Institute for Legislative Analysis

J.D. Vance

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.

This bill, a stopgap spending bill known as a "Continuing Resolution" funds government for another 45 days, delaying an otherwise imminent government shutdown to right before the holidays. This CR also contains $6.15 billion in additional funding for Ukraine and $6 billion in federal disaster relief funding. 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 (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.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Providing $6 Billion in Additional Funding to Ukraine and Passing a Short-Term CR that Weakens the Chance of Passing a Responsible Budget.

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. 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.

This "Minibus" appropriations package provides a year of funding for certain government agencies and functions including veterans affairs, agriculture, transportation, housing and military construction . The package includes several "historic" spending hikes in a range of areas including military construction and government welfare programs surrounding housing. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill represents yet another example of fiscal insanity. 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.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a Minibus Appropriations Package with "Historic" Levels of New Welfare Spending and Enormous Agency Budgets.

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. Ted Cruz (R-TX) amendment #1249 to the Minibus Appropriations Package enforces a provision of a treaty made between the United States and Mexico in 1944. Specifically, the amendment requires water negotiators to press Mexico to meet the 350,000 acre-feet of water the country committed to provide American farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should ensure any treaty commitments by foreign nations to the U.S. are enforced and upheld. Failure to do so not only weakens the standing of the United States abroad, but, in this case, harms American farmers, as they face a severe drought.

Protecting U.S. Standings Abroad and American Farmers by Enforcing a Treaty Commitment with Mexico.

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 Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) amendment #1243 to the Minibus Appropriations Package prohibits funds from being used to enforce President Biden's Executive Order # 14019, "Promoting Access to Voting". According to the sponsor, the executive order empowers federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer resources should not be utilized to advance partisan politics. Such actions undermine our election process and democracy.

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

The 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.

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.

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.

The Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) amendment #1065 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" provides an additional $450 million to the World Trade Center Health Program as well as expands the program (with another $200 million) to now cover the Pentagon and Shanksville. This program, which currently has over 120,000 enrollees, provides compensation for health conditions that individuals may develop who were near the Twin Towers on 9/11 or sometime over the following nine 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. For example, just seven months earlier, the fund was provided with $1 billion in additional funding under a previous Gillibrand amendment to an appropriations bill that was expected to last until 2027. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this well-intended program has 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. 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. To ensure this, reforms should be implemented to stop this abuse before additional funding is provided.

Providing an Additional $676 million to the 9/11 Compensation Fund without Desperately Needed Reforms to Prevent Continued Cash Grabs by Law Firms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) amendment #91 to the Fiscal Responsibility Act adds a "No Default" provision to the bill. According to the sponsor, the amendment "removes the drama from debt ceiling negotiations by allowing the Treasury to continue to pay necessary obligations after an "X date" but will automatically cut 1% of discretionary spending every 30 days (not including entitlements) until Congress makes a deal, giving Congress an incentive to make a budget to avoid cuts to policy priorities from both parties." Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a step in the right direction to restore fiscal sanity 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.

Preventing Future Debt Limit Defaults by Enacting Automatic Cuts in Discretionary Spending.

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. 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.

This resolution, introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Department of Labor rule titled "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights". Under current law, managers of retirement plans are required to base their investment decisions on what is in the best interest of making their client's portfolios grow. Under the Biden administration rule, fiduciaries can now base their investment decisions on political environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors even if they are not in the best financial interest of their clients. Support is the Limited Government Position as, while all individuals should have the right to have their savings invested in the manor of their choosing, this politicized ESG rule will provide countless new avenues for deviant fiduciaries to act against their unknowing clients best interests and enrich certain companies and industries.

Overturning a Biden Administration Rule Authorizing Fiduciaries to Invest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors Against their Clients Best Interests.

This resolution, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Department of Veterans Affairs rule titled "Reproductive Health Services", which authorizes the VA to provide abortion-related services to veterans. While the Biden administration rule technically limits the abortion services to just cases of rape, incest, or the life of the veteran being placed in jeopardy, the rule lacks the traditional language needed to actually restrict the practice to these cases. For example, the rule does not limit the "life of the veteran" to include only "physical health," those allowing abortion in cases of "mental" or "emotional strain," and without any limitation up until birth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the failure to include critical language limiting the practice ultimately results in taxpayers being forced to fund abortion in nearly any case and up until the moment of birth. Taxpayers, many of whom are opposed to abortion on religious grounds, should not be forced to fund abortion on demand at the VA.

Overturning a Biden Administration Rule which Paves the Way for Taxpayer Funding of Abortion on Demand at the VA Without Critical Safeguards.

The Sen. Joshua Hawley (R-MO) amendment #1058 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" establishes a new entitlement program for residents in St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding regions who may have been exposed to radioactive contamination from nuclear waste during the federal government-run Manhattan Project. Any individuals who had been present in the regions for any two year period since 1949 would be entitled to compensation if they contracted a cancer or other specified disease. Spouses and children would also be able to obtain compensation if the family member died. The amendment does not contain any funding for the new entitlement, which is estimated to cost at a minimum of between $50 to $100 billion over the next ten years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while well-intended, creation of such an entitlement program without extremely carefully crafted safeguards and limited eligibility could result in a fiscal catastrophe. For example, the previous amendment to this same bill by Sen. Gillibrand, which pertained to the World Trade Center Health Program, demonstrates the skyrocketing costs such entitlement programs create. Unfortunately, greedy plaintiffs' attorneys seek out any individual who may be remotely impacted by an event and work to extract enormous payouts all at the expense of taxpayers.

Threatening a Fiscal Nightmare through the Creation of a New Entitlement Program for any Resident of the St. Louis Region Since 1949 Potentially Impacted by the Manhattan Project.

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. 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 Cruz (R-TX) amendment #421 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" allows U.S. servicemembers who were dismissed as the result of the Biden Administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate to seek reinstatement or a change in their discharge status. The amendment also restores their lost GI and VA benefits. Support is the Limited Government Position as not only was the COVID-19 vaccine ineffective in controlling the virus, but the mandate also resulted in the dismissal of over 8,400 service members and hurt recruitment. The COVID-19 vaccination mandate represented a clear example of government overreach and all service members who were dismissed should be allowed to once again serve their country.

Ensuring U.S. Service Members Dismissed as the Result of the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate May Seek Reinstatement and Have their Discharge Statuses Changed.

The Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) amendment #376 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" requires all member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to meet their commitment of two percent of GDP defense spending before the U.S. provides additional funds to Ukraine. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps place pressure on the other members of NATO to meet their commitments. The taxpayers of the U.S. should not be forced to continue shouldering a disproportionate share of the financial burden.

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

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 Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #222 to the "National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024" clarifies that Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war before the United States engages in war. Support is the Limited Government Position as the ultimate decision as to whether the economy and, most importantly, American lives be placed at risk through warfare should be determined by Congress - as enshrined in the U.S. constitution - not a foreign entity.

Ensuring NATO Does Not Supersede Congress' Constitutional Authority to Declare War.

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.

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. John Kennedy (R-LA) amendment #1359 to the Minibus Appropriations Package corrects a practice whereby veterans lose their Second Amendment rights if they seek assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have their financial affairs managed. Currently, when a fiduciary is appointed to help manage the financial affairs of a veteran, the VA automatically reports the veteran to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the veteran looses their right to have a firearm. This amendment prevents the automatic revocation of Second Amendment rights by instead requiring a judge to rule the veteran is a danger to themselves or others with a firearm. Support is the Limited Government Position as Veterans should not be forced to choose between receiving assistance with their finances or losing their Second Amendment Rights through this poorly devised, one-size-fits-all policy.

Ensuring Veterans don't Lose their Second Amendment Rights if they Seek Assistance to Manage their Finances at the VA.

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.

This resolution introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled "Small Business Lending under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)". This rule implements a section of the Dodd-Frank Act and requires banks to collect and report data on race, ethnicity, and sex across 81 fields. The sponsor noted this rule imposes a significant additional cost on lenders and creates privacy concerns for small businesses that do not want such information made public. Support is the Limited Government Position as this Biden Administration rule further worsens the draconian regulatory framework of Dodd-Frank, while unnecessarily driving up lending costs and infringing privacy rights.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Nullifying Biden Administration Rules Forcing Banks to Report and Publish Additional Data Pertaining to Race, Ethnicity, and Sex.

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) amendment #3346 to the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" would gradually raise the retirement age to reflect current life expectancies, by three months per year until the retirement age reaches 70, and would save the program nearly $400 billion. The amendment will help pay for the cost of the Social Security Fairness Act, which will total $200 billion over 10 years. Support is the Limited Government Position as this fiscally responsible measure helps lengthen the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund by another year. The program will enter insolvency in 2033 - triggering a 23 percent cut for all seniors.

Improving the Solvency of Social Security by Gradually Raising the Retirement Age to 70 to Offset the Costs of the "Government Shutdown Prevention Act".

The "Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025" sponsored by Tom Cole (R-OK) helps avert a shutdown by extending government funding through December 20, 2024. The bill extends disaster relief and contains $230 million in additional funding for Secret Service in response to the two assassination attempts against President Trump. However, the bill does not include a GOP-backed provision requiring proof-of-citizenship when registering to vote. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fails to include a critical provision needed to strengthen the integrity of elections and merely further "kicks the can down the road" on fiscal responsibility. 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.

Extending Government Funding without a Critical Provision to Strengthen Election Integrity or Other Fiscal Restraints through the "Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025".

This resolution sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) would enact a "Six Penny Plan" federal budget. The plan would balance on-budget outlays and revenues within five years by cutting six pennies off every dollar projected to be spent in the next five fiscal years. According to the sponsor, the plan would reduce spending by $329 billion in the first year, and accomplishes the balanced budget even with the provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being made permanent. 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 $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

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

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #3289 to the "Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" would rescind $2.9 billion in Department of Energy loan guarantees to pay for the provisions in the underlying bill. The bill is in response to the PACT Act (also known as the "burn pit bill") that was passed in 2022 and drastically expanded veteran healthcare coverages - which has now created a $3 billion budget shortfall. According to the sponsor, "Which is more important, subsidizing millionaire owners of green energy or paying for veterans' benefits? Why not take one to pay for the other?" Support is the Limited Government Position as the Institute for Legislative Analysis' had correctly noted two years prior that the PACT Act would "create countless avenues for devious plaintiffs' attorneys to advance fraudulent health and disability claims and will likely further overload the VA". This amendment serves as a step in the right direction in covering the cost of the disastrous PACT Act which is expected to cost taxpayers over $700 billion.

Protecting Taxpayers by Reappropriating Wasteful Funding in the DOE to Pay for the Runaway Costs from the Disastrous PACT Act.

The "Right to IVF Act" sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is a package of previously introduced measures and most notably would establish a new "right" to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). The bill includes a nationwide right for patients to access IVF and other ART services and a right for doctors to provide IVF treatment in accordance with medical standards. The bill also contains provisions which require all employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments, plus provides a new cause of action for individuals and healthcare providers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while all individuals should have the freedom to choose IVF, the bill contains additional provisions which expand government overreach and unnecessarily hike healthcare and insurance costs. Furthermore, the bill advances frivolous litigation through the establishment of a new cause of action.

Providing a New "Right to IVF" which Includes Insurance Mandates and New Abilities to Bring Frivolous Lawsuits.

The "Right to Contraception Act" sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) would create a new statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and gives health care providers a right to provide contraceptives and share information about them. The bill also creates a new cause of action allowing anyone to bring a lawsuit if they believe their right to contraception has been infringed. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while every person should have the freedom to utilize contraception, this bill creates a new avenue for individuals to abuse the legal system and bring frivolous litigation against businesses, religious organizations and other individuals.

Advancing Frivolous Litigation by Establishing a New Cause of Action under the "Right to Contraception Act".

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 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 Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) amendment #1626 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would cut $110 million in spending on administrative costs at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) pertaining to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. According to the sponsor, "this is a good government amendment" as only $226 million of the $337 million for BEAD administrative costs has been justified. The amendment also cuts funding for a new initiative related to "Algorithmic Justice" which is undefined. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $42.45 billion was provided to the BEAD Program for high-speed internet access expansion, providing significant subsidies to companies such as Comcast. Support is the Limited Government Position as the BEAD program should be eliminated in its entirety. The private sector and free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. The BEAD program forces taxpayers to enrich woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which is unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast's competitors, such as Elon Musk's Starlink.

Cutting $110 Million from a Wasteful Program that Enriches Woke Companies Such as Comcast for Broadband Expansion that is No Longer Necessary Due to Musk's Starlink.

The "Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act" (RECA) sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) would extend RECA for an additional six years past its current sunset date of June 7, 2024. RECA was enacted in 1990 under George H.W. Bush to compensate individuals exposed to fallout from nuclear weapons testing between 1947 and 1961. The bill also includes provisions which increase payouts and eligibility, as well as expand the regions covered to include the bill sponsor's district in St. Louis, Missouri. The bill does not contain any funding for the new entitlement, which is estimated to cost at a minimum of between $50 to $100 billion over the next ten years for the St. Louis region alone. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as expansion and creation of a new entitlement program that lacks critical safeguards and limits on eligibility will result in a fiscal catastrophe. Federal taxpayers have already experienced a similar fiscal nightmare and skyrocketing costs resulting from the poorly crafted World Trade Center Health Program, which requires constant additional taxpayer cash infusions. Unfortunately, greedy plaintiffs' attorneys seek out any individual who may be remotely impacted by an event and work to extract enormous payouts at the expense of taxpayers.

Threatening a Fiscal Nightmare through the Extension and Expansion of the Entitlement Program "Radiation Exposure Compensation Act" (RECA).

The "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024" sponsored by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) would avert a partial government shutdown by extending government funding by a week (March 8) for six agencies and March 22 for others. The extension serves as a stopgap as the final details on a broader extension are finalized. According to bill opponents, the broader bill will not provide any substantial spending reductions at a time the nation is facing $1 trillion in annual interest payment on the debt. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure merely kicks the can down the road to advance a fiscally irresponsible 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 a Fiscally Irresponsible Budget by Kicking the Can Down the Road through the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024".

The Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) motion to the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024" would instruct the Senate Committee on Appropriations to insert the text of H.R. 2 (the Secure the Border Act of 2023), as passed by the House of Representatives on May 11, 2023. According to the sponsor, "H.R. 2 contains a comprehensive plan to secure the border, to stop catch-and- release, to build the wall, to stop visa overstays, and to reform abuse of immigration, parole, and asylum laws". 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.

Combatting Illegal Immigration by Inserting the "Secure the Border Act" into the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024".

The Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) motion to the "Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024" would instruct the Senate Committee on Appropriations to adjust the bill into a full-year CR funding government through September 30, 2024. According to the sponsor, this adjustment would save taxpayers $130 billion and place regular nondefense at a level $40 billion less than in fiscal year 2023. Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion increases fiscal responsibility. 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 Government Spending by $130 Billion by Extending the Duration of the CR through September of 2024.

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.

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. Roger Marshall (R-KS) motion to the "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024" would instruct the Senate Committee on Appropriations to adjust the bill into a full-year CR funding government through September 30, 2024. According to the sponsor, this adjustment would "result in a spending cut of $73 billion, bringing our total discretionary spending down to 1.56 trillion, a significant cut from the $1.66 trillion funding deal that is in the works currently". Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion increases fiscal responsibility. 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 Government Spending by $73 Billion by Extending the Duration of the CR through September of 2024.

The "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) 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. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill largely serves as a political ploy to gain favorability from federal workers and labor unions while worsening the unfunded liability crisis of 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.

Quickening the Insolvency of Social Security to Gain Political Favorability from Federal Workers and Labor Unions through the "Social Security Fairness Act".

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

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

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.

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.

This motion tables (defeats) the Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) amendment #1804 to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024". The amendment would prohibit the Biden administration from issuing waivers granting Iran access to escrowed accounts, including a $10 billion account related to Iraqi electricity. According to the sponsor, "The Biden administration has a pathological obsession with boosting the Iranian regime and undermining Israel" and the waivers have allowed Iran "to use that money to fund Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and other terrorist groups". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this motion weakens national security by providing a top adversary nation of the U.S. with billions of dollars of resources that can be used to inflict harm on Americans or our allies such as Israel.

Providing Iran with Access to Billions of Dollars of Funds by Providing Waivers to Sanctions.

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 Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) amendment #1722 to the "Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would block funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One application, or any successor app, to facilitate the entry of any illegal immigrant into the United States. According to the sponsor, "If you are an illegal immigrant under the Biden administration, all you have to do is pull out the CBP One app" and that "between January and September of last year, 221,000 illegal aliens entered the United States this way, and they were allowed to fly around the country without having ID". The sponsor also noted "the danger presented by this is reflected in the fact that Haitian immigrant Cory Alvarez, whose entry into the United States was facilitated by the CBP One app, raped a 15- year-old, mentally impaired girl in the United States". Support is the Limited Government Position as the CBP One app presents a major threat to U.S. national security, and 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 and Combatting Illegal Immigration by Blocking Funding for the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One App.

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.

The Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) amendment #1634 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would require the U.S. Census to determine basic population statistics such as the number of citizens, noncitizens, and illegal immigrants that live in this country, and would require that only U.S. citizens be counted in determining the number of House seats and electoral votes that each State gets. According to the sponsor, "the more illegal aliens and noncitizens in your State or district, the greater your voting power in Congress and Presidential elections. This not only destroys the principle of one person-one vote by making some American's votes more powerful than others, but it encourages illegal immigration in sanctuary cities as a way to increase political power". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps strengthen democracy by ending a fraudulent political scheme weakens the integrity of elections and also manipulates federal fund disbursements.

Strengthening Democracy and Election Integrity by Requiring the Census to Account for Illegal Immigrants.

The Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) motion to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would instruct the Senate Committee on Appropriations to remove all Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending (commonly referred to as "earmarks) within the bill. The bill contains roughly 6,600 earmarks at a cost of $12 billion. According to the sponsor, "Earmarks are a corrupt practice" and "the American taxpayer should not be used as a political piggybank". 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 $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Restoring Fiscal Responsibility in the Appropriations Bill by Cutting the 6,600 Earmarks that Total $12 Billion in Runaway Spending for Lawmaker Pet Projects.

The Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) amendment #1623 to the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024" would prohibit the use of funds to initiate or decline a Federal criminal charge based on impermissible considerations defined in the Justice Manual. According to the sponsor, the Justice Manual has been violated as "the Justice Department has been weaponized against the 45th President, President Biden's lead political opponent". Support is the Limited Government Position as tragically our justice system has been warped by politics at both the federal and local levels. This amendment and other measures are essential to reforming the "Department of Injustice" and restoring the faith of Americans of a fair and unbiased judicial system.

Combatting the Weaponization of the Criminal Justice System Against Trump and Others by Defunding Federal Criminal Charges that Fail to Comply with the Justice Manual.

The Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment #1384 to the "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024" would effectively end all humanitarian aid provide to Gaza. Under the amendment, aid would be terminated unless the Palestinian Authority and other Palestinian governing entities in the West Bank recognize Israel's right to exist, release all hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and renounce terrorism. Additionally, the amendment would also force the State Department to report on compliance with U.S. foreign assistance laws. Support is the Limited Government Position as other countries in the United Nations have continually failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States can no longer continue to provide its enormous levels of foreign aid when congress is running a budget deficit of nearly $2 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Placing America First by Ending the Foreign Aid Provided to the Gaza Strip.

The Sen. Dick Durbin (R-IL) amendment #1841 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would require greater oversight of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). According to the sponsor "This modification I am suggesting, suggested by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, would mean that the Agency would have to report for warrants 80 cases a month. That is not too much when we are dealing with hundreds of thousands of targets and millions of conversations." It is noteworthy that while the NSA and FBI are prohibited from "intentionally" targeting Americans through its mass surveillance under FISA, these agencies acquire a huge amount of innocent Americans' communications "incidentally." These agencies can then conduct backdoor, warrantless searches of these "incidentally collected" communications. 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.

Strengthening Government Transparency Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by Requiring the Agency to Report for Warrants 80 Cases a Month.

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. Ron Wyden (D-OR) amendment #1820 to the "Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act" would reverse a major expansion of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that was included in the House-passed bill by striping a provision that "requires anyone who can access a server, cable box, wifi router, phone or laptop to assist in warrantless 702 surveillance". 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. The House-passed bill requires 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. 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 by Removing a Provision within the FISA Bill that Expanded Warrantless Surveillance to Encompass a Greater Number of Americans and Business Entities.

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. Mike Lee (R-UT) amendment #98 to the Fiscal Responsibility Act ensures that the bill's "pay-go" requirement cannot be waived by the Biden Administration's Office of Management and Budget. The "pay-go" requirement ensures that any new spending must be offset by cuts elsewhere. Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a critical safeguard to even greater reckless spending. 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.

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	90.74	Sen	R
2023	87.04	Sen	R

Year
2024	—	100.00	100.00	0.00	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	80.00	—
2023	100.00	100.00	0.00	—	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	66.67	100.00

J.D. Vance

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