Update from the Border

February 18, 2023

Bolstering Border Security

A top priority of the Republican-led House is to force Congress to break out of the Washington echo chamber and not just bring the concerns of the rest of the country to the attention of Congress, but bring the official business of Congress to the rest of America. This week, I went to the border with the Energy and Commerce Committee to see the ongoing national security crisis firsthand. Our first field hearing focused on the impacts of weak border security on the fentanyl crisis. I shared the story told to me by a constituent from Dowagiac on how southern Michigan is being devastated by this crisis.

Pursuing Energy Solutions

The Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security also held a field hearing in Midland, Texas, focused on unleashing American energy production. Developing the workforce, pushing back on the Biden administration's backdoor rulemaking, and permitting reform are key to unleashing energy potential and providing much-needed relief to millions of Americans. You can watch my questions by clicking here.

Visiting Local Manufacturer

As a member of the Education & the Workforce Committee, one of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring we are educating and training Americans to enter the workforce in a manner that'll ensure success. This week, I visited Griffin Tool in Stevensville to discuss the ongoing workforce shortage and my work in Congress to help fill the gap. We also discussed supply chain resiliency and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to meet the team.

Supporting our Farmers

Record-breaking inflation and supply chain issues have impacted farmers all across Michigan’s 5th District. Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Hildebrand Fruit Farms in Berrien Springs and discussing our shared agricultural priorities and ways we can lower costs for family farms and small businesses. Another issue I continue to hear about is the growing threat of China buying land in the United States – especially in the agricultural sector. That is why I cosponsored legislation that would prohibit purchases of U.S. land by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This is an important first step in securing our domestic food supply, countering China’s growing threat, and putting American families and farmers first.