Legislative Update 

Friends,

 

With a bill introduction, three committee hearings, and votes , we had a busy week (as it should be)! If you'd rather watch this week's Legislative Update, click here.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

 

During this week's Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on The State of American Diplomacy in 2024, I questioned Secretary Blinken on the Biden administration’s double standard when it comes to supporting Israel and Ukraine. President Biden has given Ukraine billions of American Taxpayer dollars (without restrictions), but imposed stringent conditions upon Israel that are restricting her ability to respond to Hamas terror attacks – to include forcing Israel to come up with a plan of governance for the terrorists that attacked her, a plan for the hostages, and a limitation on weapons employment. 

 

The Biden-sponsored “Israel aid” package took significant funds and gave them to Hamas.  Yes, you read that correctly – terrorists that are hijacking humanitarian aid from Gaza and using it to fight Israel. So while we claim to be supporting Israel, we’re sending your hard-earned dollars to terrorists that not only aim for the eradication of Israel, but the U.S. as well.   

 

I will always stand with our ally, Israel, and do everything to ensure she has the resources to keep her people safe and secure.

 

During the other committee hearings this week, I also questioned the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the federal workforce conducting union work, and the head of the Department of Energy on our power grid. Watch videos of those hearings here.

 

On Monday I introduced the Student Loan Reform Act to allow colleges and universities to cosign federal student loans. This bill allows higher education institutions to provide educational and career opportunities to help students repay their loans. 

 

Currently, colleges and universities have zero incentive to keep costs low and offer courses relevant to the job market. Students are taking out massive loans from the federal government, while colleges have little to no skin in the game when it comes to the success or financial welfare of their alumni. While this bill is by no means a silver bullet, its a necessary step in the right direction. 

Blocking the Enforcement of
Central Banking Digital Currency

This week, the House passed the Central Bank Digital Currency Anti-Surveillance State Act which blocks the Federal Reserve from using a digital currency to implement monetary policy. Many of you, my bosses, are rightfully concerned about President Biden’s announcement to surveil financial transactions under $600. 

 

Central Bank Digital Currency gives the government unprecedented visibility and control into Americans' financial transactions – making it much easier to track purchases, shut down dissent, and control speech. Some say, “It’ll never happen in America,” but it’s already starting; the federal government’s already telling you what kind or car or stove you’re “allowed” to buy.

 

We must learn from the oppressed people across the world and reject Central Banking Digital Currency. Watch my remarks on the House floor here. 

Memorial Day

 

This Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on the enormous sacrifice involved in earning and maintaining our freedom. Over a million Service Members in our Nation’s history have sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms and way of life.  While you’re enjoying time with friends and loved ones this Memorial Day Weekend, please pause and give thanks for those who were willing to pay the ultimate price for our beloved America, and all we hold dear.