Rick Larsen

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #15 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" abolishes the Department of Education effective December 31, 2023. According to the sponsor, "it is time to return the power back to the States, back to the people, and back to the school boards to allow them to make these decisions locally." Support is the Limited Government Position as the Department of Education has become a bloated bureaucracy that goes against our Founding Father's belief in the concept of "laboratories of democracy". This measure helps eliminate waste and restore full educational authority back to the state and local level.

Restoring Education Authority Back to the State and Local Level through the Abolishment of the Department of Education.

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #60 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" defunds the Federal mandate that requires all new vehicles after 2026 be equipped with a kill switch that can disable a vehicle if the vehicle has monitored the driver's performance and the vehicle determines that the driver is not performing well (such as if the driver appears to be driving while intoxicated). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, not only does this one-size-fits all federal mandate unnecessarily drive-up new vehicle costs, including for those who do not consume alcohol, this presents serious Fouth Amendment and civil liberty concerns. Plus, like all new technology, it has the potential to misdiagnose driving habits or fail, leaving motorists stranded.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Defunding the 2026 Mandate that All New Vehicles be Equipped with "Kill Switches" Based on Driver Performance.

The Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL) amendment #39 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prevents implementation of a Biden administration rule at the Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies (CA SBLC) program. The CA SBLC program provides credit to certain businesses whose owners can't qualify for traditional loans due to lack of credit. According to the sponsor, the initiative was originally a pilot program, but a rule issued by the Biden administration has reclassified the program, making it no longer accountable to Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps restore executive branch accountability to Congress. Additionally, this program should not be reauthorized as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to provide small business lending based on the associated risk.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Restoring Congressional Oversight to the Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies Program.

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 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 Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #32 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the appropriation for the Great Lakes Authority in half ($2.5 million). This program was created in 2022 to fund watershed programs in a handful of states. According to the sponsor, the program serves as an example of waste as it "does not have a Federal co-chair, it has no website, it has no programs funded", yet is receiving a $5 million appropriation. Support is the Limited Government Position as every program and initiative not pertaining to a core function or duty of government must be cut or significantly scaled back to get our nation's fiscal house back in order. 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.

Cutting $2.5 Million from a Wasteful "Great Lakes Authority" that has No Website, Programs, or Federal Co-Chair.

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 Fitzgerald amendment #184 to the "Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act of 2022" removes an "unfair" provision that exempted union employees from having to comply with the FAIR act, which prohibits pre-dispute arbitration agreements from being enforceable if the arbitration surrounds an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as arbitration serves as a significantly less costly alternative to litigation and if lawmakers are going to enact such a policy - which ultimately enriches trial attorneys - then union employees should not be granted political favoritism through a special benefit not also afforded to non-union employees.

Eliminating an Unfair Carve-out Provided to Only Union Employees Within the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act.

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 "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.

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 "Save Our Gas Stoves Act", sponsored by Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), prohibits the Department of Energy from implementing the proposed rule titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products". This regulation would impose energy efficiency standards on gas cooking products. Support is the Limited Government Position as the government should not infringe consumer appliance choices in order to advance a politicized environmental agenda. This measure is critical to combat the draconian regulations being advanced by the Biden administration, which may result in millions of Americans no longer being able to enjoy utilizing a gas stove to cook.

Combatting the Biden Administration's Efforts to Infringe Consumer Cooking Options through the "Save Our Gas Stoves Act".

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.

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 "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", which was passed on December 23, 2022 funds government through the rest of fiscal year 2023. The package is over 4,000 pages long and includes numerous earmarks, ultimately amounting to $1.7 trillion in spending. Spending increases included 5.5% in domestic spending and 10% in defense spending. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure was voted upon only days before the new congress, which would likely have significantly cut spending within the bill due to Republicans taking control of the House. The bill also contained nearly $50 billion in additional spending on Ukraine (without safeguards to prevent corruption), bringing the year's total to $113 billion - totaling more than half the size of Ukraine's entire pre-war economy.

Bypassing the New Congress by Ramming Through $1.7 Trillion in Spending in the Final Days of the Lame Duck Session.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #175 to the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being used to carry out the observance of Pride Month authorized by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for the "Cultural Observances and Awareness Events list". According to the sponsor, the bill is in response to cases of Air Force Bases, such as Robins and Nellis, holding various Pride events for the LGBTQ+ community, including diversity color runs and attempted drag shows. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to promote and fund the activities of select individuals based on race, religious belief, or sexual orientation. While gratitude should be provided to every member of our Armed Forces for serving our country, such celebratory activities and events should be privately organized and promoted by the LGBTQ+ community, not by government bureaucrats.

Ensuring Taxpayer Funds within the Defense Bill are Not Spent on Pride Activities and LGBTQ+ Events which Should be Privately Organized.

The Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) amendment #36 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" defunds the "Savannah River Plutonium Modernization Program". This project, which is roughly half-way complete, will serve as a production facility for plutonium ,which is a source of fuel for nuclear weapons. According to the sponsor, the project has experienced significant cost overruns, and the U.S. already has a significant supply of plutonium which still has many years before it ages out. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while significant steps should certainly be taken to end the cost overruns, 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 Defunding the "Savannah River Plutonium Modernization Program", which Produces Fuel for Nuclear Weapons.

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.

Reducing Regulatory Barriers for Businesses to Evaluate Potential Investors Ahead of an IPO through the "Encouraging Public Offerings Act".

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 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.

This bill expands the expedited environmental review and permitting process under Title 41 of the Fixing America\'s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to speed up the government approval process for constructing new semiconductor facilities and other computer hardware and software facilities. It is estimated that this bill will reduce the time frame of the regulatory approval process, which currently can take up to five years, to about 18 months. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should advances measures to remove government barriers that prevent the free market from solving the semiconductor shortage, instead of doling out subsidies and corporate welfare.

Expediting U.S. Semiconductor Production by Reducing Unnecessary Government Environmental and Permitting Barriers for New Facility Construction.

The "Keep Kids Fed Act" of 2022 extends certain eligibility waivers and the elevated reimbursement rates provided to schools and afterschool program providers for breakfasts, lunches and snacks under the Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program through 2024. These waivers and higher reimbursement rates were "temporary" measures implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the country is no longer experiencing the same restrictions and challenges faced during the pandemic and the extension of this additional funding was done without other desperately needed reforms, such as restricting the free meals provided under such programs to only children from low-income families instead of to all students.

Extending "Temporary" Spending Hikes and Eligibility Waivers to the Federal School Lunch Program Implemented Under COVID-19 to 2024.

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.

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 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. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) amendment #76 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" implements reforms to commodity checkoff programs. Under these programs, producers of certain products, such as beef, dairy, or poultry, are forced to pay into a fund (ex. $2 for a cow) that is used for industry research or advertising campaigns. The amendment increases transparency on how the funds are utilized and ensures taxpayer funds are used by the boards of these programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while government-mandated checkoff programs should be eliminated entirely, this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing corruption. It is the role of the private sector to voluntarily organize and fund product promotion for industry, not for big producers to utilize government to financially coerce small producers to fund their activities.

Increasing Transparency and Accountability within the Crony Commodity Checkoff Programs Mandated by Government.

This bill, the "Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act" serves as a short-term "CR" that funds government for another 45 days, delaying an otherwise imminent government shutdown to right before the holidays. While this CR contains no funding for Ukraine, it does provide $16 billion in additional federal disaster funds - $10 billion more than previously negotiated - and the full amount sought by President Biden. The CR follows previous funding proposals by Republicans, which contained conservative policy items like border security and spending cuts. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "kick the can down the road" approach weakens the ability of conservatives to obtain meaningful spending cuts. The measure shifts negotiations to right before the holidays when history has shown (as recently as the previous year) lawmakers refuse to make any spending cuts or shutdown 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.

Harming the Ability to Negotiate a Fiscally-Responsible Budget by Passaging a CR that Delays a Government Shutdown to Right Before the Holidays.

The Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) amendment #7 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" requires the EPA, in consultation with the DOE, to submit a report to Congress identifying and assessing existing regulations that have negatively affected domestic energy independence and increased energy cost for Americans. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps strengthen government transparency and accountability by ensuring both lawmakers and everyday Americans are made aware of the costs associated with energy regulation. Since January 2021, the EPA has waged war on American energy and undone critical reforms implemented by the Trump administration, which boosted economic growth.

Strengthening Government Transparency by Reporting the Impact Regulations have on Energy Costs for Americans and Domestic Energy Independence.

The Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) amendment #9 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" eliminates funding ($240 million) for the Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The sponsor cited a study by the Heritage Foundation that found the program "to be largely ineffective at meeting its goals of increasing community investment and development". Support is the Limited Government Position as this fund represents corporate welfare at its finest through the distortion of the free market to enrich government-favored entities. 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.

Eliminating $240 Million in Wasteful Spending for the Crony Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which Provides Corporate Welfare.

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 "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 "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.

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 "Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 23, 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.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels - especially with a holiday deadline - will likely result in greater irresponsible spending. Budgets should be set by sitting members of congress, the individuals who are held accountable by the voters, not members who are on their way out of office.

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

The "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022,", commonly referred to as the "burn pit bill", establishes a presumption that nearly any American service member stationed in a combat zone over the last 32 years could have been exposed to a toxic substance, resulting in additional health and disability benefits for an estimated 3.5 million veterans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of this bill could exceed $700 billion. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while all veterans who sustained injuries due to their service should receive the highest levels of treatment and care, this bill creates countless avenues for devious plaintiffs\' attorneys to advance fraudulent health and disability claims and will likely further overload the VA, thus preventing veterans with service-sustained injuries from receiving the prompt care they deserve.

Establishing Unreasonable Presumptions Pertaining to Health of Veterans Which May Advance Fraudulent Disability Claims and Further Overload the VA.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), overturns the D.C. Council's Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. The act contained several criminal justice reforms that would cut mandatory minimum sentences and reduced penalties for a range of violent crimes, including carjackings, robberies, and homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as mandatory minimum sentences are critical measures that help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties. The D.C. Council's criminal justice "reforms" would lead to skyrocketing crime rates, which has been the case of similar reform policies which have been advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Overturning a Package of Dangerous Criminal Justice Reforms in DC which Weaken Mandatory Minimum Sentences and Fuel Greater Lawlessness.

The "Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022" reauthorizes and further expands a program that funds home visits in select local communities for expectant and new parents. The congressional budget office estimates this program will cost federal taxpayers over $3 billion. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative should not be the role of the federal government, but rather local community and non-profit groups that can judge the effectiveness of such initiatives and maximize their impact.

Increasing Government Dependency by Further Expanding a Federal Program Funding Maternal and Child Home Visiting.

The Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) amendment #64 to the Strategic Production Response Act strikes the entire underlying bill and requires the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be stocked with oil from the United States, thereby prohibiting the ability to restock with lower-cost oil from Canada and Mexico. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs and places barriers to restocking the Strategic Oil Reserve. This amendment is largely designed to obstruct North American energy production and provide financial benefits to the sponsors' state.

Obstructing North American Energy Production by Prohibiting the Procurement of Oil from Canada or Mexico for the Restocking of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The "South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022" requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a new program supporting research and awareness surrounding heart diseases within the South Asian population and other communities that may be impacted. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is far better equipped to effectively advance medical innovation, not government officials who are attempting to centrally plan research efforts without a plan to track financial accountability or measure if taxpayer funded resources are used effectively.

Expanding Bureaucracy within the Department of Health and Human Services for a South Asian Heart Health Awareness Campaign.

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.

The "Secure the Border Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), contains a long list of provisions surrounding immigration and security at the southern border. Some of the major provisions include restarting border wall construction, hiring thousands of additional Border Patrol agents, equipping officers with better technology to detect drugs and illegal immigration, and additional E-Verify requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as an unsecured southern border presents a major national security risk and places an enormous strain on taxpayer-funded resources ranging from law enforcement, welfare and education. While lawmakers should work to boost merit-based immigration to expand the U.S. workforce and economy, major policy changes must be made to curb illegal immigration and prevent dangerous individuals from entering the country.

Strengthening National Security through the "Secure the Border Act", which Contains a Long List of Provisions Designed to Stop Illegal Immigration.

The Meng Amendment #289 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an awareness campaign regarding the types of fertility treatments, procedures, and services available to veterans experiencing issues with fertility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as rather than further growing the failing bureaucracy and unnecessary initiatives of the VA, lawmakers should work to streamline and shrink the department so that those who served our country can receive the highest possible quality of healthcare from the doctors of their choice.

Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to Conduct a "Fertility Treatment Awareness Campaign" Despite Much Needed Reforms or Privatizing the Broken System.

The "Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act", sponsored by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), requires all rules proposed by federal agencies, except in limited circumstances, to be reviewed, signed, and issued by an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. According to a study by the Pacific Legal Foundation, 98% of rules issued by the FDA from 2001 to 2017 were authorized by non-Senate confirmed officials, a practice that is also prevalent in other agencies.According to the sponsor, "preventing unelected career bureaucrats from initiating and issuing regulations is a common-sense solution to ensure greater accountability to American taxpayers in the rulemaking process." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat practices of unaccountable bureaucrats imposing overreaching regulations that harm economic growth and directly impact the lives of Americans.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Ensuring All Federal Rules Are Only Issued by the Individuals Who Have Been Appointed by the President and Confirmed by the Senate.

The "en bloc No. 5" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill is a package of 36 individual amendments, each of which cuts various spending initiatives across government. The issues contained in the amendments range from reducing subsidies for electric vehicles to cutting hundreds of millions of dollars for groups and contractors advancing environmental justice and diversity. Support 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 funding 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.

Cutting 36 Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending Initiatives Within a Multi-Agency Appropriations Bill.

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 "en bloc No. 2" amendment to a major appropriations bill consists of 31 separate amendments that provide funding for a wide range of specific projects advocated by lawmakers ranging from affordable housing initiatives to agricultural and crop research projects, to fusion energy advancement. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the majority of these amendments are unnecessary spending initiatives surrounding lawmaker pet projects and do not pertain to the core role or duties of government.

Advancing Unnecessary Spending Through a Package of 31 Amendments Largely Funding Lawmaker Pet Projects.

The "Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods" (VICTIM) Act of 2022" directs $100 million in new annual spending on grants for local entities to assist victims of crime. The funds are directed to be used for food and housing and other vaguely defined initiatives called "improving relationships with communities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is largely politicized, with many ineffective and wasteful provisions. Instead, lawmakers should combat efforts that "defund the police" and allocate funding to proven initiatives that actually prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

Advancing an Ineffective and Wasteful Crime Victim Bill Rather Than Supporting Law Enforcement and Preventing Crime.

The Connolly amendment #287 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" ends the policy placed on U.S. embassies that prevents their artwork purchases from exceeding $25,000 unless it is approved by congress. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as significant abuse of taxpayer funds has been occurring at small embassy offices across the world, such as expenditures of $400,000 on a sculpture of clouds in Montenegro, over $250,000 on a mural in Mexico City, and $350,000 on a mosaic in Rio. The country is not in the position to continue funding 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.

Fueling Unnecessary Spending by Eliminating the $25,000 Cap Placed on the Artwork Purchases of U.S. Embassies Unless they Receive Congressional Approval.

The "en bloc No. 1" amendment to the "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022" consists of 11 separate amendments surrounding studies and funding for a range of different workforce development initiatives. Initiatives included in the study range from increasing the number of electric vehicle automotive mechanics, to creating workforce partnerships with private entities, to marketing and raising awareness of government career centers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the best way to increase hiring and grow the workforce is through a low tax environment - not growing government involvement in workforce development, which results in higher taxation. Additionally, the free market is best equipped to determine which positions are most needed in the workforce, not ineffective government central planning practices.

Advancing Unnecessary Spending through a Package of 11 Amendments Concerning "Workforce Development" that Should be Performed by the Private Sector.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #54 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes funding for the Food for Peace Title II grant program. The $1.74 billion is then redirected to deficit reduction. Both the Trump and Obama administrations have cited issues with the program. 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.

Eliminating an Unnecessary International Foreign Aid Program and Redirecting the $1.74 Billion in Savings to Deficit Reduction.

The Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) amendment #38 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being used to implement the Biden administration's January 2021 executive order #14008 titled ''Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.'' According to the sponsor, "the Biden administration is calling for the government to put its thumb on the scale of free-flowing capital, pick winners and losers, and pursue an agenda to starve energy companies of the financing that they need and redirect capital into speculative green energy technologies that, frankly, are unproven and will not actually fix the climate." 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.

Protecting American Energy Production by Blocking Biden's Executive Order "Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad".

The "Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act" directs a study to add Florida's Kissimmee river to the Bureau of Land Management's Wild and Scenic River program, which currently manages over 2,700 miles of rivers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure will shift costs from state taxpayers onto the residents of other states not benefited by the river while also further growing the federal government's management of land. The federal government already owns a staggering 28% of all land in the country, which has led to wildfires and countless other issues due to the Department of the Interior's inability to properly oversee and maintain such a massive amount of property.

Advancing Unsustainable Federal Land Management Through a Study to Add Florida's Kissimmee River to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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 "en bloc No. 9" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill defunds the Department of Veterans Affairs Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) commission and transfers the $5 million in funding to the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. The AIR commission is tasked with reviewing the 7,500 buildings operated by the VA and identify how the buildings are being utilized, whether facilities need updating, the funding necessary to upgrade facilities, and how efficiently health care is being delivered to our veterans. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this commission plays a critical role in reviewing the failing bureaucracy and mis-utilized assets of the VA. Lawmakers should implement the AIR recommendations to streamline and improve the VA so that those who served our country can receive the highest possible quality of healthcare.

Blocking Much-Needed Reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs by Defunding the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission.

The "Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act" would require hiring three additional government employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and increased grant issuance at the National Science Foundation to promote workforce development and research surrounding digital privacy technologies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market and private sector is best equipped to determine investment in the most impactful initiatives surrounding "digital privacy technology", instead of government employees, who are not financially held accountable to the success or outcomes of the grants they issue.

Expanding Government Bureaucracy and Grant Issuance for "Digital Privacy Technologies" that are Best Funded through the Private Sector.

This resolution introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives titled"Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached Stabilizing Braces". Under the rule, pistols with a stabilizing brace attachment would be reclassified as short-barreled rifles, and subject to additional regulations. Additionally, gun owners who fail to register their pistols with stabilizing braces with the ATF could face ten years in jail and hefty fines. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure weakens Second Amendment and privacy rights of law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to deter criminals from continuing to engage in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Nullifying a Biden Administration Rule that Subjects Pistols with a Stabilizing Brace to Additional Regulations and Registration Mandates.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #71 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $2.7 billion in funding to the higher education account. This account provides appropriations for grant programs that provide direct taxpayer support to higher education institutions. This funding is in addition to student federal aid, research specific aid, and the funding provided to colleges from state and local governments. Support is the Limited Government Position as college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.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 conservative students.

Cutting $2.7 Billion in Funding that Enriches Woke Colleges and Universities that Indoctrinate Students in Radical Left Agendas.

The Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) amendment #25 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes section 224 of the bill, which requires the DHS secretary to prioritize detention of illegal immigrants over alternative options. According to the sponsor, section 224 "hamstrings DHS' operational flexibility to effectively manage their resources" while opponents claim "striking the provision will give the Biden administration a free pass to continue releasing migrants into the country, a total disregard of the law." Oppose 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, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Promoting an Open Border Immigration System by Eliminating the Requirement that DHS Prioritize the Detention of Illegal Immigrants.

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 "Assault Weapons Ban of 2022" makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer or possess a semi-automatic firearm or large capacity ammunition feeding device. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. Additionally, as congressionally mandated studies on the previous federal assault weapon ban concluded, the ban had no impact in curbing violent crime, as these bans do not deter criminals from continuing to engage in unlawful behavior.

Weakening Second Amendment Rights Through a Ban on the Sale and Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearms.

The Sanchez amendment #261 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to develop a report that identifies how their departments are working to mitigate the spread and impact of malign disinformation. The amendment defines "malign disinformation" as any disinformation that is harmful to good order and discipline or related to extremist activities or vaccination. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the amendment's vague definition of "disinformation" can be abused by certain employees within government to censor political opponents and infringe on free speech protected under the First Amendment.

Advancing Government Censorship by Requiring the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to Report on "Misinformation" that is "Harmful to Good Order and Discipline".

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #25 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $150 million in grants from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, known as WMATA. This entity operates metro rail and bus services across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. WMATA has faced scrutiny for years over its unsustainable budget practices. Even pre-COVID, it has relied on state and local entities for the majority of its funding rather than fares and other user-fees of passengers. Support is the Limited Government Position as WMATA should cut unprofitable routes and adjust its user fee model to sustain itself, rather than force taxpayers from across the country to subsidize the transportation costs of local residents.

Ensuring Taxpayers Across the Country Aren't Forced to Subsidize the Commuting Costs of Individuals within the DC Region Under WMATA.

The Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) amendment #47 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts discretionary spending within the bill by 57 percent. According to the sponsor, this is the percentage of discretionary funding within the bill that is directed to entities that have their own taxing authorities (i.e. can obtain funding from their residents). Support is the Limited Government Position as, unlike mandatory spending, which is generally directed towards primary functions of government, discretionary spending is often directed towards unnecessary initiatives or programs that can also be funded through other avenues. 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 57% Cut in Discretionary Spending within the Transportation and HUD Appropriations Bill.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #12 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" repeals section 115 of the Clean Air Act. This section gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to impose emission reductions on the States if the administrator finds that American air pollution endangers the public health and welfare of another country. According to the sponsor, "removing the broadly written language in section 115 is the only way to prevent the delegation of nearly unlimited power over State energy sectors to the EPA bureaucrats and removes the ability of international organizations to meddle in our energy sector." Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment provides a critical safeguard against unaccountable EPA bureaucrats imposing draconian regulations on state economies to promote politicized climate change agendas. Considering the Biden Administration has reentered the Paris climate agreement, this amendment is especially necessary to prevent the implementation of "America Last" policies.

Ensuring an "America First" Energy Agenda by Repealing an EPA Policy that Grants Bureaucrats the Power to Implement Draconian Regulations to Benefit Foreign Nations.

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 "Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act" includes $700 million in subsidies for agricultural producers and initiatives, including $200 million to upgrade infrastructure to blend both biodiesel and ethanol fuel at higher levels (ex. E15). Additionally, the bill establishes a new special investigator of competition within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate and bring civil action concerning competition and trade practices across the agricultural industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of the agricultural industry (or any industry) and the promotion of higher ethanol-blended fuel, which causes significant damage to older cars and trucks. Furthermore, the best mechanism to expand competition is through the free market, not through further the further expansion of government and regulations - which most often has the opposite intended result.

Advancing Unnecessary Spending and Regulatory Overreach in the Agricultural Industry Through Subsidies for Ethanol Fuel Expansion and a New "Special Investigator" for Competition.

The "Lower Energy Costs Act", introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), implements several regulatory reforms designed to boost American energy production. For example, the bill streamlines the permitting process to bring new energy projects online quicker, repeals tax and fee increases imposed by the Biden administration on energy production, and opens up a greater amount of federal lands and water for resource development. Support is the Limited Government position as American energy dominance is critical to not only making our nation and industry competitive abroad, but to lowering consumer costs. The Biden administration's war on American energy has unnecessarily driven up gasoline prices and costs across the U.S. economy.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2023	0	5	100	0	20	0	26.67	20	0	0
2022	0	0	0	0	0	13.33	16.67	16.67	0	0

ILA

Rick Larsen