House Passage of H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act
The President’s recent executive action to provide amnesty to 4.5 million illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S has understandably stirred concern and controversy throughout the United States. The President himself stated numerous times throughout his 6 years in office that doing so would exceed his limited executive authority, yet he moved forward anyway. In addition to rewarding those who cross our borders illegally with amnesty and encouraging more to do the same, the President’s overreach sets a dangerous precedent for future Administrations, undermining the separation of powers established within the U.S. Constitution.
That is why I voted for H.R. 5759, The Executive Action Prevention Act of 2014. This legislation does not fund the executive action; rather, it would prohibit the Executive Branch from treating such illegal aliens as if they were lawfully present, in addition to preventing work authorization. All provisions would be retroactively enforced as of November 20, 2014, the date the President announced his executive actions. Any change or reform to law—immigration or otherwise—must come via the proper channels. The American people spoke against this very kind of policy and Executive overreach; it is paramount to ensure their voices are heard by enforcing the rule of law.
House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act
For the fifty-third consecutive year, the House passed by a vote of 300-119 the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a key mechanism to provide necessary authorities and funding for America’s military. This legislation authorizes $521.3 billion in base discretionary funds and $63.7 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. President Obama has directed over $1 trillion in cuts to the military since he took office, and members of the Armed Services are not prepared to accept a smaller, less capable force at this time. As always, Congress has to balance the dual stewardship of the taxpayer dollar and vital national security requirements. The NDAA balances the force with constrained resources; supports and protects our war fighters and their families; enforces responsible and accountable policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria; and begins the process of reforming defense institutions.
Some highlights include fulfillment of critical readiness gaps with depot maintenance, flying hour programs, and base operations support; increased funds for suicide and sexual assault prevention programs; religious liberty protections; increased assistance to Iraqi and Kurdish forces in their fight against ISIL; prohibition on transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees and on the construction of terrorist detention facilities in the U.S.; finding efficiencies in acquisition and institutional reform; support to vital platforms such as the USS George Washington refueling and various air platforms; strengthening cyber operations; placing a stronger stance against Russian aggression by facilitating cooperation with our European allies; and retention of our nuclear weapon strength at its current levels.
House Passage of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014
The House took action last week to extend more than 50 separate tax provisions used by hard-working American families and businesses. H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, would extend these provisions through the 2014 tax year to prevent taxpayers from facing an unexpected tax hike when they file their 2014 taxes. Among the provisions included in the bill are various tax extenders that are vital to the success of businesses in Northwest Florida, including the Research and Development tax credit and increased small business expensing. In addition, H.R. 5771 includes pro-family tax provisions like the deduction for high education tuition, mortgage insurance premium deductions, and the wage credit for employees called to active duty. The bill would also continue the itemized deduction for state and local sales taxes, which is particularly important in states like Florida where individuals cannot deduct state income taxes from their federal obligations.
I voted in favor of H.R. 5771 to prevent American families and businesses from being hit with a series of tax increases; however, there is no question that this bill highlights the need to pursue comprehensive tax reform that simplifies the tax code and lowers rates across the board. I have been a long-time supporter of commonsense measures like H.R. 25, the Fair Tax Act, which would replace the current code with a fair tax, and H.R. 352, the Tax Code Termination Act, which would eliminate the tax code and require a complete rewrite, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to advance pro-growth comprehensive tax reform.
House Passage of the ABLE Act
Last week, the House passed important legislation to help provide families with the tools they need to save and financially provide for loved ones with special needs. H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which I was proud to cosponsor and vote for, would allow for the creation of tax-free savings accounts for those who live with disabilities. This tax-free savings account could then be used for qualified expenses, including health and wellness, education, transportation, and housing. As a long-time supporter of the ABLE Act, I was glad to see this bill pass the House by a vote of 404-17, and I urge the Senate to take up this important bill to help provide people with special needs the certainty and stability they need to realize and achieve their full potential.
House Natural Resources Hearing on H.R.3099, Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act
As a result of the current management of Gulf Red Snapper, this year we witnessed the shortest federal Gulf Red Snapper recreational season on record, despite a healthy stock exceeding the current rebuilding timelines. Heeding the call from anglers and stakeholders across the Gulf Coast, I introduced legislation this Congress that would address the failed management of Gulf Red Snapper by taking the management of the resource out of the hands of the feds and moving it to the states. While there is some disagreement on the path to achieve better management, having the discussion is absolutely critical. To that end, I was pleased that the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs held a hearing on my bill, H.R.3099, the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act last week to bring to the table individuals from all sides of the issue and have that discussion. Gulf Coast residents expect effective management that allows access to this public resource, while also ensuring that the fishery remains accessible for future generations, and I am committed to working with Gulf Coast residents and stakeholders, state and local officials, and my colleagues in Congress to fix this situation. To view my remarks click on the image below.
Firing of Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Sharon Helman
VA recently announced the firing of Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Sharon Helman – a central figure of the department’s health care scandal. VA will never re-gain the trust of America’s veterans and American taxpayers until all of the corrupt senior executives who created the biggest scandal in the department’s history are held accountable to the maximum extent under the law. While Sharon Helman's removal is a positive step, there are still many more VA scandal figures who must be purged from the department's payroll in order for veterans and families to receive the closure they deserve.
U. S. Congressman Jeff Miller
Constituent Voice
In Northwest Florida, and across the country, rising health care costs are hitting hard-working families already dealing with the impact of a sluggish economy and stretching their paychecks even further. With many shopping for health care plans for 2015, I consistently hear from constituents concerned with the overall increases in the cost of health care. From rising premiums, to higher deductibles and co-pays, there is no question that health care costs have risen, and continue to rise, substantially under Obamacare. And for those who are priced out of the market and can’t afford to purchase health insurance, Obamacare promises to penalize them with fines, thanks to the individual mandate. It is no wonder one of Obamacare’s principal authors, Senator Tom Harkin, recently said “We had the power to do it in a way that would have simplified health care, made it more efficient and made it less costly and we didn’t do it.”
Obamacare must be repealed and replaced with patient-centered reforms that will lower costs and reduce red tape in our health care system through a pragmatic, practical, and portable free-market approach to health care reform. House Republicans have led the way, voting nearly 60 times to repeal or defund Obamacare, while also putting forward conservative alternatives that would empower patients and reduce costs. I look forward to continuing this work in the upcoming Congress, as we work to protect Americans from the negative impact of Obamacare.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Washington Update