Economy and Jobs
When our country is facing tough economic times, our government must be especially aware of the conditions that encourage and deter businesses from prospering. As a former small business owner, I understand all too well that excessive government regulation and prohibitive taxes can mean the difference between growing your business and shutting down.
Job creation is a top priority for me as a member of Congress. The House of Representatives passed numerous jobs bills during 2011, but unfortunately, most were blocked by the Democrat-controlled Senate. House and Senate conservatives have now developed a jobs plan, H.R. 3400, the Jobs Through Growth Act, of which I am an original cosponsor. This legislation is about keeping America open for business. It is a composite economic growth bill that would reform the tax code, reduce federal regulations, and increase American energy independence. The conservatives’ plan creates jobs by growing the economy, not the government.
The Jobs Through Growth Act gives small businesses relief with the ability to opt out of red tape imposed since the beginning of the recession. It helps family farms, investors, and other job creators by eliminating the Death Tax, the alternative minimum tax (AMT), and the investment tax on inflation. This plan also gives Americans better access to their energy resources by curtailing frivolous litigation and unlocking areas for exploration both on and offshore. I have supported, and will continue to support, legislation that reduces taxation, regulation and litigation so that America can begin creating more private sector jobs.
- NLRB: As a former small business owner, I understand the need for workforce flexibility. Currently, South Carolina has constitutional advantages for attracting new industry as a Right-to-Work state. I introduced H.R. 1047, the State Right to Vote Act because I do not believe the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) should be able to sue states for protecting the right to a secret ballot in union elections. This bill would strip the NLRB of funding authority for its legal action against four states whose voters have approved constitutional amendments that protect the secret ballot in union elections. I do not believe that the NLRB should be able to block Boeing, or any private company, from creating jobs in South Carolina, especially at a time when we are facing such high unemployment. The federal government should encourage job creation, not hinder it. I am also a cosponsor of H.R. 2926, Representative Gowdy’s National Labor Relations Reorganization Act, which seeks to abolish the NLRB. I will continue to support legislation that prevents labor unions from hindering our ability to bring new industry and new jobs to our country and our state and oppose legislation that increases the authority of the NLRB.
- Energy Independence Equals Job Creation: I believe that the Keystone XL Pipeline is a crucial element of achieving the goal of North American energy independence. The positive economic impact that the pipeline would have is undeniable. A recent study by the Energy Policy Research Foundation reported that "the Keystone expansion would provide net economic benefits from improved efficiencies in both the transportation and processing of crude oil of $100 million-$600 million annually, in addition to an immediate boost in construction employment." The Keystone XL project would create an estimated 100,000 U.S. jobs. Promoting solutions for American energy security and independence has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me as a Member of Congress because promoting American energy creates American jobs.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issues of Economy and Jobs, please contact my Washington, DC office.
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