Here is what happened in Washington D.C. last week:

Rep. Norman Introduced:

#WastefulWednesday: Last Wednesday, I introduced a bill that would prohibit any federal agency from providing funds to The Asia Foundation, a private, non-profit international development organization. 

In Fiscal Year 2017, the Asia Foundation’s budget was $100 million dollars. $83 million came from the private sector, and $17 million came from taxpayers. If this private, non-profit organization can raise $83 million, then why must taxpayers foot an extra $17 million? That is ludicrous.

No private organization should be given taxpayer dollars to use. The Asia Foundation was founded in 1954, and functioned prior to receiving funds from the federal government.

This is just another example of how Washington has developed the awful habit of throwing money down the drain.



House Passed:

 H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019: Our brave men and women in uniform deserve to be equipped with the best. I am very proud the House has passed the annual NDAA to provide much-needed funding for our military. This one is extra special because this year’s NDAA gives our troops their biggest pay raise in 9 years, updates our military infrastructure, restores our military readiness, and provides necessary funding for our military to face the global threats of the 21st Century.

Furthermore, two of my amendments to make the Department of Defense more transparent with taxpayer dollars were included in the final bill. Our troops at Shaw Air Force Base and across the country need our support, and we owe it to all the men and women who sacrifice their lives so that we may enjoy our day-to-day liberties.

S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act: The bill amends current law to ensure consumer protections, while increasing access to capital markets for consumers by easing regulatory burdens on regional and community financial institutions. We are providing Main Street banks and credit unions more relief with a rollback Dodd-Frank regulations.

S. 204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017: The bill increases access to experimental drugs that have not been approved or licensed by the FDA through a new, alternative pathway. Terminally ill patients deserve to have access to treatments that could potentially save their lives.

Small businesses make up about 48% of the private sector workforce and are responsible for 62% of new jobs. As a businessman myself, I am far too aware that when small businesses are strong…America is strong.

Because of tax reform, small businesses are excited and growing -- which only means greater strength for America. As we have seen from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, small business optimism is through the roof! It is at a 30 year high.

This promising news is because of our pro-growth policies. We have lifted burdensome regulations off the backs of business owners. And with tax reform, they now have immediate expensing. Which means that farmer can buy the tractor needed to expand operations. Or the local mechanic can add a new bay to his shop. All of this is great news for expanding small businesses all throughout the country.

If you want to learn more about how tax reform is benefiting businesses and you: please visit www.fairandsimple.gop or text “TAX REFORM” to 50589.

As we honor Memorial Day, let us stop and thank all of the heroic men and women in uniform who have sacrificed everything, especially their lives, to defend us and this country.

We remember all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Without them, we would not have the freedoms that we enjoy every day.

Our veterans deserve the best. That is why we remain committed to fixing the VA, so that our nation’s veterans can get the care they need, deserve, and have earned – and most importantly in a timely manner.

This is the LEAST we can do for them.

Thank you to all of those who have served to protect the Red, White, and Blue. We are eternally grateful for you.

God Bless our veterans. And God Bless America.