Rep. Hudson: Let's make sure our government works for us, not the other way around

MAYWOOD, CA - MAY 17: An American flag hangs on a single-family home in this Latino neighborhood May 17, 2006 in the Los Angeles-area city of Maywood, California. In November, voters, angered that city police were stopping and seizing hundreds of cars whose unlicensed drivers frequently turned out to be illegal immigrants, elected a new majority on the city council. The new council majority promptly voted to eliminate the police department's traffic division, resulting in car impoundments dropping from 240 a month to 40. The city in January also officially opposed a proposed federal law that would have criminalized illegal immigration and forced local police to enforce immigration law. Approximately 96 percent of the city's 29,000 residents is Latino, with an additional 10,000 illegal residents living within city limits, according to estimates. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Every generation of Americans has faced their share of challenges. These obstacles may seem impossible at times. But as Americans, we are hopeful and optimistic people who continue to overcome and persevere. The problem right now is the majority of Americans believe our country is headed in the wrong direction. I believe we can turn it around. I believe there’s a better way forward.

Instead of agencies continuing to run on auto-pilot unless Congress makes cuts, every single program would sunset unless Congress specifically saves it. By using the power of the purse, we’ll return control back to you and away from Washington.

— Rep. Richard Hudson

To get our country back on track, it’s going to take bold, conservative ideas. As conservatives, we know our ideas work. We know our math adds up. But we haven’t done a very good job of telling the American people why our ideas will make their lives better. Instead of being the opposition, we should present ourselves as a hopeful alternative with real solutions. And that’s why House Republicans are putting forward a six point agenda that lays out our vision of a better future for every American.

Last week, we unveiled the fourth plank focused on restoring self-government and the separation of powers. Federal agencies and bureaucrats run amok without transparency and accountability, and Americans are sick of it. A fellow North Carolinian said it best when he posted this on my Facebook page, “People are really struggling to make it and most of Washington is wearing their rose colored glasses.”

We hear your concerns. And we’re committed to making sure our federal government works for the American people — and not the other way around. This starts with rooting out the waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending and holding agencies accountable.

How are we going to do that? It’s simple, really. We prohibit funding for unauthorized programs and agencies that function on cruise control. We will scrutinize each agency and program and find areas for cost-savings and reform. Instead of agencies continuing to run on auto-pilot unless Congress makes cuts, every single program would sunset unless Congress specifically saves it. By using the power of the purse, we’ll return control back to you and away from Washington.

It’s a bold idea – one our country desperately needs – to finally introduce oversight and accountability to our bloated bureaucracy. I guarantee you it will fundamentally change the way Washington works.

This common sense plan helps deliver to taxpayers what they deserve — a smaller, more limited government that is effective, efficient and accountable. Politicians talk all the time about shrinking the size of our bureaucracy, and the American people are ready for action. This proposal is the answer.

We are taking our conservative principles – freedom, liberty, free enterprise and self-determination – and applying them to the problems we face. It’s an alternative to the past eight years, and I think it’s the right path forward for America’s future.