It has been an extremely busy couple of weeks here in Washington with the Speaker's race, voting on critical aid to Israel and working on the remaining Appropriations bills, but we are still working hard everyday to make sure the fourth district of Missouri is being represented during these times.

We spent three weeks without a Speaker of the House with many challenges to overcome in our conference. While this process was longer than we would have liked, We were proud to vote for Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson has worked tirelessly to articulate his message to unite our conference and we know that he is the right man for the job.

Last week, we introduced "Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act" with Senator Ted Budd. This bill would specifically hold senior officials in China responsible for acts of brutality, support efforts that protect religious freedom and continue to recognize that China is a country of concern for religious freedom. We. must stand unwavering in our commitment to safeguard the sanctity of faith.

This week, we led a letter with Senator Eric Schmitt to demand answers from DHS as to whether any foreign agents have crossed the border. We cannot allow terrorists to infiltrate our border. We owe it to the American people to protect our country and to secure our border.

On the floor this week, we voted on individual appropriations bills that Speaker Johnson committed to governing. These bills include the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (H.R. 4364), the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (HR 4821) and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (HR 4820). We are working hard to complete amending and voting on the remaining appropriations bills.

On a similar note to spending, aid to Israel is currently being considered and something we believe to be critically important.

Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East and we passed an aid package to help them during this tumultuous time. It was critically important that we consider and vote on this aid individually, separate from the Ukraine aid. This is American taxpayers' money and allowing members to vote on this separately should be the expectation.

Lastly, I want to share with everyone that I host a syndicated radio show/podcast in DC with various members of congress every week. This offers a unique opportunity for you to meet the fantastic people I'm working with daily to shape America's policies. It gives you a look into the behind-the-scenes action, sharing the stories, news, and legislation that helps you better understand day-to-day operations in DC. Check out our latest episode with Majority Leader Steve Scalise: here.

This past week, the House GOP unanimously elected Mike Johnson of the state of Louisiana to become the 56th Speaker of the House. I was proud to vote for Mike Johnson for Speaker. He is the right man for the job, he has unified the House GOP, and he represent the values of America as Christian, husband, father of 4, constitutional law attorney & small business owner. Speaker Johnson is committed to passing individual appropriation bills. Congress needs individual review, accountability, and oversight for appropriation bills, not an omnibus bill. We are a team. We are ready to work.

As many of you know, Israel has faced horrific terrorist attacks, costing more Jewish lives than any event since the Holocaust. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East; we have a moral responsibility to assist Israel, and I believe that includes sending emergency aid. 

Congress knows many of you are deeply concerned about the geopolitical instability we are witnessing across our country. House Republicans under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson are doing everything we can to govern effectively to promote a stronger America here at home and abroad, to do right by the American people, and to be responsible for allocating the proper funds where they should be sent.

Along with geopolitical instability, we see America’s financial instability, the devaluing of the dollar, inflation being felt all over; this is deeply concerning to us as well. Right now, I believe our best approach to this is to immediately rein in spending and reduce inflation by passing individual appropriation bills and aid packages; to evaluate and systematically review bills and track where the money is going. This is a first but crucial step to changing the way Washington works, putting the American people first, and governing responsibly. Speaker Mike Johnson has committed to this, and we are ready to get to work.

Lastly, we have received many calls to our office about pumping the breaks on Ukraine funding, I share the same concerns. During the last Congress, the 117th, they approved $113 billion for the war in Ukraine. 

Biden wanted $20.6 billion more, House Republicans told him NO. 

Before we spend another dime, I believe:

1. We need to first use the money we’ve already allocated.

2. More importantly, we need strategic clarity regarding our mission in Ukraine and a clearly outlined path towards victory.

I am fighting hard for Missouri's 4th District. It’s an honor every day to work in Washington on your behalf. We are in this together. God bless.

I joined Newsmax again to talk about how the horrendous protests taking place in our country and on college campuses are not free speech but hate speech. 

Watch here.

Fox Business

I joined Mornings with Maria to discuss the aid package to Israel, separate from the Ukraine aid. This is American taxpayers' money and allowing members to vote on this separatey should be the expectation.

Watch here.

Telephone Townhall

We were happy to stay connected with the district while in D.C. 

We held a Telephone Townhall so that we could hear your concerns when we could not be in the district that week. We individually addressed questions, concerns and important topics!

You can watch the discussion here. 

LONE TREE FARMS

Our team was grateful for the opportunity to tour Lone Tree Farms during National Pork Month. 

We are happy to support and learn about pig farrowing and how high feed costs affect smaller operations.

MISSOURI SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

HARVEST LUNCH

Our team was happy to attend this lunch in Bates County. This is a wonderful opportunity to offer our gratitude for all of the hard work our farmers do and learn about the policies in Washington that are affecting them on a daily basis!

If anyone you know needs assistance with any agency of the federal government, please contact my team in Raymore, Columbia, or Lebanon. Whether it's the IRS, Social Security, passports, veterans’ affairs, or anything else related to the federal government, please give us a call at one of the following numbers:

• Raymore: 816-441-6318
• Columbia: 573-540-6600
• Lebanon: 417-532-5582

Meanwhile, if you have questions about legislation going through Congress, my office in Washington, D.C. can take care of you. My team in D.C. can be reached at 202-225-2876.

My number one job in Congress is to help folks here in Missouri. Please do not ever hesitate to call my offices at the numbers listed above.

I truly care about and will always be working for you.