It’s time to put America first

             Randy Weber

Washington watch with Randy Weber

US congressman Randy Weber writes exclusively in The Post about issues involving his work as part of our nation’s government

Should Hillary Clinton become the next president, it would be an utter disaster for our great country. A Clinton presidency would be a four-year extension of president Barack Obama’s failed agenda. This agenda has greatly diminished the role of the United States around the globe and hampered economic ingenuity right here at home.
What we need is a pro-growth agenda that will adapt to the ever-changing environment thanks to daily advances in technology in our world.
Hillary Clinton has decided to double-down on Obama’s liberal agenda of tax-and-spend policies that are currently generating one per cent growth here
in the United States.
Our country cannot afford to be stagnant and dated in policies that have never worked to produce good-paying jobs across the entire economy.
Ronald Reagan once said: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’.”
That truism may lead you to ask: “What exactly is a pro-growth agenda and how can the government help?”
The ideal pro-growth agenda would ensure government gets out of the way and empowers our states, our localities, and more importantly – YOU.
My vision for a prosperous America includes simplifying the tax code, cutting the corporate income tax, repealing Obama’s Affordable Health Care act and developing an all-of-the-above energy plan.
My colleague and fellow Texan, Republican Kevin Brady, whose Texas eighth congressional district is just north of Houston, has unveiled a tax-reform blueprint to simplify the tax code and consolidate the five individual income-tax rates into three – 12, 25 and 33 per cent. It would also lower the corporate tax rate to 20 per cent from 35 per cent and prevent
the taxation of income earned overseas.
Simplifying the tax code means less time spent agonizing over your taxes and more money in your pocket to manage your family’s budget.
This blueprint will usher in more private investment here in the United States and more take-home pay for American families.
After several years of dealing with the Affordable Health Care act, known as Obamacare, the American people know it is not the answer to our healthcare system. There are options we can take to ensure every American is given a choice for the best healthcare their family needs.
Under Obamacare, two million jobs are expected
to vanish by 2025 due to penalties. The average premium increase for job-based coverage is now $3,775 and there have been $1.058 trillion worth of tax hikes.
The GOP’s caucus in the house of representatives has a plan to dismantle the president’s takeover of healthcare and replace it with affordable options that allow the market to grow based on consumer demand.
Those with pre-existing conditions will still be covered once Obamacare is repealed. However, to offer affordable healthcare, we must allow the purchasing of coverage across state lines and expand choice through consumer-directed programs.
Developing an all-of-the-above energy plan will strengthen America’s
competitiveness in the global economy.
We made strides in this endeavor by lifting the 40-year-old ban on oil exports late last year, which resulted in growing energy exports and resilient domestic production in the face of low oil prices.
The billions of dollars invested in liquid-natural-gas export facilities will help make America a net exporter of natural gas and one of the largest exporters of LNG in the world. It’s critical that the regulatory framework for these facilities – each supporting thousands of jobs – is clear and predictable.
That is why I support
legislation that will require the federal department of energy to move quickly to approve LNG export permits after environmental reviews are completed.
Additionally, the house GOP has proposed expanded responsible access for offshore energy production and greater state control over federal lands within our borders. A long-term, low-cost energy supply will ensure that American families reap the benefits
of lower utility bills and that manufacturers will be more willing to invest and stay in the United States.
Congress must promote policies that help our
nation adapt and grow in
a changing global economy. It’s time to put America first.
Randy Weber is the US representative for the 14th district of Texas, which covers Brazoria, Galveston and Jefferson counties.