Republicans must deliver on their campaign promises

OPINION:

Conservatives should be excited but not overconfident after the big wins on Nov. 5. The majority of Americans were hungry for leadership on issues important to them, but they have failed to see results for almost four years.

Voters kicked out liberals because they were not addressing their key concerns regarding high prices and the economy, public safety and border security. They gave conservatives a chance with major victories across the country. Now, we must deliver on those promises, or the same voters will look for someone new in the next election cycle.

Top priority: Drive down prices. These five steps will move us in the right direction:

First, bolster American energy production. As we did in President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, the United States can be the world’s No. 1 producer of oil and natural gas. Federal and state governments must lift onerous restrictions on all sources — including nuclear power — to drive down energy costs.

In addition, the federal government must rapidly approve permits for legitimate projects to reinvigorate investment in new energy sources. A reliable system will attract new entrepreneurs who will help advance energy independence.

Second, rein in wasteful government spending. I am particularly excited about Elon Musk’s role in the new administration. We need people who get things done. Mr. Musk has the right mindset to make the government more efficient, effective and accountable to the people.

There are thousands of ways to do that in the federal government. One way is to dissolve the federal Department of Education and send the resources and responsibilities back to the states, schools and parents. Other major parts of the federal bureaucracy would also work better at the state level.

Third, cut the red tape. Burdensome regulations add to the cost of doing business. Keep things that legitimately protect the health and safety of the people. Cut everything else. Returning to the level of regulation under the first Trump administration is a good start and would save $11,000 per household.

At the same time, the federal government should make it easier for the states to impose work requirements for public assistance programs. When I was governor of Wisconsin, we required able-bodied, working-age adults to be employed at least part time, enrolled in training or participating in drug counseling (if needed) to receive benefits. Unfortunately, the federal government blocked us from fully implementing these policies. Restoring the rights of a state to impose welfare reform will help put more people in the workforce.

Fourth, secure the border. Unchecked illegal immigration is most importantly a public safety risk. The Biden administration’s failed response to it is also driving up the cost of housing, education and health care.

Addressing the border crisis will require enacting a comprehensive plan that includes completing the border wall, using advanced technology and shifting federal law enforcement priorities to border security. In addition, the president should call upon the military to protect us from a full-scale invasion. He should send troops to the border and deploy the Navy to block fentanyl and fentanyl precursors from even getting to land in the region.

We must step up enforcement of immigration law, strengthen the Border Patrol and other federal agencies and reinstate “Remain in Mexico” and other policies that helped reduce illegal border crossings. Deport criminal gang members and illegal immigrants with criminal records. Use strict vetting to ensure that criminals and terrorists do not enter the country. Stop sanctuary cities by cutting funding to jurisdictions that help evade federal law enforcement.

Fifth, reestablish the principle of peace through strength set during the Reagan administration and again under Mr. Trump. Give service members the tools they need to win wars so that they are a deterrent to our enemies around the world. Eliminate “woke” programs and focus solely on winning by keeping Americans safe.

Being a legitimate threat to our foes worldwide has been a significant deterrent in the past and will be again in the new term. This reduces our exposure to costly wars and military engagements. We once called this the peace dividend. Develop a shield from nuclear weapons similar to the Strategic Defense Initiative proposed by President Ronald Reagan and the Iron Dome used by Israel to protect against terrorist attacks.

All of these things must be done as soon as possible — both to drive positive policy that will help drive down costs that will improve the lives of millions of Americans and to cement support for conservatives in future elections. Voters want leadership. These are the things Mr. Trump ran on. Let’s get it done.

Success will not guarantee future success, but failure will almost certainly ensure future losses. Now is the time to get to work to save our beloved republic.

• Scott Walker is president of Young America’s Foundation and served as the 45th governor of Wisconsin.