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. 

Remembering Charlie Kirk

Haley and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk passed away today after being shot as he spoke to students at Utah Valley State University. Charlie was a husband, father, and a leader in the conservative movement whose influence will live on long after his death. We pray for his family and for law enforcement as they seek to arrest and bring to justice the gunman who was responsible for this heinous crime. May God bless the family of Charlie Kirk.

Weekly Poll

I ask. You answer.

Tomorrow, we remember one of the darkest days in American history. Out of the ashes of 9/11, our nation stood united and resilient. I am forever grateful to our first responders and the brave service members who answered the call. That’s why I’m voting this week to deliver historic investments in our troops, equipment, and firepower. America must once again show the world peace through strength.

Watch my latest video on how I am supporting our military through the NDAA:

Remembering 9/11

I was honored to sit down with General Cross, a member of my staff, to discuss his experiences during 9/11. General Cross was in Washington, D.C., that day. He was there on assignment with the Air Education and Training Command, serving as a two-star general.

After attending a meeting at the Pentagon that morning and while waiting to board his aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base for a flight to Ohio to inspect the F-16 training program, he was suddenly summoned to the command post and informed of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

General James requested that he begin assembling the National Guard Crisis Action Team to coordinate response activities, as the previously assigned team could not leave the Pentagon. Working alongside Brigadier General Dave Werley and many other talented individuals, they quickly coordinated fighter jet cover over the White House and Capitol at the request of Vice President Cheney and the Secret Service to prevent any inbound aircraft.

They also coordinated waivers and orders to deploy fully armed combat patrols and refueling tankers over all major cities and critical national resources. General Cross and his team helped define the rules of engagement during the ensuing chaos and remained on duty for the next two weeks.


It was an honor for General Cross to serve our country during this critical time in our history. Thank you, General Cross, for your dedication and service to our nation.

Voting on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

This week, House Republicans are supporting our warfighters with a peace through strength agenda that increases the pay of our service members and invests in new weapon systems. These investments enable our military to continue to be the elite fighting force that deters our adversaries. The NDAA supports not only our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, but it also provides President Trump with much needed resources to keep our border secure. The NDAA codifies many of President Trump’s Executive Orders, prioritizes border security, and improves the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. The NDAA is a critical step to assuring that our armed services have the resources needed to protect and defend our great nation. See more details about the NDAA in the graphics below.

Visiting Mississippi State University
 
Haley and I were excited to be in Starkville last weekend to see Mississippi State’s dramatic last-minute win over Arizona State. It was great to be back on campus, and we enjoyed seeing many friends, including Dr. Keenum, Congressman Trent Kelly, and Dr. Pugh and his family.

My staff was also in Starkville last week and had the opportunity to tour the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University.  Mississippi State is doing cutting-edge work in the field of unmanned aircraft. I am proud to partner with our universities to advance the research they are doing in this important field.

Legislation on Capitol Hill this Week

H.R. 3838 – FY26 NDAA

The NDAA codifies many of President Trump’s Executive Orders, prioritizes border security, and improves the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.

Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025

Will discourage the most dangerous criminals from trying to enter, or re-enter, our country by increasing severe criminal and financial penalties. Specifically, the bill would raise the maximum penalty from two years to five years of imprisonment for any illegal alien convicted of reentering the United States.

H.R. 4550 – United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025

Reauthorizes through FY2030 the United States Grain Standards Act, which authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish official marketing standards for grains, and to provide procedures for grain inspection and weighing.

H.R. 2591 – Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025

Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to revise regulations for certain individuals carrying out aviation activities who disclose a mental health diagnosis or condition.

H.R. 3055 – TRANSPORT Jobs Act

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop an action plan for members of the Armed Forces eligible for reseparation counseling and assist veterans in securing supply chain occupations.

H.R. 3423 – FROST Act

Allows Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Funds to be utilized in the acquisition of storage facilities for aircraft de-icing equipment.

Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions Review Act 

Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions.

Appropriations Committee Work

This week I have been working alongside the Appropriations Committee to pass important legislation. Check out the markups on these bills below:

Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill

Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill

Poll Results from Last Week

Last week, I asked if you supported my work removing illegal immigrants who overstay their visas and 79% 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.