Columns

This week, House Republicans took action to push back on proposals by President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effectively forcing consumers to drive only electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032. The EPA’s out-of-touch policies are unworkable for the Third District because of our winter weather and expansive driving distances. Furthermore, China, which holds 78 percent of the world’s EV battery cell manufacturing capacity, recently implemented export controls on raw EV battery materials.

Serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means, my work covers a wide range of policy issues. The longest-running committee in Congress, Ways and Means derives its authority over all tax, revenue, and trade matters directly from Article I, Sections VII and VIII of the Constitution, which place jurisdiction for the origin of revenue-raising bills in the House of Representatives and the “Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises” before the federal legislative branch.

As households across our nation gather to celebrate our many blessings and feast on the fruits of our hardworking farmers and ranchers, I am struck by the debt of thanks we owe as Americans. From the remarkable series of events that brought Massachusetts natives and Mayflower passengers to the same table more than four centuries ago, to the sovereign grace which has unified generations of Americans to face and overcome each of their harrowing challenges, Thanksgiving is about coming together.

This week I supported a one-year extension of current Farm Bill programs. While a conventional 5-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill is preferable, many of these critical programs lapsed September 30th. The current lapse shouldn’t affect 2023 crops, but a one-year extension was necessary to prevent reverting back to pre-1930s farm policy as we begin 2024.

Veterans Day is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country. Through their courage and devotion to their duties, America’s veterans have helped keep the United States the greatest, freest nation on Earth. It is fitting we pause to give them a day of recognition; yet we owe them so much more. History, as well as current events, are constant reminders – we live in the land of the free because of the brave.

With the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House is back to work. We certainly have our work cut out for us as we fulfill our responsibilities to the American people. Speaker Johnson hit the ground running to responsibly fund our priorities, including our support for Israel.

Economic hardships brought about by severe inflation and supply chain challenges continue, creating an ongoing affordability crisis in our country. Small businesses and families across the nation have had to make difficult choices and dig into savings to make ends meet in recent years. Inflation hits hardest those who can least afford it: those on fixed and low incomes. Seniors struggling to stretch their savings have little recourse when prices go up but their earnings do not.

Recent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.