In the United States, the principles of free market capitalism and limited government intervention have long been considered essential for economic growth and individual prosperity. However, in recent years, Americans have been concerned about the federal government’s overreach and its negative impact on free markets and the well-being of Americans.
While some regulations are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment, an excess of bureaucratic red tape can stifle innovation, hinder competition, and burden small businesses. To foster economic growth and individual prosperity, Congress should prioritize limited government intervention, promote free markets, and ensure a level playing field for all.
Since day one of the Biden Administration, Americans have suffered the consequences of misguided policies that have left hardworking families worse off than they were just two years ago. Through his executive orders, regulatory actions, and unilateral decision-making, President Biden has exerted significant influence without proper checks from Congress or the judiciary, even at times when the judiciary has ruled against the administration’s policies.
This Congress, Republicans have worked tirelessly to find ways to limit federal overreach and promote a more streamlined, accountable, and responsive government that will help alleviate the burdens faced by American taxpayers while upholding the principles upon which our nation was founded.
Following our passage of the single largest deficit reduction bill in history, House Republicans passed key legislation this week to limit overreach and protect the rights of Americans. This started with two bills to stop the Department of Energy from implementing extreme standards that would have effectively banned the use of gas stoves in American households. With many folks in Iowa already struggling to support their families in the current financial climate, the last thing they should have to worry about is federal mandates in their own kitchen.
I also voted to block Biden’s weaponized ATF pistol brace rule that would have violated Americans’ Second Amendment rights. The rule would have retroactively turned millions of law-abiding gun owners – including many disabled veterans – into criminals for simply attaching a stabilizing brace to their pistol to help shoot safely and accurately.
To limit excessive overreach moving forward, I also voted with House Republicans this week to pass the REINS Act. This legislation would require any major rule affecting the economy by $100 million or more to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. No longer will Americans have to suffer the economic consequences of unchecked bureaucratic rule making and wait on the courts to determine government overreach (as we saw with WOTUS).
Our efforts so far this Congress are a step in the right direction for all Americans, but much work remains to be done. I will continue to support legislation that ensures that our government remains responsive, accountable, and representative of the interests and aspirations of the people of Iowa and America.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks currently represents Iowa’s First District in the United States House of Representatives.