It is undeniable that when energy freedom is put first, and is allowed to flourish, the American people are the ones who benefit the most. With this imperative in mind, House Republicans took to the floor this week and passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, legislation that takes a stand against the Biden administration’s foolhardy war on American-made energy. As I am sure you remember, this legislation directly ties into one of our core pillars of our Commitment to America: to ensure an economy that is strong. Let’s talk about H.R. 1, and what it means for hardworking taxpayers and families across the country.

There are five succinct, topline points that you should know about. Specifically, H.R. 1 provides for:

• Increasing the production of domestic energy.
• Reforming the permitting process for energy-producing companies.
• Countering the Biden administration’s imprudent anti-energy policies.
• Expediting energy infrastructure and exports.
• Enhancing the production and processing of critical minerals.

H.R. 1 would also aid America on the international stage. For example, we would become less dependent on foreign sources for critical minerals since domestic production would be advanced right here at home. This means that building electronics, creating medical supplies, and meeting the demands of our military – to name a few – would increase at a rapid pace. Imagine what spurring domestic production of critical minerals in America would mean for our national security and economic development.

Here's the bottom line: House Republicans remain committed to unleashing energy freedom because we understand what it means for the American people. President Biden’s war on American energy that started the moment he stepped foot into the Oval Office should be put to an end. I’m proud to have voted in favor of H.R. 1 when it came to the House floor, and I’ll continue to fight alongside my Republican colleagues to put an end to the erroneous policies of this administration that have put the nation in this shameful rut.

My Newest Letter

Recently, I led a comment letter along with many of my colleagues to the Department of Education urging the Department to withdraw a proposed rule that removes protections provided to religious student organizations at public institutions of higher education. Here is a short excerpt:

“There are many examples of unfair impediments to the recognition of religious student groups, often based on leadership requirements and on objections to religious content. Indeed, one such lawsuit against the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was settled in January after the university cited ‘political and ideological’ concerns as the reason for denying student funding to a religious student club to host a Christian philosopher.”

To read our full letter, click here.

The Congressional Art Competition

Each spring the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide visual art competition for amateur high school-aged artists. The Congressional Art Competition promotes attention to the arts by recognizing talented young artists from across the nation. My office is currently accepting submissions for this year’s competition, and we are very much looking forward to receiving many outstanding works from across North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Please note that in order to be eligible, all entries must be received in one of our local offices, which are in Clemmons and Boone, no later than Monday, April 24th.

To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, and to access the paperwork necessary to participate, click here.

Quote of The Week

“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.”

­-Calvin Coolidge

Have a blessed weekend,