Good morning, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

The effects of this Democrat-caused shutdown are being felt across the country. From our rural hospitals and small businesses to our veterans, SNAP recipients, airports, and food banks, every corner of this nation has been impacted by the Schumer Shutdown.

On Newsmax, I spoke about how, in addition to refusing to reopen the government, Democrats are also failing to condemn the hateful and dangerous rhetoric coming from the Left at the No Kings rallies. Instead, they seem determined to Make America Mad Again.

Meanwhile, President Trump and Republicans continue to fight for the American people. The President remains focused on results, working to keep essential programs running, protecting our borders, and getting Americans back to work.

It’s time for Senate Democrats to listen to their constituents, vote to reopen the government, and help Make America Great Again. Click here or below to watch.

The Schumer Shutdown and the consequences are becoming painfully clear for our nation’s most vulnerable populations.

This week, I met with several of my constituents affected by the Democrat Shutdown, including those at STEP, Inc./STEP Head Start, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the Lycoming County Veterans Coalition, and the Williamsport Airport. Those on the front lines serving children, families, and veterans told me the same thing: the shutdown is creating funding uncertainty, and if it continues, the impact on food assistance, housing support, and community programs will be devastating. Veterans, children, and working families will face unnecessary hardship if Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats continue to keep the government closed.

One teacher I spoke with said something that really stuck with me: “For the sake of the kiddos, the adults in the room need to do the right thing.” She’s absolutely right. Click here or below to watch my interview on NewsNation.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Democrats just voted to withhold pay from our troops & essential workers.

Senate Democrats just voted to withhold pay from ICE agents, troops, Capitol Police officers, and their own staff who are being forced to work during the Democrat Shutdown for illegals.

And yet, these politically motivated Democrats are still cashing their checks.

Democrats know what they are doing; they don't care:

• Democrat Whip Katherine Clark: “Of course there will be families that are going to suffer... but it is one of the few leverage times we have."
  
  
• Senator Chuck Schumer: "Every day gets better for us."
  
  
• Senator Ruben Gallego: "This does suck" for everyone not getting paid.
  
  
• Senator Bernie Sanders: “[If] you reopen the government and we lose our leverage…”
  
  
• Senator Martin Heinrich: “That just gives the President more leverage” if we vote to pay troops, TSA agents, or law enforcement.
  
  
• Representative Emilia Sykes: "We know that people are going to suffer...people will go hungry."

Countless hardworking Americans who keep us safe are now searching for second jobs as they brace for the full impact of the Democrat Shutdown. 

Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for neglecting their duty to the American people and instead prioritizing criminal illegals.

IN OTHER NEWS YOU WON'T  HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Markets are on FIRE! September 2025 CPI report shows growth!

Markets are on fire, interest rates are down, and inflation is low thanks to President Trump's America First agenda. 

Despite Democrat obstruction, President Trump's tariff strategy is working. Since President Trump took office this year, he has remained committed to improving the lives of hardworking Americans, and this CPI report shows the results. 

While President Trump is delivering real results for hardworking Americans, Democrats shamelessly insist on continuing their shutdown for illegals.

Over the weekend, we saw far too many protestors calling for violence against their ideological opposition.

This type of rhetoric from the “No Kings” protests is indefensible and should be universally condemned. Across multiple cities, protestors at the No Kings events openly called for violence and even murder, from urging the shootings of federal agents to wishing death on President Trump.

Just a few examples of the types of signs and language on full display this weekend’s so-called “peaceful protests” include:

• Signs featuring a guillotine next to a MAGA hat
  
  
• Signs saying “Wanted: Better Snipers” with President Trump’s face
  
  
• Signs asking, “Would you like to kill Nazis with me?”
  
  
• Protesters dressed up as Charlie Kirk’s killer.
  
  
• A protestor said, “If I had the chance to kill Stephen Miller, I would.”
  
  
• A protestor wore a shirt with “86 47” and explicitly said, “Kill the son of a b*tch. The 47th president.”
  
  
• Protestors' shirts said, “Make Assassinations Great Again” and “Politicians don’t die like they used to.”
  
  
• A mother of two said she hoped Trump would die as her birthday wish

Democrat leadership must condemn this vile behavior immediately. Instead of calling it out, some Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with these protesters, in proximity to banners proudly declaring that the Communist Party USA was a main sponsor of many of these nationwide events. While not every person or group was directly affiliated, the organization’s involvement was central to the day’s rallies across the country.

At a time when leaders tell us we need to “lower the temperature,” rhetoric and imagery like this only make things worse and create a dangerous environment.

To be clear, not every protester was violent or hateful, but every decent person and every elected leader should denounce the hateful behavior and violent rhetoric we witnessed this weekend. Americans have a protected right to free speech, but that right does not include threatening lives or calling for the elimination and murder of political opponents. When activists label those they disagree with as “fascists” or “Nazis” and insist those people deserve to die, they cross a line that threatens the foundation of civil, democratic discourse.

Political violence continues to worsen. People are being put in harm’s way because of their political views. We need decency and a semblance of civility before we can hope for unity and finding common ground.

There are only two reasons for all of this folks:

• Schumer is fighting for his pathetic political life
• Neo Democrat plans, including Obamacare, have failed

Those two issues, combined with their witnessing President Trump's led Republican plans succeed, and they can’t stand it…

The Democrat responses are to shut it down the government and scream hostile, vile things in the streets and in the media. That is what is taking place here: protesting, tantrums, cowardly leadership that is more interested in their radical base than what’s best for the country.

These far-left Democrat agitators keep trying to allege that President Trump is taking unconstitutional actions. The reality is that the insurrectionist activities of the far left are unconstitutional. These far-left activists are by definition insurrectionists when they attack federal buildings and attack federal officers such as our brave ICE agents. President Trump has every constitutional authority to keep America safe from insurrectionists. We are on the right side of the Constitution. The president is on the right side of the Constitution. The left once again is on the wrong side of the Constitution.

These insurrectionists are well-funded. In many cases, they know not what they do, but they’re acting under the direction, funding, and false pretenses of those who know exactly what they are doing. Unfortunately, those activists on the streets are nothing more than pawns for these powerful forces.

On Monday, I visited with John McCarthy, President of McCarthy Tire, a fourth-generation, family-owned business that has grown into one of North America’s largest independent tire dealers and a leader in recycling and retreading innovation.

Alongside Congressman Rob Bresnahan, we discussed how President Trump's tariffs, coupled with the Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act, will ensure U.S. manufacturers can compete on a level playing field with foreign tire manufacturers.

This week, I visited STEP, Inc., and its Head Start program, and was truly impressed by the incredible work they’re doing for hundreds of children and families across Lycoming and Clinton Counties.

As President Rachelle Abbot showed me, STEP does unbelievable work, providing childcare, early education, nutrition, and health services. Unfortunately, the shutdown forced by Senate Democrats, combined with the ongoing budget stalemate in Harrisburg, is creating growing financial uncertainty for STEP and other essential community organizations.

Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats must vote to reopen the government so organizations like STEP Inc. and their Head Start program can continue serving the communities that rely on them most. 

Additionally, I toured the Williamsport branch of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and witnessed firsthand the scope of their critical work. Serving 27 counties and providing food assistance to 286,000 people each month, the Food Bank is vital for many—but a lapse in SNAP benefits could be devastating.

Right now, 1.96 million Pennsylvanians, including 760,000 children, are at risk if funding lapses after November 1. Democrats must pass the CR to reopen the government, to keep food assistance flowing to those who depend on it most. 

Later, I met with the Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition to see how the Democrat-led shutdown is impacting our nation’s veterans. Our veterans have risked and given so much to serve our country and protect the freedoms we hold dear.

Yet, because of Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats, many are struggling to access their regional VA offices, receive guidance while transitioning out of service, or even speak to someone about their GI Bill benefits.

One master sergeant summed it up: “For no other reason than for our veterans and their families, let’s get this solved.” I couldn’t agree more—our veterans deserve better, and Senate Democrats must restore these vital services immediately by voting to reopen the government.

This Democrat-led shutdown is hurting hardworking Americans, many of whom risk or have already lost access to the support they rely on every day. Click here or below to watch a video message of the real impacts the Democrat shutdown is having.

I attended the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, where we celebrated the impressive nominees and recognized the remarkable leaders who make a significant impact in both business and community service.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Bob Carl, the dedicated Chamber staff and Board of Directors continue to set the bar for excellence and innovation in Schuylkill County.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners for their incredible contributions to our community:

• Business Woman of the Year – Sandy Hess
  
  
• Business Man of the Year – Bill Metzinger
  
  
• For Profit of the Year – Bowers Home Improvements
  
  
• Non-Profit of the Year – St. Joseph’s Center for Special Learning
  
  
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Allie Doran
  
  
• Small Business of the Year – 5 Star Heating and Air
  
  
• Young Professional of the Year – Hannah Corbacio

This week, I met with Secretary Chris Wright to discuss the vital role Pennsylvania anthracite plays in strengthening our energy grid and steelmaking capabilities. I was glad to be joined by Brian and Will Rich of Reading Anthracite, who shared valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s energy sector.

We had a productive discussion on protecting the industry from unfair foreign dumping and advancing policies that support domestic energy production while cleaning up waste culm in our communities.

At the White House, we continued these conversations with President Donald J. Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council. We’re fortunate to have an administration that truly understands and supports our nation’s energy producers, especially Pennsylvania anthracite.

We’ll continue working to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy industry and ensure clean coal, which accounts for nearly 20% of our nation’s energy supply, receives the support it deserves as a critical part of America’s energy grid.

ELECTION UPDATE:

Last Sunday, I joined a voyage aboard the Hiawatha, a wonderful paddle riverboat on the Susquehanna River.

The event was sponsored by Congressman GT Thompson and his wife, Penny, and hosted by Clinton County Chairman Kurt Smith. A special thank-you to GT’s team, especially Marcie, for their outstanding work in organizing this event. My wife Shelley and I enjoyed connecting with Pennsylvanians from across the Commonwealth, with six counties represented on our afternoon cruise.

It was a pleasure joining the Susquehanna County Republicans for their Annual Fall Rally at the Harford Fire Hall. With just days left before Election Day, it’s clear Republicans across the Commonwealth are gearing up for a big victory.

It was great to hear from Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Greg Rothman, Commonwealth Court candidate Matt Wolford for Judge, PA State Rep. Jonathan Fritz, and our local leaders who remain dedicated to serving the people of Northeast Central Pennsylvania.

Republicans in Susquehanna County now hold an 11,000-voter registration advantage—proof that our message of economic growth, secure borders, safe communities, and individual freedom continues to resonate with voters.

Thank you to Chairwoman Donna Cosmello and everyone who made this event a success. Together, we’re building momentum to deliver victories across the board, up and down the ballot.

 

I voted on Monday by dropping off my mail-in ballot at the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is October 28th, and all ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on November 4th.

This November, please join me in voting for:

Maria Battista for Superior Court

Matt Wolford for Commonwealth Court

Tom Mosca for Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
Walter Griffith for Luzerne County Controller
John Lombardo, Brian Thornton, Stephen Urban, Jackie Scarcella, and Greg Wolovich for Luzerne County Council

Click here or below to watch my video message.

If you would like to request a mail-in ballot, please click on the link below.

I also voted NO on all five judicial retention questions for the Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth Courts.
Don’t wait, if there’s even a 1% chance you might not make it to the polls on Election Day, vote early! Make your plan, return your ballot on time, and make sure your vote counts.

May God continue to bless our nation. I look forward to seeing you soon,