REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016Based on these principles, this platform is an
invitation and a roadmap. It invites every American
to join us and shows the path to a stronger, safer,
and more prosperous America... This platform lays out — in clear language — the
path to making America great and united again.We dedicate this platform with admiration and gratitude
To all who stand strong in the face of danger
So that the American people may be protected against it —
The men and women of our military,
of our law enforcement, and the first responders
of every community in our land —
And to their families.Republican National Platform CommitteeRNPC_dd37e2ee-f4b4-11e1-9990-fe108b708e50Reince PriebusRepublican National Committee ChairmanSenator John BarrassoChairmanGovernor Mary FallinCo-ChairRepresentative Virginia FoxxCo-ChairJim CarnsALABAMAJudy CarnsALABAMAJim CrawfordALASKAJudy EledgeALASKABrandon SmartAMERICAN SAMOAAndrea KadarARIZONALynden (Len) MunsilARIZONAJohn NabholzARKANSASLeslie RutledgeARKANSASNoel HentschelAndy PuzderCALIFORNIARobin CoranCOLORADOJustin EverettCOLORADOAnthony D’AmelioCONNECTICUTPatricia LongoCONNECTICUTAllison BrokawDELAWARETimothy HousealDELAWARERachel HoffDISTRICT OF COLUMBIAChip NottinghamDISTRICT OF COLUMBIACindy GravesFLORIDAJoe GrutersFLORIDARanya CaseyGEORGIACurtis “Scott” JohnsonGEORGIAJuan Carlos BenitezGUAMMargaret MetcalfeGUAMAdrienne KingHAWAIIWilliam McClaryHAWAIIVicki KeenIDAHOSteve YatesIDAHOStephanie HolderfieldILLINOISJohn LynchILLINOISJames BoppINDIANABrenda GoffINDIANABen BarringerIOWATamara ScottIOWAMary Kay CulpKANSASKris KobachKANSASJulie AdamsKENTUCKYNathan HaneyKENTUCKYSandra (Sandy) McDadeLOUISIANATony PerkinsLOUISIANAEric BrakeyMAINEStacey GuerinMAINEJoeylynn HoughMARYLANDMichael (Ben) MarchiMARYLANDAmy CarnevaleMASSACHUSETTSBob MaginnMASSACHUSETTSJoe HuneMICHIGANMeshawn MaddockMICHIGANAndy AplikowskiMINNESOTAJanet BeihofferMINNESOTALynn FitchMISSISSIPPIDelbert HosemannMISSISSIPPIHardy BillingtonMISSOURIBev EhlenMISSOURISeth BergleeMONTANADebra LammMONTANADebby BrehmNEBRASKABrian BuescherNEBRASKAJuanita CoxNEVADAJesse LawNEVADAJuliana BergeronNEW HAMPSHIREStephen StepanekNEW HAMPSHIREJoseph PennacchioNEW JERSEYJill SpaceNEW JERSEYJonathan GardnerNEW MEXICOAndrea MooreNEW MEXICOThomas DadeyNEW YORKAnne DickersonNEW YORKMary ForresterNORTH CAROLINARon RabinNORTH CAROLINAKelly ArmstrongNORTH DAKOTAKelly SchmidtNORTH DAKOTAIvan BlancoNORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDSDavid JohnsonOHIOTracey Monroe-WinbushOHIOMarc HaderOKLAHOMACarolyn McLartyOKLAHOMADonna CainOREGONRuss WalkerOREGONJim McErlanePENNSYLVANIACarol SidesPENNSYLVANIAJenniffer González-ColónPUERTO RICOJorge San MiguelPUERTO RICOGiovanni CicioneRHODE ISLANDLee Ann SennickAlan ClemmonsSOUTH CAROLINALaDonna RyggsSOUTH CAROLINANancy NeffSOUTH DAKOTAHal WickSOUTH DAKOTAVictor AsheTENNESSEEConnie HunterTENNESSEEDavid BartonTEXASDiana DenmanTEXASBoyd MathesonUTAHGayle RuzickaUTAHRick CochranVERMONTDarcie JohnstonVERMONTCynthia DunbarVIRGINIAThomas ValentineVIRGINIAApril NewlandVIRGIN ISLANDSHumberto O’NealVIRGIN ISLANDSManette MerrillWASHINGTONPhilip WilsonWASHINGTONMelody PotterWEST VIRGINIAVictor SprouseWEST VIRGINIAKathy KiernanWISCONSINTom SchreibelWISCONSINMarti HalversonWYOMINGDick ShanorWYOMINGGOP Platform Committee StaffBen KeyExecutive DirectorAndrew BrembergPolicy DirectorBill GribbinEditorEric UelandAssistant EditorMary SalviExecutive AssistantDavid SchiappaParliamentarianJustin RiemerCounselMary Elizabeth TaylorClerkAllison CurryClerkSloane SkinnerClerkKaren PortikGraphic DesignerMarcia BrownProductionSheila BerkleyPlatform ConsultantMike MearsDirector of Strategic PartnershipsRachel PackebushInternGOP Platform Committee Administrative TeamBrian O’MalleyEd CowlingBlake GlovitzKim OwensWill GilletteGordon JamesStephen MengelkampCourt ReporterNate RivenessCourt ReporterAmerica great and united again_0fc6ae90-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea00To reaffirm the principles that unite us in a common purpose_0fc6b23c-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea00American ExceptionalismWe believe in American exceptionalism.
We believe the United States of America is
unlike any other nation on earth.LibertyWe believe America is exceptional because of
our historic role — first as refuge, then as defender,
and now as exemplar of liberty for the world to see.EqualityWe affirm — as did the Declaration of
Independence: that all are created equal, endowed
by their Creator with inalienable rights of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.ConstitutionalismWe believe in the Constitution as our founding
document.LiteralismWe believe the Constitution was written not as a flexible document, but as our enduring covenant.FederalismWe believe our constitutional system — limited
government, separation of powers, federalism,
and the rights of the people — must be preserved
uncompromised for future generations.Political FreedomWe believe political freedom and economic
freedom are indivisible.Economic FreedomWhen political freedom and economic freedom
are separated — both are in peril; when united, they
are invincible.PeopleWe believe that people are the ultimate resource
— and that the people, not the government, are the
best stewards of our country’s God-given natural
resources.PeaceAs Americans and as Republicans we wish for
peace — so we insist on strength.StrengthSafetyWe will make America safe.FriendshipWe seek friendship with all peoples
and all nations, but we recognize and are prepared
to deal with evil in the world. OptimismThis platform is optimistic because the American people are optimisticAmerican DreamRestore the American Dream_0fc6b3fe-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001Joe GrutersAmerican Dream Subcommittee Co-ChairDelbert HosemannAmerican Dream Subcommittee Co-ChairAndy PuzderAmerican Dream Subcommittee Co-ChairJeff SchlagenhaufRestoring the American Dream StaffEric UelandRestoring the American Dream StaffJobs & EconomyRebuild the economy and create jobs_0fc6b728-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.1Rebuilding the Economy and Creating Jobs --
We are the party of a growing economy that
gives everyone a chance in life, an opportunity to
learn, work, and realize the prosperity freedom
makes possible.
Government cannot create prosperity, though
government can limit or destroy it. Prosperity is the
product of self-discipline, enterprise, saving and investment by individuals, but it is not an end in itself.
Prosperity provides the means by which citizens
and their families can maintain their independence
from government, raise their children by their own
values, practice their faith, and build communities
of cooperation and mutual respect. It is also the
foundation for our nation’s global leadership, for it
is the vigor of our economy which makes possible
our military strength and our national security.
Pundits and Democrats tell us that we should
accept the new normal of a slow-growing economy.
The consequences are too dire to ever accept that:
President Obama and his party
will set a record of being the first
modern president ever to leave
office without a single calendar
year of three percent economic
growth. As a result, the number
of Americans living in poverty
has increased by 7 million, our
nation’s economy has lost nearly
$8 trillion of cumulative output compared with an
average recovery, and the economic growth shortfall has left a cumulative real after-tax per person
personal income shortfall of nearly $17,000 compared with an average recovery.
Under President Obama and the Democrats,
new private-sector jobs are three million below
where they should have been with just average
modern post-recession growth. Our labor force
participation rate has plunged to at or below 63
percent for far too long, lows last seen two generations ago before President Reagan was elected
in 1980. Business closures have exceeded business
startups throughout the Obama Presidency. Strong
growth, more jobs, increasing incomes, and expanding opportunity are all in short supply under President Obama and the Democrats.
We repudiate the absurd idea this is the best
America can do. The American people rejected that
nonsense the last time it was offered, in the historic
election of 1980, and we ask them to join us now
to again repudiate the false gospel of America’s diminishment and retreat. We offer instead our vision
of an opportunity society based on the economics
of inclusion. TaxesEstablish a pro-growth tax code_0fc6bb92-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.2Fair and Simple Taxes for Growth -- Republicans consider the establishment of a
pro-growth tax code a moral imperative. More than
any other public policy, the way government raises
revenue — how much, at what rates, under what
circumstances, from whom,
and for whom — has the greatest impact on our economy’s
performance. It powerfully influences the level of economic
growth and job creation, which
translates into the level of opportunity for those who would
otherwise be left behind. Getting our tax system right will be the most important factor in driving the entire economy back to
prosperity.
The current tax code is rightly the object of
both anger and mockery. Its length is exceeded
only by its complexity. We must start anew. That
will be an enormous undertaking and, if it is to succeed, it must command the attention and approval
of the American people. It cannot be engineered
from the top down, but must have a common sense
approach, and be simplified.
Our proposal is straightforward. Wherever tax
rates penalize thrift or discourage investment, they
must be lowered. Wherever current provisions of
the code are disincentives for economic growth,
they must be changed. We will not divide the
American people into winners and losers. We will
eliminate as many special interest provisions and
loopholes as possible and curb corporate welfare,
especially where their erosion of the tax base has
created pressure for higher rates. We will be mindful
of the burdens on families with children and the impact on an aging population. We will seek simplicity
and clarity so that every taxpayer can understand
how much of their income is consumed by the federal government.
We will welcome all to this enterprise — to
discuss, debate, challenge, and amend — so that
together we can restore economic growth for the
American people and, even more important, renew
their faith in the future.
Our Tax Principles -- To ensure that past abuses will not be repeated,
we assert these fundamental principles. Retroactive TaxationOppose retroactive taxation_0fc6bd36-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.2.1We oppose retroactive taxation.Activist JudgesOppose attempts by activist judges at any level of government to seize the
power of the purse from the people’s elected representatives by ordering higher taxes_fe5c3bbc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.2.2Activist JudgesWe condemn attempts by activist judges at any level of government to seize the
power of the purse from the people’s elected representatives by ordering higher taxes.Class WarfareOppose tax policies that deliberately divide Americans or promote class warfare_fe5c4e36-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.2.3We oppose tax policies that deliberately divide Americans or promote class warfare.Charitable OrganizationsAvoid taxing charitable organizations and maintain the deductibility of donations to them_fe5c52c8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.2.4Religious OrganizationsCharitiesFraternal Benevolent SocietiesBecause of the vital role of religious organizations, charities,
and fraternal benevolent societies in fostering generosity and patriotism, they should not be subject to taxation and donations to them should remain
deductible.Income TaxRepeal the Sixteenth Amendment_fe5c5700-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.2.5To guard against hypertaxation of the American people in any restructuring of the federal tax system, any value added tax or national sales tax must be tied to the simultaneous repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, which established the federal income tax. CompetitivenessA competitive America_0fc6c060-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.3U.S. CorporationsJob SeekersWage EarnersA Competitive America -- Competitiveness equals jobs. That equation
governs our policies regarding U.S. corporations in the global economy. Private investment is a key driver of economic growth and job creation. After falling dramatically during the recession, private investment has recovered at a disappointing pace due in part to high corporate tax rates and increasing regulatory burdens and uncertainty.
American businesses now face the world’s highest corporate tax rates. That’s like putting lead shoes on your cross-country team. It reduces companies’ ability to compete overseas, encourages them to move abroad, lessens their investment, cripples job creation here at home, lowers American wages, and fosters the avoidance of tax liability — without actually increasing tax revenues. A more damaging policy is hard to imagine.Corporate TaxesLower the corporate tax rate_fe5c5b60-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.3.1CorporationsWe propose to level the international playing field by lowering the corporate tax rate to be on a par with, or below, the rates of other industrial nations.Territorial TaxationSwitch to a territorial system of taxation_fe5c6010-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.3.2National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and ReformWe endorse the recommendation of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, as well as the current Administration’s Export Council, to switch to a territorial system of taxation so that profits earned and taxed abroad may be repatriated for job-creating investment here at home.Corporate HeadquartersReduce barriers to headquartering American companies in America_fe5c6466-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.3.3American CompaniesWe believe American companies should be headquartered in America. We should reduce barriers to accomplishing that goal. Trade PolicyA winning trade policy_0fc6c380-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.4A Winning Trade Policy -- International trade is crucial for all sectors of
America’s economy. Massive trade deficits are not.FairnessMake free trade fair trade_fe604914-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.1We envision a worldwide multilateral agreement among nations committed to the principles of open markets, what has been called a “Reagan Economic Zone,” in which free trade will truly be fair trade for all concerned.AgreementsPut America first in negotiated trade agreements_fe604ea0-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.2We need better negotiated trade agreements that put America first. When trade agreements have been carefully negotiated with friendly democracies, they have resulted in millions of new jobs here at home supported by our exports. When those agreements do not adequately protect U.S. interests, U.S. sovereignty, or when they are violated with impunity, they must be rejected.Market AccessDisallow foreign governments from limiting American access to their markets_fe605332-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.3Foreign GovernmentsWe cannot allow foreign governments to limit American access to their markets while stealing our designs, patents, brands, know-how, and technology.ChinaDisallow China from continuing to manipulate its currency, exclude U.S. products from government purchases, and subsidize Chinese companies to thwart American imports_fe6057c4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.4ChinaWe cannot allow China to continue its currency manipulation, exclusion of U.S. products from government purchases, and subsidization of Chinese
companies to thwart American imports. The current Administration’s way of dealing with these violations of world trade standards has been a virtual
surrender.Parity & DutiesInsist on parity in trade and stand ready to implement countervailing duties_fe605f8a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.5Republicans understand that you can succeed in a negotiation only if you are willing to walk away from it. A Republican president will insist on parity in trade and stand ready to implement countervailing duties if other countries refuse to cooperate.Trade AgreementsBroaden our trade agreements with countries which share our values_fe60652a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.6At the same time, we look to broaden our trade agreements with countries which share our values and commitment to fairness, along with transparency in our commercial and business practices.Transparency, Disclosure & SovereigntyDemand transparency, full disclosure, protection of our national sovereignty, and tough negotiation_fe6069b2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.4.7U.S. WorkersCongressSignificant trade agreements should not be rushed or undertaken in a Lame Duck Congress. In pursuing that objective, the American people demand transparency, full disclosure, protection of our national sovereignty, and tough negotiation on the part of those who are supposed to advance the interests of U.S. workers.Financial MarketsFreeing financial markets_0fc6c556-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.5Freeing Financial MarketsTransparency & EfficiencyEstablish transparent, efficient markets where consumers can obtain loans they need at reasonable rates based on market conditions_fe606e12-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.1Community BanksSince the enactment of Dodd-Frank, the number of community banks has significantly declined, and the cost and complexity of complying with
the law has created impediments to the remaining banks’ ability to support the customers they serve.
From 13,000 community banks in 1985, only 1,900 remain. Still, the majority of agricultural loans and small business loans are made by community banks.
From start-ups foregone to home loans not made, Dodd-Frank’s excessive regulation and burdensome requirements have helped contribute to the
slow economy we all endure today under President Obama and the Democrats.
Community banks are essential to ensuring small businesses have easy and affordable access to the capital they need to grow and prosper.Small BusinessesThe Republican vision for American banking calls for establishing transparent, efficient markets where consumers can obtain loans they need at reasonable rates based on market conditions. Unfortunately, in response to the financial institutions crisis of 2008-2009, the Democratic-controlled Congress enacted the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise known as Dodd-Frank. They did not let the crisis go to waste but used it as an excuse to establish unprecedented government control over the nation’s financial markets. The consequences have been bad for everyone except federal regulators.
Rather than address the cause of the crisis — the government’s own housing policies — the new law extended government control over the economy by creating new unaccountable bureaucracies.
Predictably, central planning of our financial sector has not created jobs, it has killed them. It has not limited risks, it has created more. It has not encouraged economic growth, it has shackled it.RegulationRelieve community banks of excessive regulations_fe607434-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.2Community BanksCommunity banks should be relieved of excessive regulations. We support removing roadblocks and regulations that prevent access to capital.CFPBSubject the CFPB to congressional appropriation_fe60838e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.3Consumer Financial Protection BureauCongressThe worst of Dodd-Frank is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, deliberately designed to be a rogue agency. It answers to neither Congress nor the executive, has its own guaranteed funding outside the appropriations process, and uses its slush fund to steer settlements to politically favored groups.
Its Director has dictatorial powers unique in the American Republic. Its regulatory harassment of local and regional banks, the source of most home mortgages and small business loans, advantages big banks and makes it harder for Americans to buy a home. Its one-size-fits-all approach to every issue threatens the diversity of the country’s financial system and would leave us with just a few enormous institutions, as in many European countries.
If the Bureau is not abolished, it should be subjected to congressional appropriation. In that way, consumer protection in the financial markets can be
advanced through measures that are both effective and constitutional. Any settlements arising from statutory violations by financial institutions must be used to make whole the harmed consumers, with any remaining proceeds given to the general Treasury. Diversion of settlement funds to politically-connected parties should be a criminal offense.BankruptcySupport legislation to ensure that the problems of any financial institution can be resolved through the Bankruptcy Code_fe609324-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.4Financial InstitutionsRepublicans believe that no financial institution is too big to fail. We support legislation to ensure that the problems of any financial institution can be resolved through the Bankruptcy Code.Capitalization & BailoutsEnsure that FDIC-regulated banks are properly capitalized and taxpayers are protected against bailouts_fe609afe-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.5FDIC-Regulated BanksTaxpayersWe endorse prudent regulation of the banking system to ensure that FDIC-regulated banks are properly capitalized and taxpayers are protected against bailouts.Disparate ImpactEnd the use of disparate impact theory in enforcing anti-discrimination laws with regard to lending_fe60a5ee-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.5.6We will end the government’s use of disparate impact theory in enforcing anti-discrimination laws with regard to lending.Homeownership & RentalsResponsible homeownership and rental opportunities_0fc6ca74-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.6FamiliesU.S. TaxpayersThe Great Recession devastated the housing market. U.S. taxpayers paid billions to rescue Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the latter managed and controlled by senior officials from the Carter and Clinton Administrations, and to cover the losses of the poorly-managed Federal Housing Administration. Millions lost their homes, millions more lost value in their homes.Freddie MacFannie MaeFederal Housing AdministrationHouseholdsMore than six million households had to move from homeownership to renting.RentersRental costs escalated so that today nearly 12 million families spend more than 50 percent of their incomes just on rent.HomeownersThe national homeownership rate has sharply fallen and the rate for minority households and young adults has plummeted.Minority HouseholdsYoung AdultsUnemployed PeopleSo many remain unemployed or underemployed, and for the lucky ones
with jobs, rising rents make it harder to save for a mortgage.Underemployed PeopleResponsible Homeownership and Rental Opportunities -- Homeownership expands personal liberty, builds communities, and helps Americans create wealth. “The American Dream” is not a stale slogan. It is the lived reality that expresses the aspirations of all our people. It means a decent place to live, a safe place to raise kids, a welcoming place to retire. It bespeaks the quiet pride of those who work hard to shelter their family and, in the process, create caring neighborhoods.HomeownershipAdvance responsible homeownership while guarding against the abuses that led to the housing collapse_fe60b570-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.1HomeownersThere is a growing sense that our national standard of living will never be as high as it was in the past. We understand that pessimism but do not share it, for we believe that sound public policies can restore growth to our economy, vigor to the housing market, and hope to those who are now on the margins of prosperity.
Our goal is to advance responsible homeownership while guarding against the abuses that led to the housing collapse.Housing MarketScale back the federal role in the housing market_fe60bd0e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.2We must scale back the federal role in the housing market, promote responsibility on the part of borrowers and lenders, and avoid future taxpayer bailouts.Standards & GuidelinesProvide clear and prudent underwriting standards and guidelines on predatory lending and acceptable lending practices_fe60c77c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.3UnderwritersLendersReforms should provide clear and prudent underwriting standards and guidelines on predatory lending and acceptable lending practices.Safe HarborConfer legal safe harbor based upon compliance with regulatory standard_fe60d622-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.4LendersTrial LawyersCompliance with regulatory standards should constitute a legal safe harbor to guard against opportunistic litigation by trial lawyers.RegulationsReview federal regulations that make it harder and more costly for Americans to rent, buy, or sell homes_fe60de10-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.5We call for a comprehensive review of federal regulations, especially those dealing with the environment, that make it harder and more costly for
Americans to rent, buy, or sell homes.Fannie Mae & Freddie MacReconsider the utility of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac_fe60e89c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.6Fannie MaeFor nine years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been in conservatorship and the current Administration and Democrats have prevented any effort to reform them. Their corrupt business model lets shareholders and executives reap huge
profits while the taxpayers cover all loses. Freddie MacThe utility of both agencies should be reconsidered as a Republican administration clears away the jumble of subsidies and controls that complicate and distort home-buying.FHAExclude high-income individuals from taxpayer-backed guarantees in the mortgage market_fe63e83a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.7Federal Housing AdministrationThe Federal Housing Administration, which provides taxpayer-backed guarantees in the mortgage market, should no longer support high-income individuals, and the public should not be financially exposed by risks taken by FHA officials.High-Income IndividualsFHA OfficialsLending QuotasEnd lending quotas_fe63f0d2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.8We will end the government mandates that required Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and federally-insured banks to satisfy lending quotas to specific groups. Discrimination should have no place in the mortgage industry.ZoningKeep zoning decisions under local control_fe640590-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.6.9Zoning decisions have always been, and must remain, under local control. The current Administration is trying to seize control of the zoning process through its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation. It threatens to undermine zoning laws in order to socially engineer every community in the country. While the federal government has a legitimate role in enforcing non-discrimination laws, this regulation has nothing to do with proven or alleged discrimination and everything to do with hostility to the self-government of citizens. Public ConstructionProvide clean water and safe roads, rail, bridges, ports, and airports_0fc6cd26-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.7America on the Move -- Our country’s investments in transportation and other public construction have traditionally been non-partisan. Everyone agrees on the need for clean water and safe roads, rail, bridges, ports, and airports. President Eisenhower established a tradition of Republican leadership in this regard by championing the creation of the interstate highway system. In recent years, bipartisan cooperation led to major legislation improving the nation’s ports and
waterways.
Our Republican majority ended the practice of earmarks, which often diverted transportation spending to politically favored projects. In the current Congress, Republicans have secured the longest reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund in a decade and are advancing a comprehensive reform of the Federal Aviation Administration to make flying easier and more secure.
The current Administration has a different approach. It subordinates civil engineering to social engineering as it pursues an exclusively urban vision of dense housing and government transit. Its ill-named Livability Initiative is meant to “coerce people out of their cars.” This is the same mentality that once led Congress to impose by fiat a single maximum speed limit for the entire nation,
from Manhattan to Montana. Our 1980 Republican Platform pledged to repeal that edict. After the election of Ronald Reagan, we did.
Now we make the same pledge regarding the current problems in transportation policy.Highway Trust FundRemove from the Highway Trust Fund programs that should not be the business of the federal government_fe64165c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.1We propose to remove from the Highway Trust Fund programs that should not be the business of the federal government.
More than a quarter of the Fund’s spending is diverted from its original purpose. One fifth of its funds are spent on mass transit, an inherently local affair that
serves only a small portion of the population, concentrated in six big cities. Additional funds are used for bike-share programs, sidewalks, recreational
trails, landscaping, and historical renovations. Other beneficiaries of highway money are ferry boats, the federal lands access program, scenic byways, and education initiatives. These worthwhile enterprises should be funded through other sources.Transportation ProjectsPhase out the federal transit program and reform provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act which can delay and drive up costs for transportation projects_fe641e2c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.2We propose to phase out the federal transit program and reform provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act which can delay and drive up costs for transportation projects.Davis-BaconRepeal the Davis-Bacon law_fe682e72-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.3UnionsWe renew our call for repeal of the Davis-Bacon law, which limits employment and drives up construction and maintenance costs for the benefit of unions.Public-Private PartnershipsRemove legal roadblocks to public-private partnership agreements that can save the taxpayers’ money and bring outside investment to meet a community’s needs_fe684164-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.4CommunitiesRecognizing that, over time, additional revenue will be needed to expand the carrying capacity of roads and bridges, we will remove legal roadblocks to public-private partnership agreements that can save the taxpayers’ money and bring outside investment to meet a community’s needs.Gas TaxOppose a further increase in the federal gas tax_fe6853f2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.5With most of the states increasing their own funding for transportation, we oppose a further increase in the federal gas tax.TSADe-unionize the TSA_fe68659a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.6Transportation Security AdministrationTSA EmployeesAmericans understand that, with the threat of terrorism, their travel may encounter delays, but unacceptably long lines at security checks can have
the same impact as a collapsed bridge or washed out highway. TSA employees
should always be seen as guardians of the public’s safety, not as just another part of the federal workforce.Although unionization has never been permitted in any government agency concerned with national security, the current Administration has reversed that policy for the Transportation Security Administration. We will correct that mistake.Passenger ServiceAllow private ventures to provide passenger service in the northeast corridor as well as high-speed and intercity rail across the country_fe687918-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.7Northeast CorridorAmtrak is an extremely expensive railroad for the American taxpayers, who must subsidize every ticket. The federal government should allow private ventures to provide passenger service in the northeast corridor. The same holds true with regard to high-speed and intercity rail across the country.BoondogglesEnd federal support for boondoggles_fe688976-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.7.8We reaffirm our intention to end federal support for boondoggles like California’s high-speed train to nowhere.TechnologyPartner with individuals and industries in technological progress at all levels of government_0fc6cfe2-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.8Building the Future: Technology -- The digital revolution has transformed how we
work, learn, sell, shop, socialize — in short, how we live. Technological change drives our positions with regard to STEM education, business and corporate involvement with educational certifications, workforce issues, privacy, cyber and national security, energy development, regulation, and other elements of our campaign for growth and jobs. It is why we propose to simplify the tax code, reduce corporate rates, transition to a territorial system, and create incentives for investment and innovation.
We envision government at all levels as a partner with individuals and industries in technological progress, not a meddlesome monitor.DataAdvance policies that protect data privacy while fostering innovation and growth and ensuring the free flow of data_fe689678-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.1We want to create a business climate that rewards risk and promotes innovation, a learning system that gives Americans the skills needed to seize the opportunities of the 21st century, and an international order that maintains a fair and open global market for America’s goods and services. We intend to advance policies that protect data privacy while fostering innovation and growth and ensuring the free flow of data across borders.
Together, broadband and good ideas have become the 21st century engines of American ingenuity. Innovation, by its nature, is disruptive. In challenging legacy forms of business, innovation creates new jobs, gives access to new markets, opens opportunity to underserved populations, and expands consumer choice. Government must give America’s innovators the freedom to create and, on their merits, succeed or fail.Intellectual PropertyProtect intellectual property_fe68a8b6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.2Our agenda includes balanced protections for intellectual property, explained elsewhere in this document.InternetFacilitate access to spectrum by paving the way for high-speed, next-generation broadband deployment_fe68b266-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.3We intend to facilitate access to spectrum by paving the way for high-speed, next-generation broadband deployment and competition on the internet and for internet services.Sharing On-DemandEncourage the sharing economy and on-demand platforms_fe68c328-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.4We want government to encourage the sharing economy and on-demand platforms to compete in an open market ...IoTEncourage the innovation and competition for an Internet of Things_fe68d57a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.5and we believe public policies should encourage the innovation and competition that are essential for an Internet of Things to thrive.Systems & PersonnelModernize the federal government’s legacy systems and to recruit the skilled technical personnel_fe68debc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.6Government must keep pace with the technology deployed in the private sector. There is an urgent need to modernize the federal government’s legacy systems and to recruit the skilled technical personnel who can advance the adoption of innovation in the public sector.BroadbandAdvance universal broadband coverage_fe68e98e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.7FarmersRanchersSmall Business PeopleRural AreasWe encourage public-private partnerships to provide predictable support for connecting rural areas so that every American can fully participate in the global economy.At the cost of billions, the current Administration has done little to advance our goal of universal broadband coverage. That hurts rural America, where farmers, ranchers, and small business people need connectivity to operate in real time with the world’s producers. Almost ten million Americans have given up wired broadband connections in just the last two years alone, and millions more have never been connected in the first place.Cost & LeadershipReduce the cost of accessing space and extended America’s space leadership in the commercial, civil, and national security spheres_fe68fc80-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.8NASADepartment of DefenseCommercial CompaniesThe public-private partnerships between NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial companies have given us technological progress that has reduced the cost of accessing space and extended America’s space leadership in the commercial, civil, and national security spheres. The entrepreneurship and innovation culture of the free market is revitalizing the nation’s space capabilities, saving taxpayer money, and advancing technology critical to maintain America’s edge in space and in other fields.SpaceSustain our preeminence in space_fe6bdefa-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.8.9To protect our national security interests and foster innovation and competitiveness, we must sustain our preeminence in space by launching more scientific missions, guaranteeing unfettered access, and ensuring that our space-related industries remain a source of scientific leadership and education.Electric GridExpedite the siting processes and thoughtfully expand the grid_0fc6d32a-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.9Building the Future: America’s Electric Grid -- Our nation’s interstate electric transmission system has long been a catalyst for developing and delivering low cost energy while spurring economic growth throughout the United States The grid is aging, vulnerable to cyber and terrorist threats, and unprepared to serve our energy needs of tomorrow.
It should not take seven to ten years to plan and construct a transmission line. We support expedited siting processes and the thoughtful expansion of the grid so that consumers and businesses continue to have access to affordable and reliable electricity. Small Business & EntrepreneurshipInvent and create in a land of free markets_0fc6d9ce-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.10Small BusinessesMore businesses are closing in our country than are starting. Older firms are an increasing proportion of companies. Productivity growth has slowed.
This is not the way to jumpstart a new era of growth.EntrepreneursStart-up Century: Small Business and Entrepreneurship -- A central reason why the 20th century came to be called the American Century was the ability of individuals to invent and create in a land of free markets. Back then they were called risk-takers, dreamers, and small business owners. Today they are the entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and small business men and women of our new economy. Their innovation drives improvement and forces long-established institutions to adapt or fade away. Many of them are so young they remember little if anything of the last century because dynamic progress does not look back. As in the past, they still create most new jobs and form the commercial network that holds communities together.
Their enterprise is the lifeblood of our economy, but it is weakening.Capital GainsConsider the effect of capital gains rates_fe6bee72-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.1We need to consider the effect of capital gains rates on the availability of venture capital, as well as the positive impact of expensing on start-up firms.Occupational LicensingReduce occupational licensing laws_fe6c0a74-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.2We should reduce the occupational licensing laws that shut untold millions of potential workers out of entrepreneurial careers.Dodd-FrankOverturn Dodd-Frank law_fe6c12ee-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.3We must overturn the regulatory nightmare, created by the Dodd-Frank law, for the community banks and savings and loans that provide nearly half of all small-business loans and over three-quarters of all agricultural loans.RegulationReform regulations comprehensively_fe6c1e88-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.4Indeed, the world of the app economy cries out for the comprehensive regulatory reform proposed elsewhere in this platform.Business ModelsFacilitate market entry of new business models_fe6c2ff4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.5We must challenge established interests and traditional business patterns to facilitate market entry of new business models, including inventive means of transport, delivery, and communication.Start-UpsForm partnerships with small businesses to create an American Start-Up Century_fe6c3800-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.10.6National LabsNational Institutes of HealthNASADefense DepartmentSmall BusinessesStart-UpsAs incubators of unconventional thinking, our country’s existing research infrastructure — the National Labs, the National Institutes of Health, NASA, and elements of the Defense Department — have the potential to form partnerships with small businesses to create an American Start-Up Century.Federal ReserveBrings transparency and accountability to the Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee, and the Federal Reserve’s dealing with foreign banks_0fc6dbe0-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.11Federal ReserveFederal Open Market CommitteeForeign BanksThe Federal Reserve -- Because the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy
decisions affect job creation, upward mobility for workers, and equitable prosperity, they should be transparent. Similarly, the Federal Reserve’s important role as a lender of last resort should also be carried out in a more transparent manner. The Republican Party will advance legislation that brings transparency and accountability to the Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee, and the Federal Reserve’s dealing with foreign banks.AuditsAudit the Federal Reserve’s activities_fe6c439a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.11.1The first step is through an annual audit of the Federal Reserve’s activities. Such an audit would need to be carefully implemented so that the Federal Reserve remains insulated from political pressures and its decisions are based on sound economic principles and sound money rather than political pressures for easy money and loose credit.CurrencyConsider the feasibility of a metallic basis for U.S. currency_fe6c5826-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.11.2Determined to crush the double-digit inflation that was part of the Carter Administration’s economic legacy, President Reagan, shortly after his inauguration, established a commission to consider the feasibility of a metallic basis for U.S. currency. In 2012, facing the task of cleaning up the wreckage of the current Administration’s policies, we proposed a similar commission to investigate ways to set a fixed value for the dollar.
With Republican leadership, the House of Representatives has passed legislation to set up just such a commission. We recommend its enactment by the full Congress and the commission’s careful consideration of ways to secure the integrity of our currency. WorkforceFoster growth that creates jobs and gets people back to work_0fc6df82-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.12WorkforceWorkplace Freedom for a 21st Century Workforce -- The greatest asset of the American economy is the hard-working American. That is why our first priority is getting people back to work by fostering the kind of growth that creates jobs. That overarching goal unites all the sections of this platform. It runs through our commitments on education and workforce development. It underlies our approach to welfare reform, regulatory reform, and our determination to advance the kind of trade agreements that multiply opportunities for workers here
at home.Labor Laws & RulesChallenge anachronistic labor laws that limit workers’ freedom and lock them into the workplace rules_fe6c63a2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.12.1WorkersNational Labor Relations BoardIt also impels us to challenge the anachronistic labor laws that limit workers’ freedom and lock them into the workplace rules of their great-grandfathers.
Instead of facilitating change, the current Administration and its agents at the National Labor Relations Board are determined to reverse it. They are attacking the franchise model of business development, which is essential to the flexibility and creativity of the new economy. They are wielding provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act from the 1930s, designed to fit a manufacturing workplace, to deny flexibility to both employers and employees. They have repealed union transparency rules that allowed members to discover what was being done with their dues. They have outlawed alternatives to unions even when they were favored by the workers.
Their Project Labor Agreements discriminate against the overwhelming majority of workers by barring them from jobs on taxpayer-funded projects. Their patronizing and controlling approach leaves workers in a form of peonage to the NLRB.NLRBRestore fairness and common sense to the NLRB_fe6c7446-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.12.2NLRBWe intend to restore fairness and common sense to that agency.
Technology has already created jobs that did not exist fifteen years ago, and today’s workers need flexibility and family-friendly options to make the most of them, especially portability in pension plans and health insurance.
We intend to encourage those trends by bringing labor law into the 21st century. It should encourage cooperation between management and workers, not conflict. All workers, including union members, must be free to accept raises and rewards without veto power from union officials. All unionized workers should be able to find out what is going on in their union trust funds and in their executive compensation.Right-to-WorkSupport Right-to-Work laws_fe6c8698-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.12.3We support the right of states to enact Right-to-Work laws and call for a national law to protect the economic liberty of the modern workforce.
All Americans deserve the opportunity to pursue their American dream free from discrimination.
Clear nondiscrimination policies ensure all employees have the chance to succeed based solely on their merits. These policies are vital to creating an inclusive, innovative, and competitive workforce.ESOPsEndorse employee stock ownership plans_fe6c9156-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.12.4EmployersEmployeesRepublicans believe that the employer-employee relationship of the future will be built upon employee empowerment and workplace flexibility. We therefore endorse employee stock ownership plans that enable workers to become capitalists, expand the realm of private property, and energize a free enterprise economy.Minimum WageHandle minimum wages at the state and local level._fe72945c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.12.5StatesLocalitiesMinimum wage is an issue that should be handled at the state and local level.Federal WorkforceA Federal workforce serving the people_0fc6e266-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.13Federal WorkforceA Federal Workforce Serving the People -- The federal workforce is larger and more highly paid than ever. The taxpayers spend an average of $35,000 a year per employee on non-cash benefits, triple the average non-cash compensation of the average worker in the private sector. Federal employees receive extraordinary pension benefits and vacation time wildly out of line with those of the private sector.Compensation & BenefitsBring federal compensation and benefits in line with the standards of most American employees_fe72a938-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.13.1Federal EmployeesWe urge Congress to bring federal compensation and benefits in line with the standards of most American employees.Personnel ProceduresStreamline personnel procedures to expedite the firing of bad workers, tax cheats, and scammers_fe72b20c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.13.2A Republican administration should streamline personnel procedures to expedite the firing of bad workers, tax cheats, and scammers.UnionizationReview the unionization of the federal workforce_fe72be8c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea001.13.3Congressional CommitteesFederal WorkforceThe unionization of the federal workforce, first permitted by Democrat presidents in the 1960s, should be reviewed by the appropriate congressional committees to examine its effects on the cost, quality, and performance of the civil service. Union representatives in the federal workforce should not be paid to conduct union business on the public’s time.Federal DebtReduce the Federal debt_0fc6e45a-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea001.14Reducing the Federal Debt -- Our national debt is a burden on our economy and families. The huge increase in the national debt demanded by and incurred during the current Administration has placed a significant burden on future generations. We must impose firm caps on future debt, accelerate the repayment of the trillions we now owe in order to reaffirm our principles of
responsible and limited government, and remove the burdens we are placing on future generations.
A strong economy is one key to debt reduction, but spending restraint is a necessary component that must be vigorously pursued. Constitutional GovernmentA rebirth of Constitutional government_0fc6e7ca-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002Rayna CaseyConstitutional Government Subcommittee Co-ChairKathy KiernanConstitutional Government Subcommittee Co-ChairLeslie RutledgeConstitutional Government Subcommittee Co-ChairStephen HigginsA Rebirth of Constitutional Government StaffRobert PorterA Rebirth of Constitutional Government StaffWe the People -- We are the party of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Declaration sets forth the fundamental precepts of American government: That God bestows certain inalienable rights on every individual, thus producing human equality; that government exists first and foremost to protect those inalienable rights; that man-made law must be consistent with God-given, natural rights; and that if God-given, natural, inalienable rights come in conflict with government, court, or human-granted rights, God-given, natural, inalienable rights always prevail; that there is a moral law recognized as “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”; and that American government is to operate with the consent of the governed. We are also the party of the Constitution, the greatest political document ever written. It is the solemn compact built upon principles of the Declaration that enshrines our God-given individual rights and ensures that all Americans stand equal before the law, defines the purposes and limits of government, and is the blueprint for ordered liberty that makes the United States the world’s freest and most prosperous nation.
We reaffirm the Constitution’s fundamental principles: limited government, separation of powers, individual liberty, and the rule of law. We denounce bigotry, racism, anti-Semitism, ethnic prejudice, and religious intolerance. Therefore, we oppose discrimination based on race, sex, religion, creed, disability, or national origin and support statutes to end such discrimination. As the Party of Abraham Lincoln, we must continue to foster solutions to America’s difficult challenges when it comes to race relations today. We continue to encourage equality for all citizens and access to the American Dream. Merit and hard work should determine advancement in our society, so we reject unfair preferences, quotas, and set-asides as forms of discrimination. Our ranks include Americans from every faith and tradition, and we respect the right of each American to follow his or her deeply held beliefs.
Our Constitution is in crisis. More than 90 percent of federal requirements are now imposed by regulatory agencies, without any vote of the House or Senate or signature of the President.
The current Administration has exceeded its constitutional authority, brazenly and flagrantly violated the separation of powers, sought to divide
America into groups and turn citizen against citizen.
The President has refused to defend or enforce laws he does not like, used executive orders to enact national policies in areas constitutionally reserved
solely to Congress, made unconstitutional “recess” appointments to Senate-confirmed positions, directed regulatory agencies to overstep their statutory authority, and failed to consult Congress regarding military action overseas. He has changed what John Adams called “a government of laws and not of men” into just the opposite.
Democrats in Congress have enabled, supported, and defended each of these breaches.
They have applauded the President’s efforts to
do an end-run around Congress and stymied Republican efforts to restrain executive lawlessness.
Democrats in Congress have also endorsed an anti-constitutional agenda of their own. Forty-eight Democratic senators, for instance, voted to amend
the Bill of Rights to give government officials control over political speech. Democrats in Congress have likewise proposed bills that would limit religious liberty, undermine property rights, and eviscerate the Second Amendment.
In a free society, the primary role of government is to protect the God-given, inalienable rights of its citizens. These constitutional rights are not negotiable for any American. We affirm that all legislation, regulation, and official actions must conform to the Constitution’s original meaning as understood at the time the language was adopted.
Our most urgent task as a Party is to restore the American people’s faith in their government by electing a president who will enforce duly enacted laws, honor constitutional limits on executive authority, and return credibility to the Oval Office.
We need a Republican president who will end abuses of power by departments and agencies, like the IRS and the EPA, and by the White House itself. Safeguarding our liberties requires a president who will respect the Constitution’s separation of powers, including the authority of Congress to write legislation and define agency authority. Americans also deserve a president who will speak for our nation’s history and values, not apologize for them to our enemies.JudiciaryProperly reserve powers to the people_0fc6eae0-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.1JudiciaryThe Judiciary -- The rule of law is the foundation of our Republic.
A critical threat to our country’s constitutional order
is an activist judiciary that usurps powers properly
reserved to the people through other branches
of government.JudgesAppoint judges who respect the rule of law
expressed within the Constitution and Declaration
of Independence_1df6cd5e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.1.1Only a Republican president
will appoint judges who respect the rule of law
expressed within the Constitution and Declaration
of Independence, including the inalienable right
to life and the laws of nature and nature’s God, as
did the late Justice Antonin Scalia. We are facing a
national crisis in our judiciary. We understand that
only by electing a Republican president in 2016 will
America have the opportunity for up to five new
constitutionally-minded Supreme Court justices
appointed to fill vacancies on the Court. Only such
appointments will enable courts to begin to reverse
the long line of activist decisions — including
Roe, Obergefell, and the Obamacare cases — that
have usurped Congress’s and states’ lawmaking
authority, undermined constitutional protections,
expanded the power of the judiciary at the expense
of the people and their elected representatives,
and stripped the people of their power to govern
themselves. We believe in the constitutional checks
and balances and that the Founders intended the
judiciary to be the weakest branch.Article IImpeach judges who unconstitutionally usurp Article I powers_1df6e00a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.1.2We encourage
Congress to use the check of impeachment for
judges who unconstitutionally usurp Article I
powers.CourtRestore to the Court a strong conservative majority that will follow the text and original meaning of the Constitution and our laws_1df6e4ba-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.1.3In tandem with a Republican Senate, a
new Republican president will restore to the Court
a strong conservative majority that will follow the
text and original meaning of the Constitution and
our laws.Judicial ActivismOppose judicial activism that includes reliance on foreign law or unratified treaties undermines American sovereignty_1df6eb90-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.1.4The legitimate powers of government are
rooted in the consent of the American people.
Judicial activism that includes reliance on foreign
law or unratified treaties undermines American
sovereignty. Foreign laws and precedents should
not be used to interpret our Constitution or laws,
nor should foreign sources of law be used in state
courts’ adjudication of criminal or civil matters.TreatiesOppose the adoption or ratification of treaties that would weaken or encroach upon American sovereignty_1df6f022-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.1.5United States SenateWe will not recognize as binding
upon the United States any international agreement forged without the constitutionally required
assent of two-thirds of the United States Senate.We also affirm the wisdom of President
George Washington’s warning to avoid foreign
entanglements and unnecessary alliances. We
therefore oppose the adoption or ratification of
treaties that would weaken or encroach upon
American sovereignty or that could be construed
by courts to do so.Administrative LawReclaim constitutional powers from the bureaucratic state by requiring that major new federal regulations be approved by Congress_0fc6ecd4-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.2CongressAdministrative Law -- Article I of the Constitution directs that “All
legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested
in a Congress of the United States….” For more
than a century, however, Congress has delegated
increasing amounts of legislative authority to
executive departments, agencies, and commissions,
laying the foundation for today’s vast administrative
state. Unelected bureaucrats in the executive
branch now write countless rules with the force of
law and arbitrarily punish individuals who disobey
those rules. The Constitution makes clear that these
powers were granted to Congress by the people
and must therefore remain solely with the people’s
elected representatives. We call on Congress to
begin reclaiming its constitutional powers from
the bureaucratic state by requiring that major new
federal regulations be approved by Congress before
they can take effect, such as through the Regulation
Freedom Amendment.IntepretationInterpret laws as written by Congress rather than allowing executive agencies to rewrite them_1df6f4dc-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.2.1We further affirm that courts
should interpret laws as written by Congress rather
than allowing executive agencies to rewrite those
laws to suit administration priorities. MarriageDefend marriage against an activist judiciary_0fc6f026-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.3JudiciaryAntonin ScaliaDefending Marriage Against an Activist Judiciary -- Traditional marriage and family, based on
marriage between one man and one woman,
is the foundation for a free society and has for
millennia been entrusted with rearing children
and instilling cultural values. We condemn the
Supreme Court’s ruling in
United States v. Windsor, which
wrongly removed the ability of
Congress to define marriage
policy in federal law. We also
condemn the Supreme Court’s
lawless ruling in Obergefell v.
Hodges, which in the words of
the late Justice Antonin Scalia,
was a “judicial Putsch” — full
of “silly extravagances” — that
reduced “the disciplined legal
reasoning of John Marshall and
Joseph Storey to the mystical
aphorisms of a fortune cookie.”
In Obergefell, five unelected
lawyers robbed 320 million
Americans of their legitimate
constitutional authority to define marriage as the
union of one man and one woman. The Court
twisted the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment
beyond recognition. To echo Scalia, we dissent.
We, therefore, support the appointment of justices
and judges who respect the constitutional limits on
their power and respect the authority of the states
to decide such fundamental social questions.Religious LibertyProtect the right of the people to practice their faith_0fc6f30a-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.4Charitable Religious InstitutionsAs a result, many charitable
religious institutions that have demonstrated
great success in helping the needy have been
barred from receiving government grants and
contracts.Religious CollegesGovernment officials threaten religious
colleges and universities with massive fines and
seek to control their personnel
decisions.Religious UniversitiesPlaces of WorshipPlaces of worship
for the first time in our history
have reason to fear the loss
of tax-exempt status merely
for espousing and practicing
traditional religious beliefs
that have been held across the
world for thousands of years,
and for almost four centuries
in America.Religious LeadersWe value the right
of America’s religious leaders
to preach, and Americans to
speak freely, according to their
faith.IRSRepublicans believe the
federal government, specifically
the IRS, is constitutionally
prohibited from policing or
censoring speech based on religious convictions
or beliefs, and therefore we urge the repeal of the
Johnson Amendment.The First Amendment: Religious Liberty -- The Bill of Rights lists religious liberty, with
its rights of conscience, as the first freedom to be
protected. Religious freedom in the Bill of Rights
protects the right of the people to practice their
faith in their everyday lives. As George Washington
taught, “religion and morality are indispensable
supports” to a free society. Similarly, Thomas
Jefferson declared that “No provision in our
Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that
which protects the rights of conscience against the
enterprises of the civil authority.” Ongoing attempts
to compel individuals, businesses, and institutions
of faith to transgress their beliefs are part of a
misguided effort to undermine religion and drive it
from the public square. Beliefs & ConscienceDefend the religious beliefs and rights of conscience of all Americans_1df6f978-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.1We pledge to defend the religious beliefs
and rights of conscience of all Americans and ...InstitutionsSafeguard religious institutions against government control_1df6fedc-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.2Religious Institutionsto safeguard religious institutions against government
control.MarriageBar government discrimination against individuals and businesses for acting on the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman_1df703a0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.3We endorse the First Amendment Defense
Act, Republican legislation in the House and Senate
which will bar government discrimination against
individuals and businesses for acting on the belief
that marriage is the union of one man and one
woman. This Act would protect the non-profit
tax status of faith-based adoption agencies, the
accreditation of religious educational institutions,
the grants and contracts of faith-based charities
and small businesses, and the licensing of religious
professions — all of which are under assault by
elements of the Democratic Party. We encourage
every state to pass similar legislation.Religious LibertyDefy intimidation from corporations and the media in defending religious
liberty_1df709ae-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.4Republican State LegislatorsRepublican State GovernorsCorporationsThe MediaWe likewise
endorse the efforts of Republican state legislators
and governors who have defied intimidation from
corporations and the media in defending religious
liberty.Education, Benefits & DebateSupport laws to confirm the longstanding American tradition that religious individuals and institutions can educate young people, receive government benefits, and participate in public debates_1df70ec2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.5Religious IndividualsReligious InstitutionsYoung PeopleWe support laws to confirm the longstanding American tradition that religious individuals and
institutions can educate young people, receive
government benefits, and participate in public
debates without having to check their religious
beliefs at the door.Religious BeliefsSupport the freedom of Americans to act in accordance with their religious beliefs_1df71430-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.6Our First Amendment rights are not given to
us by the government but are rights we inherently
possess. The government cannot use subsequent
amendments to limit First Amendment rights. The
Free Exercise Clause is both an individual and a
collective liberty protecting a right to worship God
according to the dictates of conscience. Therefore,
we strongly support the freedom of Americans to
act in accordance with their religious beliefs, not
only in their houses of worship, but also in their
everyday lives.BusinessSupport the right of the people to conduct their businesses in accordance with their religious beliefs_1df718fe-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.7BusinessesWe support the right of the people to conduct
their businesses in accordance with their religious
beliefs and condemn public officials who have
proposed boycotts against businesses that support
traditional marriage. We pledge to protect those
business owners who have been subjected to hate
campaigns, threats of violence, and other attempts
to deny their civil rights.Ten CommandmentsSupport the public display of the Ten Commandments_1df71dea-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.8We support the public display of the Ten
Commandments as a reflection of our history and
our country’s Judeo-Christian heritage and ...Prayer & SchoolsAffirm the rights of religious students to engage in voluntary prayer at public school events and to have equal access to school facilities_1df722b8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.9Religious StudentsPublic Schoolsfurther
affirm the rights of religious students to engage in
voluntary prayer at public school events and to have
equal access to school facilities.MembershipAssert the First Amendment right of freedom of association_1df7283a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.4.10Religious OrganizationsPrivate OrganizationsService OrganizationsYouth OrganizationsWe assert the First
Amendment right of freedom of association for
religious, private, service, and youth organizations
to set their own membership standards. Protected SpeechOppose any restrictions or conditions that would discourage citizens from participating in the public square or limit their ability to promote their ideas_0fc899c6-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.5The First Amendment: Constitutionally Protected Speech -- The rights of citizenship do not stop at the ballot
box. Freedom of speech includes the right to devote
resources to whatever cause or candidate one
supports. We oppose any restrictions or conditions
that would discourage citizens from participating in
the public square or limit their ability to promote
their ideas, such as requiring private organizations
to publicly disclose their donors to the government.
Limits on political speech serve only to protect the
powerful and insulate incumbent officeholders.Political PartiesRepeal of federal restrictions on political parties_1df72d12-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.1Political PartiesWe
support repeal of federal restrictions on political
parties in McCain-Feingold ...ContributionsRaise or repeal contribution limits_1df7326c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.2raising or repealing
contribution limits ...Political SpeechProtect political speech_1df7388e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.3Advocacy GroupsCorporationsLabor Unionsprotecting the political speech
of advocacy groups, corporations, and labor unions,
and ...InternetProtect political speech on the internet_1df73e9c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.4protecting political speech on the internet.Free MarketEnd to the so-called Fairness Doctrine and support free-market approaches to
free speech_1df7437e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.5We
likewise call for an end to the so-called Fairness
Doctrine, and support free-market approaches to
free speech unregulated by government.MandatesOppose mandatory contributions_1df7487e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.5.6We believe the forced funding of political
candidates through union dues and other mandatory
contributions violates the First Amendment. Just as
Americans have a First Amendment right to devote
resources to favored candidates or views, they
have a First Amendment right not to be forced to
individually support individuals or ideologies that
they oppose. We agree with Thomas Jefferson that
“To compel a man to furnish contributions of money
for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves
and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.”ArmsUphold the right of individuals to keep and bear arms_0fc8a074-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.6The Second Amendment: Our Right to Keep and Bear Arms -- We uphold the right of individuals to keep
and bear arms, a natural inalienable right that
predates the Constitution and is secured by the
Second Amendment. Lawful gun ownership enables
Americans to exercise their God-given right of selfdefense for the safety of their homes, their loved
ones, and their communities.
We salute the Republican Congress for
defending the right to keep and bear arms by
preventing the President from installing a new liberal
majority on the Supreme Court. The confirmation
to the Court of additional anti-gun justices would
eviscerate the Second Amendment’s fundamental
protections. Already, local officials in the nation’s
capital and elsewhere are defying the Court’s
decisions upholding an individual right to bear
arms as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Heller
and McDonald.ReciprocitySupport firearm reciprocity legislation across the States_1df74df6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.1We support firearm reciprocity
legislation to recognize the right of law-abiding
Americans to carry firearms to protect themselves
and their families in all 50 states. We support
constitutional carry statutes and salute the states
that have passed them.Magazines & RiflesOppose restrictions on magazine capacity or the sale of rifles_1df7533c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.2We oppose ill-conceived
laws that would restrict magazine capacity or
ban the sale of the most popular and common
modern rifle.Due ProcessOppose depriving individuals of their right to keep and bear arms without due process_1df764ee-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.3We also oppose any effort to deprive individuals of their right to keep and bear arms
without due process of law.LawsuitsCondemn frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers_1df77718-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.4Gun ManufacturersFirearm DealersWe condemn frivolous lawsuits against gun
manufacturers and the current Administration’s
illegal harassment of firearm dealers.Licensing & RegistrationOppose federal licensing or registration of law-abiding gun owners, registration of ammunition, and restoration of the ill-fated Clinton gun ban_1df77f38-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.5We oppose
federal licensing or registration of law-abiding
gun owners, registration of ammunition, and
restoration of the ill-fated Clinton gun ban.Fast & FuriousInvestigate the “Fast and Furious” operation_1df78cf8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.6.2We call
for a thorough investigation — by a new Republican
administration — of the deadly “Fast and Furious”
operation perpetrated by Department of Justice
officials who approved and allowed illegal sales of
guns to known violent criminals.Liberty & PrivacyGuard against unreasonable searches and seizures_0fc8a466-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.7The Fourth Amendment: Liberty and Privacy -- Affirming the Fourth Amendment “right of
the people to be secure in their houses, papers,
and effects, against unreasonable searches and
seizures,” we call for strict limitations on the use of
aerial surveillance on U.S. soil, with the exception of
patrolling our national borders for illegal entry and
activity. Aerial SurveillanceLimit the use of aerial surveillance on U.S. soil_1df79fb8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.7.1Surveillance DevicesOppose attempts by government to require surveillance devices in our daily lives_1df7a788-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.7.2We oppose any attempts by government
to require surveillance devices in our daily lives,
including tracking devices in motor vehicles.EncryptionBalance privacy rights with the government’s legitimate need to access encrypted information for law enforcement_1df7b34a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.7.3Technology CompaniesIn recent years, technology companies have
responded to market demand for products and
services that protect the privacy of customers
through increasingly sophisticated encryption
technology. These increased privacy protections
have become crucial to the digital economy. At the
same time, however, such innovations have brought
new dangers, especially from criminals and terrorists
who seek to use encryption technology to harm us.
No matter the medium, citizens must retain the
right to communicate with one another free from
unlawful government intrusion. It will not be easy
to balance privacy rights with the government’s
legitimate need to access encrypted information.
This issue is too important to be left to the courts.
A Republican president and a Republican Congress
must listen to the American people and forge a
consensus solution.TaxationApply residency-based taxation for U.S. citizens overseas_1df7c312-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.7.4U.S. Citizens OverseasThe Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
(FATCA) and the Foreign Bank and Asset Reporting
Requirements result in government’s warrantless
seizure of personal financial information without
reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Americans
overseas should enjoy the same rights as Americans
residing in the United States, whose private
financial information is not subject to disclosure
to the government except as to interest earned.
The requirement for all banks around the world
to provide detailed information to the IRS about
American account holders outside the United States
has resulted in banks refusing service to them. Thus,
FATCA not only allows “unreasonable search and
seizures” but also threatens the ability of overseas
Americans to lead normal lives. We call for its repeal
and for a change to residency-based taxation for
U.S. citizens overseas.Human LifeProtect human life_0fc8a6dc-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.8The Fifth Amendment: Protecting Human Life -- The Constitution’s guarantee that no one can
“be deprived of life, liberty or property” deliberately
echoes the Declaration of Independence’s
proclamation that “all” are “endowed by their
Creator” with the inalienable right to life.Unborn ChildrenAffirm that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed_1df7cab0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.1Unborn ChildrenAccordingly, we assert the sanctity of human life
and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental
right to life which cannot be infringed. We support
a human life amendment to the Constitution and
legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth
Amendment’s protections apply to children before
birth.Public FundingOppose the use of public funds to perform or promote abortion_1df7d69a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.2Planned ParenthoodWe oppose the use of public funds to perform
or promote abortion or to fund organizations, like
Planned Parenthood, so long as they provide or
refer for elective abortions or sell fetal body parts
rather than provide healthcare.Fetal TissuesMake it a crime to acquire, transfer, or sell fetal tissues from elective abortions_1df7e57c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.3We urge all states
and Congress to make it a crime to acquire, transfer,
or sell fetal tissues from elective abortions for
research, and we call on Congress to enact a ban
on any sale of fetal body parts. In the meantime, we
call on Congress to ban the practice of misleading
women on so-called fetal harvesting consent forms,
a fact revealed by a 2015 investigation. We will not
fund or subsidize healthcare that includes abortion
coverage.JudgesAppoint judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life_1df7eda6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.4JudgesWe support the appointment of judges who
respect traditional family values and the sanctity of
innocent human life.Care & TreatmentOppose the non-consensual withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment from individuals with disabilities, newborns, the elderly, or the infirm_1df7f918-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.5Individuals with DisabilitiesNewbornsThe ElderlyThe InfirmWe oppose the non-consensual
withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment, including food and water, from individuals with
disabilities, newborns, the elderly, or the infirm, just
as we oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide.Unplanned PregnancyAssist women who face unplanned pregnancy_1df8082c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.6We affirm our moral obligation to assist, rather
than penalize, women who face an unplanned
pregnancy.Child SupportRequire financial responsibility for the child be equally borne by both the mother and father_1df81038-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.7MothersFathersFailure to require a father to be equally
responsible for a child places an inequitable
burden on the mother, creating a financial and
social hardship on both mother
and child.In order to encourage women who face
an unplanned pregnancy to choose life, we support
legislation that requires financial responsibility for
the child be equally borne by both the mother
and father upon conception until the child reaches
adulthood.Motherhood & AbuseSupport mothers in need and women fleeing abuse_1df81bbe-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.8We celebrate the
millions of Americans who
open their hearts, homes, and
churches to mothers in need
and women fleeing abuse.EmpowermentEmpower women experiencing an unintended pregnancy to choose life_1df82ab4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.9We
thank and encourage providers
of counseling, medical services,
and adoption assistance
for empowering women
experiencing an unintended
pregnancy to choose life.Ultrasound & AdoptionFund ultrasounds and adoption assistance_1df83252-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.10We
support funding for ultrasounds
and adoption assistance.Consent, Waiting & RegulationRequire informed consent, parental consent, waiting periods, and clinic regulation_1df83e5a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.11We
salute the many states that
now protect women and
girls through laws requiring
informed consent, parental
consent, waiting periods, and
clinic regulation. We condemn
the Supreme Court’s activist
decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt
striking down commonsense Texas laws providing
for basic health and safety standards in abortion
clinics.Abortion SurvivorsImpose civil and criminal penalties on healthcare providers who fail to provide treatment and care to an infant who survives an abortion_1df84d46-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.12We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives
for leading the effort to add enforcement to the
Born-Alive Infant Protection Act by passing the
Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which
imposes appropriate civil and criminal penalties on
healthcare providers who fail to provide treatment
and care to an infant who survives an abortion,
including early induction delivery whether the
death of the infant is intended.InfanticideOppose infanticide_1df854d0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.13We strongly oppose
infanticide. Over a dozen states have passed Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Acts prohibiting
abortion after twenty weeks, the point at which
current medical research shows that unborn babies
can feel excruciating pain during abortions, and we
call on Congress to enact the federal version. Not
only is it good legislation, but it enjoys the support
of a majority of the American people. We support
state and federal efforts against the cruelest forms
of abortion, especially dismemberment abortion
procedures, in which unborn babies are literally torn
apart limb from limb.Sex & DisabilityBan sex-selection abortions and abortions based on disabilities_1df860ec-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.14We call on Congress to ban sex-selection
abortions and abortions based on disabilities —
discrimination in its most lethal
form.Stem Cell ResearchOppose embryonic stem cell research_1df86f92-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.15We oppose embryonic
stem cell research. We oppose
federal funding of embryonic
stem cell research. We support
adult stem cell research and urge
the restoration of the national
placental stem cell bank created
by President George H.W. Bush
but abolished by his Democrat
successor, President Bill Clinton.Embryos & CloningOppose federal funding for harvesting embryos and ban human cloning_1df877b2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.16We oppose federal funding for
harvesting embryos and call for
a ban on human cloning.Life & SolutionsProtect human life and offer real solutions for women_1df8836a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.8.17The Democratic Party
is extreme on abortion.
Democrats’ almost limitless
support for abortion, and their
strident opposition to even
the most basic restrictions on
abortion, put them dramatically
out of step with the American people. Because of
their opposition to simple abortion clinic safety
procedures, support for taxpayer-funded abortion,
and rejection of pregnancy resource centers that
provide abortion alternatives, the old Clinton mantra
of “safe, legal, and rare” has been reduced to just
“legal.” We are proud to be the party that protects
human life and offers real solutions for women.PropertyProtect private property_0fc8ab00-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.9The Fifth Amendment: Protecting Private Property -- The Framers of our government knew, from
history and experience, that when private property
is not secure, freedom is at risk. That is why the Fifth Amendment declares that private property may not
be “taken for public use without just compensation.”
The Supreme Court’s Kelo decision undermined this
safeguard by allowing local governments to seize
a person’s home or land not only for vital public use,
but also for “public purpose,” which thus allowed
the government to seize it for transfer to private
developers or other private entities.Public UseEnact legislation or state constitutional amendments declaring that private property may be taken only for true public use_1df8929c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.9.1We call on any
state legislatures that have not already done so to
nullify the impact of Kelo within their jurisdiction
by legislation or state constitutional amendments
declaring that private property may be taken only
for true public use, and we join House Republicans
in supporting the Private Property Rights Protection
Act.CompensationPay just compensation whenever government takes private property_1df89a9e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.9.2The government at every level must always
pay just compensation whenever it takes private
property to achieve a compelling public use, with
the money coming from the budget of the agency
performing the taking. This includes the taking
of water rights and the taking of property by
environmental regulations that destroy or diminish
the property’s value.Asset ForfeitureEnact reforms to protect law-abiding citizens against abusive asset forfeiture tactics_1df8a64c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.9.3Civil asset forfeiture was originally intended
as a way to cripple organized crime through the
seizure of property used in a criminal enterprise.
Regrettably, it has become a tool for unscrupulous
law enforcement officials, acting without due
process, to profit by destroying the livelihood of
innocent individuals, many of whom never recover
the lawful assets taken from them. When the rights
of the innocent can be so easily violated, no one’s
rights are safe. We call on Congress and state
legislatures to enact reforms to protect law-abiding
citizens against abusive asset forfeiture tactics.Intellectual PropertyProtect intellectual property rights_0fc8af4c-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.10The Fifth Amendment: Intellectual Property Rights -- Private property includes not only physical
property such as lands and homes, but also
intellectual property like books and patents. Article
1, section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the
power to safeguard intellectual property rights
for “Authors and Inventors.” By protecting the
proprietary rights of creators and innovators, the
Constitution promotes the general welfare by
providing incentives for investment in all sorts of
technology and artistic works. Intellectual property
is a driving force in today’s global economy of
constant innovation. It is the wellspring of American
economic growth and job creation. With the rise
of the digital economy, it has become even more
critical that we protect intellectual property rights
and preserve freedom of contract rather than
create regulatory barriers to creativity, growth, and
innovation.CounterfeitsGuard against counterfeit parts_1df8b588-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.10.1ChinaToday, the worst offenses
against intellectual property rights come from
abroad, especially in China.Protecting intellectual property is also a
national security issue. We must guard against
counterfeit parts that can compromise the
reliability of our weapons systems and the safety
of military personnel.EnforcementEnforce intellectual property laws against all infringers_1df8bd3a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.10.2We call for strong
action by Congress and a new Republican president
to enforce intellectual property laws against all
infringers, whether foreign or domestic.Retained RightsReclaim the rights of the people that have been ignored or usurped by the federal and intrusive state governments_0fc8b1f4-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.11The Ninth Amendment: The People’s Retained Rights -- The Ninth Amendment to the Constitution
declares that “[t]he enumeration in the Constitution
of certain rights shall not be construed to deny
or disparage others retained by the people.” This
provision codifies the principle that our national
government derives its power from the governed
and that all powers not delegated to the government
are retained by the people. We call upon legislators
to give full force to this fundamental principle.
We welcome to our ranks all citizens who are
determined to reclaim the rights of the people that
have been ignored or usurped by the federal and
intrusive state governments. FederalismReserve to the States or to the people the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution_0fc8b67c-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.12The Tenth Amendment: Federalism as the Foundation of Personal Liberty -- Federalism is a cornerstone of our constitutional
system. Every violation of state sovereignty by
federal officials is not merely a transgression of one
unit of government against another; it is an assault
on the liberties of individual Americans. Hence the
promise of the Tenth Amendment: “The powers not
delegated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to
the States respectively, or to the people.” The
Constitution gives the federal government very
few powers, and they are specifically enumerated; the states and the people retain authority over
all unenumerated powers. In obedience to that
principle, we condemn the current Administration’s
unconstitutional expansion into areas beyond
those specifically enumerated, including bullying
of state and local governments in matters ranging
from voter identification (ID) laws to immigration,
from healthcare programs to land use decisions,
and from forced education curricula to school
restroom policies.Balance & SeparationRestore the proper balance and vertical separation of powers between
the federal government and state governments_1df8c988-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.12.1We pledge to restore the proper
balance and vertical separation of powers between
the federal government and state governments —
the governments closest to, and most reflective
of, the American people.Laboratories of DemocracyReinvigorate the role of the States as the laboratories of democracy_1df8d900-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.12.2StatesWe encourage states to
reinvigorate their traditional role as the laboratories
of democracy, propelling the nation forward
through local and state innovation.GrantsReduce and ultimately eliminate conditioned grants so that state and local
taxpayers can decide for themselves what is best for their own communities_1df8e0d0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.12.3StatesLocal TaxpayersCommunitiesBig government undermines federalism
through more than 1,100 grants-in-aid programs
that consume more than one-sixth of the federal
budget for matters that should be the exclusive
responsibility of the states. Through these programs,
money originating from state taxpayers is returned
to the states, usually greatly reduced, with myriad
strings attached. These grants turn state and
local elected officials into agents of the federal
government. The web of conditions and regulations
— especially the requirement of matching funds that
comes with federal grants — transforms recipients
into appendages of the Washington bureaucracy.
We call upon Congress to help a Republican
president to reduce and ultimately eliminate this
system of conditioned grants so that state and local
taxpayers can decide for themselves what is best
for their own communities. Electoral CollegeOppose the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and any other scheme to abolish or distort the procedures of the Electoral College_0fc8b9ce-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.13Electoral CollegeHonest Elections and the Electoral College -- We oppose the National Popular Vote Interstate
Compact and any other scheme to abolish or
distort the procedures of the Electoral College. An
unconstitutional effort to impose National Popular
Vote would be a grave threat to our federal system
and a guarantee of corruption, as every ballot box
in every state would offer a chance to steal the
presidency. We urge state legislatures that have
voted for this proposal to rescind their approval.Elections & VotingEnsure honest elections and the right to vote_0fc8bc8a-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea002.14Honest Elections and the Right to Vote -- Honest elections are the foundation of
representative government. We pledge to protect
the voting rights of every citizen, as well as their
rights of conscience when they are harassed
or denied a job because of their contributions
to a candidate or a cause.BallotsEnsure ballot access for the elderly, the handicapped, military personnel, and all legitimate voters_1df8ed14-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.1The ElderlyThe HandicappedMilitary PersonnelLegitimate VotersWe support state
efforts to ensure ballot access for the elderly, the
handicapped, military personnel, and all legitimate
voters.Citizenship & IDRequire proof of citizenship when registering to vote and secure photo ID when voting_1df8fc96-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.2We urge state and local officials to take
all appropriate steps to allow voters to cast their
ballots in a timely manner. We are concerned,
however, that some voting procedures may
be open to abuse. For this reason, we support
legislation to require proof of citizenship when
registering to vote and secure photo ID when
voting. We strongly oppose litigation against states
exercising their sovereign authority to enact such
laws.AuditingEnsure that electronic voting systems have a voter-verified paper audit trail_1df9048e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.3In addition, to guarantee that everyone’s vote
is counted, we urge that electronic voting systems
have a voter-verified paper audit trail.Accuracy & RedundancyKeep voter rolls accurate and prevent people from voting in more than
one state in the same election_1df91104-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.4Interstate Voter Registration Cross Check ProgramWe urge
every state to join the Interstate Voter Registration
Cross Check Program to keep voter rolls accurate
and to prevent people from voting in more than
one state in the same election.Foreign InvolvementGuard against foreign involvement in our elections_1df92004-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.5To guard against
foreign involvement in our elections, we call for
vigilance regarding online credit card contributions
to candidates and campaigns.Military PersonnelAllow our troops to vote in a timely manner_1df92888-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.6Military PersonnelThe members of our Armed Forces must not
be denied the basic rights that they are defending
for others. Our troops, wherever stationed, must be
allowed to vote in a timely manner. We call upon
the entire military chain of command to ensure the
voting rights of our citizen soldiers.ApportionmentEnsure that citizenship be made the basis for the apportionment of representatives among the states_1df934a4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea002.14.7The Constitution gives Congress authority
to conduct the decennial census “in such Manner
as they shall by Law direct.” In order to preserve
the principle of one person, one vote, we urge our
elected representatives to ensure that citizenship,
rather than mere residency, be made the basis for
the apportionment of representatives among the
states.Natural ResourcesValue the role of extractive industries and reward their enterprise by minimizing interference with their work_0fc8c16c-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea003Kelly ArmstrongNatural Resources Subcommittee Co-ChairVictor SprouseNatural Resources Subcommittee Co-ChairBrian CliffordAmerica’s Natural Resources: Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment StaffJustin MemmottAmerica’s Natural Resources: Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment StaffAgriculture, Energy, and the Environment -- We are the party of America’s growers, producers, farmers, ranchers, foresters, miners, commercial fishermen, and all those who bring from the earth the crops, minerals, energy, and the bounties of our seas that are the lifeblood of our economy. Their labor and ingenuity, their determination in bad times and love of the land at all times, powers our economy, creates millions of jobs, and feeds billions of people around the world.
Only a few years ago, a bipartisan consensus in government valued the role of extractive industries and rewarded their enterprise by minimizing its interference with their work. That has radically changed. We look in vain within the Democratic Party for leaders who will speak for the people of agriculture, energy and mineral production. AgricultureCelebrate our domestic security in food_0fc8c482-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea003.1FarmersRanchersAbundant Harvests -- Agricultural production and exports are central to the Republican agenda for jobs, growth, expanded trade, and prosperity. Because our farmers and ranchers care for the land, the United States does not depend on foreign imports for sustenance. Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than any other nation. On average, one American farm produces enough food to feed 155 people. No other nation has been as
generous with food aid to the needy. We have good reason to celebrate our domestic security in food.
We are the largest agricultural exporter in the world, and our exports are vital for other sectors of our economy. Those exports drive additional economic growth as each dollar of agricultural exports generates another $1.27 in business activity.Markets & TradeExpand trade opportunities and opening new markets for agriculture_fe72ce54-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea003.1.1That is why we remain committed to expanding trade opportunities and opening new markets for agriculture.RegulationsInsist that our global trading partners adhere to science-based standards with regard to food and health regulations_1df94430-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.2Under a Republican president, America’s trade negotiators will insist that our global trading partners adhere to science-based standards with regard to food and health regulations. We will not tolerate the use of bogus science and scare tactics to bar our products from foreign markets, nor will we allow insufficient health and safety standards for products imported for our consumption.PoliciesEnsure that domestic policies do not compromise our global competitiveness through overregulation and undue interference in the marketplace_1df94ce6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.3Dairy ProducersThere is growing recognition that federal dairy policies, crafted during the Great Depression, are increasingly an impediment to the ability of our dairy producers to meet the expected doubling in global demand coming by 2030. We must also ensure that domestic policies do not compromise our global competitiveness through overregulation and undue interference in the marketplace.MeatOppose policies seeking to stop or make more expensive our current system of production of meat_1df95cae-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.4Congress has repeatedly had to block the current Administration’s draconian rules concerning the marketing of poultry and livestock.Poultry ProducersLivestock ProducersWe oppose the policies pushed by special interest groups seeking to stop or make more expensive our current system of safe, efficient, and humane production of meat.Regulatory ProcessRestructure the regulatory process_1df9644c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.5This regulatory impulse must be curbed, not on a case-by-case basis, but through a fundamental restructuring of the regulatory process.LabelingEnd federal mandates on food options and menu labeling_1df972ca-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.6In the meantime, the intrusive and expensive federal mandates on food options and menu labeling should be ended as soon as possible by a Republican Congress. We oppose the mandatory labeling of genetically modified food, which has proven to be safe, healthy, and a literal life-saver for millions in the developing world.Engagement & OversightEngage farmers and ranchers to develop sound farm oversight policies at the State level_1df982a6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.7EPALike the rest of the economy, agriculture has suffered through eight years of the Democrats’ regulatory juggernaut, particularly from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).StatesStates, not Washington bureaucrats, are best equipped to engage farmers and ranchers to develop sound farm oversight policies.FarmersRanchersThe Democratic Administration’s sustained support for additional regulation of agriculture has directly resulted in higher costs of production for those who produce the food we eat. This federal regulatory overreach has resulted and will continue to result in higher food prices for Americans. These higher food costs are particularly challenging for those Americans struggling to make ends meet.Legal RequirementsStop regulatory demands forced upon citizens and businesses beyond that which is required by law_1df98b84-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.8EPAArmy Corps of EngineersCitizensBusinessesStatesThe EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, issued jointly with the Army Corps of Engineers, is a travesty.
It extends the government’s jurisdiction over navigable waters into the micro-management of puddles and ditches on farms, ranches, and other privately-held property. Ditches, dry creek beds, stock ponds, prairie potholes, and other non-navigable wet areas are already regulated by the states. WOTUS is now subject to judicial review and must be invalidated, but that will not be sufficient.
Unelected bureaucrats must be stopped from furthering the Democratic Party’s political agenda through regulatory demands forced upon citizens and businesses beyond that which is required by law. We must never allow federal agencies to seize control of state waters, watersheds, or groundwater.
State waters, watersheds, and groundwater must be the purview of the sovereign states.Public LandsFoster, develop, and encourage ranching on public lands_1df99872-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.9FarmersRanchersFarmers and ranchers are among this country’s leading conservationists. Modern farm practices and technologies, supported by programs from the Department of Agriculture, have led to reduced erosion, improved water and air quality, increased wildlife habitat, all the while maintaining improved agricultural yields. This stewardship of the land benefits everyone, and we remain committed to conservation policies based on the preservation, not the restriction, of working lands. For this reason, ranching on public lands must be fostered, developed, and encouraged.WaterProvide an abundant water supply for America’s farmers, ranchers, and their communities_1df9a8da-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.9.1FarmersRanchersCommunitiesThis includes providing for an abundant water supply for America’s farmers, ranchers, and their communities.Risk ManagementEnsure that Federal programs to assist farmers in managing risk are cost-effective and functional_1df9b1ae-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.10FarmersRanchersTaxpayersFarming and ranching remain high-risk endeavors, and they cannot be isolated from market forces. No segment of agriculture can expect treatment so favorable that it seriously disadvantages workers in other trades. Federal programs to assist farmers in managing risk must be as cost-effective as they are functional, offering tools that can improve producers’ ability to operate when times are tough while remaining affordable to the taxpayers. Even so, the expansion of agricultural exports through the vigorous opening of new markets around the world is the surest path to farm security.
While uncertainty about natural weather and markets is a risk farmers and ranchers always face, government should not add to their uncertainty by inaction and delay. Thanks in large part to a lack of leadership from the current Administration and congressional Democrats, the last Farm Bill took far too long to enact, creating instability about farm policy for nearly two years. Republicans are dedicated to leading this country forward, which includes getting things done on time, including the next Farm Bill.Nutrition AssistanceRestore work requirements for able-bodied adults as a condition for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)_1df9bec4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.11The Democrats play politics with farm security.
Much of the Democrats’ delay had nothing to do with the vital role of American agriculture. It concerned their efforts to expand welfare through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which now comprises more than 70 percent of all farm bill spending. During the last eight years of a Democratic Administration, nearly all the work requirements for able-bodied adults, instituted by our landmark welfare reform of 1996, have been removed. We will restore those provisions and, to correct a mistake made when the Food Stamp program was first created in 1964, separate the administration of SNAP from the Department of Agriculture.DataAdvance policies to protect the security, privacy, and most of all, the private ownership of individual farmers’ and ranchers’ data_1df9ce3c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.12FarmersRanchersLike all other sectors of our society, agriculture is directly impacted by the constant advance in technology. Agriculture now faces a revolution in the generation of “Big Data” — information produced not only through public oversight of regulations and programs, but also from private business records of farming and ranching operations. In the interest of protecting the safety of our farmers and ranchers, we will advance policies to protect the security, privacy, and most of all, the private ownership of individual farmers’ and ranchers’ data.ForestsPromote active, sustainable management of our forests_1df9d760-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.1.13U. S. Forest ServiceStatesCommunitiesThe U. S. Forest Service, within the Department of Agriculture, controls around 200 million acres of land with enormous natural resources, especially timber, a renewable resource providing jobs for thousands of workers that should be used to the best economic potential for the nation. Many of our national forests are in worsening health with the threat of invasive species, insect mortality, and the severe risk of wildfire. The increase in catastrophic wildfires has been needlessly killing millions of animals and destroying homes and watersheds for decades in the western states.
The expense to suppress wildfires related to failed federal forest policies continues to increase. When timber is managed properly, the renewable crops will result in fewer wildfires and, at the same time, produce jobs in the timber industry for countless families. We believe in promoting active, sustainable management of our forests and that states can best manage our forests to improve forest health and keep communities safe. EnergyA New Era in Energy_fe72d78c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea003.2EngineersMinersA New Era in Energy -- Our country has greater energy resources than any other place on earth.
Our engineers and miners, the men and women whose labor taps the forces of nature, are the best in the world. Together, the people of America’s energy sector provide us with power that is clean, affordable, secure, and abundant. Their work can guarantee the nation’s energy security for centuries to come if, instead of erecting roadblocks, government facilitates the creation of an all-of-the-above energy strategy.
We applaud congressional Republicans for doing just that through far-sighted legislation.
Both Houses have passed bills that will modernize pipelines and the electric grid, protect the grid from disruption, expedite energy exports, and lower
energy costs. A Republican administration will build on those policies to find new ways to store electricity, a breakthrough of extraordinary import.ReservesDetermine what resources we have in reserve_1df9e3fe-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.1Planning for our energy future requires us to first determine what resources we have in reserve.
Thirty years ago, the world’s estimated reserves of oil were 645 billion barrels. Today, that figure is 1.65 trillion barrels. The more we know what we will have
in the future, the better we can decide how to use it.Public Lands & Continental ShelfOpen public lands and the outer continental shelf to exploration and responsible production_1df9fb96-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.2That is why we support the opening of public lands and the outer continental shelf to exploration and responsible production, even if these resources will
not be immediately developed.RegulationGive authority to state regulators to manage energy resources on federally controlled public lands within their respective borders_1dfa0424-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.3State RegulatorsCongressBecause we believe states can best promote economic growth while protecting the environment, Congress should give authority to state regulators to manage energy resources on federally controlled public lands within their respective borders.CoalProtect miners from the anti-coal agenda_1dfa1176-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.4ActivistsLow-Income AmericansEPAThe Democratic Party’s energy policy can be summed up in a slogan currently popular among its activists: “keep it in the ground.” Keeping energy in the earth will keep jobs out of reach of those who need them most. For low-income Americans, expensive energy means colder homes in the winter and hotter homes in the summer, less mobility in employment, and higher food prices. The current Administration, and particularly its EPA, seems not to care. Its Clean Power Plan — the centerpiece of the President’s war on coal — has been stayed by the Supreme Court. We will do away with it altogether. The Democratic Party does not understand that coal is an abundant, clean, affordable, reliable domestic energy resource. Those who mine it and their families should be protected from the Democratic Party’s radical anti-coal agenda.PermittingExpedite the permitting process_1dfa21b6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.5The Democratic Party’s campaign to smother the U.S. energy industry takes many forms, but the permitting process may be its most damaging weapon. It takes an average of 30 days for states to permit an oil or gas well. It takes the federal government longer than seven months. Three decades ago, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leased 12.2 million acres. In 2014, it leased only one-tenth of that number.Nuclear PowerPermit nuclear power plants_1dfa2a3a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.6Nuclear Power IndustryOur nuclear industry, cleanly generating almost 20 percent of our electricity from its 99 plants, has a remarkable safety record, but only a handful of
plants have been permitted in over three decades.Hydroelectric PowerPermit hydroelectric power facilities_1dfa378c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.7Permitting for a safe, non-polluting hydroelectric facility, even one that is being relicensed, can take many years because of the current President’s hostility to dams.Keystone PipelineFinish the Keystone Pipeline_1dfa47c2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.8The Keystone Pipeline has become a symbol of everything wrong with the current Administration’s ideological approach.
After years of delay, the President killed it to satisfy environmental extremists. We intend to finish that pipeline and others as part of our commitment to North American energy security.Markets & SubsidiesSupport the development of all forms of energy that are marketable in a free economy without subsidies_1dfa5050-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.9Department of DefenseBLMGovernment should not play favorites among energy producers. The taxpayers will not soon forget the current Administration’s subsidies to companies that went bankrupt without producing a kilowatt of energy. The same Administration
now requires the Department of Defense, operating with slashed budgets during a time of expanding conflict, to use its scarce resources to generate 25 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2025. Climate change is far from this nation’s most pressing national security issue. This is the triumph of extremism over common sense, and Congress must stop it.
We support the development of all forms of energy that are marketable in a free economy without subsidies, including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and hydropower. A federal judge has struck down the BLM’s rule on hydraulic fracturing and we support upholding this decision.Nuclear WasteEnd the disregard of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act with respect to the long-term storage of nuclear waste_1dfa5e38-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.10We respect the states’ proven ability to regulate the use of hydraulic fracturing, methane emissions, and horizontal drilling, and we will end the Administration’s disregard of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act with respect to the long-term storage of nuclear waste.Renewable EnergyEncourage the cost-effective development of renewable energy sources by private capital_1dfa6e64-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.11We encourage the cost-effective development of renewable energy sources — wind, solar, biomass, biofuel, geothermal, and tidal energy — by private
capital.MineralsExpedite the permitting process for mineral production on public lands_1dfa7706-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.12The United States is overwhelmingly dependent on China and other nations for rare earth and other hardrock minerals. These minerals are critical to advanced technology, renewable energy, and defense manufacturing. We support expediting the permitting process for mineral production on public lands.Nuclear EnergyLift restrictions to allow responsible development of nuclear energy_1dfa844e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.13We support lifting restrictions to allow responsible development of nuclear energy, including research into alternative processes like thorium nuclear energy.Carbon TaxesOppose any carbon tax_1dfa9416-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.14We oppose any carbon tax. It would increase energy prices across the board, hitting hardest at the families who are already struggling to pay their bills in the Democrats’ no-growth economy.Carbon Capture & SequestrationUrge the private sector to focus its resources on the development of carbon capture and sequestration technology_1dfa9d44-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.15Private SectorWe urge the private sector to focus its resources on the development of carbon capture and sequestration technology still in its early stages here and overseas.ExportsEnable American energy producers to export their product to foreign markets_1dfaab22-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.16American Energy ProducersAmerican energy producers should be free to export their product to foreign markets. This is particularly important because of international demand for liquefied natural gas, and we must expedite the energy export terminals currently blocked by the Administration. Energy exports will create high paying jobs throughout the United States, reduce our nation’s trade deficit, grow our economy, and boost the energy security of our allies and trading partners.Markets & TradeExpand trade opportunities and open new markets for American energy_1dfabb3a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.17We remain committed to aggressively expanding trade opportunities and opening new markets for American energy through multilateral and bilateral agreements, whether current, pending, or negotiated in the future.ProductionIncrease domestic energy production_1dfac47c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.2.18OPECEnergy is both an economic and national security issue. We support the enactment of policies to increase domestic energy production, including production on public lands, to counter market manipulation by OPEC and other nationally owned oil companies. This will reduce America’s vulnerability to energy price volatility.EnvironmentBe good stewards of the God-given natural beauty and resources of our country_fe72e9ac-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea003.3Environmental Progress -- Conservation is inherent in conservatism. As the pioneer of environmentalism a century ago, the Republican Party reaffirms the moral obligation to be good stewards of the God-given natural beauty and resources of our country. We believe that people are the most valuable resources and that human health and safety are the proper measurements of a policy’s success. We assert that private ownership has been the best guarantee of conscientious stewardship, while some of the worst instances of degradation have occurred under government control. Poverty, not wealth, is the gravest threat to the environment, while steady economic growth brings the technological advances which make environmental progress possible.
The environment is too important to be left to radical environmentalists. They are using yesterday’s tools to control a future they do not comprehend.
The environmental establishment has become a self-serving elite, stuck in the mindset of the 1970s, subordinating the public’s consensus to the goals of the Democratic Party. Their approach is based on shoddy science, scare tactics, and centralized command-and-control regulation. Over the last eight years, the Administration has triggered an avalanche of regulation that wreaks havoc across our economy and yields minimal benefits.
The central fact of any sensible environmental policy is that, year by year, the environment is improving. Our air and waterways are much healthier than they were a few decades ago. As a nation, we have drastically reduced pollution, mainstreamed recycling, educated the public, and avoided ecological degradation. Even if no additional controls are added, air pollution will continue to decline for the next several decades due to technological turnover of aging equipment.
These successes become a challenge for Democratic Party environmental extremists, who must reach farther and demand more to sustain the illusion of an environmental crisis. That is why they routinely ignore costs, exaggerate benefits, and advocate the breaching of constitutional boundaries by federal agencies to impose environmental regulation. At the same time, the environmental establishment looks the other way when environmental degradation is caused by the EPA and other federal agencies as was the case during the Animas River spill.RegulationShift responsibility for environmental regulation from the federal bureaucracy to the states_1dfad23c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.1StatesOur agenda is high on job creation, expanding opportunity and providing a better chance at life for everyone willing to work for it. Our modern approach to environmentalism is directed to that end, and it starts with dramatic change in official Washington. We propose to shift responsibility for environmental regulation from the federal bureaucracy to the states and ...EPATransform the EPA into an independent bipartisan commission_1dfae236-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.2EPAto transform the EPA into an independent bipartisan commission, similar to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with structural safeguards against politicized science.AuthorityLimit congressional delegation of rule-making authority_1dfaeb82-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.3CongressWe will strictly limit congressional delegation of rule-making authority, and ...Regulatory TakingsCompensate citizens for regulatory takings_1dfaf910-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.4Citizensrequire that citizens be compensated for regulatory takings.LawsuitsPut an end to the legal practice known as “sue and settle”_1dfb0964-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.5Environmental GroupsTaxpayersWe will put an end to the legal practice known as “sue and settle,” in which environmental groups sue federal agencies whose officials are complicit in
the litigation so that, with the taxpayers excluded, both parties can reach agreement behind closed doors. That deceit betrays the public’s trust; it will no longer be tolerated.PaymentsCap and disclose payments made to environmental activists_1dfb12d8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.6Environmental ActivistsWe will also reform the Equal Access to Justice Act to cap and disclose payments made to environmental activists and return the Act to its original intent.WaterEnforce the original intent of the Clean Water Act_1dfb2296-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.7We will enforce the original intent of the Clean Water Act, not it’s distortion by EPA regulations.Carbon DioxideForbid the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide_1dfb361e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.8EPAWe will likewise forbid the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide, something never envisioned when Congress passed the Clean Air Act.Air Quality & NEPARestore to Congress the authority to set the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and modernize the permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act _1dfb4000-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.9We will restore to
Congress the authority to set the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and modernize the permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act so it can no longer invite frivolous lawsuits, thwart sorely needed projects, kill jobs, and strangle growth.Public Lands UsageProvide access to public lands for appropriate activities like hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting_1dfb4dd4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.10HuntersFishersRecreational ShootersThe federal government owns or controls over 640 million acres of land in the United States, most of which is in the West. These are public lands, and the
public should have access to them for appropriate activities like hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.Public Lands ControlConvey certain federally controlled public lands to states_1dfb5f36-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.11StatesLocal CommunitiesFederal ownership or management of land also places an economic burden on counties and local communities in terms of lost revenue to pay for things such as schools, police, and emergency services. It is absurd to think that all that acreage must remain under the absentee ownership or management of official Washington. Congress shall immediately pass universal legislation providing for a timely and orderly mechanism requiring the federal government to convey certain federally controlled public lands to states. We call upon all national and state leaders and representatives to exert their utmost power and influence to urge the transfer of those lands, identified in the review process, to all willing states for the benefit of the states and the nation as a whole. The residents of state and local communities know best how to protect the land where they work and live. They practice boots-on-the-ground conservation in their states every day.Parks & MonumentsEstablish Congress’ right to approve the designation of national monuments and to further require the approval of the states_1dfb6850-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.12StatesWe support amending the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish Congress’ right to approve the designation of national monuments and to further require the approval of the state where a national monument is designated or a national park is proposed.Threatened SpeciesProtect species threatened with extinction_1dfb7606-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.13There is certainly a need to protect certain species threatened worldwide with extinction.
However, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) should not include species such as gray wolves and other species if these species exist elsewhere in healthy numbers in another state or country. To upset the economic viability of an area with an unneeded designation costs jobs and hurts local communities.
We must ensure that this protection is done effectively, reasonably, and without unnecessarily impeding the development of lands and natural resources. The ESA should ensure that the listing of endangered species and the designation of
critical habitats are based upon sound science and balance the protection of endangered species with the costs of compliance and the rights of property owners. Instead, over the last few decades, the ESA has stunted economic development, halted the construction of projects, burdened landowners, and has been used to pursue policy goals inconsistent with the ESA — all with little to no success in the actual recovery of species. For example, we oppose the listing of the lesser prairie chicken and the potential listing of the sage grouse. Neither species has been shown to be in actual danger and the listings threaten to devastate farmers, ranchers, and oil and gas production. While species threatened with extinction must be protected under the ESA, any such protection must be done in a reasonable and transparent manner with stakeholder input and in consideration of the impact on the development of lands and natural resources.Climate ChangeBase information on climate change on dispassionate analysis of hard data_1dfb8740-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.14United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeCongressInformation concerning a changing climate, especially projections into the long-range future, must be based on dispassionate analysis of hard data. We will enforce that standard throughout the executive branch, among civil servants and presidential appointees alike. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a political mechanism, not an unbiased scientific institution. Its unreliability is reflected in its intolerance toward scientists and others who dissent from its orthodoxy. We will evaluate its recommendations accordingly. We reject the agendas of both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which represent only the personal commitments of their signatories; no such agreement can be binding upon the United States until it is submitted to and ratified by the Senate.FundingHalt to U.S. funding for the U.N.’s Framework Convention on Climate Change_1dfb906e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.14.1We demand an immediate halt to U.S. funding for the U.N.’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in accordance with the 1994 Foreign Relations Authorization Act. That law prohibits Washington from giving any money to “any affiliated organization of the United Nations” which grants Palestinians membership as a state. There is no ambiguity in that language. It would be illegal for the President to follow through on his intention to provide millions in funding for the UNFCCC and hundreds of millions for its Green Climate Fund.Ingenuity & TechnologySolve environmental problems by giving incentives for human ingenuity and the development of new technologies_1dfb9e42-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea003.3.15We firmly believe environmental problems are best solved by giving incentives for human ingenuity and the development of new technologies, not through top-down, command-and-control regulations that stifle economic growth and cost
thousands of jobs.Government ReformReform government
_0fc8c702-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea004Tom SchriebelGovernment Reform Subcommittee Co-ChairRuss WalkerGovernment Reform Subcommittee Co-ChairDanielle CutronaGovernment Reform StaffKaty TalentoGovernment Reform StaffEffectivenessMake government work for the people_0fc8cc70-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea004.1Making Government Work for the People --
Founding Father and Constitution Framer
James Wilson declared that in America, “the
people are the masters of government,” but that
in other countries, “the government is master
of the people.” We pledge to make government
work for the people, rather than the other way
around. Much of what the federal government
does can be improved, much should be replaced,
and much needs to be done away with or returned
to the states. It is long past time for just tinkering
around the edges of a bloated and unresponsive
bureaucratic state. Its poorly managed programs,
some begun generations ago, are ill-suited to meet
present needs and future requirements. Its credit
card budgets impose massive indebtedness on
every American today and on children yet unborn.
The more it intrudes into every aspect of American
life the more it alienates the citizens who work,
pay taxes, and wonder what has happened to the
country they love. We agree with Thomas Jefferson
that “[t]he multiplication of public offices, increase
of expense beyond income, growth and entailment
of a public debt, are indications soliciting the
employment of the pruning knife.”BudgetBalance the budget_fe72f8e8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.2Balancing the Budget -- The federal fiscal burden threatens the
security, liberty, and independence of our nation.
The current Administration’s refusal to work with
Republicans took our national debt from $10 trillion
to nearly $19 trillion today. Left unchecked, it will
hit $30 trillion by 2026. At the same time, the
Administration’s policies systematically crippled
economic growth and job creation, driving up
government costs and driving down revenues.
When Congressional Republicans tried to reverse
course, the Administration manufactured fiscal
crises — phony government shutdowns — to
demand excessive spending. The Administration’s
demands have focused on significantly expanding
government spending and benefits for its preferred
groups, paid for through loans that our children and
grandchildren will have to pay. This is the path to
bankrupting the next generation.Constitutional AmendmentAdopt a constitutional requirement for a federal balanced budget_09f6a670-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.2.1The Republican path to fiscal sanity and
economic expansion begins with a constitutional
requirement for a federal balanced budget.Spending CapImpose a cap limiting spending to the appropriate historical average percentage of our nation’s gross domestic product_09f6bd68-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.2.2We
will fight for Congress to adopt, and for the states
to ratify, a Balanced Budget Amendment which
imposes a cap limiting spending to the appropriate
historical average percentage of our nation’s gross
domestic product while requiring a super-majority
for any tax increase, with exceptions only for war
or legitimate emergencies. Only a constitutional
safeguard such as this can prevent deficits from
mounting to government default.ScopeApply a constitutional test to the scope of the federal government_09f6c498-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.2.3Republican budgets will prioritize thrift over
extravagance and put taxpayers first. We support
the following test: Is a particular expenditure within
the constitutional scope of the federal government?
If not, stop it. Has it been effective in the past and
is it still absolutely necessary? If not, end it. Is it so
important as to justify borrowing, especially foreign
borrowing, to fund it? If not, kill it. Medicare & MedicaidPreserve Medicare and Medicaid_fe730284-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.3Preserving Medicare and Medicaid -- More than 100 million Americans depend on
Medicare or Medicaid for their healthcare; with
our population aging, that number will increase. To
preserve Medicare and Medicaid, the financing of
these important programs must be brought under
control before they consume most of the federal
budget, including national defense. The good news
is that it can be done, and it can be done without
endangering the elderly and the needy who depend
on those programs.MedicareModernize Medicare by empowering participants and putting it on a secure financial footing_09f6cba0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.2We intend to save Medicare by
modernizing it, empowering its participants, and
putting it on a secure financial footing.MedicaidPreserve the promise of Medicaid by making it a vehicle for good health_09f6d29e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.3We will
preserve the promise of Medicaid as well by making that program, designed for 1965 medicine, a vehicle
for good health in an entirely new era.
Medicare’s long-term debt is in the trillions, and
it is funded by a workforce that is shrinking relative
to the size of future beneficiaries. Obamacare
worsened the situation — and imperiled seniors —
by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts
to Medicare providers to pay for its new spending.
When a vital program is so clearly headed for a train
wreck, it’s time to put it on a more secure track.
That is why we propose these reforms:Older PeopleImpose no changes for persons 55 or older._09f6d99c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.3.1OptionsGive others the
option of traditional Medicare or transition to a
premium-support model designed to strengthen
patient choice, promote cost-saving competition
among providers, and better guard against the
fraud and abuse that now diverts billions of dollars
every year away from patient care._09f6e0a4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.3.2ContributionsGuarantee to
every enrollee an income-adjusted contribution
toward a plan of their choice, with catastrophic
protection._09f6e860-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.3.3EligibilityWithout disadvantaging present retirees
or those nearing retirement, set a more realistic age
for eligibility in light of today’s longer life span._09f6ef68-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.3.4Rationing & QualityReject rationing, denial, and lowering of quality_09f6f800-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.4This is an agenda to improve healthcare, not
just to manage its costs. We reject the Democrats’
approach of rationing inherent in Obamacare. We
recognize the de facto rationing of healthcare
caused by reduced access to doctors who
increasingly opt out of participating in Medicare
and Medicaid. We will not accept that or any other
approach which denies care — or lowers its quality
— for America’s elderly.
Medicaid presents related, but somewhat
different challenges. As the dominant force in
the health market with regard to long-term care,
births, and persons with mental illness, it is the next
frontier of welfare reform. It is simply too big and
too flawed to be administered from Washington.
Most of the vaunted expansion of health insurance
coverage under Obamacare actually has been an
unprecedented expansion of the Medicaid rolls in
many states.GrantsBlock grant Medicaid_09f6ff12-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.3.5We applaud the Republican governors
and state legislators who have undertaken the hard
work of modernizing Medicaid. We will give them a
free hand to do so by block-granting the program
without strings. Their initiatives — whether premium
supports for purchasing insurance, refundable tax
credits, alternatives to hospitalization for chronic
patients, disease prevention activities, and other
innovations — are the best strategy for preserving
Medicaid for those who need it the most. Block
granting Medicaid is particularly needed to
address mental health care. Mental illness affects
people from all walks of life, but there has been
little success in developing effective system-wide
medical models for addressing mental health. For a
variety of unique reasons, government is often the
first frontier for people experiencing mental health
problems — from first responders who deal with
crises to publicly funded mental health facilities
and prisons where large numbers of inmates
suffer from mental illnesses. Using block grants
would allow states to experiment with different
systems to address mental health and develop
successful models to be replicated in states across
the nation. The current federally dictated mental
health care regime is wasteful and ineffective, and
moving to a block grant approach would allow for
state and local governments to create solutions
for individuals and families in desperate need of
help in addressing mental illness. We respect the
states’ authority and flexibility to exclude abortion
providers from federal programs such as Medicaid
and other healthcare and family planning programs
so long as they continue to perform or refer for
elective abortions or sell the body parts of aborted
children.Social SecuritySave Social Security_fe730e78-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.4Saving Social Security -- We reject the old maxim that Social Security
is the “Third Rail” of American politics, deadly for
anyone who would change it. The Democratic Party
still treats it that way, even though everyone knows
that its current course will lead to a financial and
social disaster. Younger Americans have lost all faith
in the program and expect little return for what
they are paying into it. As the party of America’s
future, we accept the responsibility to preserve and
modernize a system of retirement security forged
in an old industrial era beyond the memory of most
Americans. Current retirees and those close to
retirement can be assured of their benefits. Of the
many reforms being proposed, all options should
be considered to preserve Social Security. As
Republicans, we oppose tax increases and believe
in the power of markets to create wealth and to help secure the future of our Social Security system.
Saving Social Security is more than a challenge. It
is our moral obligation to those who trusted in the
government’s word.InternetProtect Internet freedom_fe731ecc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.5Federal Communications CommissionProtecting Internet Freedom -- The survival of the internet as we know it
is at risk. Its gravest peril originates in the White
House, the current occupant of which has launched
a campaign, both at home and internationally, to
subjugate it to agents of government. The President
ordered the chair of the supposedly independent
Federal Communications Commission to impose
upon the internet rules devised in the 1930s for the
telephone monopoly. He has unilaterally announced
America’s abandonment of
the international internet by
surrendering U.S. control of
the root zone of web names
and addresses. He threw the
internet to the wolves, and they
— Russia, China, Iran, and others
— are ready to devour it.
We salute the Congressional
Republicans who have
legislatively impeded his plans
to turn over the Information Freedom Highway to
regulators and tyrants. That fight must continue,
for its outcome is in doubt. We will consistently
support internet policies that allow people and
private enterprise to thrive, without providing new
and expanded government powers to tax and
regulate so that the internet does not become the
vehicle for a dramatic expansion of government
power. The internet’s independence is its power.
It has unleashed innovation, enabled growth, and
inspired freedom more rapidly and extensively
than any other technological advance in human
history.GovernanceResist any effort to shift control toward governance by international or other intergovernmental organizations_09f70610-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.5.1We will therefore resist any effort to shift
control toward governance by international or
other intergovernmental organizations.Personal DataEnsure that personal data receives full constitutional protection from government overreach_09f70e1c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.5.2We will
ensure that personal data receives full constitutional
protection from government overreach. The only
way to safeguard or improve these systems is
through the private sector. The internet’s free
market needs to be free and open to all ideas and
competition without the government or service
providers picking winners and losers.Immigration & LawWelcome all to the Great Opportunity Party_fe761e88-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.6Immigration and the Rule of Law -- Our party is the natural home for those who
come in search of freedom and justice. We welcome
all to the Great Opportunity Party.Workers & WagesProtect American working families and their wages_09f7156a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.1American WorkersThe greatest asset of the American economy is
the American worker. Our immigration system must
protect American working families and their wages,
for citizens and legal immigrants alike, in a way
that will improve the economy. Just as immigrant
labor helped build our country in the past, today’s
legal immigrants are making vital contributions
in every aspect of national life. Their industry and
commitment to American values strengthens our
economy, enriches our culture, and enables us to
better understand and more effectively compete
with the rest of the world.NewcomersEmbrace the newcomers legally among us, assist their journey to full citizenship, and help their communities avoid isolation from the mainstream of society_09f71d6c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.2Members of the Armed ForcesFirst RespondersWe are particularly grateful
to the thousands of new legal
immigrants, many of them not
yet citizens, who are serving
in the Armed Forces and
among first responders. Their
patriotism should encourage
all to embrace the newcomers
legally among us, assist their
journey to full citizenship, and
help their communities avoid isolation from the
mainstream of society.LanguagesEncourage the preservation of heritage tongues and support English as the nation’s official language_09f7249c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.3We are also thankful for the
many legal immigrants who continue to contribute
to American society. To that end, we both encourage
the preservation of heritage tongues and support
English as the nation’s official language, a unifying
force essential for the advancement of immigrant
communities and our nation as a whole.JobsProtect American workers from the claims of foreign nationals seeking the
same jobs_09f72bd6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.4American WorkersForeign NationalsAmerica’s immigration policy must serve the
national interest of the United States, and the
interests of American workers must be protected
over the claims of foreign nationals seeking the
same jobs.AmnestyOppose any form of amnesty_09f733c4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.5With all our fellow citizens, we have
watched, in anger and disgust, the mocking of our
immigration laws by a president who made himself
superior to the will of the nation. We stand with
the victims of his policies, especially the families of
murdered innocents. Illegal immigration endangers
everyone, exploits the taxpayers, and insults all
who aspire to enter America legally. We oppose
any form of amnesty for those who, by breaking the
law, have disadvantaged those who have obeyed it. The executive amnesties of 2012 and 2014 are
a direct violation of federal law and usurp the
powers of Congress as outlined in Article I of the
Constitution. These unlawful amnesties must be
immediately rescinded by a Republican president.Borders, Ports & LawsSecure our borders and ports of entry and enforce our immigration laws_09f73afe-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.6In
a time of terrorism, drug cartels, human trafficking,
and criminal gangs, the presence of millions of
unidentified individuals in this country poses grave
risks to the safety and sovereignty of the United
States. Our highest priority, therefore, must be to
secure our borders and all ports of entry and to
enforce our immigration laws.Wall & PortsBuild a wall along our southern border and protect our ports of entry_09f74238-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.6.1That is why we support building a wall along
our southern border and protecting all ports of
entry. The border wall must cover the entirety
of the southern border and must be sufficient to
stop both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.E-VerifyMake usage of the E-verify program mandatory_09f74986-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.7We
insist upon workplace enforcement of verification
systems so that more jobs can be available to all
legal workers. Use of the E-verify program — an
internet-based system that verifies the employment
authorization and identity of employees — must
be made mandatory nationwide.SAVE ProgramEnsure that public funds are not given to persons not legally present in this country_09f750c0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.8We reaffirm our
endorsement of the SAVE program — Systematic
Alien Verification for Entitlements — to ensure that
public funds are not given to persons not legally
present in this country.Theft, Fraud & TraffickingPenalize those who engage in identity theft, deal in fraudulent documents, and traffic in human beings_09f758b8-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.9We demand tough penalties
against those who engage in identity theft, deal in
fraudulent documents, and traffic in human beings.CriminalsKeep dangerous aliens off our streets and expedite expulsion of criminal aliens_09f760ba-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.10Department of Homeland SecurityThe Department of Homeland Security must use its
authority to keep dangerous aliens off our streets
and to expedite expulsion of criminal aliens.GangsDeport members of gangs_09f7681c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.11Gang
membership should be a deportable offense.Re-EntryApply stiffer penalties to illegal aliens who illegally re-enter our nation after already having been deported_09f76f6a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.12Any
previously deported illegal alien who continues to
show a lack of respect for our borders and rule
of law must be penalized. This is why we support
stiffer penalties, such as a mandatory minimum
sentence of five years, for any illegal alien who
illegally re-enters our nation after already having
been deported.Sanctuary CitiesDeny Federal funding to Sanctuary Cities_09f776c2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.13Sanctuary CitiesBecause “sanctuary cities” violate federal law
and endanger their own citizens, they should not be
eligible for federal funding.LicensesHalt the issuance of state licenses to people in the country illegally_09f77e1a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.14Using state licenses to
reward people in the country illegally is an affront
to the rule of law and must be halted.Guest WorkersReform our guest worker programs_09f794f4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.15Guest WorkersIn light of both current needs and historic
practice, we urge the reform of our guest worker
programs to eliminate fraud, improve efficiency
and ensure they serve the national interest.State RightsSupport the right of the states to enact laws deterring illegal aliens from residing within their states_09f7ab60-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.16In
light of the alarming levels of unemployment and
underemployment in this country, it is indefensible
to continue offering lawful permanent residence to
more than one million foreign nationals every year.
The Supreme Court has correctly recognized that
states have the constitutional authority to take
steps to reduce illegal immigration. We condemn
the Obama Administration’s lawsuits against states
that are seeking to reinforce federal law. We support
the right of the states to enact laws deterring illegal
aliens from residing within their states.AsylumLimit asylum to cases of political, ethnic or religious persecution_09f7b70e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.17From its beginning, our country has been a
haven of refuge and asylum. That should continue
— but with major changes. Asylum should be limited
to cases of political, ethnic or religious persecution.VettingExclude refugees who cannot be carefully vetted_09f7c69a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.6.17.1As the Director of the FBI has noted, it is not
possible to vet fully all potential refugees. To ensure
our national security, refugees who cannot be
carefully vetted cannot be admitted to the country,
especially those whose homelands have been the
breeding grounds for terrorism. TreatiesReform the treaty system_fe762fcc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.7Reforming the Treaty System -- We intend to restore the treaty system specified
by the Constitution: The president negotiates
agreements, submits them to the Senate, with
ratification requiring two-thirds of the senators
present and voting. This was good enough for
George Washington but is too restrictive for the
current chief executive, who presumes to bind this
country to bilateral and multilateral agreements of
his devising. His media admirers portray his personal
commitments — whether on climate change, Iranian
weapons, or other matters — as done deals. They
are not, and ...Foreign RelationsReestablish constitutional order in America’s foreign relations_09f7d96e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.7.1a new Republican executive will work
with the Congress to reestablish constitutional
order in America’s foreign relations.AgreementsWithdraw from all agreements and arrangements failing to meet constitutional
standards_09f7e40e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.7.1.1All international
executive agreements and political arrangements
entered into by the current Administration must
be deemed null and void as mere expressions of
the current president’s preferences. Those which
are in the national interest but would traditionally
have been made by treaty must be abrogated,
renegotiated as treaties, and transmitted to the
Senate for its advice and consent as required by the Constitution. The United States will withdraw
from all agreements and arrangements failing those
standards.IRSDepoliticize the IRS_fe764ef8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.8Internal Revenue ServiceInternal Revenue Service -- Many good civil servants work at the IRS, but
the agency itself is toxic. Its leadership employs
known tax delinquents, rehires workers previously
fired for misconduct, spends user fees without congressional oversight, and awards bonuses for customer service that would put any private company
out of business. Worst of all, the IRS has become
an ideological attack dog for the worst elements of
today’s Democratic Party. It systematically targets
conservative, pro-life, and libertarian organizations,
harassing them with repeated audits and denying
their tax exempt status. Its commissioner has lied to
Congress, hidden evidence, and stonewalled investigations. He should be impeached by the House of
Representatives and convicted by the Senate.Religious ExpressionUphold the right of America’s churches, pastors, and religious leaders to preach and speak freely according to their faith_09f7f3ae-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.8.1ChurchesPastorsReligious LeadersWe
value the right of America’s churches, pastors, and
religious leaders to preach and speak freely according to their faith.Political SpeechRepeal the Johnson Amendment_09f80754-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.8.2Nonprofit OrganizationsRepublicans believe the federal
government, specifically the IRS, is constitutionally
prohibited from policing or censoring the speech
of America’s churches, pastors, and religious leaders. We support repeal of the Johnson Amendment, which restricts First Amendment freedoms
of all nonprofit organizations by prohibiting political speech.Tax CodeMake the federal tax code so simple and easy to understand that the IRS
becomes obsolete and can be abolished_09f8121c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.8.3We also support making the federal tax
code so simple and easy to understand that the IRS
becomes obsolete and can be abolished.Defense SpendingAudit the Pentagon_fe7658e4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.9Department of DefenseAudit the Pentagon -- No major part of the Department of Defense
has ever passed an audit. Republican leaders in
Congress have called for a full financial audit of the
Pentagon to ensure that every dollar spent is truly
benefitting our national security. Every taxpayer
must be prepared to pass an audit, and we urge
Congress to demand the same level of accountability
from the Pentagon and the Department of Defense. Federal WorkforceImprove the Federal workforce_fe7669e2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.10Federal WorkforceWhistleblowersImproving the Federal Workforce -- We recognize the dedication of most employees of the federal government and thank them for
their service, with special praise for the whistleblowers who risk their careers to expose waste, fraud,
and misuse of power.UnionsDisallow compulsory unionism_09f82270-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.1None of them should ever be
compelled to join a union or pay dues to it.Union RepresentativesDisallow union representatives from engaging in union-related activities while on the public’s time_09f8358a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.2Union RepresentativesIn fairness to their fellow workers, union representatives
should not be allowed to engage in union-related
activities while on the public’s time.Standards & AbusesEnd abuses and enforce high standards for all federal employees_09f84034-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.3The inability of
federal managers to discipline and, if necessary, dismiss problem staff members is an affront to every
conscientious worker, as is the misuse of funds for
lavish conferences and routine bonuses. The appointees of a Republican president will work with
career managers to end those abuses and enforce
high standards for all federal employees.ServiceProvide federal employees the opportunity to pursue their desire to serve their country free from discrimination_09f8507e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.4We reaffirm the existing protections that provide all employees of the federal government the opportunity
to pursue their desire to serve their country free
from discrimination.ResponsibilitiesReduce government responsibilities_09f86320-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.5We call for renewed efforts to reduce, rather
than expand, government responsibilities, and ...Public RelationsReduce the public relations budgets of the departments and agencies_09f86eb0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.10.6we
urge particular attention to the bloated public relations budgets of the departments and agencies. The
federal government spends too much of the people’s money telling the people what they should do. Term LimitsAdvance term limits_fe767aae-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.11Members of CongressAdvancing Term Limits -- Our national platform has repeatedly endorsed
term limits for Members of Congress. In response, the
GOP Leadership in 1996 brought to a vote, in both
the House and Senate, a constitutional amendment.
It failed to secure the necessary two-thirds vote in
the House, where 80 percent of Republicans voted
for it and 80 percent of Democrats voted against it.
Every Senate Republican voted to allow a vote on
term limits, but the Democrats killed it by a filibuster.
Blocked by that opposition, Republicans sought
other ways to modernize the national legislature.
They set term limits for their own committee chairs
and leadership positions, and by law they required
Congress to live by the same rules it imposes on
others. To make further progress, to advance a
constitutional amendment for consideration by
the states, we must expand the current Republican
majorities in both chambers. RegulationRegulate sensibly and compatibly with a vibrant economy_fe7684cc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.12Environmental Protection AgencyThe Environmental Protection Agency has
rewritten laws to advance the Democrats’ climate
change agenda.Department of Health and Human ServicesThe Department of Health and
Human Services has ignored the enacted text of
the Affordable Care Act to do whatever it wants
in healthcare.Department of LaborBoth the Department of Labor and
National Labor Relations Board have scrapped
decades of labor law to implement the agenda
of big labor.National Labor Relations BoardCommunity BanksThe Dodd-Frank law, the Democrats’
legislative Godzilla, is crushing small and
community banks and other lenders.Federal Communications CommissionThe Federal
Communications Commission is imperiling the
freedom of the internet. We support reinstating
the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 which prohibits
commercial banks from engaging in high-risk
investment.RegulatorsSensible regulations can be compatible with a
vibrant economy. They can prevent the strong from
exploiting the weak. Right now, the regulators are
exploiting everyone.Regulation: The Quiet Tyranny -- Over-regulation is the quiet tyranny of the
“Nanny State.” It hamstrings American businesses and hobbles economic growth. The Great Recession
may be over, but in the experience of most
Americans, the economy is still sick. The federal
regulatory burden has been a major contributor to
that stagnation.
The ability of the American people to govern
themselves has been undermined by a vast array
of agencies with sweeping power to regulate
every aspect of American life. They legislate as if
they were Congress. They decide guilt and issue
penalties as if they were courts. They collectively
impose many billions of dollars in costs to the
economy. The current President and his allies on
Capitol Hill have used those agencies as a superlegislature, disregarding the separation of powers,
to declare as law what they could not push through
the Congress.IntrusivenessMake regulations minimally intrusive, confined to their legal mandate, and respectful toward the creation of new and small businesses_09f87e78-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.12.1Small BusinessesNew BusinessesWe are determined to make
regulations minimally intrusive, confined to their
legal mandate, and respectful toward the creation
of new and small businesses.Authority & DelegationRevisit existing laws that delegate too much authority to regulatory agencies and review all current regulations for possible reform or repeal_09f891e2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.12.2We will revisit existing
laws that delegate too much authority to regulatory
agencies and review all current regulations for
possible reform or repeal. ApprovalRequire approval by both houses of Congress for any rule or regulation that would impose significant costs_09f89caa-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.12.3CongressWe endorse Republican
legislation, already passed by the House, to require
approval by both houses of Congress for any rule
or regulation that would impose significant costs
on the American people.Economic BurdenRemove regulations of equal or greater economic burden when new regulations are_09f8ae16-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.12.4Further, Congress should
work towards legislation that requires removal of
a regulation of equal or greater economic burden
when a new regulation is enacted.Regulatory BudgetConsider a regulatory budget that would cap the costs federal agencies could impose on the economy_09f8c19e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.12.5Because regulations are just another tax on the
consumers, Congress should consider a regulatory
budget that would cap the costs federal agencies
could impose on the economy in any given year.Crony Capitalism & Corporate WelfareFight crony capitalism_fe769354-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.13SolyndraCrony Capitalism and Corporate Welfare -- Cronyism is inherent in the progressive vision
of the administrative state. When government
uses taxpayer funding and resources to give
special advantages to private companies, it
distorts the free market and erodes public trust
in our political system. By enlarging the scope of
government and placing enormous power in the
hands of bureaucrats, it multiplies opportunities
for corruption and favoritism. It is the enemy of
reform in education, the workplace, and healthcare.
It gives us financial regulation that protects the
large at the cost of the small. It is inherent in every
part of the current healthcare law, which is packed
with corporate welfare. Crony capitalism gives
us special interest tax breaks, custom-designed
regulations, and special exemptions for favored
parties.
The Solyndra debacle is a perfect example.
It creates both subsidies and restrictions to tilt the
market one way or the other. By putting the weight
of government behind the status quo, it leads to
economic stagnation. We applaud the Republican
Members of Congress who have taken the lead in
fighting crony capitalism and urge others to rally to
their cause.American IndiansHonor our relationship with American Indians_fe76a8f8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.14American IndiansIndian Tribal GovernmentsAlaska NativesHonoring Our Relationship with American Indians -- Based on both treaty and other law, the
federal government has a unique government-to-government relationship with and trust responsibility
for Indian Tribal Governments, American Indians,
and Alaska Natives. These obligations have not
been sufficiently honored. The social and economic
problems that plague Indian country have grown
worse over the last several decades; we must
reverse that trend. Ineffective federal programs
deprive American Indians of the services they need,
and long-term failures threaten to undermine tribal
sovereignty itself.
American Indians have established elected tribal governments to carry out the public policies
of the tribe, administer services to its tribal member constituents, and manage relations with federal,
state, and local governments. We respect the tribal
governments as the voice of their communities and
encourage federal, state, and local governments to
heed those voices in developing programs and partnerships to improve the quality of life for American
Indians and their neighbors in their communities.
Republicans believe that economic self-sufficiency is the ultimate answer to the challenges
confronting Indian country. We believe that tribal
governments and their communities, not Washington bureaucracies, are best situated to craft solutions that will end systemic problems that create
poverty and disenfranchisement. Just as the federal government should not burden states with
regulations, it should not stifle the development
of resources within the reservations, which need
federal assistance to advance their commerce nationally through roads and technology.JobsWithdraw Federal and state regulations that thwart job creation_09f8cdf6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.1Tribal GovernmentsFederal and
state regulations that thwart job creation must be
withdrawn or redrawn so that tribal governments
acting on behalf of American Indians are not disadvantaged.Labor MattersGive Native communities the same authority as state governments in labor matters_09fa1166-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.2Native CommunitiesNational Labor Relations Board (NLRB)It is especially egregious that the Democratic Party has persistently undermined tribal
sovereignty in order to provide advantage to union
bosses in the tribal workplace. Native communities
should have the same authority as state governments in labor matters, so that union bosses and
the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) cannot
undermine the authority of tribal governments.ConsultationEnsure each tribe has the right of consultation before any new regulatory policy is implemented on tribal land_09fa2b60-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.3Republicans recognize that each tribe has the
right of consultation before any new regulatory
policy is implemented on tribal land. To the extent
possible, such consultation should take place in
Indian country with the tribal government and
its members.PoliciesEncourage Indian tribes to develop their own policies to achieve program objectives_09fa3a9c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.4Before promulgating and imposing
any new laws or regulations affecting trust land
or members, the federal government should
encourage Indian tribes to develop their own
policies to achieve program objectives, and should
defer to tribes to develop their own standards, or
standards in conjunction with state governments.AutonomyExpand local autonomy where tribal governments seek it_09fa50ea-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.5Tribal GovernmentsRepublicans reject a one-size-fits-all approach
to federal-tribal-state partnerships and will work to
expand local autonomy where tribal governments
seek it.PartnershipsImprove partnerships_09fa6468-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.6Better partnerships will help us to expand
economic opportunity, deliver top-flight education
to future generations, modernize and improve the
Indian Health Service to make it more responsive
to local needs, and build essential infrastructure
in Indian country in cooperation with tribal
neighbors.Economic OpportunityExpand economic opportunity_09fa705c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.6.1EducationDeliver top-flight education to future generations_09fa809c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.6.2IHSModernize and improve the Indian Health Service to make it more responsive
to local needs_09fa9492-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.6.3Indian Health ServiceInfrastructureBuild essential infrastructure in Indian country in cooperation with tribal neighbors_09faa144-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.6.4EmpowermentEmpower American Indians through tribal self-determination and self-governance policies_09fab2a6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.7Our approach is to empower American
Indians, through tribal self-determination and self-governance policies, to develop their greatest assets,
human resources and the rich natural resources on
their lands, without undue federal interference.Legal SystemProvide stability and protect property rights_09fac6d8-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.8Like all Americans, American Indians want
safe communities for their families; but inadequate
resources and neglect have, over time, allowed
criminal activities to plague Indian country. To
protect everyone — and especially the most
vulnerable: children, women, and elders — the legal
system in tribal communities must provide stability
and protect property rights. Everyone’s due process
and civil rights must be safeguarded.Federal ProgramsEnsure equitable participation in federal programs_09fad222-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.9American IndiansAlaska NativesNative HawaiiansWe support efforts to ensure equitable
participation in federal programs by American
Indians, including Alaska Natives and Native
Hawaiians, and to preserve their culture and
languages that we consider to be national treasures.Military ServiceHonor that commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice of all American Indians serving in the military_09fae352-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.14.10Lastly, we recognize that American Indians have
responded to the call for military service in
percentage numbers far greater than have other
groups of Americans. We honor that commitment,
loyalty, and sacrifice of all American Indians serving
in the military today and in years past and will
ensure that all veterans and their families receive
the care and respect they have earned through their
loyal service to America. TerritoriesAcknowledge the patriotism of our brothers and sisters in the territories_fe76b3d4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.15Americans in the TerritoriesGuamCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsAmerican SamoaU.S. Virgin IslandsPuerto RicoAmericans in the Territories -- Throughout the history of our nation, the patriotism exhibited by our brothers and sisters in
the territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico has often gone unacknowledged.Armed ForcesHonor the extraordinary sacrifices of the men and women of the territories who protect our freedom through their service in the U.S. Armed Forces_09faf6b2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.1U.S. Armed ServicesYear after year, the citizens quietly,
without fanfare, send their sons and daughters into
the U.S. Armed Services. We honor the extraordinary sacrifices of the men and women of the territories who protect our freedom through their service
in the U.S. Armed Forces.Politics & ConstitutionWelcome greater participation by the territories in the political process and affirm their right to seek the full extension of the Constitution with all the rights and responsibilities that entails_09fb0512-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.2Geographically, the territories and commonwealths, especially those in the
Pacific, are of vital importance to our national security as the outermost line of defense and gateway to
America against potential encroachment by foreign
powers. We welcome their greater participation in
all aspects of the political process and affirm their
right to seek the full extension of the Constitution
with all the rights and responsibilities that entails.ChallengesRecognize the challenges facing all the U.S. territories_09fb1ac0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3We recognize the challenges facing all the U.S.
territories in an era of dramatic global economic
change.CapitalProvide venture capital_09fb3456-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.1They need venture capital to retain existing
industries and develop new ones.Private SectorStrengthen the private sector_09fb443c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.2Private SectorA stronger private
sector can reduce dependence on public employment and lead toward self-sufficiency.EnergyDevelop local energy options_09fb5cb0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.3Their development of local energy options will be crucial to
reduce dependence on costly imported fuel.Trade AgreementsConsider the territories’ economic stability and potential for growth in any trade agreements between the United States and other Pacific nations._09fb70ec-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.4Pacific NationsThe territories’ economic stability and potential
for growth must be considered in any trade agreements between the United States and other Pacific
nations.Flexibility & ExemptionsGive the territories flexibility or exemption from laws that increase costs for their populations_09fb7dc6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.5They should be given flexibility or exemption from laws that increase costs for their populations, such as the minimum wage and the Jones Act
concerning shipping.ImpedimentsRemove unreasonable impediments to prosperity_09fb8e60-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.6All unreasonable impediments
to their prosperity should be removed, including unreasonable U.S. customs practices.DevelopmentAllow the territories to properly develop their resources_09fba45e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.3.7American SamoaTerritories such
as American Samoa should be able to properly develop their resources, including fishing, when jobs
and the economy depend on it.Advisory CommitteeAppoint a commonwealth and territories advisory committee_09fbb07a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.4We call for the appointment of a commonwealth and territories advisory committee consisting of representatives from all five U.S. territories.
The committee will be integrated into the president’s transition team and be tasked with performing a holistic review of all federal regulations
affecting the territories and commonwealths.Special AssistantAppoint a Special Assistant to the President responsible for day-to-day
interaction with the territories and commonwealths_09fbc0f6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea004.15.1Office of Insular AffairsThis position will be the direct connection for the
Office of Insular Affairs, the citizens of the territories
and commonwealths, and the White House.We
further call for the appointment of a Special Assistant to the President responsible for day-to-day
interaction with the territories and commonwealths.Puerto RicoSupport the right of the United States citizens of Puerto Rico to be admitted to the Union as a fully sovereign state_fe76c5d6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.16Puerto RicoThe Territory of Puerto Rico -- We support the right of the United States
citizens of Puerto Rico to be admitted to the Union
as a fully sovereign state. We further recognize the
historic significance of the 2012 local referendum in
which a 54 percent majority voted to end Puerto
Rico’s current status as a U.S. territory, and 61
percent chose statehood over options for sovereign
nationhood. We support the federally sponsored
political status referendum authorized and funded
by an Act of Congress in 2014 to ascertain the
aspirations of the people of Puerto Rico. Once the
2012 local vote for statehood is ratified, Congress
should approve an enabling act with terms for
Puerto Rico’s future admission as the 51st state of
the Union. District of ColumbiaPreserve the District of Columbia_fe76d864-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea004.17District of ColumbiaPreserving the District of Columbia -- The nation’s capital city is a special responsibility of the federal government because it belongs
both to its residents and to all Americans, millions of
whom visit it every year. Congressional Republicans
have fostered homeownership and open access to
higher education for Washington residents. Against
the opposition of the current President and leaders of the Democratic Party, they have established
and expanded the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship
Program, through which thousands of low-income
children have been able to attend a school of their
choice and receive a quality education.
Republicans have been in the forefront of
combating chronic corruption among the city’s
top Democratic officials. We call for congressional action to enforce the spirit of the Home Rule
Act, assuring minority representation on the City
Council. That council, backed by the current mayor,
is attempting to seize from the Congress its appropriating power over all funding for the District.
The illegality of their action mirrors the unacceptable spike in violent crime and murders currently
afflicting the city. We expect Congress to assert, by
whatever means necessary, its constitutional prerogatives regarding the District.
Since the Supreme Court’s decisions affirming
the Second Amendment rights of its citizens, city
officials have engaged in a campaign of massive
resistance by denying virtually all applications for
gun ownership. The Republican Congress should
be prepared, upon the inauguration of a Republican
president, to enact legislation allowing law-abiding
Washingtonians to own and carry firearms.
Statehood for the District can be advanced
only by a constitutional amendment. Any other approach would be invalid. A statehood amendment
was soundly rejected by the states when last proposed in 1976 and should not be revived. Families, Education, Healthcare & JusticeGreat American families, education, healthcare, and criminal justice_0fc8d01c-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea005Carolyn McLartyGreat America Subcommittee Co-ChairPatricia LongoGreat America Subcommittee Co-ChairKatie AltshulerGreat American Families, Education, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice StaffCyrus ArtzGreat American Families, Education, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice StaffValuesAdvance the ideals of independent individuals and make real their dreams_0fc8d2ec-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea005.1FamiliesSchoolsCongregationsNeighborhoodsAmerican Values -- We are the party of independent individuals
and the institutions they create together — families,
schools, congregations, neighborhoods — to advance their ideals and make real their dreams. Those
institutions, standing between the citizen and the
power of government, are the pillars of a free society. They create spaces where the power of government should not intrude. They allow Americans to
work together to solve most of the problems facing
their communities. They thus reduce the need for
intervention by government in the form of more and
bigger programs or a larger public workforce. They
minimize decision-making by those who hold or are
appointed to office. That is precisely why today’s
progressives distrust and seek to control them —
because this is more than a conflict of ideas. It is a
struggle for power.
Our society is at a crossroads. For several
generations, an expansive federal regime has
marginalized and supplanted the institutions holding
our society together. No wonder, then, that so much
seems to be coming apart now. The question is
whether we are going to reinvigorate the private sector institutions under citizen control or allow
their continued erosion by the forces of centralized
social planning. In that divide, the Republican Party
stands with the people. Marriage, Family & SocietyFormulate public policy with attention to the needs and strengths of the family_fe76e782-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.2FamiliesMarriage, Family, and Society -- Foremost among those institutions is the
American family. It is the foundation of civil society,
and the cornerstone of the family is natural marriage,
the union of one man and one woman. Its daily
lessons — cooperation, patience, mutual respect,
responsibility, self-reliance — are fundamental to
the order and progress of our Republic. Strong
families, depending upon God and one another,
advance the cause of liberty by lessening the need
for government in their daily lives. Conversely, as
we have learned over the last five decades, the loss
of faith and family life leads to greater dependence
upon government. That is why Republicans
formulate public policy, from taxation to education,
from healthcare to welfare, with attention to the
needs and strengths of the family.
It is also why everyone should be concerned
about the state of the American family today, not
because of ideology or doctrine, but because of
the overwhelming evidence of experience, social
science, and common sense. All of which give us
these truths about traditional marriage: Children
raised in a two-parent household tend to be
physically and emotionally healthier, more likely to
do well in school, less likely to use drugs and alcohol,
engage in crime or become pregnant outside of
marriage.CohabitationOppose policies and laws that create a financial incentive for or encourage cohabitation_09fbd5be-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.1We oppose policies and laws that create
a financial incentive for or encourage cohabitation.MarriageRecognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman and actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society_09fbe14e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.2ChildrenMoreover, marriage remains the greatest antidote to
child poverty. The 40 percent of children who now
are born outside of marriage are five times more
likely to live in poverty than youngsters born and
raised by a mother and father in the home. Nearly
three-quarters of the $450 billion government
annually spends on welfare goes to single-parent
households. This is what it takes for a governmental
village to raise a child, and the village is doing a
tragically poor job of it.
The data and the facts lead to an inescapable
conclusion: Every child deserves a married mom and
dad. The reality remains that millions of American
families do not have the advantages that come with
that structure. We honor the courageous efforts of
those who bear the burdens of parenting alone and
embrace the principle that all Americans should be
treated with dignity and respect. But respect is not
enough. Our laws and our government’s regulations
should recognize marriage as the union of one man
and one woman and actively promote married
family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society. For that reason, as explained elsewhere
in this platform, we do not accept the Supreme
Court’s redefinition of marriage and we urge its
reversal, whether through judicial reconsideration or
a constitutional amendment returning control over
marriage to the states.Religious DiscriminationOppose government discrimination against businesses or entities which decline to sell items or services to individuals for activities that go against their religious views_09fbf292-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.3We oppose government
discrimination against businesses or entities which
decline to sell items or services to individuals for
activities that go against their religious views about
such activities.Adoption AgenciesEnsure that private entities which facilitate adoptions do not face government discrimination because of their views on marriage and family_09fc067e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.4Adoption AgenciesFamilies formed or enlarged by adoption
strengthen our communities and ennoble our nation.
Private entities which facilitate adoptions enrich
our communities. We support measures such as
the First Amendment Defense Act to ensure these
entities do not face government discrimination
because of their views on marriage and family. We
applaud the Republican initiatives which have led
to an increase in adoptions, an achievement which
should be recognized in any restructuring of the
federal tax code.Foster CareHelp teens who age out of foster care become independent_09fc1240-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.5While the number of children in
foster care has stabilized, teens who age out of that
setting often are abruptly left to face the world on
their own. We urge states and community groups
to help these young adults become independent.Marriage PenaltiesRemove marriage penalties from the tax code and public assistance programs_09fc23ac-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.2.6Thirty years ago, President Reagan commissioned a Special Working Group on the Family to
study how government at all levels could be more
supportive of family life. We urge marriage penalties to be removed from the tax code and public
assistance programs. We invite all who care about
children to join us in this proposal to ensure that
all federal programs, in the words of President Kennedy, “stress the integrity and preservation of the
family unit.”WelfareMake welfare a benefit instead of an entitlement_fe76f59c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.3A Culture of Hope -- We have been fighting the War on Poverty for
50 years and poverty is winning. Our social safety
net — about 80 separate means-tested programs
costing over $1 trillion every year — is designed
to help people born into or falling into poverty. It
rarely lifts them out. Its apologists judge success by
the amount of money spent to keep people in the
system. That is a cruel measurement. Republicans
propose to evaluate a poverty program by whether
it actually reduces poverty and increases the
personal independence of its participants. The
results are damning: intergenerational poverty has
persisted and worsened since 1966.
This year marks another important anniversary;
it has been 20 years since the landmark Republican
welfare reform of 1996 broke away from the
discredited Great Society model. By making welfare
a benefit instead of an entitlement, it put millions
of recipients on a transition from dependence to
independence. Welfare rolls declined by half as
recipients and prospective recipients discovered a
better way to reach their goals. Best of all, about
3 million children moved out of poverty. Today
that progress has been lost. Defying the law as it
was plainly written, the current Administration
has nullified any meaningful work requirement
and made TANF a mockery of the name we gave
it: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This
decision ensures that those families will remain
needy and cut off from the economic mainstream
of American society.
This is the progressive pathology: Keeping
people dependent so that government can
redistribute income. The result is 45.8 million people
on food stamps and 77 million on Medicaid, plus
another 5.7 million in the Children’s Health Insurance
Program. This is the false compassion of the status
quo.WorkApply work requirements_09fc377a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.1We propose instead the dynamic compassion
of work requirements in a growing economy, where
opportunity takes the place of a hand-out, where
true self-esteem can grow from the satisfaction of
a job well done.ImpedimentsRemove structural impediments which progressives throw in the path of poor people_09fc43dc-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.2We call for removal of structural impediments
which progressives throw in the path of poor people:RegulationReduce over-regulation of start-up enterprises_09fc57fa-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.2.1Start-UpsOver-regulation of start-up enterprises, LicensingRemove excessive licensing requirements_09fc63b2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.2.2excessive
licensing requirements, Schools & Day-CareRemove needless restrictions on formation of schools and day-care centers_09fc765e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.2.3needless restrictions on
formation of schools and day-care centers serving
neighborhood families, and Public ServicesRemove restrictions on providing public services_09fc8b76-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.2.4restrictions on providing
public services in fields like transport and sanitation
that close the opportunity door to all but a favored
few.SchoolsEnable all parents can find good, safe schools for their children_09fc9792-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.3We will continue our fight for school choice
until all parents can find good, safe schools for their
children.Religious DiscriminationEnsure that faith-based institutions do not face discrimination by government_09fca8ae-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.3.1Faith-Based InstitutionsTo protect religious liberty we will ensure
that faith-based institutions, especially those that
are vital parts of underserved neighborhoods, do
not face discrimination by government.PartnershipsForm partnerships between those who manage federal programs and those who are on the front lines of fighting poverty on the ground_09fcbde4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.3.2We propose
new partnerships between those who manage
federal programs and those who are on the front
lines of fighting poverty on the ground. We must encourage their efforts to reclaim their communities
from the culture of poverty.Public AssistanceDelegate greater state and local responsibility for, and control over, public assistance programs_09fcc9a6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.3.3.3StatesLocal GovernmentsTo advance this process,
we urge greater state and local responsibility for,
and control over, public assistance programs.EducationA chance for every child_fe7b26a8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.4ChildrenEducation: A Chance for Every Child -- Education is much more than schooling. It is
the whole range of activities by which families and
communities transmit to a younger generation,
not just knowledge and skills, but ethical and
behavioral norms and traditions. It is the handing
over of a cultural identity. That is why American
education has, for the last several decades, been
the focus of constant controversy, as centralizing
forces from outside the family
and community have sought
to remake education in order
to remake America. They have
done immense damage. The
federal government should not
be a partner in that effort, as
the Constitution gives it no role
in education. At the heart of
the American Experiment lies
the greatest political expression
of human dignity: The self-evident truth that “all men are
created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty,
and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
That truth rejects the dark view of the individual as
human capital — a possession for the creation of
another’s wealth.
Parents are a child’s first and foremost
educators, and have primary responsibility for
the education of their children. Constitutional AmendmentProtect the right of parents to direct their children’s education, care, and upbringing_09fcdb44-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.1ParentsParents have a
right to direct their children’s education, care,
and upbringing.
We support a constitutional
amendment to protect that right from interference
by states, the federal government, or international
bodies such as the United Nations.EducationSupport a broad range of educational choices for parents and children at
the state and local level_09fcf02a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.2We reject a one-size-fits-all approach to education and support a
broad range of choices for parents and children at
the state and local level.Standards & AssessmentsOppose the imposition of national standards and assessments_09fcfc5a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.3We likewise repeat our longstanding opposition to the imposition of national
standards and assessments, encourage the parents
and educators who are implementing alternatives
to Common Core, and congratulate the states which
have successfully repealed it. Their education reform
movement calls for choice-based, parent-driven
accountability at every stage of schooling. It affirms
higher expectations for all students and rejects the
crippling bigotry of low expectations. It recognizes
the wisdom of local control of our schools and it
wisely sees consumer rights in education — choice
— as the most important driving force for renewing
education. It rejects excessive testing and “teaching
to the test” and supports the need for strong
assessments to serve as a tool so teachers can tailor
teaching to meet student needs.LawsuitsProtect teachers against frivolous lawsuits_09fd0e34-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.4TeachersWe applaud America’s
great teachers, who should
be protected against frivolous
lawsuits and should be able
to take reasonable actions to
maintain discipline and order in
the classroom.Discipline & OrderEmpower teachers to take reasonable actions to maintain discipline and order in the classroom_09fd2252-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.5TeachersInnovation & AccountabilityGive administrators flexibility to innovate and to hold accountable all those responsible for student performance_09fd2ed2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.6School AdministratorsAdministrators
need flexibility to innovate
and to hold accountable
all those responsible for
student performance.BibleEncourage state legislatures to offer the Bible in a literature curriculum as an elective in America’s high schools_09fd408e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.7State LegislaturesA good
understanding of the Bible
being indispensable for the
development of an educated
citizenry, we encourage state
legislatures to offer the Bible
in a literature curriculum as
an elective in America’s high
schools.Teaching TalentMake use of teaching talent in the business community, STEM fields, and the military, especially among our returning veterans_09fd5592-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.8MilitaryVeteransWe urge school districts to make use of
teaching talent in the business community, STEM
fields, and the military, especially among our
returning veterans.Merit & TenureReplace tenure systems with a merit-based approach_09fd61ae-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.9Rigid tenure systems should
be replaced with a merit-based approach in order
to attract the best talent to the classroom.Background & ConductConduct background checks on personnel who interact with school children and hold them to the highest standards of personal conduct_09fd7392-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.4.10All
personnel who interact with school children should
pass background checks and be held to the highest
standards of personal conduct.Academic ExcellenceAcademic excellence for all_fe7b7d92-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.5Department of EducationAcademic Excellence for All -- Maintaining American preeminence requires
a world-class system of education in which all
students can reach their potential. Republicans are
leading the effort to create it. Since 1965, the federal
government, through more than 100 programs in the Department of Education, has spent $2 trillion
on elementary and secondary education with little
substantial improvement in academic achievement
or high school graduation rates. The United States
spends an average of more than $12,000 per pupil
per year in public schools, for a total of more than
$620 billion. That represents more than 4 percent of
GDP devoted to K-12 education in 2011-2012. Of that
amount, federal spending amounted to more than
$57 billion. Clearly, if money were the solution, our
schools would be problem-free.Policies & MethodsApply policies and methods that actually make a difference in student advancement_09fd87a6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1More money alone does not necessarily equal
better performance. After years of trial and error,
we know the policies and methods that have
actually made a difference in student advancement:ChoiceAllow choice in education_09fd94a8-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.1Choice in education;
BasicsBuild on the basics_09fda6b4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.2building on the basics;STEM & PhonicsEmphasize STEM subjects and phonics_09fdbadc-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.3STEM subjects and phonics; Career & Technical EducationOffer career and technical education_09fdc81a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.4career and technical education; Social PromotionsEnd social promotions_09fdd9a4-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.5ending social promotions; Merit PayOffer merit pay for good teachers_09fdef16-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.6merit pay for good teachers; DisciplineProvide for classroom discipline_09fdfb46-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.7classroom discipline; ParentsInvolve parents_09fe0cb2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.8Parentsparental involvement; and LeadershipProvide strong leadership_09fe21de-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.1.9PrincipalsSuperintendentsSchool Boardsstrong leadership by principals, superintendents, and locally elected school boards.TechnologyApply technology to provide every child equal access and opportunity_09fe2e5e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.2Because technology has become an essential tool
of learning, it must be a key element in our efforts
to provide every child equal access and opportunity.History & CivicsUse the original documents of our founding fathers to provide instruction in American history and civics_09fe40d8-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.3We strongly encourage instruction in American
history and civics by using the original documents
of our founding fathers. Educational ChoiceSupport options for learning_fe7b9282-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.6Home SchoolersTechnical SchoolsPrivate SchoolsParochial SchoolsMagnet SchoolsCharter SchoolsEarly-College High SchoolsChoice in Education -- We support options for learning, including
home-schooling, career and technical education,
private or parochial schools, magnet schools,
charter schools, online learning, and early-college
high schools.FinancingSupport the innovative financing mechanisms that make options available to all children_09fe5596-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.6.1We especially support the innovative
financing mechanisms that make options available
to all children: education savings accounts (ESAs),
vouchers, and tuition tax credits.Title IAllow federal money through Title I for low-income children and through IDEA for children with special needs should follow the child to whatever school the family thinks will work best for them_09fe6284-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.5.2Low-Income ChildrenChildren with Special NeedsEmpowering
families to access the learning environments that will
best help their children to realize their full potential
is one of the greatest civil rights challenges of our
time. A young person’s ability to succeed in school
must be based on his or her God-given talent and
motivation, not an address, ZIP code, or economic
status. We propose that the bulk of federal money
through Title I for low-income children and through
IDEA for children with special needs should follow
the child to whatever school the family thinks will
work best for them.GapBridge the gap between the enormous amounts of money are being spent for K-12 public education and the results that do not justify that spending_09fe73e6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.6.3K-12 SchoolsIn sum, on the one hand enormous amounts
of money are being spent for K-12 public education
with overall results that do not justify that spending
level. On the other hand, the common experience
of families, teachers, and administrators forms the
basis of what does work in education. In Congress
and in the states, Republicans are bridging the
gap between those two realities. Grants & RegulationsAdvance block grants and repeal federal regulations which have interfered with state and local control of public schools_186c7a4a-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.6.3.1Congressional
Republicans are leading the way forward with major
reform legislation advancing the concept of block
grants and repealing numerous federal regulations
which have interfered with state and local control
of public schools.Unfunded MandatesRequire transparency in unfunded mandates imposed upon our schools_186d5988-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.6.3.2Their Workplace Innovation
and Opportunity Act — modernizing workforce
programs, repealing mandates, and advancing
employment for persons with disabilities — is
now law. Their legislation to require transparency
in unfunded mandates imposed upon our schools
is advancing.Opportunity ScholarshipsExpand the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program as a model for the rest of the country_186d666c-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.6.3.3District of ColumbiaTeachers’ UnionsTheir D.C. Opportunity Scholarship
Program should be expanded as a model for
the rest of the country.
We deplore the efforts
of Congressional Democrats and the current
President to eliminate this successful program for
disadvantaged students in order to placate the
leaders of the teachers’ unions.EnglishSupport the English First approach and oppose divisive programs that limit students’ ability to advance in American society_186d71a2-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.6.3.4To ensure that all students have access to
the mainstream of American life, we support
the English First approach and oppose divisive
programs that limit students’ ability to advance in
American society. We renew our call for replacing
“family planning” programs for teens with sexual
risk avoidance education that sets abstinence
until marriage as the responsible and respected
standard of behavior. That approach — the only
one always effective against premarital pregnancy
and sexually-transmitted disease — empowers
teens to achieve optimal health outcomes. We
oppose school-based clinics that provide referral
or counseling for abortion and contraception and
believe that federal funds should not be used in
mandatory or universal mental health, psychiatric,
or socio-emotional screening programs. The federal
government has pushed states to collect and share
vast amounts of personal student and family data,
including the collection of social and emotional
data. Much of this data is collected without parental
consent or notice. This is wholly incompatible with
the American Experiment and our inalienable rights. Title IXSupport the original, authentic meaning of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972._fe7ba56a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.7GirlsWomenTitle IX -- We emphatically support the original, authentic
meaning of Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972. It affirmed that “no person in the United
States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance.” That language opened up for girls and
women a world of opportunities that had too often
been denied to them. That same provision of law
is now being used by bureaucrats — and by the
current President of the United States — to impose
a social and cultural revolution upon the American
people by wrongly redefining sex discrimination
to include sexual orientation or other categories.
Their agenda has nothing to do with individual
rights; it has everything to do with power. They
are determined to reshape our schools — and our
entire society — to fit the mold of an ideology alien
to America’s history and traditions. Their edict to
the states concerning restrooms, locker rooms, and
other facilities is at once illegal, dangerous, and
ignores privacy issues. We salute the several states
which have filed suit against it.Sexual AssaultAddress the crime of sexual assault responsibly_09fe8994-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.7.1Sexual assault is a terrible crime. We commend
the good-faith efforts by law enforcement,
educational institutions, and their partners to
address that crime responsibly. Whenever reported,
it must be promptly investigated by civil authorities
and prosecuted in a courtroom, not a faculty lounge.
Questions of guilt or innocence must be decided
by a judge and jury, with guilt determined beyond
a reasonable doubt. Those convicted of sexual
assault should be punished to the full extent of the
law. The Administration’s distortion of Title IX to
micromanage the way colleges and universities deal
with allegations of abuse contravenes our country’s
legal traditions and must be halted before it further
muddles this complex issue and prevents the proper
authorities from investigating and prosecuting
sexual assault effectively with due process. Higher EducationImprove higher education_fe7bafba-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.8CollegesUniversitiesTrade SchoolsImproving Higher Education -- Our colleges, universities, and trade schools,
large and small, public and private, form the world’s
greatest assemblage of learning. They drive much of
the research that keeps America competitive and,
by admitting large numbers of foreign students,
convey our values and culture to the world. Their
excellence is undermined by an ideological bias
deeply entrenched within the current university
system.IndoctrinationEnsure the taxpayers' investment in state schools is not abused for political
indoctrination_09fe960a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.8.1State SchoolsWhatever the solution may be in private
institutions, in state schools the trustees have a
responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure that their
enormous investment is not abused for political
indoctrination. We call on state officials to preserve
our public colleges, universities, and trade schools
as places of learning and the exchange of ideas, not
zones of intellectual intolerance or “safe zones,” as
if college students need protection from the free
exchange of ideas. A student’s First Amendment
rights do not end at the schoolhouse gates.
Colleges, universities, and trade schools must not
infringe on their freedom of speech and association
in the name of political correctness.BDSCondemn the campus-based Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign against Israel_09fea92e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.8.2IsraelWe condemn
the campus-based BDS (Boycott, Divestment,
and Sanctions) campaign against Israel. It is anti-Semitism and should be denounced by advocates
of academic freedom. College Costs_fe7fd414-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.9College Costs -- The cost of a college education has long been
on an unsustainable trajectory, rising year by year
far ahead of inflation. Nationwide, student debt now
exceeds credit card debt with average debt levels
per student totaling roughly $27,000. Delinquency
rates on student loans are now as high as they were
on subprime mortgages during the housing crisis.
Over half of recent college grads are unemployed
or underemployed, working at jobs for which their
expensive educations gave them no preparation.CompetitionInstitute a new systems of learning to compete with traditional four-year schools_09febf5e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.1Technical InstitutionsOnline UniversitiesWe need new systems of learning to compete with
traditional four-year schools: Technical institutions,
online universities, life-long learning, and work-based learning in the private sector. Public policy
should advance their affordability, innovation, and
transparency and should recognize that a four-year
degree from a brick-and-mortar institution is not the
only path toward a prosperous and fulfilling career.FinancingRestore private sector participation in student financing_09fecbca-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.2The federal government should not be in the
business of originating student loans. In order
to bring down college costs and give students
access to a multitude of financing options, private
sector participation in student financing should be
restored.RegulationsBalance the value of regulations that increase college costs against the negative economic impacts on students and their families_09fede26-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.3Any regulation that increases college costs must be challenged to balance its worth against its
negative economic impact on students and their
families.DeliveryEncourage new modes of higher education delivery_09fef5d2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.4In order to encourage new modes of higher
education delivery to enter the market, accreditation
should be decoupled from federal financing, and
states should be empowered to allow a wide array
of accrediting and credentialing bodies to operate.
This model would foster innovation, bring private
industry into the credentialing market, and give
students the ability to customize their college
experience.AccreditationDecouple accreditation from federal financing_09ff0360-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.4.1Accrediting & Credentialing BodiesEmpower states to allow a wide array of accrediting and credentialing bodies to operate_09ff1738-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.9.4.2StatesAccrediting BodiesCredentialing BodiesHealthcareRestore patient control and preserving quality in healthcare_fe7fe2d8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.10PatientsRestoring Patient Control and Preserving Quality in Healthcare -- Any honest agenda for improving healthcare
must start with repeal of the dishonestly named
Affordable Care Act of 2010: Obamacare. It weighs
like the dead hand of the past upon American
medicine. It imposed a Euro-style bureaucracy to
manage its unworkable, budget-busting, conflicting
provisions. It has driven up prices for all consumers.
Their insurance premiums have dramatically
increased while their deductibles have risen about
eight times faster than wages in the last ten years.
It drove up drug prices by levying a $27 billion
tax on manufacturers and importers and, through
mandated price cuts for drugs under Medicare and
Medicaid, forced pharmaceutical companies to
raise prices for everyone else. Its “silver plans,” the
most common option on the government insurance
exchanges, limit people’s access to their own doctor
through narrow networks and restrict drug coverage,
forcing many patients to pay for extremely costly
medicines for their chronic diseases.
We agree with the four dissenting judges of the
Supreme Court: “In our view, the entire Act before
us is invalid in its entirety.” It must be removed
and replaced with an approach based on genuine
competition, patient choice, excellent care, wellness,
and timely access to treatment. To that end, a
Republican president, on the first day in office,
will use legitimate waiver authority under the law
to halt its advance and then, with the unanimous
support of Congressional Republicans, will sign its
repeal. The Supreme Court upheld Obamacare
based on Congress’ power to tax. It is time to repeal
Obamacare and give America a much-needed tax
cut.ObamacareRepeal the Affordable Care Act_09ff2dea-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.1ReplacementCombine what worked best in the past with changes needed for the future_09ff3ace-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2In its place we must combine what worked
best in the past with changes needed for the future...
Our goal is to ensure that all Americans
have improved access to affordable, high-quality
healthcare, including those struggling with mental
illness.Patient-Physician RelationshipRecover the traditional patient-physician relationship_09ff4d48-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.1PatientsPhysiciansWe must recover the traditional patient-physician
relationship based on mutual trust, informed
consent, and confidentiality.SimplificationReduce mandates and enable insurers and providers of care to increase healthcare options and contain costs_09ff63d2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.2To simplify the system
for both patients and providers, we will reduce
mandates and enable insurers and providers of
care to increase healthcare options and contain
costs. Insurance MarketsReturn to the states their historic role of regulating local insurance markets_09ff7156-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.3StatesWe will return to the states their historic role
of regulating local insurance markets, limit federal
requirements on both private insurance and
Medicaid, and call on state officials to reconsider the
costly medical mandates, imposed under their own
laws, that price millions of low-income families out
of the insurance market.Grants & PaymentsProvide block grant Medicaid and other payments and to assist patients to
obtain coverage in a robust consumer market_09ff8402-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.4To guarantee first-rate care
for the needy, we propose to block grant Medicaid
and other payments and to assist all patients,
including those with pre-existing conditions, to
obtain coverage in a robust consumer market.Human LifeProtect the sanctity of human life_09ff9a64-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.5Through Obamacare, the current Administration has
promoted the notion of abortion as healthcare. We,
however, affirm the dignity of women by protecting
the sanctity of human life. Numerous studies have
shown that abortion endangers the health and wellbeing of women, and we stand firmly against it.PricingPromote price transparency_09ffa720-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.6To ensure vigorous competition in healthcare,
and because cost-awareness is the best guard
against over-utilization, we will promote price
transparency so consumers can know the cost
of treatments before they agree to them.Purchasing PoolsEmpower individuals and small businesses to form purchasing pools_09ffb8fa-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.7We will
empower individuals and small businesses to form
purchasing pools in order to expand coverage to
the uninsured.Preexisting ConditionsProtected from discrimination individuals with preexisting conditions who maintain continuous coverage_09ffd42a-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.8We believe that individuals with
preexisting conditions who maintain continuous
coverage should be protected from discrimination.RecordsAdvance technology in electronic medical records while affirming patient privacy and ownership of personal health information_09ffe10e-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.9We applaud the advance of technology in electronic medical records while affirming patient privacy and ownership of personal health information.ChoiceEnable consumer choice_09fff7c0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.10Consumer choice is the most powerful factor in healthcare reform.PortabilityMake insurance coverage portable_0a000d96-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.11Today’s highly mobile workforce
needs portability of insurance coverage that can go with them from job to job. The need to maintain
coverage should not dictate where families have to
live and work.Interstate CommerceAllow consumers to buy insurance across state lines_0a001ac0-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.12We propose to end tax discrimination
against the individual purchase of insurance and
allow consumers to buy insurance across state
lines.Anti-Trust LitigationRepeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act_0a002cc2-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.12.1In light of that, we propose repealing the 1945
McCarran-Ferguson Act which protects insurance
companies from anti-trust litigation.HSAs & HRAsGrow Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts_0a004252-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.13We look to the growth of Health Savings Accounts and Health
Reimbursement Accounts that empower patients
and advance choice in healthcare.Older PeopleEnsure access to safe and affordable care for our aging population_0a004f2c-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.14Aging PopulationOur aging population must have access to safe
and affordable care. Because most seniors desire
to age at home, we will make homecare a priority
in public policy and will implement programs to
protect against elder abuse.HomecareMake homecare a priority in public policy_0a0061d8-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.14.1Elder AbuseImplement programs to protect against elder abuse_0a0076e6-02d1-11eb-9254-294d0383ea005.10.2.14.2Individual ConscienceProtect individual conscience in healthcare_fe807cde-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.11Healthcare ProfessionalsDoctorsNursesPharmacistsFaith-Based GroupsProtecting Individual Conscience in Healthcare -- America’s healthcare professionals should not
be forced to choose between following their faith
and practicing their profession. We respect the
rights of conscience of healthcare professionals,
doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and organizations,
especially the faith-based groups which provide
a major portion of care for the nation and the
needy.ConvictionsAllow organizations to provide, purchase, or enroll in healthcare coverage
consistent with their religious, moral, or ethical convictions_186dd160-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.11.1We support the ability of all organizations to
provide, purchase, or enroll in healthcare coverage
consistent with their religious, moral, or ethical
convictions without discrimination or penalty.TreatmentsAllow parents to determine the proper medical treatment and therapy for their
minor children_186ddfa2-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.11.2ParentsMinor ChildrenWe support the right of parents to determine the
proper medical treatment and therapy for their
minor children.Parental ConsentRequire parental consent for their daughters to be transported across state lines for abortions_186e79a8-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.11.3ParentsDaughtersWe support the right of parents
to consent to medical treatment for their minor
children and urge enactment of legislation that
would require parental consent for their daughter
to be transported across state lines for abortion.Patient ServicesDisallow providers from unilaterally withholding patient services_186e859c-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.11.4Healthcare ProvidersPatientsProviders should not be permitted to unilaterally
withhold services because a patient’s life is deemed
not worth living.AbortionBan federal funding and subsidies for abortion_186e915e-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.11.5American taxpayers should not be
forced to fund abortion. As Democrats abandon
this four decade-old bipartisan consensus, we
call for codification of the Hyde Amendment and
its application across the government, including
Obamacare.
We call for a permanent ban on federal
funding and subsidies for abortion and healthcare
plans that include abortion coverage.Tort ReformCap non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits_fe80928c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.12Better Care and Lower Costs: Tort Reform --
Medical malpractice lawsuits have ballooned
the cost of healthcare for everyone by forcing
physicians to practice defensive medicine through
tests and treatments which otherwise might be
optional. Rural America is especially affected as
obstetricians, surgeons, and other providers move
to urban settings or retire in the face of escalating
insurance premiums. Many Republican Governors
have advanced the legal reforms necessary to
reverse that trend. We support state and federal
legislation to cap non-economic damages in
medical malpractice lawsuits, thereby relieving
conscientious providers of burdens that are not
rightly theirs and addressing a serious cause of
higher medical bills. Healthcare R&DAdvance research and development in healthcare_fe809ed0-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.13Advancing Research and Development in Healthcare -- American medicine is poised to enter a new
era of technological advance. Federal and private
investment in basic and applied biomedical
research holds enormous promise, especially with
diseases and disorders like autism, Alzheimer’s,
and Parkinson’s. Just as we today take for granted
wonders that seemed impossible a few decades ago
— MRIs and CAT scans, robotic surgery, and in utero
treatment — patients a decade hence will have
care and treatment that will make much of today’s
medicine look primitive. Modern miracles involving
genetics, the immune system, cures for deadly
diseases, and more are in the research pipeline.
This is the consequence of marrying significant
investment, both public and private, with the world’s
best talent, a formula that has for a century given
the American people the world’s best healthcare.
We are determined that it should continue to do
so, especially as we confront new dangers like
Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya, and antibiotic-resistant
pathogens.Neglected GroupsConsider the needs of formerly neglected demographic groups_186e9dde-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.1To continue our headway against breast
and prostate cancer, diabetes, and other killers,
research must consider the needs of formerly
neglected demographic groups.Stem Cell ResearchExpand support for the stem cell research_186eab58-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.2We call for
expanded support for the stem cell research that
now offers the greatest hope for many afflictions
— through adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells
— without the destruction of embryonic human
life.CloningBan human cloning for research or reproduction_186eb788-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.3We urge a ban on human cloning for research
or reproduction, and ...EmbyosBan the creation of and experimentation on human embryos for research_186ec5ca-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.4a ban on the creation of, or
experimentation on, human embryos for research.
We applaud Congress’ ban on the FDA approval
of research involving three-parent embryos.ContraceptivesEnsure the safety of contraceptives_186ed178-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.5FDAWe
believe the FDA’s approval of Mifeprex, a dangerous
abortifacient formerly known as RU-486, threatens
women’s health, as does the agency’s endorsement
of over-the-counter sales of powerful contraceptives
without a physician’s recommendation.FundingCut federal and state funding for entities that endanger women’s health by performing abortions in a manner inconsistent with federal or state law_186edd44-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.13.6We support
cutting federal and state funding for entities that
endanger women’s health by performing abortions
in a manner inconsistent with federal or state law. FDAReform the FDA_fe80ada8-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.14FDAPatientsPutting Patients First: Reforming the FDA -- The United States has led life sciences and
medical innovation for decades, bringing millions
of high-paying jobs to our country and helping
Americans and people around the world live longer,
healthier lives. Unfortunately, the continuously
increasing burden of governmental regulation
and red tape is taking its toll on our innovative
companies, and their pipeline of new life-saving
devices and drugs to our nation’s patients is
slowing and diminishing. The FDA has slowly but
relentlessly changed into an agency that more and
more puts the public health at risk by delaying,
chilling, and killing the development of new devices,
drugs and biologics that can promote our lives
and our health.Predictability, Consistency, Transparency & EfficiencyFix the lack of predictability, consistency, transparency and efficiency at the agency_186ee906-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.14.1The FDA needs leadership that
can reform the agency for our century and fix the
lack of predictability, consistency, transparency
and efficiency at the agency.Science & BreakthroughsEmphasize hard science and approving new breakthrough medicines_186fc358-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.14.2The FDA needs to
return to its traditional emphasis on hard science
and approving new breakthrough medicines, rather
than divert its attention and consume its resources
trying to overregulate electronic health records
or vaping. We pledge to restore the FDA to its
position as the premier scientific health agency,
focused on both promoting and protecting the
public health in equal measure, so we can ensure
that Americans live longer, healthier lives, that
the United States remains the world leader in life
sciences and medical innovation, that millions of
high-paying, cutting-edge device and drug jobs stay
in the United States, that U.S. patients benefit first
and most from new devices and drugs, and that the
FDA no longer wastes U.S. taxpayer and innovators’
resources through bureaucratic red tape and legal
uncertainty.Right to TryAllow terminally ill patients the right to try investigational medicines_186fd078-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.14.3Terminally Ill PatientsWe commend those states that have
passed Right to Try legislation, allowing terminally
ill patients the right to try investigational medicines
not yet approved by the FDA. We urge Congress to
pass federal legislation to give all Americans with
terminal illnesses the right to try. Americans with DisabilitiesAdvance Americans with disabilities_fe80c1b2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.15Americans with DisabilitiesAdvancing Americans with Disabilities -- Under the last two Republican presidents,
landmark civil rights legislation affirmed the inherent
rights of persons with disabilities. Republicans want
to support those rights by guaranteeing access to
education and the tools necessary to compete in
the mainstream of society. This is not just a moral
obligation to our fellow Americans with disabilities.
It is our duty to our country’s future to tap this vast
pool of talented individuals who want to work and
contribute to the common good. For that reason,
Republican leadership led to enactment of the
ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience)
and the Steve Gleason Act.Services & SavingsLet people with disabilities maintain access to services while saving to develop assets_186fe59a-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.1People with DisabilitiesThe former, for the first
time, lets people with disabilities maintain access
to services while saving to develop assets.Speech GenerationProvide access to speech-generating devices_186ff33c-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.2The
latter, bearing the name of the former NFL player
with ALS, provides access to speech-generating
devices.EmploymentMake it easier for students with disabilities to pursue competitive employment_18700002-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.3Students with Disabilities8(a) ProgramInclude persons with disabilities in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) certification program_18706470-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.4Persons with DisabilitiesSmall Business AdministrationPersons with disabilities are nearly twice
as likely to be self-employed as the general
population. To encourage their entrepreneurship, it
makes sense to include them in the Small Business
Administration’s 8(a) certification program,
which opens up federal contracting for emerging
businesses.Tax CodeConsider ways in which the tax code might enable companies to benefit from
the talent and energy of their disabled employees_187070dc-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.5CompaniesDisabled EmployeesAny restructuring of the tax code should
consider ways in which companies can benefit from
the talent and energy of their disabled employees.IDEA & HEAReauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and renew the
Higher Education Act_18707d8e-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.6Students with DisabilitiesThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) has opened up unprecedented opportunities
for many students. Congressional Republicans will
lead in its reauthorization, as well as renewal of the
Higher Education Act, which can offer students
with disabilities increased access to the general
curriculum.FLSAModernize the Fair Labor Standards Act to encourage competitive
employment for persons with disabilities_18709396-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.7Persons with DisabilitiesOur TIME Act (Transition to Integrated
and Meaningful Employment) will modernize the Fair Labor Standards Act to encourage competitive
employment for persons with disabilities. We affirm
our support for its goal of minimizing the separation
of children with disabilities from their peers. JobsReplace dependency with jobs_1870a034-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.8We
endorse efforts like Employment First that replace
dependency with jobs in the mainstream of the
American workforce.Care & TreatmentDisallow the non-consensual withholding of care or treatment from people with disabilities_1871557e-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.9People with DisabilitiesNewbornsThe ElderlyThe InfirmWe oppose the non-consensual withholding
of care or treatment from people with disabilities,
including newborns, the elderly, and infirm, just as
we oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide, which
endanger especially those on the margins of society.Physician-Assisted SuicideBan the use of controlled substances for physician-assisted suicide_1871632a-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.15.10We urge the Drug Enforcement Administration to
restore its ban on the use of controlled substances
for physician-assisted suicide. SafetyEnsure safe neighborhoods_fe80ce1e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.16NeighborhoodsPolice ForcesDepartment of JusticeEnsuring Safe Neighborhoods: Criminal Justice and Prison Reform -- The men and women of law enforcement
— whether patrolling our neighborhoods or our
borders, fighting organized crime or guarding
against domestic terror — deserve our gratitude
and support. Their jobs are never easy, especially
in crisis situations, and should not be made more
difficult by politicized second-guessing from
federal officials. The current Administration’s lack
of respect for them, from White House intervention
in local arrests to the Attorney General’s present
campaign of harassment against police forces
around the country, has been unprecedented. With
all Americans, we mourn those whom we have lost
to violence and hatred. To honor their sacrifice, we
recommit ourselves, as individuals and as a party, to
the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.
The conduct of the Department of Justice
has included refusal to enforce laws, stonewalling
congressional committees, destroying evidence,
reckless dealing with firearms that led to several
deaths on both sides of our border, and defying
a citation for contempt. It has urged leniency for
rioters while turning a blind eye to mob attacks on
peaceful citizens exercising their political rights.
A new administration must ensure the immediate
dismissal and, where appropriate, prosecution of
any Department officials who have violated their
oath of office.
The next president must restore the public’s
trust in law enforcement and civil order by first
adhering to the rule of law himself. Additionally,
the next president must not sow seeds of division
and distrust between the police and the people they
have sworn to serve and protect. The Republican
Party, a party of law and order, must make clear in
words and action that every human life matters.
Two grave problems undermine the rule of
law on the federal level: Over-criminalization and
over-federalization.CrimesExercise caution in the creation of new “crimes” and purge the Code and
the body of regulations of old “crimes_1872a168-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.1Department of JusticeIn the first case, Congress and
federal agencies have increased the number of
criminal offenses in the U.S. Code from 3,000 in
the early 1980s to more than 4,500 today. That
does not include an estimated 300,000 regulations
containing criminal penalties. No one, including the
Department of Justice, can come up with accurate
numbers. That recklessness is bad enough when
committed by Congress, but when it comes from
the unelected bureaucrats of the federal agencies,
it is intolerable. The power of career civil servants
and political appointees to criminalize behavior is
one of the worst violations of constitutional order
perpetrated by the administrative state.
To deal with this morass, we urge caution
in the creation of new “crimes” and a bipartisan
presidential commission to purge the Code and
the body of regulations of old “crimes.”Knowledge & IntentProtect Americans who, in violating a law, act unknowingly or without criminal intent_1874f42c-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.2We call
for mens rea elements in the definition of any new
crimes to protect Americans who, in violating a
law, act unknowingly or without criminal intent.Unclear StatutesRequire courts to interpret unclear statutes in favor of defendants_187508f4-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.3CourtsDefendentsWe
urge Congress to codify the Common Law’s Rule
of Lenity, which requires courts to interpret unclear
statutes in favor of a defendant.State & Local MattersAvoid compromising the role of federal law enforcement personnel by diversion to matters properly handled by state and local authorities._187525fa-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.4Federal Law Enforcement PersonnelState Law Enforcement AuthoritiesLocal Law Enforcement AuthoritiesThe over-federalization of criminal justice
is one of many ways in which the government
in Washington has intruded beyond its proper
jurisdiction. The essential role of federal law
enforcement personnel in protecting federal
property and combating interstate crime should not
be compromised by diversion to matters properly
handled by state and local authorities.Criminal Justice ReformEmphasize restorative justice to make the victim whole and put the offender
on the right path_18769214-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.5We applaud the Republican Governors
and legislators who have been implementing
criminal justice reforms like those proposed
by our 2012 platform. Along with diversion of
first-time, nonviolent offenders to community
sentencing, accountability courts, drug courts,
veterans treatment courts, and guidance by faith-based institutions with proven track records of rehabilitation, our platform emphasized restorative
justice to make the victim whole and put the offender
on the right path. As variants of these reforms are
undertaken in many states, we urge the Congress
to learn from what works.SentencingTarget modifications to mandatory minimum sentencing toward particular categories of offenders_1876a6d2-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.6In the past, judicial
discretion about sentences led to serious mistakes
concerning dangerous criminals. Mandatory
minimum sentencing became an important tool
for keeping them off the streets. Modifications to
it should be targeted toward particular categories,
especially nonviolent offenders and persons with
drug, alcohol, or mental health issues, and should
require disclosure by the courts of any judicial
departure from the state’s sentencing requirements.Capital PunishmentMaintain the right of the people to enact capital punishment in their states_18778bec-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.7The constitutionality of the death penalty is
firmly settled by its explicit mention in the Fifth
Amendment. With the murder rate soaring in our
great cities, we condemn the Supreme Court’s
erosion of the right of the people to enact capital
punishment in their states.AssaultsImpose mandatory prison time for assaults seriously injuring law enforcement officers_1877b112-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.8Law Enforcement OfficersIn solidarity with those
who protect us, we call for mandatory prison
time for all assaults involving serious injury to law
enforcement officers.Victims' RightsMake the federal courts a model for the rest of the country in protecting the rights of victims and their families_18786f80-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.9VictimsFederal CourtsWe call on the Congress to make the federal
courts a model for the rest of the country in
protecting the rights of victims and their families.
They should be told all relevant information about
their case, allowed to be present for its trial, assured
a voice in sentencing and parole hearings, given
access to social and legal services, and benefit from
the Crime Victims Fund established under President
Reagan for that sole purpose.Correctional InstitutionsRegain control of their correctional institutions_18788bf0-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.10Correctional InstitutionsPublic officials must regain control of their
correctional institutions, some of which have become
ethnic and racial battlegrounds.CrueltyProtect jailed persons against cruel or degrading treatment by other inmates_1878a9e6-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.10.1Jailed PersonsInmatesCourtsCourts
should not tie the hands of prison officials in dealing
with these problems.Prison OfficialsPersons jailed for
whatever cause should be protected against cruel
or degrading treatment by other inmates.EducationOffer opportunities for literacy and vocational education to prepare prisoners for release to the community_1879105c-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.11PrisonersWe encourage states to offer
opportunities for literacy and vocational education
to prepare prisoners for release to the community.Children of PrisonersPay special attention to children of prisoners_18792984-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.12Children of PrisonersSchoolsSocial ServicesReligious InstitutionsBreaking the cycle of crime begins with the children
of those who are prisoners. Deprived of a parent
through no fault of their own, youngsters from these
families should be a special concern of our schools,
social services, and religious institutions.Child PornographyProsecute child pornography_187c49ac-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.16.14The internet must not become a safe haven for
predators. Pornography, with its harmful effects,
especially on children, has become a public health
crisis that is destroying the lives of millions. We encourage states to continue to fight this public menace and pledge our commitment to children’s safety
and well-being. We applaud the social networking
sites that bar sex offenders from participation. We
urge energetic prosecution of child pornography,
which is closely linked to human trafficking.Drug AbuseCombat drug abuse_fe80dd00-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea005.17Combatting Drug Abuse -- The progress made over the last three decades
against drug abuse is eroding, whether for cultural
reasons or for lack of national leadership. In many
jurisdictions, marijuana is virtually legalized despite
its illegality under federal law. At the other end
of the drug spectrum, heroin use nearly doubled
from 2003 to 2013, while deaths from heroin have
quadrupled. All this highlights the continuing
conflicts and contradictions in public attitudes and
public policy toward illegal substances.Long-Range ImplicationsConsider the long-range implications of these trends for public health
and safety and prepare to deal with the problematic consequences_187c60ae-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.17.1Congress
and a new administration should consider the long-range implications of these trends for public health
and safety and prepare to deal with the problematic
consequences.Over-PrescriptionReduce the over-prescription of drugs_187c7e9a-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.17.2The misuse of prescription painkillers —
opioids — is a related problem. Heroin and opioid
abuse touches our communities, our homes, and
our families in ways that have grave effects on
Americans in every community. With a quadrupling
of both their sales and their overdose deaths, the
opioid crisis is ravaging communities all over the
country, often hitting rural areas harder than urban.
Because over-prescription of drugs is such a large
part of the problem, Republican legislation now
allows Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage
plans to limit patients to a single pharmacy.LimitationsEnsure physicians are not penalized for limiting opioid prescriptions_187dc8ea-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.17.2.1PhysiciansCenters for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesCongressional Republicans have also called upon
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to
ensure that no physician will be penalized for limiting
opioid prescriptions.Supply & DemandAddress the opioid epidemic from both the demand and supply sides of the problem_187ddd58-033f-11eb-8c92-7eaa1b83ea005.17.3We look for expeditious
agreement between the House and Senate on
the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act,
which addresses the opioid epidemic from both the
demand and supply sides of the problem.ResurgenceResurge America_0fc8d77e-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea006Jim CarnsResurgence Subcommittee Co-ChairRon RabinResurgence Subcommittee Co-ChairSteve YatesResurgence Subcommittee Co-ChairJonathan BurksAmerica Resurgent StaffMichael StranskyAmerica Resurgent StaffRobert WilkieDefenseProvide for the common defense_0fc8db02-0076-11eb-94da-b888fa82ea006.1U.S. NavyOur aging
naval capabilities are inadequate for their job.U.S. Air ForceThe Air Force fields the smallest and oldest force
of combat aircraft in its history.U.S. Marine CorpsThe Marines have
only two-thirds the number of battalions they have
historically needed to meet day to day operational
demands.U.S. ArmyThe Army is at its lowest troop levels
since before World War II. Strategic ForcesAlso neglected are our strategic forces,
especially the development and
deployment of ballistic missile
defenses.Ground-Based Midcourse DefenseThe Ground-Based
Midcourse Defense system has
been delayed and underfunded.RussiaTo curry favor with Russia,
defense installations in Poland
and the Czech Republic have
been neutralized and the
number of planned interceptors
in Alaska has been reduced.
A New START agreement
(Strategic Arms Reduction
Treaty), so weak in verification
and definitions that it is virtually impossible to prove
a violation, has allowed Russia to build up its nuclear
arsenal while reducing ours. Meanwhile Moscow
has repeatedly violated the Intermediate-Range
Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty (a treaty agreeing to
the elimination of land-based mid-range nuclear
missiles) with impunity, covertly testing missiles
banned under that agreement.PolandCzech RepublicChinaIn the international arena, a weak Administration has invited aggression. The results of
the Administration’s unilateral approach to
disarmament are already clear: An emboldened
China in the South China Sea, Ukrainea resurgent Russia
occupying parts of Ukraine and threatening neighbors from the Baltic to the Caucasus, and Middle Eastan
aggressive Islamist terror network in the Middle
East.A Dangerous World -- Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 23
that the first of the “principal” constitutional
obligations of the federal government is to provide
for the “common defense” of the United States,
and President George Washington wisely reminded
us that “To be prepared for war is one of the most
effectual means of preserving peace.”
After nearly eight years of a Democratic
Commander-in-Chief who has frequently placed
strategic and ideological limitations and shackles
on our military, our enemies have been emboldened
and our national security is at
great risk. Our country faces a
national security crisis, and only
by electing a Republican to the
White House will we restore law
and order to our land and safety
to our citizens.
We are the party of peace
through strength. We believe
that American exceptionalism
— the notion that our ideas and
principles as a nation give us a
unique place of moral leadership
in the world — requires the
United States to retake its natural position as leader
of the free world.
Tyranny and injustice thrive when America is
weakened. The oppressed have no greater ally than
a confident and determined United States, backed
by the strongest military on the planet.
Quite simply, the Republican Party is committed
to rebuilding the U.S. military into the strongest on
earth, with vast superiority over any other nation or
group of nations in the world. We face a dangerous
world, and we believe in a resurgent America.
In all of our country’s history, there is no parallel
to what President Obama and his former Secretary
of State have done to weaken our nation...
Our U.S. Ambassador
and American personnel were left without adequate
security or backup halfway across the world in
Benghazi. In summary, we have returned to the
hollow force days of Jimmy Carter.Russia SanctionsMaintaining and, if warranted, increase sanctions against Russia unless and until Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully restored_1dfbaf0e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.1.1UkraineRussiaWe support maintaining and, if warranted,
increasing sanctions, together with our allies,
against Russia unless and until Ukraine’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity are fully restored.UkraineProvide assistance to the armed forces of Ukraine and greater coordination
with NATO defense planning_1dfbbaf8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.1.2UkraineNATOWe also
support providing appropriate assistance to the
armed forces of Ukraine and greater coordination
with NATO defense planning.GratitudeHonor, support, and thank all law enforcement, first responders, and emergency personnel for their service_1dfbcc1e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.1.3Law Enforcement OfficersFirst RespondersEmergency PersonnelAll our adversaries
heard the message in the Administration’s cutbacks:
America is weaker and retreating. Concomitantly,
we honor, support, and thank all law enforcement,
first responders, and emergency personnel for their
service.Dangers & Military MightRestore our nation’s military might to confront the dangers_fe80f254-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.2Confronting the Dangers -- In the face of these threats, the first order of
business for a Republican president and Congress
will be to restore our nation’s military might.
Republicans continue to support American military
superiority which has been the cornerstone of a
strategy that seeks to deter aggression or defeat
those who threaten our vital national security
interests.Troops, Readiness & MissionRebuild troop numbers and readiness and confirm their mission_1dfbdfc4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.1We must rebuild troop numbers and
readiness and confirm their mission: Protecting
the nation, not nation building. The United States
should meet the Reagan model of “peace through
strength” by a force that is capable of meeting any
and all threats to our vital national security. We
will no longer tolerate a President whose rules of
engagement put our own troops in harm’s way or
commanders who tell their soldiers that their first
duty is to fight climate change.StrategyMove from a budget-based strategy to one that puts the security of our nation first_1dfbeba4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.2A Republican administration will begin at
once to undo the damage of the last eight years.
We must move from a budget-based strategy to
one that puts the security of our nation first.Threats & ForcesDevelop a balanced force to meet the diverse threats facing our nation_1dfbfbd0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.2.1This
means that our Republican president’s strategic
vision will include the development of a balanced
force to meet the diverse threats facing our nation.
Special Operations Forces are simply not intended
to deal with the full spectrum of threats. We need
a Reagan-era force that can fight and win two-and
one-half wars ranging from counterterrorism to
deterring major power aggressors.Arms ControlAbandon arms control treaties that benefit our adversaries without improving our national security_1dfc0f08-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.3We should abandon arms control treaties
that benefit our adversaries without improving
our national security.Missile DefenseFund, develop, and deploy a missile defense system_1dfc1a7a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.4We must fund, develop, and
deploy a multi-layered missile defense system.Nuclear WeaponsModernize nuclear weapons and their delivery platforms_1dfc2ab0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.5We
must modernize nuclear weapons and their delivery
platforms ...MADEnd the policy of Mutually Assured Destruction_1dfc3e06-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.6end the policy of Mutually Assured
Destruction, and ...Allies & Nuclear ProliferationRebuild relationships with our allies so they do not feel the need to engage
in nuclear proliferation_1dfc49e6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.7rebuild relationships with our allies,
who understand that as long as the U.S. nuclear
arsenal is their shield, they do not need to engage
in nuclear proliferation.BordersSecure our borders_1dfc5a4e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.8While immigration is addressed in more
detail elsewhere, we cannot ignore the reality that
border security is a national security issue, and
that our nation’s immigration and refugee policies
are placing Americans at risk. To keep our people
safe, we must secure our borders ...ImmigrationEnforce our immigration laws_1dfc7092-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.9enforce our
immigration laws, and ...Refugees & ImmigrantsScreen refugees and other immigrants_1dfc7f24-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.10properly screen refugees
and other immigrants entering from any country.High-Risk ImmigrantsApply special scrutiny to those foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States from terror-sponsoring countries or from regions associated with Islamic terrorism_1dfc8fe6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.2.10.1In
particular we must apply special scrutiny to those
foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States
from terror-sponsoring countries or from regions
associated with Islamic terrorism. This was done
successfully after September 11, 2001, under the
National Security Entry-Exit Registration System,
which should be renewed now.Defense ResourcesGive our troops the resources to do their job_fe80fe3e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.3Supporting Our Troops: Resources to do Their Job --
We owe it to the American people and to
those who fight our wars that we remain the
strongest military on earth and be prepared to
defeat any adversary under any circumstances on
any battlefield, including land, air, sea, or cyber.
Successive years of cuts to our defense budget
have put an undue strain on our men and women
in uniform. This is especially harmful at a time
when we are asking our military to do more in an
increasingly dangerous world. The U.S. defense
budget has suffered a 25 percent cut in real dollars
in the five years since sequestration.BudgetLift the budget cap for defense_1dfca3f0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.3.1We support
lifting the budget cap for defense and reject the
efforts of Democrats to hold the military’s budget
hostage for their domestic agenda.SpendingApprove military spending at the level necessary to defend our country_1dfcaf80-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.3.2Congress and
the Administration should work together to approve
military spending at the level necessary to defend our
country.ProcurementModernize the military procurement system and embracing competition_1dfcbfe8-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.3.3TaxpayersCompetitive acquisition and maintenance of weapon systems, including
the sustainment and support of such systems, will
benefit the U.S. economy, U.S. taxpayers, and most
important, the American warfighter.Department of Defense SuppliersIncreased
competition will enable new Department of
Defense suppliers, particularly small businesses, to
participate in the defense sector. That will promote
new demand for skilled-labor jobs, while making the
Department’s procurement more cost-efficient. Defense SectorSmall BusinessesAmerican WarfightersThe
increased agility and effectiveness will ensure that
our troops are equipped with the right resources
more quickly than our current procurement systems
allow.We must not be encumbered by decades-old, legacy procurement processes. America’s
incredible talent and ingenuity must be unleashed
by modernizing the military procurement system
and embracing competition among traditional and
non-traditional suppliers. MilitaryReverse America’s military decline_fe810f14-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.4Supporting Our Troops: Standing by Our Heroes -- With Republican leadership, the Congress recently passed legislation that begins to reverse
America’s military decline.TroopsReverse troop cuts_1dfcd7e4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.1The National Defense
Authorization Act of 2016 begins to correct the
shortfalls in our military readiness by reversing
troop cuts, increasing investments in training and
maintenance, and rebuilding facilities.Training & MaintenanceIncrease investments in training and maintenance_1dfce45a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.2FacilitiesRebuild facilities_1dfcf4f4-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.3PayGives our troops a pay raise_1dfd087c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.4It gives our
troops the full pay raise to which they are entitled
under the law and gives the next administration
the ability to review operations and funding, make
adjustments, and ask for more money if necessary.
All this represents a sound start in supporting those
who put their lives on the line in defense of our
country, while protecting our national security in a
dangerous world.Military FamiliesAssure military families of the pay, healthcare, housing, education, and support they have earned_1dfd140c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.5EnlisteesAbout 75 percent of enlistees come from military
families. We cannot expect that level of patriotic
commitment to continue among young people who
have experienced the way their families have been
treated.
We must ensure that the nation keeps its
commitments to those who signed on the dotted
line of enlistment. Military FamiliesThe repeated troop deployments
during conflicts in the Middle East have been
unusually hard on all members of their households,
worsening unemployment and underemployment
among spouses. In many cases, they and their
children have been at war for 14 years. We must
strengthen existing programs that offer families
readjustment information and counseling, and we
urge states to help by providing job programs,
license reciprocity, one-stop service centers, and
education.Military families must be assured of the pay,
healthcare, housing, education, and overall support
they have earned. In recent years, they have
been carrying the burden of budgetary restraint
more than any other Americans through cuts in
their pay, health benefits, and retirement plans.Wounded Military Service MembersWork with the private sector to advance opportunities and provide assistance to those wounded in spirit as well as in body_1dfd249c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.6Wounded Military Service MembersFaith-Based InstitutionsThe burden of our country’s extended military
involvement in the Middle East has taken a toll on
our service personnel. Suicides among our military —
active duty troops, reservists, National Guardsmen,
and veterans — are at shocking levels, while post-service medical conditions, including addiction and mental illness, require more and more assistance.
More than ever, our government must work with the
private sector to advance opportunities and provide
assistance to those wounded in spirit as well as in
body, whether through experimental efforts like the
PAWS (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemen)
program for service dogs or through the faith-based
institutions that have traditionally been providers of
counseling and aid.Military ChaplainsSupport the rights of conscience of military chaplains of all faiths to practice their faith free from political interference_1dfd3856-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.7Military ChaplainsWe support the rights of conscience of military
chaplains of all faiths to practice their faith free
from political interference. We reject attempts
by the Obama Administration to censure and
silence them, particularly Christians and Christian
chaplains.Chaplain CorpsIncrease the size of the Chaplain Corps_1dfd4710-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.8Chaplain CorpsWe support an increase in the size of the Chaplain Corps.Religious FreedomProtect the religious freedom of all military members_1dfd57aa-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.9Military MembersA Republican commander-in-chief will protect the religious freedom of all military
members, especially chaplains, and will not tolerate
attempts to ban Bibles or religious symbols from
military facilities.EducationEncourage education regarding the religious liberties of military personnel under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the National Defense Authorization Act_1dfd6b8c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.10A Republican commander-in-chief will also encourage education regarding the
religious liberties of military personnel under both
the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and
the current National Defense Authorization Act.DraftOppose reinstatement of the draft_1dfd7744-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.11Our country’s all-volunteer force has been a
success. We oppose the reinstatement of the draft,
except in dire circumstances like world war, whether
directly or through compulsory national service.Volunteer ForceSupport the all-volunteer force and oppose unnecessary policy changes, including compulsory national service and Selective Service registration of women_1dfd87fc-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.12We support the all-volunteer force and oppose
unnecessary policy changes, including compulsory
national service and Selective Service registration
of women for a possible future draft.WomenSupport the advancement of women in the military and their exemption from direct ground combat units and infantry battalions_1dfd9d3c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.13Women in the MilitaryWe reiterate
our support for both the advancement of women in
the military and their exemption from direct ground
combat units and infantry battalions.Service & SuperiorityEncourage selfless service and superiority in battle_1dfda99e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.14We affirm the cultural values that encourage selfless service and
superiority in battle, and we oppose anything which
might divide or weaken team cohesion, including
intra-military special interest demonstrations.Nonmilitary AgendasOppose modification or lessening of standards in order to satisfy a nonmilitary agenda_1dfdba4c-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.15In particular, we warn against modification or
lessening of standards in order to satisfy a nonmilitary agenda imposed by the White House.
We call for an objective review of the impact on
readiness of the current Administration’s ideology-based personnel policies, and
will correct problems with
appropriate administrative,
legal, or legislative action.Social ExperimentationReject the use of the military as a platform for social experimentation_1dfdce88-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.16We
reject the use of the military
as a platform for social
experimentation and will not
accept or continue attempts
to undermine military priorities
and mission readiness.Readiness, Recruitment & RetentionPrioritize readiness, recruitment, and retention_1dfdda68-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.17We
believe that our nation is most
secure when the president and
the administration prioritize
readiness, recruitment, and
retention rather than using the
military to advance a social
or political agenda. Military
readiness should not be sacrificed on the altar
of political correctness.Military JusticeOppose legislative attempts to modify the system of military justice_1dfdeb70-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.4.18We oppose legislative
attempts to modify the system of military justice
that would undermine its fairness and due process
rights for all concerned, both the accuser and the
accused.National Guard & ReservesNurture our Reserve and National Guard forces_fe8124ea-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.5National GuardNational ReservesCitizen Soldiers: National Guard and Reserves -- Our Reserve and National Guard forces are
national assets that must be nurtured in a manner
commensurate with their role as America’s sentinels.
Their historic mission as citizen-soldiers is a proud
tradition linking every town and city across America
to liberty’s cause. Since September 11, 2001, the
National Guard has transformed from a strategic
reserve to a fully integrated operational fighting
force. The Guard has bled on missions in Iraq,
Afghanistan, the Balkans, and the Sinai. Today, more
than fifty percent of our Guardsmen have combat
experience. The Guard has demonstrated its value
to the nation not only in war but during emergencies
here at home such as Hurricane Katrina and Super
Storm Sandy.
To avoid the overextension of our military,
we support a larger active force and oppose the
current Administration’s cuts to the National Guard
and Reserves. Those reductions are dangerous and
counter-productive because the men and women of
the Guard and Reserve tend to be older and more
experienced than their active duty counterparts.
Guard and Reserve
forces are currently deployed at
historically high rates. The Army
Reserve alone has soldiers
in 30 countries. To its credit,
the Republican Congress, by
passing the National Defense
Authorization Act, has moved
to ensure these troops have
what they need. That provision
has triggered another veto
threat from the Commanderin-Chief, even though the bill
passed with overwhelming
bipartisan support in both the
House and Senate. He would
have the members of the
Reserve and Guard train on, and potentially be
deployed with, equipment that is no longer used by
their active duty comrades. We cannot tolerate this
endangerment of both our troops and our national
security. Therefore, we recommend a permanent
line item for National Guard affairs, one that is
not eliminated by the President and reinstated by
Congress. The guard is too essential to our national
defense to be a secondary decision. VeteransHonor and support our veterans_fe85031c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.6VeteransHonoring and Supporting Our Veterans: A Sacred Obligation --
Our nation’s veterans have been our nation’s
strength and remain a national resource. Their
service to their country — as community leaders,
volunteers, mentors, educators, problem solvers,
and public officials — continues long after they
leave the military. In the same way, our obligation
to the one percent who defend the other ninety-nine percent does not end when they take off
the uniform. America has a sacred trust with our
veterans, and we are committed to ensuring them and their families’ care and dignity. The work of the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is essential
to meet our commitments to them: Providing
health, education, disability, survivor, and home
loan benefits, and arranging memorial services
upon death. We heed Abraham Lincoln’s command
“to care for him who bore the battle.” To care,
as well, for the families of those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice, who must be assured of
meaningful financial assistance, remains our solemn
duty.
As shown by recent controversies at the
Department, senior leaders must be held
accountable for ensuring that their subordinates
are more responsive to veterans’ needs. The VA
has failed those who have sacrificed the most for
our freedom. The VA must move from a sometimes
adversarial stance to an advocacy relationship with
vets. To that end, we will empower the Secretary
to hold all VA employees accountable and will seek
fundamental change in the VA’s senior leadership
structure by placing presidential appointees, rather
than careerists, in additional positions of significant
responsibility. We cannot allow an unresponsive
bureaucracy to blunt our national commitment. The
VA must strengthen and improve its efforts through
partnerships with private enterprises, veteran
service organizations, technology and innovation,
and competitive bidding to enable the VA to better
provide both quality and timely care along with all
earned benefits to our nation’s veterans and their
families. This will allow the VA to reduce the backlog
and save immense resources all at the same time.
Therefore, let us look to innovative solutions that
allow higher quality VA care, reduce backlogs, and
save immense resources all at the same time.
Our wounded warriors, whether still in service
or discharged, deserve the best medical care the
country can provide. We must make military and
veterans’ medicine the gold standard for mental
health, traumatic brain injury, multiple traumas,
loss of limbs, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). Those injuries require a new commitment of
targeted resources and personnel for treatment and
care to advance recovery. That includes allowing
veterans to choose to access care in the community
and not just in VA facilities, because the best care in
the world is not effective if it is not accessible. We
will seek to consolidate the VA’s existing community
care authorities to make a single program that will
be easily understood by both veterans and VA
healthcare providers.
Like the rest of American medicine, the VA
faces a critical shortage of primary care and mental
health physicians. That’s why there are long waiting
times to see a doctor and why doctors are often
frustrated by the limited time they have with their
patients. This is especially the case with mental
health care, which often amounts to prescribing
drugs because there are not enough psychologists
and psychiatrists to do anything else. Inadequate
treatment of PTSD drives other problems like
suicide, homelessness, and unemployment. This
situation may not be quickly reversed, but a
Republican administration will begin, on day one, to
undertake the job.
As a nation, we honor the sacrifice of our fallen
service members at the graves where we lay them
to rest in national, state, and veterans’ cemeteries
around the world. In doing so, we make it clear
that their ultimate sacrifice and service to our
country will never be forgotten. As a party, we seek
to honor their sacrifice and comfort their families
by ensuring all veterans’ cemeteries are adequately
equipped and a standard of care established, using
Arlington Cemetery as a guide, that is befitting their
service.
The level of financial distress and homelessness among vets is a shame to the nation. For a
veteran, a job is more than a source of income. It is
a new mission, with a new status, and the transition
can be difficult. We urge the private sector to
make hiring vets a company policy and commend
the organizations that have proven programs to
accomplish this. We will retain the preference
given to veterans when they seek federal
employment. We urge closer coordination with the
state offices for veterans’ affairs, particularly with
regard to expediting disability claims, since those
closest to an individual can often best diagnose
a problem and apply a remedy. We will halt the
current Administration’s unconstitutional automatic
denial of gun ownership to returning members of
our Armed Forces who have had representatives
appointed to manage their financial affairs. We
urge state education officials to promote the hiring of qualified veterans as teachers in our public
schools. Their proven abilities and life experiences
will make them more successful instructors and
role models for students than would any teaching
certification.
Over-prescription of opioids has become
a nationwide problem hindering the treatment
of veterans suffering from mental health issues.
We therefore support the need to explore new
and broader ranges of options, including faith-based programs, that will better serve the veteran
and reduce the need to rely on drugs as the sole
treatment.Indispensable NationDefend our nation’s security and advance freedom around the world_fe85240a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.7America: The Indispensable Nation -- For the last several generations, our country’s
two major political parties were dedicated to the
nation’s security and the advance of freedom
around the world. Both had learned from mistakes
of the past and realized that a weak America invited
aggression. Both recognized the need to stand
with friends and oppose those who wished us evil.
Whatever their disagreements, both the Republican
and Democratic parties stood for peace through
strength — and strength meant American military
superiority.
This bipartisan commitment has tragically
changed. The leadership of the Democratic Party,
both those in office and those who seek it, no longer
see America as a force for good in the world. They
do not stand by allies or stand strong against our
foes. They pander to world opinion and neglect the
national interest. They cannot be trusted to advance
either the cause of liberty or our national security in
the dangerous years in which we live.
We affirm our party’s tradition of world
leadership established by President Eisenhower
and followed by every Republican president
since. It stands for enormous power — and the
prudence to use it sparingly, precisely, and only
in grave necessity. It stands for involvement, not
intervention. It requires consultation, not permission
to act. It leads from the front — and ensures all
others do their parts as well. It embraces American
exceptionalism and rejects the false prophets of
decline and diminution. It is, in sum, the way we
will lead the world into a new century of greater
peace and prosperity — another American Century.Middle EastPrioritize America’s national interests and restore our credibility_fe86a776-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8Middle EastChallenges of a Changing Middle East -- The Middle East is more dangerous now than
at any time since the Second World War. Whatever
their disagreements, presidents of both parties had
always prioritized America’s national interests, the
trust of friendly governments, and the security of
Israel. That sound consensus was replaced with
impotent grandstanding on the part of the current
President and his Secretaries of State. The results
have been ruinous for all parties except Islamic
terrorists and their Iranian and other sponsors...
A Republican administration will restore our
nation’s credibility. We must stand up for our friends,
challenge our foes, and destroy ISIS.IranRetain all options in dealing with a situation that gravely threatens our security, our interests, and the survival of our friends_fe86b5c2-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.1IranWe consider the Administration’s deal with Iran,
to lift international sanctions and make hundreds of
billions of dollars available to the Mullahs, a personal
agreement between the President and his negotiating partners and non-binding on the next president.
Without a two-thirds endorsement by the Senate, it
does not have treaty status. Because of it, the defiant and emboldened regime in Tehran continues
to sponsor terrorism across the region, develop a
nuclear weapon, test-fire ballistic missiles inscribed
with “Death to Israel,” and abuse the basic human
rights of its citizens. A Republican president will not
be bound by it. We must retain all options in dealing
with a situation that gravely threatens our security,
our interests, and the survival of our friends.ISISDestroy ISIS_fe86c68e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.2Over the last four years we have seen the rise
of a murderous fanaticism in the form of ISIS, the
so called Islamic State. Its reach now extends far
beyond the Middle East to virtually every continent.
ISIS has brought ancient butchery into the 21st
century. Nations are imploding, erasing long-established borders. The Obama Administration
and its Secretary of State so mishandled the Arab
Spring that it destabilized the entire region. The
hope some saw in the Arab Spring has transformed
into disappointment.SyriaSupport the transition to a post-Assad Syrian government_fe86e0f6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.3SyriaThe dictator of Syria, Bashar
Assad, has murdered hundreds of thousands of his
own people and created millions of refugees, and
an American president has been unable to rally the
world against him. Understandably, our allies fear
for their future in a region far more dangerous than
it was eight years ago...
We will support the transition to a post-Assad Syrian
government that is representative of its people,
protects the rights of all minorities and religions,
respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors,
and contributes to peace and stability in the region.LebanonRestore Lebanon’s independence_fe86ed12-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.4LebanonHezbollah,
controlling over 100,000 missiles in Lebanon, must
be isolated and Lebanon’s independence restored. HezbollahIsolate Hezbollah_fe86fd84-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.4.1HezbollahIraqiContinue our partnership with the Iraqi people_fe8713dc-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.5IraqiChristian CommunitiesWe are deeply concerned that, in the face
of genocide against them, Christian communities in
cities like Erbil are receiving no financial support
from either the U.S. government or the UN to help
with displaced persons and urban refugees. Their
survival is sustained only by private charities. This
must change immediately.The Iraqi people have been on the front lines in the
fight against terror. Hundreds of thousands have
been killed, and the attacks against them continue,
even in Baghdad. Our partnership with them should
continue as long as ISIS and others like it survive in
the region.AssistanceAid those who have suffered the most_fe872426-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.5.1Defeating ISIS means
more than pushing back its
fighters while abandoning its
victims. It must mean aiding
those who have suffered the
most — and doing so before
they starve. It means supporting
the long-term survival of
indigenous religious and ethnic
communities, punishing the
perpetrators of crimes against
humanity, and conditioning
humanitarian and military
assistance to governments on
their observable commitment
to human rights.KurdsSupport the Kurdish people_fe873574-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.8.5.1.1Kurdish PeopleWe continue to support
the Kurdish people, whose bravery and cooperation
with our forces merit our respect and their
autonomy. Many countries in the region have given,
and continue to give, substantial assistance to
the United States because they understand that
our struggle against terrorism is not an ethnic or
religious fight. They consider violent extremists to
be abusers of their faith, not its champions. We
applaud their courage and value their counsel. The
U.S. government, together with its global partners,
should mobilize its political, economic, and military
assets to support the creation of a safe haven in
northern Iraq to protect those ethnic and religious
minorities continuing to face genocide at the hands
of ISIS.IsraelSupport Israel_fe874b4a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.9IsraelOur Unequivocal Support for Israel -- Like the United States of America, the modern state of Israel is a country born from the aspiration for freedom and stands out among the nations as a beacon of democracy and humanity. Beyond our mutual strategic interests, Israel is likewise an exceptional country that shares our most essential values. It is the only country in the Middle East
where freedom of speech and freedom of religion are found. Therefore, support for Israel is an expression of Americanism, and it is the responsibility of our government to advance policies that reflect Americans’ strong desire for a relationship with no daylight between America and Israel.American EmbassyMove the American embassy to Jerusalem_fe8d5062-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.9.1We recognize
Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of
the Jewish state and call for the American embassy
to be moved there in fulfillment of U.S. law.SecurityReaffirm America’s commitment to Israel’s security_fe8d6390-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.9.2We reaffirm America’s
commitment to Israel’s security
and will ensure that Israel maintains a qualitative military edge
over any and all adversaries. We
support Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself against
terror attacks upon its people
and against alternative forms
of warfare being waged upon
it legally, economically, culturally, and otherwise.Commercial RelationsCall for effective legislation to thwart actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel_fe8d7a4c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.9.3We reject
the false notion that Israel is an
occupier and specifically recognize that the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement
(BDS) is anti-Semitic in nature and seeks to destroy
Israel. Therefore, we call for effective legislation to
thwart actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing
business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories,
in a discriminatory manner.PeaceAssist in the establishment of comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East_fe8d8866-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.9.4The United States seeks to assist in the establishment of comprehensive and lasting peace in the
Middle East, to be negotiated among those living
in the region. We oppose any measures intended to
impose an agreement or to dictate borders or other
terms, and we call for the immediate termination of
all U.S. funding of any entity that attempts to do
so. Our party is proud to stand with Israel now and
always.Asian PacificLead in the Asian Pacific_fe8d9a22-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10Asian PacificJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaPhilippinesThailandNorth Korean PeopleChinaWe urge the
government of China to recognize the inevitability
of change in the Kim family’s slave state and, for
everyone’s safety against nuclear disaster, to
hasten positive change on the Korean peninsula.U.S. Leadership in the Asian Pacific -- We are a Pacific nation with economic, military,
and cultural ties to all the countries of the oceanic
rim and treaty alliances with Japan, South Korea,
Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. With
them, we look toward the establishment of human
rights for the people of North Korea.North KoreaDemand the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program_fe8dafc6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.1The United States will continue to demand the
complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement
of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program with
full accounting of its proliferation activities. We
also pledge to counter any threats from the North
Korean regime.
TaiwanContinue to base our relations with Taiwan upon the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act_fe9305de-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.2TaiwanChinaIf China
were to violate those principles, the United States,
in accord with the Taiwan Relations Act, will help
Taiwan defend itself.Government of TaiwanWe praise efforts by the new
government in Taipei to continue constructive relations across the Taiwan Strait and call on China
to reciprocate.World Health OrganizationInternational Civil Aviation OrganizationMultilateral InstitutionsWe salute the people of Taiwan, with whom
we share the values of democracy, human rights, a
free market economy, and the rule of law. Our relations will continue to be based upon the provisions
of the Taiwan Relations Act, and we affirm the Six
Assurances given to Taiwan in 1982 by President
Reagan. We oppose any unilateral steps by either
side to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Straits on
the principle that all issues regarding the island’s future must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue,
and be agreeable to the people of Taiwan...
As a loyal friend of America, Taiwan
has merited our strong support, including free trade
agreement status, the timely sale of defensive arms
including technology to build diesel submarines,
and full participation in the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and
other multilateral institutions.ChinaReject complacency about China's threats and hostile actions _fe931ac4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.3ChinaGuamThe complacency of the Obama regime has
emboldened the Chinese government and military
to issue threats of intimidation throughout the
South China Sea, not to mention parading their new
missile, “the Guam Killer,” down the main streets of
Beijing, a direct shot at Guam as America’s first line
of defense.TibetMeanwhile, cultural genocide continues
in Tibet and Xinjiang, the promised autonomy of
Hong Kong is eroded, the currency is manipulated,
our technology is stolen, and intellectual property
and copyrights are mocked in an economy based
on piracy.XinjiangHong KongAmerican CompaniesIn business terms, this is not competition;
it is a hostile takeover. For any American company
to abet those offenses, especially governmental
censorship and tracking of dissenters, is a disgrace.China’s behavior has negated the optimistic
language of our last platform concerning our future
relations with China. The liberalizing policies of
recent decades have been abruptly reversed, dissent
brutally crushed, religious persecution heightened,
the internet crippled, a barbaric population control
two-child policy of forced abortions and forced
sterilizations continued, and the cult of Mao revived.
Critics of the regime have been kidnapped by its
agents in foreign countries. To distract the populace
from its increasing economic problems and, more
importantly, to expand its military might, the
government asserts a preposterous claim to the
entire South China Sea and continues to dredge
ports and create landing fields in contested waters
where none have existed before, ever nearer to
U.S. territories and our allies, while building a
navy far out of proportion to defensive purposes.Students, Tourists & InvestorsWelcome Chinese students, tourists, and investors_fe933522-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.3.1Chinese StudentsChinese TouristsChinese InvestorsThe return to Maoism by China’s current
rulers is not reason to disengage with the Chinese
people or their institutions. We welcome students,
tourists, and investors, who can see for themselves
our vibrant American democracy and how real
democracy works. We caution, however, against
academic or cultural operations under the control
of the Chinese government and call upon American
colleges to dissociate themselves from this
increasing threat to academic freedom and honest
research.Southeast AsiaSupport the nations of Southeast Asia in setting aside crippling ideologies and seeking progress in free enterprise and democracy_fe93422e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4Southeast AsiaMost of the nations of Southeast Asia have
set aside crippling ideologies and sought material
progress in free enterprise and democracy.BurmaUrge Burma to respect the rights of their country’s minority populations_fe935390-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.1BurmaWe congratulate the people of Burma on their
emergence from authoritarian rule and urge their
respect for the rights of their country’s minority
populations.VietnamImprove relations with Vietnam_fe93697a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.2VietnamOur improved relations with Vietnam
— including arms sales — must advance efforts to
obtain an accounting for, and repatriation of the
remains of, Americans who gave their lives in the
cause of Vietnamese freedom. We cannot overlook
the continued repression of fundamental rights and religious freedom, as well as retribution against
ethnic minorities and others who assisted U.S.
forces during the conflict there.IndiaAlly and strategically trade in partnership with India_fe937622-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.3IndiaIndia is our geopolitical ally and a strategic
trading partner. The dynamism of its people and
the endurance of their democratic institutions
are earning their country a position of leadership
not only in Asia but throughout the world.Investment & TradeEncourage the Indian government to permit expanded foreign investment and trade_fe96b72e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.3.1Indian GovernmentWe
encourage the Indian government to permit
expanded foreign investment and trade, the key
to rising living standards for those left out of their
country’s energetic economy.Religious CommunitiesUrge protection against violence and discrimination against India’s
religious communities _fe96d146-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.3.2India’s Religious CommunitiesFor all of India’s
religious communities, we urge protection against
violence and discrimination. Indian American CitizensNote with pride the contributions to our country that are made by our fellow citizens of Indian ancestry._fe96e280-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.3.3American Citizens of Indian AncestryRepublicans note with
pride the contributions to our country that are made
by our fellow citizens of Indian ancestry.PakistanStrengthen historic ties with Pakistan_fe96f7de-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.10.4.4Middle EastPakistanConflicts in the Middle East have created
special political and military challenges for the
people of Pakistan. Our working relationship is a
necessary, though sometimes difficult, benefit to
both, and we look toward the strengthening of
historic ties that have frayed under the weight of
international conflict. This process cannot progress
as long as any citizen of Pakistan can be punished
for helping the War on Terror. Pakistanis, Afghans,
and Americans have a common interest in ridding
the region of the Taliban and securing Pakistan’s
nuclear arsenal. That goal has been undermined by
the current Administration’s feckless treatment of
troop commitments and blatant disregard of advice
from commanders on the ground, particularly with
regard to Afghanistan. A Republican president will
work with all regional leaders to restore mutual trust
while insisting upon progress against corruption
and the narcotic trade that fuels insurgency. European AllianceRenew the European Alliance_fe9711c4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.11EuropeNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Renewing the European Alliance -- With bipartisan support, President Truman
forged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) as an alliance of the western democracies.
Its continued effectiveness is vital, especially in light
of recent military challenges in Eastern Europe.
With the American people spending on defense,
per capita, four times the amount spent by Europeans, we demand, as we have in the past, that our
fellow members of NATO fulfill their commitments
and meet their need for greater investment in their
armed forces.
Our historic ties to the peoples of Europe have
been based on shared culture and values, common interests and goals. Their endurance cannot be taken for granted, especially in light of the
continent’s economic problems and demographic
changes. We recognize with regret the increasing
trend among many of our allies to move away from
rights and liberties that Americans hold dear, especially freedom of speech. It would be a tragic irony
if the nations of Europe which withstood Soviet
repression were to now impose a form of it upon
themselves.
We honor our special relationship with the
people of the United Kingdom and are grateful for
their staunch support in the fight against terrorism.
We respect their decision concerning their nation’s
relationship to the European Union and pledge that,
however much other international relationships may
change, those who were first to our side in our hour
of loss will always rank first in our policies and our
esteem.
We thank the several nations of Europe
that have contributed to a united effort in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Their support and
sacrifice in the fight against Islamic terrorism
will not be forgotten. We applaud the ongoing
reconciliation in Northern Ireland and hope that
its success might be replicated in Cyprus. We urge
greater coordination in economic and security
affairs between the United States and the republics
of Eastern Europe. We urge that Poland be granted
visa waiver status and we support placement of
NATO troops in Poland.
For the people of Russia, we affirm our respect
and our determination to maintain a friendship
beyond the reach of those who wish to divide us.
We have common imperatives: Ending terrorism,
combating nuclear proliferation, promoting trade,
and more. We also have a common problem:
The continuing erosion of personal liberty and
fundamental rights under the current officials in the
Kremlin. Repressive at home and reckless abroad,
their policies imperil the nations which regained
their self-determination upon the collapse of the
Soviet Union. We will meet the return of Russian
belligerence with the same resolve that led to the
collapse of the Soviet Union. We will not accept
any territorial change in Eastern Europe imposed by force, in Ukraine, Georgia, or elsewhere, and
will use all appropriate constitutional measures to
bring to justice the practitioners of aggression and
assassination.
We urge greater attention in U.S. diplomacy,
trade, and strategic planning, to the nations of
Eurasia, formerly parts of the Soviet Empire.
Caught between their two authoritarian neighbors,
their path toward democratic institutions has been
uncertain. We urge our government and our allies
to work toward the integration of the Central Asian
republics into the global economy through foreign
investment, which can bring with it market and
political reforms and a firmer establishment of
the rule of law. Those developments will not only
improve the living conditions throughout that vast
area but are likely to reduce the lure of the radical
ideologies that already threaten the region.The Americas_fe971e76-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12The AmericasFamily of the Americas -- Our future is intimately tied to the future of the
Americas. Canada & MexicoContinue cooperation with Canada and Mexico on our mutually shared interests_fe995466-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.1MexicoThe Mexican
people deserve our assistance as they bravely
resist the drug cartels that traffic in death on both
sides of our border. Their rich cultural and religious
heritage, shared by many millions of our fellow
citizens, should foster greater understanding and
cooperation between our countries.CanadaFamily, language, culture, environment,
and trade link us closely with both Canada and
Mexico. Our relations with both of these friends
will be based upon continuing cooperation and our
mutually shared interests. Our attention to trade
and environmental issues will contribute to strong
economic growth and prosperity throughout the
Americas.
We thank our neighbors in Mexico and Canada
who have been our partners in the fight against
terrorism and the war on drugs.Keystone XL PipelineReverse the blocking of the Keystone XL Pipeline_fe996d8e-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.2CanadaOur Canadian neighbors can count on our
cooperation and respect. To advance North
America’s energy independence, we intend to
reverse the current Administration’s blocking of
the Keystone XL Pipeline. Apart from its economic
value, that project has become a symbol in the
contest between the public’s desire for economic
development and the government’s hostility to
growth. We stand with the people.SolidarityExpress solidarity with all the peoples of the Western Hemisphere_fe997fd6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.3Western HemisphereVenezuelaA Republican president
will never embrace a Marxist dictator, in Venezuela
or anywhere else. The current chief executive
has allowed that country to become a narcoterrorist state, an Iranian outpost threatening
Central America, and a safe haven for the agents
of Hezbollah. Now, with their country ruined by
socialism and on the verge of chaos, the Venezuelan
people are fighting to restore their democracy and
regain their rights. When they triumph, as they
surely will, the United States will stand ready to
help them restore their country to the family of the
Americas.We express our solidarity with all the peoples
of the Western Hemisphere. Their aspirations
for economic betterment and political liberty
have deserved better from our government than
its policies of the last eight years. The current
Administration has abandoned America’s friends
and rewarded its enemies.ColombiaAffirm our friendship and admiration for the people of Colombia_fe9991c4-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.4ColombiaWe affirm our friendship and admiration for
the people of Colombia and call on the Republican
Congress to express its solidarity with their
decades-long fight against the terrorist FARC. Their
sacrifice and suffering must not be betrayed by the
accession to power of murderers and drug lords.CubaWelcome the people of Cuba back into our hemispheric family_fe99aa74-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.5CubaWomen in WhiteWe
stand with the Women in White and all the victims
of the loathsome regime that clings to power in
Havana. We do not say this lightly: They have been
betrayed by those who are currently in control of
U.S. foreign policy.CongressWe call on the Congress
to uphold current U.S. law which sets conditions for
the lifting of sanctions on the island: Legalization
of political parties, an independent media, and free
and fair internationally-supervised elections.We want to welcome the people of Cuba
back into our hemispheric family — after their
corrupt rulers are forced from power and brought
to account for their crimes against humanity...
The current Administration’s
“opening to Cuba” was a shameful accommodation
to the demands of its tyrants. It will only strengthen
their military dictatorship. Pro-Democracy MovementStrength Cuba’s pro-democracy movement_fe99bb4a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.12.5.1Radio & TV MartíCommission for Assistance to a Free CubaWe support the work of the Commission for
Assistance to a Free Cuba and affirm the principles
of the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, recognizing
the rights of Cubans fleeing Communism. We
call for a dedicated platform for the transmission
of Radio and TV Martí and for the promotion of
internet access and circumvention technology as
tools to strength Cuba’s pro-democracy movement.AfricaRecognize Africa’s potential_fe99ce5a-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.13AfricaAfrica: The Promise and the Challenge -- We recognize Africa’s extraordinary potential.
Both the United States and our many African allies
will become stronger through investment, trade,
and promotion of the democratic and free market
principles that have brought prosperity around
the world.Economic Freedom & Human RightsPartner with African nations in their pursuit of economic freedom and human rights_1dfdff7a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.13.1African NationsWe pledge to be the best partner of all
African nations in their pursuit of economic freedom
and human rights.Health InitiativesSave lives_1dfe0d44-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.13.2Republican CongressThe Republican Congress
has extended to 2025 the African Growth and
Opportunity Act, and President George W. Bush’s
health initiatives — AIDS relief under PEPFAR and
the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and
Malaria — continue to save millions of lives.President George W. BushTeaching & BuildingTeach and build in villages_1dfe227a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.13.3Peace Corps volunteersPeace
Corps volunteers and U.S. Seabees teach and
build in villages that know firsthand our country’s
idealism.U.S. SeabeesRadical IslamSupport closer cooperation in both military and economic matters with those on the front lines of civilization’s battle against the forces of evil_1dfe3094-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.13.4We stand in solidarity with those African
countries now under assault by the forces of
radical Islam: Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and others
like them. Their terror falls on both Muslims and
Christians, on anyone who will not submit to their
savage ideology. We urge governments throughout
the continent to recognize this threat to their own
people. We support closer cooperation in both
military and economic matters with those on the
front lines of civilization’s battle against the forces
of evil.International OrganizationsMaintain principled American in international organizations_fe9f2a94-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.14International OrganizationsSovereign American Leadership in International Organizations -- There is no substitute for principled American
leadership. Since the end of World War II, the
United States, through the founding of the United
Nations and NATO, has participated in a number
of international organizations which can, but
sometimes do not, serve the cause of peace and
prosperity. While acting through them our country
must always reserve the right to go its own way.BroadcastingSupport our country’s international broadcasting to Eastern Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia_1dfe426e-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.1Eastern EuropeMiddle EastAsiaWe must not be silent about our country’s cause.
That is why we have long supported our country’s
international broadcasting to Eastern Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia.United NationsCondition our continued participation in the United Nations upon the enactment
of in the way that institution functions_1dfe57ae-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.2United NationsOur continued participation in the United
Nations should be contingent upon the enactment
of long-overdue changes in the way that institution
functions. TransparencyInsist on transparency in the UN's financial operations_1dfe64a6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.2.1American taxpayers, the chief funders of
the U.N., deserve full transparency in the financial
operations of its overpaid bureaucrats.Managerial ScandalsRefuse to tolerate the UN's managerial scandals_1dfe7680-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.2.2UN Human Rights CouncilIsraelWe should
no longer tolerate its managerial scandals, its
Human Rights Council composed of some of the
world’s worst tyrants, and its treatment of Israel as a
pariah state.Economic DevelopmentOppose no-growth policies that limit economic development in the countries_1dfe8ba2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.2.3UN Population FundChinaIts complicity in China’s barbaric program of
forced abortion led President Reagan to set a wall of
separation — his Mexico City Policy, which prohibits
the granting of federal monies to non-governmental
organizations that provide or promote abortion. President ReaganWe
affirm his position and, in light of plummeting birth
rates around the world, suggest a reevaluation of
the U.N.’s record on economic progress.The U.N.’s Population Fund has, from its
origin, been rooted in no-growth policies that limit
economic development in the countries needing it
most. International AgreementsOppose ratification of international agreements whose long-range implications are ominous or unclear_1dfe9908-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.3Precisely because we take our country’s
treaty obligations seriously, we oppose ratification
of international agreements whose long-range
implications are ominous or unclear. We do
not support the U.N. Convention on Women’s
Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, and the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, as well
as various declarations from the U.N. Conference
on Environment and Development. Because of
our concern for American sovereignty, domestic
management of our fisheries, and our country’s
long-term energy needs, we have deep reservations
about the regulatory, legal, and tax regimes inherent
in the Law of the Sea Treaty.Agenda 21Reject U.N. Agenda 21_1dfeab64-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.4We emphatically reject
U.N. Agenda 21 as erosive of U.S. sovereignty, and
we oppose any form of Global Tax.Ideological ProsecutionsShield members of our Armed Forces and others in service to America from ideological prosecutions overseas_1dfec086-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.14.5U.S. Armed ForcesInternational Criminal CourtTo shield members of our Armed Forces and
others in service to America from ideological
prosecutions overseas, the Republican Party does
not accept the jurisdiction of the International
Criminal Court. We support statutory protection
for U.S. personnel and officials as they act abroad
to meet our global security requirements, and we
deplore the current inaction of the Administration in
that regard. Our service members must be subject
only to American law.Religious FreedomDefend religious freedom_fe9f3bec-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.15Religious MinoritiesReligious minorities across
the Middle East have been driven from their ancient
homelands, and thousands, there and in Africa, have
been slaughtered for their faith in what the State
Department has, belatedly, labeled genocide.President SisiThe
United States must stand with leaders, like President
Sisi of Egypt who has bravely protected the rights
of Coptic Christians in Egypt, and call on other
leaders across the region to ensure that all religious
minorities, whether Yazidi, Bahai, Orthodox, Catholic
or Protestant Christians, are free to practice their
religion without fear of persecution.ChinaAt a time when
China has renewed its destruction of churches,
EuropeChristian home-schooling parents are jailed in parts
of Europe, and Canadaeven Canada threatens pastors for
their preaching, a Republican administration will
return the advocacy of religious liberty to a central
place in its diplomacy, will quickly designate the
systematic killing of religious and ethnic minorities
a genocide, and will work with the leaders of other
nations to condemn and combat genocidal acts.Defending International Religious Freedom -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an initiative of Congressional Republicans, has been neglected by the current Administration at a time when its voice more than
ever needs to be heard.International AssistanceEnsure that foreign aid serves America’s interests_fe9faf50-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.16President ReaganA strong commitment to
international development and diplomacy, alongside
defense, was a key component of President Reagan’s
“peace through strength” strategy. It can sometimes
serve as an alternative means of keeping the peace,
far less costly both in dollars and in human lives than
military engagement. Millennium Challenge CorporationThe Millennium Challenge
Corporation, spearheaded by the last Republican
Administration, has established a new model of
foreign assistance that helps ensure taxpayer
dollars are spent on projects that are effective,
results-driven, transparent, and accountable.America’s Generosity: International Assistance that Makes a Difference --
Foreign aid must serve America’s interests first.
In today’s world of complex challenges, international
assistance is a critical tool for advancing America’s
security and economic interests by preventing
conflict, building stability, opening markets for
private investment, and responding to suffering
and need with the compassion that is at the heart
of our country’s values. InvestmentEmbrace private sector investment to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and open new markets for American goods and services_1dfece28-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.16.1Private SectorWe
must embrace this model throughout our foreign
assistance programs and efforts as a catalyst for
private sector investment to combat corruption,
strengthen the rule of law, and open new markets
for American goods and services in a competitive
global economy.Values & Self-SustainabilityProject the best of American values, create self-sustainability, and leverage
the resources and capacity of the private sector_1dfee1ec-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.16.2Foreign assistance programs must
not only project the best of American values, but
must work to create self-sustainability and leverage
the resources and capacity of the private sector.Voluntary ContributionsWeigh voluntary contributions to international development in any revision of the tax code_1dfef9fc-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.16.3American FoundationsAmerican Educational InstitutionsAmerican Faith-Based GroupsAmerican Charitable IndividualsEven more important is the overseas assistance —
billions of dollars and volunteer hours — provided
by America’s foundations, educational institutions,
faith-based groups, and charitable individuals. Their
essential role in international development should
be weighed in any revision of the tax code.Global ChallengesUse foreign assistance to catalyze private sector investment and expertise in addressing global challenges_1dff0852-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.16.4Private SectorThe advance of political freedom and
entrepreneurial capitalism drives economic growth,
catalyzes private sector development, and is the
only sustainable solution to poverty. Over the last
50 years, the level of private investment overseas
from the United States has eclipsed aid many times
over. Our development strategy must build on
recent Republican efforts to use foreign assistance
to catalyze private sector investment and expertise
in addressing global challenges that can build a
more stable world and advance America’s national
security and economic interests.Values & Aid OrganizationsEncourage more involvement by the most effective aid organizations and trust developing peoples to build their futures through their own values_1dff1c20-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.16.5Aid OrganizationsThe integrity of our country’s foreign assistance
program has been compromised by the current Administration’s attempt to impose on foreign recipients, especially the peoples of Africa, its own radical
social agenda while excluding faith-based groups
— the sector with the best track record in promoting
development — because they will not conform to
that agenda. We pledge to reverse this course, encouraging more involvement by the most effective
aid organizations and trusting developing peoples
to build their futures through their own values.Human RightsAdvance human rights_fe9fc954-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.17Advancing Human Rights -- To those who stand in the darkness of tyranny,
America has always been a beacon of hope, and so
it must remain. Radical Islamic terrorism poses an
existential threat to personal freedom and peace
around the world. We oppose its brutal assault on
all human beings, all of whom have inherent dignity.
The Republican Party stands united with all victims
of terrorism and will fight at home and abroad to
destroy terrorist organizations and protect the lives
and fundamental liberties of all people. Republicans
have led the way in promoting initiatives that have
protected and rescued millions of the world’s most vulnerable and persecuted. Standing up for
repressed religious groups, prisoners of conscience,
women trafficked into sexual slavery, and those
suffering from disease or starvation is not just
consistent with American values. It advances
important security and economic interests as
well. A Republican administration will never say,
as Hillary Clinton did as Secretary of State in 2009,
that raising human rights concerns “can’t interfere
with the global economic crisis, the global climate
change crisis, and the security crisis.”Freedom, Rights & LawAdopt a “whole of government” approach to protect fundamental freedoms globally, one where pressing human rights and rule of law issues are integrated_1dff3390-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.17.1The United States needs a radical rethinking
of our human rights diplomacy. A Republican
administration will adopt a “whole of government”
approach to protect fundamental freedoms globally,
one where pressing human rights and rule of law
issues are integrated at every appropriate level of
our bilateral relationships and strategic decision-making.Repressive GovernmentsSupport the free flow of information and an independent judiciary and civil society in countries with repressive governments_1dff41be-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.17.2Repressive GovernmentsChinaRussiaMiddle EastAfricaRepublican policy will reflect the fact that
the health of the U.S. economy and environment, the
safety of our food and drug supplies, the security
of our investments and personal information in
cyberspace, and the stability and security of the
oceans will increasingly depend on allowing the free
flow of news and information and developing an
independent judiciary and civil society in countries
with repressive governments such as China, Russia,
and many nations in the Middle East and Africa.Human TraffickingCombat human trafficking_fe9fd854-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.18Liberty to Captives: Combatting Human Trafficking -- As an estimated 21 million people worldwide
are trapped in modern day slavery, we are reminded
to be vigilant against human trafficking in whatever
form it appears.Law EnforcementUse the full force of the law against those who engage in commercial sexual exploitation and forced or bonded labor_1dff546a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.1We will use the full force of the
law against those who engage in commercial sexual
exploitation and forced or bonded labor of men,
women, or children; involuntary domestic servitude;
trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ
removal; and the illegal recruitment and use of child
soldiers.Diplomacy & AccountabilityIncrease diplomatic efforts and accountability for foreign governments to prosecute traffickers_1dff6aea-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.2Foreign GovernmentsBuilding on the accomplishments of the
last Republican administration in implementing the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, we call
for increased diplomatic efforts and accountability
for foreign governments to prosecute traffickers,
including penalties for any public officials who
may be complicit in this devastating crime.Slave LaborStop slave labor_1dff78aa-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.3SlavesOverseas Labor ContractorsWe will
highlight the need to stop slave labor, taking steps
to prevent overseas labor contractors who exploit
foreign workers from supporting military bases
abroad or exporting goods to the United States.DemandPrevent the demand for trafficking victims_1dff8ce6-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.4Trafficking VictimsA Republican administration will strategize with
partners around the world to prevent the demand
for trafficking victims that makes exploitation
lucrative and will prosecute sex tourists and
domestic buyers to the fullest extent of the law.IdentificationIdentify trafficking victims_1dffa23a-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.5We will work at home and abroad to ensure that
trafficking victims are identified among migrants,
refugees, and our own citizens so they receive the
rehabilitative care needed to heal and thrive.International CampaignContinue participation in the international campaign against human trafficking_1dffafa0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.6America’s continuing participation in the
international campaign against human trafficking
merits our support.Rescue &ReturnRescue and safely return victims to their homes_1dffc288-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.7The goal of our domestic antitrafficking programs should be the rescue and safe
return of victims to their homes, not creating a long-term dependency upon public support.Foreign WorkersScrutinize overseas labor contractors to prevent abuses against temporary foreign workers brought to the United States_1dffd930-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.18.8Foreign WorkersOverseas Labor ContractorsWe call for
greater scrutiny of overseas labor contractors to
prevent abuses against temporary foreign workers
brought to the United States. The horrific deaths of
smuggled workers on our southwestern border at
the hands of drug cartels and other gangs highlight
the need for total security in that region.CybersecurityPrepare to respond to cyber attacks in kind and in greater magnitude_fe9fea92-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.19Facing 21st Century Threats: Cybersecurity in an Insecure World -- Cyber attacks against our businesses, institutions, and the government itself have become
almost routine. They will continue until the world understands that an attack will not be tolerated — that
we are prepared to respond in kind and in greater
magnitude. Despite their promises to the contrary,
Russia and China see cyber operations as a part of
a warfare strategy during peacetime.Guilty PartiesCause diplomatic, financial, and legal pain, curtailing visas for guilty parties, freezing their assets, and pursuing criminal actions against them_1e0044e2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.1Our response
should be to cause diplomatic, financial, and legal
pain, curtailing visas for guilty parties, freezing their
assets, and pursuing criminal actions against them.InternetWeaken control over the internet by regimes that engage in cyber crimes_1e005a18-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.2We should seek to weaken control over the internet by regimes that engage in cyber crimes.Information SharingAdvance information-sharing among entities endangered by cyber attacks_1e0070c0-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.3We must
stop playing defense and go on offense to avoid the
cyber-equivalent of Pearl Harbor.
The Republican Congress has passed important legislation to advance information-sharing
among entities endangered by cyber attacks.Cyber-InsuranceExplore the possibility of a free market for Cyber-Insurance_1e007d90-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.4We
will explore the possibility of a free market for Cyber-Insurance and make clear that users have a self-defense right to deal with hackers as they see fit.Supply ChainProtect the cyber supply chain to ensure against contamination of components_1e008f10-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.5It
is critical that we protect the cyber supply chain to
ensure against contamination of components made
all over the world, sometimes in offending countries.Cyber WorkforceExpand our cyber workforce_1e00a7f2-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.19.6Cyber WorkforceMilitary CommunityBusiness CommunityHacker CommunityOur own cyber workforce should be expanded with
the assistance of the military, business, and hacker
communities to better protect our country. Electromagnetic PulsesProtect against electromagnetic pulses_fea0034c-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.20North KoreaWith North Korea in possession
of nuclear missiles and Iran close to having them, an
EMP is no longer a theoretical concern — it is a real
threat.ChinaMoreover, China and Russia include sabotage as part of their warfare planning.RussiaUtilitiesNonetheless,
hundreds of electrical utilities in the United States
have not acted to protect themselves from EMP, and
they cannot be expected to do so voluntarily since
homeland security is a government responsibility.Protection Against an Electromagnetic Pulse -- A single nuclear weapon detonated at high altitude over this country would collapse our electrical
grid and other critical infrastructures and endanger
the lives of millions. LegislationEnact legislation to protect the national grid and encourage states to take the initiative to protect their own grids expeditiously_1e00e212-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.20.1President CongressDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartment of DefenseStatesUtilitiesPrivate SectorThe President, the Congress, the Department of
Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, the
States, the utilities, and the private sector should
work together on an urgent basis to enact Republican legislation, pending in both chambers, to
protect the national grid and encourage states to
take the initiative to protect their own grids expeditiously. Internet TyrannyConfront internet tyranny_fea010c6-013c-11eb-9080-fb0e2183ea006.21Confronting Internet Tyranny -- Internet firewall circumvention and anticensorship technology must become a national priority in light of the way authoritarian governments
such as China, Cuba, and Iran restrict free press and
isolate their people limiting political, cultural, and
religious freedom. Leaders of authoritarian governments argue that governments have the same
legal right to control internet access as they do to
control migrant access. A focus on internet freedom
is a cost-effective means of peacefully advancing
fundamental freedoms in closed and authoritarian
societies. But it is also an important economic interest, as censorship constitutes a trade barrier for U.S. companies operating in societies like China with
advanced firewall protection policies.Openness & ExpressionChampion an open and free internet based on principles of free expression and universal values_1e00f2fc-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.21.1A Republican administration will champion an
open and free internet based on principles of free
expression and universal values and ...News & InformationEmpower citizens and U.S. companies operating in authoritarian countries to circumvent internet firewalls and gain accurate news and information online_1e010b84-0208-11eb-844e-20061183ea006.21.2U.S. CompaniesCitizenswill pursue
policies to empower citizens and U.S. companies
operating in authoritarian countries to circumvent
internet firewalls and gain accurate news and information online. 2016-11-012020-09-30OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net