State of the Union Reaction
State of the Union Reaction
President Biden gave his first State of the Union address this week, but unfortunately, he failed to give an accurate depiction of reality. During the past year, the United States has dealt with a variety of challenges such as the Biden administration’s mishandled withdrawal from Afghanistan, a massive surge in illegal immigration at the southern border, and pandemic related mandates. In addition to these crises, American families are facing the pressure of ever-increasing inflation, exacerbated by the administration’s inflationary spending and removal of our energy independence. It is time that President Biden reverses his ineffective and damaging policies and provides Americans with better solutions for remedying our nation’s problems. Click here to read my full statement.
Update on Ukraine
As Russia continues its inhumane invasion of Ukraine, lawmakers across the political spectrum stand with the Ukrainian people and recognize the need for greater support for Ukraine. Additionally, it underscores the importance of the United States ending our heavy reliance on Russia and other countries for its energy. This week, I cosponsored The American Energy Independence from Russia Act, which would allow the United States to end Russian imports by taking various steps to reinitiate American energy independence. Now more than ever, it is necessary that the United States regains its energy independence not just for relief for Americans facing surging energy prices, but for geostrategic purposes.
Protecting Kids Online
On Tuesday, at an Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, I spoke on my bipartisan bill, the PROTECT Kids Act, which would improve the safety of children from online threats. I am committed to bipartisan legislation to make necessary updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. The ongoing changes in technology have increased the number of digital threats to children, so I am strongly advocating for commonsense modifications, such as the inclusion of privacy provisions on precise geolocation and biometric information.
Fighting the Drug Epidemic
Sadly, along with other illicit substances, methamphetamine overdoses have proven to be an increasing issue in Michigan and across the country. Thankfully, the bipartisan Methamphetamine Response Act passed this week to combat the ongoing epidemic. I am glad to see this important piece of bipartisan legislation passed by the House of Representatives, as it would develop a response plan to fight the growing threat caused by methamphetamine.
Hearing From You
On Friday, I had the opportunity to hear from constituents at a community gathering in Saline. Like much of the concerns I’ve heard lately, people are worried about inflation, gas prices, energy independence and the uncertainty created by Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
Honoring Al Glick's Legacy
This past week, I paid tribute to my good friend Al Glick after his recent passing. Al, the founder of Alro Steel in Jackson, was a long-time philanthropist whose generosity was felt by all of those in the community. He will be remembered for many things, among which include his dedicated work ethic, love for sports, compassion for others, humbleness, and integrity. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his wonderful legacy.