Have you heard the good news? Probably not.

    While the mainstream media seems to focus on everything but Americans’ top issue, the U.S. economy is experiencing an exceptional period of gross domestic product and job growth.

     Republicans’ plan to restore the American Dream for millions of people is working. Cutting and simplifying middle-class taxes, reforming business taxes for companies of all sizes, and encouraging outsourced jobs and capital to return home, have produced positive results for those with a college education and without, young and old, male and female, black, white and Hispanic.  

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MURFREESBORO -- U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais seeks to help Murfreesboro build a Northfield Extension to the Stones River National Battlefield entrance on Thompson Lane, his spokesman confirmed Monday.

    DesJarlais is working with the Department of Interior, said spokesman Brendan Thomas, who works for the Republican from South Pittsburg. The congressman is running for re-election against Democrat Mariah Phillips of Murfreesboro. 

    “Because of business-friendly economic and job policies, Murfreesboro is a rapidly growing area with infrastructure needs, a good problem to have," DesJarlais said in a statement. "For example, a new medical center and other job sites are opening at the Gateway location near the battlefield. I am confident we can balance local history and economic growth, and am working to settle this matter as quickly as possible for the benefit of all our citizens.”

    To reach an agreement with battlefield officials, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland offered a land swap that would provide the National Park Service five to six acres in Old Fort Park at Fortress Rosecrans, a Civil War historic site where the the Union Army stored weapons and other supplies. 

    The city in exchange would be able to build Northfield Extension by 2019 to the Battlefield entrance with a traffic signal that leads from the Gateway area. The city has agreed to complete a road to Thompson Lane for a children's health-care office that Vanderbilt University Medical Center is building. 

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Rep. Scott DesJarlais Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence

Nation’s Largest Industrial Trade Association Names Tennessee Congressman Champion of Manufacturing

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 115th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States.

    “In Tennessee and across America, manufacturers are creating jobs, investing in communities and raising wages. That’s a direct result of Rep. DesJarlais' support for policies that have strengthened manufacturing and created opportunities for America’s manufacturing workers,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. DesJarlais, who understand manufacturing’s critical contributions to our economy and are working actively to advance the manufacturing agenda.”

    Key votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. 

    The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

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Mufreesboro -- The House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Scott DesJarlais’ bill to rename the Murfreesboro Veterans Affairs mental health facility to honor a veteran who killed himself, bringing it one step closer to enacting the formal name change.

If the bill is passed by the Senate, the facility will be renamed the Sergeant John Toombs Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility, in remembrance of Tennessee Army National Guard Sgt. John Toombs, an Afghanistan War veteran who killed himself on the VA's grounds in November 2016. Toombs sought counseling and treatment for his post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and addiction, but said in a video he posted to Facebook before his death that he was refused the help he needed.

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REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES TO MAKE MIDDLE CLASS, SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUTS PERMANENT, CONTINUE ECONOMIC AND JOBS GROWTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) voted today to make individual and small business tax cuts, centerpieces of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which became law last year, permanent.  Legislation that also passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week would increase Americans’ ability to contribute to education, health and retirement savings plans, and small businesses’ ability to deduct start-up expenses.

   Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law, consumer and business confidence have reached historic highs, and unemployment has reached historic lows. The Congressman pointed out that job opportunities and wage increases for important labor sectors have been most impressive. Manufacturing jobs are soaring, working-class Americans are seeing more rapid wage growth, compared to higher-income groups, and rural areas are experiencing a resurgence.

   After revising downward economic growth estimates under the Obama Administration, which raised taxes, the Congressional Budget Office revised them upward, after tax cuts. For the first time in more than a decade, the economic growth rate is on target to reach three percent or more this fiscal year, Rep. DesJarlais said.

   “Democrats will tell you that individual and small business tax cuts expire, but that’s because they refused to cooperate with Republican efforts to help the middle class. We forged ahead anyway, and the results have been stellar. Americans are finding full-time jobs with rising wages and better benefits. Yet today, when they had an opportunity to make tax cuts permanent, Democrats voted ‘no.’

   “And if they were to control Congress, Big Government liberals would hike taxes immediately. I’m committed to reducing Tennesseans’ taxes, as well as Washington spending, to help people of every income bracket and background attain the American Dream,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

   This week, the National Federation of Independent Business, the country’s leading small business association, and the National Taxpayers Union, “The Voice of America’s Taxpayers,” awarded Rep. DesJarlais their highest honors for his work to grow jobs and the economy.

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HOUSE PASSES REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS’ BILL TO DESIGNATE VA MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY “SERGEANT JOHN TOOMBS RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION TREATMENT FACILITY”

WASHINGTON, D.C. –   Today, in a bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ bill to designate the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the “Sergeant John Toombs Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Facility.”

          Sgt. Toombs, an Afghan War veteran who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, sought counseling for his disorder, as well as addiction treatment, at his local VA facility.  However, in November 2016, Sgt. Toombs committed suicide on facility grounds. “He was a war veteran. He was a constituent. I’ve worked closely with David Toombs, his father, to recognize his son’s struggles, and to prevent another tragic ending like John’s,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

          “Suicide and substance abuse are nationwide problems affecting a disproportionate number of U.S. military veterans. We need to give them our full support, whether they’re fighting for our country abroad or fighting to recover when they return home. Many families, like the Toombs, have suffered personal losses, and this designation will symbolize our continuing commitment to helping them and their loved ones receive the support they need,” said the Congressman.

          Last month at the York campus, Rep. DesJarlais met with Jennifer Vedral-Baron, Director of the VA’s Tennessee Valley Health Care System, to discuss Sgt. Toombs’ case, his legislation, and their efforts to improve veterans’ physical and mental care. Rep. DesJarlais recently voted for the VA MISSION Act to eliminate bureaucratic overlap within the system, improve hiring and retention of quality medical staff, and to remove limitations on private care.

Also this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced funding for a new veterans home in Bradley County. For years, Rep. DesJarlais worked with local veterans advocates to achieve the result. “This Congress is focused squarely on providing the best tools, training and care for our military members, including veterans. It is my highest duty and highest honor to work on their behalf.”

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PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS DEFENSE BILL INCLUDING REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS’ WORK TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY

SOUTH PITTSBURG –  Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, included measures in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which President Donald Trump signed into law today, that will improve hypersonic flight research, reduce barriers to hiring cybersecurity and other skilled personnel at the Defense Department, and help to enforce Russia’s cooperation with a nuclear arms control treaty, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), who represents Middle Tennessee’s Aerospace and Defense Technology Corridor, released the following statement regarding the bipartisan NDAA, annual legislation that sets national security policy:

“Middle Tennessee is home to advanced research centers and manufacturers, supplying U.S. military and commercial enterprises with state-of-the-art equipment. My constituents are developing and deploying the next generation of technology to defend America. This law gives them, including many brave soldiers serving in harm’s way, more resources to protect themselves and the rest of us. It gives troops a pay raise, and very importantly, secures our economy against predatory Chinese trade practices. It builds on the President’s proposal to create a new Space Force to counter foreign threats wherever they may be. I’m proud to do my part in Congress, where national security is my highest priority.”

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REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS FIGHTING FOR LOW-COST, QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR TENNESSEANS

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, REPUBLICAN CONGRESS SOLVING OBAMACARE PROBLEMS, SAYS DOCTOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Obamacare’s medical device tax threatens to increase patients’ health care costs and prevent life-saving innovation. Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., voted this week to permanently eliminate the tax, also threatening American jobs, and to expand tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

    “Democrats promised Obamacare would reduce costs and improve health care access for Tennesseans,” said Rep. DesJarlais, a doctor. “Just the opposite happened. Millions lost the insurance and doctors they liked. The law forced them into unaffordable government plans with high premiums and deductibles. Unable to afford higher prices, many chose to pay a penalty rather than participate.

    “Especially in rural areas, Obamacare resulted in hospital closures, because of consolidation. Only the largest medical providers are able to cope with complex regulations. Small businesses unable to cope shed employees and benefits, contributing to a part-time, low wage economy,” he said.

    Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04) has voted to repeal and replace Obamacare with free-market reforms that would lower health care costs, expand patient access and improve quality, such as eliminating federal mandates and taxes, increasing economic opportunity, and encouraging responsible saving.

    He and Republicans in Congress repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The mandate compelled Tennesseans to buy expensive insurance or pay a fine. Tax reform is creating more job opportunities and take-home pay for Tennesseans, explained Rep. DesJarlais. “More people are earning an income and gaining insurance coverage,” he said.

    “The average family will save over $2,000 this year, not counting bonuses and other benefits companies are offering. Next year, Obamacare’s penalty will be gone. The Trump Administration has made other important changes.”

    Rep. DesJarlais mentioned an executive order instating Association Health Plans, permitting small businesses and other organizations to join across state lines to negotiate better terms with insurance companies, as large companies do. Bills to expand HSA contributions and allowable expenses, including over-the-counter medicine, passed the House of Representatives today. A bill to permanently eliminate the medical device tax passed yesterday.

    “Adding taxes to medical devices Tennesseans need to survive makes no sense. Encouraging families to save for health costs makes a lot more. I voted to remove Obamacare’s restrictions on simple drug purchases today,” said Rep. DesJarlais, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, overseeing rural health initiatives. “Dozens of Democrats joined Republicans in our effort.

    “I hope more help us to make progress for the sake of our constituents, suffering Obamacare’s consequences.”

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HOUSE AG COMMITTEE MEMBER REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS LEADS SIGNIFICANT WELFARE REFORM IN FARM BILL, SUPPORTS TENNESSEE FARMERS AND RANCHERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. –   Today, the U.S. House of Representatives made significant reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in agriculture legislation that passed by a narrow margin. Congressman Scott DesJarlais, a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the Subcommittee on Nutrition, which oversees the federal food stamp program, provided a crucial vote to help farmers and ranchers in his rural district.

    “The 2018 farm bill contains programs that support Tennessee farmers and ranchers, as well as the rural communities they call home. It develops rural broadband and makes changes to the food stamp program to ensure it remains for those who truly need it. With training for the modern economy, where almost 7 million jobs are waiting for them, more able-bodied Americans will re-enter the workforce,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04).

    As the economy has improved, food stamp rolls should have declined by a much higher figure, said the Congressman, but skewed incentives are locking healthy, working-age adults in poverty. “Broad eligibility standards, poor data-keeping and automation for administrative functions requiring human attention are inflating food stamp numbers,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

    “The good news is that millions of people are finding better paying jobs and leaving government dependency programs. The better news is that we can help millions more to lead productive lives in a growing economy, while preserving assistance for the needy.

    “Eighty percent of Americans agree with Republicans’ education and training efforts in the farm bill,” he said. In the 115th Congress, Rep. DesJarlais has seen first-hand the impact career and technical education can have on his constituents in Tennessee’s Fourth District and has voted to streamline vocational training grants to states, in addition to his work to improve work requirements in SNAP.

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REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS SUPPORTS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS ANNOUNCEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., an advocate of patient-centered health care, who has voted to repeal Obamacare and replace it with free-market reforms that would lower insurance costs and increase consumers’ choice of plans, released the following statement in support of the Trump Administration’s announcement yesterday of a new rule allowing small businesses to create Association Health Plans:

“Republicans have made major headway repealing the worst Obamacare rules, providing more affordable alternatives to Tennessee families and small businesses. The latest change allows Association Health Plans across state lines, one employers and employees have been advocating for years, ever since Obamacare began raising taxes, fees, and insurance costs. Patients lost their doctors. Hospitals closed.

“The law raised premiums to pay for expensive mandates and subsidies, while limiting individuals’ choice of coverage and providers. It exempted big businesses, while punishing Mom and Pop. We're giving small businesses and entrepreneurs freedom to create better options for an estimated four million people. And we'll keep working to improve results for Tennesseans.”

Under the finalized Department of Labor rule, self-employed entrepreneurs, small businesses, trade associations, and other organizations may now join together across state lines to increase their bargaining power and negotiate lower rates for employees and their families, just as large businesses do. The rule will take effect this fall.

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