Bill Huizenga

The "Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act or the Fight CRIME Act", sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX),imposes sanctions on a wide range of activities supporting Iran's missile and drone program ahead of the October 2023 expiration of the UN missile ban on Iran. Support is the Limited Government Position as even with the existing UN sanctions, Iran's missiles and drones have targeted U.S. troops, allies, and partners across the Middle East. Iran is one of the top U.S. adversary nations and terminating these sanction programs would worsen the already significant national security challenges Iran has placed on the U.S. and its allies.

Ensuring National Security through the Continuation of Sanctions on Iran's Missile and Drone Program upon the Expiration of the UN Ban.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #28 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $17 million in funding for the Denali Commission. The Denali Commission is one of seven regional commissions that help direct Federal funds to State and local projects surrounding job training and economic development. However, unlike other commissions, the Denali Commission serves only one State: Alaska. According to the sponsor, both the Obama and Trump administrations have suggested eliminating the commission as funds could instead be provided directly to Alaska for distribution rather than funding a costly additional layer of bureaucracy. Support is the Limited Government Position as every unnecessary bureaucracy and initiative within government must be eliminated or scaled back in order to restore fiscal order in our nation. Our $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Providing $17 Million in Savings to Taxpayers through the Termination of the Denali Commission - a Bureaucracy Recommended for Elimination by both the Trump and Obama Administrations.

The "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 16, 2022, as opposed to January 2023 when a new congress will be sworn in following the November election. Such an action will result in members of congress who lost their election, but are still sitting in office (a concept commonly known as "lame duck"), to set government funding for the next year, rather than the next congress . Additionally, the bill provides $12.3 billion in funding to Ukraine, which is on top of the $53 billion congress has already spent on the country. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels will likely result in much greater irresponsible spending than allowing the new congress to set spending levels, as they are still held accountable to voters. Additionally, the bill's Ukraine spending includes $4.5 billion of funding directed towards helping the Ukraine government maintain operations, a specially troubling provision considering the lack of oversight and Ukraine's long history of corruption.

Paving the Way for Irresponsible Spending Through a CR which Allows the Lame Duck Congress, Not the New Congress, to Set Government Funding.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #61 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $186.3 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities. The sponsor provided multiple examples of waste within the entity, such as $150,000 to build a comics and social justice curriculum at San Diego State University and $360,000 for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the University of Central Oklahoma. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to evaluate the most impactful initiatives within the Arts and Humanities and provide the associated funding. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Wasteful Spending by Striking $186.3 Million in Funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The "Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022" directs the Department of Education to annually appropriate $3 million to establish a university-based center to "serve as a resource to improve the capacity to teach and learn Native American languages and further Native American language use and acquisition". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to determine investment levels and which initiatives would be the most impactful for such a center to engage in rather than university employees who are not financially held accountable for the center's failure or success.

Increasing Government Spending to Establish a New Native American Language Resource Center.

The "en bloc No. 4" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations package blocks the enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act, which is a depression-era policy that forces government contractors to pay their employees above-market wages when working on public works projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the prevailing wage established under the Davis-Bacon Act needlessly drives-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.

Protecting Taxpayers by Blocking Enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act (Prevailing Wage) Which Unnecessarily Drives Up the Costs of Public Works Projects.

The Rep. Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) amendment #5 to the "Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act" clarifies that ties to a designated terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, must be disclosed when a public college or university receives funds from a foreign group or individual. According to the sponsor, the measure "seeks to hold colleges, universities, and foreign actors accountable while providing the transparency necessary into any influence foreign countries are attempting to exert onto our Nation's students and academic institutions." Support is the Limited Government Position as amendment strengthens transparency within taxpayer-funded institutions of higher education and helps reduce potential avenues for terrorist groups to infiltrate and harm our nation.

Strengthening National Security by Requiring Colleges and Universities to Disclose any Funding they Receive that is Tied to Designated Terrorist Organizations.

This resolution introduced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled"Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". The rule changed the classification of the northern-long eared bat from "threatened" to "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the population suffering from an outbreak of white-nose syndrome. According to the sponsor, the Biden administration rule "is an example of the ESA being used to stifle development rather than its intended purpose, which is to protect species from human-caused harm". Support is the Limited Government Position as the rule results in a disproportionate regulatory burden imposed by unaccountable bureaucrats who will empower radical environmental groups to shutdown development and infrastructure expansion through much of the continental United States.

Protecting Property Rights by Nullifying an Overreaching Biden Administration Rule Concerning the Northern-Long Eared Bat on the Endangered Species Act.

The Garamendi amendment #258 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" suspends funding for the Sentinel program, including the W-87-1 nuclear warhead. Instead, the amendment instructs a life extension program for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (first developed in the late 1960's) through the year 2040. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military is one of - if not the most - essential roles of government. Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.

Weakening National Security by Pausing the Continued Development and Upgrade of the U.S. Nuclear ICBM Program.

The Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) amendment #27 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" would remove a section in the bill relating to the B83-1 nuclear gravity bomb and prohibit any funding for B83 sustainment. According to the sponsor, the elimination of funding for the B83 will save $1.5 billion over the next 30 years, with no risk at all to our security. Opponents claim: "the B83 is the last megaton-class nuclear weapon in our arsenal. It exists to destroy deeply buried targets. China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are putting some of the things they value most underground, covered in steel and concrete. The B83 is currently our only way of getting to those targets." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military are some of the most essential roles of government. Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.

Weakening National Security by Striking Funding for the B83-1 Nuclear Gravity Bomb Designed to Destroy Deeply Buried Targets in Adversary Nations.

The "Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022" grows spending under the CSBG program by over 27 percent and increases eligibility for benefits provided under the program to individuals earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level - such benefits were previously reserved for individuals at or below the federal poverty level. The CSBG is touted by proponents as a tool for the federal government to reduce poverty and is subject to less federal oversight, given funds are largely used at the discretion of state and local governments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to fund the most impactful initiatives that reduce poverty, not government programs, such as the CSBG program, which has little oversight and a long history of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding Eligibility and Spending Under the Community Services Block Grant Program.

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #30 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts spending by $19.7 million at the Department of Housing and Urban Development's by reducing the "fair housing activities" appropriation amount back to the fiscal year 2019 level. According to the Congressional Research Service, only three to five percent of fair housing complaints lead to a formal charge, and between zero to one percent of complaints lead to a referral to the Department of Justice. Support is the Limited Government Position as the vast majority of complaints directed to the fair housing division represent frivolous allegations and are primarily designed to harass landlords, which will ultimately drive up rental costs. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Wasteful Spending by Lowering Funding for HUD "Fair Housing Activities" to 2019 Levels.

The Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) amendment #24 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" requires the President, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State, to develop and submit a report to Congress that contains a strategy for U.S. involvement in Ukraine. The amendment prohibits disbursement of any Ukraine aid until the submission of the report. Support is the Limited Government Position as over $113 billion has already been provided to Ukraine with no clear strategy or accountability system established to ensure American taxpayer funds are being utilized effectively in the war-torn country.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Requiring the Submission of a Ukraine Strategy to Congress Prior to Delivery of any Additional Aid.

The "en bloc No. 6" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill is a package of 30 individual amendments, each of which authorizes additional spending initiatives across government. The issues contained in the amendments range from advancing a U.S. central bank digital currency, to authorizing hundreds of millions of dollars for community development, to providing tens of millions of dollars for marketing EPA Energy Star Products and advancing offshore wind energy. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these initiatives are not among the core duties of government and the country is not in the position to continue to fund non-essential programs when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Authorizing 30 Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending Initiatives Within a Multi-Agency Appropriations Bill.

The "Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act" authorizes the Millennium Challenge Corporation (a bilateral U.S. foreign aid agency) to provide aid to a greater range of countries. Previously, the corporation could only provide aid to countries with per capita incomes that were amongst the lowest 75 lowest in the world. This bill now authorizes aid to any country that is within the lowest 125 in the world. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the United States is not in the position to expand its foreign aid initiatives to an even greater range of countries with higher levels of wealth when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Providing Foreign Aid to Additional Countries with Higher Levels of Wealth Through the Federal Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The "Supreme Court Police Parity Act of 2022" provides the Supreme Court Police Marshall the authority to protect any immediate family member of one of the nine justices on the Supreme Court. Support is the Limited Government Position as one of the essential roles of government is ensuring an environment of law and order. Just like the Executive and Legislative branches of government, the legitimacy of the Judiciary must be protected by ensuring judicial rulings are not swayed due to fears of threats or violence against Justices or their families.

Protecting the Legitimacy of the Supreme Court by Ensuring Police Protection for the Immediate Families of the Nine Justices.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #69 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts funding for the student financial assistance account by $9.25 billion. The underlying bill funds the account at a level of $22 billion for FY 2024. This funding is in addition to both the direct subsidies received by colleges and the significant levels of subsidies and student aid provided by state governments. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals who elect to not attend college and pursue career paths, such as the trades or starting a business, should not be forced to pay the tuition costs of other individuals. This, and other wealth redistribution schemes like student loan forgiveness, merely hike costs, as confirmed by a 2017 study from the Federal Reserve, which found the average tuition increase associated with expansion of student loans is as much as 60 cents per dollar. The enormous amount of government funding that has been channeled to colleges and universities has resulted in the creation of gigantic unaccountable bureaucracies that push radical left agendas and discriminate against.

Reducing Wealth Redistribution through a $9.25 Billion Cut in Appropriations to the Higher Education Student Financial Assistance Account

The "Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act" provides greater decision-making authority to the Census Bureau director and limits the number of political appointees at the bureau. The bill is largely in response to the Trump Administration's attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure provides greater power to unelected government employees who are not held accountable to voters by taking away the oversight provided by the executive branch of government. Additionally, citizenship is a legitimate line of inquiry on the census, especially since the census determines state representation in the House of Representatives and impacts a litany of other government operations.

Weakening Integrity of the Census Through an Attempt to Prohibit Questions on Citizenship.

This vote (the third attempt) elects Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to replace previous Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Support is the Limited Government Position as the research of the Institute for Legislative Analysis confirms that Rep. Jim Jordan has by far the strongest track record of adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution of any of the proposed candidates for Speaker.

Electing Rep. Jim Jordan as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives - The Candidate with the Strongest Track Record of Adherence to Limited Government Principles.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #35 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits Department of Defense Education Activity schools from purchasing and having "pornographic and radical gender ideology books" in their libraries. According to the sponsor, several inappropriate books have been placed in DoDEA libraries such as "This Book Is Gay" by Juno Dawson, "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe, "Middle School is a Drag" by Greg Howard, and "Some Girls Bind" by Rory James. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to introduce and discuss these sensitive issues with their children. All school curriculum and learning materials should pertain only to core subject areas and be accessible to parents for review.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting the Display of Pornographic and Racial Gender Ideology Books in DoDEA School Libraries.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) establishes a process whereby new rules imposed by federal agencies must be approved by Congress if they have an annual effect on the economy of more than $100 million or result in a major increase in cost or prices for consumers, among other conditions. According to the sponsor, the bill "would reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill places a critical check on executive branch power and unaccountable bureaucrats within federal agencies who have tremendous authority to impose regulations that directly impact the lives of Americans. The REINS Act is a critical tool to fight back against overreaching regulations and boost economic growth.

Placing a Critical Check on the Regulatory Power of Unaccountable Bureaucrats within the Executive Branch through the "REINS" Act.

This resolution, introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards". The rule, covering commercial trucks imposes much stricter emissions standards covering nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants, including particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. According to the sponsor, the rule "saddles the trucking industry with an onerous regulation" and that "the prices of newer vehicles will escalate, incentivizing truckers and businesses to hold onto their older, higher-emitting trucks". Support is the Limited Government Position as the rule imposed by bureaucrats within the Biden administration represents regulatory overreach and unnecessarily hike truck prices in order to promote a politicized climate change agenda.

Nullifying an Onerous Truck Emission Regulation Imposed by the Biden Administration that Results in Significant Commercial Vehicle Price Hikes.

This bill, the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024", lays out how the Pentagon will be funded for the next year and includes $886 billion in defense spending. Most notably, this conference version of the bill removes Republican provisions that end Pentagon practices that facilitate abortion, enable taxpayer-funded sex reassignment surgeries, and promote Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the armed forces. Furthermore, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which has been utilized to conduct surveillance on Americans without a warrant, including President Trump's previous campaign for president. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Pentagon funding should be contingent on both a full audit, due to reports of tens of billions of taxpayer funds being "misplaced", and safeguards that protect funds from being utilized for politicized and other improper purposes. The FISA reauthorization violates the protections provided to Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Authorizing a Defense Bill without the Removal of Countless Radical Left Policies Surrounding Abortion, Transgenderism, Critical Race Theory and Civil Liberty Violations.

The "Puerto Rico Status Act" requires a plebiscite (binding vote on Congress) to be held on November 5, 2023, which would offer Puerto Rico voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure serve as a political tool to grow power of select parties in the U.S. but it also burdens taxpayers with enormous new financial liabilities as more than 40 percent of the population lives in poverty and the territory continues to struggle with debt.

Placing Enormous New Financial Liabilities on the U.S. Through a Politicized Effort to Advance Puerto Rico Statehood.

The Lucas motion to instruct the conference committee on the "America COMPETES Act of 2022" ensures that section 2502 of the version passed by the Senate is included in the final bill. This section ensures that no person or entity of concern, as defined by the Department of Defense, can receive grants or funding from the National Science Foundation, federally funded manufacturing programs, or technology hubs authorized by the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion establishes guardrails to ensure taxpayer funds do not end up in the hands of foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party.

Ensuring Taxpayer Funds within the COMPETES Act Are Not Sent to Foreign Adversaries.

The "One Seat Ride Act", introduced by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ), directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the feasibility of single-seat commuter rail trips, particularly on New Jersey's Raritan Valley Line. Currently, Raritan Valley Line passengers are forced to change trains at Newark Penn Station to access New York City. A 'One-Seat-Ride' allows passengers to take a single train to NYC. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as implementation of a "one-seat-ride" would inevitably result in greater taxpayer-funded subsidies for transit. It should not be the role of federal government to set train schedules and routes. Instead, lawmakers should work to privatize all such transit systems - especially Amtrak - to end the practice of taxpayers subsidizing travel costs of individuals who wish to utilize such systems.

Advancing Greater Taxpayer Spending on Transit Subsidies through the "One Seat Ride Act" Which Studies the Creation of Direct Rail Routes from NJ to NYC.

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #41 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" provides a 6.5 percent cut within the underlying bill to funding for the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). After the $60.5 million cut, $850 million is provided to the entity. The sponsor noted the NCRS has a number of politicized programs and practices, including an Equity Division and LGBTQ emphasis programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a small step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. In addition to politicized programs, the NRCS funds countless wasteful initiatives that are not core functions of government, including conservation farming, conservation easements, and climate change related programs. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Spending by 6.5% within the National Resource Conservation Service, which has Funded Countless Politicized Initiatives Surrounding "Equity" and Climate Change.

The "Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022" authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to annually administer over $360 million in grants to non-profit entities to be used for improving their physical security. Such purposes include paying security guards, improving physical barriers, and remodeling their facilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of state and local law enforcement to protect their communities and fight crime and not the role of a federal entity such as FEMA to manage such a program. Furthermore, if lawmakers are truly concerned about improving public safety, they should focus on combatting efforts to "defund the police" and address crime head-on rather than advance largely politized measures.

Expanding Bureaucracy and Spending within FEMA to Establish a Largely Politicized "Nonprofit Security Grant Program".

The "Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act", sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), would grow the size and role of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. It calls to provide "educational resources and host events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented and rural small businesses". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and role of government beyond its core Constitutional duties. The private sector already provides a wealth of knowledge on capital raising options through the internet and business publications. This measure merely grows government bureaucracy and, unlike "profit and loss" signals within the private sector, provides no way to measure need or success. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing the Size and Role of Government to Now Provide Education on "Capital-Raising" for Minority and Rural Businesses.

The "Parents Bill of Rights Act", sponsored by Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), provides parents a series of new "rights" that local educational agencies and schools must provide parents. Provisions include the right to review school curriculum, the right to a list of books in school libraries, and the right to know if school restrooms or changing rooms are based on biological sex, among numerous other rights. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps boost transparency and accountability within the education system. Lawmakers must ensure schools are held accountable to parents and measures, such as this bill, are crucial to ensure classrooms are not weaponized to advance any political or social agendas onto children.

Strengthening Transparency and Accountability within the Education System through a "Parents Bill of Rights".

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #4 to the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023" increases congressional oversight of regulations by applying the REINS Act to regulations with an economic impact of $50 million or more - it was previously just $100 million or more. Under the REINS Act, new rules imposed by federal agencies must be approved by Congress if they have an annual effect on the economy of more than $100 million or result in a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, among other conditions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment strengthens the REINS Act, which provides a critical check on executive branch power. Federal agencies are comprised of countless unaccountable bureaucrats who have tremendous authority to impose regulations that directly impact the lives of Americans and the growth of the U.S. economy.

Strengthening the Check on Executive Branch Power by Requiring Congressional Approval for Regulations with Impacts of $50 Million or More (Previously $100 Million) Under the "REINS" Act.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #38 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits any of the funding in the MILCON-VA appropriations bill from being used to carry out COVID-19 vaccine mandates at the Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the sponsor, "the mandate is unnecessary to keep our veterans or the VA staff safe. The former CDC director has said that the vaccines can't do anything to prevent transmission." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties by allowing VA staff to determine how best to cope and protect themselves from COVID-19, which has been around for over 3 years. This measure also ensures that congress - which is accountable to voters - sets vaccination policy, as opposed to unaccountable government bureaucrats within the VA.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Terminating the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #10 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" would prohibit TRICARE (Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare program) from covering sex reassignment surgeries and hormone treatment for transgender individuals. According to the sponsor, the DoD has performed over 240 gender reassignment surgeries. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to provide elective services surrounding gender reassignment, as is the current case with Botox and other procedures designed to improve physical appearance. All such services and costs should be the responsibility of the individuals seeking to obtain them, not U.S. taxpayers.

Protecting Taxpayers from Being Forced to Pay for Transgender Sex Reassignment Surgeries through the DoD TRICARE Health Program.

The "Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022" establishes a national "red flag" program whereby any individual may seek to have a firearm immediately taken away from another person through an "ex-parte" (one-sided) petition to a court if the individual alleges the person is a danger to themselves or others. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the one-sided petition violates due process under the law (an individual can't provide their defense) and this program lacks provisions that prevent nefarious individuals from abusing the system to harass or harm law-abiding individuals, thus unduly infringing their Second Amendment protections and leaving them defenseless.

Authorizing Seizures of Firearms Without Due Process Through the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #33 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" restores funding for the National Agriculture Statistic Services to the fiscal year 2019 level. The $13 million in savings is directed to deficit reduction. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Spending to 2019 Levels within the National Agriculture Statistic Services and Redirecting the $13 Million in Savings to Deficit Reduction.

The "en bloc No. 1" amendment to the "Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2022" contains a set of four amendments that pertain to various conservation initiatives and includes a mandate requiring the Secretary of the Interior to produce a report detailing the number of contracts, subcontracts, and grants that have been issued to minority-owned businesses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as government has a duty to treat all individuals equally - especially regarding characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity - in the application of law and in contracting and granting opportunities. Furthermore, any actions that government takes that reduce competition in contracting (such as minority quotas) unnecessarily drives-up taxpayer costs.

Advancing Government Racial Discrimination in Contracting and Unnecessary Conservation Initiatives Through Amendments to the Wildlife Bill.

This bill, the "Strategic Production Response Act", limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until the Department of Energy submits to Congress a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. The bill is in response to the Biden Administration draining the Strategic Oil Reserve to its lowest level since 1983 in an attempt to drive down gas prices. Support is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans. With renewable energy only accounting for about 20 percent of the U.S. energy supply, the country must adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy production that balances environmental concerns with the need to provide Americans with the lowest possible energy costs.

Boosting American Energy Production by Prohibiting a Further Drain of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Until a Larger Percentage of Federal Lands are Leased for Oil and Gas Production.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #102 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces the overall appropriation by $717 million to restore spending back to the level it was in fiscal year 2022, when accounting for inflation. Therefore, the overall spending increase would be roughly $600 million instead of the $1.3 billion proposed under the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Spending to 2022 Levels (a $717 Million Reduction) within the Department of Agriculture and FDA Appropriation Bill.

The Rep. Elijah Crane (R-AZ) amendment #10 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes nearly $3 million in funding for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, salaries, and expenses. According to the sponsor this entity should exist as a private independent think tank and that "funding goes towards functions such as gender equality, and there has even been a Gender Action Plan". Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to determine the need and provide the necessary funding for this initiative. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility by Striking Funding for an Unnecessary "Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe", which has Advanced a Politicized Gender Equality Agenda.

The Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) amendment #65 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" prohibits any funds within the bill from being used to hire any diversity, equity, and inclusion officials or conduct training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to the sponsor "Secretary Buttigieg and President Biden's DEI initiatives which hire and promote people based on their physical characteristics over their merits and qualifications violate Title VII and the Constitution." Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to promote DEI or CRT, which are ideologies that sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government. These programs also fuel cronyism by enriching the providers of these services, who are typically politically connected.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds within the Aviation Appropriation Bill from Being Utilized to Fund Politicized Initiatives Surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

The Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) amendment #13 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" strikes provisions within the bill that permit parents and guardians to review professional development materials for educators. According to the sponsor, these provisions "would impact educators' and school districts' already limited time and resources without any positive gain," while opponents claim "parents need to know who is teaching the teachers, and taxpayers have a right to know what kind of professional development they are paying for." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these provisions help boost transparency and accountability within the education system. The provisions are especially necessary due to the fact that many professional development groups are creating materials that seek to push radical ideologies onto teachers so they are then passed onto students.

Eliminating Safeguards Against Teachers being Trained in Radical Leftist Ideologies Which May be Passed Down to Students.

The "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) rescind roughly $72 billion from the $80 billion in additional funding provided to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under last year's Inflation Reduction Act. According to the sponsor, the "bill would simply prevent the IRS from using its massive infusion of taxpayer dollars to harass and squeeze more revenue out of American families." Support is the Limited Government Position as the enormous cash infusion into the IRS further grows an agency with a long history of fraud and abuse, with examples ranging from the wrongful disclosure of private donor lists to the denial of organizational non-profit status due to politics. The hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents will merely drive greater harassment and suck even more resources out of the private sector. The most effective way to ensure tax compliance is by the transition to a simple flat tax system.

Protecting Taxpayers by Rescinding $72 Billion in Funding that was Provided to Weaponize the IRS Under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #16 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the appropriation for the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (roughly $2 billion). The office's mission is to "to equitably transition America to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050". Support is the Limited Government Position as this Office largely promotes a politized environmental agenda, which inflicts serious damage to the U.S. economy and hikes consumer costs. The country must adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy production that balances environmental concerns with the need to provide Americans with the lowest possible energy costs. Additionally, Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting Taxpayers and the U.S. Economy by Defunding the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which has Advanced a Radical Politicized Climate Change Agenda.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2022" transitions the 60,000 employees within the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) to the personnel system under Title 5 of U.S. code, which includes the General Schedule pay system and full collective bargaining rights. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only will this transition impose billions of dollars of additional costs onto taxpayers, but it makes it more difficult for the government to discipline and terminate poor-performing employees due to collective bargaining.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs and Weakening the Ability to Discipline Poor-Performing Employees by Unionizing 60,000 Employees within the Transporation Security Administration.

The Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) amendment #63 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits the use of funds to discriminate on the basis of race and ethnicity in admission to the military service academies. According to the sponsor "all of the military service academies use race and ethnicity as selection criteria for admissions. Not only is this a violation of the Constitution, as recently affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is a violation of the military's longstanding meritocratic principles." Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers have a duty to ensure government provides equal treatment and opportunity to all under the law. Government should be held strictly accountable to ensure discrimination is prohibited across every category, including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any other class.

Prohibiting Racial Discrimination by Government in Admission Practices for Military Service Academies.

The "Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act" funds the federal government through March 11, 2022 and serves as the third short-term continuing resolution passed since early October. Without passing a continuing resolution, a partial government shutdown would occur, providing advocates of fiscal responsibility greater leverage in budget negotiations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as forcing a hard deadline on budget negotiations raises awareness of the nation's out-of-control spending and helps hinder passage of other wasteful spending measures such as the COMPETES act. Substantial cuts must be made to the budget to eliminate the $1.4 trillion deficit and begin the process of paying down our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Avoiding Fiscal Responsibility through the Continual Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Bills

The "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act", sponsored by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), prevents the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing Clean Air Act waivers for state policies that seek to ban or otherwise limit the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles. The bill is largely in response to California, which has banned the sale of combustion engines starting in 2035 that is requiring all cars sold by that year to have zero emissions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure is critical to protecting automotive freedom amid pushes by California and other states to force electric vehicle purchases. It is the role of the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - to determine the propulsion of new vehicle sales.

Protecting Automotive Freedom and the Internal Combustion Engine by Preventing California and Other States from Imposing Mandates that All New Vehicles be Electric or Zero Emission.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #59 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the appropriation for the US Army Corp of Engineers by $620 million to match the level of funding it was provided in FY 2022. This funding amount is still more than $290 million than provided in FY 2023, but less than the nearly $1 billion spending hike in the underlying bill compared to last year. According to the sponsor, the amendment is intended to promote responsibility within the Army Corp of Engineers as the entity has a long history of running over budget and out of schedule. Support is the Limited Government Position as an entity with a long track record of poor fiscal management should undergo a significant management reform, not be bailed out with even more taxpayer funds. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting Taxpayers by Limiting the Level of Increased Spending for the US Army Corp of Engineers - An Entity with a Dismal Fiscal Management Track Record.

The Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) amendment #28 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" eliminates the statutory requirement that the U.S. hold a minimum of 400 nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military is one of, if not the most, essential roles of government. Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.

Weakening National Security by Reducing the Number of Nuclear ICB Missiles Held by the United States.

The Tlaib Amendment #259 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" eliminates the statutory requirement that the U.S. hold a minimum of 400 nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military is one of - if not the most - essential roles of government. Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.

The Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) amendment #15 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes funding for firearms and ammunition at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Support is the Limited Government Position as the role of the IRS should be to assist constituents with tax compliance and calculating liabilities, not serve as a weaponized law enforcement entity.

De-Weaponizing the IRS by Prohibiting Funding for Firearms and Ammunition.

The "Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act" authorizes the President to declare an "energy emergency," thus prohibiting anyone who sells gasoline or other consumer fuels from charging a price that (1) is unconscionably excessive, and (2) indicates that the seller is exploiting the emergency to increase prices unreasonably. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation learned first-hand the devastation caused by price controls which were implemented by the Nixon Administration during the 1970's energy crisis. Instead, lawmakers should work to bring down high energy prices by empowering the free market to solve the problem, including removing any regulatory barriers to energy production and distribution.

Creating Fuel Shortages and Worsening the Energy Crises by Placing Price Controls on Consumer Fuel Prices.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #58 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces the total appropriation for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies by $1.55 billion, bringing the total cost of the bill down from $58 billion to $56.4 billion. According to the sponsor, the bill contains multiple wasteful spending provisions, such as $1.2 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Support is the Limited Government Position as this appropriations package is chock full of wasteful initiatives that do not align with the core duties and function of government. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility through a 2.8% Cut in Appropriations to the Departments of Interior and Environment.

The Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN) amendment #87 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds to finalize the Federal Labor Relations Authority's proposed rule that would restrict Federal employees' ability to opt out of membership in a labor union. Under the rule, Federal employees are limited to a certain window each calendar year to opt-out of union due collections, while also then re-enrolling them each year and requiring them to opt-out. Support is the Limited Government Position as public sector unions not only hike taxpayer costs but also make it even more difficult to terminate poor-performing employees. The Federal rule also violates the Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME and the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.

Protecting Federal Employees' "Right to Work" by Defunding a Federal Labor Relations Rule Limiting the Ability of Workers to Opt-Out of Union Membership and Dues Collections.

The "Middle Class Borrower Protection Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), rolls back a rule by the Federal Housing Finance Agency that changed fees for mortgages under the loan-level-pricing-adjustment framework used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The rule resulted in higher fees for individuals seeking mortgages with good credit, and lower fees for those with marginal credit and riskier borrowers. According to the sponsor, "responsible homebuyers with good credit are forced to subsidize those with bad credit" due to the rule. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden administration rule represents a wealth redistribution scheme that drives up housing costs for responsible homebuyers while rewarding those who have not been as fiscally responsible. Additionally, taxpayers are ultimately placed on the hook for this riskier lending through the government's backing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - as was the case in the 2008 financial crisis.

Repealing the Biden Administration's Mortgage Rule that Hiked Fees on Responsible Borrowers to Subsidize the Loans of those with Bad Credit.

The "Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act" establishes a new spending program within the Department of Transportation that provides grants for drone purchases to state and local governments that follow certain protectionist "buy American" procurement mandates, if the purchase will result in lower carbon emissions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of the federal government to provide states with drones and the bill's multiple costly and protectionist provisions unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer costs.

Establishing a New Spending Program for "Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants" Containing Multiple Costly and Protectionist Provisions.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #1 to the "Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023 or the POLICE Act of 2023" requires the Department of Homeland Security to make publicly available on its website an annual report on the number of illegal immigrants deported for assaulting a law enforcement officer. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps strengthen government transparency and accountability. Ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Boosting Transparency on the Border Crisis by Publishing a Report on the Number of Illegal Immigrants Deported for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #11 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" prohibits the Delaware River Basin Commission (as well as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin) from imposing more stringent regulations on hydraulic fracking than passed by the state legislature. According to the sponsor, "unaccountable bureaucrats at the Delaware River Basin Commission have instituted a hydraulic fracturing ban for a portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, stripping away property rights and mineral rights from Pennsylvanians in contravention of the will of their very own legislature." Support is the Limited Government Position as state legislatures - not unaccountable commissions - should be the ones with authority to increase the stringency of regulations. This amendment strengthens property rights while also promoting stronger economic growth through energy extraction.

Strengthening Property Rights and Promoting American Energy Production by Restoring Regulatory Authority to State Legislatures Rather than the Delaware River Basin Commission.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), overturns the D.C. Council's Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2022. According to the sponsor, the District has lost over 1,000 officers and the D.C. Council's act "gives more power to anti-police activists, allows individual police officers to be targeted by protestors, and strips officers of collective bargaining rights regarding discipline." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed police force serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms", like the DC Council's acts have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Combatting Skyrocketing Crime and Attacks on Police by Overturning the D.C. Council's Dangerous Policing and Criminal Justice Reforms.

The "Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) prohibits federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any land that is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Management agencies. This includes the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. Additionally, the bill revokes the lease signed with New York City to house large numbers of illegal migrants in an active community park in Brooklyn. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, such as ones highlighted within this bill. Lawmakers must eliminate all incentives that may encourage illegal immigration, including taxpayer-funded benefits surrounding housing, education, and other welfare programs.

Combatting Illegal Immigration by Prohibiting Federal Funding from Being Used to Provide Housing to Individuals Residing in the Country Unlawfully.

The "Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Technical Corrections Act" amends the STORM Act, requiring that state and local governments comply with the latest edition of building codes, which contains, among other things, stricter efficiency mandates and environmental regulations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as additional red tape and complying with these "one size fits all" regulations are unnecessary to mitigating natural disaster risk and ultimately drive-up taxpayer costs while preventing program funding from being most effectively utilized.

Increasing Regulatory Burdens and Red Tape Under the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund.

The "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" provides the federal government new powers to set state election law. The bill includes a long list of provisions including, but not limited to, automatic voter registration, reducing voter ID requirements, increasing voting by mail, limiting voter roll maintenance, and making election day a federal holiday. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure is largely a political tool to benefit select candidates and ultimately reduces election integrity by overriding numerous anti-fraud measures that states across the nation have implemented to ensure free and fair elections.

Weakening Election Integrity by Nationalizing the Election Laws of the States.

The "Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022" provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) a series of new powers and duties, including assessing the domestic terrorism threat posed by "white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and the uniformed services." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides employees within the DOJ, DHS, and FBI overreaching new surveillance and investigative powers and does not contain critical safeguards to protect civil liberties under the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of recent politicized actions taking place within the FBI, including their support of a letter from the National School Boards Association that characterized parental engagement on school curriculums as "heinous actions" that "could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism."

Weakening Civil Liberties by Providing the Department of Justice Overreaching New Powers Through the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act.

The "National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act of 2022" requires the Department of Transportation to develop a national aviation preparedness plan that includes the identification of appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to a communicable disease and consultations with airline and labor groups. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the primary mission of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is to constantly monitor and adjust strategy to best protect the public from pandemics - it is an organization better equipped to carry out these duties than the Department of Transportation.

Creating Unnecessary Bureaucracy within the Department of Transportation to Establish a Duplicative Aviation Industry Pandemic Plan Already Covered by the CDC.

The "Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), makes Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) more attractive for companies by allowing communication with potential investors to determine interest in a securities offering, either before or after the filing of a registration statement. According to the sponsor, the bill "will encourage more companies to go public and expand provisions of the JOBS Act by codifying an existing SEC rule to allow all companies to 'test the waters' and communicate directly with potential investors before filing for an IPO." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps reduce regulatory barriers for businesses to attract potential investors and go public, thus boosting economic growth.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2023	66.67	81.82	100	100	100	89.47	100	91.67	35	0
2022	100	75	100	100	100	66.67	100	66.67	67.74	100

ILA

Bill Huizenga