Institute for Legislative Analysis

Ashley Hinson

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.

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

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

This 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 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.

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

This resolution introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". This Biden administration rule overturned the reforms implemented by the Trump administration and provides the EPA with much more expansive regulatory authority than it was initially granted under the Obama administration. As a result, the EPA's regulatory authority includes not only rivers and wetlands, but ephemeral streams and ditches under the Clean Water Act. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden and Obama administrations granted the EPA carte-blanche authority to regulate practically any standing amount of water, which resulted in property rights being infringed and enormous additional costs for landowners.

Strengthening Property Rights by Overturning Biden Administration Regulations Providing the EPA Overreaching Authority under the Waters of the United States Rule.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Department of Labor rule titled "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights". Under current law, managers of retirement plans are required to base their investment decisions on what is in the best interest of making their client's portfolios grow. Under the Biden administration rule, fiduciaries can now base their investment decisions on political environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors even if they are not in the best financial interest of their clients. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while all individuals should have the right to have their savings invested in the manor of their choosing, this politicized ESG rule will provide countless new avenues for deviant fiduciaries to act against their unknowing clients best interests and enrich certain companies and industries.

Overturning a Biden Administration Rule Authorizing Fiduciaries to Invest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors Against their Clients Best Interests.

The "Fort San Gerónimo Preservation Act", introduced by Delegate Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico), establishes Fort San Gerónimo del Boquerón in San Juan, Puerto Rico as an affiliated area of the National Park System.Under the bill, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture is made the management entity of the area, with the National Park Service (NPS) providing technical and financial assistance to the institute to assist with marketing, interpretation, and preservation efforts. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and spending of the National Park Service at a time when our nation has $33 trillion in national debt and has over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities. Lawmakers must shrink, not expand, the operations of the NPS - especially in regions that are not parts of the United States.

Further Growing the Size and Spending of the National Park Service by Making a Fort in Puerto Rico a New Affiliated Area.

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.

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. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #61 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" would restore spending within the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to 2019 levels and direct the $77 million in savings to deficit reduction. The funding proposed within the underlying bill is 30 percent above the pre-COVID level. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Spending to 2019 Levels within the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Redirecting the $77 Million in Savings to Deficit Reduction.

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.

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. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #45 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the Rural Business Program Account in half from last year's enacted budget amount of $43,125,000. Funds within the account are in part utilized for construction of solar energy systems and other renewable energy systems. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting the Appropriation to a Rural Business Program Account, which is Utilized to Subsidize Solar and other Renewable Energy Initiatives, by 50% ($43 million).

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #43 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" would eliminate the USDA rental assistance program, providing a savings of $1.6 billion. According to the sponsor, the program is 1 of 25 duplicative housing programs across the federal government. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps reduce duplicative spending and restore fiscal sanity. Rental assistance programs merely distort the market, ultimately bidding up prices and making housing even less affordable. 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 a Duplicative Rental Assistance Welfare Program within the USDA to Provide $1.6 Billion in Savings to Taxpayers.

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Peter Stauber (R-MN) amendment #99 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being utilized for the Farm to School Network Racial Equity Learning Lab. The stated goal of the program is to teach participants to apply a ''racial equity lens'' to their work. According to the sponsor, the lab "seeks to inject critical race theory and identity politics into our educational institutions". Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund politicized initiatives surrounding racial equity or critical race theory. Such programs serve as an example of how out-of-control-spending is leading to waste within the bloated bureaucracies.

Defunding the Farm to School Network's Racial Equity Learning Lab, which Promotes Critical Race Theory.

The Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) amendment #133 to the Strategic Production Response Act prohibits any change to the current moratorium on oil and gas leasing within the South Atlantic Planning Area. In September of 2020 President Trump issued a 10-year ban on oil and gas drilling along both coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans. Lawmakers must open up the South Atlantic to safe and responsible energy extraction, so Americans are provided with the lowest possible energy costs.

Harming American Energy Production by Reinforcing a Moratorium on Oil and Gas Drilling in the South Atlantic.

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. Mariannette Miller-MeeksBiggs (R-IA) amendment #123 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" bans funding from being provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's firearm injury and mortality prevention research. The Biden administration requested $35 million for this program in his fiscal year 2024 budget request, which is a $22.5 million increase from fiscal year 2023. Support is the Limited Government Position as the role of the CDC is to prevent and contain diseases and pandemic outbreaks, which, as the nation witnessed with COVID-19, the Center needs to improve on. This amendment helps ensure the CDC does not utilize taxpayer funds to pursue purely politicized initiatives, such as gun control.

Cutting $22.5 Million at the Center for Disease Control that is Directed to Advancing Politicized Initiatives Surrounding Gun Control.

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

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

The Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN) amendment #21 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) back to the level it was in FY 2019. The level of funding for the CPSC under the amendment is roughly $13 million less than under the original bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as the CPSC has been engaging in politicized activities beyond the role it was assigned, such as attempting to ban gas stoves. 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 by Reducing Spending at the Consumer Product Safety Commission to 2019 Levels.

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

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

The Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) amendment #63 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funding for the White House Gender Policy Council. According to the sponsor, the entity is promoting a "woke DEI agenda" and is "pro-abortion and pro-transgender". Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to push politized initiatives or for an entity that does not perform a core function of government.

Eliminating Funding for the White House Gender Policy Council, which Promotes DEI, Transgenderism, and Abortion.

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

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

The Rep. 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 Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #60 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 Arts. The sponsor provided multiple examples of waste within the entity, such as the Art in Architecture program that commissions art for Federal buildings, and the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Program, which subsidizes the insurance of art exhibitions, both domestic and international, including private collections. 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 Arts.

The Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) amendment #2 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts funding for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by 50 percent. The sponsor noted BLM's operations have exceeded its stated purpose, including the establishment of conservation leases and other policies that lockout land users. Support is the Limited Government Position as the BLM has become a bloated and wasteful entity that places unnecessary barriers to land usage. 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 through a 50% Cut in the Bloated Bureaucracy of the Bureau of Land Management.

The Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) amendment #78 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from utilizing a title 42 special pay authority. According to the sponsor, this authority has resulted in EPA employees being overpaid through the bypassing of the standard federal GS pay schedule. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps restore government accountability and protect taxpayers from overpaying the agency workforce. 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 Ending the EPA's Utilization of a Special Pay Schedule that has Resulted in Overpayment of Agency Employees.

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. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #20 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $470 million in funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The ARPA-E provides grants to companies for high-risk, high-reward projects, grants they are unable to receive funding for within the private sector. According to the sponsor, multiple GAO reports have found the entity is not following its guidelines: nearly half of the grants have gone towards projects that companies previously received private-sector investments or funding for. Support is the Limited Government Position as regardless of the fact much of this agency's funding is being misused, it is not the proper role of government to provide such funding in the first place. The free-market and private sector - not government bureaucrats - are best equipped to direct funding to the most promising initiatives. The ARPA-E merely fuels cronyism by enriching select entities which are oftentimes politically connected while also further fueling out-of-control taxpayer spending.

Combatting Cronyism by Cutting $470 Million in Funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency, which Awards Taxpayer Cash to Select Energy Companies Favored by Government.

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

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

The Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) amendment #37 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts all funding for the "W87-1 modification program", which is developing the latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) nuclear weapon system. According to the sponsor, the $120 billion cost for development over the next decade does not need to be spent now due to the reliability of the existing Minuteman III rockets originally developed in the 1960s. 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 Defunding the Continued Development and Upgrade of the U.S. Nuclear ICBM Program.

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 Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) amendment #23 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" provides a $14.3 million cut to the Peace Corps budget to restore the agency appropriation to pre-COVID-19 levels. According to the sponsor, the Peace Corps has engaged in numerous politicized initiatives, including helping illegal immigrants at the southern border, promoting DEI amongst its volunteers, and various activities surrounding climate change. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Peace Corps serves as just one of many foreign aid programs of the United States and the country is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending 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.

Providing a Slight Cut to Wasteful Spending within the Peace Corps by Restoring Funding to Pre-COVID-19 Levels.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #20 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts foreign aid "economic support" funding from $2.9 billion to $1.8 billion, or the level of spending in 2018. According to the sponsor, the country can no longer afford to support the various cooperative projects abroad when Americans are facing many of these same challenges within our own country. Support is the Limited Government Position as 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 Providing a $1.1 Billion Cut to "Economic Support" Foreign Aid that Restores the Spending Level Back to Pre-Covid.

The "JUDGES Act of 2024" sponsored by Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) represents a bipartisan attempt to alleviate the overburdened federal district court system. Under the bill, 63 new permanent district court judgeships and three new temporary district court judgeships would be created over the next decade. Around 10 judges would be added every two years, staggering them between different presidents. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill will help alleviate the significant backlog of cases and allow for quicker resolutions within the U.S. legal system - a core function of government.

Improving the Efficiency of the U.S. Federal District Court System by Adding 63 Additional Judges over the Next Decade.

The "National Defense Authorization Act" (NDAA) as passed on December 11, 2024, spans 1,800 pages and contains $895.2 billion in spending (a $9 billion increase over FY24 and $120 billion increase since FY20). It should be noted that at this time the Pentagon failed its seventh consecutive audit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers can't continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into a broken pitcher. Major reforms must be made within the department of defense to cut waste, fraud and abuse and ensure our armed forces have the resources they need to protect our nation. Note: this custom vote only records Republican positions on the bill on the grounds of spending. Another custom vote records Democrat positions on the basis of DEI and transgender issues.

Passing a Fiscally Irresponsible National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which Hikes Spending by $9 Billion Despite the Pentagon Recently Failing its Audit.

The "Liberty in Laundry Act" sponsored by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) limits the ability of the Department of Energy (DOE) to impose energy conservation standards on clothes washers. Under the bill the DOE may only impose such regulations if they (1) are technologically feasible and economically justified, (2) are not likely to result in additional net costs to consumers, and (3) will result in significant conservation of energy. Support is the Limited Government Position as consumers within a free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - should have the freedom to choose the type of clothes washing machine that best meets their needs. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to combatting government overreach which unnecessarily hikes consumer costs.

Protecting Consumer Choice and Preventing Bureaucrats from Imposing Overreaching Regulations on Clothes Washers through the "Liberty in Laundry Act".

The "Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024" sponsored by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out 17 new water infrastructure projects and study dozens of other potential ones. Some of the authorized ventures include a $2.7 billion storm risk reduction effort in Miami, a $26.7 million stormwater management initiative outside Memphis, Tennessee, and $2.1 billion toward restoration of the Everglades. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these projects do not pertain to national security or any other national need. The costs of these projects - which provide benefits to only select states or regions - should not be socialized onto federal taxpayers. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control federal spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Socializing the Costs of Regional Projects onto Federal Taxpayers through the "Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act".

The "Prove It Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) would give small businesses a seat at the table during the regulatory process by requiring government agencies to assess and limit the direct and indirect costs of their rules and regulations. Under the bill, if an agency imposes a regulation but did not participate or assist in the full review process, the finalized rule shall not apply to small entities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure places a critical check on unaccountable executive branch bureaucrats who have enormous powers to control the daily lives of Americans.

Protecting Small Businesses from Overreaching Federal Regulations by Requiring a Full Review Process Under the "Prove It Act".

The Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) amendment #1 to the "Prove It Act of 2024" would significantly weaken the underlying bill (which requires government agencies to assess and limit the direct and indirect costs of their rules and regulations). Instead, the amendment would strike all text and then just require rule-writing staff at agencies to be trained on the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act every four years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment eliminates the pro-growth regulatory reforms within the underlying bill. Checks must be placed on unaccountable bureaucrats who have enormous powers to control the daily lives of Americans.

Subjecting Small Businesses to Draconian Regulations by Removing a Critical Check on the Regulatory Power of Unaccountable Bureaucrats by Amending the "Prove It Act".

The "America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024" sponsored by Sen. Thomas Carper (R-DE) increases spending on several wildlife and conservation programs and reauthorizes them through 2030. A significant portion of the funding is directed towards non-profit organizations such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and certain quasi-government entities like the Chesapeake Bay Program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector and free market is best equipped to direct funding to conservation as opposed to central planning by government bureaucrats. Additionally, this measure worsens cronyism by enriching select government favored non-profits and further hiking spending. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Run-Away Spending and Enriching Government Favored Non-Profits Through the "America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act".

The "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act" sponsored by Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) would require the Department of Interior (DOI) to hold lease sales every year, rather than every two years. Additionally, the bill helps speed up the permit process for lease sales by setting a 30-day deadline for the DOI to notify an applicant if a permit has been approved. According to the sponsor, the bill "will hold the Department of Interior accountable and is key to bolstering domestic energy production, reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries and meeting America's growing energy demands." 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. Lawmakers must open up federal land to safe and responsible energy extraction, so Americans are provided with the lowest possible energy costs.

Advancing American Energy Dominance by Requiring the Department of Interior to Hold More Frequent Lease Sales and Speed up the Permitting Process through the "CLEAN Act".

The "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" would appropriate $38.5 billion, roughly $72 million less than the prior year. The bill would cut EPA spending by 20 percent, with initiatives pertaining to "environmental justice" receiving large cuts. The superfund cleanup program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program would receive slightly higher funding levels. Furthermore, the bill blocks funding for the American Climate Corps and provides $3.6 billion for wildfire activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this fiscally responsible measure not only restrains spending but better prioritizes funding across the EPA and Department of Interior. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility with an Appropriations Bill that Reduces EPA Spending by 20% and Makes Significant Budgetary Cuts within the Department of Interior.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #85 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits any funds within the bill from being used for "environmental justice activities". According to the sponsor, the amendment is necessary considering President Biden's Justice40 Initiative directs 40 percent of Federal clean energy and energy efficiency spending based on ethnicity, migrant status, and income status. This includes fifty million dollars which went to the Climate Justice Alliance, an entity which organized anti-Israel protests in the Capitol rotunda last year. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to promote politicized agendas or distributed in discriminatory manners on such basis as race, ethnicity or gender.

Prohibiting Taxpayer Funds from Being Expended on Politized "Environmental Justice Activities" Within the Department of Interior Appropriations Bill.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #83 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" strikes the funding for the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). According to the sponsor, the CEQ is a duplicative entity of the EPA which imposes onerous regulatory burdens on Americans, plus under the Biden Administration, has developed politicized policies on climate change, environmental justice, and Federal sustainability. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps cut unnecessary and duplicative government bureaucracy. Additionally, the CEQ has largely become a politicized entity advancing an extreme left-wing environmental justice agenda.

Cutting Duplicative Government Bureaucracy through the Elimination of the Council on Environmental Quality.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #82 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits the use of funds to take retaliatory actions against States that disagree with the EPA- mandated pollutant reduction goals. According to the sponsor, the amendment is in response to actions taken by the EPA in 2010 (known as the Chesapeake Bay TMDL) which seized the States' authority to determine their own method of compliance and threatened to take over the water quality plants. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat federal overreach and one-size-fits-all mandates which unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer and consumer costs.

Combatting Federal Overreach by Prohibiting the EPA from Taking Retaliatory Actions Against States that Disagree with the EPA's Mandated Pollutant Reduction Goals.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #81 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" 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 "Refrigerator Freedom Act" sponsored by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) places limits on the authority of the Department of Energy (DOE) to impose energy conservation standards for refrigerators and freezers unless DOE can prove the standards are economically justified and not likely to result in additional net costs to consumers. The bill is in response to DOE's own analysis that found the efficiency mandates of the Biden administration could increase the upfront costs on refrigerators and freezers by 25% and it could take consumers 10 years to payback the increased costs for a product that may only last 14-15 years. Support is the Limited Government Position as consumers within a free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - should have the freedom to choose the type of dishwasher that best meets their needs. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to combatting government overreach which unnecessarily hikes consumer costs.

Protecting Consumer Choice through the "Refrigerator Freedom Act".

The Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) amendment #164 to the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" 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 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.

The Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) amendment #163 to the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits funds from being used to enforce President Biden's Executive Order # 14019, "Promoting Access to Voting". According to the sponsor, the executive order empowers federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer resources should not be utilized to advance partisan politics. Such actions undermine our election process and democracy.

Safeguarding Democracy by Defunding Biden's Executive Order that Utilizes Taxpayer Resources to Advance Partisan Politics through Voter Mobilization Activities.

The Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) amendment #72 to the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit funds from being used to create an "unfunded priorities list" or a wish list of things that individual commanders and generals would like to fund. According to the sponsor, "these wish lists are packed with billions of dollars of excessive line items, this year totaling more than $27.5 billion on top of the $850 billion requested by the White House and a 50 percent increase from last year." The sponsor also noted the lists "have not gone through the level of prioritization and vetting that all of the other things that come in the budget do" such as the White House Budget request where "the Commander in Chief, in consultation with top military brass, determines what is necessary to defend the country based on a holistic analysis of our national security needs". Support is the Limited Government Position as this fiscally responsible measure helps to significantly reduce waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer funds from a practice not performed in any other government agency. According to the National Priorities Project, the average taxpayer spent a staggering $1,748 subsidizing Pentagon contractors. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Waste, Fraud and Abuse of Taxpayer Funds by Eliminating the "Unfunded Priorities List" - A Budget Scheme Only Deployed within the Department of Defense.

The Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) amendment #68 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit any funds from being used to pay any United States contribution to the United Nations or any affiliated agency of the United Nations. According to the sponsor, "despite making up less than 5 percent of the world's population, Americans remain the largest single state contributor to the U.N., footing around one-quarter of its multibillion-dollar budget". The sponsor also noted that "we pick up the lion's share of the tab, while unaccountable, international bureaucrats make the rules" and cited how "the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization recently cooked up a plan to take on backyard barbecues, burgers, and brats, demanding that Americans eat less beef, less pork, less poultry to reduce emissions". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps defund the globalist government agenda of the U.N. which infringes the individual liberties of Americans. 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 nearly $2 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Placing America First by Prohibiting U.S. Funding for the United Nations and its Globalist Government Agenda which Infringe the Individual Liberties of Americans.

The Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) amendment #21 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" blocks funds for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). According to the sponsor, "FAO is the current target of the Chinese Communist Party influence strategy within the multilateral system, facilitated by FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, a Chinese citizen and former Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the CCP". The sponsor also noted "the U.S. contributes 22 percent of the FAO's regular budget compared to China's 12 percent. If we are going to foot the bill at international organizations, we should not do so at the expense of promoting the CCP". Support 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 maintain its foreign aid spending when Congress is running a budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Placing America First by Prohibiting Funding for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization - An Entity Led by a Former Minister of the CCP.

The Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) amendment #20 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit $1.6 billion of funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to the sponsor, "USAID was responsible for the management of more than $40 billion in combined annual appropriations in fiscal year 2022" and used the funds for a multitude of wasteful and politicized initiatives. Support 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 maintain its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Placing America First Through a $1.6 Billion Cut to the USAID Program - An Entity where Expenditures have Become Heavily Politicized.

The "Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21)" sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) largely prevents the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from imposing overreaching regulations in the digital asset market (including crypto-currency) by providing greater regulatory clarity. Under the bill, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is provided with new jurisdiction over digital commodities and the bill also establishes a process to permit the secondary market trading of digital commodities if they were initially offered as part of an investment contract. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps fuel innovation by preventing overreaching regulations from being imposed on the crypto-currency industry. The bill is especially critical considering the FED, with its central planning and control over interest rates, presents a dire danger to the economy - especially considering the size of its balance sheet and actions surrounding quantitative easing.

Establishing a New Regulatory Framework which Protects the Crypto Industry from Draconian Regulations by the SEC that Hinder Innovation.

This resolution introduced by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MI) condemns calls to defund the police and recognizes that law enforcement officers must have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their fellow law enforcement officers. The resolution also expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. 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", 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 on both sides of the political aisle.

Condemning Calls to "Defund the Police" and Expressing Condolences to Law Enforcement Officers who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Line of Duty.

The "Police Our Border Act" sponsored by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY) would require the Department of Justice to report on the impact of the Biden Administration's border policies on law enforcement officers at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. According to the sponsor, "the report will detail the effects the border crisis has had on law enforcement, including the estimated cost of all resources used to address the influx of illegal immigrants". Additionally, the report "must include information on how much exposure law enforcement officers have to fentanyl while encountering illegal immigrants crossing the southern border as well as any injuries sustained while on the line of duty". Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Requiring Reports on the Impact of the Border Crisis on Law Enforcement Through the "Police Our Border Act".

The "Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act" sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) imposes new federal mandates on private ticket sellers for concerts, sporting events, performances and other events concerning the disclosure of certain fees and itemization of costs. The bill is estimated to cost the FTC $4 million to issue guidance and to monitor and enforce violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure unnecessarily increases taxpayer costs to further grow the size and scope of the federal government. If such regulations are truly necessary, they should be carefully tailored and imposed at the state and local level - not federally.

Growing the Federal Government to Impose New Mandates on Ticket Sellers for Events Concerning Fee Disclosures Through the "TICKET Act".

The "Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act" sponsored by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to impose new mandates on micromobility devices (such as electric bicycles and scooters) relating to lithium-ion batteries and fire risk. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill is expected to increase taxpayer cost by $6 million to hire additional government employees to carry out these duties over the next five years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the government regulatory state. There are already processes in place at the CPSC to generally monitor the safety of consumer products, and companies within the private sector are incentivized to ensure the products they bring to the market are safe. This includes maintaining the integrity of their brands and the threat of other legal enforcement mechanisms.

Growing the Size and Scope of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to Impose New Mandates on Electric Bicycles and Scooters.

The "Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act" sponsored by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) requires the Department of Homeland Security to take custody of any illegal immigrant who meets certain criteria and is arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or admits to assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the number of non-U.S. nationals detained under the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Restoring Law and Order Through the "Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act".

The "D.C. Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe (DC CRIMES) Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) would limit the authority of the District of Columbia (DC) government over its criminal sentencing laws and amends the definition of "youth offender" in DC by reducing the maximum age from 24 years to 18 years - thereby eliminating a loophole allowing dangerous criminals to escape jail time. Due to the "criminal justice reforms" implemented by DC's government, violent crime in the District rose 39% from 2023 to 2024. 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 on both sides of the political aisle.

Combatting Skyrocketing Crime in D.C. by Overturning the Council's Dangerous Policing and Criminal Justice Reforms Through the "DC CRIMES Act".

The Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) amendment #2 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would direct the SEC to create rules allowing electronic delivery to become the default communication method for investment companies with their investors. According to the sponsor, "the amendment aims to modernize the policy, with investors opting in to paper disclosures instead of opting out while ensuring that paper will always be an option." Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory reform helps reduce waste and unnecessary costs for businesses and investment companies.

Reducing Unnecessary Business Costs Through the Default "E-Delivery" of Investor Notices Rather than Traditional Mail by Amending the "Expanding Access to Capital Act".

The Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) amendment #1 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would insert language from the "Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act" into the underlying bill which would eliminate a regulatory barrier and make it easier for startup businesses to attract investors. Specifically, the bill clarifies the definition of "general solicitation" and "angel investor" under federal securities law so startups can discuss their products and business plans at "demo days" or other events in which no specific investment solicitation is made. Current rules effectively bar this type of communication between startups and angel investors. According to the sponsor, this measure will allow businesses "to engage with a wider audience of investors and spread word of the products and services that they can offer to help develop a thriving and diverse economy". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers to help small businesses gain investment and grow the U.S. economy.

Reducing a Regulatory Barrier to Expanding Investment Opportunities for Small Businesses by Amending the "Expanding Access to Capital Act".

The "Laken Riley Act" sponsored by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) would require the federal detention of illegal immigrants who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and any crime that causes death or serious bodily injury. The Laken Riley Act is named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an illegal Venezuelan immigrant who had previously been arrested and paroled into the United States. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border and deport those residing in the country unlawfully 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.

Strengthening National Security by Ensuring the Detention of Illegal Immigrants Accused of Theft, Burglary and Serious Crimes Under the "Laken Riley Act".

The "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) is a $460 billion minibus funding several government agencies through Fiscal Year 2024. Overall spending levels are generally flat compared to the prior year with increases for some agencies and decreases for others. For example, the bill provides a 10% cut to the EPA, 7% cut to ATF, and a 6% cut to the FBI. However, the bill continues to fund the Essential Air Service program and contains countless earmarks which fund pet projects of lawmakers, especially at the Army Corps of Engineers where spending is increased 7-fold. The bill also provides increased spending for a number of welfare programs such as WIC, plus $3.3 billion for community development block grants. Furthermore, hundreds of millions of dollars are directed to fight climate change through carbon capture. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill maintains the unsustainable spending levels which were hiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and is chock-full of wasteful pet-projects of special interests. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Note: two Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill were marked as "X" due to the fact their opposition was not the spending but rather minor provisions pertaining to gun control.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a Budget Bill Filled with Waste and Funding Earmarked for Pet Projects of Lawmakers.

The "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024" sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) would avert a partial government shutdown by extending government funding by a week (March 8) for six agencies and March 22 for others. The extension serves as a stopgap as the final details on a broader extension are finalized. According to bill opponents, the broader bill will not provide any substantial spending reductions at a time the nation is facing $1 trillion in annual interest payment on the debt. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure merely kicks the can down the road to advance a fiscally irresponsible budget. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing a Fiscally Irresponsible Budget by Kicking the Can Down the Road through the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024".

The "Atomic Energy Advancement Act" sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) would accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy technologies, such as advanced nuclear reactors. Most notably, the bill makes reforms within the Department of Energy to help expedite permits and environmental reviews as well as reduce regulatory costs for nuclear energy companies. Furthermore, the bill reduces certain licensing fees charged by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for advanced nuclear reactors. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces barriers for nuclear energy expansion and promotes low-cost energy, which 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.

Expanding U.S. Energy Production by Streamlining Permitting for Nuclear Energy through the "Atomic Energy Advancement Act".

The "Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) would eliminate duplication in the permitting process for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports and bypasses the "pause" the Biden administration imposed on LNG exports on January 26, 2024. Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement for the Department of Energy to authorize LNG exports and instead give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process. As a result, the bill bypasses the specific provision used by the Biden administration to pause approvals of LNG exports. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill grows American energy dominance and U.S. economic growth.

Boosting American Energy Dominance by Circumventing a Biden Administration Ban on Liquid Natural Gas through the "Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act".

The "Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) would reauthorize through FY 2028 the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, which is an independent executive branch agency. The Foundation engages in public policy pertaining to environmental policy and climate change, as well as funds scholarships for individuals who identify as Native American. The Foundation lists diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as one of its strategic objectives in its strategic plan. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to operate and fund such a Foundation, especially a politicized entity which engages on issues such as climate change and DEI. There are hundreds of thousands of other non-profit entities with just as deserving of missions yet are rightfully forced to operate and obtain their funding from the private sector.

Reauthorizing the Udall Foundation an Unnecessary Politicized Entity Advancing DEI and Climate Change Agendas.

The "LEOSA Reform Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public. 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. So-called "gun free zones" do nothing to prevent criminals from breaking the law, they merely disarm law-abiding individuals and unduly infringe their Second Amendment protections and leave them defenseless.

Boosting Public Safety by Authorizing Active and Retired Law Enforcement Officers to Carry Concealed Firearms Across State Lines and in a Greater Range of So-Called "Gun Free Zones".

The "Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) would expand the size and scope of the Industry and Analysis office of the International Trade Administration (within the Department of Commerce) to monitor and respond to disruptions in industries and supply chains. This includes the establishment of a new "critical supply chain resiliency program" which maps, monitors, and models critical supply chains which is directed to collaborate with other governmental bodies to reduce supply chain gaps and vulnerabilities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the size and scope of government to unnecessarily monitor the flow of goods within the private sector. The free market - not central planning schemes by government bureaucrats - is the most effective method to direct the flow of goods across the economy and respond to any shortages in the supply chain.

Growing the Size and Scope of the Department of Commerce to Create a Government Central Planning Program Pertaining to "Supply Chain Resiliency".

The "Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) would grow the size and scope of the Department of Commerce to "support the leadership of the United States in the use of blockchain technology and other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization". According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would increase annual spending by $10 million to hire 45 new government employees to promote the blockchain technology in both the public and private sector. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure grows government cronyism and central planning to promote the private interests of the blockchain industry. Lawmakers should work to shrink the size and scope of government, not grow it and force taxpayers to subsidize the interests of a government-favored industry.

Forcing the Department of Commerce to Hire 45 New Government Employees to Promote the Interests of the Blockchain Industry Across Both the Public and Private Sectors.

The "Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) reauthorizes through FY2029 the Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. This program awards grants to state governments and medical schools for a range of initiatives surrounding emergency medical services that pertain to children. Examples include pediatric readiness plans, education programs, cultural competency, and specialized equipment. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of local government entities and private healthcare institutions to plan and fund the healthcare services provided within their communities. The funding of these duties is not the proper role of the federal government, plus merely creates bureaucratic waste and inefficiencies in the distribution of taxpayer funds.

Furthering Federal Government Waste and Inefficiency Through the "Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act".

The "Alaska's Right to Produce Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) would restore energy development on Alaska's North Slope. Specifically, the bill would reverse the Biden Department of the Interior (DOI)'s decision to prohibit oil and gas development on 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and also reinstates the leases that the Biden administration had cancelled within the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). 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.

Expanding American Energy Production by Overturning the Biden Administration's Ban on Oil and Gas Production on Alaska's North Slope.

The "Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act" sponsored by Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) would expand the size and role of the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a research, development, and demonstration program concerning abandoned oil and gas wells. According to the sponsor, "methane emissions from oil and gas wells - some of which date back as early as the 1850s including orphan wells, remains a significant driver of short-term climate change". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the management of abandoned oil and gas wells is the duty of state and local entities - not the federal government. This measure merely expands government bureaucracy, largely to promote a politicized climate change agenda. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control federal spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing the Size and Scope of the Department of Energy to Advance a Politicized Climate Change Agenda Through the "Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act".

The "Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act" sponsored by Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) would grow the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) on carbon dioxide sequestration. Emphasis would be placed on "terrestrial carbon sequestration" (i.e., the storage of carbon in plants and biomass)and carbon sequestration in geologic formations (e.g., carbon sequestration in basins or aquifers). The bill is expected to increase DOE spending by $32 million. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to fund the research and development of any technology pertaining to carbon sequestration. This bill merely grows bureaucracy within the DOE and forces taxpayers to fund a politicized environmental agenda. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control federal spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Forcing Taxpayers to Spend an Additional $31 Million at the Department of Energy to Advance a Politicized Environmental Agenda Through the "Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act".

The "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act" sponsored by Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) would extend the customs waters territory of the United States from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States. The expansion is intended to provide the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) greater ability to interdict vessels engaged in drug and human trafficking from attempting to enter the United States. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens national security by improving the ability of federal law enforcement authorities to combat illegal immigration and drug and human trafficking. The measure is especially necessary considering in the last year alone, CBP reported a record 2.7 million encounters and hundreds of thousands of tons of seized narcotics.

Reducing Drug and Human Trafficking by Extending the Waters Territory of the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection from 12 to 24 Nautical Miles Offshore.

The "Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act" sponsored by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) would grow the size and scope of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research, workforce development, standard setting, and government coordination for "privacy enhancing technologies". According to the sponsor, "the rise of AI exposes individuals to new privacy threats" and this bill "supports privacy-enhanced datasets and tools for training AI systems". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not federal bureaucrats - to drive innovation in "privacy enhancing technologies". This measure imposes unnecessary costs onto taxpayers and merely grows bureaucracy and government competition with the private sector. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control federal spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending and Government Competition with the Private Sector Through the "Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act".

The "Fire Weather Development Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) would expand the size and scope of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to engage in greater levels of wildfire prediction and management. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the NOAA already spends approximately $8 million annually on forecasting fire weather events. This bill would boost spending to $32 million annually for additional initiatives such as development of improved communication systems and for research to "better understand the impact of climate change on fire weather environments". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of state governments and the private sector to monitor the wildfire threats within their regions - not the federal government through an even more bloated bureaucracy. Considering the majority of the nation's most destructive wildfires have been triggered by utility companies such as Xcel Energy and Edison International - companies with radical ESG and DEI frameworks - lawmakers should instead work to hold these companies accountable for their businesses practices to reduce wildfires.

Hiking Spending within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to Promote Politicized Research on the "Impact of Climate Change on Fire Weather Environments".

Ashley Hinson

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