Institute for Legislative Analysis

Lloyd Smucker

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 "Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act" sponsored by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) directs the National Park Service to assess the suitability and feasibility of adding the rest of Saratoga County and Washington County in New York to the "Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area" in New York. Areas which receive designation as National Heritage Areas receive additional federal funding. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the costs to maintain such regions should not be imposed on taxpayers nationwide. Additionally, the free market and private sector (through private foundations) is best equipped to fund and determine the landmarks and properties most deserving of protecting - unlike government which is not subject to "profit and loss" signals of the private sector.

Further Growing the Size and Scope of the Federal Government by Adding a Larger Region of New York's Saratoga and Washington Counties to the National Heritage Areas Act.

This resolution introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) holds U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for defying two congressional subpoenas from the House Committees on Judiciary and Oversight & Accountability. The subpoenas demanded the recordings of President Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur, who was investigating the president's handling of classified documents. The measure also fines Garland $10,000 for each day he continues to defy the congressional subpoenas. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure provides a critical check on power and helps ensure the AG is held accountable considering the fact the Department of Justice is controlled by Garland.

Holding AG Merrick Garland in Contempt of Congress for Defying Two Congressional Subpoenas.

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 "Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act" sponsored by Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) creates new spending programs for researching and developing advanced technologies and materials for natural gas pipelines. Under the bill, the Department of Energy (DOE) will award financial grants to select companies "involved in the development of next generation pipeline systems, components, and related technologies". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism provides competitive advantages and enriches government-favored companies at taxpayer expense. The free market - not government bureaucrats - is best equipped to direct funding to the most promising technologies, unlike government which is not subject to "profit and loss" signals like the private sector. Note: The lawmakers who opposed the bill due to their opposition of fossil fuels were also recorded as opposing the limited government position.

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Government Favored Companies through the "Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act".

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 "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act of 2022" makes a person's hair texture or hairstyle a protected characteristic if is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. CROWN applies to public accommodations, employment, and federally assisted programs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill allows anyone who alleges they have been discriminated against based on their hair to file a lawsuit in federal court in the same manner one may file under the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act. As a result, both individuals making frivolous allegations and plaintiffs\' attorneys could abuse the court system and expose businesses to significant legal liabilities, potentially having the opposite intended outcome by making it more difficult for individuals with these hairstyles to find employment and housing.

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.

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 "Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022" makes certain programs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the National Risk Index, permanent and adds components, such as "social vulnerability", into program calculations. Additionally, the bill hikes the amount of money the federal government contributes to local community disaster resilience initiatives from 75% to 90%, with state and local governments now only required to cover 10% of the costs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the incorporation of social vulnerability and other politized components weakens FEMA's ability to direct taxpayer funds to the most essential resilience efforts. Furthermore, requiring states and localities to contribute a mere 10% of the proposed initiatives cost results in an economic moral hazard, which disincentivizes local governments from selecting projects that are absolutely necessary and is a poor use of taxpayer funds.

Creating an Economic Moral Hazard in Government Spending Priorities Involving Community Disaster Resilience Zones and Initiatives.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #36 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would prohibit the use of funds for any project or activity related to NATO until the Secretary of Defense certifies to the congressional defense committees that each member country of NATO has spent 2 percent of the respective GDP on defense expenditures. According to the sponsor "The U.S. continues to spend far more than its fair share and takes on the overwhelming responsibility of being the world's police". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps place pressure on the other members of NATO to meet their commitments. The taxpayers of the U.S. should not be forced to continue shouldering a disproportionate share of the financial burden.

Strengthening NATO Accountability by Withholding Funding Until the Other NATO Member Nations Meet their Obligation of Two Percent of GDP Defense Spending.

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

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

The Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) amendment #47 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts discretionary spending within the bill by 57 percent. According to the sponsor, this is the percentage of discretionary funding within the bill that is directed to entities that have their own taxing authorities (i.e. can obtain funding from their residents). Support is the Limited Government Position as, unlike mandatory spending, which is generally directed towards primary functions of government, discretionary spending is often directed towards unnecessary initiatives or programs that can also be funded through other avenues. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility through a 57% Cut in Discretionary Spending within the Transportation and HUD Appropriations Bill.

The "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 Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) amendment #64 to the Strategic Production Response Act strikes the entire underlying bill and requires the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be stocked with oil from the United States, thereby prohibiting the ability to restock with lower-cost oil from Canada and Mexico. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs and places barriers to restocking the Strategic Oil Reserve. This amendment is largely designed to obstruct North American energy production and provide financial benefits to the sponsors' state.

Obstructing North American Energy Production by Prohibiting the Procurement of Oil from Canada or Mexico for the Restocking of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The "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 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 "Midnight Rules Relief Act" sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) allows Congress to disapprove multiple regulations under one joint resolution of disapproval if the regulations were submitted for review during the last 60 legislative days of the final year of a President's term. Currently, each joint resolution may disapprove of only one regulation. According to the sponsor, the bill "allows Congress to rein in unelected bureaucrats. Biden's bureaucrats imposed more than $1.34 trillion in regulations in 2024 alone." Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden Administration imposed a near endless list of destructive regulations, and this measure helps prevent the U.S. economy from taking a $1.34 trillion hit due to the bureaucratic overreach.

Advancing the Elimination of $1.34 Trillion of Biden Administration Regulations through the "Midnight Rules Relief Act".

The "Protecting Americans' Investments from Woke Policies Act" sponsored by Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) would prevent the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions for retirement plans. Under the bill, fiduciaries of employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to make investment decisions based solely on pecuniary factors except under limited circumstances. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens current fiduciary law - requiring money management based on the customer's interest - to ensure Americans and their 401(k)s are not unknowingly earning lower investment returns through politicized schemes such as ESG and DEI.

Ensuring Fiduciaries Aren't Advancing ESG through the "Protecting Americans' Investments from Woke Policies Act".

This bill introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) permanently freezes all Iranian-sanctioned assets, including the $6 billion in funds that the Biden Administration unfroze on September 11, 2023, and prohibits the President from using any waiver authority, including licenses, guidance, or FAQs, to lift sanctions. According to the sponsor, "Americans deserve leaders who unequivocally stand against terror and with our ally Israel, not those who facilitate Tehran's access to billions of dollars". Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps strengthen national security by preventing the free flow of billions of dollars to Iran, a country known to harbor terrorists.

Strengthening National Security by Permanently Freezing the $6 Billion in Iranian-Sanctioned Assets which the Biden Administration had Recklessly Unfrozen.

The Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) amendment #4 to the "DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act" would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress any institution of higher education that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern and receives funds from the Department of Homeland Security. According to the sponsor, "it is well documented that the CCP uses Confucius Institutes to disseminate their Communist propaganda, encourage censorship, and discourage academic freedom in the United States". Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens national security by providing greater oversight of woke colleges and universities that have decided to build a relationship with the CCP and one of America's top adversaries.

Strengthening National Security by Requiring DHS to Report which Colleges and Universities Have a Confucius Institute or Relations with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #71 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes $2.7 billion in funding to the higher education account. This account provides appropriations for grant programs that provide direct taxpayer support to higher education institutions. This funding is in addition to student federal aid, research specific aid, and the funding provided to colleges from state and local governments. Support is the Limited Government Position as college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.The enormous amount of government funding that has been channeled to colleges and universities has resulted in the creation of gigantic unaccountable bureaucracies that push radical left agendas and discriminate against conservative students.

Cutting $2.7 Billion in Funding that Enriches Woke Colleges and Universities that Indoctrinate Students in Radical Left Agendas.

The "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 Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) amendment #8 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would prevent funds from this bill from being used to transport Palestinian refugees to the United States of America. According to the sponsor, "The primary mission of the Department of Defense is to ensure the defense and the security of the United States" and "allocating resources to transport Palestinian refugees does not align with the mission of protecting the United States". Support is the Limited Government Position as the United States can no longer afford to serve as the world police force and tend to the needs of non-Americans across the globe. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Placing America First by Prohibiting DOD Funds from Being Used to Transport Palestinian Refugees to the United States.

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

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

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. Chip Roy (R-TX) amendment #38 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" prohibits any of the funding in the MILCON-VA appropriations bill from being used to carry out COVID-19 vaccine mandates at the Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the sponsor, "the mandate is unnecessary to keep our veterans or the VA staff safe. The former CDC director has said that the vaccines can't do anything to prevent transmission." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties by allowing VA staff to determine how best to cope and protect themselves from COVID-19, which has been around for over 3 years. This measure also ensures that congress - which is accountable to voters - sets vaccination policy, as opposed to unaccountable government bureaucrats within the VA.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Terminating the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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.

Strengthening Public Safety by Deporting Immigrants who Commit Sex Offenses through the "Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act".

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

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

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

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

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #56 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" requires the Secretary of Defense to report on the use of taxpayer-funded union time by DOD employees. The sponsor noted that "Congress granted certain employees the ability to perform certain tasks for labor unions while on duty. To be clear, that means that these employees are being paid by our constituents to work for union activities instead of doing the job that they were hired to perform". The sponsor highlighted a 2017 GAO report which found "346 employees spent 100 percent of their time on official union activities instead of taking care of our Nation's veterans" and a Trump administration report which found "3,235 DOD employees used official time in FY19 for a total of 526,990 hours at a cost of millions upon tens of millions of dollars, not to mention the equipment". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps strengthen government transparency and accountability. Public sector unions not only unnecessarily hike taxpayer costs but also make it even more difficult to terminate poor-performing employees.

Strengthening Transparency over Public Sector Labor Unions by Requiring the DOD to Report on the Usage of Taxpayer Funded "Official Time".

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 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 "Keep Kids Fed Act" of 2022 extends certain eligibility waivers and the elevated reimbursement rates provided to schools and afterschool program providers for breakfasts, lunches and snacks under the Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program through 2024. These waivers and higher reimbursement rates were "temporary" measures implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the country is no longer experiencing the same restrictions and challenges faced during the pandemic and the extension of this additional funding was done without other desperately needed reforms, such as restricting the free meals provided under such programs to only children from low-income families instead of to all students.

Extending "Temporary" Spending Hikes and Eligibility Waivers to the Federal School Lunch Program Implemented Under COVID-19 to 2024.

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.

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.

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.

This resolution sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) denounces the energy and federal land policies of the Biden Administration. It also encourages the domestic production of reliable and affordable energy generation sources. The resolution highlights that "energy prices increased roughly 37.2 percent in President Biden's first 26 months in office, which is the largest increase of any of the last 7 Presidents". 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.

Denouncing the Biden Administration for its Energy and Federal Land Policies Which Have Hiked Energy Costs by 37.2%.

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

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

The Rep. Van Drew (R-NJ) amendment #62 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits funds from being used for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations of the Department of Energy. According to the sponsor, this Department advances an "equitable energy transition" and results in less reliable energy, higher energy prices and less energy independence. Support is the Limited Government Position as an "equitable energy transition", like other ESG frameworks, harms U.S. economic growth and enriches select entities through government central planning.

Defunding a Wasteful Central Planning Scheme within the Department of Energy which Advances an "Equitable Energy Transition".

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #3 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" would return funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace back to fiscal year '19 funding levels, which represents a reduction of $16.3 million. The sponsor noted that "peace through strength is something that many of us believe in" and that "it is the concern over the lack of our economic prowess, the lack of our strength why this amendment is before this body". 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 $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility by Returning Funding for the "United States Institute of Peace" to Pre-Covid Levels.

The Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) amendment #18 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025" would use the Holman Rule to effectively fire Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by cutting his salary to $1. According to the sponsor, "Mayorkas' policies have killed Americans, bankrupted communities, overrun schools, besieged towns, drowned hospitals, and incapacitated law enforcement while empowering cartels and foreign entities". Support is the Limited Government Position as Secretary Mayorkas has failed in his duties as Secretary of Homeland Security through the implementation of radical policies that have severely weakened our national security and devastated countless communities across the nation.

Holding DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Accountable for the Border Crisis by Cutting his Salary to $1.

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

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

The "Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023" funds the federal government through December 23, 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.  Oppose is the Limited Government Position as allowing lame duck members of congress to set funding levels - especially with a holiday deadline - will likely result in greater irresponsible spending. Budgets should be set by sitting members of congress, the individuals who are held accountable by the voters, not members who are on their way out of office.

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

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

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

The "Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act" would require hiring three additional government employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and increased grant issuance at the National Science Foundation to promote workforce development and research surrounding digital privacy technologies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market and private sector is best equipped to determine investment in the most impactful initiatives surrounding "digital privacy technology", instead of government employees, who are not financially held accountable to the success or outcomes of the grants they issue.

Expanding Government Bureaucracy and Grant Issuance for "Digital Privacy Technologies" that are Best Funded through the Private Sector.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "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.

This bill, "making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024", is a "CR" that funds portions of government through January 19, 2024 or February 2, 2024, depending on the department. The CR does not contain provisions demanded by conservative lawmakers, such as spending cuts or border security measures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "kick the can down the road" approach weakens the ability of conservatives to obtain meaningful spending cuts. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Continuing Out-of-Control Spending through a CR Without Any Fiscal Restraints or Border Security Measures

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

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

The Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL) amendment #39 to the "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024" prevents implementation of a Biden administration rule at the Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies (CA SBLC) program. The CA SBLC program provides credit to certain businesses whose owners can't qualify for traditional loans due to lack of credit. According to the sponsor, the initiative was originally a pilot program, but a rule issued by the Biden administration has reclassified the program, making it no longer accountable to Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps restore executive branch accountability to Congress. Additionally, this program should not be reauthorized as it is the role of the private sector - not government - to provide small business lending based on the associated risk.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Restoring Congressional Oversight to the Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies Program.

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

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

The "United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024" sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through FY2026. According to opponents of the bill "rather than purely defending international religious freedom, USCIRF can now be found championing 'beliefs' encompassing radical gender ideologies that are antithetical to the very freedom of religion USCIRF was created to defend". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the United States is no longer fiscally able to serve as a world missionary considering the nation's national debt now exceeds $35 trillion. Additionally, the USCIRF has become a politicized entity which no longer adheres to its founding mission.

Fueling Runaway Spending and the Advancement of Radical Gender Ideologies through the Reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Year
2024	100.00	85.19	87.50	100.00	80.00	51.85	96.00	87.50	35.63	66.67
2023	66.67	81.82	100.00	100.00	100.00	89.47	100.00	91.67	42.50	50.00
2022	100.00	75.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	66.67	100.00	66.67	64.52	83.33

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	72.28	Rep	R	11
2023	73.02	Rep	R	11
2022	74.68	Rep	R	11

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