Issue Position: Economy

Issue Position

Values

The nation's unemployment rate has hovered above 8 percent -- an unacceptably high figure - for far too long. During a time of the largest budget deficits in U.S. history, the national debt has skyrocketed to more than $15 trillion. The government is out of money. We need solutions that promote job creation and rein in government spending, resulting in economic growth.

One of the best ways to create jobs is to get the government out of the way. The hard work and determination of our people made this country into the great nation it is today. Many parts of Southside and Southwest Virginia have experienced higher than average unemployment rates for years. Lower taxes, sensible regulation, and a playing field not tilted so heavily towards foreign countries will allow private enterprises in Southside and Southwest Virginia to regain their competitive advantage due to innovation and a strong work ethic.

Actions

Introduced the EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (H.R. 2250) in response to four interrelated, highly complex, and data-intensive rules setting new standards for more than 200,000 non-utility boilers, process heaters, and incinerators that were published by the EPA. This legislation would direct the EPA to develop achievable standards for boilers, process heaters, and incinerators and extends compliance deadlines to allow facilities time to comply. By the EPA's own estimates, compliance with its Boiler MACT rules will impose $5.8 billion in up-front capital costs, and impose new costs of $2.2 billion annually. However, the Council of Industrial Boiler Owners estimates that the capital costs alone of the final rules could potentially exceed $14 billion and could put 230,000 jobs at risk, including 10,000 in Virginia. H.R. 2250 passed the House of Representatives on October 13, 2011, by a bipartisan vote of 275-142, and is awaiting action in the Senate. Companion legislation (S. 1392) already exists in the Senate and has bipartisan support.

Supports the VA Energy Act (H.R. 1372), which would allow for the exploration of natural gas and crude oil in Virginia's waters of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) no later than one year after passage of this legislation. Some estimates project that development of Virginia's OCS will create over 2,500 jobs on a yearly basis.

Supports the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act (H.R. 2), which would effectively repeal the so-called Obama Care law and end, in my opinion, a massive government takeover of the health care industry.
Member of the Coal Caucus, Steel Caucus, the Textile Caucus, Dairy Farmers Caucus, and E-Tech Caucus, all of which serve to promote American job growth in their respective workforce.

Launched the One More Job Initiative. This initiative sought input from constituents and local businesses about what it will take for businesses to create just one more job. Whether it is changing the tax code or rolling back a burdensome regulation, collaboration on this issue is critical so that we can begin to heal our economy.

Supports the North American-Made Energy Security Act (H.R. 1938), which would require the President to consult with federal agencies responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline in order to ensure that all necessary actions are taken on an expedited schedule. The Keystone XL pipeline is estimated to create roughly 20,000 construction and manufacturing jobs and could lead to over 250,000 permanent jobs. Similar provisions to fast track approval of the Keystone XL pipeline to put tens of thousands of Americans to work were included in the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3765), which passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law on December 23, 2011.

Source