It was a productive last week in session and a final push to get things done before the District Work Period. House Republicans delivered on our commitment to supporting our Nation’s heroes by passing strong legislation that prioritizes and fully funds programs for those most important: our Veterans and service members, and their families. Additionally, as the crisis at our southern border continues, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee held Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accountable for his failure to uphold our Nation’s laws. We also passed a resolution to overturn the Biden Administration’s regulation that burdens America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, and recognized VA-06 high school state champions on the House floor. As we head into the District Work Period, I look forward to meeting with constituents and businesses across the Valley.
Honoring Commitments to Veterans and Supporting Strong National Security
We made a promise to take care of those who have taken care of us: our Veterans and our brave service members. That is why House Republicans put together a plan that keeps our promise to America’s heroes and provides much-needed resources to protect our national security.
This week, House Republicans passed the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act, which would:
- Fully fund Veterans’ health care programs; and
- Fully fund Veterans’ benefits and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.
- Provide nearly $800 million above the President’s Budget Request for military construction, focusing investments in the Pacific theater, barracks, and other quality-of-life projects; and
- Maintain two provisions prohibiting the closure or realignment of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Our Nation’s heroes have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and protect our homeland, and this strong legislation makes clear that they have House Republicans’ full support.
Hold Mayorkas Accountable
It’s no secret that the Biden Administration’s open border and amnesty policies have created the worst crisis at our southern border in history. Unfortunately, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has continued to deceive the American people on the severity of this crisis, has failed to uphold our Nation’s laws, and has willfully disregarded his oath to protect our homeland for far too long.
That is unacceptable, which is why this week the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee demanded that Secretary Mayorkas answer for DHS’s abandonment of immigration enforcement under his watch. While Secretary Mayorkas refuses to take responsibility for the disastrous crisis that his agency’s radical policies have created, House Republicans will hold him accountable.
Standing Up for Farmers Against Burdensome Regulation
Last November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a proposed rule that designates the lesser prairie-chicken as a threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The problem: the ESA also added several other conditions negatively impacting farmers, crops or livestock interacting with the species could be considered harm.
This massive regulatory burden proposed by the Biden Administration hurts farmers and ranchers, punishes whole communities with economies supported by agriculture, and could have larger harmful effects on our national food supply. That is why House Republicans passed a resolution this week that overturns this rule. We won’t stop working to get the federal government out of the way so America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers can thrive.
Recognizing Northside High School State Champions
I was pleased to congratulate the Northside High School Women’s Softball team on winning the Class 3 State Championship, their first state title in 13 years. The Vikings won the trophy by beating York High School with a score of 3-1. The hard work and training paid off!
Hire A Veteran Day
In commemoration of National Hire A Veteran Day this week, we recognize the incredible value Veterans bring to the workforce. Our Veterans possess leadership skills, technical training, and dedication from years of service to our Nation, and I encourage all employers across various industries to consider them for job opportunities. May we always support America’s heroes and honor their dedication and skills.
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.
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