Our country has also experienced an unprecedented number of illegal border crossings thanks to this administration’s open-border agenda. Since Joe Biden took office, 3,588,875 illegal southern border crossings have occurred – with over 900,000 “got-aways” entering the U.S. This historic surge of illegal immigrants continues to overwhelm law enforcement officials and make communities less safe across America. To make matters worse, many of these illegal migrants are trafficking fentanyl into the states, which has become the leading cause of death for adults ages 18-45. Make no mistake, the border crisis falls directly at the feet of President Biden and Congressional Democrats. 

The House Republican Conference stands united in our Commitment to America –  a four-pillar plan that will change course from the big-government policies of the Democrat-led Congress that have failed the American people. We will deliver real results for the American people. Our Commitment to America will bring a nation that’s safe through regaining control of the southern border, upholding law and order across the country, providing for our national defense, and restoring America’s standing on the world stage.

We will regain control of the southern border by fully funding effective border enforcement strategies, infrastructure, and advanced technology to prevent illegal crossings and drug trafficking by cartels, end catch-and-release loopholes, and require proof of legal status to get a job. We will uphold law and order across America by supporting 200,000 more police officers through recruiting and retention bonuses, oppose all efforts to defund the police, and crack down on prosecutors and district attorneys who refuse to prosecute crime.

We will provide for our national defense and restore our nation's standing on the world stage by investing in an efficient and effective military, and exercise peace through strength with our allies to counter increasing global threats. Our nation deserves competent, transparent leadership, and we just aren't getting it from the one-party rule in Washington that’s wreaking havoc on the lives of Americans.

Click here to watch my remarks on our commitment to a nation that's safe. 

Last Thursday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key inflation index, came in hotter than expected at 8.2% for September. This skyrocketing inflation crisis is a tax on every single hardworking American. Even though this administration continues to point fingers in every direction but their own, it’s clear this economic crisis is a direct result of their tax-and-spend policies – and they continue to ignore the real impacts of their radical agenda. Under Biden's watch, inflation has outpaced workers' wages for 18 months and the rising cost of goods and services will cost the average American household over $700 a month, which adds up to over $8,000 a year. Biden's shrinking economy has also dropped the average 401(k) by 25%, equating to a loss of roughly $34,000 per average investor.

It's clear that Joe Biden and House Democrats’ "Inflation Reduction" Act only stoked this out-of-control inflation crisis, and they have zero plan to address it. Americans can’t afford Democrats’ policies, but we are certainly all paying for them. 

Small businesses were hit hard by the pandemic, with many folks struggling to keep their doors open and employees on the payroll. As Congress moved to pass essential small business loans and funding to keep these hardworking Americans afloat, many are still waiting to get the relief they were promised.

I recently joined my fellow Republican colleagues, Congressman Tom Rice and Congressman David Kustoff, in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig asking them to address the on-going delays with distributing tax credits to help small businesses that were struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Last Thursday, we celebrated the 247th birthday of the United States Navy! To all past and present sailors, thank you for your dedication to protecting and defending our seas. We salute each and every one of you.

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!