|
|
|
Dear Friend,
This week the House took action on a variety of issues. I voted to prevent tax increases, to provide technical skills to Americans, and to make it easier for employees at the VA to be removed or demoted based on performance or misconduct. I also voted to reform the executive branch and prevent the transfers of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the United States.
In the News
You can read my interview with Breitbart where I talked about the budget process and looking ahead to preventing a lame-duck spending spree. I will continue to fight for a continuing resolution that funds the government into the next Congress to hold members accountable for their actions.
I wrote an op-ed in The Hill discussing how the United States is currently experiencing the worst period of economic growth since WWII.
Impeaching IRS Commissioner John Koskinen
George WIll wrote an op-ed where he talked about why Congress shouldn't let go of the power to impeach. This week Representative John Fleming (R-La.) and the Freedom Caucus advanced an effort to impeach IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. I am proud to support this effort to restore accountability at the IRS.
Halting Tax Increases
The House passed H.R. 3590, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act. This legislation seeks to prevent an Obamacare tax increase by rolling back the increased threshold for determining the amount of the tax deduction for medical expenses. Currently, individual taxpayers under age 65 may only deduct those medical expenses that exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. This bill reduces that percentage to the previous 7.5% for all taxpayers, as it was before Obamacare. This tax increase would affect approximately 10 million Americans.
Career and Technical Education
The House passed H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This bill reauthorizes through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to help Americans enter the workforce with high-skilled jobs. As a professor of 18 years, I understand the value of a practical education and the need for skilled professionals in technical careers.
Holding the VA Accountable
This week the House passed H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act. This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to remove or demote an employee based on performance or misconduct. I will continue to support legislation like this that aims to provide higher quality care to the men and women who served our country bravely.
Transparency in the Executive Branch
The House passed H.R. 5226, the Regulatory Integrity Act. This legislation provides transparency to the rule-making process to make the regulatory actions of agencies publicly available to the public. It would also prohibit agencies from lobbying or campaigning in support of their own proposed rules or agenda. The executive branch exists to enforce the law - not write it, or lobby on its own behalf.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
The House passed H.R. 5351, to prohibit the transfer of any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This common-sense legislation prevents dangerous terrorists from being housed on United States soil, and I am proud to support this legislation.
Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum
Congressman Brat cutting the ribbon to the new Phyllis E. Galanti Arboretum at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. President Obama signed my bill into law on December 18, 2015, officially naming the arboretum after Phyllis.
Congressional Gold Medal Recipient, Pablo Rivera
Congressman Brat awarding Mr. Pablo Rivera with the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in Korea as a part of Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Borinqueneers."
Office Update
This week I am welcoming Hugh Fike to our team in Washington, DC. Hugh comes to the team as Policy Adviser where he will work on issues related to national security. Welcome to the team Hugh!
Contact Me
I am always interested in hearing your thoughts. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, you can contact me directly by clicking here or by calling my office at (202) 225-2815.
You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube for updates on my work in Congress.
Thank you,
Congressman Dave Brat
|
|
|
Washington DC Office
330 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2815
|
Glen Allen Office
4201 Dominion Blvd, Suite 110
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: (804) 747-4073
|
Spotsylvania Office
9104 Courthouse Rd. #249
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Phone: (540) 507-7216
|
|
|
