Dear Friends,
Sunday marked the twenty-first anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. On September 11, 2001, our enemies attempted to destroy our most precious freedoms and the liberties that make our nation great. These acts of terrorism stole the lives of 2,996 people and injured thousands more, but this evil act that attempted to divide our nation did not succeed.
Through unthinkable darkness, America came together and stood strong. We witnessed the heroic and selfless actions of our first responders and law enforcement officers as they ran into the burning buildings, climbed staircase after staircase, carried the injured to safety, sifted through rubble, and risked their lives to save fellow Americans. Some paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
We can never fully thank or rightfully acknowledge the men and women who fought so hard to save lives, but we can do everything in our power to honor their memory. The noble sacrifices, courage, and selfless service will inspire Americans for generations to come. May we never forget September 11th, and may God always bless the United States of America.
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| Georgia Democrats Put State’s Interests Last |
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I recently led Georgia’s House Republican Delegation in penning an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution outlining how the recently passed Inflation “Reduction” Act is a bad deal for Georgia. The bill prioritizes wealthy taxpayers by subsiding the purchase of $80,000 luxury, electric vehicles (EVs) with a $7,500 “clean vehicle” tax credit. However, EVs produced by Georgia’s automotive manufacturer, Kia Motors, would be ineligible for the tax credit due to the burdensome requirements that vehicle components must include domestically sourced critical minerals and battery components, and requires final assembly of the vehicle in North America.
While all of Georgia’s federally elected Democrats voted for the bill, Senators Warnock and Ossoff were uniquely positioned to look out for Georgia’s interests, given that the Democratic majority unilaterally wrote the legislation. Unfortunately, our Senators put Georgia last and failed to stand up for our state before the Democrats voted to pass this bill.
Instead of doing their job and ensuring that the legislation was not detrimental to our state before voting for it, Senators Warnock and Ossoff simply did what Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and President Biden ordered.
Click here to read the op-ed.
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| Providing Opportunities for Economic Growth |
Vacant and abandoned properties destabilize neighborhoods by driving down surrounding property values, creating fire and safety hazards, and draining local tax dollars. Distressed properties are a difficult problem for local communities to resolve. Often, the cost of repairs to maintain these properties and the potential unpaid taxes on such properties exceed the actual property value, discouraging potential future buyers. In response, land banks were developed to help return vacant and tax delinquent properties to productive uses, like economic development and affordable housing.
In order to address this on the federal level, I joined Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) to reintroduce the National Land Bank Network Act last Thursday. This important legislation would create a national network to provide resources, technical assistance, and grants to help land banks nationwide implement best practices. This network would also help communities create their own land banks.
Click here to read more.
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| Medicare Advantage Roundtable |
Yesterday, I joined a Medicare Advantage Roundtable at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. During the event, we had a robust discussion with beneficiaries, providers, and community organizations on the need to improve and preserve the popular Medicare Advantage (MA) program to ensure lasting care options for all seniors.
MA provides certain healthcare benefits for seniors that are not covered under traditional Medicare, including dental, hearing, and vision care. These plans offer affordable care options with comprehensive coverage and plan flexibility. I fully support MA as an option for seniors to choose the health care they want and need. Thank you to all the participants for providing your expertise and valuable insights.
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| The Week Ahead |
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This week, the House of Representatives returns to Washington, D.C. following the August district work period. The following pieces of legislation will be considered on the floor:
S. 3103 - Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022
S. 4785 - A bill to extend by 19 days the authorization for the special assessment for the Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund
H.R. 5315 - Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act, as amended
H.R. 884 - National Aviation Preparedness Act of 2022, as amended
H.R. 5774 - Expediting Disaster Recovery Act
H.R. 1468 - Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act, as amended
H.R. 1066 - Wildfire Recovery Act, as amended
S. 2293 - CREW Act
S. 4205 - PAW Act
S. 442 - BRIGHT Act
H.R. 7939 - Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act of 2022, as amended
H.R. 7846 - Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2022
H.R. 7735 - Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022, as amended
H.R. 5916 - Wounded Warrior Access Act, as amended
H.R. 8260 - Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors’ Act of 2022
H.R. 8487 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2021
H.R. 2988 - Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021 (Subject to a Rule)
H.R. 8326 - Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act (Subject to a Rule)
H.R. 302 - Preventing a Patronage System Act of 2021 (Subject to a Rule)
Possible Consideration of Legislation Making Further Appropriations for FY23
Additional Legislative Items Are Possible
As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!
Sincerely,
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| In This Edition |
- Never Forget
- Georgia Democrats Put State's Interest Last
- Providing Opportunities for Economic Growth
- Medicare Advantage Roundtable
- The Week Ahead |
| Top News |
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Opinion: On IRA law, Georgia Democrats put state’s interests last
AJC
U.S. representatives Austin Scott, Drew FERGUSON, Andrew Clyde, Buddy Carter, Jody Hice, Rick Allen, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Barry Loudermilk: The Inflation “Reduction” Act is a bad deal for Georgia. While all of Georgia’s federally elected Democrats voted for the bill, Senators Warnock and Ossoff were uniquely positioned to look out for Georgia’s interests, given that the Democratic majority unilaterally wrote the legislation. Unfortunately, Senators Warnock and Ossoff put Georgia last and failed to stand up for our state before the Democrats voted to pass this legislation.
New fight opens in Congress over VA policy that sidesteps state abortion bans
Georgia Recorder
Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde led a group of 45 GOP lawmakers in a letter pressuring the VA to reverse course. Four other Georgia Republicans – Drew FERGUSON, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jody Hice and Barry Loudermilk – signed onto the letter.
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