Guest Post by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.)
Today, the American people are facing one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. Our economy remains sluggish, people fear losing their jobs and their homes, andmany are worried about the future their children and grandchildren will inherit. They are deeplyconcerned about the outlook for our great country and wonder if their children will grow up inthe same America they did. People are looking for real solutions to the problems we face.
While the Democrats in Congress have responded to the current economic crisis withunprecedented levels of spending, government intrusion in the private sector, and expansionof the federal government, these actions have only exacerbated the problem. These recklesspolicies have done little to create jobs, leaving our unemployment rate hovering near ten percent,but have certainly saddled our children and grandchildren with debt that is not their own.
The American people are hurting and so nothing is more important to me than ensuringthe future growth of our economy. The time is now for a renewed commitment to the people andthe fundamental principles that made our country great.
A few weeks ago House Republicans released our “Pledge to America”, which is theresult of our conversations with everyday Americans, like many of my constituents here in theSixth District of Virginia. If we in Congress work hand in hand with the American people we canchange the way business is done in Washington by enacting commonsense legislation.
In this new governing agenda, House Republicans pledge to the American people tobegin work immediately on five major policy goals and propose specific legislative initiativeswithin each broader area. These goals include: to create jobs, end economic uncertainty and make America more competitive; to stop out-of-control spending and reduce the size ofgovernment; to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care; to reform Congressand restore trust; and to keep our nation secure at home and abroad.
The American people are demanding accountability and results and that is what House Republicans are offering. I invite everyone to take the time to visit the website pledge.gop.gov. There you will have the opportunity to read the entire text of the Pledge, including our specific legislative proposals.
I am as committed as ever to the principles and priorities of accountability, limitedgovernment, low taxes, fiscal restraint, energy independence, border security, a strong nationaldefense, personal responsibility and economic prosperity and I will continue to be a leader inaddressing these important issues. We have much work to do, and I look forward to workingwith you to set America back on track toward a prosperous and free future.