A Note from the Desk of Congresswoman Julia Letlow
As the current term ends and we prepare to adjourn the 117th Congress, I’m filled with immense pride as we look back and reflect on the accomplishments of the past 20 months. We’ve returned nearly $8.7 million directly to constituents by helping resolve their issues with federal agencies such as the IRS, the VA, and the Social Security Administration. We’ve brought home nearly $14.9 million in funding for community projects such as infrastructure improvements, law enforcement, and educational programs. I’ve co-sponsored over 160 bills in Congress that would address pressing issues such as unleashing domestic energy production, sending more resources to the border, and repealing the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.
Our mission for the new year is not only to keep delivering these results in the 118th Congress, but we’re also excited to work with the new Republican majority in the House to finally pass legislation that will put forward conservative solutions and help put our country back on the right track. Our top priority is fixing the economy, and we will fight to curb the high rate of inflation and put more dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Americans. We will give the crisis at our border the attention it deserves and push to provide more tools and resources to law enforcement. We will also push to pass my Parents Bill of Rights to ensure that families always have a say when it comes to their child’s education.
I know that the last few years have been filled with challenges for everyday Americans, while the ideas that came out of Washington were just more of the failed policies of the past. I’m hopeful that with new leadership in Congress, we will be able to bring forward new solutions and finally address our most pressing problems.
Please feel free always to reach out directly to our office when you have questions, comments, or concerns. Our team is also always accessible to you through this newsletter and our website. We are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Julia Letlow
Member of Congress
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Legislative Update
- As we continue to experience record-breaking prices at the gas pump, I cosponsored H.Res.1445, which will combat the Biden Administration’s use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a political tool and ensure we’re keeping our reserves fully supplied for natural disasters and national security threats.
- One of my top priorities is delivering federal dollars to our rural communities, and grant programs can be a powerful tool to spur growth throughout our region. I cosponsored H.R. 9148, the Simplifying Grants Act of 2022, which would simplify the grant process in nonurbanized areas, and would ensure funds are more accessible throughout our region.
- Over the last few months, I have heard from countless individuals and families who would no longer be able to use their community pharmacies because of the Department of Defense’s changes to the TRICARE program. That’s why I sent two letters to the Pentagon demanding answers and sharing more about how this change could negatively impact our rural areas and block access to lifesaving treatments.
- As a lifelong educator, I believe that families should be able to find the learning environment that best fits their child’s needs. That’s why I co-sponsored H.R. 8137, the Educational Choice for Children Act, which would create a federal school choice tax credit for individuals and businesses who provide charitable donations to various K-12 education expenses for low-to-middle income households.
Legislative Update – WEP/GPO
While our fight to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset had significant momentum heading into the end of this Congress, our opponents used procedural tricks to derail our efforts. After we received more than 290 bipartisan co-sponsors on H.R. 82 – The Social Security Fairness Act by Congressman Rodney Davis of Illinois, the House Ways & Means Committee heard the bill without acting and blocked our plans to force a floor vote.
As I’ve traveled across the Fifth District, I’ve heard from many hardworking public servants – our teachers, firefighters, and police officers- who have lost most of the Social Security benefits they paid into because of this bureaucratic rule. I’m committed to continuing this fight into the 118th Congress and will not rest until these unfair rules are repealed.
We've Moved!
We’ve moved into a new office on Capitol Hill for the 118th Congress. We’re now located at 142 Cannon House Office Building. Stop by and see us when you’re in our Nation's Capital.
Meeting with Fifth District Farmers
Our farmers across the Fifth District have faced challenges this past year. From high fertilizer prices to supply chain issues and record rains, 2022 has been full of difficulties for Louisiana agriculture. We recently hosted farmers on Capitol Hill to hear more about how they’re working to recover and the need for critical federal assistance.
Paying Tribute to Our Heroes
As we paid tribute to America’s heroes on Veterans Day, it was a privilege to join VFW Post 1809 in Monroe and students at Grambling State University to honor our men and women in uniform.
Visiting A.E. Phillips Lab School
As a former educator, nothing is more exciting than returning to the classroom. I had a great visit with the amazing students and teachers at A.E. Phillips Lab School in Ruston and enjoyed sharing more about my work in Washington.
Industry in Action – Meeting with Business Leaders
Graphic Packaging is creating opportunities in Ouachita Parish one box at a time. Great to join community leaders from around our region to learn more about the work of this great employer.
Visiting Ascent in Monroe
The team at Ascent in Monroe provides critical services and counseling to children across our region. Incredible visit to their offices to learn more about their impactful work in the Fifth District.
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