Since last week, the world has seen the harrowing images and footage from the attack launched against Israel, our longstanding ally, from the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas. This attack must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Israel has every right to defend itself from this rogue regime of ruthless killers. I continue to pray for the people of Israel, for the families of the Americans who have lost their lives, and for those who are currently being held hostage. Everything should be done to have them returned safely.

I’ve previously acted in the People’s House to stand against this kind of terror and further strengthen our alliance with Israel. In 2018, the House passed my resolution, H.Res.835, that called for the demilitarization of the Palestinian Territories and ensuring diplomatic recognition of Israel throughout the globe. Simply put, the world is past due for both imperatives to occur. We should equip Israel with whatever it needs to extinguish Hamas off the face of the earth.

Since the beginning of the 118^th Congress, House Republicans have also taken sizable measures to support Israel:

• In February 2023, in a strong show of support for our ally, House Republican leadership sent a letter to President Biden encouraging the Administration to oppose and veto any anti-Israel resolution put before the U.N. Security Council.
• In April 2023, House Republicans voted to support the expansion of the Abraham Accords to encourage nations to normalize relations with Israel and express continued support for bilateral cooperation across economic, security and civilian issues.
• In May 2023, House Republicans voted to condemn the rise of antisemitism and call on elected officials to identify and educate others on the contributions of the Jewish American community.
• In June 2023, House Republicans voted to establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords at the Department of State to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords.

This week, I was also proud to cosponsor a bipartisan resolution led by Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks that both condemns Hamas’ barbaric attack and reaffirms our nation’s commitment to supporting Israel. Rest assured that I will continue to support Israel, our longstanding ally, without delay or compromise.

My Latest Op-Ed

On Tuesday, I penned an op-ed in the North State Journal with former state senator Deanna Ballard recognizing National Manufacturing Week. This week is supposed to be a celebration of American industry and jobs. North Carolina is already moving in the right direction by attracting major manufacturing facilities outside of urban centers. For the past decade, state legislators have laid the groundwork for this trend through low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a pro-jobs agenda. We need to stay the course.

To read our joint op-ed, click here.

Holding The White House Accountable

Recently, I sent a letter to President Biden and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su raising serious concerns that the White House is not following the law and providing a safe working environment for White House employees. As of October 4, 2023, there have been 12 dog bite incidents involving Commander, which raise questions about workplace safety at the White House. Here is a short excerpt:

“The White House has the responsibility to set an example for ensuring workplace safety and health for its employees. Unfortunately, it has recently come to our attention that it is failing to uphold this responsibility. … I write to ensure that the White House is maintaining compliance with OSHA’s standards and guidance and is doing so at the same level that the federal government expects of private entities.”

To read my full letter, click here.

Quote of The Week

“I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have [faith] in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it - not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.”

-Harry S. Truman

Have a blessed weekend,