IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER

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This week I want to share with you my thoughts on the alarming increase in inflation, a new piece of legislation that I introduced, my activities around the district, and important updates on federal programs. 

I enjoy hearing from you and responding to questions from your emails, phone calls, and letters. If you would like to share your concerns or opinions with me, or if you have questions about legislation or specific votes, you can send me an email here.

Inflation is on the Rise 

The latest reading of the consumer price index, a key measure of inflation, released this week pointed to prices of goods being up 5.4 percent from this month last year. That is the largest increase in thirteen years. This inflation is a tax increase on hard-working families across the district because the money you have will not go as far as it used to when buying goods. Inflation will particularly impact seniors on fixed incomes. Economists are indicating higher levels of inflation could be here to stay for years according to a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal. Earned, hourly real wages are down, as inflation is rising faster than wages are.

Inflation is impacting families across the country as their budgets are squeezed by the higher cost of everyday goods and services. Inflation is also impacting people’s ability to purchase homes. During a meeting of the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee this week, I asked an expert witness about how the cost of home construction has been impacted by inflation and how increased government spending will only cause inflation to rise faster.

Introducing Legislation to Help Fill Job Openings, Investing in Workforce & Apprenticeships 

Last week, I reintroduced the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act to help spur investment in apprenticeship and career and technical training programs to help Americans upskill, re-skill and be ready for in-demand high paying jobs. With the Department of Labor reporting that there are a record 9.2 million jobs available across the country, this legislation is as critical as ever. We have all seen help wanted signs across Lancaster and York counties as small businesses simply cannot find workers to fill open positions.

Congress should be working to assist and incentivize individuals return to work rather than continuing policies like enhanced unemployment benefits which are incentivizing individuals to stay at home.

Defending the Unborn

Protecting the unborn will always be one of my top priorities in Congress. Earlier this month, I joined many of my colleagues in the House Republican Conference in sending a letter to President Biden asking him to reverse course and keep the Hyde Amendment and other important pro-life protections in his proposed budget to Congress. The budget he proposed in late May rolled back many important pro-life protections. The Hyde Amendment, first passed by Congress in 1976 is a prohibition on federal tax dollars being spent to fund abortions. 

The value of protecting life used to be a widely accepted bipartisan endeavor, but unfortunately, we have seen that change in this Congress. President Biden and congressional Democrats want to roll-back the Hyde Amendment. I believe we must keep this important pro-life protection and will continue to fight to save the Hyde Amendment in Congress. Click the image below to read our letter. 

Around the District

I toured the newly renovated Columbia Market House with Lancaster County Commissioners Josh Parsons & Ray D'Agostino, as well as Columbia Borough Council President Heather Zink, Police Chief Jack Brommer and Borough Manager Mark Stivers.

I enjoyed visiting third-generation trailer manufacturer M.H. EBY, Inc in Ephrata to learn about the impact of labor shortages, trade and infrastructure policy have on their business.

It was great to join the community in celebrating the Lampeter-Strasburg softball team’s state championship win this week! Congratulations again on your outstanding achievement! 

Here to Help
Due to an increase in demand, the U.S. State Department is experiencing delays in issuing new passports. It may now take up to six weeks for your application to begin processing with some passports taking up to 18 weeks to be issued. For more information on passport processing times visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Please note that requests for assistance and questions regarding unemployment compensation should be directed to your state legislator. Click here for help identifying your state legislators and their contact information.

Families may have begun to receive payments for the Advance Child Tax Credit this week. Visit the IRS’s website for answers to frequently asked questions concerning this program.

If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call our district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.

Stay Connected

To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page, where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Smucker
Member of Congress