This week, the House of Representatives passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 on a bipartisan basis. As the United States faces new and serious threats from maligned actors abroad such as China and Russia, our nation’s military readiness and modernization are especially paramount. The federal government’s primary role is to ensure the continued safety and security of the American people. Period. Our nation’s armed forces deserve nothing less than robust support, and I’m pleased to see that Congress has fulfilled that solemn role.

I am also proud to see that my amendment, the Defense Maintenance Data Transparency Act, was also included in this crucial package. The challenges facing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) inability to access necessary data to award truly competitive contracts to small businesses in America is unacceptable. My amendment would direct the Secretary of Defense to clarify existing, ambiguous terms in the U.S. Code, as well as in DoD’s acquisition regulations, that once corrected, will help the DoD access the data it needs to promote greater opportunity for small businesses to compete for maintenance service contracts. Greater competition within the defense industry means more value for every hardworking taxpayer in America.

Supporting Our Veterans

Recently, my office was proud submit a letter of recommendation to the Veterans Administration (VA) in support of a grant application for Warrior Expeditions, a nonprofit organization with the mission of supporting combat veterans in long-distance outdoor therapy programs throughout North Carolina and across the country. The entire nation owes our nation’s veterans a profound debt of gratitude, and I have always worked diligently to ensure that debt is properly repaid. I am very pleased to see that the application of this wonderful nonprofit was both accepted and approved so that many more combat veterans can receive the support they deserve. Our veterans are some of our finest citizens, and we will never forget those who have sacrificed to protect, uphold, and defend America and her interests.

Time For Transparency

On Monday, Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) joined me in introducing the College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act, which makes college cost decisions more consumer friendly. Our legislation is in direct response to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which found nearly two-thirds of colleges are not following best practice recommendations regarding financial aid offer letters. Our legislation will empower students and families throughout the college shopping process and prevent postsecondary institutions from hiding their true price tag.

To learn more about our bill, click here.

Quote of The Week

“All that is required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”

-Edmund Burke

Have a blessed weekend,