MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann says House Republicans are pushing several major priorities before Congress leaves for its August recess, including a new reconciliation package, election integrity funding and legislation banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks.
During an interview on KWBW's BW Morning Show, the Kansas Republican discussed the latest developments in Washington, beginning with tensions involving Iran.
Mann said Iran has failed to uphold agreements and criticized the country's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the waterway vital to the global economy.
"Iran has no business in using it to hold the world economy hostage," Mann said, adding that the United States is working to secure the region despite the challenges posed by Iran's lengthy coastline and the threat of drones and small attack boats.
Mann also highlighted what he called "Reconciliation 3.0," a budget package expected to receive a House vote. He said the legislation includes approximately $70 billion for defense, $12 billion for agriculture and $10 billion for states to implement the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for federal elections.
Mann said reconciliation allows legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority rather than the usual 60 votes.
He argued the SAVE America Act has broad public support and said requiring photo identification and proof of citizenship would improve confidence in elections.
While expressing support for the spending package, Mann acknowledged concerns about the nation's growing debt, saying he would prefer to see spending offset through budget reductions. He said efforts by the administration to combat fraud would help offset the bill's costs, even though those savings are not included directly in the legislation.
Mann also voiced strong support for legislation that would prohibit members of Congress from buying or selling individual publicly traded stocks.
He said lawmakers should not be allowed to trade individual stocks because of the potential appearance of insider trading, even if no wrongdoing occurs. Mann noted he has never traded individual publicly traded stocks during his time in Congress.
The proposal would extend the ban to spouses and dependent children and require advance disclosure of stock sales.
Mann said those provisions are necessary to close potential loopholes and increase transparency in Congress.
"It doesn't pass the sniff test," Mann said. "It's just not right."
Looking ahead, Mann said Congress will continue working on government funding legislation ahead of the Sept. 30 end of the federal fiscal year, as well as agriculture legislation and a highway bill that has already advanced through the House Transportation Committee.