Throughout the first session of the 113th Congress, the House of Representatives has continued to pursue an agenda designed to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive in the global economy. The House Republican Plan For Economic Growth & Jobs is based on a simple concept – we must focus on pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation to ensure a better and brighter future for all Americans.
The components of this plan are issues impacting families, businesses, and communities throughout our nation. Energy independence, lowering health care costs, removing regulatory burdens, and expanding educational opportunities are just a few of the areas addressed by House-passed legislation this year.
The REINS Act, which originated in the House Judiciary Committee and was approved in August, curbs unnecessary major regulations from federal agencies and holds federal bureaucrats accountable for imposing the heaviest burdens on America’s economy. The Northern Route Approval Act, passed in May, approved construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which is part of an all-of-the-above energy approach. In March, the House passed the SKILLS Act, which eliminates duplicative federal programs and increases access to job training.
One of the most recent additions to this growing list is the Innovation Act, which I introduced. TheInnovation Act is central to American competitiveness, job creation, and our nation’s future economic security. It passed the House in early December with overwhelming bipartisan support, including the support of the White House.
While the House continues to move forward with this pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda, the Senate has failed to do the same. Approximately 150 House-passed bills are now stalled in the Senate. Many of the bills received bipartisan support and focus on topics where we should be able to reach common ground. If the Leadership in the Senate is truly concerned about the economy and job creation, they will buckle down and take up these job creating bills passed by the House.
As we prepare for a new legislative year, the House will continue to bring up legislation that will help to pave the way for the future growth of our economy. If we are going to get our economy back on track, both bodies of Congress must work together to end the constant threat of out-of-control spending, new taxation, and excessive regulation from Washington that we have seen in recent years. I remain committed to working with Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to focus on real solutions that will create American jobs and grow our economy.
Bob Goodlatte represents the Sixth District in Congress.
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