Senate Democrats Shut Down the Government

Friday night, Senate Democrats shut down the government, putting partisan politics ahead of the needs of our troops and the American people. Members of the Western Caucus and the Administration have not been shy about placing the blame squarely where it belongs — Senate Democrats own this Shutdown.

The House has Acted to Fund the Government

The House of Representatives passed legislation for all 12 appropriations bills necessary to fund the government in fiscal year 2018 and passed two short-term extensions to allow the Senate to try and get their work done and fund the government. Meanwhile, the Senate has passed one short-term extension and 0 of 12 appropriations bills. The Senate is currently comprised of 51 Republicans and needs 60 votes to fund the government and pass appropriations bills. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats refuse to work for the American people and reach across the aisle.

Source: The Nonpartisan Congressional Research Service

America Continues to Reap Benefits of Tax Reform

More than two million workers have already benefited directly from the historic tax cuts enacted in December. To see a full list of companies taking action to invest in America and reward their employees as a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act click HERE.

Resources Reviews Actions to Reduce Energy Barriers

On Thursday, House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04) held an oversight hearing to examine Department of the Interior actions to eliminate energy burdens on federal lands.

“Under Secretary Zinke’s leadership we are reviewing, revising and creating new oil and gas program policies, procedures and guidelines to help secure American energy dominance, create jobs and build a strong economy,” Deputy Director of Policy and Programs at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Brian Steed stated.

Read the full Natural Resources Committee press release HERE.

Curtis Introduces Bill to Boost Rural Broadband

On Thursday, Rep. John Curtis (UT-03), introduced the Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act. This legislation streamlines the permitting process and spurs economic development in rural communities.

Vice-Chairman Scott Tipton (CO-03) stated, “Having access to reliable and fast broadband is critical to the success of every American family, student and small business. Unfortunately, the digital divide between rural and urban America is significant, and we must take action to make sure rural America is keeping up,” said Tipton. “Redundant permitting laws and regulations often hold up broadband projects, especially in rural areas, which in turn discourage providers from pursuing these projects. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor critical legislation that will streamline broadband projects in highway rights-of-way and ultimately increase broadband access across Colorado and the entire country.”

Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04) said, "The last Presidential election showed us that, more and more, there are two Americas – and rural America feels left behind. Basic services like broadband internet represent the minimum of what is necessary to participate in the 21st century American Dream, but too often rural communities are boxed out of reliable internet access by our own government’s convoluted, crawling approvals process for deploying broadband infrastructure. Congressman Curtis’ Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act solves many of these problems. Rural America deserves to be on equal footing with the rest of the country, and I thank Mr. Curtis for working to bridge that infrastructure gap,” said Gosar.

Trump Administration Making America Great for a Year

Its been over a year now since the Trump Administration started making American great again. The President and his team had enormous success during that period and business is booming. A few of the highlights from the first year include:

1.7 million new jobs were created
Unemployment fell to 4.1 percent, the lowest rate in nearly 17 years
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut taxes by $5.5 trillion
60 percent of these tax cuts went directly to hard-working families
U.S. GDP increased 3 percent or more for two quarters in a row for the first time in three years
The Dow Jones Industrial Average index hit record highs more than 60 times and closed higher than 24,000 points for the first time in history

To read more click HERE.

The newest Member of the House of Representatives and newest Member of the Congressional Western Caucus, Rep. John Curtis (UT-03), discusses important issues in Utah's Third District. Click HERE or on the picture below to watch this week's address.