-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

Update: Drought Relief and the Farm Bill Extension
It will be another busy week for the Farm Bill as debate continues over how to move forward.  As you know, the Senate passed a version of the bill in June and the House Agriculture Committee passed a bipartisan bill earlier this month.  With an historic drought affecting most of the country and about two-thirds of American farms in severely dry conditions, it now seems possible that the House will vote later this week on a bill that provides disaster assistance plus a one-year extension of 2008 farm policies.

My highest priority for farm policy is ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the certainty they need to plan for the upcoming season.  That is especially important in times of drought. As we move forward this week, I will continue getting input from agriculture producers in the 19th District and talking with my colleagues in Congress about how best to support our farmers and ranchers. 

Reducing Red Tape
A recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses showed that the biggest business concern for 19 percent of small business owners is government regulations and red tape.  It’s astounding to me that the government is the most troubling factor for small business owners.  So last week, I was proud to support H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Jobs Creation Act.  This bill makes commonsense reforms that slow down the Obama Administration’s rush to implement new regulations.  It puts a stop to midnight regulations, which are pushed through in the period between Election Day and inauguration day.  It also puts a freeze on finalizing any major new regulations until unemployment drops below six percent.  That allows businesses to focus on getting stronger and creating jobs, instead of complying with more red tape from Washington.  

Tax Relief
This December, a number of pro-family tax policies are set to expire and, if the expiration is not addressed, American families could face a $300 billion tax increase. If you pay an income tax, you will be affected by these rates.  A typical family of four earning $50,000 per year could have their taxes increased by $2,200.  The 10 percent tax bracket will be eliminated, raising the lowest tax rate to 15 percent, costing 88 million taxpayers an average of $502 in higher taxes next year.  Half of all seniors that file tax returns will have to pay an average of $1,700 in higher taxes.  In short, these tax hikes are a disaster waiting to happen.

This week, the House is considering two bills to prevent this huge tax burden: H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012, and H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012.  Together, these bills will ensure Americans don’t get hit with a massive tax increase in 2013.

Action Item of the Week
This week, I will vote for H.R. 3803, the D.C. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This legislation prohibits abortions in the District of Columbia on unborn children after 22 weeks gestation.  There is substantial evidence that unborn babies can feel pain by at least 20 weeks, but abortions after this point are still legal in D.C. for any reason. By supporting H.R. 3803, I’ll be voting to end this cruel practice.