Institute for Legislative Analysis

Doug LaMalfa

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.

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

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

The final version of the "American Relief Act, 2025" passed on December 20, 2024 and sponsored by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) would fund the government through March 14, 2025. The bill also includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in economic aid to farmers, as well as an extension of the farm bill through Sept. 30, 2025. This version of the bill does not include a two-year suspension of the debt limit as had been advocated by President-elect Trump. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as 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 Out-of-Control Spending through a Government Funding Package Containing Over $100 Billion in Disaster Aid and Farm Subsidies with No Fiscal Offsets.

The "No Technology for Terror Act" sponsored by Rep. Nathan Moran (R-TX) would make permanent existing U.S. export control restrictions that prohibit the transfer of American made technology to Iran. Additionally, the bill would extend the "foreign direct product rule" to Iran, which restricts the re-export or transfer of U.S. originated items from one foreign country to Iran. The products include technology and equipment such as cameras, lasers, and sensors.  Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens national security by denying technology and other equipment to Iran - a known harborer of terrorists.

Strengthening National Security by Boosting Export Restrictions on Iran Through the "No Technology for Terror Act".

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 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 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" serves as a slightly deflated version of the Biden Administrations "Build Back Better" social spending package. For example, the bill contains $369 billion in additional spending on climate and green energy policies and $64 billion in subsidies to prevent insurance premium spikes under the Affordable Care Act. Furthermore, the bill provides $80 billion to the IRS to hire 87,000 additional agents and imposes a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the tax hikes imposed on corporations will weaken economic growth and investment by transferring an even greater amount of private sector resources to government. Additionally, the country is not in a position to increase wasteful or unnecessary spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Economic Growth Through $750 Billion in Wasteful Spending and Tax Hikes Under the "Inflation Reduction Act".

The Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) amendment #57 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement from sending funds to the Department of Veterans Affairs to process medical claims for illegal immigrants in ICE custody. The measure is directed at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Financial Services Center which provides administrative support in processing third-party medical claims for those in CBP's and ICE's custody. According to the sponsor, "there are 273,307 outstanding disability claims that have been pending for more than 125 days" and this "amendment would ensure that the VA focuses its resources on veterans, not illegal immigrants". Support is the Limited Government Position as government entities should place the needs of Americans - especially Veterans - ahead of the needs of those residing in our country unlawfully.

Reforming the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to Ensure the Needs of Veterans are Placed Ahead of the Needs of Illegal Immigrants.

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".

This resolution introduced by Rep. John James (R-MI) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board on October 27, 2023, titled "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status". The rule largely reestablished the broad Obama-era standard of "joint employment" whereby one company could be held legally liable for another businesses' employees even if they do not directly oversee them. This rule has a large impact on business and labor law, including collective bargaining, pay, scheduling and employer liability for unfair labor practices. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden administration rule inflicts significant harm on small businesses including higher compliance, legal and labor costs. This measure is critical to restoring a small-business friendly regulatory environment which boosts hiring and economic growth.

Utilizing the Congressional Review Act to Overturn Anti-Small Business Regulations Imposed by the Biden Administration Surrounding "Joint Employer Status".

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 Payne amendment #227 to the "Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act" mandates that all retail establishments accept cash for transactions under $2,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure infringes private contracting rights while also placing a significant regulatory barrier on "automated marketplaces" and businesses in high-crime areas. While there are legitimate concerns for government attempting to eliminate cash and create its own digital and trackable currency, such issues should be addressed in targeted legislation as opposed to this overreaching mandate that harms businesses.

Preventing Private Businesses from Setting their Own Payment Method Policies by Mandating All Retail Establishments Accept Cash.

The "End Woke Higher Education Act" sponsored by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) bars accrediting organizations from requiring colleges and universities to adopt diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as a condition of accreditation. Additionally, an accrediting organization must confirm that its standards do not prohibit an institution of higher education from having a religious mission. According to the sponsor, the bill will "stand up for academic freedom, defend students' constitutional rights, and ensure that colleges and universities aren't forced to bend the knee to activist accreditors pushing political agendas as a condition for federal funding". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens religious freedoms and helps combat radical ESG and DEI frameworks on college campuses which sow division and lead to growth in government.

Combatting ESG and DEI Frameworks and Strengthening Religious Freedom through the "End Woke Higher Education Act".

The Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) amendment #9 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would require any investment adviser, private fund, or an investment company that is subject to the bill to annually and publicly disclose their investments into women-owned, minority-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and other businesses. According to the sponsor, the measure "provides needed transparency into the opaque world of private equity and venture capital funds" considering "Black-founded companies receive less than 1 percent of venture capital funding annually, while women-founded businesses receive just about 2 percent". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not politicized mandates surrounding DEI - is the best mechanism to rout out discrimination and penalize companies that discriminate through profit and loss. This politicized mandate merely grows fuels division while imposing unnecessary costs on private businesses and investors.

Advancing DEI Through a Politicized Mandate Forcing Private Companies to Disclose their Investments into Minority, LGBTQ and Women-owned Businesses.

The "Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) requires Iran to cease support for acts of international terrorism as a condition for the President to waive secondary sanctions imposed on the regime in Tehran. The bill also provides for a congressional review process for national security interest waivers of these sanctions if Iran continues its support for global terror. According to the sponsor, "we cannot afford to embolden Iran-the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism-any further" and this bill "provides Congress with a stronger role in future sanctions relief for Iran". Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps strengthen Congressional oversight of actions relating to Iran, and ensures sanction relief is only provided if the country meets required conditions. This measure is necessary after the lifting of sanctions by the Biden administration as well as the disastrous Iran Nuclear "deal" made by the Obama administration.

Providing Congressional Oversight of Iran Sanctions to Ensure the Biden Administration Does Not Provide Relief Without Iran Ceasing its Support of Terrorists.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #3 to the "Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act" requires inflation-impact assessments to be published on the Office of Management and Budget's website for public review, not just reported to Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps boost transparency and accountability in public policy. Measures such as this help ensure Americans are educated on the consequences of actions by the federal reserve and government interference in the free market.

Increasing Government Transparency by Ensuring the Inflation-Impact Assessments Provided to Congress are also Made Available to Americans on the OMB Website.

The Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) amendment #57 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" reduces the salary of Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs, Ya-Wei (Jake) Li, to $1. According to the sponsor, despite Congress passing language requiring EPA to take USDA feedback into account when developing policy, Li developed a measure without USDA input on a herbicide strategy, which is expected to cost the industry upwards of $5.5 billion to comply with. Support is the Limited Government Position as Li has a long track record of extremist environmental positions, and his actions of circumventing feedback from the USDA has imposed enormous unnecessary regulatory costs on small family farmers and ranchers.

Holding Pesticide Administrator Ya-Wei Li Accountable for Circumventing the USDA by Slashing his Salary to $1.

The "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act" sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (a private non-profit entity) to study and make recommendations about various aspects of youth residential programs. This includes the publishing of various studies, educational training resources and risk assessment tools. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while actions should be taken to combat institutional child abuse, such work should be performed at the state and local level - not by the federal government. Additionally, this bill enriches a government-favored non-profit and creation of one-size-fits all materials as opposed to locally driven solutions.

Growing the Role of the Federal Government and Enriching a Select Non-Profit through the "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) amendment #7 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would require the exemptions or benefits provided by the bill only apply to companies that do not impose "junk fees" on customers. However, the amendment, nor the SEC provide any definition of "junk fees". According to the sponsor, "If you want your child to sit next to you on the airplane, expect a fee. If you cancel your cable early, expect a fee. If you pay your credit card late, in Michigan, average credit card late fees from big banks are more than $20. Sadly, even the medical industry imposes hidden costs and surprise bills. Collectively, these junk fees cost our residents billions of dollars each year." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment - which fails to provide a definition of "junk fees" - is clearly not a serious policy provision and designed to undermine the entire bill. Considering the sponsor believes that there should be no financial penalties for violating a contact or failing to pay a debt on time, the term "junk fee" could define the billing practice of any company.

Undermining the Regulatory Relief within the "Expanding Access to Capital Act" by Inserting a Poison Pill Provision Concerning "Junk Fees".

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

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

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

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

The "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 "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 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.

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

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

This resolution, sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) condemns President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and 13 other individuals for their role in the Afghanistan withdrawal and noncombatant evacuation operation.Support is the Limited Government Position as regardless of whether or not the U.S. should have withdrawn from Afghanistan, the plan and execution of the Biden-Harris Administration's withdrawal was abominable. Tragically, 13 service members lost their lives and over $7 billion in U.S. military equipment was transferred to the Taliban and other terrorist groups.

Condemning the Biden-Harris Administration for the Afghanistan Withdrawal which Cost the Lives of 13 U.S. Service Members and Transferred $7 Billion in Military Equipment to the Taliban.

The "Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills (ACCESS) Act" sponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) would prohibit minimum experience or educational requirements for proposed contractor personnel in government contract solicitations unless deemed necessary by the agency. In cases where such requirements are included, contracting officers must provide a written justification explaining why they are essential. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps reduce taxpayer costs by cutting red tape and allowing contractors to hire the most qualified workers for the job. Many college degrees, such as "gender studies", are virtually worthless and do not relate to the work being performed.

Reducing Taxpayer Costs and Ensuring Contractors can Hire the Most Qualified Workers by Eliminating Minimum Experience and Educational Requirements.

The "Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) would authorize $1.2 billion in additional federal spending on anti-human trafficking initiatives over the next five years. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) a majority of this spending would be for "foreign assistance to address trafficking overseas" which would be carried out in part by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as only a small portion of funding within the bill is directed towards law enforcement actions to combat human trafficking domestically. The U.S. government and its taxpayers cannot afford to solve all of the world's problems surrounding human trafficking and the USAID has a lengthy history of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer funds. Lawmakers must place the needs of America first - not the world - and 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 Human Trafficking Bill Containing Wasteful U.S. AID Spending - "Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act".

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #18 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prevents funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce section 134 of the Clean Air Act. This section of the act pertains to the EPA greenhouse gas reduction fund created under the Inflation Reduction Act. According to the sponsor, this $27 billion dollar fund is more than three times the EPA's entire fiscal year 2023 appropriation and "sends taxpayer dollars to far-left political organizations and-their favorite-the Chinese Communist Party." Support is the Limited Government Position as the slush fund wastes billions of dollars of taxpayer resources to further grow the size and scope of government and choke economic growth.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Blocking Expenditures Within the $27 Billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Slush Fund.

The "Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025" sponsored by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) allocates roughly $7 billion in discretionary funding (a 5.6 percent increase in spending from the previous level). This includes increases in spending for chamber operations, U.S. Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress. The bill decreases funding for the Architect of the Capitol, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and joint items including the Joint Economic Committee and Joint Committee on Taxation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should lead by example and cut spending within their own house, not further balloon the deficit through a 5.6 percent increase in 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. Note: Lawmakers who opposed the bill due to its fiscal implications were recorded as supporting the limited government position, while lawmakers who opposed due to the removal of DEI and climate change provisions were recorded as opposing the limited government position.

Refusing to "Lead by Example" and Fueling Runaway Spending Through a 5.6% Increase in Appropriations for the Legislative Branch.

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 "en bloc No. 5" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill is a package of 36 individual amendments, each of which cuts various spending initiatives across government. The issues contained in the amendments range from reducing subsidies for electric vehicles to cutting hundreds of millions of dollars for groups and contractors advancing environmental justice and diversity. Support is the Limited Government Position as these initiatives are not among the core duties of government and the country is not in the position to continue funding non-essential programs when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The Rep. Ronnie Jackson (R-TX) amendment #4 to the "Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025" reduces funding for the Office of the Attending Physician to the Congress to FY20 levels (a roughly 15 percent cut). According to the sponsor, funding needs to be brought back to a reasonable level, and the "nonpartisan role of Attending Physician to Congress has been highly politicized by the current Attending Physician (Dr. Monahan)". The sponsor noted that Dr. Monahan actively did the bidding of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's "by implementing a politically motivated mask mandate in the House of Representatives despite that not being in line with the best available science or the CDC recommendations at the time." Support is the Limited Government Position as 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 Funding for the Office of the Attending Physician to the Congress to FY2020 Levels - An Entity that has Advanced Politicized Mask Mandates.

The Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) amendment #1 to the "Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21)" would weaken the underlying bill relating to digital asset (crypto) regulations by reducing the crowdfunding exemption from $75 million to $5 million. As a result, investors could only crowdfund up to $5 million for crypto before being forced to register and meet a series of additional regulations. According to the sponsor, the reduced cap represents the exemption level that is applied to other traditional investments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure harms innovation within the crypto industry by making it more costly and difficult to raise investment.

Imposing Greater Regulatory Burdens on the Crypto Industry by Reducing the Crowdfunding Exemption within the "Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act".

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) amendment #1 to the "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" would weaken the underlying bill that establishes a new federal criminal penalty for fleeing Border Patrol. Specifically, the amendment would remove language which had also applied the new penalty to cases of "fleeing from law enforcement actively assisting the Border Patrol". According to the sponsor, the amendment is needed due to the "aggressive policing tactics and unconstitutional racial profiling directed by rogue Governors like Governor Greg Abbott have led to severe harm to-and has undermined-our legal system all in the name of actively assisting the U.S. Border Patrol". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border 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.

Weakening Border Security by Removing Increased Penalties for Fleeing Law Enforcement within the "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act".

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

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

The Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) amendment #10 to the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" corrects a practice whereby veterans lose their Second Amendment rights if they seek assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have their financial affairs managed. Currently, when a fiduciary is appointed to help manage the financial affairs of a veteran, the VA automatically reports the veteran to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the veteran loses his or her right to have a firearm. This amendment prevents the automatic revocation of Second Amendment rights by instead requiring a judge to rule the veteran is a danger to themselves or others with a firearm. Support is the Limited Government Position as Veterans should not be forced to choose between receiving assistance with their finances or losing their Second Amendment Rights through this poorly devised one-size-fits-all policy.

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

The "Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act" establishes a series of additional coverage mandates surrounding patient anomaly and birth defects (primarily oral treatments) that all public and private health insurers must include in all policy offerings. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents individuals from having the ability to select a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals opting to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Establishing Additional Health Insurance Mandates Regarding Dental Birth Defects, which will Drive Up Rates and Make Healthcare Even Less Affordable.

The "Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) would expand numerous tax credit programs that benefit select businesses and certain individuals with low-incomes. For example, the bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and increases welfare payments for low-income families under the child tax credit program from $1,600 to $2,000 per child, including allowing a greater number of illegal immigrants to receive benefits. Additionally, the bill provides businesses with research and development expenses with more favorable tax deductions, while also extending certain provisions under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, including the bonus depreciation provision. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill grows the welfare state and government dependency - including for illegal immigrants - while continuing to distort the tax code to provide benefits to select businesses and taxpayers. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should provide broad tax relief by lowering the tax brackets or most preferably, transition to a flat tax.

Growing the Welfare State and Tax Cronyism through the "Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act".

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

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

The Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) amendment #1 to the "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act" would enact significant delays in the permitting process for geothermal drilling. Under the bill, the timeline for an agency to respond to a project applicant on whether their geothermal drilling permit application is complete or deficient would triple. Additionally, the amendment would make the overall permitting process for geothermal resources more than 9 times longer than it would take for oil and gas, in part due to new review requirements connected to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Finally, the amendment would provide new authority for the Bureau of Land Management to deny geothermal permits in the final stages of the permitting process. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment is largely designed to shut down geothermal permitting 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.

Obstructing American Energy Production through Significant Additional Delays and Requirements for Geothermal Permits by Amending the "CLEAN Act".

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #54 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits funds for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 1920. According to the sponsor, this order forces everyday Americans to subsidize the cost of transmission lines so renewable energy developers can reap the benefits of billions of dollars in Federal subsidies. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps protect Americans from having their electricity rates further unnecessarily hiked to subsidize a radical environmental agenda. Furthermore, the amendment helps protect landowners from having their property rights infringed through eminent domain proceedings to acquire the land needed for these transmission lines.

Defunding a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Rule which Hikes Electricity Rates and Infringes Property Rights to Construct Unneeded Transmission Lines for Renewable Energy.

The Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) amendment #9 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" would restrict funds at the Department of State from being used to finalize any rules or regulations with an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The sponsor noted that "Biden's State Department is pursuing radical climate initiatives abroad" and we "should not allow unelected bureaucrats to impose regulatory costs behind closed doors". Support is the Limited Government Position as regulations with any substantial impact on the U.S. economy should be imposed by Congress, not unaccountable bureaucrats. This amendment is especially necessary to prevent the implementation of "America Last" policies which enrich other countries at the expense of American taxpayers and businesses.

Preventing "America Last" Foreign Policies by Denying Authorization of Any Department of State Rule with An Economic Impact Above $100 Million without Congressional Approval.

The "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" sponsored by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) would ban the social media platform TikTok, which is a subsidiary of Chinese-owned company ByteDance Ltd. The bill includes a provision which would allow TikTok to continue to operate if ByteDance sells the application to a company deemed acceptable by the President. According to the sponsor, this measure is necessary given the fact TikTok is owned by the Chinese and the potential for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to collect data on American users. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the potential for the CCP to collect data on Americans is concerning, TikTok has become a widely popular in America, with over 170 million monthly users. A TikTok ban across government platforms is reasonable considering national security, but ultimately it should be up to individual Americans to weigh the risks of TikTok and determine their usage - not politicians - absent a much more substantial threat to national security.

Imposing an Overreaching Ban on the Social Media Platform TikTok Through the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act".

Year
2024	100.00	93.55	100.00	100.00	70.00	72.09	100.00	83.87	61.84	100.00
2023	88.89	95.45	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	91.67	57.50	50.00
2022	100.00	75.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	80.00	100.00	50.00	61.29	83.33

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	84.20	Rep	R	1
2023	83.20	Rep	R	1
2022	74.68	Rep	R	1

Doug LaMalfa

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