The Shadow
Last week was a productive week back in session, as House Republicans elected a strong leadership team, united and prepared to fight for policies in the 119th Congress that benefit the American people. In addition, with the help of President Trump’s appointment of Tom Homan as our new Border Czar, we are fully committed to ending the border crisis that has persisted for far too long. We honored National Veterans Small Business Week and National Adoption Month, recognizing the vital contributions of veteran entrepreneurs and the loving families who provide nurturing homes. As always, it is an honor to meet with constituents, business leaders, and small business owners to hear from those who shape our local communities. Rest assured, I will continue fighting to ensure that the federal government works for folks in Virginia’s Sixth District and across the Nation – not against them.
Newly Elected House Leadership
Last week, the House Republican Conference elected a dedicated and talented leadership team for the 119th Congress. Under the steadfast guidance of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, we’re poised to advance our priorities and effectively drive impactful legislation on the House floor. Majority Leader Steve Scalise will spearhead our legislative initiatives, while Majority Whip Tom Emmer will work tirelessly to ensure unity among our members. Additionally, Conference Chair Representative Lisa McClain will lead our communications efforts, delivering a clear and cohesive message to the American people.
With this exceptional leadership team, we are ready to confront the challenges our Nation faces and work diligently to get America back on track. We will reverse the four years of the Biden Administration’s damaging policies that have weakened public safety, fueled inflation, driven up housing costs, created the worst border crisis in history, and emboldened our adversaries. With a GOP-led House and Senate and a Trump presidency, we are ready to advance a bold agenda that supports hard-working Americans, revitalizes our economy, and restores confidence in our country’s future. I will continue to fight the rest of this Congress and the 119th Congress for policies that deliver real results for the American people and put America first.
New Border Czar Tom Homan
Under the Biden/Harris Administration, America’s southern border has plunged into a historic crisis due to their reckless open-border agenda that has completely dismantled our once-secure borders. In less than four years, we have witnessed an astounding 10.8 million illegal migrant encounters nationwide. The consequences of this crisis have been nothing short of devastating. Over 300,000 migrant children have gone missing, and American lives have been taken by killers set loose in our country because of the Biden/Harris Administration’s dangerous policies, underscoring the urgent humanitarian and national security crisis at our border. Furthermore, more than 70,000 Americans lost their lives in 2023 alone due to the fentanyl crisis. We can no longer allow the border crisis to persist. It’s time for our country to have an administration that not only supports real reforms but also actively utilizes the resources at its disposal to address this urgent issue.
That’s why President Trump has appointed Tom Homan as our new Border Czar. Homan, who previously served as the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), brings over 30 years of invaluable experience in immigration enforcement to the table. Right from day one, Homan will focus on restoring order at our border, upholding our immigration laws, and ensuring the safety and security of all Americans. House Republicans firmly believe that the only path forward involves substantial border security reforms, such as those outlined in the House-passed Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2). This legislation is designed to secure America’s borders, improve the asylum process, and reduce the incentives for illegal immigration. With the incoming Trump Administration, we are poised to take swift and decisive action to secure our southern border and bring an end to this crisis that has gone on for far too long.
National Veterans Small Business Week
Our veterans are remarkable entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to our economy. The latest data reveals that they are the majority owners of over 1.6 million firms, collectively employing nearly 3.3 million workers—representing 5.5% of all business owners in the United States.
That’s why I introduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act, which empowers our veterans by allowing them to utilize their GI Bill benefits to start or purchase a business. This initiative is vital to supporting those who have sacrificed for our country and helping them thrive in the business world.
Celebrating National Adoption Month
November is National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate American families who have opened their homes to children in need. Every child deserves a loving, nurturing environment to grow up in. Thank you to all the adoptive families nationwide.
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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