Washington, DC Update
Supporting our Troops
Last week I joined a bipartisan majority of Congress in supporting H.R. 7900, the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure considered annually by Congress sets policy and provides funding for national defense.
I supported the legislation because I believe America’s military must be well-equipped and ready to address any emerging threats. The bill includes raises for the hardworking men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It also makes critical investments to provide our servicemembers with the resources necessary to win on the battlefield.
I am glad a strong bipartisan majority came together to ensure the strength of our military remains unrivaled and I am hopeful the Senate will pass the legislation without delay.
Inflation is Heating Up
The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up this summer, inflation is too. The latest reading of the consumer price index, the main indicator of inflation in America, indicates that prices rose 9.1 percent in the last year. This is the highest reading of inflation since February 1981.
This week marked one year since President Biden told the American people that inflation was “temporary.” When the president spoke in July 2021, the rate of inflation was 5.4 percent. It’s clear the president’s predictions were wrong. Inflation has only worsened in the last year and is now 9.1 percent.
The American people are taking notice. 63 percent of respondents to a Monmouth University poll released this month point to inflation, gas and groceries, and the economy as their chief concerns. These poll results should come as no surprise, as inflation is costing families an estimated $500 more a month.
There can be no understating the impact that inflation is having on families across our district and across the country.
And we know that inflation was worsened by the passage of the American Rescue Plan. This isn’t just my assertion, but also that of economic experts, including the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Look at the chart below which outlines the rate of inflation over time. Inflation rates were low throughout 2020, while our nation grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The rates rose after the passage of the American Rescue Plan, well before any impacts to the global economy as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. It may be convenient for some to ignore it, but there’s no question that this is Bidenflation.
I discussed inflation and its impact on our economy and the housing market during a recent meeting of the Ways and Means Committee. A realtor from our district noted that inflation and rising interest rates have made home ownership less affordable. Listen to my remarks from the hearing below.
Internships in Washington and District offices are available!
My office is looking for interested students and individuals to apply for available internship opportunities in my Washington, DC and district offices. A qualified intern candidate will possess familiarity with the American political system and Congress, have an interest in current events and news, as well as demonstrate strong communication skills and work ethic.
For more information on our intern programs and to apply, please click to visit my website.
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