This week, the House was expected to vote on the Democrats’ budget proposal, but a lack of support for the bill within their own party caused it to be pulled from the floor. However, during the procedural process leading up to the planned debate, I was pleased that my Spending Safeguard Amendment was accepted for consideration on the House floor. This amendment would take government spending off autopilot mode.

Unchecked spending is the main driver of our national debt, and by 2028, it will constitute a whopping 15% of our GDP. This is simply unsustainable. Yet there are no commonsense safeguards to rein in spending beyond our budget. While the budget legislation itself ultimately didn’t come up for a vote, I am encouraged by the House’s willingness to consider my amendment addressing the out-of-control spending in Washington. As the budget process continues, I look forward to another opportunity to advance my Spending Safeguard Act.

The Internet Doesn't Need Saving

The Internet is the single most important driver of economic growth, job creation and a better quality of life for Americans. It has impacted all of our lives – and the light-touch regulatory approach has worked! We know from experience that ambiguous and excessive government regulation slows down economic growth, destroys jobs and stifles innovation.

This week, House Democrats voted to reinstate the Obama administration’s FCC Open Internet Order, giving the commission authority to prevent any practice by an internet provider that it believes will “unreasonably disadvantage” an internet user, application or content provider. This is exactly the kind of unclear standard that suppresses innovation and discourages ISPs from offering new products.

Republicans believe the Internet should not be monopolized by the largest ISPs and that internet accessibility and privacy protection should be the number one priority of federal regulators. In December of 2017, the Trump administration’s FCC voted to adopt the Restoring Internet Freedom Order (RIFO), which I believe has corrected the negative consequences of the Open Internet Order. When the RIFO was adopted, Democrats bemoaned that it would be “the end of the internet.” Yet the RIFO has been in effect since June 11, 2018, and we have yet to see a reason for the Democrats’ preferred heavy-handed regulatory approach.

Don't Forget!

The April 30th deadline to enter the 2019 Congressional Art Competition is coming up! Last year, Nathaniel Wallace took first place for North Carolina’s Fifth District, and his work has been enjoyed by visitors to the U.S. Capitol all year. He was a visitor himself at the unveiling ceremony last June!

Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations

Congressional Art Competition Submission Checklist

Congressional Art Competition Student Release Form

National Park Week starts Saturday, April 20! That day, all National Park entrance fees are waived. Also, the second annual Project Parkway will be held on Saturday, April 27. This single-day, park-wide volunteer project will help complete much needed work across the Blue Ridge Parkway and is an excellent opportunity for hands-on service in God’s beautiful creation.

Recent Highlights

Met with students from North Carolina’s Historically Black Universities about postsecondary education reforms and voting laws.

North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

Altamont Methodist Church Country Breakfast in Newland

MOAA Pancake Breakfast in Boone

Next Week

Next week, the House will hold a District Work Period. I look forward to traveling around North Carolina’s Fifth District and hearing from you! Have a great weekend and a blessed Holy Week.

Sincerely,