Weekly Newsletter, August 6

Capitol Update

Congressman Cook’s Statement on Embassy Closings
“Over the past few days, the State Department has closed a number of United States embassies across the Middle East and Africa. The embassies were closed because intelligence reports showed that al-Qaeda was orchestrating attacks. This operation is a testament to the strength of American international intelligence gathering and the readiness of our Armed Forces. When the order was given on August 6 for Americans to evacuate Yemen, the United States Air Force was standing by and had transport aircraft on the ground immediately.

“It is for this exact reason that the defense cuts caused by sequestration are detrimental to our nation’s best interests. Our armed forces stand ready at all times to save Americans like those in Yemen. Any cuts that affect the ability of our military to act in emergency situations, such as the one at hand, are irresponsible and could cost American lives. I hope that this swift action by our military shows my colleagues in Congress the importance of keeping our military safe from the political gamesmanship of sequestration.”

Congressman Cook Votes to Keep IRS Out of Healthcare
Congressman Cook last week voted for H.R. 2009, the Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The act, which passed by a vote of 232 to 185, prohibits the IRS from implementing or enforcing any provisions of Obamacare.

The House Committee on Ways and Means has reported that Obamacare “results in the largest expansion of IRS authority in history.” Among other provisions, Obamacare gives the IRS power to collect and administer a $29 billion tax on medical devices and a $101 billion health insurance tax. The tax increases, which are expected to total in excess of $1 trillion dollars, will be collected and overseen by the IRS.

Said Congressman Cook, “Giving the IRS the power to levy more than $1 trillion in new taxes at a time when the agency is riddled with scandals and abuses would be completely irresponsible. Until the IRS proves it can act impartially, they shouldn’t be given any more authority.”

In May, the IRS admitted to targeting conservative groups unfairly in their reviews of applications for tax-exempt status. The IRS may have targeted pro-Israel groups as well. IRS officials in Washington and multiple other offices were involved, proving the problems were not isolated to a single office.

In June, the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform revealed that the IRS spent about $50 million in taxpayer money to hold at least 220 conferences for employees between 2010 and 2012.

Congressman Cook continued, “This is just further proof that Obamacare is a bad policy and needs to be overturned. Without this bill, we would have one of the most troubled government bureaucracies in the nation in charge of enforcing a law that is crippling businesses and has the potential to cost individuals thousands of dollars a year.”

Congressman Cook Votes For Bill to Stop Wasteful Government Spending
Congressman Cook last week voted for H.R. 367, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. The bill, which passed by 232 to 183, would require federal agencies to get Congressional approval for any regulations that would cost more than $100 million.

The bill aims to provide oversight of the federal rulemaking process which is responsible for writing the detailed language of broad Congressional bills. The REINS Act removes the unchecked power of unelected officials in federal agencies to write rules and requires Congress to approve costly measures.

The Small Business’ Office of Advocacy reported that federal rulemaking imposed a $1.75 trillion burden on the American economy. The former director of the Congressional Budget Office testified that the rulemaking burden on the economy has increased by $520 billion during the Obama administration.

Said Congressman Cook, “The rulemaking process puts too much power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. These bureaucrats are costing the American economy ridiculous amounts of money. This law puts a check in place that makes sure these bureaucrats don’t run roughshod over the American economy. With this bill, we save money and make sure that the power remains in the hands of those that were elected.”

While serving in the California State Assembly, Congressman Cook authored similar legislation limiting new regulations. Cook’s A.B. 1537, the Government Accountability Act of 2012 required legislative approval on all regulations that cost more than $50 million and gave elected officials, not bureaucrats, the final say.

District Update

Intern Spotlight – Dylan Olson

Dylan, a senior at Apple Valley High School, has been an asset in Congressman Cook’s Apple Valley District Office this summer. Dylan has been courteous and welcoming to all constituents calling or visiting the office. Furthermore, Dylan has been instrumental in putting together the district’s first Women of Distinction event. It is Dylan’s hope to attend the Naval Academy and to serve our nation as Naval Officer. Congressman Cook is grateful for Dylan’s time and service to the office and to the constituents of the 8th Congressional District.

Women of Distinction
Congressman Cook is hosting the first 8th Congressional District Women of Distinction ceremony on August 23. Over 60 women from the district will be recognized for their entrepreneurship, leadership, and contributions to their communities. Those planning on attending must RSVP by August 16.