Institute for Legislative Analysis

Gwen Moore

The "Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act" sponsored by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) is comprised of five standalone bills previously introduced in the U.S. House and would reform the Clean Water Act (CWA) to reduce regulatory barriers. Firstly, the bill reforms procedures pertaining to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and places limits on litigation. Secondly, the bill limits EPA veto authority and the judicial review timelines for CWA Section 404 dredge and fill permits. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill implements multiple reforms which cut overreaching environmental regulations and help protect businesses from frivolous litigation. These reforms will provide greater regulatory certainty which will boost business and economic growth.

Cutting Overreaching Environmental Regulations through the "Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act".

The Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) amendment #53 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" prohibits the inclusion of gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, within the Exceptional Family Member Program. The Exceptional Family Member Program provides resources to military families with special needs and is designed for military spouses, children, or other dependent family members who require ongoing medical or educational services such as individuals with asthma, autism, chronic respiratory illness and intellectual disabilities. According to the sponsor, "if you don't know whether you are a man or a woman, that is fine, go figure it out, and you pay for it, not the government from money we don't have". Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to provide elective services surrounding gender reassignment, as is the current case with Botox and other procedures designed to improve physical appearance. All such services and costs should be the responsibility of the individuals seeking to obtain them, not U.S. taxpayers.

Protecting Taxpayers from Being Forced to Pay for Gender Transition Procedures Under the DOD Exceptional Family Member Program.

The Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) amendment #73 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits any funding within the bill from being provided to UNESCO. According to the sponsor, UNESCO is "incredibly corrupt and mismanaged" and has a long history of anti-American and anti-Israel bias. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be provided to foreign entities that hate America and its allies. Furthermore, other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

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

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

The Perry Amendment #167 to the ""America COMPETES Act of 2022" requires the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Climate Framework Convention, which strives to control global greenhouse gas emission levels. Support is the Limited Government Position as membership in world-wide initiatives, such as the UNCFC, nearly always result in overly-stringent environmental regulations being placed on the United States. Meanwhile, countries that are engaging in horrendous environmental practices, such as China, must meet and comply with minimal standards. As a result, the U.S. is placed at a significant competitive economic disadvantage on the national stage and Americans are faced with higher consumer costs, all while having a miniscule impact on reducing global emissions.

Increasing Regulatory Certainty and Economic Growth by Removing the U.S. from the United Nations Climate Framework Convention.

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

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

The "Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025" sponsored by Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) contains key provisions which eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other politicized initiatives surrounding climate change. This includes the removal of provisions which cut plastic waste in the legislative branch and the elimination of a requirement that members lease low-emission vehicles. Support is the Limited Government Position as politicized frameworks pertaining to DEI and Equity, Social and Governance (ESG) merely drive-up taxpayer costs and grow division. Note: Lawmakers who supported the removal of DEI and climate change, but opposed the bill due to the fiscal impact were recorded as supporting the limited government position.

Advancing a Legislative Appropriations Bill Without Politicized Provisions Surrounding DEI and Climate Change.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #60 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $186.3 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. The sponsor provided multiple examples of waste within the entity, such as the Art in Architecture program that commissions art for Federal buildings, and the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Program, which subsidizes the insurance of art exhibitions, both domestic and international, including private collections. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to evaluate the most impactful initiatives within the Arts and Humanities and provide the associated funding. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Wasteful Spending by Striking $186.3 Million in Funds for the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Keating amendment #273 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" requires the State Department to establish and staff Climate Change Officer positions posted at U.S. embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions to provide climate change mitigation expertise. Additionally, the Department must develop curriculum at the Foreign Service Institute to provide employees with specialized climate change training. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment imposes significant additional costs onto taxpayers and further grows bureaucracy at the State Department. This additional red tape, such as the new curriculum mandate, may restrict the ability of employees within the department from receiving other training in fields that are more applicable to their job.

Growing Bureaucracy and Taxpayer Costs by Requiring the State Department to Post a "Climate Change Officer" at Embassies, Consulates, and on Diplomatic Missions.

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 "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 Kat Cammack (R-FL) amendment #4 to the "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" would eliminate all non-military funding in the Ukrainian aid package, amounting to a cut of $10.5 billion from the $61 billion bill. According to the sponsor, "this new spending, $60 billion, is designated as emergency spending, meaning it goes straight to our national debt, a national debt that grows every single second to the tune of $8 billion every single day". Support is the Limited Government Position as Americans cannot afford to continue to pour hundreds of billions into Ukraine - especially without proper safeguards to prevent corruption and waste. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting $10.5 Billion in Wasteful Non-Military Spending within the Ukraine Aid Bill.

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. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) amendment #23 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" strikes a provision for a feasibility study for a "center of excellence" (trauma hospital system) in Ukraine. According to the sponsor, the stated mission of the Department of Defense is to deter war and to protect our nation's national security interest, and "paying for a feasibility study on creating a center of excellence in Ukraine does not deter war, nor does that protect our national security interest". Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of the U.S. to serve as the world police and medical provider, especially at a time when Veterans and Americans are facing difficulties in receiving quality care. Furthermore, Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) amendment #37 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts all funding for the "W87-1 modification program", which is developing the latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) nuclear weapon system. According to the sponsor, the $120 billion cost for development over the next decade does not need to be spent now due to the reliability of the existing Minuteman III rockets originally developed in the 1960s. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as protecting the nation from foreign adversaries and maintaining a strong military are some of the most essential roles of government. Adapting the philosophy of "Peace Through Strength" ensures the United States has the most technologically advanced weapons in the world, which is a critical component of avoiding costly and deadly conflict.

Weakening National Security by Defunding the Continued Development and Upgrade of the U.S. Nuclear ICBM Program.

The "Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-Bridge) Act" sponsored by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) would increase federal spending on broadband projects, particularly last-mile projects, which connect to homes and other buildings in "distressed communities". Specifically, the bill would make it easier to receive broadband grants from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) by allowing grant recipients to use in-kind donations, such as real property, to meet the cost sharing requirements. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the costs to provide broadband to select individuals should not be socialized onto federal taxpayers. Additionally, broadband infrastructure is no longer necessary due to new technologies such as Elon Musk's Starlink internet. Federal and state broadband subsidy schemes merely distort the free-market by providing competitive advantages, and enrich woke companies such as Comcast.

Fueling Wasteful Spending and Enriching Woke Companies Through the "Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-Bridge) Act".

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #10 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" would prohibit TRICARE (Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare program) from covering sex reassignment surgeries and hormone treatment for transgender individuals. According to the sponsor, the DoD has performed over 240 gender reassignment surgeries. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to provide elective services surrounding gender reassignment, as is the current case with Botox and other procedures designed to improve physical appearance. All such services and costs should be the responsibility of the individuals seeking to obtain them, not U.S. taxpayers.

Protecting Taxpayers from Being Forced to Pay for Transgender Sex Reassignment Surgeries through the DoD TRICARE Health Program.

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

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

The "Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE), relaxes qualifications to become an accredited investor, giving more people the ability to invest in private markets regardless of their wealth or income levels. Unlike stocks and bonds, which are open to all individuals, only accredited investors are permitted to invest in private market vehicles, such as venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill removes unnecessary regulatory barriers to provide more individuals the freedom to invest in whatever entity or security of their choosing. This reduction in government overreach will further empower the free-market and grow the U.S. economy.

Reducing Government Overreach and Providing More Americans with the Ability to Invest in Venture Capital and Hedge Funds through the "Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act".

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

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

The "Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act" provides greater decision-making authority to the Census Bureau director and limits the number of political appointees at the bureau. The bill is largely in response to the Trump Administration's attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure provides greater power to unelected government employees who are not held accountable to voters by taking away the oversight provided by the executive branch of government. Additionally, citizenship is a legitimate line of inquiry on the census, especially since the census determines state representation in the House of Representatives and impacts a litany of other government operations.

Weakening Integrity of the Census Through an Attempt to Prohibit Questions on Citizenship.

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

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

The Jayapal Amd. No. 9 to the "America COMPETES Act of 2022" is largely designed to promote the removal of sanctions placed on the $9.5 billion in assets held by the Afghan central bank, which is under Taliban control following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The amendment requires the Treasury Department to examine the humanitarian impact of the sanctions, the projected increases in civilian deaths and refugees, and the resulting effect on additional Chinese Government influence in Afghanistan. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the removal of the sanctions should be based on the merits of national security and foreign policy implication, especially considering the Taliban's ties to terrorist organizations.

Jeopardizing National Security by Advocating the Removal of Sanctions on the Afghan Central Bank which will Provide the Taliban with $9.5 Billion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) amendment #65 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" prohibits any funds within the bill from being used to hire any diversity, equity, and inclusion officials or conduct training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to the sponsor "Secretary Buttigieg and President Biden's DEI initiatives which hire and promote people based on their physical characteristics over their merits and qualifications violate Title VII and the Constitution." Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to promote DEI or CRT, which are ideologies that sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government. These programs also fuel cronyism by enriching the providers of these services, who are typically politically connected.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds within the Aviation Appropriation Bill from Being Utilized to Fund Politicized Initiatives Surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #54 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" strikes the $3.45 billion of international disaster assistance funding provided in the bill. According to the sponsor, the State Department and international organizations funded through this bill "have time and time again advanced and sent American tax dollars to causes that run counter to American values and our foreign policy objectives" and "taxpayers that can barely afford their own bills, their own electricity bills, food bills, and daycare bills". 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 Cutting $3.45 Billion in International Disaster Assistance within the Dept. of State Appropriations Bill.

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.

This bill, the "Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act" serves as a short-term "CR" that funds government for another 45 days, delaying an otherwise imminent government shutdown to right before the holidays. While this CR contains no funding for Ukraine, it does provide $16 billion in additional federal disaster funds - $10 billion more than previously negotiated - and the full amount sought by President Biden. The CR follows previous funding proposals by Republicans, which contained conservative policy items like border security and spending cuts. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "kick the can down the road" approach weakens the ability of conservatives to obtain meaningful spending cuts. The measure shifts negotiations to right before the holidays when history has shown (as recently as the previous year) lawmakers refuse to make any spending cuts or shutdown government. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The "Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), makes Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) more attractive for companies by allowing communication with potential investors to determine interest in a securities offering, either before or after the filing of a registration statement. According to the sponsor, the bill "will encourage more companies to go public and expand provisions of the JOBS Act by codifying an existing SEC rule to allow all companies to 'test the waters' and communicate directly with potential investors before filing for an IPO." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps reduce regulatory barriers for businesses to attract potential investors and go public, thus boosting economic growth.

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

The "Schools Not Shelters Act" sponsored by Rep. Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) prohibits K-12 schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding from being used as shelters to house illegal immigrants. The bill is in response to reports of school gymnasiums in New York City being utilized to house migrants. Support is the Limited Government Position as typically individuals allowed access into schools and around children is limited and often includes background checks. This measure is especially important considering these individuals, with some possibly having violent criminal records, have entered the country unlawfully and are now around vulnerable children. Lawmakers must take whatever actions are needed to secure the nation's borders and enforce immigration law.

Protecting Vulnerable Children from Potentially Dangerous Criminals by Preventing Illegal Immigrants from Being Housed in Public Schools.

The "Trust the Science Act" sponsored by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) would direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to remove protections for the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, the bill requires the DOI to reissue a former Trump administration rule issued on November 3, 2020 titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife". According to the sponsor, "For far too long, farmers and ranchers have been powerless to defend their livestock from gray wolf attacks" and leaving the wolf "on the ESA list in perpetuity prevents scarce taxpayer resources from going to endangered species that actually need help being recovered". Support is the Limited Government Position as due to the fact the gray wolf has fully recovered, leaving the species on the list unnecessarily continues the infringement of property rights and prevents resources from being directed to other animals in actual need of protection.

Removing the Fully Recovered Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species List to Better Direct Taxpayer Resources to Protecting Threatened Species through the "Trust the Science Act".

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #73 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes a provision that allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to consider expanding the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program. This program provides financial awards to industries to develop and integrate technology that will reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government - is the best mechanism to drive investment into the technologies that provide the greatest level of benefits for their cost. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Government Interference within the Energy and Aviation Industries by Striking Funding for the "CLEEN" Program which Provides Subsidies for Environmental Technology.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #53 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibit funds from being used to enforce DHS Secretary Mayorkas' memo titled: ''Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual.'' According to the sponsor, the "memo prohibits ICE from conducting worksite enforcement operations except in extremely limited circumstances" and "tells employers that they no longer need to follow the law and literally incentivizes the hiring of illegal aliens". The sponsor noted this "amendment would allow ICE agents to do their job enforcing immigration law with the most effective methods possible". Support is the Limited Government Position as despite the need to grow the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country, this memo results in an immense drain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious law enforcement and national security issues.

Strengthening Immigration Enforcement by Overturning a Policy that Prevented ICE from Detaining Illegal Immigrants at Worksites.

The "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) rescind roughly $72 billion from the $80 billion in additional funding provided to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under last year's Inflation Reduction Act. According to the sponsor, the "bill would simply prevent the IRS from using its massive infusion of taxpayer dollars to harass and squeeze more revenue out of American families." Support is the Limited Government Position as the enormous cash infusion into the IRS further grows an agency with a long history of fraud and abuse, with examples ranging from the wrongful disclosure of private donor lists to the denial of organizational non-profit status due to politics. The hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents will merely drive greater harassment and suck even more resources out of the private sector. The most effective way to ensure tax compliance is by the transition to a simple flat tax system.

Protecting Taxpayers by Rescinding $72 Billion in Funding that was Provided to Weaponize the IRS Under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #43 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" would eliminate the USDA rental assistance program, providing a savings of $1.6 billion. According to the sponsor, the program is 1 of 25 duplicative housing programs across the federal government. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps reduce duplicative spending and restore fiscal sanity. Rental assistance programs merely distort the market, ultimately bidding up prices and making housing even less affordable. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Eliminating a Duplicative Rental Assistance Welfare Program within the USDA to Provide $1.6 Billion in Savings to Taxpayers.

The "Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022" provides the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) a series of new powers and duties, including assessing the domestic terrorism threat posed by "white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and the uniformed services." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides employees within the DOJ, DHS, and FBI overreaching new surveillance and investigative powers and does not contain critical safeguards to protect civil liberties under the Fourth Amendment. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of recent politicized actions taking place within the FBI, including their support of a letter from the National School Boards Association that characterized parental engagement on school curriculums as "heinous actions" that "could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism."

Weakening Civil Liberties by Providing the Department of Justice Overreaching New Powers Through the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act.

The House Version of the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) would provide $833 billion for the Defense Department and is aligned with the cap (less than 1% increase compared to the prior year) mandated by the "Fiscal Responsibility Act". Some key provisions within the bill include pay increase for junior enlisted service members, the procurement of additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and purchase of one Virginia-class submarine. Additionally, the bill contains a number of conservative provisions aimed at eliminating abortion services, climate change mitigation efforts, and DEI initiatives. Support is the Limited Government Position as this version of the bill represents a fiscally responsible effort of ensuring the U.S. armed forces is properly equipped and prepared to defend the nation, while also eliminating a multitude of politized initiatives across the Department of Defense.

Advancing a Fiscally Responsible Department of Defense Appropriation Bill which Eliminates Politized Initiatives Across the Armed Services.

The Nick LaLota (R-NY) amendment #3 to the "Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" would add language stating the bill "shall not limit a governmental entity's ability to obtain information that would be obtainable without a warrant. According to the sponsor, this amendment serves as a massive loophole, as the purchase of information from a third party (collection of data) could then bypass a warrant and "would destroy the whole purpose of the bill". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment significantly weakens the civil liberty protections within the underlying bill. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizure.

Weakening Civil Liberties by Creating a Loophole in the "Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act" to Allow Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies to Purchase Data to Avoid Obtaining a Warrant.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022" provides $40.1 billion in additional funding to Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, which follows the $14 billion Congress sent the country a couple months prior. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, regardless of the significant question of whether or not the United States should be engaged in the conflict, this enormous sum of resources (over a quarter of the size of the entire Ukranian economy) is coupled with few safeguards to ensure accountability and proper use, a serious concern due to the significant track record of corruption within Ukraine.

Authorizing an Additional $40 Billion in Spending on Ukraine with Minimal Oversight to Prevent Corruption.

The "en bloc No. 2" amendment to the "Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act" strikes section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue a rule requiring banks and credit unions to collect and report demographic data on small business loan applications. Support is the Limited Government Position as this mandate unnecessarily drives up loan costs for lenders and small businesses, and largely serves as a political measure to help justify additional regulations and further growth of government involvement in the financial sector.

Removing Costly Data Collection Mandates Imposed on Small Business Lenders Under the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) amendment #2 to the "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act" would prevent the bill (speeds up federal permits for energy extraction) from taking effect until the Secretary certifies that the Bureau of Land Management and other Federal permitting agencies have sufficient staff and funding to comply with the deadlines established by this act. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Federal agencies (especially under Democratic control) will never admit to having enough funding or enough staff. This amendment represents a poison pill designed to prevent enactment and the opening up of federal land to safe and responsible energy extraction.

Obstructing American Energy Production through a Poison Pill Derailing the "CLEAN ACT" which Reforms the Federal Permitting Process.

The "End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) would make electric vehicles utilizing battery technology licensed from China ineligible for federal EV tax credit. Specifically, the bill tightens the Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) definition for the 30D electric vehicle (EV) tax credit as well as closes the "billionaire and Chinese manufacturing loopholes" which provide Chinese companies and business owners with subsidy benefits. The bill is in response to plans by Ford, General Motors and other manufactures to license technology from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) to produce lithium-ion batteries. Support is the Limited Government Position as while the federal EV tax credit program should be entirely eliminated, this measure at least reduces distribution of the subsidies and ensures Chinese manufacturers and business owners are not enriched at the expense of American taxpayers.

Ending Subsidies to Vehicle Manufactures Utilizing Chinese Battery Technology Under the Crony Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Program.

The "Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act" sponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) would make immigrants who lack permanent legal status "inadmissible" to the country and "deportable" if they have admitted to committing or have been convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence. Under current law, a non-U.S. national is deportable for certain criminal convictions, including domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse. The bill makes any sex offense (including crimes against minors) or conspiracy to commit a sex offense a basis for deportation. The bill also expands the domestic violence crimes that make a non-U.S. national deportable to include physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of coercive behavior when it occurs within certain close relationships. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border and deport criminals 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.

Year
2024	0.00	42.86	17.65	9.33	19.35	3.66
2023	4.55	0.00	5.56	16.67	16.67	0.00
2022	0.00	0.00	6.67	16.67	16.67	0.00

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	7.53	Rep	D	4
2023	4.96	Rep	D	4
2022	3.90	Rep	D	4

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