Dave Brat’s stunning victory on Tuesday caused widespread panic among those who make their living on Wall Street and the special-interest lobbyists on K Street, but it created an opportunity for the Republican Party to embrace a policy agenda that works for Main Street.
A conservative policy agenda is not built on obstruction, but it does rely on disrupting a Washington ruling class that tends to work for itself and its well-connected friends instead of hardworking Americans. As the status quo continues to dissolve, conservatives will be further emboldened to lead the charge for positive reform and bold ideas that can inspire and unite the country.
On nearly every issue in Washington, conservatives are providing policy solutions that will actually improve the lives of Americans, not just those who hire six-figure lobbyists.
Take higher education. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., have an innovative approach to make college more affordable for lower- and middle-class Americans. Their HERO Act offers educational opportunity and choice by breaking up the higher education cartel and allowing states to accredit colleges and even individual courses and apprenticeships.
On homeownership, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, is pushing to protect taxpayers from reckless private-sector lending by eliminating Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage industry giants that required $190 billion in bailouts. He would also inject more consumer choice into the marketplace, a tangible benefit for future homeowners and those looking to refinance.
To be sure, some Washington policy priorities will be stymied. Congress may refuse to authorize the Export-Import Bank, and a bevy of special-interest tax carve-outs may expire. But those policies, and many more, are targeted toward K Street clients, not Main Street constituents.
The stage is set for pro-growth, anti-crony policies that work for all Americans. Across the board, innovative policy solutions are coming from conservatives. To the extent lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are interested in pushing policies that solve problems for those on Main Street, there is reason for optimism.
Originally posted on USA Today.
