Key Votes

Key Votes

To help you stay informed, I've compiled a list of some of the most important votes I've cast in Congress. While the concerns of the First District influence each and every vote I take as your congressman, I know that some votes impact your daily life more than others.

If you are looking for a specific vote that is not listed here, please try searching my summary of votes here or Congress.gov 

116th Congress (2019-2020)

  • Articles of impeachment: H.Res.755 is the resolution formalizing the impeachment of Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. I voted no on this bill because House Democrats failed to come up with any evidence in their partisan investigation that supports their claim that the president committed any high crimes and misdemeanors. The facts are clear: there was no quid pro quo, or crime, or abuse of power.
  • Resolution to formalize impeachment inquiry: H.Res.660 is a resolution to formalize the impeachment inquiry against President Trump. I voted no on this bill because it was nothing more than a political stunt on the part of Speaker Pelosi to push forward with the sham Democrat impeachment. Speaker Pelosi announced her intention to impeach the president and then began a closed-door investigation to find facts that support her decision. A fair process would include giving the minority the right to subpoena witnesses without needing the chairman’s authorization; giving the president the right to have counsel sit in on and question witnesses in all related hearings; and conducting all hearings openly and transparently.  
  • Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: H.R. 3 is a misguided bill gives government bureaucrats the power to set drug prices. If a manufacturer refuses to “negotiate” with the government and agree to their price, the company can be taxed up to 95 percent on their gross revenue until they comply. I voted no on this bill because Council of Economic Advisers estimates this bill could lead to up to 100 fewer cures over the next decade. We should encourage companies to innovate and pursue treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS and cancer, not force them into arbitrary price-fixing schemes. It only takes one cure to save thousands – and possibly millions – of lives. 
  • For the People Act of 2019: H.R. 1 should be called the ‘For the Politicians Act’ because with this legislation only they will benefit, not the people. I believe there are reasonable election reforms where both Republicans and Democrats can agree, especially if they were focused on encouraging American citizens to vote; but this bill does not do that. I voted no on this bill because it would upend our elections by allowing politicians to receive taxpayer dollars to fund their campaigns; it would take election oversight away from states and communities instead giving it to the federal government; it would weaken the integrity of our elections; and it limits free speech.
  • Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019: H.R. 8 will endanger law-abiding citizens by criminalizing their right to defend themselves. I voted no on this bill because it will criminalize the actions of a domestic abuse or stalking victim borrowing a gun from a friend for protection, unless under immediate threat and fails to address the underlying causes of mass shootings, mental health.
  • National Emergency Declaration on the Southern Border: H.J.Res. 46 This was a resolution to terminate President Trump’s national emergency declaration regarding the crisis on our southern border. I voted no on this resolution because I stand with the President because there is absolutely a national security and a humanitarian crisis on our southern border. I have seen the crisis with my own eyes and have heard our border patrol personnel urge lawmakers to address this crisis. Democrats failed to cooperate with the President on a solution and had left the president with no choice but to use an executive action to address the emergency at our southern border.

 

115th Congress (2017-2018)

  •  2018 Farm Bill: H.R. 2 included critical provisions needed to maintain a strong safety net for the agriculture community. Notably, it reauthorizes and improves critical crop insurance programs; expands trade promotion initiatives to sell American goods abroad; and ensures small family farms have access to research and agriculture extension programs to increase their crop yields. This bill also includes the text of the Tennessee Wilderness Act, legislation Rep. Phil Roe introduced in the House, and Senators Alexander and Corker introduced in the Senate. This bill designated 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest as wilderness, to preserve the land with federal protection. I voted yes on this bill and it was signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2018. 
  • VA MISSION Act: S. 2372  is a comprehensive VA reform law which streamlines the department’s duplicative community care and Choice programs into one cohesive program, creates a non-partisan process for reviewing VA’s assets to ensure veterans can access the care they have earned and expands the VA's Post-9/11 Caregiver Program to veterans of all eras. These reforms were supported by President Trump, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, and all major Veterans Service Organizations. The bill also includes funding for the Choice Program that is expected to last until the new program authorized under the VA MISSION Act is implemented. Additionally, the bill contains a number of provisions that would strengthen VA's internal capacity to provide timely, quality care to veteran patients within VA medical facilities by improving and expanding VA's ability to train, recruit and retain the very best providers. I voted yes. S.2372 passed the House on May 16th, 2018, by a vote of 347 to 70 and was signed into law by President Trump on June 6, 2018.
  • Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: H.R. 1 is the first major overhaul of our country’s tax code in 31 years. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers individual rates for every American. Already, 85 percent of East Tennesseans take the standard deduction, so by nearly doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and to $24,000 for families, even more East Tennesseans will be able to file their taxes on a simplified form. This bill will double the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 to help with the cost of raising children, provides relief from the death tax that hurts family-owned farms and businesses, and protects Americans from Obamacare by repealing the individual mandate penalty tax so families can decide what health insurance works best for them. In addition to the tax relief we are providing to individuals and families, we are making our country’s business tax climate far more competitive to incentivize businesses to invest in jobs right here at home. I voted yes on this bill because it will benefit Americans at all income levels and will provide commonsense, pro-growth tax relief to East Tennesseans.
  • American Health Care Act: H.R. 1628 gets rid of some of the worst features of Obamacare, including the individual and employer mandates; the medical device tax that drives up the cost of lifesaving devices; the tax on health insurers that makes health coverage even more expensive; the age rating regulation that makes health insurance unaffordable for millions of younger Americans; and the Washington mandate that lets bureaucrats decide what benefits are included in your health insurance plan. I voted yes. H.R. 1628 passed the House on May 4, 2017 by a vote of 217-213 and is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate.
  • Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act: H.R. 38 would allow individuals who possess concealed carry permits in their home state to carry in any other state that does not prohibit concealed carry. I voted yes on this bill because it will provide much-needed legal certainty for concealed carry permit holders who currently must comply with a patchwork of different state laws when traveling across state lines.
  • No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act: H.R. 7 explicitly states that taxpayer dollars may not be used to fund abortions. I voted yes on this bill. Since 1976, Congress has prevented taxpayer funding for abortion. Unfortunately, this door was reopened with the passage of ObamaCare. This misguided law has, in addition to causing incredible harm to our health care system, potentially put taxpayers on the hook for funding the termination of innocent life.
  • Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: H.R. 36 would prohibit abortions beyond twenty weeks after fertilization. As an obstetrician who has delivered nearly 5,000 babies, I voted yes on this bill because I've seen with my own eyes that twenty weeks into a pregnancy, babies have fingers, toes and some even begin to hiccup. They have developed nerve centers for their senses, meaning they can hear, taste, smell, see, and most importantly feel. I believe it is my duty in Congress to protect the rights of those who are still developing a voice.
  • Save Local Business Act: H.R. 3441 would reverse the National Labor Relations Board’s August 2015 expansion of the definition of a joint employer, and would reaffirm that two or more employers must have “actual, direct, and immediate” control over employees to be considered joint employers – a standard that has existed and worked well for many years. I voted yes on this bill. This legislation will provide certainty to employees and encourage small business growth.
  • National Defense Authorization Act of 2018: H.R. 2810 authorizes and prioritizes $634.2 billion for the Department of Defense. I voted yes on this bill. This important bill provides $65.7 billion for Global War on Terror and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) to ensure we continue to lead in the fight against radical Islamic terrorist groups like ISIS, makes important investments to address our readiness crisis, and ensures our troops and their families have the best support possible. This bill also provides the largest increase in military pay in eight years at 2.4%.
  • Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act: H.R. 2353 reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. I voted yes on this legislation because it supports state and local leaders’ efforts to ensure technical education is focused on meeting the needs of local communities and employers.  Improving Career and Technical Education (CTE) is important as we work to prepare skilled American workers, which are essential to filling the employment needs of our expanding economy.
  • Kate’s Law: H.R. 3004 sets stricter penalties for illegal immigrants who return to the United States after being deported. This bill is named after a young woman named Kate Steinle, who was killed by a gun in the possession of an illegal immigrant who had been deported and returned at least five times. I voted yes on this bill because it will strengthen immigration enforcement and discourage repeat violators.
  • Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act: H.R. 849 will terminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Under Obamacare, the IPAB is tasked with developing proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. I authored the legislation and voted yes. H.R. 849 passed the House on November 2, 2017 by a vote of 307 to 111 and is currently awaiting Senate consideration.
  • The Financial CHOICE Act: H.R. 10 will replace the misguided and overly burdensome regulations created by the Dodd-Frank Act, which have resulted in significant cost increases and restricted capital access for consumers and American business owners. Most importantly, the Financial CHOICE Act will end the days of bailouts for big banks, open up capital investment opportunities for small businesses and startups and return the power to individuals to make decisions based on their needs and the needs of their families. I voted yes. H.R. 10 passed the House on June 8, 2017 by a vote of 233 to 186 and is currently awaiting Senate consideration.
  • Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act: H.R. 26 will require congressional approval of major executive branch regulations that will have an economic impact of more than $100 million. With regulations imposing an estimated burden of nearly $1.9 trillion on the economy in 2015 alone, it is essential that Congress have a tool to slow the growth of the regulatory state and make government more accountable to the people. I voted yes. H.R. 26 passed the House on January 5, 2017 by a vote of 237 to 187 and is currently before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee for consideration.
  • Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017: H.R. 1215 makes meaningful changes to medical malpractice litigation and aims to lower healthcare costs.  Individuals injured because of malpractice would still be entitled to full economic damages, which cover things like medical bills and lost wages. The skyrocketing cost of medical malpractice insurance has made health care more expensive and has caused doctors to perform unnecessary procedures just to protect against a lawsuit. With these reforms, we will ensure patients – not trial attorneys – are compensated for legitimate malpractice claims, but we will also prevent frivolous litigation from moving forward. I offered an amendment that was included in the version passed by the House that would limit who could be considered an expert witness in a malpractice case to an expert in the same field who is located in the same state or a contiguous state, instead of a witness that is flown in from across the country just to testify. I voted yes. H.R. 1215 passed the House on June 28, 2017 and is currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
  • CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act: H.R. 3922 extends community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and teaching health centers that operate GME programs. This bill would be a five year extension for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). I voted yes. H.R. 3922 passed the House on November 3, 2017 by a vote of 242 to 174 and is currently before the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017: S. 1094 would create a new streamlined and efficient process to remove, demote or suspend any VA employee for poor performance or misconduct with a concrete shortened timeline, while still protecting employees’ due process rights, and would provide them with the right to appeal the action. It would also provide expanded protections for whistleblowers and would specifically bar VA from using this removal authority if the employee has an open whistleblower complaint/case with the Office of Special Counsel. I voted yes. S. 1094 passed the House on June 13, 2017 by a vote of 368 – 55 and was signed into law by President Trump on June 23, 2017. 
  • The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017: H.R. 3218 named for the principal architect of the original GI Bill, would improve and extend GI Bill benefits granted to veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents. This bipartisan, bicameral package is budget neutral and includes provisions that have been proposed and prioritized by Veterans Service Organizations. I voted yes. H.R. 3218 passed the House on July 24, 2017 by a vote of 405 – 0 and was signed into law by President Trump on August 16, 2017.
  • The Stream Buffer Rule: H.J. Res. 38 uses the Congressional Review Act (H.R. 5) to overturn the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Stream Buffer Rule, a regulation intended to protect surface water from mining operations. However, this is an ineffective attempt to improve the environment as mines saddled with this regulation already have virtually no off-site impact. I voted yes. H.J. Res. 38 passed the House on February 1, 2017 by a vote of 228 – 194 and was signed into law by President Trump on February 16, 2017.

114th Congress (2015-2016)

  • No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act: H.R. 7 explicitly states that taxpayer dollars may not be used to fund abortions. I voted yes on this bill. Since 1976, Congress has prevented taxpayer funding for abortion. Unfortunately, this door was reopened with the passage of ObamaCare. This misguided law has, in addition to causing incredible harm to our health care system, potentially put taxpayers on the hook for funding the termination of innocent life.
  • Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: This legislation would prohibit abortions beyond twenty weeks after fertilization. As an obstetrician who has delivered nearly 5,000 babies, I voted yes on this bill because I've seen with my own eyes that twenty weeks into a pregnancy, babies have fingers, toes and some even begin to hiccup. They have developed nerve centers for their senses, meaning they can hear, taste, smell, see, and most importantly feel. I believe it is my duty in Congress to protect the rights of those who are still developing a voice. 
  • Regulatory Accountability Act: This legislation amended the Administrative Procedure Act to revise and expand the requirements for federal agency rulemaking by requiring agencies, in making a rule, to base all preliminary and final factual determinations on evidence and to consider the legal authority under which the rule may be proposed, the specific nature and significance of the problem the agency may address with the rule, any reasonable alternatives for the rule, and the potential costs and benefits associated with such alternatives. It would also require agencies to publish advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register for major rules and for high-impact rules and for negative-impact on jobs and wages rules and those that involve a novel legal or policy issue arising out of statutory mandates. I voted yes on this bill because it returns the power to congress to approve or deny rules that might adversely affect the workforce or the general economy financially.
  • Every Student Succeeds Act: This legislation reauthorizes and amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. I voted yes on this legislation because it gives control over education back to states and school districts and reduces burdensome federal mandates. The bill provides rural school districts with increased flexibility in using federal funding. This bill was signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015.
  • Keystone XL Pipeline Act : This legislation would authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. I voted yes on H.R. 3 because construction of the pipeline will create jobs and strengthen America’s energy security.
  • North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act: I voted yes on this broad energy bill, which would update and modernize the country’s energy infrastructure; protect the electricity system against physical and cyber-attacks, severe weather, and seismic events; reform the process for approving energy exports; and improve government accountability. 
  • Iran Nuclear Deal: H.R. 3460: I voted yes on H.R. 3460. This legislation which would have blocking implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal, and would have prevented the president from waiving sanctions on Iran & H.R. 3461: I voted no on H.R. 3461 which would have approved implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal. This legislation overwhelmingly failed to pass the House on a bipartisan basis, and showed how unpopular the administration’s deal with Iran was.
  • Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act: I voted yes on this legislation, which would have repealed major provisions of Obamacare and would have halted federal funding for abortion providers. I voted yes on this bill.
  • Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act: This legislation amended Medicare to: (1) remove sustainable growth rate methodology from the determination of annual conversion factors in the formula for payment for physicians’ services and (2) revised the update in rates for 2015 and subsequent years. This legislation also directed the Secretary for Health and Human Services to establish a Merit-based Incentive Payment system under which eligible professionals shall receive annual payment increases or decreases based on their performance. I voted yes on this bill because it replaced the disastrous sustainable growth rate with a system that will reward good doctors and penalize bad doctors when treating Medicare patients.
  • 21st Century Cures Act: This legislation established the NIH and Cures Innovation Fund (1) for biomedical research, including high-risk, high-reward research and research conducted by early stage investigators and (2) to develop and implement a strategic plan for biomedical research. I voted yes on this bill because we are on the forefront of curing many of the diseases we know and researching more about those that we do not, and we need to reward that research and promote it for the betterment of all Americans.
  • Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act: This legislation would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) from ObamaCare. I voted yes on this bill because I was the lead sponsor and because the IPAB, should it be triggered, would have catastrophic outcomes on Medicare payments and care for our seniors.
  • Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act: This bill would deny funding from three law-enforcement programs to any state or local government that has policies inhibiting the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  I voted yes on this legislation to support better control our borders, and prevent the unacceptable practice of local governments ignoring the law. 
  • Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act: This legislation, which was later signed into law, addresses the shortcomings of the Visa Waiver Program – which allows citizens of certain counties to more easily travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days. The bill requires participating countries to provide counterterrorism information and other intelligence, requires identification of and allows for the suspension of high-risk countries, and denies Visa Waiver Program status for those who have traveled to terrorist hotspots since 2011. I voted yes on this legislation to help ensure Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters with Western passports who have traveled to countries like Iraq and Syria for training are not permitted to enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program.
  • Death Tax Repeal Act: This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes and (2) make permanent the maximum 35% gift tax rate and the lifetime gift tax exemption. I voted yes on this bill because there should not be an additional tax simply for dying and transferring money to your surviving family members, and it often has an adverse effect on family farms that have little monetary value beyond the products they grow and are able to sell.
  • Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act: This legislation allows Congress to have an up-or-down vote on any potential trade agreement, while providing greater accountability, public transparency, and Congressional oversight in the negotiation of future trade deals. I voted yes on this legislation to ensure Congress has the final say on any trade agreement.
  • Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act: I voted yes on this bipartisan, bicameral, five-year highway funding bill, which brings certainty in transportation planning to state and local governments, while eliminating bureaucracy to allow states to invest funds where they need it most. This bill will provide much-needed certainty and resources to start the long process of repairing and replacing the failing infrastructure around this country. It provides federal, state and local governments with the ability to strategically plan their projects and spend wisely, which will save taxpayer resources.

113th Congress (2013-2014)

  • No Budget, No Pay: This legislation would temporarily raise the debt ceiling while also requiring members of Congress to pass a budget or forfeit pay. I voted yes on this bill because, simply put, I believe that if Congress can’t do our job we don’t deserve to be paid.
  • Republican Budget Plan: This legislation would balance the budget over ten years, set the stage for tax reform, and repeal Obamacare. I voted yes on this bill because East Tennesseans have spoken out against the President’s tax, borrow, and spend policies, and the Republican plan proves we’ve heard the message. This plan would start the process of getting our fiscal house in order and by 2023, we’ll have a $7 billion annual budget surplus.
  • The Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act (I introduced this legislation): This legislation requires the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to cease all activity until the uncertainty surrounding the board is resolved. The bill also requires a constitutionally confirmed quorum of board members to review all decisions issued since January 4, 2012. I introduced and voted yes on this bill because The NLRB is tasked with ensuring American workers have a fair workplace. It conducts union elections and works to prevent or remedy unlawful practices on the part of employers and unions. President Obama’s so-called recess appointments left the board in a state of legal chaos and Americans deserve better.
  • H.R. 890, legislation to uphold the work requirement in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. I voted yes on this legislation because 17 years ago, a Republican-led Congress worked with President Clinton to fix a broken welfare system by establishing the TANF block grant program. The key to fixing the system was a requirement for individuals to work, prepare for work, or look for work as a condition of receiving public assistance. In the years following passage, the number of individuals receiving welfare dropped by 57 percent. The poverty level among single mothers fell by 30 percent, while their income and earnings increased significantly. Poverty levels among young African Americans dropped to its lowest level in 2001. For those Americans who need help, we should offer it—but not as a permanent entitlement.
  • The SKILLS Act-  The SKILLS Act streamlines 35 ineffective and duplicative job training programs, including 26 identified in a 2011 report by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office. Additionally, the proposal creates a Workforce Investment Fund to serve as a single source of support for employers, workers, and job seekers. States are required to reserve a certain percentage of funds to specifically target individuals with unique barriers to finding employment, including at-risk youth. I voted yes on this legislation because I believe this bill will help unemployed Americans access job training programs to help get them back to work. 
  • H.R. 1797, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act:  This legislation would prohibit abortions beyond twenty weeks after fertilization. As an obstetrician who has delivered nearly 5,000 babies, I voted yes on this bill because I've seen with my own eyes that twenty weeks into a pregnancy, babies have fingers, toes and some even begin to hiccup. They have developed nerve centers for their senses, meaning they can hear, taste, smell, see, and most importantly feel. I believe it is my duty in Congress to protect the rights of those who are still developing a voice. 
  • H.R. 45, legislation to repeal ObamaCare: This legislation repeal ObamaCare. I voted yes on this bill because East Tennesseans have spoken out against government-run health care and this bill is the wrong answer to America’s health care problems.
  • H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act: This legislation would require the president to move forward with the Keystone XL Pipeline. I voted yes on this bill because I believe Keystone will create jobs and help reduce our dependence on oil from unstable countries.
  • H.R. 1911, the Smarter Solutions for Students Act: This legislation would prevent student loan interest rates from doubling and sets them at a market-based interest rate. I voted yes on this bill because I believe it will help students access an affordable education. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate and was signed into law.
  • H.R. 5, the Student Success Act: This legislation would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). I voted yes on this bill because it will restore local control, reduce the federal footprint in the nation’s classrooms, support more effective teachers, and empower parents.
  • Farm bill: This legislation would reauthorize farm and food aid programs for five years. I voted yes on this bill because it was a bipartisan bill that saves taxpayers’ money, reduces deficit spending, and repeals outdated government programs while reforming, streamlining and consolidating others. I also voted yes on the “farm policy only” farm bill. 
  • H.J. Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act: I voted yes on this bill because it will return the budget and spending process to regular order, which gives members of Congress greater ability to cut spending and insist on reforms to government programs. This bill also cuts federal spending by $23 billion and provides a temporary fix for Medicare physician payments.
  • H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act: Permits health insurance companies to maintain insurance plans that were in effect as of January 1, 2013 through the end of 2014. I voted yes on this bill because it protects those Americans who are losing their insurance because of ObamaCare.
  • H.R. 367, the REINS Act: Requires Congress to take an up-or-down vote on all new federal regulations with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more before they can be enforced. I voted yes on this bill because federal regulations already cost the economy an estimated $1.8 trillion in 2012 alone.
  • Jobs for America Act: This legislation, comprised of 15 House-passed bills, would help create American jobs through such policies as regulatory reform and tax relief. I voted yes because getting Americans back to work has to be one of our top priorities.
  • Special Counsel to Investigate IRS Targeting: This resolution calls on the U.S. attorney general to appoint a special counsel to investigate the politically-motivated targeting of conservative groups by IRS employees. I voted yes because the American people should be able to trust their government officials to treat every citizen fairly and without regard to their political beliefs 
  • FY 2015 Republican Budget: This pro-growth budget would reduce spending by $5.1 trillion over 10 years, reform the tax code, strengthen entitlement programs, and address our skyrocketing national debt. I voted yes because Washington should live within its means, just like our families do. 
  • Save American Workers Act: This bill would restore the 40-hour work week for the purpose of ObamaCare’s employer mandate. I voted yes because we know that the current 30-hour definition has led to employees losing hours and fewer jobs being created. 
  • Highway and Transportation Funding Act: This bill provided fully-offset funds to the Highway Trust Fund, ensuring the Fund does not become insolvent through May 2015. I voted yes because it’s important to our economy and safety that we fund our roads and bridges.
  • American Energy for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act:  This bill is a comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy package aimed at encouraging North American energy production. This package includes fourteen energy bills and will help create jobs, lower the cost of energy for hardworking families and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.  I voted yes because energy independence is an important part of national security and economic recovery.
  • Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA): This measure will strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure by reforming and streamlining the process for approving water projects to help ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. I voted yes because this bill will help create jobs and ensure American infrastructure is safe.  
  • SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act:  This bill prevented a 24 percent cut to what Medicare pays physicians, ensuring that seniors can continue to access needed medical care. This legislation also provided a bipartisan, bicameral overhaul of the physician payment system which would incentive high-quality care. I voted yes because physicians and patients alike need a stable Medicare program.
  • Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act: This bipartisan legislation reforms existing charter school programs, as well as providing grants for new schools and the replication of successful, existing schools. I voted yes because every child deserves a good education, and charter schools offer parents additional choices.
  • Secure the Southwest Border Supplemental Appropriations Act: This legislation provides funding to law enforcement and border states to help address the surge in minors crossing the border illegally. The funding will help process and return these individuals swiftly to their country of origin and provide necessary funding to deploy the National Guard to assist Border Patrol, among other provisions. I voted yes on this bill because we must act swiftly to regain control of the Southern Border with Mexico.
  • H.R. 5272; To freeze Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) policy:. I voted yes on this bill to prevent the Obama Administration from modifying or expanding its DACA program, which defers the processing of minors who are in the country illegally and lived in the United States since June 15,2007. The DACA policy is at the heart of the surge in minors leaving Central America and Mexico and crossing our border because they believe they will be able to stay in the United States.

112th Congress (2011-2012)

  • Balanced Budget Amendment: This legislation would amend the Constitution to require Congress to pass a balanced budget. I voted yes on this bill because I believe that with the size of our national debt it is time to get serious about spending.
  • Path to Prosperity, The Republican Budget Plan: The House Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution would've helped spur job creation today, stopped spending money the government doesn't have, and lifted the crushing burden of debt. This plan put the budget on the path to balance and the economy on the path to prosperity. I voted yes on this bill because out-of-control spending is one of the most significant threats to American prosperity. To learn more about my views on the budget, click here.
  • Budget Control Act: This legislation raised the debt ceiling in exchange for enacting enforceable spending cuts and requiring a vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment. I voted yes on this bill because, for the first time in the history of modern federal budgeting, House Republicans cut discretionary federal spending for two straight years. Analysis by the House Budget Committee shows the Budget Control Act achieved roughly 66 percent of the discretionary spending cuts in the House-passed budget. The bill cut and capped spending by $917 billion over 10 years – $22 billion in FY2012 alone – and prevented a national default that would've hurt private-sector job growth.
  • Repeal of Obamacare Act: This legislation would repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I voted yes on this bill because while health care reform is very important, this misguided legislation will have a catastrophic effect on our economy. To learn more about my views on health care, click here.
  • Audit the Fed: This legislation would require a one-time audit within 12 months of enactment. I voted yes on this bill because since the financial crisis first started, the Federal Reserve has tripled its balance sheet to $3 trillion. Over the course of the financial crisis, it lent out nearly $16 trillion, which is more than the GDP of the economy. The actions of the Federal Reserve affect all Americans, and hardworking taxpayers have a right to know where and how their money is being spent.
  • The REINS Act: This legislation would require all new major regulations with an economic impact of $100 million or more to receive congressional approval before they go into effect. This means, just like legislation, the rule would have to be voted on by both the House and Senate and signed by the president. I voted yes on this bill. While the REINS Act won’t solve all our economic challenges overnight, I firmly believe this legislation is a strong step in the right direction. To read more about the REINS Act, click here.
  • Sequestration Transparency Act: This legislation required President Obama to submit a report to Congress 30 days after the date of enactment detailing how the administration plans to implement the budget sequestration cuts that were required to take place in January 2013 under current law. I voted yes on this legislation because passage of this bipartisan bill would direct the administration to detail exactly how scheduled sequestration cuts will impact the Department of Defense. Passage of the legislation reaffirms my commitment to our troops and our national security.
  • Domestic Energy and Jobs Act: This legislation was a package of domestic energy production bills that will not only reduce energy costs that hard-working families and small businesses currently face, but also spur badly-needed economic growth and job creation. I voted yes on this bill because the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act would help ease pain at the pump, create jobs, and push this country towards energy independence. The average American family buys 1,100 gallons of gasoline per year. If the price of gas fell just one dollar, from the current national average of $3.49, families would save $1,100 a year. For far too long, the Obama Administration prioritized politics over the needs of the American people and I believe this legislation was an opportunity to work together and do what’s right for the future of this country.
  • American Taxpayer Relief Act (Fiscal Cliff): This legislation extended the 2001 and 2003 tax relief for individuals making under $400,000 per year and joint filers making under $450,000. The legislation included a number of other tax reforms, but unfortunately failed short of cutting spending. I voted no on this legislation because Washington cannot continue to tax, borrow and spend its way to prosperity. When fiscal cliff negotiations began, President Obama promised a balanced approach, and that’s not what this legislation was. We must get our deficit under control, and the only way to do that is to cut spending. While I am glad to see hardworking Americans received much-needed permanent tax relief, I could not, in good faith, support legislation that does not address our spending problem.

111th Congress (2009-2010)

  • Cap and Tax: This legislation would penalize those who use carbon-intensive energy, particularly coal, by enacting a so-called “cap-and-trade” or “cap-and-tax” system or a national carbon energy tax to lower greenhouse gas emissions. I voted no on this bill because I am certain that enacting a national energy tax will be devastating to our economy.
  • The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): This legislation overhauled our nation’s health care system. I voted no on this bill because I believe, while health care reform is very important, this misguided legislation will have a catastrophic effect on our economy. To learn more about my views on health care, click here.
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (SCHIP): This legislation reauthorized the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). I voted no because this flawed legislation was brought to the floor with no hearings, and fell short of addressing existing problems with the program. As an alternative, I supported the SCHIP Plus Act, which would offer eligible families more options. I also sent a letter to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighting my priorities for the reauthorization.
  • The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Stimulus Package): This legislation spent roughly $800 billion in response to the economic recession. I voted no on this legislation because I know that taxing more and spending more won’t put our country back on the path to a prosperous future. Rather than throw away hard-earned taxpayer dollars, I believe job creation should be tasked to the private sector and not the federal government. Rather than spending more, we should ensure entrepreneurs have a business-friendly environment. You can find my press release on the stimulus package here.
  • The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act: This legislation would provide amnesty to certain illegal immigrants who graduate from U.S. high schools, arrived in the United States as minors and live in the country continuously for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment. While I support legal immigration, I do not think we should reward those who illegally reside in America, and I reject efforts to provide amnesty to these individuals. Because of this belief, I voted no on the DREAM Act.
  • Tarp Reform and Accountability Act: While I wasn't a member of Congress when the original bank bailout (Trouble Assets Relief Program), passed I voted no on a measure that would set the stage for $350 billion more in federal bailout money. At a time when America was facing a serious economic crisis, I did not believe the taxpayers should be asked to pay for an additional $350 billion bailout.
  • Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: This legislation overhauled our banking system and enacted numerous costly regulations on banks. This bill also established a new duplicative Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) to review and approve consumer financial products and ration consumer credit. Quite frankly, this is a new layer of bureaucracy in a government that is overloaded with bureaucracy. I voted no on this bill because it imposes a massive tax during a credit crisis and a weak economy, it creates a permanent TARP bailout authority and it expands the power of the Federal Reserve.