Fellow Conservative,

As the country celebrated Thanksgiving this week, we all were reminded of the same uncomfortable reality: food costs a lot more <[link removed]> than it used to. Since Biden took office, inflation has increased over 17% <[link removed]> while wages have only risen by 13%. Bidenflation makes it harder for families to provide, and for Americans to achieve their goals and dreams.

During Biden’s first year in office, the average Thanksgiving meal cost $53.31. But this year <[link removed]>, that cost was $61.17! Disposable income has fallen, so has home ownership affordability, and monthly savings. Americans are entering into record levels of credit card debt just to be able to afford essential goods.
Despite the high prices, we hope a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends has kept your spirits high. There is always so much to be grateful for when surrounded by those that matter most.

Members of Congress were also at home with family and constituents this week. They will return to Washington on Tuesday, for three more weeks of legislating before their Christmas break. Here are the issues we need to keep front and center in their minds:
Stop the Spend Trend
In just over three and a half years, the federal government has added over $9 trillion in debt: a record rate of spending. This spending causes inflationary pressures that eat away at the fruits of our labor and threaten our economic stability.

In August, the credit rating agency Fitch downgraded the U.S. credit rating, and last week Moody’s <[link removed]> did the same thing.

This problem will only get worse unless Congress stops the spend trend!

                                      >>>Read our Toolkit HERE<<< <[link removed]>
Year after year, Congress has demonstrated that following a broken process will lead to broken results. The message from America should be clear: No more continuing resolutions, no more omnibuses, no more minibuses!

For the sake of posterity, it is time for Congress to draw a line in the sand and reduce the current spending trajectory. Heritage Action’s toolkit outlines everything you need to know about the path toward fiscal sanity.

>>>READ: 2024 Spending Fight - Policies and Priorities <[link removed]>
H.R. 2 - The Only Border Solution
In Fiscal Year 2020 <[link removed]>, U.S. border patrol encountered 405,036 illegal immigrants crossing the southern border. After three years of Biden’s open border policies, there were 2,465,669 illegal crossings in 2023.

The House has taken action and passed the Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), a comprehensive solution that:



- Ends asylum fraud
- Ends “catch and release”
- Finishes the border wall
- Increases Border Patrol resources and closes immigration loopholes
- Mandates E-verify to ensure legal employment



But Senate Democrats refuse to vote on the House’s bill. However, public pressure is forcing the Senate to put forward their own “border proposal,” but it’s simply more money for the same failed policies.
A side-by-side comparison makes it clear: The House-passed “Secure the Border Act” (H.R. 2) is the only real solution to the border crisis.

More than money, border security and law enforcement agencies need to be allowed to do their jobs. H.R. 2 would close the loopholes and give them the tools they need to keep our border secure.

>>>Call the Senate <[link removed]> and tell them to pass H.R. 2.
Ukraine: Accountability for Spending
President Biden is again requesting tens of billions more for Ukraine, and there are numerous problems with his latest request:



- As with all his previous spending in Ukraine, there is inadequate oversight and accountability for how this latest request for money would be spent.
- The Biden administration is still dodging valid concerns from the American people. No clear plan or timeline for success has been articulated.
- His latest request ties Ukraine spending to aid for Israel. But these are separate issues and deserve separate consideration (i.e., separate votes). Aid money to Israel should not be held hostage.
- Past Ukraine spending has gone beyond military and humanitarian needs, and Biden’s latest request continues to pay for things like the salaries of Ukrainian government employees.



Heritage Action’s newest toolkit spells out all you need to know about Biden’s supplemental request and what the right path forward is.

>>>READ: Biden’s Funding Request Fails Americans <[link removed]>

Your voice has the power to move the needle and hold elected officials accountable. Heritage Action is grateful for all that you do to advance conservative principles.

Ryan Walker and the Heritage Action team
Join the fight to advance the conservative agenda.

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