A moment with the Congressman
We need to deliver what we have promised
As this year draws to a close, I am already looking to the New Year. There is much to be done in Washington as the new Congress and new president are sworn in, and this is reflected in President-elect Trump’s and the Republican leadership’s ambitious agenda and busy calendar. We need to deliver what we have promised the American people for the last several years: lower taxes, a more fiscally responsible budget and common sense solutions to affordable and quality healthcare.
One of the early priorities is tax reform. I am looking forward to pursuing thoughtful, pro-growth tax reform in the next Congress. Our complex and outdated tax code hasn’t been overhauled in 30 years, which has held back our country’s true economic potential and reduced opportunities for all Americans. On the individual side, we must lower rates across the board to spur job growth, as well as dramatically simplify tax filings. On the business side, reforms must ensure that the U.S. becomes the most competitive country in the world to do business.
Inextricable to tax issues are budgetary issues. The fiscal state of our nation is dire, and we have a $20 trillion national debt that will continue to grow – unless we get serious about addressing our debts and deficits. To that end, I will be reintroducing my Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution, a bipartisan resolution to require both chambers of Congress to receive an annual presentation from the Comptroller General on the financial position and condition of the federal government. I also intend to reintroduce my Budget Enforcement Awareness Resolution to highlight the lack of fiscal responsibility in legislation and provide accountability for deviations from the budget.
Another priority of mine is healthcare. We spend more on healthcare than any other nation in the world yet rank 37th in healthcare outcomes. Under the Affordable Care Act, the quality of care has decreased, and premiums have skyrocketed. In 2017, we must act quickly to set up the parameters for a repeal of Obamacare and act diligently to replace it in such a way that provides the safety net families deserve. By increasing competition with market-based solutions, we will be able to deliver the accessible, affordable and quality care Obamacare has failed to deliver.
In the first months of the next Congress, I intend to introduce the Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act, which would improve transparency and accountability for both patients and providers. I also intend to introduce the Creating Access to Rehabilitation for Every Senior (CARES) Act to reduce costs and remove barriers to healthcare services for our nation’s seniors by eliminating the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for Medicare beneficiaries who are in need of skilled nursing facility services.
I also share the president-elect’s ambition to rebuild our infrastructure. As of 2014, there were 61,365 structurally deficient bridges in the United States, nearly 6,000 of which are on our National Highway System. I will be reintroducing my Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Act to create a bipartisan, bicameral commission within Congress to develop a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund. Last Congress, this legislation garnered the support of the Chamber of Commerce, AAA, AFL-CIO, the American Trucking Associations and the mayors of numerous cities in Ohio.
My priority in the coming months is to push legislation that will make meaningful changes for our nation but especially for the people of Ohio. The 16th District showed its confidence in me in November, and I intend to get to work for you as quickly as possible in the next Congress. Have a wonderful New Year.
One of the early priorities is tax reform. I am looking forward to pursuing thoughtful, pro-growth tax reform in the next Congress. Our complex and outdated tax code hasn’t been overhauled in 30 years, which has held back our country’s true economic potential and reduced opportunities for all Americans. On the individual side, we must lower rates across the board to spur job growth, as well as dramatically simplify tax filings. On the business side, reforms must ensure that the U.S. becomes the most competitive country in the world to do business.
Inextricable to tax issues are budgetary issues. The fiscal state of our nation is dire, and we have a $20 trillion national debt that will continue to grow – unless we get serious about addressing our debts and deficits. To that end, I will be reintroducing my Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution, a bipartisan resolution to require both chambers of Congress to receive an annual presentation from the Comptroller General on the financial position and condition of the federal government. I also intend to reintroduce my Budget Enforcement Awareness Resolution to highlight the lack of fiscal responsibility in legislation and provide accountability for deviations from the budget.
Another priority of mine is healthcare. We spend more on healthcare than any other nation in the world yet rank 37th in healthcare outcomes. Under the Affordable Care Act, the quality of care has decreased, and premiums have skyrocketed. In 2017, we must act quickly to set up the parameters for a repeal of Obamacare and act diligently to replace it in such a way that provides the safety net families deserve. By increasing competition with market-based solutions, we will be able to deliver the accessible, affordable and quality care Obamacare has failed to deliver.
In the first months of the next Congress, I intend to introduce the Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act, which would improve transparency and accountability for both patients and providers. I also intend to introduce the Creating Access to Rehabilitation for Every Senior (CARES) Act to reduce costs and remove barriers to healthcare services for our nation’s seniors by eliminating the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for Medicare beneficiaries who are in need of skilled nursing facility services.
I also share the president-elect’s ambition to rebuild our infrastructure. As of 2014, there were 61,365 structurally deficient bridges in the United States, nearly 6,000 of which are on our National Highway System. I will be reintroducing my Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Act to create a bipartisan, bicameral commission within Congress to develop a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund. Last Congress, this legislation garnered the support of the Chamber of Commerce, AAA, AFL-CIO, the American Trucking Associations and the mayors of numerous cities in Ohio.
My priority in the coming months is to push legislation that will make meaningful changes for our nation but especially for the people of Ohio. The 16th District showed its confidence in me in November, and I intend to get to work for you as quickly as possible in the next Congress. Have a wonderful New Year.
