Natalie Gonnella
Follow Natalie on Twitter
House Republicans unveiled their growth focused agenda today, with a new plan that seeks to empower job creators by removing red tape, lowering taxes and and boosting trade to get the economy back on track, "so that Americans can do what they do best: create, innovate and lead."
Modeled on the the GOP's Pledge to America, in rolling out their vision House Republicans aim to address substantial economic challenges while fostering innovation, investment, and job growth without raising taxes.
With unemployment holding strong at over 400,000 for the seventh week in a row, here's a look at the key areas adressed in the GOP's agenda, and their ideas on growth focused solutions:
Empower small business owners and reduce regulatory burdens: In order to ease the regulatory burden on the economy and to promote job creation, [House Republicans} will approve legislation that requires a congressional review and approval of any proposed federal government regulation that will have a significant impact on the economy
Fix the tax code to help job creators: [House Republicans] will set the top tax rates at no more than 25% for job creating businesses. This would level the playing field with our competitors and would help to generate investments and create American jobs allowing the U.S. to be more competitive in the global marketplace and attract business.
Increase competitiveness for American manufacturers: [House Republicans] will pass three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. This will be a shot in the arm for businesses small and large and will create jobs. [House Republicans] will build on those successes by looking for other ways to expand market access for U.S. made products while vigorously enforcing our rights to protect American jobs from unfair practices by other countries.
Encourage entrepreneurship and growth: [House Republicans] will modernize and improve the patent system to discourage frivolous lawsuits, expedite reviews, and provide better protection for job creating entrepreneurs...The House Judiciary Committee is reviewing our visa system to determine the needs of American employers and the reforms necessary to ensure that American businesses maintain their leading edge in innovation and technology development...There are two major programs that must be reauthorized next year by Congress to improve the FDA approval process: the prescription drug user fee program and the medical device user fee program....These two reauthorizations present an opportunity to bring transparency and consistency to the FDA approval process, and with that, more efficiency, growth, and American jobs.
Maximize domestic energy production to ensure an energy policy for the twenty-first century: House Republicans are taking immediate action through our American Energy Initiative by passing bipartisan legislation to expand energy exploration and production. This will help create American jobs, grow our economy, and enhance our security
Pay down America’s unsustainable debt burden and start living within our means: [House Republicans] will work to control the federal deficit to assure investors and entrepreneurs that our nation’s elected leaders are finally getting serious about paying off the debt over time and will bring back confidence by supporting long-term economic growth.
The Republican Plan for America's Job Creators is available to view here.
