The Shadow
It was another great week back in the Sixth District where I had the chance to meet with constituents, hear their concerns about our local communities, and tour some of the best our region has to offer. Serving our veterans remains a top priority, so I was proud to see that the Department of Veterans Affairs is breaking records in processing claims to ensure our heroes receive the benefits they deserve. Last week also marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security, upon which President Trump signed a declaration honoring this milestone and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen this vital program. Further, I was encouraged to see that wages are growing for Americans while prices for everyday goods are falling, helping hardworking families keep more of what they earn. As we head into another productive week back home in the district, I look forward to continuing the important work of serving you in Congress.
Delivering for Our Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs set a new record for delivering disability benefits, processing more compensation and pension ratings claims in a single year than ever before. The department completed 2,517,519 ratings claims in FY2024, but as of August 8, it had already reached 2,524,115 for FY2025. Nearly 2 months ahead of expectations, this pace means more Veterans are receiving the benefits they have earned faster than ever. Since President Trump took office, the backlog of Veterans waiting for benefits has dropped by more than 37%.
Claims are now being processed 17.8% faster than last year all while 10% more claims are being filed. In July, the department completed more than 300,000 ratings claims in a single month for the first time in history. Thanks to Secretary Doug Collins’s leadership and tireless efforts, Veterans are able to enroll in a system which allows expanded access to localized care from non-VA providers.
The department has implemented critical reforms to ensure Veterans can access benefits without delay. The accelerating integration of its electronic health record system brings the department into the 21st century, restoring progress to a program that had been stalled for nearly two years. Secretary Collins has focused on key improvements in customer service, accountability, and results-oriented management to make a significant impact on the lives of those who served our country. I am thankful for his work to deliver timely benefits for those to whom we owe our utmost gratitude.
Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Social Security
Last week, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, a vital program which has and continues to provide millions of Americans with the income security they’ve earned over a lifetime of work. Unfortunately, it has become clear that this program has been subject to years of mismanagement and that protecting it for future generations will require newfound leadership and accountability. President Trump has acted decisively in this regard, removing more than 275,000 illegal aliens the rolls of Social Security benefit recipients and restoring integrity to a program meant for hardworking American citizens.
Additionally, field office wait times have been reduced by 30%, call wait times by 80% while handling twice as many calls, and 24/7 online access is now available to Americans. They are rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, stopping payments to the deceased and ending benefits for those who do not legally qualify. These steps will save taxpayers billions of dollars and ensure Social Security is there for future generations of Americans who have and will continue to pay into the system. These benefits should be safeguarded against malpractice and reserved for the hardworking Americans who rightfully earned them, not handed to those here in our nation illegally. By restoring strong border security policies, we protect Social Security and Medicare for the people they were designed to serve.
On this milestone anniversary, we recommit ourselves to defending these programs, stopping abuse, and ensuring every senior can enjoy the financial peace of mind they have earned. That is how we honor the contributions of generations who built this nation.
Wages Climb While Prices Ease
American workers are seeing real gains in 2025, with wages up 1.3% over the past year and rising every month since President Trump took office. Wage growth is outpacing inflation, giving families greater stability and opportunity. At the same time, prices for everyday goods are declining, just in time for back-to-school shopping and helping households across the country stretch their budgets further.
Energy costs fell in July, with gasoline down nearly 10% and propane down 2.5% compared to last year. These improvements are not just numbers, they reflect policies focused on supporting hardworking Americans to help them keep more money in their pockets. This comes as confidence among U.S. small businesses climbed to a five-month high in July, with owners growing more optimistic about the economic outlook for the country amidst the positive broader impact of our now-stronger economy.
We are committed to building on this progress by supporting policies that promote wage growth, lower costs for families, and strengthen small businesses. By keeping the economy strong and opportunities growing, hardworking Americans can continue to see real results. Together, we are working to deliver on the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future for every family.
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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