Newsletter: Rokita Report

Dear Friend,

Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.

Protecting Our Children - Hearing on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Protecting our children has been and must remain a national priority. That is why on Tuesday, in my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I conducted an oversight hearing on the implementation of the latest reauthorization of the Missing Children's Assistance Act, passed and signed into law last year, which authorizes the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

During my opening remarks I highlighted the importance of the work that the NCMEC does, and the need for everyone to be partners in the protection of children.

The hearing was an important dialogue between committee members and the Director of the NCMEC, John Ryan. Ryan was able to relay front line reports regarding missing and exploited children and update us on the challenges created by new technologies since the bill's original passage in 1984. We also discussed best practices to protect children from predators.

Battling Bureaucracy

On Wednesday, I introduced an amendment to the annual Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill that would rein in an out-of-control federal bureaucracy by requiring increased transparency and consideration for the actual impact of bureaucratic rules and regulations.

For decades, Congress has wrongfully abdicated its rulemaking duties and allowed unelected bureaucrats to fill the vacuum. I will make every attempt to restore this authority to the Legislative Branch, where it belongs.

Today, that process has yielded nearly 175,000 pages of regulations, growing by roughly 1,500 pages per week, written by unelected bureaucrats who rarely consider the impact on our economy or the lives of the people the rules impact.

I haveec legislation, we must ensure a fair process that honors the intent of our Founding Fathers.

My proposal would require the federal bureaucracy to follow a trial-like procedure, requiring parties to make their case for or against a rule to an administrative law judge. As a result, the administration, no matter the party, must prove the worth of their rules and regulations on the record, and account for the impact it would have on our economy and the public. I will continue to offer similar proposals at every opportunity. Congress is responsible for laws, not bureaucrats.

We must protect the public and preserve our Republic from the rampant regulatory state.

It's Time to Act - the Long-Term Budget Outlook

Also on Thursday, my House Budget Committee colleagues and I questioned the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Douglas Elmendorf, on the CBO's latest economic outlook report during a hearing.

We learned from the hearing, and from the report, that many of the things I have been fighting to fix during my time in Congress, are still challenges that we must face.

Key Points from the Long-Term Budget Outlook
(courtesy of the House Budget Committee)

* Federal Debt Is Soaring: The debt has doubled since the onset of the financial crisis, and CBO concludes the growth in the debt is "unsustainable."

* Now Is the Time to Act: CBO says that prompt decisions to rein in future deficits, would expand employment and economic growth.

* The Economy Is Slowing Down: CBO has again lowered its projection of GDP growth, and the average number of hours worked by Americans is shrinking.

* Spending Is Still the Problem: Major entitlements and interest on a growing stock of debt will cause real spending to soar by 27 percent over the next two decades.

* Raising Taxes Will Cost Jobs: Taxes will exceed their historic average level this year, and they are on pace to rise even further. Yet these tax increases still never match the pace of spending, even while they discourage work, saving, and investment.

* Entitlement Reform Is Key: We run the risk of breaking our promise to seniors and future generations if we don't reform our entitlement programs soon. CBO has increased their measure of Social Security's unfunded liability by 25 percent.

* The Debt Threatens Our National Security: CBO warns that our growing national debt could compromise national security by constraining defense spending and limiting the country's ability to prepare for future challenges.

I will continue to support my legislation that would address the many concerns detailed in the CBO's report.

Legislation like:

The balanced, pro-growth FY2015 House Budget that addresses the many drivers of our debt -- entitlement programs
The State Flexibility Health Act -- my Medicaid reform legislation to save $2 trillion in Medicaid spending.
The American Health Care Reform Act -- a free-market alternative to ObamaCare the empowers patients and providers.

Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Veterans

On Monday, I spoke in support of my legislation to rename the Covington, Indiana Post Office to the "Fountain County Veterans Memorial Post Office." The renaming of the post office is in tribute to the nearly 50 Fountain County soldiers who lost their lives in service to their country. I am proud to report that this legislation passed the House unanimously, and was cosponsored by the entire Indiana House delegation.

I introduced the legislation after hearing from the friend of a fallen Fountain County Marine, Lance Cpl. Joshua Witsman, who perished in the line of duty during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2013.

The renaming of the Post Office is a fitting tribute to the life of Witsman. Witsman's family suggested, on his behalf, that the Post Office be renamed to honor all of Fountain County's fallen heroes. On behalf of all 4th District Hoosiers, thank you to Lance Cpl. Witsman, and all of Indiana's fallen soldiers, for the sacrifice they made to protect our families and our freedoms.

Sincerely,

Todd Rokita

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