Aderholt Praises Pledge To America

Contact: Darrell "DJ" Jordan
202-225-4876

CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR THE PLEDGE TO AMERICA

Aderholt: “I expect most Alabamians will embrace this Pledge”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today announced his strong support for House Republican’s A Pledge to America, a new governing agenda focused on addressing the American people’s top priorities.

The Pledge to America is the culmination of a months-long engagement with the American people in which House Republicans sought their ideas and priorities for Congress. The agenda offers concrete solutions that can be implemented immediately to tackle the issues that are most important to the nation, including job creation, spending restraint, national security, health care, and reform to Congress itself.

“Over the last two years, the out-of-touch leadership in Washington, under Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama, has ignored the voice of the people and Americans are looking for leadership that will listen to the citizens whom they serve. House Republicans are committed to the principles of smaller, more accountable government and we need to focus on issues like creating jobs, reining in spending and changing a dysfunctional Congress. Not only do we believe in these principles, the American people support them too.”

“Through this Pledge to America we are presenting a set of practical solutions that will renew a commitment to our founding principles and offer a new way of doing business in Washington. I expect that most Alabamians will embrace this Pledge to America because it represents the conservative values and beliefs of the hard working people of our great state.”

A copy of the Pledge to America can be found by CLICKING HERE .

This new governing agenda is comprised of five specific policy plans that could be implemented right now if Washington Democratic Leaders would allow it:

1. A plan to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive.

We will end the attack on free enterprise by repealing job-killing policies and taking steps to assure current businesses and future entrepreneurs that the government will not stifle their ability to compete in the global marketplace. By permanently stopping job-killing tax hikes, families will be able to keep more of their hard-earned money and small businesses will have the stability they need to invest in our economy and help grow our workforce.

2. A plan to stop out-of-control spending and reduce the size of government.

With common-sense exceptions for seniors, veterans, and our troops, we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to balance the budget and pay down the debt. We will also establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending from this point forward. We will launch a sustained effort to stem the relentless growth in government that has occurred over the past decade. By cutting Congress’ budget, imposing a net hiring freeze on non-security federal employees, and reviewing every current government program to eliminate wasteful and duplicative programs, we can curb Washington’s irresponsible spending habits and reduce the size of government, while still fulfilling our necessary obligations. We will also prevent Washington from forcing responsible taxpayers to subsidize irresponsible behavior by ending bailouts permanently, canceling the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

3. A plan to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care.

We will enact real medical liability reform; allow Americans to purchase health coverage across state lines; empower small businesses with greater purchasing power; and create new incentives to save for future health needs. We will protect the doctor-patient relationship, and ensure that those with pre-existing conditions gain access to the coverage they need. We will permanently end taxpayer funding of abortion and codify the Hyde Amendment.

4. A plan to reform Congress and restore trust.

We will govern differently than past Congresses of both parties. We will require that every bill contain a citation of Constitutional authority. We will give all Representatives and citizens at least three days to read the bill before a vote. We will make sure that the floor schedule and operations reflect the priority of revitalizing the economy, and ensure there is an open process that makes it easier – not harder – to eliminate unnecessary spending on any legislation that spends the people’s money.

5. A plan to keep our nation secure at home and abroad.

Our plan will provide the resources, authority, and support that our deployed military requires. We will fully fund missile defense, and enforce sanctions against Iran. We will keep terrorist combatants in Guantanamo Bay, not in our local jails and courtrooms. Our borders are a vital part of our security, so we will act decisively to ensure that the federal government fulfills its constitutional duty to protect our citizens and our Nation, working closely with our state and local governments.

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