Administration has unleashed a regulatory onslaught. With economic costs of nearly $2 trillion, these regulations have hampered job growth and driven up the costs of everyday goods and services. House Republicans have fought these regulations daily and this week we took another important step in that fight with passage of the REINS Act. This bill brings greater accountability and transparency to the regulatory process by requiring any regulation with an economic cost over $100 million to come to Congress for an up or down vote before its enacted. You can read my statement on this common sense bill below.


	What I Have Been Reading
	Man with Asperger Syndrome Wins Local Election *Bayada Home Health Care* Great story here about Tenth District constituent Kirk Herbertson. Kirk, who has Asperger syndrome, was recently elected to serve on the Board of Education in Lincoln County. I've gotten to know Kirk through the years via his role as a volunteer photographer with the Lincoln Herald and I look forward to being one of his constituents in the coming years. With one bill, Republicans fast track plan to undo Obama regulations *Reuters* In addition to the REINS Act, the House passed another important bill to undo the damage done by President Obama's regulations. On Wednesday I was proud to support the Midnight Rules Relief Act which gives Congress the ability to undo multiple Obama regulatory actions with one simple, majority vote. Hensarling Announces Committee Leadership Team *House Financial Services Committee* I am honored to continue my service as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee in the 115th Congress. Over the next two years I look forward to leading the committee as we work with the new Administration to reduce regulations and make it easier for parents and families to save for college, housing, and other important life events.

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