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Articles by Neil Siefring
New CFPB Rule Legislates False Data to Help Trial Lawyers
As if further evidence were needed, last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) demonstrated why it needs to be eliminated. It announced a new rule that, if not overturned, will upend an effective way of addressing consumer claims against financial institutions, potentially flood the courts with cases, and increase costs to customers. While getting rid of the CFPB may be a long-term project, Congress has a way to swiftly undo this new rule through the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
Get America out of our disastrous debt by passing the GOP budget
The Republican Study Committee (RSC) has traditionally been the source of boldly conservative budgets that match the mammoth fiscal challenges facing our nation. The latest installment in their series of fiscal blueprints will hearten those looking for a path out of the economic crisis gripping the American government and economy.
Tuesday PM ~ TheFrontPageCover
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Congress must restore its authority and give power back to the people
The United States was founded on the principle of limited government, with power spread out among three branches. Despite this, the country has gone far down the path of allowing great power in the hands of the chief executive. That has occurred in part due to acquisitive administrations, and also because Congress routinely punts tough policy decisions to the White House by giving deference to presidents.
Medicare Part D: Market-Facing And Overwhelmingly Successful Via @dailycaller
The Medicare Part D program was passed by a Republican House and Senate and signed to law by President George W. Bush in 2003. It was instituted to help senior citizens buy medicine. It is voluntary, market-facing, and the best possible way to get medicine to seniors in the current political and policy environment. The companies helping to make needed drugs available to those over 65 who need them should not be punished for their success with a penalty camouflaged as a rebate to bureaucrats.
Trump’s Budget: Reorienting Spending To Serve Taxpayers Via @dailycaller
The federal budget that has been unveiled by President Trump and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney is unprecedented in its generosity, sincere in its compassion and lavish with the currency that matters: This is truly the taxpayer’s budget. It will not only balance the books, but go a long way to restoring the balance of federalism established by the Founders. The budget adopts a premise that has been missing from White House budget proposals for too long.
How a 141-year-old rule could revolutionize the budget process
In the next few weeks the House of Representatives will start considering the 12 annual appropriations bills. The process is usually time consuming, messy, and controversial, just as the Founding Fathers intended it to be. This time, a rule dating from our country’s centennial will have a privileged position for the debates. And it may revolutionize the appropriations process. In 1876, Rep.
Kill Obamacare’s Bureaucratic Overhead Before We’re Stuck With It Via @dailycaller
One of the more pernicious legacies of Obamacare is the provision in the law for the establishment of an Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). This layer of bureaucracy would empower 15 people to find ways to reduce the costs of Medicare. These decisions should be made by just over a dozen minimally accountable appointees operating under the concept that technocrats know best. Congress needs to eliminate the power of the IPAB, before the board can take action.
The Right Choice to Roll Back Dodd-Frank
This week, the House Financial Services Committee marked up and passed landmark legislation, H.R. 10, the CHOICE Act. If it can get signed into law, this bill can help small businesses, Americans who are struggling economically, and improve congressional oversight. Not bad for government work. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas ), chairman of the committee, introduced the bill which would right many of the wrongs committed by the Dodd-Frank Act.
Trump, Congress And The Debt Ceiling
The debt ceiling has been a source of contention between the legislative branch and the executive branch for years. As president, Donald Trump will have to work with Congress to raise or suspend the debt ceiling, which will be reached this summer because of the irresponsible spending and policies of presidents and Congresses past.
Congress should support McMorris Rodgers' proposal to limit federal spending
Unauthorized spending on government programs is harming our economy, taking power away from elected representatives, and is a key driver of unaccountability on Capitol Hill. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers Cathy McMorris RodgersCongress should support McMorris Rodgers' proposal to limit federal spending Study: Rhode Island, Delaware have fastest internet in country At the table: The importance of advocating for ABLE MORE (R-Wash.) is leading the battle to get this spending under control.
Competition And The “Open Skies Agreement” Via @dailycaller
Over the last few weeks, the news has been full of stories of domestic airlines treating their passengers poorly. Increasingly, antiquated airlines are treating their passengers like obstacles instead of paying customers who deserve respect. It is no surprise that legacy airlines are joining forces to restrict the options available to flyers by going after Open Skies agreements that give flyers flexibility.
Conservatives must get something in return for raising debt limit
In the middle of March, the federal government will reach its debt ceiling. Again. Due to extraordinary measures that the Department of the Treasury will take, Congress has a few months more to figure out how to authorize additional debt.
Federal Employees Trying To Undermine Trump Need To Go Via @dailycaller
Some federal employees are upset that Donald J. Trump is the president of the United States. They are so upset, that some are planning to fight and undermine the policy agenda of President Trump. When career federal employees actively oppose the lawful directives of the president of the United States, they are seeking to undermine the results of the presidential election, and substitute their wisdom for that of the voters.
Trump Needs To Work With Congress On Foreign Policy Via @dailycaller
A few days prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) wrote a letter to the incoming president urging him to work closely with Congress on foreign affairs. President Trump has the chance to reverse the trend of the executive branch marginalizing the legislative branch in international relations. In turn, he would strengthen the Constitution and American foreign policy.
Adopting old-school rule would show House is serious about reform
On Jan. 2, the House Republican Conference will consider the rules package for the 115th session of Congress. The next day, the House will vote on this proposal. Far from a mundane exercise, deliberation and adoption of the rules provides insight about the governing priorities of the majority party. The proposed rules would bring back a provision from 1876 to allow members to reduce spending, enhance oversight on the federal government and, in narrow ways, change the law.
Mark Walker Was The Right Choice Via @dailycaller
Last month, Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) was elected chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). The RSC was formed in 1973 as an organization for conservative members of the House to gather and promote conservative policies and legislation. With Republicans soon to be in charge of both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, Rep. Walker is the right man at the right time to keep the House moving to the right.
Trump should propose amnesty - for unpaid ObamaCare penalties
One of the first things Donald Trump Donald TrumpTrump mulling GOP senator for intel chief: report How the Electoral College changes the value of a person, a bit like slavery did Trump puts companies on notice with Carrier deal MORE should do as president is to fully support amnesty. It would surprise the political establishment and confound the media. The times call for boldness, and promoting amnesty would be a bold move. Well, one type of amnesty, anyway.
How to fix the broken appropriations process? Televise it.
Once again, regular order has broken down on Capitol Hill. A key constitutional responsibility of Congress, appropriating money, has become dysfunctional. Part of the reason is that the government is now funded by continuing resolutions and omnibus spending packages. These resolutions and spending packages are the wrong way to govern, prevent progress from being made in cutting spending and are created largely through secret negotiations.
Trump, Congress And The Debt Ceiling Via @dailycaller
The debt ceiling has been a source of contention between the legislative branch and the executive branch for years. As president, Donald Trump will have to work with Congress to raise or suspend the debt ceiling, which will be reached this summer because of the irresponsible spending and policies of presidents and Congresses past.
One way to reduce regulations? Give states the power to reject them.
The current session of Congress, much like the ones that preceded it, has been filled with gridlock, recycled policy debates and little progress on the challenges facing our nation. But on the day the House adjourned until November, a ray of hope emerged: A resolution to combat the regulatory state and revive federalism was introduced. There may be hope after all for the republic. Rep.(R-Utah) introduced H.J. Res. 100 on Sept. 28.
The Disaster In Louisiana Calls For A Measured Response From Congress Via @dailycaller
The flooding in Louisiana has been nothing short of tragic. The loss of life, the people displaced, and the damages that have permanently altered the lives of the people of Louisiana in the “worst disaster since Sandy” requires a response from Congress that is measured and fiscally responsible.
Time for Congress's spending decisions to go on the record
Under the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan Paul RyanPaul Ryan's primary challenger launches pro-Trump super-PAC: report Time for Congress's spending decisions to go on the record Poor polling highlights Trump challenges in swing states MORE (R-Wis.), the House of Representatives has been engaging in a review of the rules of the House through Organizational Task Force meetings and the House Rules Committee. This is a needed and courageous exercise.
Why a bill about catfish will show whether Ryan's serious about regulatory reform
House Speaker Paul Ryan Paul RyanWhy a bill about catfish will show whether Ryan's serious about regulatory reform Trump is right about one thing Winners, losers of GOP convention MORE (R-Wis.) convened a needed Task Force on Reducing Regulatory Burdens as part of his legislative agenda, "A Better Way." The Speaker and his colleagues who worked on the task force have rightly identified the massive regulatory burden imposed by federal bureaucrats as an obstacle to economic growth and a...
Don't Let Foreign Governments Have Our Tax Information
Some senators think they have found a way to get around the problem of international hackers stealing the tax information of American citizens. Unfortunately, that plan is to have the United States simply turn over that information whenever a country that has signed up to international treaties on taxes requests it. Sen.
The Looming Danger Of The Lame Duck
The buzz around Capitol Hill these days is whether the House will pass a budget, and if Congress will be able to pass individual spending measures, known as appropriations bills. These discussions are important, but as spring announces its arrival, it is already time to think about the fall. That is because Republican congressional leadership may be using the sunlight of springtime to plan for moving bad spending bills in the darkness of winter.
House Republican Leaders Once Again Block Conservative Amendments
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is at it again. He is using a House procedure to try and pass major legislation in a way that minimizes debate and prevents conservative amendments from being introduced and debated. Last month the majority leader did this to authorize $1 billion in taxpayer dollars for a global food security bill. FreedomWorks drew attention to the bill on our blog.
Hugh Hewitt’s Giveaway To President Obama Would Be A Huge Mistake
On Wednesday, CNN published an opinion piece by Hugh Hewitt in which he outlined his prescriptions for dealing with a massive set of problems our country is, and will be facing: a military weakened by President Obama, an expiring continuing resolution, and a debt ceiling limit that is soon to be reached. His suggestions about how to deal with these challenges are well intentioned but misguided. President Obama has been a horrible president.
Continuing To Fund Planned Parenthood Could Jeopardize American Foreign Policy
Over the last few weeks, Congress has rightly been focused on President Barack Obama’s horrible deal with Iran. The president proposes to bolster Iranian finances, has made no significant inroads on halting Iran’s nuclear program, and would leave four American hostages behind in Iran. Congress also has before it another significant foreign policy crisis: federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Congress Is Great At Manufacturing One Thing: Crises
Over the last several years, Congress has increased its manufacturing output dramatically. That would seem to be an odd observation about an institution that does not create goods. But has been making something very efficiently, rapidly, and exporting it broadly: legislative crises. Another shipment that will last Congress for the next several months is on the way! Congressional Republicans have become adroit at flexing their manufacturing muscles.
Pope Francis Should Call Congress Out For Funding Baby Organ Dealers
This September, a religious, political, and international leader will be presented with a unique opportunity. When Pope Francis visits the United States in a few week and addresses a joint session of Congress, he can change history, save lives, and save souls. To do so, he will have to look powerful politicians in the face, reaffirm that abortion is a moral evil, and demand that Caesar cease facilitating it. Pope Francis’ position as the leader of the Catholic Church demands nothing less.
Time To Reform The American Community Survey
If you give the government an inch, they will usually take a mile. That is exactly what has happened with the census. Originally set up in the Constitution to ensure adequate representation for the electorate in the House of Representatives, it is now being used to help Washington DC engineer social policy. The offending instrument is the annual American Community Survey (ACS). A bill has been introduced in the House to help limit its use.
How Republicans Can Get Out Ahead Of The Next Debt-Limit Fight
On March 15, the debt ceiling expired. Due to extraordinary measures being taken by the United States Treasury, the United States government can continue “to meet obligations until fall 2015.” In the meantime, Republican congressional leadership has time to deploy a strategy to responsibly deal with the debt ceiling well before this fall, without waiting until the last minute. Running the clock until a deadline is days away, is known in Washington DC as manufacturing a crisis.
The Century Cures Act Is A Needless Waste
House leadership may bring H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, to the floor after next week’s House recess. The bill doesn’t cure a thing, except, perhaps momentarily, the appetite of the federal leviathan to grow. H.R. 6 deepens the federal government’s involvement in medicine, a role that the Founding Fathers wisely left to the states and the people through the Tenth Amendment.
Congress Is Failing In Its Job To Authorize All Expenditures Beforehand
Congress has begun the annual appropriations process. This exercise determines how much taxpayer or borrowed money is spent on federal departments, agencies, programs, and projects. The United States is over $18 trillion in debt and the role of the federal government is becoming greater. Congress should work to be good stewards of the money it taxes and borrows to spend. It isn’t.
Republicans Shouldn’t Rescue Obamacare If The Supreme Court Guts It
Patients and politicos are anxiously awaiting the Supreme Court’s imminent decision about Obamacare in the case of King v. Burwell. The high court is expected to decide if taxpayer funding can be used to fund insurance subsidies in over 30 states where the federal government set up the exchanges. If the subsidies are found to be illegal, over 7 million people may lose or have their health insurance coverage negatively impacted. If that happens, the sky won’t fall. And Congress should do nothing.
Bailing Out The Highway Trust Fund Won’t Fix America’s Crumbling Infrastructure
Federal transportation funding is set to expire at the end of this month when the Highway Trust Fund is slated to end. The House has just voted to extend the fund for two more months, and the Senate is expected to quickly follow suit. Most politicians, staffers, transportation lobbyists and pundits are bemoaning the poor state of our nation’s infrastructure. Many of them claim that pouring more money into federal transportation will help the problem.
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