Budget & the Economy

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2016. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding its passage: “The most essential constitutional function of our government is to provide for our national security. For this critical reason, I voted for today’s bill. This plan funds our national defense and homeland security at increased levels necessary to confront the growing threats posed by an increasingly dangerous world. “... Read more

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding its passage: “Improving our tax code and providing economic opportunity are important steps to creating more jobs and better paychecks for hardworking Americans. The PATH Act sets the stage for meaningful, pro-growth tax reform next year and gives us the opportunity to deliver the bold, conservative vision America needs. ... Read more

By: Timothy Cama An end to the ban on U.S. crude oil exports appears increasingly likely to be included in the sweeping fiscal deal being negotiated this week in Congress. Lifting the decades-old export ban has been a top energy priority for Republicans for more than a year, and the GOP is eyeing the must-pass government funding and tax policy bills as prime places to address the issue. Leaders in both parties and both chambers have been working on the bills, and Democrats, viewing the ban as a ... Read more

By: Kate Gibson Franchises are worried that a new labor law is going to put them out of business. In a conference call promoted by the International Franchise Association (IFA), three lawmakers and a handful of business owners called for the adoption of language in the omnibus appropriations bill to void a recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board, arguing that tens of thousands of small businesses may otherwise fail. Calling the late August ruling a "radical overreach into the America... Read more

Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Bill Flores (R-TX) today outlined the conservative group’s priorities for the tax extender package Congress is set to consider before the end of the year. “As the House prepares to consider several costly tax extenders, we must ensure that we craft a package that will spur growth, not subsidize ineffective programs or policies,” Chairman Flores said in a statement. “Special interest giveaways like the wind production tax credit (PTC) and the solar invest... Read more

By: Christine Ayala Two Texans will be top advisers to new House Speaker Paul Ryan. Reps. Jeb Hensarling of Dallas and Bill Flores of Bryan will be part of an eight-person advisory team Ryan announced today. The team includes leaders from the major Republican voting blocs, along with two close allies. Ryan agreed to serve as speaker after gaining near-unanimous support from House Republicans. The advisory group is one way he aims to keep peace among the party’s factions and to give a greater voi... Read more

Today, U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement on the budget deal: “Nothing is more important than securing American’s fiscal future, but unfortunately this budget deal falls far short. It does offer some positive reforms, including a reduction in Obamacare’s burden on employers. It also provides greater funding on a more predictable basis for our military in an increasingly dangerous global environment. Unfortunately, as a whole, this deal does not deliver the... Read more

U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding his vote on H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans‘ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act: “Obamacare continues to harm American families and businesses. The Restoring Americans‘ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, is a filibuster-proof bill that will dismantle Obamacare and protect hardworking Americans’ taxes by cutting the deficit by roughly $130 billion over the next 10 years. It repeals many of Obamacare’s cor... Read more

U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement on the House’s passage of H.R. 692, the Default Prevention Act: “The Default Prevention Act removes the threat of default and makes sure the federal government honors its existing debts. By doing so, it paves the way for more robust and meaningful debates about the fundamental changes we need to make to secure our nation’s fiscal future. This is an opportunity to turn our focus to the long-term, conservative solutions tha... Read more

Today, U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the September unemployment report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Americans continue to struggle as the unemployment rate remains stagnant and the labor force participation rate is at the lowest it has been since 1977. Instead of introducing pro-growth policies to improve job opportunities, the president is pushing new ozone regulations that will cripple American cities and job creation by... Read more