Columns
2023 has been a year with its full share of joys, challenges, demands, and rewarding experiences. Taking time to hold kith and kin close during a special time to reflect and celebrate makes this time of year unique and cherished. The blessings we have as Americans mean so much more when we’re able to enjoy them with those we love.
This week in the House, I supported a resolution empowering a full inquiry into President Biden’s interactions with his family’s foreign business dealings.
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.
Serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means, my work covers a wide range of policy issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.