Tim Scott: Republicans Will Work on Jobs, Economy Agenda

Republicans must work to regain the trust of the American people, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said in Saturday's GOP weekly address, and the best way to do that is to work on an agenda that focuses on jobs and the economy.

"The mid-term elections put the President’s policies on the ballot, and the American people overwhelmingly rejected them by electing Republicans into office all around the country,” Scott said. "The new Republican majority in the Senate, alongside the House of Representatives, will present solutions that work for American families, and I truly hope the President will join us."

Story continues below video.


Scott said he is looking forward to the new year, when Republicans take control of the Senate, and to the fresh start new leadership will bring.

"This fresh start will bring efforts to restore the 40-hour workweek, realize the full potential of America’s energy industry and ensure every child, everywhere, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education," said Scott. "A Senate controlled by Democrats has blocked many of these solutions for years, leaving bills gathering dust instead of spreading success."

In addition, GOP senators will be tackling the nation's "over complicated and outdated tax code" while working to reduce excessive regulations and empower families, Scott said. Further, Republicans will help give small businesses the opportunity to grow.

"We will tackle the Affordable Care Act head on and present solutions to lower healthcare costs and increase access to care," said Scott.

Further, he pointed out colleagues such as Alabama Republican Martha Roby, incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee, who have authorized legislation that allows single parents and working families the flexibility they need to get their time in at work while caring for families at home.

He also mentioned North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven, leader of a bipartisan push to get the Keystone XL pipeline approved "and create tens of thousands of jobs."

Scott pointed out that his own Opportunity Agenda "focuses on increasing educational choice to ensure every child has the chance to succeed, as well as creating more jobs through our energy resources and apprenticeship programs."

Republicans will also be committed to protecting the rights of the minority party, "a drastic shift from the past few years in Washington."

This means that "amendments will be encouraged, not ignored; the practice of passing massive bills, just to see what’s in them, will be a thing of the past; and open debate and strong oversight will become the norm."

Americans are skeptical, and "rightfully so" because Washington has become broken, but Republicans are committed to returning the government to the people, he said.

"We know who our bosses are, and that you are more than capable of understanding what Washington does or does not accomplish," said Scott. "We understand that it is not government that powers our nation, but rather the ingenuity, hard work and skills of the American people. Your issues are our concerns."

Related Stories:

• GOP Slams Dems' 'Strategic' Vote to Block Keystone Pipeline
• Tim Scott: Democrats Playing Politics With Skills Act Opposition