Holding Washington Accountable

Fear, doubt, uncertainty and pessimism have arisen from the erosion of the rule of law that we witnessed under the Obama Administration. Never before in my lifetime has more unchecked, unbridled discretionary authority been given to relatively unaccountable government agencies, changing us from a nation based on the principle of the rule of law to the rule of rulers.  If we are to restore the breach that now exists between the federal government and the American people, we must once again ensure that Washington is accountable to We the People.  Under President Trump’s leadership, I look forward to working in Congress to do that as we move forward a bold agenda that respects our fundamental economic liberties and represents the rebirth of our personal freedom.   

An important part of holding Washington accountable is reclaiming Congress’ Article I powers, which past Congresses under both Democrat and Republican control have ceded to the Executive Branch.  In the Constitution, the founding fathers exclusively granted to Congress “all legislative powers herein.”  Yet, today, federal agencies led by unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats have morphed into legislature, cop on the beat, judge, jury, and recipient of the fine – all rolled into one.  That is why I am co-leading an effort in Congress with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), known as the Article I Project, focusing on advancing legislative solutions that reclaim the constitutional prerogatives for the people’s elected representatives.

Investigation of the IRS:

The IRS is at the epicenter of the Obama administration’s efforts to enforce its healthcare law and regulate free speech, and the House’s investigation has unearthed a clear record of harassing Americans because of their political beliefs. The American people deserve answers, and House Republicans –- led by the Oversight and Government Reform and Ways and Means Committees — will continue to fight to get the truth, no matter how badly the Administration wants to sweep these issues under the carpet. To learn more about the investigation of the IRS, click here. 

Investigation of Benghazi:

The terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012 was a sobering reminder of the virulent and dangerous threats facing the United States, its interests, and its partners. Shortly after the attack, House Republicans asked the Obama administration to explain to the American people the Administration’s actions leading up to and during the attack itself, as well as the fact that publicly-available information consistently contradicted Administration accounts describing the cause and nature of the attack. Our fight for answers and justice continues today. For over a year now, House Committees have engaged in serious, deliberate, and exhaustive oversight investigations of what led up to this tragic event, what happened that night, and why the White House still refuses to tell the whole truth. To learn more and to review the unclassified information and findings from this ongoing investigation, click here.