The State of our Union

This week, President Biden delivered his State of the Union address. Illinois families are feeling the pain of two years under President Biden and one-party Democrat rule in Washington, with forty-year high inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, a fentanyl crisis from an overrun southern border, and rising violent crime. That's why the American people elected a Republican House Majority to address these kitchen table issues, rein in out-of-control spending, and place a check on the Biden Administration.

I agree that we can and should work in a bipartisan way on issues including combating growing threats from China and the increasing harm fentanyl and opioids are doing to our communities. However, this week we heard much of the same failed policies and rhetoric that we've witnessed over the past two years from President Biden. Instead of shifting blame, President Biden should work to find commonsense solutions with Republicans in Congress to reduce costs, curb inflation, secure our border, and reduce crime.

WQAD: Illinois QC representatives respond to State of the Union address

Discussing our work to prevent China's malign activity

In the past week, we’ve witnessed the malign activity of the Chinese Communist Party firsthand. On the Intelligence Committee and Select Committee on China, we will expose how China works to undermine our military, economy, and technology - and we will strengthen American competitiveness.

I joined Fox News with Neil Cavuto this weekend to discuss the recent shoot-down of high-altitude aerial objects and China.

Watch: Rep. LaHood | Fox News: Cavuto Live - China and High-Altitude Aerial Objects

I also joined The Economist's Checks and Balances podcast to discuss the U.S-China relationship and our priorities for the 118th Congress. Addressing the challenges posed by China are not Democrat or Republican issues, they are American issues. We will work in a bipartisan way to address this head-on.

Listen: Checks and Balance: The great fall of China’s balloon

At our Intelligence Committee open hearing this week, I discussed the growing challenges posed by the Chinese government to our economic and national security. As we work to conduct oversight and strengthen our Intelligence Community, we will ensure that our policies address China's malign activity.

Watch: Rep. LaHood | Intelligence Committee Open Panel on the IC

I joined WGN Morning News this week to talk about the new goals for our Select Committee on China and the impact on Illinois.

Watch: Rep. LaHood | WGN Morning News: Select Committee on China

Ways and Means Committee hearing on the theft of taxpayer money through COVID unemployment fraud

This week, the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to discuss the unprecedented theft of taxpayer dollars as a result of pandemic unemployment fraud. Unemployment programs implemented during the pandemic have been riddled with fraud, which has only worsened due to lack of oversight. As the Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, we will work to get answers for the American people about this unacceptable and rampant abuse of taxpayer money.

Serving as Intelligence Committee Chairman of the NSA and Cyber Subcommittee

This week, I was appointed as the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence’s National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber Subcommittee. The Subcommittee has legislative and oversight jurisdiction related to the NSA and Central Security Service, intelligence-related activities of USCYBERCOM, collection and exploration of signal intelligence (SIGINT), and all cyber-intelligence activities of the Intelligence Community.

Our nation faces growing cybersecurity threats and challenges from around the globe, including China, Russia, and Iran. Our subcommittee will work with the men and women developing the future of American cybersecurity to support their efforts in ensuring that our laws both protect the rights of American citizens and further our national security interests. I am grateful for this appointment and look forward to working to strengthen our national security.

Field hearing with the Ways and Means Committee to discuss the state of the economy for working families

This week, the Ways and Means Committee held a field hearing in Petersburg, West Virginia to discuss the state of our economy for working family and small businesses. I highlighted the impacts of trade and rural broadband. Our House Republican majority will work to reduce inflation, restore energy independence, and strengthen our economy.

Watch: Rep. LaHood | Ways and Means Hearing on the State of the Economy

Supporting Illinois law enforcement

Thank you to the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the National Fraternal Order of Police for stopping by this week during their visit to Washington. As a former prosecutor, I am grateful to the men and women in Illinois law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. I will continue to Back The Blue in Congress.

At the federal, state, and local level we must continue to work together to prevent the flow of opioids and fentanyl. Thanks to the Illinois Drug Enforcement Officers for meeting with us to discuss the important work they are doing to stop overdoses and keep communities safe.

As always, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter! Enjoy the big game today!

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress

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