Fair and Open Skies Act

Dear Friend,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well!

Last week, I reintroduced the Fair and Open Skies Act – a bipartisan bill aimed at upholding fair labor standards in the U.S. aviation industry. Foreign air carriers exploiting labor laws in other countries puts American passengers at risk. The Fair and Open Skies Act would ensure these foreign airlines operating in the U.S. are held to the same rules and standards as carriers in our country. Further, our aviation workers deserve full protection under the law, and this legislation safeguards their rights to fair wages and good working conditions. By enforcing these standards, we are not only protecting workers and leveling the playing field to ensure a secure and equitable aviation industry, but also making our skies safer.

Click here to read more about the bill.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

Yesterday, Governor Kemp announced that Pratt & Whitney – a Raytheon Technologies business specializing in aircraft and helicopter engines – is investing $206 million to expand their operations in Columbus, Georgia. The expansion will add 81,000 square feet to their Columbus Engine Center and creates 400 new jobs. This is very exciting news, and this investment demonstrates their commitment to bringing opportunities and jobs to our local community.

Click here to read more about this announcement.

DC Visits

Thank you to ReWalk Robotics for meeting with me last week to discuss their work expanding access for patients to personal exoskeleton technologies. I enjoyed learning about the benefits of innovative technologies and how their work is improving mobility and independence for individuals with mobility impairments.

Last Wednesday, I had an insightful discussion with the folks from the Nature Conservancy of Georgia. We discussed the upcoming farm bill and its impact on our local community.

Thank you to the participants of the annual Washington Youth Tour offered by the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. It was great to speak with such bright young leaders from the district! Below are a few photos from their visit:

Thank You to Session One Summer Interns

I'd like to thank my first summer session of interns – Daniel, Margot, Evan, Sarah Jane, and Maggie – for their hard work that made a lasting impact on our constituents. Thank you for your service, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

The Week Ahead

This week, the House will consider the following pieces of legislation on the floor:

S. 30 – Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
H.R. 3672 – To designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indian River, Michigan, as the "Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic"
H.R. 1606 – Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023
H.R. 3797 – Paperwork Burden Reduction Act
H.R. 3801 – Employer Reporting Improvement Act
H.R. 4004 – United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act
H.R. 3799 – CHOICE Arrangement Act

H.J. Res. 45 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans"
H. Res. 461 – Condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States
H.R. 3564 – Middle Class Borrower Protection Act of 2023

As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress