Friends,

This week, folks across every corner of our nation will partake in one of the most cherished holidays we have as Americans – Thanksgiving.

This time of year, I am especially grateful for all who served in uniform or are serving, as well as their families. Many servicemembers are not able to spend Thanksgiving at home. I have previously celebrated the holiday with our troops in Afghanistan and have tremendous respect for their sacrifices, and those of their families. For this and countless other reasons, I believe our country owes a tremendous debt to all military families. We especially owe the families of servicemembers who paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom. That is why last week I introduced the Love Lives On Act, legislation that will allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain survivor benefits even after remarrying. This bipartisan measure will make crucial changes to current policies for surviving spouses and ensure they have access to support they so clearly deserve.

Thanksgiving is always a time to gather with friends and family and count our blessings. Unfortunately, as we prepare to sit down and celebrate this year, inflation is causing folks to pay exponentially more for their holiday meal.

Due to record inflation, the cost of holiday favorites will be the highest in almost four decades. The cost of your Thanksgiving turkey is up more than 20%. On top of this, the cost of other essentials such as potatoes, butter, and eggs are also significantly higher – up 15.2%, 26.7% and 43% respectively. Inflation will also impact your ability to travel, as the average price for gas sits around $3.66 per gallon, over a dollar more than when President Joe Biden took office.

Furthermore, our country’s diesel reserves are now at the lowest seasonal level since 1951. Diesel is used to power numerous industries including trucking, agriculture, and maritime shipping. This, coupled with our Strategic Petroleum Reserve at its lowest level since the 1980’s due to President Biden’s policies, amounts to a serious situation that threatens our national security, economy, and day-to-day wellbeing of your family.

Under two years of one-party rule in Washington, our government has fallen short of adequality addressing these issues and numerous others impacting our country. For example, just last week we learned October was the highest October on record for illegal crossings across our southern border. However, the voice of the American people has been heard and my House Republican colleagues and I now have the task of setting our country in a new direction.

We have laid out our “Commitment to America” to help your family and improve our country. Together, we will work towards building an economy that’s strong by promoting an economic environment that encourages growth, job creation, and lower costs. We will make America energy independent by utilizing an all-of-the-above approach to energy development and maximizing production of American-made energy.

Furthermore, we will work to secure our southern border by pushing for solutions like the “Remain in Mexico” policy, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall.

We have the chance to set our nation on a better course and to establish a safer, more prosperous future for you and your family. And as your Congressman, I will do my best to make sure this happens.

There is no doubt our nation is facing many challenges right now. Yet I remain optimistic for our nation’s future and thankful for all the gifts God has bestowed on us. This week, I hope you’re able to reflect on your blessings and spend time with your family. Renee, Lane, and I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Until Next Week,