Institute for Legislative Analysis

Tommy Tuberville

The Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) amendment #1121 to the Minibus Appropriations Package adds the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny" (REINS) Act to the package. The REINS Act would require Congress to affirmatively approve every new major rule proposed by the executive branch before it is permitted to become effective. The sponsor noted that in 2022 the Biden Administration imposed an additional $117.1 billion in additional regulatory costs onto the U.S. economy. Support is the Limited Government Position as the REINS Act places a critical check on unaccountable executive branch bureaucrats who have enormous powers to control the daily lives of Americans.

Placing a Critical Check on the Regulatory Power of Unelected Bureaucrats through the REINS Act.

The Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) amendment #11 to a bill repealing use of military force against Iraq requires any convention or treaty reached with the World Health Assembly be ratified by the Senate. According to the sponsor, the World Health Organization (WHO) is currently drafting a new convention, which grants it significant new powers to manage pandemics. Proposed policies include requiring the U.S. to provide WHO 20% of the vaccines it produces during a pandemic, substantial financial and intellectual property commitments, and a "leading role" in fighting "misinformation". Support is the Limited Government Position as, while it is questionable whether the U.S. should enter into any agreements with the WHO or provide it financial support, any action should be, at the very least, approved by Congress.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Prohibiting the U.S. from Entering into any Agreement with the World Health Organization without Senate Approval.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), overturns the D.C. Council's Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. The act contained several criminal justice reforms that would cut mandatory minimum sentences and reduced penalties for a range of violent crimes, including carjackings, robberies, and homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as mandatory minimum sentences are critical measures that help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties. The D.C. Council's criminal justice "reforms" would lead to skyrocketing crime rates, which has been the case of similar reform policies which have been advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Overturning a Package of Dangerous Criminal Justice Reforms in DC that Weaken Mandatory Minimum Sentences and Fuel Greater Lawlessness.

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 Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) amendment #72 to the Fire Grants and Safety Act restructures FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Over the past couple of years, appropriations to this program have grown by nearly five-fold to approximately $1 billion. According to the sponsor, the Board distributing these funds is comprised of the very same organizations receiving these funds. The amendment restructures the board to ensure the individuals sitting on it do not have a conflict of interest. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens government integrity by correcting a clear conflict of interest, and, as the sponsor stated, "ensure the pitcher is not also the umpire".

Strengthening Government Integrity by Reorganizing a FEMA Program Board to Ensure the Individuals Appropriating $1 Billion in Funds are not also the Recipients of the Cash.

The Paul Amendment #5184 to the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022" helps offset the estimated $700 billion price tag of the bill by placing a 10-year moratorium on funding provided to the United States Agency for International Development (U.S. AID) except for funds that have been appropriated for Israel. Support is the Limited Government Position as the gigantic cost of the PACT Act (which runs contrary to limited government principles) must be offset, especially considering the U.S. national debt has exceeded $30 trillion and congress is running a budget deficit of $1.4 trillion. The countless documented cases of waste, fraud, and abuse within U.S. AID makes the initiative a prime candidate to be cut.

Protecting Taxpayers by Offsetting a Portion of the PACT Act Cost through a 10 Year Moratorium on Foreign Aid Spending.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1828 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would prevent American information from being collected without a warrant. While Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) prohibits the NSA and FBI from "intentionally" targeting Americans through its mass surveillance, these agencies acquire a huge amount of innocent Americans' communications "incidentally." These agencies can then conduct backdoor, warrantless searches of these "incidentally collected" communications. According to the sponsor, the "amendment would simply say this: You can investigate all the foreigners you want under 702, under FISA, whatever you wish for foreigners, but for Americans you go to an article III court". Support is the Limited Government Position as countless Americans have had their Fourth Amendment rights infringed through warrantless spying under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This amendment helps protect civil liberties by strengthening government transparency and accountability.

Protecting Civil Liberties Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by Prohibiting Surveillance on Americans without a Warrant.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #3352 to the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" would enact the "Government Shutdown Prevention Act" which would keep government open but institutes a six percent cut to then-current funding levels for any agency, program and activity that Congress failed to fund. Funding would continue to be reduced by another one percent every 90 days thereafter that an agreement is still not enacted. Support is the Limited Government Position as this fiscally responsible measure helps provide lawmakers an alternative to either enacting a wasteful, bloated budget or a government shutdown. 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.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility through the "Government Shutdown Prevention Act" which keeps Government Operating Albeit a Six Percent Cut to All Unfunded Programs.

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

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

The "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" sponsored by Rep. John Carter (R-TX) is a $460 billion minibus funding several government agencies through Fiscal Year 2024. Overall spending levels are generally flat compared to the prior year with increases for some agencies and decreases for others. For example, the bill provides a 10% cut to the EPA, 7% cut to ATF, and a 6% cut to the FBI. However, the bill continues to fund the Essential Air Service program and contains countless earmarks which fund pet projects of lawmakers, especially at the Army Corps of Engineers where spending is increased 7-fold. The bill also provides increased spending for a number of welfare programs such as WIC, plus $3.3 billion for community development block grants. Furthermore, hundreds of millions is directed to fight climate change through carbon capture. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill maintains the unsustainable spending levels which were hiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and is chock-full of wasteful pet-projects of special interests. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Note: A Democratic lawmaker who opposed the bill was recorded as "X" due to the fact their opposition was not the spending but rather minor provisions pertaining to gun control.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a Budget Bill Filled with Waste and Funding Earmarked for Pet Projects of Lawmakers.

This motion tables (defeats) the Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) amendment #1706 to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024". The amendment prohibits Labor, HHS, and Education funding from being provided to sanctuary cities that do not comply with requests from DHS to provide advance notice of date and time illegal immigrants are scheduled to be released from local custody. According to the sponsor, "in the last 4 months, we have seen a string of horrific crimes in which the suspects are illegal immigrants" which include individuals stabbed to death, murdered by gunfire, and beaten to death - such as Laken Riley. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border and deport those residing in the country unlawfully not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Providing Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities Despite their Refusal to Comply with ICE Detainers for Illegal Immigrants.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1829 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would insert the language of the House-passed "Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act". This provision prohibits law enforcement and intelligence agencies from purchasing personal information about customers or subscribers of electronic and remote computing service providers - such as email, social media, cell phone and cloud computing companies - without first obtaining a court order. According to the House sponsor, the bill "stops the federal government from circumventing Americans' Fourth Amendment right to privacy by closing loopholes that allow the government to purchase Americans' data from big tech companies without a search warrant". Support is the Limited Government Position as the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizure. This amendment helps strengthen civil liberties as protected under the Fourth Amendment.

Strengthening Civil Liberties by Inserting the "Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" into the FISA Bill thus Preventing Government from Purchasing Americans' Data without a Search Warrant.

The "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024" would avoid a shutdown by extending government funding through either March 1 or March 8, 2024 depending upon agency. Notably, the bill does not contain border security provisions advocated by conservatives. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill maintains fiscal irresponsibility by kicking the can down the road, while also failing to include the critical border security provision. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1217 to the Minibus Appropriations Package requires an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks. The sponsor noted that the FED effectively controls the economy but has completely unchecked power to print money, purchase government-backed securities, and provide money to favored industries. During the COVID-19 pandemic $5 trillion was added to the Fed's balance sheet, the largest in its over 100-year history. Support is the Limited Government Position as 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. While this measure serves as a step in the right direction, lawmakers should work to promote the free competition of alternative currencies by removing regulatory barriers.

Promoting Transparency over the Federal Reserve System by Requiring an Audit of the Unaccountable Entity.

The "FY2024 supplemental appropriations" sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) is a package of four bills approved in the U.S. House of Representatives and amounts to $95 billion in foreign aid. This includes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, $26 billion for the Israel-Hamas conflict ($15 billion for Israel, $9 billion for Gaza, $2.4 billion for regional U.S. operations) and $8 billion for Taiwan and countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill also contains a provision banning the social media platform TikTok, which is a subsidiary of Chinese-owned company ByteDance Ltd. Oppose 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. Additionally, while a TikTok ban across government platforms is reasonable considering national security, it ultimately 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.

Placing America Last by Providing $95 Billion in Foreign Aid to Ukraine and Other Nations and Imposing an Overreaching Ban on the Social Media Platform TikTok.

The Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) amendment #838 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" provides clarity to the term "aggregate value" in relation to calculating the monetary value of equipment being provided to Ukraine under Presidential drawdown authority. Under the amendment, "aggregate value" refers to the cost of the equipment to the American people, not depreciation. The amendment would result in a reduced amount of equipment being provided to Ukraine per dollar amount approved by Congress. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps protect taxpayers by prohibiting the Biden Administration from utilizing budgetary gimmicks to provide larger amounts of aid to Ukraine than approved by Congress.

Combatting Budgetary Gimmicks in Ukraine Spending by Ensuring Equipment Valuation is Based on Actual Cost to Taxpayers and Not Lower Depreciation Values.

The Merkley amendment #6595 to the massive lame duck spending bill, known as the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", places a series of new regulations on private companies concerning accommodations for breastfeeding up to a year after the birth of an employee's child. For example, employers must provide reasonable break times and a shielded location other than a bathroom for employees to express breast milk. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as employers are already incentivized to establish safe and productive work environments and this government overreach into the private sector unnecessarily exposes employers to new avenues of frivolous litigation that may be advanced by deviant plaintiffs\' attorneys.

Imposing Overreaching New Federal Mandates on the Private Sector Concerning Workplace Breast Feeding.

The Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) amendment #1078 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" reauthorizes the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 which expired in 2013. This welfare program provides tribes block grants that may be utilized for a wide range of purposes surrounding affordable housing, such as housing development, rental assistance, and public housing projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill not only hikes government spending for a program with a history of corruption, but grows government dependency. 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 Government Dependency and Out-of-Control Spending through the Reauthorization of an Old Native American Welfare Program with a History of Corruption.

The Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) amendment #1237 to the Minibus Appropriations Package prohibits funding of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule titled ''Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing''. This HUD rule subjects housing projects financed or subsidized with federal funds to meet much more stringent energy efficiency standards. Support is the Limited Government Position as the new energy efficiency mandates imposed by HUD unnecessarily drive-up housing and taxpayer costs in order to advance a politicized climate change agenda.

Reducing Housing and Taxpayer Costs by Nullifying a Biden Administration Rule Imposing More Stringent Energy Efficiency Standards on Government Subsidized or Financed Housing.

The Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) amendment #93 to the Fiscal Responsibility Act imposes an additional tariff of 25 percent on all imports from China until the alleged trade deficit between the U.S. and China reaches zero. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure will inflict tremendous harm on the U.S. economy through an additional 25 percent tax (tariff) on countless products used every day by Americans. It will also make U.S. businesses less competitive globally by hiking costs on materials sourced from China. Additionally, the amendment represents a misunderstanding of economic principles by attempting to reduce the "trade deficit" to zero, a level it is already at when accounting for factors such as Chinese investment in U.S. securities, stocks, real estate, services, and other items that do not physically cross the border. Free trade has been a foundational principle of limited government dating back to Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, who identified the disastrous consequences of protectionist trade practices in his 1775 book "The Wealth of Nations".

Spiking Business and Consumer Costs by Imposing an Additional 25% Tax on Imports from China to Balance a Fictitious Trade Deficit.

The Gillibrand Amendment #6607 to the massive lame duck spending bill, known as the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", provides an additional $1 Billion to the World Trade Center Health Program. This program, which currently has over 100,000 enrollees, provides compensation for health conditions that individuals may develop who were near the Twin Towers on 9/11 or sometime over the following 9 months, including first responders, residents, workers, teachers, students, tourists, etc. Due to the benefits of the program, such as compensation for physical and mental health conditions - including loss of income and pain and suffering that may have been incurred from the event - the trust fund continues to run low on funds and outpace expected expenditures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as first responders and workers who spent substantial time assisting with the clean-up of the tragedy deserve care for the health complications that they sustained due to their work. However, this well-intended program has instead been abused at the expense of both victims and taxpayers by greedy plaintiffs' attorneys who search for any individual who may have briefly been in the vicinity during the months following the event, and then work to extract non-economic damages. Additional funding should not be provided to this program until reforms have been implemented to stop this abuse.

Providing an Additional $1 Billion to the 9/11 Compensation Fund without Desperately Needed Reforms to Prevent Continued Cash Grabs by Law Firms.

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

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

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1347 to the Minibus Appropriations Package cuts roughly $30 billion in discretionary spending, placing it back at the level approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Additionally, the bill rescinds $25 billion provided for IRS enforcement in the 2022 climate and tax law. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity in Congress. 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 through a $30 Billion Cut in Discretionary Spending within the Minibus Appropriations Package and Rescinding $25 Billion in IRS Funding.

This resolution introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a Biden administration rule issued by the Department of Energy on December 18, 2023, titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces". The rule requires gas furnaces to achieve an efficiency standard of 95 percent when right now, residential gas furnaces only require an efficiency standard of 80 percent. According to the sponsor, "this rule would remove up to 60 percent of current residential furnaces from the market and would impact 55 percent of American households". Support is the Limited Government Position as consumers within a free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - should have the freedom to choose the type of furnace that best meets their needs. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to combatting government overreach which unnecessarily hikes consumer costs.

Utilizing the Congressional Review Act to Overturn a Draconian Biden Administration DOE Rule Imposing Energy Efficiency Mandates on Furnaces.

This motion on the "Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act" defeats a change to the Senate rules, thereby protecting the "filibuster" or the requirement of 60 votes to invoke cloture (end debate) and advance most legislation. Due to the political make-up of the senate (50-50 party split with VP Kamala Harris the tie-breaking vote), the elimination of the filibuster, coupled with Democratic party control over the House of Representatives, significantly increases the likelihood of Democratic policy priorities. Support is the Limited Government Position as the elimination of the filibuster would allow for the passage of policy that would unprecedently expand the size and scope of government.

Blocking an Unprecedented Expansion of Government by Preserving the Senate Filibuster Rule.

This resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the rule implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) concerning COVID-19, which requires the use of face masks on public transportation including planes, trains, and busses. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties by allowing citizens to determine how best to cope and protect themselves from COVID-19, which has been around for over 2 years. This measure not only signals a return to normalcy but ensures that congress - which is accountable to voters - sets masking policy as opposed to unaccountable government employees within the CDCP.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Ending the Public Transportation Mask Mandate Imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Sen. Tim Kaine (R-VA) amendment #429 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prevents the President from withdrawing the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the senate or an act of Congress. The amendment is largely directed at threats President Trump has made about withdrawing the country from NATO unless the member countries meet their obligations to contribute two percent of their GDP towards defense. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this ill-conceived amendment handicaps the ability of the executive branch, regardless of party, administration, or sitting president, to negotiate and hold NATO members accountable. American taxpayers are being forced to shoulder unfair financial burdens due to other countries failing to contribute their agreed upon amounts.

Handicapping a Future Trump Administration from Negotiating and Pulling the U.S. Out of NATO if Other Member Nations Fail to Make their Contributions.

This resolution invokes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify new rules imposed by the Department of Education in July which create additional hurdles for charter schools to receive federal funding. For example, charter school applicants must now prove a need and community support for the charter school, undergo analysis for the enrollment and diversity of the school, and disclose contracts the charter school may have with for-profit companies. Support is the Limited Government Position as the responsible expansion of school choice not only benefits taxpayers, but, most importantly, improves educational outcomes for all students by creating competition through a "marketplace" of educational options for parents.

Protecting School Choice by Overturning Department of Education Rules that Burden Charter Schools with Significant Red Tape and Regulatory Barriers.

The final version of the "American Relief Act, 2025" passed on December 20, 2024 and sponsored by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) would fund the government through March 14, 2025. The bill also includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in economic aid to farmers, as well as an extension of the farm bill through Sept. 30, 2025. This version of the bill does not include a two-year suspension of the debt limit as had been advocated by President-elect Trump. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Note: Democratic Lawmakers who opposed the bill because they wanted greater levels of spending were also recorded as opposing the limited government position.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a Government Funding Package Containing Over $100 Billion in Disaster Aid and Farm Subsidies with No Fiscal Offsets.

The Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) amendment #40 to a bill repealing use of military force against Iraq establishes a new Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance. The amendment is designed to correct the current patchwork of oversight by departmental inspectors. Various federal agencies have so far uncovered no cases of fraud with the $113 billion provided to Ukraine, but Ukraine journalists on the ground have been reporting fraud. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps strengthen government accountability. Taxpayer funds should always be properly accounted for and necessary safeguards should be established to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Establishing an Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance.

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. Ben Cardin (D-MD), removes the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA was originally proposed in 1972 with a deadline that at least three-fourths of states ratify the amendment by 1982 (which did not occur). The amendment codifies protections from sex discrimination alongside other protected classes such as race, religion, and national origin. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ratification of the ERA merely provides plaintiff's attorneys with a new tool to advance frivolous litigation. Examples include alleged discrimination and "rights" potentially ranging from taxpayer-funded abortion to special benefits from businesses and government.

Removing the 1982 Deadline for Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would Fuel Frivolous Litigation.

The Johnson amendment #6555 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023", which funds government through fiscal year 2023, eliminates hundreds of pages of earmarks within the spending package. These earmarks, which total $9.8 billion represent pet projects that individual members of congress have added into the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure will at least slightly decrease the horrendous level of wasteful spending within the bill. However, much larger 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.

Protecting Taxpayers by "Cutting the Pork" in the Budget through the Elimination of All Earmarks within the 2023 Funding Package.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #107 to the Fiscal Responsibility Act replaces the bill's spending caps with a "Five Penny Plan" which caps and balances the budget within five years and limits the extension of debt to $500 billion. According to the sponsor, this plan is the "conservative alternative" that would reduce spending by $303 billion in the first year alone. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents an excellent pathway to restoring fiscal order to Congress. 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.

Restoring Fiscal Sanity through a "Five Penny Plan" that Makes Significant Cuts in Spending and Balances the Budget within Five Years.

The Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) amendment #1795 to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would bar federal funds from being used to label speech as disinformation and prevents the government from coercing online platforms into removing speech. According to the sponsor, the Federal Government and its leviathan of agencies should not be allowed to coerce and collude with social media companies to censor speech online. The amendment is in response to government entities such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its infamous "Disinformation Governance Board". Support is the Limited Government Position as federal entities such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have clearly exceeded their statutory duties and have worked to infringe free speech as protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This fiscally responsible measure helps ensure taxpayer funds are redirected to advancing core duties of government.

Combatting Government Censorship and Infringement of Free Speech Rights of Americans by Prohibiting Federal Funds for Labeling Speech as "Disinformation" or Coercing Online Platforms.

The Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) amendment #1808 to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would prohibit federal funds from being used to fly illegal immigrants from other nations into states across the country. According to the sponsor, "President Biden has been secretly flying hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens from foreign countries into blue city airports. Just last year alone, in 2023, it was reported that some 320,000 illegal aliens had been flown in using this method." 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 those residing in the country unlawfully not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Strengthening National Security by Preventing Federal Funds from Being Used to Fly Illegal Immigrants into the United States.

The Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) amendment #1182 to the Minibus Appropriations Package prohibits any funding from being utilized to implement any earmark, community project funding, or congressionally directed spending. Earmarks direct funds to a specific recipient or congressional district while circumventing merit-based or competitive funds allocation processes. Support is the Limited Government Position as earmarks fuel corruption within the political process and incentivize runaway and wasteful spending for lawmaker pet projects. 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.

Restoring Fiscal Responsibility by Prohibiting Earmarks within the Minibus Appropriations Package that Drive Runaway Spending for Lawmaker Pet Projects.

The "Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022" provides an additional $48 billion to various industries that were impacted by the pandemic. For example, the bill provides $40 billion to the restaurant revitalization fund, $2 billion to gyms, $2 billion to busses and ferries, $2 billion to live venues and related companies, $1.4 billion to businesses near land ports of entry, and $500 million to minor league sports teams. 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,

FuelingRunaway Spending by Providing Various Businesses, Restaurants, Gyms and Minor League Sports Teams with an Additional $48 Billion in Funds Two-Years After the Start of the Pandemic.

The Toomey instruction for the senate conferees to the "United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA)" requires establishing an exclusion process for any duties (tariffs) imposed through an action under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Under this process the Unites States Trade Representative (USTR) is required to consider the impact imposing a tariff has on U.S. companies and consumers, and then provide exclusions in circumstances where the tariff is expected to do more harm than good for the U.S. companies and consumers. Support is the Limited Government Position as this "protectionist" interference by government in the free market through tariffs (taxes on imports) unnecessarily drive-up product costs for both American manufacturers and consumers. Free trade has been a foundational principle of limited government dating back to Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, who identified the disastrous consequences of protectionist trade practices in the "Wealth of Nations" in 1776.

Protecting Consumers from Higher Taxation by Granting the USTR Flexibility to Provide Exclusions from Tariffs in Cases Where they Harm American Manufacturers and Workers.

The Kennedy amendment #5387 to the "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" requires the Department of the Interior to authorize two leases per year for five years in the Gulf of Mexico to oil producers and requires the department to authorize one lease in the Alaskan Cook Inlet. 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.

Expanding American Energy Production by Increasing Oil and Gas Leases in the Gulf of Mexico and the Alaskan Cook Inlet

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #438 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" requires an independent and objective audit and investigation be conducted into the over $113 billion in funding the United States has provided Ukraine. The sponsor noted that, so far, departmental inspectors' generals have not substantiated any cases of fraud despite the enormous sums of cash delivered to the war-torn nation and cases of even Ukrainian journalists reporting fraud. Support is the Limited Government Position as all taxpayer funds, regardless of their purpose, should be properly accounted for and necessary safeguards should be established to protect against waste, fraud and, abuse.

Protecting Taxpayer Funds from Waste, Fraud and Abuse by Requiring an Audit and Investigation into the $113 Billion in U.S. Funding Provided to Ukraine.

The Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) amendment #134 to the Fiscal Responsibility Act rescinds roughly $17 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief funds, allowing the monies to be used elsewhere instead of new spending. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a step in the right direction towards spending reprioritization. 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 Rescinding Unused COVID-19 Funds and Reprioritizing Spending.

This vote prevents consideration of the second article of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for "Breach of Public Trust". According to the House sponsor of impeachment Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), "Mayorkas' policies have killed Americans, bankrupted communities, overrun schools, besieged towns, drowned hospitals, and incapacitated law enforcement while empowering cartels and foreign entities". Oppose 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.

Blocking the Impeachment Trial of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for Article II "Breach of Public Trust" for his Failure to Secure the Southern Border.

The Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) amendment #1034 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prevents funds contributed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from being channeled to countries that sponsor genocide or state backed terrorism, unless such funds are authorized by the U.S. Congress. The amendment specifically pertains to IMF's "special drawing rights" process. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while the U.S. should arguably not be putting up over $100 billion to the IMF, these funds and the associated dividends provided through "special drawing rights" should certainly not be received by state sponsors of terrorism or other adversaries of the U.S.

Ensuring U.S. Funds and Dividends at the International Monetary Fund are Not Channeled to Countries that Sponsor Terrorism without Congressional Approval.

The Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) amendment #926 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" prohibits the sale of emergency crude oil within the United States' strategic petroleum reserve to four adversary nations unless doing so serves a national security interest or is approved by Congress. The four nations are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The bill is largely in response to actions taken by the Biden Administration, which have drained the reserves to their lowest level since 1983. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while the sale of taxpayer resources should be maximized, oil represents a critical national security resource, and U.S. reserves should not be drained in order to build up the stockpiles of our adversaries.

Prohibiting the Draining of the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve to Bolster Adversary Nations

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1366 to the continuing resolution would reduce funding by 15 percent (except for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs) and rescind $30 billion for the enforcement funds provided to the IRS as part of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a step in the right direction to restoring fiscal sanity in Congress. 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 through a 15% Cut in Spending within the Short-Term CR Government Funding Bill.

The Braun amendment #4930 to the "Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act" prohibits the advancement of any budget resolution that does not reach a balanced budget within 10 years, unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the senate. Support is the Limited Government Position as the country can't afford to financially sustain the ever-growing budget deficit that has now grown to $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.

Reigning in the $1.4 Trillion Annual Budget Deficit through a "Balanced Budget Amendment".

This resolution introduced by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) would prohibit the Biden Administration from cancelling $4.65 billion of debt owed by Ukraine to U.S. taxpayers. According to the sponsor "The Biden Administration's proposal shifts the burden of funding Ukraine's small businesses, farmers, and corrupt bureaucrats onto the backs of hardworking Americans, who are already suffering during a time of high inflation." Support is the Limited Government Position as Americans cannot afford to continue to pour hundreds of billions into Ukraine - especially without proper safeguards to prevent corruption and waste. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Protecting U.S. Taxpayers by Blocking the Biden Administration from Forgiving $4.65 in Ukraine Debt.

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 Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) amendment #3331 to the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" would delay the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act until changes are made that would offset the bill's negative effects on Social Security's actuarial balance as determined by the Social Security board of trustees. The underlying bill eliminates two federal cost-control policies that barred employees with a public pension from then also collecting the full-level of benefits under the federal retirement program. The bill is estimated to increase taxpayer spending by $195.65 billion and shorten the window for insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund by 6 months - triggering a 23 percent cut for all seniors in 2033. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a step in the right direction to prevent the further worsening of the unfunded liability crisis surrounding Social Security. 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.

Promoting Fiscal Responsibility by Delaying Implementation of the "Social Security Fairness Act" Until Changes Are Enacted to Offset the Bill's Negative Effects on the Actuarial Balance.

This resolution introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) would prohibit the sale of certain offensive American weaponry to Israel. The measure bans the sale of "M933A1 120mm High Explosive mortar cartridges with M783 fuzes" while two other similar resolutions also introduced by Sanders ban the sale of "120mm tank rounds" and "Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs)". The United States has been providing Israel these weapons after the nation was attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. According to the sponsor, "Israel's strategy of deadly attacks on and near civilian populations must end" citing the 43,000 Palestinians that have died from the conflict in Gaza. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens national security. Israel is the United States' strongest ally in the Middle East and a critical partner in combatting adversaries such as Iran.

Weakening National Security by Halting the Sale of Certain U.S. Weapons to Israel as they Combat Terrorist Groups in Iran and the Gaza Strip.

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

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

The Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) amendment #1210 to the Minibus Appropriations Package prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) in Fiscal Year 2024 from imposing any mask mandate on train or airline passengers in response to COVID-19. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens individual liberties by allowing citizens 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 masking policy as opposed to unaccountable government employees within the DOT.

Protecting Individual Liberties by Preventing the Dept. of Transportation from Imposing COVID-19 Mask Mandates in FY 2024.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) motion to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would instruct the Senate Committee on Appropriations to cut 5 percent from the bill. Amounts made available to the Department of Defense or for securing the international border of the U.S. are exempted from reductions. According to the sponsor, "we are spending at such a rate that we add an average of a trillion dollars to the debt every 90 days. If that pace continues, instead of $1.5 trillion it could be up to $4 trillion in the next year". Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion is a step in the right direction to advancing a fiscally responsible budget. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing Fiscal Responsibility through a 5% Cut to the Bloated $1.2 Trillion Spending Package.

The Lee amendment #6482 to the "Respect for Marriage Act" (which repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and codifies federal recognition of same-sex marriages that are legal in the state where the marriage was performed) ensures the federal government does not take any discriminatory action against an individual due to their religious beliefs on marriage. Discriminatory actions include targeting by the IRS or Department of Education and exclusion from any federal grants, loans, entitlements, scholarships, employment, or contracting opportunities. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of private religious institutions - not government - to define and officiate marriages. Instead, government should ensure equal application of all laws and services while protecting the freedom of speech and religion as enshrined under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Protecting Religious Liberties by Ensuring the Respect for Marriage Act Does Not Result in Government Discrimination.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1614 to the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024" would prevent the Federal Reserve from purchasing the debt of states or municipalities through its Open Market Operations. According to the sponsor, "we now know that the Federal Reserve is not only buying the Federal debt; they are buying the debt of profligate, large-spending States like California, New York, and Illinois. It was never intended that Congress give the Fed the power, and we should make sure that it is explicit that the Federal Reserve cannot buy the debt of individual States." This action by the Federal Reserve generally lowers the borrowing costs for the states and localities the Fed purchases the debt. Support is the Limited Government Position as the reckless actions by the Federal Reserve to purchase state and local bonds places the entire U.S. financial system - including the U.S. dollar - at risk in the event of widespread defaults. The continued monetization of debt coupled with the enormous balance sheet of the Fed, merely heightens the risk of a hyper-inflationary event.

Ending a Reckless Federal Reserve Policy Jeopardizing the Stability of the U.S. Monetary System through the Purchase of State and Municipal Debt.

This resolution introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the policy update issued by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on May 5, 2022 relating to discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. According to the sponsor, this policy is "weaponizing funding for school lunch programs in an effort to force public schools to embrace Joe Biden's transgender agenda", such as "requiring biological boys to be given access to girls bathrooms and locker rooms or allow biological boys to compete against biological girls in girls' sports". Support is the Limited Government Position as federal funding should not be weaponized by unaccountable bureaucrats to advance politicized initiatives, especially those surrounding sensitive issues that should be handled at the local level by school boards accountable to parents.

Preventing the Weaponization of the Federal Appropriations Process by Bureaucrats Attempting to Push Policies Surrounding Transgenderism in Local Schools.

Year
2024	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	85.19	—
2023	100.00	100.00	100.00	—	100.00	90.91	100.00	100.00	85.71	100.00
2022	100.00	100.00	—	100.00	100.00	80.00	66.67	100.00	80.00	66.67

Year	Score	Role	Party
2024	91.58	Sen	R
2023	92.59	Sen	R
2022	83.72	Sen	R

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