Dear Friend,

I appreciate your reading this weekly update and continue to encourage you to forward to your family and friends. As always if you need anything from my office, you can reach us via our Contact Us page or by calling 202-225-5031.

National Security Funding

The U.S. House voted last Saturday on multiple bills related to national security. I voted for legislation to secure our southern border, as well as for legislation that would provide funding to combat Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific and to support Israel's fight against Hamas and the Iranian regime. I did not vote for the Ukraine funding bill, H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. 

I voted in favor of the End the Border Catastrophe Act, H.R. 3602, which included $9.5 billion to assist southwest border states with border wall construction and border law enforcement and National Guard operations. It also included provisions for resuming border wall construction, hiring new Border Patrol officers, reinstating the Remain in Mexico Policy, ending catch-and-release, and other critical policies. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass the House. 

I also voted for H.R. 8038, the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, which passed the House. The legislation would require Chinese divestment of TikTok and would protect Americans’ data from foreign malign actors. After Iran's attack on Israel, the bill would establish strong sanctions against the processing of Iranian oil and on those who support Iran’s missiles and drones. The bill would require the sale of Russian assets to be used to support Ukraine's operations. 

Additionally, I voted for H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This legislation would provide $8.12 billion to combat Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Given increasing concern about China’s strategy and potential invasion of Taiwan, it is important to support our allies in the region.

I am proud to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and Iran. I voted for H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, to provide $26.38 billion for Israel in the current conflict. The legislation would strengthen the Iron Dome and prohibit funds from going to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. It is in the national security interest of the United States to unequivocally stand behind our longtime friend and greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. 

Passport Acceptance Day

My staff will be hosting a passport acceptance day in Brookhaven on May 7, 2024. If you need to update your passport or need to obtain your first passport, we hope you will join us. Passport experts will be there to help answer any questions. Find more information here or in the flyer below.

Madison County Business League

Earlier this week, I was honored to have the opportunity to speak to the Madison County Business League and Foundation. I enjoyed updating constituents about my work in D.C. and what I am doing to make Mississippi a better place to live, worship, and raise a family.

Poll Results from Last Week

Last week, I asked for your input on Secretary Mayorkas and his handling of the border crisis, and 83% of survey respondents said Mayorkas has failed to secure the border.  Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X to stay up-to-date on my work serving you.

Media This Past Week

This morning, I talked with WMOX in Meridian, as well as with SuperTalk Mississippi. Check out my YouTube channel to catch my latest interviews, videos from committee hearings, and other updates. See below for my SuperTalk interview:

I Stand with Israel

Watch my remarks on Israel here.

Standing up for Women in Sports

Women have fought long and hard for the protections afforded under Title IX to support women in educational and athletic opportunities. Once again, President Biden has chosen politics over protecting Title IX. I will continue to fight gender identity politics and the harm this ideology does to women and girls. Be sure to check out this great piece by Mississippian Lesley Davis about the absurdity of President Biden’s gender politics and the dangerous precedent being set. Lesley is widely known and respected for advocating on behalf of women, and I’m grateful for all she’s doing.

Weekly Poll

I ask. You answer.