Congressman Jeff Miller's Newsletter January 8, 2012

Since taking control of the House of Representatives last January, Republicans have understood that American voters want a responsible government that doesn’t waste their money or make it extremely difficult for their businesses to succeed.  In 2011, we took significant steps to reduce the size and scope of government and have conducted business using an open process that allows for Members to propose amendments to reduce spending.  Over the course of the year, I voted for hundreds of amendments to reduce unnecessary spending.  Using this open process, we cut discretionary spending by $95 billion, the largest reduction in discretionary spending since the end of World War II. 

Budgetary responsibility, however, must also be paired with economic prosperity.  House Republicans understand that we must take actions to reduce regulatory burdens and create an economic climate in which businesses can expand and hire new employees.  The Federal Government, on average, issues 8,000 regulations each year.  These excessive regulations avert job creation and hinder economic growth.  According to the Small Business Administration, total regulatory costs amount to $1.75 trillion annually, and a small business with less than 20 employees faces an average cost of $10,585 per worker each year as a result of federal regulations.

In May, Republicans released the “Plan for America’s Job Creators,” a comprehensive approach to reducing government barriers to job growth.  We have passed more than 35 bills that would empower small owners by removing burdensome regulations that impede private sector job creation, reduce the tax burden on families and businesses, increase competitiveness for American manufacturers and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The fight to continue cutting government spending and helping to create jobs will continue into 2012.  The Senate continues to hold up more than 25 job-creating bills passed by our chamber and is likely to persist in its efforts to hinder job growth. The upper chamber also refused to negotiate on a long-term extension of the payroll tax holiday, instead punting on the issue with a two-month extension.  The Senate needs to work with us on passing bills that provide long-term security to job creators and the American people.  We cannot wait until the next election to make the big decisions required of us.

We represent you, the American people, and the Republican House majority understands that it is our duty to restore fiscal responsibility and support our nation’s job creators.  Even though we have taken numerous steps to right our economy, there is still much to be done.  I and my Republican colleagues in the House, will continue to take the lead in this coming year to reduce government spending and regulations and provide tax relief for American families and businesses, while continuing to stand for conservative principles that ensure the continued prosperity of our great nation.