Columns
When the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in 2020, it received widespread bipartisan support. The USMCA was a historic achievement for trade relations between the U.S. and two of our most significant trade partners, and the United States’ strong posture throughout USMCA negotiations should serve as a model for future trade agreements.
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected our nation will add nearly $19 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. CBO projects the debt will equal 118 percent of gross domestic product 2033. With the national debt already in excess of $31 trillion, inflation hammering American families, and economic uncertainty threatening American small businesses, it’s clearer than ever we must put a stop to runaway spending in Washington.
This week, as the nation listened and watched, President Biden gave the second State of the Union address of his presidency. Over the last year the American people have struggled under historic inflation, rising crime rates, and severe economic uncertainty. In the week prior, we also witnessed an airborne intelligence gathering tool with confirmed ties to the Chinese Communist Party traveling across nearly the entire continental United States. With the same slowness to act which has characterized his administration, Biden permitted the spy balloon to remain in U.S.
One month into the 118th Congress, we are forging ahead with our Commitment to America. In order to restore a strong American economy, we are working to exercise oversight over reckless federal spending and the failed White House policies that have hamstrung recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the severe inflation and large-scale layoffs we’ve seen throughout the first 23 months of the Biden presidency.
Students are a large part of why I’m so optimistic about the future of our great country. In recent years they’ve faced unprecedented challenges as COVID-19 disrupted traditional classroom settings. While Nebraskans worked hard to keep our schools open, other states can't say the same. The resulting spotlight on public schools highlighted just how important parental engagement and freedom is to student success. Parents, not politicians, know what their children need in the classroom.
Last year was remarkable for the pro-life movement. On June 24, when the Supreme Court issued their Dobbs v. Jackson decision, it was the culmination of nearly half of a century of compassionate work by pro-life advocates and communities to serve and fight for unborn children and abortion-vulnerable mothers. Yet, as many gather in Washington for the 50th annual March for Life this week, it is a sobering and spurring reminder the work of the pro-life movement is not done.
Just two weeks from the start of tax filing season, an efficient and functioning Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has never been more important. The overwhelming majority of Americans pay their taxes; however, 90 percent of the $80 billion in new IRS funding in the Inflation Act would pave the way for more audits on working class families.
This week, we officially gaveled in the 118th Congress. With Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, I know House Republicans will deliver on our Commitment to America to restore a government that’s accountable, a nation that’s safe, an economy that’s strong, and a future that’s free.
As I reflect on the last year and anticipate enjoying time with loved ones during the holidays, I’m filled with both gratitude and resolve.
As Americans, we have been granted an unrivaled heritage of freedom and prosperity which we now must secure for future generations.
Christmas is going to look different for many Americans because of ongoing supply chain challenges and soaring inflation. We have seen shortages of items such as appliances, jewelry, electronics, holiday food items such as turkey, and even Christmas lights and trees. Faced with a serious hike in input costs, more than 70 percent of wholesale Christmas tree growers have been forced to increase their prices by up to 15 percent over last year.