Weekly Columns
December 25, 2017
As promised, Congress and the Trump Administration delivered substantial tax reform to tens of millions of American taxpayers and hundreds of thousands of US corporations and businesses before Christmas. For years, many of my colleagues and I have called for tax reform - reform that would benefit American workers by letting them keep more of what they earn, bring American companies back to our shores, promote economic growth, and lower taxes on businesses.
Issues:Taxes
December 18, 2017
This week, Congress will start to wrap up its first legislative year and work to accomplish some of its major objectives. This year has been a productive one, but we are racing to the finish line to accomplish two of our most important priorities – funding the government and tax reform.
Each fiscal year, it is imperative that Congress funds our government agencies to meet the needs of the American taxpayer and that they remain open for business.
December 11, 2017
Regarded as a sacred city to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, the ancient city of Jerusalem as been at the center of dispute between Palestine and Israel for decades. And for many years, U.S. Presidents have attempted to engage and negotiate peace talks between Israel and Palestine in hopes that it would help set firm boundaries and a final two-state solution.
December 4, 2017
In America, we are fortunate to be a land of opportunity and to be one that is shaped by immigrants from all over the world. Likewise, law and justice also shapes our nation. Many immigrants have entered the United States legally and have thrived. In recent years though, our nation has been home to millions of illegal immigrants, and the laws that are supposed to protect our borders have failed to do so.
Kate Steinle is one American citizen who paid the ultimate price for that failure.
Issues:Immigration
November 27, 2017
In late 1987, a Korean Air flight traveling from Seoul, South Korea to Baghdad, Iraq, was bombed by North Korean agents killing all 115 people on board. This event, evidence of clear terrorist motives, prompted the Reagan Administration to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.
November 21, 2017
When President Ronald Reagan implemented a sweeping reform of our nation's tax system in 1986, it helped millions of Americans from different walks of life save money and kicked off an era of strong economic growth. A little more than three decades later, our tax code has become severely outdated. For the last several weeks, the House has been working through the legislative process to craft a bill aimed at fixing the current tax code and creating one that will support the individual, families and American businesses – something that is long overdue.
Issues:Taxes
November 13, 2017
For nearly a century, our nation has dedicated the eleventh day of the eleventh month as the day to honor and appreciate our veterans. What began as "Armistice Day," in 1919 to commemorate the soldiers that fought in World War I, has evolved to reflect the multiple battles and wars over the course of American history. But we should give gratitude to our veterans every day. As a nation, we are fortunate to have the world's strongest and most capable military forces. It is imperative that we remain committed to caring for our men and women in uniform years after their service.
Issues:Veterans & Military Retirees
November 6, 2017
A key element of America's constitution is the relationship our nation has had with Native Americans. Although there are moments in history where that relationship has been strained, the federal government today has been a usually reliable supporter of tribal sovereignty and self-government – a concept enshrined in the Constitution. Native Americans are the ‘First People' of our land, and the federal government has a responsibility to support their sovereignty and promote their well-being as citizens of this country.
Issues:Tribal Relations
October 30, 2017
The United States is fortunate to have the world's strongest and most capable military force. Each day, thousands of men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to protect our nation and our fundamental freedoms. Beyond our own borders, they are working all over the world to ensure our country remains secure on the international stage. And we were all saddened and shocked to hear of the deaths of four U.S Army Special Operations soldiers killed in Niger earlier this month.
October 23, 2017
For decades, the United States has had a contentious and adversarial relationship with the dangerous, theocratic regime of Iran. It has been a nation well known for funding, training and harboring terrorists. Often times, the United States has been the target of such activity. Since 1984, Iran has been a designated state sponsor of terror and remains so. With clear evidence that Iran's nuclear ambitions are disingenuous and threatening, it is imperative that the U.S.