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HUDSON: One step toward a fiscally responsible future

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$95,000.

That’s more than the average household income for an entire family in North Carolina. It’s also your share of our nation’s astonishing $31 trillion debt. When I think about my seven-year-old son being saddled with a $95,000 bill before he even enters the 2nd grade, I can’t help but be worried about his future and all our children and grandchildren.

While our national debt is nothing new, out-of-control spending from Washington the last two years has accelerated this crisis to a five-alarm fire.

In fact, since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, he and House Democrats have increased the nation’s 10-year spending trajectory by $10 trillion. This includes their $2 trillion “American Rescue Plan” that ignited the highest inflation in consumer prices in forty years. It contained $400 billion for policies that paid Americans to stay home rather than go to work, $783 million in stimulus checks to federal prisoners, $2 million for a ski slope, $140 million for a luxury hotel, and $1.2 million to buy trash cans. Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” followed up with $80 billion to the IRS to target your family with audits, and over $400 billion for Green New Deal initiatives. President Biden’s Executive Orders have also cost over $1.5 trillion, including Democrats’ student loan giveaway to the wealthy.

The last two years under one-party rule saw astronomical spending, but we didn’t get in this mess overnight and we can’t fix it overnight—especially in a divided government.

This spending problem is the greatest threat to America and one of the reasons I ran for Congress in the first place. That’s why last week, I voted for the Fiscal Responsibility Act. This debt limit bill was not perfect, but it is the largest spending cut that Congress has ever voted for in American history.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Fiscal Responsibility Act will reduce the deficit by $2.1 trillion. It will cut spending year-over-year, limit top line federal spending to 1% annual growth for the next 6 years, and end uncontrollable executive spending by enforcing “Pay-Go” rules which should save taxpayers trillions.

It will jumpstart our economy with work requirements for able-bodied childless adults and will help with the number one problem every business I talk to has—a need for workers. I have been fighting for work requirements for 19 years because we have a moral obligation to stop trapping people in the cycle of poverty. While Democrats prefer dependency, Republicans are focused on self sufficiency and improving your family’s quality of life. Cutting red tape and slashing funding for new IRS agents will also help build new infrastructure and unleash the economy.

This bill will save taxpayers $5 billion per month by restarting student loan debt payments. It rejects all of President Biden’s $5 trillion in proposed new tax increases and claws back $29 billion of unspent COVID funds. All of this is done while fully funding critical defense programs and preserving both Social Security and Medicare.

For the first time, non-defense spending will be significantly lowered while defense spending will receive a $28 billion boost from the previous year to ensure our military is ready to respond to any threat.

There was not a single Democratic priority included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Speaker Kevin McCarthy forced President Biden and House Democrats to negotiate in order to avoid defaulting on our debt. This is a historic win for the American people and because of our efforts, the pattern of Washington reckless spending has come to a screeching halt.

President Ronald Reagan once said, “We can leave our children with an unrepayable massive debt and a shattered economy, or we can leave them liberty in a land where every individual has the opportunity to be whatever God intended us to be.”

The Fiscal Responsibility Act is a step in the right direction. With every man, woman, and child owing $95,000 to the government, I believe we can and must do more to build on this success. The largest spending cut in history is an important step to restoring fiscal sanity in our nation’s capital and leaving the next generation better than the last—just as Reagan had hoped.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

UnitedStatesHouseofRepresentatives

Rep. Richard Hudson announces 2023 Congressional Art Competition

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U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) announced on Monday that his Southern Pines and Fayetteville office will be accepting submissions from North Carolina’s 9th District for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to showcase the talent of our District’s high school students, and I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions,” said Hudson.

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. Since it began in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the competition.

The 2023 Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students from North Carolina’s 9th District. The overall winner of the district’s competition will have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the second and third-place winners will have their artwork displayed in Hudson’s offices.

Art entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches when framed, and may be up to 4 inches in depth. Types of artwork accepted include: 

Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor

Drawings – including pastels, pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers

Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints

Mixed Media

Collages 

Computer-Generated Art

Photography

All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Work cannot be copied from an existing photo or image that was created by someone other than the student. Work must be in its original medium and cannot be a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Art does not need to be framed upon submission, and our office will frame the winning piece before it is sent to Washington, D.C. Artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in the Capitol will not be considered. This determination will be made by a panel.

Artwork must be submitted to the Southern Pines or Fayetteville District Offices by 5 pm on Friday, April 28, with a completed 2023 Student Release Form, which can be found online at https://hudson.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Locals Coble tribute

NC congressional delegation honors Coble 

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Members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation donned their madras jackets on Friday, March 24, to honor the late Howard Coble on his 92nd birthday.

A Republican who lived in Greensboro, Coble served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years representing the Triad and surrounding areas. He died in 2015. 

Coble was a graduate of Appalachian State University and earned his law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. He served in the Coast Guard and served two terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives following a stint as the state’s Revenue secretary.

Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) organizes the bipartisan recognition each year to honor the memory of Coble, who he called a good friend and mentor, and to keep his legacy alive.

Joining Hudson were Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-08), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Rep. Kathy Manning (NC-06), and Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07).

Virus Outbreak Pennsylvania

HUDSON: End of mask mandates backed by science, will of the American people

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“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

President Ronald Reagan warned us about the dangers of government overreach when he spoke these words back in 1981. Unfortunately, many of those in power today fail to heed them.

Last Monday, a federal judge in Florida struck down President Joe Biden’s travel mask mandate, effectively ending mandates on public transportation. This was a momentous decision and a major victory in the fight to end all mask mandates nationwide. The ruling was met with great excitement and numerous airlines, businesses, and localities lifted their mask requirements almost immediately. This includes places like Concord, which announced only a day later that face masks would no longer be required at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, the Rider Transit Center, or while riding the bus. On some flights, some people even cheered loudly as the change was announced over the loudspeaker. 

This was a long-overdue decision backed by science and the will of the American people. However, as quick as the ruling came out, so did President Biden’s counterattack. 

Just three days after the mandate was revoked, Biden’s Justice Department announced it would appeal the decision on the grounds of protecting public health. However, this appeal would not do anything to improve American public health. 

I have been a vocal advocate for lifting unnecessary mask mandates for some time. In February, I led the successful fight against mask mandates on our children in Cumberland County schools. I also cosponsored the Unmask Our Kids Act to direct education funding only to school districts that provide in-person learning and optional masks. 

Despite insisting that mask mandates are still needed to protect American public health, Biden remains committed to repealing Title 42 public health protections at our southern border. Title 42 is a common sense regulation that gives government officials the authority to quickly turn around migrants at the southern border to protect health. Since its implementation in March 2020, it has played an integral role in stemming the flow of illegal migration. Repealing it now would only make the border crisis worse.

Last week, we learned there were 221,303 migrant encounters at our southern border in March. This is a 33% increase from the month prior and the highest monthly total of Biden’s presidency. Unfortunately, this is not a surprising trend, as illegal crossings have risen nearly every month since Biden took office. If Title 42 is revoked, the Department of Homeland Security estimates up to 18,000 migrants per day will illegally enter our country. This would overwhelm our border patrol agents, as well as deepen the humanitarian, national security, and public health crises we are already experiencing.

We need policies that actually protect the health and security of Americans. Securing our border is fundamental to this. We must also finish construction of the border wall, increase funding to border patrol, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and maintain Title 42 protections.

Whether they are appealing or repealing, President Biden and Washington Democrats continue to promote a far-left agenda over the well-being of American families. Yet you deserve better. That’s why I will continue to work every day to ensure you and your family can live safely and free from needless government interference as our Founding Fathers intended.

Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

White House Holiday Entertaining

HUDSON: A season of hope

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As we celebrate Christmas this week, I hope we are all able to take time and reflect on the true meaning of this holiday for all who celebrate it.

In the Christmas story as found in the book of Luke, an angel appears to a group of shepherds. Speaking to them, the angel says, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2: 10-11).

With the birth of Jesus came the fulfillment of God’s promise to all mankind. It also brought a renewed hope to all who would believe in Him. It truly is the greatest story ever told.

This season, it seems we could all use that hope more than ever. For me, I could not do my job or get through most days without my own faith. While people can let us down, I am thankful the source of my hope comes from my faith. I am also thankful to live in a country where we are all free to practice our faith, no matter what it might be.

This holiday season, let’s first remember those who wear our nation’s uniform to protect those freedoms — especially those separated from their own families. Let’s also keep their families in our prayers. We should also be thankful for our first responders and health care workers on the front lines who are all facing challenges like never before. 

While our current troubles can often feel pretty bleak, it’s always important to remember that we have faced hard times before. From George Washington’s starving soldiers at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777, to the Civil War, to the Great Depression, Americans have always pulled through. In 2022, I am confident we can do so again by working together. Yet above all, I am confident and hopeful for the future because of the promise that was fulfilled on that first Christmas day.

From my family to yours, I wish each of you who celebrate, a very Merry Christmas. I also wish everyone a happy and healthy start to the New Year. I look forward to getting back to work on your behalf very soon and continuing to address the challenges we face. In the meantime, enjoy time with family and remember what’s most important — our faith, our families, and the blessings we enjoy living in this great country.

Flyover

HUDSON: They fought for us; let’s fight for them

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Just before Veterans Day in 1983, President Ronald Reagan said, “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.”

On Veterans Day, we honor the best our nation has to offer. We honor those who served to keep America safe in times of peril. And we honor their families who have shared in their sacrifices. Without our nation’s veterans, we would not have the America we enjoy today. I can never thank them enough for their service to our great country.

On Thursday, I joined with veterans from World War II through the War on Terror in Kannapolis. We began the day at veteran-owned Local Patriot Roasting Company, followed by a program at Old Armor Beer Company, which is also veteran-owned. Supporting businesses like these, or hiring a veteran if you’re able, are among some of the best ways to honor our heroes.

While speaking Thursday, I acknowledged this year has not been easy for our veterans. Much of that stems from witnessing the botched withdrawal of Afghanistan that tragically led to the death of 13 servicemembers. Two of them were connected to our state and community — Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole Gee from Sacramento, California, was stationed at Camp Lejeune, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss from Pinebluff was stationed at Fort Bragg.

The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan has impacted all of us. Images of the Taliban with American military equipment and the fact that thousands of Americans and our allies have been left behind are infuriating. While the Biden administration must be held accountable for their decisions, let me say directly to veterans who served in Afghanistan — your sacrifice mattered! You did your job, you kept us safe from terrorists for 20 years, and our country is proud of you.

All of us must do all we can to support every man and woman who has worn our nation’s uniform, as well as their families. Throughout my time in Congress, this has been a top priority.

Working with my colleagues, we passed the largest budget in history for the VA. We passed the MISSION Act to improve health care for our veterans, whether they choose the VA or their own doctor. Last Congress, I secured provisions to expand access to VA health benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.

To build on this progress, this year I have introduced the Care Veterans Deserve Act to expand veterans’ ability to choose to go to the VA or a private doctor. The Care for the Veteran Caregiver Act increases support for caregivers and streamlines the caregiver process. The VA Electronic Health Record Advisory Committee Act will help implement an electronic record system that is vital. And the Veterans in Parks Act grants free admission to our national parks for veterans and Gold Star families.

Working together with Republicans and Democrats, we have accomplished a lot to support our veterans. Yet there is more to do.

Active-duty suicides are up 46% from last year. Veteran suicides are not far behind. If you or someone you know is a veteran who needs support, call the veterans crisis line: 1-800-273-8255.

No veteran should ever feel alone or unsupported. That’s why in addition to the crisis line, this year I am encouraging another opportunity to reach out to veterans and active-duty troops.

I have cosponsored legislation designating Nov. 21 as National Warrior Call Day — a day to call a veteran you know and tell them how much you value their service. This small gesture may save a life, and it’s the least we can do to say thank you to those who have served.

I will never waiver on my commitment to support our veterans, and as President Reagan said, “protect what they have won for us.”

Veterans Day shouldn’t be just one day a year. Today and every day, join me in thanking veterans for their service and remembering the liberties and freedoms they have defended for all of us.

It’s an honor to be Fort Bragg’s congressman. It’s an honor to be your congressman. And it’s an honor to represent so many of you who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Congress Budget

HUDSON: Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend scheme

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President Ronald Reagan wisely said, “We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.”

Today, our national debt is an unfathomable $29 trillion, and President Reagan’s warning has never been truer.

It’s no secret that President Joe Biden and Washington Democrats are addicted to spending your hard-earned money. Their so-called “Reconciliation Plan” is a prime example. This massive entitlement and climate change bill, a radical proposal written by Bernie Sanders, will transform our society into something we don’t recognize and will cripple our economy.

Washington Democrats have been working to finalize their bill behind closed doors — hiding details of the massive plan from you, the American people. Yet this is not the first time they have tried this trick. In 2010, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously said Democrats had to pass Obamacare into law for you to find out what was in it. Fast forward to 2021, and here we go again.

While their plan has changed throughout the last month, one thing is clear: it is a massive expansion of government control over your life from the cradle to the grave.

To pay for it, their proposals have included $2.1 trillion in new tax hikes. The plan would punish families by raising taxes on 75% of the middle class. It raises the business-tax rate to among the highest in the developed world, well above communist China’s. We all know these businesses will be forced to pass those costs along to you and it means less job opportunities. In fact, this tax increase will force lower and middle-income taxpayers to shoulder 66.3% of the huge corporate tax increases. It also raises taxes on 1.4 million small businesses which employ 12.5 million American workers. While they have discussed numerous tax gimmicks to target billionaires, in reality their plan would give tax breaks to the wealthy, providing families earning $800,000 with $118,000 in tax credits.

While their elite friends get tax breaks, Democrats plan to further punish you by raising the costs to fill your car or heat your home. Home energy bills are already expected to increase by 54% this winter! A new natural gas tax included in their bill would increase your heating bills by an additional $242 per year. Another new tax on energy producers could cost up to 90,000 Americans their jobs.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, President Biden’s proposal will use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. It would grant amnesty to more than 8 million illegal immigrants. $80 billion is spent to hire 85,000 new IRS agents to monitor your bank account if you spend just $28 a day.

What’s worse — President Biden has tied this massive entitlement bill to infrastructure legislation. There is massive bipartisan support for investing in our roads, bridges, ports and broadband. Yet just 10% of their $1.5 trillion ‘infrastructure’ bill is devoted to infrastructure, while the rest is devoted to propping up radical Green New Deal climate provisions.

Rest assured, I oppose both bills because they are the wrong solutions and the wrong time. Just last week we learned that economic growth in the last quarter slowed to a dismal 2% — the worst since our economy began to reopen after the pandemic. Gas prices in North Carolina jumped 14 cents per gallon, tied for the largest spike in the nation.

Supply chain issues and inflation are clearly taking a toll on families and our economy. I cannot support trillions in new spending and taxes that will only make Biden’s economic, energy and inflation crises worse.

We need to get government out of the way, get Americans back to work, encourage energy production here in the U.S., and cut government spending and taxes. While many in Washington argue how much to tax you and how large to grow government, I will always stand up for you and your family.

Sept 11 Remembrance

HUDSON: Americans shouldn’t accept the status quo

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On Feb. 2, 1977, President Jimmy Carter addressed the nation from the White House. He had been in office for two weeks and inflation was already beginning to impact American families. Famously wearing a cardigan sweater, he said energy shortages would be permanent while urging Americans to lower their thermostats to 55 degrees and make sacrifices. This address was followed by several years of hyperinflation, gas lines, and as President Carter called it, “a crisis of confidence.”

By 1980, America was fed up and sent an eternal optimist and problem solver to the White House. President Ronald Reagan didn’t accept that America’s best days were behind us and the next generation would have to make more sacrifices than the last. He worked to lower taxes and address the inflation, energy and economic crises facing our nation, inspiring millions of young Americans like me to believe in our country.

Nearly 40 years later, our country is once again facing inflation, energy and economic crises. Gas prices are at their highest in seven years. Consumer goods cost the most in 13 years. We have a stagnant economy with a record 10 million jobs available. Now labor shortages and supply-chain issues are leading to empty shelves around the country.

In the face of these challenges, last week the Washington Post published an op-ed that said “Don’t rant about short-staffed stores and supply chain woes. Try to lower expectations.” It went on to say Americans have been spoiled, but “now it’s our turn to make adjustments.”

This sums up what many Washington Democrats believe. The Biden administration has called our current inflation crisis “transitory” and a “high class problem.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said supply-chain problems are simply something Americans will have to endure into the next year. These Washington Democrats dismiss the challenges you and your family are facing while telling you to just deal with higher costs at the gas pump and empty shelves in the stores.

Like President Reagan, I know we don’t have to accept this status quo. Americans are exceptional and we always rise to every challenge. Instead of lowering expectations, we need to demand better and start to address our challenges head on.

You sent me to Washington to solve problems and get things done. It’s not always easy amid the current partisanship and radical agenda of Democrats in Washington. But I have never stopped working on common-sense solutions for you and your family.

Last week, I was proud to have two bills passed by the U.S. House to address some of our current problems. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of relying on foreign countries, especially when it comes to needed medical supplies. I introduced the Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act to reduce our foreign dependence for critical supplies like PPE by boosting our manufacturing to make those products here in the United States. It also makes needed improvements to our national PPE stockpile to ensure it is full and items are ready for the next public health emergency.

I introduced the Open RAN Outreach Act to strengthen our telecommunications supply chains. It also helps protect small and rural communications providers from Chinese-backed companies like Huawei. Providers backed by the Chinese Communist Party have tried to undercut their prices and expand their outreach, particularly in our rural communities. My legislation encourages a competitive market so we can expand network access across our country without Chinese interference.

Strengthening our PPE stockpile, domestic manufacturing and supply chains and standing up to China have never been more important for our economy and our national security. Now that these bills have passed the House, I will continue to work until they are passed by the Senate and signed into law.

There are many other challenges facing our nation. Last week, data revealed border agents apprehended the highest number of illegal migrants at our border in at least 35 years. I’m concerned by a plan from the Biden administration to monitor your bank account. The Department of Justice has threatened to treat concerned parents at school board meetings as domestic terrorists. And Washington Democrats are determined to pass trillions in new spending and tax increases that will make our inflation crisis even worse.

While I will fight against these measures, the bipartisan bills I had passed last week are a model of how Washington and your government should operate. I’ll continue to work on your behalf and perhaps we don’t have to lower our expectations after all.

Biden

HUDSON: Democrats’ ludicrous claim that most expensive bill in history will cost $0

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Freedom is under attack.

Liberal politicians in Washington think they know what’s best for you when it comes to your health care, what your children are learning in school, what kind of car you should drive, and how you spend the money in your bank account.

Their reckless spending has already led to skyrocketing inflation. Unfortunately, Washington Democrats are doing everything they can to advance trillions more in government spending and new taxes that will transform our society and only make inflation worse.

Last week, Democrats worked to advance their $3,5000,000,000,000 infrastructure bill. Only 10% of this bill goes to roads, bridges and traditional infrastructure. Their $3.5 trillion boondoggle includes $2.1 trillion in tax increases, funds abortions, includes radical Green New Deal climate provisions, and opens the door to amnesty for 8 million illegal immigrants.

President Biden and Speaker Pelosi have made the claim that this spending bill — the largest in the history of the United States — will cost $0. That is ludicrous. By the way, if this was true, then why do they need to raise the debt ceiling?

The left-leaning Tax Policy Center determined the bill will result in a tax hike for 75% of middle-class families next year.

In reality, this bill includes a 33% tax increase on 1.4 million small businesses, affecting 12.5 million American workers. The left-leaning Tax Policy Center determined the bill will result in a tax hike for 75% of middle-class families next year. The Joint Committee on Taxation found that within 10 years, 66% of the tax burden from raising the business tax would be on lower and middle-class workers. The National Association of Manufacturers released a study showing the tax increase would cost one million jobs in two years. The bill would lead to your monthly utility bills costing more. And finally, it adds $17 trillion to our national debt to be paid for by your children and grandchildren.

I oppose this agenda because of the extreme cost to you and your family. We must make common-sense investments in our roads, bridges, highways and broadband. But we must also work to grow our economy and get people back to work. Exploding the size of our federal government and its control over your life does not help achieve that goal. 

While Democrats push to advance their agenda, last week I worked to defend our Second Amendment.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) funds our entire Defense Department for the year. It included pay raises for our troops and provisions I secured for Fort Bragg. However, this year’s defense bill is not a perfect bill. I strongly opposed Democrats, who just like last year, inserted a section on Red Flag laws that threaten the Second Amendment rights of our servicemembers. Like last year, I am leading efforts to ensure these provisions are removed. Last week, 160 of my colleagues joined my push to ensure Red Flag laws are stripped from the final bill. I appreciate their support and will continue this fight until the bill is finalized.

And finally, it seems only one person has been punished over the botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Unfortunately, it is Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a Marine who spoke out against President Biden’s deadly withdrawal. I reached out to Lt. Col. Scheller when he was relieved of his command as a result. Then last week, it was reported he was detained indefinitely without being charged with a crime or receiving a trial date for posting on social media. I wrote to the secretary of the Navy last week with urgent questions about his status, because our men and women in uniform deserve due process.

There are many challenges before Congress right now. Yet rest assured I will work to provide common-sense solutions that work for you and your family and will always stand in the way of reckless spending and bigger government.

Reagan

HUDSON: Reagan’s warnings on inflation still ring true

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“A President’s greatest responsibility is to protect all our people from enemies, foreign and domestic. Here at home the worst enemy we face is economic — the creeping erosion of the American way of life and the American dream that has resulted in today’s tragedy of economic stagnation and unemployment.”

President Ronald Reagan said these words in 1982. However, they ring as true today as ever before.

As the crisis on our southern border worsens and inflation reaches new highs, last week Washington liberals ignored these problems and continued their reckless spending spree. The House passed legislation which would once again raise the debt ceiling in order to pay for their $3,500,000,000,000 liberal wish list. Keeping our government open is critical. However, I opposed this move to allow more debt. Democrats — who control the House, Senate and White House and who have spent trillions already this year — should not have a blank check to recklessly spend even more of your tax dollars. Their bill will raise taxes on everyone, give the federal government more control over your life from the cradle to the grave, and only make our inflation crisis worse.

Despite this, their bill did have one good provision — funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. However, last Tuesday, Washington Democrats caved to racist, anti-Semitic factions and stripped this funding from the bill. Later that day, we forced a second vote to approve the funding for Israel. Once again, radical, racist Democrats opposed it.

America should always stand with Israel at every opportunity. Failing to do so is shameful and our allies, as well as our adversaries, are watching.

As threats increase around the world, I was glad the House was able to come together and pass our nation’s bipartisan annual defense bill last week.

This year’s National Defense Authorization Act is not perfect. But I was proud to support this bill which included much needed funding for Fort Bragg and our men and women in the military.

Overall, it provides a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers and reverses dangerous cuts to our military proposed by President Biden. It also adds resources to secure our border, holds the Biden administration accountable for its withdrawal from Afghanistan, and protects servicemembers’ personal liberties.

I am especially proud that the bill includes provisions I have worked on throughout the year. For Fort Bragg, $27 million was included for needed construction projects on the base. For military families, my bill to expand and improve education funding was included. I also championed included provisions to increase PFAS testing on bases, combat sexual assault in the military, and modernize the Basic Allowance for Housing.

There are several provisions in the bill I am concerned about, including red-flag laws that threaten the Second Amendment rights of servicemembers. However, like last year, I will now work to ensure these provisions are removed as negotiations continue between the House and Senate.

I will never waiver from my commitment to support our troops, their families, and our veterans. The NDAA is an example that we can still come together and solve problems for our nation. Now we must do the same on issues like growing our economy, supporting our allies like Israel, and ending the crisis on our border. I will stay focused on common-sense solutions on behalf of you and your family.