At the same time, Gowdy believes in limiting government power and federal programs. In order to reduce the federal deficit, he has suggested consolidating "Commerce, Agriculture and Interior into one agency with elimination of duplicate services."

Gowdy is against trying accused terrorists in U.S. federal court. He says that if Guantanamo Bay detainees are tried in federal court and "treated as typical criminal defendants, the consequences will be cataclysmic."

Health Care

Frequently citing his physician father as a role model for his views on health care, Gowdy seeks to repeal the Obama administration's health-care reform bill. He believes market-driven solutions are a better alternative. He seeks to reduce health-care costs by eliminating frivolous lawsuits and defensive medical practices, such as running unnecessary tests to avoid later being sued for missed or incorrect diagnosis. He has claimed a government-run health-care system lacks transparency and "makes it easier to make an informed decision about a hotel room or the purchase of an automobile than it does to make informed decisions about our health."

Gowdy questions whether a government mandate to purchase health insurance is constitutional.

Taxes

Gowdy wants to change the tax code, lower capital-gains taxes and decrease payroll taxes. He believes this is the way to reverse the economic downturn and create new jobs. Gowdy advocates private-sector job growth, which he says can be bolstered by lower corporate tax rates and tax breaks for small businesses.

Education

In line with some of his other stances against involving the federal government in state affairs, Gowdy believes local school boards should be in charge of making their own decisions about district policy and curriculum.

Abortion

A social conservative, Gowdy is against abortion rights, calling himself "pro-life plus." He encourages the support of crisis pregnancy centers and calls for a "strategy ... broader than waiting for the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v. Wade." He wants to work to incentivize adoption and "educate women on preventing pregnancies."

Oversight

In 2011, House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa chose Gowdy to chair the Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and the National Archives. Although it is unusual for freshmen House members to helm subcommittees, Gowdy was one of three freshman to whom Issa gave subcommittee gavels.

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