Has Congress been Naughty or Nice? Looking back on this session, it’s easy to see the disappointing things that belong on Santa’s Naughty List. But several things deserve positive recognition. In the true spirit of giving, here are some of the “gifts” that Congress gave us this year:
- 221 Republicans gave the GOP a majority in the House. While this was only an eight-member lead over Democrats, it was enough to make a difference. House Republicans had to be strategic and unified in their efforts this year. Even though there were growing pains, the American people were given a transparent view of the chess game that is our lawmaking process.
- 20 Republicans reined in the powers of the Speaker of the House by demanding reforms before voting for Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Conservative members secured the ability to be placed on key committees and implemented transparency measures through simplified bills and a 72-hour period to consider them before votes. In addition, they extracted commitments that each of the twelve appropriations bills would be passed individually instead of by a massive omnibus package and that the Speaker would not use the House Leadership Fund to sway primary elections.
- 55 pages of a House Rules package that ensured regular order in the House of Representatives. In addition to the 20 Republicans’ priorities mentioned above, the bill included the elimination of proxy voting, a higher threshold to approve tax increases (three-fifths), a prohibition on spending increases, and the creation of the Select Committee of the Weaponization of the Federal Government chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
- 12 appropriations bills marked up and voted on. In an amazing feat, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees passed all bills to the floor. Seven of those have passed the full House and three have passed the Senate.
- 11 pro-family bills made it to the House and Senate floors. Eagle Forum scored in favor of bills this year to protect the sanctity of life and the safety of women and girls, to hold the Biden administration accountable for overreaching federal policies, to secure our nation’s borders, and to affirm the rights of parents. You can find those votes in our scoreboard and in Eagle Forum’s End of Year Report which will be released in January.
- One Senator was bold enough to take an unwavering stance for life and the law. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) placed holds on all military promotions due to the Department of Defense’s decision to break federal law by allowing military personnel and their family members to be reimbursed for travel to obtain out-of-state abortions. For eleven months, Sen. Tuberville successfully fought the Biden Administration’s harmful and arguably illegal policy. Eagle Forum dubbed him a “Hero of the Republic” for standing up for babies, moms, and American taxpayers.
- One year of the Capitol being open to all. The first thing (now-former) Republican Speaker McCartney did was reopen the Capitol and House offices to visitors. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had made it very difficult for the public to access House buildings and the Capitol using the COVID pandemic and the J6 event as an excuse. The Republican majority ensured the People’s House would be open to visitors without extra restrictions.
Not only can we thank Congress for the good they have done, but we are grateful for the advocacy and accountability you provide to your elected representatives. Your vote, make your voice heard through our legislative alerts, and give your time and resources to our organization as well as Eagle Forum PAC! Many of you attended our 51st Eagle Council and equipped others through the education you received. Our sincerest thanks to all who are dedicated to preserving pro-family values for generations to come. Merry Christmas!