Dear Friend,

Inflation continues to be a major factor in the budgets of Mississippians as the price for just about everything has gone up. Last year, gas prices in Mississippi peaked and have since come down, but the cost of gas remains over 40 percent higher than the days before President Biden took office. These high gas prices not only specifically harm Mississippians because of our reliance on driving, but the costs also increase the shipping costs of any goods we import, such as food, clothes, and other consumer items. The increase in costs translates to higher prices at the grocery store and retail businesses. 

President Biden has prioritized reducing oil and gas production to appeal to the progressive, far-Left members of his base, which has resulted in higher prices at the pump. His efforts to limit American oil and gas production has resulted in high energy prices, as our reliance on foreign countries for oil and gas has increased while domestic production has decreased. These actions have caused the United States to negotiate with Socialist countries, such as Venezuela, to help meet American energy needs while the oil industry at home is hit with regulations from the Biden Administration. 

Keep this in mind as the price of gas is expected to increase in the coming weeks after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), an organization often used as the prime example of an economic cartel, announced massive oil production cuts. Also disturbing is the fact that OPEC members include countries with interests that run counter to the principles of freedom and democracy that we value in the United States. In short, President Biden's war on American energy has resulted in an increased reliance on our foreign enemies to meet our production needs, a situation that translates to higher costs for consumers and reduced national security.  

America has the capacity to meet our own energy needs in America, which is why Republicans introduced and passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act.

The Lower Energy Costs Act combines important energy policy priorities that would reduce the cost of energy for private citizens and businesses across the United States. This is a strong step to bring down prices that have increased due to overregulation and divestment in American energy production.

The Lower Energy Costs Act seeks to lower energy costs by increasing domestic production of natural resources and minerals needed in the energy sector. While President Biden cut domestic energy production, H.R. 1 would require the Administration to resume onshore oil and gas lease sales and end the new coal leasing moratorium.

H.R. 1 also includes language to overhaul the permitting process by requiring a minimum of two oil and gas lease sales per year in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Alaska Region of the Outer Continental Shelf.

I'm proud this legislation passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Its support by both Republicans and Democrats is a testament to the fact that Americans from all walks of life can’t afford the costs of the President's war on energy. 

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives in hosting a nationwide high school arts competition. In the past, we have had very talented students from Mississippi's Third Congressional District submit pieces for the competition. The winner from Mississippi has their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. This is a unique way to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in our Congressional District.

If you know a young person interested in submitting their artwork, please encourage them to participate. The deadline for submitting is tomorrow at noon. 

Academy Day

I will also host my annual Military Academy Day for any student interested in joining one of the five Service Academies: 

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA)
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)

Military Academies, also known as Service Academies, provide a unique opportunity for Mississippi's best and brightest to pursue post-secondary education. The Academies are highly selective and applicants must receive a nomination from either a U.S. Representative or Senator. If you know someone who is interested in joining one of these prestigious institutions, encourage them to attend Academy day to speak with representatives, midshipmen, cadets, and alumni of the Service Academies. You can also find more information about the application process on my website.