The American Family

The character of an individual and culture of a society begins and ends with family. Recently, Congressman Franks became the father of twins, Joshua Lane and Emily Grace. Nothing like serving in government for the welfare of children and having his very own children have convicted him more of the truism: government is simply incapable of replacing the family.

Congressman Franks believes the family is still the best Department of Welfare, the best Department of Education, the best Department of Drug Enforcement, and the best Department of Public Safety that there will ever be. The family really is the most important institution in America. Government should do what it can to foster the success of families by relieving them of their crushing tax burden, and by implementing economic policies which give the family the best opportunity to succeed.

Business and the Economy

The primary role of government in the economy is to combat fraud and price fixing practices, and simply get out of the way of free enterprise and let the people produce. As someone who knows what it is like to start a business and to develop two patents, Congressman Franks believes government should take a minimalist approach to the economy so that the private sector can innovate and thrive. This means less regulation, less taxes, and less intrusion into private markets and business.

Congressman Franks has been working hard to ensure government is part of the solution and not part of the problem when it comes to our economy. This is why he opposed every government bailout and so-called “stimulus” package. He has also voted against pay-raises for Members of Congress every time it is put up for a vote.

 

Sanctity of Life

 

Congressman Franks recognizes the Constitution of the United States guarantees the inalienable rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence. He believes our Creator has given us the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a crime against God and humanity to deny any person these rights based on their color, creed, religion, or station in life. This includes those most helpless among us who are peacefully growing in their mothers’ wombs. Every day the Congress is in session Congressman Franks either delivers or submits in the Congressional Record a “Sunset Memorial” in memory of the 4,000 unborn Americans who are legally and wrongly killed every day in the United States.

He is the original author of the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act (PreNDA), which would make aborting a baby based on gender or race a crime in the United States. Currently, the United States is the only developed nation that does not have a law prohibiting abortion based on gender.

Social Security

Congressman Franks is the author of H.R. 1058, the Seniors Financial Security Act. This important bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of social security and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits. He believes it is wrong for the government to over tax our seniors.

 

Health Care

It is clear that healthcare premiums are too high and people are simply paying too much for much needed medical treatments. But Congressman Franks believes that a government take-over of our healthcare system would crush the quality of healthcare services in our country.

He worked hard to oppose the Democrat backroom deals and strong-arming that took place before the Obama-Pelosi healthcare vote. He supports real reform to our healthcare system that would decrease cost without forcing future generations to pay for a system that will diminish the quality of our healthcare. He is the co-signer of multiple healthcare reform bills including HR 3400, the Empowering Patients First Act.

 

Israel

Israel is a natural friend and ally to the United States and Congressman Franks believes we must never weaken our commitment to the sovereignty and security of the state of Israel. His vote has always and will always reflect that commitment.

This small nation, the only democracy in the Middle East, has been forced to defend itself against terrorists for decades. This is why Congressman Franks has worked hard to ensure the U.S. and Israel remain partners in developing and deploying a missile defense system that will defend Israel, the U.S., and other allies of ballistic missile attack.

National Security

The first purpose of government is to protect its citizens from those who would do them harm. As a member of the Armed Services Committee Congressman Franks has been fighting tirelessly to ensure our military has everything they need to remain the strongest, most advanced military on earth. He is the author of H.J. Res 23, which would require the United States to budget for a minimum of 4% if our nation’s wealth on our defense budget. One of the most effective deterrents for war is to ensure we have the means to conclusively defeat our enemies, should they threaten the safety of Americans.

Congressman Franks is also the Founding Chairman of the Bi-Partisan Missile Defense Caucus. As Chairman, he has been striving to see that the U.S. has a robust missile defense system so that countries like North Korea and Iran do not have the ability to threaten American cities with ballistic missiles. He is the author of multiple bills and amendments supporting missile defense. He is also the author of the strongest bill in the Congress for the prevention of a nuclear Iran. H.R. 3832 would implement crippling sanctions on any company who conducts business with the country of Iran. It also encourages the U.S. government to use all means to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon including diplomacy and the willingness to use force if needed. It states clearly that the U.S. supports the people of Iran and Congressman Franks believes the U.S. government should support them in their efforts to overthrow the dangerous regime.

One of the first promises President Obama made when he became President was to close Guantanamo Bay. He also attempted to bring the terrorist inmates in GITMO to the United States. Congressman Franks is adamantly against closing GITMO and moving the terrorist to American soil. He authored H.R. 951, which would prohibit federal dollars from being used to move GITMO terrorists to the state of Arizona.