Perspective: Listening to constituents

As I prepare to head back to Washington after a few uninterrupted weeks of visiting with folks throughout Missouri's 3rd District, I find myself reflecting on the issues that were discussed and what is on your minds.

I heard from some of you who are concerned about what Congress has accomplished so far this year. I am pleased to report that during the first seven months of the 114th Congress, the House passed 190 bills. In addition, under our country's new Republican-led Congress, there have been 29 bills enacted in law. The historical average is 21. Some of the issues the House has addressed are building a healthy economy, defending the values that make America great, keeping our great country safe by supporting strong American leadership and making Washington more effective and accountable.

In addition to passing laws, I agree with the many Missourians who believe that Congress must do more to block the regulations coming out of the Obama Administration, which continue to threaten our economy and the livelihoods of our citizens.

In particular, I will continue to work to rein in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I was pleased to speak at a press conference with several of my colleagues and the Missouri Farm Bureau at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. The purpose of the press conference was to reiterate our unwavering determination to ensure the EPA does not redefine the scope of the Clean Water Act.

This rule not only drastically increases federal power but it expands the areas defined as "waters of the United States" by effectively removing the word "navigable" from the definition in the Clean Water Act, and would essentially mean that ditches and drainage areas are under federal control. Not only have I spent a lot of time educating folks about this overreaching land grab by the government, but across the country this is a hot topic because it will negatively affect those that work in home building, energy exploration, and municipal development sectors.

In addition to burdensome EPA regulations, many of you expressed uncertainty about the direction of our nation's economy and are yearning for different approaches that will not only bring stability but will also bring more growth. The current administration believes that with more government interference, a thriving country will emerge.

But with the official unemployment rate currently at 5.3 percent - which doesn't take into account workers who want to work full-time, but can only find part-time work, and workers who want to work, but have given up on finding employment - clearly, the status quo is not working. You understand that government does not create jobs and it can very much stifle the entrepreneurial spirit, but, unfortunately, far too many bureaucrats in Washington just don't get it. I have had many meetings and conversations this year with representatives from different government agencies to discuss rules and regulations that are either costing our district new jobs, or threatening existing ones.

As your voice in Washington, I will take all that I have heard from you and work with my colleagues on policies that will unleash the spirit of our great country. This fall is shaping up to be a very busy one and I am ready to head back to Washington to tackle the tasks at hand and fight for our shared priorities.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.

Web link:

luetkemeyer.house.gov