Issues

Top Priorities

Education and the Workforce


Education is the key to success. From early learning to higher education, every single student in Utah and across the country deserves access to quality education – regardless of race, income, or zip code. Rest assured, one of my top priorities is supporting students and advancing policies that make our country’s education system stronger. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, I am dedicated to fostering the best opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed, and job creators of tomorrow to thrive. In Congress, I have: Introduced H.R. 8671, the RECOVER Act, legislation to allow states and school districts to use unspent Covid relief funds to issue Child Opportunity Scholarships directly to parents. These scholarships, targeted towards low-income families, could be put towards educational opportunities, including tutoring services, private school tuition, and educational therapies for children with disabilities. Introduced H.R. 7942, the Securing Our Students Act, legislation to redirect unused American Rescue Plan funding to help identify and implement evidence-based school safety measures. Led H.R. 6056, the Parents Bill of Rights Act, legislation to protect parental involvement by reinforcing their right to be heard, their right to see curriculums, and their right to be updated on any violent activity that happens on their children’s campus. Introduced H.R. 4698, the Say No to Indoctrination Act, legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds to teach or advance concepts that separate individuals based on race, color, or national origin Introduced H.R. 3943, the Modernizing Financing of Early Care and Education in America Act, legislation to establish a bipartisan commission to make recommendations to Congress on streamlining and reducing duplication in the financing of early care and education programs. Introduced H.R. 889, the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, legislation to expand quality elementary, secondary, and career and technical education opportunities for students by providing a federal tax credit to encourage individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds. Co-sponsored H.R. 8655, the Responsible Education Assistance Through Loan Reforms Act, legislation to protect students from predatory lending practices, expand access to high-quality, short-term postsecondary education, and provide targeted relief for borrowers. Co-sponsored H.R. 8150, the Keep Kids Fed Act, legislation to help schools weather learning disruptions, supply chain challenges, and four-decade-high inflation through targeted and temporary aid. Co-sponsored H.R. 8137, the Educational Choice for Children Act, legislation to allow individuals and corporations a new tax credit after 2022 for charitable contributions to tax-exempt organizations that provide scholarships to elementary and secondary school students. Introduced H.R. 7924, the Securing Our Students Act, legislation to authorize local educational agencies and nonpublic schools to use certain COVID-19 emergency relief funds, services, or assistance for school safety uses. Co-sponsored H.R. 7525, the Protecting Charter Schools From Federal Overreach Act, legislation to prohibit the Department of Education from finalizing or implementing its proposed rule that revises priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Charter Schools Program. Co-sponsored H.R. 7461, the CBE Act of 2022, legislation to create a framework under which students participating in competency-based education programs may receive federal student aid. Co-sponsored H.R. 7031, the Change of Ownership and Conversion Improvement Act, legislation to ensure that institutions of higher education interested in changing ownership or converting from for-profit to nonprofit or public status are not slowed down by the U.S. Department of Education’s application process. Co-sponsored H.R. 6565, Kids in Classes Act, legislation to allow for Title I funding to follow children if their schools close due to COVID-19 or a strike. Co-sponsored H.R. 6123, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, legislation to promote understanding of certain political ideologies that conflict with principles of U.S. democracy. Co-sponsored H.R. 5162, CRT Transparency Act, legislation to increase curriculum transparency. Introduced H.R. 4698, the Say No to Indoctrination Act, legislation to keep taxpayer dollars from funding Critical Race Theory. Co-sponsored H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, legislation to encourage local educational agencies to resume in-person instruction at elementary and secondary schools. Co-sponsored H.R. 605, the Student Empowerment Act, legislation to amend the part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) that increased school choice by expanding 529 accounts to include tuition for K-12 elementary and secondary schooling.  Co-sponsored H.R. 1097, the CHOICE Act, legislation to amend the CARES Act to require that 10% of appropriations from the Education Stabilization Fund be used for Opportunity Grants.  Co-sponsored H.R. 3704, the Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act, legislation to provide choice in education for families to deposit education funds into a 529 account to follow their students in public school, private school, homeschool, or other qualified educational experiences. Co-sponsored H.R. 4967, POST Act, legislation to allow for funds to be used to promote career and technical education through social media campaigns, elementary and middle school showcases, and trade shows.  Co-sponsored H.R. 4764, No CRT for our Military Kids Act, legislation to prohibit funding for the Department of Defense Education Activity for CRT to be taught in schools or included in the curriculum. Co-sponsored H.R. 3422, the Competency-Based Education Act, legislation to provide U.S. colleges and universities with a framework to accelerate student success through mastering the subject matter rather than the amount of time spent in the classroom. Co-sponsored H.R. 426, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2021, legislation to make it a violation of federal law for a recipient of federal funds who operates, sponsors, or facilitates athletic programs or activities to permit whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Small Business


From manufacturing to the restaurant industry and everything in between, Utah runs on small businesses. Small business is the backbone of our state’s economy, and Utah is soaring to new heights thanks to our business-friendly environment, competitive free-market principles, and state-level policies that encourage innovation. To continue this upward trajectory, we must get the government out of the way. My top priority is to ensure that Utah’s economy continues to recover and flourish following the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business is the heart and soul of our state, and as the Fourth District heads back to work, Team Owens has your back at home and in the halls of Congress. In addition to visiting small businesses in every corner of Utah’s Fourth, my team and I have worked hard to amplify their voices in Washington.  In Congress, I have: Co-sponsored H.Res. 1015, a House Resolution to oppose any efforts to impose new taxes on family farms or small businesses and recognize the importance of generational transfers of farm and family-owned businesses. Co-sponsored H.R. 8913, the TCJA Permanency Act, legislation to make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which delivered sweeping tax cuts for individuals and small businesses across the country. Co-sponsored H.R. 2491, the Wage Equity Act of 2021, legislation to encourage employers to proactively evaluate their pay practices and eliminate pay disparities in their workplaces, while empowering employees to negotiate pay based on their qualifications and merit. Supported H.R. 3185, the Save Local Business Act, legislation to empower job growth and creation without stifling Main Street U.S.A with harmful regulations and ambiguous standards. Supported H.R. 1799, the PPP Extension Act, legislation to keep small businesses open and thriving through the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-sponsored H.R. 1450, the Emergency Savings for Small Businesses Act, legislation to aid Utah’s hard-hit industries. Supported H.R. 1651, the COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act, legislation to help relieve economic burdens and extend vital COVID-19 bankruptcy relief provisions for an additional year. Co-sponsored H.R. 4568, the Entrepreneurs Need Timely Replenishment for Eating Establishments (ENTRÉE) Act, legislation that would redirect unused COVID-19 relief dollars to Utah’s restaurant owners who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-sponsored H.R. 7628, the IMPROVE the SBA Act, legislation to reform and revamp the Small Business Administration by improving communication, transparency, and oversight.  Co-sponsored H.R. 4141, the Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act, legislation to eliminate barriers that businesses and their owners currently face in establishing new S corporation ESOPs or expanding the employee-ownership stake in an S corporation. Co-sponsored H.R. 1453, the Military Spouses Retirement Security Act, legislation to help spouses of active duty service members save for retirement by expanding access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Co-sponsored H.R. 2954, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, legislation to help more Americans successfully save for a secure retirement and further improve workers’ long-term financial well-being.  Co-sponsored H.R. 6597, the Blockchain Solutions for Small Businesses Act, legislation to require a study on how blockchain technology can improve the Small Business Administration’s efficiency and data security. Co-sponsored H.R. 6658, the Protecting Family and Small Businesses Tax Cuts Act, legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affecting individuals, families, and small businesses. Co-sponsored H.R. 6161, the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act, legislation to reinstate the Employee Retention Tax Credit through the end of 2021, as it was originally written, to help struggling small businesses and nonprofits who were counting on the ERTC to pay their employees through the end of the year. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here. Supporting Utahns in the small business community is more important than ever. If you need help with the Small Business Administration or other government agencies, contact my West Jordan District Office at (801) 999-9801.  To see the complete list of small businesses we’ve visited, click here. If you are a small business owner and would like to share your thoughts with me, click here to take a short survey. Local Utah Resources: Utah Broadband Outreach Utah’s Opportunity Zones Rural Development Utah Industry and Innovation Center Business Resources Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) SBA Resources: CARES Act Rapid Response Team (RRT) – Get Help Fast! Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Info & Apply Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Info & Apply COVID-19 Business Guidance & Loan Resources Sign Up to Receive the Latest Updates! Lender Application for PPP Loan Guaranty Borrower Application for PPP PPP Revisions to First Interim Final Rule

Anti-Trafficking


Human trafficking is a heinous crime that impacts people of all ages in communities worldwide. It is estimated that over 25 million people are subjected to human trafficking and forced labor, an industry responsible for roughly $150 billion annually. We must be vigilant in putting the criminals responsible behind bars and providing all-encompassing support to survivors. With collaboration among local, state, and federal partners and the private sector community, we can abolish these heinous crimes and restore the lives and livelihoods of those impacted. In Congress, I have: Introduced H.R. 8672, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, legislation to give survivors a path to clear their criminal records of non-violent offenses committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking.  Introduced H.R. 6911, the No Travel For Traffickers Act, legislation to bar from the visa waiver program any country that allows individuals to obtain citizenship by making an investment in that country. Co-sponsored H.R. 6544, the EARN IT Act, legislation to revise the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children. Co-sponsored H.R. 8061, the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act, legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for a minor victim of a human trafficking offense or federal sex offense to file a civil action to recover damages. Co-sponsored H.R. 7181, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, legislation to require the posting of contact information of the national human trafficking hotline in a visible place in all federal buildings; in the restrooms of each U.S. aircraft, airport, over-the-road bus, bus station, passenger train, and passenger railroad station; and at each port of entry. Co-sponsored H.R. 5884, the Child Rescue Act, legislation to create a national Working Group under the Attorney General tasked with studying proactive strategies and identifying the resources needed for the identification and rescue of children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Co-sponsored H.R. 6480, the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Act, legislation to establish a program to train law enforcement officers at state and local levels to recognize human trafficking and funds the program with $2.3 million for the next 5 years. Co-sponsored H.R. 1198, the End Child Exploitation Act, legislation designed to extend the period of time that technology companies are required to preserve information about child sexual abuse images they report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  Co-sponsored H.R. 3996, the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, legislation to expand the authority of the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program to enable law enforcement agencies to compete for federal funding, specifically to develop and implement sex trafficking demand reduction programs. Co-sponsored H.R. 6544, the EARN It Act of 2022, legislation to establish the National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention, and limits the liability of online service providers with respect to claims alleging violations of child sexual exploitation laws if they knowingly have CSAM on their site. Co-sponsored H.R. 1527, the Homeland Security Investigations Victims Assistance Act, legislation to formally authorize the Victim Assistance Program within Homeland Security Investigations. Co-sponsored H.R. 5150, Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2021, legislation to expand and authorize programs for survivors, including a program to prevent re-exploitation. Worked alongside Education and Labor Republican Leader Dr. Virginia Foxx to initiate a formal request to the Government Accountability Office to study and identify gaps in existing human trafficking laws so we know what is and isn’t working. Co-signed a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding harms that may befall migrant children, including human trafficking, and demanded to know what the Department of Homeland Security is doing to protect them. If you see signs of human trafficking, call the human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373- 7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Health Care


It’s no secret that Utah is on the cutting edge of healthcare innovation. In Congress, I’m proud of our work to cut bureaucratic red tape and improve health care outcomes. Together, we can provide Utah patients and families with accessible, efficient, and compassionate care.  In Congress, I have: Co-sponsored H.Res 1330, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Resolution, a House resolution to support research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs for sickle cell disease patients. Co-sponsored H.Res 404, the National DIPG Awareness Resolution, legislation to expand research to discover the cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a brain tumor that is highly aggressive and difficult to treat. Co-sponsored H.R 8000, the Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022, legislation to prevent fraud in COVID unemployment programs, recover paid benefits, and provide relief for American taxpayers and victims of unemployment fraud. Supported H.R.7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act, bipartisan legislation to help improve access to infant formula for families in Utah and across the country amid the current national shortage.  Supported H.R. 2050, the Huntington’s Disease Disability Insurance Access Act, legislation to ensure Medicare is made available to individuals with Huntington’s Disease, a devastating, degenerative, and hereditary brain disorder causing total physical and mental deterioration. Co-sponsored H.R. 7346, the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act, legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries struggling with the hereditary alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency condition, or alpha-1 patients, to receive essential augmentation infusions at home.  Co-sponsored H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2021, legislation to address skyrocketing prescription drug prices. Co-sponsored H.R. 2883, the Stop Stalling Access to Affordable Medication, legislation to lower prescription drug costs by taking on anticompetitive practices employed by large pharmaceutical companies. Supported H.R. 341, the Telehealth Expansion Act, legislation to improve telehealth services for Americans in Utah and across the country.  Co-sponsored H.R. 1332, the Telehealth Modernization Act, legislation to update coverage restrictions that have long prevented life-saving telehealth services for many of the nation’s roughly 61 million Medicare beneficiaries. Co-sponsored H.R. 1474, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act, legislation to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Co-sponsored H.R. 3738, the Medical Nutrition Equity Act, legislation to require insurance companies to cover costs for nutritional supplements for those with metabolic disorders. Co-sponsored H.R. 3236, the AMIGOS Act, legislation to prohibit the President from issuing a waiver for COVID-19-related vaccine IP, prioritizes vaccine distribution to Western Hemisphere countries and ensures exported vaccines will have “Made in America” branding and the American flag. Co-sponsored H.R. 3733, the Essential Caregivers Act, legislation to permit designated essential caregivers to enter long-term care facilities, which includes nursing homes and group homes, to provide care and support to a facility resident during any public health emergency. Co-sponsored H.R. 6184, the Halt Fentanyl Act, legislation to address the permanent scheduling of fentanyl analogs in the schedule I category as well as grant researchers the ability to conduct studies on these substances. Co-sponsored H.R. 3630, the Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2021, legislation to provide coverage of standard and custom-fitted compression garments, prescribed by a physician or other health care professional, and other devices determined to be effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphedema. Co-sponsored a House Resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to halt President Biden’s harmful mandate for virtually all healthcare employees.  To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Rural Utah


Our state’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers feed the nation and fuel our economy. For far too long, Washington politicians have overlooked rural America and drowned out the voices of rural Utahns. From lowering costs to reducing burdens, I am proud of the results we have delivered for the backbone of the Beehive State.  In Congress, I have:  Co-led H.R 8839, the Great Salt Lake Recovery Act, legislation to study historic drought conditions and protect the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Co-sponsored H.R 1650, the Rural Broadband Network Study Act, legislation to study the impact of big streamers like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ on rural broadband network costs and availability.  Co-sponsored H.R 2454, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022, legislation to prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition or tackle on public lands unless such action is supported by the best available science and state wildlife and fish agencies. Co-sponsored H.R. 1779, the More USDA Grants Act, legislation to provide rural counties in Utah with more assistance and lower the cost to apply for grants that invest in education, infrastructure, and healthcare in rural communities.  Co-sponsored H.R. 6232, To Delay the Implementation of a Rule Relating to the Importation of Sheep and Goats and Products Derived from Sheep and Goats, and for Other Purposes, legislation to protect Utah’s farmers from a flooded market.  Co-sponsored H.R. 2349, the Acre Act, legislation to prohibit the USDA from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, or sex.  Co-sponsored H.R. 267, the WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, legislation to help Utah’s farmers recover from drought-induced dairy and agricultural losses.  Co-sponsored H.R. 4832, the Open Access Evapotranspiration Data Act, legislation to track water consumption, evaporation, and transpiration, ultimately improving water resources for Utahns.  Co-sponsored H.R. 3370, the Broadband Permitting Modernization Act, a package of four bills designed to strengthen rural broadband infrastructure in Utah and across the country.   Co-sponsored H.R. 2500, the Forest TECH Improvement Act, legislation to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to assess the use of new technologies across reforestation activities. Co-sponsored H.R. 5435, the Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act of 2021, legislation to establish a Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Assessment and Monitoring Program.  Co-sponsored H.R. 4082, the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021, legislation to establish a commission to study and make recommendations to improve federal policies relating to wildland fire prevention, mitigation, suppression, management, and rehabilitation. Co-sponsored H.R. 2500, the Forest TECH Improvement Act, legislation to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to assess the use of new technologies across reforestation activities. Visited dozens of farms, production facilities, and growing operations across Utah’s Fourth District to better understand the issues that matter most to our communities. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Second Amendment


Bureaucrats in Washington want to trample the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding American citizens. I will always stand up for Utahns and their Constitutional right to keep and bear arms because it is fundamental to preserving our liberty.  As your representative in Congress, I am honored to be your voice and to continue advocating for our most important constitutional freedoms, including the Second Amendment.  In  Congress, I have:  Sent letters to Visa, American Express, and Mastercard regarding their implementation of a classification of gun sales. The letter seeks to ensure that this is not used to track law-abiding gun owners or infringe on their constitutional rights. Sent a letter to the ATF in response to their attempts to restrict the ability of law-abiding Americans to use silencers on firearms. Co-sponsored H.R. 1532, the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act, legislation to prevent the President from imposing gun controls on law-abiding American citizens. Co-sponsored H.R. 3130, the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act, legislation to eliminate the excise tax on firearms removing barriers for Utahns to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Opposed H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, legislation designed to punish law-abiding gun owners without taking steps to keep guns out of the wrong hands. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Economy and Jobs


I was raised on the idea that anyone who works hard and dreams big can unlock their American Dream and find success.  In Utah, you’ll find a high-skilled workforce, diverse industries, and a powerhouse economy. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, federal policies must match our unique innovative and entrepreneurial values. In Congress, I have: Co-sponsored H.R 8655, the Responsible Education Assistance through Loan (REAL) Reforms Act, legislation detailing commonsense and fiscally responsible reforms to America’s federal student loan system. Co-sponsored H.R 7151, the Ensuring Sound Guidance (ESG) Act, legislation to protect retail investors’ retirement and investment accounts from asset managers who put environmental and social goals ahead of returns. Introduced the EXPORT Act of 2022, legislation to level the playing field for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators to compete internationally. Co-sponsored H.R 6913, the Stop the Nosy Obsession with Online Payments Act of 2022 (SNOOP) Act, legislation to protect American workers from federal snooping on their private financial information. Co-sponsored H.R. 7628, the IMPROVE the SBA Act, legislation to revamp the pro-growth policies of the Small Business Administration while ensuring accountability and oversight over its lending practices.  Co-sponsored H.R. 2974, the Military Spouse Hiring Act, legislation to incentivize employers across the country to hire spouses of members of the United States Armed Forces.  Sponsored the H.R. 6629, the Informed Lawmaking to Combat Inflation Act, legislation requiring lawmakers in Congress to thoroughly consider the inflationary impact of significant bills before voting on the measures. Co-sponsored H.R. 4568, the Entrepreneurs Need Timely Replenishment for Eating Establishments (ENTRÉE) Act, legislation to redirect unused COVID-19 relief dollars to Utah’s restaurant owners who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-sponsored H.R. 1284, the Fair and Open Competition Act, legislation to prevent  federal agencies and recipients of federal assistance from requiring contractors to sign controversial project labor agreements (PLAs) as a condition of winning a federal or federally assisted construction contract. Co-sponsored H.R. 1980, the Working Families Flexibility Act, legislation to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for employees in the private sector. Co-sponsored H.R. 1745, the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act,legislation  to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. Supported H.RES. 1015, a resolution stating Congressional support for the step-up in tax basis and recognizing the contributions of family-owned farms and businesses. Co-sponsored H.R. 5814, the Prohibiting Unrealized Capital Gains Taxation Act, legislation to prohibit the Department of the Treasury or any other federal official from imposing a tax on unrealized capital gains. Co-sponsored H.R. 1346, the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act, legislation to extend existing and establish new tax credits that assist the hospitality and restaurant industry. Co-sponsored H.R. 4608, the Growth and Opportunities Act of 2021, legislation to permit qualified opportunity zones to be designated every 10 years for economically distressed or low-income areas in which tax incentives are available to promote investment. Co-sponsored H.R. 5178, the Truth in Employment Act, legislation to protect both employers and employees by clarifying language in the National Labor Relations Act so that no employer is forced into hiring a ‘salt,’ and can instead use precious time and resources to hire employees who are there to actually work, especially important in this already difficult hiring environment. Co-sponsored H.R. 6016, the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act, legislation to ban President Biden from requiring the employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Co-sponsored H.R. 6280, legislation to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain employees engaged in outdoor recreational outfitting or guiding services from maximum hours requirements. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

Energy Independence


Before taking office, President Biden vowed to end American energy dominance, threatening our national security, causing pain at the pump, and increasing our dependency on foreign adversaries. Bad policies and unnecessary reliance on other countries for resources are fueling our domestic energy crisis. We need to protect our national security and unleash U.S. energy independence. As your Representative, I will always fight for pro-growth policies that boost our supply chains, energy independence, national security, and economic growth. In Congress, I have:  Supported H.Res 1101, legislation expressing support for the expansion of domestic nuclear energy production and advanced nuclear technology as a viable source of power to reestablish energy independence. Co-sponsored H.R. 6235, the Strategic Production Response Act, legislation to develop a plan to increase oil and gas production under oil and gas leases of Federal lands. Co-sponsored H.R. 7298, the Promoting Energy Independence and Transparency Act, legislation to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their consequential delays in the domestic energy permitting and leasing process. Co-sponsored H.R. 684, the Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act, legislation to authorize the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline facilities in Montana, for the import of oil from Canada to the United States. Co-sponsored H.R. 6858, the American Independence from Russia Act, legislation to ensure the President unlocks America’s energy potential instead of turning to authoritarian regimes around the world to help lower oil prices. Co-sponsored H.R. 2705, the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act, legislation to build on the work of the previous administration by cutting the red tape and regulations that delay and prevent private companies from exporting liquid natural gas to countries around the globe will have a myriad of benefits—from reducing global emissions to promoting gas capture, and most importantly, bolstering national security for the United States and our allies. Co-sponsored H.R. 4781, the POWER Act of 2021, legislation to prevent President Biden from enacting his radical no-drilling agenda and ensure that clean, safe energy development on federal lands can continue to work to the benefit of our communities.  Co-sponsored H.R. 2046, the Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act of 2021, legislation to take away Russia’s geopolitical weapon by sanctioning the Nord Stream II pipeline and expanding American natural gas exports. Helping our allies quickly obtain American energy resources loosens Putin’s economic and political grip on the region. Sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee stating that the Keystone XL Pipeline is infrastructure and urging them to include language to authorize the pipeline in any infrastructure package considered. Sent a letter to President Biden asking that his administration reverse their plea to OPEC countries in hopes that they will increase oil production. We must increase the production of U.S. oil and gas to become energy independent and more competitive on the global stage by doing such things as completing the Keystone Pipeline.  Sent a letter to the Energy Secretary and Commerce Secretary highlighting the importance of exporting crude oil and asking questions about the economic impact, national security implications, and aggregate effect of carbon emissions of this potential policy decision. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

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