Inflation, energy, and the border
Hearing from You
I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents in Dundee this week to hear their concerns. Topics of discussion included inflation and sky-high energy prices. Another focus of the conversation was the importance of securing the border. It was reported this week that over 2.2 million illegal immigrants have crossed the southern border since President Biden took office. To address the border crisis and strengthen our national security, I have cosponsored the Border Security for America Act and the Finish the Wall Act. Solutions are available to protect American citizens and improve our monitoring of the southern border.
Education & Labor Markup
On Wednesday, I spoke at the Education and Labor Committee markup where I voiced support of bipartisan legislation, which I introduced with Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), to improve access to health care. While I am pleased our legislation passed the Committee, unfortunately, it was the only bipartisan bill that the majority brought up for consideration. Throughout the markup, I also spent time speaking against attempts to drop important provisions to protect religious liberties.
Latest on Ukraine
On Wednesday, I witnessed an incredibly powerful and moving address by President Zelenskyy in his virtual remarks to Congress. There is no doubt that more can and should be done to assist Ukraine in this fight without taking unnecessary risks to draw us into direct conflict. The Biden Administration should respond quicker with both military and humanitarian aid and allow the Ukrainians to continue their fight for freedom with supplies they desperately need.
Improving Wireless Deployment
This week, I participated in a Communications and Technology subcommittee hearing where I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of development and deployment of future wireless networks. Deployment is crucial in connecting rural communities, fostering better telehealth services, and utilizing precision agriculture. It is essential that the United States leads the international community in this area to ensure that adversaries like China and Russia do not bolster their standing and have control over international wireless infrastructure.
Re-examining Iran Negotiations
The Iran regime's heinous record on human rights as well as anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiment have seemingly escalated in recent years. Despite this, the Biden Administration has been negotiating with the regime and, according to news reports, is preparing to lift sanctions. To make matters worse, Russia has been utilizing these talks for leverage as they continue their immoral war on Ukraine. I signed onto a letter to President Biden reminding him the Constitution prohibits him from unilaterally negotiating another flawed nuclear deal with Iran after the failures of the one-sided agreement reached under the Obama Administration. Our letter lays out basic steps Iran needs to take before negotiations continue including dismantling its nuclear program, ceasing terrorism, and releasing American hostages.
Hearing from Michigan Farmers
It was a pleasure to meet with farmers from the district this week while they were in Washington. We discussed a variety of current issues facing the community like the soaring cost of fertilizer and rising diesel prices. Record-breaking production prices could devastate many family farms. These staggering costs are overwhelming and a major financial burden, and I remain committed to fighting inflation, unleashing domestic energy and implementing other solutions.