Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) addressed the Exchequer Club of Washington D.C. today to discuss his work as Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee and his perspective on the future of financial policy. Below are excerpts from Congressman Luetkemeyer’s speech, as prepared for delivery:

Luetkemeyer on Optimism

“Now more than any time in recent memory, optimism is high and the future is bright.  However, resting on our laurels and simply hoping this momentum continues would be a mistake.  The country, Congress, and the Financial Services Committee will soon face tough decisions that will shape financial policy in the coming years, and it comes down to two choices: Will we choose rhetoric over results and political ideology over economic progress?  Or will we recognize the opportunity laid before us and work together to make the coming years even more prosperous for families, workers, and the businesses upon which they rely to build and maintain successful communities? I believe we will choose the latter.”

Luetkemeyer on S. 2155

“Right now, financial institutions are buried under a mountain of regulations. So, any relief is better than no relief. In our committee, we are also looking to package a significant number of additional regulatory relief bills that passed the House, or committee, with big bipartisan vote margins to send over to the senate… Our financial institutions deserve more relief, and I will continue to advocate for our financial institutions, to deliver meaningful bipartisan reforms.”

Luetkemeyer on Economic Freedom

“… we must remember our role in the economy and ensure that all Americans have fair access to an open economy. American consumers deserve strong protections, while also being afforded the opportunity to control their own financial decisions and futures. It is our responsibility to continue to support a robust U.S. economy through a fundamental shift back to reasonable and responsible financial regulation. Economic freedom is what sets us apart from the rest of the world, it makes all of this possible and we must protect it.”

Luetkemeyer on the Future

“Working with the Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress, we must continue to fight for pro-growth economic policies and keep our economy moving in the right direction. The United States will then be unstoppable, and we will take the rest of the world with us. I believe with the protection of our economic freedom, and with full confidence in the entrepreneurial ability of our people, our future looks bright. As the President said in his State of the Union Address, the era of economic surrender is over. This is a new American moment.”

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