It was a packed week in Washington, as House Republicans fought for accountability from the Biden Administration and secured big wins for the brave men and women who serve in our military. The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee demanded answers on the weaponization of the FBI against the American people, and we pressed the Federal Trade Commission on wasting taxpayer dollars and stonewalling the Committee’s investigations. Additionally, we passed the strongest National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in history, which will support America’s service members and protect our national defense posture. I also honored high school state champions on the House Floor, and hosted “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall events in Highland County and the City of Waynesboro. As we continue the fight this week to rein in President Biden’s out-of-control bureaucracy, I’ll keep working to make Washington work for the good people of Virginia’s Sixth District.
Demanding Transparency on the FBI’s Abuse of Power
Under Director Christopher Wray’s leadership, the FBI has become weaponized and the American people’s trust in the institution has been severely damaged. While there are countless rank-and-file employees and agents who do great work, we have seen the agency launch an entirely unwarranted investigation against Donald Trump, label concerned parents as “domestic terrorists,” and target Catholics who are simply exercising their First Amendment right to express their faith.
During a Judiciary Committee hearing this week, I demanded that Director Wray accept responsibility for the agency’s abusive overreach of power and restore accountability to Americans. There is no place for politics within the FBI, which is why House Republicans will keep working tirelessly to bring an end to this weaponization of our law enforcement agencies.
Providing Responsibly for Our National Defense
One of Congress’ most important constitutional duties is to provide for our national defense and support the men and women who serve in the United States military, while also making sure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. That is why this week, House Republicans passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which funds America’s troops and improves our national defense posture. It includes:
- The biggest pay raise for our troops in decades
- Cutting-edge technology to deter Communist China
- $40 billion in taxpayer savings
- An end to woke-ism in the military
Hardworking Americans deserve to know that every taxpayer dollar invested in the Department of Defense is being spent efficiently to support America’s position as the strongest Nation in the world. Rest assured, House Republicans are here to deliver and ensure the brave men and women defending our nation’s freedom have access to the weapons and resources they need to keep our country safe from threats.
Holding the FTC Accountable for Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
For far too long, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), under Chair Lina Khan, has been wasting taxpayer-funded resources, resisting congressional oversight, and conducting unlawful policy and enforcement efforts. Now, over two years into Chair Khan’s tenure, it is clear that she is ill-suited to lead the agency.
The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee is committed to holding the FTC’s leadership accountable. That’s why this week, I made clear to Chair Khan that her irresponsible actions have consequences, and I won’t stop demanding that Congress uses the power of the purse to stop the waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal agency.
Celebrating Glenvar High School State Champions
I was pleased to congratulate the Glenvar High School Men’s Tennis team on winning their Class 2 State Championship, the program’s first championship since 1996. By training hard to ensure that they are at their best and encouraging each other, the Highlanders left it all on the court and dominated the Bruton Pumas to bring home the trophy. All of these athletes are champions, and should be proud of this incredible achievement.
“Coffee With Your Congressman” Town Hall Tour Continued
I had a fantastic time at my “Coffee with your Congressman” events this week at The Curly Maple in Highland County, and at the Golden Corral in Waynesboro Thank you to everyone who came out, met the team, and asked insightful questions. Stay tuned for the next event coming to an area near you.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
For the latest updates from Washington and across the Sixth District, please follow my Facebook and Twitter pages.
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