IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER

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This week I want to share with you a new piece of legislation that I introduced, my thoughts on President Biden’s disastrous economic policies, and my actions in Washington, DC, and my activities around the district.

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.

In the Bill Hopper
This week I introduced the USER FEE Act (Using Sustainable Energy Resources to Fund Equitable e-Transportation Act) which would establish a user fee for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to equitably fund the Highway Trust Fund. The Highway Trust Fund is currently funded by federal fuel excise taxes and other fees; electronic vehicles do not pay into the Highway Trust Fund and thus do not help to repair the roads they drive on. The USER FEE Act would establish a user fee of two cents per mile traveled for electric vehicles and one cent per mile traveled for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Under the legislation, the Department of Treasury is directed to work with states, which oversee and regulate vehicle registration, to voluntarily establish agreements to effectively administer these fees. Learn more about my legislation here.

The Highway Trust Fund faces an estimated cumulative $109.7 billion shortfall over the next six fiscal years. Since 2008, the Highway Trust Fund has received transfers totaling $143.6 billion from the General Fund and other accounts, demonstrating a significant need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund. Increased combustion engine vehicle fuel efficiency has contributed to decreased fuel tax collections.

Maintaining the status quo has become too expensive. We cannot continue to transfer hundreds of billions of dollars from the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund. Kicking the can down the road means higher deficits and greater interest payments on the debt which crowds out funding for other important programs.

Under Biden Your Dollar Falls Short
President Biden’s economic policies and proposed budget will further harm the U.S. economy. At this moment we need policies that emphasize a pro-growth agenda, not an agenda that endlessly prints more money. As a result of Biden’s reckless big government spending, middle-class Americans are feeling the squeeze of inflation at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the hardware store and everywhere in-between. I recently spoke on the House Floor about President Biden’s disastrous policies.

President Biden repeals the Hyde Amendment in his budget, allowing federal tax dollars to be used for abortion and abortion-related services. It’s shameful. I will always fight for the unborn. 

The Biden budget will also raise taxes on middle-income families – even though he refuses to admit it. I asked Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about Biden’s plan to raise taxes on the middle-class. Watch my comments below. 

This week during a House Budget Committee hearing I asked the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge if the Biden administration is concerned with the alarming rate of inflation driving up the cost of homes and how she will work to rein in duplicative and inefficient programs. Watch my questions below.

In a second House Budget Committee hearing this week, I questioned officials from the Department of Defense about the impact that President Biden’s failed border policies are having on our country. Watch my comments below.

Around PA-11
Recently, I met with members of the Lancaster County Farm Bureau and Lancaster Farmland Trust to discuss trade and other important issues impacting our agricultural industry.

I toured WellSpan Health’s York County Community Vaccination Site with York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. This site alone has administered 30,000 doses of vaccines. Thank you to WellSpan for your leadership and continued efforts.

Resources for Educators
The Library of Congress (LOC) is hosting two open house events for educators. The first event on June 30th will have participants from the LOC who will discuss available resources for teachers. If you are an educator and wish to register click here.

Educators can also register for an event on August 4th. If you want to register for this event click here.

Virtual U.S. Capitol Tour
Earlier this year I released a virtual tour of the U.S. Capitol. While the building is still closed to guests, I encourage you to watch my virtual tour to see this historic building.

Special Recognition
June is National Dairy Month! It’s an honor to fight for policies supporting the Eleventh District’s farmers.

Our district is home to many candy producers. We are proud of the delicious candy that is produced right here in the Eleventh District. During National Candy Month enjoy a sweet treat! 

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. As a proud member of the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease I am proud to fight for legislation to help cure and prevent Alzheimer’s.

Here to Help
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.

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