Institute for Legislative Analysis

Glenn Grothman

The Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) amendment #73 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits any funding within the bill from being provided to UNESCO. According to the sponsor, UNESCO is "incredibly corrupt and mismanaged" and has a long history of anti-American and anti-Israel bias. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be provided to foreign entities that hate America and its allies. Furthermore, other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion. 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.

Placing America First by Preventing Funding from Being Provided to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has an Anti-American Bias.

The Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) amendment #57 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prevents any funds within the appropriation from being provided to the United Nations unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens accountability of taxpayer funds and helps prevent their misuse. Furthermore, other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion. 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.

Strengthening Accountability of Taxpayer Funds by Ensuring No Cash is Provided to the United Nations Unless Explicitly Authorized by Congress.

The Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) amendment #67 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funding within the bill from being utilized for the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. The envoy has been led by former U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and presidential candidate John Kerry. According to the sponsor, "Kerry uses his position in this special envoy to fly around the world in private and heavy-polluting jets so he can attend the coronation of King Charles III on the taxpayers' dime" and "has stated the American people would need to contribute trillions of dollars to fix the climate". Support is the Limited Government Position as John Kerry and his envoy are pushing a radical politicized environmental agenda, which, if implemented, would devastate the U.S. economy. Such politicized initiatives should not be funded by taxpayers.

Defunding the "Special Presidential Envoy for Climate" led by John Kerry, which Advances a Radical Left-wing Environmental Agenda.

The Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) amendment #54 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funding for the "Refugee Travel Loan Program", which is administered by the United Nations International Organization for Migration. According to the sponsor, this program is a taxpayer-funded slush fund that channels money to foreign NGOs, which take a 25 percent cut of the cash before providing the recourses to refugees. Support is the Limited Government Position as all taxpayer funds should be protected from waste, fraud, and abuse. Additionally, other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion.

Protecting Taxpayers by Cutting Funding to the "Refugee Travel Loan Program", which Serves as a Slush-Fund Enriching Politically Connected Foreign NGOs.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #74 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" provides nearly $5 billion in savings by cutting the significant spending growth within sections 101, 103 and 1111 of the underlying bill, which far exceed the levels originally set by Congress in the 2018 reauthorization bill. These sections pertain to airport planning, operations, and research and development. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill contains countless runaway spending initiatives that are unnecessary. 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 Cutting Nearly $5 Billion in Runaway Spending Surrounding Airport Planning, Operations, and Research and Development.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #73 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes a provision that allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider expanding the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program. This program provides financial awards to industries to develop and integrate technology that will reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government - is the best mechanism to drive investment into the technologies that provide the greatest level of benefits for their cost. 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 Government Interference within the Energy and Aviation Industries by Striking Funding for the "CLEEN" Program which Provides Subsidies for Environmental Technology.

The Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) amendment #62 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes authorization for the "Essential Air Service" program. This program provides subsidies to airline companies for commercial flights to small airports typically in more rural regions. According to the sponsor, the program provides a "direct subsidy paid to airline companies to fly empty and near-empty planes from small airports to regional hubs with per-passenger subsidies on some flights are now nearly $1,000 per passenger". Support is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine airline service and set routes. This program serves as a wealth distribution scheme to individuals who choose to reside in rural regions. 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 and Government Central Planning through the Elimination of the "Essential Air Service" Program that Forces Taxpayers to Subsidize Unprofitable Airline Flights.

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 "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. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) amendment #23 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" strikes a provision for a feasibility study for a "center of excellence" (trauma hospital system) in Ukraine. According to the sponsor, the stated mission of the Department of Defense is to deter war and to protect our nation's national security interest, and "paying for a feasibility study on creating a center of excellence in Ukraine does not deter war, nor does that protect our national security interest". Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of the U.S. to serve as the world police and medical provider, especially at a time when Veterans and Americans are facing difficulties in receiving quality care. Furthermore, 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.

Placing Americans First by Striking Funding for a Feasibility Study on the Construction of a "Center of Excellence" Trauma Hospital in Ukraine.

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 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. 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 Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #31 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits Department of Defense schools (DoDEA) from using funds to promote or compel teachers to adhere to Critical Race Theory (CRT). Support is the Limited Government Position as all public education systems should be solely utilized to prepare children for their careers and promote excellence in core subject fields, such as reading, mathematics, and the sciences. Schools should be 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 the Integrity of the DoDEA School System by Prohibiting the Promotion of Divisive Concepts, such as Critical Race Theory.

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 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 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 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 "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.

Promoting Economic Growth through the "Lower Energy Costs Act", which Streamlines Regulations to Boost American Energy Production.

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. 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. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #20 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" block grants funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to the states. The funds would be distributed based on the number of students in each state relative to the number of students within the United States. 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, such as the distribution of federal funds to unnecessary and politicized initiatives, and instead helps empower state and local educational entities.

Cutting Waste Within the Federal Education System by Block Granting the Funds to the States.

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.

This resolution introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a rule that placed population segments of the lesser prairie chicken on either the "threatened" or "endangered" list of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The classifications have an impact on farming and ranching activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as the rule results in a disproportionate regulatory burden imposed by unaccountable bureaucrats who weaken property rights and drive-up costs for farmers and ranchers.

Protecting Property Rights by Nullifying an Overreaching Biden Administration Rule Concerning the Lesser Prairie Chicken on the Endangered Species Act.

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.

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.

This bill, "making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024", is a "CR" that funds portions of government through January 19, 2024 or February 2, 2024, depending on the department. The CR does not contain provisions demanded by conservative lawmakers, such as spending cuts or border security measures. 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. 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.

Continuing Out-of-Control Spending through a CR Without Any Fiscal Restraints or Border Security Measures

This resolution introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled "Small Business Lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)". This rule implements a section of the Dodd-Frank Act and requires banks to collect and report data on race, ethnicity, and sex across 81 fields. According to the sponsor, this rule imposes a significant additional cost on lenders and creates privacy concerns for small businesses that do not want such information made public. Support is the Limited Government Position as this Biden Administration rule further worsens the draconian regulatory framework of Dodd-Frank, while unnecessary driving up lending costs and infringing privacy rights.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Nullifying Biden Administration Rules, Forcing Banks to Report and Publish Additional Data Pertaining to Race, Ethnicity, and Sex.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #57 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes funding for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. The $240 million is then redirected 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.

Eliminating an Unnecessary International Food Program and Redirecting the $240 Million in Savings to Deficit Reduction.

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. 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 Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) amendment #57 to the Strategic Production Response Act bans oil and gas leasing on federal land if the land is viable for renewable energy production. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment is primariy designed to shut down nearly all oil and gas extration on federal land as part of a politicized environmental agenda. U.S. access to low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans.

Hiking Energy Prices by Banning American Oil and Gas Extraction Across All Federal Land that Could be Viable for Renewable Energy Production.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #76 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes the $707 million in funding provided to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). According to the sponsor, the entity represents the "educational-industrial complex", with funding directed to programs "interested in the disclosure of gender, racial, and ethnic composition of governing boards of higher education to promote DEI institutions". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as IES represents one of countless government-funded entities advancing politicized initiatives across the American education system. Like many taxpayer-funded entities across the "educational-industrial complex", the mission of the IES should be funded through the private sector, not government.

Cutting $707 Million in Wasteful Spending for the Institute of Education Sciences, which Promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the Education System.

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. 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 Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #126 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibit any funds in the appropriations bill from being used to carry out "environmental justice activities". According to the sponsor, the amendment is in response to cases of employees engaging in environmental justice activities that overlap divisive racial ideology with radical environmentalism. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps ensure taxpayer funds are not used to promote politicized agendas surrounding racial justice, climate change, and other extreme environmental beliefs. The implementation of environmental justice policy places significant harm on the U.S. economy and unnecessarily drives up costs for consumers.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from being Utilized for Politicized "Environmental Justice Activities".

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. 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 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 "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. 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. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) amendment #12 to the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023" reduces congressional oversight of regulations by only applying the REINS Act to regulations with an economic impact of $1 billion or more - it was previously $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. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment weakens the REINS Act, which would provide 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.

Weakening the Check on Executive Branch Power by Requiring Congressional Approval for Just Regulations with Impacts of $1 Billion or More (Previously $100 Million) Under the "REINS" Act.

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. 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 "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 "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), permits schools under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to serve whole milk (3.25% milkfat). Since 2012, schools have only been able to serve fat-free or low-fat milk (2% milkfat) due to regulations championed by Michelle Obama. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not politicians - to determine the food and beverages consumed by their child. This bill helps combat government overreach and strengthens parental rights.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Repealing an Obama-Era Regulation that Prohibits Whole Milk from being Served in School Cafeterias.

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 "Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), lifts the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion (through March 2024) contingent on a number of conditions. Some of the major conditions include limiting increases in the federal budget to 1% per year, imposing stricter work requirements on the federal SNAP program, rescinding $70 billion in IRS funding, nullifying Biden's $20,000 per borrower student loan forgiveness, repealing spending provisions within the Inflations Reduction Act surrounding climate change, and enacting the H.R. 1 "Lower Energy Cost Act". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a solid step in the right direction to restoring some level of fiscal order to the nation. 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.

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility through the "Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023", which Makes a $1.5 Trillion Debt Limit Hike Contingent on Multiple Spending Cuts.

The "Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), prohibits the implementation of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles." This rule, which requires roughly 70% of new car and truck sales to be electric in less than 10 years, imposes much stricter emission standards for cars and light-duty trucks. According to the sponsor, this bill "puts a stop to this executive overreach, allowing consumers to have the freedom to decide what car works best for them and their families and preventing auto manufacturers from being forced to meet unrealistic mandates". Support is the Limited Government Position as this draconian EPA rule infringes consumer choice, drives up the cost of automobiles, and will result in the elimination of gas-powered performance vehicles. This bill is critical to combatting the actions of government bureaucrats to centrally plan the product sales of automotive manufactures in order to advance a radical and politicized environmental agenda.

Blocking Biden Administration Mandates that Force 70% of New Car Sales to be Electric by 2032.

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.

This resolution authorizes an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The vote primarily provides Republican lawmakers with greater standing to issue and enforce subpoenas. The resolution follows an "impeachment inquiry" memorandum on September 27, 2023 that alleges President Biden may have unlawfully benefited from business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden. Support is the Limited Government Position as the memo issued by Chairman Comer, Jordan, and Smith layout significant evidence of potential wrongdoing by the Biden family. Elected officials at every level of government should be held accountable for their actions and this vote ensures that a proper investigation can take place into the matter.

Ensuring a Proper Investigation into the Business Dealings of Joe and Hunter Biden through the Authorization of an Impeachment Inquiry.

The Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) amendment #42 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being provided to Ukraine as part of the country's defense against Russia. According to the sponsor, in 2022 the U.S. provided $113 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, which, in addition to weapons, has gone to fund their government, farmers, and small businesses. Additionally, "this is nothing more than a blank check for Ukraine that Joe Biden's State Department will get to write. Even more dangerously, they get to waive oversight, claiming national security. All this will do is fuel another never-ending war and push the United States even closer to the brink of nuclear Holocaust." Support is the Limited Government Position as Americans cannot afford to continue to pour hundreds of billions into Ukraine - especially without proper safeguards to prevent corruption and waste. 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.

Placing America First by Halting the Billions Provided to Ukraine at a Time when the U.S. is Facing a Border Crisis and Crippling Debt.

This bill, the "Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023", raises the $31.4 trillion U.S. debt ceiling through January 1, 2025. The bill is estimated to allow for $4 trillion in additional debt while providing roughly $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending reductions over ten years, which may or may not be fully realized. The bill also paves the way for a natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to Virginia and claws back some funding, which was provided to the Internal Revenue Service to hire additional employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the budgetary gimmicks within the bill provide little, if any, significant reduction in spending, merely continuing the country's march to a financial collapse. 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 a U.S. Financial Collapse by Lifting the Debt Limit without Enacting Any Significant Fiscal Restraints to Stop the Deficit Spending.

The "America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022" as passed by the House on February 4, 2022, authorizes over $318 billion in new spending, including $95 billion in subsidies to semiconductor companies and various other manufacturing entities, $78 billion to the National Science Foundation, and $8 billion for the Green Climate Fund. Furthermore, the bill contains numerous trade-related provisions, such as boosting Trade Adjustment Assistance and subjecting significantly more goods to tariffs by restricting application of the "deminimis" provision, which exempts imports valued under $800 from duties. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as much of this spending merely serves as corporate welfare and is unnecessary, especially at a time when the U.S. national debt has exceeded $30 trillion and congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Furthermore, the bill's protectionist trade policies will drive up consumer costs and inflict significant financial harm onto countless small businesses, which import materials from overseas, and ultimately make American companies less competitive.

Advancing the "COMPETES ACT" with $318 Billion in Wasteful Spending and Protectionist Trade Policies that Unnecessarily Hike Consumer Costs.

The "Postal Service Reform Act of 2022" repeals a key fiscal safeguard implemented in 2006 which requires the United States Postal Service to prepay future retirement health benefits (i.e. "pay as you go"), thus now allowing USPS to further grow the over $60 billion in unfunded liabilities on its books. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the repeal of this essential safeguard will result in even less fiscal accountability at the agency and further balloon the already enormous amount of unfunded liabilities, which will ultimately become the responsibility of taxpayers.

Eliminating a Key Fiscal Safeguard within the U.S. Postal Service Resulting in $60 Billion in Unfunded Liabilities being Placed on Taxpayers.

This vote authorizes the non-defense related components of the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022" which funds government through the remainder of 2022. The package hikes spending by an average of 7 percent, sets aside over $20 billion for climate change research and resilience, and revives the practice of earmarks - congressionally directed spending - which has not been permitted for years due to the cronyism of the practice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further fuels out-of-control spending despite the fact congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represent the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Hiking Non-Defense Domestic Spending by 7% and Promoting Cronyism through the Revival of Earmarks.

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 "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.

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 "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 "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 "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 "Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H) Act" would result in $1.7 billion in additional spending at the Department of Health and Human Services to create a new agency tasked with increasing biomedical innovation and improving disease treatment. 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 resource are used effectively. Instead, lawmakers should work to eliminate all unnecessary regulatory barriers at the FDA so a drug isn't stuck in regulatory limbo for decades at a cost of billions of dollars.

Directing $1.7 Billion in Additional Spending at the Department of Health and Human Services for the Creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act.

The "Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022" establishes a communication network, which proponents tout is similar to an amber alert, that will notify individuals of an active shooter. This new network will be overseen by a new division within the Department of Justice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative, if carried out, should be developed and strictly overseen by local officials accountable to the people. In recent years, the Department of Justice has been significantly criticized for carrying out its work in a politicized fashion and this system could be heavily abused to promote any potential shooting event or incident involving a firearm, thus serving as an activist tool for gun control.

Establishing a Politicized "Active Shooter Alert System" Under the Department of Justice with No Oversight to Ensure Proper Application.

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 "LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act" requires the over 100 federal agencies that conduct surveys collecting demographic data, expand their methods to incorporate information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other "variations in sex characteristics" into their published reports. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure further increase government bureaucracy and taxpayer costs, but may place some survey respondents in uncomfortable positions due to the sensitive nature of the questions. While all members of the LGBTQ community should be treated equally and protected from any form of discrimination by government, this measure is largely intended to be used to justify new federal programs and further expand the role of government.

Expanding Government Bureaucracy and Hiking Costs by Requiring Surveys Conducted by Federal Agencies Include Questions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

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 "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 "Right to Contraception Act" establishes within federal law a new right to use and obtain contraceptives. The bill is also expected to nullify conscience protections for healthcare providers and employers who object on moral grounds to providing contraception or sterilization services. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as using and purchasing contraceptives should be a choice of the individual, not something a religious employer should be forced to fund and provide, as this is a clear violation of the freedom of religion protection under the First Amendment.

Advancing Frivolous Litigation and Mandates on Employers by Establishing a "Right to Contraception."

The Susan Muffley Act of 2022 requires taxpayers to cover the costs of providing full pension benefits to the roughly 21,000 former employees of Delphi Corporation. These employees have been receiving only partial pension benefits following the bankruptcy of the company, which served as the parts manufacturer of General Motors, a company that also went bankrupt in 2009. The bill also requires that all the former employees receive 13 years of benefit backpay and interest at a rate of six percent. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as despite the terrible precedent that was established during the government bailout of the banks and auto manufacturers in 2009, it is not the role of government to bailout privately owned companies and place the costs on the backs of taxpayers. Additionally, this measure is especially unfair to the countless other workers and employees who have suffered similar financial setbacks over the years due to employer bankruptcies, albeit their circumstances did not receive the media attention garnered by Delphi.

Forcing Taxpayers to Bailout the Pension Plans of Delphi Retirees (Parts Manufacturer of General Motors During 2009 Bankruptcy).

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 "Chips and Science Act" provides $52.7 billion in subsidies to manufacturers of semiconductors plus an additional $24 billion in tax credits. The bill also provides over $200 billion in additional funding to the National Science Foundation and the Departments of Energy and Commerce for initiatives surrounding STEM, R&D, and workforce and economic development programs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize government-favored private business entities. The free market is far better equipped to engage in research and development, not government officials who are attempting to centrally plan research efforts without a plan to track financial accountability or measure if taxpayer funded resource are used effectively.

Expanding Cronyism and Corporate Welfare for Semiconductor Manufacturers Through Billions in Subsidies and Tax Credits Under the CHIPS and Science Act.

The "Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act" allows two borrowers who received a joint consolidation loan (offered at one point federally and at a lower interest rate) to apply to have their loan severed into two separate loans. The bill is primarily designed to expand who is eligible for loan forgiveness initiatives of the Biden administration. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as individuals with joint consolidation loans already enjoyed lower interest rates than other borrowers and this bill shifts their costs onto other individuals and taxpayers, an especially unfair situation for individuals who paid-off their loans or chose not to pursue higher education.

Growing Government Spending and Debt Through an Expansion of Student Loan Forgiveness via the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act.

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 "Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022" further grows spending by an additional $100 million for various programs at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) pertaining to global food security, resulting in annual spending of $3.9 billion. This spending program is another of many other initiatives already funded by the U.S. pertaining to food and agricultural development overseas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as other countries in the United Nations have failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending 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.

Reauthorizing and Further Hiking Spending to $3.9 Billion Annually for Foreign Aid Surrounding Global Food Insecurity.

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 "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. 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. Mike Bost (R-IL) amendment #35 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" corrects a practice whereby veterans lose their Second Amendment rights if they seek assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have their financial affairs managed. Currently, when a fiduciary is appointed to help manage the financial affairs of a veteran, the VA automatically reports the veteran to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the veteran looses his or her right to have a firearm. This amendment prevents the automatic revocation of Second Amendment rights by instead requiring a judge to rule the veteran is a danger to themselves or others with a firearm. Support is the Limited Government Position as Veterans should not be forced to choose between receiving assistance with their finances or losing their Second Amendment Rights through this poorly devised one-size-fits-all policy.

Ensuring Veterans don't Lose their Second Amendment Rights if they Seek Assistance to Manage their Finances at the VA.

The Rep. Joaquin Castro (R-TX) amendment #51 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits Federal Homeland Security funding from being diverted for Operation Lone Star. This border security operation was launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a way to reduce the number of illegal crossings from Mexico into Texas. Operation Lone Star is jointly run by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department and includes deployment thousands of police officers and soldiers and miles of barriers. 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.

Weakening an Open Border Immigration System by Defunding the Texas "Operation Lone Star" Border Security Operation, Which Includes Thousands of Police Officers and Miles of Barriers.

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 concurrent resolution, sponsored by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), states that Congress denounces socialism in all its forms and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States of America. Support is the Limited Government Position as the"Father of the Constitution", President James Madison, wrote that it "is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest".

Denouncing Socialism and Opposing the Implementation of Socialist Policies in the United States.

This joint resolution, sponsored by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), nullifies the "Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022," enacted by the council of the District of Columbia. The DC law provides non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, the right to vote in the nation's capital. Support is the Limited Government Position as the DC law disenfranchises American citizens by allowing their votes to be cancelled out by individuals residing in the country unlawfully. Ensuring the ability to vote is reserved only for citizens is a critical component to ensure free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Preventing Voter Disenfranchisement by Nullifying a District of Columbia Law that Provides Voting Rights to Illegal Immigrants.

This concurrent resolution, sponsored by Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), recognizes local law enforcement officers and condemns calls to defund or abolish the police, as well as other anti-police criminal justice reforms. According to the sponsor, the resolution is designed "to show support for our men and women in blue after they have been "mercilessly attacked" following the 2020 George Floyd riots." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed and protected police force serve as essential components of government.Unfortunately, the defund the police movement and so-called criminal justice "reforms" 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.

Expressing Support for Law Enforcement and Opposing Calls to "Defund the Police" and Other Anti-Police Criminal Justice Reforms.

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 Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) amendment #101 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits any funding to implement the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council's proposed ''Federal Acquisition Regulation: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk'' rule. This rule requires all Federal contractors that do business of more than $50 million with the Federal Government to disclose all scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This includes everything from emissions produced by the contractor (scope 1) to the emissions produced by things such as office supplies that they buy for their employees (scope 3). The rule also requires companies to comply with the Paris climate accords and set climate targets, which are then to be validated by a company called Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). According to the sponsor, SBTi is tied to the New Venture Fund, a left-wing dark money network funded by George Soros. Support is the Limited Government Position as this proposed federal rule represents a purely political measure designed to advance a radical environmental agenda, which will result in skyrocketing costs for federal contractors - and ultimately taxpayers - to comply with. Additionally, forcing all major federal contractors to comply with a radical-left entity such as the New Venture Fund makes the rule one of the very worst forms of cronyism.

Blocking a Draconian Regulation that Forces Federal Contractors to Disclose Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Submit "Climate Targets" to an Entity Tied to Democratic Donors and George Soros.

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.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the rule issued by the Department of Education on October 12, 2022, that suspends federal student loan payments and discharges debt. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the total cost of the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness plan is between $500 billion and $650 billion. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden administration's plan further expands wealth redistribution through higher education. While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education, individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education - such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades - should not be forced to pay for others' college tuition. 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 Blocking $650 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness Authorized by the Biden Administration.

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.

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.

Year
2024	100.00	91.67	87.50	100.00	80.00	81.48	95.83	87.50	62.35	66.67
2023	88.89	90.91	100.00	100.00	100.00	94.74	100.00	91.67	70.00	100.00
2022	100.00	100.00	100.00	50.00	100.00	93.33	100.00	66.67	87.10	100.00

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	83.71	Rep	R	6
2023	86.51	Rep	R	6
2022	89.87	Rep	R	6

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