114th Congress

The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[44][45] For more information pertaining to Renacci's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[46]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also:The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, theHouse rejected thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302.Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged withtrade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Renacci was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.^[47][48]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, theHouse passed thetrade promotion authority (TPA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives thepresident fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent toCongress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill includingtrade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Renacci was one of 191Republicans to support the measure.^[49][50]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) andtrade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass theHouse together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment toHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except forTed Yoho (R-Fla.). Renacci was one of 190Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.^[51][52]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
TheHouse passedHR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. TheSenate packagedtrade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along withtrade promotion authority (TPA), whichCongress passed as part ofHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Renacci was one of 111Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295.^[53][54]

Defense spending authorization

On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Renacci voted with 227 otherRepublicans and 41Democrats to approve the bill.^[55] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[56]

On November 5, 2015, theHouse passedS 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[57][58] Renacci voted with 234 otherRepublicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.^[59] On November 10, 2015, theSenate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[60]

2016 Budget proposal

On April 30, 2015, theHouse voted to approveSConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Renacci voted with 225 otherRepublicans to approve the bill.^[61][62][63]

2015 budget

On October 28, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[64] Renacci voted with 166Republicans against the bill.^[65] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.^[66] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required PresidentBarack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review.Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Renacci voted with 222 otherRepublicanrepresentatives to approve the bill.^[67][68]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, theHouse rejectedHR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approvingthe nuclear agreement with Iran. Renacci voted with 243Republicans and 25Democrats against the bill.^[69][70]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Renacci voted with 244Republicans and twoDemocrats for the bill.^[71][72]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, theHouse passedH Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of theIran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. HouseRepublicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Renacci voted with 244Republicans for the resolution.^[73][74]

Export-Import Bank

On October 27, 2015, theHouse passedHR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.^[75] Renacci voted with 126Republicans and 186Democrats in favor of the bill.^[76]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revisedHR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Renacci voted with 195Republicans and 142Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[77][78]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Renacci voted with 237Republicans in favor of the bill.^[79][80]

Cyber security

On April 23, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.^[81] Renacci voted with 219Republicans and 135Democrats to approve the bill.^[82]

On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.^[83] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Renacci voted with 201Republicans and 105Democrats in favor of the bill.^[84]

Immigration

On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.^[85] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Renacci voted with 241Republicans and 47Democrats in favor of the bill.^[86]

113th Congress

The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[87] For more information pertaining to Renacci's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[88]

National security

NDAA

Renacci voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[89]

DHS Appropriations

Renacci voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[90]

CISPA (2013)

Renacci voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[91]

Economy

Government shutdown

See also:United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[92] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen.Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[93] Renacci voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[94]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.^[95] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Renacci voted against HR 2775.^[96]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination

Renacci voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[97]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Renacci voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[98] The vote largely followed party lines.^[99]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Renacci voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[100]

Social issues

Abortion

Renacci voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[101]

Government affairs

HR 676

See also:Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

On July 30, 2014, theU.S. House approveda resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. FiveRepublicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky,Paul Broun of Georgia,Scott Garrett of New Jersey,Walter Jones of North Carolina andSteve Stockman of Texas—voted withDemocrats against the lawsuit.^[102] Renacci joined the other 224Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.^[103][104]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Renacci voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.^[105]

• Plan To Put Ohio First
• IMMEDIATE STATE SPENDING FREEZE & REQUEST SPENDING REDUCTION OF 10-15% OVER FIRST 12 MONTHS
  • Ohio Spends twice as much as states our size and almost the same as Florida, which is twice our size.

• FULL TAX REFORM – WE TAX TOO MUCH
  • Revise and Remove C.A.T. tax.
  • Eliminate Income Tax over ten years.
  • Over time, execute a plan to move Ohio to a Consumption Tax.

• MAKE OHIO A SANCTUARY FOR FREEDOM
  • Second Amendment Sanctuary State.
  • Sanctuary against oppressive regulations and executive branch overreach.
  • Sanctuary against oppressive taxation and illegal immigration.

• WIPE OUT CORRUPTION AND “PAY TO PLAY” POLITICS
  • After numerous scandals, it is time to root out the corrupt culture that has thrived in Columbus. Remaking the culture can be done by transparency and oversight. Make donations and State contracts public. No contracts or appointments for direct or indirect donors that exceed a threshold level.

• EDUCATION REFORM
  • Ohio must redirect educational dollars to early education.
  • Eliminate Common Core, Critical Race Theory, and other Liberal attacks on our students by saying NO and eliminating the federal funding that requires it.
  • Restore local control to Education by Dramatically reducing the State Department of Education
  • Promote and Encourage Vo-Tech Ed as early as middle school.
  • Overhaul Pledge 2

• ELIMINATE MEDICAID EXPANSION
  • Medicaid was established for the elderly, indigent, handicap and children. That is where the Medicaid program needs to be spending its dollars.
  • Ohio must roll back Medicaid Expansion, which is unsustainable, and make sure the funds we have are used only for the elderly, Indigent, handicapped and children.
  • Medicaid is taking up almost 50% of our state budget.

• STATE PENSION REFORM
  • Today someone could work in the State Legislature for 25 years making $65,000 per year and retire to take an appointment to a State Department Job for $ 160,000 per year for five years (currently 3 years prior).
  • Their retirement pension will be based solely on the five years at $160,000 per year, not the 25 years $65,000.

• CAPITALIZE ON OHIO’S QUALITY OF LIFE ASSETS
  • Lake Fronts, Riverfronts, National Parks, and amenities.
  • Ohio can be a destination for travelers and residents to spend vacation and tourism dollars.
  • Airports on the Lake and Abandoned Properties on rivers turned into quality of life assets.

• OHIO MUST DECENTRALIZE STATE ASSETS THAT ARE IN COLUMBUS
  • Columbus has grown and prospered because it is a City with two large government institutions, The Ohio State University and the State of Ohio’s government.
  • It is time many of these State institutions are decentralized and distributed throughout the State. Every job that can be redistributed to many of our other cities brings economic stability to that city along with an influx in families and economic activity.

• OHIO MUST CAPITALIZE ON OUR ENERGY ASSETS
  • Ohio should be an energy State, leveraging the vast oil and gas energy resources with which we have been blessed.

• RESTORE THE AMERICAN DREAM IN OHIO
  • Create a culture for entrepreneurship.
  • Promote business diversity across the state.
  • Keep our young people in the State, working and raising a family.
  • Keep our Retirees in Ohio.

• ELIMINATE “JOBS OHIO”
  • Jobs Ohio is a non-Governmental organization that is funded by liquor sales. It was intended to be a private organization to help with economic development. Given the organization’s track record, losing 6,200 jobs in 2019 has shown that the organization is woefully ineffective.
  • The overhead that this organization pays its staff and directors, in excess of 1.5 million dollars annually, could be better allocated by the state. Jobs Ohio has become a political slush fund for appointees of the Governor and Lt. Governor who often direct dollars to pet projects and to bolster their own political coffers. Jobs Ohio has become the poster child of “Pay for Play” in Ohio.

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PROTECT LIFE AT EVERY STAGE

Guided by faith, Jim Renacci knows every life is a gift that must be protected at every stage.

Jim Renacci is a pro-life leader who has proudly earned a 100% Right to Life voting record. Ohio families can count on Jim to continue fighting for the unborn as our next U.S. Senator.

Jim Renacci will be the fighter those with disabilities and those suffering from the opioid epidemic need in their corner. We can and should be doing more to end the opioid epidemic in America – especially in Ohio. While serving our families in Congress, Jim led the fight to tackle the crisis, forming an opioid addiction advisory board comprised of recovering addicts, medical professionals and law enforcement officers who are working together to help craft effective solutions.

In the United States Senate, Jim Renacci will continue his unyielding campaign to rid our communities of this crisis and advance policies that help ensures access to treatment and foster the hope and economic opportunity that is so often missing from the lives of those plagued by addiction.

CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

As our next Senator, Jim Renacci will remain relentless in his pursuit to address and resolve this urgent and critical issue facing our nation.

Jim Renacci strongly opposes sanctuary cities, as they pose a clear and present danger to our community. Jim will focus on securing the border, working with our president to advance the construction of a wall.

Jim Renacci knows the only way we are going to end illegal immigration is by cutting off the magnets that drive migrants to break into our country. That includes instituting a nationwide E-Verify system, making businesses check their employees are legally allowed to work in our country. Jim will support a merit-based immigration system, to bring the best and brightest from around the world together as they work towards one common goal - strengthening our country.

Jim Renacci has a proven record of cracking down on immigration. To impose stricter penalties on deported felons who re-enter the United States, Jim co-sponsored and voted for Kate’s Law. Jim co-sponsored and voted in support of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that holds cities accountable if they fail to follow federal law.

DEFEND OUR SECOND AMENDMENT

Jim Renacci has been endorsed by Ohioans for Concealed Carry and the NRA time and time again.

Jim Renacci is a co-sponsor of legislation to ensure the validity of any state-issued concealed carry license or permit in any other state that allows concealed carry. We do not lose our First Amendment Rights when we travel across state lines, why should we lose our Second Amendment Rights?

With an A Rating from the NRA, Ohio can count on Jim Renacci to defend our constitutional right to bear arms.

FIGHT FOR QUALITY HEALTH CARE

For Jim Renacci, “repeal and replace Obamacare” is more than just a slogan. Jim has seen families pay more for health insurance than they do on their mortgage. He has hugged parents who lost a child to prescription opioids. He has listened to members of our community with disabilities as they tell him about their struggle to find a doctor of their choice.

Enough is enough.

Jim Renacci will ensure we have the ability to make our own decisions when it comes to our healthcare. With Obamacare collapsing from coast to coast, it’s imperative we repeal and replace it with a system that truly works for our families.

Jim Renacci knows we must have an effective replacement, a market-based solution, which allows you to buy health insurance across state lines while driving down pharmaceutical costs.

Medicaid expansion is financially unsustainable and will force Ohio and other states to cut basic and vital state services simply to foot the bill for the program’s exploding costs. As our Senator, Jim will dedicate himself to replacing Obamacare with a patient-centric, market-based system driven by competition and defined by choice, affordability, and access to quality care.

SPARK THE ECONOMY

In 2017, Jim Renacci proudly fought for and helped craft the tax reform legislation that will deliver badly needed tax relief to middle-income families and American businesses. That sweeping tax cut legislation reduced personal taxes on over 80% of Americans and has already allowed businesses across the country to grow and thrive. Thanks to reform, millions of Americans have received bonuses, increased benefits and raises.

As our next Senator, Jim Renacci will continue to promote a pro-growth agenda that leaves more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans and business owners.

While we live in a global economy, unfair trade deals have given foreign trading partners a massive advantage while countless American jobs vanished, particularly in places like our state, which has been hit hard by job and population decline.

Jim Renacci knows we must renegotiate these trade deals. Jim has been proud to stand with President Trump has he seeks to advance an America First agenda.

Too often in the past, trade agreements have placed unfair barriers in the way of U.S. companies looking to sell their goods and services abroad. Trade is vital to our interest, but it must be done fairly and not at the expense of American workers and their families. Jim Renacci will fight to ensure that any trade agreement that comes before the U.S. Senate contains the protections necessary to open foreign markets and give our companies a fair chance to compete in a truly free market.

PROVIDE TOP-NOTCH EDUCATION

Education is the foundation for success. If we want our children to enter the workforce or pursue a higher education, we need them to be prepared.

Ohio needs to make sure higher education is about the students, not professors and administrators. We need to work with education experts and officials to solve the “4 PM – 8 AM Problem,” so our children are ready to learn.

Jim Renacci will not forget about the children living in dysfunctional homes racked by violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and other “strikes” that make it harder for them to tackle their school day. With so many public colleges and universities scattered across our state, Jim will make sure these places serve the purposes for which they were started – educating our children.

The U.S. Department of Education should focus its time and money on serving as a neutral data collector for the states. By gathering data on outcomes, spending, and other key education metrics for public, private, parochial and charter schools, the fifty states can see what is working and what is not working. This will allow each state to compare and compete to get the best outcomes for our kids at the most efficient cost per pupil.

Jim Renacci will be a champion for our students, Jim will fight to get education funding for our schools, making it possible for school districts to make the right decisions when it comes to curriculum, testing, and teacher evaluations, without interference or mandates from bureaucrats in Washington.

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Candidate

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