In the News

2 state congressmen join GOP pitch to take House

09/16/2020
Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- As they battle to regain control in the House, Republican congressmen Tuesday unveiled what they're calling the Republican Commitment to America, a set of promises they've made as election day nears.

U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs stood with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and dozens of other Republican congressmen on the steps of the House during the formal announcement.

"Americans are fed up with politicians who say one thing and do another. Instead of empty rhetoric, they deserve results," McCarthy said.

The Commitment to America vows to "restore our way of life," "rebuild the greatest economy in history" and "renew the American dream."

Among other things, the Republican plan calls for "tripling rapid COVID testing and developing a vaccine that is safe, effective, and available this year."

Election Day is Nov. 3. If Republicans retake control, they would be sworn in on Jan. 3.

The plans highlighted by Republican lawmakers call for:

• "Launching a five-year plan to fix our roads, bridges, and airports, while cutting the permitting process time in half." The amount of money to be spent was not specified.

• Extending high-speed internet capabilities to every household.

mProviding $200 billion in additional forgivable loans to American businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program.

• Creating 10 million jobs.

• Increasing funding for law enforcement by $1.75 billion.

• Extending or making permanent some existing tax breaks while working with President Donald Trump "to provide additional tax relief to hardworking Americans." The plans didn't state how large the additional tax cuts would be.

• Allowing parents to send their children to the school of their choice.

The plan didn't explain how Republicans plan to pay for the increased spending or make up for any decrease in revenue.