Randy's Roundup: The Obama Administration's Energy Overreach

Statement

The Obama Administration's Energy Overreach
Earlier today, President Obama announced a controversial new rule requiring a federally-mandated 32% cut in power-plant carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, while requiring the U.S. to achieve 28% of our total electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This rule is far stricter than previously expected and puts radical environmental groups ahead of hardworking individuals and families across America. The Obama Administration's latest regulatory overreach will increase energy prices, cost jobs, and coerce states into burdensome new compliance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this new rule will cost a whopping $8.4 billion per year. At a time when our economy is experiencing the weakest recovery in over 70 years, we should be freezing regulations, not expanding Washington's reach into our local economy in Texas.

Recently, and with my support, the House passed H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015. This common sense bill would delay the rule's compliance date to allow time for further judicial and administrative review. This bill would also free state governors from complying with this federal rule if state officials determine the rule would harm ratepayers and the state's electricity system. President Obama could not push his misguided cap and trade scheme through Congress back in 2009, even with Democrats in control at the time, so he is now attempting to bypass Congress and unconstitutionally regulate our nation's power structure through Executive action. I will continue to fight the Obama Administration's regulatory overreach and ensure our Texas energy sector has the freedom to continue to provide good-paying jobs and affordable domestic energy.

Another Planned Parenthood Video
Last week, another shocking and outrageous video was released revealing Planned Parenthood's primary role in the sale and transfer of fetal body parts. Planned Parenthood is a tax-exempt organization that also received an unthinkable $540.6 million taxpayers' dollars according to its most recent filings. I'm committed to defunding Planned Parenthood and eliminating its taxpayer backing. Last week, I joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting the Department of Justice conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into Planned Parenthood and its practice of selling fetal body parts. I will be sure to keep you updated on the response. Moving forward, we must hold Planned Parenthood accountable and do everything possible to protect America's unborn.

An Update on the Iran Nuclear Deal
I continue to believe the Iran nuclear deal is bad for the safety and security of America and our friends around the world. While Secretary Kerry continues to push for Congressional approval, the top national security official from France--a nation also involved in the negotiations--recently announced that a Congressional no vote might actually be helpful. This is major news and a big contradiction from the false narrative the Obama Administration developed arguing that war is the only alternative to this bad deal. To prevent this from moving forward, we will need many votes from Democrats. Today, there were some encouraging developments. According to the media outlet Politico, there are "growing signs" Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) may oppose the deal. That would be a key vote and go a long way to help us reach a veto-proof majority in Congress against the Iran nuclear deal. Please continue to share your thoughts with me as Congress continues to review this very important issue.

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