January 22, 2017
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Inauguration of President Trump


On Friday morning, I joined with my colleagues from the House, Senators, the United States Supreme Court, former Presidents, and other dignitaries to witness the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America. While the weather could have been better, it was truly amazing to sit on the platform on the West Front of the US Capitol and again witness the peaceful transition of power, a founding principle of our democracy. Now we must govern. Over the next four years, I look forward to working with President Trump to improve the lives of all Americans. You can see my full statement on President Trump's swearing-in below:


In addition to Friday's inauguration, I had the honor of attending luncheons with President Trump, Vice President Pence, and other Congressional leaders on both Thursday and Friday. You can read about those events here and here.


The Path to Replacing Obamacare


Last week, I voted for a budget measure that will begin the process of fully repealing Obamacare, a vote you can read more about in the Asheville Citizen-Times. But how will this process work? The chart below--which was prepared by the House Budget Committee--shows exactly how the budget reconciliation process will lead to Obamacare's repeal.


Since last week's vote, there have been some significant developments in our efforts to repeal Obamacare. First, the Congressional Budget Office released a misguided report claiming that repeal of Obamacare would increase the number of Americans who lack access to healthcare. This report from Forbes clears up many of the misconceptions included in the CBO Report. Then on Friday--after being sworn in--President Trump took executive actions that will help expedite the repeal of this broken law. 


Proud to Support


Over the past few years, I have worked tirelessly to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses and entrepreneurs with the goal of making it easier for them to grow their ideas and create good-paying jobs. Recently, the House continued those efforts with passage of two bills that will make it easier for small businesses to access credit which will allow them to grow. First, the House passed H.R. 79, the HALOS Act which makes it easier for startup companies to access capital. Second, the House passed H.R. 78, the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act which reforms SEC rule-making procedures to make them less onerous for small businesses.




What I Have Been Reading

George H.W. Bush's health improving

CBS News

Great news out of Houston as the conditions of former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush are both improving. Mr. and Mrs. Bush were both admitted to the hospital earlier this week with illnesses but are doing better. I was disappointed we missed them at Friday's inauguration but am very encouraged to hear they are doing better. Giulia and I will continue to have them in our prayers as they recuperate.  


South Point football coach Mickey Lineberger retires

Gaston Gazette

It's the end of an era at Belmont's South Point High School as head football coach Mickey Lineberger retired earlier this month. Coach Lineberger had an illustrious career at South Point, having played a part in four of the school's five state championships, three as a coach and one as player. All the best to Coach Lineberger in retirement. 


Gastonia's first brewery expected to open in March

Charlotte Five

Good story on Cavendish Brewing Company which--when it opens in March--will be Gastonia's first brewery. Western North Carolina has become a mecca for craft brewing and it's wonderful to see my hometown getting in on the action. I look forward to visiting Cavendish when it opens this spring.  

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
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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: 828.669.0600

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