United States Congressman FRANCIS ROONEY

by Congressman Francis Rooney

2017 should be a great year for America! This fall; voters all across the country sent a clear message: it is time to change the status quo and put hard working Americans first again. For newly elected Representatives, now is also a time to move from campaigning to governing. It is time to honor the promises made and enact the policies that were espoused throughout the summer. I am honored by the confidence that voters placed with me and committed to keeping your trust.

With an opportunity to accomplish goals that conservatives have desired for many years, there will be an aggressive schedule for the 115th Congress. We will spend more time in session than any legislature in decades, and our first 200 days will produce legislation to reverse the failed policies of the Obama administration. Congress must act quickly to repeal and replace Obamacare, which has sky rocketed healthcare costs for millions of Americans, stop President Obama’s job killing regulations, ensure veterans get the care they deserve, defeat radical Islamic terrorism, cut taxes, and fix our broken immigration system.

My first opportunity to reduce government overreach and regulations was by voting in support of the REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny). The regulatory state, which has grown exponentially under the Obama administration and become an unconstitutional fourth branch of the federal government, has imposed a costly burden on businesses and consumers. This burden has stifled job creation and kept many Southwest Florida residents from securing good paying jobs. Under the REINS Act, the House and Senate would have to vote on a proposed rule and the president would have to sign it before enforcement of the rule can begin. If a resolution is not passed, the rule cannot take effect. This Act will reduce the influence of federal regulatory agencies and begin a return to constitutionally based governing.

In addition to these important national issues, I am focused on key local issues that affect the daily lives of all Southwest Florida residents. Even prior to my first day in office, I began discussions on water quality with the Army Corp of Engineers and with many of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. The goal is to find the best ways to expedite projects that have already been approved and designed. These projects will improve water retention both north and south of Lake Okeechobee, restore natural flows, and allow for better overall control of the flow of water into our region. Restoring our Everglades and Lake Okeechobee Watershed, obtaining the federal funding owed for water quality projects in Southwest Florida, and ensuring affordable flood insurance options for homeowners are critical.

In closing, I encourage you to visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information on all that is happening in Washington and in our community. I value your comments and suggestions, so please share your thoughts via calls, emails and social media.
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