In The News
Chairmen Thornberry made the following statement about Rep. DesJarlais and fellow new HASC members, "The Armed Services Committee has a unique and solemn role in Congress' first responsibility, which is defending the country. I am grateful that these Members are willing to dedicate their talents to rebuilding and reforming America's Military."
Chairmen Thornberry and Chairmen McCain are planning to pitch about $640 billion in national defense spending for the coming 2018 fiscal year. This proposal could come as early as this week to seize upon President- elect Trump and to boost defense spending and pursue a major military buildup. Rep. DesJarlais was referenced among others as a new HASC member.
Rep. DesJarlais made the following statement, “I’m eager to get to work in the new Congress, in partnership with a new Administration, on the most urgent security matters facing the United States, including global terrorism, modernizing military technology, and rebuilding our Armed Forces. The best military in the world deserves the best support.
Rep. DesJarlais made the following statement on replacing Obamacare, "I think there have always been replacement plans. It is more a question of timing. Voting for the budget will allow the reconciliation process to take place. As far as when the replacement bill coincides with the budget process is a little bit up in the air. My hope is it is sooner than later.
Rep. DesJarlais has co-sponsored legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This bill would repeal the individual and employer health insurance mandates implemented under the Affordable Care Act.
Last week, on House Republican’s very first day in 115th Congress, representatives were challenged with debates over the Office Ethics and whether to establishing a new complaint department. Representative DesJarlais noted that the proposal was “ill-times” and he looks forward to future to discussions on how to make responsible reforms to the process of ethics oversight.
Rep. DesJarlais worries that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service might impose new rules expanding the Horse Protection Act in the waning days of the Obama presidency, and the Midnight Rules Relief Act. If Midnight Rules becomes law, it could potentially be used to address such rules, provided that the Congress could agree to overturn them.
Rep. DesJarlais will await the findings of a review by the National Park Service on how officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park handled the fire that swept into Gatlinburg. "My heart goes out to victims of arson, and I'm eager to see a full review of the disaster and response, including any breach of policy.”
Congressman Scott DesJarlais voted on Wednesday for the Midnight Rules Relief Act, legislation to prevent last-minute regulations from the outgoing Obama Administration from taking effect. The bill, which the Senate will now consider, amends the Congressional Review Act to allow Congress to override multiple federal regulations in “one fell swoop”.
Rep. DesJarlais introduced 17 bills of legislation during his tenure in Congress. Portions of these bills have been pulled into larger legislation to be carried out. One of them dealt with arming people on military bases. DesJarlais says "the national defense authorization act provided a vehicle for this legislation to be carried out."