Ways & Means Field Hearing: Trade in America

Dear Friend,

Along with my Republican colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee, we have prioritized field hearings this Congress because it’s important for us to ensure the voices and views of American workers are heard by those in Washington. Throughout this year, the Committee has conducted five fielding hearings – including the one in Peachtree City back in April. The hearings have covered a range of topics, including how the Biden economy has resulted in record-high inflation, increased costs, labor shortages, and supply chain challenges. We also have focused on how Congress can use tax and trade policies to strengthen our economy, combat China, and benefit small businesses, farmers, and families.

Yesterday, I joined my colleagues on the Committee for another field hearing on “Trade in America: Agriculture and Critical Supply Chains” in Kimball, Minnesota at Schiefelbein Farms. At the hearing, we focused our discussion on trade policy – specifically agriculture, critical supply chains, enforcement of trade agreements, and supporting American farmers and workers. Below are a few pictures from yesterday's event:

The field hearing in Kimball made clear that Minnesota's farmers and Georgia's farmers want the same thing: a safe place to live where their children can pursue a quality education that prepares them for the 21st century economy. The key to obtaining this is by supporting family-owned farms in rural America. Hardworking farmers reject hypocritical trade policies under the Biden Administration that are keeping farmers less competitive while benefitting foreign producers.

Policies coming out of Washington need to be focused around lowering input costs so that American farmers can remain competitive. Additionally, we must stop the monopolistic practices on the processing side of agriculture which are driving out family farms. It is essential we pursue tax and trade policies that strengthen American competitiveness because it is the foundational principle that keeps America the best place in the world to invest and do business.

Click here or below to watch my full remarks.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced yesterday, that it will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at the Troup Baptist Association in LaGrange at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7. SBA's DLOC will serve Georgia's business owners, non-profits, homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred on March 25-27, 2023. The DLOC will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Week Ahead

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

H.R. 2622 – To amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to codify certain Securities and Exchange Commission no-action letters that exclude brokers and dealers compensated for certain research services from the definition of investment adviser, and for other purposes, as amended
H.R. 1548 – Improving Access to Small Business Information Act, as amended
S. 305 – 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act
H.R. 2670 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

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, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress