Newsletter: Dave's Weekly Wrap

Statement

Hello,

It was a busy week in D.C. where we tackled some controversial issues. Here's a look at some things we accomplished this week:

Standing Against Common Core

I've been opposed to the Common Core State Standards from the beginning. Last Congress, I was one of only 12 Republicans to vote against this issue when it came up and this week I was proud to be joined by many more colleagues in the fight against Common Core.

Our education system has become too focused on testing students and not on teaching them.
Earlier this year, I stood my ground against pressure and vowed not to support H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which would have reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), known as No Child Left Behind. Unfortunately, the Student Success Act does not properly return the primary role of education to the state and local level. So, when the bill was brought back again this week, I voted NO on H.R. 5.

Iran Negotiations

In light of another missed deadline on the Iran negotiations, I'm concerned this administration is too focused on simply crossing the finish line on a deal, instead of reaching the right deal. Agreeing to bad deal just for the sake of signing one will be detrimental to the United States and our closest friend and ally, Israel.

Any deal must ensure that an inspections regime gets access to inspect any site. There's no gray area in "anytime, anywhere." Any agreement must make sure we don't give away the farm by lifting economic sanctions that are working before Iran complies with its commitments under a deal. Lastly, this must be a decades long deal that forces Iran to explain its past weaponization efforts and dismantles their infrastructure to block any future path to a nuclear weapon.

That's what a good deal needs to include. I remain skeptical that this Administration can achieve that.

Appropriations

My Appropriations Committee continues to get things done.

This week we marked up the FY16 Agriculture Appropriations Bill in a full committee markup. This funding bill will protect farmers and ranchers from overregulation, support rural communities, help the hungry, and maintain food and drug safety.

Helping Our Veterans

As the son of a World War II Veteran, I know how important it is that we make sure our veterans are our priority. The VA only offers Military ID cards to those that have served 20 years in the Armed Forces or have received medical care for a service connected disability. As I am sure you can imagine, that puts a lot of veterans in a tough place when it comes to proving their military service. That's not right for those that served our country.

So this week we passed H.R. 91, Veteran's I.D. Card Act, to make it easier for our heroes to get identification that will help them get the care they deserve.

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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