Good afternoon, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

For the last forty-plus days, it’s been all pain and no gain for the American people. During this time, I’ve met with food banks, Head Start programs, and SNAP recipients in my District who are suffering from the Democrat-inflicted shutdown. Some of my colleagues on the left have done the same, yet shockingly, they voted to keep the government closed. It’s time to fix the damage Democrats have caused.

House Republicans and I voted tonight to do just that—to restore SNAP payments, get TSA and air traffic controllers paid, pay our federal workers, pay our Capitol police and border patrol, and pay all the people that work here in the Capitol.

With the nation celebrating Veterans Day earlier this week, this comes to mind: our veterans didn’t fight for the red or the blue—they fought for the red, white, and blue. On Wednesday evening, Congress followed their example. Click here or below to watch my floor remarks.

It’s a sad state of affairs for the Democrat Party. Senate Democrats finally voted to reopen the government, and the bill ultimately passed the House. But, believe it or not, House Democrats were actually whipping their members to vote against it, even after it passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

They are choosing to continue the shutdown, letting chaos continue at our airports, stalling small-business loans, and blocking vital programs like SNAP, all to score political points.

Republicans got the government back open and working for the American people. I joined “Varney & Co.” on Fox Business to discuss. Click here or below to watch.

I joined “The Bob Cordaro Show” on WILK FM to discuss the shutdown and the Republican effort to reopen the government. Click here or below to listen.

To read my full statement on the vote to reopen the government, click here or below.

IN NEWS YOU WON'T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: BLAME BIDEN... Democrats used Biden as a pawn to implement their radical agenda for four whole years and jacked inflation all the way up over 9% — the highest it had been since 1981.

President Trump has been working tirelessly to fix the disaster they created.

The same Democrats who voted to shut down the government, devastate hardworking Americans, and cost our economy billions should get off their high horse and back down to earth — they're in no position to talk about affordability.

President Trump has accomplished major economic wins in just 10 short months:

• Signed the largest tax cut in history
• Eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security
• Brought gas prices down to the lowest in five years
• Lowered prescription drugs and healthcare costs
• Cut 30 unnecessary regulations on businesses

Wages have been increasing at the quickest rate seen at the beginning of any presidential administration in six decades, the cost of a mortgage is down by $3,000 annually, and inflation has remained low.

President Trump is just getting started, which is why he needs a Republican majority in the midterms to finish the job and make America affordable for every family.

On Monday, we celebrate the 250^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has stood as a faithful guardian of our nation, always first to fight and last to leave. The courage, sacrifice, and unwavering fidelity of its Marines embody the very best of America. Thank you, U.S. Marine Corps, for always answering the call to serve.

Semper Fi!

On Tuesday, our nation celebrated Veterans Day.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on.” — President Ronald Reagan.

On this Veterans Day, we remember that truth as we honor the men and women who have bravely worn our nation’s uniform and answered the call to serve.

To the veterans in the 9^th District and across the country, thank you for your service & sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we hold dear.

In honor of Veterans Day, I joined service members, their families, and community members at VFW Post 1568 in Towanda for the annual Veterans Day Luncheon.

It’s always a privilege to spend time with the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, including 100-year-old World War II veteran Paul Dewitt, and to hear their stories firsthand.

To every veteran across Pennsylvania’s 9^th District and beyond, thank you. Your service, courage, and dedication will continue to inspire generations for years to come.

This week, I enjoyed visiting the Towanda Head Start Center to meet with the staff behind the incredible work this organization does to support children and families across Bradford County.

During the Democrat-led shutdown, and now as we reopen the government, I remain committed to ensuring that programs like Head Start can continue serving our communities without disruption.

Thank you to Wendy Swindle, Henry Dunn, and all the teachers, administrators, and families who make this work possible every day!

Later, I stopped by Saint Agnes School in Towanda to meet with students, teachers, and staff and learn more about their day-to-day operations.

We discussed the value of the faith-based education at Saint Agnes, the importance of parental involvement, and ways to expand opportunities for all students. I also shared how the Working Families Tax Credit Act, passed in July, establishes a federal tax incentive beginning in 2027 to help cover educational expenses, including tuition, tutoring, transportation, and other costs for both private and public school students.

Thank you to Principal Kelly Wilhelm and the entire Saint Agnes community for the invitation and for all you do for families across Bradford County.

That evening, I was glad to join so many friends in Towanda who share a strong vision for the future of our District and our Commonwealth.

A special thank-you to Henry and Hank Dunn for their continued friendship and support. It’s always a pleasure to see Bradford County Commissioners Doug McLinko and Daryl Miller, who are always working tirelessly for Bradford County. Congratulations to Nina Sardoni on her recent election to the bench.

Thank you to everyone who came out and continues to support Bradford County and Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District.

On Wednesday, I attended the NEPA Prayer Breakfast hosted by Summit Christian Academy NEPA.

For more than 50 years, Summit Christian has provided faith-based education, teaching students to see God’s purpose in every subject and to live out their faith through learning.

I was joined by Senator Dave McCormick, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr., Hall of Fame Coach Jack Spates, & other community leaders to discuss the importance of keeping faith at the center of our work. I shared how, in Congress, each session begins with prayer on the House floor and how many members participate in prayer groups.

I also highlighted a new tax credit program established through the WFTC. This initiative will expand access to faith-based education for families across the country, including schools like Summit Christian Academy.

I joined Senator Dave McCormick, local veterans, their families, and community leaders at the Berks County Veterans Luncheon.

Thank you to Customers Bank, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, Boyertown Navy ROTC, and numerous multi-faith leaders for hosting this event.

Dick Ehst and I presented the Patriot Award to Doug Graybill, co-founder of Veterans Making a Difference, in recognition of his work supporting veterans in need throughout Berks County.

Doug, a Marine tunnel rat in Vietnam, also served in the Marine Corps Reserves, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard. He founded Veterans Making a Difference with his wife, Liz. The nonprofit helps Veterans in Berks County by providing necessities such as toiletries and food, and offering assistance to homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

On Friday evening, I attended the Spirit of Hope Celebration. Spirit of Hope helps fight cancer by providing significant funding towards prevention and early diagnosis. 

Yesterday, I attended Gunfest at the Lehigh Valley Gun Club with its owner and NRA president, Bill Bachenberg. Also pictured is Jim Greenlee from Wyoming County, who, with his family, runs one of the best catering, barbecue, and recreational facilities in Northeast Pennsylvania.

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