Notes from Mike's Desk from the Week of January 29 – February 2, 2024

Hello, friends! Thank you for subscribing to my weekly newsletter highlighting what’s happening on Capitol Hill and in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District. I’m always grateful when you recommend this resource to others.

IN THE HOUSE

This week, the House passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act – bipartisan legislation to revive conservative, pro-growth tax reform. The bill incentivizes businesses to invest in research and development, is pro-family, and ends a wasteful COVID-era program, saving taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.

This legislation will greatly benefit Louisiana families and businesses, and I look forward to its swift passage in the Senate. I joined Maria Bartiromo Friday morning to discuss it:

Following a hearing that lasted early into Wednesday morning, the House Homeland Security Committee passed articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Since the moment he was confirmed, Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and consistently refused to comply with federal immigration laws, fueling the worst border catastrophe in American history. He has undermined public trust through multiple false statements to Congress, obstructed lawful oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, and violated his oath of office.

This vote is a solemn, but necessary step to bring accountability for the American communities devastated by the effects of an open border.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

In my first floor speech since taking the gavel as Speaker, I used my “magic minute” – a custom in the House that allows party leaders to deliver speeches for as long as they wish – to highlight the catastrophic failures of the Biden Administration’s border policy. I argued the case for real, transformative policy changes that would stem the flow of illegal immigrants entering the homeland, and implored President Biden to utilize the many executive tools at his disposal to stop this crisis. Watch by clicking the image below.

Prior to serving in Congress and as Speaker, I devoted most of my adult life and career to the defense of religious freedom. On Wednesday, I was honored to have the opportunity to address leaders from across the globe who are on the front lines protecting religious liberty and standing against religious persecution. Watch:

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Yesterday was my 100th day as Speaker, and I began my day by catching up with Mike Martindale and Erin McCarty on 710 KEEL radio in Shreveport. I always enjoy taking their questions. Listen below if you missed it yesterday:

Last Friday, the Biden Administration decided to pause all approvals on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, namely Calcasieu Pass 2 in Louisiana. This decision - driven purely by politics and radical climate activists – not only prevents America’s economic growth, but it empowers Vladimir Putin by forcing our allies to rely on dirty, Russian exports. We will continue to urge President Biden and his Administration to reverse this harmful decision.

LAGNIAPPE

Louisiana has always punched above our weight in Washington, and last week, our small state took over the Nation’s Capital as we celebrated Washington Mardi Gras. The annual event connects state and local lawmakers and industries with their representatives in D.C. and is a great opportunity to spread Louisiana’s unique and storied culture with the rest of the country.

It was great to display the People’s House and the Speaker’s balcony to so many friends and fellow Louisianians.