Republican Budget Passes Out of Committee

Dear Friend,

Last week, the House Budget Committee passed a Budget Resolution covering FY2024 - FY2033, which would reduce the national deficit by $16 trillion and balance the federal budget in 10 years – without the use of gimmicks. This important Republican budget restores fiscal responsibility, economic freedom, and prosperity in America. Families across the country would never say we’re going to borrow money for our needs and wants and put it on the backs of our children and grandchildren.

At the start of this Congress, I asked to be back on the House Budget Committee because I know the seminal importance of this moment. In the Budget Committee, there’s a lot of tough sledding that goes on but this intellectually honest budget gets our fiscal house in order without touching Social Security and Medicare. I was proud to stand with Chairman Jody Arrington and some fellow colleagues on the Budget Committee to unveil our budget resolution.

Click here to watch the press conference.

On Wednesday, the House Budget Committee held a mark-up on the budget proposal. In my opening remarks, I reminded my colleagues that right now, American families are having to make tough decisions about their own budgets. This Congress also needs to make some tough decisions about our spending. The Republican budget shows the American people where our priorities are and makes the necessary cuts to stop the reckless spending happening in Washington, D.C. Click here to watch my opening remarks.

Following opening remarks, the Committee discussed a number of amendments. The first amendment, offered by Committee Democrats, was to try and expand Social Security. Our first priority should be to protect Social Security for the folks that have already earned it. Click here to watch my remarks on the amendment.

After the first amendment, we moved to another amendment, offered by Committee Democrats, that proposed raising taxes on hardworking Americans to pay for the broken healthcare system in our country. I urged a no vote on this amendment because the solution to high healthcare costs is not to inch toward government-run care financed by higher taxes. We need to weed out the waste and fraud in the healthcare system. Click here to watch my remarks.

The final amendment I spoke on was about how our country needs to get our priorities in line. Americans cannot afford to keep paying for expensive Green New Deal projects and every infrastructure project under the sun. Click here to watch my remarks on the amendment.

Ways and Means Hearing Update

Last Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to discuss the flawed implementation of the No Surprises Act of 2020. The No Surprises Act is a bipartisan law that banned the practice of sending surprise medical bills, frequently tens of thousands of dollars more than expected, to patients unknowingly treated by a provider not covered by their health insurance. The law established an independent dispute resolution process to settle payment disputes between health insurers and healthcare providers. As a result of the flawed implementation, patients are losing access to care and their health insurance covers fewer doctors, while medical providers are struggling to get reimbursed for their services.

I was proud to welcome Mr. Jim Budzinski as a witness at the hearing. Dr. Budzinski is a constituent of the Third District, representing Wellstar Health Systems. He shared how the No Surprise Act is impacting Wellstar’s ability to provide timely and quality healthcare.

Politico Live Event

Last Tuesday, I participated in a Politico Live panel discussion about “Building the New American Economy” with my colleague Congressman David Schweikert. We discussed a number of topics, but specifically focused on how we can protect American manufacturing jobs and preserve America’s economic dominance.

Click here to watch the Politico Live event.

DC Meetings

I met with members of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce last week. It was a pleasure to talk with them about economic growth and the importance of a robust workforce.

I had a great time speaking at CRH’s Women’s IMPACT Conference about the need for greater workforce development and supply chain efficiency.

On Thursday, I met with Mr. Blake Hall, the CEO of ID.me – a company that provides secure digital networks. It’s always great to hear from business leaders in the technology sector.

Week Ahead

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

H.R. 5110 – Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act

S. 2795 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and modify certain authorities and requirements relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs
H.R. 4365 – Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024
H.R. 4367 – Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024
H.R. 4665 – Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024

H.R. 4368 – Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024

Additional Legislative items are possible

I hope to see you around the Third District this month! Remember to keep an eye on my website and check out my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Third District and Washington.

If you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to reach out to my Newnan District office at 770-683-2033.

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress