U.S. Representative Billy Long voted Wednesday to strengthen accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), assisting House passage of the VA Accountability Act. “My vote on the VA Accountability Act is for all veterans to make sure we do all we can to provide the best quality care possible. Last year’s horrible discovery of more than 100 secret waitlists at VA hospitals to manipulate ... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long voted Tuesday in favor of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, aiding House passage, 243-165. “The House has taken action to strengthen its constitutional power of checks and balances with the REINS Act. Major government agency rules impose heavy burdens on our economy and strap business down with red tape. Since 2009, 492 ‘major’ rules... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long signed with the Missouri Congressional Delegation a letter to President Obama supporting Gov. Jay Nixon’s request for a federal emergency disaster declaration in 70 Missouri counties. “The Seventh District is no stranger to disaster. Over the past five years, we have witnessed devastating tornadoes, damaging floods and more. My office stands ready to assist constitue... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long released the following statement after negotiators announced a deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program. “After more than 19 months and a number of unenforced deadlines, the U.S. and other western nations have finally struck a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. I now look forward to reviewing the agreement over the next 60 days as part of the Iran Nuclear Agr... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long joined the House of Representatives Friday to pass H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, 344-77, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The 21st Century Cures Act would unleash American medical potential with a number of provisions aiming to reduce bureaucratic barriers to research and development and to provide incentives for American development of drugs and treatment... Read more »

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday, 218-213, to reform No Child Left Behind with H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. This reform bill would reduce federal influence in education and empower state and local education programs. “Federal funds have poured into the education system over the decades with minimal result. The federal takeover in educational programs has only led us to have 38... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Michigan v. EPA ruling overturning a key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality regulation. “The Supreme Court decision handed down today is a major victory for Americans that will free regulatory burdens and give a much-needed boost to American energy, job creation and to family b... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling against state same-sex marriage prohibition. “I am disappointed the Supreme Court has ruled to uphold same-sex marriage. This decision is troubling as it will overturn voter-imposed state bans on the practice, such as in Missouri. I believe this decision directly r... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court’s King v. Burwell decision, upholding federal subsidies for health insurance plans on the federal health insurance exchange. “I am disappointed with the Supreme Court’s ruling handed down today allowing federal subsidies to states on federal exchanges to continue. It is puzzling. The Affordable Care Act, as ... Read more »

U.S. Representative Billy Long voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act, aiding House passage of the bill, 247-180. The bill would delay implementation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules to limit carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants until after federal courts have an opportunity to rule on the controversial regulation. It also grants states the flexibility to neith... Read more »