In The News

I ran for Congress because I didn’t like the direction America was going and was worried that the country I leave to my two daughters will be weaker than the one we inherited. I’ve fought to oppose the excessive spending, executive overreach, job-killing regulations and aimless foreign policies that are part and parcel of President Obama’s agenda.

Yet I’ve argued since day one that Congressional Republicans have an obligation to offer alternatives. On issues where we could find agreement with the President, such as last fall’s long-term transportation bill, we’ve done so. In the absence of such agreement, however, Congress has a responsibility to craft a bold pro-growth agenda that enhances individual freedom and opportunity for all Americans. We must offer Americans a clear choice in 2016 and set the stage for major reforms in 2017 and beyond.

In the coming months, the U.S. House will provide a vision of a confident America, full of opportunity, where every American can pursue their dreams regardless of who they know. Here’s our focus moving forward:

National Security - The primary duty of the federal government is to keep the American people safe. We need to drop the rhetoric and take decisive action to secure our homeland, revitalize our military and fight radical Islamist terror and other threats with real vigilance and resolve.

Jobs and Economic Growth - Our economy is stuck in neutral. The U.S. economy grew at a dismal 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Additionally, wages remain flat or have declined, while health care and other costs keep skyrocketing. We need to advance solutions to our record and unsustainable $19 trillion debt, significantly reform our tax code, slash regulations that cripple job growth and develop a comprehensive energy policy.

Health Care – Congress has passed legislation to repeal Obamacare and put it on the President’s desk. I’ve long argued for an alternative that includes patient-centered reforms that enjoy widespread support, such as stopping frivolous lawsuits through medical liability reform, portability of insurance, expanding health savings accounts and protecting patients with preexisting conditions.

Poverty and Opportunity – America has spent trillions on Washington-based anti-poverty programs over the last 50 years and more Americans than ever (46 million) are still trapped in the cycle of poverty. This just puts a Band-Aid on the problem to make poverty more tolerable. Every citizen should have the opportunity to succeed based on their own dreams and abilities.

Constitutional Authority - President Obama has repeatedly governed through executive fiat, undermining our citizens’ faith in our government. The courts have correctly blocked some of these actions, but Congress must act decisively to restore the principles our Founding Fathers laid out in the Constitution.

The Republican-led Congress has previously adopted stand-alone legislation based on these ideas. This is an opportunity, however, to tackle big challenges and restore a confident America where every American feels their government serves them and provides the peace of mind that stems from real security and a bright future. Many Americans are angry about the direction our country is headed; this allows us to take that anger and channel it into positive action.

But it has to be done the right way. No more 2,000-page bills negotiated behind closed doors by a handful of people, no more shutting down the amendment process because some special interest disagrees, or refusing to tackle pressing issues because of an “unpleasant” vote for a few Members. The legislative process must be open and fair for all Members - Republican and Democrat alike – and we must allow legislation to flow through committees in an open and transparent manner.

After seven years of the President’s top-down, government-knows-best approach, we’re poised to offer a clear choice in 2016 that trusts people to make their own decisions and pursue their own dreams. I seek your feedback as this process unfolds.