SOTU
State of the Union
This week, in front of a joint session of Congress, President Biden delivered the "State of the Union" address. I sat with other members on the floor in the lead up to the event.
President Biden spent more than an hour painting a much different picture than the realities currently faced by our nation. The state of our union is one of challenge. Under Democrat leadership, pro-growth policies were replaced with a big government and spending approach. The result has been one crisis after another.
Inflation
Crime
Debt and deficits
Grocery costs
Gas prices
Utility bills
Fentanyl deaths
Illegal border crossings
Adversary aggression
These are all things that have soared under the Biden Administration and Democrat-led policies in Congress implemented under previous one-party rule.
It really comes down to a simple question for American taxpayers and families: Do you feel better off than you did two years ago? What about even one year ago?
The American dream feels like it is slipping away for so many. According to a newly released Gallup poll, HALF of Americans say they are worse off now than they were a year ago. In fact, "Since Gallup first asked this question in 1976, it has been rare for half or more of Americans to say they are worse off. The only other times this occurred was during the Great Recession era in 2008 and 2009."
The poll also found that the outlook is worse for the majority of lower-income Americans. "Most lower-income Americans, 61%, say their financial situation has deteriorated over the past year, while less than half that number, 26%, indicate it has improved."
Those sentiments are jarring. Yet, President Biden claimed the state of the economy was “strong.” The disconnect between the projection of this White House’s self-proclaimed accomplishments throughout the speech compared to the actual record of this presidency was quite apparent.
Deflecting from the harsh realities families have faced under this administration doesn’t change the facts. Failed policies have left Americans with emptier wallets, higher bills, rising crime, and a surging border crisis. This weaker and less secure outlook must be reversed. President Biden was also evasive in addressing our greatest threat: mounting debt and deficits. A full and honest accounting of the fiscal state of the nation would have been a more productive use of time. It is actions—not mere words—that will direct our future.
I was also proud to see Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders deliver the rebuttal address. She was absolutely right in her speech tonight: "We need a change." The Biden Administration must reverse its radical policy agenda. Containing inflation, strengthening national security, unleashing U.S. energy, and restoring fiscal sanity needs to be America's focus.
With a new majority in the House, I will continue using my vote and work to prioritize building a stronger nation—one focused on safety and security, economic opportunity, and leadership on the world stage. With divided government, the need for bipartisan efforts must be realized. Moving away from the policy failures of the radical left and uniting behind common-sense solutions should be a goal all members share.
On the legislative front, I wanted to note a few things. I voted to:
- End the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for international travelers.
- Stop the D.C. Council’s reckless decision to allow non-U.S. citizens, including illegal immigrants, the right to vote in local elections.
- Reverse the District’s efforts to soften the criminal code and penalties for violent crimes as crime surges.
- Condemn the Chinese Communist Party for its use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory.
I also reintroduced the Local Radio Freedom Act and joined the Arkansas congressional delegation in demanding information from the Department of Energy on why a Chinese company was awarded U.S. grant funds. As we stated, the purpose of the grants was to secure American supply chains from dependence on China. However, the DOE awarded $200 million to Microvast, a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We requested Secretary Granholm provide information on the DOE’s vetting process for grant recipients, and why a company with documented ties to the CCP received a grant. Read the letter here.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead, I look forward to seeing you around Arkansas next week. Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
Some picture highlights from the week:
I was honored to have University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. Charles Robinson in the Capitol as my State of the Union guest! A leader in education, advocate for our students, and dedicated to excellence—he embodies the very best of the Third District. It was a privilege to have him here representing our community in the gallery for this time-honored tradition!
As the Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I was privileged to welcome the Army Women’s Basketball Team to the Capitol. They'll one day trade their basketball jerseys for America's uniform to serve and defend.
I appreciated the bipartisan time of Rep. Pat Ryan of New York and Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and other members for our future Army leaders!
From one court to another, it was great to spend time with these excelling student-athletes and scholars who are on a path of service to our nation. I am proud to say that Rogers Heritage High School Senior Carlee Casteel will be joining the team next year!
I spoke with Arkansas Children’s Hospital CEO Marcy Doderer about graduate medical education and their Northwest Campus. Pediatric care and service are important for families throughout the region, and we want to continue to encourage health providers and pediatricians to stay and build practices in our communities.
Duty, Honor, Country! I heard from West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland on academy programs and policies, as well as cadet training.
The impact of water infrastructure and management on our communities is far-reaching. Arkansans rely on these services each day. I received an update from Arkansas Rural Water Association members on critical water systems, technicians who maintain them, and workforce training.
With a commitment to excellence and teaching, I was pleased to welcome NWACC leaders to talk about higher education and workforce training.
Caring for our seniors is a great responsibility. I met with leadership from ARcare and Home Helpers of Northwest Arkansas to discuss home-based caregiving and health services in the Third District and rural development in these areas.
Strong technical skill and ability are critical to fields like engineering. I was pleased to welcome Engineering Deans from Arkansas Universities throughout the state and hear more about the innovative research and work of students.
I appreciated receiving updates from the Arkansas Narcotic Officers Association on resources and equipment to combat illegal narcotics and drug traffickers in our communities.
I discussed leadership and diplomacy with Kosovo Parliament members. My message to them centered around the importance of fundamental pillars like family, health, education, and giving back to others.
The House Appropriations Committee gaveled the first committee meeting of the 118th Congress this week. During the meeting, the Committee Rules and Subcommittee Jurisdictions were adopted by voice vote. |