Institute for Legislative Analysis

Glenn Thompson

The Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) amendment #5 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would expand the use of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to vet foreigners traveling to the United States. While Section 702 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. Through this amendment, a larger group of Americans would now be subject to having their communications collected and added to the government FISA database without a warrant. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment merely further worsens the underlying bill and violates the protections provided to Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Weakening Civil Liberties by Expanding Warrantless Surveillance Under Section 702 of FISA to Encompass a Greater Number of Americans on the Grounds of "Travel Vetting".

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #23 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" reduces funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities to FY2019 levels. The cut of $49 million represents 0.13 percent of the entire bill and leaves $155 million for the program to operate. The sponsor noted that "Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution list out those things that Congress is supposed to be responsible for, and yet it leaves the States programs like this". Support is the Limited Government Position as is the role of the private sector - not government - to evaluate the most impactful initiatives within the Arts and Humanities and provide the associated funding. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Cutting Wasteful Spending by Reducing Funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities to Pre-Covid Levels.

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

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

The Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) amendment #5 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would weaken the underlying bill's regulatory relief and the provision redefining the definition of "qualified investor" which allows more individuals to invest in private markets. Under this amendment, an individual could now only invest 5 percent of their net worth on any one private offering, and no more than 25 percent of their net worth (excluding their primary residence) on all such private offerings. According to the sponsor, the amendment "gives us a better definition of those who can afford the risks and the risk of liquidity that comes with these private investments". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not politicians - should have the right to set their own risk tolerances and determine how to invest their earnings. This amendment weakens individual liberties and the ability of everyday Americans to grow their wealth through investment.

Weaking Individual Liberties Through Government-Imposed Limits on Investment Risk by Amending the "Expanding Access to Capital Act".

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

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

The Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amendment #60 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" defunds the Federal mandate that requires all new vehicles after 2026 be equipped with a kill switch that can disable a vehicle if the vehicle has monitored the driver's performance and the vehicle determines that the driver is not performing well (such as if the driver appears to be driving while intoxicated). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, not only does this one-size-fits all federal mandate unnecessarily drive-up new vehicle costs, including for those who do not consume alcohol, this presents serious Fouth Amendment and civil liberty concerns. Plus, like all new technology, it has the potential to misdiagnose driving habits or fail, leaving motorists stranded.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Defunding the 2026 Mandate that All New Vehicles be Equipped with "Kill Switches" Based on Driver Performance.

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 "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) establishes a process whereby new rules imposed by federal agencies must be approved by Congress if they have an annual effect on the economy of more than $100 million or result in a major increase in cost or prices for consumers, among other conditions. According to the sponsor, the bill "would reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill places a critical check on executive branch power and unaccountable bureaucrats within federal agencies who have tremendous authority to impose regulations that directly impact the lives of Americans. The REINS Act is a critical tool to fight back against overreaching regulations and boost economic growth.

Placing a Critical Check on the Regulatory Power of Unaccountable Bureaucrats within the Executive Branch through the "REINS" Act.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), overturns the D.C. Council's Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2022. According to the sponsor, the District has lost over 1,000 officers and the D.C. Council's act "gives more power to anti-police activists, allows individual police officers to be targeted by protestors, and strips officers of collective bargaining rights regarding discipline." Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed police force serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms", like the DC Council's acts have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Combatting Skyrocketing Crime and Attacks on Police by Overturning the D.C. Council's Dangerous Policing and Criminal Justice Reforms.

This resolution introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". This Biden administration rule overturned the reforms implemented by the Trump administration and provides the EPA with much more expansive regulatory authority than it was initially granted under the Obama administration. As a result, the EPA's regulatory authority includes not only rivers and wetlands, but ephemeral streams and ditches under the Clean Water Act. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Biden and Obama administrations granted the EPA carte-blanche authority to regulate practically any standing amount of water, which resulted in property rights being infringed and enormous additional costs for landowners.

Strengthening Property Rights by Overturning Biden Administration Regulations Providing the EPA Overreaching Authority under the Waters of the United States Rule.

The "en bloc No. 1" amendment to the "Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2022" contains a set of four amendments that pertain to various conservation initiatives and includes a mandate requiring the Secretary of the Interior to produce a report detailing the number of contracts, subcontracts, and grants that have been issued to minority-owned businesses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as government has a duty to treat all individuals equally - especially regarding characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity - in the application of law and in contracting and granting opportunities. Furthermore, any actions that government takes that reduce competition in contracting (such as minority quotas) unnecessarily drives-up taxpayer costs.

Advancing Government Racial Discrimination in Contracting and Unnecessary Conservation Initiatives Through Amendments to the Wildlife Bill.

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 "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 "National Telecommunications and Information Administration Reauthorization (NTIA) Act of 2023", sponsored by Bob Latta (R-OH) would be the first reauthorization of the NTIA since 1992, and significantly expand the size and scope of the agency. The 108-page package also includes provisions from multiple other bills including the "Plan for Broadband Act" and "Open RAN Outreach Act". The NTIA is currently administering the $42.45 billion "Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program" which expands high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further expands the size and scope of government, including in broadband - an industry the federal government should not have involvement. Considering the enormous advancements in satellite internet (most notably Starlink), lawmakers should rescind the tens of billions of dollars provided under the infrastructure bill. These broadband funds have largely been used to enrich woke telecom companies such as Comcast.

Fueling Out-of-Control Government Growth and Spending Through the Reauthorization of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) amendment #46 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would prohibit the Department of Defense Education Activity from purchasing, displaying, or maintaining material that promotes gender ideology or pornographic content. According to the sponsor, "DOD schools are often the only option that servicemembers have to educate their children" yet "radical leftists desire to use schools as a tool to indoctrinate our children as soon as they enter kindergarten". Support is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to introduce and discuss these sensitive issues with their children. All school curriculum and learning materials should pertain only to core subject areas and be accessible to parents for review.

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

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

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

The "Action for Dental Health Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) would reauthorize a program within the Health and Human Services (HHS) which provides grants to organizations that provide oral health care to "underserved populations". The reauthorization is expected to cost taxpayers $55 million over the next five years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector through non-profit entities - not central planning by federal bureaucrats - is best equipped to fund and assist those most needy of oral healthcare. Such grant programs merely grow government dependency and inevitably waste taxpayer funds due to the bureaucratic cost of administering the program.

Reauthorizing a Government Wealth Redistribution Program which Provides Oral Health Care to "Underserved Populations" Through the "Action for Dental Health Act".

The "Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act" sponsored by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to impose new mandates on micromobility devices (such as electric bicycles and scooters) relating to lithium-ion batteries and fire risk. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill is expected to increase taxpayer cost by $6 million to hire additional government employees to carry out these duties over the next five years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the government regulatory state. There are already processes in place at the CPSC to generally monitor the safety of consumer products, and companies within the private sector are incentivized to ensure the products they bring to the market are safe. This includes maintaining the integrity of their brands and the threat of other legal enforcement mechanisms.

Growing the Size and Scope of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to Impose New Mandates on Electric Bicycles and Scooters.

The Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #23 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would curb the Endangered Species Act's (ESA) application in areas used for national defense-related operations and prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from designating areas necessary for military operations as crucial habitats. According to the sponsor, "two million acres of Army training and testing lands have training restrictions in place related to stringent ESA requirements" and "these restrictions, when applied, harm our readiness and our mission". Support is the Limited Government Position as the Endangered Species Act has resulted in a disproportionate regulatory burden being placed on the Department of Defense. These regulations have been imposed by unaccountable bureaucrats and empowered radical environmental groups to shutdown development and infrastructure expansion through much of the continental United States.

Strengthening National Security by Exempting Areas Utilized for Defense-Related Operations from Certain Provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

The "Affordable Insulin Now Act" imposes a $35 price control on all out-pocket costs or copayments for insulin products. The bill applies to all private health insurance and Medicare prescription drug benefits. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents individuals from having the ability to select a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals opting to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Imposing Price Controls on Insulin Co-Payments.

The Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) amendment #76 to the "Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" implements reforms to commodity checkoff programs. Under these programs, producers of certain products, such as beef, dairy, or poultry, are forced to pay into a fund (ex. $2 for a cow) that is used for industry research or advertising campaigns. The amendment increases transparency on how the funds are utilized and ensures taxpayer funds are used by the boards of these programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while government-mandated checkoff programs should be eliminated entirely, this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing corruption. It is the role of the private sector to voluntarily organize and fund product promotion for industry, not for big producers to utilize government to financially coerce small producers to fund their activities.

Increasing Transparency and Accountability within the Crony Commodity Checkoff Programs Mandated by Government.

The Fitzgerald amendment #184 to the "Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act of 2022" removes an "unfair" provision that exempted union employees from having to comply with the FAIR act, which prohibits pre-dispute arbitration agreements from being enforceable if the arbitration surrounds an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as arbitration serves as a significantly less costly alternative to litigation and if lawmakers are going to enact such a policy - which ultimately enriches trial attorneys - then union employees should not be granted political favoritism through a special benefit not also afforded to non-union employees.

Eliminating an Unfair Carve-out Provided to Only Union Employees Within the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act.

The "Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act", sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), would grow the size and role of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. It calls to provide "educational resources and host events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented and rural small businesses". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows the size and role of government beyond its core Constitutional duties. The private sector already provides a wealth of knowledge on capital raising options through the internet and business publications. This measure merely grows government bureaucracy and, unlike "profit and loss" signals within the private sector, provides no way to measure need or success. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

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

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

The "Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023" sponsored by Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) would require the President to issue regulations to ensure that humanitarian exemptions involving Iran sanctions do not facilitate acts of international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The bill also directs the Department of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank to oppose providing financial assistance to Iran. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens national security by boosting oversight of sanction exemptions provided to Iran - a known harborer of terrorists.

Ensuring Humanitarian Assistance Provided to Iran is Not Used to Finance Acts of Terror through the "Iran Sanctions Accountability Act".

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

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

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

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

The "Lahaina National Heritage Area Act" sponsored by Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) directs the National Park Service to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, as the "Lahaina National Heritage Area" under the National Heritage Areas Act. Upon receiving such designation, the area would receive 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, not government which is not subject to "profit and loss" signals like the private sector.

Further Growing the Size and Scope of the Federal Government by Adding Lahaina, Hawaii to the National Heritage Areas Act.

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

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

The "Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) would grow the size and scope of the Department of Commerce to "support the leadership of the United States in the use of blockchain technology and other distributed ledger technology, tokens, and tokenization". According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would increase annual spending by $10 million to hire 45 new government employees to promote the blockchain technology in both the public and private sector. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure grows government cronyism and central planning to promote the private interests of the blockchain industry. Lawmakers should work to shrink the size and scope of government, not grow it and force taxpayers to subsidize the interests of a government-favored industry.

Forcing the Department of Commerce to Hire 45 New Government Employees to Promote the Interests of the Blockchain Industry Across Both the Public and Private Sectors.

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 which Weaken Mandatory Minimum Sentences and Fuel Greater Lawlessness.

The "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act" sponsored by Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) would require the Department of Interior (DOI) to hold lease sales every year, rather than every two years. Additionally, the bill helps speed up the permit process for lease sales by setting a 30-day deadline for the DOI to notify an applicant if a permit has been approved. According to the sponsor, the bill "will hold the Department of Interior accountable and is key to bolstering domestic energy production, reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries and meeting America's growing energy demands." Support is the Limited Government Position as low-cost energy is essential to growing the economy and improving the quality of life for all Americans. Lawmakers must open up federal land to safe and responsible energy extraction, so Americans are provided with the lowest possible energy costs.

Advancing American Energy Dominance by Requiring the Department of Interior to Hold More Frequent Lease Sales and Speed up the Permitting Process through the "CLEAN Act".

The "Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) would increase federal spending by nearly two-fold for a program which funds state-based maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs). The MMRCs review pregnancy-related deaths to identify causes and associated disparities to make recommendations for the prevention of future mortalities. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative should not be the role of the federal government, but rather private healthcare entities and non-profit groups that can judge the effectiveness of such initiatives and maximize their impact. Furthermore, taxpayers cannot afford to continue to hike spending at such enormous levels. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The "Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) reauthorizes through FY2029 the Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. This program awards grants to state governments and medical schools for a range of initiatives surrounding emergency medical services that pertain to children. Examples include pediatric readiness plans, education programs, cultural competency, and specialized equipment. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of local government entities and private healthcare institutions to plan and fund the healthcare services provided within their communities. The funding of these duties is not the proper role of the federal government, plus merely creates bureaucratic waste and inefficiencies in the distribution of taxpayer funds.

Furthering Federal Government Waste and Inefficiency Through the "Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act".

This version of the "American Relief Act, 2025" passed on December 19, 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. The bill also contains a two-year suspension of the debt limit until Jan. 30, 2027, a provision advocated by President-elect Trump. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the debt limit serves as a critical tool to combating runaway spending and promoting implementation of fiscally sound policies such as the sequester. 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: Democrat lawmakers who voted "nay" were also recorded as opposing the limited government position due to the fact their opposition was for political reasons and not fiscal.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a Government Funding Package with a 2-Year Debt Limit Suspension, $100 Billion in Disaster Aid and Farm Subsidies with No Fiscal Offsets.

The Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) amendment #8 to the "Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act" would exclude nearly all renewable energy infrastructure projects authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) from the expedited permitting process established within the underlying bill. Specifically, the bill excludes taxpayer-funded linear infrastructure projects within the IRA if the actual cost of the federal subsidies exceeds the amount originally estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the sponsor, many assessments have found the true cost of the federal subsidies to exceed the amount projected by the CBO by a factor of three or four times. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps protect taxpayers by ensuring the wasteful green energy projects from the IRA remain delayed, but other needed infrastructure projects receive expedition. Furthermore, the measure helps protect families and businesses from higher electricity costs that would result from the construction of the unnecessary transmission lines and increased renewable energy usage.

Protecting Taxpayers by Ensuring Wasteful Renewable Energy Projects Do Not Receive Expedited Permits from the "Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act".

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

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

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 Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) amendment #1 to the "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" would weaken the underlying bill that establishes a new federal criminal penalty for fleeing Border Patrol. Specifically, the amendment would remove language which had also applied the new penalty to cases of "fleeing from law enforcement actively assisting the Border Patrol". According to the sponsor, the amendment is needed due to the "aggressive policing tactics and unconstitutional racial profiling directed by rogue Governors like Governor Greg Abbott have led to severe harm to-and has undermined-our legal system all in the name of actively assisting the U.S. Border Patrol". 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.

Weakening Border Security by Removing Increased Penalties for Fleeing Law Enforcement within the "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act".

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

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

The Jones amendment #247 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from contracting with any company that has engaged in anti-union activity within the last three years as broadly defined by the National Labor Relations Board. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill ultimately restricts competition within the contracting and procurement process, which unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs. Additionally, the amendment establishes a blanket prohibition restricting the DOD from considering the severity or the circumstances around the situation, thus prohibiting contracting for mere paperwork violations.

Driving Up Taxpayer Procurement Costs by Preventing the Department of Defense from Contracting with any Private Company that has Engaged in "Anti-Union Activity".

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

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

The Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) amendment #6 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would modify the definition of "electronic communication service provider" under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). While Section 702 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. This amendment would significantly expand the application of Section 702 and warrantless surveillance by now requiring a whole new class of businesses and other entities to take part in FISA. For example, entities such as hotels, libraries, and coffee shops could now serve as surrogates for the spying if customers within the establishments are connected to the Wi-Fi equipment and engaged in international communications. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment merely further worsens the underlying bill and violates the protections provided to Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Weakening Civil Liberties by Expanding Warrantless Surveillance Under Section 702 of FISA to Encompass a Greater Number of Americans and Business Entities.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2022" transitions the 60,000 employees within the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) to the personnel system under Title 5 of U.S. code, which includes the General Schedule pay system and full collective bargaining rights. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only will this transition impose billions of dollars of additional costs onto taxpayers, but it makes it more difficult for the government to discipline and terminate poor-performing employees due to collective bargaining.

Hiking Taxpayer Costs and Weakening the Ability to Discipline Poor-Performing Employees by Unionizing 60,000 Employees within the Transporation Security Administration.

The "Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) would establish a procedure for Congress to review any action by the President to terminate, waive, or modify sanctions on Iran. Under the bill, the President must report to Congress on any planned sanctions relief and the reasons for the change in policy. Congress could then approve or disapprove of the administration's action within a review period; a joint resolution of disapproval would block it from going into effect. 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 Preventing the Biden Administration for Lifting Iran Sanctions without Congressional Approval Through the "Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act".

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

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

The Meng Amendment #289 to the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023" requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an awareness campaign regarding the types of fertility treatments, procedures, and services available to veterans experiencing issues with fertility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as rather than further growing the failing bureaucracy and unnecessary initiatives of the VA, lawmakers should work to streamline and shrink the department so that those who served our country can receive the highest possible quality of healthcare from the doctors of their choice.

Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to Conduct a "Fertility Treatment Awareness Campaign" Despite Much Needed Reforms or Privatizing the Broken System.

The Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) amendment #4 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would expand the use of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to include international production, distribution, or financing of illicit synthetic drugs. While Section 702 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. Through this amendment, a larger group of Americans would now be subject to having their communications collected and added to the government FISA database without a warrant. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment merely further worsens the underlying bill and violates the protections provided to Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Weakening Civil Liberties by Expanding Warrantless Surveillance Under Section 702 of FISA to Encompass a Greater Number of Americans on the Grounds of "Illicit Drug Distribution".

This bill, the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024", lays out how the Pentagon will be funded for the next year and includes $886 billion in defense spending. Most notably, this conference version of the bill removes Republican provisions that end Pentagon practices that facilitate abortion, enable taxpayer-funded sex reassignment surgeries, and promote Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the armed forces. Furthermore, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which has been utilized to conduct surveillance on Americans without a warrant, including President Trump's previous campaign for president. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Pentagon funding should be contingent on both a full audit, due to reports of tens of billions of taxpayer funds being "misplaced", and safeguards that protect funds from being utilized for politicized and other improper purposes. The FISA reauthorization violates the protections provided to Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Authorizing a Defense Bill without the Removal of Countless Radical Left Policies Surrounding Abortion, Transgenderism, Critical Race Theory and Civil Liberty Violations.

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

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

The Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) amendment #18 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prevents funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce section 134 of the Clean Air Act. This section of the act pertains to the EPA greenhouse gas reduction fund created under the Inflation Reduction Act. According to the sponsor, this $27 billion dollar fund is more than three times the EPA's entire fiscal year 2023 appropriation and "sends taxpayer dollars to far-left political organizations and-their favorite-the Chinese Communist Party." Support is the Limited Government Position as the slush fund wastes billions of dollars of taxpayer resources to further grow the size and scope of government and choke economic growth.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Blocking Expenditures Within the $27 Billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Slush Fund.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #44 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" eliminates funding ($55 million) for the administration of the Department of Energy Title 17 Loan Program. According to the sponsor, the program reduces market discipline and has cost taxpayers many hundreds of millions, with some of the most egregious examples including Solyndra, Fisker Automotive and A123 Systems. The sponsor also noted that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was the ultimate beneficiary, as following the bankruptcies of Fisker and A123, the Chinese purchased the companies for pennies on the dollar. Support is the Limited Government Position as this reckless loan program not only inflicts financial harm onto taxpayers, but has forced Americans to enrich the Chinese and provide the CCP with competitive advantages.

Protecting Taxpayers by Defunding a Crony Department of Energy Loan Program which has Enriched Chinese Companies at the Expense of American Taxpayers.

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 "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 Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #4 to the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023" increases congressional oversight of regulations by applying the REINS Act to regulations with an economic impact of $50 million or more - it was previously just $100 million or more. Under the REINS Act, new rules imposed by federal agencies must be approved by Congress if they have an annual effect on the economy of more than $100 million or result in a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, among other conditions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment strengthens the REINS Act, which provides a critical check on executive branch power. Federal agencies are comprised of countless unaccountable bureaucrats who have tremendous authority to impose regulations that directly impact the lives of Americans and the growth of the U.S. economy.

Strengthening the Check on Executive Branch Power by Requiring Congressional Approval for Regulations with Impacts of $50 Million or More (Previously $100 Million) Under the "REINS" Act.

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".

Year
2024	100.00	80.56	100.00	100.00	80.00	60.38	98.68	87.50	11.49	66.67
2023	55.56	71.43	100.00	100.00	100.00	84.21	100.00	83.33	10.00	50.00
2022	100.00	75.00	100.00	50.00	100.00	66.67	100.00	66.67	51.61	66.67

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	68.07	Rep	R	15
2023	58.06	Rep	R	15
2022	67.09	Rep	R	15

Glenn Thompson

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