For years, Republicans have campaigned on the promise to balance our nation’s budget. Last week, the House took its first step toward funding the government for FY 2018 with the passage of four spending bills that are focused on national security. Unfortunately, there are eight other spending bills that Congress has yet to consider and the House of Representatives has adjourned for its August Recess. I am hopeful that the remaining eight spending bills are promptly brought up for a vote in September, as the fiscal year deadline is Sept. 30. It is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation is not left with a mountain of debt. Our current spending trajectory shows growing deficits over the next 10 years, pushing our unsustainable national debt even higher. Beginning with last week’s spending bill package, we have an opportunity to conduct a true appropriations process, meaning taking a close look at every dollar being spent in Washington. With Republican majorities in the House, Senate and the White House, we are fully equipped to show the American people that we are serious about getting control of Washington’s spending addiction.
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Wednesday, I met with the Farm Credit of Central Florida to discuss the passage of a strong farm bill that continues to meet the needs of agriculture producers. The agriculture sector is vital to our district’s economy and its future growth requires Washington to get the 2018 Farm Bill right. I have been working with my colleagues who sit on the Agriculture Committee to ensure that Florida’s agriculture needs are met as they begin to assemble this legislation.
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Tuesday, I voted for increased sanctions against Iran, Russia and North Korea. These sanctions achieve three objectives that are vital for our national security, the ongoing fight against terror and those who fund it. The sanctions also protect our nation and its interests at home and abroad. By crippling Iranian influence in the Middle East, punishing Russia for its acts of aggression and corruption, and curbing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and constant violations of international codes of human rights, the United States reasserts a position of leadership desperately needed in an unstable world.
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Last week, the House focused on the importance of providing our military with deserved benefits as thanks for serving our country. I was pleased to support two key bills that address the needs of our veterans:
• The Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act (S. 114) authorizes and appropriates $2 billion for the Veterans Choice Fund. VA Secretary Shulkin has indicated that the program’s funds will be completely depleted by the end of August. This bill is a stop-gap measure to ensure that veterans who don’t live near a veterans hospital or face long delays at a VA facility have access to the medical care they need.
• The Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 amends the post-9/11 GI bill and eliminates the fifteen-year limit on educational benefits new recruits receive, making it the largest expansion of education for veterans in over a decade.
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Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.
