America is on the brink of an economic boom. We are experiencing record highs in the stock market, historically low unemployment rates and extraordinary numbers of new jobs. Much of this is due to the hard work we have done in Congress, including passing the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and dramatically reducing burdensome and duplicative regulations.

At this pivotal moment, we should be doing everything within our power to encourage additional business investments and production to create even more job growth, economic opportunity and mobility for all Americans. The best way to continue on this trajectory is to get government out of the way so the free market can flourish again, and entrepreneurs and small business owners can expand even further. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District, as well as the country at large. 

Our constant challenge is the nation’s crushing debt, which has now surpassed $20 trillion and increases with each passing moment. If we do not address the debt crisis quickly and responsibly, continued economic growth will be hindered and we will create a problem for our children and grandchildren that is insurmountable.

We must put an end to the excessive and wasteful spending of Washington by passing a balanced budget amendment to ensure the federal government cannot spend more revenue than it takes in. American families make hard choices every day to ensure they live within their means, and government should be held to the same standard.

Our dramatically simplified federal tax code and drastic reductions in federal red tape have been important achievements in the 115th Congress so far, and we can accomplish much more if we will insist upon good stewardship of taxpayer resources and the application of common sense.