Dear John,

This week, I joined my House colleagues in passing the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes two of my bills: the Military Spouse Job Continuity Act and the Ukraine Asset Forfeiture Transfer Authority Act. 

The Military Spouse Job Continuity Act will extend a $1,000 reimbursement to military spouses who are forced to pay fees to transfer a professional license or certification due to a Permanent Change of Station.

The Ukraine Asset Forfeiture Transfer Authority Act streamlines the seizure of ill-gotten Russian assets to financially benefit Ukraine.

Highlights of this year's national defense bill include a 4.6 percent pay raise for service members, new investments in science and technology, and support for first responders by enacting the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act.

This legislation honors Northeastern Pennsylvania military families while maintaining our commitment to supporting our allies abroad.

I’m proud to see my bills included.

On Tuesday, I had a surprise visit from NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts, who kindly presented me a plaque to commemorate their most recent mission. 

The Crew-3 astronauts lived and worked on the International Space Station for six months, contributing to hundreds of experiments and technology demonstrations involving plants and crop growth. The astronauts also completed four spacewalks to prepare the station for upcoming solar upgrades and successfully replaced a faulty antenna. 

Endurance, the team's spacecraft, undocked from the Space Station in May, with all three astronauts splashing down off the coast of Florida to conclude their mission.

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which funds NASA, I am honored to have played a small part in their incredible journey.  

To learn more about Crew 3 and their missions, click here. 

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, I'll be joining my colleague Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) at WVIA for a "Meet Your Congressmen" town hall on Keystone Edition. Moderated by Larry Vojtko, Congressman Meuser and I will talk about our plans for the 118th Congress and working across the aisle for the American people. 

Stay tuned for more information about how you can join us as a member of the live studio audience.

December 15, 2022 is the deadline to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for coverage that begins on January 1, 2023. 

To learn more or to sign up for health care coverage for 2023, click here. 

Be safe and well,