REPUBLICANPLATFORM

2016

Wededicate this platform with admirationand gratitude

To allwho stand strong in the face of danger

So that the American peoplemay be protected against it

Themen and women of ourmilitary ,

ofour law enforcement, and the first responders

of every community in our land

And to their families .

Paid for by the Committeeon Arrangementsfor the 2016 RepublicanNationalConvention

NotAuthorizedBy Any CandidateOr Candidate'sCommittee

www.gopconvention 2016.com

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1 6

Preamble

With this platform , we the Republican Partyreaffirm the principles that unite usin a common purpose.

Webelieve in American exceptionalism.

We believe the United States of America is

unlike any othernation on earth.

Webelieve America is exceptionalbecause ofour historic role first as refuge, then as defender,and now as exemplar of liberty for the world to see.

We affirm as did the Declaration of

Independence: that all are created equal, endowed

bytheir Creatorwith inalienablerightsof life, liberty,and the pursuit ofhappiness.

Webelieve in the Constitution as our foundingdocument

Webelievethe Constitutionwas written not as

a flexible document,but as our enduring covenantWebelieve our constitutionalsystem limited

government separation of powers, federalism ,

and the rights of the people – must be preserveduncompromised for future generations.

We believe political freedom and economicfreedom are indivisible.

When politicalfreedom and economic freedom

are separated both are in peril; when united, theyare invincible.

Webelievethatpeople are theultimateresourceand that the people, not the government, are the

best stewardsof our country's God- given naturalresources.

As Americans and as Republicanswe wish forpeace we insist on strength. WewillmakeAmerica safe. We seek friendship with all peoplesand allnations, butwe recognize and are preparedto dealwith evil in the world .

Based on these principles, this platform is aninvitation and a roadmap. Itinvites every Americanto join us and showsthe path to a stronger, safer,and moreprosperousAmerica.

This platform is optimistic because the

American people are optimistic.This platform lays out clear language

path to makingAmerica great and united again .

For the past 8 years America has been led in the

wrong directionOur economy has become unnecessarily weak

with stagnant wages. People living paycheck topaycheck are struggling , sacrificing , and suffering .

Americans have earned and deserve a strongand healthy economy.

Our standing in world affairs has declined

significantly – our enemies no longerfear us andour friendsno longtrustus.

Peoplewant and expect an America that is the

mostpowerful and respected country on the faceof the earth

The men and women of our military remainthe world's best. The havebeen shortchanged innumbers, equipment, andbenefitsby a Commanderin Chief who treats the Armed Forces and our

veteransas a necessary inconvenience.

The Presidentand theDemocraticparty have

dismantled Americans' system of healthcare. They

have replaced it with a costly and complicatedscheme that limits choices and takes away ourfreedom .

The Presidentand the Democraticpartyhaveabandoned their promise ofbeing accountable tothe American people.

They have nearly doubled the size of the

national debt.

They refuse to control our borders but tryto control our schools, farms, businesses, and

even our religiousinstitutions. They have directly

attacked the production of American energy andthe industry- related jobs thathave sustainedfamiliesand communities.

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The Presidenthas been regulating to

a freemarket economythat he does not like anddoes not understand. He defies the laws of the

United Statesby refusing to enforce those with

which he does not agree And he appoints judgeswho legislate from thebench ratherthan apply thelaw.

We, as Republicans and Americans, cannot

allow this to continue. Thatiswhy themanysections

ofthis platform affirm our trust in the people, ourfaith in their judgment, and our determination tohelp them take back their country.

Thismeansremovingthe powerfrom unelected,

unaccountablegovernment.This means relieving theburden and expense of

punishinggovernment regulations.

And this means returning to the people andthe states the control that belongs to them . It is the

controlandthe power to make their own decisionsabout what's for themselves and their familiesand communities.

This platform ismany things: A handbook for

returningdecision-making to the people. A guideto the constitutionalrights of every American. And

a manualfor thekind of sustained growth thatwill

bringopportunityto allthose on the sidelinesofoursociety.

Every timewe sing, Bless America,

are asking for help. We ask for divinehelp thatour

country can fulfill its promise. Weearn that help by

recommittingourselves to the ideas and idealsthat

are thetrue greatness of America.

JohnBarrasso

MarySenator John Barrasso

CHAIRMAN VigniaGovernor Mary Fallin

CO - CHAIR

RepresentativeVirginiaFoxx

CO - CHAIR

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Table of Contents

1

RestoringtheAmerican Dream

9A Rebirth ofConstitutionalGovernment

17America's NaturalResources:

Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment

23

Government Reform

31Great American Families, Education,

Healthcare, and Criminal Justice

41AmericaResurgent

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Restoring the American Dream

Rebuilding theEconomyandCreating Jobs erations ago before PresidentReagan was electedWe are the party of a growing economy that in 1980. Business closures have exceededbusiness

gives everyone a chance in life, an opportunity to startups throughoutthe Obama Presidency. Stronglearn, work , and realize the prosperity freedom growth,more jobs, increasing incomes, andexpandmakes possible. ing opportunity are all in short supply under Presi

Government cannot create prosperity, though dent Obama and the Democrats.government can limitor destroy it. Prosperity is the Werepudiate the absurd idea this is the bestproduct of self- discipline, enterprise, saving and in America can do . The American people rejected thatvestment by individuals,butit is not an end in itself. nonsense the last timeitwas offered, in the historicProsperity provides the means by which citizens election of 1980 , and we ask them to join us nowand their families can maintain their independence to again repudiate the false gospel of America's difrom government , raise their children by their own minishment andretreat. We offer instead our visionvalues, practice their faith , and build communities of an opportunity society based on the economicsof cooperation andmutual respect. It is also the of inclusion .foundation for our nation's global leadership , for itis the vigor of our economy which makes possible Fair and Simple Taxes for Growthourmilitary strength and our nationalsecurity. Republicansconsider the establishmentof a

Pundits and Democratstell us that we should pro -growth tax code a moralimperative. Morethanacceptthenew normalofa slow -growingeconomy. any other publicpolicy, the way governmentraises

The consequencesare too dire to ever acceptthat: revenue how much, at what rates, underwhatPresidentObamaand his party circumstances, from whom ,

willset a recordofbeingthe first and for whom the greatmodern president ever to leave Republicans consider est impact on our economy's

office without a single calendarthe establishment of a

performance. It powerfully inyear of three percent economic fluences the levelof economic

growth. As a , the number pro - growth tax code a growth and job creation,whichof Americans living in poverty moralimperative. translates into the level of ophas increased by 7 million,our portunity for those who wouldnation's economy has lost nearly otherwise be leftbehind. Get$ 8 trillion ofcumulative output compared with an ting our tax system rightwillbe themost imporaverage recovery, and the economic growth short tant factor in driving the entire economyback tofall has left a cumulative realafter-tax per person prosperity.personal income shortfall of nearly $ 17,000 com The current tax code is rightly the object ofpared with an average recovery. both anger andmockery. Its length is exceeded

Under President Obama and the Democrats , only by its complexity. Wemust start anew . Thatnew private-sector jobs are three million below will be an enormous undertaking and, if it is to sucwhere they should have been with just average ceed, itmust command the attention and approvalmodern post-recession growth. Our labor force of the American people. It cannot be engineeredparticipation rate has plunged to at or below 63 from the top down,butmust have a common sensepercent for far too long, lows last seen two gen approach, and besimplified .

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Our proposal is straightforward . Wherever taxrates penalize thrift or discourage investment, theymust be lowered . Wherever current provisions ofthe code are disincentives for economic growth ,they must be changed. We will not divide theAmerican people into winners and losers. We willeliminate as many special interest provisions andloopholes as possible and curb corporate welfare ,especially where their erosion of the tax base hascreated pressure for higher rates. Wewillbemindfulof the burdens on families with children and the impact on an aging population .We will seek simplicityand clarity so that every taxpayer can understandhow much of their income is consumed by the federal government

Wewill welcome all to this enterprise to

discuss, debate, challenge, and amend – so that

togetherwe can restore economic growth fortheAmericanpeople and, even more important, renewtheir faith in the future.

in part to high corporate tax rates and increasing

regulatory burdens and uncertainty.American businesses now face the world's

highest corporate tax rates. That's like putting leadshoes on your cross-country team . Itreduces companies' ability to compete overseas , encouragesthem to move abroad, lessens their investment,cripples job creation here at home, lowers American wages, and fosters the avoidance of tax liability

without actually increasing tax revenues. A moredamaging policy is hard to imagine. We propose tolevel the international playing field by lowering thecorporate tax rate to be on a par with , or below ,the rates of other industrial nations. We endorsethe recommendation of the National Commissionon FiscalResponsibility and Reform , as well as thecurrent Administration's Export Council, to switchto a territorial system of taxation so that profitsearned and taxed abroad may be repatriated forjob -creating investment here at home. WebelieveAmerican companies should be headquartered inAmerica . We should reduce barriers to accomplishing that goal.

Our Tax PrinciplesTo ensure that past abuses willnotbe repeated ,

weassert these fundamentalprinciples. Weopposeretroactivetaxation .We condemn attempts by activist judges at any level of government to seize thepowerof the purse from thepeople's elected representativesby ordering highertaxes.

We oppose tax policies that deliberately divide Americans or promote class warfare. Becauseof the vital role of religious organizations, charities,and fraternal benevolent societies in fostering generosity and patriotism , they should notbe subjectto taxation and donations to them should remaindeductible. To guard against hypertaxation of theAmerican people in anyrestructuringofthe federaltax system , any value added tax or national salestax mustbe tied to the simultaneous repealof theSixteenth Amendment, which established the federal incometax.

A Winning Trade PolicyInternationaltrade is crucialfor all sectors of

America's economy. Massive trade deficits are not.We envision a worldwidemultilateralagreementamongnationscommittedto theprinciplesof open

markets, whathasbeen called a " Reagan EconomicZone,” in which free tradewilltrulybefair trade forall concerned.

Weneed better negotiated trade agreementsthat putAmerica first.When trade agreements havebeen carefully negotiated with friendly democracies, they have resulted in millionsofnew jobs hereat home supported by our exports. When thoseagreements do not adequately protect U.S. interests, U.S.sovereignty,or when they are violated withimpunity, they mustberejected .

We cannot allow foreign governments to limitAmerican access to their marketswhile stealingourdesigns, patents,brands, know -how , and technology.Wecannotallow China to continue its currency

manipulation, exclusion of U.S.products from government purchases, and subsidization of Chinesecompanies to thwart American imports. The currentAdministration'sway ofdealing with these vio

A Competitive AmericaCompetitiveness equals jobs. That equation

governs our policies regarding U.S. corporationsin the global economy. Private investment is a keydriver of economic growth and job creation . Afterfalling dramatically during the recession, private investment has recovered at a disappointing pace due

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lations of world trade standards has been a virtual

surrender

Republicansunderstandthat you can succeedin a negotiation only ifyou are willing to walk awayfrom it. A Republican presidentwill insist on parityin trade and standready to implementcountervailing dutiesifother countriesrefuseto cooperate.

At the same time, we look to broaden our

trade agreementswith countrieswhich share our

values and commitmentto fairness, along with

transparency in our commercialand business

practices. In pursuing that objective, the American

people demand transparency, full disclosure,protectionof ournational sovereignty, and tough

negotiation on the partofthosewho aresupposedto advancethe interestsof U.S.workers. Significant

trade agreements should not be rushed or

undertakenin a LameDuck Congress.

Freeing Financial MarketsThe Republican vision for American banking

calls for establishing transparent, efficientmarketswhere consumers can obtain loanstheyneedatreasonable ratesbased onmarket conditions.Unfortunately, in response to the financialinstitutionscrisisof 2008-2009,the Democratic-controlled Congressenacted the WallStreetReform and Consumer Protection Act,otherwise knownas Dodd- Frank. Thdid notlet the crisis go to waste but used it as anexcuse to establish unprecedented governmentcontrol over the nation's financialmarkets. The consequenceshavebeen bad for everyone exceptfederalregulators.

Rather than address the cause of the crisisthe government's own housingpolicies – the newlaw extended government control over the economyby creating new unaccountable bureaucracies.Predictably, central planningofour financial sectorhas not created jobs, it has killed them . It has notlimited risks, ithas created more. Ithas not encouraged economic growth , ithas shackled it.

Since the enactment of Dodd-Frank, the number of community banks has significantly declined ,and the cost and complexity of complying withthe law has created impediments to the remainingbanks' ability to support the customers they serve.From 13,000 community banks in 1985, only 1,900remain . Still, the majority of agricultural loans and

smallbusiness loans aremade by community banks.From start-ups foregone to homeloansnotmade,Dodd-Frank's excessive regulation and burdensome requirements have helped contribute to theslow economywe all endure today under PresidentObama and the Democrats.

Community banks are essential to ensuringsmall businesses have easy and affordable access to the capital they need to grow and prosper.Community banks should be relieved of excessiveregulations. We support removing roadblocks andregulations that preventaccess to capital.

The worst of Dodd- Frank is the Consumer

FinancialProtectionBureau, deliberately designed

tobea rogueagency. ItanswerstoneitherCongress

nor the executive, hasits own guaranteedfundingoutside the appropriationsprocess, and uses itsslush fund to steersettlementsto politicallyfavored

groups.ItsDirectorhas dictatorialpowersuniquein the

American Republic. Its regulatoryharassmentoflocal and regionalbanks, the sourceofmosthomemortgagesand smallbusiness loans, advantagesbigbanksandmakesitharderforAmericansto buya home. Itsone-size- fits-all approach to every issuethreatensthe diversityof the country'sfinancialsystem andwould leave us with just a few enormousinstitutions, asinmany European countries.

If the Bureau is not abolished , it should be subjected to congressional appropriation . In that way,consumer protection in the financialmarkets can beadvanced through measures that are both effectiveand constitutional. Any settlements arising fromstatutory violationsby financial institutions must beused to make whole the harmed consumers, withany remaining proceeds given to the general Treasury. Diversion of settlement funds to politicallyconnected parties should be a criminal offense.

Republicansbelieve thatno financialinstitutionis too big to fail. We support legislationto ensurethat theproblemsofany financialinstitutioncan beresolved through the Bankruptcy Code.Weendorse

prudentregulation of thebankingsystem to ensurethat FDIC-regulatedbanksare properly capitalizedand taxpayers are protectedagainstbailouts. Wewill end the government'suse of disparate impacttheory in enforcinganti-discriminationlawswith regard to lending.

3

ResponsibleHomeownershipand

RentalOpportunitiesHomeownershipexpands personal liberty,

builds communities,and helps Americans create

wealth.“TheAmericanDream”is nota staleslogan.It is the lived realitythat expressesthe aspirationsof

all our people.It meansa decent placeto live,a safe

place to raise kids,a welcomingplace to retire.Itbespeaksthe quietprideof thosewhowork hard to

sheltertheir familyand,in the process,createcaring

neighborhoods.The Great Recessiondevastatedthe housing

market.U.S. taxpayerspaid billions to rescueFred-die Mac and Fannie Mae, the latter managedand

controlledby senior officials from the Carter and

ClintonAdministrations,and to cover the lossesofthe poorly-managedFederalHousingAdministra-

tion. Millions lost their homes, millions more lost

valuein their homes.Morethan six millionhouseholdshad to move

from homeownershipto renting.Rentalcostsesca-

lated so that today nearly12 millionfamilies spendmore than50 percentof their incomesjust on rent.

The nationalhomeownershipratehassharplyfallenand the rate for minority householdsand young

adults has plummeted.So many remain unem-

ployed or underemployed,and for the lucky oneswith jobs, risingrents make it harder to save for a

mortgage.

Thereis a growingsensethat our nationalstan-dard of living will never be as high as it was in the

past. We understandthat pessimismbut do not

share it, for we believethat sound publicpoliciescan restore growth to our economy,vigor to the

housingmarket,andhopeto thosewho are now on

the marginsof prosperity.Our goal is to advance responsible home-

ownershipwhile guarding against the abuses thatled to the housing collapse.We must scale back

the federal role in the housingmarket,promotere-

sponsibilityon the part of borrowersand lenders,and avoid futuretaxpayerbailouts.Reformsshould

provideclear and prudentunderwritingstandards

andguidelineson predatorylendingand acceptablelendingpractices.Compliancewithregulatorystan-

dardsshouldconstitutea legalsafeharbor to guard

against opportunisticlitigationby trial lawyers.We call for a comprehensivereviewof federal

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

4

regulations,especiallythose dealing with the envi-

ronment,that make it harder and more costly forAmericansto rent,buy,or sell homes.

For nine years, FannieMae and FreddieMac

have been in conservatorship and the currentAdministrationand Democrats have prevented

any effort to reformthem. Their corrupt business

model lets shareholdersand executivesreap hugeprofits while the taxpayers cover all loses. The

utilityof bothagenciesshould be reconsideredas a

Republicanadministrationclearsawaythe jumbleofsubsidiesand controls that complicateand distort

home-buying.The Federal Housing Administration,which

provides taxpayer-backed guarantees in the

mortgagemarket,should no longer support high-income individuals,and the public should not be

financiallyexposed by risks taken by FHAofficials.

We will end the government mandates thatrequired FannieMae, Freddie Mac,and federally-

insured banks to satisfylending quotas to specific

groups. Discriminationshouldhaveno placein themortgageindustry.

Zoning decisions have always been,and mustremain,underlocalcontrol.The current Administra-

tion is trying to seize controlof the zoningprocess

through its AffirmativelyFurtheringFair Housingregulation.It threatensto underminezoning laws in

order to socially engineerevery communityin the

country.Whilethe federalgovernmenthas a legiti-materole in enforcingnon-discriminationlaws,this

regulationhasnothingto do withprovenor alleged

discriminationandeverythingto do withhostilitytothe self-governmentof citizens.

Americaon the MoveOur country’s investments in transportation

and other public constructionhave traditionallybeen non-partisan.Everyoneagrees on the need

for clean water and safe roads, rail, bridges,ports,

and airports.President Eisenhower established atradition of Republicanleadership in this regard by

championingthe creationof the interstatehighway

system. In recent years, bipartisancooperationledto major legislationimprovingthe nation’sportsand

waterways.

Our Republicanmajority ended the practiceof earmarks, which often diverted transportation

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

spending to politically favored projects . In the cur we will remove legal roadblocks to public-privaterent Congress, Republicans have secured the lon partnership agreements that can save the taxpaygest reauthorization ofthe Highway Trust Fund in a ers' money and bring outside investment to meet adecade and are advancing a comprehensive reform community's needs. With most of the states increasof the Federal Aviation Administration to make fly ing their own funding for transportation ,we opposeing easier and more secure . a further increase in the federalgas tax.

The current Administration has a different ap Although unionization has never been perproach. It subordinates civil engineering to social mitted in any government agency concerned withengineering as it pursues an exclusively urban vi national security, the current Administration hassion of dense housing and government transit . Its reversed that policy for the Transportation Secuill-named Livability Initiative is meant to rity Administration . We will correct thatmistake.people out of their cars. This is the same men Americans understand that ,with the threat of tertality that once led Congress to impose by fiat a rorism , their travel may encounter delays ,but unsingle maximum speed limit for the entire nation , acceptably long lines at security checks can havefrom Manhattan to Montana. Our 1980 Republican the same impact as a collapsed bridge or washedPlatform pledged to repeal that outhighway. TSA employeesedict. After theelectionof Ron should always be seen as guardald Reagan ,we did . We envision ians of the public's safety,not as

Now we make the same just anotherpartof the federal

pledge regardingthe current governmentat all workforce.problemsin transportation pol levels as a partner Amtrak is an extremelyicy.Wepropose to removefrom

with individualsexpensive railroad for the

the Highway Trust Fund pro American taxpayers, who mustgrams that should not be the and industries subsidize every ticket. The fedbusiness of the federal govern in technological

eral government should allowment. private ventures to providepas

More than a quarter of the progress,not asenger service in the northeast

Fund'sspendingisdivertedfrom meddlesomemonitorcorridor. The same holds true

its originalpurpose. One fifth of with regard to high- speed andits fundsare spenton mass tran intercity rail across the country.

sit, an inherently localaffair that Wereaffirm ourintentionto end

servesonly a small portion ofthe population, con federal support forboondoggleslike California's

centrated in six big cities. Additionalfundsare used high-speedtrain to nowhere.

for bike- share programs, sidewalks, recreational

trails, landscaping, andhistoricalrenovations. Other Buildingthe Future: Technology

beneficiariesofhighwaymoneyare ferryboats, the The digitalrevolutionhastransformedhow we

federallandsaccess program , scenicbyways, and work, learn, sell, shop, socialize – in short, how we

education initiatives. These worthwhile enterprises live. Technologicalchangedrivesourpositionswithshould befundedthroughothersources. regard to STEM education ,business and corporate

We propose to phase out the federal transit involvement with educational certifications,workprogram and reform provisions of the National En force issues,privacy, cyber and national security, environmental Policy Act which can delay and drive ergy development, regulation, and other elementsup costs for transportation projects.We renew our of our campaign for growth and jobs. It is why wecall for repeal of the Davis-Bacon law , which limits propose to simplify the tax code, reduce corporateemployment and drives up construction and main rates, transition to a territorial system , and createtenance costs for thebenefit of unions. Recognizing incentives for investment and innovation .that, over time,additional revenue willbeneeded to We envision government at all levels as a partexpand the carrying capacity of roads and bridges, ner with individuals and industries in technologi

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areas so that every American can fully participatein the global economy.

The public -private partnerships betweenNASA, the Departmentof Defense, and commercial

companies have given us technologicalprogressthat has reduced the cost of accessing space and

extended America's space leadership in the commercial, civil, and national security spheres. Theentrepreneurship and innovation culture ofthe free

marketis revitalizing the nation's space capabilities,saving taxpayermoney, and advancing technologycritical to maintain America's edge in space and inother fields.

To protect our national security interests andfoster innovation and competitiveness , we mustsustain our preeminence in space by launchingmore scientific missions, guaranteeing unfetteredaccess, and ensuring that our space-related industries remain a source of scientific leadership andeducation .

cal progress, not a meddlesomemonitor. We wantto create a business climate that rewards risk andpromotes innovation, a learning system that givesAmericans the skills needed to seize the opportunities of the 21st century, and an international orderthat maintains a fair and open global market forAmerica's goods and services.We intend to advance policies that protect data privacy while fostering innovation and growth and ensuring the freeflow of data across borders.

Together, broadband and good ideas have

become the 21st century engines of American ingenuity. Innovation, by its nature, is disruptive. Inchallenging legacy forms of business, innovationcreates new jobs, gives access to new markets,

opensopportunity to underservedpopulations, andexpands consumer choice. GovernmentmustgiveAmerica's innovators the freedom to create and, ontheirmerits, succeed or fail.

Our agenda includes balanced protectionsfor intellectual property, explained elsewhere inthis document We intendto facilitate access tospectrum by paving theway forhigh -speed,nextgeneration broadband deploymentand competition on the internet and for internetservices. Wewant government to encourage the sharing economy and on-demand platformsto compete in anopenmarket, and webelievepublic policies shouldencourage the innovation and competition that areessentialfor an Internet of Things to thrive.

Governmentmust keep pace with the technology deployed in the private sector. There is an urgent need to modernize the federal government'slegacy systems and to recruit the skilled technicalpersonnelwho can advance theadoption ofinnovation in the public sector. Atthe cost of billions, thecurrent Administration has done little to advanceour goal ofuniversalbroadband coverage. Thathurts rural America, where farmers, ranchers, andsmallbusiness people need connectivity to operatein realtime with theworld'sproducers. Almosttenmillion Americanshave given up wired broadbandconnections in justthe last twoyears alone, andmillionsmorehave never been connected in the firstplace.

We encourage public-private partnerships toprovide predictable support for connecting rural

Building the Future: America's ElectricGridOur nation's interstate electric transmission

system haslongbeen a catalyst for developingand

deliveringlow cost energywhile spurringeconomic

growth throughouttheUnited States The grid isaging, vulnerableto cyber andterroristthreats, and

unpreparedto serveourenergyneedsof tomorrow.It should not take seven to ten years to plan andconstructa transmissionline.Wesupport expedited

siting processesand the thoughtfulexpansion of

the grid so that consumersandbusinessescontinue

to have access to affordableandreliable electricity.

Start-up Century: SmallBusiness

and EntrepreneurshipA centralreason why the 20th century came

to be called the American Centurywas theabilityof individualsto inventand create in a land of free

markets. Back then they were called risk-takers,dreamers, and smallbusiness owners. Today theyarethe entrepreneurs, independentcontractors,and smallbusinessmen and women of our new

economy. Their innovationdrivesimprovementand

forceslong-establishedinstitutionsto adaptorfade

away. Many of them are so youngthey rememberlittle if anything of the last centurybecause dy

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namic progress does not look back . As in the past ,they still create most new jobs and form the commercial network that holds communities together.Their enterprise is the lifeblood ofour economy,butit is weakening .

Morebusinesses are closing in our country thanare starting. Older firms are an increasing proportion of companies. Productivity growth has slowed .This is not theway to jumpstart anew era of growth .Weneed to consider the effectof capital gains rateson the availability of venture capital, as well as thepositive impact of expensing on start-up firms.

We should reduce the occupational licensinglaws that shut untold millions of potentialworkersout of entrepreneurialcareers. Wemust overturnthe regulatory nightmare , created by the DoddFrank law , for the community banks and savingsand loans that provide nearly half of all smallbusiness loans and over three-quarters of all agricultural loans. Indeed, the world of the app economycries out for the comprehensive regulatory reformproposed elsewhere in this platform . We must challenge established interests and traditionalbusinesspatterns to facilitate market entry of new businessmodels, including inventive means of transport, delivery, and communication .

As incubators of unconventionalthinking, ourcountry's existingresearch infrastructure – theNationalLabs, theNationalInstitutesofHealth,NASA,and elementsofthe Defense Department – havethe potential to form partnershipswith smallbusinesses to create an American Start-UpCentury

the FederalReserve remains insulated from political pressures and its decisions are based on soundeconomic principles and sound money rather thanpoliticalpressures for easy money and loose credit.

Determined to crush thedouble-digit inflationthat was partof the Carter Administration'seconomic legacy, PresidentReagan, shortly after hisinauguration, established a commission to consider

the feasibility of a metallicbasis for U.S. . In2012, facing the task ofcleaning up the wreckageofthe current Administration'spolicies,weproposed asimilar commission to investigatewaysto set a fixedvalue for the dollar.

With Republican leadership , the House ofRepresentatives has passed legislation to set up justsuch a commission . We recommend its enactmentby the full Congress and the commission's carefulconsideration of ways to secure the integrity of ourcurrency.

The FederalReserve

Because the Federal Reserve's monetary policydecisions affect job creation , upward mobility forworkers, and equitable prosperity, they should betransparent. Similarly, the FederalReserve's important role as a lender of last resort should also becarried out in a more transparentmanner. The Republican Party will advance legislation that bringstransparency and accountability to the FederalReserve, the FederalOpen Market Committee, and theFederalReserve’s dealing with foreign banks.

The first step is through an annual audit ofthe FederalReserve's activities. Such an auditwould needto be carefully implemented so that

Workplace Freedom for a

21st Century Workforce

The greatest asset of the American economyis the hard-working American . That is why our firstpriority is getting people back to work by fosteringthe kind of growth that creates jobs. That overarching goal unites all the sections of this platform . Itruns through our commitments on education andworkforce development. It underlies our approachto welfare reform , regulatory reform , and our determination to advance the kind of trade agreements thatmultiply opportunities for workers hereat home. It also impels us to challenge the anachronistic labor laws that limit workers' freedom andlock them into the workplace rules of their greatgrandfathers

Instead of facilitating change, the current Administration and its agents at the NationalLaborRelationsBoard are determined to reverse it. Theyare attacking the franchisemodelofbusiness development, which is essential to the flexibility andcreativity of the new economy. They are wieldingprovisionsofthe Fair Labor StandardsAct from the1930s, designed to fit a manufacturingworkplace,to deny flexibility to both employersand employees. They have repealed union transparency rulesthat allowedmembersto discover what wasbeing

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and energize a free enterprise economy.Minimum wage is an issue that should behan

dled at the state and locallevel.

done with their dues. They have outlawed alternatives to unions even when they were favored by theworkers .

Their Project Labor Agreements discriminateagainst the overwhelming majority ofworkers bybarring them from jobs on taxpayer-funded projects. Their patronizing and controlling approachleaves workers in a form of peonage to the .Weintend to restore fairness and common sense tothat agency.

Technology has already created jobs that didnot exist fifteen years ago, and today's workersneed flexibility and family -friendly options tomake

themost of them , especially portability in pension

plans and health insurance.We intend to encourage those trends bybring

ing labor law into the 21st century. It should encourage cooperation between management andworkers, not conflict. Allworkers, including unionmembers,must be free to accept raises and rewards without veto power from union officials. Allunionized workers should be able to find outwhatis going on in their union trust funds and in theirexecutive compensation. We support the right ofstates to enact Right-to -Work laws and call for anationallaw to protect the economic liberty of themodern workforce.

All Americans deserve the opportunity to pursue their American dream free from discrimination .Clear nondiscrimination policies ensure all employees have the chance to succeed based solely ontheir merits . These policies are vital to creating aninclusive , innovative, and competitive workforce .

Republicans believe that the employeremployee relationship of the future will be builtupon employee empowerment and workplaceflexibility. We therefore endorse employee stockownership plans that enable workers to becomecapitalists, expand the realm of private property,

A FederalWorkforce Servingthe PeopleThefederalworkforceis larger andmorehighly

paid than ever. Thetaxpayers spend an averageof$ 35,000 a year per employeeonnon-cashbenefits,triple the averagenon-cash compensation of theaverageworker in the private sector. Federalemployeesreceive extraordinarypensionbenefits andvacation timewildly out ofline with those of theprivatesector

We urge Congress to bringfederalcompensation and benefits in line with thestandards ofmostAmerican employees. A Republican administrationshould streamlinepersonnelproceduresto expeditethefiringofbad workers,tax cheats, and scammers.The unionization ofthe federalworkforce, firstpermittedby Democratpresidents in the 1960s, shouldbe reviewedby the appropriate congressionalcommittees to examine its effects on the cost, quality,and performance of the civil service. Union representatives in the federal workforce should not bepaid to conductunion businesson thepublic'stime.

Reducing the FederalDebtOur national debt is a burden on our economy

and families. The huge increase in the national

debtdemanded by and incurred during the currentAdministration has placed a significant burden on

future generations . Wemust impose firm caps onfuture debt,accelerate the repayment of the trillions

we now owe in order to reaffirm our principles of

responsible and limited government , and removethe burdens we are placing on future generations .

A strong economy is one key to debt reduction ,but spending restraint is a necessary componentthat must be vigorously pursued .

8

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

A Rebirth of ConstitutionalGovernment

Wethe People

We are the party of the Declaration of

Independenceand theConstitution. TheDeclarationsets forth the fundamentalpreceptsofAmerican

government: ThatGodbestowscertain inalienable

rightson every individual, thus producinghuman

equality; that governmentexistsfirst and foremost

to protectthoseinalienable rights; thatman-made

law mustbe consistentwith God-given, naturalrights; and that ifGod-given, natural, inalienable

rights come in conflict with government, court,or human granted rights, God- given, natural,

inalienable rights always prevail; that there is a

morallaw recognizedas “ the LawsofNatureandof Nature'sGod andthat American governmentis to operatewiththeconsentof the governed. We

are also the party of theConstitution, the greatestpoliticaldocumentever written. It is the solemn

compactbuilt upon principlesof the Declaration

that enshrinesour God- given individualrights andensures that allAmericansstand equalbeforethe

law , definesthepurposesandlimitsofgovernment,

and is theblueprintfor ordered liberty thatmakesthe United States the world's freest and most

prosperousnation.

We reaffirm the Constitution'sfundamental

principles: limited government separation of

powers, individualliberty, and the rule of law. Wedenouncebigotry, racism , anti-Semitism , ethnic

prejudice, andreligiousintolerance. Therefore, we

oppose discriminationbased on race, sex, religion,creed, disability, or nationalorigin and support

statutesto end such discrimination. As the Partyof Abraham Lincoln, wemust continueto foster

solutionsto America'sdifficult challengeswhenit comes to race relationstoday. Wecontinue to

encourageequality for all citizensand access to

the American Dream . Merit andhard work should

determineadvancementin our society, so we rejectunfairpreferences, quotas, and set-asidesas forms

of discrimination Our ranks include Americans

from every faith and tradition, and werespect therightofeach American to follow his or herdeeplyheld beliefs.

Our Constitution is in crisis. More than 90

percentof federalrequirementsare now imposedby regulatory agencies, without any vote of theHouse or Senate or signatureof the President

The current Administration has exceeded itsconstitutionalauthority, brazenly and flagrantly

violatedthe separation ofpowers, soughtto divide

Americainto groupsand turn citizenagainstcitizen.ThePresidenthasrefusedto defendor enforcelaws

he doesnot like, used executive orders to enact

nationalpoliciesin areas constitutionallyreserved

solely to Congress, madeunconstitutional" recess"

appointments to Senate- confirmed positions,directed regulatory agencies to overstep theirstatutory authority, and failed to consult Congressregardingmilitaryactionoverseas. Hehas changed

whatJohn Adamscalled " governmentoflawsandnotofmen intojusttheopposite.

Democrats in Congress have enabled,supported, and defended each of these breaches.

They have applauded the President's efforts todo an end-run around Congress and stymied

Republican efforts torestrain executive lawlessness.Democrats in Congresshave also endorsed an anticonstitutional agenda of their own. Forty-eightDemocratic senators , for instance, voted to amend

the Bill ofRights to give government officials controlover political speech . Democrats in Congresshavelikewise proposed bills that would limit religiousliberty, undermine property rights, and evisceratethe Second Amendment.

In a free society, theprimaryroleof government

is to protect the God-given, inalienablerightsofits citizens. These constitutionalrights are not

negotiablefor any American We affirm that all

legislation, regulation, and officialactions must

9

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

conform to the Constitution's original meaning asunderstood at the time the language was adopted.

Ourmosturgenttask as a Party is to restore

the American people'sfaith in their governmentbyelecting a presidentwho willenforce duly enactedlaws, honor constitutional limits on executive

authority, andreturn credibilityto the OvalOffice.Weneed a Republican presidentwho will end

abuses of power by departmentsand agencies

like the IRS and the EPA, andby theWhite House

itself. Safeguardingourlibertiesrequiresa presidentwho will respect the Constitution's separation of

powers, includingtheauthorityofCongressto write

legislation and define agency authority. Americans

also deserve a presidentwho will speak for ournation'shistory and values, not apologizefor themto our enemies.

powers. In tandem with a Republican Senate, a

new Republicanpresidentwill restore to the Court

a strong conservativemajority that will follow the

text and originalmeaning of the Constitutionandour laws.

The legitimatepowers of government arerooted in the consentof the American people.

Judicialactivism that includesrelianceon foreignlaw or unratified treatiesundermines American

sovereignty. Foreign lawsand precedents should

notbeused to interpretour Constitutionor laws,norshould foreign sourcesof law beused in statecourts' adjudicationof criminalor civilmatters.

We also affirm the wisdom of President

George Washington's warning to avoid foreignentanglements and unnecessary alliances. Wetherefore oppose the adoption or ratification oftreaties that would weaken or encroach uponAmerican sovereignty or that could be construedby courts to do so . Wewillnot recognizeasbindingupon the United States any international agree

ment forged without the constitutionally requiredassentof two-thirds of theUnited States Senate.

The JudiciaryTheruleoflaw is the foundationofourRepublic.

A criticalthreatto ourcountry'sconstitutionalorder

is an activist judiciary thatusurpspowersproperlyreservedto the people through other branchesof government. Only a Republican president

will appointjudges who respectthe rule of law

expressedwithin the Constitutionand Declaration

of Independence, includingthe inalienable rightto life and the lawsofnature and nature'sGod, asdid the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Weare facinganationalcrisis in ourjudiciary. Weunderstandthat

onlyby electinga Republicanpresidentin 2016 will

America have theopportunity for up to five new

constitutionally-minded SupremeCourt justicesappointedto fill vacancieson the Court. Only such

appointmentswillenable courts to begin to reverse

the long line of activist decisions including

Roe, Obergefell, and the Obamacarecases – that

have usurpedCongress's and states lawmakingauthority, underminedconstitutionalprotections,

expandedthepowerofthejudiciary at the expenseof the people and their elected representatives,and strippedthe peopleof their power to governthemselves.Webelievein theconstitutionalchecks

andbalancesand that the Foundersintendedthe

judiciary to bethe weakestbranch. WeencourageCongressto use the check of impeachmentforjudges who unconstitutionally usurp Article |

Administrative Law

Article of the Constitution directs that “ All

legislativePowersherein granted shallbe vestedin a Congressof the United States more

than a century, however, Congresshas delegated

increasing amounts of legislative authority toexecutivedepartments, agencies, and commissions,

layingthe foundationfortoday'svastadministrative

state. Unelected bureaucrats in the executivebranchnow write countlessruleswith the force of

law and arbitrarilypunish individualswho disobeythoserules. The Constitutionmakesclear thatthese

powers were granted to Congressby the peopleandmustthereforeremain solely with the people's

elected representatives. We call on Congress tobegin reclaiming its constitutionalpowers from

the bureaucraticstate by requiringthat majornewfederalregulationsbeapprovedby Congressbeforethey can takeeffect, such asthroughtheRegulationFreedom Amendment.Wefurther affirm thatcourts

should interpretlawsaswrittenby Congressrather

than allowing executiveagencies to rewritethoselawsto suit administrationpriorities.

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

Defending MarriageAgainst misguided effortto undermine religion and drive it

anActivistJudiciary from the publicsquare. Asa result,many charitable

Traditionalmarriage and family, based on religious institutions that have demonstrated

marriagebetween oneman and one woman, great success in helping theneedy have beenis the foundation for a free society and has for barred from receiving governmentgrants andmillennia been entrusted with rearing children contracts. Governmentofficials threaten religious

and instillingculturalvalues. We condemnthe colleges and universitieswith massive fines and

Supreme Court's ruling in seek to controltheirpersonnelUnited States v. Windsor, which decisions. Places of

wrongly removed the ability of for the first time in our historyCongress to define marriage Wepledge

have reason to fear the loss

policy in federallaw. We also of tax - exempt status merely

condemn the Supreme Court's to defend the for espousing and practicing

lawless rulingin Obergefellv. religious beliefs and traditional religious beliefs

Hodges, which in the words of that havebeen held across thethe late Justice Antonin Scalia, rightsofconscience world for thousandsof years,

was a “ judicialPutsch” – full ofallAmericansand and for almost four centuries

of “ silly extravagances” – that in America . We value the right

reduced " the disciplined legalto safeguard religious of America's religious leaders

reasoningof John Marshalland institutionsagainst to preach, and Americans to

Joseph Storey to themystical speak freely, according to theirgovernment control.

aphorisms of a fortune cookie . faith . Republicansbelieve theIn Obergefell, five unelected federal government, specificallylawyers robbed 320 million the IRS, is constitutionally

Americans of their legitimate prohibited from policing orconstitutionalauthorityto definemarriageas the censoringspeech based on religious convictionsunion of oneman and one woman. The Court orbeliefs, andthereforeweurge the repealof the

twistedthemeaningofthe FourteenthAmendment JohnsonAmendment.

beyondrecognition. To echo Scalia, we dissent Wepledge to defend the religiousbeliefs

We, therefore, supportthe appointmentofjustices and rightsofconscienceofallAmericansand to

andjudgeswhorespectthe constitutionallimits on safeguardreligiousinstitutionsagainstgovernment

theirpowerandrespectthe authorityof the states control. Weendorsethe First AmendmentDefense

to decidesuch fundamentalsocialquestions. Act, RepublicanlegislationintheHouseand Senate

which will bar governmentdiscrimination againstThe FirstAmendment: ReligiousLiberty individuals andbusinessesfor actingon the belief

The Bill of Rights lists religious liberty, with thatmarriageis the union of oneman and oneits rightsofconscience, as the first freedom to be woman. This Act would protect the non- profit

protected. Religiousfreedom in the Billof Rights tax status of faith- based adoption agencies, the

protects the right of the people to practice their accreditationof religiouseducationalinstitutions,faith in theireverydaylives. AsGeorgeWashington the grants and contractsof faith -basedcharitiestaught, " religion andmorality are indispensable and smallbusinesses, and the licensingofreligious

supports” to a free society. Similarly, Thomas professions – all of which are under assaultbyJefferson declared that provision in our elements of theDemocraticParty. WeencourageConstitutionoughtto bedearer to man than that every state to pass similarlegislation. Welikewise

which protectsthe rightsof conscienceagainst the endorse the effortsofRepublicanstate legislatorsenterprisesofthe civilauthority.” Ongoing attempts and governorswho have defied intimidationfrom

to compelindividuals, businesses, and institutions corporationsand the mediain defendingreligious

of faith to transgress their beliefs are part of a liberty. Wesupportlawsto confirm thelongstanding

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REPUBLICANPLATFORM

American tradition that religious individuals and

institutions can educate young people, receive

government benefits, and participate in public

debates withouthaving to check their religiousbeliefs at the door.

Our First Amendmentrightsarenot given to

us by the governmentbutare rightsweinherently

possess. The governmentcannotuse subsequentamendmentsto limit First Amendmentrights. The

FreeExercise Clause is both an individualand a

collectivelibertyprotectinga right to worshipGodaccordingto the dictatesof conscience. Therefore,westrongly supportthe freedom of Americansto

act in accordancewith their religiousbeliefs, not

only in their houses ofworship, butalso in their

everydaylives.

Wesupportthe rightof thepeopleto conducttheir businesses in accordance with their religiousbeliefs and condemn public officials who have

proposedboycottsagainstbusinessesthatsupporttraditionalmarriage. We pledge to protect those

businessownerswho have been subjected to hate

campaigns, threatsof violence, and other attemptsto deny their civil rights.

We support the public display of the Ten

Commandmentsas a reflectionof our historyand

our country's Judeo-Christian heritageandfurtherthe rightsof religiousstudentsto engage in

voluntaryprayer atpublic schoolevents andto have

equal accessto schoolfacilities. We assert the First

Amendmentright of freedom of association for

religious, private, service, and youth organizationsto set their ownmembership standards.

parties in McCain- Feingold, raising or repealing

contributionlimits, protectingthe politicalspeechofadvocacygroups, corporations, and laborunions,

andprotectingpoliticalspeech on the internet. Welikewise call for an end to the so -called Fairness

Doctrine, and supportfree-marketapproachesto

free speechunregulatedby government.Webelievethe forced funding of political

candidatesthroughuniondues andothermandatorycontributionsviolatesthe FirstAmendment. Just as

Americanshave a FirstAmendmentrightto devote

resources to favored candidates or views, theyhave a First Amendmentrightnotto beforced to

individually supportindividualsorideologiesthat

theyoppose.Weagree with ThomasJeffersonthat

" To compela man to furnish contributionsofmoneyforthepropagationofopinionswhichhedisbelieves

and abhorsis sinfuland tyrannical.”

The Second Amendment:

Our Right to Keep and Bear Arms

We uphold the right of individuals to keepand bear arms, a natural inalienable right thatpredates the Constitution and is secured by theSecond Amendment. Lawful gun ownership enablesAmericans to exercise their God - given rightof selfdefense for the safety of their homes , their lovedones, and their communities

We salute the Republican Congress for

defendingthe right to keep and bear arms bypreventingthePresidentfrom installinganew liberalmajority on the SupremeCourt. The confirmation

to the Court of additionalanti- gun justiceswould

eviscerate the SecondAmendment'sfundamental

protections. Already, localofficials in the nation's

capital and elsewhere are defying the Court's

decisionsupholdingan individualright to beararmsas affirmed by the SupremeCourt in Hellerand McDonald. We support firearm reciprocitylegislation to recognizethe rightof law -abiding

Americansto carry firearmsto protectthemselvesand their families in all 50 states. We support

constitutionalcarry statutesand salute the statesthat havepassed them . Weoppose ill- conceivedlawsthat would restrict magazine capacity orban the sale of the mostpopular and commonmodern rifle. We also opposeany effort to deprive

The First Amendment:

Constitutionally ProtectedSpeechTherightsofcitizenshipdo notstop attheballot

box. Freedom ofspeechincludestherightto devoteresources to whatever cause or candidate one

supports. Weopposeany restrictionsor conditions

that would discouragecitizensfrom participatinginthepublic square orlimittheir ability to promote

their ideas, such as requiringprivateorganizationsto publicly disclose their donors to the government.

Limits on politicalspeech serveonly to protectthe

powerfuland insulate incumbentofficeholders. Wesupport repealof federalrestrictionson political

12

REPUBLICANPLATFORM2

individuals of their right to keep and bear arms

without due process of law .Wecondemnfrivolouslawsuits against gun

manufacturersand the current Administration'sillegalharassmentof firearm dealers. Weopposefederallicensing or registration of law - abiding

gun owners, registration of ammunition, andrestorationoftheill-fated Clinton gunban.Wecall

for a thorough investigation bya new Republicanadministration – ofthe deadly Fast and Furious”

operation perpetratedby Departmentof Justice

officialswho approvedand allowedillegalsales ofgunsto knownviolentcriminals.

reasonablesuspicionorprobablecause. Americans

overseasshould enjoy the samerights as Americans

residing in the United States, whose private

financial information is not subjectto disclosure

to the governmentexcept as to interest earned.

The requirementfor all banks around the worldto providedetailed information to the IRS aboutAmericanaccountholdersoutsidetheUnitedStates

hasresultedinbanksrefusingservice to them . Thus,FATCAnot only allows unreasonablesearch and

seizures” but also threatensthe ability of overseasAmericansto leadnormallives.Wecall for itsrepeal

and for a changeto residency-basedtaxation forU.S.citizensoverseas.

The Fourth Amendment:

Liberty andPrivacyAffirming the Fourth Amendment“ rightof

the people to be secure in their houses, papers,and effects, against unreasonable searches andseizures, call for strict limitationson the use of

aerialsurveillanceon U.S.soil,with the exception of

patrollingour nationalbordersfor illegalentryand

activity. Weoppose any attemptsby governmentto require surveillance devices in our daily lives,

includingtracking devices in motorvehicles.

In recentyears, technology companies haveresponded to market demand for products and

services that protectthe privacy of customers

through increasingly sophisticated encryption

technology. These increasedprivacyprotectionshavebecomecrucialto the digitaleconomy. Atthesametime,however, such innovationshavebrought

new dangers, especiallyfrom criminalsandterrorists

whoseek to useencryptiontechnologyto harm us.No matter the medium, citizensmust retain the

right to communicatewith one another free fromunlawfulgovernmentintrusion. Itwillnotbe easy

to balance privacy rights with the government'slegitimateneedto access encrypted information.This issue is too importantto beleft to the courts.

A Republicanpresidentand a RepublicanCongress

must listen to the American people and forge aconsensussolution

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

(FATCA) andtheForeignBankand AssetReporting

Requirementsresult in government'swarrantless

seizure of personalfinancial informationwithout

The Fifth Amendment:

ProtectingHuman Life

The Constitution's guaranteethatnoone can

bedeprivedoflife, libertyor property deliberatelyechoes the Declaration of Independence's

proclamation that " all are endowed by their

Creator" with the inalienable right to life.Accordingly, we assert the sanctity ofhuman lifeand affirm that theunborn child has a fundamental

rightto lifewhich cannotbe infringed. Wesupporta human life amendmentto the Constitutionand

legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth

Amendment'sprotectionsapply to children beforebirth

Weopposetheuseof public fundsto performorpromoteabortion orto fund organizations, like

PlannedParenthood, so long as they provideor

refer for electiveabortionsor sell fetalbody parts

ratherthan providehealthcare. Weurge all states

and Congresstomakeit a crimeto acquire, transfer,or sell fetal tissues from elective abortionsfor

research, and wecall on Congress to enact a banon any sale offetalbodyparts. In themeantime, we

callon Congressto ban the practice ofmisleadingwomen on so -called fetalharvestingconsentforms,

a fact revealedby a 2015 investigation. Wewillnotfund or subsidizehealthcarethatincludesabortion

coverage.

We support the appointment of judges who

respect traditional family values and the sanctity ofinnocent human life.Weoppose thenon - consensual

withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment ,

13

including food and water, from individuals with

disabilities,newborns,the elderly,or the infirm,justas we opposeeuthanasiaand assistedsuicide.

We affirmour moralobligationto assist, rather

than penalize, women who face an unplannedpregnancy.In order to encouragewomenwho face

anunplannedpregnancyto chooselife,we support

legislationthat requires financial responsibilityforthe child be equally borne by both the mother

and father uponconceptionuntil the child reachesadulthood.Failureto requirea father to be equally

responsible for a child places an inequitable

burden on the mother, creating a financial andsocial hardship on bothmother

and child. We celebrate the

millions of Americans whoopen their hearts, homes, and

churches to mothers in need

and women fleeing abuse. Wethank and encourageproviders

of counseling,medicalservices,

and adoption assistancefor empowering women

experiencing an unintendedpregnancy to choose life. We

supportfundingfor ultrasounds

and adoption assistance. Wesalute the many states that

now protect women and

girls through laws requiringinformed consent, parental

consent, waiting periods, and

clinic regulation.We condemnthe Supreme Court’s activist

decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedtstrikingdown commonsenseTexas laws providing

for basic healthand safety standards in abortion

clinics.We applaud the U.S.Houseof Representatives

for leading the effort to add enforcementto the

Born-AliveInfant ProtectionAct by passing theBorn-AliveAbortionSurvivorsProtectionAct,which

imposesappropriatecivil and criminalpenaltieson

healthcareproviderswho fail to providetreatmentand care to an infant who survives an abortion,

including early induction delivery whether the

death of the infant is intended.We stronglyopposeinfanticide.Over a dozen states have passedPain-

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

The Democratic Party

is extreme on abortion.

Democrats’ almost

limitless support forabortion, and their

strident opposition

to even the most

basic restrictions on

abortion, put themdramatically out of

step with the

American people.

14

CapableUnborn Child ProtectionActs prohibiting

abortion after twenty weeks, the point at whichcurrent medicalresearchshowsthat unbornbabies

can feelexcruciatingpain duringabortions,and we

call on Congress to enact the federal version.Notonly is it good legislation,but it enjoysthe support

of a majorityof the Americanpeople.We support

state and federalefforts against the cruelest formsof abortion,especially dismembermentabortion

procedures,inwhichunbornbabiesare literallytornapart limb fromlimb.

We call on Congress to ban sex-selection

abortions and abortions based on disabilities —discriminationin its most lethal

form. We oppose embryonic

stem cell research.We opposefederal funding of embryonic

stem cell research. We support

adultstemcell researchandurgethe restorationof the national

placentalstemcell bankcreated

by PresidentGeorgeH.W. Bushbut abolishedby his Democrat

successor,PresidentBillClinton.We opposefederal fundingfor

harvestingembryosand call for

a banon humancloning.The Democratic Party

is extreme on abortion.

Democrats’ almost limitlesssupport for abortion,and their

strident opposition to even

the most basic restrictions onabortion,put themdramatically

out of step with the Americanpeople.Becauseoftheir opposition to simple abortionclinic safety

procedures,support for taxpayer-fundedabortion,

and rejectionof pregnancy resourcecenters thatprovideabortionalternatives,theoldClintonmantra

of “safe, legal,and rare” has beenreduced to just

“legal.”We are proud to be the party that protectshumanlife and offers realsolutions for women.

The Fifth Amendment:ProtectingPrivate Property

The Framers of our government knew, from

history and experience, that when private propertyis not secure, freedom is at risk. That is why the Fifth

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

Amendmentdeclaresthatprivatepropertymaynotbe taken forpublic use withoutjust compensation.”The SupremeCourt'sKelo decisionunderminedthis

safeguardby allowinglocal governmentsto seizea person'shomeor landnotonly for vitalpublic use,

but also for public purpose, which thus allowed

the governmentto seize it for transferto private

developers or otherprivateentities. We call on any

state legislaturesthat have not alreadydoneso tonullify the impactof Kelo within their jurisdiction

by legislationor state constitutionalamendments

declaringthat private propertymaybetaken onlyfor truepublicuse, and wejoin HouseRepublicans

in supportingthe PrivatePropertyRightsProtectionAct.

The governmentat every levelmustalwayspay just compensationwhenever it takes private

property to achieve a compellingpublic use, withthemoney coming from thebudgetof the agency

performing the taking. This includes the takingof water rights and the taking of property byenvironmentalregulations that destroy or diminish

theproperty'svalue.Civil asset forfeiturewas originally intended

as a way to cripple organized crimethrough the

seizure of property used in a criminalenterprise.Regrettably, ithasbecomea tool for unscrupulous

law enforcementofficials, acting without due

process, to profitby destroyingthe livelihoodof

innocentindividuals, many ofwhom neverrecoverthe lawfulassets taken from them . When the rightsofthe innocentcanbe so easily violated, noone's

rights are safe. We call on Congress and state

legislaturesto enact reformsto protectlaw -abidingcitizensagainstabusive asset forfeiture tactics.

is a driving force in today's globaleconomy ofconstantinnovation. It is thewellspringofAmerican

economic growth and job creation. With the rise

of the digital economy, ithasbecomeeven more

criticalthatweprotectintellectualproperty rights

and preserve freedom of contract rather than

create regulatorybarriers to creativity, growth, andinnovation

Protecting intellectualproperty is also anational security issue. Wemust guard against

counterfeit parts that can compromise the

reliabilityofourweaponssystemsand the safety

of militarypersonnel. Today, the worst offenses

against intellectualproperty rights come fromabroad, especially in China. We call for strong

action by Congressanda new Republicanpresidentto enforce intellectualproperty laws against allinfringers, whether foreign or domestic.

The Ninth Amendment:

The People'sRetainedRights

The Ninth Amendmentto the Constitution

declaresthat [ t ]heenumerationin the Constitutionof certain rightsshallnot be construed to deny

or disparage others retainedby the people.” This

provision codifies the principle that ournationalgovernmentderives its power from the governed

andthat allpowersnotdelegatedto the government

areretainedby thepeople. Wecallupon legislators

to give full force to this fundamentalprinciple.Wewelcometo our ranks all citizens who are

determinedto reclaim the rightsofthepeople that

havebeen ignored orusurpedby the federal andintrusivestate governments.

The Fifth Amendment:

IntellectualPropertyRights

Private property includesnot only physicalproperty such as lands and homes, but also

intellectualproperty likebooksandpatents. Article1, section 8 of the Constitution givesCongress the

powerto safeguard intellectualproperty rightsfor Authors and Inventors.” protectingthe

proprietaryrightsof creators and innovators, the

Constitution promotes the generalwelfare byprovidingincentivesfor investmentin allsorts of

technology andartisticworks. Intellectualproperty

The Tenth Amendment: Federalism

as the Foundation ofPersonalLibertyFederalism is a cornerstoneofour constitutional

system . Every violation of state sovereigntybyfederalofficials is notmerely a transgressionofoneunitof governmentagainst another; it is an assaulton the libertiesof individualAmericans. Hencethe

promiseofthe Tenth Amendment: Thepowersnotdelegatedto theUnitedStatesby the Constitution,

norprohibitedby it to the states, are reserved to

the States respectively, or to the people.” TheConstitution gives the federal governmentveryfew powers, and they are specifically enumerated;

15

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

presidency. We urge state legislatures that have

voted for this proposal to rescind their approval.

the states and the people retain authority overall unenumeratedpowers. In obedience to that

principle, wecondemnthe currentAdministration's

unconstitutionalexpansion into areas beyond

those specificallyenumerated, includingbullyingof state and localgovernmentsin mattersrangingfrom voter identification(ID ) laws to immigration,

from healthcare programsto land use decisions,and from forced education curricula to school

restroom policies. Wepledgeto restoretheproperbalanceandverticalseparationofpowersbetweenthe federal governmentand state governmentsthe governments closest to, andmost reflective

of, the Americanpeople. Weencourage states to

reinvigoratetheir traditionalroleas the laboratories

of democracy, propelling the nation forwardthrough localand state innovation.

Big government undermines federalism

throughmorethan 1,100 grants- in - aid programsthatconsumemore than one- sixth of the federal

budget for matters that shouldbe the exclusive

responsibilityofthestates. Throughtheseprograms,money originatingfrom state taxpayersis returnedto the states, usually greatly reduced, with myriad

strings attached. These grants turn state and

local electedofficials into agents of the federal

government. Theweb ofconditionsandregulationsespecially therequirementofmatchingfundsthat

comes with federalgrants – transformsrecipients

into appendagesof theWashingtonbureaucracyWe call upon Congress to help a Republican

presidentto reduceand ultimately eliminatethissystem ofconditionedgrantsso thatstateandlocal

taxpayers can decide for themselveswhat isbest

for theirown communities.

HonestElectionsand the Rightto Vote

Honest elections are the foundation of

representativegovernment. Wepledgeto protect

the voting rightsofevery citizen, as well as theirrights of conscience when they are harassedor denied a job becauseof their contributions

to a candidate or a cause. We support state

efforts to ensureballot access for the elderly, the

handicapped, militarypersonnel, and alllegitimatevoters. Weurge state and localofficials to take

allappropriatesteps to allow votersto cast their

ballots in a timely manner. We are concerned,

however, that some voting procedures maybe open to abuse. For this reason, we support

legislation to requireproofof citizenship whenregistering to vote and secure photo ID when

voting. Westronglyoppose litigationagainststatesexercisingtheir sovereign authority to enact such

laws. Inaddition, to guaranteethat everyone's voteis counted, we urgethat electronic voting systemshave a voter- verifiedpaperaudittrail. Weurgeeverystateto join the Interstate VoterRegistration

Cross Check Program to keep voter rolls accurateand to preventpeople from voting in more than

one state in the sameelection. To guardagainst

foreign involvementin our elections, we call forvigilanceregardingonlinecreditcard contributionsto candidatesandcampaigns.

Themembersof our Armed Forcesmust not

be denied thebasic rightsthat they are defendingfor others. Our troops, wherever stationed,mustbeallowed to vote in a timely manner. Wecallupontheentiremilitary chain of commandto ensure the

voting rightsof our citizen soldiers.

The Constitution gives Congress authorityto conduct the decennialcensus in such Manner

as they shallby Law direct. In order to preserve

the principleof one person, one vote, we urge ourelected representativesto ensure that citizenship,

rather than mereresidency, bemade the basis forthe apportionmentof representatives among thestates.

Honest Elections and the

ElectoralCollegeWeopposetheNationalPopularVote Interstate

Compact and any other schemeto abolish or

distortthe proceduresofthe ElectoralCollege. An

unconstitutionaleffort to imposeNationalPopularVotewould bea grave threatto our federalsystemand a guaranteeof corruption, as every ballotbox

in every state would offer a chanceto stealthe

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REPUBLICANPLATFORM2016

America's Natural Resources :

Agriculture , Energy , and the Environment

We are the party of America's growers,producers, farmers, ranchers, foresters, miners,

commercialfishermen, and all those who bringfrom the earth the crops, minerals, energy, andthebounties of our seas that are the lifeblood

ofour economy. Their labor and ingenuity, theirdeterminationin bad times andlove of the land at

all times, powersour economy, createsmillionsof

jobs, and feedsbillionsofpeoplearoundthe world.Only a few years ago, a bipartisan consensus in

governmentvalued therole of extractiveindustries

and rewardedtheir enterprise by minimizingitsinterference with their work. Thathas radicallychanged. We look in vain within the Democratic

Party for leaderswhowill speak for thepeopleofagriculture, energy andmineralproduction.

Abundant Harvests

Agricultural production and exports are

centralto the Republicanagenda for jobs, growth,expanded trade, and prosperity. Because ourfarmers andranchers care for the land, the United

States does notdependon foreign imports forsustenance. Americansspenda smallerpercentage

of their incomeon food than any othernation. On

average, one Americanfarm producesenoughfood

to feed 155 people. No other nation has been as

generouswithfood aid to theneedy. Wehave good

reason to celebrate ourdomesticsecurityin food.

We are thelargestagriculturalexporterin theworld, our exports are vital for other sectors

of our economy. Those exports drive additional

economic growth as each dollar of agricultural

exportsgeneratesanother$ 1.27 in businessactivity.That is why we remain committed to expanding

trade opportunities and openingnew marketsforagriculture. Undera Republicanpresident, America's

trade negotiatorswill insist that our globaltradingpartnersadhere to science-based standardswith

regard to food andhealth regulations. We will nottoleratethe useofbogus science and scare tactics

to bar our productsfrom foreignmarkets, nor willweallow insufficienthealth and safety standardsfor

productsimportedfor our consumption.

Wemust also ensure that domestic policies

do not compromiseour globalcompetitivenessthrough overregulation and undue interference

in the marketplace. There is growingrecognitionthatfederaldairy policies, craftedduringtheGreat

Depression, are increasinglyan impedimentto the

abilityofour dairyproducersto meetthe expected

doubling in globaldemand comingby 2030.Weoppose the policiespushedby specialinterest

groups seeking to stop ormakemore expensiveour currentsystem of safe, efficient, and humane

productionofmeat Congresshasrepeatedlyhadtoblock the current Administration'sdraconianrules

concerningthemarketingof poultry and livestock.

This regulatoryimpulsemustbe curbed, noton acase-by- case basis, but through a fundamental

restructuringof the regulatory process. In the

meantime, the intrusive and expensivefederalmandateson foodoptionsandmenulabelingshould

be ended as soon as possibleby a RepublicanCongress. Weoppose themandatorylabelingofgeneticallymodifiedfood, which hasproventobe

safe,healthy, and a literallife- saver formillionsin the

developingworld.The Democratic Administration's sustained

support for additionalregulationofagriculturehasdirectly resultedin higher costs of production for

those who producethe food we eat. This federalregulatory overreachhas resulted andwill continue

to resultin higher food pricesfor Americans. These

higher food costs are particularlychallengingforthose Americansstrugglingto endsmeet.

Like the rest of the economy, agriculturehas

suffered through eight years of the Democrats

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

regulatory juggernaut, particularly from theEnvironmental Protection Agency ( EPA). States,not Washington bureaucrats, are best equippedto engage farmers and ranchers to developsound farm oversight policies. Theof the United States (WOTUS) rule, issued jointlywith the Army Corps of Engineers, is a travesty .It extends the government's jurisdiction overnavigable waters into the micro-management ofpuddles and ditches on farms, ranches, and otherprivately-held property. Ditches, dry creek beds,

stock ponds, prairie potholes, and other nonnavigable wet areas are already regulated by thestates. WOTUS isnow subject to judicial review andmust be invalidated, but that will not be sufficientUnelected bureaucrats must be stopped fromfurthering the Democratic Party's political agendathrough regulatory demands forced upon citizensand businesses beyond that which is required bylaw . Wemust never allow federal agencies to seizecontrol ofstate waters , watersheds,or groundwater .State waters, watersheds, and groundwater mustbethe purview of the sovereign states.

Farmers andranchersare amongthis country'sleading conservationists. Modern farm practices

and technologies, supported by programsfromthe DepartmentofAgriculture, haveled to reduced

erosion, improvedwater and air quality, increased

wildlifehabitat, all thewhilemaintainingimproved

agriculturalyields. This stewardship of the landbenefits everyone, and we remain committed to

conservationpoliciesbased on the preservation,

not the restriction, of working lands. For this

reason, ranchingon public landsmustbefostered,

developed, and encouraged. Thisincludesprovidingforan abundantwater supply forAmerica'sfarmers,ranchers, and their communities.

Farming and ranching remain high-risk

endeavors, and they cannot be isolated frommarket forces. No segment of agriculture canexpect treatmentso favorablethat it seriously

disadvantagesworkers other trades. Federal

programsto assist farmers in managingriskmust

be as cost- effective as they are functional, offering

tools that can improveproducers ability to operate

when times aretough whileremainingaffordableto

the taxpayers. Even so , the expansionofagriculturalexports through the vigorous opening of new

markets around theworld isthe surestpath to farm

security.

While uncertainty about naturalweather and

marketsis a risk farmers andranchersalwaysface,

governmentshould not add to their uncertaintybyinaction and delay. Thanks in large part to a lackofleadership from the currentAdministration and

congressionalDemocrats, the last Farm Billtook

far too long to enact, creating instability about

farm policy for nearly two years. Republicansare

dedicatedto leading this country forward, whichincludesgettingthings doneon time, includingthenextFarm Bill

The Democratsplaypoliticswith farm security.

Much of the Democrats' delay hadnothing todo with the vital role of American agriculture. Itconcernedtheirefforts to expandwelfare through

the SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP) ,which now comprisesmorethan70percentof all farm billspending. Duringthelast eightyearsof a DemocraticAdministration, nearly allthework

requirementsfor able-bodied adults, institutedbyour landmarkwelfare reform of 1996, havebeenremoved. We will restore those provisions and,

to correct a mistakemadewhen the FoodStamp

program was first created in 1964, separate the

administrationof SNAP from the Departmentof

Agriculture.Likeallothersectorsofoursociety, agriculture

is directly impactedby the constant advancein

technology. Agriculturenow faces a revolutionin the

generationof Data" information produced

notonly throughpublicoversightofregulationsand

programs, but also from privatebusinessrecordsof

farmingand ranchingoperations. In theinterestofprotectingthe safety of our farmers and rancherswewill advancepoliciesto protect the security,privacy, andmostofall, the privateownership ofindividualfarmers' andranchers' data.

The U.S.ForestService, withinthe Department

ofAgriculture, controlsaround200million acresof

land with enormousnaturalresources, especially

timber, a renewableresourceprovidingjobs forthousandsof workers that should beused to the

best economic potential thenation. Many of

ournational forests are in worseninghealth withthe threat of invasive species, insectmortality,and the severe risk of wildfire. The increase in

18

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

catastrophicwildfireshas been needlesslykilling notbeimmediatelydeveloped. Becausewe believe

millions of animals and destroyinghomes and states can best promote economic growth while

watersheds for decades in the western states. protectingthe environment, Congressshould give

The expense to suppresswildfires relatedto failed authority to state regulatorsto manage energyfederalforest policiescontinuesto increase. When resourceson federally controlledpublic landswithin

timber is managedproperly, the renewablecrops their respectiveborders.will result in fewerwildfiresand, at the sametime, The DemocraticParty's energypolicycanbeproducejobs in the timber industry for countless summed up in a slogan currently popularamongfamilies. Webelievein promotingactive, sustainable its activists: itin the ground. Keepingenergymanagementofour forests and that statescanbest in the earth willkeep jobs out of reach of those

manage our forests to improve foresthealth and who need them most. For low -incomeAmericans,

keep communitiessafe. expensive energy means colder homes in the winterand hotter homes in the summer, lessmobility in

A New Era in Energy employment, and higher food prices. The currentOur country has greater energy resources Administration, and particularly its EPA, seems

than any other place on earth. not to care. Its Clean Power

Our engineers and miners, the Plan – the centerpieceof themen and women whose labor

Ourcountry hasPresident'swar on coal – has

taps the forces of nature, are been stayed by the Supremethe best in the world . Together, greater energy Court. We will do away withthe people of America's energy resources than any it altogether. The Democraticsector provide us with power

other place on earth .Party does not understand

that is clean, affordable , secure , that coalis an abundant, clean,and abundant. Their work can Our engineers and affordable, reliable domestic

guaranteethe nation's energy miners, themenand energy resource. Those who

security for centuriesto comeif, mine it and their families

instead of erectingroadblocks, womenwhose labor should be protected from the

government facilitates the taps the forces of Democratic Party's radical anticreation of an all-of-the-above

coalagenda

energy strategy nature, are thebest The Democratic Party'sWe applaud congressional in theworld. campaign to smother the U.S.

Republicans for doing just that energy industry takes manyfar- sighted legislation . forms but the permitting

BothHouseshavepassedbills thatwillmodernize processmaybeitsmostdamagingweapon. It takes

pipelinesand the electricgrid, protectthegrid from an averageof 30 days for statesto permitan oilor

disruption, expedite energy exports, and lower gaswell. It takesthe federalgovernmentlongerthan

energy costs. A Republican administrationwill sevenmonths. Three decadesago, the Bureauof

build on those policies to findnew ways to store LandManagement(BLM) leased 12.2million acres.

electricity, a breakthroughof extraordinaryimport. In 2014, it leased only one-tenth of thatnumber.

Planningfor our energy future requiresus to Our nuclearindustry, cleanlygenerating almost20first determinewhat resourceswe have in reserve. percentof our electricity from its 99 plants, hasThirty years ago, the world's estimatedreservesof a remarkablesafety record, butonly a handfulofoilwere645billion barrels. Today, that figure is 1.65 plants havebeen permittedin over threedecades.

trillionbarrels. Themoreweknow whatwe willhave Permitting for a safe, non- pollutinghydroelectric

in the future, thebetterwecandecidehow to use it. facility, even onethat is beingrelicensed, can take

That is whywesupportthe openingofpubliclands many years because of the current President's

andtheouter continentalshelf to explorationand hostility to dams. The Keystone Pipelinehasresponsibleproduction, even if theseresourceswill becomea symbolof everythingwrongwith the

19

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

current Administration's ideological approach . We oppose any carbon tax . Itwould increase

After years of delay , the President killed it to satisfy energy prices across the board, hitting hardest atenvironmental extremists. We intend to finish that the families who are already struggling to pay theirpipeline and others as part of our commitment to bills in the Democrats growth economy. WeNorth American energy security . urgethe privatesectorto focus its resourceson the

Governmentshould notplay favoritesamong developmentof carbon capture andsequestration

energy producers. The taxpayers will not soon technologystillin itsearly stageshereandoverseas.forget the current Administration'ssubsidies to American energy producers should be free

companiesthatwentbankruptwithoutproducing to export their productto foreign markets. This

a kilowatt of energy. The same Administration is particularly importantbecause of international

now requires the Department demand for liquefied naturalof Defense, operating with gas, and we must expedite

slashed budgets during a time Wesupport the the energy export terminalsof expanding conflict, to use its

development of all currently blocked by the

scarce resources to generate 25 Administration. Energy exportsformsof energythat

percentof its electricity from will create high paying jobsrenewablesby 2025. Climate aremarketablein a throughoutthe UnitedStates,

changeis far from this nation's reduce our nation's trade

free economy withoutmost pressing nationalsecurity deficit, grow our economy, andissue. This is the triumph of subsidies, including boost the energy security ofextremism over common sense, coal, oil, natural gas, our allies and trading partners .and Congress must stop it. We remain committed to

We support the nuclear power, and aggressively expanding tradedevelopment of all forms of hydropower opportunities and openingenergy that aremarketable in a new markets for American

free economywithout subsidies, energy through multilateral and

including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and bilateralagreements, whether current, pending, orhydropower. A federal judge has struck down the negotiated in thefuture .BLM's rule on hydraulic fracturing and we support Energy is both an economic and national

upholding this decision. Werespect the states security issue. We support the enactment ofproven ability to regulate the use of hydraulic policies to increase domestic energy production ,fracturing, methane emissions, and horizontal including production on public lands, to counterdrilling, and we will end the Administration's marketmanipulation by OPEC andother nationallydisregard of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act with owned oil companies. This will reduce America'srespect to the long-term storage of nuclear waste. vulnerability to energy pricevolatilityWe encourage the cost-effective development ofrenewable energy sources wind, solar, biomass, EnvironmentalProgressbiofuel, geothermal, and tidal energy – by private Conservation is inherent in conservatism . Ascapital. The United States is overwhelmingly the pioneer of environmentalism a century ago, thedependenton China and othernations forrare earth Republican Party reaffirms themoralobligation toand other hardrock minerals. These minerals are be good stewards of theGod- given naturalbeautycritical to advanced technology, renewable energy, and resourcesof our country. Webelieve thatpeopleand defensemanufacturing.We support expediting are the most valuable resources and that humanthe permitting process for mineral production health and safety are the proper measurements ofon public lands. We support lifting restrictions to a policy's success. We assert that private ownershipallow responsible development of nuclear energy, has been the best guarantee of conscientiousincluding research into alternative processes like stewardship while some of the worst instancesthorium nuclear energy. ofdegradation have occurred under government

20

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

control. Poverty, not wealth , is the gravest threat

to the environment, while steady economic growth

brings the technological advances which make

environmental progress possible .The environmentis too importanttobeleft to

radicalenvironmentalists. They are using yesterday'stools to controla future they do not comprehend.The environmentalestablishmenthasbecome a

self- servingelite, stuck in the mindsetof the 1970s,

subordinatingthe public'sconsensusto the goalsofthe Democratic Party. Their approach isbasedon shoddy science, scare tactics, and centralized

command-and- control regulation. Over the last

eight years, the Administrationhas triggered an

avalancheof regulation thatwreakshavocacross

our economy and yields minimalenvironmentalbenefits.

The centralfactof any sensibleenvironmental

policy is that, year by year, the environmentis

improving. Our air and waterways are muchhealthierthan they were a few decades ago. As

a nation, we have drastically reduced pollution,

mainstreamed recycling, educated the public,and avoided ecologicaldegradation. Even if noadditional controls are added, air pollution willcontinueto decline for thenextseveraldecades

due to technologicalturnoverofagingequipment.These cessesbecomea challengeforDemocratic

Party environmentalextremists, who mustreachfarther anddemandmore to sustain the illusion of

an environmentalcrisis. That is why they routinelyignorecosts, exaggeratebenefits, and advocatethe

breachingof constitutionalboundariesby federal

agenciestoimposeenvironmentalregulation. At thesametime, the environmentalestablishmentlooks

the otherway when environmentaldegradationiscausedby the EPA and other federalagencies as

was the case duringthe Animas Riverspill.

Our agendaishigh on job creation, expanding

opportunity and providing a better chance at life

for everyonewilling to work for it. Ourmodern

approach to environmentalism is directed to that

end, andit startswith dramatic change in official

Washington. Wepropose to shift responsibility

for environmentalregulation from the federal

bureaucracyto the states and to transform the

EPA into an independentbipartisan commission,similar to the NuclearRegulatoryCommission, with

structuralsafeguardsagainst politicizedscience.

Wewill strictly limit congressionaldelegationofrule-makingauthority, and require that citizensbe

compensatedforregulatorytakings.

Wewill putan end to thelegalpracticeknownas " sue and settle, ” in which environmentalgroups

suefederalagencieswhoseofficialsare complicitinthe litigation so that, with the taxpayers excluded,

both parties can reach agreementbehind closed

doors. That deceitbetrays the public's trust; itwillno longerbetolerated.Wewillalso reform the EqualAccessto Justice Actto cap anddisclosepaymentsmadeto environmentalactivistsandreturn the Act

to its originalintent.

Wewill enforcethe originalintentof the CleanWater Act, notit's distortion by EPA regulations.

Wewill likewiseforbid the EPA to regulate carbondioxide, somethingnever envisionedwhen Congress

passed the Clean Air Act. We will restore to

Congressthe authority to setthe NationalAmbient

Air QualityStandardsandmodernizethepermitting

process under the NationalEnvironmentalPolicy

Act so it can no longer invite frivolouslawsuits,thwart sorelyneededprojects, killjobs, andstrangle

growth.

The federalgovernmentownsor controlsover640millionacresofland in theUnitedStates,mostof

which is in theWest. Theseare publiclands, andthepublic shouldhave access to them for appropriate

activities like hunting, fishing, and recreationalshooting. Federalownership ormanagementoflandalso places an economicburden on countiesandlocalcommunitiesin termsoflostrevenueto pay

for things such as schools, police, and emergencyservices. It is absurd to think that all that acreagemust remain under the absentee ownership or

managementofofficialWashington. Congressshallimmediatelypassuniversallegislationprovidingfor

a timely andorderlymechanism requiringthefederal

governmentto convey certain federally controlled

public landsto states. We call upon all national

and state leadersandrepresentativesto exert theirutmostpower andinfluenceto urge the transfer ofthose lands, identifiedin the review process, to allwillingstates for thebenefitof the states and thenation as a whole. The residents of state and local

communitiesknow besthow to protect the landwhere theywork and live. They practice boots-on

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

the- ground conservation in their states every day.Wesupportamendingthe AntiquitiesActof1906 to

establishCongress rightto approvethedesignationofnationalmonumentsand to further require the

approvalofthestatewhere a nationalmonumentis

designated or a nationalpark is proposed.

There is certainly a need to protectcertainspecies threatenedworldwidewith extinction.

However, theEndangeredSpeciesAct (ESA) should

not includespeciessuch as gray wolvesand other

speciesif these species exist elsewherein healthynumbers in anotherstate or country. To upsettheeconomic viability of an area with an unneeded

designation costs jobsandhurtslocalcommunities.

Wemust ensure that this protection is done

effectively, reasonably, and without unnecessarilyimpedingthe deve pmentof lands and natural

resources. The ESA should ensure that the listingof endangered species and the designation ofcriticalhabitatsarebasedupon sound science and

balancetheprotectionof endangeredspecies with

the costsofcomplianceandtherightsofproperty

owners. Instead, over the last few decades, theESA hasstuntedeconomic development, haltedtheconstructionofprojects,burdenedlandowners, and

has been used to pursuepolicy goals inconsistentwith the ESA – allwith little to no success in theactualrecoveryof species. For example, weopposethe listing of the lesser prairie chicken and the

potentiallistingofthesagegrouse. Neitherspecieshas been shownto bein actual danger and thelistingsthreatento devastatefarmers, ranchers, and

oiland gas production. While speciesthreatened

with extinctionmustbe protectedunderthe ESA,any such protectionmustbedone in a reasonable

and transparentmannerwith stakeholderinputand

in consideration ofthe impact on the developmentof lands and natural resources .

Information concerninga changingclimate,especially projectionsinto the long- range future,

mustbe based on dispassionateanalysisof harddata. Wewill enforce that standard throughout

the executive branch, among civil servants andpresidentialappointees alike. The United Nations'

IntergovernmentalPanelon Climate Change is a

politicalmechanism, not an unbiased scientific

institution. Its unreliability is reflected in itsintolerancetoward scientists and others who

dissent from its orthodoxy. We will evaluate its

recommendationsaccordingly. We reject the

agendasofboth theKyoto Protocoland theParis

Agreement which representonly the personalcommitments of their signatories; no such

agreementcan bebindingupon the United Statesuntilit is submittedto andratifiedby the Senate.

Wedemand an immediatehaltto U.S.fundingfor the U.N.'s Framework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC) in accordance with the 1994

Foreign RelationsAuthorization Act. That law prohibits Washington from giving anymoney to anyaffiliatedorganization of theUnitedNations” whichgrants Palestiniansmembership as a state. There isno ambiguity in that language. It would beillegalfor the Presidentto follow through on his intentionto providemillionsin funding for theUNFCCC andhundredsofmillionsfor its Green Climate Fund.

We firmly believe environmentalproblems

are best solved by giving incentives for human

ingenuityandthedevelopmentofnew technologies,

not through top- down, command- and-control

regulationsthat stifle economic growth and costthousandsof jobs.

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

GovernmentReform

MakingGovernmentWork for the People

FoundingFather and Constitution Framer

James Wilson declared that in America, “ the

peopleare themastersof government,” butthatin other countries, “ the governmentis masterof the people.” Wepledge to make government

work for thepeople, rather than the other wayaround. Much of what the federal government

does canbeimproved,much shouldbe replaced,andmuchneedsto bedoneaway with or returned

to the states. It is longpasttimefor just tinkeringaroundthe edges of a bloated and unresponsivebureaucraticstate. Its poorlymanagedprograms,somebegun generationsago, are ill-suited to meet

presentneeds and future requirements. Its creditcard budgetsimposemassive indebtedness on

every American today and on children yet unborn.

Themore it intrudes into every aspect of Americanlife the more it alienates the citizenswhowork ,

pay taxes, andwonderwhathashappenedto thecountry they love.Weagreewith Thomas Jefferson

that“ [ t ]hemultiplicationof public offices, increase

of expensebeyond income, growth and entailment

of a public debt, are indicationssoliciting the

employmentof the pruningknife.

demands have focused on significantly expanding

government spending and benefits for its preferred

groups, paid for through loans that our children and

grandchildren will have to pay. This is the path tobankrupting the next generation .

The Republican path to fiscal sanity and

economic expansionbeginswith a constitutional

requirementfor a federalbalancedbudget. Wewill fight for Congressto adopt, and for the states

to ratify, a Balanced Budget Amendmentwhich

imposesa cap limitingspending to the appropriate

historicalaveragepercentageof our nation's grossdomesticproductwhile requiring a super-majorityfor any tax increase, with exceptionsonly for war

or legitimate emergencies. Only a constitutionalsafeguard such as this can prevent deficits from

mountingto governmentdefault.

Republicanbudgetswillprioritize thrift overextravaganceand put taxpayers first. Wesupportthe following test: Is a particularexpenditurewithin

the constitutionalscopeof the federalgovernment?Ifnot, stop it. Hasit been effective in the past and

is it still absolutelynecessary? Ifnot, end it. Is it soimportantasto justifyborrowing, especially foreignborrowing, to fundit? Ifnot, killit.

Balancing the BudgetThe federal fiscal burden threatens the

security, liberty, and independenceof ournation.The current Administration'srefusalto work with

Republicanstook ournationaldebtfrom $ 10 trillion

to nearly $ 19 trillion today. Left unchecked, it will

hit $30 trillion by 2026.At the same time, the

Administration's policies systematically crippledeconomic growth and job creation, driving up

governmentcosts and driving down revenues.

When CongressionalRepublicanstried to reverse

course, the Administrationmanufacturedfiscalcrises phony government shutdowns – to

demandexcessivespending. The Administration's

Preserving Medicare and Medicaid

Morethan 100 million AmericansdependonMedicare or Medicaid for their healthcare; with

ourpopulation aging, thatnumberwill increase. To

preserveMedicareand Medicaid, the financingof

these importantprogramsmustbebroughtundercontrolbeforethey consumemostof the federal

budget, includingnationaldefense. The goodnewsis that it canbe done, and it can bedonewithout

endangeringtheelderly andtheneedywho depend

on those programs. We intendto save Medicareby

modernizingit, empoweringits participants, andputtingit on a secure financial footing. Wewill

preservethepromiseofMedicaidaswellbymaking

23

that program,designedfor 1965medicine,a vehicle

for good healthin anentirely new era.Medicare’slong-termdebt is in the trillions,and

it is fundedby a workforcethat is shrinkingrelative

to the size of future beneficiaries.Obamacareworsened the situation— and imperiledseniors —

by imposinghundredsof billionsof dollars in cuts

to Medicareprovidersto pay for its new spending.Whena vital programis so clearlyheadedfor a train

wreck, it’s time to put it on a more secure track.That is why we proposethese reforms:Imposeno

changes for persons55 or older. Give others the

option of traditional Medicareor transition to apremium-supportmodel designed to strengthen

patient choice, promotecost-savingcompetition

among providers, and better guard against thefraud and abuse that now diverts billionsof dollars

every year away from patient care. Guaranteeto

every enrollee an income-adjustedcontributiontoward a plan of their choice, with catastrophic

protection.Without disadvantagingpresentretirees

or thosenearingretirement,set a morerealisticagefor eligibilityin light of today’slonger lifespan.

This is an agenda to improvehealthcare,notjust to manageits costs. We reject the Democrats’

approachof rationinginherentin Obamacare.We

recognize the de facto rationing of healthcarecaused by reduced access to doctors who

increasinglyopt out of participatingin Medicare

and Medicaid.We will not accept that or any otherapproachwhich denies care — or lowers itsquality

— for America’selderly.

Medicaid presents related, but somewhatdifferent challenges. As the dominant force in

the health marketwith regardto long-termcare,births,and personswithmentalillness,it is the next

frontier of welfare reform.It is simply too big and

too flawed to be administeredfrom Washington.Mostof the vauntedexpansionof health insurance

coverageunder Obamacareactuallyhas beenan

unprecedentedexpansionof the Medicaidrolls inmanystates.We applaudthe Republicangovernors

andstatelegislatorswho haveundertakenthe hard

work of modernizingMedicaid.We will givethemafree hand to do so by block-grantingthe program

withoutstrings.Their initiatives— whetherpremium

supportsfor purchasinginsurance,refundabletaxcredits, alternativesto hospitalizationfor chronic

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

24

patients,diseasepreventionactivities,and other

innovations— are the best strategy for preservingMedicaid for those who need it the most. Block

granting Medicaid is particularly needed to

address mentalhealthcare. Mentalillness affectspeoplefrom all walks of life,but there has been

little success in developingeffectivesystem-wide

medicalmodelsfor addressingmentalhealth.Foravariety of uniquereasons,governmentis often the

first frontier for peopleexperiencingmentalhealthproblems — from first responderswho deal with

crises to publicly funded mental health facilities

and prisons where large numbers of inmatessuffer from mental illnesses. Using block grants

would allow states to experiment with different

systems to address mental health and developsuccessfulmodelsto be replicatedin states across

the nation. The current federally dictated mental

healthcare regime is wastefuland ineffective,andmovingto a blockgrant approachwould allowfor

state and local governments to create solutions

for individualsand families in desperateneed ofhelp in addressingmental illness.We respect the

states’ authorityand flexibility to excludeabortionprovidersfrom federal programssuchas Medicaid

andotherhealthcareand familyplanningprograms

so long as they continue to performor refer forelectiveabortionsor sell the body partsof aborted

children.

SavingSocialSecurity

We reject the old maximthat SocialSecurity

is the “Third Rail” of Americanpolitics,deadly foranyonewho would changeit.The DemocraticParty

still treats it that way, eventhough everyoneknowsthat its current course will lead to a financial and

socialdisaster.Younger Americanshavelostall faith

in the program and expect little return for whatthey are paying into it. As the party of America’s

future,we acceptthe responsibilityto preserveand

modernizea systemof retirement security forgedin an old industrialera beyond the memoryof most

Americans. Current retirees and those close to

retirementcan be assuredof their benefits.Of themany reformsbeing proposed,all options should

be considered to preserve Social Security. As

Republicans,we oppose tax increasesand believein the power of markets to create wealth and to

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

help secure the future of ourSocialSecurity system . Immigration the Rule of Law

Saving Social Security is more than a challenge. It Our party is the natural home for those whois our moral obligation to those who trusted in the come in search of freedom and justice. Wewelcome

government's word . all to the Great Opportunity Party

The greatest assetof theAmerican economyisProtectingInternet Freedom theAmericanworker. Ourimmigration system must

The survival of the internet as we know it protectAmericanworkingfamiliesand theirwages,is at risk. Its gravest peril originates in the White for citizens and legal immigrantsalike, in a way

House, the currentoccupantofwhich has launched that will improve the economy. Just as immigranta campaign, both at home internationally, to laborhelpedbuild our country in thepast, today's

subjugateitto agentsof government. The President legal immigrants are making vital contributions

ordered the chairofthe supposedly independent in every aspect of nationallife. Their industryand

Federal CommunicationsCommission to impose commitmentto American values strengthensour

upon theinternetrulesdevised in the 1930sfor the economy, enrichesour culture, and enablesus to

telephonemonopoly. Hehasunilaterallyannounced better understandand more effectively competeAmerica's abandonment of with the rest of theworld.

the international internet by Weare particularlygrateful

surrendering U.S. control of to the thousandsofnew legalthe root zone of web names America'simmigration immigrants,manyof them notand addresses. He threw the

policymustservetheyet citizens, who are serving

internet to the wolves, and they in the Armed Forces and

– Russia, China, Iran, and others nationalinterest of the among first responders . Their

are ready to devour it. United States... patriotism should encourageWesalute the Congressional all to embrace the newcomers

Republicans who have legally among us, assist their

legislatively impeded his plans journey to full citizenship, and

to turn over the InformationFreedom Highwayto help their communitiesavoid isolation from the

regulatorsandtyrants. That fightmust co ue, mainstreamof society. Weare also thankfulfor the

for its outcomeis in doubt. Wewill consistently manylegalimmigrantswho continueto contribute

support internetpolicies that allow people and to American society. Tothat end, webothencourageprivate enterpriseto thrive, withoutprovidingnew the preservationof heritage tongues andsupportand expanded governmentpowers to tax and English as thenation's officiallanguage, a unifying

regulate so that the internetdoesnotbecomethe force essentialfor the advancementof immigrant

vehicle for a dramatic expansion of government communitiesandournation as a whole.power. The internet's independenceis its power. America's immigrationpolicy must serve the

It unleashed innovation, enabled growth, and nationalinterestof the United States, and the

inspired freedom more rapidly and extensively interests of Americanworkersmustbe protected

than any other technologicaladvance in human over the claimsof foreign nationalsseekingthe

history. We willthereforeresist any effort to shift same jobs. With all our fellow citizens, we have

control toward governanceby internationalor watched, in anger and disgust, the mockingofour

other intergovernmentalorganizations. We will immigrationlawsby a presidentwhomadehimselfensure thatpersonaldata receivesfull constitutional superior to thewill of thenation. We stand with

protection from governmentoverreach. The only thevictimsofhispolicies, especiallythe familiesofway to safeguard or improve these systemsis murderedinnocents. Illegalimmigrationendangersthrough the private sector. The internet's free everyone, exploits the taxpayers, and insults all

marketneedsto befree and open to allideas and who aspireto enter Americalegally. We opposecompetitionwithout the governmentor service any form ofamnestyfor thosewho, bybreakingthe

providerspickingwinnersandlosers. law , have disadvantagedthose who have obeyed

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

programsto eliminate fraud, improve efficiencyand ensure they serve the nationalinterest. In

lightof the alarminglevels of unemploymentand

underemploymentin this country, it is indefensibleto continueofferinglawfulpermanentresidenceto

more than onemillion foreign nationals every year.The SupremeCourthascorrectly recognizedthat

stateshave the constitutionalauthority to take

stepsto reduceillegalimmigration. We condemnthe ObamaAdministration'slawsuits againststatesthat are seekingtoreinforcefederallaw.Wesupport

the rightofthe statesto enactlawsdeterringillegal

aliensfrom residingwithin their states.

From its beginning, our country has been ahavenofrefugeand asylum . That should continue

with majorchanges. Asylum shouldbelimitedto casesofpolitical, ethnic or religiouspersecution.

As the Director of the FBIhas noted, it is notpossibleto vetfully allpotentialrefugees. To ensure

our national security, refugees who cannotbecarefully vettedcannotbeadmitted to the country,

especially thosewhose homelandshavebeen the

breedinggroundsfor terrorism .

an

it. The executive amnesties of 2012 and 2014 area direct violation of federal law and usurp the

powersof Congress as outlinedin ArticleConstitution. These unlawfulamnestiesmust be

immediately rescindedby a Republicanpresident. In

a timeofterrorism , drug cartels, human trafficking,and criminal gangs, the presence of millionsof

unidentifiedindividuals in this countryposes graverisks to the safety and sovereigntyof the UnitedStates. Ourhighestpriority, therefore, mustbetosecure ourborders and all ports of entry and to

enforceourimmigrationlaws.

That is why we supportbuilding a wall alongour southern border and protecting all ports ofentry. The border wallmust cover the entiretyof the southern border and mustbe sufficientto

stop both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. We

insist upon workplaceenforcementof verification

systemsso that more jobs can be availableto all

legalworkers. Use of the E-verify programinternet-based system that verifiesthe employmentauthorizationand identityof employees – must

bemademandatorynationwide. Wereaffirm our

endorsementof the SAVE program SystematicAlien Verification for Entitlements– to ensure that

public funds are not given to personsnotlegallypresentin this country.Wedemandtough penalties

against thosewhoengagein identitytheft, dealinfraudulentdocuments, andtraffic in humanbeings.

The Departmentof HomelandSecuritymustuse its

authorityto keep dangerousaliensoffour streetsand to expedite expulsionof criminalaliens. Gangmembershipshouldbe a deportableoffense. Any

previouslydeportedillegalalien who continuesto

show a lack of respectfor our borders and rule

oflaw mustbepenalized. This is why we support

stiffer penalties, such as a mandatoryminimumsentence of five years, for any illegalalien who

illegally re- enters our nation after alreadyhavingbeendeported.

Because sanctuary cities” violate federallaw

and endanger their own citizens, they should notbe

eligible for federal funding. Using state licenses toreward people in the country illegally is an affrontto therule of law andmustbehalted.

In light of both current needs and historic

practice, we urge the reform of our guest worker

Reformingthe Treaty SystemWeintendto restorethe treatysystem specified

by the Constitution: The presidentnegotiates

agreements, submits them to the Senate, with

ratificationrequiring two-thirds of the senators

present and voting. This was good enough for

GeorgeWashingtonbut is too restrictivefor thecurrentchiefexecutive, who presumesto bind this

country to bilateraland multilateralagreementsofhisdevising. Hismediaadmirersportrayhispersonal

commitments whetheron climatechange, Iranian

weapons, or othermatters as done deals. They

are not, and a new Republicanexecutivewillwork

with the Congress to reestablish constitutional

order in America's foreign relations. All internationalexecutive agreementsand politicalarrangementsentered into by the current Administrationmust

be deemed nulland void as mere expressionsofthe currentpresident'spreferences. Those which

are in thenationalinterestbutwould traditionallyhave been made by treaty mustbe abrogated,renegotiatedas treaties, and transmitted to the

Senatefor its advice and consentas requiredby

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1

the Constitution . The United States will withdraw

from allagreements and arrangements failing thosestandards.

InternalRevenueService

Many good civil servants work at the IRS, butthe agency itself is toxic. Its leadership employsknown tax delinquents, rehires workers previouslyfired for misconduct, spendsuser fees without congressional oversight, and awardsbonuses for customer service that would put any private companyout of business. Worst of all, the IRS hasbecomean ideologicalattack dog for theworst elements oftoday's Democratic Party. It systematically targetsconservative, pro-life, and libertarian organizations,harassing them with repeated audits and denyingtheir tax exempt status. Its commissioner has lied toCongress, hidden evidence,and stonewalled investigations. He should beimpeached by theHouse ofRepresentativesand convicted by the Senate. Wevalue the rightof America's churches,pastors, andreligiousleaders to preach and speak freely according to their faith. Republicans believe the federalgovernment, specifically the IRS, is constitutionallyprohibited from policing or censoring the speechof America's churches, pastors, and religious leaders. We support repealof the Johnson Amendment, which restricts First Amendment freedomsof allnonprofit organizations by prohibiting politicalspeech.Wealso supportmaking the federaltaxcodeso simple and easy to understand that the IRSbecomes obsolete and can be abolished.

ers who risk their careers to expose waste , fraud,and misuse ofpower. None of them should everbecompelled to join a union or pay dues to it. In fairness to their fellow workers, union representativesshould not be allowed to engage in union -relatedactivities while on the public's time. The inability offederal managers to discipline and,ifnecessary,dismiss problem staffmembers is an affront to everyconscientious worker, as is the misuse of funds forlavish conferences and routine bonuses. The appointees of a Republican president will work withcareer managers to end those abuses and enforcehigh standards for all federal employees .We reaffirm the existing protections that provide all employees of the federal government the opportunityto pursue their desire to serve their country freefrom discrimination .

We call for renewed efforts to reduce, ratherthan expand, governmentresponsibilities, and weurgeparticular attention to the bloatedpublic relations budgetsof the departments and agencies. Thefederalgovernmentspends too much of thepeople's money telling the people what they should do.

Audit the Pentagon

Nomajorpartof theDepartmentofDefense

has ever passed an audit. Republican leaders inCongresshave called for a fullfinancialauditofthe

Pentagon to ensure that every dollarspentis truly

benefittingour nationalsecurity. Every taxpayermustbeprepared to pass an audit, andwe urgeCongress to demandthe samelevelof accountability

from thePentagonand the Departmentof Defense.

Advancing Term LimitsOur nationalplatform hasrepeatedlyendorsed

term limits forMembersofCongress.In response, theGOPLeadershipin 1996 broughtto a vote, in boththeHouseandSenate, a constitutionalamendment.

Itfailed to secure thenecessary two-thirdsvote in

the House, where 80 percentof Republicansvotedfor itand80 percentofDemocratsvoted againstit.Every Senate Republican voted to allow a vote on

term limits,butthe Democratskilleditbya filibuster.

Blockedby thatopposition, Republicanssought

other ways to modernizethe nationallegislature.They set term limitsfortheir owncommitteechairs

and leadershippositions, andby law they required

Congressto live by the samerules it imposeson

others. To make further progress, to advance aconstitutionalamendment for consideration by

thestates, wemustexpandthe currentRepublican

majoritiesinboth chambers.

Improvingthe FederalWorkforceWerecognize the dedication ofmost employ

eesofthe federal government and thank them fortheir service ,with specialpraise forthe whistleblow

Regulation: The Quiet Tyranny

Over- regulation is the quiet tyranny of the" Nanny State. Ithamstrings American businesses

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

a regulation of equal or greater economic burdenwhen a new regulation is enacted.

Because regulations are just another tax on the

consumers , Congress should consider a regulatorybudget that would cap the costs federal agenciescould impose on the economy in any given year.

andhobbleseconomicgrowth. TheGreatRecession

may be over, but in the experience of most

Americans, theeconomyis still sick. The federal

regulatoryburden hasbeen amajor contributorto

that stagnationThe ability of the American people to govern

themselves has been undermined by a vast arrayof agencies with sweeping power to regulateevery aspect of American life. They legislate as ifthey were Congress. They decide guilt and issuepenalties as if they were courts. They collectivelyimposemany billions of dollars in costs to theeconomy. The current President and his allies on

CapitolHillhave used those agencies as a superlegislature, disregardingthe separation of powers,to declare as law what they could notpush throughtheCongress.

The EnvironmentalProtection Agency hasrewritten laws to advance the Democrats' climate

change agenda. The Departmentof Health andHuman Serviceshas ignored the enacted textofthe Affordable Care Act to do whatever itwants

in healthcare. Both the Departmentof Labor andNationalLabor Relations Board have scrappeddecades of laborlaw to implementthe agenda

ofbig labor. The Dodd- Frank law, the Democrats'

legislative Godzilla, is crushing small andcommunitybanksand other lenders. The Federal

Communications Commission is imperiling thefreedom of the internet. Wesupportreinstatingthe Glass- Steagall Act of 1933 which prohibits

commercialbanks from engagingin high-riskinvestment

Sensibleregulationscan becompatiblewith avibranteconomy. They can preventthe strongfrom

exploiting theweak. Right now, the regulatorsare

exploitingeveryone. We are determinedto make

regulationsminimallyintrusive, confined to their

legalmandate, and respectfultoward the creation

ofnew andsmallbusinesses. Wewill revisitexisting

lawsthatdelegate toomuch authorityto regulatoryagencies and review all current regulationsforpossiblereform or repeal. We endorseRepublican

legislation, already passedby the House, to require

approvalby both housesofCongressfor any rule

or regulation that would impose significantcostson the American people. Further, Congressshouldwork towardslegislation that requires removalof

Crony Capitalism and CorporateWelfare

Cronyism is inherentin the progressivevisionof the administrative state. When government

uses taxpayer funding and resources to give

special advantages to private companies, itdistorts the freemarketand erodes public trust

in ourpoliticalsystem . By enlarging the scope of

governmentand placing enormouspower in the

hands of bureaucrats, itmultipliesopportunitiesfor corruption and favoritism. It is the enemy of

reform in education, theworkplace, andhealthcare.

It gives us financialregulation that protectsthelarge atthe costofthe small. It is inherent in everypartofthe currenthealthcarelaw, which is packed

with corporate welfare. Crony capitalism gives

usspecialinterest tax breaks, custom -designedregulations, and special exemptionsfor favored

parties. The Solyndradebacle is a perfectexample.It createsboth subsidies and restrictionsto tilt the

marketoneway or theother. Byputtingtheweight

of governmentbehind the statusquo, it leadstoeconomic stagnation. WeapplaudtheRepublican

Membersof Congresswho have taken the lead in

fightingcrony capitalism andurge othersto rally totheir cause.

Honoring Our Relationship withAmerican Indians

Based on both treaty and other law, thefederal governmenthas a unique government-togovernmentrelationshipwith andtrustresponsibilityfor Indian Tribal Governments, American Indians,

and Alaska Natives. These obligationshave notbeen sufficiently honored. The socialand economicproblemsthat plague Indian country have grownworse over the last several decades we mustreverse that trend. Ineffective federal programsdeprive American Indiansof theservicesthey need,

long-term failures threaten to underminetribal

sovereignty itself.American Indians have established elected

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

tribal governments to carry out the public policiesof the tribe , administer services to its tribalmember constituents , andmanage relations with federal ,state, and local governments . We respect the tribalgovernments as the voice of their communities andencourage federal, state, and local governments toheed those voices in developing programs and partnerships to improve the quality of life for AmericanIndians and their neighbors in their communities .

Republicans believe that economic self-sufficiency is the ultimate answer to the challengesconfronting Indian country. We believe that tribalgovernments and their communities , not Washington bureaucracies , are best situated to craft solutions that will end systemic problems that createpoverty and disenfranchisement . Just as the federal government should not burden states withregulations, it should not stifle the developmentof resources within the reservations, which needfederal assistance to advance their commerce nationally through roads and technology .Federal andstate regulations that thwart job creation must bewithdrawn or redrawn so that tribal governmentsacting on behalf of American Indians are not disadvantaged. Itis especially egregious that the Democratic Party has persistently undermined tribalsovereignty in order to provide advantage to unionbosses in the tribal Native communitiesshould have the same authority as state governments in labor matters , so that union bosses andthe National Labor Relations Board (NLRB ) cannotundermine the authority of tribal governments .

Republicans recognize that each tribe has the

right of consultation before any new regulatory

policy is implemented on tribal land. To the extentpossible , such consultation should take place inIndian country with the tribal government and

its members. Before promulgating and imposingany new laws or regulations affecting trust land

or members , the federal government should

encourage Indian tribes to develop their ownpolicies to achieve program objectives , and shoulddefer to tribes to develop their own standards , or

standards in conjunction with state governments .Republicansrejecta one- size-fits-all approach

to federal- tribal- statepartnershipsand willwork to

local autonomywhere tribalgovernmentsseek it. Better partnershipswillhelp us to expand

economic opportunity, delivertop- flight educationto future generations, modernize and improvetheIndian Health Service to make itmore responsiveto localneeds, and build essential infrastructurein Indian country in cooperation with tribalneighbors. Ourapproach is to empower AmericanIndians, through tribal self-determination and self

governancepolicies, todevelop their greatestassets,human resources and the rich naturalresources ontheir lands, without undue federalinterference.

Like all Americans, American Indians wantsafe communitiesfor theirfamilies; butinadequate

resourcesand neglecthave, over time, allowed

criminal activities to plague Indian country. To

protect everyone and especially the most

vulnerable: children, women, and elders – the legalsystem in tribalcommunitiesmustprovide stability

andprotectproperty rights. Everyone'sdue processand civil rightsmustbesafeguarded.

We support efforts to ensure equitableparticipation in federalprogramsby American

Indians, including Alaska Natives and Native

Hawaiians, and to preserve their culture andlanguagesthat we considertobenationaltreasures.

Lastly, we recognize that American Indianshave

responded to the call for military service inpercentagenumbers far greater than have other

groups of Americans. Wehonor that commitment,loyalty, and sacrificeofallAmericanIndiansserving

in the military today and in years past and willensure that all veterans and their familiesreceive

the care andrespectthey haveearned through theirloyalserviceto America.

Americans in the Territories

Throughout the history of our nation, the patriotism exhibited by our brothers and sisters inthe territories of Guam , the Commonwealth of theNorthernMariana Islands,American Samoa,the U.S.Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico has often gone unacknowledged. Year after year, the citizens quietly,without fanfare , send their sons and daughters intothe U.S.Armed Services. Wehonor the extraordinary sacrificesof themen and women of the territories who protectour freedom through their servicein the U.S. Armed Forces.Geographically,the territories and commonwealths, especially those in thePacific, are of vitalimportanceto ournationalsecu

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R U B CANPLATFORM 2

nationhood. We support the federally sponsoredpoliticalstatusreferendum authorized and funded

by an Act of Congress in 2014 to ascertain the

aspirationsof thepeople ofPuerto Rico. Oncethe2012 localvote for statehoodis ratified, Congress

should approve an enabling act with terms forPuerto Rico's future admissionas the 51st state oftheUnion.

rityastheoutermostlineofdefenseandgatewaytoAmericaagainstpotentialencroachmentby foreign

powers. Wewelcometheir greaterparticipationin

all aspectsofthe politicalprocessand affirm theirright to seek the full extension of the Constitution

with all the rightsandresponsibilitiesthat entails.Werecognize the challenges facing allthe U.S.

territories in an era of dramatic global economicchange. They need venture capitalto retain existingindustries and develop new ones. A stronger privatesector can reduce dependence on public employment and lead toward self-sufficiency. Their development of local energy options willbe crucial toreduce dependence on costly imported fuel.

The territories' economic stability and potentialfor growth must be considered in any trade agreementsbetween the United States and other Pacificnations. They should be given flexibility or exemption from lawsthat increase costs for their populations,such as the minimum wage andthe Jones Actconcerning shipping. All unreasonable impedimentsto their prosperity shouldberemoved, including unreasonable U.S.customspractices. Territories suchas American Samoa should be able to properly develop their resources, including fishing,when jobsand the economy depend on it.

We call for the appointment of a commonwealth and territories advisory committee consisting of representatives from all five U.S.territories.The committee will be integrated into the president's transition team and be tasked with performing a holistic review of all federal regulationsaffecting the territories and commonwealths.Wefurther call for the appointment of a Special Assistant to the President responsible for day-to-dayinteractionwith the territories and commonwealths.This position willbe the direct connection for theOffice ofInsularAffairs, the citizensof the territoriesand commonwealths, and the White House.

Preserving the District of Columbia

Thenation's capital city is a special responsibility of the federal government because itbelongsboth to its residents and to all Americans,millionsofwhom visit it every year. CongressionalRepublicanshave fostered homeownership and open access tohigher education forWashington residents. Againstthe opposition of the current President and leaders of the Democratic Party, they have establishedand expanded the D.C. Opportunity ScholarshipProgram , through which thousands of low -incomechildren have been able to attend a school of theirchoice and receive a quality education .

Republicans have been in the forefront ofcombating chronic corruption among the city'stop Democratic officials. We call for congressional action to enforce the spirit of the HomeRuleAct, assuring minority representation on the CityCouncil. That council, by the currentmayor,is attempting to seize from the Congress its appropriating power over all funding for the District.The illegality of their action mirrors the unacceptable spike in violent crime andmurders currentlyafflicting the city.We expect Congress to assert,bywhatever means necessary, its constitutional prerogatives regarding the District.

Sincethe SupremeCourt's decisionsaffirming

the Second Amendmentrightsof its citizens, cityofficialshave engaged in a campaign ofmassive

resistanceby denying virtually all applicationsfor

gun ownership . The Republican Congress should

beprepared, upon the inaugurationofa Republican

president, to enactlegislationallowinglaw- abidingWashingtoniansto own and carry firearms.

Statehood for the District can be advancedonly by a constitutional amendment.Anyother approach would be invalid . A statehood amendmentwas soundly rejectedby the states when last proposedin 1976 and should notberevived.

The Territory of Puerto Rico

We support the rightof the United StatescitizensofPuerto Rico to be admittedto the Union

as a fully sovereign state. Wefurtherrecognizethe

historicsignificanceofthe 2012 localreferendum in

which a 54percentmajorityvotedto end PuertoRico's current status as a U.S.territory, and61percentchose statehoodoveroptionsfor sovereign

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R U B CANPLATFORM 2

Great American Families , Education ,

Healthcare, and Criminal Justice

American Values

We are the party of independentindividualsand the institutions they create together families,schools, congregations, neighborhoods – to advance their ideals andmake realtheir dreams. Thoseinstitutions, standingbetween the citizen and thepower of government, are thepillars of a free society. They create spaceswhere thepower ofgovernment should not intrude. They allow Americans towork together to solvemostof the problemsfacingtheir communities. They thus reduce theneed forinterventionby government in the form ofmore andbigger programsor a largerpublic workforce. Theyminimize decision-makingby those who hold or areappointed to office. That is precisely why today'sprogressivesdistrust and seek to controlthembecause this ismore than a conflict of ideas. It is astruggle for power.

Our society is at a crossroads. For severalgenerations, an expansive federal regime has

marginalizedandsupplanted theinstitutionsholdingour society together.Nowonder, then, that so muchseemsto be coming apart now. The question iswhetherwe are going to reinvigorate the privatesector institutionsunder citizen control or allowtheir continued erosionby the forces ofcentralized

socialplanning. In that divide, the RepublicanPartystandswith the people.

wehave learned over the last five decades, theloss

of faith and family life leadsto greater dependenceupon government. That is why Republicans

formulatepublicpolicy, from taxation to education,from healthcare to welfare, with attention to the

needsand strengthsof the family.

It is also why everyoneshould be concerned

aboutthestate of the American family today, notbecauseof ideology or doctrine, but becauseof

theoverwhelmingevidenceof experience, socialscience, and common sense. All of which give usthese truths about traditionalmarriage: Children

raised in a two-parenthousehold tend to be

physicallyand emotionallyhealthier,more likely to

dowell in school, lesslikelyto use drugsand alcohol,

engage in crime or becomepregnantoutside of

marriage. Weopposepoliciesandlawsthat create

a financialincentivefor or encouragecohabitation.Moreover,marriageremainsthe greatestantidoteto

child poverty. The 40 percentofchildren who now

are born outside ofmarriageare five timesmorelikelyto live in poverty than youngstersborn and

raisedby a motherandfather in thehome. Nearly

three- quarters of the $450 billion governmentannually spendsonwelfare goes to single-parenthouseholds. This is whatit takesfor a governmental

village to raise a child, and the village is doing atragicallypoor job ofit.

The data and the facts lead to an inescapable

conclusion: Every childdeservesa marriedmom anddad. The reality remainsthatmillionsof American

familiesdo nothave the advantagesthatcomewith

that structure. Wehonor the courageouseffortsof

thosewhobearthe burdensof parentingaloneandembrace theprinciplethat allAmericansshould be

treatedwith dignity andrespect. Butrespectisnot

enough. Ourlawsandourgovernment'sregulationsshould recognizemarriageas theunion ofoneman

and one woman and actively promotemarriedfamily life asthebasis of a stable and prosperous

Marriage, Family, and Society

Foremost among those institutions is the

American family. Itis the foundation of civil society,

and the cornerstone of the family isnaturalmarriage,

the union of one man and one woman . Its dailylessons cooperation , patience, mutual respect,

responsibility , self- reliance are fundamental to

the order and progress of our Republic . Strongfamilies , depending upon God and one another ,

advance the cause of liberty by lessening the need

for government in their daily lives. Conversely , as

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1

society. For that reason, as explained elsewhere

in this platform , we do not accept the SupremeCourt's redefinitionofmarriage and we urge its

reversal, whether throughjudicialreconsiderationor

a constitutionalamendmentreturningcontrolovermarriage to the states. We oppose governmentdiscrimination againstbusinessesor entities whichdeclineto sell items or services to individualsfor

activitiesthat go againsttheir religiousviewsabout

such activities.

Families formed or enlargedby adoptionstrengthenour communitiesand ennobleournation.

Private entitieswhich facilitate adoptionsenrich

our communities. We supportmeasures such asthe First AmendmentDefenseAct to ensurethese

entitiesdo not face governmentdiscrimination

becauseoftheir viewsonmarriageand family. We

applaudthe Republicaninitiativeswhich have led

to an increasein adoptions, an achievementwhich

should be recognizedin any restructuringof thefederaltax code. While thenumberof children in

fostercarehasstabilized, teenswhoageoutofthat

settingoften are abruptly left to face theworld ontheir own. Weurgestates and community groupsto help these youngadultsbecomeindependent.

Thirty years ago, President Reagan commissioned a Special Working Group on the Family tostudy how government at all levels could bemoresupportive of family life. We urge marriage penalties to be removed from the tax code and publicassistance programs. We invite allwho care aboutchildren to join us in this proposal to ensure thatall federalprograms, in the words ofPresident Kennedy, “ stress the integrity and preservation ofthefamily unit."

results are damning: intergenerationalpoverty haspersisted andworsened since 1966.

This yearmarksanotherimportantanniversary;

it hasbeen 20 years since thelandmarkRepublicanwelfare reform of 1996 broke away from thediscreditedGreatSocietymodel. Bymakingwelfare

a benefitinsteadof an entitlement, itputmillionsof recipients on a transition from dependence to

independence. Welfare rolls declined by half asrecipientsand prospectiverecipients discovered a

betterway to reachtheir goals. Bestof all, about3 million children movedout of poverty. Today

that progresshasbeen lost. Defyingthe law as it

was plainly written, the current Administration

has nullified any meaningfulwork requirementandmade TANF a mockeryof the namewe gaveit: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Thisdecision ensures that those families will remain

needy and cutoff from the economicmainstreamofAmerican society.

This is the progressivepathology: Keepingpeople dependent so that government can

redistributeincome. Theresultis 45.8millionpeopleon food stamps and 77 million on Medicaid, plusanother5.7 millionin the Children'sHealth Insurance

Program. This is the false compassionofthe statusquo. Wepropose insteadthe dynamic compassionofwork requirementsin a growingeconomy, where

opportunity takes the placeof a hand-out, wheretrue self-esteem can grow from thesatisfactionof

a job well done.Wecall forremovalof structuralimpediments

whichprogressivesthrowin thepath ofpoorpeople:

Over- regulationof start-up enterprises, excessive

licensing requirements, needlessrestrictionsonformationof schoolsand day- care centersserving

neighborhoodfamilies, and restrictionson providingpublicservicesin fieldslike transportandsanitation

that close the opportunitydoor to allbut a favoredfew. Wewill continue our fight for schoolchoice

untilallparentscan find good, safe schoolsfor their

children. To protectreligiouslibertywewill ensurethat faith- based institutions, especially those that

are vitalpartsof underservedneighborhoods, donotfacediscriminationby government.Weproposenew partnershipsbetweenthose who managefederalprogramsand those who are on the front

lines of fighting povertyon the ground. Wemust

A CultureofHope

Wehavebeen fightingtheWar on Poverty for

50 years andpoverty is winning. Oursocialsafety

net – about 80 separatemeans-tested programscostingover $ 1 trillion every year is designed

to helppeopleborn into or falling into poverty. It

rarelyliftsthem out. Itsapologistsjudge successbythe amountofmoneyspentto keep people in the

system . That is a cruelmeasurementRepublicans

proposeto evaluatea povertyprogram bywhetherit actually reduces poverty and increases thepersonal independence of its participants. The

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1

encourage their efforts to reclaim their communities and educators who are implementing alternativesfrom the culture of poverty . To advance this process , to Common Core, and congratulate the states whichwe urge greater state and local responsibility for, have successfully repealed it. Their education reformand control over, public assistance programs. movement calls for choice-based , parent-driven

accountability at every stageofschooling. ItaffirmsEducation: A Chance for Every Child higher expectationsfor allstudentsand rejects the

Educationismuchmore than schooling. Itis cripplingbigotry of low expectations. Itrecognizesthe whole rangeof activitiesbywhichfamiliesand the wisdom of localcontrolof our schoolsand it

communities transmit to a younger generation, wisely sees consumerrights in education choice

not just knowledge and skills, but ethical and as themostimportantdrivingforce forrenewingbehavioralnormsand traditions. It is the handing education. It rejectsexcessivetesting and teachingover of a culturalidentity. That is why American to the test” and supports the need for strongeducation has, for the last severaldecades, been assessmentsto serveas a toolso teacherscantailor

the focusof constantcontroversy, as centralizing teaching to meetstudentneeds.

forces from outsidethe family We applaud America's

and community have sought great teachers, who shouldto remake education in order be protected against frivolousto remake America. They have lawsuits and should be able

done immense damage. The to take reasonable actions to

federalgovernment should not MaintainingAmerican maintain disciplineand order in

be a partner in that effort, aspreeminencerequires

the classroom . Administrators

the Constitution gives itno role need flexibility to innovatein education . At the heart of a world - class system and to hold accountablethe American Experiment lies education in which all those responsible forthe greatest politicalexpression student performance. A goodof human dignity: The self all students reach understanding of the Bibleevidenttruth that allmen are their potential. being indispensable for the

created equal, that they are elopment of an educated

endowedby their Creatorwith citizenry, we encourage statecertain unalienablerights, that legislatures to offer the Bibleamong these are Life , Liberty , in a literature curriculum as

and the PursuitofHappiness.” an elective in America's high

That truth rejectsthe dark view of the individualas schools. Weurge schooldistrictstomake use of

human capital a possession for the creation of teaching talent in the business community, STEManother'swealth. fields, and the military, especially among our

Parents are a child's first and foremost returning veterans . Rigid tenure systems should

educators , and have primary responsibility for be replaced with a merit -based approach in order

the education of their children . Parents have a to attract the best talent to the classroom . All

right to direct their children's education , care, personnel who interact with school children should

and upbringing. We support a constitutional pass background checks and beheld to the highestamendment to protect that right from interference standards of personal conduct .by states, the federal government, or internationalbodies such as theUnited Nations. Wereject a one Academic Excellence for All

size -fits -all approach to education and support a Maintaining American preeminence requires

broad range of choices for parents and children at a world - class system of education in which allthe state and local level.Welikewise repeat our long students can reach their potential. Republicans arestanding opposition to the imposition of national leading the effort to create it. Since 1965, the federalstandards and assessments , encourage the parents government , through more than 100 programs in

33

the Departmentof Education,has spent $2 trillion

on elementaryand secondaryeducationwith littlesubstantialimprovementin academicachievement

or high schoolgraduationrates.The United States

spends an averageof morethan $12,000per pupilper year in public schools,for a total of more than

$620billion.That representsmorethan4 percentof

GDPdevotedto K-12educationin 2011-2012.Of thatamount,federal spendingamounted to more than

$57 billion.Clearly, if money were the solution,ourschools would beproblem-free.

More moneyalone does not necessarilyequal

better performance.After years of trial and error,we know the policies and methods that have

actuallymadea differenceinstudentadvancement:

Choice in education; building on the basics;STEM subjects and phonics;career and technical

education;ending social promotions;merit pay

for good teachers;classroomdiscipline;parentalinvolvement;and strong leadershipby principals,

superintendents,and locallyelectedschoolboards.

Becausetechnologyhas becomean essentialtoolof learning,it must bea key element in our efforts

to provideeverychildequalaccessand opportunity.We strongly encourage instruction in American

historyand civics by using the originaldocuments

of our foundingfathers.

Choicein Education

We support options for learning, includinghome-schooling,career and technical education,

private or parochial schools, magnet schools,

charter schools,online learning,and early-collegehigh schools.We especiallysupport the innovative

financingmechanismsthat make options availableto all children:educationsavings accounts(ESAs),

vouchers, and tuition tax credits. Empowering

familiesto accessthelearningenvironmentsthat willbest help their childrento realizetheir full potential

is oneof the greatest civil rights challengesof our

time. A young person’sability to succeedinschoolmust be based on his or her God-giventalent and

motivation,not an address,ZIP code, or economic

status.We proposethat the bulkof federal moneythroughTitle I for low-incomechildrenand through

IDEA for childrenwith special needs should follow

the child to whatever school the family thinks willwork best for them.

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

34

In sum, on the one hand enormous amounts

of moneyare beingspentfor K-12public educationwith overallresultsthat do not justify that spending

level.On the other hand,the commonexperience

of families,teachers,and administratorsforms thebasis of what does work in education.In Congress

and in the states, Republicansare bridgingthe

gap between those two realities.CongressionalRepublicansare leadingtheway forwardwithmajor

reformlegislationadvancingthe conceptof blockgrants and repealingnumerousfederal regulations

which have interferedwith state and local control

of public schools. Their Workplace Innovationand OpportunityAct — modernizingworkforce

programs, repealing mandates,and advancing

employment for persons with disabilities — isnow law. Their legislationto requiretransparency

in unfundedmandatesimposeduponour schools

is advancing.Their D.C. OpportunityScholarshipProgram should be expanded as a model for

the rest of the country. We deplore the efforts

of Congressional Democrats and the currentPresident to eliminatethis successfulprogramfor

disadvantagedstudents in order to placate theleadersof the teachers’unions.

To ensure that all students have access to

the mainstream of American life, we supportthe English First approachand oppose divisive

programsthat limit students’ability to advance in

Americansociety.We renew our call for replacing“family planning”programsfor teens with sexual

risk avoidance education that sets abstinence

until marriageas the responsibleand respectedstandard of behavior.That approach — the only

one always effectiveagainst premaritalpregnancyand sexually-transmitteddisease — empowers

teens to achieve optimal health outcomes.We

opposeschool-basedclinics that providereferralor counselingfor abortionand contraceptionand

believe that federal funds should not be used in

mandatoryor universalmentalhealth,psychiatric,or socio-emotionalscreeningprograms.The federal

governmenthas pushedstates to collectand share

vast amountsof personalstudentand family data,includingthe collectionof social and emotional

data. Muchof this datais collectedwithoutparental

consentor notice. This is whollyincompatiblewiththe AmericanExperimentand our inalienablerights.

PLATFORM 2 1

Title IX

Weemphaticallysupporttheoriginal, authentic

meaningof Title IX ofthe Education Amendmentsof 1972.It affirmed that no person in the United

Statesshall, on the basisof sex, be excluded from

participation in , bedenied the benefitsof, or be

subjectedto discriminationunder any education

program or activity receiving Federal financial

assistance. Thatlanguageopened up for girlsandwomen a world ofopportunitiesthathad too oftenbeen denied to them . That sameprovision of law

is now being usedby bureaucrats and by thecurrentPresidentoftheUnitedStates – impose

a socialandculturalrevolutionupontheAmerican

people by wrongly redefining sex discriminationto include sexualorientation or othercategories.Their agendahas nothingto do with individual

rights; ithas everything to do with power. They

are determinedto reshapeourschools – and ourentire society – to fit themoldof an ideology aliento America'shistoryand traditions. Theiredict to

the statesconcerningrestrooms, lockerrooms, andother facilitiesis once illegal, dangerous, andignoresprivacy issues. Wesalutethe severalstates

which havefiledsuitagainstit.Sexualassaultis a terriblecrime.Wecommend

the good-faith efforts by law enforcement,educationalinstitutions, and their partners to

addressthatcrimeresponsibly. Wheneverreported,

it mustbepromptlyinvestigatedby authoritiesandprosecutedin a courtroom, nota facultylounge.Questionsof guilt or innocencemustbedecided

by a judge and jury, with guiltdeterminedbeyond

a reasonable doubt. Those convicted of sexual

assaultshouldbepunished to the full extentofthelaw . The Administration'sdistortionof Title IX to

micromanagethe way collegesand universitiesdeal

with allegationsofabusecontravenesour country'slegaltraditionsandmustbehaltedbeforeit further

muddlesthis complexissue andpreventsthe proper

authorities from investigatingand prosecuting

sexualassault effectivelywith dueprocess.

by admitting large numbers of foreign students,

convey our values and culture to the world. Their

excellence is undermined by an ideological biasdeeply entrenched within the current universitysystem . Whatever the solution may be in privateinstitutions, in state schools the trustees have aresponsibility to the taxpayers to ensure that theirenormous investment is not abused for politicalindoctrination . We call on state officials to preserveour public colleges, universities , and trade schoolsas placesof learning and the exchangeofideas, notzones of intellectual intolerance or safe zones ," asif college students need protection from the freeexchange of ideas. A student's First Amendment

rights do not end at the schoolhouse gates.Colleges , universities, and trade schools must notinfringe on their freedom of speech and associationin the name of political correctness . We condemn

the campus-based BDS (Boycott, Divestment,and Sanctions) campaign against Israel. It is antiSemitism and should be denounced by advocatesof academic freedom .

College CostsThe cost of a college education has longbeen

on an unsustainable trajectory, rising year by yearfar ahead ofinflation.Nationwide, studentdebt nowexceeds credit card debt with average debtlevelsper student totaling roughly $ 27,000. Delinquencyrateson studentloans are now as high as they wereon subprimemortgages during the housing crisis.Over half of recent college grads are unemployed

or underemployed, working at jobs for which theirexpensive educations gave them no preparation.Weneed new systems of learning to compete withtraditional four- year schools: Technical institutions,online universities, life-long learning, and workbased learning in the private sector. Public policyshould advance their affordability, innovation, andtransparency and should recognize that a four-yeardegree from a brick -and-mortar institution isnot theonly path toward a prosperous and fulfilling career.

The federalgovernmentshouldnotbe in thebusiness of originating student loans. In order

to bring down college costs and give students

access to a multitudeof financingoptions, privatesectorparticipationin student financingshould berestored. Anyregulationthatincreasescollegecosts

Improving Higher Education

Our colleges, universities, and trade schools,large and small, public and private, form theworld's

greatest assemblageof learning. Theydrivemuch ofthe research that keeps America competitive and,

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1

must be challenged to balance itsworth against its

negative economic impact on students and theirfamilies.

In order to encouragenew modesofhighereducationdelivery to enter themarket, accreditation

should be decoupled from federal financing, and

states shouldbeempoweredto allow a widearrayof accreditingand credentialingbodies to operate.This modelwould foster innovation, bringprivateindustry into the credentialingmarket, and give

students the ability to customize their collegeexperience.

Restoring Patient Control and

Preserving Quality in Healthcare

Any honest agenda for improvinghealthcaremuststartwith repealof the dishonestly named

AffordableCare Act of 2010 : Obamacare. It weighs

like the dead hand of the past upon American

medicine. It imposed a Euro-stylebureaucracytomanageitsunworkable, budget-busting, conflicting

provisions. Ithas driven up pricesfor allconsumers.

Their insurance premiums have dramaticallyincreasedwhile their deductibleshave risen about

eight timesfaster than wagesin the last ten years.

It drove up drug prices by levying a $ 27 billiontax on manufacturersand importersand, through

mandatedpricecuts for gsunderMedicareand

Medicaid, forced pharmaceuticalcompanies toraiseprices for everyoneelse. Its “ silverplans,

most common optionon the governmentinsuranceexchanges, limitpeople's accessto their owndoctor

through narrownetworksandrestrictdrugcoverage,forcingmanypatientsto pay for extremelycostlymedicinesfor their chronic diseases.

Weagree with thefour dissenting judges of the

Supreme Court: “ In our view , the entire Act before

us is invalid in its entirety .” It must be removed

and replaced with an approach based on genuine

competition , patient choice , excellent care , wellness ,and timely access to treatment. To that end , a

Republican president, on the first day in office ,will use legitimate waiver authority under the lawto halt its advance and then , with the unanimous

support of Congressional Republicans, will sign its

repeal. The Supreme Court upheld Obamacare

based on Congress ' power to tax . Itis time to repeal

Obamacare and give America a much- needed tax

cut.

In its place we must combinewhat worked

bestin the pastwith changesneededfor the future.

Wemust recover the traditionalpatient-physicianrelationship based on mutual trust, informed

consent, and confidentiality. To simplify the systemfor both patients and providers, wewill reduce

mandates and enable insurers and providers ofcare to increase healthcareoptions and contain

costs. Our goalis to ensure that all Americans

have improved access to affordable, high-qualityhealthcare, including those struggling withmentalillness.

We will return to the states their historic roleof regulating local insurance markets, limit federalrequirements on both private insurance andMedicaid, and call on state officials to reconsider thecostly medicalmandates, imposed under their ownlaws, that price millions of low - income families outof the insurancemarket. To guarantee first- rate carefor the needy, we propose to block grant Medicaidand other payments and to assist all patients,including those with pre- existing conditions, toobtain coverage in a robust consumer market.Through Obamacare, the current Administration has

promoted the notion ofabortion as healthcare .We,however, affirm the dignity of women by protectingthe sanctity ofhuman life. Numerous studies haveshown that abortion endangers the health and wellbeing of women , and we stand firmly against it.

To ensure vigorous competition in healthcare,

and because cost-awareness is the best guard

against over-utilization, we will promote pricetransparency so consumers can know the cost

of treatments beforethey agree to them . Wewillempowerindividualsand small businessesto form

purchasingpools in order to expandcoverage tothe uninsured. Webelieve that individualswith

preexistingconditionswhomaintain continuous

coverageshouldbe protectedfrom discrimination.

Weapplaudthe advanceoftechnologyin electronicmedicalrecordswhileaffirmingpatientprivacy and

ownershipof personalhealthinformation.

Consumer choice is themost powerfulfactor inhealthcare reform . Today's highlymobile workforce

needs portability of insurance coverage that can go

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PLATFORM 2 1

with them from job to job . The need to maintain

coverage should notdictatewhere familieshaveto

live and work. Wepropose to end tax discrimination

against the individualpurchase of insurance andallow consumers to buy insurance across state

lines. In lightof that, weproposerepealing the 1945

McCarran-Ferguson Act which protects insurancecompanies from anti-trust litigation. We look tothe growth ofHealth SavingsAccounts and Health

ReimbursementAccounts that empowerpatientsand advancechoice in healthcare.

Ouragingpopulationmusthaveaccessto safeand affordablecare. Becausemost seniors desire

to age at home, wewillmakehomecarea priorityin publicpolicy and will implementprogramsto

protectagainstelderabuse.

Better Care andLower Costs : Tort Reform

Medicalmalpracticelawsuitshave ballooned

the cost ofhealthcare for everyoneby forcing

physiciansto practice defensivemedicinethroughtests and treatmentswhich otherwisemightbe

optional. RuralAmerica is especially affected as

obstetricians, surgeons, and other providersmoveto urban settingsor retire the face of escalatinginsurancepremiums. Many RepublicanGovernorshave advanced the legal reformsnecessary to

reversethat trend. We supportstate and federal

legislation to cap non- economic damages inmedicalmalpractice lawsuits, thereby relieving

conscientiousprovidersofburdensthat are not

rightly theirs and addressinga seriouscauseof

highermedicalbills.

ProtectingIndividualConsciencein Healthcare

America'shealthcareprofessionalsshouldnotbeforced to choosebetween followingtheir faith

and practicingtheir profession. We respectthe

rights of conscienceofhealthcare professionals,doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and organizations,

especially the faith- based groupswhich provide

a majorportion of care for the nation and the

needy. Wesupporttheabilityofallorganizationsto

provide, purchase, or enroll in healthcarecoverageconsistentwith their religious, moral, or ethical

convictions without discrimination or penalty.

We supportthe right of parents to determinethe

propermedicaltreatmentand therapy for theirminor children. We support the right of parents

to consentto medicaltreatmentfor their minorchildren and urge enactmentof legislation that

would requireparentalconsentfor their daughterto be transported across state lines for abortion.

Providersshouldnotbe permittedto unilaterally

withholdservicesbecausea patient'slife is deemednotworth living. Americantaxpayersshouldnotbe

forced to fund abortion. As Democratsabandonthis four decade-old bipartisan consensus, wecall for codificationof the HydeAmendmentand

its application across the government, includingObamacare. Wecallfora permanentban on federalfundingand subsidies for abortion and healthcare

plansthatincludeabortioncoverage.

Advancing Research and

Development in HealthcareAmerican medicineis poised to enter a new

era of technologicaladvance. Federaland private

investment in basic and applied biomedical

researchholds enormouspromise, especially withdiseases and disorders like autism , Alzheimer's,

andParkinson's Just aswe today takefor granted

wondersthat seemedimpossiblea few decadesagoandCATscans, roboticsurgery, and in utero

treatment – patients a decade hencewill havecare and treatmentthatwillmakemuch of today's

medicinelook primitive. Modernmiraclesinvolvinggenetics, the immune system , cures for deadlydiseases, andmore are in the research pipeline.

This is the consequenceof marrying significant

investment,bothpublic andprivate, with theworld's

best talent, a formula thathas for a century giventhe American people the world'sbesthealthcare.Weare determinedthat it should continue to do

, especially as we confrontnew dangers like

Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya, and antibiotic- resistantpathogens.

To continue our headway against breastand prostate cancer, diabetes, and other killers,

research must consider the needs of formerly

neglected demographic groups. We call for

expanded supportfor the stem cell research thatnow offers the greatesthope for many afflictions

through adult stem cells, umbilicalcord blood,

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2

and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cellswithout the destruction of embryonichuman

life.Weurge a ban on human cloning forresearch

or reproduction, and a ban on the creation of, or

experimentation on , human embryosforresearch.We applaud Congress' ban on the FDA approval

of research involvingthree-parentembryos. Webelievethe FDA'sapprovalofMifeprex, a dangerous

abortifacientformerlyknownas RU-486, threatenswomen'shealth, asdoesthe agency'sendorsement

ofover-the- countersalesofpowerfulcontraceptiveswithouta physician'srecommendation. Wesupportcutting federaland state funding for entities that

endangerwomen'shealthby performingabortionsin a mannerinconsistentwith federalor statelaw .

andmostfrom new devicesand drugs, and thatthe

FDA nolongerwastesU.S.taxpayerand innovators

resourcesthrough bureaucraticred tapeand legal

uncertainty. Wecommendthose states that have

passed Rightto Try legislation, allowing terminallyillpatientsthe rightto try investigationalmedicines

notyetapprovedby the FDA. WeurgeCongresstopass federallegislationto give allAmericanswith

terminalillnessesthe rightto try.

Putting Patients First: Reformingthe FDAThe United States has led life sciences and

medicalinnovation for decades, bringingmillions

ofhigh- payingjobs to our country and helpingAmericansandpeoplearoundtheworld live longer,

healthierlives. Unfortunately, the continuously

increasing burden of governmentalregulationand red tape is taking its toll on our innovative

companies, and their pipeline of new life-saving

devices and drugs to our nation's patients is

slowing and diminishing. The FDAhas slowlybutrelentlesslychanged into an agencythatmoremore puts the public health at risk by delaying,

chilling, andkillingthe developmentofnew devices,drugs and biologics that can promoteour livesand our health. The FDA needs leadership that

can reform the agency forour century and fix the

lack of predictability, consistency, transparencyand efficiencyat the agency. The FDA needs toreturn to its traditionalemphasison hard scienceand approvingnew breakthroughmedicines, ratherthan divert its attentionand consumeits resources

trying to overregulate electronic health records

or vaping. Wepledge to restorethe FDA to its

position as the premier scientific health agency,focused on both promotingand protecting thepublic health in equalmeasure, so we can ensurethat Americans live longer, healthier lives, thatthe UnitedStates remainsthe world leader in lifesciencesand medicalinnovation, thatmillions of

high-paying, cutting-edgedevice anddrug jobsstayin theUnited States, thatU.S.patientsbenefit first

AdvancingAmericanswith DisabilitiesUnder the last two Republican presidents,

landmarkcivilrightslegislation affirmedthe inherent

rights ofpersonswith disabilities. Republicanswant

to supportthose rightsby guaranteeingaccess toeducation and the tools necessary to compete in

themainstream of society. This is notjust a moral

obligationto our fellow Americanswith disabilities.

Itis our duty to our country'sfuture to tap this vastpoolof talentedindividualswho want to work and

contribute to the common good. For that reason,

Republicanleadership led to enactment of the

ABLE Act (Achieving a BetterLife Experience)andthe Steve Gleason Act. The former, for the firsttime, letspeoplewith disabilitiesmaintain access

to services while saving to develop assets. Thelatter, bearingthenameof the formerNFL player

with ALS, provides access to speech-generatingdevices. In addition, ourWorkforce Innovationand

OpportunityActwillmake it easierforstudentswith

disabilitiesto pursuecompetitiveemploymentPersons with disabilities are nearly twice

as likely to be self-employed as the general

population. To encouragetheir entrepreneurship, itmakessenseto includethem in the SmallBusiness

Administration's 8 ( a) certification program ,which opensup federalcontractingfor emerging

businesses. Any restructuringof thetax codeshouldconsiderways in which companiescanbenefitfrom

the talentandenergyoftheir disabledemployees.The Individualswith DisabilitiesEducationAct

(IDEA) hasopenedup unprecedentedopportunitiesformany students. CongressionalRepublicanswilllead in its reauthorization, aswellas renewalofthe

Higher Education Act, which can offer studentswith disabilities increased access to the generalcurriculum. Our TIME Act ( Transitionto Integrated

and MeaningfulEmployment) willmodernizethe

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

Fair LaborStandardsActto encouragecompetitiveemploymentforpersonswith disabilities. Weaffirm

our support for itsgoalofminimizingtheseparation

of children with disabilities from their peers. Weendorse efforts like EmploymentFirst that replacedependency with jobs in themainstream of theAmerican workforce.

We oppose thenon- consensualwithholding

of care or treatment from people with disabilities,includingnewborns, the elderly, and infirm , just as

weopposeeuthanasiaand assisted suicide, which

endangerespeciallythoseonthemarginsofsociety.

Weurge theDrugEnforcementAdministrationto

restoreits ban on theuse of controlledsubstances

forphysician- assistedsuicide.

Ensuring Safe Neighborhoods:Criminal Justice and Prison Reform

The men and women of law enforcement

whetherpatrollingour neighborhoodsor ourborders, fighting organized crimeor guarding

againstdomestic terror deserveour gratitude

and support. Their jobsarenever easy, especiallyin crisis situations, and should notbemademore

difficult by politicized second- guessing fromfederal officials. The currentAdministration'slack

of respect for them , from WhiteHouseintervention

in localarrests to the Attorney General's presentcampaign of harassmentagainst police forces

aroundthecountry, hasbeenunprecedented. WithallAmericans,wemourn thosewhom wehavelost

to violenceandhatred. To honortheir sacrifice, we

recommitourselves, as individualsandasa party, to

the rule oflaw andthe pursuitof justice.The conduct of the Departmentof Justice

hasincludedrefusalto enforcelaws, stonewalling

congressionalcommittees, destroying evidence,

recklessdealingwith firearmsthat led to several

deaths on both sides of ourborder, and defyinga citation for contempt It has urged leniency for

rioterswhile turning a blind eye to mob attackson

peacefulcitizens exercising their politicalrights.A new administrationmust ensure the immediate

dismissaland, where appropriate, prosecutionof

any Departmentofficials who have violated theiroath ofoffice.

The next president must restore the public's

trust in law enforcement and civil order by first

adhering to the rule of law himself. Additionally,

the nextpresidentmustnotsow seedsofdivision

anddistrustbetweenthe police and thepeople they

have sworn to serve and protect. The RepublicanParty, a party oflaw and order,mustmakeclear in

words and action that everyhumanlifematters.

Two grave problemsunderminethe rule oflaw on the federallevel: Over-criminalizationand

over-federalization. In the first case, Congressand

federalagencies have increased the number ofcriminaloffenses in the U.S.Codefrom 3,000 in

the early to more than 4,500 today. That

doesnotincludean estimated300,000regulations

containingcriminalpenalties. Noone, includingtheDepartmentof Justice, can comeup with accurate

numbers. That recklessnessis bad enough whencommittedby Congress, butwhen it comes fromtheunelectedbureaucratsof the federalagencies,

it is intolerable. The powerof career civil servants

and politicalappointeesto criminalizebehavioris

one ofthe worst violations of constitutionalorder

perpetratedby the administrativestate.To deal with this morass, we urge caution

in the creation ofnew " crimes” and a bipartisan

presidentialcommission to purge the Code and

the body of regulationsof old crimes. We callformensrea elements in the definition of any new

crimes to protect Americanswho, in violating a

law, actunknowinglyor withoutcriminalintentWe

urge Congress to codify the Common Law's Rule

ofLenity, which requirescourts to interpretunclearstatutesin favor of a defendant.

The over- federalization of criminal justice

is one of many ways in which the governmentin Washington has intruded beyond its proper

jurisdiction. The essential role of federal law

enforcement personnel in protecting federalpropertyandcombatinginterstatecrimeshould not

be compromisedby diversion to mattersproperlyhandledby state andlocalauthorities.

We applaud the Republican Governorsand legislators who have been implementingcriminal justice reforms like those proposedby our 2012 platform . Along with diversion offirst- time, nonviolent offenders to communitysentencing, accountability courts, drug courts,veteranstreatmentcourts, and guidanceby faithbased institutions with proven track records of

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PLATFORM 2

The internetmustnotbecomea safe haven forpredators. Pornography, with its harmfuleffects,especially on children,hasbecomea publichealthcrisis thatisdestroyingthe livesofmillions. Weencourage states to continue to fight this publicmenace and pledgeourcommitmentto children's safetyandwell-being. We applaud the socialnetworkingsites thatbar sex offenders from participation.Weurge energetic prosecution of child pornography,which is closely linkedto humantrafficking.

rehabilitation, our platform emphasizedrestorative

justicetomakethevictim whole andputtheoffender

on the rightpath. As variantsofthesereformsare

undertaken in many states, weurge the Congressto learn from what works. In the past, judicialdiscretion aboutsentencesled to seriousmistakes

concerning dangerous criminals. Mandatoryminimum sentencing became an important toolfor keeping them off the streets. Modificationsto

itshouldbetargeted toward particularcategories,especiallynonviolentoffenders and personswithdrug, alcohol, ormentalhealth issues, and should

require disclosureby the courts of any judicialdeparturefrom the state's sentencingrequirements.

The constitutionalityofthe death penalty is

firmly settled by its explicitmention in the FifthAmendment. With themurder rate soaring in ourgreat cities, we condemn the Supreme Court'serosion ofthe rightof the people to enact capital

punishment in their states. In solidaritywith those

who protect us, we call for mandatory prisontimefor all assaultsinvolving seriousinjury to lawenforcementofficers.

Wecallon the Congress to make the federal

courts a model for the rest of the country in

protectingthe rightsof victimsand their families.

They shouldbetold all relevantinformationabout

theircase, allowedto bepresentfor its trial, assured

a voice in sentencingand parole hearings, given

accessto socialandlegalservices, andbenefitfromtheCrimeVictimsFundestablishedunderPresident

Reaganforthatsolepurpose.Public officials must regain controlof their

correctionalinstitutions, someofwhichhavebecome

ethnic and racialbattlegrounds. Personsjailed forwhatevercause should beprotectedagainstcruel

or degradingtreatmentby other inmates. Courts

shouldnottie thehandsofprison officialsin dealingwith these problems. Weencouragestates to offer

opportunitiesfor literacy and vocationaleducation

to prepareprisonersfor release to the community.Breakingthe cycleofcrimebeginswith the childrenof those who are prisoners. Deprivedof a parent

throughnofaultof theirown, youngstersfrom these

familiesshouldbea specialconcern of our schools,

socialservices, and religiousinstitutions.

Combatting Drug Abuse

Theprogressmadeover thelast three decades

against drug abuse is eroding, whether for cultural

reasonsor for lack ofnationalleadership. In manyjurisdictions,marijuana is virtually legalized despiteits illegality under federal law . At the other endof the drug spectrum , heroin use nearly doubledfrom 2003 to 2013 , while deaths from heroin have

quadrupled. All this highlights the continuingconflicts and contradictionsin public attitudes andpublic policy toward illegal substances. Congressand a new administration should consider the longrange implicationsof these trendsfor public healthand safety and prepare to dealwith the problematicconsequences.

The misuse of prescription painkillersopioids – is a relatedproblem. Heroin and opioidabuse touches our communities, our homes, and

our families in ways that have grave effects on

Americansin every community. With a quadruplingof both their sales andtheir overdosedeaths, the

opioid crisis is ravagingcommunitiesallover the

country, often hittingruralareasharderthanurban.

Becauseover- prescriptionof drugs is such a largepartof theproblem , Republicanlegislation nowallowsMedicare Part D and MedicareAdvantage

plans to limit patients to a single pharmacy.

CongressionalRepublicanshavealso called uponthe Centers forMedicareand MedicaidServicesto

ensure that no physicianwillbepenalizedfor limiting

opioid prescriptions. We look for expeditiousagreementbetween the House and Senate on

the ComprehensiveAddiction and Recovery Act,

which addressesthe opioidepidemicfrom both thedemandand supply sidesoftheproblem.

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REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2 1

America Resurgent

A Dangerous World navalcapabilities are inadequate for their job.Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 23 The Air Forcefields thesmallestand oldest force

that the first of the “ principal” constitutional of combataircraft in its history. The Marineshave

obligationsof the federalgovernmentis to provide only two-thirds thenumberofbattalionstheyhavefor the defense” of the UnitedStates, historicallyneededto meet day to day operational

and PresidentGeorgeWashingtonwiselyreminded demands. The Armyis at its lowest troop levels

us that“ To be preparedfor war is one ofthemost since beforeWorld War II. Our U.S.Ambassador

effectualmeansof preservingpeace.” andAmericanpersonnelwere leftwithoutadequate

After nearly eight years a Democratic security or backup halfway across the world in

Commander- in -Chiefwho has frequently placed Benghazi. In summary, we have returned to the

strategic and ideologicallimitationsand shackles hollow force daysofJimmy Carter.on ourmilitary, ourenemieshavebeen emboldened Also neglected are our strategic forces,and our nationalsecurity is at especially the developmentand

great risk. Our country faces a deployment of ballistic missile

nationalsecurity crisis, and only In allof our country's defenses . The Ground -Basedby electing a Republican to the

history, there isno Midcourse Defense system hasWhite House willwerestore law been delayed and underfunded.andorder to our land and safety parallelto what curry favor with Russia,

to our citizens . PresidentObamaand defense installationsin Poland

Weare theparty of peace and the Czech Republic have

through strength. We believe his former Secretary been neutralized and the

that American exceptionalism of State have done to number of planned interceptorsthe notion that our ideas and in Alaska has been reduced .

weaken ournation.principlesas a nationgive us a A New START agreementunique place ofmoralleadership (Strategic Arms Reduction

in the world requires the Treaty) , so weak in verification

United States to retake its naturalposition as leader and definitions that it is virtually impossible to proveof the free world . a violation,hasallowedRussia tobuild up itsnuclear

Tyranny and injustice thrive when America is arsenalwhile reducing ours. Meanwhileweakened. Theoppressedhaveno greater allythan has repeatedly violated the Intermediate- Rangea confidentand determinedUnitedStates, backed Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty ( a treaty agreeingtoby the strongestmilitary on theplanet. the elimination of land-based mid -range nuclear

Quite simply the Republican Party is committed missiles) with impunity, covertly testing missilesto rebuilding the U.S.military into the strongest on banned under that agreement.earth, with vast superiority over any other nation or In the international arena, a weak Adminigroup ofnations in the world.Weface a dangerous stration has invited aggression . The results ofworld , and webelieve in a resurgent America . the Administration's unilateral approach to

In allof our country's history , there is no parallel disarmament are already clear: An emboldenedto what President Obama and his former Secretary China in the South China Sea, a resurgent Russiaof State have done to weaken our nation. Our aging occupying parts of Ukraine and threatening

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PLATFORM 2 1

neighborsfrom theBaltic to the Caucasus, and an

aggressiveIslamist terror network in the Middle

East. We supportmaintaining and, ifwarranted,

increasing sanctions, together with our allies,

againstRussiaunlessanduntilUkraine'ssovereigntyand territorialintegrityare fully restored. Wealso

support providing appropriate assistance to thearmed forcesofUkraineand greater coordination

with NATO defenseplanning. All our adversariesheard themessagein the Administration'scutbacks:

America is weakerand retreating. Concomitantly,wehonor, support, and thank all law enforcement,

first responders, andemergencypersonnelfor theirservice.

deploy a multi-layeredmissile defense system. Wemustmodernizenuclearweapons and their delivery

platforms, end the policy of Mutually Assured

Destruction, and rebuildrelationshipswith our allies,who understandthat as long as the U.S. nucleararsenalis their shield, they do notneed to engagein nuclearproliferation.

While immigration is addressed in more

detail elsewhere, wecannotignorethe reality thatbordersecurity is a national security issue, and

that our nation'simmigration and refugeepoliciesare placing Americans at risk. To keep our peoplesafe, we must secure our borders, enforce our

immigration laws, and properly screen refugees

and other immigrantsenteringfrom any country. In

particularwemust apply specialscrutiny to thoseforeign nationalsseeking to enter the United States

from terror- sponsoringcountries or from regionsassociatedwith Islamic terrorism . This was done

successfully after September 11, 2001, under the

NationalSecurity Entry- Exit RegistrationSystem ,which shouldberenewednow.

Confronting the DangersIn the face of these threats, the first orderof

businessfor a Republicanpresidentand Congresswill be to restore our nation's military might.

Republicanscontinueto supportAmericanmilitarysuperiority which hasbeen the cornerstoneof a

strategy that seeks to deter aggressionor defeatthose who threaten our vital national securityinterests. Wemust rebuild troop numbers and

readiness and confirm their mission: Protecting

the nation, notnationbuilding. The United Statesshouldmeetthe Reaganmodelof peace through

strength by a force thatis capableofmeetinganyand all threats to our vitalnationalsecurity. We

willno longer tolerate a Presidentwhose rulesof

engagementputour own troopsin harm'sway orcommanderswho tell their soldiers that their first

duty is to fight climate change.

A Republican administrationwill begin atonceto undo the damageofthe last eightyears.

Wemustmove from a budget-based strategy toone thatputs thesecurityofour nation first. This

means that our Republicanpresident'sstrategicvision will includethe developmentof a balanced

forcetomeet the diversethreats facing ournation.

SpecialOperationsForces are simplynotintended

to dealwith the fullspectrum of threats. Weneed

a Reagan-era force that can fightandwin two-andone-half wars ranging from counterterrorism to

deterringmajorpoweraggressors.We should abandon arms control treaties

that benefit our adversaries without improvingour nationalsecurity. Wemustfund, develop, and

Supporting Our Troops:

Resources to do Job

We owe it to the American people and tothose who fight our wars that we remain thestrongest ary on earth and be prepared todefeat any adversary under any circumstances onany battlefield, including land, air , sea, or cyber.Successive years of cuts to our defense budgethave put an undue strain on our men and womenin uniform . This is especially harmful at a timewhen we are asking ourmilitary to do more in anincreasingly dangerous world. The U.S. defensebudgethas suffered a 25 percent cut in realdollarsin the five years since sequestration . We supportlifting the budget cap for defense and reject theefforts ofDemocrats to hold the military's budget

hostage for their domestic agenda . Congress andthe Administration should work together to approvemilitary spending at the levelnecessary to defend ourcountry. Wemust notbe encumbered by decades

old , legacy procurement processes. America'sincredible talent and ingenuity must be unleashedby modernizing the military procurement systemand embracing competition among traditional andnon- traditional suppliers. Competitive acquisition

42

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

andmaintenanceof weapon systems, includingthe sustainmentand supportof such systems, willbenefit the U.S.economy, U.S.taxpayers, andmost

important, the American warfighter. Increased

competition will enable new DepartmentofDefensesuppliers, particularly smallbusinesses, to

participatein thedefense sector. That willpromotenew demandfor skilled-laborjobs, whilemakingthe

Department'sprocurementmorecost-efficient. The

increasedagility andeffectivenesswillensurethat

our troops are equipped with the rightresources

morequickly than ourcurrentprocurementsystemsallow

SupportingOur Troops:

Standingby OurHeroes

With Republican leadership, the Congress

recentlypassed legislation that begins to reverseAmerica'smilitary decline. The NationalDefense

Authorization Act of 2016 begins to correcttheshortfalls in ourmilitary readinessby reversing

troop cuts, increasinginvestments in trainingand

maintenance, and rebuildingfacilities. Itgivesour

troops the full pay raise to which they are entitled

underthe law and gives the next administration

the ability to review operationsand funding, make

adjustments and ask formoremoney if necessary.Allthis representsa sound start in supportingthosewho put their lives on the line in defense of our

country, whileprotectingournationalsecurity in adangerousworld.

Military familiesmustbe assured of the pay,

healthcare, housing, education, and overallsupport

they have earned. In recent years, they havebeen carryingthe burden ofbudgetary restraint

more than any other Americansthrough cuts in

their pay, health benefits, and retirementplans.

About75 percentof enlisteescomefrom military

families. Wecannot expect that level of patrioticcommitmentto continueamongyoungpeople whohave experienced the way their familieshave beentreated

Wemust ensure that the nation keeps its

commitmentsto thosewho signed on the dotted

lineofenlistment. The repeatedtroop deployments

during conflicts in the Middle East have beenunusuallyhard on allmembersof their households,worsening unemploymentand underemployment

among spouses. In many cases, they and their

children havebeen at war for 14 years. Wemust

strengthen existing programsthat offer families

readjustmentinformation and counseling, and we

urge states to help by providing job programs,license reciprocity, one- stop service centers, andeducation.

The burden of our country's extendedmilitaryinvolvement in the Middle East has taken a toll onour servicepersonnel. Suicidesamong ourmilitaryactive duty troops, reservists, NationalGuardsmen,

and veterans – are at shocking levels, while postservicemedicalconditions, includingaddiction and

mental illness, require more andmore assistance.

More than ever, our governmentmustwork with theprivate sector to advance opportunitiesand provideassistance to those wounded in spirit as well as inbody, whether through experimental efforts like thePAWS (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemen)

program for servicedogs or through the faith -basedinstitutionsthathave traditionally been providers ofcounseling and aid .

We support the rights of conscience ofmilitarychaplains of all faiths to practice their faith freefrom political interference . We reject attemptsby the Obama Administration to censure andsilence them , particularly Christians and Christianchaplains . We support an increase in the size ofthe Chaplain Corps. A Republican commander -in

chiefwill protect the religious freedom of all militarymembers, especially chaplains , and willnot tolerateattempts to ban Bibles or religious symbols frommilitary facilities. A Republican commander - inchief will also encourage education regarding the

religious liberties of military personnel under boththe First Amendment of the U.S.Constitution andthe current NationalDefense Authorization Act.

Our country's all-volunteer forcehas been a

success. Weopposethereinstatementofthe draft,

exceptin dire circumstanceslikeworld war, whether

directly or through compulsorynationalservice.We support the all-volunteer force and oppose

unnecessary policy changes, includingcompulsorynationalservice and Selective Serviceregistration

ofwomen for a possible future draft. Wereiterateoursupport for the advancementof women in

themilitaryandtheir exemption from directgroundcombatunitsandinfantrybattalions. Weaffirm the

43

culturalvalues that encourageselfless serviceand

superiorityinbattle,and we opposeanythingwhichmight divide or weaken team cohesion,including

intra-military special interest demonstrations.

In particular, we warn against modificationorlesseningof standards in order to satisfy a non-

military agenda imposed by the White House.

We call for an objective reviewof the impact onreadinessof the current Administration’sideology-

based personnelpolicies,andwill correct problems with

appropriate administrative,

legal,or legislativeaction.Wereject the use of the military

as a platform for social

experimentationand will notaccept or continue attempts

to underminemilitarypriorities

and mission readiness. Webelievethat our nation is most

securewhen the presidentand

the administration prioritizereadiness, recruitment, and

retentionrather than using themilitary to advance a social

or political agenda. Military

readiness should not be sacrificed on the altarof political correctness.We oppose legislative

attempts to modify the systemof military justice

that would undermineits fairness and due processrights for all concerned,both the accuser and the

accused.

CitizenSoldiers:

NationalGuardand ReservesOur Reserve and National Guard forces are

national assets that must be nurturedin a manner

commensuratewith their roleas America’ssentinels.Their historicmissionas citizen-soldiersis a proud

traditionlinkingevery townandcity acrossAmerica

to liberty’s cause. Since September 11, 2001, theNational Guard has transformedfrom a strategic

reserve to a fully integrated operational fighting

force. The Guard has bled on missions in Iraq,Afghanistan,the Balkans,and the Sinai.Today,more

than fifty percentof our Guardsmenhave combat

experience.The Guard has demonstratedits valueto thenationnotonly in war butduringemergencies

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

America has a

sacred trust with our

veterans, and we are

committed to ensuring

them and their families’care and dignity.

44

here at home such as HurricaneKatrinaand Super

StormSandy.To avoid the overextensionof our military,

we support a larger active force and oppose the

current Administration’scuts to the NationalGuardand Reserves.Those reductionsare dangerousand

counter-productivebecausethe menandwomenof

the Guardand Reservetend to be older and moreexperiencedthan their activedutycounterparts.

Guard and Reserveforces are currentlydeployedat

historicallyhighrates.The Army

Reserve alone has soldiersin 30 countries. To its credit,

the RepublicanCongress, by

passing the National DefenseAuthorizationAct, has moved

to ensure these troops have

what they need.That provisionhas triggered another veto

threat from the Commander-

in-Chief, even though the billpassed with overwhelming

bipartisansupport in both theHouse and Senate. He would

have the members of the

Reserve and Guard train on, and potentially bedeployedwith, equipmentthat is no longerused by

their active duty comrades.We cannot toleratethis

endangermentof bothour troopsand our nationalsecurity. Therefore,we recommenda permanent

line item for NationalGuard affairs, one that is

not eliminatedby the Presidentand reinstatedbyCongress.The guard is too essentialto our national

defenseto bea secondarydecision.

HonoringandSupportingOur Veterans:

A SacredObligationOur nation’s veterans have been our nation’s

strength and remain a national resource. Their

service to their country — as community leaders,volunteers, mentors, educators, problem solvers,

and public officials — continues long after they

leave the military.In the same way, our obligationto the one percent who defend the other ninety-

nine percent does not end when they take off

the uniform.America has a sacred trust with ourveterans,and we are committedto ensuring them

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

and theirfamilies' care and dignity. The work ofthe

Departmentof VeteransAffairs (VA) is essential

to meet our commitments to them Providing

health, education, disability, survivor, andhome

loan benefits, and arrangingmemorialservicesupon death. Weheed Abraham Lincoln's command

" to care for him who bore the battle. To care,as well, for the families ofthosewho havemade

the ultimate sacrifice, who mustbe assured of

meaningfulfinancialassistance, remainsoursolemn

dutyAs shown by recent controversies at the

Department senior leaders must be held

accountablefor ensuring that their subordinates

are more responsiveto veterans' needs. The VAhas failed those who have sacrificedthemostforourfreedom . The VA mustmove from a sometimes

adversarialstanceto an advocacy relationshipwithvets. To that end, we willempowerthe Secretaryto hold allVA employeesaccountableandwill seekfundamentalchange in the seniorleadership

structureby placingpresidentialappointees, ratherthan careerists, in additionalpositionsofsignificantresponsibility. We cannot allow an unresponsive

bureaucracyto bluntournationalcommitment. The

VA muststrengthen and improveitseffortsthrough

partnershipswith private enterprises, veteranservice organizations, technology and innovation,andcompetitivebiddingto enable the VA tobetter

provideboth quality and timely care alongwith allearnedbenefitsto ournation'sveteransand their

families. This will allow the VA to reducethe backlogand save immenseresources all at the sametime.

Therefore, letus look to innovativesolutionsthatallow higherquality VA care, reducebacklogs, andsaveimmenseresourcesallatthe sametime.

Ourwoundedwarriors, whether still in service

or discharged, deserve the bestmedicalcare the

country can provide. Wemustmakemilitary and

veterans' medicine the gold standard for mentalhealth, traumatic brain injury, multipletraumas,

loss of limbs, and post- traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Thoseinjuriesrequire a new commitmentof

targeted resourcesand personnelfor treatmentand

care to advance recovery. That includes allowing

veteransto chooseto access careinthe communityandnotjust in VA facilities,becausethebestcare inthe world is not effective ifit is notaccessible. We

will seek to consolidate the existing communitycare authorities to make a single program that willbe easily understood by both veterans and VAhealthcare providers.

Like the rest of American medicine, the VA

faces a criticalshortageofprimarycare andmental

healthphysicians. That'swhy there are longwaitingtimes to see a doctorand why doctors are often

frustratedby the limited time they have with theirpatients. This is especially the case with mental

health care, which often amountsto prescribing

drugsbecausethereare not enough psychologistsand psychiatriststo do anything else. Inadequatetreatmentof PTSD drives other problemslike

suicide, homelessness, and unemployment. This

situation may not be quickly reversed, but aRepublicanadministrationwillbegin, on day one,toundertakethe job .

Asa nation, we honorthesacrificeofourfallen

servicemembersat the graveswherewe lay themto rest in national, state, and veterans' cemeteries

around theworld. In doing so , wemakeit clearthat their ultimate sacrifice and service to our

countrywillneverbe forgotten. Asa party,weseekto honor their sacrificeand comforttheir families

byensuringallveterans' cemeteriesare adequatelyequippedand a standard of care established, using

gton Cemetery as a guide, that is befitting their

service .

The level of financial distress and homeless

ness among vets is a shame to the nation. For a

veteran , a job is more than a source of income. It is

a new mission, with a new status, and the transitioncan be difficult. We urge the private sector tomake hiring vets a company policy and commendthe organizations that have proven programs toaccomplish this. We will retain the preferencegiven to veterans when they seek federalemployment. We urge closer coordination with thestate offices for veterans' affairs, particularly with

regard to expediting disability claims, since thoseclosest to an individual can often best diagnosea problem and apply a remedy. We will halt thecurrent Administration's unconstitutional automaticdenial of gun ownership to returning members of

our Armed Forces who have had representativesappointed to manage their financial affairs . Weurge state education officials to promote the hiring

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PLATFORM 2 1

of qualified veterans as teachers in our public

schools. Their proven abilities and life experienceswill make them more successfulinstructors androle models for students than would any teachingcertification.

Over-prescription of opioids has becomea nationwideproblem hinderingthe treatmentof veteranssuffering from mentalhealth issues.We therefore support the need to explore newand broader ranges of options, including faithbasedprograms, that willbetter serve the veteranand reducethe need to rely on drugsas the soletreatment

America: The IndispensableNationForthe last severalgenerations, our country's

twomajorpoliticalpartieswere dedicatedto the

nation'ssecurity and the advance of freedomaroundthe world. Both had learned from mistakes

ofthepastandrealizedthata weak America invited

aggression. Both recognizedthe need to stand

with friendsand opposethosewho wishedus evil.

Whatevertheirdisagreements, both the Republicanand Democratic partiesstood for peace throughstrength strength meantAmerican military

superiority.This bipartisan commitment has tragically

changed. The leadership of the DemocraticParty,both those in office and thosewho seek it, no longer

see America as a force for goodin theworld. Theydo not standby alliesor stand strong against ourfoes. They to world opinion andneglectthenationalinterest. They cannotbe trustedto advance

either the causeof liberty orournationalsecurityinthe dangerousyears in which we live.

We affirm our party's tradition of world

leadership established by President Eisenhower

and followed by every Republican presidentsince. It stands for enormouspower – and the

prudence to use it sparingly, precisely, and only

in grave necessity. It stands for involvement, notintervention. Itrequiresconsultation, notpermissionto act. It leads from the front – and ensures all

othersdo their parts aswell. ItembracesAmerican

exceptionalism and rejects the false prophetsofdecline and diminution. It is, in sum , the way wewilllead theworld into a new century of greaterpeaceandprosperity anotherAmerican Century.

Challenges ofa ChangingMiddle EastThe Middle East is more dangerousnow than

at any timesince the SecondWorld War. Whatever

their disagreements, presidentsofboth partieshadalwaysprioritized America'snationalinterests, the

trust of friendly governments, and the security of

Israel. Thatsound consensuswas replacedwithimpotentgrandstandingon the part of the currentPresidentand his Secretariesof State. The results

havebeen ruinous for all parties except Islamicterroristsand their Iranian and othersponsors.

We consider the Administration's dealwith Iran ,to lift international sanctions andmakehundreds ofbillions of dollars available to theMullahs, a personalagreement between the President and his negotiating partners and non-binding on thenext president.Without a two-thirds endorsement by the Senate , itdoes not have treaty status. Because of it, the defiant and emboldened regime in Tehran continuesto sponsor terrorism across the region , develop anuclear weapon , test -fire ballistic missiles inscribedwith Death to Israel, and abuse the basic humanrights of its citizens. A Republican president willnotbebound by it. Wemust retain alloptions in dealingwith a situation that gravely threatens our security ,our interests , and the survival of our friends.

Over the last four years we have seen the riseof a murderous fanaticism in the form of ISIS, theso called Islamic State. Its reach now extends far

beyond the Middle East to virtually every continent.ISIS has brought ancient butchery into the 21st

century . Nations are imploding, erasing longestablished borders. The Obama Administration

and its Secretary of State so mishandled the ArabSpring that it destabilized the entire region. Thehope somesaw in the Arab Spring has transformedinto disappointment. The dictator of , BasharAssad , has murdered hundreds of thousands of hisown people and created millions of refugees, andan American presidenthasbeen unable to rally the

world against him . Understandably, our allies fearfor their future in a region farmore dangerous thanitwas eight years ago.

A Republican administrationwill restore our

nation'scredibility. Wemuststandup forourfriends,

challengeour foes, and destroy ISIS. Hezbollah,

controllingover 100,000missiles in Lebanon, mustbe isolated and Lebanon's independencerestored.

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PLATFORM 2 1

Wewill supportthe transition to a post-Assad Syrian Our UnequivocalSupport for Israelgovernment that is representative of its people, Like the United Statesof America, the modernprotects the rights of all minorities and religions, state of Israel is a country born from the aspirarespects the territorial integrity of its neighbors, tion for freedom and standsout among thenationsand contributes to peace and stability in the region. as a beacon of democracy and humanity. BeyondThe Iraqipeople have been on the front lines in our mutualstrategic interests, Israel is likewise anfight against terror. Hundreds of thousands have exceptional country that shares our most essenbeen killed, and the attacks against them continue, tial values. It is the only country in the Middle Easteven in Baghdad. Our partnership with them should where freedom of speech and freedom of religioncontinue as long as ISIS and others like it survive in are found. Therefore, support for Israelis an exprestheregion.Weare deeply concerned that, in the face sion ofAmericanism , and it is the responsibility ofof genocide against them , Christian communities in our government to advance policies that reflectcities like Erbil are receiving no financial support Americans' strong desire for a relationship with nofrom either the U.S. government or the UN to help daylightbetween America and Israel.Werecognizewith displaced persons and urban refugees. Their Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital ofsurvival is sustained only by private charities. This the Jewish state and call for the American embassy

must change immediately. Defeating ISIS means to bemoved there in fulfillment of U.S. law .more than pushing back its We reaffirm America's

fighters while abandoning its commitmentto Israel'ssecurityvictims. It must mean aiding It istheresponsibility

and will ensure that Israelmainthose who have suffered the tains a qualitativemilitary edge

most – and doing so before ofour governmentto over any and alladversaries.Wethey starve. Itmeanssupporting advance policiesthat support Israel's right and oblithe long-term survival of gation to defend itself against

reflectAmericans'indigenousreligiousand ethnic terror attacks upon its peoplecommunities , punishing the strong desire for a and against alternative formsperpetrators of crimes against of warfarebeing waged upon

relationshipwithno, and conditio ng it legally, economically, cultur

humanitarian and military daylightbetween ally, and otherwise. Werejectassistance to governments on the falsenotionthatIsraelis an

America and Israel.their observable commitment occupier and specifically recogto human rights. nize that the Boycott Divest

We continue to support ment, andSanctionsMovementthe Kurdish people, whosebraveryand cooperation (BDS) is anti-Semitic innatureand seeks to destroywith our forces merit our respect and their Israel. Therefore, we call for effective legislation toautonomy. Manycountriesin theregionhavegiven, thwart actionsthat are intended to limit commerand continue to give, substantialassistance to cialrelationswith Israel, orpersonsor entities doingthe United States because they understand that businessin Israelor in Israeli-controlled territories,our struggle against terrorism is notan ethnic or in a discriminatorymanner.religiousfight. They considerviolentextremists to TheUnited States seeksto assist in the estab

be abusers of their faith, not its champions. We lishmentofcomprehensive and lastingpeacein theapplaudtheir courageandvalue their counsel. The Middle East, to benegotiated amongthose livingU.S.government, togetherwith its globalpartners, in the region.Weoppose anymeasuresintendedtoshouldmobilizeits political, economic, andmilitary imposean agreementorto dictatebordersor otherassetsto support the creation of a safe haven in terms, and we callfor theimmediateterminationofnorthern Iraq to protect those ethnic andreligious all U.S.fundingof any entity that attemptsto dominoritiescontinuingto face genocideatthehands so. Ourparty is proud to standwith Israelnow andof ISIS. always.

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R U B CANPLATFORM 2 1

U.S.Leadership in the Asian PacificWeare a Pacificnationwith economic,military,

and culturalties to all the countriesof the oceanic

rim and treaty allianceswith Japan, SouthKorea,

Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Withthem , we look toward the establishmentofhuman

rights for the peopleof North Korea. Weurge the

governmentof China to recognizethe inevitabilityof changein the Kim family's slave stateand, for

everyone's safety against nuclear disaster, to

hasten positive changeon theKoreanpeninsula.The United States will continue to demand the

complete, verifiable, and irreversibledismantlementof North Korea's nuclearweaponsprogram withfull accountingof its proliferationactivities. Wealso pledgeto counter any threats from the North

Koreanregime.We salute the people of Taiwan , with whom

we share the values ofdemocracy, human rights, afree market economy, and the rule of law. Our relations will continue to bebased upon the provisionsof the Taiwan RelationsAct, and we affirm the SixAssurances given to Taiwan in 1982 by PresidentReagan. We oppose any unilateral steps by eitherside to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Straits onthe principle that all issuesregarding the island's futuremustbe resolved peacefully, through dialogue,andbe agreeable to people of Taiwan. If Chinawere to violate those principles, the United States,in accord with the Taiwan Relations Act, will helpTaiwan defend itself.Wepraise efforts by the newgovernment in Taipei to continue constructive relations across the Taiwan Strait and call on Chinato reciprocate. As a loyal friend ofAmerica, Taiwanhasmerited our strong support, including free tradeagreementstatus, the timely saleofdefensive armsincluding technology to build diesel submarines,and full participation in the World Health Organization , InternationalCivil Aviation Organization, andothermultilateralinstitutions.

China'sbehaviorhas negated the optimisticlanguageofourlastplatform concerningour future

relationswith China. The liberalizingpolicies ofrecentdecadeshavebeen abruptly reversed, dissent

brutally crushed, religiouspersecutionheightened,

the internetcrippled, a barbaricpopulation control

two- child policy of forced abortionsand forcedsterilizationscontinued, andthe cult ofMao revived.

Critics of the regimehavebeen kidnapped its

agentsin foreign countries. To distractthepopulacefrom its increasingeconomicproblemsand,moreimportantly, to expand its military might, the

governmentasserts a preposterousclaim to theentire South China Sea and continues to dredge

ports andcreatelandingfields in contestedwaterswhere nonehave existed before, ever nearer to

U.S. territories and our allies, while building a

navy far outofproportionto defensivepurposes.The complacency of the Obama regimehas

emboldenedtheChinesegovernmentandmilitaryto issue threats of intimidation throughout theSouth ChinaSea, not to mentionparadingtheirnew

missile, the Guam Killer, down themain streets of

Beijing, a directshot at Guam as America'sfirst line

ofdefense. Meanwhile, culturalgenocidecontinuesin Tibet and Xinjiang, the promised autonomyof

HongKongis eroded, thecurrencyismanipulated,

ourtechnologyis stolen, and intellectualpropertyand copyrights are mocked in an economybasedon piracy. In businessterms, this is notcompetition;itis a hostiletakeover. For any American companyto abet those offenses, especially governmentalcensorshipandtrackingof dissenters, is a disgrace.

The return to Maoism by China's current

rulers is notreason to disengagewith the Chinesepeople or their institutions. Wewelcomestudents,tourists, and investors, who can see for themselves

our vibrant American democracy and how real

democracy works. We caution, however, againstacademic or culturaloperationsunder the controlof the Chinese governmentand call upon American

colleges to dissociate themselves from this

increasingthreat to academic freedom and honestresearch

Most of the nations of Southeast Asia have

set asidecripplingideologiesand soughtmaterial

progress in free enterprise and democracy.We congratulatethe people of Burma on their

emergencefrom authoritarianrule and urge theirrespect for the rightsof their country'sminority

populations. Our improvedrelationswith Vietnam

includingarmssales – mustadvanceefforts to

obtain an accounting for, and repatriationof theremainsof, Americanswho gave their lives in the

cause of Vietnamesefreedom . Wecannotoverlook

the continuedrepressionoffundamentalrights and

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PLATFORM 2 1

religious freedom , as well as retribution againstethnic minorities and others who assisted U.S.

forcesduring the conflict there.

India isour geopoliticalally and a strategic

tradingpartner. The dynamism ofits people andthe endurance of their democratic institutions

are earning their country a positionofleadershipnot only in Asia but throughoutthe world. We

encourage the Indian governmentto permit

expanded foreign investmentand trade, the keyto risinglivingstandardsfor thoseleftoutof their

country's energetic economy. For all of India's

religiouscommunities, weurge protectionagainstviolenceand discrimination. Republicansnotewith

pridethecontributionsto our countrythataremade

byourfellow citizensofIndian ancestry.Conflicts in the Middle East have created

specialpoliticaland military challenges for the

people of Pakistan. Ourworkingrelationshipis anecessary, though sometimesdifficult, benefit to

both, and we look toward the strengtheningof

historic ties thathave frayedunder the weightofinternationalconflict. This processcannotprogress

as long as any citizen of Pakistancanbepunished

for helpingtheWar on Terror. Pakistanis, Afghans,and Americanshave a common interest in ridding

the region of the Taliban and securing Pakistan'snucleararsenal. Thatgoalhasbeenunderminedbythe currentAdministration'sfecklesstreatmentof

troop commitmentsandblatantdisregardof advice

from commanderson the ground, particularlywithregard to Afghanistan. A Republicanpresidentwill

work with allregionalleadersto restoremutualtrust

while insistingupon progress against corruption

andthenarcotictradethatfuels insurgency.

Ourhistoric ties to the peoples of Europehavebeen based on shared culture and values , common interests and goals. Their endurance cannot be taken for granted, especially in light of thecontinent's economic problemsand demographicchanges. We recognize with regret the increasingtrend amongmany of our allies tomove away fromrights and liberties that Americans hold dear, especially freedom of speech. It wouldbe a tragic ironyif the nations of Europe which withstood Sovietrepression were to now impose a form of it uponthemselves.

We honor our special relationship with the

peopleof the UnitedKingdom and are gratefulfor

their staunch supportin the fight against terrorism .

Werespect their decision concerningtheir nation's

relationship to the EuropeanUnion and pledgethat,howevermuchotherinternationalrelationshipsmay

change, thosewho were first to our side in ourhourofloss will alwaysrank first in our policiesandouresteem .

We thank the several nations of Europethat have contributed to a united effort in Iraq,

Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Their support andsacrifice in the fight against Islamic terrorism

will notbe forgotten. We applaud the ongoing

reconciliation in Northern Ireland andhope that

itssuccessmightbereplicatedin Cyprus. Weurgegreater coordination in economic and security

affairsbetweentheUnitedStates and therepublicsofEastern Europe.Weurge thatPolandbe grantedvisa waiver status and we supportplacementofNATO troopsin Poland.

Forthe peopleofRussia,we affirm ourrespect

and ourdeterminationto maintain a friendshipbeyondthe reach of those whowish to divideus.

Wehave common imperatives: Endingterrorism,

combatingnuclearproliferation, promotingtrade,and more. We also have a common problem :

The continuingerosion of personalliberty andfundamentalrightsunder the currentofficials in the

Kremlin. Repressiveathomeand recklessabroad,

their policies imperil the nationswhich regainedtheir self-determinationupon the collapse of theSovietUnion. Wewillmeet the return of Russian

belligerencewith the sameresolve that led to thecollapseof theSoviet Union. Wewill not accept

any territorialchange in Eastern Europeimposed

Renewingthe European Alliance

With bipartisan support President Trumanforged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO ) as an alliance of the western democracies.Its continued effectiveness is vital, especially in lightof recentmilitary challenges in Eastern Europe.With the American people spending on defense,per capita, four times the amount spentby Europeans, we demand, aswehave in the past, that our

fellow membersofNATO fulfill their commitmentsand meet their need for greater investmentin theirarmed forces.

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by force, in Ukraine, Georgia, or elsewhere, andwill use all appropriate constitutionalmeasures to

bring to justice thepractitionersof aggression andassassination

Weurge greater attention in U.S. diplomacy,trade, and strategic planning, to the nations of

Eurasia, formerly parts of the Soviet Empire.Caughtbetweentheir two authoritarianneighbors,their path toward democratic institutionshasbeen

uncertain. We urge our governmentand our allies

to work toward the integrationoftheCentralAsian

republicsintothe globaleconomythrough foreigninvestment, which can bringwith it marketand

political reforms and a firmer establishmentof

therule of law. Those developmentswillnot only

improvethe livingconditionsthroughoutthat vast

area butare likely to reduce the lure of the radical

ideologiesthat alreadythreatenthe region.

Family of the AmericasOur future is intimately tied to thefutureofthe

Americas. Family, language, culture, environment,

and trade link us closely with both Canada andMexico. Our relationswith both of these friends

willbebasedupon continuing cooperation andourmutually shared interests. Our attention to trade

and environmentalissueswill contribute to strong

economic growth and prosperity throughouttheAmericas.

Wethank ourneighborsin Mexico and Canada

who havebeen our partners in the fight againstterrorism and the war on drugs. The Mexican

people deserve our assistance as they bravelyresist the drug cartels that traffic in death onboth

sidesofour border. Their rich culturalandreligiousheritage, shared by manymillions of our fellow

citizens, should foster greater understandingandcooperationbetweenour countries.

Our Canadian neighbors can count on ourcooperation and respect. To advance North

America's energy independence, we intend to

reverse the current Administration's blocking ofthe KeystoneXL Pipeline. Apart from its economicvalue, that projecthasbecomea symbol in the

contestbetween the public's desire for economic

developmentand the government'shostility togrowth. We standwith the people.

We express our solidarity with all the peoples

of the Western Hemisphere . Their aspirationsfor economic betterment and political libertyhave deserved better from our government thanits policies of the last eight years. The currentAdministration has abandoned America's friendsand rewarded its enemies. A Republican presidentwill never embrace a Marxist dictator, in Venezuelaor anywhere else. The current chief executivehas allowed that country to become a narcoterrorist state, an Iranian outpost threateningCentralAmerica, and a safe haven for the agents

of Hezbollah . Now , with their country ruined bysocialism and on the verge of chaos, the Venezuelanpeople are fighting to restore their democracy andregain their rights. When they triumph , as theysurely will, the United States will stand ready to

help them restore their country to the family of theAmericas.

Weaffirm our friendship and admiration for

thepeopleof Colombiaand call on the Republican

Congress to express its solidarity with their

decades- long fightagainstthe terroristFARC. Their

sacrificeand sufferingmustnotbebetrayedby the

accession to powerofmurderersand drug lords.We want to welcomethe people of Cuba

back into our hemispheric family after their

corruptrulers are forced from power andbroughtto account their crimes againsthumanity. Westandwith theWomen in White and all the victims

of the loathsomeregimethat clings to power in

Havana. Wedonot say this lightly: They havebeenbetrayedby those who are currently in controlof

U.S. foreign policy. The currentAdministration's

openingto Cuba was a shamefulaccommodation

to thedemandsofits tyrants. It willonly strengthentheir military dictatorship. Wecallon the Congress

to uphold currentU.S. which sets conditionsfor

the liftingof sanctions on the island: Legalization

of politicalparties, an independentmedia, and freeand fair internationally-supervised elections. Wecall for a dedicatedplatform for the transmission

of Radio and TV Martíand for thepromotion ofinternet access and circumventiontechnology as

toolsto strength Cuba'spro -democracymovement.We support the work of the Commission for

Assistanceto a Free Cubaand affirm theprinciples

of the Cuban AdjustmentAct of 1966, recognizingthe rightsofCubansfleeing Communism.

50

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM

Africa : The Promise and the ChallengeWerecognizeAfrica's extraordinarypotential.

Both the United States and ourmanyAfrican allies

will become stronger through investment, trade,

and promotionofthe democratic and free market

principles that have brought prosperity around

theworld. We pledgetobethe bestpartnerof allAfricannationsin their pursuitof economic freedomand human rights. The Republican Congresshas extended to 2025 the African Growth and

OpportunityAct, and PresidentGeorgeW.Bush'shealth initiatives AIDS reliefunder PEPFAR and

theGlobalFund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and

Malaria – continue to savemillionsof lives. Peace

Corps volunteers and U.S. Seabees teach and

build in villages that know firsthandour country'sidealism .

We stand in solidarity with those African

countries now under assault by the forces ofradicalIslam : Boko Haram , al- Shabaab, and otherslike them . Their terror falls on both Muslimsand

Christians, on anyone who willnotsubmitto their

savageideology. Weurgegovernmentsthroughout

the continentto recognizethis threat to their ownpeople. We support closer cooperation in bothmilitary and economicmatters with thoseon the

front lines of civilization'sbattle against the forcesofevil.

operationsofits overpaidbureaucrats. Weshould

no longer tolerate its managerial scandals, its

Human Rights Council composedof someoftheworld'sworsttyrants,anditstreatmentof Israelas a

pariah state. The U.N.'s PopulationFundhas, from itsorigin, been rooted in no- growthpoliciesthat limit

economic developmentin the countriesneedingit

most. Its complicityin China'sbarbaric program offorced abortionled PresidentReaganto seta wallof

separation – hisMexicoCity Policy, which prohibits

the grantingoffederalmoniesto non- governmentalorganizationsthat provideorpromoteabortion.Weaffirm his position and, in lightofplummetingbirth

rates aroundthe world, suggest a reevaluationoftheU.N.'s recordon economicprogress.

Precisely becausewe take our country's

treaty obligationsseriously, we opposeratificationof internationalagreements whose long-range

implications are ominous or unclear. We do

not support the U.N.Convention on Women'sRights, the Conventionon the Rightsof the Child,

the Convention on the Rights of Personswith

Disabilities, andthe U.N.ArmsTrade Treaty, aswellas various declarationsfrom the U.N.Conference

on Environmentand Development. Because of

our concern for American sovereignty, domestic

managementof our fisheries, and our country's

long-term energyneeds, wehave deepreservations

aboutthe regulatory,legal, and tax regimesinherentin the Law oftheSea Treaty.WeemphaticallyrejectU.N.Agenda 21 as erosiveof U.S.sovereignty, and

opposeany form ofGlobalTax.

To shieldmembersof our Armed Forces and

others in service to America from ideological

prosecutionsoverseas, the Republican Party does

not accept the jurisdiction of the InternationalCriminal Court. We support statutory protectionforU.S.personneland officials as they act abroad

tomeetour global security requirements, andwedeplorethe currentinactionoftheAdministrationin

that regard. Our servicemembersmustbesubjectonly to Americanlaw.

Sovereign American Leadership inInternational Organizations

There is no substituteforprincipledAmericanleadership. Since the end of World War II, the

United States, through the foundingofthe United

NationsandNATO, has participatedin a number

of internationalorganizationswhich can, butsometimesdo not, serve the cause ofpeaceand

prosperity. While acting through them our countrymust always reservethe right to go its ownway.Wemust notbe silent aboutour country's cause.That is whywehavelong supported our country's

internationalbroadcastingto Eastern Europe, theMiddleEast, andAsia.

Our continued participation in the UnitedNationsshouldbe contingentupon the enactmentoflong overduechangesin theway that institution

functions. Americantaxpayers, the chief funders of

theU.N., deserve full transparencyin the financial

DefendingInternational

ReligiousFreedom

The U.S. Commission on International

ReligiousFreedom, an initiative of CongressionalRepublicans, has been neglectedby the current

51

PLATFORM 2

Administrationat a timewhen its voice more than

everneedsto beheard. Religiousminoritiesacross

theMiddleEasthavebeen driven from their ancient

homelands, and thousands, thereand in Africa,have

been slaughteredfor theirfaith in what the StateDepartmenthas, belatedly, labeled genocide. The

United Statesmust standwith leaders, like President

SisiofEgyptwho hasbravelyprotectedthe rightsof Coptic Christians in Egypt, and call on other

leadersacross the region to ensure thatallreligiousminorities,whether Yazidi, Bahai,Orthodox, Catholic

or ProtestantChristians, are free to practice theirreligionwithoutfear ofpersecution. Ata timewhen

China has renewed its destruction of churches,

Christianhome- schoolingparentsare jailed in parts

of Europe, and even Canada threatenspastorsfor

their preaching, a Republican administrationwill

return theadvocacyofreligiouslibertyto a central

place in its diplomacy, willquickly designate the

systematickillingofreligiousand ethnicminoritiesa genocide, andwillwork with the leadersof other

nationsto condemnand combatgenocidalacts.

for American goodsand servicesin a competitive

globaleconomy. Foreignassistanceprogramsmustnot only project thebestof American values, but

mustwork createself-sustainabilityand leveragethe resourcesand capacity of theprivate sector.Evenmore importantis the overseas assistance

billionsof dollarsand volunteerhours – provided

byAmerica'sfoundations, educationalinstitutions,faith-based groups, and charitableindividuals. Their

essentialrole in internationaldevelopmentshould

beweighedin any revisionof the tax code.

The advance of political freedom andentrepreneurialcapitalism drives economic growth,

catalyzes private sector development, and is the

only sustainable solution to poverty. Over the last50 years, the levelofprivate investmentoverseas

from theUnitedStateshas eclipsedaid manytimesover. Our development strategy mustbuild on

recent Republican efforts to use foreign assistanceto catalyzeprivatesector investmentand expertise

in addressing global challenges that can build amore stableworld and advanceAmerica'snational

security and economic interests.Theintegrity ofourcountry's foreign assistance

program hasbeen compromisedby the currentAdministration's attempt to impose on foreign recipients, especially thepeoplesofAfrica, its ownradicalsocial agenda while excluding faith -based groups

the sectorwith thebesttrack record in promotingdevelopment because they will not conform tothat agenda.Wepledge to reverse this course, encouragingmore involvementby themost effectiveaid organizations and trustingdeveloping peoples

to build their futuresthrough their own values.

America's Generosity : InternationalAssistance that Makes a Difference

Foreignaid mustserveAmerica's interestsfirst.

In today's world ofcomplex challenges, internationalassistanceis a criticaltoolfor advancingAmerica's

security and economic interestsby preventingconflict, buildingstability, openingmarkets for

private investment, and responding to sufferingandneedwith the compassionthatis at the heartofourcountry'svalues. A strongcommitment to

internationaldevelopmentanddiplomacy, alongsidedefense, was a key componentofPresidentReagan's

peacethrough strength strategy. Itcan sometimesserve as an alternativemeansofkeepingthepeace,

far lesscostlyboth in dollars and inhumanlivesthan

military engagement. The Millennium Challenge

Corporation, spearheadedby the last RepublicanAdministration, has established a new model of

foreign assistance that helps ensure taxpayerdollars are spenton projects that are effective,results-driven, transparent, and accountable. We

must embracethismodelthroughoutour foreign

assistanceprogramsand efforts as a catalyst for

private sector investmentto combat corruption,strengthen the ruleof law , and open new markets

AdvancingHumanRights

To thosewho stand in the darknessoftyranny,

Americahasalwaysbeen a beaconofhope, and soitmust remain. RadicalIslamicterrorism poses anexistentialthreatto personalfreedom and peace

aroundthe world. Weopposeitsbrutalassaulton

allhumanbeings, allofwhom have inherentdignity.

TheRepublicanPartystandsunitedwith all victimsof terrorism andwillfightat homeand abroad todestroyterroristorganizationsandprotectthelives

andfundamentallibertiesof all people. Republicans

haveled theway in promotinginitiativesthathave

protected and rescuedmillionsof the world's

52

REPUBLICANPLATFORM2 1

mostvulnerableandpersecuted. Standingup forrepressedreligiousgroups, prisonersofconscience,women trafficked into sexualslavery, and those

suffering from disease or starvation is not justconsistentwith American values. It advances

important security and economic interests as

well. A Republicanadministrationwillnever say,

as Hillary Clintondid as Secretary ofState in 2009,that raisinghumanrightsconcerns" can't interferewith the globaleconomiccrisis, the globalclimate

changecrisis, andthe security crisis.”The United States needs a radical rethinking

of our human rights diplomacy. A Republicanadministration will adopt a " whole of governmentapproach to protectfundamental freedoms globally ,one where pressing human rights and rule of lawissues are integrated at every appropriate levelofour bilateral relationships and strategic decisionmaking. Republican policy willreflect the fact that

thehealth oftheU.S.economy and environment, thesafety ofour food and drug supplies, the securityof our investments and personal information incyberspace, and the stability and security of the

oceans will increasingly depend on allowingthe freeflow of news and information and developing anindependent judiciary and civilsociety in countrieswith repressive governments such as China, Russia,andmany nationsin the Middle East and Africa.

to preventoverseaslabor contractorswho exploit

foreign workers from supportingmilitary bases

abroad or exporting goods to theUnited States.A Republican administrationwill strategize with

partners around theworld to prevent the demand

for trafficking victims that makes exploitationlucrative and will prosecute sex tourists anddomesticbuyers to the fullest extent of the law .Wewill work at homeand abroad to ensure that

traffickingvictimsare identifiedamongmigrants,refugees, and our own citizens so they receive therehabilitativecareneededto healandthrive.

America's continuing participation in theinternational campaign against human trafficking

merits our support. The goal of our domestic antitraffickingprogramsshould be the rescue and safereturn ofvictimsto their homes,notcreating a longterm dependency upon public support. We call forgreater scrutiny of overseas labor contractors toprevent abuses against temporary foreign workersbrought to theUnited States. The horrific deaths ofsmuggled workers on our southwestern border atthe handsofdrug cartels and other gangshighlightthe need for total security in that region.

Facing 21st Century Threats:

Libertyto Captives:

CombattingHuman TraffickingAs an estimated 21million peopleworldwide

are trappedin modernday slavery, we arereminded

tobevigilantagainsthuman traffickinginwhatever

form it appears. Wewilluse the full force of the

law againstthosewho engage in commercialsexual

exploitation and forced orbonded labor ofmen,

women or children; involuntarydomesticservitude;

trafficking in personsfor the purpose of organremoval; andthe illegalrecruitmentanduseof child

soldiers. Buildingon the accomplishmentsof the

lastRepublicanadministrationin implementingtheTraffickingVictimsProtectionAct of 2000, wecall

forincreaseddiplomatic effortsand accountability

for foreign governmentsto prosecutetraffickers,

includingpenalties for any public officials who

maybecomplicitin this devastatingcrime.Wewill

highlightthe need to stop slavelabor, takingsteps

Cybersecurity in anCyber attacks against our businesses, insti

tutions, and the government itself have becomealmost routine. They will continue until the world understands that an attack willnotbe tolerated thatwe are prepared to respond in kind and in greatermagnitude. Despite their promises to the contrary ,Russia and China see cyber operations as a part ofa warfare strategy during peacetime. Our responseshould be to cause diplomatic , financial, and legalpain, curtailing visas for guilty parties, freezing theirassets, and pursuing criminal actions against them .We should seek to weaken control over the internetby regimes that engage in cyber crimes. We muststop playing defense and go on offense to avoid thecyber-equivalent of PearlHarbor.

The Republican Congress has passed important legislation to advance information-sharingamong entities endangered by cyber attacks.Wewill explore the possibility of a free market for Cyber-Insurance andmake clear that usershave a self

53

defenseright to deal with hackers as they see fit. It

is criticalthat we protect the cyber supply chain toensureagainst contaminationof componentsmade

all over the world,sometimesin offending countries.

Our own cyber workforceshouldbe expandedwiththe assistanceof the military,business,and hacker

communitiesto better protect our country.

ProtectionAgainstan

ElectromagneticPulseA singlenuclear weapondetonatedat highalti-

tudeover this country would collapseour electrical

grid and othercritical infrastructuresandendangerthe livesof millions.WithNorthKoreainpossession

of nuclearmissilesandIrancloseto havingthem,an

EMPis no longera theoreticalconcern—it is a realthreat.Moreover,China and Russia include sabo-

tage as part of their warfareplanning.Nonetheless,

hundredsof electrical utilities in the United Stateshavenotactedto protect themselvesfromEMP,and

they cannot beexpected to do so voluntarilysince

homelandsecurity is a government responsibility.The President,the Congress, the Department of

HomelandSecurity,theDepartmentof Defense,theStates,the utilities, and the privatesector should

work together on an urgent basis to enact Re-

publicanlegislation,pending in both chambers,to

• R E P U B L I C A N P L A T F O R M 2 0 1 6 •

54

protect the national grid and encourage states to

take the initiative to protect their own grids expedi-

tiously.

ConfrontingInternetTyrannyInternet firewall circumvention and anti-

censorshiptechnologymustbecomea nationalpri-

ority in light of the way authoritariangovernmentssuchas China,Cuba, and Iranrestrictfree pressand

isolate their people limiting political, cultural, andreligious freedom. Leadersof authoritariangov-

ernmentsargue that governmentshave the same

legal right to control internetaccess as they do tocontrolmigrantaccess.A focuson internet freedom

is a cost-effectivemeans of peacefullyadvancing

fundamentalfreedomsin closed and authoritariansocieties. But it is also an important economicin-

terest, as censorshipconstitutesa trade barrier for

U.S.companiesoperatinginsocietieslikeChinawithadvancedfirewall protectionpolicies.

A Republicanadministrationwill championan

open and free internetbased on principles of freeexpression and universal values and will pursue

policies to empower citizens and U.S. companiesoperating in authoritariancountriesto circumvent

internet firewallsand gain accuratenewsand infor-

mationonline.

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016

The Platform Committee

RepublicanNationalCommittee Chairman

Reince Priebus

Chairman

Senator John Barrasso

- Chairs

Governor Mary Fallin

Representative Virginia Foxx

Subcommittee -Chairs

Restoring the American DreamJoe Gruters

Delbert Hosemann

Andy Puzder

A Rebirth of Constitutional Government

Rayna Casey

KathyKiernanLeslieRutledge

America's NaturalResources:

Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment

Kelly Armstrong

Victor Sprouse

Government Reform

Tom Schriebel

Russ Walker

GreatAmerican Families, Education,Healthcare, and CriminalJustice

CarolynMcLarty

PatriciaLongo

America ResurgentJim Carns

Ron Rabin

Steve Yates

55

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2

CommitteeMembers

ALABAMA

Jim Carns

Judy Carns

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

RachelHoff

Chip Nottingham

KENTUCKY

Julie Adams

Nathan Haney

ALASKAJim Crawford

Judy Eledge

FLORIDA

Cindy Graves

Joe Gruters

LOUISIANA

Sandra (Sandy) McDade

Tony Perkins

AMERICANSAMOA

BrandonSmart

GEORGIA

Ranya CaseyCurtis Scott Johnson

MAINE

Eric Brakey

StaceyGuerin

ARIZONAAndrea Kadar

Lynden (Len ) Munsil

GUAM

Juan CarlosBenitez

MargaretMetcalfe

MARYLAND

Joeylynn Hough

Michael( Ben ) Marchi

ARKANSAS

John Nabholz

LeslieRutledge

HAWAIIAdrienne King

William McClary

MASSACHUSETTS

Amy Carnevale

Bob Maginn

CALIFORNIANoelHentschel

Andy Puzder

IDAHO

VickiKeen

Steve Yates

MICHIGAN

Joe Hune

MeshawnMaddock

COLORADO

Robin Coran

Justin Everett

ILLINOIS

StephanieHolderfieldJohn Lynch

MINNESOTA

Andy AplikowskiJanetBeihoffer

CONNECTICUT

Anthony D’Amelio

PatriciaLongo

INDIANA

JamesBoppBrenda Goff

MISSISSIPPI

Lynn FitchDelbert Hosemann

DELAWARE

Allison Brokaw

TimothyHouseal Ben BarringerTamara Scott

MISSOURI

HardyBillingtonBev Ehlen

KANSAS

Mary Kay CulpKris Kobach

56

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2

MONTANA

Seth Berglee

DebraLamm

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Ivan Blanco

TEXAS

David Barton

DianaDenman

NEBRASKA

DebbyBrehmBrianBuescher

OHIODavid Johnson

Tracey Monroe- Winbush

UTAH

BoydMatheson

GayleRuzicka

NEVADA

Juanita Cox

Jesse Law

OKLAHOMA

Marc Hader

CarolynMcLarty

VERMONTRick Cochran

Darcie Johnston

NEW HAMPSHIRE

JulianaBergeron

StephenStepanek

OREGON

Donna CainRussWalker

VIRGINIA

Cynthia DunbarThomas Valentine

NEW JERSEY

Joseph Pennacchio

Jill Space

PENNSYLVANIA

Jim McErlaneCarolSides

VIRGIN ISLANDS

April NewlandHumberto O'Neal

NEW MEXICOJonathanGardner

AndreaMoore

PUERTO RICO

Jenniffer González -Colón

Jorge San Miguel

WASHINGTON

ManetteMerrill

Philip Wilson

NEW YORK

ThomasDadeyAnneDickerson

RHODE ISLAND

GiovanniCicione

Lee Ann Sennick

WEST VIRGINIA

MelodyPotter

VictorSprouse

NORTH CAROLINA

Mary Forrester

Ron Rabin

SOUTH CAROLINA

Alan Clemmons

LaDonnaRyggs

WISCONSIN

Kathy Kiernan

Tom Schreibel

NORTHDAKOTA

Kelly Armstrong

Kelly Schmidt

SOUTH DAKOTA

Nancy Neff

HalWick

WYOMING

Marti Halverson

Dick Shanor

TENNESSEEVictor Ashe

Connie Hunter

57

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2

Platform Staff

BenKey, ExecutiveDirectorAndrew Bremberg, Policy Director

BillGribbin, Editor

EricUeland, AssistantEditor

Mary Salvi, ExecutiveAssistant

David Schiappa, ParliamentarianJustin Riemer, Counsel

Mary Elizabeth Taylor, Clerk

Allison Curry, Clerk

Sloane Skinner, ClerkKaren Portik , Graphic Designer

Marcia Brown, Production

Sheila Berkley, Platform ConsultantMikeMears, Director of Strategic Partnerships

RachelPackebush , Intern

Administrative Team

Brian O'Malley , Ed Cowling, Blake Glovitz , Kim Owens, Will Gillette, Gordon James

CourtReporter

Stephen Mengelkamp, Nate Riveness

Policy Staff

Restoringthe American DreamJeff Schlagenhauf

EricUeland

GovernmentReform

Danielle Cutrona

Katy Talento

A RebirthofConstitutionalGovernment

StephenHiggins

RobertPorter

Great American Families , Education,Healthcare , and Criminal Justice

KatieAltshuler

CyrusArtzAmerica's NaturalResources:

Agriculture, Energy, and the EnvironmentBrian Clifford

JustinMemmott

AmericaResurgentJonathan Burks

Michael StranskyRobertWilkie

FormerExecutiveDirectors

Ambassador John Bolton, 1984; Judy Van Rest, 1992; William Martin, 1996; Mitch Bainwol, 2000;Anne Phelps, 2004; Steven Duffield , 2008

Special ThanksMike Ambrosini,Caroline Anderegg,Carl Anderson,Alex Angelson ,Christine Anton ,Sara Armstrong,Michael Babyak,Gineen Bresso,

Tyler Brown, JeffreyBrownlee, CourtneyButcher, AnnaKatherineCabaniss, Joseph Chang, Jason Chung, CC Cobaugh, PaulCoyer,

SharonDay, LoganDryden, Kim Ekmark, MaxEverett, Dirk Eyman, JonathanDu, GrantGardner, MikeGilding, EdGoeas, JacksonGreene,

Julia Griswold, William Heartsill, RebeccaHeilig, LaurenHernandez, MikeHolley, CJJordan, KatieHrkman, Dave Juday, KateKarnes,

SarahKeeny, JenniferKetchum KirstenKukowski, Dan Kunsman, DeeDeeLancaster, BronwynLance- Chester, GerritLansing, JeffLarson,

AnneLesser, RyanMahoney, MatthewMazzone, ArjunMody, JanetMontesi,KimberlyMorrall, VanessaMorrone, MaisonNewenhouse,

KathrynNeville, LexiNord, DeniseNorthrup, Andrew Olmem, MikeOmegna, CarolineOzer, John Phillippe, BrandonRenz, JackieRivera,

Christine Samuelian , Audrey Scagnelli, Tory Sendek , RajShah , Lani Short , Harold Hal Smith , Steve Smith , Veronica Smith , Sean Spicer,Elizabeth Stangl, Elizabeth Steil, Melinda Stell, Maddison Stone , Jan Sumrall, James Tobin , Lauren Toomey , Courtney Uckele, Mike Vallante,

Evan Walker, Katie Walsh, LindseyWalters, David Wilezol, MadeleineWesterhout, KathiWise

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RNC 2016CLEVELAND

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM 2016