3-20-2016 Rokita Report
Mar 20, 2016 Issues: Congressional Issues, Defense and National Security, Economy and Jobs
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Dear Fellow Hoosiers, Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 114th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well, as we work together to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. For daily updates, please take a moment to "Like" my Facebook page by clicking here In this week's Rokita Report
House Budget Committee Passes Conservative Blueprint Wednesday the House Budget Committee, on which I serve as the Vice Chair, passed a visionary budget that achieves $7 trillion in deficit reduction over ten years through a combination of $6.5 trillion in savings and economic growth. It completely repeals Obamacare, reforms autopilot entitlement programs by strengthening Medicare and Social Security for future generations, and provides for a strong national defense.
Rep. Rokita Giving Remarks During the Budget Markup Washington, DC-based organizations claim that if we do not pass our budget, we can instead have an appropriations process at a slightly lower spending level of $1.040 trillion. This is simply not the case. If we do not pass a budget, we cannot begin the appropriations process, which is a valuable tool for inserting policy provisions that stop the overreach we have seen from this President and for keeping our budget process transparent. It is only through the budget process that Congress can craft reconciliation legislation that bypasses the Senate’s onerous 60-vote threshold. Using reconciliation instructions in last year’s budget, for example, we were able to bring ObamaCare repeal legislation to the President’s desk. Instead of these wins, without the budget we would be forced to pass a continuing resolution that would only save $3 billion, most of which would come from defense spending, with no policy gains. This is a scenario I am determined to avoid. Amicus Brief Opposing Obama's Executive Amnesty On Thursday, the House passed H.Res. 639, legislation that allows the Speaker to send an amicus brief on behalf of the whole House of Representatives in the United States v. Texascase. The case is regarding the constitutionality of the President’s executive orders deferring action on immigration. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on April 18. Our Constitution is clear, it is the responsibility of the President to faithfully execute the laws of the United States. The President has demonstrated a reckless disregard for our laws as they were written in a wide range of areas, including immigration, healthcare, and the Second Amendment. With today’s vote, the People’s House is making it clear we stand with the American people and the rule of law. The President’s role is to enforce our nation’s existing laws, not to govern by executive fiat when he disagrees with those laws. As a body, the House is sending a clear message to the Supreme Court that Congress and not the President is responsible for writing laws. Protecting Christians From ISIS On Monday, the House passed an important bill to declare that those who commit or support atrocities against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities are commiting genocide. This bill is particularly relevant in light of the attacks against these groups by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). I was a cosponsor of this bill because I recognize the reality of the atrocities in the Middle East orchestrated by ISIS. The bill passed 393 to 0, a strong demonstration of unity by the People's House on this issue. This passed in the House as the Obama administration continued to waiver on making the very same decision. After the House provided clear guidance on the issue, the Obama Administration on Thursday finally recognized that ISIS is engaged in genocide of regional minority groups. The United Nations (UN) has stated that ISIS has killed over 19,000 civilians and holds about 3,500 as slaves. Kokomo Congress On Your Corner This week, I will be hosting a Congress On Your Corner event in Kokomo. These events are how I get marching orders for my work in Washington. I hope to see you there! Kokomo Congress on Your Corner Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. Take care.
Sincerely, |
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