GAINESVILLE – He was home for the holidays, looking forward to celebrating Christmas with his family and friends; but to hear him speak it was clearly evident that he is also looking forward to returning to work. Such are the dynamics in the life of Gainesville’s Doug Collins.
That’s Collins, as in Congressman Doug Collins: returning to the nation’s capital for a third term as Georgia’s ninth congressional district representative. It was apparent from his words that he was eager for the 115th session of the United States Congress to convene on January 3, 2017.
Rep. Collins was not listed as a speaker on Thursday’s program at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Eggs & Issues” breakfast, so his appearance came as a surprise to many.
The event had long been sold out and has become a staple for the politically intrigued and energized in our area, a community that is expansive and growing. Lately the focus of the early morning event has been on state-level issues, as evidenced by the members of the Hall County Legislative Delegation sitting behind microphones on an elevated platform on one side of the huge ballroom.
But Collins had a message about what was happening in the District of Columbia that he wanted to share. He was welcomed to the podium by GHCC Chairman Lee Hemmer, who introduced him to the audience as the #5-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, a ranking tied to Collin’s recent election as Vice-Chairman of the House Republican Conference.
Collins spoke briefly (less than three minutes) and to the point: “We are expecting an exciting new year. For those in business, get ready; some of those regulatory burdens, hopefully, will be lifted very soon.”
The room erupted with applause. Collins was referring, of course, to the new federal administration being assembled by President-elect Donald Trump.
Collins spoke with Access-WDUN before leaving the Civic Center, saying he was very comfortable with the people being named by Trump to fill his cabinet positions.
“The appointments have said, ‘We’re committed to our country, we’re committed to a fiscally sound government, we’re committed to making sure things work.’” Collins said.
“The biggest thing we’re going to see for Georgia,” Collins continued, “is Dr. (Tom) Price is going to be at HHS.”
Collins was referring to Georgia 6th District U.S. Congressman Tom Price of Roswell, recently named by Trump as his choice for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Price is a licensed orthopedic surgeon and a longtime opponent of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
“That’s going to be huge with Obamacare. We’re going to see that come out and a replacement,” Collins said.
“And we’re going to see issues with Dodd-Frank; we’re going to see issues with our banking community…eased up where our banks can be banks again and get back to helping our small businesses grow; you’re going to see regulatory reform where our businesses are able to add jobs,” Collins continued.
When asked about the possibility of some federal agencies being closed or eliminated, Collins said, “I’m hopeful.”
“What these appointments (names tendered by Trump for leadership positions) are all saying is, ‘We can do more with less’. If we can move it down to where we can combine some (departments), I’m all for that.”
Collins enthusiasm was contagious, but there is one hurdle Congress will need to clear before any of Collins’ scenario can play out: on January 6th, three days after convening, a joint session of Congress will officially count the votes of the Electoral College.
There are some who think (and hope) that that constitutionally mandated event officially naming a new president could hold a major surprise.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/12/481742/congressman-collins