Congressional Update from U.S. Representative Andy Barr

Addressing the Inflation Crisis

Inflation is taxation and it affects every single American from the East to the West, from the gas pump to the grocery store. As of today, gas prices reached a national average of $4.11 and have recently been the highest in U.S. history. A new study found that the inflation crisis under President Joe Biden will now cost the average American household OVER $5,000 more this year compared to last year. Furthermore, it is estimated that gas prices will now cost the American family an extra $2,000 per year.

In February, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.8%. to an annual rate of 7.9%, and ten-year inflation expectations have hit a record high.  Think inflation is bad now?  Just imagine if President Biden’s budget gets enacted.  Biden wants to increase our debt by $16 trillion, or 54%, over the next decade according to his budget proposal.  On top of that, his budget calls for $54 billion in new taxes.  We can’t tax our way to prosperity. I will keep pushing for Washington to get serious about tackling our debt crisis, reversing bad monetary policies and delivering tax relief to middle class Kentucky families.

Fighting Open Border Policies

Enough fentanyl came across the southern border last year to kill every American citizen more than seven times over.  I am taking action to stop this flow of deadly fentanyl.  Recently, I voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act in the House.  This legislation would permanently make fentanyl related substances a Schedule 1 drug and stiffen penalties against drug traffickers.  House Democrats blocked this legislation from passing, but I will continue to push for this in Congress.

Despite over 2 million illegal immigrants entering our country through the southern border, President Biden announced plans to end Title 42 protections at the border.  Title 42 protections are designed to restrict illegal migration during the pandemic.  I voted for legislation to extend Title 42.  Biden wants to force millions of Americans to get vaccinated to earn a paycheck but is pushing to get rid of COVID-19 restrictions at the border associated with the pandemic?  I will keep working to enhance security at our southern border and end this border crisis.

Combatting Russian Aggression and Renewing Faith in American Diplomacy


Congressman Barr speaking at a House Foreign affairs Committee Press Conference denouncing a potential renewed Iran Nuclear Deal that would embolden the Ayatollah’s regime.

We can and must do more to combat Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine.  Despite the ban on U.S. imports of Russian oil and natural gas, U.S. banks can still process Russian energy transactions to other countries.  Until we close this loophole in our sanctions, the U.S. will continue to bankroll Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.  That is why I introduced and  am pushing the “No Energy Revenues for Russian Hostilities Act of 2022.”  Treasury Secretary Yellen expressed openness to my legislation during a House Financial Services Committee hearing this week.  Hear my explanation on how this bill works in my interview on Newsmax earlier last week. 

Additionally, the Assessing Xi’s Interference and Subversion (AXIS) Act unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee recently.  I am leading the AXIS Act to require the State Department to submit ongoing reports to Congress about support given to the Russians by the Chinese Communist Party.  The unholy alliance between the CCP and the Kremlin is a serious threat to the United States and our allies.  China has not condemned the Russians' invasion of Ukraine and even inked a massive natural gas deal with a major Russian energy company after the invasion.  We need a full report on the collaboration between this new Axis of evil to inform the public and enable lawmakers to create a strategy to confront this threat going forward.

Finally, I joined my Republican colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to denounce the Administration for even considering rejoining the failed Iran Nuclear Deal.  After the U.S. reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, the Iranian military budget was cut by 25%, their militia fighters had their salaries cut in half and Iran’s currency reserves plummeted by 95%.  It is inexplicable that the Administration would want to rejoin the agreement with no stipulation that Iran abandon its quest for a nuclear weapon.  A nuclear Iran endangers American national security as well as the security of our ally Israel.  You can listen to my full remarks from the press conference here. 

West Point Cadets Visit the Capitol

I had the pleasure of welcoming a group of cadets from the United States Military Academy to the Capitol recently, including the sixth district’s own Nick Dennis from Winchester. Meeting with these young men and women reaffirms my faith in the future of our nation’s military and in that of our Republic. Nick, thank you and your classmates for your service to Kentucky’s Sixth District and the nation at large. We are proud to call you one of our own, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and your service!

Mobile Office Hours in KY-06

Mobile office hours are BACK! Sit down and speak with my field reps about the issues facing KY-06 at one of my mobile field offices. There is a field office in every county in the district and the link to find out when and where I am holding office hours in your county can be found here. Should you have any questions or require additional information regarding mobile in person office hours, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 1-(859) 219-1366.

Sincerely,

Congressman Andy Barr