September 23, 2022

Friends,

I hope you and your family are well! I wanted to provide you with a few updates regarding what’s going on –

Holding the Biden Administration Accountable

Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are taking action to hold Joe Biden’s White House accountable for its blatantly anti-American energy policies that have resulted in an energy crisis and the Administration’s destructive handling of surging inflation, COVID-19, empty store shelves, the disaster at the southern border, and record-high fentanyl poisonings and deaths. The Biden Administration has taken steps to undermine the will, security, prosperity, and freedom of the American people, and we are demanding answers and transparency.

I submitted a "Resolution of Inquiry" to demand documentation on the Biden Administration’s exploitation of its self-imposed energy crisis to advance a radical rush-to-green agenda while shifting the blame for record-high gas prices on external factors. Unfortunately, the Democrats blocked all but one of our eighteen Republican-led Resolutions of Inquiry as they refuse to give the Biden Administration the accountability they need and Americans the answers they deserve.

In our "Resolution of Inquiry," we were holding the Biden Administration accountable for exploiting this self-imposed energy crisis (the worst since 1973) and high gas prices as part of their “incredible transition” away from oil and gas. President Biden committed to putting the oil and gas industry out of business, and he is making good on this promise, as his Administration has repeatedly attacked domestic energy production. We demanded documents detailing the White House’s moves to kill American energy at the expense of our energy independence and security, but Democrats blocked this attempt at transparency. For my remarks on this, click HERE. For more of my remarks during our committee on the Biden Administration's America-last energy policy, click HERE, HERE, and HERE. 

Joe Biden Declared "Pandemic is Over," Inflation Just Up an "Inch"

Now that Joe Biden has declared, “the pandemic is over,” he should reverse every arbitrary COVID shot mandate and reinstate those who lost their jobs or were discharged from the military for not getting the COVID shot (and do the same with any remaining mask mandate). It’s time for the COVID authoritarianism and political theater to come to an end.

The president also said 8.3% inflation (the highest in 40 years) is just up an “inch” and isn’t that big of a deal. He should try telling that to the families who are having to cut back on groceries because grocery prices are up 13.5% as a whole. Inflation may not affect Joe Biden, but for the rest of us, Biden’s inflation crisis has cost the average American worker over $3,000 in annual income. The worst part is, the Democrats’ Inflation “Reduction” spending bill will make this exponentially worse.

Borrowing in Joe Biden's America

The Federal Reserve keeps raising interest rates to respond to federal government-fueled inflation. In turn, this has made borrowing costs reach the highest level since the Great Recession. The dollar is less valuable due to surging inflation, and rising borrowing costs are making it even more difficult for Americans and businesses to make ends meet. Reckless government spending operates as a domino effect on the economy— fueling inflation, disincentivizing investment, causing borrowing costs to increase, and tanking the stock market. The American economy cannot afford Joe Biden’s presidency. For example, if you secured a 30-year fixed mortgage on a $400,000 home at a 2.6% interest rate in 2021, you would have the same mortgage payment as someone who bought a $261,400 home at today's 6.2% interest rate with the same monthly mortgage payment of $1,600. 

Meeting with Automobile Dealers Association 

I've had some great meetings this week, including one with the Carolinas Independent Automobile Dealers Association to better understand the challenges faced in their industry as they navigate supply chain issues and inflation. Thanks for coming up to Washington and stopping by!

On the Radio

Check out my discussion with Charlie James this week afternoon on all that’s going on in Washington this week, Biden’s border crisis, Governor DeSantis sending illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard, congressional oversight, what’s coming in the next Congress, and more! Click HERE for our interview. 

Legislative Action

I cosponsored Rep. Chris Smith's H.R. 8926, which would require an Inspector General to report on domestic violent extremism against pregnancy centers as we have seen a spike in violence and intimidation of pro-life centers since the draft opinion of the Dobbs decision was released.

I cosponsored Rep. Ronny Jackson's H.R. 8919 to eliminate taxpayer funding for National Public Radio, the hyper-partisan radio station funded by federal dollars. 

In the District

The Piedmont Historical Preservation Society purchased a white colonial-style house was built in 1878 to become a museum to “commemorate the Piedmont Manufacturing Company, local textile mill history, and contribution to the local economy.” The historic building served as a multi-denominational Piedmont Union Church for many years before becoming the home of a local family. 

The Sigma Kappa Kappa Pi sorority at Clemson has raised $45,000 and counting to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The organization has raised this money in support of the annual Alzheimer’s Walk scheduled to take place this Saturday in Anderson.

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.