Issues

“Education is the key to success. From early learning to higher education, every single student in Utah and across the country deserves access to a quality education – regardless of race, income, or zip code. One of my top priorities in Congress is supporting students and advancing innovative policies that make our country’s education system stronger. “As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee and Chairman of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, I am dedicated to fostering the best opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed, and job creators of tomorrow to thrive.” – Rep. Burgess Owens  Introduced H.R. 4144, the Federal Assistance to Initiate Repayment (FAIR) Act, legislation to fix the broken student loan system, provide borrowers with clear guidance on repayment, and protect taxpayers from the economic fallout caused by the Biden administration’s radical free college agenda. Introduced H.R. 3724, the Accreditation for College Excellence (ACE) Act, legislation to prohibit accreditors from requiring the colleges they accredit to meet any political litmus tests, such as requiring adherence to DEI standards, as a condition of accreditation. Introduced H.R. 7924, the Securing Our Students Act, legislation to authorize local educational agencies and nonpublic schools to use COVID-19 emergency relief funds, services, or assistance for school safety uses. Introduced H.R. 745, 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. 1733, the Kids in Classes Act, legislation to allow families with children in Title I schools to put unused federal education funds toward in-person education, should their school close due to a teachers’ union strike Introduced H.R. 9394, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2022, legislation to renew a historically bipartisan program that has supported affordable childcare options for hardworking American families since 1990.  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. 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 Co-sponsored H.R. 5, 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.  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. Co-sponsored H.R. 1125, the STUDENT Act, legislation to require disclosure of the total amount of interest that would be paid over the life of a loan for certain Federal student loans.  Co-sponsored H.R. 531, the Educational Choice for Children Act, legislation to provide charitable donation incentives for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education.  Co-sponsored H.R. 496, the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning Act, legislation to expand educational and credentialing opportunities for workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields. Co-sponsored H.R. 287, the CRT Transparency Act, legislation to require a local educational agency to post on a publicly accessible website the curriculum for each grade level of its elementary and secondary schools to receive certain federal education grants.  Co-sponsored H.R. 9197, the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, legislation to prohibit the use of Federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10.  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. 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. 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 classroom transparency for parents and prevent CRT from being taught in schools or included in the curriculum.  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, the 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, the 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. 1477, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, legislation to allow Americans to use 529 education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing, and certification programs.  Co-sponsored H.R. 2700, the Employee Rights Act of 2023, legislation to modernize our nation’s labor policies to match the needs of the 21st-century worker and workforce promoting growth and innovation, ensuring that our laws protect workers rather than union bosses, and allowing Americans to take home more of the money they earn. Co-sponsored H.R.3414, the Responsible Borrowing Act, legislation to help alleviate excessive student loan debt by allowing institutions of higher education to implement guard rails on how much money students can borrow. Co-sponsored H.R. 3505, the Free Speech on Campus Act, legislation to ensure free expression on campuses in colleges and universities, preserve America’s cherished democratic values, and restore the free marketplace of ideas in higher education. Co-sponsored H.R. 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to ensure children across America are well nourished and have access to healthy dairy options in schools. Co-signed a bipartisan letter calling for the expansion of financial aid for online education institutions. To see a complete list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

“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 and growth.  “To continue this upward trajectory, we must get the government out of the way. In addition to visiting small businesses in every corner of Utah’s Fourth, I have worked hard to amplify their voices in Washington. Main Street is the heart and soul of our state, and Team Owens has your back at home and in the halls of Congress.” – Rep. Burgess Owens Co-sponsored H.R. 2826, the Save Local Business Act,  legislation to restore the flexibility, adaptability, and innovative spirit of small businesses nationwide. Co-sponsored H.R. 448, the Putting Investors First Act of 2023, legislation to disrupt the woke attack on American capitalism and restore key safeguards that protect investors and prioritize shareholder returns.  Co-sponsored H.R. 23, the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, legislation to rescind certain balances made available to the Internal Revenue Service.  Co-sponsored H.Res. 1015, legislation 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 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. 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.  Local Utah Resources: Utah Broadband Outreach Utah’s Opportunity Zones Rural Development Utah Industry and Innovation Center Business Resources Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

“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. “In Congress and as a member of the Parliamentary Task Force on Human Trafficking, I am focused on pursuing awareness, prevention, and survivor relief policies that abolish these heinous crimes, target traffickers, and restore the lives and livelihoods of those impacted.” – Rep. Burgess Owens 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 investing 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 to extend the period 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 concerning 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, the 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 complete list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

“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.” – Rep. Burgess Owens 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.  Supported H.R.7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act, legislation to help improve access to infant formula for families in Utah and across the country amid the current national shortage.  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.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. 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.Res 1330, the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Resolution, legislation to support research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs for sickle cell disease patients.  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. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

“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 severe drought and water scarcity to unrivaled growth and a booming population, Utah faces unique challenges and exciting opportunities. From lowering costs to reducing burdens, I am hard at work to support Utah’s rural communities.” – Rep. Burgess Owens Reintroduced H.R. 2429, the Open Access Evapotranspiration (OpenET) Act, legislation to get critical water use data in the hands of farmers, ranchers, and decision-makers for improved water management in Utah and across the Western U.S. Co-sponsored H.R. 1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023,  legislation to ensure that dairy farmers can price their products to reflect today’s market environment. Co-sponsored H.R. 3200, the Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act, legislation to ensure unfettered access to recreational destinations for Utahns, and community-based solutions to infrastructure challenges and housing shortages in gateway communities. 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-led H.R. 7762, the Water Data Act, legislation to improve water data infrastructure for better decision-making and management of water resources. 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. 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. 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. 267, the WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, legislation to help Utah’s farmers recover from drought-induced dairy and agricultural losses.  Co-sponsored H.R. 683, the PASS Act of 2023, legislation to protect our national security by preventing foreign adversaries from taking any ownership or control of the United States’ agricultural land and agricultural businesses. Co-sponsored H.R. 1586, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023, legislation to allow the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to use a fire retardant, chemical, or water for fire suppression, control, or prevention activities.  Co-sponsored H.R. 267, the Ceasing Age-Based Trucking Restrictions Act, legislation to eliminate unnecessary red tape and restrictions to allow more truckers to keep the nation’s supply chain flowing. Co-sponsored H.R. 209, the Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023, legislation to streamline the permitting process for mining projects nationwide to secure domestic mineral supply chains.  Co-sponsored H.R. 186, the Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act, legislation to establish a framework in which federal agencies with permitting responsibilities for the construction of new reservoirs must work together, coordinate schedules, share data and technical materials, and make findings publicly available. The result will be fewer delays, more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and ultimately more abundant water supplies. Co-sponsored H.R. 6152, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, legislation to boost American manufacturing infrastructure. 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. 480, the Wildfire Recovery Act, legislation to make changes to the federal cost share for Fire Management Assistance Grants and provides that the federal share shall not be less than 75% of the eligible cost.  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 of applying for grants that invest in education, infrastructure, and healthcare in rural communities.  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. 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. 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.

“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, I am honored to be your voice and will continue advocating for our Constitutional freedoms.”- Rep. Burgess Owens Co-sponsored H.R. 53, the FIND Act, legislation to prohibit the federal government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm trade associations or businesses that deal with firearms, ammunition, or related products.  Co-sponsored H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation to establish a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines.  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. 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. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.

“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. “As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, I am focused on fostering the best opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed, and job creators to thrive.” – Rep. Burgess Owens 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. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, legislation to slash inflationary spending, lift millions of Americans out of poverty, claw back tens of billions in unspent COVID funds, streamline the energy permitting process, defund Biden’s IRS army, and restore economic sanity to Washington. Co-sponsored H.R. 976, the TCJA Permanency 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, and for other purposes.  Co-sponsored H.R. 807, the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, legislation to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the invaluable service that working dogs provide to society.  Co-sponsored H.R. 781, the GIG Act, legislation that would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the status of an independent contractor.  Co-sponsored H.R. 572, the Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act of 2023, legislation to ensure America’s workers receive the wages they are owed and help employers comply with the law. Co-sponsored H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023, legislation to reassert Congress’ legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new “major rule” proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect.  Co-sponsored H.Res. 29, the Finding Federal Savings Committee Resolution, legislation to analyze underperforming or nonessential federal programs and recommend actions to modify or eliminate those programs. The resolution also establishes expedited procedures for legislation reported by the committee to eliminate programs or rescind funding. Co-sponsored H.R 8655, the Responsible Education Assistance through Loan (REAL) Reforms Act, legislation to detail 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. 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 to require 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, legislation 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 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.

“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.” – Rep. Burgess Owens Co-sponsored H.RES. 339, legislation to recognize the unrivaled contribution of American innovation in advanced, clean, safe, and reliable energy production to lower energy costs for American families nationwide. Co-sponsored H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, legislation to end the Biden administration’s war on domestic energy production, reduce our reliance on hostile adversaries, and lower costs for American families. Co-sponsored H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, legislation to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines.  Co-sponsored H.R. 1141, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, legislation to strike the Natural Gas Tax imposed by President Biden in the Inflation, Recession, and IRS Army Act. New fees or taxes on energy companies will raise costs for customers, creating a burden that will fall most heavily on American families.  Co-sponsored H.Res. 124, legislation expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should support the expansion of domestic nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technology as a viable source of power to promote United States nuclear energy leadership and global energy independence.  Co-sponsored H.R. 923, the POWER Act of 2023, legislation to prohibit the President from issuing moratoria on leasing and permitting energy and minerals on certain Federal land.  Co-sponsored H.R. 484, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, legislation to strike the Natural Gas Tax imposed by President Biden in the Inflation, Recession, and IRS Army Act. New fees or taxes on energy companies will raise costs for customers, creating a burden that will fall most heavily on American families.  Co-sponsored H.R. 337, the GAS Act, legislation to prohibit Federal agencies from banning gas-burning stoves. Co-sponsored H.R. 263, the Stop Trying to Obsessively Vilify Energy Act, legislation to prohibit any rule or guidance that bans gas stoves in the United States. Co-sponsored H.R. 59, the SAVE Act, legislation to prohibit the Department of Energies sale of petroleum products to certain entities.  Co-sponsored H.R. 9355, the LNG For Allies Act, legislation to revise the approval process for applications to export natural gas. Specifically, legislation expedites the approval process for certain U.S. allies, such as Taiwan and Ukraine.  Supported H.Res 1101, legislation to express the 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. To see a full list of legislation sponsored and supported by Congressman Owens, click here.