news

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) is highlighting all of the actions taken by the U.S. House of Representatives through the first seven months of the 115th Congress. Legislation that the House has passed includes bills to boost job creation, eliminate unnecessary regulations, repeal and replace Obamacare, reform the VA, rebuild our nation’s military, and make fixes to our broken immigration system. Overall, the House has passed more than 280 pieces of legislation so far in 2017, with several of the bills being signed into law.

“The U.S. House of Representatives has been working for the American people by passing a multitude of bills to create jobs, fix our health care system, help our veterans, and strengthen our military,” said Latta. “While historic obstructionism in the Senate has prevented more of these bills from becoming law, the House has not stopped doing its work. We need to keep the pressure on to ensure that the priorities of the American people are enshrined into law.”

Actions taken by the House this year include:

Regulatory Reform: The House passed 15 Congressional Review Acts, 14 of which were signed into law, which remove overregulation put in place at the end of the Obama Administration. The 14 CRA’s are estimated to contain $86 billion in savings for taxpayers and $18.8 billion in regulatory savings. Congress also passed the REINS Act to require that all major agency rules must be approved by Congress. (14 CRAs Signed Into Law)

Reform the VA: The Department of Veterans Affairs and Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act empowers the Secretary of the VA to fire, demote, or suspend VA employees that are performing unsatisfactorily or break the law. (Signed into Law)

Repeal and Replace Obamacare: The American Health Care Act delivers needed relief from Obamacare’s taxes and mandates while keeping in place protections for those with pre-existing conditions. The legislation would reduce premiums and increase choice for Ohio families.

Improve our Health Care System: On top of repealing and replacing Obamacare, the House passed reforms that would increase health care competition and empower patients. The legislation would remove antitrust protections for insurers, allow small businesses to pool together to purchase insurance, and save costs by reducing frivolous lawsuits.

Provide Relief to Main Street: Dodd- Frank has had a debilitating affect on community banks on Main Street. The House passed the Financial Choice Act to end “too-big-to-fail”, prevent bank bailouts, and provide needed regulatory relief for community financial institutions.

Rebuild our Military: The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act to rebuild our nation’s military after six years of draw downs. The bill includes a 2.4% pay increase for troops and funds needed equipment, vehicle, and ammunition acquisitions.

Enforce Immigration Law: Kate’s Law would enhance penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. The bill is named after Katie Steinle, who was killed by a criminal felon that had been deported multiple times. The House also passed legislation that would stop federal funding to dangerous sanctuary cities.

Restore American Leadership on Global Stage: The House passed sanctions on rogue states North Korea, Iran, and Russia. (Signed Into Law)

Protect Life: Action was taken in the House to prevent Title X funding from going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood and to make the Hyde Amendment permanent.

###