"NO" on the Trade Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314)
"YES" on Motion to Table Kirk Export-Import Bank Amendment
Washington - This week, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) introduced the Transportation Empowerment Act (H.R.2716), which will put states back in the driver's seat by returning funding and decision-making to those outside of Washington. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A. Needham: "The Transportation Empowerment Act is an innovative, long-term solution to our nation's broken and outdated highway funding system. Consolidating...
Today, Heritage Action and dozens of conservatives groups sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to oppose the newly introduced Remote Transactions Parity Act (RTPA), the newest name for the Internet sales tax. The letter says, in part, "[T]he bill would create a decidedly "unlevel" playing field between brick-and-mortar and online sales. Brick-and-mortar sales across the country are governed by a simple rule that allows the business to collect sales...
The First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598), introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), would prevent the federal government from discriminating against any individual or group, whether nonprofit or for-profit, based on their beliefs that marriage is the union of a man and woman or that sexual relations are reserved for marriage. That protection would extend to tax policy, employment, licensing, accreditation, contracting and grants.
The First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802), introduced by Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), would prevent the federal government from discriminating against any individual or group, whether nonprofit or for-profit, based on their beliefs that marriage is the union of a man and woman or that sexual relations are reserved for marriage. That protection would extend to tax policy, employment, licensing, accreditation, contracting and grants.
Washington -- Today, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) introduced the Premium Reduction and Insurance Market Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 2819). The bill would not renew Obamacare subsidies, instead it would eliminate the law's costly mandates and regulations in the aftermath of a favorable Supreme Court ruling in the King v. Burwell case. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A. Needham: "As Obamacare unravels, our goal...
Washington -- Last night, the House Rules Committee reported a rule that would allow the House to vote today on a bill to grant President Obama fast-track authority, also known at Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). While the bill does not contain the ineffective Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, Republican leaders made clear they will ensure the "President can sign [TAA] into law." They even acknowledged "It's a little bit of...
CO-SPONSORSHIP of the First Amendment Defense Act (H.R. 2802)
CO-SPONSORSHIP of the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598)
Washington -- Over the weekend, House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) stripped Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) of his post as a subcommittee chairman. Earlier in the week, House Republican leaders removed Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) from the whip team because they too voted against a procedural motion intended to pave the way for fast track trade authority. Heritage...
"NO" on Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R. 2146)
Washington - Tomorrow morning, the House Republican freshman class will hold a members-only meeting at the behest of Republican leaders, Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA). At the meeting they will attempt to remove Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO)" chamber="house" mcid="B001297"] as freshman class president for his vote against fast-track trade authority. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A...
Washington -- This morning, the Supreme Court ruled in King. v. Burwell that the Obama administration did not violate the law by providing subsidies to those on the federal exchange even though Obamacare clearly states subsidies are only available on state-run exchanges. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A. Needham: "By granting legal status to Obamacare's illegal subsidies, the Supreme Court made clear Americans cannot...
Washington -- This morning, the Supreme Court incorrectly ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the 14th Amendment requires all states to redefine marriage to include same-sex marriage. Heritage Action released the following statement from chief executive officer Michael A. Needham: "The Supreme Court got it wrong. This is judicial activism pure and simple - on par with Roe v. Wade. Nothing in the Constitution requires the redefinition of marriage and...
"Looks to me like they have the votes, and I'm going to give them the opportunity." With those 16 words to the Associated Press about the future of the Export-Import Bank, Senator Mitch McConnell began charting a new course just six months into his tenure as majority leader. As Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn explained earlier this year regarding amendments and ending debate, "The only person who makes the decision...
The Senate will consider the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act (H.R. 22). The 1,000+ page bill would reauthorize highway and transit programs for six years while increasing spending, revenue and deficits. It would authorize $317 billion over six years for core highway and transit programs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also promised the bill would serve as a vehicle to resurrect the now-expired Export-Import Bank.
The House is scheduled to vote on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015 (H.R. 427) This bill would increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process by requiring Congress to approve all new major regulations.
The Senate will vote on an amendment to the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act (H.R. 22). The amendment, offered by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), would resurrect the now-expired Export-Import Bank.
The Every Child Achieves Act of 2015 (S. 1177), introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), would reauthorize the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law until 2021.