As your Congressman, I am committed to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and telling the truth about the factors driving our nation’s debt. This fight is for today and tomorrow’s generations. We must get our fiscal house in order.
I spend time on the House Floor every week advocating for policies to tackle our nation’s biggest threats. The truth is, the math becomes more dire everyday and the policies to tackle these challenges need to be more creative.
Learn more about my commitment, legislation, and approach by consuming the content below. I look forward to hearing your feedback.
House Floor Activity
[May 22, 2024] See Congressman Schweikert address the societal stigma surrounding healthcare costs and the major contributor to debt, Medicare. Despite it being an earned benefit, the average couple has paid $227,000 in FICA taxes but will receive $725,000 in benefits, leading to a substantial debt. Instead of shying away from the issue, Schweikert advocates for policies to tackle it head-on. Rather than proposing Medicare for all and rationing healthcare, he suggests exploring more ethical, imaginative, and long-term solutions.[May 16, 2024] See Congressman Schweikert discuss the current deficit and borrowing concerns, expressing frustration with the economy’s decent state but the lack of preparedness for higher rates and expenses. He criticizes the Democrats’ inflation reduction legislation for distorting the economy and increasing borrowing. Schweikert highlights that 74-75% of all spending is on autopilot, with every dime voted on being borrowed. The borrowing rate is estimated to be around $100,000 a second, and he warns that every dime borrowed from that day through the next 30 years will primarily go towards paying for interest on the debt, Medicare, and Social Security, with the trust fund expected to run out in nine years. Schweikert also mentions that the deficit over the last 12 months is higher than anticipated, with the burn rate being a significant factor.[May 7, 2024] See Congressman Schweikert discuss the concerning state of the United States debt markets and government expenses. The country’s borrowing rate has been escalating, with the debt picture described as “off the charts,” and the U.S. going over $100,000 a second in borrowing recently. Schweikert calls on Congress to act responsibly and acknowledges a slight decrease in interest rates this week, but the volatility of these rates indicates unease in the debt markets. The U.S. is projected to pay $1.2 trillion in interest this year, making it the second most significant government expense after Social Security. Defense expenses have also risen, surpassing defense as the first or second biggest expense. Schweikert mentions the Federal Reserve’s attempts to combat inflation by raising interest rates, pulling liquidity, and selling bonds.[May 7, 2024] Congressman Schweikert highlights the significance of recognizing that all dollars Congress approves for spending are borrowed. Although members can vote on discretionary spending, which is depicted in blue in a chart, the majority of spending is allocated to mandatory programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Schweikert estimates that the publicly borrowed interest on this spending could amount to approximately $9.9 trillion. He encourages Americans to comprehend the influence of mandatory programs on the debt and deficits and advocates for a shift in Congressional voting procedures, as most representatives seldom get to vote on these matters. Schweikert concludes by expressing concern over the country’s excessive cash outflow.[May 7, 2024] Congressman Schweikert clarifies the financing of Medicare and debunks common misconceptions about its funding sources. Contrary to previous suggestions that Medicare would not be affected and taxes would increase, the speaker reveals that only one-third of Medicare spending comes from payroll taxes. The majority of Medicare funding originates from the general fund. Schweikert also emphasizes that Medicare costs have surged by 10% this year, while tax receipts have only risen by 7%. This substantial disparity puts pressure on the general fund. Schweikert voices doubt towards the positive predictions in a recent report concerning Medicare’s financial status, given the ongoing rise in healthcare costs.[July 9, 2024] In this clip, Congressman Schweikert mentions that although balancing economic growth with fiscal responsibility is challenging, especially when considering tax policies and government spending cuts, there are policies that Congress needs to adopt to disrupt such costs. Current borrowing levels are high, at 6-7% of the economy. Rising shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare are driving deficits, with the Social Security trust fund expected to be depleted by the end of the decade.[July 9, 2024] Congressman Schweikert highlights how disinformation is out of control, even from the highest levels of government. The president claimed that increasing taxes on the wealthy by 1% would secure Social Security, defining “wealthy” as those earning over $400,000; however, this 1% is insufficient. The prevalence of fake news and bot-generated content complicates policymaking. The frustration grows when misinformation comes from the president himself. This leads to questions about how policymakers can function effectively when misled by their leader, risking doubled senior poverty in America if Social Security issues remain unresolved.[July 9, 2024] Congressman Schweikert warns how the spread of disinformation is rampant, driven by the desire to win elections at any cost. After the president’s statement, a dive into various stories revealed widespread fake news, such as false claims about Ukraine’s first lady buying a luxury car. The BBC highlighted the prevalence of fake content and bot farms in the U.S. marketplace. Troll farms and fabricated photos further complicate policymaking. Disinformation from foreign enemies aims to sow discord and hinder governance. Microsoft identified significant fake content from Chinese bot farms, and a recent effort disrupted nearly a thousand fake Twitter accounts. This misinformation flood makes effective policymaking challenging.[July 9, 2024] Congressman Schweikert discusses the latest spoofing trend which involves sending young people fake quotes from celebrities. As we approach the next election cycle, AI-generated memes will impersonate politicians and celebrities, spreading false information. This complicates efforts to tackle difficult policies, reform bureaucracies, and reduce healthcare costs. The challenge is exacerbated by armies of bots and fake content aiming to discredit genuine efforts. Fighting bureaucracy and entrenched interests is already hard, but the spread of disinformation, driven by those trying to influence elections or obstruct reforms, makes it even tougher. The situation is further complicated by those who believe taxing more can fix everything.
Legislation
‘Algorithms Utilized to Detect Institutional Transactions (AUDIT)’Act: legislation ensuring the audit of the Department of Defense’s financial statements is conducted using artificial intelligence to help streamline the internal review process and usher in a new era of audit. It also mandates that the technology be developed by both the Secretary of Defense and Inspector General of the Department of Defense.Family Growth and Investment Act:legislation to uplift working families during the first year of a newborn’s life by providing a one-time tax deduction for non-medical expenses like car seats, strollers, and cribs which are otherwise costly and can make raising children out of reach for many hardworking Americans.H.R. 617- Paws Off Act of 2023:bipartisan legislation which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require foods containing the chemical xylitol to be considered mislabeled unless the product has a warning label specifying its toxic effects on pets if ingested. Xylitol is increasingly found in foods like mints, baked goods, desserts, vitamins, and gum. A lack of proper labeling can often make it difficult for pet owners to determine which products, including those ingested by mistake, could be deadly to their pets.‘Substance Therapy Designation Act‘: legislation that would allow for opioid, cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol to be eligible for an FDA breakthrough therapy designation. The designation significantly expedites the development and review of such treatments. On top of that, the bill ensures that the designation process for such treatments receives an even further fast-track.H.R.5932 – Fortify Israel Act: legislation authorizing the $6 billion in funds that were recently unfrozen for Iran to be repurposed to Israel to help bolster the country’s defenses in the wake of the barbaric and unprovoked attacks organized by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. The funds would be made available through a non-interest-bearing account to procure weapons, equipment, and services for Israel.‘Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act‘: bipartisan legislation that supports research initiatives to detect, treat, and combat Valley Fever, a disease caused by a fungus commonly found in desert soils that can infect the lungs of humans and canines.
