Over the last several days, I have heard from many of you sharing your concerns about the latest news from the new administration, especially regarding Elon Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. I want you to know that I share your concerns.

The President does not have sole power over government functions. And there are laws–passed by Congress–which govern access to sensitive information and which dictate federal spending. Just last night, I co-sponsored a bill to protect our nation's payment system from unlawful interference by Elon Musk or anyone who would gain access. The Taxpayer Data Protection Act will ensure that anyone accessing the system has lawful authorization and has the necessary security clearance. As your representative in Congress, I will use every tool that is available to me to fight on behalf of you, the American people. My colleagues and I in the House Democratic Caucus will continue working to prevent unlawful access to confidential information, resist efforts to weaken or deplete our federal workforce, and challenge any attempt to undermine the power that Congress holds. For a list of government resources, visit my website: https://mcbath.house.gov/federalworkers.

Yesterday, I led a letter to Governor Kemp along with several of my Georgia delegation colleagues in response to the state government missing a key deadline to apply for federal support for the student summer meal program. Children in Georgia should not worry about access to meals just because school is out for summer. We deserve answers as to why Georgia continues to opt out of this program. To read my letter to Governor Kemp, click here.

This week in committee, I spoke out about a new proposal to tax the HOPE scholarship in Georgia. Families should not be penalized for seeking higher education. I fear that a new tax would prevent working families from taking advantage of the HOPE scholarship altogether. To view my remarks in committee, you can click here or on the image below.

In the face of these many challenges, my office continues to offer our annual constituent services programs just as I have been honored to do for the past six years. For high school students in our district, my Congressional Art Competition launched this week! This exciting opportunity allows local students to showcase their artistic talents and engage with schools across the district! To learn more about the competition guidelines and key dates, including the April 21st submission deadline, please visit https://mcbath.house.gov/art-competition.

I recognize that these are difficult times and that many in our community continue to face uncertainty and worry about what is to come. That is why last night, I convened my first Telephone Town Hall of the new Congress. These are excellent opportunities to connect with you and to hear your concerns. I want to thank the roughly 6,000 constituents who joined me to speak about what was on their mind. For those of you who were not able to tune in, I want to offer the same reassurance I delivered last night: though there is significant anxiety and uncertainty around many of the actions of the Trump Administration, my work representing you in Congress has not changed. We will respond with courage despite uncertainty. And I encourage you to reach out to my office any time that I can assist you with a federal agency issue.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. It is my honor to serve our community in Congress. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.

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