GOP Rep. Kevin Hern on Government Funding, Economy, and Immigration

Economic Outlook and Inflation

• 💡 The current economic situation is compared to the transition from the Carter to Reagan administrations, requiring time to stabilize.
• 📈 Inflation was at 1.9% when Democrats took office, but increased due to government spending on unneeded items.
• 📉 Lowering interest rates is crucial for economic growth, with current rates being steady for a year.

Immigration and Economic Impact

• 🇺🇸 Legal citizens should be prioritized for work in the US, with illegal immigrants not permitted to work.
• 🗣️ The President is fulfilling campaign promises regarding immigration enforcement, which is seen as a positive step by many Americans.
• 💰 Concerns about the economic consequences of stepped-up enforcement, such as upward price pressure, are acknowledged.

Government Funding and Recissions

• ⚠️ A potential government shutdown is looming at the end of the month, with negotiations ongoing.
• 💰 The President's withholding of appropriated monies, termed "pocket recisions," is seen as within his legal purview, though likely to be challenged in court.
• 🎯 Efforts are underway to get America back on track and control spending, including utilizing tariff dollars and addressing permanent tax rates to close deficits.

Congressional Negotiations and Spending

• 🏛️ Republicans control the House, but Democrats hold leverage in the Senate, potentially forcing a shutdown if they vote against keeping the government open.
• 💰 The $4 billion in recisions is a small amount relative to the overall $7 trillion annual spend, with a focus on addressing waste, fraud, and abuse.
• 🗓️ The ideal scenario is passing all 12 appropriation bills on time by September 30th, a feat not accomplished in 25 years.
• 🤝 Internal negotiations are ongoing regarding short-term versus long-term spending bills, with the goal of passing monumental legislation.