Graves: EPA power is a problem

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

As the national debt continues to climb, the power of federal agencies in Washington grows with it. Part of the problem is the never ending string of rules and regulations coming from groups like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It’s not a coincidence that out-of-control spending in Washington has coincided with the power grab from the EPA and other federal regulations.

During his time in office, President Obama has increased federal spending by 11%. Instead of working with Congress to develop a fiscally responsible budget, the Obama administration would rather see the federal government and all agencies in Washington grab onto more power and extend further into our lives.

With my support, the House recently passed a bill into law that significantly reduced the EPA’s budget and shrunk its staff to the lowest levels since 1989. I also helped pass the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which forces the EPA to withdraw its outrageous Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

But none of that is good enough unless we deny the EPA the money it needs to follow through on all of its unnecessary rules and regulations. I recently voted to block funding for implementation of WOTUS, and last month I sent a letter to House leadership encouraging them to include the same language in the next major funding bill.

I will continue working to promote fiscal responsibility and get the federal government out of our lives. Washington is too big, and the EPA is one of the best examples of that.