September 25, 2016
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

An Evolution to Financial Regulation


America has long been the world's leader in innovation, spanning a variety of fields. But when it comes to financial services, we are falling behind. On Thursday, I introduced legislation that will change that. During a speech at the ETA FinTech Conference, I unveiled H.R. 6118, the Financial Services Innovation Act of 2016. This bill creates a regulatory framework for our financial services industry that encourages greater innovation that will ultimately make it cheaper and easier for all Americans to access our nation's financial system.

Prior to introducing the bill, I spoke with both Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal about what I think can be accomplished with this important bill. Click here to read the Bloomberg story and here to read the story from the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, you can see my press release on the bill's introduction here.



A Champion for Small Business


Small businesses are America's true job creators, especially here in western North Carolina. I have always worked to support them during my time as a policy maker in Washington and last week I was honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses in recognition of those efforts. I was presented with the award by NFIB President, Juanita Duggan. You can learn more about this prestigious award and what it takes to receive it by clicking here.



Keeping the Pressure on Iran


The Obama Administration's nuclear deal with the Iran looks more and more like the disaster I predicted it would be each and every day. From the apparent ransom payment to the Iranian military's continued hostile acts towards our Naval ships, the regime has proven, time and again, to be one we cannot trust. This week, the House passed two important pieces of legislation to ensure we are holding Iran accountable.

On Wednesday the House passed, H.R. 5461, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. This bill will help bring transparency to who in Iranian leadership is profiting from the sanctions relief received because of President Obama's Iran deal. On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 5931, the No More Cash Ransoms to Iran Act. This bill makes clear that the Obama Administration violated US policy by releasing prisoners and paying ransom for American hostages held in Iran and prohibits all future cash payments to Iran.



What I Have Been Reading

Family and military 'hero' passes

Gaston Gazette

This week I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gaston County's Michael Lekopites. Mr. Lekopites was a Vietnam veteran and former Gaston County Police Officer. I became aware of Mr. Lekopites' military service when I helped him obtain medals from his time in the Army that had been lost. I had the honor of presenting those medals to the Lekopites family during my town hall meeting in Gaston County this August. 


U.S. wire payments to Iran undercut Obama

Politico

The story above serves as further evidence that the Obama Administration misled the American people when they claimed cash was the only option to pay Iran. As this link illustrates, there have been at least five times the Administration made this claim in an apparent effort to cover up ransom payments.  


More than 800 immigrants mistakenly granted citizenship

Associated Press

I was outraged and shocked when I read the story above. It is unbelievable that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services could accidentally grant immigrants citizenship. What makes it even worse, is these immigrants were from so-called 'special interest countries'--those that are considered especially dangerous.   

WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
2334 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Telephone: 202.225.2576
Fax: 202.225.0316

GASTONIA DISTRICT OFFICE
Suite 115
Gaston Co. Administrative Bldg
128 West Main Avenue
Gastonia, NC  28053
Telephone: 704.833.0096

HICKORY DISTRICT OFFICE
1990 Main Ave. SE, PO Box 1830
Hickory, NC 28603
Telephone: 828.327.6100
Toll-Free in NC: 800.477.2576
Fax: 828.327.8311

BLACK MTN. DISTRICT OFFICE
160 Midland Avenue
Black Mountain, NC  28711
Telephone: 828.669.0650

WEBSITE | UNSUBSCRIBE | CONTACT Twitter Facebook YouTube Pinterest Instagram