This morning, I had the privilege of hearing U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speak at the Heritage Foundation. The message was simple: here is what you can expect from Republicans in the months ahead. I don’t think anyone doubts that the American people spoke out and spoke loud this past Tuesday. That being said, it was a unified voice against the tax-an-spend policies that are bankrupting our nation. Period. McConnell poignantly acknowledged that “Voters didn’t suddenly fall in love with Republicans; they fell out of love with Democrats. And while they may have voted to send more Republicans to Washington, they’re sending them here with clear marching orders: stop the big-government freight train and respect the will of the people who sent you there.” Many pundits have said that House Republicans are essentially on probation. I think this is true because, at the end of the day, taxpayers don’t care about protecting political parties. They care about preserving our nation and the future of the American dream.
McConnell talks a lot about health care and the sobering realities Senate Republicans face (remember that they remain in the minority). While he wants full repeal of Obamacare, and promises they will push for it, he reminds us that we still have a Democratic President with the power of a veto pin. McConnell says they will propose and vote on straight repeal, but will “also work, in the House, on denying funds for implementation, and, in the Senate, on votes against its most egregious provisions.” He assures listeners that Republicans will continue educating the public about the ill-effects of the bill.
While I could provide more in-depth analysis, I’m posting his speech here in hopes that all of you will take the time to listen for yourself. It’s a message worth hearing because it's important to know what lies ahead. We need to know what to expect so we can hold all leaders accountable, on both sides of the aisle.
There are many conservatives heading to Washington who share our belief in lower taxes, less government, individual liberty and free enterprise. I’m hoping they shake up Capitol Hill and work to reverse many of the damaging policies implemented during this Congress and Administration. I believe they will. In the words of Leader McConnell: “Constitutional conservatism is alive and well.”