Brady Briefing Focuses on the Economy, Veterans, and the Santa Fe Tragedy
The Brady Briefing is a regular feature of USA Daily Times. In this issue, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) will examine the positive impact of the tax cuts, efforts to support Veterans, the situation of Trade with China, remembering the sacrifice of law enforcement, and the tragedy at Santa Fe High School.
By U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX)
Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, small businesses are reporting fantastic news for future investment in their workers and companies. More than 44 percent of these businesses plan to give their workers a raise. More than half anticipate expanding their business and making new investments, and over a quarter of them plan to hire new workers.
These tax cuts are working just as we predicted and all indications are that the news is only getting better – more jobs, higher wages and a booming economy. As our economy continues to grow, more Americans are working and paying taxes. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office recently announced that a record amount of tax revenue was collected by the federal government in April, leading to a surplus of $218 billion. You read that right. Washington actually spent less than it took in.
***
The House of Representatives took a major step last week to ensure our Veterans always have access to the health care they have earned by passing the VA MISSION Act. This legislation is the result of years of hard work on both sides of the aisle to improve VA community care and restore our promise to America’s veterans. This bill will bring community care programs – like VA Choice – into one simple, accessible system to help veterans get access to the doctors and care they need, instead of sitting on a VA waitlist.
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and I am proud to have helped pass this bill, which will have a positive, meaningful impact for veterans across the country.
***
I support President Trump’s decision to go after China and hold them accountable for their bad behavior. In that spirit, last week I led a congressional meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to discuss China’s unfair trading practices, which negatively impact our economy and cost American jobs.
My meeting with Vice Premier Liu was productive, as I and other members of the Ways and Means Committee urged Liu and his delegation to work with the Trump Administration and Congress to reduce trade barriers, increase intellectual property rights protection, and create a level playing field for American Companies and workers. It is my hope we can continue this promising dialogue.
***
The House honored law enforcement during National Police Week by passing three bills to support their safety and provide the resources necessary to do their job. This included legislation which allows federal prosecution of those who deliberately attempt to injure law enforcement officers.
My thanks to every law enforcement officer for your daily sacrifices and willingness to put your life on the line for the safety of our communities! You deserve this kind of support and praise every day.
***
Tragedy shook Santa Fe last week and Cathy and I send our heartfelt condolences to the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones. School shootings have become far too commonplace. Students and teachers should feel safe in the classroom.
There is no one solution to this problem, and it is my hope that partisanship can be set aside so that we can tackle the issue of school safety and how to help those suffering from mental health issues.
Kevin Brady is Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
