Congress’ number one priority should be putting Americans back to work and making our nation globally competitive again.

From 2009 to 2012, the nation suffered the worst unemployment rates since the Great Depression – with California’s unemployment rate exceeding 10% at times.

Job creators in America have had to overcome a regulatory tsunami that has forced them to absorb a regulatory compliance burden costing them $1.75 trillion each year.    While small businesses are the backbone of a growing economy, more taxes and more regulations have suffocated their ability to grow and create the jobs we so desperately need.

Rather than address the real barriers to job creation, the government’s response has been to keep spending more money that we don’t have.  In 2008, I voted against the so-called stimulus bill because instead of expanding job creation, it expanded the size and scope of the federal government resulting in billions and billions of taxpayer dollars being wasted on boondoggles like Solyndra.  Instead, I have supported alternative proposals to encourage private-sector job creation and remove red tape which burdens small business.

• Tax Relief for Small Business: House Republicans passed tax relief legislation for small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, so that that money can be invested into growth and new employees;
• JOBS Act: Provides businesses with a pathway to grow by reducing regulations and restrictions on businesses’ access to capital;
• Domestic Energy Jobs: House Republicans have also passed several bills that would responsibly allow Americans to access our own natural energy resources, reducing the price of energy and removing overly burdensome regulations to create thousands of jobs;
• Increased Trade: After 3 years of delay by the White House, the House passed three new Free Trade Agreements that will open new opportunities for businesses to grow and hire workers.

You may view all House of Representatives jobs legislation here.

The federal government doesn’t create jobs, small businesses and entrepreneurs do.  Let’s create an environment that fosters growth and job creation so America remains prosperous and free.