NationBuilder

Happy New Year, and I pray that you and your family had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a joyous holiday season.

First, I want to address the horrific attacks that took place in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of these senseless attacks.

The vacuum of leadership from the Biden Administration has led to instability around the world. From threats coming over the border to the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan, which allowed the Taliban to seize control, to ongoing threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, this Administration’s weakness has created an environment, incubators, where terrorism thrives and where individuals—both abroad and domestically—become radicalized. The last four years, President Biden and Democrats have focused on DEI instead of IEDs. We need real leadership back in the White House, and on January 20th, the American people will get that with Donald Trump. His team will lead the DOJ, FBI, Homeland Security, and CIA — putting the handcuffs on the bad guys and not on law enforcement, allowing them to do their jobs effectively. I joined "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business to discuss further. Click here or below to watch.

We returned to Washington, D.C., for swearing-in ceremonies and leadership elections. First, I am grateful to the people of Pennsylvania’s 9^th District for once again allowing me to serve as their representative in Washington; it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly.

In the 119th Congress, I will work tirelessly to advance President Trump's America First agenda, which the American people voted for. With President Trump in the White House and unified Republican control in Congress, we will secure our border, grow our economy, promote energy dominance, protect our national security, and restore peace through strength. My priority will remain to advocate for commonsense solutions that benefit all Pennsylvanians, Americans, and our nation.

I want to thank all those who made it down to Washington, D.C., for the ceremonies that stopped by our office.

Pictured below with the Meagher family.

My wife, Shelley, and I joined Senator Dave McCormick, his wife, Dina, incoming Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Senator Ted Cruz, and other great leaders from Pennsylvania to celebrate Dave’s swearing-in as Pennsylvania’s new U.S. Senator.

Senator McCormick has already demonstrated that he is a leader who prioritizes America. I have no doubt that he will tirelessly advocate for the priorities that matter most to Pennsylvania families and our communities.

His dedication to strengthening our economy, securing our nation, and advancing an America-First agenda is exactly what we need in Washington. I look forward to working alongside him to deliver real results that benefit our Commonwealth and our country.

I want to highlight and congratulate two of our new PA GOP Congressmen, Rob Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie. Both are dynamic young leaders who I am confident will do a tremendous job for their districts, the people of Pennsylvania and our nation. In a fight to retain our Republican majority in Congress, Pennsylvania added two new Republican congressional members in tough seats.

After being sworn in, members had to vote to elect a Speaker of the House. I cast my vote for Speaker Mike Johnson.

Mike is a dedicated, capable leader who will be an important partner in advancing the America First Agenda. With President Trump leading the White House, Republican leadership in the Senate, and Mike Johnson as Speaker, we are positioned to deliver on the priorities the American people voted for: restoring strength at home and abroad, growing our economy, reducing wasteful spending, promoting energy dominance, and securing our borders. Before Speaker Johnson's re-election, I joined the “National Report” on Newsmax. Click here or below to watch.

I also joined "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business to discuss the importance of reelecting Speaker Mike Johnson. We must have the right team to implement President Trump's key initiatives. Click here or below to watch.

One of the key priorities is making the American economy great again, and that was the subject of my recent editorial in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Click here to read. From cutting waste in Washington to championing pro-growth policies, President Trump’s economic vision lays the groundwork for a stronger, more competitive America. It’s time to prioritize supply-side solutions, embrace energy independence, and deliver a brighter future for American families.

On Friday, President Biden issued his decision to block the $14.9 billion U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel deal, a massive blow to Pennsylvania steelworkers and our nation’s future in steel production. This merger would have secured thousands of jobs, created thousands more, brought cutting-edge technology, and positioned U.S. Steel as a global leader without outsourcing jobs.

Instead, Biden is ignoring the will of workers, catering to union bosses and confusing allies like Japan with adversaries like China. Generational steelworkers in Pennsylvania and the American people deserve better. My only request is that President Trump bring his America-First, patriotic business mind and expertise to ensure this deal benefits Pennsylvania and strengthens our national security. I joined “The Big Money Show” on Fox Business to discuss Biden’s failure. Click here or below to watch.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: President Trump hasn’t even taken office yet and is already fulfilling his promises. A secure border, a prosperous economy, and peace through strength – that’s what the American people want, and that’s what President Trump will deliver.

SECURING THE BORDER – In a massive legal victory, a federal judge has ordered the Biden administration to cease its attempt at selling off unused, unconstructed segments of the southern border wall just weeks before the inauguration of President Trump. This comes after President Trump filed an amicus brief in support of the effort to “immediately” stop Biden’s destructive policy.

This is a major victory for the American people. Biden refuses to secure the border. When he is inaugurated, President Trump will end this national nightmare and secure the border.

Biden’s decision to award members of the January 6th Committee the second-highest civilian medal is an affront to the truth and the American people. The January 6th Committee was a sham—a kangaroo court with a predetermined outcome: find President Trump guilty. They blocked Republican members from joining the committee who would have sought fairness, proving it was never about uncovering the truth but advancing a partisan agenda at taxpayers' expense.

On January 6th, Speaker Nancy Pelosi admitted on camera that she was “responsible” for the security failures, including her refusal to call for the National Guard despite serious warnings. Yet, the committee ignored these facts entirely. Instead, they withheld or deleted crucial records, failing to archive more than a terabyte of data—equivalent to 6.5 million pages of documents—and destroyed video recordings of witness interviews, which is against House Rules, while selectively editing clips for public hearings that fit their narrative. This charade wasted taxpayer dollars and obstructed genuine efforts to understand and address the failures of that day.

Giving an award to the architects of this farce insults the American people and undermines justice. Anyone accepting this so-called recognition becomes part of the charade. This fits a disturbing pattern from this administration—pardoning felon family members, excusing corrupt deals, and now rewarding political theater. Americans deserve better than this disgraceful spectacle.

Unfortunately, Biden wasn't done there. Yesterday, he presented Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award that can be bestowed upon an individual.

This is a disgraceful decision that further tarnishes this administration’s legacy. Clinton has a long history of drafting and supporting policies that have destroyed our nation. Soros has spent decades bankrolling soft-on-crime prosecutors and pro-illegal immigration politicians, undermining American values and fueling chaos in our cities. In Pennsylvania, Soros-funded DAs, like Larry Krasner in Philadelphia. Krasner has turned law and order into a misguided social experiment with disastrous results: rising violence, weakened communities, and a justice system in disarray. This is yet another slap in the face to hardworking Americans who deserve safety and stability—not policies that erode the very fabric of our civilization. This award is another political favor to Biden’s wealthy friends.

Thankfully, on January 20th, we will move past this backward, divisive ideology. America deserves leadership that prioritizes truth, accountability, and justice—not partisan vendettas.

I want to recognize the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. He dedicated his life to our country, faithfully serving as a naval officer, Governor, and the 39th President of the United States. We remember his life and legacy and thank him for his commitment to public service. We mourn his passing and pray for the entire Carter family.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show has officially kicked off, and if you have an opportunity, I encourage you to attend this great event. The agriculture industry is critically important to Pennsylvania, and our Commonwealth plays a leading role in feeding our nation. Although I was stuck in Washington over the weekend and missed the Farm Show opening ceremony. I will be there at the end of the week and likely the weekend, and I will have my fair share, maybe more than my fair share, of great food milkshakes and visit with so many who make Pennsylvania's agricultural and farming industry great.

The Farm Show will be open through next Saturday, January 11. Click here for more information.

On Thursday, the eyes of the nation will be on the Orange Bowl and the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal game between Penn State and Notre Dame. While I recognize that our district has many die-hard Irish fans, I have to say one thing: We are Penn State! I expect this to be a really good game.