Fighting for more jobs, less government

Octopber 17, 2016

By U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador As we near the end of the 114th Congress, many groups have released their scorecards rating members of Congress on their performance. I’m happy to report that my record of fighting for jobs, growing our economy and a smaller, more limited, government has been recognized by four important groups: the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Tax Limitation Committee and the National Association of Manufacturers. I received the “Guardian of Small Business Award” from NFIB for my 100 percent voting record in 2015 and 2016. These included bills restraining overreaching federal regulations, providing tax relief and reducing abusive lawsuits. “Many elected officials claim that they are champions of small business, but our Guardian Award shows our members and other small business owners who is really fighting for them,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan in announcing the award. “Based on his voting record, Rep. Labrador is one of the most reliable advocates for small business in Washington.” I regularly speak with small business owners who face the uncertainty of ever-expanding regulations. Recently, one businessman told me he had to sell his operation to a larger company that could better absorb regulatory costs. That’s not good for American jobs, American families or American innovation. I was named a “Friend of the Farm Bureau” by the American Farm Bureau Federation after my nomination by the Idaho Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau recognizes congressmen and women for their leadership in agriculture. They consider factors including voting record, sponsorship of legislation and accessibility to farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau leadership. I’m pleased to support Idaho agriculture, a bedrock of our economy that continues to adapt to modern technology. The National Tax Limitation Committee was co-founded by Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, who spent a lifetime championing free markets and limited government. NTLC’s scorecard emphasizes what Friedman believed: the size of government must be restrained. My votes on tax, budget and spending measures earned me a 92 percent rating. Finally, I received the “Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award” from the National Association of Manufacturers for my 84 percent rating. These votes included repeal of the Death Tax, legislation to end delays on construction of the Keystone Pipeline and rolling back the onerous “Waters of the United States” rule. While it’s nice to get this recognition, that’s not what really matters. What satisfies me is keeping my promises to Idahoans who entrusted me to represent the First Congressional District. Thank you for all your support and the opportunity to serve.