I hope you and your family have a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving! 

As we gather and celebrate with loved ones this week, let us give thanks for all of our many blessings — including our family and our freedoms. Additionally, let us remember the selfless men and women who are away from home this holiday season as they defend our nation and protect our unalienable rights.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In a long-awaited verdict, Jose Ibarra, the Venezuelan illegal alien who brutally murdered 22-year-old Laken Riley, has been found guilty on all 10 charges. As you may know, Ibarra waived his right to a jury trial, leaving his verdict and sentencing to the judge. After delivering a guilty verdict, Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge Patrick Haggard sentenced this monster to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While this conviction brings some measure of justice and closure, the pain and heartbreak of Laken's family, friends, and the entire Athens community remains. No sentence can fully heal these wounds, but it is a step toward holding this evil criminal accountable. 

However, I believe the punishment for Jose Ibarra has fallen short. Laken Riley’s murderer should absolutely face the death penalty. If this horrific crime doesn’t warrant capital punishment, then what does? Ibarra shouldn’t be allowed to live out his days on the taxpayers’ dime while Laken, a young woman with a bright future, lies in a grave. Unfortunately, the liberal, George Soros-backed District Attorney leading the case, Deborah Gonzalez, declined to pursue the death penalty back in May. It’s no wonder Gonzalez lost her bid for re-election! Georgians forcefully reject radical, soft-on-crime policies that put victims and their families last.

Yet the culpability for this tragedy extends beyond the Peach State. Laken Riley’s blood is not only on the hands of her killer — but also on the hands of the Biden-Harris Administration. Ultimately, the Biden-Harris Administration failed Laken Riley and her family at every turn. Had President Biden, Vice President Harris, and DHS Secretary Mayorkas taken stronger actions to secure our borders and protect our communities, Laken would still be with us today. After all, her heartbreaking murder was 100% preventable — as was every horrific crime perpetrated by an illegal alien. While I’m certainly thankful President Trump will prevent these tragedies from impacting more families and communities, I also believe no justice will truly be served until those who let these monsters into our country are held accountable.

I want to hear from you!

Last Week’s Results:

85% strongly or somewhat approve of President Trump’s announced Cabinet nominations.

While the House Appropriations Committee completed marking up each of the twelve spending bills for Fiscal Year 2025 earlier this year, we’re effectively using our remaining time to conduct important oversight over various government programs and agencies. This week, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee held two hearings to do just that.

On Tuesday, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Monica Bertagnolli, testified before our subcommittee to discuss the agency’s resources and research. It’s no secret that the American people have lost trust in our government agencies, particularly our medical institutions, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why transparency and accountability are so critically important, especially as these agencies prepare for the transition of the Trump Administration. In light of this, I pressed Director Bertagnolli on the NIH’s mismanagement of public records and transition process. Thankfully, I received her commitment that the NIH will preserve its records for President Trump’s incoming administration. Rest assured, my colleagues and I will ensure the NIH — and all government departments and agencies for that matter — will preserve and maintain their records so we can continue conducting rigorous oversight of the Biden-Harris Administration’s myriad of failures.

We also heard from Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O'Malley, who appeared before our subcommittee on Wednesday. During my time, I questioned Commissioner O’Malley on the agency’s disability determination processing times, which are notoriously long. Americans across the country are suffering from these burdensome delays — including many Northeast Georgians. I’ve heard from numerous constituents about their battles with the SSA’s disability determination processing times, which range from months to years-long waits. Keep in mind, these delays coincide with significant funding increases. 

I pressed Commissioner O’Malley on ways to reduce these wait times and to improve the SSA’s overall efficiency. Watch the full exchange below.

The Gainesville Times | Free Chapel hands out 20lb boxes of chicken to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving 

Last week, Free Chapel Worship Center’s Gainesville Campus provided chicken to Northeast Georgian families in need ahead of the holiday season. Volunteers surrounded an 18-wheeler filled with over 200,000 pounds of chicken to hand out boxes to motorists in line.

It’s always incredible to witness the servant hearts and selfless generosity of the Ninth District. Whether in times of crisis or times of need, Northeast Georgians continue to show up and serve our community.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16

In Case You Missed It 

Rep. Clyde Joins American Sunrise to Discuss Left's Lawfare Fail & President Trump's Cabinet

This week, I look forward to spending Thanksgiving with my loved ones and reflecting on the endless blessings in my life. From my incredible wife, Jennifer, to living in the greatest nation on Earth and serving the folks of Georgia’s Ninth District, I am deeply thankful for my precious freedoms and the Lord’s gracious blessings. 

For regular updates on the week ahead, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Gettr, and X. Have a blessed week and a Happy Thanksgiving!