Dear John,

If we learned anything from this pandemic, it's that internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. So many things moved online this past year. Our kids saw their classrooms transform into Zoom meetings, and we talked to our doctors via webcam. 

But not everyone has access to high-speed internet. We know how important it is for people to get connected, and that starts with making internet access affordable.

I was proud to support the enactment of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) last year, which helps economically vulnerable Americans afford their monthly internet bill. I encourage all eligible Northeastern Pennsylvanians to take advantage of this resource and apply. 

Eligible households will receive a $50 discount off their monthly internet bill. The EBB may also provide a subsidy for a computer.

This benefit can help fill the gap for hard-working American families who have struggled to get online and stay connected throughout the pandemic. 

As Memorial Day approaches, I'm thinking of all the Northeastern Pennsylvanians who laid down their lives in service to their country over the years, as well as those who returned safely to their families but have since passed on. Our area has long been a place veterans call home, with nearly 50,000 currently living here. I'm looking forward to spending time with some of them over Memorial Day weekend, but I didn't want to miss the chance to visit Arlington National Cemetery before I came back home.

On Wednesday, I led a 21-member Congressional Delegation of Democrats and Republicans to Arlington National Cemetery. We visited the gravesite of Corporal Frank Buckles, the longest-surviving American Servicemember who fought in World War I, where we laid a wreath in his memory -- and the memory of all our fallen servicemembers.

Images from Congressman Cartwright's bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Arlington National Cemetery

For small business owners, partnering with the federal government might seem complicated and beyond your reach, but it may be easier than you think.

I'm hosting "Artemis Supplier and NEPA Small Business Industry Day" to connect our local entrepreneurs with my friends at NASA who are on the forefront of space exploration.

You and I both know that our district has a proud industrial heritage. Join us and find out if your small business could help advance the mission of putting the first woman and next man on the moon.

I'm holding this event on Monday, May 24 at 10:00 am with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and NASA Associate Administrator for the Office of Small Business Programs Glenn Delgado. If you're interested in learning more, register for the event here. 

The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of a free, democratic government. On January 6, I was at the U.S. Capitol to carry out my constitutional duty of certifying the election results of the presidential election. I witnessed the violent efforts to overthrow American democracy based on lies that undermine the very spirit of our nation. 

This wasn't just an attack on the halls of Congress, this was an attack on the American people that cost lives, including people in law enforcement. At the very least, we owe it to their memories and their families to know the truth about that day. 

In moments of tragedy, we have come together as Americans, regardless of politics, to uncover the truth and heal together. In the wake of 9/11, Republicans and Democrats agreed to form an independent, bipartisan commission to get to the bottom of what happened. With the same resolve, I voted in favor of forming an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 attack on our nation's capitol. I'm grateful that the bill passed the House with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. It now heads to the Senate.

I pray this is a meaningful step toward recovery after the events of January 6. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones on that day. 

Be safe and well,