I came to Washington having never worked in public office. As many of my freshman colleagues will attest, the first few months were full of new names and faces, navigating the hallways, and quickly discovering how difficult it is to get things done. But through it all, we have risen to the task set before us and fought since our very first day to bring fiscal restraint to our federal government and promote legislation that will enable job creators to start hiring again.
Years from now, the 112th Congress will be remembered for the historic number of new members that were elected to fix our economy and fight back against the liberal policies that are alien to our shared American tradition. We have succeeded in changing the conversation in Washington from “how much can we spend” to “how much must we cut?” But before any progress is made in reclaiming our future, the policies that have made our economy worse have to be replaced.
The president’s overhaul of our healthcare system was the reason I ran for office. As a nurse and wife of a surgeon, I saw firsthand the dangers and tyranny this law would bring to the American people, their doctors, and our economy. The first vote I took as a member of Congress was to repeal this law and ever since I have been fighting to defund, dismantle, repeal, and replace it. This, however, is only one battle in the fight to reclaim our freedoms. I will not rest until the entire law is repealed and each day we are closer to fulfilling this promise.
We have succeeded in changing the conversation in Washington from “how much can we spend” to “how much must we cut?”
Cutting wasteful spending, getting the private sector back to work, and repealing Obamacare remain the issues that I will continue to fight for. Yet with each bill we pass, and every effort we make to get Americans working again, Harry Reid and his Democrats in the Senate continue to refuse to give them an open vote. Here in the House we have passed over 30 bills that will put America back to work, increase energy production, remove costly regulations that are crippling our small businesses, protect our veterans, and balance our budget. None of these have seen the light of day and remain in the Senate with no hope of a vote.
Furthermore, we have worked tirelessly to force President Obama to allow construction of the Keystone XL pipeline — a vital project to stop our dependence on foreign oil and instantly create over 20,000 jobs. Yet, to the dismay of so many Americans, President Obama decided against supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline and proved where his priorities lie when it comes to job creation and lowering energy costs.
With all the challenges facing our nation, the spirit of unbridled determination and persistence unites us all as Americans. We have always fought our way back, and, as history shows, innovation, entrepreneurship, and competition can flourish when the government’s burdensome authority is restrained.
This is the most important election of our lifetime. Our nation has fallen through the cracks under the president’s failed leadership but we must have the courage to continue fighting for what is right and the freedom that emboldens our country’s future success.
Renee Ellmers, a registered nurse for over 21 years, represents the 2nd District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives.