Newsletter: Rokita Report

Statement

Dear Friend,

Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.

Rokita Readings
A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to "Keep the Republic."

This week, the House considered legislation, discussed below, that would authorize Speaker Boehner to initiate a lawsuit against the Obama Administration for their failure to implement law as passed, particularly ObamaCare.

While it is important to conduct our constitutional role of oversight of the Executive Branch, we are also responsible for proposing solutions that help Americans build better lives for themselves and their families.

With that, I was reminded of, not only the reforms I have proposed, the State Health Flexibility Act and the American Health Care Reform Act, but the reforms that states are putting into practice.

Indiana has certainly been a leader in this regard, and was an inspiration to the ideas I offered when writing the American Health Care Reform Act, but other states are succeeding too.

In an article I read in December of last year, "This is Exactly What Health Care Reform is Supposed to Do" by Amy Payne and Kelsey Harris, Medicaid reforms in Florida are highlighted. The story highlighted in their column, that of a man who lost his legs and left hand in a horrific motorcycle accident and experienced a bureaucratic nightmare in the one size fits all Medicaid system, illustrated how reforms in Florida are breaking down those barriers.

Stemming the Tide on the Border Crisis

I share the concerns of the many Hoosiers who have contacted me regarding the crisis on our southern border, as well as the issue of immigration in general.

The House took action on Friday night to lead where the President and the Senate have failed, and passed legislation to address the ongoing border crisis.

We passed an effective and responsible solution to the crisis that is consistent with our values, our laws, and does not provide amnesty. This legislation increases border protection, speeds up the deportation process, and keeps those that are waiting for a determination of their legal status together. More importantly, the legislation would prevent the President from ignoring the law and granting amnesty to illegal immigrants.

Furthermore, I worked hard to ensure that this solution was paid for, in significant part, with a reduction of foreign from countries whose leaders, in addition to our President, have been encouraging this migration.

Listening to Hoosiers - August Town Hall Schedule

I'm pleased to announce several Town Hall events that I will be holding in the coming weeks. These events are a key part of informing me of what concerns 4th District Hoosiers may have regarding the direction of our country. The events will be held in the following cities and towns:

Danville
Roselawn
Lebanon
Kokomo
Greencastle
Rennselaer
Monticello
Frankfort
For times, locations, and additional details, please click here. If there is not an event near you, I will be adding more dates in the coming months.

I look forward to talking with Hoosiers and getting my marching orders for my work in Washington. Our Republic relies on an engaged citizenry and I am eager to hear your input.

As I do with all of my Town Hall events, we will begin with a reading of selections from the Constitution. If you would like to volunteer to read at one of these events, please contact my Danville District Office at 317-718-0404.

Serving Our Veterans - Veterans Administration Reforms

Like you, I was outraged at the recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) news stories that revealed subpar care for our veterans. That is why, on Wednesday, my colleagues and I lead passage of a bipartisan and bicameral reform bill that will improve access to care for veterans.

The legislation included many of the reforms included in H.R. 4810, the Veterans Access to Care Act, which passed the House with my support on June 10.

The final legislation, H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act will:

· Allow veterans that that have been on waiting lists for more than 30 days or that live further than 40 miles from a VA medical facility to seek treatment at a private provider using a new Veterans Choice Card.

· Provide $5 billion to the VA to increase access to care through the hiring of physicians and other medical staff.

· Authorize the leases for 27 major VA medical facilities in 18 states and Puerto Rico.

· Authorize the VA to fire or demote Senior Executive Service employees for poor performance or misconduct.

· Reduce funding available for VA bonuses by $400 million over the next ten years.

· Require public colleges to provide in-state tuition to veterans and eligible dependents (spouses and children).

For additional information on the legislation, visit the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.

If you or a veteran you know is experiencing difficulty with VA care, please contact my Danville office for assistance. We have already assisted over 1,000 veterans or active duty families that have contacted us.

Upholding the Constitution and Holding the President Accountable

The President cannot pick and choose which parts of a law he enforces. The Constitution says the president must faithfully execute the laws, and makes clear that only the Legislative Branch has the power to write laws. As a Member of Congress, I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. It is my duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch, and that is why I supported legislation this week that authorizes Speaker of the House John Boehner to initiate a civil legal challenge against the President.

Sincerely,

Todd Rokita

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