Happy Independence Day
I'd like to wish you a Happy Fourth of July! I hope you're able to celebrate with friends and loved ones this weekend. As we enjoy this great day, it's important to reflect on what truly makes America the greatest nation in the history of the world. We must also remember the sacrifices that our Founding Fathers and so many men and women in uniform have made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Happy Independence Day! Click here or on the image below to watch my Fourth of July message.
Putting American Energy First
I introduced the American Energy First Act this week with Rep. Bruce Westerman that embraces an all-of-the-above energy strategy by opening up more areas to energy exploration, encouraging alternative sources of energy like offshore wind development, and cutting red tape to lower the cost of energy for hard-working families.
Our federal lands and waters have abundant natural resources that we can utilize in a safe and environmentally friendly way that can allow us to create thousands of new high-paying jobs, generate billions of dollars for local communities, and lower energy costs for American families and small businesses.
South Louisiana’s existing infrastructure and strong maritime and service industries — fortified by decades as a leader in oil and natural gas production — could allow our state to harness wind energy to our advantage and generate millions of new dollars that would go toward rebuilding our vanishing coastline and funding critical hurricane protection projects.
The American Energy First Act will double-down on the commitment to protect Louisiana's coast by increasing the percentage of revenue we receive annually from offshore oil and gas production. My legislation would also stop President Biden's crusade against American energy by preventing the president or unelected bureaucrats from blocking energy leasing and permitting without first seeking congressional approval.
I penned an op-ed in The Advocate laying out the clear benefits of an America First energy strategy, ensuring our country remains energy-dominant for the foreseeable future. You can read it here.
Holding China Accountable for Covering Up COVID-19
This week, I hosted a forum with Republican lawmakers to hear from expert witnesses, scientists, and Members of Congress investigating the origins of COVID-19 as well as the mounting evidence showing the virus originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Click here or on the image below to watch my questioning during Tuesday's panel.
We obtained significant insight that gain of function research was used to make the virus more infectious and heard credible testimony supporting the lab leak theory. We also learned that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took malicious steps to cover up COVID-19's origins and the World Health Organization was complicit in the cover-up.
It's shameful that Congressional Democrats have refused to participate in Republican-led efforts to hold the CCP accountable. We must get to the bottom of how this evil virus started, and Congress has a vital responsibility to provide leadership in these efforts.
It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information, please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
