Fact #89: Repeal it all
While nobody expects Congressman King - or any member of Congress or candidate – to agree with every bill signed into law by President Obama, Congressman King now says he’s willing to repeal everything signed into law under the current administration. This week, the Fort Dodge Messenger reports that Congressman King may introduce a bill that will repeal everything that has been signed into law by President Obama.
This type of blanket legislation to repeal everything signed into law over the past three and a half years would have far-reaching consequences. Here are just a few of the bills that would be repealed, some of which Congressman King has voted for:
- Extension of the Bush Tax Cuts: In 2010, President Obama signed into law an extension of the Bush tax cuts for all income levels. Congressman King’s bill would remove that extension and immediately raise taxes for all income levels. Of course, he has already said he’s “at the so what phase” when it comes to letting them expire.
- Payroll Tax Cut Extension: Although Congressman King opposed this one to begin with, the President signed an extension of the payroll tax cut last February, giving the average family a $1,500 tax break. Congressman King would repeal this.
- Strengthening Our Borders: In 2012 the House passed – with Congressman King and all but four Representatives voting in favor – the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012. This Act took steps to secure our border with Mexico to prevent dangerous materials like guns and drugs from entering the United States. Although Congressman King voted for this Act, he would be open to repealing it.
- Investing in Renewable Energy: In 2009, HR 3183 was signed into law, providing $80 million to wind energy and research programs, like those in Iowa. Congressman King would repeal this, although his inconsistent support for wind and the fact that he broke with other Iowa Republicans and opposed this bill, make this less surprising.
- Supporting Small Businesses: Earlier this year the President signed the bipartisan JOBS Bill, designed to make it easier for small business to raise capital and investments. Congressman King would repeal this bill.
- Supporting 9/11 First Responders and Recognizing Victims: Last year the James Zadroga Compensation Act was signed into law, providing aid to first responders who became ill after searching for survivors at the World Trade Center. The same year, President Obama also signed the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act, giving Congressional gold medals to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Congressman King voted for this bill, but would now repeal it.
- Supporting Veterans: In 2011 the President signed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which provides tax credits to employers who hire unemployed veterans, Congressman King voted in favor of this bill, but he now would repeal it.
- Fair Pay for Women: In 2009, the President signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law. This bill makes it easier for victims of pay discrimination to take their case to court. Congressman King would repeal it.
- Guns in National Parks: This year the President signed a bill, which overturned the prohibition of guns in national parks. Congressman King wants to repeal this, too, although he voted in favor of it.
Of course, Congressman King’s chances of passing a bill are slim. In fact, during his ten years in Congress, only one bill that he has been the primary sponsor of has been signed into law. Since that bill - HR 2758, which renamed a Post Office in Glenwood, IA – was signed in 2003, King wouldn’t have to worry about that being repealed if he was somehow successful this time around.
Iowans deserve a representative who will be a leader and work to move the nation forward, not propose a bill that could have devastating effects.
