Dear Friend,
The House passed a budget resolution this week. Getting a budget passed is no small feat. It was an honor to work with my colleagues on both the Budget and Armed Services Committees to craft a budget that provides for a strong national defense, makes fiscally responsible choices, and balances, unlike President Obama’s budgets, which haven’t balanced since he took office.
By doing so, we have passed a budget that keeps Americans safe from the national security threats of today and from the fiscal threats from overspending and crushing debts. As we debated the various budget bills, I spoke on the House floor about the obligation of the federal government to provide for a strong national defense and the fiscal merits of this budget. Watch the video below:
Congresswoman Hartzler speaks on the need for a balanced budget that prioritizes a strong national defense (Click on the photo to watch the video, or click on this link.)
Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District is home to two major military installations, Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. Having provided for adequate defense funding means our troops would not be subjected to the disastrous sequester cuts that would have been triggered under President Obama’s budget proposal. Given the looming cuts to personnel at Fort Leonard Wood and the A-10 at Whiteman, this budget’s defense allotment was particularly important both to Missouri’s Fourth and our national security.
Armed Services Committee Chairman, Mac Thornberry even commented on the need for such funds stating, “Congresswoman Hartzler was instrumental in helping to secure the funds needed to ensure our military is adequately funded to face the threats of today and prepare for those of tomorrow. I sincerely thank her for efforts to keep America secure.”
The budget resolution lays out a plan on how Congress will appropriate money for the various functions of the federal government. Both the House and Senate pass their own versions, and then the two chambers will get together to compromise on a unified resolution. For the first time since I have been your Representative, we enjoy Republican majorities in both chambers, making compromise on a final budget easier to accomplish. Once we get a final budget, we can begin appropriating the funds needed in various areas of government. One positive provision in our budget is a provision called “reconciliation.” This is a potential option to pass special bills in an expedited manner. I am hopeful this will allow us to get some major legislation to the president’s desk this year.
Outside of the Herculean task of getting a budget resolution passed, I was pleased to have a number of visitors from Missouri’s Fourth come see me in DC. David G. Gaines, Vice President of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation, stopped by to discuss some of the great economic developments in the Moberly area. The group has won multiple awards for its work bringing business to the Moberly area and its impact on the community. I wish them the best as they continue to bring growth to Missouri’s Fourth!
Congresswoman Hartzler with David Gaines, Vice President of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation
I was very glad that the Alzheimer’s Advocacy Forum was in DC this week. Linda Fisher, from Sedalia brought some colleagues by to discuss this devastating disease and what is being done to find a cure. I have personally experienced the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s with the passing of my mother in January, and with my mother-in-law last year. I commend these champions and the Alzheimer’s Association for their work in advancing the cause. For more information on Alzheimer’s and what you can do, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website here.
Congresswoman Hartzler with Alzheimer’s Association advocates.
Lastly, I was pleased to meet with the great people from Missouri Farm Bureau. Each year they come to DC to discuss important agricultural issues. We talked about the onerous regulations that continue to burden our farmers, exciting new technologies used on the farm, and some of the issues surrounding implementation of the Farm Bill. As a farmer myself, it is good to hear from those so close to the issues. I appreciate their valuable insight.
Congresswoman Hartzler with representatives from the Missouri Farm Bureau
I greatly value your input. Have you run into troubles with your taxes due to Obamacare? Has Obamacare given you a headache instead of a cure? I want to hear your story. As Tax Day nears, visit my website here and tell me how Obama’s onerous health care taxes have affected you. Also, remember to stop by my website and check out the events page from time to time to see when the next listening post or open house is in your area.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Vicky Hartzler
Member of Congress
