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- Plan for Tax Reform: Our rapidly growing national debt is one of the most pressing issues facing the future of our great country. The United States cannot continue to run huge federal budget deficits. Financing federal overspending through continued borrowing threatens to drown Americans in high taxes and heavy debt leading to a less prosperous future.
- Since 1970, the annual federal budget has been balanced during only one four-year period and the federal deficit has climbed from $400 billion in 1970 to over $16 trillion today. If we continue on our current path, in 10 years 95% of all federal tax revenues will be consumed by payments of interest on the national debt and mandatory programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. This will leave only 5% of our annual tax revenue available for funding national defense and other essential functions of the government.
- Our national debt-to-GDP ratio rivals that of countries like Ireland, Portugal and Greece, which are facing sovereign debt crises. By the end of this decade, the federal deficit will climb to (and remain at) no less than 100% of our GDP. According to economists, once the nation’s debt exceeds 90% of GDP, it begins to stifle economic growth. President Obama had set the wrong kind of new record, we can change that. The national debt has increased faster under his administration than under any other president in history. This runaway government spending paralyzes the job market, erodes confidence among America’s employers and has caused the worst economic recovery since the Great Depression.
- Thanks to the insistence of House Republicans, discretionary spending in 2016 has been pushed back all the way to 2008 levels.And we can achieved even greater reductions we need to make significant deficit reduction while at the same time enacting $620 billion in permanent tax relief, including a five year extension to bonus depreciation.
- Because our current path threatens our economy and is unsustainable, I will join the House Republicans in putting forward a pro-growth tax reform plan that fundamentally changes our tax policy. By lowering rates, increasing the standard deduction, streamlining seven tax brackets into three and eliminating a host of special-interest provisions, my plan simplifies the tax code dramatically for families and individuals. And by providing incentives for savings and investment, it fosters economic growth and job creation while ensuring that Americans spend far less time and money filing their taxes.
- Under my plan, small businesses will no longer be taxed under the individual side of the code. Instead, they’ll benefit from a critical distinction between wage and business income. This allows for a lower tax rate for small businesses of 25%—the lowest tax rate on pass-through income since before World War II.
- Job creators of all sizes will also be able to take advantage of full and immediate expensing on investments in new equipment and technology—another historic first. This zero tax rate on new business investment is a vast departure from today’s complex depreciation rules, which direct businesses to write off purchases over long and often arbitrary periods of time.
- It also cuts America’s 35% corporate income-tax rate—the highest in the industrialized world—to a flat 20%. In a change designed to strengthen our global competitiveness, American job creators will no longer be taxed both abroad and at home on the same dollar of income. There will be a zero tax rate on dividends brought home to America.
- The current IRS will not exist, but will be redesigned into three distinct service units—one staffed with expertise on business taxation, and another focused on state-of-the art customer service to families and individuals. A third, independent unit will be geared toward helping South Texans quickly resolve their unique tax challenges—in effect, a small-claims court or mediation for tax disputes so individuals and small businesses don’t spend thousands of dollars resolving minor tax issues.
- I am dedicated to delivering a tax code for South Texans that truly works for them—one that is built on the principles of growth, simplicity, fairness.
- Restore our Nation’s Healthcare System: We do not need socialized medicine which will ultimately lead to loss of quality and affordability of heath care, as well as a loss of access to the latest medical technology. Obamacare should be completely repealed as soon as possible.
- Businesses should receive tax credits for employee health care coverage, and health insurance should be available between the states for competition and quality care. Churches and charitable organizations should be encouraged to help the needy and poor.
- In 2010, Democrats defied the will of the American people and rammed a 2,700 page heath care bill through Congress that sought to take over our entire health care system. I would continue to push to stop the ObamaCare train wreck.
- South Texas families and businesses have been forced to face the damaging effects of ObamaCare. Employers have cut full-time employees to part-time and dropped employees from their preferred healthcare plan.
- Health insurance premiums are still skyrocketing and out of pocket costs are growing astronomically. In April the largest health insurance provider United Healthcare announced that it was abandoning ObamaCare and now Aetna, the the third-largest health insurer in the US, will also cease to expand its ObamaCare offerings.
- In short, the Democrats’ empty promises about their massive health care bill have become a frightening reality for the American people. ObamaCare is discriminatory, unaffordable, and unsustainable.
- I would work on a solution with Senate, Dr. Bill Cassidy from Louisiana. I would support the introduction of H.R. 5284, The World’s Greatest Healthcare Plan, a sustainable, non-discriminatory alternative.
- It empowers all Americans to make their own healthcare decisions, save their hard-earned money in an account that is not use-it-or-lose-it, and ensures that not only single person will ever be coerced onto ObamaCare.
- The basis of my bill creates a $2,500 tax credit for every American citizen as well as a $1,500 tax credit per dependent minor. This tax credit provides individuals and families with the freedom to use their own dollars to plan and save for their health care futures by assigning their credit to an employer, transferring it to a Roth Health Savings Account, or advancing it for annual distribution.
- This plan takes a unique, free-market based approach to healthcare that unleashes doctors, patients, and all individuals from the burdens of ObamaCare, and puts Americans back in charge of their own healthcare.
- Plan for Job Creation: During a meeting of the White House Conference on Small Business, President Ronald Reagan once said, “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” Sadly, those words could not be more true in light of the current Administration’s economic policies of tax hikes, wasteful spending, onerous regulations, and overall hostility to the free enterprise system.
- Republicans have a plan that lays the groundwork for a stronger economy and a brighter future for all Americans. These conservative solutions will help create new jobs today, make life work for families across the country, and expand opportunity for everyone – without expanding government. Since January, House Republicans have led the fight in shrinking government and cutting spending. Our efforts build upon these principles to get the American people back to work and put our nation back on a path to prosperity. While President Obama is willing to spend hundreds of millions of the taxpayer’s hard-earned dollars to grow the federal government, we remain focused on reversing Democrats’ failed policies and reducing the size of government so the free enterprise system can flourish. Here’s how we would do it:
- Energy Independence:
- An “all of the above” approach that expands American energy production will help create jobs, boost manufacturing, and make energy more affordable.
- Lowering Health Care Costs and Bolstering Research:
- Repealing Obamacare, enacting patient-centered reforms, and eliminating wasteful government spending so we can focus on disease and disorder research will improve care, and bring down the costs that strain families and make it harder for small businesses to hire.
- Expanding Education Opportunity:
- Reforming federal education policies to empower parents with choice and equal opportunity to seek great teachers and schools, and improve access to college and training, will better prepare students for tomorrow’s job market.
- Controlling Spending:
- Stopping wasteful spending, strengthening priorities like Medicare, and replacing the president’s sequester with smarter cuts and reforms that help us balance the budget – just like families do – will help pay down our debt and preserve the American Dream.
- Fostering Innovation:
- Keeping the Internet free from government regulation, stopping cyber-attacks while protecting our privacy, and modernizing our laws will help promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Reforming Immigration and Border Security:
- Securing our borders, enforcing our laws, and making the process of becoming a legal immigrant fairer and more efficient will help America remain a magnet for the brightest minds and hardest workers.
- Reining in Red Tape: Removing artificial government barriers and red tape will preserve and strengthen Americans’ ability to build, grow, and compete with anyone.
- Expanding Markets for Manufacturers and Small Businesses:
- Opening new markets for American-made goods will help lower prices for consumers, create better, higher-paying jobs for workers, and attract new investments in the United States.
- Stopping Waste and Fixing Broken Government:
- Responsible oversight of government operations will help remove obstacles to growth and ensure accountability for taxpayers.
- We need common sense, pro-growth policies to give small businesses and entrepreneurs renewed confidence in our economy and to get Washington out of the way and unleash the free enterprise system. The future of American prosperity depends on fiscally responsible policies today. By lowering taxes, reducing regulations and injecting certainty into our economy, we can restore the confidence and ability of the private sector to grow and create jobs. By unleashing the free enterprise system and encouraging the innovative spirit that drives the American Dream, we will ensure that America continues to be a great nation and that her best days lie ahead.
- Plan for Energy Independence: To gain independence from foreign oil, we need to foster development of our own natural resources involving nuclear, solar, wind, and fossil fuels. Coal mining and oil drilling should be encouraged, subject only to reasonable regulations.
- Energy security is a matter of national security. I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that stimulates innovation, development, and security. Reliable energy sources allow the entrepreneurial spirit of Texans to thrive and promotes freedom from unstable regions often hostile to the values of America. I believe the free market should choose winners and losers in the marketplace, not radical environmentalist who have constructed this Administration’s liberal green energy agenda. There are four key reforms that I would tirelessly advocated in the halls of Congress and neighborhoods in North Texas:
- Lifting the Crude Oil Ban
- In a historic conservative victory at the end of 2015, House Republicans successfully lifted the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. By repealing this antiquated law, we they create an estimated 1 million American jobs in nearly all 50 states and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. This was an important victory for Texas and unleashed the full potential of our already vibrant Texas energy economy. I would continue to support and protect these issues.
- Reining in the EPA
- The EPA has been relentless in their war against the American job creator. Political agendas have dictated misguided regulatory initiatives and crushed businesses large and small. From abusive “sue and settle” litigation practices to disregard for private property rights, the EPA has proved time and again that they cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of Texas, or the nation. In the past year I would supported measures to gut the EPA by $452 million – holding the agency to its lowest funding levels since 2008 and forcing them to scale back $138 million of onerous regulatory programs. In addition I would also supported and fight for numerous legislative victories that will drive down energy prices, create American jobs, and reinvigorate our energy revolution.
- Here are a few of those issues:
- Prohibiting EPA from implementing new greenhouse gas regulations for new or existing power plants;
- Eliminating funding for greenhouse gas “New Source Performance Standards”;
- Prohibiting EPA implementation of WOTUS;
- Prohibiting EPA from changing the definition of “fill materials”;
- Prohibitions on new methane requirements;
- Prohibiting the regulation of the lead content of ammunition and fishing tackle; and
- Prohibitions on harmful changes to the “stream buffer rule”
- Promoting Energy Efficiency
- Consumers and taxpayers benefit when our energy use is effective and free of government mandates. Reducing government waste, prioritizing existing energy efficiency programs, and reducing burdensome federal efficiency mandates will unleash private sector technologies and spur innovation. Establishing voluntary programs, improving data gathering, and making the federal government use existing best practices related to energy usage will ultimately benefit Texans and all Americans. We need to replace mandates with incentives and regulation with innovation.
- Maximizing our Natural Resources Texas is home to a vast array of natural resources. We have the responsibility to be good stewards of these resources and balance environmental concerns with the needs of Texans. Technology has developed far beyond what we ever believed possible, and as a result we can access and develop our resources including coal, nuclear, oil, natural gas, solar, and wind. I support opening the Outer Continental Shelf, the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, and federally owned land for exploration and development. The Keystone XL Pipeline offers the potential of thousands of jobs, many to Texas families. This President would support the Republican policies that will bring economic prosperity and independence to our state and nation.
- Plan for Restoring America’s Future: Washington has a spending problem that has placed our nation on an unsustainable path of trillion dollar deficits and a $22 trillion national debt. That is why I would vote to limit federal spending, reform entitlement programs, and would co-sponsor of a bill that calls for the passage of the balanced budget amendment. Thanks to the Republican majority in the House, they have been able to hold the line of federal spending, putting total expenditures on a slightly downward path. I would continue to support the holding down federal spending.
- Declines of total federal expenditures for the past two fiscal years are the first back-to-back annual spending reductions since the Korean War. While these reductions in spending are important, we still have a long way to go.
- In 2009 and 2010, when Democrats had control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the federal government went on a spending binge. Through an $831 billion stimulus package, ObamaCare, and Dodd-Frank, Democrats dedicated themselves to more federal spending and increased government interference in the private sector. In 2009, the federal government spent $3.77 trillion and ran a $1.5 trillion deficit, both of which were the largest of all time. The federal government spent $3.67 trillion in 2010 and $3.75 trillion in 2011 and added an additional $2.7 trillion to the national debt.
- In 2010, The Republicans lead to take back the House and halt this spending spree. Because of the leadership of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Republicans elected 89 freshman Members of Congress and switched 63 Democrat-held seats to the Republican column.
- Republicans quickly went to work reining in federal spending after removing Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. To begin, House Republicans forced a virtual freeze in the growth of federal spending. Total spending by the federal government is now growing by the slowest amount annually in over sixty years. I would support slowing down even more the spending in Washington, there are more items that could be trimmed especially in the ear marks attached to nearly every bill.
- Since Republicans took back control of the House. While our annual spending is still too high, thanks to House Republicans the federal government is spending $317 billion a year less than it was in 2009. I would continue to support the STOP THE SPENDING IN WASHINGTON.
- In this Congress, I would support Rep. Paul Ryan’s Path to Prosperity Budget, which would have balanced the budget within 10 years, reformed the tax code, and taken our country off a path of fiscal insolvency and onto a path towards fiscal success. This budget would also take smart and responsible steps to reform our entitlement programs. I will bring back “No Budget, No Pay” legislation that forced all to pass a budget or else have their pay withheld.
- While the new Republican majority has succeeded in capping federal spending, Congress must continue to take even more steps to control unsustainable deficits, which, if left unchecked, will place too much of a burden on future generations of Americans. That is why I remain fully committed to taking the important steps toward fiscal reform and additional spending cuts in order to get our fiscal house in order.
- Since losing their majority, House Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, have argued for alternative spending plans that would have added trillions to the national debt. Their plan is no plan at all. In every situation and in every piece of legislation brought to the House floor (except for national defense), their “solution” is to spend more taxpayer money and move our nation closer to bankruptcy.
- Nancy Pelosi today makes the absurd claim that “the cupboard is bare” for any additional cuts in federal spending. In the meantime, thanks to House Republicans and the leadership of Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, the General Accounting Office has documented that the federal government could save $125 billion (billion!) if we stopped making public assistance payments to Americans who are not eligible under the law. Food stamp fraud amounts to billions of dollars every year and the Social Security Disability system appears to have been hijacked by trial attorneys who successfully obtain benefits for Americans who are not disabled and do not deserve disability payments. Welfare fraud is another area where billions could be saved.
- There is a moral component to the Democrats’ constant argument for more government spending which cannot go unaddressed. If we all know that it is wrong to steal, then how can we condone stealing from future generations? If left unchecked, that is exactly what we are doing, led by this generation of Democrats.
- The unsustainability of today’s national debt and federal unfunded obligations is reaching a critical tipping point. Financial experts such as Mary Meeker and Stan Druckenmiller have documented that if the United States were a business, we would be broke due to our future obligated payments on the debt. Today’s entitlement programs are so over-committed that in order to meet the current payouts obligated to the Baby-Boomer generation, our children may have to pay as much as 80 percent of their incomes in taxes if the U.S. is ever to balance its budget. And this is where I differ, Social Security is not an entitlement it is a debt owed to us by the Government, while welfare is an entitlement (the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment). Welfare should be dismantled and the funds directed to Social Security payment increases, and to our veterans programs.
- What kind of future are we passing on to our children if we have so loaded down their lives to burdensome debt? This scenario of one irresponsible political class obligating future generations to debt, which they cannot afford, has been recently played out in Greece, Spain and, soon, Italy and France. In all of those countries, those younger than 30 are in despair with no real prospects for their most productive years because their countries are bankrupt. Their only option is to be on welfare for the rest of their lives or leave the nation of their birth.
- The summary of Druckenmiller and Meeker’s analysis are the same as what Republicans, led by Paul Ryan on the budget, have made for years on the House floor. The federal government cannot continue to spend hundreds of billions more than it receives in taxes every year.
- We cannot burden future generations with trillions of dollars of debt and economic history shows that economies whose central governments owe as much as the economy produces in annual output are destined to permanently slow job growth. In cases where governments never bring their budget deficits into balance, they run the risk of sudden and dramatic currency devaluations, which has occurred in Argentina, Mexico and, likely soon, Venezuela. In all of these cases, savings of working families were obliterated by their governments.
- I am committed to avoiding this same fate for my children and yours. The only responsible step is to bring federal spending under control by limiting future increases, immediately reforming entitlement programs, and quickly eradicating the federal budget with its current unacceptable levels of waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Immigration: We must stop the flow of illegal aliens across both our northern and southern borders. Open borders are a threat to our national security and to our economy.
- We must allow willing states (like Arizona) to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens, and use our own military to protect our border. If a wall is our only option, then we should build it immediately.
- Our illegal immigration and border security problems are among the greatest challenges facing our country today. The continued refusal to enforce our nation’s current laws has created a crisis on our border, eroded our nation’s rule of law, and put the safety and security of Americans across the nation in jeopardy.
- I have always adamantly opposed illegal immigration, blanket amnesty, or any other reward to those who have intentionally and knowingly broken our nation’s immigration laws. Since the onset of President Obama’s lawless executive actions, I would tirelessly work to fight against the administration’s unlawful, unwise, and unconstitutional executive amnesty plan.
- As a proud Texan, I understand the need to reform our broken immigration system. An effective immigration plan must first secure our borders, strengthen interior enforcement, protect our nation’s rule of law, and prosecute and deport criminal aliens in the United States.
- I would be proud to work with Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to support the strictest interior enforcement bill in the House that will protect American lives from criminal alien violence. In response to the policies of sanctuary cities such as San Francisco, and the rise of illegal aliens committing criminal activities. I would join with Senator Sessions in support of the House companion to the Protecting American Lives Act. This legislation closes the most dangerous immigration enforcement loopholes by putting an end to sanctuary cities and establishing a mandatory minimum jail time for illegal immigrants.
- The future of our country depends on the actions we take today and the American people are counting on us to act to protect our country and secure our future. South Texans, and all Americans, deserve nothing less.
- Economy: Lower taxes, smaller government, and less spending will reduce the deficit and enable economic growth and a truly "stimulated" economy.
- I believe in the reduction of taxes at all levels, and a need to reform the tax system by studying and implementing a "flat tax" or a "fair tax," which is a tax on goods and services purchased instead of a tax on income.
- To paraphrase an old saying, the only two things in life that are certain are death and taxes, but the truth is we are being taxed to death while our businesses are failing and our economy continues to suffer.
- We must return American manufacturing to our Country by rescinding unfair "free trade" agreements which have severely damaged our economy through loss of jobs and skill development. The phrase "Made in America" should mean something again.
- We should cut the deficit and balance the budget using accurate data unlike budget projections used by past administrations.
- By reducing the tax rate to business we would attract businesses back from foreign countries where they are trying to avoid the huge tax rate of America. By offering to companies the one time option to return their companies to the USA of a 10% sur tax. We could increase the economy and taxes being brought in the USA.
- Constitution: I know that the Constitution of the United States is the Supreme Law of the Land and all officials, state and federal, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial are bound thereby.
- All actions of state and federal officials must conform to the Constitution which should only be changed by amendments of the people, not decisions of activist judges. I support impeachment of judges and justices who knowingly and intentionally violate that principle
- Military: I believe in a strong military defense, and I will be a vocal advocate for the men and women who now serve in the Armed Forces.
- More funding should be available to develop a missile defense system and to provide our Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard with the most modern technology including weapon systems.
- Homosexuality should be against military policy as was the law prior to Bill Clinton.
- We should not be entangled in foreign wars merely at the whim and caprice of a President.
- Education: I have a plan to create a national College where you could receive credit for your knowledge in any field, these credits could then be applied toward college degrees.
- This would offer opportunities to put more people to work.
- If you are smart, can study and can demonstrate your knowledge, why should you have to sped four years of your life to obtain a college diploma? We've already seen that learning doesn't have to take place in a classroom. Most colleges offer some type of online program - but they charge out the @#@@@ for it!
- It is my intent to propose the creation of the National College of the United States - a virtual school. Any U.S. citizen could enroll for a nominal fee (perhaps $100). Once enrolled, students could receive credit for knowledge in any field by passing a test for a particular subject. Many colleges allow for the "testing out" of 20 -30 hours of credit - then you pay for another 3 1/2 years to participate in classes either on line or in person - costing tens of thousands of dollars.
- My proposal would allow for an unlimited number of classes and/or hours to be earned by simply taking a test. All you have to do is demonstrate your competency. Once you fulfill your degree plan - you graduate. Testing would cost about $75 per class. Fees could be waived if a student demonstrates a hardship.
- If you need to study for a class, books and videos would be available on line - free.
- This would offer opportunities to put more people to work.
- Many people just can't afford college I want to make it affordable for everyone. We can do this with out costing the tax payer another dime.
- My plan would use existing funds to implement this program. Millions of dollars are being sent to existing colleges who after receiving funding just keep increasing tuition. I would propose that these funds be used for the National College of the United States.
- The National College will provide the United States with the ability to test, certify and graduate students that are ready for employment in industry.
- The National College would give everyone the opportunity to earn a college degree regardless of their financial ability.
- The states should remain in full charge of all mandatory education for our children.
- Don't mix up the other school stuff with the National College.
- Many people just can't afford college I want to make it affordable for everyone. We can do this with out costing the tax payer a dime. My plan uses existing funds to implement this program.
- The federal government should not hamper the educational systems of the states as there is no authority for federal involvement under the Constitution. The control for education should be returned to the state and not the federal government.
- Programs like "Common Core" should be eliminated, and the development of educational programs returned to the people under state authority.
- Competition between the states and freedom of various educational structures should be available to parents who are charged with the responsibility to teach their children.
- Charter schools, vouchers, tax credits, home schooling, Christian schools, and technical training should be encouraged.
- Additional tax breaks for education when it is provided by an employer. We need to stop funding educational institutions unless they lower their tuition. The education system discriminates against the poor.
- Foreign Affairs: America should serve as a good example to other nations.
- We must treat sovereign nations as we would want to be treated and stand with allies to protect and preserve our national security.
- Respect for our strength is the best defense. "Walk softly and carry a big stick" is and should be our guide.
- We should not be subject to UN control and direction and should not rely on, or support, UN treaties like LOST (Law of the Sea Treaty) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Such treaties only undermine our sovereignty as a nation, as does the very presence of the United Nations on our soil.
- We must maintain a strong nuclear defense and not rely on nuclear reduction treaties which leave us vulnerable to foreign powers. We must remember that Israel is the United States' most important ally and partner in the Middle East and should reject agreements or policies that undermine Israel's security.
- We should pass the Taylor Force Act and move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
- Family: As a husband, father, and grandfather, I know the importance of the future we leave to our posterity.
- A strong family based on marriage between one man and one woman is and should remain our only guide and model. I oppose abortion, same-sex marriage, civil unions, and all other threats to the traditional family order.
- Federal funding for Planned Parenthood or any form of abortion should be stopped.
- We must remain a moral and virtuous people, "One Nation under God." I support freedom of worship and the recognition of that God upon Whom we have always relied in peace and war.
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