Missourians Speak Loud & Clear on EPA

President Reagan once said that our "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." 28 years later, anyone who cashes a paycheck, files their taxes, or even picks up the local newspaper knows that these words ring true just as they did in 1986.

From Atchison County, where I live, to Marion County clear across the state, I speak with people who are worried about our out of control government. Taxing, spending, and regulating is at an all-time high, and there seems to be no end in sight. Our government acts like everything under the sun must be regulated, and all the bullying needs to stop.

Few regulations are more damaging than the EPA's proposed rule to give government bureaucrats in Washington control over thousands of small streams, ditches, and ponds, some of which may contain little or no water. We are talking about Missourians' private property.

Just last week, when the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers came to speak with Congress, I provided them with specific examples of how their rule will impact North Missouri and called for an immediate stop to their plans.

In Platte County, for instance, property owner Steve Hall has been through a nightmare with the EPA, which says he will need to fork over $160,000 for new permits in order to build a small pond in his yard.

Too much is at risk, and as your congressman I will keep fighting to provide Missourians with the relief we need.