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 me via my Contact  page or by calling 202-225-5031. 

Update on the KC-46

The 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian is a leader in aerial refueling, and I am pleased that Key Field Air National Guard Base is one of seven sites that is advancing in the KC-46A basing decision process. I am grateful for the unity of our entire Mississippi Congressional Delegation—Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, and Mike Ezell—as well as the support of our State and local leadership for this effort. I appreciate the Air Force’s consideration of Key Field and look forward to the opportunity to showcase the 186th ARW’s capabilities as we move into the next phase of this decision. Read more here.

End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles

Recently, the House of Representatives passed the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act. I am thankful for House Republican Leadership’s efforts to stop the influence of the Chinese Communist Party on our manufacturing. The bill would close the “Billionaire Loophole,” which would ensure wealthy Chinese business owners do not directly receive American tax dollars if they invest in American electric vehicle (EV) projects, and would close the “Chinese Manufacturing Loophole,” which would prevent China from leveraging its battery supply chain dominance to produce upstream materials, parts, and intellectual properties that are eligible for the subsidy.

Supporting our Veterans

Recently, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which provides $3 billion in mandatory funding for certain veteran benefits and holds the Biden-Harris Administration accountable for its egregious budgeting errors that caused the unprecedented shortfall. I am pleased that this legislation was approved unanimously in the House and Senate and has been signed into law.

I will always fight for our Veterans through my work in Congress. During the 118th Congress, I have supported various bills related to Veterans’ issues. I was an original co-sponsor of the Major Richard Star Act to ensure fairness in disability and retirement compensation for Veterans with less than 20 years of service. Additionally, I have co-sponsored the Flowers for Fallen Heroes Act of 2024; the Wings for Veterans Act; the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act; and the Military Spouse Hiring Act. Each of these bills demonstrate my prioritization of our Veterans and helping provide needed services to them.  

Additionally, as a member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud that the House passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025. This bill fully funds the VA medical care and benefits, delivering on the promise that House Republicans are committed to our Veterans, their well-being, and their health care. It is my goal to always support our military and Veterans—our American heroes—while continuing to support conservative values. 

I will always remember those who have served our nation. If I can ever be of service to you with your VA or Social Security benefits or be helpful in navigating another federal agency, please let me know. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. 
 

Join the Congressional App Challenge

Middle and high school students are invited to participate in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. I strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate, enabling them to learn how to create their own apps. The winner from the Third Congressional District, chosen by expert judges, will be eligible for a display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring the winners from across the country. Students entering the competition must submit their app at https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ during the Competition Submission Period through October 24, 2024. For more information, please call my D.C. office at 202-225-5031.

Poll Results from Last Week

Last week, I asked if you support legislation to better communication between local officials and federal officials in relation to the surge of immigrants coming across our Southern border illegally and 89% of you said yes. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X to stay up-to-date on my work serving you.

Weekly Poll

I ask. You answer.