Congressional Issues

For the first time since 2001, Congress has passed a balanced budget.  Now, Senate Democrats are threatening to shut down the government because they want more money for the IRS and EPA!

By blocking the normal appropriations process, Senator Harry Reid and his allies are blocking a full pay raise for our heroes in the military, withholding funds for critical military resources, and weakening our national security against ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

Since when are IRS bureaucrats more important than our troops?

So far this year, I have joined the House of Representatives to pass six appropriations bills, providing funding for several government agencies including Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Transportation.  House Republicans made a point of including measures to responsibly curb Washington’s out-of-control spending habit and cut unnecessary red tape.  Apparently, Senate Democrats object to making Washington bureaucrats live by the same rules as hardworking American families.

Recent events, including the EPA’s “Waters of the United States” power grab and the IRS targeting of conservative organizations, including Charlotte’s Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, confirm that the IRS and EPA are inefficient, power hungry, and out of touch with the American people.  As a result, the House budget cuts IRS funding by 15% (or $341 million less than FY 2014) and prohibits IRS agents from targeting American citizens or organizations based solely on their political beliefs.

While House Republicans continue work to restart the normal budget process, Senate Democrats continue to threaten shutdown.  Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) hinted at a shutdown when she warned “the President will veto bills at this allocation, and Democrats will vote against motions to proceed to these bills on the Senate Floor.” 

Senator Harry Reid was more blunt:  “We’re headed for another shutdown.”

America borrows $1 million every thirty seconds to satisfy Washington’s out-of-control spending habit.  Our $18 trillion national debt is one of the most serious threats facing America today.  Despite threats from Senate Democrats, House Republicans are succeeding in funding the government at a fiscally responsible level, reining in an oversized and burdensome government, and moving your priorities forward.

President Obama and Senate Democrats must stop playing Washington games.  The American people, and our brave troops, deserve better.  America’s spending priority should be national security, not more bureaucracy.  As your Congressman, I will continue to fight to restore fiscal sanity in Washington.

For more information concerning my work and views on Congressional Issues, please contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.