It’s no secret that America’s infrastructure needs to be reinforced, but when it comes to creating solutions on how to do so, Democrats outright refuse to engage in bipartisan, collaborative efforts. Sadly, their behavior is just another reminder of their agenda this Congress: delay, obstruct, and abdicate responsibility. If you’re wondering what harebrained scheme they’re peddling now, let me give you a quick synopsis:

-   A $1.5 trillion bill that’s chock full with costly Green New Deal 

-  Dismantling of existing infrastructure functions such as expanding roadways and improving bridges

-  Limiting the ability of states and localities to participate in the review process of pending projects

-  Pushing rural America’s infrastructure needs to the backburner while advancing programs that are designed exclusively for urban areas

The Republican alternative, the Surface Transportation Advanced through Reform, Technology, & Efficient Review (STARTER) Act, takes a comprehensive, commonsense approach to address the pressing infrastructure problems that our country faces. Here are just a few of the topline principles within this legislation:

-      Streamlining the project delivery process to maximize available funding

-      Incorporating innovative developments in technology to improve our infrastructure

-      Providing for the infrastructure needs of America’s rural communities

-      Addressing the long-term sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund

Additionally, the amendment I introduced this week would reverse a federal contracting policy that was designed to bloat construction costs at the expense of would-be competitors, taxpayers, and our nation’s investment in infrastructure.The Davis-Bacon mandate raises the cost of a project by 9.9 percent that’s applied to overall construction costs, thus significantly driving up infrastructure costs and limiting the federal government’s purchasing power when our nation desperately needs better roads, bridges and 21st century transit programs. I’m disappointed that Democrats decided to turn the infrastructure bill into a partisan exercise by spending over a trillion dollars while failing to address this longstanding problem and save taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year. 

Democrats' Socialist Health Care Scheme

Propagandists have said that if one repeats a lie often enough, people will soon believe the lie and not the truth. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are entitled to their own opinion, but not to their own facts or rewriting history. The devastating effects of COVID-19 are still being felt across our nation, yet Democrats spend time pushing a deeply flawed, partisan bill that is being used to score cheap political points instead of working on bipartisan solutions like lowering drug costs, ending surprise billing, and getting our economy back on its feet.

We’re left with H.R. 1425, a radical bill which will limit health care choices, increase costs, and double down on the failures of the Affordable Care Act. No innovation, investment, or solutions – just more of the failed status quo from House Democrats which will go nowhere after the vote today.

Contrary to Speaker Pelosi’s claims, Democrats do not and cannot guarantee affordability of health care in this bill. What they do guarantee is government control with rationing, fewer cures, and fewer choices for patients. Republicans believe in just the opposite.

To read my full floor remarks from Monday, click here.

New Scam Update

In an update this past weekend, the FBI warned of a new fraud scheme that directly affects consumers. Unregulated antibody tests that have a higher likelihood of producing false results are being sold from from a variety of consumer-facing websites. Online users are prompted by scammers to provide Medicare or private insurance information that can be used for future fraud. Here are a few recommendations that the FBI has provided that can help you avert these scams:

• Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for an updated list of approved antibody tests and testing companies
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any at-home antibody tests
• Do not share your personal or health information to anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals
• Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals

Recent Events

Floor debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act