Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 112th Congress.  I trust this finds you and your family well.

Last week (10/23 - 10/29/11)

Last week, the House continued its job creation agenda. The House passed the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act to increase U.S. copper production.  We also amended the IRS tax code to remove a burdensome 3 percent tax withholding on businesses that work with the federal government.  Off the House floor, another Red Tape victory was secured as the Department of Labor extended an important deadline that would impact many farmers by not allowing them to hire teenagers to work.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act - H.R. 1904-

H.R. 1904 passed with bipartisan support, as it would open up the world's third-largest undeveloped copper resource for mining.  This supply alone is expected to meet 25 percent of U.S. copper needs, and create 3,700 jobs and $20 billion in new local, state and federal tax revenue.  You can read more about this legislation here. 

IRS 3 percent Withholding Revision - H.R. 674-

With overwhelming bipartisan support, the House voted to amend the tax code to repeal one more piece of Red Tape, an unnecessary 3 percent tax withholding on payments to vendors of government entities scheduled to take effect in 2013.  You may read more about this repeal here.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income- H.R. 2576- 

To pay for the 3 precent repeal, in another bipartisan vote, the House approved a change to healthcare eligibility in new healthcare exchanges.  This will fix an unintended consequence of last year's healthcare bill that would have I allowed individuals making as much as $60,000 per year to qualify for Medicaid.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates $13 billion in savings through 2021.  Learn more about the specific of this bill here.

Department of Labor Fair Labor Act extension-
Red Tape Victory

The Department of Labor (DOL) wants to regulate youth working on farms.  Along with my House colleagues, I sent a letter to DOL asking them to extend the comment period on this rule to hear from farmers how this rule effect them.  In a Red Tape Rollback victory, DOL did extend the comment period.

As a friend of mine, Mike Beard put it:
"Bailing hay, shoveling dirt and other less pleasant things all make youth appreciate what a day's work is.  Lots of character is built as a youth working on a farm or other small family business.  Enough already of government protection." - Mike Beard, Frankfort

Mike, I couldn't have put it better myself.

The Week Ahead (10/29 - 11/5/11)

This week, the House is expected to consider two bills regarding the Securites and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

Access to Capital for Job Creators Act - H.R. 2940-

This legislation will eliminate regulation on privately held companies to allow them to advertise to potential investors.  Allowing small businesses to attract investors will, in turn, allow them to invest capital and grow their company, improving the job market and overall economy.

Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act - H.R. 2930 -

H.R. 2930 removes restrictions on the pool of investors from whom  businesses may raise capital.  Like H.R. 2940, this measure will also allow new businesses more access to additional investment possibilities. 

These two bills are perfect examples of ways the federal government can get out of the way, get potential investors off the sidelines and onto the economic playing field, aiding small businesses and eventually, new employees.  

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I appreciate your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington.  Take care.