Conservative Priorities

Statement

Friend-

This September, Congress was busy completing the remainder of the work in our annual appropriations process. Back in July, the House passed four of the twelve funding bills; last week we completed the job, passing all twelve appropriations bills on time and through regular order.

As the process went on, I made it clear to my colleagues in the House that in order for this year's funding package to have my support it must address conservative priorities and promises I've made to constituents. It is incumbent upon Congress to not only listen to the people but to also address the serious fiscal crisis we have by reining in government spending and rolling back onerous regulations so our economy can thrive.
Here are some of the conservative priorities included in the recently passed Make America Secure and Prosperous Again Act (H.R. 3354):

* Cuts funding for wasteful and ineffective government programs
* Provides funds to enforce our existing immigration laws, begin construction for a southern border wall, and combat illegal immigration
* Defunds any further implementation of Obamacare
* Reins in federal regulations from Dodd-Frank that have killed community banks, stifled job creation, and hindered economic growth
* Bars federal funds from being used to pay for abortion
* Gives our troops an overdue and well-deserved pay raise
* Reduces funding for the IRS back to 2008 levels
* Ends job-killing regulations from the Nation Labor Relations Board to put power back in the hands of employees and employers

Our Constitution entrusts the House with "the power of the purse," and for the first time since 2009, Congress finally did the people's work--passing spending bills and including key priorities to grow our economy and secure our nation.

Although passing 12 appropriations bills is not an accomplishment we should be celebrating, it is an important first step. I have long advocated that the House completes our spending bills on time--and that includes staying through August if our work is unfinished.

My hope is that this sets a new precedent for how we consider all future appropriations legislation. Transparency and timeliness must accompany serious reforms to spending and the restoration of America's fiscal house.

We have a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction towards reforming Congress, cutting spending, and passing principled legislation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before the House.
It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.

Sincerely,
Rob

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