Washington for their annual Biofuehey 

Speaking with the American Bakers Association

Last Wednesday, I met with the American Bakers Association during their fly-in day in Washington.

We discussed policy issues affecting the commercial baking industry, including nutrition and food policy, trade and tariffs, and efforts to maintain a science-based regulatory framework for food ingredients.

Meeting with Growth Energy

Last week, I met with Growth Energy as they were in Washington D.C. for their annual Biofuels Summit.

We discussed year-round access to E15, which is something that my Midwest colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee have championed in Congress, a clean fuel credit, and the Renewable Fuel Standard program.

Meeting with Southeast Lumber Manufacturers Association

Last week, I met with the Southeast Lumber Manufacturers Association, including members from Georgia's Eighth District, in Washington, D.C. for their annual legislative fly-in meeting.

We discussed issues directly effecting our lumber industry including funding for disaster cleanup programs, the need for more wood byproducts markets, and trade issues impacting the industry.

Asking Questions at House Agriculture Full Committee Hearing

Last Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee held a full committee hearing discussing how we can better increase demand for homegrown products at home and abroad. A major barrier for America's timber producers is the European Union Deforestation Regulation, and other non-tariff trade barriers.

Watch my full questions here.

Constitution Day Reminds Americans That Socialism Is Incompatible With the American Way of Life

Top lawmakers of the Republican Study Committee championed America’s founding document on Constitution Day, reminding the American people that socialism is incompatible with the American way of life.

The remarks of the committee’s members came weeks after 192 Democrats voted against a resolution denouncing socialism, and several socialist-aligned candidates became the Democratic Party nominees for their congressional districts across the country.

“[At] 239 years ago, our Founders gave us a Constitution built on liberty, limited government, and the belief that power belongs to We the People,” RSC Chairman August Pfluger, R-Texas, stated. “Today, Democrats can’t even bring themselves to reject an ideology that has killed more than 100 million people and failed everywhere it’s ever been tried.”

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., echoed his colleagues’ remarks and told the Daily Signal that the American Constitution “stands as a testament to the wisdom and foresight of the founders of our nation,” which has withstood over two centuries.

Similarly, Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, added that America’s framers “understood our inalienable rights come from God and not government,” adding that this day serves as a reminder for Americans “of what makes America extraordinary and the legacy we must cherish and protect.”

The reason for the committee’s emphasis on the importance of the U.S. Constitution is concern about ideas advocated by the Democratic Socialists of America, Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., confirmed.

“With the rise of socialism and communism across America, this day reminds us that we must fight every day to defend our fundamental American values,” Houchin said.

The separation of powers, which is facilitated by a bicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and an executive branch, could be undermined by the DSA.

The DSA’s official platform calls for abolishing the Senate and packing the Supreme Court with additional justices.

Famously, Venezuela’s communist government moved to abolish the country’s Senate and add additional justices to its Supreme Court in order to have a one-voice system of government, which was overseen by the nation’s socialist dictator at the time, Hugo Chavez.

Read the full article here.