Dear [firstname] [lastname],
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Hey folks, we have been working hard for MO-04 here in Washington. It's been a busy two weeks full of committee hearings, critical votes and great meetings that allow me to advocate for the things that matter most to Missouri District 4!
We wanted to take the time to highlight some of the things we are working on here in Washington:
The Small Business Committee held a hearing titled "Conducting Oversight: Testimony from the Small Business Administrator." The Small Business Administration (SBA) should be helping small businesses, but I believe they have unfortunately ignored their duties.
During the pandemic, the SBA was asked to step up, but audits show unacceptable amounts of fraud. The SBA is struggling with their current workload with rising numbers of absenteeism. We questioned Administrator Guzman to find out more on why the SBA is in the current state it is. We will continue to hold the SBA accountable and finding efforts to improve the agency. Watch more here.
The Agriculture Committee conducted hearing titled "The Danger China Poses to American Agriculture." The hearing was conducted to zero in on China's influence over U.S. agriculture and whether to ban adversarial nations, such as China, from owning American farmland. The threat imposed on our food security and U.S. farmers' ability to perform on the world stage continues and we must find ways to protect our nation. Though it will take time, we will continue to seek new export markets to diversify away from China. Check out the hearing here.
It was an honor to have Governor Kristi Noem from the great state of South Dakota on Capitol Hill. As a former House Ag Committee Member, she knows the importance of American agriculture and the dangers that the Chinese Communist Party poses to our nation's food security. We discussed these dangers and how critical it is to pass a farm bill this year.
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Along with the big Agriculture Committee hearing, we also celebrated National Ag Day! Missouri is home to over 87,000 farms--the second most in the nation. Farmers, ranchers, and agriculturists are the backbone of our great state's economy and I am proud to celebrate their work to feed, fuel and clothe the world today and everyday.
Last week, House Armed Services held the SPF Hearing "Air Force Projection Forces Aviation Programs and Capabilities Related to the President's 2025 Budget Request". Considering China's rapid military build up, we cannot afford delays to programs like the B-21. The B-21, proudly housed at Whiteman Air Force Base in MO04, is a critical piece of our effort to deter China, and will be the backbone of our bomber force. View my remarks at the hearing here.
It was a privilege to meet with Major General Beck, the Commanding General at Fort Leonard Wood. We discussed NDAA priorities, protecting Fort Leonard Wood, and national security threats. Having these conversations and open lines of communication ensures we are all on the same page during these important times of world history.
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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 one of our recent episodes with Congressman from the great state of South Carolina, Ralph Norman: here. |
The topic of discussion in our recent agriculture hearing addressed the dangers China poses to American agriculture.
In my role in Congress, serving on both the Armed Services and Agriculture Committees, I made it a point to highlight the growing threat that the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) represents to American agriculture, lands, U.S. military bases, and critical infrastructure.
Now, more than ever, it is important for America to protect these vital areas from nations that undoubtedly do not have our best interests at heart.
With the presence of two Armed Services bases, Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood, within Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District, I have a firsthand understanding of the importance of safeguarding our homeland.
From issues like TikTok to the Fentanyl crisis, CCP buying land near military bases, the threat posed by China is undeniable.
I firmly believe in taking every possible measure to shield our beloved country from China’s influence and espionage efforts. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in this conversation — food security is national security.
This conviction led me to introduce the American Land and Property Protection Act: its objective - safeguard American land from ownership by foreign adversaries, including China. This bill seeks to prohibit the ownership of both public and private real estate in the United States by nations such as China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and others identified as foreign adversaries.
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Fox Business
I spoke on Fox Business about the continuing threat the China poses on American agriculture. We need to be on a wartime footing.
China is coming into our sovereign nation and buying up land. Why is America allowing his? This is why my team and I put forth a bill titled "American Land and Property Protection Act."
No foreign adversarial nations should have the option to own U.S. property.
Watch here.
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Real America's Voice
I joined American Sunrise to speak about the national security issue TikTok poses and what Congress is doing to safeguard our nation.
Some 170 million Americans are on this app. There is a reason that the federal government does not allow TikTok to be use on government issued devices. If TikTok chooses not to divest from the CCP, it must be banned in the United States.
Watch here.
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Honoring March Veteran of the Month on the House Floor
My team and I started a new series. Every month, we will be recognizing a Veteran of the Month and a Small Business of the Month. Please meet our Veteran of the Month for March, Daniel Avegalio--a Marine who served bravely in Operation Iraqi Freedom not once, but three times.
Daniel's dedication to our country is a testament to the spirit of American service From Pettis County, Daniel has served in uniform and continues to serve by guiding fellow veterans in their life after the military. Thank you for your service, Daniel!
Watch here.
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Honoring March Small Business of the Month on the House Floor
Our Small Business of the month for March is Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Missouri!
Chris and Kelly Gregory opened this school back in 1995 and have since been leaders in teaching the craft of horseshoeing and blacksmithing. This school is more than just a business. It's a place where students from all over the world can learn a skill that's been very important for centuries.
Congratulations and thank you to Chris and Kelly Gregory. Your work is shaping the future of horseshoeing and showing the power of small businesses in America.
Watch here.
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Speaking on the China's Attempt to Secure a Strong Foothold Across the World in House Armed Services Hearing
The Chinese Communist Party's end goal is to position themselves to control key areas of land for military purposes. America must remain vigilant and adopt a posture of deterrence: peace through strength.
Watch here.
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Kaysinger Basin RPC Meeting
Our team was excited to attend the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday in Clinton, Mo.
It was great to hear about updates on economic development projects in the Kaysinger Basin Region as well as give an update on what is going on in Washington DC.
We look forward to working with Kaysinger on future projects!
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Bolivar Chamber Luncheon
We were happy to be at the Bolivar Chamber Luncheon last week. We discussed upcoming Polk County events and opportunities as well as a federal update from D.C.
It is always great to see the great work happening in our communities!
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Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Meeting
We attended the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Meeting, where we participated in a roundtable discussion and heard from various chamber members and gave a policy update from Washington.
This was a great time to share ideas about the future endeavors of the chamber!
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Marshall Chamber Networking Breakfast
We attended the first Marshall Chamber Networking Breakfast hosted at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri.
We heard information on the value of internships and the Career Services Center on how collaboration can help Marshall businesses. We were excited to continue this networking series in the future!
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Congressional Speech Competition
Letters were sent to all the High School’s Principals in Missouri’s 4th District, asking their students to write a short speech on the prompt, “What America Means to Me.” Speeches should be one-minute in length and no longer than 110 words.
Submissions should be sent to USRep.AlfordProject@mail.house.gov by 5:00pm CST on April 5, 2024 and include the student’s name, high school, and grade. County Commissioners, along with other Officials will review the submissions and select the best speech from each of the 24 counties in the 4th district by April 19th.
From those selections, Congressman Alford will select the top ten speeches, and will give those speeches on the House Floor.
Congressional Art Competition
The Congressional Institute is proud to sponsor the U.S. House of Representatives official art competition for high school students. Each year House Members honor one high school student from their districts by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol. Millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol view this exhibit each year. https://vimeo.com/912077915/3e7f90edcd?share=copy Initiated by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, this officially sanctioned bipartisan annual art competition allows high school students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to showcase their artistic ability. Now in its 43rd year, more than 10,000 works of art have been exhibited. This is our 2nd year to participate, as the Art Show/Competition will take place on the beautiful campus of UCM in Warrensburg on Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Prior to that, high school students across the 4th district are busy creating works of art for this year’s theme, ‘Agriculture’. From a barn, field, fence post, cow, horse, chicken, roster, silo, train, tractor, goat, alpaca, sheep, seeds, bags of seeds, wheat, sunrise over a field, sunset over a field, a farmer, anything, and everything that has to do with ‘AG’ we are asking high school students to put their imagination to work and let their creativity begin! Deadline to enter the Art Competition is April 15th. All participating students need to fill out a Release Form that can be located at: https://congressionalinstitute.org and submitted to: USRep.AlfordProject@mail.house.gov For the 22nd year, Southwest Airlines is generously donating two round-trip tickets for each winner and a guest to attend this year’s Celebration at the Capital in Washington, DC on June 27, 2024. Without Southwest’s generosity, many—if not most—winners would be unable to make the trip to D.C. for the Celebration. |
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. |
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