U.S. Congressman LOUIE GOHMERT: Proudly Serving the First District of Texas

Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3630 - The Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act:

“The Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act contained numerous provisions I was pleased with but, there were some provisions that caused grave concern. Some inclusions were things I had been urging our leadership to include. After weighing the good with the provisions of concern, I, ultimately decided to vote for this piece of legislation, which offers real reforms and some long term solutions to many of this nation’s biggest problems. So many positive reforms in this bill led me to favor a path toward these reforms. You can't stop an aircraft carrier on a dime. This will slightly turn the ship that has been headed for a shipwreck.

As it stands now, our children and grandchildren are strapped with a financial burden they did not create. It’s time to take action in bold strides to reduce this unbearable load. Tonight the House delivered a responsible bill to the American people. Now, it’s up to the Senate to act. Americans need real leaders – not political games and hissy fits in the Senate and White House.

While I remain concerned about several components of this legislation, on the whole, it does contain provisions consistent with east Texas principles in the sense that it enacts necessary reforms and helps return Congress to regular order.  It is now up to the Senate to pass what they believe is best for our nation. The American people need to see where the House and the Senate stand and who best represents the future of this country.”

Highlights of H.R. 3630 considered by Rep. Gohmert in his decision to vote in favor of this legislation:

- EPA Regulatory Relief: requires the EPA to replace the current draconian proposed rules for manufacturers.

- Keystone Pipeline: directs the President to issue a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline unless he determines that the pipeline would not serve national interest

- Reforms unemployment benefits to promote reemployment by requiring work- search activities and enrollment in a GED program if without high school diploma.  

- Allows states to test unemployment applicants for drugs.

- Reduces taxes by $88.3 billion over ten years.

- Cuts spending by $89 billion over ten years.

- Provides clarity to Medicare reimbursements for healthcare providers.

- Eliminates an ObamaCare slush-fund and halts excessive spending to implement state-run insurance exchanges.

- Reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program and implements reforms to make the program solvent.

- Increases the fees for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guaranteed mortgage backed securities.

- Addresses waste, fraud, and abuse in the Social Security program at state and local levels.

- Requires a taxpayer Social Security Number to be listed on a tax return to be eligible for refundable child tax credit, finally preventing illegal aliens from getting back more than they paid in.

- Eliminates unemployment compensation and food stamp benefits for millionaires.  

- Continues civilian federal worker pay freeze through 2013, including Members of Congress and legislative branch employees.

- Increases Medicare Premiums for High Income Beneficiaries starting in 2017.

- Extension of 100 Percent Business Expensing: extends current law allowing businesses to immediately deduct 100 percent of its property for an additional year.

Congressman Louie Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Prior to being elected to serve in Congress, Louie was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County, Texas. He also served as Chief Justice of Texas'12th Court of Appeals.

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