Dear Arthur,

Our world is in a dangerous place with China, Russia, and Iran, the new axis of evil, seeking to consolidate power and influence worldwide.  A strong national defense will deter authoritarians and help us fight back against these destabilizing regimes and for our fundamental freedoms.  Last week, the House passed a National Defense Authorization Act that bolsters our national security not just abroad, but here at home on our southern border as well.  This legislation gives our troops a pay raise to ensure they have the support they need while fighting to defend our nation.  The NDAA will provide increased Congressional oversight of the Department of Defense so we can ensure your tax dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.  Unfortunately, Delegate Moylan’s amendment to expand RECA was not included, but rest assured I will keep fighting for RECA’s expansion in the House.  Read my full press release here and read Missourinet's reporting on this vote here.

As co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, I spoke in support my amendment to the NDAA that builds on the success of the DEFEND and MARITIME Acts, important laws our Caucus championed that kickstarted cooperation between the United States, Israel, and our Middle Eastern partners on maritime security and air and missile defense.  This amendment would strengthen ties between Arab partners and Israel, improving our ability to counter the new axis of evil that is China, Russia, and Iran.  Watch here.

This Administration’s waffling has created chaos and instability on a massive scale, from Europe to the Middle East and beyond.  Russia, China, and Iran are taking advantage of our weakness and lack of resolve.  Every day, they are bringing the fight closer to our shores, whether through the utter collapse of security on the southern border or the out-of-control flow of fentanyl into American communities.  Watch my remarks during our Foreign Affairs Committee hearing here.

You may have heard that the United States Postal Service closed the Town and Country branch due to a mercury spill.  I found the lack of transparency regarding any contingency and cleanup plans to be unacceptable and I called up the Postal Service to make sure they were going to take care of your mail and make sure everyone was safe.  While this branch is closed, customers can go to the Chesterfield Post Office at 16105 Swingley Ridge Road to access mail being sent to their P.O. Boxes.  I spoke with KSDK on this issue and what is being done to make sure people get their important mail like medications and paychecks.  You can watch that interview here and you can call my office in Ballwin at 636-779-5449 if you have any question on this issue.

It was an honor to host a dinner last week for the Class of 2028 Service Academy Appointees from Missouri’s 2nd District and their families. I’m so proud of these eleven outstanding young men and women and their desire to serve our country.  Nominations for the class of 2029 are now available and you can click here to find out more information on my website.

It was a real pleasure to run into USMA Cadet Lauren Guth, class of 2025 in the halls of Congress. Lauren is a 2021 graduate of Francis Howell Central who I had the honor of nominating to West Point.

I questioned Rohit Chopra, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), on why the CFPB is writing rules that erode the fundamental principle of risk-based pricing.  Credit card late fee and overdraft rules will make it harder for lenders to price loans according to the risk involved, harming both lenders and those in need of loans.  Watch here.

As an Army Mom, I am always proud to support our U.S. Army, Happy Birthday!

Sincerely,

Ann Wagner
Member of Congress