Weekly Columns

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 A little more than three decades later, our tax code has become severely outdated.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.

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.

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.

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.

In 1986, then President Ronald Reagan introduced a sweeping plan to reform our nation's tax system, and it worked. It simplified the outdated tax code which opened the door for individual prosperity and spurred economic growth. It also became one of the highlights of his presidency. Since then, our society has grown and the value of the U.S. dollar has changed. The working middle-class taxpayer today probably does not have the same priorities as they did in 1986.