I believe free markets, economic mobility, and equal opportunity are the drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital formation. Every piece of legislation should consider the impact on these drivers.
Our national debt is at a record high of $20 trillion and Congress has not taken any steps to put controls on spending. American Treasury Securities have lost their AAA rating, which would normally place upward pressure on interest rates and exacerbate our national deficit. Instead, the Federal Reserve continues to print money and purchase Treasury Securities to artificially bring their value up and corresponding interest rates down. This increase in money supply weakens the value of the U.S. Dollar, making the United States an unattractive place to invest money, start a business or grow a corporation. As long as we continue down this fiscal path, we will continue to experience high unemployment, a sluggish economy and increased prices. This cycle will only stop when the U.S Congress controls spending.
These are the principles that will return America to economic greatness:
A balanced budget
Low taxes
Fiscal constraint
Low regulation
Sound monetary policy
Tort reform
Fair Trade
Funding the government under regular order will put the brakes on runaway spending legislation and restore fiscal responsibility to Washington. To achieve this, I have supported these bills:
H.R. 4328, the Read the Bill Act. I introduced this bill on January 6, 2016. My bill would prohibit the consideration in the House or Senate of any legislation over 300 pages which has not been published online at least 72 working hours prior to consideration, would require an additional 24-hours for every 100 pages of bill text beyond 300 pages, and take away the force of law of any legislation using “fast track” procedures
H.R. 4486, the Just do your Job Act, which would keep all members of either the House or Senate from being paid if the respective chamber does not hold a vote on final passage of each of the 12 regular appropriations bills prior to the end of the fiscal year. I am a co-sponsor of this bill.
The best way to create jobs in the United States is for the government to get out of the way. In Congress, I have and will continue to support cutting unnecessary spending, lowering taxes and removing regulations on U.S. enterprise to spur economic growth, entrepreneurship, and Investment. A smaller government will lead to a stronger economy that creates jobs for everyday Americans.
