This week in Washington, I was proud to support several pieces of legislation on the House floor.  House Republicans continue to lead and pass responsible solutions to move our country on a path towards prosperity and address our nation's fiscal challenges.

I am pleased that this funding bill prioritizes resources in the areas of fighting crime and terrorism, and boosting American innovation, competitiveness and job creation by investing in scientific research and supporting manufacturing. I will continue to fight for legislation that responsibly reduces government spending while funding our nation’s priorities, and I will update you on the House’s appropriations process in the coming weeks.

As you may recall, last summer’s debt ceiling agreement requires a “sequester,” or automatic across-the-board spending cuts, to occur on January 2, 2013.  H.R. 5652 partially replaces those automatic cuts with targeted, sensible reductions in indefensible government spending which would result in a net deficit reduction of $242.8 billion. In order to address the challenges currently facing our nation, we must enact reforms that put an end to the abuse of public-assistance programs, restrain the growth of government bureaucracy and eliminate wasteful and duplicative spending. I urge the President and Senate Democrats to join us in our efforts to address the approaching threat of the sequester and to get our economy back on track.

ACU is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization with a stated commitment to a market economy, traditional values and a strong national defense. In the 112th Congress, I remain committed to championing conservative priorities for limited government, fiscal responsibility and the free enterprise system. To learn more about ACU, visit http://www.conservative.org/.

H.R. 3067 directs the President to establish a Commission to Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer, with the goal of ending breast cancer by January 1, 2020.  The commission would be tasked with identifying opportunities and ideas within government and the private sector that can help end breast cancer. Additionally, it would coordinate with the programs and laboratories of other government agencies to ensure that there are no duplicative efforts.  I will continue to support efforts to raise awareness, increase research and put an end to breast cancer. To learn more about the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, visit http://www.alamobreastcancer.org.