Issue Position: Jobs and Economic Growth

Issue Position

As a strong fiscal conservative, I believe that cutting government spending, lowering taxes and balancing the federal budget are critical to give future generations a fair shot at the American dream. With an $18 trillion national debt that continues to grow, we cannot afford to wait any longer to get our fiscal house in order. Less regulation and less taxation is the formula for economic growth and job creation. It's no surprise that by employing this model, Texas has created more jobs since 2008 than all other states combined. I am committed to supporting legislation that will create a healthy economy that positively impacts the quality of life for all Americans.

As the Mayor of Heath, Texas, I balanced the budget all eight years I was in office while also refusing to raise taxes. As your Representative in Congress, I've cosponsored a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution (H.J. Res. 1.), which would bring much needed fiscal discipline to Washington. This measure has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee where it awaits approval to be brought to the House Floor for a vote. When last brought before Congress in 2014, it was only two votes short of passing, and I am hopeful it will pass this year.

If passed, the Balanced Budget Amendment would ensure that Congress doesn't spend more than it receives in revenues each year. It would also require the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress each year and require a three-fifths majority vote to increase the debt limit. Beyond this, federal spending would be capped 20 percent of GDP unless a two-thirds majority in each chamber of Congress voted specifically to exceed this amount.

The best way to improve the economy is by promoting conservative, pro-growth policies that encourage investment -- not by allowing excessive government spending that crowds it out. Forty-nine out of fifty U.S. states, including Texas, currently require balanced budgets, and it is time for the federal government to do the same.

On the Federal Miniumum Wage:

Legislation has been introduced that would cause the federal minimum wage to increase from $7.25 to approximately $13.00. I support measures that improve the quality of life for American workers, but a government-mandated increase to the federal minimum wage historically has proven ineffective in achieving this goal. In fact, studies have shown that such a move actually would eliminate jobs and disproportionately harm lower income individuals.

Mandating an increased federal minimum wage would also fail to address the differences in cost of living across the United States. Rather than impose one sweeping federal regulation, states and local governments should have the flexibility to address their own minimum wage laws in ways best suited for the specific needs of people living in their regions. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages that are greater than the federal minimum wage.

I believe the most effective way to reduce unemployment and increase wages is through pro-growth policies that get government out of the way. I recently voted in favor of the Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 185), which passed the House and awaits action in the Senate. The bill would require the Executive Branch to adopt the least costly method of implementing the laws established by Congress. The burden imposed on Americans by out-of-control government regulations is approximately $15,000 per family and is cited as one of the top concerns by small businesses.

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