U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, (R-GA-14) hosted an open meeting last week at the Watson Government Complex in Dallas. His open meetings hosted in partnership with local Chamber of Commerce are designed to allow constituents to hear about the issues before Congress and to allow him to hear from constituents on the issues and also how Washington’s policies are impacting them in their hometowns.
This summer 77 bills were passed in the House and 36 were passed in the Senate. 27 of those were signed into law. Many of the most important legislative actions of this Congress have yet to come. There will be further discussion of budgetary legislation, environmental regulation, immigration reform, and other subjects.
Graves has said he would seek to limit big government policies that contribute to the nation’s jobless statistics, grow the economy so that the private sector can create jobs, and force the government to balance the budget.
Local officials work with Graves to win federal dollars aimed at growing new industry and job-creation in Paulding County.
Graves served from 2010-12 as the representative for Georgia’s 9th District and was reelected as 14th District representative as a result of reapportionment, and was sworn-in in Jan. 2013. Paulding County is now a part of the 14th District after reapportionment moved it out of former U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey’s 11th District.
Following some brief opening comments at last week’s meeting, Graves fielded questions from attendees.
In response to a comment about the range of differing opinions currently among Republicans Graves acknowledged that more recently Republicans have struggled among themselves and noted that even while Donald Trump offends some as a candidate, he has also garnered increased support at the same time. But Graves stressed that ideological differences can be overcome and differences can be worked out.
During the long sluggish economic recovery and after being sworn-in to the 113th United States Congress Graves pledged to “. . . work with conviction to reform Washington,” and added “. . . it will be a struggle and we may face more cliffs and shutdowns along the way, but the cause is worthy and the future of our country depends on our success. I know we can accomplish the real and meaningful reform necessary to build a prosperous future."