GOP bills would protect paychecks, sacred liberties

The House of Representatives will act on plans next week to protect American paychecks and "sacred liberties," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said Saturday. Delivering the weekly Republican media address, Cantor said the measures are aimed at restoring people's trust in government, Cantor said. The proposed reforms "address government abuse that is threatening your hard-earned paycheck, as well as your sacred liberties," said Cantor, who represents a Virginia district. The proposals would prevent government officials accused of serious offenses from being paid while under investigation and require prior approval of conferences and retreats that in the past have been criticized for their lavish expense. The "excessive" granting of sizable bonuses to government employees also would be halted, Cantor said. "Squandering other people's money is one of the easiest ways to lose their trust," Cantor said. 'These measures are a step in the right direction toward restoring trust with you, the taxpayers." Another proposal would require Congress to approve any regulations that would increase costs for business. Yet another would block the Internal Revenue Service from enacting the president's healthcare reform law, The Hill reported. The bills would also require government agencies to adopt customer service standards and allow citizens to record conversations with federal regulators. "You deserve a government that works for you, not against you. Enacting these reforms is one step towards rebuilding the trust in our government and faith in our economy," Cantor said.