Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed multiple pieces of legislation this week to help “Stop Government Abuse” and restore certainty for Americans. 

“This week, we worked in the House to pass another series of bills to address government abuse and rein in the Obama Administration’s executive overreach. As Americans worry about the sluggish economy and lack of jobs, it is important that we work in Congress to help reduce burdens on families across the country. I am very pleased the legislation we passed this week helps accomplish this goal.

“For instance, I voted in favor of H.R. 1423, the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, sponsored by my colleague from Oklahoma, Congressman James Lankford. This legislation restores accountability and protects American taxpayers by requiring every federal agency to provide an annual report of programs, costs and expenditures. Taxpayers fund these agencies, and they have the right to know how their money is being spent. I am glad this legislation will help reduce wasteful spending and create government transparency.

“I was also proud to support H.R. 2531, the Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act. This legislation protects taxpayer’s first amendment rights by preventing the IRS from asking any taxpayer questions regarding political, religious or social beliefs. In addition, we passed H.R. 3865, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act, which prevents proposed IRS regulations on 501(c)(4) organizations from taking effect. Unfortunately, the IRS has unfairly targeted conservative individuals and groups in the past – therefore, this legislation is necessary to help protect citizen’s constitutionally enshrined rights. 

“Additionally, I was pleased to support a number of other bills this week that work toward the same goals of cutting waste, empowering American taxpayers, and restoring accountability in Washington. It is my hope that this comprehensive package of bills will be passed in the Senate and signed into law by President Obama. It is crucial that we restore the American people’s trust in our government and give them the certainty they deserve.”

Below you can find the full list of ‘stop government abuse’ bills passed in the House this week:

H.R. 899 – Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2013
H.R. 3865 – Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014
H.R. 2122 – Regulatory Accountability Act of 2013
H.R. 1493 – Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2013
H.R. 2542 – Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act
H.R. 2804 – ALERT Act
H.R. 1211 – FOIA Act
H.R. 1232 – Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act
H.R. 1423 – Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act
H.R. 3308 – Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2013
H.R. 1944 – Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2013
H.R. 1123 – Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act 

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