As voters prepare for the upcoming midterm elections, the House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain emphasized a central question for the electorate: who should hold decision-making power, Washington or the people themselves. In a recent statement, McClain outlined key achievements of Republican leadership since taking control of Congress 20 months ago, framing their agenda as a restoration of individual control over economic and social matters.
McClain highlighted efforts aimed at reducing the size and reach of the federal government amid ongoing concerns about inflation, border security, education, and public safety. She pointed to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a major tax legislation that provided more than $82 billion in individual tax relief, benefiting 97% of taxpayers with increased cuts. The legislation also included provisions for workers who earn tips and overtime pay, deductions for seniors, and incentives to encourage domestic business investments. McClain noted that all House Democrats opposed the bill, characterizing the opposition as a disagreement over who should govern fiscal decisions.
Border security remained a focal point in her remarks. Referencing policies implemented during the Trump administration, she asserted that the border is now the most secure in recent history, with 16 consecutive months without releasing illegal immigrants into the country. McClain contrasted this with what she described as a “dangerous catch-and-release” approach under previous Democratic control, linking it to an influx of undocumented individuals, some with criminal backgrounds.
On regulatory policy, Republicans employed the Congressional Review Act to eliminate 23 federal regulations in the current congressional term, aiming to reduce costs and bureaucracy. McClain argued that scaling back federal rules benefits workers and consumers by lowering prices and increasing economic freedom.
Parental rights in education also featured prominently. Republicans advanced a measure requiring federally funded schools to obtain parental consent before making changes related to a child’s gender identity. The measure passed with bipartisan support, reflecting a stance that government should defer such decisions to families.
Addressing public safety, McClain cited a 9.3% decline in violent crime and an 18.1% drop in murders during 2025 as evidence of successful Republican policies. She warned that a shift in congressional control could jeopardize these gains, noting that Democrats have proposed defunding police and releasing prisoners, which she said would increase crime rates.
McClain concluded by urging voters to look beyond typical election rhetoric and consider the tangible changes under Republican stewardship. She framed the choice in November as one between continued Republican efforts to limit government intervention and Democratic policies she described as reversing progress on border security, parental rights, and crime prevention. According to McClain, Republicans have “handed the keys” back to Americans to manage their own affairs, signaling a pivotal decision point for the country’s political direction.