Score
Complete Vote History
Omnibus Appropriations House
HR83 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 219 to 206 on 12/11/2014, Roll Call 563). Provides $1.013 trillion in discretionary appropriations in fiscal 2015 for federal departments and agencies.
"President Obama's grant of deferred action to more than four million unlawfully present aliens, as directed in a November 20, 2014, memorandum issued by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Charles Johnson, is without any constitutional or statutory basis," as correctly stated in the bill.
"President Obama's grant of deferred action to more than four million unlawfully present aliens, as directed in a November 20, 2014, memorandum issued by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Charles Johnson, is without any constitutional or statutory basis," as correctly stated in the bill.
Keystone XL Pipeline House
This bill essentially gets the federal government out of the way of economic development. While one could correctly argue that the federal government should not have been involved in this issue in the first place, and that from a constitutional standpoint it should be left up to the states, private property owners, and TransCanada to work out an arrangement, this bill is definitely a step in the right direction since it would remove unconstitutional federal regulatory roadblocks against the pipeline project.
This bill essentially gets the federal government out of the way of economic development. While one could correctly argue that the federal government should not have been involved in this issue in the first place, and that from a constitutional standpoint it should be left up to the states, private property owners, and TransCanada to work out an arrangement, this bill is definitely a step in the right direction since it would remove unconstitutional federal regulatory roadblocks against the pipeline project.
Federal Reserve Audit House
The Federal Reserve System, essentially a cartel of private banks functioning as a central bank, is unconstitutional and is responsible for much of the nation's current financial problems via its control of money and credit. An audit of the Fed would shed light on its otherwise secretive practices and perhaps lead to its eventual abolishment.
The Federal Reserve System, essentially a cartel of private banks functioning as a central bank, is unconstitutional and is responsible for much of the nation's current financial problems via its control of money and credit. An audit of the Fed would shed light on its otherwise secretive practices and perhaps lead to its eventual abolishment.
Water Regulation House
Both federal water regulations and the EPA are unconstitutional, and if the rule were to pass, activities such as farming would become nearly unfeasible, since farmers would have to get federal permits to do many farm activities, such as cleaning out ditches.
Both federal water regulations and the EPA are unconstitutional, and if the rule were to pass, activities such as farming would become nearly unfeasible, since farmers would have to get federal permits to do many farm activities, such as cleaning out ditches.
Oil and Gas Exploration House
The federal government should not hinder the development and utilization of the nation's natural resources, including oil and gas. Encouraging and allowing such development is in line with the Constitution and should therefore be supported. Additionally, such a move would place America further along the road to energy self-sufficiency, which is important for national security and insulation from various global political crises.
The federal government should not hinder the development and utilization of the nation's natural resources, including oil and gas. Encouraging and allowing such development is in line with the Constitution and should therefore be supported. Additionally, such a move would place America further along the road to energy self-sufficiency, which is important for national security and insulation from various global political crises.
Surveillance House
HR4870 Surveillance (Passed 293 to 123 on 6/19/2014, Roll Call 327). Prevents defense funds from being used to allow U.S. intelligence agencies to sift through electronic metadata that contains the personal information of U.S. citizens.
Weapons to Syrian Rebels House
Arming "moderate" rebels in a foreign country is tantamount to going to war, which would require a declaration of war by Congress. Also, the United States should follow the Founders' advice not to become involved in foreign quarrels.
Amendment to HR4870 Militarizing Local Police (Rejected 62 to 355 on 6/19/2014, Roll Call 329). Prohibited any funding in the bill from being used to transfer excess military equipment for police.
Presidents have been able to claim broad authority to go to war whenever or wherever they choose under the AUMF, despite the fact that the Founding Fathers never intended for one man to make this decision and under the Constitution only Congress may "declare war."
Presidents have been able to claim broad authority to go to war whenever or wherever they choose under the AUMF, despite the fact that the Founding Fathers never intended for one man to make this decision and under the Constitution only Congress may "declare war."
Any attempt to limit or prohibit indefinite military detention is desirable, especially since persons detained may include U.S. citizens. Indefinite military detention is a blatant violation of the Sixth Amendment, and an executive who can wield such powers is akin to a monarch or dictator. As Rep. Smith said during consideration of the amendment: "That is an enormous amount of power to give the Executive: to take someone and lock them up without due process. It is not necessary. This President has not used the authority. President George W. Bush did not use it after about 2002 and then only in a couple of instances. It is not necessary. It is an enormous amount of power to grant the Executive, and I believe places liberty and freedom at risk in this country."
Any attempt to limit or prohibit indefinite military detention is desirable, especially since persons detained may include U.S. citizens. Indefinite military detention is a blatant violation of the Sixth Amendment, and an executive who can wield such powers is akin to a monarch or dictator. As Rep. Smith said during consideration of the amendment: "That is an enormous amount of power to give the Executive: to take someone and lock them up without due process. It is not necessary. This President has not used the authority. President George W. Bush did not use it after about 2002 and then only in a couple of instances. It is not necessary. It is an enormous amount of power to grant the Executive, and I believe places liberty and freedom at risk in this country."
Use of Military Force House
The Authorization for the Use of Military Force, while granted by Congress, gives the president almost unlimited powers to invade countries, overthrow governments, and assassinate people under the pretext of waging the "war on terror." Congress essentially handed over its constitutional authority to declare war to the executive branch, thus giving the executive unconstitutional abilities. Any attempt to end the Authorization for the Use of Military Force is a step in the right direction.
The Authorization for the Use of Military Force, while granted by Congress, gives the president almost unlimited powers to invade countries, overthrow governments, and assassinate people under the pretext of waging the "war on terror." Congress essentially handed over its constitutional authority to declare war to the executive branch, thus giving the executive unconstitutional abilities. Any attempt to end the Authorization for the Use of Military Force is a step in the right direction.
Ukraine Aid House
HR4152 Ukraine Aid (Passed 378 to 34 on 4/1/2014, Roll Call 149). Provides $150 million for direct aid to Ukraine.
Enforcing Existing Laws House
Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution requires that the president "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." When instead the president picks and chooses which laws to enforce and which to ignore, he is usurping the powers of Congress, which under the Constitution possesses sole legislative powers.
Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution requires that the president "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." When instead the president picks and chooses which laws to enforce and which to ignore, he is usurping the powers of Congress, which under the Constitution possesses sole legislative powers.
EPA Regulations House
Restricting greenhouse-gas emissions would be harmful to the economy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are not pollutants, and the federal government has no constitutional authority to limit such emissions.
Debt Limit Suspension House
The federal government should live within its means, suspending the debt limit is even worse than raising it, and most of the spending responsible for the ballooning national debt is unconstitutional.
Farm and Food Programs House
Both farm aid and food aid are unconstitutional. The food subsidy programs are supposed to help the poor, but in practice they have done little to lift people out of poverty, as evidenced by the growing number of recipients of these programs.
Abortion Funding House
The government should not be subsidizing the killing of innocent human life. There is no constitutional authority for the government to manage or finance the healthcare sector.
Omnibus Appropriations House
With this budget agreement Congress is failing to address its fiscally and constitutionally irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that is currently yielding annual federal deficits measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars that contribute directly to the dramatic growth of our $17 trillion national debt.
With this budget agreement Congress is failing to address its fiscally and constitutionally irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that is currently yielding annual federal deficits measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars that contribute directly to the dramatic growth of our $17 trillion national debt.
Budget Agreement House
With this budget agreement Congress is failing to address its fiscally and constitutionally irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that is currently yielding annual federal deficits measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars that contribute directly to the dramatic growth of our $17 trillion national debt.
With this budget agreement Congress is failing to address its fiscally and constitutionally irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that is currently yielding annual federal deficits measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars that contribute directly to the dramatic growth of our $17 trillion national debt.
The negotiated deal contained in this bill constituted a cave-in by 87 Republicans that ended the government shutdown as well as the Republican attempt to defund the unconstitutional ObamaCare law.
Even though the bill contains appropriations for huge amounts of unconstitutional spending, it would completely defund unconstitutional ObamaCare in fiscal 2014.
In recent decades the executive branch, via various federal agencies and executive orders, has exercised a great deal of unconstitutional power. An executive who can write laws and regulations apart from the legislature is basically a king or a dictator, and this abuse of power is precisely what the Founding Fathers tried to prevent with the separation of powers.
In recent decades the executive branch, via various federal agencies and executive orders, has exercised a great deal of unconstitutional power. An executive who can write laws and regulations apart from the legislature is basically a king or a dictator, and this abuse of power is precisely what the Founding Fathers tried to prevent with the separation of powers.
Communist China is a self-proclaimed enemy of the United States, responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people in the 20th century; continues to persecute countless political dissenters, Christians, and other religious minorities; and has recently threatened to target and destroy U.S. cities with nuclear-tipped ICBMs. Military collaboration with the Chinese regime will not diminish the security threat it poses to the United States but, if anything, heighten it.
Communist China is a self-proclaimed enemy of the United States, responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people in the 20th century; continues to persecute countless political dissenters, Christians, and other religious minorities; and has recently threatened to target and destroy U.S. cities with nuclear-tipped ICBMs. Military collaboration with the Chinese regime will not diminish the security threat it poses to the United States but, if anything, heighten it.
Military Intervention House
Only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war and appropriate funds to pay for it. Authorizing the president to use military force without a declaration of war is a shifting of responsibility from Congress to the executive branch that essentially allows the president to exercise dictator-like powers and should be opposed.
Only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war and appropriate funds to pay for it. Authorizing the president to use military force without a declaration of war is a shifting of responsibility from Congress to the executive branch that essentially allows the president to exercise dictator-like powers and should be opposed.
Any effort to limit the collection of Americans' personal information by the surveillance state is a good thing. Blanket collection of electronic records of citizens who are not under investigation is a violation of the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on search and seizure without a warrant.
Any effort to limit the collection of Americans' personal information by the surveillance state is a good thing. Blanket collection of electronic records of citizens who are not under investigation is a violation of the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on search and seizure without a warrant.
It is preposterous that the United States would take U.S. taxpayer dollars to purchase helicopters for the new Afghan military from Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned export company that has manufactured and supplied arms to enemy states, such as Iran and Syria.
It is preposterous that the United States would take U.S. taxpayer dollars to purchase helicopters for the new Afghan military from Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned export company that has manufactured and supplied arms to enemy states, such as Iran and Syria.
Offshore Oil and Gas House
Increased exploration and utilization of the country's energy resources would greatly assist economic growth and energy independence for our nation.
Farm and Food Programs House
This legislation would call for nearly $1 trillion in unconstitutional spending. The constitution does not authorize the federal government to subsidize food, farmers, or poverty. These subsidies have resulted in large market distortions as the government essentially picks winners and losers in the food production industry, and the fact that the number of people enrolled in food stamp programs has grown consistently illustrates that these programs do little to lift people out of poverty.
This legislation would call for nearly $1 trillion in unconstitutional spending. The constitution does not authorize the federal government to subsidize food, farmers, or poverty. These subsidies have resulted in large market distortions as the government essentially picks winners and losers in the food production industry, and the fact that the number of people enrolled in food stamp programs has grown consistently illustrates that these programs do little to lift people out of poverty.
Indefinite detention without trial is a serious violation of long-cherished legal protections including the right to habeas corpus, the issuance of a warrant based on probable cause (Fourth Amendment), and the right to a "speedy and public" trial (Sixth Amendment). Under the National Defense Authorization Act, the president may abrogate these rights simply by designating terror suspects, including Americans, as "enemy combatants." A government that would lock up anyone indefinitely without trial is certainly moving toward tyranny, and legislation to prevent this abuse of power is needed.
Indefinite detention without trial is a serious violation of long-cherished legal protections including the right to habeas corpus, the issuance of a warrant based on probable cause (Fourth Amendment), and the right to a "speedy and public" trial (Sixth Amendment). Under the National Defense Authorization Act, the president may abrogate these rights simply by designating terror suspects, including Americans, as "enemy combatants." A government that would lock up anyone indefinitely without trial is certainly moving toward tyranny, and legislation to prevent this abuse of power is needed.
Illegal Immigration House
Only Congress has the power under the Constitution "to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization."
The size of DHS ammunition purchases is alarming - particularly considering that under our constitutional system domestic law enforcement is a local and state responsibility.
Keystone XL Pipeline House
HR3 Keystone XL Pipeline (Passed 241 to 175 on 5/22/2013, Roll Call 179). Declares that "no Presidential permit shall be required for the pipeline described in the application filed on May 4, 2012, by TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P."
ObamaCare Repeal House
ObamaCare is obviously unconstitutional, and it is causing healthcare costs to rise dramatically.
the massive sharing of private citizens' online data by Internet companies with federal government agencies authorized by this bill violates "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures" as set forth in the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.
the massive sharing of private citizens' online data by Internet companies with federal government agencies authorized by this bill violates "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures" as set forth in the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.
Passage of this mammoth continuing resolution provided a way for Congress to perpetuate its fiscally irresponsible, unconstitutional spending habits with a minimum of accountability to its constituents.
Minimum Wage House
It is unconstitutional for the government to prohibit citizens from working for less than a government-set wage.
Sequestration Caps House
The runaway federal spending needs to be reined in. Though the sequestration cuts are too small to solve the fiscal crisis, they are better than no cuts at all.
HR325 Short-term Debt Limit Increase (Passed 285 to 144 on 1/23/2013, Roll Call 30). Would suspend the public debt limit through May 18, 2013 and, in effect, allow the Treasury Department to borrow as much as it needs in order to pay its bills over the next four months.
HR325 Short-term Debt Limit Increase (Passed 285 to 144 on 1/23/2013, Roll Call 30). Would suspend the public debt limit through May 18, 2013 and, in effect, allow the Treasury Department to borrow as much as it needs in order to pay its bills over the next four months.
Disaster relief - which should be provided through private charitable efforts - is not a federal responsibility.
Continuing Resolution House
Passage of this mammoth continuing resolution provided a way for Congress to perpetuate its fiscally irresponsible, unconstitutional spending habits with a minimum of accountability to its constituents.
FISA House
Warrantless surveillance is unconstitutional and violates privacy and individual liberty. While ostensibly carried out only on "foreign suspects" communicating with U.S. citizens, it is difficult to imagine this surveillance not extending to U.S. citizens.
Warrantless surveillance is unconstitutional and violates privacy and individual liberty. While ostensibly carried out only on "foreign suspects" communicating with U.S. citizens, it is difficult to imagine this surveillance not extending to U.S. citizens.
Tax Cut Extension House
Extending the tax cuts keeps more money in the hands of citizens, where it can be invested into the economy, thus spurring economic growth. Of course, the deficits need to be eliminated, but the way to accomplish this is to cut spending, not increase taxes.
Extending the tax cuts keeps more money in the hands of citizens, where it can be invested into the economy, thus spurring economic growth. Of course, the deficits need to be eliminated, but the way to accomplish this is to cut spending, not increase taxes.
Federal Reserve Audit House
HR459 Federal Reserve Audit (Passed 327 to 98 on 7/25/2012, Roll Call 513). Requires a full audit of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System by the comptroller general of the United States.
Defense of Marriage Act House
Amendment to HR5856 Defense of Marriage Act (Passed 247 to 166 on 7/19/2012, Roll Call 487). Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 5856) "to prohibit the use of funds used in contravention of section 7 of title 1, United States Code."
Amendment to HR5856 Defense of Marriage Act (Passed 247 to 166 on 7/19/2012, Roll Call 487). Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 5856) "to prohibit the use of funds used in contravention of section 7 of title 1, United States Code."
The massive expenditure on undeclared foreign wars and nation building is unconstitutional and unaffordable.
U.S. participation in the United Nations involves an unconstitutional delegation of our national sovereignty to the UN.
ObamaCare Repeal House
ObamaCare is an unconstitutional government takeover of nearly 20 percent of our nation's economy.
Holder's refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by Congress is a clear violation of the constitutional principle of separation of powers, and as a member of the executive branch he essentially "thumbed his nose" at the legislative branch.
Immigration Enforcement House
Amendment to HR5855 Immigration Enforcement (Passed 238 to 175 on 6/7/2012, Roll Call 363). Rep. King introduced an amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement memos.
Amendment to HR5855 Immigration Enforcement (Passed 238 to 175 on 6/7/2012, Roll Call 363). Rep. King introduced an amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce Immigration and Customs Enforcement memos.
Indefinite Detention House
The War on Terror must not be allowed to destroy constitutional legal protections, including the issuance of a warrant based on probable cause (Fourth Amendment) and the right to a trial (Sixth Amendment).
Export-Import Bank House
The federal government has no constitutional authority risking taxpayers' money to provide loans and terms that the private sector considers too risky to provide. Indeed, U.S. government-backed export financing is a form of corporate welfare, and if the Ex-Im Bank goes bust (as happened to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae), the taxpayers will get stuck holding the bag.
The federal government has no constitutional authority risking taxpayers' money to provide loans and terms that the private sector considers too risky to provide. Indeed, U.S. government-backed export financing is a form of corporate welfare, and if the Ex-Im Bank goes bust (as happened to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae), the taxpayers will get stuck holding the bag.
National Ocean Policy House
The Constitution does not empower the federal government to regulate the permitting criteria and other requirements of our nation's various economic sectors. Furthermore, ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty would legitimize the UN's power grab over 70 percent of the Earth's surface and constitute a huge loss of our national sovereignty.
The Constitution does not empower the federal government to regulate the permitting criteria and other requirements of our nation's various economic sectors. Furthermore, ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty would legitimize the UN's power grab over 70 percent of the Earth's surface and constitute a huge loss of our national sovereignty.
The CISPA bill would permit government access to the private information of citizens, in violation of the Fourth Amendment "right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures."
The IPAB provision of the ObamaCare law is clearly unconstitutional.
HR3408 Oil and Gas Development; Keystone XL Pipeline (Passed 237 to 187 on 2/16/2012, Roll Call 71). Would open up part of Alaska's resource-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development.
Line-item Veto House
Providing any form of line-item veto power to the President violates the Constitution's separation of powers.
Debt Limit Disapproval House
The federal government should live within its means and because most of the spending responsible for the ballooning national debt is unconstitutional.
Omnibus Appropriations House
HR2055 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 296 to 121 on 12/16/2011, Roll Call 941). This catch-all legislative package (H.R. 2055), which would provide $915 billion in discretionary appropriations for fiscal 2012.
The harm regulation of farm dust would do to the agricultural sector and the federal government has no constitutional authority to impose such regulations.
All legislative powers in the Constitution are vested in Congress, not the executive branch. Mandatory rules issued by the executive branch may not be called laws, but they have the same effect as laws, and what they are called does not change the reality.
All legislative powers in the Constitution are vested in Congress, not the executive branch. Mandatory rules issued by the executive branch may not be called laws, but they have the same effect as laws, and what they are called does not change the reality.
Congress has no constitutional authority to fund many of the programs in the bill, including the farm programs, food programs, and housing (under HUD).
Abortion Funding House
The government should not be subsidizing the killing of innocent human life and there is no constitutional authority for the government to manage or finance the healthcare sector.
HR3080 South Korea Trade Agreement (Passed 278 to 151 on 10/12/2011, Roll Call 783). Both the House and Senate approved three separate trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.
The new EPA cross-state pollution rules will further damage the economy and also because the federal government has no constitutional authority to regulate power plant emissions.
The federal government has no constitutional authority to order a company to reinstate production or make certain investments at a given location, or to block a company's decision to relocate production.
Debt Limit Disapproval House
Piling on more and more debt is devastating to the economy, and the bulk of the federal government's spending spree is for unconstitutional programs.
Debt Deal House
The debt deal allows both the national debt and spending to continue their upward trajectories. Moreover, the budget process established by the legislation is clearly unconstitutional since no Congress can bind the actions of future Congresses via the so-called automatic cuts.
The debt deal allows both the national debt and spending to continue their upward trajectories. Moreover, the budget process established by the legislation is clearly unconstitutional since no Congress can bind the actions of future Congresses via the so-called automatic cuts.
Incandescent Light Bulbs House
The federal government has no constitutional authority to establish energy efficiency standards that would prevent the production, distribution, and consumer purchase of a previously perfectly acceptable and universally used product, such as the incandescent light bulb.
The federal government has no constitutional authority to establish energy efficiency standards that would prevent the production, distribution, and consumer purchase of a previously perfectly acceptable and universally used product, such as the incandescent light bulb.
Libya Troop Withdrawal House
Obama's Libya deployment is now in violation of the War Powers Act's 60-day requirement for congressional authorization and it violates the Constitution, which clearly assigns to Congress the power "to declare war."
Patriot Act Extension House
S990 Patriot Act Extension (Passed 250 to 153 on 5/26/2011, Roll Call 376). Extended for four years three provisions of the Patriot Act that were set to expire.
Offshore Drilling Leases House
The federal government should not be impeding the exploration for and development of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
ObamaCare Defunding House
There is no constitutional authority for the federal government to require individuals to purchase health insurance or to manage the healthcare industry.
Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider, and government should not subsidize the killing of innocent human life. Moreover, under the Constitution, the federal government should not be subsidizing any private entity in the marketplace.
Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider, and government should not subsidize the killing of innocent human life. Moreover, under the Constitution, the federal government should not be subsidizing any private entity in the marketplace.
Restricting greenhouse-gas emissions would be harmful to the economy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are not pollutants, and the federal government has no constitutional authority to limit such emissions.
The burdensome 1099 reporting requirement was added to the ObamaCare legislation as a way to help pay for this unconstitutional program.
UN Dues House
Stopping U.S. dues payments to the United Nations is a step toward getting the United States out of the UN. Our membership in the UN undermines U.S. sovereignty -- e.g., when the Security Council passes various resolutions, including resolutions calling for military intervention, that the United States is expected to enforce, irrespective of the U.S. Constitution or congressional powers.
Stopping U.S. dues payments to the United Nations is a step toward getting the United States out of the UN. Our membership in the UN undermines U.S. sovereignty -- e.g., when the Security Council passes various resolutions, including resolutions calling for military intervention, that the United States is expected to enforce, irrespective of the U.S. Constitution or congressional powers.
ObamaCare Repeal House
The 2010 healthcare overhaul law known as ObamaCare is thoroughly unconstitutional. There is no constitutional authority for the federal government to require individuals to purchase health insurance or to manage the healthcare industry.
Lame-duck Session House
Even though a lame-duck session is not unconstitutional, it undermines the representative government established by the Constitution.
The federal government has no constitutional authority to pay for healthcare for the poor or to fund education. Also, there is no statistical evidence showing that federal involvement in education has increased learning -- though it certainly has increased federal bureaucracy and control.
The federal government has no constitutional authority to pay for healthcare for the poor or to fund education. Also, there is no statistical evidence showing that federal involvement in education has increased learning -- though it certainly has increased federal bureaucracy and control.
Federal spending needs to be cut back and the appropriations are unconstitutional.
The bill is unaffordable and most of the spending is unconstitutional.
The spending is over and above what the federal government already budgeted, Congress never declared war against Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the spending (e.g., foreign aid) is unconstitutional.
Extending unemployment benefits provides a disincentive for finding work while adding to the cost of government and doing nothing to create jobs. Indeed, if unemployment benefits were a good solution to the unemployment problem, then why not make unemployment benefits permanent? The solution, instead, is to end government and Fed intervention in the market so the market can create more and better jobs.
Extending unemployment benefits provides a disincentive for finding work while adding to the cost of government and doing nothing to create jobs. Indeed, if unemployment benefits were a good solution to the unemployment problem, then why not make unemployment benefits permanent? The solution, instead, is to end government and Fed intervention in the market so the market can create more and better jobs.
Ramping up regulatory control of the financial sector by the Fed and the federal government is not only unconstitutional but will make it exceedingly more difficult for the economy to recover.
Government should not infringe on the right to free speech of corporations, unions, and other interest groups.
The unconstitutionality and wrongness of requiring anyone to purchase a product or service -- in this case health insurance.
Entrepreneurs and not government should decide which technologies to invest in and to what extent.
Entrepreneurs and not government should decide which technologies to invest in and to what extent.
ObamaCare Reconciliation House
The federal government has no constitutional authority to manage the healthcare industry or the student-loan industry.
The federal government cannot afford to add to existing spending and because the federal government has no constitutional authority to provide disaster relief or jobs funding.
ObamaCare House
HR3590 ObamaCare (Passed 219 to 210 on 3/21/2010, Roll Call 165). Popularly known as "ObamaCare," this bill essentially completed the government takeover of the American healthcare system.
HCR248 Withdrawing U.S. Soldiers From Afghanistan (Rejected 65 to 356 on 3/10/2010, Roll Call 98). Would direct the President to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan within 30 days of enactment, or by the end of the year.
Patriot Act House
The provisions violate the right of the people to (in the words of the Fourth Amendment) "be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures."
Debt Limit Increase House
Raising the national debt allows the federal government to borrow more money and continue its gross fiscal irresponsibility.
More government control of the economy will do more harm than good.
Omnibus Appropriations House
HR3288 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 221 to 202 on 12/10/2009, Roll Call 949). This legislation is comprised of six appropriations bills that Congress failed to complete separately. The price tag in the final version of H.R. 3288 is about $1.1 trillion.
HR3288 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 221 to 202 on 12/10/2009, Roll Call 949). This legislation is comprised of six appropriations bills that Congress failed to complete separately. The price tag in the final version of H.R. 3288 is about $1.1 trillion.
Healthcare "Reform" House
A federal government takeover of our healthcare system is not authorized by the Constitution and will cost most Americans more for healthcare.
The majority of funding in the bill is unconstitutional and wasteful.
Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized by the Constitution.
The Department of Energy is not authorized by the Constitution.
The federal government should not be subsidizing the car industry and because it is unconstitutional and wasteful.
The array of social welfare programs funded by this bill is unconstitutional and has failed historically.
Virtually every dollar assigned to this bill, whether it is for transportation or housing assistance, is unconstitutional and unaffordable.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional and unworkable.
Cap and Trade House
HR2454 Cap and Trade (Passed 219 to 212 on 6/26/2009, Roll Call 477). Would not merely "cap" carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse" gas emissions, ostensibly to fight global warming, but would reduce the amount of allowable emissions over time.
The spending is over and above what the federal government had already budgeted, the United States never declared war against Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the spending (e.g., Cash for Clunkers and foreign aid) is unconstitutional.
Cash for Clunkers House
The federal government should not be subsidizing the automotive companies via vouchers to customers. Besides, it's unconstitutional.
Body Image Screening House
HR2200 Body Image Screening (Passed 310 to 118 on 6/4/2009, Roll Call 305). Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) offered an amendment that would prohibit the use of Whole-Body Imaging as the primary method of screening at airports.
The spending is over and above what the federal government had already budgeted, the United States never declared war against Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the spending (e.g., foreign aid) is unconstitutional.
Budget Resolution House
SCR13 Budget Resolution (Passed 233 to 193 on 4/29/2009, Roll Call 216). The final version of the Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution (SCR13) calls for $3.56 trillion in federal spending for the fiscal year.
Hate Crimes House
This legislation would further federalize the criminal code as well as punish not only criminal acts, but the thoughts behind them.
COPS Funding House
Providing federal aid to local law-enforcement programs is not only unconstitutional, but also further federalizes the police system.
Economic Stimulus House
HR1 Economic Stimulus (Passed 248 to 183 on 2/13/2009, Roll Call 70). Provide $787 billion — $575 billion in new spending and $212 billion in tax cuts — to stimulate the economy.
TARP Funding House
The Constitution does not authorize Congress to grant financial aid or loans to private companies, e.g., banks and automakers.
Bailout Bill House
HR1424 Bailout Bill (Passed 263 to 171 on 10/03/2008, Roll Call 681). Authorizes the Treasury Department to use $700 billion of taxpayer money to purchase troubled mortgage-related securities from banks and other financial-related institutions.
The Constitution does not authorize the federal government to assume regulation, much less micromanagement, of the energy industry.
Social Security numbers were not intended to be used and should not be used as the basis for a national ID database. An alternative measure (H.R. 5515) would have the screening for employment eligibility verification provided by state-administered private companies that already track employee verification for child-support enforcement.
Social Security numbers were not intended to be used and should not be used as the basis for a national ID database. An alternative measure (H.R. 5515) would have the screening for employment eligibility verification provided by state-administered private companies that already track employee verification for child-support enforcement.
Global HIV/AIDS Program House
Foreign aid is unconstitutional.
Mortgage Relief House
The federal government acting as an insurer, a micromanager of markets, and a wealth redistributor is unconstitutional and will undoubtedly affect market behavior, leading to more and worse market strife.
Energy Price Gouging House
No federal or state government investigation (and there have been many over the years) has ever found broad market manipulation in the oil industry. Furthermore, there is no clear definition of "price gouging." Hence, this bill would likely have been counterproductive, as it would have created an incentive for retailers to close, rather than risk penalties for simply following the economic laws of supply and demand. Besides, the federal government has no business trying to dictate prices in the private sector, under any circumstances.
No federal or state government investigation (and there have been many over the years) has ever found broad market manipulation in the oil industry. Furthermore, there is no clear definition of "price gouging." Hence, this bill would likely have been counterproductive, as it would have created an incentive for retailers to close, rather than risk penalties for simply following the economic laws of supply and demand. Besides, the federal government has no business trying to dictate prices in the private sector, under any circumstances.
Warrantless Searches House
Warrantless searches are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures, and requires that any searches be conducted only upon issuance of a warrant under conditions of probable cause. Moreover, Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution forbids "ex post facto laws" -- laws having a retroactive effect.
Warrantless searches are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures, and requires that any searches be conducted only upon issuance of a warrant under conditions of probable cause. Moreover, Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution forbids "ex post facto laws" -- laws having a retroactive effect.
Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized by the Constitution.
Budget Resolution House
S Con Res 70 Budget Resolution (Passed 214 to 210 on 6/5/2008, Roll Call 382). Drafted by the Democrats, this $3.03 trillion budget sets nonbinding limits for the 12 annual appropriations bills.
Mortgage Relief House
The federal government acting as an insurer, micro-manager of markets, and wealth redistributor is unconstitutional. Also, the morphing of H.R. 3221 from an energy bill into a foreclosure prevention bill was a procedural travesty.
Start Voting Assistance House
The act would expand an unconstitutional federal power grab to control elections that was initiated through the disastrous Help America Vote Act of 2002 with its establishing of the EAC. That act fostered and financed a huge increase in the use of electronic voting equipment which can be hacked, lacks credible auditing, and vastly increases the potential for wholesale voter fraud. Politicians who caused that problem now seek its remedy through even more federal control and tax dollars. It is better (and constitutional!) for each state to manage and pay for its own elections.
The act would expand an unconstitutional federal power grab to control elections that was initiated through the disastrous Help America Vote Act of 2002 with its establishing of the EAC. That act fostered and financed a huge increase in the use of electronic voting equipment which can be hacked, lacks credible auditing, and vastly increases the potential for wholesale voter fraud. Politicians who caused that problem now seek its remedy through even more federal control and tax dollars. It is better (and constitutional!) for each state to manage and pay for its own elections.
Foreign Aid is unconstitutional.
2009 Federal Budget House
The American welfare state this budget expands is unconstitutional. It should initially be frozen at least and then reduced.
Increasing taxes for the largest U.S. oil producers would drive gasoline prices higher and because Congress should not be subsidizing energy development, including renewable energy. The increased tax expense to corporations would simply be passed on to consumers. Targeting the top U.S. oil companies for making record profits is a disincentive to increasing exploration and production; undermines the exceedingly large capital base required to rebuild when Katrina-type hurricanes devastate the oil patch; and is unfair. Other companies and sectors with record profits would be untouched, not to mention foreign oil producers larger than Exxon.
Increasing taxes for the largest U.S. oil producers would drive gasoline prices higher and because Congress should not be subsidizing energy development, including renewable energy. The increased tax expense to corporations would simply be passed on to consumers. Targeting the top U.S. oil companies for making record profits is a disincentive to increasing exploration and production; undermines the exceedingly large capital base required to rebuild when Katrina-type hurricanes devastate the oil patch; and is unfair. Other companies and sectors with record profits would be untouched, not to mention foreign oil producers larger than Exxon.
Economic Stimulus House
HR5140 Economic Stimulus (Passed 385 to 35 on 1/29/2008, Roll Call 25). Would provide about $150 billion in economic stimulus, including $101.1 billion in direct payments of rebate checks (typically $600) to most taxpayers in 2008
Federal healthcare programs are unconstitutional.
Social-welfare programs are unconstitutional.
Head Start House
The bill advances the federalizing of the educational system, and federal involvement in education is unconstitutional.
HR3688 Peru Free Trade Agreement (Passed 285 to 132 on 11/8/2007, Roll Call 1060). Transfers the power to regulate trade (and other powers as well) to regional arrangements.
Thought Crimes House
This bill threatens legitimate dissent.
Warrantless surveillance of American citizens is a violation of the Fourth Amendment provision against "unreasonable searches and seizures." Although the bill includes a sunset provision causing it to expire after six months, President Bush has already called for making the bill permanent.
Warrantless surveillance of American citizens is a violation of the Fourth Amendment provision against "unreasonable searches and seizures." Although the bill includes a sunset provision causing it to expire after six months, President Bush has already called for making the bill permanent.
Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized in the Constitution.
The federal government should not subsidize the housing of illegal aliens. (Of course, it should end housing subsidies to American citizens as well since such aid is unconstitutional.)
Global Climate Change House
Amendment to HR2643 Global Climate Change (Rejected 153 to 274 on 6/26/2007, Roll Call 555). Strikes from the bill nonbinding language calling for a mandatory program to combat global warming.
Foreign Aid House
Foreign aid is unconstitutional.
This act would effectively create an unconstitutional national ID card.
Iran Military Operations House
The power to declare war belongs solely to Congress, not the president. Under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress alone has the power to declare war.
COPS Funding House
Providing federal aid to local law enforcement programs is not only unconstitutional, but it also further federalizes the police system.
Mexican Trucks House
Allowing Mexican truckers to travel freely on U.S. roads would not only threaten U.S. security, but would also displace numerous American truckers who would lose their jobs to Mexican drivers who are willing to work for a much lower wage.
Iraq Troop Withdrawal House
HR2237 Iraq Troop Withdrawal (Rejected 171 to 255 on 5/10/2007, Roll Call 330). The bill would require the withdrawal of troops and contractors to begin within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and to be completed within 180 days from the beginning date of the withdrawal.
HR2237 Iraq Troop Withdrawal (Rejected 171 to 255 on 5/10/2007, Roll Call 330). The bill would require the withdrawal of troops and contractors to begin within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and to be completed within 180 days from the beginning date of the withdrawal.
Hate Crimes House
This legislation would further federalize the criminal code as well as punish not only the criminal and his actions, but the presumed thoughts behind them.
Head Start Funding House
This bill perpetuates a federal funded education program, and federal aid to education is unconstitutional.
This contains an enormous amount of unconstitutional spending, raised the federal minimum wage, and authorized money for the Iraq War, which itself was never authorized by Congress under Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution.
Budget Resolution House
Congress must not continue to support massive amounts of irresponsible and unconstitutional spending.
This violates the right to life for millions of unborn babies and unconstitutionally mandates federal funds for scientific research.
Minimum Wage House
It is unconstitutional for the government to prohibit citizens from working for less than government-set wage.
Electronic Surveillance House
HR 5825 Electronic Surveillance (Passed 232 to 191 on 9/28/2006, Roll Call 502). Would allow electronic surveillance of communications with suspected terrorists without first obtaining approval from the secret FISA Court. See U.S. Const., amend. 4.
Military Tribunals House
Under this bill, a defendant's rights would be curtailed: he would be denied the right of habeas corpus; he could be detained indefinitely; and evidence obtained through coercion could be used against him--so long as the coercion falls outside the administration's definition of torture.
Under this bill, a defendant's rights would be curtailed: he would be denied the right of habeas corpus; he could be detained indefinitely; and evidence obtained through coercion could be used against him--so long as the coercion falls outside the administration's definition of torture.
Border Fence House
A border fence would help prevent illegal immigration and further protect our borders.
Gun Seizure House
HR 5013 Gun Seizure (Passed 322 to 99 on 7/25/2006, Roll Call 401). Would prohibit the confiscation of firearms in the wake of a natural disaster. See U.S. Const., amend. 2.
Oman Trade Agreement House
So-called free trade agreements damage the U.S. economy and threaten U.S. sovereignty by imposing international regulations.
Pledge Protection Act House
The Pledge of Allegiance should be protected from federal court activism.
Offshore Drilling House
The United States should reduce its dependency on foreign oil and utilize its own energy resources.
Line-Item Rescission House
This rescission bill, though not a full-fledged line-item veto, would still shift some legislative power from Congress to the president, disrupting the U.S. system of checks and balances.
Iran Military Operations House
The power to declare war belongs to Congress, not to the president, and such power should not be in the hands of one man.
Foreign Aid House
Foreign aid is unconstitutional and unworkable. Though foreign aid is supposed to help the poor and suffering in other countries, it instead has served to prop up economically deficient socialist regimes and to transfer wealth from American taxpayers to third-world elites.
Foreign aid is unconstitutional and unworkable. Though foreign aid is supposed to help the poor and suffering in other countries, it instead has served to prop up economically deficient socialist regimes and to transfer wealth from American taxpayers to third-world elites.
ANWR Oil and Gas Leasing House
The United States should reduce its dependency on foreign oil and develop its own energy resources.
Defunding the NAIS House
The NAIS would unconstitutionally allocate federal spending, place useless regulations on farmers, and threaten the privacy rights of American citizens.
Federal aid to farmers and federal food aid to individuals are not authorized by the Constitution.
Katrina Funding House
This amendment would have significantly cut unconstitutional federally funded disaster relief.
Even if the spending were constitutional, the funding should be voted on as part of the regular appropriations process and not introduced after the fact as "emergency" spending, ignoring fiscal responsibility.
As a matter of national sovereignty, American personnel must manage, maintain, and monitor our own sea ports.
Border Security House
HR 4437 Border Security (Passed 239 to 182 on 12/16/2005, Roll Call 661). Would authorize 700 miles of security fence to be built on the U.S.-Mexican border and make unlawful entry into the United States a criminal offense.
The Patriot Act tramples on the constitutionally protected rights of U.S. citizens.
This bill would provide an increase in spending, and social-welfare programs are unconstitutional.
Foreign Aid House
Foreign aid is unconstitutional.
Online Freedom of Speech House
This bill would protect free speech.
U.S. Treasury Borrowing House
Rep. Ron Paul's (R-TX) amendment to HR 1461 U.S. Treasury Borrowing (Rejected 47 to 371 on 10/26/2005, Roll Call 544). To "eliminate the ability of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to borrow from the Treasury." See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 8.
Rep. Ron Paul's (R-TX) amendment to HR 1461 U.S. Treasury Borrowing (Rejected 47 to 371 on 10/26/2005, Roll Call 544). To "eliminate the ability of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to borrow from the Treasury." See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 8.
Head Start Funding House
This bill would further federalize the educational system, and federal aid to education is unconstitutional.
Hate Crimes House
This legislation would further federalize the criminal code as well as punish not only criminal acts but the thoughts behind them.
Federally financing disaster relief is unconstitutional.
Surface Transportation House
This bill increases transportation spending and is fiscally irresponsible.
The Patriot Act tramples on the constitutionally protected rights of U.S. citizens.
Foreign Aid House
Foreign aid is unconstitutional.
This bill represents a significant increase in spending, and social-welfare programs are unconstitutional.
Mental Health Screening House
UN "Reforms." House
UN Dues Decrease House
WTO Withdrawal House
HJR 27 WTO Withdrawal (Rejected 86 to 338 on 6/9/2005, Roll Call 239). To withdraw the U.S. from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
HR 810 Embryonic Stem-Cell Research (Passed 238 to 194 on 5/24/2005, Roll Call 204). Would allow federal funds to be used for research on embryonic stem-cell lines, which can be created only by destroying human embryos (i.e., innocent human life).
Alaskan Drilling House
Pledge Protection Act House
Extending Tax Cuts House
Marriage Protection Act House
HR 3313 Marriage Protection Act (Passed 233 to 194 on 7/22/2004, Roll Call 410). Would protect marriage from judicial activism by restricting the federal courts as opposed to amending the Constitution.
Foreign Aid House
Continuity of Congress House
HR 2844 Continuity of Congress (Passed 306 to 97 on 4/22/2004, Roll Call 130). Would require special elections to be held within 45 days to fill vacant House seats in the extraordinary circumstance of more than 100 vacancies. See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 4.
HR 2844 Continuity of Congress (Passed 306 to 97 on 4/22/2004, Roll Call 130). Would require special elections to be held within 45 days to fill vacant House seats in the extraordinary circumstance of more than 100 vacancies. See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 4.
Surface Transportation House
HCR 393 Fiscal 2005 Budget Resolution (Passed 215 to 212 on 3/25/2004, Roll Call 92). Would establish broad spending and revenue targets over the next five years, for a total budget of $2.4 trillion. See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 8.
HR 1 Prescription Drug Benefit (Passed 220 to 215 on 11/22/2003, Roll Call 669). Would create a prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. See U.S. Const., Art. 1, Sec. 8.
S 3 Partial-Birth Abortion Ban (Passed 281 to 142 on 10/2/2003, Roll Call 530). Would ban partial-birth abortions.
U.S.-Chile Trade House
Rejoining UNESCO House
Ban on UN Contributions House
Rep. Ron Paul's (R-TX) amendment to HR 1950 Ban on UN Contributions (Rejected 74 to 350 on 7/15/2003, Roll Call 364). Would prohibit funding for any U.S. contribution to the United Nations or any UN-affiliated agency.
