Dear Friend,

Last weekend our country experienced the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.  An attack against any American regardless of their heritage, background or orientation is unacceptable.  Moving forward, as we continue to hold the victims of the horrific attack in Orlando, and their loved ones, in our thoughts and prayers, our number one priority must remain ensuring safety and security for the American people.  I am hopeful we will continue the conversation about how we can strengthen our military readiness, protect Americans, and defeat those who harm our country.

Washington Wrap-Up

This Week:  The House focused on funding our Defense Department, preventing IRS abuse, and strengthening our immigration visa program.  Below are a few of the specifics included in the defense funding bill that passed the House this week.

H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

• This legislation provides annual funding totaling $575.8 billion for the Department of Defense.  Specifically, this legislation provides $3 billion above last year’s levels and allocates $58.6 billion for the Overseas Contingency Fund to wage and win the war on terrorism.  This legislation also prioritizes military training and readiness and funds a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops. 

Next Week: The House will continue to move forward with our appropriations process, focusing on financial services.  The Senate and House will begin to wrap up discussing a final Zika package to hopefully introduce next week.

“Obama's Building a Wall around Corporate America”

My colleagues and I on the House Ways and Means Committee are fully committed to advancing serious tax reform with any president who is willing to tackle it.  Click here to read the article I wrote - published in Investor’s Business Daily this week - to learn more.

Ohio Trucking Association

The Ohio Trucking Association promotes and protects the interests of the trucking industry in Ohio.  It was great to meet with Mala Parker, Jim Rosen, Douglas Sibila, Dave Hemmelgarn, and Thomas Balzer this week to discuss the issues facing the industry in Ohio.

House Budget Committee

The House Budget Committee - which I serve on - held a hearing to discuss ways to reform our nation's budget process. I testified before the Committee about my bill, the Budget Enforcement Awareness Resolution (BEAR).  This resolution would restore integrity to budget enforcement by amending House rules to ensure members can make more informed decisions about budget-breaking legislation.

As a business owner for nearly three decades and a mayor who was required to balance a budget like hard working American families have to do, I understand the importance of passing a budget that promotes efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.

But what I also know from my time in the real world is that when you set a budget, you need to abide by it.

In the 16^th District:

George Voinovich

Ohio lost a great leader, father, and husband over the weekend. From mayor to governor to U.S. Senator, George Voinovich was a compassionate and humble man. His fiscally responsible manner and bipartisan approach will always be remembered and sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Janet, his family, and loved ones.  Learn more here.

Goddard’s Law

Congratulations to Dick Goddard on Goddard's Law being signed into Ohio law this week. Thank you for all your great work.  Learn more and listen to my congratulatory message to Dick by watching this clip from Fox8 here or by clicking the image below.

 

As always, read my Weekly Column here.

If you need any additional information, please visit my website at renacci.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-3876, Wadsworth office: (330) 334-0040, or Parma office: (440) 882-6779. I also encourage you to subscribe to my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages to get updates on my work in Washington and the 16th District.

Go Cavs and have a great weekend,