Perspective: Bill protects conservative values

Blaine Luetkemeyer
Blaine Luetkemeyer

This week, the House of Representatives passed 12 individual appropriation bills that addressed opioid abuse, reduces regulatory burdens, protects the sanctity of life and preserves Second Amendment rights.

In addition this bill, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, appropriately reins in the overspending out of our nation's capital by cutting several programs and agencies like the IRS and EPA.

I am incredibly pleased several pieces of my legislation have been included in the package. In the Labor, HHS and Education title of the bill is a provision I authored to provide protections for the unborn by mandating no funding will be provided for research on fetal tissue that was obtained from an induced abortion. Specifically, it ensures taxpayer dollars will not be spent on trafficking infant body parts and, instead, will be directed toward projects and priorities that better our country and reflect the will of the people.

Additionally, the State, Foreign Operations title contains language that will eliminate the funding for the Green Climate Fund and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This language was taken from a bill I introduced, the No Tax Dollars for the United Nations' Climate Agenda Act, to prevent any taxpayer dollars from going to foreign bureaucratic bodies engaged in dubious science, such as these global warming programs.

Lastly, in the Financial Services Appropriations title is my legislation, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act, which will end Operation Choke Point. Just a couple of weeks ago, I updated you on the Department of Justice's decision to terminate this program. While I am incredibly pleased the Trump Administration has made the right decision, it is still my goal to see this piece of legislation get passed through Congress and signed into law so future administrations will have guard rails on them and not have the opportunity to negatively impact individuals and legal businesses. Also included in this particular funding bill are portions of my Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief (CLEARR) Act. This legislation eases the burdens facing local financial institutions by providing them with targeted regulatory relief from an onslaught of federal red-tape that has made it increasingly difficult for them to serve their customers and communities.

Ultimately, this bill responsibly funds the government and prioritizes our most essential functions such as border security, national defense, law enforcement, infrastructure, the National Institutes of Health, and critical response and preparedness for disasters. This is the first time since 2006 the House of Representatives has passed all 12 appropriations bills and fully exercised the power of the purse.

This week's work focused on helping hard-working Americans get ahead by building a stronger, more competitive economy and nation. If you have any questions about anything that is included in this comprehensive appropriations bill, please do not hesitate to give any of my offices a call.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.