Washington continues to move forward with policies and regulations that are not supported by a majority of Americans. In my most recent column, I called for the elimination of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), an all-powerful board established by Obamacare tasked with making health decisions with no right of appeal. 

In addition to health care, unelected bureaucrats are attempting to take over the Internet, force American companies to unionize, and award government contracts based on political affiliations. These overreaches are bad public policy, and I am a cosponsor of several solutions to stop them.

                             Taking Over the Internet

Last December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave itself broad new authority in the area of Internet development and accessibility. By attempting to become the gatekeeper of the Internet, the FCC put the future of Internet technology in the hands of Washington regulators, not Internet providers. Ninety-three percent of Americans are satisfied with their broadband service and ninety-one percent with their broadband speed. Trying to fix something that is not broken will deter private network investment and impact Americans’ ability to access and freely utilize the Internet the way they want.

The Internet has thrived with little interference from the federal government, and I believe it should be left alone. I am a cosponsor of a joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the FCC regarding the regulation of the Internet and broadband industry practices. 

                             Forcing Unions on Employers

Federal legislation enacting a card check rule has never been able to gain a majority of support in Congress. Despite failed attempts by elected representatives to pass a card check rule, the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB) has proposed a regulation that would eliminate secret ballots for American job creators without congressional approval.

All American job creators would suffer under this card check proposal, and I do not believe the NLRB should be allowed to dictate contracts, wages, and benefits. I will continue to fight against any efforts to enact a card check rule in Congress or by the NRLB.  I am a cosponsor of the Right to Work Protection Act, legislation that would preserve federal law’s existing protections of state right-to-work laws.

     Awarding Government Contracts Based on Political Affiliations

One of the most brazen attempts of regulatory overreach is a draft White House Executive Order that would require disclosure of any company’s political contributions before the government grants them a federal contract. Requiring this type of information could become a factor in awarding federal contracts, and I strongly oppose it.  I have joined 27 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the President questioning the requirements of that Executive Order. In addition, I am a cosponsor of the Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act, legislation that would help ensure that political spending, or the lack thereof, plays no role in federal contracting decisions.

While some in Washington would rather give more power to unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats, I am committed to ensuring the American people are empowered to make decisions for themselves. We cannot afford policies that destroy American jobs and limit personal freedoms.

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