We continue our Member of the Week segment with a questionnaire with the Congresswoman. We want you to know the most conservative members of Congress on both a professional and personal level because it's important to see them as real people, not just politicians. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) answers 5 questions, some policy oriented and some personal:
Heritage Action: What aspect of government (i.e., program, department, agency) do you want to reform the most? What legislation are you currently pushing or working on to achieve that reform?
Rep. Bachmann: Unfortunately, there is opportunity for large-scale Medicaid fraud to occur. I was prompted to engage in this issue as allegations of fraud have emerged in my state of Minnesota. Americans work hard for their paychecks. Any hard-earned money that goes to Uncle Sam needs to be fully accountable. That is why I'm working on legislation that will bring transparency to Medicaid funding.
HA: What's a piece of smaller legislation, or nominee, that is currently on the agenda but flying under the radar that you feel conservatives should be concerned about?
Rep. Bachmann: Conservatives generally agree that Dodd-Frank is bad for business, but there hasn't been a full-court press to repeal the entire bill. I intend to change that. The first bill I introduced in the 112th Congress is a full-scale, Dodd-Frank repeal bill - H.R. 87. I urge conservatives to join the effort to rid our nation of Dodd-Frank.
HA: What do you enjoy the most and the least about being a Member of Congress?
Rep. Bachmann: I enjoy most being a voice for Americans in Washington who may not otherwise have a voice. My least favorite part about being a Member of Congress is having to spend time away from my family in Minnesota.
HA: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in Washington?
Rep. Bachmann: I love attending shows - especially symphonies - in Minnesota when I can find the time. Many people don't realize that the Twin Cities are second only to New York City in per capita attendance at performing arts events.
HA: What do you miss most about being a kid?
Rep. Bachmann: When I was a kid - five years old in 1961 - the national debt was only $288 billion. And now many in Congress don't even blink when they vote to spend that kind of money. Washington's spending habits weren't perfect when I was a kid, but they sure weren't as outrageous as what we see today.