Madam Speaker, I rise today to let the American people know that this government is under siege. All three branches of this government are under siege by lobbyists and lawyers from a German company named Bayer. They spent over $9 million lobbying the executive branch and the legislative branch so that they don't have to be liable for any damages that their herbicide causes, otherwise known as Roundup. They are having some success. They haven't had any success yet in this Chamber to get that immunity.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+100$2.5M raised
Thomas Massie
Representative · Kentucky · Republican
Thomas Massie
Gun Rights · Federal Reserve Reform · Education Policy · Foreign Policy
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, James Madison wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1789: "The Constitution supposes, what the history of all governments demonstrates, that the executive is the branch of power most interested in war, and most prone to it. It has accordingly with studied care vested the question of war in the legislature." The Constitution is clear. Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of our Constitution provides Congress initiatory powers for war. Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of our Constitution gives the President operational powers of war to wage that war.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this War Powers Resolution because the integrity of this institution is in question. Every Member of this House has a duty to uphold the Constitution's system of checks and balances by exercising its Article I powers entrusted to us. The executive's military exercise to capture the leader of Venezuela represents one of the most blatant usurpations of congressional authority we have seen in modern times. If we ignore it, then we are not merely acquiescing to executive overreach, we are rendering impotent our branch of government.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of our amendment. This is cosponsored by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy). I regret that we have to offer this amendment. What I am going to describe will probably sound like a bad science fiction movie, but that is what is written into law. Right now, in law that is going to be implemented, it says, for 2026 and beyond—now, the reality is that technology doesn't exist, but that doesn't keep legislators from imagining things that they would like to do to infringe on civil liberties.
Mr. Speaker, I would love to stand here and tell the American people that we can cut your taxes and increase spending, and everything is going to be just fine. I can't do that because I am here to deliver a dose of reality. This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near term but promises our government will be fiscally responsible 5 years from now. Where have we heard that before? How do you bind a future Congress to these promises? This bill is a debt bomb ticking. Congress can do funny math, fantasy math if it wants, but bond investors don't. This week, they sent us a message.
Biography
Thomas Massie, a former engineer and inventor, represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, first elected in 2012. Massie is known for prioritizing fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and government transparency. He has authored legislation to limit government surveillance and consistently advocates for reduced federal spending. Massie serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he pushes for infrastructure improvements with minimal federal overreach. He is recognized for his independent approach and strong adherence to constitutional principles on behalf of his constituents.
Education
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA1996
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA1993
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2012-PresentRepresenting Kentucky's 4th district
Inventor Engineer
Founder, Sensable Devices, Inc.
Farmer
Lewis County Judge Executive
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement17%
Congress16%
Finance and Financial Sector9%
Agriculture and Food8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Thomas Massie's record in Congress.
Opposition to Mass Surveillance
Co-sponsored the USA FREEDOM Act to limit NSA bulk data collection and protect Americans’ privacy rights.
Industrial Hemp Legalization
Supported and co-sponsored legislation to legalize industrial hemp cultivation in Kentucky and nationwide.
Second Amendment Advocacy
Introduced and supported bills to eliminate federal gun-free school zones and protect gun owners’ rights.
COVID-19 Relief Bill Transparency
Forced a recorded vote on the 2020 CARES Act, highlighting concerns over legislative transparency and spending.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- House Committee on the Judiciary
Rep. Thomas Massie FAQ
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