Hi John. I hope you and your family are well.

I know good ideas can come from Republicans and Democrats. So today, I wanted to share good news about some concrete and bipartisan solutions we just passed into law to stop wasteful spending.

I understand many Kansans are concerned about our nation’s debt. If we’re going to rebuild trust between people and their government, Congress has to do a better job of protecting taxpayer dollars.

That’s why I stood up to leaders in my own party to push them to honor Pay-As-You-Go budget rules. New programs should be paid for by cutting other spending or with revenues. I also stood up to my own party to stop congressional pay raises.

And now I’m pleased to share that we just passed new bipartisan laws to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse. Please click here to watch and learn more.

Our bipartisan legislation passed the House earlier this summer. I’m pleased to share they were just signed into law earlier this month.

On the Small Business Committee, I’ve worked with both parties to stop abuse in pandemic relief programs.

Some initiatives, like the Paycheck Protection Program, were incredibly valuable in the pandemic. They kept many local businesses afloat and workers on the job. Unfortunately, we also saw clear abuses that have to be addressed.

For example, nearly $1 million in fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans were taken out in the names of Johnson County residents last year. I called on the SBA to investigate these claims and hold victims blameless. I also pressed the Small Business Administration’s Inspector General to do more to combat identity theft.

The bipartisan PPP and Bank Fraud Enforcement Harmonization Act, and the COVID-19 EIDL Fraud Statute of Limitations Act, will target this kind of fraud. They ensure law enforcement has the time and resources to investigate pandemic relief fraud cases. Both are now law and ensure the statute of limitations doesn’t hamstring investigations.

My focus is on concrete and bipartisan solutions that can make a difference for Kansans. For example – the bipartisan infrastructure law I helped pass is doing that by helping to replace lead pipes in Olathe. We need to invest our economy while we keep an eye out for waste and abuses.

Eliminating waste and fraud, being fiscally responsible, and lowering our debt shouldn’t be about whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. It’s about doing the right thing and protecting taxpayers.

Here are just a few other steps bipartisan actions I’ve taken to ensure fiscal responsibility:

• Joined with 60 Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan effort to help get our debt under control. We need to put our budget on a more fiscally responsible path.

• Introduced bipartisan legislation to promote responsible budget policy and free up airwaves for rural broadband. This bill renews the government's ability to sell broadband spectrum. This is a major, non-tax-related source of revenue that's used to expand rural broadband, bring down the cost of internet service, and pay for public safety programs.

• Supported the bipartisan REINS Act to stop wasteful spending at government agencies. Instead of lavish office redecorations, federal agencies should provide updates on their performance.

We can make commonsense and bipartisan investments to help grow our economy. That’s why I was glad to help pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law recently to boost U.S. manufacturers and lower costs. I was glad to meet with local Kansas businesses about how we can use the new law to grow and hire.

My job is to serve everyone – regardless of party. Kansans need concrete and bipartisan solutions to create better future with more jobs and lower prices. That’s why I’m glad we passed a bipartisan infrastructure law and a new bipartisan law to boost U.S. manufacturing and to stand up to China.

No one should have to accept the false or self-defeating choice that we have to balance our budget on the backs of the middle class – including by cutting Social Security, Medicare, or investments in our economy. Balancing our budget requires pragmatism – not extremism.

It's an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you or your family need resources – including help with gas, groceries, housing, health care, and more – please visit davids.house.gov/lowercosts.

If you have any questions or would like to share your views, don’t hesitate to contact me.

My warmest regards,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

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