The Week in Review

Happy Friday!

This week, I spent most of my time back in Washington, D.C. I’m fired up to continue fighting on your behalf and to keep you informed about what’s going on in the Swamp. Read below to learn about the important happenings of the week:

Holding the ATF Accountable 

Today, I sent a letter with 141 congressional colleagues to Mr. Marvin Richardson, the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), in response to ATF’s attempt to restrict the ability of law-abiding Americans to use silencers on firearms.  

The ATF continues to infringe on the constitutional liberties of law-abiding Americans. This has gone long enough. 

ATF is ignoring years of precedent to restrict individuals’ ability to make their own silencers. I’ve heard from my constituents how this arbitrary change is negatively impacting them. This is unacceptable. The ATF is overstepping its authority and it must explain its actions to Congress and the American people.

The full letter may be read here.  

Opposing the Russia Sanctions Bill 

On Thursday, I voted against H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act. I could not support it as it paves the way for the Biden Administration to target individuals who have nothing to do with Russia, to impose their own social agenda.

This bill was supposed to impact Russia, which it does, but the Democrats also inserted a dangerous provision that is not related to Russian sanctions whatsoever. 

The bill would amend the Global Magnitsky Act to allow President Biden to create his own definition of “human rights abuses” and target any foreign individual anywhere in the world. Given the Biden Administration’s radical view that access to abortion is a human right, I fear this provision could be used to target pro-life leaders and groups who seek to limit abortion access and protect the right to life.

We need to have a serious conversation about sanctioning Russia for their awful, unprovoked aggression towards Ukraine. But I won’t be hamstrung into granting Democrats the ability to further their anti-life agenda. 

The additional language also ends Congress’ routine for oversight and accountability.

For my full thoughts, click the image below: 

Top Media Appearances of the Week 

On Wednesday, I joined Newsmax to discuss my initial thoughts on Ukrainian President Zelenky’s address to Congress. The Russian invasion of Ukraine should be unequivocally condemned, but the United States should not take actions that could trigger broader war outside the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Click the image below to watch the full segment. 

CDC's Travel Mask Mandate 

On Monday, I joined Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) and fifteen other congressional colleagues in a lawsuit against the CDC's illegal mask mandate for individuals traveling on commercial airlines.

The mandate does not protect public health and is beyond the agency's statutory authority. 

The lawsuit may be read here. 

Top Tweets of the Week 

Rules Committee Testimony  

I'm against proxy voting in Congress. The Founders clearly intended for members of Congress to meet, debate, and vote in person. Click the image below to hear my thoughts during the Rules Committee yesterday: 

Vietnam Veterans' 'Pinning Event' 

On Saturday, I spoke at the Vietnam Veteran’s ‘Pinning Event’ in Mesa. Vietnam Veterans, their families, their friends, fellow Veterans, and the public were invited to attend and participate in honoring our Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice. 

It was wonderful to spend the morning with so many of our nation’s brave heroes. Thank you all for your service to this country!



Save the Date: Drop Zone 2022 

If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for our 3rd annual Drop Zone event on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Drop Zone is a resource fair for veterans, seniors, and their families to gain easy access to the services they need. Check out the poster below for more details. We’d love to see you there!