America & the World are Less Safe under President Biden

The world will not soon forget the horrific images of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. I pray for comfort for the families and loved ones of the heroes that lost their lives in selfless service to our nation. To honor and remember their sacrifice, I joined nearly 160 of my colleagues in cosponsoring legislation to award each of the 13 servicemen and women who lost their lives last week with the Congressional Gold Medal. This medal is awarded to individuals as the highest expression of national appreciation, and I can think of no others more deserving than these true patriots who 13 gave their lives aiding in the evacuation of their fellow Americans and our Afghan allies.

President Biden and his administration failed the American people and our Afghan allies. Despite his claims from two weeks ago, President Biden left Americans behind in Afghanistan. Officials in Biden’s Department of State also estimate that a “majority” of our Afghan allies who applied for special immigrant visas were also left behind. That we would leave Americans and Afghan allies behind, to me, is unconscionable. I have called for a thorough and immediate investigation into the decisions that were made by all of the officials involved in the process that led to the crisis we are currently seeing unfold in Afghanistan. Read my most recent statement about our withdrawal from Afghanistan here. 

Opposing Biden, Pelosi and Sanders’ $3.5 Trillion Socialist Wish List  

When Congress was called back to session last week, it was not to deal with the pressing challenges our nation was facing in Afghanistan, to address rampant inflation, to secure our southern border or any of the other crises facing the nation. Instead, it was to vote on a $3.5 trillion budget-busting wish list proposed by President Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Speaker Pelosi.

This wasteful boondoggle would irresponsibly plunge our nation $17 trillion further into debt and further increase inflation which is already squeezing hard working Americans’ budgets.  

The manner in which the House considered the budget made a mockery of Congress. Normally, the U.S. House of Representatives considers a “rule bill” as uncontroversial and simply a procedural vote. It determines the structure of how the House debates and which amendments are considered for a particular piece of legislation.

In this case, Speaker Pelosi used the “rule bill” to also pass the underlying budget resolution. That there was no stand-alone vote on such a consequential piece of legislation is absurd and dangerous.  When Congress votes on legislation as consequential as a $3.5 trillion spending bill, it deserves a stand-alone vote. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I am frustrated that Speaker Pelosi chose to use this procedural tool and prevented a separate vote on the actual budget. Read my full statement on the legislation.

Inflation Up, Jobs Reports Misses Expectations  

Inflation under President Biden continues to be high, with the latest report showing that prices rose .5 percent in July and are up 5.4 percent from a year before. Inflation is a tax on the middle-class which squeezes budgets, as you pay more for everyday goods and services like groceries and gas for your car.

This week’s jobs report also showed troubling signs for our economy as the report missed expectations of jobs created by nearly 500,000. Biden’s policies disincentivize work and are negatively impacting our economic recovery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported a new record of 10.1 million job openings across the country. Small businesses across the nation and in our own community are having difficulty finding individuals to fill job vacancies. Read more about how York County businesses are struggling to find employees here from the York Daily Record. 

Across the District 

It was great to get out across the district during the month of August! I was able to visit a number of small businesses in Hanover with State Rep. Kate Klunk. Hanover is such a special place with a vibrant small business community.

I enjoyed visiting the iconic Markets at Hanover!


I was also able to visit Donsco, a family-run foundry in Wrightsville, which was founded in 1906 and now employs 350 individuals.
 

I visited Utz in Hanover to meet with constituents, tour their facility and present them with a copy of the Congressional Record of my remarks honoring their 100th Anniversary. Congratulations on 100 years in business!

Know A Student Interested in a Service Academy?  

Each Member of Congress is able to make recommendations for students interested in attending one of our nation’s military academies. Visit my website for more information! Pictured below is Joe Mannion a Hempfield graduate, who I had the honor to nominate to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, who received his Class of 2022 ring from the Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Report Recent Storm Damage 

Attention York County residents impacted by recent storms. Please report any property damage to the York County Office of Emergency Management via their county website. The county’s 211 service is also able to assist with damage reporting and direction to county services.

Lancaster County residents impacted by the recent storms can report property damage to the Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency through their website.

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.

To any veteran, there is always support available at the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255. Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website for more information.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a new online portal for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers with loans under $150,000 to apply for loan forgiveness directly through the SBA, rather than your loan servicer. The new portal began accepting applications on August 4, 2021.

Families may have begun to receive payments for the Advance Child Tax Credit in July. 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 my 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. 

I hope you have a relaxing Labor Day!

Sincerely,

Lloyd Smucker