House Republicans pledged to build an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a future that’s built on freedom, and a government that’s accountable. Now, it’s time to deliver on that commitment.
The Budget Committee, which I sit on and am running for Chairman of next Congress, has a big role to play in every aspect of this commitment. We must get serious about balancing our budget because it underscores everything that we do.
An economy that’s strong requires smart spending practices and pro-growth, pro-business regulations. The Budget Committee must address this by paving the way for reforming our tax code to be more efficient, restraining government spending, and reducing barriers to participate in the economy. Inflation is nothing more than too many dollars chasing after too few goods, and the Budget Committee must reduce the supply of inflationary taxpayer dollars to bring down inflation.
A nation that’s safe requires strong law enforcement, a secure border, and strong national security. Interest alone on our federal debt is set to surpass defense, as early as next year, as the third highest line item in our budget. Imagine the great work the federal government could be doing to secure the southern border and back the blue if we didn’t have to pay that interest.
Debt is also a national security concern. Our ability to respond to international crises is greatly diminished when we are crippled by federal debt. A future that’s built on freedom is not possible if we do not start by freeing ourselves and future generations from debt to China and other hostile foreign nations.
Finally, a government that’s accountable to the taxpayers must be responsible stewards of their hard-earned dollars. To quote President Ronald Reagan: “We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.” It’s time to hold the Biden Administration accountable and stop the nearly $10 trillion in new spending he’s already authorized in just two years.
This intergenerational theft must come to an end. It’s time to balance the budget and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington.
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In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're celebrating the passage of a bill in honor of Jackie Walorski.
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Monday, November 28, 2022: Yesterday was a sad day for me personally and for the State of Georgia as we laid to rest Georgia’s Speaker of the House, David Ralston, in his hometown of Blue Ridge in the North Georgia mountains. Along with many of Georgia’s political leaders, I was in attendance to honor the life of this great Georgian whose impact on our State, and especially on Northeast Georgia, will be felt for years to come. While Georgia lost a great leader, I lost a great friend.
Today begins on a much brighter note as I get to visit with students at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS) at their campus in Chatham County. I begin by visiting with the Raider Cheer Team and present them with congratulatory letters recognizing them for recently winning the Georgia High School Association AAA State Championship. This is the first time in school history that they have won this particular state championship in any classification.
Next, I speak to a class of government students as I share with them what an average day serving in Congress looks like and answer their questions. I have always said that interacting with students is my favorite activity in this position.
Afterwards, I head to the Lower School where I read “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas” to combined classes of pre-kindergarten children before heading back to the Upper School and speaking to another government class. Before leaving this great school, I meet with the headmaster to learn more about all the great work they are doing here.
Next, I head to downtown Savannah where I speak at the We Work for Health- Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) as they roll out the RALI CARES trailer. RALI brings together national, state, and community leaders to exchange best practices and provide resources that help prevent misuse of prescription medicines. Among the others represented at the ceremony are Chatham County, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and Chatham Narcotics.
Afterwards, I head to our Savannah district office where I meet with leaders of the trucking industry to discuss proposed changes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the industry.
After a virtual interview with a television station in Columbus to discuss the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff, I join in on our all staff conference call.
Next, I head to J.C. Lewis Primary Care at the Oglethorpe Mall where the RALI CARES trailer is being displayed and tour the trailer as well as the Care center. Later, I head to the airport for my trip to Washington.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2022: After meeting with staff this morning to map out our schedule for this week and review our presentations for my run for Budget Chair, I welcome my good friend and former Georgia State Senate colleague, Judson Hill, to my office. Judson works closely with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington and previously served on their Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.
Next, I have a virtual interview with The Hill as part of their Reimagining the Pharma Supply Chain event as we discuss my MADE in America legislation and other pieces of legislation aimed at addressing supply chain disruptions.
Afterwards, I have a call with representatives from American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) to discuss pharmacy legislation we are working together on before heading to a meeting with Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to discuss my Budget Committee Chairmanship run.
After a meeting with my House colleagues from Georgia and South Carolina to select our Steering and Policy Committee representatives for our region, I head to our weekly Whip Team meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022: I have a live virtual interview on Newsmax this morning as we discuss the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff, oil drilling in Venezuela, and Republican Conference leadership races.
Next, I head to our weekly GOP Conference meeting before heading to the House Chamber for our first vote of the day. Once back in our office, I join in on our all staff conference call before heading to a meeting with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) to discuss my Budget Committee run.
After recording a virtual interview in my office with A Starting Point to discuss my Big Cat Public Safety legislation, I meet with staff to review my Budget Committee presentation before heading to the House Chamber for our second and final vote series of the day.
Afterwards, I head to the Congressional Visitors Center (CVC) where I spend most of the afternoon in the Republican Conference 118th Organizing Committee as we vote on conference rules for the next Congress.
Later in the evening, I am honored to receive recognition for my work with the Republican Conservation Caucus (RCC) in the environment/conservation policy area.
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Thursday, December 1, 2022: I’m up early this morning and at the Fox Studios in downtown Washington as I join Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria as a panelist as the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) numbers are released this morning.
Once back on Capitol Hill, I head to the office of Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to discuss my Budget Chairmanship run before heading to the Capitol Hill Lawn to record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefings.
Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Savannah State University Executive Director for Government Relations LeAndrea Mikell, who was recently honored by Georgia Trend magazine as one of Georgia’s 40 under 40.
After attending the weekly Georgia delegation lunch, I head back to my office where I speak at the Capstone Virtual Future of Healthcare Summit before heading to the House Chamber for votes.
Once back in my office, I meet with staff to review our Budget Chairmanship presentation then head to downtown Washington where I attend the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Tribute Celebration honoring former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.
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Friday, December 2, 2022: I’m in the House Chamber first thing this morning as I pay tribute to Linda Githens, owner of Latin Chicks in Savannah, who has recently been named as one of Georgia Trend’s 40 under 40.
Afterwards, I remain in the Chamber where I speak on the Jackie Walorski Maternal & Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022.
Next, I head to a meeting of the members of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee before heading back to the House Chamber for our final vote of the week.
Afterwards, I head to the Cannon Rotunda where I have a live interview on Fox Business’s Varney & Company to discuss the Georgia Senate runoff.
My last meeting before heading to the airport for my return trip home is with Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) to discuss my run for Budget Chairman.
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Click here for this week's vote sheet in the House. |
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