Conscience Protection Act
The House passed, and I proudly supported, the Conscience Protection Act. This legislation ensures that an individual or health care entity cannot be penalized or discriminated against based on their refusal to perform or provide coverage for an abortion. In America you should not be forced to either follow your conscience or face serious consequences from the federal government. Unfortunately, this is currently happening. Healthcare professionals have come forward to tell their stories of being forced to perform abortions for training or employment purposes. This common-sense legislation protects those who protect the unborn.
Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations Process
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
The House passed H.R. 5538, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which reins in regulatory overreach at the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior, and other related agencies. Here are some highlights from the bill:
- Reduces spending: $164 million below FY16 level and $291 million below the president’s request
- Prohibits funds to limit recreational shooting and hunting on public lands
- Funds water infrastructure programs to address lead in drinking water
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EPA
- Prohibits funds to implement the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule
- Funding is 23% below FY10 level
- Staffing is maintained at 1989 levels
- Funding for regulatory programs reduced by $43 million from FY16
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Iran Deal
Thursday marked one year since the Obama Administration announced its UN-backed nuclear deal with Iran. I have opposed the deal from the beginning. The agreement preserves Iran’s nuclear program, legitimizes the largest state sponsor of terror, and gives the Iranian government billions of dollars in sanctions relief. The House voted on a trio of bills this week to block the U.S. from purchasing heavy water from Iran, prevent Iran from accessing the dollar, and impose new sanctions on Iran. Speaker Ryan put together a year in review of the deal to illustrate the importance of the bills passed by the House.
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