Good afternoon, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

Hello everyone. Well, it’s been a somber few days. Been a lot of emotions, anger, sadness, and frustration. We’re looking for answers for the loss, for the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie, simply, was a person constantly seeking goodness in his discussions in his debate. He was always seeking the higher road. And he engaged, boy did he engage… Ultimately, he was killed for it; killed for spreading his message like someone else we love and cherish, and that is, in fact, Jesus Christ. Charlie Kirk would be the first to tell you he was a sinner. We were all sinners, but Charlie Kirk always tried to take the high road. He tried to maintain grace. He tried to always embrace humanity and the blessings of Jesus Christ. This is perhaps his legacy for us all to embrace. We must all try to do the right thing… Try to say things in the right way, try to act in a manner becoming of our savior. It’s not always easy, but we have to keep trying, even when the other side makes it very difficult. We must try to forgive shortcomings, while being fearless, because that’s what humanity, faith, and Christianity are about. 

I joined Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” to discuss the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk. Click here or below to watch.

Additionally, I joined “Mornings with Maria” on Fox Business to discuss the best and worst of America’s political landscape today.

We must not allow political violence, like the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, to define our future. The hateful rhetoric fueling violence on social media and in all places must end.

At the same time, we see incredible progress for working families with pro-growth policies and work to end debanking practices that target Americans for their beliefs. Click here or below to watch.

The White House released this stirring video tribute to Charlie Kirk. Click here or below to watch.

On Friday evening, Charlie's wife, Erika, addressed a nation in mourning. She delivered an incredibly moving tribute to her husband. As Erika said, “The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they’ve done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love. If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. His name won’t be forgotten and his mission won’t end.” Click here or below to watch her address. I believe we will all see a lot more of Erika in the future, and that is great for our nation.

The atrocious murder of Charlie Kirk occurred nearly twenty-four years after the tragedies of 9/11. On this solemn anniversary, we once again vow to Never Forget September 11, 2001. What began as a clear and beautiful morning quickly became a day of unspeakable tragedy and extraordinary heroism.

I remember driving my daughter to school, unaware of the horror that was about to unfold. Like so many Americans, I watched in disbelief as the planes struck the Twin Towers, as the Pentagon was attacked, and as the heroes aboard Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, made the ultimate sacrifice to save countless others.

In the days after, I traveled to Ground Zero, delivering scooters at the request of the NYPD—not for the injured, but for firefighters, police officers, and first responders who had been on their feet for days, navigating the devastation as they worked tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts.

In the face of tragedy, Americans came together. Streets filled with flags, neighbors lined up to cheer first responders, and chants of “USA” echoed at ballgames and town squares. Out of the darkness of that day came a renewed patriotism and unity that reminded us of who we are as a people.

As President Lincoln declared, “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Those words endure today, as our great nation continues to produce patriots who carry forward the cause of freedom and unity—like the late Charlie Kirk, whose life and legacy remind us that America will thrive, and never perish from the earth.

On Thursday morning, I spoke on the House floor to reflect on that day, to honor those who died, to reaffirm our vow to Never Forget—and to acknowledge the tragic loss of a Great American Patriot, Charlie Kirk. Click here or below to watch my remarks.

Unfortunately, another tragedy took place this week in Charlotte, where a young Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was murdered on the subway. She was just 23 years old and on her way home from work. The recent stabbing on the Charlotte transit system is yet another tragic reminder of what’s gone wrong in our criminal justice system.

Violent repeat offenders are being released back onto the streets by Democrat judges and ideological prosecutors—and our communities are paying the price. The violent criminal who committed this heinous act had been previously arrested 14 TIMES!

President Trump showed us there’s another way, using every federal tool to protect innocent people.

The American people deserve protection, not excuses. Click here or below to view my remarks on the House floor.

Earlier this week, I joined the "American Agenda" on Newsmax to discuss President Trump’s tariffs and the importance of fair trade policies that strengthen American workers and industries. We also looked ahead to what we can expect when the Supreme Court convenes on this critical issue. Click here or below to watch.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Wholesale inflation fell in August — smashing economists’ expectations — as President Donald Trump continues to make good on his promise to tame inflation. The number underscores what the Trump Administration has been saying all along: American consumers are seeing little effect on prices from tariffs. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Producer Price Index (PPI), which serves as a bellwether for prices consumers may see in the months ahead, came in at 2.6% year-over-year in August — far below economists’ expectations of 3.3%.
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  • Wholesale prices declined in August from the month prior — also defying economists’ expectations.
  • Prices for energy goods, trade services, and final demand services all fell in August.
• President Trump was right again: companies refrained from outsized price increases last month despite tariffs.
• This comes as small business optimism is on the rise — increasing in August to its highest level since January and above its historical average.

Here’s what they’re saying:

• CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “Boy, I’m surprised — real progress here. 2.6% on the year-over-year headline. We were expecting 3.3%!”
• Allianz Chief Economic Advisor Mohamed El-Erian: “What we’re learning is that the final impact on the consumer is much less than people expected… If the Fed is truly data dependent, the question should be, ‘Why not 50 [basis points]?’”
  
  
• Bullseye Investment Group’s Adam Johnson: “This is fantastic news. Producer prices much lower than we thought… I thought we were going to see some of the tariff impact in this inflation data. We haven’t seen it. 2.6% was the PPI. We thought it was going to be 3.3%. This is just such wonderful news. I’m thrilled.”
  
  
• Fox Business Network’s Cheryl Casone: “That tariff [price] impact… not seeing it — and here we go with a very positive and good inflation report coming out.”
  
  
• CNBC’s Becky Quick: “That’s a real shocker, Steve, the idea that inflation is so much weaker than anticipated.”
  
  
• Allianz Chief Economic Advisor Mohamed El-Erian: “There’s the exporter, there’s the importer, and there’s the consumer — and so far, the consumer is carrying the least of the burden.”

In more good news… We are delivering Bigger Paychecks. Lower Taxes. Greater Opportunity.

House Republicans and President Trump delivered the Working Family Tax Cuts—the most pro-worker, pro-family tax relief in American history.

• Bigger Paychecks: Up to $12,500 more per family in Pennsylvania.
  
  
• No Tax on Overtime: 80 million hourly workers will keep an extra $1,400 a year.
  
  
• No Tax on Tips: Up to $25,000 in tips per year completely tax-free.
  
  
• Relief for Seniors: 88% will no longer pay federal taxes on their Social Security.
  
  
• Enhanced Child Tax Credit: $2,500 per child, fully refundable.
  
  
• Stronger Small Businesses: The largest middle-class & small business tax cuts ever.
  
  
• $50 Billion for Rural Hospitals: Protecting access to care across America.

Every single Democrat voted against this historic tax cut—choosing higher taxes instead of relief for hardworking families.

We kept our promise: More money in your pocket, stronger communities, and a brighter future for American families.

On Sunday, the most recent episode of the Volpe Report aired. My colleague, Congressman Rob Bresnahan, and I joined Speaker Mike Johnson for a great discussion. Click here or below to watch.

This week in the Financial Institutions Subcommittee, I underscored bipartisan support for giving community banks more flexibility to serve their customers.
The Community Bank Leverage Ratio— advanced under the First Trump Administration—set a simple 9% capital standard that reduced compliance costs and freed up resources for local lending for only the smallest banks. All witnesses agreed that lowering it further would expand access to credit and strengthen competition.

We also discussed the expansion of reciprocal deposits, a commonsense reform that provides customers with greater FDIC insurance protection without adding risk.

These are bipartisan solutions that strengthen community banks, support small businesses, and foster local economic growth. Click here or below to watch.

Small businesses drive our economy, yet too often they face unfair barriers in federal contracting. In a recent House Committee on Small Business hearing, I pressed witnesses on what needs to change—whether it’s contracting officers defaulting to big corporations, excessive regulatory costs like CMMC, or lack of training across agencies.

Having spent over 20 years helping grow a small business into a large business, I know these challenges firsthand. In Congress, I’ll keep working to simplify procurement, expand opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned firms, and ensure small businesses get a fair shot at competing for contracts. Click here or below to watch.

In the Financial Services Committee hearing, I pressed witnesses on how the Biden SEC and proxy advisory firms have effectively imposed ESG mandates in disguise.

Investors should be free to choose if they want to prioritize ESG factors—but they should not be forced to vote on immaterial proposals that waste resources, pressure boards, and prioritize political ideology over sound financial decisions.

I will continue fighting to restore materiality as the guiding principle in our markets and protect shareholders from regulatory overreach. Click here or below to watch.

On Monday, we had a great time in Nicholson celebrating a true marvel of our region—Nicholson Bridge!

The Nicholson Women’s Club has hosted this tradition since 1992, and it gets bigger and better every year. With music, local vendors, and neighbors gathering together, it is a terrific showcase of community spirit.

The Nicholson Bridge—completed in 1915, remains a year-round attraction and a reminder of the innovation and strength that built Pennsylvania.

Thank you to everyone who came out and to all who make Nicholson Bridge Day such a success.

Later, I was happy to join the NEPA Manufacturers & Employers Association for their annual Congressional Luncheon alongside my colleague, Congressman Rob Bresnahan. I appreciated the opportunity to share remarks on the progress we’re making in Washington to support Pennsylvania businesses and manufacturers.

We were joined by State Representatives Dane Watro, Tim Twardzick, and Joanne Stehr, as well as Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora, Boots Hetherington, and Gary Hess.

Thank you to NEPA MAEA President Darlene Robbins, Chairman Dennis Fink, and their dedicated team for hosting this event and for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Pennsylvania manufacturers. I’m also grateful to Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association President & CEO David Taylor and his team for their outstanding work supporting manufacturers across the Commonwealth.

I met with Dr. Joe Mitchell, the new President of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, along with Peter Grollman and Ahavia Glaser from CHOP’s leadership team.

We discussed the groundbreaking research conducted at CHOP that benefits children not only here in Pennsylvania but across the nation. Their commitment to advancing pediatric care and innovation is making a real difference for families everywhere.

It’s always inspiring to see how Pennsylvania institutions lead the way in improving health outcomes for the next generation.

Pennsylvania farmers feed our communities and fuel our economy. I’ll continue working with Farm Bureau and my colleagues in Congress to ensure our producers have the tools, workforce, and resources they need to thrive.

Earlier this week, I met with leaders from Mack Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment—Gunnar Brunius, Gustavo Casagrandi, Guillaume Giroudon, and Scott Young—about critical priorities for America’s automotive, trucking, and transportation industries.

These companies are major employers and innovators in Pennsylvania and across the country. Their success is tied directly to our ability to invest in modern infrastructure, strengthen U.S. manufacturing, and ensure American workers and consumers have the tools they need to compete.

I’ll continue working in Congress to advance policies that support job growth, fair competition, and America’s leadership in heavy equipment manufacturing.