Issues
![Every Life is Sacred Every Life is Sacred](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/pro%20life.png?itok=Bu14fckZ)
Abortion
I am proud to be pro-life and am committed to protecting the lives of the unborn. I believe that life begins at conception, and developments in science continue to confirm that truth. Knowing your interest in this issue, below is an update on my efforts to defend the sanctity of human life.
Agriculture
As the largest and oldest industry in Georgia, agriculture has deep roots in our state, and the Eighth District is no exception. The Eighth District is blessed with some of the most fertile soil and technologically advanced agricultural operations in the United States. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of our ranchers and farmers in rural America. Promoting successful agriculture production is not only critical to the Eighth District of Georgia, but also to the United States and the rest of the world.![Pen and coins pile on a financial report Pen and coins pile on a financial report](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/Budget-Fiscal-ResponsibilitySmall.jpg?itok=sYfayW8R)
Budget & Debt
Read relevant news information and initiatives regarding the issue of Budget and Debt.![](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/JSTARS.jpg?itok=s70MjYtc)
Defense & National Security
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand how important it is to have the best equipped and trained military in the world. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution makes clear that one the major duty of Congress is to provide for the common defense. The 8th District is home to Robins and Moody Air Force Bases, two bases that are vital to America's security. I am extremely proud of our installations and the thousands of veterans, military families, and Department of Defense civilian employees that I represent.![warehouse manager shaking hands with warehouse worker warehouse manager shaking hands with warehouse worker](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/Jobs-EconomySmall.jpg?itok=C8hvHTU8)
Economy and Jobs
Read relevant news information and initiatives regarding the issue of Economy and Jobs.![Closeup shot of a young man writing on a note pad Closeup shot of a young man writing on a note pad](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/Education-OpportunitySmall.jpg?itok=vVQo1oce)
Education
As the son and brother of public school teachers and father of a child in public school, quality education is an issue that is very important to me. For most of the educators and administrators I know, teaching is not just a job, it is a passion. Therefore, I believe that the teachers and administrators who actually work with students understand the needs of those students far better than a bureaucrat in Washington, D.C.![oil rig and sunset oil rig and sunset](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/slider_images/iStock_000003663063Small.jpg?itok=XOyngOsA)
Energy
It is crucial that we reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Our national security and economy both depend on a new national energy policy that does not include sending billions of dollars a year to foreign countries. We must develop an energy supply that is reliable, protected, and affordable.![United Nations flags United Nations flags](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/iStock_000007233892Small.jpg?itok=H4RyA06O)
Foreign Affairs
Learn about news and information related to the issue of Foreign Affairs.![stethoscope on a clipboard stethoscope on a clipboard](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/iStock_000022593710Small.jpg?itok=KZ24JZKO)
Health Care
Learn about initiatives and news items related to the issue of Health Care.![Business man hand drawing a graph Business man hand drawing a graph](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/Jobs-Economic-GrowthSmall.jpg?itok=E5pn2aml)
Immigration
Like most Americans, I am deeply concerned about illegal immigration and I recognize the danger it poses to our society and our economy. Our country is a nation of immigrants and I believe that we should welcome immigrants that seek to come to this country through lawful channels to live, work or study. However, illegal immigration is an issue that must be addressed.![American flag waves in the wind next to the dome of the U.S. Capitol American flag waves in the wind next to the dome of the U.S. Capitol](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/AccountabilitySmall.jpg?itok=gADiM7PK)
Social Security
Learn about news and information related to the issue of Social Security.![tax form and coins tax form and coins](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/slider_images/iStock_000005356743Small.jpg?itok=qSDTNir6)
Tax Reform
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) into law. For families across Georgia and the country, this bill means more jobs, more take-home pay, and more money in their own pockets. H.R. 1 is the first major overhaul of the tax code in over thirty years – and there is still work to be done – but this is a great first step to getting our economy back on track towards its full potential. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for legislation that expands our economy, grows wages, and eases burdensome federal regulations.![airplane in flight airplane in flight](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/issues/iStock_000004916707Small.jpg?itok=z3YgaZse)
Trade
Read relevant news information and initiatives regarding the issue of Trade.![Military soldier saluting American flag Military soldier saluting American flag](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181222144751im_/https://austinscott.house.gov/sites/austinscott.house.gov/files/styles/congress_image_thumbnail/public/featured_image/Military-VeteransSmall.jpg?itok=rltFCZpI)