A New Chapter for the U.S. House
It has been a historic season in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Last month, we elected a new Speaker of the House. Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin had the role thrust upon him when Speaker John Boehner unexpectedly retired from his post mid-term. To answer the call, our new Speaker chose to give up what he has often referred to as his “dream job” as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
While serving with him on the Committee, I saw firsthand Mr. Ryan’s ability to lead, listen, and thoughtfully craft solutions on pressing issues such as trade, tax reform, and entitlement reform. As Speaker, he is already demonstrating his commitment to creating a more open process in the House to ensure everyone participates and works together. He correctly recognizes “we are in a generational defining moment,” as he says, to get our country moving in the right direction.
Republicans in Congress have lacked unity. Independent thinking is a hallmark of conservatism, but it can be difficult to corral. Speaker Ryan is the right conservative leader to move the House forward and help us start thinking bigger as we tackle the issues facing our country. I am encouraged by the potential for substantial reforms under his leadership.
With Speaker Ryan’s departure from the Ways and Means Committee, Representative Kevin Brady of Texas has been selected as the new chairman. I have enjoyed serving with Chairman Brady on the Health Subcommittee, which he most recently chaired, and look forward to working with him in his new capacity.
As chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Chairman Brady has partnered with me in seeking answers from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Obamacare’s failed consumer operated and oriented plans, known as co-ops. Since the failure of CoOportunity Health in Nebraska and Iowa nearly one year ago, I have made numerous requests to HHS and CMS for information on why there was not more oversight of these co-ops and what these agencies are doing to prevent further damage. As I impressed upon CMS chief of staff Dr. Mandy Cohen in last week’s subcommittee hearing, called by Chairman Brady, I continue to await these answers – and the Committee will continue to push for them.
We are also committed to furthering our work on tax reform. Families and businesses need certainty, which requires an overhaul of our complicated, outdated, and uncompetitive federal tax code. Temporary tax extenders are detrimental to economic growth and jobs. Making some of these tax provisions permanent, such as enhanced Section 179 expensing levels which allow small businesses and producers to invest in equipment, is an important step toward simplifying the tax code. Speaker Ryan and his predecessor Chairman Dave Camp laid the groundwork for substantial tax reform during their time as chairmen, and I look forward to continuing this process under Chairman Brady with Speaker Ryan at the helm of the House.
Despite significant transitions in the U.S. House, my commitment to serving Nebraska’s Third District and making your voice heard has not changed. It is an honor to represent you in Congress, and I am optimistic about the opportunities to engage in meaningful debates and accomplish conservative solutions in this new chapter.