NationBuilder

Good evening, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

July 13, 2024– A day our Nation will never forget.

A day that never should have happened.

A day that must never happen again.

I was in Butler, Pennsylvania, that day, along with many great people, friends, and colleagues. We heard the shots ring out—and feared the worst.

Then moments later, we watched President Donald Trump rise up, lift his fist, and with his words, “Fight! Fight! Fight,” the world witnessed a triumph of spirit that will never be stopped. God Bless America.

We commend the agents and officers of the Secret Service and law enforcement for their dedicated service and responsiveness. Unfortunately, there were leadership and management lapses that have been corrected under the new leadership of Secret Service Director Sean Curran. We should say a prayer for the Comperatore family and be grateful that President Trump has survived and is leading our country to greatness.

Myself, Rep. Kelly, and Senator McCormick are pictured just to the right of President Trump. The shooter can be seen in the top right, circled in red. Click here or below to watch.

I joined "Fox and Friends" on Fox News earlier today to discuss my experience and the questions that remain unanswered about the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Click here or below to watch.

Also, this morning, I joined "Wake Up America" on Newsmax to talk about my experience last year at the Butler rally. Click here or below to watch.

This week, I co-sponsored H. Res. 571, introduced by Congressman Mike Kelly. The resolution specifically recognizes the tragic events of July 13, 2024, in Butler, where President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally.

Corey D. Comperatore lost his life protecting his family from gunfire, while David Dutch and James Copenhaver were critically injured.

The resolution condemns all forms of political violence and denounces the dangerous rhetoric that incites such attacks. It also highlights similar recent assaults on elected officials, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Minnesota legislators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, emphasizing that violence undermines democratic values and endangers public servants. Click here to read more.

In other news, I want to address the news regarding my future. The U.S. is on the move, and under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to maximize opportunities to make our nation even stronger, safer, more robust, and affordable for all Americans. Just last week, I helped lead the fight to pass President Trump’s tax cuts for families and small businesses, legislating and codifying border security, enacting U.S. energy dominance initiatives, strengthening our military, and bringing fiscal accountability to what was excessive spending. This was just the beginning. Continuing the progress we made is too important, which is why I have decided to remain in the U.S. House of Representatives, working with President Trump and our Republican majorities in both the House and Senate to pass his agenda and forgo a campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania.

My focus needs to remain on doing my job, serving my constituents, and executing the plans to strengthen our country. President Trump proved that Republicans can be successful in 2025. I am very grateful for all the support I have received across Pennsylvania, and I am especially thankful to President Trump for his encouragement. I am confident that we will have an outstanding Gubernatorial candidate, defeat Governor Shapiro, and make Pennsylvania a leader among states and the best place to live.

I am also thankful for the support I received from State GOP Chairman Greg Rothman and the Republican Party. Chairman Rothman issued the following statement alongside my announcement, “On behalf of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, we are grateful for Congressman Meuser’s work in Congress, fighting for the people of our great Commonwealth and promoting and passing the Trump-Vance agenda of peace, prosperity, and America First. Also grateful for the role Dan played in the election of Donald J. Trump and winning Pennsylvania. Congressman Meuser will continue to be a leader in our party for many years to come.”

We need to elect a Republican governor for our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania ranks 41st overall in the U.S. News “Best States” report—41st out of 50—despite our immense potential and hardworking people.

The last two governors in a row have pushed Big Government policies that burden families and small businesses, instead of championing private-sector economic growth. These top-down decisions hold back job creators, inflate costs, and weigh on opportunity—as evidenced by PA’s low showings in critical categories like “opportunity” (#29), “economy” (#38), and “fiscal stability” (#39).

Big government raises taxes, expands red tape, and leaves Pennsylvanians paying more while seeing less. That’s a recipe for falling behind—whether in education, opportunity, or prosperity.

Instead of doubling down on costly mandates, we should be unleashing the full potential of our private sector—cutting regulations, empowering small businesses, and growing our local economies from the ground up. That’s how you move Pennsylvania off the bottom and into the ranks of top-performing states.

The flooding in Texas—particularly at Camp Mystic—is a horrifying tragedy. We continue to pray for those still missing, for their families, and for the survivors whose lives have been forever changed.

I’m grateful the Trump Administration responded swiftly—approving disaster relief and making federal resources available to support the response and recovery.

This tragedy hits close to home for many. Two of our colleagues in Congress had family at the camp—one’s children, another’s grandchildren. Thank God they were safely evacuated.

This is a situation that saddens all of America. We mourn with Texas—and we pray for comfort, healing, and hope.

Unfortunately, Susquehanna County has also experienced devastating storms, but the incredible strength and spirit of our community are shining through.

I commend Commissioners Alan Hall, Dave Darrow, and Bob McNamara, along with State Senator Lisa Baker and Representative Jonathan Fritz. Their leadership and tireless efforts have been critical in responding to this crisis.

We saw 105 mph winds, golf-ball-sized hail, and massive trees uprooted — some over 150 years old — destroying homes and blocking roads. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported.

In conversations with former County Commissioner Judy Hershel, I contacted the Red Cross early Friday morning, and their swift and outstanding response made a real difference, arriving within an hour to deliver food and support to our neighbors in need.

A special thank you to Ron Cieslak and all the staff at Schneider’s Market at the Plaza. Their generosity in feeding and supporting the 300+ utility workers — providing water, Gatorade, hamburgers, and more, all at no charge — embodies the very best of Susquehanna County.

As we continue cleanup and power restoration efforts, my office remains fully engaged. We’re working with PEMA, FEMA, and local officials to secure disaster declarations and ensure resources get to those who need them most.

This is a deeply community-oriented effort, and I am grateful to see neighbors helping neighbors — sharing generators, inviting each other over to cool off, and lifting each other up.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: When President Trump unveiled his historic America First trade agenda in April, he offered some free advice: “Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN… Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!”

On Thursday evening, I joined the Columbia/Montour Chamber of Commerce for their second annual Municipal Officials’ Night—a great event focused on strengthening coordination between our local governments and community partners.

Sponsored by Geisinger, the event brought together township supervisors, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders who keep our towns running.

Thank you to Chamber President Chris Berleth for organizing this important evening, and to Rep. Robert Leadbeter, Rep. Michael Stender, Senator Lynda Culver, and all who attended for your continued commitment to serving Pennsylvania families.

I had a great day at the Annual Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. This wasn’t just a golf outing- it was a full-scale showcase of local businesses, with nearly 50 companies hosting interactive stations at each hole. It was a valuable opportunity to meet and connect with the people and companies that power our economy, create jobs, and strengthen our community.

Each stop along the course offered great conversations with business owners and team members, who shared meaningful insights about their work and the impact they’re making throughout Schuylkill County. The event was incredibly well-organized and full of Schuylkill County Pride, and Mountain Valley Golf Course provided the perfect setting for it all.

Congratulations to Schuylkill Chamber Executive Director Bob Carl, along with team members Samantha Chivinski, Tony Merchlinsky, Cierra Abrachinski, Kelly Huber, the Chamber Board of Directors, and everyone else who played a role in this successful event. It was a privilege to be a part of it, and I left feeling even more inspired by the dedication and pride our local business community brings to the table.

On Saturday, Shelley and I attended the "Rally at the Rock" at the home of my good friends, Doug and Linet McLinko.

Thank you for hosting for the 9th year in a row. It was great to be in Bradford County with local Republicans and patriots from across the state.

Great food, great music, and great people--all coming together with one goal in mind: continuing the work to correct course for our country. Click here or below to watch a slideshow of pictures with PA GOP Chair Greg Rothman, State Reps. Robert Leadbetter and Tina Pickett, as well as so many other great patriots.