Newsletter - The Hill Report: Week of July 27 - 31, 2015

Statement

President Obama and mayors across the country in cities like San Francisco are actively choosing to ignore our nation's immigration laws, putting millions of American lives in unnecessary danger. In the past two years alone, this Administration has released over 70,000 convicted criminal aliens back onto the street and into our communities. This is simply unacceptable, and it needs to stop.

To fight against this growing threat to our communities, I am pleased to join my friend and colleague Senator Jeff Sessions in introducing the House companion to the "Protect American Lives Act." This legislation would clarify state and political subdivisions requirements to communicate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the presence of illegal aliens. Specifically, my legislation would strengthen and clarify the authority of ICE to deport illegal immigrants and prohibit Federal funds from going to State and political subdivisions who do not comply with ICE. My bill would also increase incarceration time for aliens who are deported and reenter our country and require DHS to complete an annual report determining which states and political subdivisions are "sanctuary cities." We have seen time and time again that this president is for amnesty and supports providing legal citizenship and the rights and principles that come with that citizenship to those who have knowingly broken our nation's laws. While this legislation is a step in the right direction, please know that in the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to explore all options at our disposal that not only addresses President Obama's unilateral, unlawful, and unconstitutional actions, but also secures the border and upholds the rule of law.

REINS ACT
In the last six years, this Administration has imposed more than 180 major regulations that cost Americans an estimated $80 billion each year. These regulations have hurt American families, small businesses in North Texas and around the country, and our economy as a whole. That is why I proudly voted for H.R. 427, Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, to ensure that no major rule or regulation becomes effective until Congress approves it. Currently, federal law allows Congress to overturn regulations with the president's signature. This bill would empower Congress by ensuring that no major regulation can become law until Congress affirmatively approves it. This bill would strengthen the role that the American people play through their elected representatives when it comes to executive regulations that produce $100 million or more on impacts on the U.S economy, spur major increases in costs or prices for consumers, or have other significant adverse effects on the economy. Congressional oversight is essential to rein in the out-of-control Administration, eliminate unnecessary red tape, and reduce regulatory burdens on the American people.

VA Accountability Act
It has been one year since the news broke that dozens of our nation's veterans were left to die while they waited for medical year. Since these reports have surfaced the Department of Veterans Affairs has done little to nothing to address this systemic problem and has refused to hold many of those at fault accountable. It is unacceptable that Americans who risk their lives fighting for our freedom are also at risk when they get home because of the failures at the VA. I proudly voted for the VA Accountability Act to ensure the VA has the power and ability to demote and fire employees who are underperforming or committing misconduct. The VA has an obligation to provide the best care possible for our veterans, and it is time for bureaucratic road blocks to be eliminated so that efficiency and quality of service can be improved.

AIPAC
On Wednesday I met with North Texans representing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, also known as AIPAC, to discuss President Obama's short-sighted nuclear agreement with Iran. Ultimately, the world becomes an unstable place when America fails to provide global leadership. In this leadership vacuum, we have seen multiple conflicts arise throughout the world that threaten our country and our allies. During this August district work period, it is imperative that we work together to halt this deal and prevent the largest state sponsor of terrorism from gaining access to nuclear weapons.

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