Source: US Rep. David Rouzer (NC-7th), 1/30/17

Dear Friends,
Over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump took executive actions to prohibit individuals, except for those with green cards, traveling from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days while also putting a hold on the refugee admission program for 120 days so that the Administration has time to strengthen screening procedures.
I find it refreshing and encouraging that our new administration is taking extra steps to better ensure the safety of all Americans, just as President Trump promised during the campaign that he would.  And, I agree with every word of President Trump’s statement released yesterday, which clarifies the scope and intentions behind these temporary policy changes.
President Trump’s full statement is below:

“America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border. America has always been the land of the free and home of the brave. We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media knows, but refuses to say. My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The seven countries named in the Executive Order are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror. To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion — this is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order. We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days. I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria. My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country, but as President I will find ways to help all those who are suffering.”

KICKING OFF THE 115TH CONGRESS
The 115th Congress is off to a busy start.  As President Trump declared during his inaugural address, “We are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the people.” 

Already, President Trump has made it clear that he will put America first by clearing the path for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline and the Dakota Access Pipeline, both of which will create good paying jobs, increase our access to affordable energy and make America an even more dominate energy supplier for the world.

By instituting a federal hiring free, the President has taken the first step to draining the swamp of the Washington bureaucracy.  By withdrawing from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement and announcing that he will pursue bilateral trade deals with those specific countries instead, he is fulfilling a key campaign promise and assuring the American people that he is putting the interests of American workers first.

Further, he has affirmed his commitment to the unborn by prohibiting non-government organizations that receive taxpayer funds from performing or actively promoting abortions.

ROLLING BACK WASHINGTON’S REGULATIONS
This past November, Americans made it clear that they want their government to protect American workers and businesses, defend the Constitution and turn words into actions.

House Republicans are acting to reverse the rules and regulations put in place by the Washington bureaucracy that are weighing businesses down, killing jobs and limiting the freedoms of American citizens.

First, with my support, the House began structural reform of our regulatory system by passing the REINS Act, which will require congressional approval for new regulations costing $100 million or more.  We also passed the Regulatory Accountability Act which would require agencies to choose the least-costly option available to accomplish their goals.  Second, the House will begin repealing specific regulations this week using the Congressional Review Act, which enables Congress to overturn any rules finalized during the past 60 days of the previous administration.  Additionally, we will work to repeal the onerous rules and regulations killing our energy industry.

With these structural and specific reforms we can begin reviving our economy, restoring the Constitution and increasing government accountability.

ROUZER INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLEVIATE EPA REGULATIONS ON WOOD STOVES, LOWER COSTS FOR CONSUMERS
Last week, I reintroduced my bill to reverse a detrimental regulation, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), establishing costly federal standards for the manufacture of residential wood heaters.  This onerous rule will result in substantial production costs effectively driving manufacturers out of the market at a time when demand for wood heaters is increasing. 
Our nation’s businesses cannot continue to compete and grow while being saddled with new regulations.  More importantly, the federal government has no business interfering with how wood heaters are made – much less putting in place new regulations that would effectively price them out of the market.  This common-sense bill is essential to protect individuals, families and businesses from yet another burdensome federal regulation.

HOUSE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT THE UNBORN
Lastly, with my support, the House of Representatives passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion to make the Hyde amendment, which prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions, permanent.  While every appropriations measure Congress has passed -- whether it was a Continuing Resolution, Omnibus bill or individual appropriations bill -- has included the Hyde amendment, the House acted to make this amendment permanent so that annual efforts to include this language as part of each appropriations measure will not be necessary.

I believe it is our moral obligation to fight for and protect the innocent lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.  And, for this reason, I have always been – and will always be – pro-life.

LOCAL OFFICE HOURS
Every month, members of my staff host local office hours in counties throughout the 7th District to answer questions and assist to the best of their ability.  Please see the graphic below for a list of our local office hours.  If you have any questions regarding our office hours, legislation or casework needs, please contact one of our offices so a member of our team can help assist you.