The Shadow
Last week marked the first full week of the 119th Congress, and we hit the ground running by passing two critical pieces of legislation. We passed the bipartisan Laken Riley Act, which secures significant protections to combat our open border crisis. Additionally, we passed the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which cuts the funding of the International Criminal Court, holding them accountable for their misguided targeting of Israel. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we took time to celebrate the dedicated service of our law enforcement officers, who work tirelessly to protect our communities. As Congress prepares for another productive week in session, rest assured I will continue to fight to uphold our shared values in Washington.
Passing the Laken Riley Act
In our unwavering commitment to protect American families and uphold the rule of law, the House passed the Laken Riley Act, named in honor of Laken Hope Riley, whose life was tragically taken in Georgia last year by an illegal immigrant. This critical legislation prioritizes the arrest and detention by ICE of illegal immigrants who had already committed theft offenses, like the individual responsible for Laken’s death.The harsh reality is that the Biden Administration’s failed open-border policies contributed to Laken’s unnecessary loss—a tragic story among many others. These policies have turned every community into a border community, bringing with it increased grief and chaos. The President holds the authority to address this issue, yet Biden’s inaction is both astounding and unacceptable. He has claimed over the last several years that Congress needs to act, even after House Republicans passed H.R. 2, the strongest border bill in history.
Our borders can’t remain open, our laws must be upheld, and no more innocent lives should be lost due to policy failures. With the incoming Trump Administration and the Republican-led Senate, House Republicans will continue to prioritize Americans and fight for meaningful change to restore order at our border.
A Victory for Free Speech on Social Media
Under President Biden, alarming revelations emerged from Meta, showing that his administration pressured the company to censor millions of Americans on their platforms. For far too long, Big Tech has colluded with this administration to silence conservative voices and stifle the free exchange of ideas.
Now, following aggressive oversight from the House Judiciary Committee, on which I serve, and with a Trump Administration on the horizon, we’re witnessing a pivotal change. Meta has announced the end of its misguided fact-checking program, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle for free speech on social media. The American people deserve the right to express their opinions without interference from unelected tech executives acting as gatekeepers. Alongside the Trump Administration, House Republicans will safeguard the American people’s freedom of speech and ensure every voice is heard.
Holding the ICC Accountable
On May 20, we witnessed an unprecedented move by the radical International Criminal Court (ICC) when prosecutor Karim Khan announced his intention to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This is outrageous, especially considering the heinous October 7th attacks carried out by Hamas, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. Additionally, Hamas continues to hold over 240 hostages, with 96 still in captivity.
Let’s be clear: pursuing a terrorist group that brutally slaughtered innocent Israeli civilians and holds hostages is not a “war crime.” It is about defending Israel’s right to exist and ensuring that such vicious attacks never happen again. Hamas initiated this conflict and bears full responsibility for the suffering it has caused. America unequivocally stands with Israel against terrorism—and the ICC should, too. If the ICC persists in targeting Israel, a democracy defending itself from evil, the United States must take a stand against them and hold these international bureaucrats accountable.
That’s why last week I was proud to support H.R. 23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which would impose sanctions on the ICC and any foreign entity that seeks to arrest, detain, or prosecute protected individuals of the United States and our allies, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant. We must defend our allies and ensure that justice is served in the face of terrorism.
Celebrating Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Last Thursday marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I want to thank all the brave men and women who protect and serve Virginia’s Sixth District and communities across the country.
Thank you for your service!
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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