Newsletter: Dave's Weekly Wrap

Statement

Hello,

I hope you had a good week. Here's what I was up to:

Fast Track - Again

I again voted against giving President Obama Trade Promotion Authority this week, when the House leadership brought it back for a vote. A trade deal could be bad for Northeast Ohio, and I heard overwhelmingly from you that you don't want this.

More Appropriations

My Appropriations Committee is moving along at the fastest rate in recorded history. A couple big things happened this week:

The FY16 Interior & Environment Appropriations Bill passed out of our full Appropriations Committee. This legislation will fight job-crushing regulations, protect the nation's natural resources, and promote safe and sustainable American energy.

Importantly, this bill includes $300 Million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. That's huge for region because these funds will go directly to programs in our area that help protect our Great Lakes. If you read my Weekly Wrap 2 weeks ago, you may recall the city of Mentor, in Lake County, was awarded a $250,000 grant with these funds.

The House also passed the FY16 Financial Services & General Government Appropriations Bill, which funds our U.S. judicial system, law enforcement, and programs to bolster small businesses while targeting IRS and other underperforming agencies for cuts.

If agencies aren't spending your tax dollars appropriately, my committee has the jurisdiction to hold them accountable. That's what we did with the IRS in this bill, when we cut their budget by $838 million. That's a step forward.

Akron Children's Hospital

I met with a great young man names Chase Flaherty and representatives from Akron Children's Hospital this week to discuss the reauthorization the Children's Health Insurance Program, better known as "CHIP". Recently, the House reauthorized CHIP and I was proud to support a program that helps kids like Chase succeed.

Universal Metal Products

When I was back on Friday, I had a chance to tour Universal Metal Products in Wickliffe. There are over 1,500 manufacturers and 65,000 manufacturing jobs in Ohio's 14th Congressional District, making products and parts for different industries all across the world.

Getting out to see these companies and chat with these employees about what's on their mind is crucial to helping me understand how I can best serve you.

As I hope you can tell, we have been working hard in Congress and I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability every day.

Dave

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