Notes from Mike's Desk from the Week of  July 10 – 14, 2023

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IN THE HOUSE

On Wednesday, at a House Judiciary Committee hearing concerning oversight of the FBI, I questioned Director Christopher Wray over the plummeting trust in the Bureau and the recent federal court opinion out of Louisiana that uncovered “arguably the most massive attack against free speech in United States history.” Director Wray was evasive, particularly regarding the federal court opinion. That 155-page ruling details absolutely stunning allegations against the FBI, but its leader couldn’t be bothered to either read the report nor inform Congress on his plans to correct these abuses.

With divided government, our primary tool to ensure accountability is to use the power of the purse to rein in the FBI's abuses, and my colleagues in the House are committed to doing so. If the FBI leadership can’t uphold their basic mission of strict fidelity to the law, then they certainly don’t deserve their wish list items, like a new $4 billion headquarters. Watch here:

This morning, The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board published a piece on my exchange with Wray and noted that while the Director did his very best to dodge tough questions, I forced him to face the critical issue of the FBI's censorship abuses. A lot of folks have been sending me this link today:

Also this morning, with a bipartisan vote, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The annual legislation includes funding for major priorities for the Louisiana defense community, particularly Barksdale Air Force Base, Air Force Global Strike Command, Fort Johnson, and the Joint Readiness Training Center.

This is the strongest, most strategic, and most conservative NDAA I’ve had the pleasure of working on and voting for during my time in Congress. In such uncertain times, it’s paramount that our armed forces are fully funded and equipped to maintain their status as the best in the world. Our soldiers shouldn’t be burdened with undue politicization from the Biden Administration and far Left indoctrination, and this year’s NDAA ensures that our armed forces will have one singular focus: providing for our national defense.

On Thursday in the Judiciary Committee, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan appeared to answer questions about her mismanagement of the Commission and the Commission’s disregard for ethics and Congressional oversight. I asked Khan about her insistence on making “woke” policies like "diversity, equity, and inclusion" initiatives core to her mission as Chair. Watch here:

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Following my exchange with Director Wray on Wednesday, I did several media interviews discussing his faulty testimony and the urgent need for FBI reform. Below is a sampling of those clips.

Discussing next steps in reining in FBI abuses on Fox News’ America Reports:

Breaking down my line of questioning to Director Wray on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle:

Discussing the history of the surveillance state and the Democrats’ change of heart when it comes to the FBI on System Update with Glenn Greenwald:

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

While Congress was in recess, I introduced the SOLVE Act – legislation designed to close a little-known loophole in the 20th Amendment that could lead to uncertain results in a Presidential election year. My bill will establish a panel of six Constitutional experts to recommend an electoral process if a presidential candidate dies during a contingency election in which the House of Representatives is tasked with choosing the winner. The American people deserve an electoral system with clear and predictable rules, and this bill is another step to ensure stability and fairness in our elections.

LAGNIAPPE

We lost a true legend in Louisiana on Sunday with the passing of the great Lee Hedges. He coached three generations of my family (both my dad and me in football at Captain Shreve, and my oldest daughter, Hannah, in tennis), and made a huge impression on all of us. Coach Hedges could never be replaced and will never be forgotten by the countless athletes, coaches, educators, and their families who were influenced by his impeccable character, class and humility. We are forever grateful.

Thank you again for subscribing and reading. We’ll have more next week!

For freedom,