Institute for Legislative Analysis

Terri Sewell

The Rep. Elijah Crane (R-AZ) amendment #8 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts nearly $39 million in funding for the United States Institute of Peace. According to the sponsor the entity has become heavily politicized by covering "issue areas such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate policy" and "whose mission would be better accomplished by nonprofits, charities, and religious groups". Support is the Limited Government Position as the Institute for Peace represents an unnecessary bureaucracy that has become heavily politicized and whose mission should be advanced and funded through the private sector - not the American taxpayer. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility by Striking $39 Million in Funding for the "United States Institute of Peace", which Advances a Left-Wing Political Agenda.

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

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

The Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) amendment #57 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prevents any funds within the appropriation from being provided to the United Nations unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens accountability of taxpayer funds and helps prevent their misuse. Furthermore, other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #74 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" provides nearly $5 billion in savings by cutting the significant spending growth within sections 101, 103 and 1111 of the underlying bill, which far exceed the levels originally set by Congress in the 2018 reauthorization bill. These sections pertain to airport planning, operations, and research and development. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill contains countless runaway spending initiatives that are unnecessary. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility by Cutting Nearly $5 Billion in Runaway Spending Surrounding Airport Planning, Operations, and Research and Development.

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

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

The Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) amendment #62 to the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act" strikes authorization for the "Essential Air Service" program. This program provides subsidies to airline companies for commercial flights to small airports typically in more rural regions. According to the sponsor, the program provides a "direct subsidy paid to airline companies to fly empty and near-empty planes from small airports to regional hubs with per-passenger subsidies on some flights are now nearly $1,000 per passenger". Support is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine airline service and set routes. This program serves as a wealth distribution scheme to individuals who choose to reside in rural regions. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Wasteful Spending and Government Central Planning through the Elimination of the "Essential Air Service" Program that Forces Taxpayers to Subsidize Unprofitable Airline Flights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) amendment #63 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits the use of funds to discriminate on the basis of race and ethnicity in admission to the military service academies. According to the sponsor "all of the military service academies use race and ethnicity as selection criteria for admissions. Not only is this a violation of the Constitution, as recently affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is a violation of the military's longstanding meritocratic principles." Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers have a duty to ensure government provides equal treatment and opportunity to all under the law. Government should be held strictly accountable to ensure discrimination is prohibited across every category, including race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and any other class.

Prohibiting Racial Discrimination by Government in Admission Practices for Military Service Academies.

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #35 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits Department of Defense Education Activity schools from purchasing and having "pornographic and radical gender ideology books" in their libraries. According to the sponsor, several inappropriate books have been placed in DoDEA libraries such as "This Book Is Gay" by Juno Dawson, "Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe, "Middle School is a Drag" by Greg Howard, and "Some Girls Bind" by Rory James. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to introduce and discuss these sensitive issues with their children. All school curriculum and learning materials should pertain only to core subject areas and be accessible to parents for review.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting the Display of Pornographic and Racial Gender Ideology Books in DoDEA School Libraries.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #31 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits Department of Defense schools (DoDEA) from using funds to promote or compel teachers to adhere to Critical Race Theory (CRT). Support is the Limited Government Position as all public education systems should be solely utilized to prepare children for their careers and promote excellence in core subject fields, such as reading, mathematics, and the sciences. Schools should be held accountable to parents and measures, such as this bill, are crucial to ensure classrooms are not weaponized to advance any political or social agendas onto children.

Strengthening the Integrity of the DoDEA School System by Prohibiting the Promotion of Divisive Concepts, such as Critical Race Theory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Lower Energy Costs Act", introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), implements several regulatory reforms designed to boost American energy production. For example, the bill streamlines the permitting process to bring new energy projects online quicker, repeals tax and fee increases imposed by the Biden administration on energy production, and opens up a greater amount of federal lands and water for resource development. Support is the Limited Government position as American energy dominance is critical to not only making our nation and industry competitive abroad, but to lowering consumer costs. The Biden administration's war on American energy has unnecessarily driven up gasoline prices and costs across the U.S. economy.

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

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #11 to the "Lower Energy Costs Act" prohibits the Delaware River Basin Commission (as well as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin) from imposing more stringent regulations on hydraulic fracking than passed by the state legislature. According to the sponsor, "unaccountable bureaucrats at the Delaware River Basin Commission have instituted a hydraulic fracturing ban for a portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, stripping away property rights and mineral rights from Pennsylvanians in contravention of the will of their very own legislature." Support is the Limited Government Position as state legislatures - not unaccountable commissions - should be the ones with authority to increase the stringency of regulations. This amendment strengthens property rights while also promoting stronger economic growth through energy extraction.

Strengthening Property Rights and Promoting American Energy Production by Restoring Regulatory Authority to State Legislatures Rather than the Delaware River Basin Commission.

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

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

This resolution introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives titled"Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached Stabilizing Braces". Under the rule, pistols with a stabilizing brace attachment would be reclassified as short-barreled rifles, and subject to additional regulations. Additionally, gun owners who fail to register their pistols with stabilizing braces with the ATF could face ten years in jail and hefty fines. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure weakens Second Amendment and privacy rights of law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to deter criminals from continuing to engage in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Nullifying a Biden Administration Rule that Subjects Pistols with a Stabilizing Brace to Additional Regulations and Registration Mandates.

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

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

This resolution introduced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled"Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". The rule changed the classification of the northern-long eared bat from "threatened" to "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the population suffering from an outbreak of white-nose syndrome. According to the sponsor, the Biden administration rule "is an example of the ESA being used to stifle development rather than its intended purpose, which is to protect species from human-caused harm". Support is the Limited Government Position as the rule results in a disproportionate regulatory burden imposed by unaccountable bureaucrats who will empower radical environmental groups to shutdown development and infrastructure expansion through much of the continental United States.

Protecting Property Rights by Nullifying an Overreaching Biden Administration Rule Concerning the Northern-Long Eared Bat on the Endangered Species Act.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the rule issued by the Department of Education on October 12, 2022, that suspends federal student loan payments and discharges debt. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the total cost of the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness plan is between $500 billion and $650 billion. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden administration's plan further expands wealth redistribution through higher education. While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education, individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education - such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades - should not be forced to pay for others' college tuition. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting Taxpayers by Blocking $650 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness Authorized by the Biden Administration.

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #102 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces the overall appropriation by $717 million to restore spending back to the level it was in fiscal year 2022, when accounting for inflation. Therefore, the overall spending increase would be roughly $600 million instead of the $1.3 billion proposed under the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment represents a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Spending to 2022 Levels (a $717 Million Reduction) within the Department of Agriculture and FDA Appropriation Bill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) amendment #9 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" eliminates funding ($240 million) for the Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The sponsor cited a study by the Heritage Foundation that found the program "to be largely ineffective at meeting its goals of increasing community investment and development". Support is the Limited Government Position as this fund represents corporate welfare at its finest through the distortion of the free market to enrich government-favored entities. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Eliminating $240 Million in Wasteful Spending for the Crony Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which Provides Corporate Welfare.

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

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

The Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN) amendment #21 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) back to the level it was in FY 2019. The level of funding for the CPSC under the amendment is roughly $13 million less than under the original bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as the CPSC has been engaging in politicized activities beyond the role it was assigned, such as attempting to ban gas stoves. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility by Reducing Spending at the Consumer Product Safety Commission to 2019 Levels.

The Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) amendment #78 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from utilizing a title 42 special pay authority. According to the sponsor, this authority has resulted in EPA employees being overpaid through the bypassing of the standard federal GS pay schedule. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps restore government accountability and protect taxpayers from overpaying the agency workforce. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting Taxpayers by Ending the EPA's Utilization of a Special Pay Schedule that has Resulted in Overpayment of Agency Employees.

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

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

The Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #58 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" reduces the total appropriation for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies by $1.55 billion, bringing the total cost of the bill down from $58 billion to $56.4 billion. According to the sponsor, the bill contains multiple wasteful spending provisions, such as $1.2 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Support is the Limited Government Position as this appropriations package is chock full of wasteful initiatives that do not align with the core duties and function of government. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility through a 2.8% Cut in Appropriations to the Departments of Interior and Environment.

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #15 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" abolishes the Department of Education effective December 31, 2023. According to the sponsor, "it is time to return the power back to the States, back to the people, and back to the school boards to allow them to make these decisions locally." Support is the Limited Government Position as the Department of Education has become a bloated bureaucracy that goes against our Founding Father's belief in the concept of "laboratories of democracy". This measure helps eliminate waste and restore full educational authority back to the state and local level.

Restoring Education Authority Back to the State and Local Level through the Abolishment of the Department of Education.

The "Parents Bill of Rights Act", sponsored by Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), provides parents a series of new "rights" that local educational agencies and schools must provide parents. Provisions include the right to review school curriculum, the right to a list of books in school libraries, and the right to know if school restrooms or changing rooms are based on biological sex, among numerous other rights. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps boost transparency and accountability within the education system. Lawmakers must ensure schools are held accountable to parents and measures, such as this bill, are crucial to ensure classrooms are not weaponized to advance any political or social agendas onto children.

Strengthening Transparency and Accountability within the Education System through a "Parents Bill of Rights".

The Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) amendment #5 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" substitutes the bill in its entirety to a new version. The new version contains provisions that include: protecting a schools ability to teach Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender and LGBTQ+ ideology to students; protecting a school's library's ability to display books that may have sexual content; and hiking spending for a number of federally-funded education programs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to introduce and discuss sensitive issues with their children and decide whether they should be introduced to CRT and other politicized content. All school curriculum and learning materials should pertain only to core subject areas and accessible to parents for review.

Granting Schools Authority to Teach Critical Race Theory and Distribute Books with Sexual and LGBTQ+ Content to Students.

The Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) amendment #28 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" transfers $10 million allocated for the Office of Diversity in Biomedical Research to the Spending Reduction Account. According to the sponsor, "When it comes to the future of biomedical research, we want to know that the best of the best are researching ways to cure cancer, fight heart disease, and help us lead longer and healthier lives. None of those are racial problems. They are human problems." Support is the Limited Government Position as the Office of Diversity represents a wasteful bureaucracy and taxpayer funds should not be expended on politicized initiatives, such as diversity, inclusion, and social engineering. Furthermore, lawmakers must cut similar bureaucratic waste throughout countless other agencies to reign 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 and Politicized Bureaucracy through Defunding the "Office of Diversity in Biomedical Research" and Transferring the Savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

The "Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) prohibits federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any land that is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Management agencies. This includes the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. Additionally, the bill revokes the lease signed with New York City to house large numbers of illegal migrants in an active community park in Brooklyn. 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, such as ones highlighted within this bill. Lawmakers must eliminate all incentives that may encourage illegal immigration, including taxpayer-funded benefits surrounding housing, education, and other welfare programs.

Combatting Illegal Immigration by Prohibiting Federal Funding from Being Used to Provide Housing to Individuals Residing in the Country Unlawfully.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #175 to the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being used to carry out the observance of Pride Month authorized by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for the "Cultural Observances and Awareness Events list". According to the sponsor, the bill is in response to cases of Air Force Bases, such as Robins and Nellis, holding various Pride events for the LGBTQ+ community, including diversity color runs and attempted drag shows. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to promote and fund the activities of select individuals based on race, religious belief, or sexual orientation. While gratitude should be provided to every member of our Armed Forces for serving our country, such celebratory activities and events should be privately organized and promoted by the LGBTQ+ community, not by government bureaucrats.

Ensuring Taxpayer Funds within the Defense Bill are Not Spent on Pride Activities and LGBTQ+ Events which Should be Privately Organized.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "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 "Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense (CHOICE) Arrangements Act", sponsored by Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), allows employees to receive tax exempt funds from their employer to purchase a healthcare plan of their choosing. Through this system, employees could use the funds to purchase health plans that are exempt from many of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) regulations, which results in much cheaper healthcare plan options than what an employer could otherwise provide. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps provide greater choice in healthcare at significantly lower cost, which benefits both businesses and their employees. The countless coverage mandates under the Affordable Care Act have caused healthcare premiums to skyrocket, with many individuals paying for coverage they do not need and can't afford.

Reducing Healthcare Costs for Both Businesses and Employees through the "CHOICE Arrangements Act", which Bypasses Costly Mandates Under Obamacare.

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 Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) amendment #42 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being provided to Ukraine as part of the country's defense against Russia. According to the sponsor, in 2022 the U.S. provided $113 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, which, in addition to weapons, has gone to fund their government, farmers, and small businesses. Additionally, "this is nothing more than a blank check for Ukraine that Joe Biden's State Department will get to write. Even more dangerously, they get to waive oversight, claiming national security. All this will do is fuel another never-ending war and push the United States even closer to the brink of nuclear Holocaust." Support is the Limited Government Position as Americans cannot afford to continue to pour hundreds of billions into Ukraine - especially without proper safeguards to prevent corruption and waste. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

This bill, the "Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023", raises the $31.4 trillion U.S. debt ceiling through January 1, 2025. The bill is estimated to allow for $4 trillion in additional debt while providing roughly $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending reductions over ten years, which may or may not be fully realized. The bill also paves the way for a natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to Virginia and claws back some funding, which was provided to the Internal Revenue Service to hire additional employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the budgetary gimmicks within the bill provide little, if any, significant reduction in spending, merely continuing the country's march to a financial collapse. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing a U.S. Financial Collapse by Lifting the Debt Limit without Enacting Any Significant Fiscal Restraints to Stop the Deficit Spending.

The Jayapal Amd. No. 5 to the "United States Innovation and Competition Act" requires the State Department coordinate with the Department of Energy to report on the impact of US sanctions related to innovation, emissions reduction, climate cooperation, and economic justice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as foreign policy - especially the imposition of sanctions - are highly sensitive actions that have enormous impacts on global economic stability and United States national security. Such actions should not be further complicated through unnecessary, poorly defined, and politized requirements.

Placing Unnecessary Requirements Surrounding "Environmental Justice" in U.S. Sanctions and Foreign Policy Operations.

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

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

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

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

The "Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act" funds the federal government through March 11, 2022 and serves as the third short-term continuing resolution passed since early October. Without passing a continuing resolution, a partial government shutdown would occur, providing advocates of fiscal responsibility greater leverage in budget negotiations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as forcing a hard deadline on budget negotiations raises awareness of the nation's out-of-control spending and helps hinder passage of other wasteful spending measures such as the COMPETES act. Substantial cuts must be made to the budget to eliminate the $1.4 trillion deficit and begin the process of paying down our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Avoiding Fiscal Responsibility through the Continual Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Bills

The "Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022" provides an additional $42 billion to the restaurant revitalization fund. The bill also requires the Small Business Administration to provide applicants with an explanation for a denied application and establish a reconsideration process for any denials. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the start of the pandemic shutdowns was over two years ago and all restaurants throughout the country have been operating at full capacity for months. Faced with a congressional Budget deficit of $1.4 trillion, the country is no longer in the position to continue to fund non-essential programs. Significant cuts must take place across government to reverse our staggering $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Runaway Spending by Providing the Restaurant Industry an Additional $42 Billion in Funds Two-Years After the Start of the Pandemic.

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 "Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022" is designed to place an even higher emphasis on "impoverished areas" when federal agencies calculate and determine how they allocate their funding as opposed to other key factors such as need, return on investment, and cost and benefit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all taxpayer resources should be utilized and distributed in the manner that provides the greatest returns on taxpayer investments, as opposed to politicized means such as "persistent poverty" which oftentimes is a consequence of fundamental underlying problems such as failed local management, crime, and corruption, and typically results in the waste and abuse of the federal funds.

Reducing the Effectiveness of Taxpayer Resources Through a Greater Emphasis on Poverty Levels as Opposed to Cost/Benefit and Other Factors when Allocating Federal Funds.

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 "Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act" includes $700 million in subsidies for agricultural producers and initiatives, including $200 million to upgrade infrastructure to blend both biodiesel and ethanol fuel at higher levels (ex. E15). Additionally, the bill establishes a new special investigator of competition within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate and bring civil action concerning competition and trade practices across the agricultural industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of the agricultural industry (or any industry) and the promotion of higher ethanol-blended fuel, which causes significant damage to older cars and trucks. Furthermore, the best mechanism to expand competition is through the free market, not through further the further expansion of government and regulations - which most often has the opposite intended result.

Advancing Unnecessary Spending and Regulatory Overreach in the Agricultural Industry Through Subsidies for Ethanol Fuel Expansion and a New "Special Investigator" for Competition.

The "Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H) Act" would result in $1.7 billion in additional spending at the Department of Health and Human Services to create a new agency tasked with increasing biomedical innovation and improving disease treatment. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is far better equipped to effectively advance medical innovation, not government officials who are attempting to centrally plan research efforts without a plan to track financial accountability or measure if taxpayer funded resource are used effectively. Instead, lawmakers should work to eliminate all unnecessary regulatory barriers at the FDA so a drug isn't stuck in regulatory limbo for decades at a cost of billions of dollars.

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

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

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

The Sanchez amendment #261 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to develop a report that identifies how their departments are working to mitigate the spread and impact of malign disinformation. The amendment defines "malign disinformation" as any disinformation that is harmful to good order and discipline or related to extremist activities or vaccination. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the amendment's vague definition of "disinformation" can be abused by certain employees within government to censor political opponents and infringe on free speech protected under the First Amendment.

Advancing Government Censorship by Requiring the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to Report on "Misinformation" that is "Harmful to Good Order and Discipline".

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.

The DeGette amendment #285 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" adds the text of the "Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act" to the NDAA. As a result, federal land holdings and management would increase by 1.6 million acres across Colorado, California, New Mexico, and Washington. An additional 1,200 miles of river would be added to the national wild and scenic rivers system. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure will block mineral extraction and energy development while 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.

Growing Unsustainable Federal Land Holdings by Adding 1.6 Million Acres and 1,200 Miles of Rivers Under the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act.

The Connolly amendment #287 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" ends the policy placed on U.S. embassies that prevents their artwork purchases from exceeding $25,000 unless it is approved by congress. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as significant abuse of taxpayer funds has been occurring at small embassy offices across the world, such as expenditures of $400,000 on a sculpture of clouds in Montenegro, over $250,000 on a mural in Mexico City, and $350,000 on a mosaic in Rio. The country is not in the position to continue funding non-essential programs when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Unnecessary Spending by Eliminating the $25,000 Cap Placed on the Artwork Purchases of U.S. Embassies Unless they Receive Congressional Approval.

The "en bloc No. 9" amendment to a multi-agency appropriations bill defunds the Department of Veterans Affairs Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) commission and transfers the $5 million in funding to the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. The AIR commission is tasked with reviewing the 7,500 buildings operated by the VA and identify how the buildings are being utilized, whether facilities need updating, the funding necessary to upgrade facilities, and how efficiently health care is being delivered to our veterans. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this commission plays a critical role in reviewing the failing bureaucracy and mis-utilized assets of the VA. Lawmakers should implement the AIR recommendations to streamline and improve the VA so that those who served our country can receive the highest possible quality of healthcare.

Blocking Much-Needed Reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs by Defunding the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods" (VICTIM) Act of 2022" directs $100 million in new annual spending on grants for local entities to assist victims of crime. The funds are directed to be used for food and housing and other vaguely defined initiatives called "improving relationships with communities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is largely politicized, with many ineffective and wasteful provisions. Instead, lawmakers should combat efforts that "defund the police" and allocate funding to proven initiatives that actually prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

Advancing an Ineffective and Wasteful Crime Victim Bill Rather Than Supporting Law Enforcement and Preventing Crime.

The "Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022" further grows spending by an additional $100 million for various programs at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) pertaining to global food security, resulting in annual spending of $3.9 billion. This spending program is another of many other initiatives already funded by the U.S. pertaining to food and agricultural development overseas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as other countries in the United Nations have failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. Significant spending cuts must take place across government in order to reverse our $30 trillion national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in unfunded federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The "National Heritage Area Act" reauthorizes programs and funding for roughly 50 "national heritage areas." One entity funded by the act is located in the bill sponsor's state, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership in Southeast Michigan, which is a non-profit that has a mission to preserve and promote the region's automotive and labor heritage. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market and private sector is best equipped to fund and determine the activities and initiatives that most effectively promote national heritage, not politicians and government employees who are not subject to "profit and loss" signals like the private sector.

Reauthorizing the "National Heritage Area" System and Hundreds of Millions in Unnecessary Spending for Initiatives that Should Be Privately Funded.

The "Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022" directs the Department of Education to annually appropriate $3 million to establish a university-based center to "serve as a resource to improve the capacity to teach and learn Native American languages and further Native American language use and acquisition". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to determine investment levels and which initiatives would be the most impactful for such a center to engage in rather than university employees who are not financially held accountable for the center's failure or success.

Increasing Government Spending to Establish a New Native American Language Resource Center.

The "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", which was passed on December 23, 2022 funds government through the rest of fiscal year 2023. The package is over 4,000 pages long and includes numerous earmarks, ultimately amounting to $1.7 trillion in spending. Spending increases included 5.5% in domestic spending and 10% in defense spending. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure was voted upon only days before the new congress, which would likely have significantly cut spending within the bill due to Republicans taking control of the House. The bill also contained nearly $50 billion in additional spending on Ukraine (without safeguards to prevent corruption), bringing the year's total to $113 billion - totaling more than half the size of Ukraine's entire pre-war economy.

Bypassing the New Congress by Ramming Through $1.7 Trillion in Spending in the Final Days of the Lame Duck Session.

The "Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 16, 2022, as opposed to January 2023 when a new congress will be sworn in following the November election. Such an action will result in members of congress who lost their election, but are still sitting in office (a concept commonly known as "lame duck"), to set government funding for the next year, rather than the next congress . Additionally, the bill provides $12.3 billion in funding to Ukraine, which is on top of the $53 billion congress has already spent on the country. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels will likely result in much greater irresponsible spending than allowing the new congress to set spending levels, as they are still held accountable to voters. Additionally, the bill's Ukraine spending includes $4.5 billion of funding directed towards helping the Ukraine government maintain operations, a specially troubling provision considering the lack of oversight and Ukraine's long history of corruption.

Paving the Way for Irresponsible Spending Through a CR which Allows the Lame Duck Congress, Not the New Congress, to Set Government Funding.

The Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #19 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" directs "funds to follow the student" so they can attend the school of their choice (i.e., public, private, or home school). The amendment effectively establishes a nationwide school voucher program with the funds authorized for educational and instructional materials, tutoring, tuition for private school, and extracurricular activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Establishing a National School Voucher Program to Provide School Choice.

The Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) amendment #13 to the "Parents Bill of Rights Act" strikes provisions within the bill that permit parents and guardians to review professional development materials for educators. According to the sponsor, these provisions "would impact educators' and school districts' already limited time and resources without any positive gain," while opponents claim "parents need to know who is teaching the teachers, and taxpayers have a right to know what kind of professional development they are paying for." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these provisions help boost transparency and accountability within the education system. The provisions are especially necessary due to the fact that many professional development groups are creating materials that seek to push radical ideologies onto teachers so they are then passed onto students.

Eliminating Safeguards Against Teachers being Trained in Radical Leftist Ideologies Which May be Passed Down to Students.

The "Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act", sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), would grow the size and role of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. It calls to provide "educational resources and host events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented and rural small businesses". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and role of government beyond its core Constitutional duties. The private sector already provides a wealth of knowledge on capital raising options through the internet and business publications. This measure merely grows government bureaucracy and, unlike "profit and loss" signals within the private sector, provides no way to measure need or success. 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.

Growing the Size and Role of Government to Now Provide Education on "Capital-Raising" for Minority and Rural Businesses.

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

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

The Rep. Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) amendment #5 to the "Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act or the DETERRENT Act" clarifies that ties to a designated terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, must be disclosed when a public college or university receives funds from a foreign group or individual. According to the sponsor, the measure "seeks to hold colleges, universities, and foreign actors accountable while providing the transparency necessary into any influence foreign countries are attempting to exert onto our Nation's students and academic institutions." Support is the Limited Government Position as amendment strengthens transparency within taxpayer-funded institutions of higher education and helps reduce potential avenues for terrorist groups to infiltrate and harm our nation.

Strengthening National Security by Requiring Colleges and Universities to Disclose any Funding they Receive that is Tied to Designated Terrorist Organizations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act of 2023", sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), provides grants, scholarships, and other forms of funding to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers focusing on cybersecurity and energy infrastructure. The bill also directs outreach to be targeted towards historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector and free market - not government - to direct research and funding into the most promising industries. Like countless other higher education wealth redistribution schemes, this measure forces individuals who choose to pursue a trade or start a business, to subsidize the training costs of individuals who chose to enroll in higher education.

Growing Cronyism and Wealth Redistribution through Additional Scholarships and Grants to Individuals Pursuing Cybersecurity or Energy Infrastructure at Universities.

The Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) amendment #38 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits funds from being used to implement the Biden administration's January 2021 executive order #14008 titled ''Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.'' According to the sponsor, "the Biden administration is calling for the government to put its thumb on the scale of free-flowing capital, pick winners and losers, and pursue an agenda to starve energy companies of the financing that they need and redirect capital into speculative green energy technologies that, frankly, are unproven and will not actually fix the climate." Support is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans. With renewable energy only accounting for about 20 percent of the U.S. energy supply, the country must adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy production that balances environmental concerns with the need to provide Americans with the lowest possible energy costs.

Protecting American Energy Production by Blocking Biden's Executive Order "Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad".

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

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

Year
2024	1.92	10.00	5.88	16.22	0.00
2023	0.00	33.33	5.26	26.67	30.00
2022	0.00	0.00	6.67	50.00	16.67

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	4.66	Rep	D	7
2023	7.50	Rep	D	7
2022	6.33	Rep	D	7

Terri Sewell

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