Institute for Legislative Analysis

Nicholas A. Langworthy

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #18 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" reduces the salary of Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to $1. According to the sponsor, Regan "has used the EPA to impose Green New Deal policies, such as electric appliance and EV mandates, power plant closures, strict regulations on American energy production, and environmental justice initiatives". The sponsor also noted that under Regan, "the EPA has prioritized DEI over domestic energy, climate change over consumers, and EVs over our great economy." Support is the Limited Government Position as the radical policies implemented under Regan have unnecessarily hiked consumer costs and made the U.S. economy less competitive.

Holding the EPA Administrator Michael Regan Accountable for Prioritizing DEI and Climate Change over Consumers by Cutting his Salary to $1.

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 "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024" would avoid a shutdown by extending government funding through either March 1 or March 8, 2024 depending upon agency. Notably, the bill does not contain border security provisions advocated by conservatives. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill maintains fiscal irresponsibility by kicking the can down the road, while also failing to include the critical border security provision. 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.

Maintaining Fiscal Irresponsibility through the "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024" that Fails to Include a Critical Border Security Provision.

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 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 "A Stronger Workforce for America Act" sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) would reauthorize the "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and approximately $6.4 billion in annual spending. The "WOIA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of employers and non-profits within the private sector - not the government - to train employees working in the private sector. This bill continues to fuel wasteful spending and the central planning schemes of government bureaucrats which enrich select government-favored companies. 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.

Forcing Taxpayers to Spend Billions to Subsidize the Job Training Costs of Government-Favored Businesses Through the "A Stronger Workforce for America Act".

The Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) amendment #36 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit funding for the American Climate Corps that the Biden administration established through an executive order last year. The sponsor noted the cost is $30 billion and the Corps is part of the administration's Justice40 goal, which focuses on equity and environmental justice. Support is the Limited Government Position as every program and initiative not pertaining to a core function or duty of government must be cut or significantly scaled back to get our nation's fiscal house back in order. 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.

Defunding the "American Climate Corps" which was Established through a Biden Executive Order and Focuses on Equity and Environmental Justice.

The "Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) would increase federal spending by nearly two-fold for a program which funds state-based maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs). The MMRCs review pregnancy-related deaths to identify causes and associated disparities to make recommendations for the prevention of future mortalities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative should not be the role of the federal government, but rather private healthcare entities and non-profit groups that can judge the effectiveness of such initiatives and maximize their impact. Furthermore, taxpayers cannot afford to continue to hike spending at such enormous levels. 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.

Doubling Federal Government Spending on the "Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act" - An Initiative Best Run by the Private Health Care Industry.

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

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

The "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 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 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. 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 Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) amendment #45 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would prohibit funding of companies who function to demonetize domestic entities based on their lawful speech. According to the sponsor, "NewsGuard and similar companies receive funds from the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies to actively suppress and demonetize small businesses by labeling certain speech as untrustworthy, using partisan tactics and skewed determinations of fact". The sponsor noted that this is a "direct effort by the government to skirt the Constitution and force a single viewpoint on America". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps restore government integrity by preventing censorship of political opponents and the infringement of free speech protected under the First Amendment.

Protecting Free Speech by Ending the Federal Funding of Entities Hired to Harras Small Businesses and Label their Speech as "Untrustworthy".

This resolution sponsored by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) acknowledges the dangers and challenges faced by law enforcement officers, condemns the Biden Administration's border policies, urges leaders to encourage and support law enforcement officers, and recognizes and sympathizes with law enforcement officers for the stress they face. 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.

Condemning the Biden Administration for the Border Crisis and Encouraging the Support of Law Enforcement.

The "Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act" sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) would increase spending by $40 million over the next five years within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by reauthorizing the "Marine Debris Program". Additionally, the bill would accelerate the establishment of a government-funded Marine Debris Foundation and allow the Marine Debris Program to receive additional funding from other federal agencies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the removal of marine debris is a worthy initiative, the private sector is best equipped to fund these types of initiatives, which ensures waste is minimized and resources directed to the most needed initiatives. 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.

Growing the NOAA's Marine Debris Program - a Role of the Private Sector - Through the "Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act".

The "Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) would officially codify the Department of State's Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) which was established in 2021 during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The office is tasked with relocating and resettling eligible Afghan allies and facilitating the departure from Afghanistan of U.S. citizens who request assistance. The bill would provide CARE with greater flexibility to hire personnel and allow the office to transfer funds to and from other federal agencies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this entity is no longer needed considering the U.S. Armed Forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan on 30 August 2021 - over 3 years ago. This bill merely grows bureaucracy and wasteful 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.

Advancing an "America Last" Agenda and Growing Bureaucracy through the "Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act".

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

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

The "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 Rep. Joaquin Castro (R-TX) amendment #51 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits Federal Homeland Security funding from being diverted for Operation Lone Star. This border security operation was launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a way to reduce the number of illegal crossings from Mexico into Texas. Operation Lone Star is jointly run by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department and includes deployment thousands of police officers and soldiers and miles of barriers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

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

The Rep. 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 "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act" sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) would strip U.S.-based organizations of their tax-exempt status if they are found to be materially supporting terrorist organizations, such as Hamas. Additionally, the bill prevents the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from imposing penalties on taxes owed by Americans if during that time they were held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps prevent the abuse of the U.S. tax code and the funding of terrorism across the globe.

Revoking the Tax-Exempt Status of U.S. Based Organizations which Materially Support Terrorist Organizations such as Hamas.

The "DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act" sponsored by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) would prevent funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from being provided to any college or university that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute (a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government). According to the sponsor, "the Chinese Community Party is utilizing Confucius Institutes to infiltrate American university campuses and engage in espionage, steal intellectual property, intimidate Chinese dissidents, promote communist propaganda, and funnel sensitive information back to the People's Liberation Army". Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the educations of individuals who chose to enroll in colleges and universities, especially entities which partner with one of America's top adversaries, the CCP.

Blocking DHS Funds from Being Provided to Colleges and Universities with a Confucius Institute or any Ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The "Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act sponsored by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) would expedite geothermal energy production by clarifying that geothermal operators do not need a federal drilling permit for wells that are on state and private lands where the subsurface geothermal estate is less than 50% federal. While operators would be exempt from federal permitting requirements, they would still be subject to state permitting regulations. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy while not favoring one particular source of energy over another through subsidies or the tax code. This bill helps reduce regulatory burdens and costs while further increasing American energy dominance.

Advancing American Energy Dominance by Reducing Unnecessary Permitting Barriers for Geothermal Energy through the "HEATS ACT".

The Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) amendment #28 to the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" would ensure veterans can participate in state-approved medical marijuana programs. The amendment removes the current directive that prevents VA Medical Facility staff from recommending, making referrals, or completing forms and registering Veterans for participation in state-approved marijuana programs. According to the sponsor, the measure "would allow doctors to help patients weigh cannabis when choosing whether other medical options may be the best fit for that individual veteran" and that "we should not keep those who fought for our country from accessing what is proven to be a critical tool for pain management". Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties and helps ensure veterans have access to the full array of medical options available and can obtain the best possible medical advice from their doctors.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Ensuring Veterans and Their Doctors Can Consider Cannabis when Choosing Medical Options for Pain Management.

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. 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 "Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act" sponsored by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) would redesignate Ansarallah, more commonly known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated the Houthis as an FTO on January 19, 2021. Approximately one month later, Biden's Secretary of State Anthony Blinken revoked the FTO designation of the Houthis. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Houthis have relentlessly barraged Israel and the U.S. carrier strike group stationed in the region with rockets, missiles and drones. This measure is critical to cutting off funding to the terrorists group and strengthening U.S. national security.

Redesignating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization After Biden Revoked the Designation Set by President Trump Through the "Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act".

The Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) amendment #16 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits funds for the Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery which will "help forge Ukraine's future as a prosperous, secure, European democracy.'' According to the sponsor, "it is a slap in the face of hardworking Americans that we are wasting taxpayer dollars to pay for this Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery, but there is no such position for America's economic recovery that has been so ravaged by this administration's Bidenflation". Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the duty of U.S. taxpayers to fund Ukraine's economic recovery, especially considering the U.S. has already provided the country with $175 billion in funding. 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 Ensuring U.S. Taxpayers Aren't Forced to Also Fund "Ukraine's Economic Recovery".

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) would prohibit the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. The bill is largely in response to a Biden administration rule issued in October of 2023 which prohibits the use of lead ammunition and tackle in eight national wildlife refuges. According to the sponsor, the raw material alternatives to lead tackle and ammo are significantly more expensive. For example, copper ammo is four times more expensive than lead ammo, while using tin for fishing tackle is over 10 times more expensive than lead. Support is the Limited Government Position as while there are some concerns that an individual bird or animals could contract lead poisoning, the science is not settled, and little evidence supports any threats to wildlife populations in general. This measure helps combat regulatory overreach and ensures hunting and shooting remains an affordable sport for all Americans to enjoy.

Protecting the Affordability of Hunting and Fishing by Overturning an Overreaching Biden Administration Rule which Bans the Use of Lead Ammunition and Tackle on Federal Lands.

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

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

The "Fix Our Forests Act" sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) contains numerous provisions primarily designed to help reduce wildfires. Some key provisions include improved management of forests on federal land and expedited review of certain forest management projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Additionally, the bill provides utility companies greater ability to remove vegetation which may damage powerlines, and also limits the ability of entities (primarily environmental groups) from advancing frivolous litigation. Support is the Limited Government Position as while government should significantly shrink its enormous land holdings, this bill at least helps to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers to prevent wildfires through improved land management.

Improving Federal Land Management and Reducing Wildfires through the "Fix Our Forests Act".

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #32 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts the appropriation for the Great Lakes Authority in half ($2.5 million). This program was created in 2022 to fund watershed programs in a handful of states. According to the sponsor, the program serves as an example of waste as it "does not have a Federal co-chair, it has no website, it has no programs funded", yet is receiving a $5 million appropriation. Support is the Limited Government Position as every program and initiative not pertaining to a core function or duty of government must be cut or significantly scaled back to get our nation's fiscal house back in order. Our $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

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 "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 "No Foreign Election Interference Act" sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) would impose restrictions and penalties on tax-exempt organizations that receive funding from foreign nationals. Under existing law, foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to U.S. campaigns, however, there are no laws or regulations preventing foreign nationals from influencing U.S. elections by directing funds to 501(c)(4) organizations or other tax-exempt organizations. Under the bill, tax-exempt entities would be barred from contributing to a political committee eight years from the date it received a contribution from a foreign national. According to the sponsor, foreign entities "have been funding far-left advocacy groups, promoting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda, and fueling antisemitic protests to influence America's political landscape". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure closes a significant loophole to help strengthen democracy and ensure American elections remain free from foreign interference. This bill failed to receive the 2/3rd vote necessary to pass.

Strengthening Democracy by Prohibiting Foreign Nationals from Influencing Elections through Contributions to Tax-Exempt Entities - "No Foreign Election Interference Act".

This resolution introduced by Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2022, titled "Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121". This rule requires financial institutions and firms that are safeguarding their customers' digital assets (such as crypto-currency) to hold the assets on their balance sheet. The rule has received criticism due to the fact the regulations makes it cost prohibitive for banks and other financial institutions to serve as custodians for digital assets. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden administration rule has largely roadblocked the ability of banks to hold digital assets, thus harming growth and innovation in the crypto-currency industry. This measure provides critical regulatory relief.

Overturning a Biden Administration Rule Making it Cost Prohibitive for Banks to Hold Crypto-Currencies for their Customers.

The "DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act" sponsored by Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX) would impose new mandates within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which require employees holding non-cybersecurity positions within the department, to be trained in matters relating to cybersecurity. The bill requires the program curriculum to be consistent with the "National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Framework" and is expected to cost $1 million annually to implement (not including lost employee time). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as DHS already has the authority to train any of its employees on cybersecurity. Instead, this one-size-fits-all mandate grows bureaucracy and may take employees already well-versed in cybersecurity unnecessarily away from their duties.

Growing Government Bureaucracy through the "DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act".

The Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) amendment #75 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits American taxpayer humanitarian funding in Syria from also "indirectly supporting" the regime of Bashar al- Assad, a known war criminal. According to the sponsor, "current appropriations law has established that taxpayer dollars do not go to the Assad regime" but "nearly half of the United Nations' aid funds in Syria were funneled to companies directly related to the Syrian Government." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens national security by ensuring taxpayer funds are not provided to terrorists and used directly to the detriment of Americans.

Enacting a Critical Safeguard to Prevent Taxpayer Funds from Being Provided to Terrorists within the Syria Assad Regime.

The "Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA)of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), is designed to counter the Supreme Court's 1984 decision inChevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., which declared courts must defer to agency interpretations of statues. According to the sponsor, the Chevron ruling "has led to executive branch agencies circumventing Congress to issue rules with the force of law. The"Separation of Powers Restoration Act"repeals that precedent, restores congressional intent, and stops executive branch overreach." Support is the Limited Government Position as Chevron represents one of the very worst Supreme Court decisions in our nation's history, from a limited government perspective. This measure is critical to combatting regulatory overreach and restoring a critical legislative check on the actions of unaccountable bureaucrats within the executive branch.

Placing a Critical Check on the Powers of Unaccountable Bureaucrats within the Executive Branch through the "Separation of Powers Restoration Act" which Counters the "Chevron Deference".

The "Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act" sponsored by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) places limits on the authority of the Department of Energy (DOE) to impose energy conservation standards for dishwashers 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 cost of dishwashers by 28% and it could take consumers 12 years to payback the increased costs on a product that may only last 7-12 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 "Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act".

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.

Year
2024	100.00	92.13	100.00	100.00	80.00	70.00	100.00	87.50	48.24	50.00
2023	55.56	86.36	100.00	100.00	100.00	94.74	100.00	91.67	25.00	0.00

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	79.67	Rep	R	23
2023	67.74	Rep	R	23

Nicholas A. Langworthy

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