Institute for Legislative Analysis

Daniel Webster

The "National Defense Authorization Act" (NDAA) as passed on December 11, 2024, spans 1,800 pages and contains $895.2 billion in spending (a $9 billion increase over FY24 and $120 billion increase since FY20). It should be noted that at this time the Pentagon failed its seventh consecutive audit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers can't continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into a broken pitcher. Major reforms must be made within the department of defense to cut waste, fraud and abuse and ensure our armed forces have the resources they need to protect our nation. Note: this custom vote only records Republican positions on the bill on the grounds of spending. Another custom vote records Democrat positions on the basis of DEI and transgender issues.

Passing a Fiscally Irresponsible National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which Hikes Spending by $9 Billion Despite the Pentagon Recently Failing its Audit.

The "Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) prohibits federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any land that is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Management agencies. This includes the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. Additionally, the bill revokes the lease signed with New York City to house large numbers of illegal migrants in an active community park in Brooklyn. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, such as ones highlighted within this bill. Lawmakers must eliminate all incentives that may encourage illegal immigration, including taxpayer-funded benefits surrounding housing, education, and other welfare programs.

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

The Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) amendment #2 to the "Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023" would direct the SEC to create rules allowing electronic delivery to become the default communication method for investment companies with their investors. According to the sponsor, "the amendment aims to modernize the policy, with investors opting in to paper disclosures instead of opting out while ensuring that paper will always be an option." Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory reform helps reduce waste and unnecessary costs for businesses and investment companies.

Reducing Unnecessary Business Costs Through the Default "E-Delivery" of Investor Notices Rather than Traditional Mail by Amending the "Expanding Access to Capital Act".

The House Version of the "Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025" sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) would provide $833 billion for the Defense Department and is aligned with the cap (less than 1% increase compared to the prior year) mandated by the "Fiscal Responsibility Act". Some key provisions within the bill include pay increase for junior enlisted service members, the procurement of additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and purchase of one Virginia-class submarine. Additionally, the bill contains a number of conservative provisions aimed at eliminating abortion services, climate change mitigation efforts, and DEI initiatives. Support is the Limited Government Position as this version of the bill represents a fiscally responsible effort of ensuring the U.S. armed forces is properly equipped and prepared to defend the nation, while also eliminating a multitude of politized initiatives across the Department of Defense.

Advancing a Fiscally Responsible Department of Defense Appropriation Bill which Eliminates Politized Initiatives Across the Armed Services.

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 sponsored by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) acknowledges the dangers and challenges faced by law enforcement officers, condemns the Biden Administration's border policies, urges leaders to encourage and support law enforcement officers, and recognizes and sympathizes with law enforcement officers for the stress they face. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues, ranging from welfare to the education system.

Condemning the Biden Administration for the Border Crisis and Encouraging the Support of Law Enforcement.

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.

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

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

The Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) amendment #58 to the "Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits the expenditure of funds to extend "temporary protected status" (TPS), for nationals of El Salvador. TPS is a tool provided by Congress that allows for the President, acting through the Department of Homeland Security, to allow foreign nationals to remain temporarily in the United States if conditions in their home country are too dangerous to send them back. According to the sponsor, "like so many immigration laws, this narrow authority has been repeatedly abused". The sponsor also noted that nationals of El Salvador have been granted TPS due to the aftermath of an earthquake in the country, but "here is the problem: That earthquake was in 2001, more than two decades ago." Support is the Limited Government Position as despite the need to grow the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country, the continued abuse of TPS places an immense drain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious law enforcement and national security issues.

Strengthening Immigration Enforcement by Ending the Abuse of the "Temporary Protected Status" Program for Nationals of El Salvador.

The "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" would appropriate $38.5 billion, roughly $72 million less than the prior year. The bill would cut EPA spending by 20 percent, with initiatives pertaining to "environmental justice" receiving large cuts. The superfund cleanup program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program would receive slightly higher funding levels. Furthermore, the bill blocks funding for the American Climate Corps and provides $3.6 billion for wildfire activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this fiscally responsible measure not only restrains spending but better prioritizes funding across the EPA and Department of Interior. 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 with an Appropriations Bill that Reduces EPA Spending by 20% and Makes Significant Budgetary Cuts within the Department of Interior.

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

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

The Rep. 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 Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) amendment #76 to the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" strikes the $707 million in funding provided to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). According to the sponsor, the entity represents the "educational-industrial complex", with funding directed to programs "interested in the disclosure of gender, racial, and ethnic composition of governing boards of higher education to promote DEI institutions". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as IES represents one of countless government-funded entities advancing politicized initiatives across the American education system. Like many taxpayer-funded entities across the "educational-industrial complex", the mission of the IES should be funded through the private sector, not government.

Cutting $707 Million in Wasteful Spending for the Institute of Education Sciences, which Promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within the Education System.

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".

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

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

The Payne amendment #227 to the "Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act" mandates that all retail establishments accept cash for transactions under $2,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure infringes private contracting rights while also placing a significant regulatory barrier on "automated marketplaces" and businesses in high-crime areas. While there are legitimate concerns for government attempting to eliminate cash and create its own digital and trackable currency, such issues should be addressed in targeted legislation as opposed to this overreaching mandate that harms businesses.

Preventing Private Businesses from Setting their Own Payment Method Policies by Mandating All Retail Establishments Accept Cash.

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

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

The "Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022" reauthorizes and further expands a program that funds home visits in select local communities for expectant and new parents. The congressional budget office estimates this program will cost federal taxpayers over $3 billion. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as such an initiative should not be the role of the federal government, but rather local community and non-profit groups that can judge the effectiveness of such initiatives and maximize their impact.

Increasing Government Dependency by Further Expanding a Federal Program Funding Maternal and Child Home Visiting.

The Rep. Ronnie Jackson (R-TX) amendment #4 to the "Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025" reduces funding for the Office of the Attending Physician to the Congress to FY20 levels (a roughly 15 percent cut). According to the sponsor, funding needs to be brought back to a reasonable level, and the "nonpartisan role of Attending Physician to Congress has been highly politicized by the current Attending Physician (Dr. Monahan)". The sponsor noted that Dr. Monahan actively did the bidding of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's "by implementing a politically motivated mask mandate in the House of Representatives despite that not being in line with the best available science or the CDC recommendations at the time." Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $35 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Funding for the Office of the Attending Physician to the Congress to FY2020 Levels - An Entity that has Advanced Politicized Mask Mandates.

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 Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) amendment #61 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits funds from being provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The sponsor noted that "the Lebanese Armed Forces is a military force that emboldens Hezbollah and their Iranian handlers to spread terror and destruction upon our ally, Israel" and that "not only do Hezbollah and its allies control dozens of seats in Lebanon's parliament, but they literally sit at the helm of the military force that our tax dollars have been propping up". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure not only helps ensure taxpayer funds are used to place America first, but also strengthens national security by ensuring taxpayer funds are not provided to entities tied to terrorists and used to the detriment of Americans.

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Funding for the Lebanese Armed Forces - An Entity Directly Connected to the Terrorist Group Hezbollah on America's Ally Israel.

The "Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act" sponsored by Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) would combat radical bail policies by ensuring judges and prosecutors know a defendant's criminal history, while also bring accountability to the bail system. Specifically, the bill would allow state and local jurisdictions to use Byrne grant funding to develop and maintain a public safety report for each defendant charged with a violent offense and report this information to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The legislation would also define bail bonds as an "insurance product" to require compliance with federal insurance fraud laws and background check requirements - thus preventing "bail crowdsourcing". Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety through a well-staffed police force serve are essential components of government. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms" have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of both liberal and conservative advocacy organizations.

Combatting Lawless Criminal Justice Reforms and Bail Policies through the "Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act".

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #83 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" strikes the funding for the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). According to the sponsor, the CEQ is a duplicative entity of the EPA which imposes onerous regulatory burdens on Americans, plus under the Biden Administration, has developed politicized policies on climate change, environmental justice, and Federal sustainability. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps cut unnecessary and duplicative government bureaucracy. Additionally, the CEQ has largely become a politicized entity advancing an extreme left-wing environmental justice agenda.

Cutting Duplicative Government Bureaucracy through the Elimination of the Council on Environmental Quality.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #82 to the "Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits the use of funds to take retaliatory actions against States that disagree with the EPA- mandated pollutant reduction goals. According to the sponsor, the amendment is in response to actions taken by the EPA in 2010 (known as the Chesapeake Bay TMDL) which seized the States' authority to determine their own method of compliance and threatened to take over the water quality plants. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat federal overreach and one-size-fits-all mandates which unnecessarily drive-up taxpayer and consumer costs.

Combatting Federal Overreach by Prohibiting the EPA from Taking Retaliatory Actions Against States that Disagree with the EPA's Mandated Pollutant Reduction Goals.

The Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) amendment #30 to the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024" cuts spending by $19.7 million at the Department of Housing and Urban Development's by reducing the "fair housing activities" appropriation amount back to the fiscal year 2019 level. According to the Congressional Research Service, only three to five percent of fair housing complaints lead to a formal charge, and between zero to one percent of complaints lead to a referral to the Department of Justice. Support is the Limited Government Position as the vast majority of complaints directed to the fair housing division represent frivolous allegations and are primarily designed to harass landlords, which will ultimately drive up rental costs. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Reducing Wasteful Spending by Lowering Funding for HUD "Fair Housing Activities" to 2019 Levels.

The "Liberty in Laundry Act" sponsored by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) limits the ability of the Department of Energy (DOE) to impose energy conservation standards on clothes washers. Under the bill the DOE may only impose such regulations if they (1) are technologically feasible and economically justified, (2) are not likely to result in additional net costs to consumers, and (3) will result in significant conservation of energy. 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 clothes washing machine that best meets their needs. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to combatting government overreach which unnecessarily hikes consumer costs.

Protecting Consumer Choice and Preventing Bureaucrats from Imposing Overreaching Regulations on Clothes Washers through the "Liberty in Laundry Act".

The "Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022" provides the Federal Maritime Commission new power to investigate and order refunds of "unreasonable" demurrage charges (late fees when cargo is not unloaded in contracted time frames at ports), as well as a series of other new regulatory powers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to interfere in the private contract negotiations of companies, absent fraud or criminal activity. Instead, lawmakers should empower the free market to reduce shipping costs by repealing the underlying government regulations that have led to the shipping cost crisis, such as the Jones Act and other government barriers to port construction.

Expanding Government Power to Set Prices and Interfere in Private Contracting Agreements Between Companies Through the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

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 Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) amendment #52 to the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025" would prohibit TRICARE from covering and the Department of Defense from furnishing gender transition surgeries and gender hormone treatments for individuals that identify as transgender. According to the sponsor, "the DOD spent millions of dollars on these surgeries, and they do nothing to help our servicemembers. The follow-up medications and counseling are even more costly". Support is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to provide elective services surrounding gender reassignment, as is the current case with Botox and other procedures designed to improve physical appearance. All such services and costs should be the responsibility of the individuals seeking to obtain them, not U.S. taxpayers.

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

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

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

The Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) amendment #20 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025" would prohibit $1.6 billion of funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to the sponsor, "USAID was responsible for the management of more than $40 billion in combined annual appropriations in fiscal year 2022" and used the funds for a multitude of wasteful and politicized initiatives. Support is the Limited Government Position as other countries in the United Nations have failed to contribute their fair share of global support and the United States is not in the position to maintain its foreign aid spending 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 Through a $1.6 Billion Cut to the USAID Program - An Entity where Expenditures have Become Heavily Politicized.

The "Trust the Science Act" sponsored by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) would direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to remove protections for the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, the bill requires the DOI to reissue a former Trump administration rule issued on November 3, 2020 titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife". According to the sponsor, "For far too long, farmers and ranchers have been powerless to defend their livestock from gray wolf attacks" and leaving the wolf "on the ESA list in perpetuity prevents scarce taxpayer resources from going to endangered species that actually need help being recovered". Support is the Limited Government Position as due to the fact the gray wolf has fully recovered, leaving the species on the list unnecessarily continues the infringement of property rights and prevents resources from being directed to other animals in actual need of protection.

Removing the Fully Recovered Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species List to Better Direct Taxpayer Resources to Protecting Threatened Species through the "Trust the Science Act".

The Lucas motion to instruct the conference committee on the "America COMPETES Act of 2022" ensures that section 2502 of the version passed by the Senate is included in the final bill. This section ensures that no person or entity of concern, as defined by the Department of Defense, can receive grants or funding from the National Science Foundation, federally funded manufacturing programs, or technology hubs authorized by the bill. Support is the Limited Government Position as this motion establishes guardrails to ensure taxpayer funds do not end up in the hands of foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party.

Ensuring Taxpayer Funds within the COMPETES Act Are Not Sent to Foreign Adversaries.

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 "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act" sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (a private non-profit entity) to study and make recommendations about various aspects of youth residential programs. This includes the publishing of various studies, educational training resources and risk assessment tools. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while actions should be taken to combat institutional child abuse, such work should be performed at the state and local level - not by the federal government. Additionally, this bill enriches a government-favored non-profit and creation of one-size-fits all materials as opposed to locally driven solutions.

Growing the Role of the Federal Government and Enriching a Select Non-Profit through the "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act".

The Nick LaLota (R-NY) amendment #3 to the "Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" would add language stating the bill "shall not limit a governmental entity's ability to obtain information that would be obtainable without a warrant. According to the sponsor, this amendment serves as a massive loophole, as the purchase of information from a third party (collection of data) could then bypass a warrant and "would destroy the whole purpose of the bill". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment significantly weakens the civil liberty protections within the underlying bill. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizure.

Weakening Civil Liberties by Creating a Loophole in the "Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act" to Allow Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies to Purchase Data to Avoid Obtaining a Warrant.

The "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023" sponsored by Rep. Bill Keating (D- MA) would grow the size and scope of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the creation of a new "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Grant Program". In 2023, NOAA allocated about $1 million for sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation activities. Under this bill, NOAA would hire additional employees and spend an estimated $33 million to provide grants to various non-profits which assist sea turtles. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while rehabilitating sea turtles is a worthy initiative, it is a duty of state and non-profit entities - not the federal government. Taxpayers cannot afford to further grow the federal bureaucracy to support every animal group or the mission of every non-profit entity. The private sector is best equipped to fund these types of initiatives, which ensures waste is minimized and resources directed to the most needed initiatives.

Growing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to Award Grants to Government-Favored Non-Profits Under the "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act".

The "No Foreign Election Interference Act" sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) would impose restrictions and penalties on tax-exempt organizations that receive funding from foreign nationals. Under existing law, foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to U.S. campaigns, however, there are no laws or regulations preventing foreign nationals from influencing U.S. elections by directing funds to 501(c)(4) organizations or other tax-exempt organizations. Under the bill, tax-exempt entities would be barred from contributing to a political committee eight years from the date it received a contribution from a foreign national. According to the sponsor, foreign entities "have been funding far-left advocacy groups, promoting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda, and fueling antisemitic protests to influence America's political landscape". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure closes a significant loophole to help strengthen democracy and ensure American elections remain free from foreign interference. This bill failed to receive the 2/3rd vote necessary to pass.

Strengthening Democracy by Prohibiting Foreign Nationals from Influencing Elections through Contributions to Tax-Exempt Entities - "No Foreign Election Interference Act".

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

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

The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2024" sponsored by Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) requires the Department of Justice to report: (1) targeted attacks on law enforcement officers, (2) the feasibility of incorporating such attacks into existing crime reporting systems and (3) the mental health resources that are available to law enforcement officers. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining public safety through a well-staffed police force is one of the most essential components of government. Unfortunately, so-called criminal justice "reforms", continue to make the duties of law enforcement much more dangerous and are being advanced across the nation by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Backing the Blue Through the "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act".

The "Special District Grant Accessibility Act" sponsored by Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) would require the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring "special districts" to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations. As a result, special districts - which the state of Colorado has over 3,500 alone - could begin receiving federal funds for services including wastewater management, health care, transit, natural resource conservation, etc. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of state and local entities - not the federal government - to fund the local-level services the bill is intended to address. This bill would inevitably result in runaway spending and further growth of the federal bureaucracy. 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.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Requiring "Special Districts" to be Recognized as Local Governments and Become Eligible for Federal Funding.

The "National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act of 2022" requires the Department of Transportation to develop a national aviation preparedness plan that includes the identification of appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to a communicable disease and consultations with airline and labor groups. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the primary mission of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is to constantly monitor and adjust strategy to best protect the public from pandemics - it is an organization better equipped to carry out these duties than the Department of Transportation.

Creating Unnecessary Bureaucracy within the Department of Transportation to Establish a Duplicative Aviation Industry Pandemic Plan Already Covered by the CDC.

The Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) amendment #42 to the "Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025" prohibits the Delaware River Basin Commission from implementing or enforcing a ban on hydraulic fracturing. According to the sponsor, "unaccountable bureaucrats at the Delaware River Basin Commission have instituted a hydraulic fracturing ban for a portion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ban has blocked desperately needed natural gas from entering the market and striped away property rights and mineral rights from Pennsylvanians in contravention of the will of their very own legislature." Support is the Limited Government Position as state legislatures - not unaccountable commissions - should be the ones with authority to increase the stringency of regulations. This amendment strengthens property rights while also promoting stronger economic growth through energy extraction.

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

The Rep. 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 "Fix Our Forests Act" sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) contains numerous provisions primarily designed to help reduce wildfires. Some key provisions include improved management of forests on federal land and expedited review of certain forest management projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Additionally, the bill provides utility companies greater ability to remove vegetation which may damage powerlines, and also limits the ability of entities (primarily environmental groups) from advancing frivolous litigation. Support is the Limited Government Position as while government should significantly shrink its enormous land holdings, this bill at least helps to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers to prevent wildfires through improved land management.

Improving Federal Land Management and Reducing Wildfires through the "Fix Our Forests Act".

The Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) amendment #23 to the "Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024" provides a $14.3 million cut to the Peace Corps budget to restore the agency appropriation to pre-COVID-19 levels. According to the sponsor, the Peace Corps has engaged in numerous politicized initiatives, including helping illegal immigrants at the southern border, promoting DEI amongst its volunteers, and various activities surrounding climate change. Support is the Limited Government Position as the Peace Corps serves as just one of many foreign aid programs of the United States and the country is not in the position to grow its foreign aid spending when congress is running a budget deficit of $1.7 trillion. Lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Providing a Slight Cut to Wasteful Spending within the Peace Corps by Restoring Funding to Pre-COVID-19 Levels.

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

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

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

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

The "No Technology for Terror Act" sponsored by Rep. Nathan Moran (R-TX) would make permanent existing U.S. export control restrictions that prohibit the transfer of American made technology to Iran. Additionally, the bill would extend the "foreign direct product rule" to Iran, which restricts the re-export or transfer of U.S. originated items from one foreign country to Iran. The products include technology and equipment such as cameras, lasers, and sensors.  Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens national security by denying technology and other equipment to Iran - a known harborer of terrorists.

Strengthening National Security by Boosting Export Restrictions on Iran Through the "No Technology for Terror Act".

This resolution sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) urges the European Union (EU) to expeditiously designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the EU Common Position 931 on terrorism (a sanction regime). It also encourages the Biden Administration to make the EU designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization a diplomatic priority in engagements with the EU. According to the sponsor, "the world must signal to the Islamic Republic of Iran that they will face severe consequences for their widespread acts of terrorism". Support is the Limited Government Position as this resolution helps strengthen national security by encouraging the EU to follow President Trump's lead in 2019 and designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization to help weaken the power of Iran, a country known to harbor terrorists.

Encouraging the European Union to Designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization and Impose Sanctions.

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

Year
2024	100.00	86.79	100.00	100.00	62.50	72.22	100.00	90.00	44.71	66.67
2023	100.00	90.91	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	90.91	59.46	50.00
2022	100.00	75.00	100.00	50.00	100.00	78.57	100.00	66.67	80.65	100.00

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	78.70	Rep	R	11
2023	84.43	Rep	R	11
2022	83.12	Rep	R	11

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